When Kris returned, he found his mother sitting in a chair in the waiting area. She stood up as soon as she noticed him.“Kris, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you’d already left.” Concern filled her expression. “Is everything okay? Why do you have that look on your face?”“It’s nothing,” Kris replied, not in the mood to elaborate. “Can we go see Karen now? I need to be at the fashion house soon.” His mother asked.Nodding, Kris approached the female officer at the front desk. “We’re here to see Karen Blade. She was brought in yesterday.”The woman raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze to his mother. “Both of you?”“Yes. Is there a problem? I know it’s allowed,” Kris pointed.“Yes, it’s allowed, but…” The female officer trailed off, her words causing Linda’s heart to skip a beat. She hoped the woman wouldn’t reveal to Kris that she had already visited Karen.“It’s just that…” The officer began saying again, then shrugged. “Sorry, you can both go ahead.”Linda could ba
Mum, can you leave us alone? I need to speak to Karen about something, then I’ll drop you off at the office,” Kris finally said, surprising them both.“Leave you two alone?” Linda asked nervously. “Why?”“There’s just something I need to discuss with her, and I’d prefer if you left us alone.”“Okay,” Linda nodded. “I’ll be in the waiting area. Don’t take too long.”She looked at Karen. “Goodbye, Karen.”To Karen, that goodbye held a thousand warnings, making her swallow nervously as she watched Linda leave.“What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked Kris.Kris stepped closer to the bars, his gaze intense and his voice dangerously low as he spoke. “Thalassa recorded the conversation you had when she came to see you. You told her that my mother was behind everything that happened to her. What evidence do you have to prove it?”Even though Linda wasn’t present, her earlier threats were still engraved in Karen’s mind, making her shake her head.“I have no evidence because it was a
“What do you think, Mr. Phoenix? Is this recording enough to nail Linda Miller?” Thalassa asked after playing the recording for her lawyer, who had been recommended by Zeke some time ago.The lawyer pondered for a moment before letting out a sigh. “I’m going to be honest with you, Miss Thompson. The only damage that recording might do is prompt the police to take Linda Miller in for questioning. But unless Karen Blade has substantial evidence that proves that Mrs. Miller is truly responsible for everything, she will not be arrested be arrested.“She can also, and I’m sure she will, counterclaim that Karen Blade made those accusations against her because part of the recording suggests that you offered her an incentive to free her if she told you the truth about Mrs. Miller.”“So there’s nothing this recording can do?” Luisa questioned in disbelief.The lawyer nodded. “I’m afraid so. For now, it’s just Karen Blade’s word against Linda Miller’s. But rest assured, as your lawyer, I’ll do
“Mum?”The woman in front of her was Rita Blade, Karen's mother. Thalassa called her “Mum” because that was what the woman had asked her to call her on the first day they met.She still remembered that day perfectly. After the death of her mother when she was just a child, she had been sent from one foster care home to another, always being rejected for one reason or another, as if she wasn’t good enough.When she became a teenager, through hard work and determination, she managed to earn a scholarship to an elite high school—the same high school Karen attended.Almost all the students rejected, mocked, and bullied her for being a scholarship student. Those who didn’t bully her didn’t even bother to notice her.One day, while she was being bullied, Karen came to her rescue and defended her from her tormentors, and that’s how they became friends.Since then, they had been inseparable because Karen was always there for her—supporting her financially when she needed it and defending her
Thalassa’s body went absolutely stiff—her expression, her movements, even her voice—as she stared back at the woman she considered a second mother. Though she’d expected the request, the sting of betrayal was too hard to escape.“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Rita asked after several seconds had passed.Thalassa finally found her voice, but she was unable to eject the bitterness from it as she spoke.“Do you realize what you’re asking of me, Mum? You’re asking me to forgive the person who did everything to ruin my life.”Shame reddened Rita’s cheeks as more tears streamed down her face. “I know, I know what I’m asking of you. I know I’m not being fair to you.”But Thalassa wasn’t done. “She drugged me and assaulted me with a man so that she could take naked pictures of me and convince Kris that I was cheating on him. She was Linda Miller’s accomplice in framing me for the embezzlement, and she’s been that woman’s accomplice in every plan against me. How can you expect me to forgi
“What is taking her so long?” Kris gritted out to Alden, who was sitting in the visitor chair next to him.“Forgive me if I sound too smart, but since this is a hospital, she’s probably attending to some patients. Don’t be so impatient,” Alden mused sarcastically.Kris glared at him and continued stewing in his impatience. A few minutes later, the door opened, and the doctor in question waltzed into the office.“Forgive me. There was a complication with a patient that required my attention,” she explained as she walked to take her seat.Alden smiled smugly at Kris with an I-told-you-so look before turning to the doctor. “It’s alright, Doc. The patients come first.”“Thank you.” The doctor smiled gratefully, then looked at Kris. “Mr. Miller, how might I help you?”“You’re the doctor who took care of Thalassa, aren’t you?” he asked, his serious expression and tone making her nervous.“Yes,” she answered.She didn’t need to ask who he was talking about since his private investigator had
