Rain gently fell over the city, creating a light grey mist that seemed to cover everything. It was later in the day, but the sky was already dark in Manhattan, making everything look spooky and strange. Michelle was sitting by the window in Raymond’s top-floor house. She had a warm shawl wrapped around her and was gently holding her round belly. Next to her sat a cup of chamomile tea, which she hadn't touched. The storm outside was nothing compared to the storm inside her mind. Ever since Raymond had told her the whole truth—about her father, about Millie, and how her name was wrongly connected to crimes she never took part in—Michelle had barely talked. It was almost a joke. She had always kept quiet and avoided causing trouble, yet she was the one who seemed to suffer the most. To make matters worse, Millie had gotten away. And was probably coming for her. Michelle felt a strong sense that someone was watching her. She had a gut feeling her sister was near. It was like an instinct
The apartment was too quiet. Even with Millie taken away by the police, and the immediate threat gone, Michelle couldn’t get rid of the dread hanging over her like a fog. Raymond had done everything to help—protecting her, securing the place, and comforting her—but he couldn’t heal the wound her parent's betrayal had left. That night, sleep was far from her. Michelle tossed and turned, haunted by Millie’s face and her mother’s coldness. The next morning, she was up before dawn, her hand instinctively resting on her small baby bump. This baby deserved a life free of turmoil, and Michelle was determined to provide that, no matter what it took. She found Raymond in the living room, surrounded by documents and a laptop. His expression softened when he saw her. You should be resting, he said with concern, rising to greet her. I will, she replied softly, but first, I need to do something.He looked into her eyes and saw her determination. What’s on your mind? I want to see my mother, M
The morning sun shone through the penthouse windows, filling the living room with a warm, golden light. Michelle stood by the window, holding a mug of tea, and gazed out at the city skyline. For once, the outside world didn't seem overwhelming. The chaos had calmed, and she felt like she could breathe again. Raymond entered from the hallway, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. He stopped when he saw her, a small smile on his face. Didn't think you’d be up this early. Michelle turned toward him with a gentle look. “I hardly slept. My mind is still trying to process everything.” He approached and gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, planting a kiss on her shoulder. “You’ve been through so much in recent weeks, more than a lot of people face in a lifetime. I guess I'm just... waiting for something bad to happen, she confessed. My mind doesn’t seem to believe we’re really safe yet. You are safe, Michelle, he whispered. You’re home. No one will hurt you again. She turn
The next day was very quiet, as if the world knew Michelle needed time to think. She spent most of the day alone in the penthouse. It felt both familiar and like a place she might have to leave soon. She touched the couch where she had cried for hours after her mother's betrayal. She lingered in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair, tracing the soft stitching on a plush bunny that Raymond had chosen. She stood at the balcony, gazing at the New York skyline, a symbol of both her dreams and heartbreak. New York had taken much from her, but it had given her just as much—strength, understanding, purpose, and love. Real love. Raymond didn't bring up their conversation again. He didn’t press or ask questions. He simply gave her space, which meant more than words could express. In that silence, her answer began to take shape. That evening, Michelle found Raymond on the rooftop terrace, his blazer on a chair, sleeves rolled up, holding a steaming mug of coffee. The city sparkled behind
The morning sun bathed the penthouse in a golden warmth, streaming through the tall windows and casting soft shadows across the hardwood floors. Michelle stirred in bed, stretching lazily beneath the silky sheets. Her hand instinctively moved to her belly, where the memory of the baby’s first kick still lingered like a secret she hadn’t stopped replaying all night.She turned to find the space beside her empty, though still warm. A faint clatter came from the kitchen, followed by the unmistakable sound of Raymond’s voice—low, focused, speaking into the phone. It was a rhythm she’d grown used to, but lately, his tone had softened. He wasn’t the cold man the world feared anymore. At least not with her.Moments later, the bedroom door creaked open, and Raymond stepped inside with a tray in hand. On it was a simple breakfast—fresh croissants, a bowl of berries, and her favorite chamomile tea. He wore a navy blue T-shirt and grey linen pants, his hair tousled from sleep, and a boyish grin
The morning sun warmed the light curtains in the beach villa. Today, the calmness that Michelle and Raymond felt last night seemed less certain, like something was about to change.Michelle stood barefoot in the kitchen, holding a glass of juice and gently rubbing her belly. Nearby, the ultrasound image from the hospital showed two tiny heartbeats. It was almost unbelievable—they were expecting twins, a boy and a girl. The thought made her heart swell with happiness every time it crossed her mind.Raymond watched her quietly from the doorway at first. Then he came over and gently kissed her shoulder. You're looking at that picture again, he said softly. I can't help it. It still seems like I'm dreaming, Michelle replied with a soft smile. Raymond hugged her from behind, placing his hands gently on her belly. This is real. They’re real. I promise, nothing will spoil this for us. Michelle could sense the tension in Raymond. His shoulders felt tight, and there was a hint of worry in his
