Liam leaned back in his chair, giving her a playful look as he picked up his fork. "You know, I was just thinking about high school the other day," he said with a mischievous grin. "Remember how everyone thought we were the best couple in school?"Suzanne laughed, taking a sip of her water. "Oh, don't remind me. We were so obnoxious about it," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "I swear, we acted like we had it all figured out, but we were just two kids trying to survive high school."Liam grinned, leaning forward. "We had our moments, though. Remember that one time we went on that epic first date to that tiny diner by the school? I think I spent the whole night trying to impress you with my 'cool' dance moves."Suzanne burst out laughing, almost choking on her food. "You mean the two-step disaster?" she asked, holding her stomach as she tried to catch her breath. "You looked like you were having a seizure on the dance floor! I was so embarrassed, but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.
"I'm not going anywhere." Came her voice."What?" He shouted in disbelief.Suzanne’s jaw tightened as she locked eyes with Charles. “I said, I’m not going anywhere with you. You don’t control me,” she replied, her voice cutting through the tension. There was no hesitation, no fear in her words, just an icy resolve.Charles’s face reddened, but before he could snap back, Sarah, looking like a predator with a false mask of concern, reached over and grabbed Suzanne’s arm. “Suzanne, please,” she said, her voice dripping with syrupy sweetness, “don’t punish Charles. I think I’m the problem here, please don’t punish him.”Suzanne’s eyes blazed with fury. Without thinking, she flung Sarah’s hand off her arm, sending her staggering back. The force caught Sarah off guard, and she tumbled, but Charles was quick to grab her, pulling her back to her feet.“Suzanne, you’re doing too much,” Charles growled, his voice a low warning.Suzanne’s chest heaved with anger as she looked at him, disgust thi
The faint sound of an engine rumbling outside made him freeze. He bolted upright, his heart pounding as he hurried to the window. Peering through the curtains, he saw her car pulling into the driveway.His breath caught.Charles froze at the window as the headlights of her car dimmed. His heart thudded when he saw Suzanne step out, her figure poised but relaxed. For a fleeting moment, a hopeful smile tugged at his lips—until the passenger door opened.Liam.Charles’s breath hitched as he watched the man step out of the car, moving with an ease and confidence that Charles couldn’t help but resent.Then, he saw it.Suzanne laughed.It wasn’t just a polite chuckle or a forced smile. It was genuine, the kind of laughter that lit up her face, her eyes sparkling in a way Charles hadn’t seen in years. She leaned slightly toward Liam, her hand brushing against his arm as they shared some private joke.Charles’s chest tightened, a sharp pang of jealousy and regret stabbing through him. That la
The morning light filtered through the curtains, and Charles was already in the kitchen, determined to make things right. He hadn’t slept much, his mind racing with plans to prove to Suzanne that he was serious about changing. Cooking breakfast seemed like a good start—or so he thought.Unfortunately, the reality was far from ideal.The kitchen was a mess. Flour dusted the countertops, eggshells littered the sink, and a faint smell of something burnt lingered in the air. Charles stood over the stove, flipping pancakes that were either charred or undercooked.“This can’t be that hard,” he muttered under his breath, glancing at his phone for the recipe yet again.By the time Suzanne descended the stairs, dressed immaculately for work, the dining table was set. There were pancakes, a fruit salad that looked more like a chaotic mix of whatever he could find, and a pot of coffee that was suspiciously dark.She paused at the sight of the table, her eyebrows raising slightly in surprise. “Wh
Paul looked around briefly, as if making sure no one was nearby before he spoke again. "There's been some... rumors. About you. About your marriage. They've been spreading all over the place. It’s all over social media."Suzanne felt her stomach tighten. The air in the room seemed to grow heavier, her heart pounding as she instinctively reached for her phone. She hadn’t expected this—hadn’t anticipated that her personal life, the mess she was still trying to untangle, would become fodder for the public. The last thing she needed was her business and reputation to be dragged through the mud.Paul continued, looking at her with a mix of concern and disbelief. "It’s... it’s bad, Suzanne. Some of the stuff they’re saying is... well, it’s not true, but it’s everywhere. You might want to check it out."Suzanne’s mind raced. She could already feel the weight of everything crashing down on her—the public scrutiny, the whispers, the rumors that could never be erased. Her hands trembled slightl
Suzanne’s jaw tightened at Grace’s words. She straightened in her chair, her professional demeanor snapping into place like armor.“Let him in,” Suzanne said, her tone calm but firm. She wasn’t about to let Charles see even a hint of vulnerability.Grace nodded, disappearing momentarily before Charles stepped through the door. He looked worn but determined, his suit slightly rumpled and his expression a mix of frustration and pleading.Suzanne leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she regarded him coolly. “Charles,” she said evenly, “what brings you to my office unannounced?”He closed the door behind him, his movements deliberate. “I came to talk,” he said, his voice low and serious.“Talk?” Suzanne echoed, raising an eyebrow. “About what? How you embarrassed yourself at the restaurant yesterday? Or perhaps about the mess you made of breakfast this morning?”Charles flinched but held her gaze. “About us,” he said simply.Suzanne’s expression didn’t waver. “There is no us, Ch