In Thalassa's office, after her call with Kris, Luisa and Millie were staring at her with varying degrees of shock and confusion.“I can’t believe this! You’re really willing to let Karen out of jail?!" Millie exclaimed.“All because of what her mother came here to say?” Luisa fumed. “What if the two of them were in cahoots to deceive you?”“Rita is an honest woman and would never connive with anyone, not even Karen,” Thalassa replied calmly.“Even so!” Luisa stared at her like she was going crazy. “I thought you wanted Karen to pay for everything she has done to you. I can't believe you’re just letting her get out so easily.”Though Thalassa was exasperated, she could also understand her friends' frustration and confusion. Sighing, she stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window on one side of her office, which overlooked a breathtaking view of the city.“Luisa, do you remember my main motive for coming back to Baltimore?” she asked, still looking out the window.“Yes. You wan
Karen's hands shook as she raised her head to meet Kris's cold eyes. "I don't... I don't understand. What is this?"His nostrils flared impatiently. "I don't remember you being illiterate.""Divorce? Kris, you can't divorce me," she protested."Do you still doubt something even when you have evidence in your hand? Just sign the divorce papers, Karen. I can't continue being married to a woman like you. This marriage shouldn't have happened in the first place.""But... but what about the luggage? Why have you brought all my things out?"Kris glared at her. "Since you seem to have lost your comprehension abilities, I will explain it to you. I don't want you in this house, not in my life.""But... Tessa... what about our daughter? You can't separate me from her," Karen said, turning her panicked eyes to her mother, who was standing behind her. "Mom, please tell him that what he's trying to do is wrong."Rita felt helpless, u
My dear supercalifragilisticexpialidocious readers, I won't ever get tired of expressing my gratitude for all the support you guys have given to this book. I know the way I write isn't always similar to the most popular books on the app, but I'm so glad you guys love it nevertheless. This is my most successful book yet, and it's all thanks to you guys. Love you so very much. Now, for those interested in what I plan to write the next, we're done with these characters. The next book will be about completely different characters. It's so hard to let these characters go, but we need a fresh start. No, wait. I was only joking. Don't bite my head off! Haha. (Really wish this app allows emojis so I can show you how I'm grinning like an idiot, lol) I don't intend to desert Alex like some of you fear. The next story will be about him and his lovestory. Will he ever get over the betrayal and allow himself to love and trust again? After some discussions with my editor, we came to the agreeme
Tessa stood frozen for several seconds before her hands flew to her mouth in shock. “Oh my God…” she whispered. She didn't even have to ask if he was sure because she could tell he was. Guilt clawed at her chest. Alex had told her before how most of the women who came onto him were only after his wealth which was also part of the reason he'd always been so careful about dating. And now it seemed he had been proven right. Tessa felt like it was her fault because she was the one who had set Alex on that blind date with Hillary. “Alex,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she was that kind of woman.” He shook his head. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice calmer, his expression blank. “You were just trying to look out for me. But don’t do it again, Tessa.” There was no anger in his tone toward her, but she could sense the bitterness. Tessa swallowed hard, guilt still pressing down on her. She watched as Alex turned toward one of the cabinets, moving like he already knew exactl
After breakfast, the whole family moved to the shores to enjoy the beach. the whole family moved to the beach where a variety of games and fun had been set up.Tessa took a deep breath, feeling at peace.But peace never really lasted long when when her mischievous twins were around.The four-year-olds were balls of energy, running up and down the sandy shore, splashing water at people, and playfully disturbing anyone who looked too relaxed.“Girls!” Tessa called after them as they ran past, giggling. “Don’t bother grandpa Zeke!”Too late.Zeke had been lying on a lounger, sunglasses on, probably dozing off, until a handful of sand landed on his chest.His head snapped up. “Hey!”The twins burst into laughter and ran away before he could catch them.Gendry, sitting next to Tessa, shook his head. “Your daughters indeed.”Tessa turned to him with a dry look. “Excuse me?”“The mischief? That’s all you. I'm sure that's exactly how you were at their age.”She huffed, crossing her arms. “And
