The morning was quiet, with a light mist clinging to the grounds as Klarisse and Alex prepared to leave for the Fowls’ estate. Neither spoke much during the drive, the weight of Klarisse’s revelation still lingering between them. Klarisse had her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Alex, sensing her unease, reached out and gently placed a hand over hers. “You don’t have to do this alone anymore,” he said softly, his voice carrying a quiet reassurance. Klarisse turned to him, her eyes glistening with gratitude. She gave him a small nod and whispered, “Thank you.” When they arrived at the Fowls’ mansion, the sprawling estate felt eerily still. Klarisse led the way, her steps deliberate but hesitant. The path to Klara’s resting place was secluded, hidden behind a grove of trees on the eastern side of the property. The gravesite was simple but elegant, surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes and adorned with fresh flowers, which Klarisse recognized as
The bustling aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of conversations greeted Klarisse as she stepped into her café. The familiarity of the space was comforting, but her thoughts were anything but calm. She had been away for too long, first because of Alex’s disappearance, then her illness, and now, everything that had happened between them loomed over her like a heavy cloud. “Allie!” Klarisse called out as she spotted her friend behind the counter, arranging the pastry display. Allie’s head shot up, her face lighting up with a mixture of relief and teasing curiosity. “Klarisse! You’re finally back. And… looking a little too radiant for someone who’s supposed to be recovering.” Klarisse blushed, brushing off the comment as she joined Allie behind the counter. “I’m fine now. But can we talk? Privately?” Allie arched an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. “Oh, this sounds juicy. Let me grab us some coffee and clear my schedule for a ‘Best Friend Emergency.’” Moments later, th
Klarisse’s hands gripped the steering wheel as she pulled into the driveway, the engine humming softly before she turned it off. Her mind was spinning. She had spent the entire drive home replaying her last conversation with Maxine, wondering if there was something she’d missed—some hidden clue about where Maxine’s heart truly lay. She leaned back in her seat, staring out at the Robinson mansion looming before her. Despite her efforts, Maxine hadn’t picked up her calls. Klarisse wasn’t even sure why she was trying to contact her, but there was a pull—a need to understand Maxine’s perspective, to make sense of everything before speaking with Alex. The last time Maxine came to the café felt like a lifetime ago, yet it haunted Klarisse. Maxine’s words had been clear: *She didn’t want to be Alex’s mistress.* Maxine had said she was walking away, yet Klarisse couldn’t shake the doubt. Was Maxine truly staying away from Alex? Or was this just temporary, and her presence would resurface so
Alex’s words had barely left his lips before Klarisse leaned forward, her lips finding his in a kiss that spoke of all the pent-up emotions, doubts, and desires she had been holding back. It started softly, but within moments, the kiss deepened, igniting a fire between them that neither could ignore. Alex cupped her face with both hands, pulling her closer as if she might disappear if he didn’t hold on tight. Klarisse melted into his touch, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him even closer. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of the moment. Their breaths mingled as Alex trailed kisses along her jawline, down to the curve of her neck. Klarisse gasped, her skin burning wherever his lips touched. Her hands slid down his chest, feeling the strength beneath his shirt, the heat of his body radiating against her fingertips. “Klarisse…” Alex murmured against her skin, his voice thick with desire. Her name on his lips sent shivers do
The morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Robinson estate’s dining room, casting a warm glow on the table set with an elegant breakfast spread. Alex and Klarisse sat side by side, their movements relaxed yet subtly attuned to each other. The previous night’s intimacy had left them both with a renewed sense of connection, and it showed in their every glance and gesture. Angela Robinson observed them from across the table, her sharp eyes flicking between her son and daughter-in-law. She had always been perceptive, and this morning, she couldn't ignore the shift in their dynamic. Alex, who usually kept his interactions with Klarisse polite but distant, now seemed attentive and engaged. Klarisse, on the other hand, appeared more at ease, her usual reserved demeanor replaced by a quiet confidence. As Alan Robinson buttered his toast, he too noticed the subtle change. “You two seem...different this morning,” he remarked with a small smile, his tone laced with curiosit
Life for Alex and Klarisse had settled into a harmonious routine, one that brought comfort and joy to both of them. Each morning, Alex would drive Klarisse to her café before heading off to the Robinson’s office. He’d work through the day, handling the weighty responsibilities of their business empire, but his mind often wandered back to the thought of picking her up later. By the time evening rolled around, Alex would fetch Klarisse, and they’d spend their evenings enjoying dinner together or sharing quiet, intimate moments in their shared home. Klarisse couldn’t have asked for anything more. For the first time in her life, she felt like she truly belonged—not just as a part of the Fowls family or as a caretaker of her late sister’s responsibilities, but as herself. She was Klarisse, Alex’s wife, and someone who was deeply cherished. However, the steady rhythm of their routine took an unexpected turn one afternoon. Klarisse had been feeling strangely off for a few days—tired, dizzy
