Suzanne’s breath hitched as Liam approached, his gaze dark with hunger. Her heart pounded, her body reacting to him before she could think. She bit her lip, caught between a smile and shyness.“Liam,” she whispered. “You should have knocked.”A slow grin spread across his face. “I should have,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. “But then I wouldn’t get to see you like this.”A ghost of a smile touched her lips, as if she wanted to challenge him, but nervous anticipation flickered in her gaze. She had always been so composed, so guarded. But here, now, standing half-naked before him, her vulnerability only made her more intoxicating.Liam reached out, his knuckles brushing along the curve of her jaw. His fingers trailed down, skimming her shoulder, feather-light, until they found the delicate strap of her bra. He hooked his finger beneath it, tugging it down just slightly, teasing her.Suzanne exhaled a shaky breath, her body leaning into his touch."I shouldn’t be here," he murmur
Liam woke up to the scent of something warm and delicious. His eyelids fluttered open, and for a second, he thought he was dreaming. But no, there she was—Suzanne—standing beside the bed, a tray in her hands, looking like she had just stepped out of one of his best fantasies.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” she teased, setting the tray down on the bed.Liam rubbed his eyes and sat up, eyeing the plate of eggs, toast, and coffee with mild suspicion. “Did you… make this?”Suzanne rolled her eyes. “Wow. No faith in me at all?”He smirked, picking up the fork. “It’s just… I never got to eat your cooking before. Not in high school.”She shrugged, watching him as he took a bite. “First time for everything.”Liam chewed, his expression thoughtful. “Not bad. Actually—” He took another bite, pretending to be shocked. “Damn. Suzy, are you secretly a chef? Were you hiding this from me too?”She laughed, smacking his arm playfully. “Oh, shut up and eat.”For a while, they enjoyed the quiet. But the s
Suzanne stepped into the house, exhaustion weighing her down—only to stop in her tracks. The rich aroma of something delicious filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of roses.Her brows furrowed as she kicked off her heels. "Liam?""In here," his voice called from the living room.Curious, she walked in—and her lips parted in surprise.A small, intimate dinner setup greeted her. A two-person table, elegantly arranged in the middle of the room, with candles casting a golden glow. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading up to the table, and soft instrumental music hummed in the background.Liam stood beside the table, sleeves rolled up, looking smug. “Surprise.”She raised an eyebrow, fighting back a smile. "Is this your way of apologizing for this morning?"He smirked. "You could say that."A chuckle escaped her lips. “Wow. You really went all out.”He walked over and pulled out a chair for her. “Well, I had to make up for being an ass, didn’t I?”She shook her head,
Liam stepped out of the surgery room, peeling off his gloves as the bright hospital lights bore down on him. It had been a long, grueling procedure, but as soon as he saw the relieved faces of the patient’s family, he knew it had been worth it.“Dr. Carter!” A woman rushed toward him, eyes glistening with tears. “Is he okay?”Liam offered a reassuring smile. “The surgery was a success. He’s stable now. You can see him once he’s fully awake and resting.”The family broke down in tears, sobbing and clutching each other. “Thank you, doctor! Thank you so much! We thought we’d lose him!”“You saved his life,” another person chimed in, voice trembling with gratitude. “God bless you.”Liam gave them a small nod before walking away, exhaling deeply. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing William’s number.“What’s the update?” Liam asked, his voice low but urgent.William’s tone was steady. “Everything is under control. No movement from Finn’s side yet.”Liam nodded, rubb
The conference hall was filled with an air of tension as the panel of doctors sat around the long table, discussing the critical operation. Dr. Chris Murphy took the lead, his expression serious as he cleared his throat.“As we all know, the chairman’s condition is deteriorating rapidly,” he began, glancing at the senior doctors. “His collapse today was proof that time is against us. We can’t afford to delay any longer.” He turned slightly toward Liam. “For this surgery, I will be handling the pancreatic procedure while Dr. Carter leads the heart transplant.”Liam leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. His eyes were sharp, analyzing every word.“We have decided on a date—three days from now,” Chris continued smoothly.Liam’s jaw clenched. “Why that date?”Chris barely looked at him. “Because it aligns with the best possible team availability and ensures we’re fully prepared.”Liam wasn’t convinced. “I’m scheduled for an important transplant surgery that day. One involving a key donor
Eloise collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion weighing on her. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard hurried footsteps."Mom!" Mira rushed in, her eyes scanning her mother. "What happened? You said you weren’t feeling well. Are you okay now?"Eloise sighed, sitting up slowly. She studied her daughter for a moment before saying, "I was at the hospital."Mira’s brows furrowed. "Okay… What did the doctor say?"Eloise shook her head. "I'm not sick, Mira."Mira froze, confusion replacing concern. "Then why the hell did you call me, making me think something was wrong?"Eloise hesitated. She had struggled with how to bring this up, but there was no easy way. "It’s about your father."Mira let out an irritated sigh and dropped onto a chair. "Of course, it is. Why did I even ask?" She crossed her legs, her tone dry. "So, what? You want me to light a candle for him? Pray for a miracle?"Eloise’s jaw clenched. "Mira, he’s dying."Mira’s expression didn’t change. "And?"Eloise’s voice grew desper
Mira locked eyes with her mother, her voice steady but laced with curiosity. "Tell me this story. I want to know how all of this started."A single tear slipped down Eloise’s cheek, but she made no move to wipe it away."I was your father's secretary back in the day," she began, her voice soft yet heavy with emotion. "We fell in love, and things were going fine—secretly. We didn’t want anyone to know, especially not his family. But then… I found out I was pregnant with Liam."Mira remained silent, her face unreadable."When I told your father, he was overjoyed. He told me he was going to marry me. We were so naive… We thought love was enough. Then, we broke the news to his parents." She let out a humorless laugh. "What we expected was nothing like congratulations. It was a disaster. His parents had already arranged his marriage—to Felicia Richmond, the heiress to the Richmond empire."Mira's eyes narrowed. "We're richer than the Richmonds, Mom," she almost shouted, frustration bubblin
Marriage officeThe Room Fell into a Stunned SilenceLiam turned first, his grip on Suzanne tightening instinctively. Suzanne, however, froze. Her fingers trembled slightly as she lowered her phone.The voice echoed again, low and dangerous. "Let. Her. Go."And then—he stepped forward.Charles Langford.Tall, commanding, dressed in a sharp black suit that screamed power and authority. His cold, piercing eyes locked onto Liam’s hand resting protectively around Suzanne’s waist.Suzanne’s heart slammed against her ribs. It had been years since she last saw him, and yet… nothing had changed. The same presence. The same intensity.Finn, who had been on the verge of losing his mind already, suddenly smirked, stepping back like a spectator who had just been given front-row seats to an unexpected showdown.“Well, well, well,” Finn drawled, crossing his arms. “Now this just got interesting.”Liam, unfazed, simply tilted his head, his expression unreadable. Slowly, deliberately, he tightened hi
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