The gentle hum of Raymond's computer filled the room as he focused intently on his work, typing quickly. Logan stood close by, arms crossed, observing his boss closely. Every lead they had explored had led nowhere. Whoever Millie might be working with—if she had a partner—was indeed skilled.I don't like this, Raymond muttered, looking at a report with concern. This person is very good at hiding their tracks. We checked Millie’s hotel. The room is under a false name, the security footage is gone, and the staff isn’t talking. Someone paid them off to keep their mouth shut.Raymond leaned back, jaw tight with frustration. Millie doesn’t have enough money for this. Someone is helping her. Logan nodded. I'll double the security at the villa. Triple it.Raymond thought about Michelle. He had watched her grow stronger with each challenge, but now she was expecting twins. He wanted to protect her and their new family more than anything. Keep an eye on the villa as well. Don’t let Michelle k
The morning light barely broke through the gray clouds as Raymond stood by the large windows in his office, gazing at the vast estate. Behind him, his phone buzzed on the desk, but he ignored it. He had already watched the video three times—Millie's smirk was edged into his memory. This wasn’t just a problem anymore; it was a battle.Determined to fight for Michelle and himself , Raymond turned, picked up the phone, and made a call. Logan, he said as soon as the call connected, cut her off. Every resources, every connection she has. Done, Logan replied quickly, as if he had been expecting the order. We've frozen all her accounts. The card from her mother is flagged. We're monitoring her phone, emails, travel—everything.Good. Make sure no one finds out about what happened at the vineyard. I don’t want Michelle or the babies to be scrutinized. I’ll take care of it. Raymond ended the call and turned to his laptop. He reviewed the list of people Millie had relied on before—contacts, part
The Hawthorne estate was full of activity that Saturday morning. Gentle music from a string quartet could be heard in the gardens as staff rushed around setting up floral arrangements, hanging golden balloons, and pitching elegant white tents with pastel ribbons. This was no ordinary celebration—it was a double event.Raymond had meticulously planned everything for the special occasion: a grand birthday party for Oliver and Olivia, along with a surprise announcement about Michelle's latest accomplishment. He wanted everyone to know that his wife was not only the love of his life but also a trailblazer in her field.Michelle stood on the balcony outside their bedroom, holding Oliver while Olivia held onto her leg. The twins were dressed in matching birthday outfits—Oliver in a tiny navy-blue suit with suspenders, and Olivia in a lacy blush dress that matched the roses in Michelle’s hairstyle.“They’re going to steal the show,” Raymond said softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist
Michelle kept looking at her phone after the call ended. Her heart was racing, and her mind was filled with thoughts. Adrien Vale—yes, the famous Adrien Vale—wanted to be her mentor. He saw her not just as someone’s wife or daughter-in-law but as a talented architect with her own ideas and potential.Eventually, she turned to her friend Chloe and her sister Millie, her face glowing with disbelief.“Well?” Chloe asked eagerly. “Don’t keep us waiting!”Michelle tried to speak, but it felt unreal. “Adrien Vale wants to mentor me. He saw my work and has offered me a summer mentorship in London.”Millie gasped. “Adrien Vale, the renowned architect?”Michelle nodded, still surprised. “Yes, that one.”Chloe squealed, grabbing Michelle’s hands with excitement. “This is incredible! Many architects dream of meeting him, let alone working with him.”Michelle nodded, wiping her misty eyes. “I don’t even know how he got my portfolio…”Millie smiled warmly. “You’re that talented. Your work stands o
The afternoon sunlight gently warmed the sunroom where Michelle lounged on a wide cream loveseat. Beside her, a folder held important trust documents. Olivia slept peacefully in her crib, thumb in mouth, while Oliver quietly amused himself with a rattle.Across from Michelle, Chloe let out a whistle after finishing Eleanor’s letter. “Wow, Michelle! This is incredible. A trust fund and to support your firm? That's huge!”Michelle tried to absorb it all, her smile a mix of disbelief and happiness. “I know, it feels like a dream.”Chloe leaned closer, resting her chin in her hand. “And Eleanor did this all on her own? Even after everything?”Michelle nodded. “She couldn’t change the past, but she wanted to give something that mattered, something lasting.”Chloe’s eyes gleamed. “Well, she absolutely succeeded. You’re going to create something amazing with Davenport Designs. That name sounds impressive.”Michelle laughed. “It sounds too formal. I want it to feel softer, more like me. I pla