Alex had always been a dependable partner, but now, as Klarisse carried their child, he had stepped into an even more protective and attentive role. He ensured that she never missed a doctor’s appointment, that she ate nutritious meals, and that she didn’t overwork herself, especially when she was at her cafe. Alex's actions were tender but firm, leaving Klarisse with little room to argue when he deemed something necessary for her well-being.Bronson and Angela, Alex’s parents, had taken this opportunity to heighten their protective measures. They insisted on assigning bodyguards to Klarisse, not just at the mansion but even when she was at her cafe. Klarisse, fiercely independent and used to handling things on her own, immediately protested against the idea."Bodyguards? At the cafe? That's ridiculous!" Klarisse exclaimed during breakfast, setting her fork down a little harder than intended. "It’s not like I’m going to be running into danger while serving coffee and pastries."Angela
Klarisse stood in front of the closed doors of her cafe, confused. It wasn’t like Allie to shut down operations without informing her. She tried calling Allie, but her phone kept going to voicemail. Klarisse furrowed her brows, shifting uncomfortably in her maternity dress as Alex stood beside her, looking far too casual for someone who had been dragged into this mystery. "Are you sure you don’t know what’s going on?" Klarisse asked Alex, her suspicion growing. Alex raised his hands in mock innocence. "I’m just as clueless as you are, love. But why don’t we go inside and figure it out together?" Skeptical, Klarisse reached for the door, pushing it open. The moment she stepped inside, a loud, unified cheer erupted. "Surprise!" The room was filled with friends, family, and even some of her regular customers, all beaming at her. Balloons in soft pastel colors floated around the cafe, and banners that read *“Welcome, Baby Robinson!”* were strung up across the walls. A table near the
Klarisse sat in the passenger seat of Alex’s car, staring out the window as the city passed by in a blur. Today felt different. There was an inexplicable restlessness inside her, a feeling she couldn’t quite place. Perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones, or maybe it was something deeper, something she wasn’t ready to face yet.Alex, ever the doting husband, shot her quick glances as he drove. He had been more protective than ever, which she appreciated, but today, she needed space. She needed to breathe.“Are you sure you want the café closed today?” Alex asked cautiously, his voice laced with concern. “You’ve never closed it before, not even when you were sick.”Klarisse exhaled, already expecting this reaction. “Yes, Alex. Just for today. I just… need a break.”He tightened his grip on the steering wheel but didn’t argue. “And the bodyguards?”She turned to him, her gaze pleading. “Can’t I have one day without them hovering around me?”Alex hesitated. His natural instinct was to keep
The following day, Klarisse had decided to stay home to rest after the tiresome baby shower. Alex wanted to stay home as well, but Klarisse reminded him that he had to attend another meeting with the Marconi's deal. Alex agreed but reminded Klarisse to call him anytime, if she needed anything.As Klarisse sat by the window of their spacious bedroom, a soft breeze from the garden below swept through the curtains. The sunlight played against the walls, but Klarisse’s heart was weighed down by thoughts that refused to leave her alone. She gently rubbed her growing belly, trying to focus on the excitement of their little one’s arrival. But her mind kept drifting back to Maxine. She leaned back in the armchair, staring at her phone resting on the table nearby. She hadn’t tried calling Maxine again since her previous attempts were ignored. A part of her was thankful for the silence—it spared her from any confrontation—but another part of her wondered what Maxine was thinking, or if she was
The evening at the cafe had settled into a comfortable quiet, the aftermath of laughter and celebration still lingering in the air. Klarisse and Alex sat side by side in one of the cozy booths, their hands intertwined as they sipped on decaffeinated tea. The soft glow of the string lights gave the room a warm, intimate atmosphere. "So," Alex began, his fingers intertwined with Klarisse's on the table, "do you have any favorite names in mind yet? You’ve probably been secretly thinking about this for months, haven’t you?" Klarisse laughed softly. "I might have a list or two on my phone," she admitted, biting her lip. "But I want us to decide together. It should be something meaningful for both of us." Alex leaned back in his chair, a playful smile on his lips. "Alright then, let’s hear some of your ideas first. Ladies’ choice." "Okay," Klarisse said, sitting up straighter. "For a girl, I was thinking something elegant but not overly complicated, like *Elise* or *Clara*. Clara’s kind