Suzanne entered the café with a brisk, purposeful stride. Her heels clicked against the tiled floor, the sound echoing in the small space as she made her way to the table where Charles was already seated. He stood up quickly as she approached, his expression one of cautious optimism."You're on time," he said, his voice slightly tense but hopeful.Suzanne didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she pulled out the chair and sat down across from him, placing her bag on the chair next to her. She surveyed the scene around them for a moment before her gaze returned to Charles. His eyes searched hers, waiting for a sign that she would engage."Well?" Suzanne’s tone was cool, distant. "You wanted this chance. So, talk."Charles hesitated, his fingers drumming nervously on the edge of his coffee cup. He took a deep breath and finally spoke, his voice more subdued than before."Suzanne, I know I’ve been a fool. I know I’ve hurt you more times than I can count, and I can’t take back the things I’
Dr. Liam Carter had just finished a surgery and was washing his hands when his colleague, Dr. Mike Stallion, who had also just come out of the operating room, pulled off his gloves and spoke."You did a nice job out there," Mike said with a nod.Liam smiled and nodded in response, but before he could speak, Mike added, "Lest I forget, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. What’s going on between you and that hot actress?"Liam paused, confusion spreading across his face. "I don’t understand your question."Mike raised an eyebrow. "I’ve seen the rumors."Liam shrugged. "You know how these reporters are, prying into everyone’s private business."Mike chuckled. "Well, it was obvious you two know each other."Liam turned, ready to walk away, but before he could, he muttered, "Did I say we don’t?" and continued on his way.Mike followed him with a grin. "How do you know her?"Liam glanced at him as he walked. "She's a friend from high school. We’re just getting reacquainted."Mike raised
As Suzanne approached the end of the aisle, the murmurs in the venue softened, all eyes fixed on her. Then, she saw him.Her father, Armstrong Smith, stood just ahead, his expression a mix of pride and regret. His hands clenched at his sides, and for a fleeting moment, he looked as if he might falter. But when their eyes met, he stepped forward, his voice thick with emotion."I'm sorry, my baby," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "If I could turn back time, I would have been a better father to you."Suzanne’s lips curved into a soft smile, her heart lighter than she ever thought possible. "I've forgiven you long ago," she said sincerely. "I just wanted you to understand what family truly means. Thank you for being here."His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. "Can you do me the honor?" He opened his arm in invitation.Without hesitation, Suzanne slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. As they began their walk down the aisle, the sound of violins and a grand piano fi
Suzanne stood before the mirror, her breath catching as she took in her reflection. The gown was exquisite—an elegant, off-the-shoulder masterpiece with intricate lace detailing that cascaded down the bodice and into a flowing train. The soft ivory fabric shimmered under the light, catching every delicate movement. Her hair was styled in a graceful updo, loose strands framing her face, while a cathedral-length veil trailed behind her, completing the look of a bride straight out of a dream.Her eyes sparkled, not just with excitement but with a deep, unwavering love. Today was the day she became Mrs. Carter."I can't believe I'm getting married to your son, Mrs. Carter," Suzanne said, turning toward Eloise, who stood watching her with warm, motherly pride.Eloise smiled, stepping closer. "I knew you both would always find your way back to each other. You two are meant to be, my beautiful bride."Suzanne swallowed the lump in her throat. This was the moment she had expected to miss her
Prison Visiting CenterLeo Carter stepped into the stark, dimly lit visiting area, the scent of disinfectant lingering in the air. The walls were gray, the chairs metal and bolted to the floor, and a thick pane of glass separated him from the person he had come to see—his son, Finn Carter.Finn sat on the other side, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit. His once confident and cunning eyes were now shadowed with exhaustion and regret. His knuckles were bruised, likely from a fight, and there was an emptiness about him that hadn’t been there before. He stared at Leo through the glass, eyes cautious, waiting for him to speak first.Leo picked up the phone attached to the divider. Slowly, Finn did the same."You actually came," Finn muttered, voice hoarse.Leo exhaled, his grip tightening around the receiver. "Of course, I did. You're my son, Finn."Finn scoffed, shaking his head. "Your son? If I was truly your son, I wouldn’t be sitting in here, would I?" His voice dripped with bitterness,