Michelle read Eleanor’s note again, tracing the beautiful handwriting with her eyes. Her heart was a mixture of emotions. It felt so strange. Words from someone she used to fear and misunderstand now felt like a gentle comfort. The apology wasn’t flashy or begging for understanding; it was honest, vulnerable, and human.Did she really write this? Michelle asked quietly, looking up at Raymond, her fingers brushing the paper’s edge. She did, Raymond replied, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Jonathan gave it to me today, together with that pocket watch.Michelle's gaze shifted to the watch, which gleamed softly in the afternoon light. It was a symbol from the past, now unexpectedly connecting her to Raymond’s family—not through marriage or duty, but through acceptance. She said I gave you something she never could, Michelle said, her voice filled with emotion. Peace. Family. A future.Raymond nodded, his hand wrapping around hers. And she's right. You’ve given me every
The morning sunlight created long, golden shadows on the private golf course behind a quiet estate just outside the city. Raymond swung his club smoothly, and as the club hit the ball, a soft sound filled the air, sending the ball high into the sky. Nearby, Jonathan watched with his arms crossed, a small smile on his face. You still have that perfect Hawthorne swing, he said as Raymond stood up straight. Raymond chuckled and stepped aside. I had a good teacher. Jonathan grabbed his club and aimed for the green. I wasn't always a good teacher, but I tried. I realized the real legacy wasn't just in the business; it was in the people who kept it going. They played a few more holes quietly, with the occasional laugh shared between shots. There was no stress or business talk—just a father and son reconnecting. At the eighth hole, Jonathan finally spoke. Eleanor has made her decision. Raymond looked up, surprised. She and Isabella are moving abroad to someplace quiet and peaceful. She wan
Raymond sat on the edge of a marble bench outside the café, holding his phone to his ear. Millie's voice was steady, but there was a hint of sadness that lingered in his mind. I’ve been thinking a lot, she said. I really needed to talk to someone who knew me before I lost my way. Raymond looked up at the golden afternoon clouds. I’m here, he said softly. Tell me what’s on your mind.After a pause, Millie continued quietly, I’m not proud of my actions, Raymond. What I did to Michelle and you—I've spent too long being angry and jealous, fighting pointless battles. Now I wonder what I was trying to prove and to whom. Raymond let the silence linger, giving her words space. You have your own journey, he said gently. Seeing it takes strength.She sighed. I wanted you to know I’m trying to be better. For me, not anyone else. Maybe one day, Michelle will see that too. Time can soften things, Raymond replied. And Michelle… She's compassionate. Millie laughed softly, almost surprised. Yes, she
A few months had passed quietly since that emotional night at the Hawthorne estate. Raymond and Michelle finally felt relaxed and happy, as if wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket. The tough times were over, and their days were now filled with love, growth, and new memories. Their twins, Olivia and Oliver, were almost one year old—a big milestone that brought both laughter and a bit of chaos into their lives. But in a fun way.Raymond was deeply involved in a new project at Hawthorne Enterprises. This project was a departure from the stressful boardroom battles of the past. It represented a new beginning, supported by forward-thinking investors who believed in Raymond's vision and leadership. A key figure among these investors was Victor Calloway, a trusted family friend whose support came at just the right moment.On a calm Thursday morning, Raymond was in his office reviewing design proposals when he received a message from Victor. It said, Can we meet? There’s something I think yo
The grand entrance hall of the Hawthorne estate looked like it hadn't changed in years. The ceiling was high, a beautiful crystal chandelier hung from it, and the shiny marble floors all showed the family's rich and powerful history. But now, the air felt different, as if something important was about to happen. Michelle held onto Raymond’s hand tightly as they entered. Her heart was beating quickly with nervous excitement. She had been here before, but now everything was different. She was Raymond’s wife and the mother of his children, standing as his equal. Whatever happened in this meeting, she wouldn't face it alone. Isabella stood near the door, looking small in the enormous room. She no longer wore fancy clothes or makeup. Today, she looked normal and tired. Her blouse was neatly pressed, but her sagging shoulders and lack of perfume made the room feel quieter and more serious. Thank you for coming, Isabella said softly. I wasn’t sure you would. We weren’t sure we should, Ray
Life had taken a pleasant turn for Raymond and Michelle, allowing them to slow down and appreciate the small joys. After experiencing a period filled with stress and constant busyness, they now savored the calm. Their home, once bustling with work calls, had transformed into a sanctuary filled with the gentle songs and laughter of their young children, Olivia and Oliver. The twins were growing quickly, filling each day with new surprises. Olivia loved playing games, especially hiding behind the curtains and jumping out with a loud Boo! to startle her brother, which made both of them giggle endlessly. Oliver, determined to keep up with his sister, had finally learned to walk without tumbling over. He proudly marched around the house, holding random objects like they were treasures. Michelle cherished these daily joys—morning giggles, warm hugs, and the comforting smell of pancakes. Their home had become a world of its own, with each day bringing new firsts. From first words to first