Klarisse stood in front of the closed doors of her cafe, confused. It wasn’t like Allie to shut down operations without informing her. She tried calling Allie, but her phone kept going to voicemail. Klarisse furrowed her brows, shifting uncomfortably in her maternity dress as Alex stood beside her, looking far too casual for someone who had been dragged into this mystery. "Are you sure you don’t know what’s going on?" Klarisse asked Alex, her suspicion growing. Alex raised his hands in mock innocence. "I’m just as clueless as you are, love. But why don’t we go inside and figure it out together?" Skeptical, Klarisse reached for the door, pushing it open. The moment she stepped inside, a loud, unified cheer erupted. "Surprise!" The room was filled with friends, family, and even some of her regular customers, all beaming at her. Balloons in soft pastel colors floated around the cafe, and banners that read *“Welcome, Baby Robinson!”* were strung up across the walls. A table near the
Alex had always been a dependable partner, but now, as Klarisse carried their child, he had stepped into an even more protective and attentive role. He ensured that she never missed a doctor’s appointment, that she ate nutritious meals, and that she didn’t overwork herself, especially when she was at her cafe. Alex's actions were tender but firm, leaving Klarisse with little room to argue when he deemed something necessary for her well-being.Bronson and Angela, Alex’s parents, had taken this opportunity to heighten their protective measures. They insisted on assigning bodyguards to Klarisse, not just at the mansion but even when she was at her cafe. Klarisse, fiercely independent and used to handling things on her own, immediately protested against the idea."Bodyguards? At the cafe? That's ridiculous!" Klarisse exclaimed during breakfast, setting her fork down a little harder than intended. "It’s not like I’m going to be running into danger while serving coffee and pastries."Angela
Life for Alex and Klarisse had settled into a harmonious routine, one that brought comfort and joy to both of them. Each morning, Alex would drive Klarisse to her café before heading off to the Robinson’s office. He’d work through the day, handling the weighty responsibilities of their business empire, but his mind often wandered back to the thought of picking her up later. By the time evening rolled around, Alex would fetch Klarisse, and they’d spend their evenings enjoying dinner together or sharing quiet, intimate moments in their shared home. Klarisse couldn’t have asked for anything more. For the first time in her life, she felt like she truly belonged—not just as a part of the Fowls family or as a caretaker of her late sister’s responsibilities, but as herself. She was Klarisse, Alex’s wife, and someone who was deeply cherished. However, the steady rhythm of their routine took an unexpected turn one afternoon. Klarisse had been feeling strangely off for a few days—tired, dizzy
The morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Robinson estate’s dining room, casting a warm glow on the table set with an elegant breakfast spread. Alex and Klarisse sat side by side, their movements relaxed yet subtly attuned to each other. The previous night’s intimacy had left them both with a renewed sense of connection, and it showed in their every glance and gesture. Angela Robinson observed them from across the table, her sharp eyes flicking between her son and daughter-in-law. She had always been perceptive, and this morning, she couldn't ignore the shift in their dynamic. Alex, who usually kept his interactions with Klarisse polite but distant, now seemed attentive and engaged. Klarisse, on the other hand, appeared more at ease, her usual reserved demeanor replaced by a quiet confidence. As Alan Robinson buttered his toast, he too noticed the subtle change. “You two seem...different this morning,” he remarked with a small smile, his tone laced with curiosit
Alex’s words had barely left his lips before Klarisse leaned forward, her lips finding his in a kiss that spoke of all the pent-up emotions, doubts, and desires she had been holding back. It started softly, but within moments, the kiss deepened, igniting a fire between them that neither could ignore. Alex cupped her face with both hands, pulling her closer as if she might disappear if he didn’t hold on tight. Klarisse melted into his touch, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him even closer. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of the moment. Their breaths mingled as Alex trailed kisses along her jawline, down to the curve of her neck. Klarisse gasped, her skin burning wherever his lips touched. Her hands slid down his chest, feeling the strength beneath his shirt, the heat of his body radiating against her fingertips. “Klarisse…” Alex murmured against her skin, his voice thick with desire. Her name on his lips sent shivers do
Klarisse’s hands gripped the steering wheel as she pulled into the driveway, the engine humming softly before she turned it off. Her mind was spinning. She had spent the entire drive home replaying her last conversation with Maxine, wondering if there was something she’d missed—some hidden clue about where Maxine’s heart truly lay. She leaned back in her seat, staring out at the Robinson mansion looming before her. Despite her efforts, Maxine hadn’t picked up her calls. Klarisse wasn’t even sure why she was trying to contact her, but there was a pull—a need to understand Maxine’s perspective, to make sense of everything before speaking with Alex. The last time Maxine came to the café felt like a lifetime ago, yet it haunted Klarisse. Maxine’s words had been clear: *She didn’t want to be Alex’s mistress.* Maxine had said she was walking away, yet Klarisse couldn’t shake the doubt. Was Maxine truly staying away from Alex? Or was this just temporary, and her presence would resurface so