FIVE YEARS LATERThe morning sun peeked through the white curtains, casting golden light across the bedroom. Tessa stirred, instantly feeling the warmth pressed against her back, a familiar arm draped over her waist. A smile crept onto her lips as she blinked sleepily.She didn't have to turn around to know Gendry was awake. His slow, steady breaths against the nape of her neck gave him away.A soft kiss landed on her bare shoulder."Happy anniversary, Mrs. Graham," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.Tessa hummed, pressing back against him. "Happy anniversary, Mr. Graham."Gendry tightened his hold on her, rolling her onto her back so he could hover over her. The intense look in his dark eyes sent a familiar shiver down her spine."Last night wasn't enough," he whispered, running his fingers down her side. "I need more."Tessa let out a soft laugh. "Didn't we exhaust ourselves already?"His lips brushed against her neck. "Not even close."They made love again, slow and deep, as
Tessa’s heart thudded as her father stared at Gendry, his brows furrowing deeper by the second. "Of course I figured that out already." her father finally scoffed, shaking his head. "It's just... Tessa is two months pregnant. Two months. I—" He blinked rapidly as the realization dawned. "Unless..." Tessa took pity on him. She sighed and decided to just put him out of his confusion. "Dad," she said carefully, "there was… something between Gendry and me. When we were in Jamaica." Her father's frown only deepened. "I don’t understand. Since we left Jamaica, I haven’t seen you two together until yesterday. How could there be something between you when–” Beside him, Thalassa let out a small chuckle and placed a hand on his chest. "Leave them alone, Kris," she said, eyes twinkling with amusement. Kris turned to her, narrowing his eyes. "You don’t seem surprised." Thalassa shrugged. Kris’s jaw dropped. "Lassa. You knew?" She gave him an innocent look. "I had my suspicions." "And yo
All eyes turned towards Tessa and Gendry as they entered. In the living room were her parents, Alex, Rita, Maya, Jace, Aunt Luisa, Uncle Alden, and their youngest 17 years old daughter, Tessa's cousin, Emma.The moment Rita spotted Gendry, she gasped. "Gendry!" she squealed, jumping up from her seat and rushing toward him.Gendry barely had time to react before Rita crashed into him. He let out a soft chuckle, crouching slightly to meet her height as he ran a hand through her hair.“Missed me that much, huh?” he teased, the corner of his lips lifting in amusement.Rita huffed and pulled back, immediately smoothing down her hair. “You're ruining my hair,” she grumbled, glaring up at him.“My bad,” Gendry said, his voice dripping with fake remorse. His amused gaze flicked toward the others, and laughter rippled through the room, even from Alex.Despite the lighthearted moment, Tessa caught the curious look in her father’s eyes. There were unspoken questions swimming in his gaze.“Good e
“Marry me, Tessa.”Tessa stared at him, her lips parting as she tried to process what he had just said. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper. “What?”Gendry didn’t hesitate. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression open and sure. “Marry me, Tessa.”She felt like her heart had stopped. Her mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came. “You—” She swallowed, utterly flustered.Gendry chuckled at her shock, rolling onto his side so that he was partially on top of her. His fingers traced lazy circles on her arm, his touch soothing.“Hear me out,” he murmured. “I know it sounds crazy. Maybe it is. But I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”Tessa’s breath hitched, her pulse drumming in her ears.“We just made things official, like, yesterday,” he admitted, his lips curving into a small, sheepish smile. “But it doesn’t feel new, does it? It feels like I’ve known you forever. We’ve been through so much. Hell, even we were against each other at some point. And yet, here we
“Don’t worry. You’re not the first couple to ask that, and you definitely won’t be the last.” The doctor said with a teasing note in her voice.She pulled out a disposable wipe and began wiping the gel from Tessa's belly. Tessa sighed in relief.“That should be all for today,” The doctor said warmly. “As I said, for the first few months, it would be best to be checked monthly, so please when you're ready, let me know when to schedule the next appointment.”She began rearranging the equipment. “Please wait outside for a few minutes. Your ultrasound pictures and the recording will be ready soon to take with you..” Gendry helped Tessa sit up and adjust her clothes before they stepped out. They waited in the reception area, their happiness and excitement tangible. Ten minutes later, a nurse handed over the envelope containing the picture and the USB. Gendry took it as if it was the most precious thing in the world. They made their way out of the hospital and back to Gendry's car. Aft
In the afternoon, when it was a couple of minutes to get an appointment, Gendry arrived a few minutes earlier than he promised to pick her up.Gendry leaned against the doorframe, looking relaxed yet effortlessly gorgeous in his button down shirt. His eyes swept over her in that way that always made her feel like the only woman in the world. "You're early," she teased, walking toward him. He beamed. “I'll always be early for you, princes.” Her heart did a little flip at that, but she rolled her eyes to keep her cool. "Such a smooth talker." He grinned and reached for her, pulling her close and covering her lips with his. When they finally broke the kiss, he took her hand. She let him take it without hesitation, their fingers interlocking. It felt so right.As they walked through the office, she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on them. Conversations momentarily halted, only to resume in hushed murmurs once they passed. She knew exactly why. One, no one had ever seen her h