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
Millie's life was all about appearances. She always wore designer clothes, showed practiced smiles, and seemed in control. But when she saw the blurry photo of Dante and Raymond shaking hands, everything fell apart. Her hands shook, and the photo slipped to the floor like ash. No... no, this can't be, she murmured, her voice trembling.Desperately, she grabbed her phone, trying to call Dante. Her heart was racing, but the line was dead, just like everything else she relied on. Her fiancé, the last stable part of her life, had betrayed her. And even worse, he had formed and alliance with Raymond.On the other side of town, in Raymond's office, Dante sat calmly in a leather chair opposite Raymond. He seemed surprisingly composed for someone who had turned against his ex-fiancée. Raymond studied him closely. Are you certain about this decision?Dante nodded and pushed a sealed folder across the glossy desk. She crossed the line. I tried talking to her, but Millie only listens to herself.
The boutique was extremely quiet, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The gentle, golden light from the streetlights outside warmly illuminated Michelle’s wedding dress. The boutique owner had left an hour earlier after assisting Michelle with some final adjustments, trusting her to lock up afterward.Michelle stood barefoot in the room's center, a sensation of calm excitement filling her chest as she admired the dress. She gently touched the intricate lace, a design she had drawn months before when love seemed like a distant dream. Now, that dream was becoming a reality.The dress represented all she had gone through and everything she had overcome. I can’t believe this is really happening, she said softly to herself, resting a hand lovingly on her baby bump which was now really big. We’re finally going to have our happy ending. A soft creak interrupted her thoughts, coming from the back of the boutique. Michelle froze on the spot.Her ears perked up as she directed her gaze toward the n
Later that week . Spring came softly to New York City. The skyline was lit with golden sunlight, and a gentle breeze played with the blossoms on the trees. The city felt alive and new. For Michelle Davenport, today was more than just the change of season; it was her wedding day. She would marry the love of her life. Raymond Hawthorne, the man who loved her when no one else did, including herself.The rooftop of the Hawthorne estate was stunning. White roses lined the aisle, and beautiful glass chandeliers hung overhead. The air was filled with the scent of lavender. Fairy lights wrapped around pillars, and soft violin music played in the background. They had to use the rooftop since the first venue was destroyed by Millie.In the bridal suite, Michelle’s heart beat steadily as Chloe added the final touches to her dress. This gown was different—simple yet elegant. It was a sleeveless satin dress with a long train and subtle beads that sparkled with every move. Michelle had sewn it her
The celebration quickly blurred into the background. Michelle's world shifted when she saw the message on Raymond's phone. The lovely fairy lights and the warmth of their rooftop ceremony seemed like a memory slipping away too fast. She won't give up, Michelle whispered again as they got into the waiting car.Raymond protectively wrapped his arm around her as their SUV drove away from the Hawthorne estate. We’re boosting security right now, he said, already dialing one of his trusted men. Secure the penthouse. I'm moving my wife to the Tribeca townhouse. I want full surveillance around the place. Michelle sat quietly, fingers resting on her soft wedding dress, now wrinkled from the drive. What should have been the happiest day of her life had taken a dramatic turn.They were at the townhouse within minutes. It was discreet, well-protected, and used rarely—just what they needed. Security checked the property as Raymond ushered Michelle inside. Soon, Liam, the private investigator, arri
Rain battered the car's windshield while the driver drove quickly through the dark city streets. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, showing his concern. In the backseat, Michelle was surrounded by pillows. Her breathing was fast and shallow. One hand was on her large, pregnant belly, and the other was clutching Raymond's old suit jacket.Just a little longer, Raymond sat beside her, trying to sound calm despite the worry in his voice. I contacted the hospital. They're ready for us. Michelle groaned softly as another intense wave of pain moved through her. It's too early, Raymond… the babies—They'll be all right, Raymond insisted, reassuring himself. We'll make sure everything's okay. When the driver drove into the hospital's emergency entrance, the medical staff was already there. A doctor opened the back door, and Raymond quickly helped Michelle into a wheelchair.She's thirty-five weeks pregnant with twins and experiencing abdominal pain and contractions, Raymond explain
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