The tension in the boardroom was suffocating. The long, polished mahogany table gleamed under the overhead lights, but all eyes were locked on the man at the head of the table—Armstrong Smith.Suzanne sat opposite him, poised and unwavering. She was dressed for war, her black blazer crisp, her expression unreadable. Next to her, Nina leaned back lazily, one leg crossed over the other, exuding quiet confidence.Armstrong, however, looked anything but confident. His fingers tapped impatiently against the table, his jaw tight. He had built this company, shaped it, controlled it. And now, his own daughter was challenging him in front of the entire board.One of the directors, an older man with silver hair, cleared his throat. “Ms. Smith, you’ve called this emergency meeting with serious allegations against your father. We need to know exactly what you’re claiming.”Suzanne didn’t hesitate. She slid a folder onto the table and met every board member’s gaze before speaking. “I am claiming t
She turned her gaze to her lawyer."Thank you, Atty. Greg." She extended her hand, and he shook it firmly."It was a pleasure, Ms. Smith," he said with a proud nod.Before she could say more, warm hands touched her shoulders. Liam.He leaned down, kissing her forehead softly. “Considering I wasn’t around when you were fighting this, you still pulled it off. Congratulations to us, my love.”Suzanne nudged him playfully. “Oh, come on. You helped me—without William getting that recording, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.”Liam chuckled, pressing a small kiss to the top of her head. Their moment was interrupted by a quiet but deliberate clearing of a throat.They turned to see Anna standing before them, holding the child in her arms."Anna." Suzanne stepped forward, her expression softening as she greeted her.Meanwhile, Liam’s gaze flickered past them, landing on Judge Hansel. He straightened, excusing himself before walking toward the judge.Suzanne stepped forward with a small smile. "
Judge Hansel studied Attorney Barnes carefully, his fingers tapping against the bench. “How do you know that, when the first witness was lying when she stated she had no relationship with Charles Langford?”Barnes adjusted his glasses and stepped forward. “I have multiple pieces of evidence to prove she is lying. If I may, Your Honor.”The judge gave a firm nod. “Proceed.”Barnes walked over to his table and retrieved a small recording device. Turning to face the courtroom, he held it up.“This,” he announced, his voice strong and deliberate, “is an audio recording of Charles Langford and Sarah Thompson.”The room fell into an eerie silence.Charles’ smirk vanished instantly.Barnes pressed play. The courtroom filled with Charles’ voice—low, menacing, unmistakable.“You think you can defy me, Sarah?”A loud slap. A muffled cry."You whore," he spat, "Do you think I’m asking you?" "Have you forgotten all the times I covered for you? Your drunk driving—or should we talk about the time
Supreme Court of OntarioCase: Suzanne Smith vs. Charles LangfordProceedings – Divorce and Domestic Abuse AllegationsAs the courtroom settled into its tense quiet, Judge Hansel adjusted his glasses, eyes scanning the papers before him. He looked up, a sharp command in his voice.“Let us proceed,” he announced, his gaze flicking between the two parties. “Call your first witness, Attorney Barnes.”Gregory Barnes stood, nodding respectfully to the judge. He turned to Suzanne, who was seated beside him, her posture rigid, but her eyes determined. She’d come too far to let this fall apart now.Greg walked toward the witness stand, and everyone in the room shifted their attention. The door creaked open, and Sarah Thompson entered, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. She made her way toward the stand, looking calm but a little too composed for Suzanne’s liking. Sarah swore her oath, raising her right hand, her voice steady but with an edge that made Suzanne's blood run c
Three weeks ago.And then, just like before, he took what was his.His lips crashed against hers, claiming her, stealing the breath from her lungs. Suzanne melted into him, her fingers fisting into his shirt as she let herself forget—just for a moment—that there was still a war to fight."Let's take this to the bedroom."Before she could respond, Liam swept her off her feet. She gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs tightening around his waist as he carried her effortlessly toward his bedroom.The door slammed open with a forceful kick of his boot, and in one swift motion, he dropped her onto the bed, his body hovering over hers as he began to peel off his shirt. Suzanne’s breath hitched, anticipation building, but just as things were about to escalate, his phone rang.“Wrong timing, Wil,” Liam muttered, glancing at the screen. He was about to end the call when the urgency in Will’s voice stopped him."Finn has made his move," Will said urgently.Liam’s fac
Eloise Carter stepped out of the car, tilting her head as she took in the stunning glass house before her. The morning sun reflected off its sleek exterior, making it shimmer like a diamond nestled in a sea of lush greenery."Is this place your new home?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.Liam smiled, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I bought this place a long time ago, Mom. It’s not just a house—it’s a retreat. A place to unwind, away from the chaos."A soft click interrupted them.They turned to see Mira, holding up her phone, snapping pictures at different angles."This place is insane," she muttered in awe.And it was.The house sat elegantly amidst a breathtaking landscape. Vibrant flowers—roses, jasmine, and lilies—lined the stone pathway leading to the entrance, their sweet fragrance filling the air. Towering oak and maple trees framed the estate, providing both shade and a touch of mystery. A pristine koi pond shimmered nearby, tiny ripples forming as golden and