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 air in the delivery room was filled with tension and relief. The sound of twin cries echoed in the sterile space, sounding like music. Michelle lay back against the pillows, drenched in sweat, her body trembling from what she had just gone through. Her chest heaved as she opened her eyes, trying to grasp the reality around her.There were two cries. Not just one. The doctor had told her—Congratulations, he said softly, smiling at her when he saw her waking up, "It's a boy and a girl.” Michelle’s lips shook, and she couldn’t speak as her throat was too tight. Her vision blurred with tears. She had done it. Despite the pain, the fear, the betrayal, and the heartbreak, she had brought two perfect lives into the world. These two beautiful souls, she had loved even before they had names.Raymond was immediately by her side, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Usually calm, he was now full of raw emotion. He held her hand with both of his, kissing her fingers over and over.You d
Michelle gradually woke up in the calm hospital room. Her body ached, but the pain was softened by a feeling of peace. She felt extremely weak, not just from giving birth, but from enduring many silent struggles the past few months. She glanced at the ceiling light and took a deep breath before carefully turning her head. The first thing she noticed was Raymond sitting beside her bed. One arm was crossed over his chest and the other rested on a crib near them. His eyes were closed, yet he wasn’t truly asleep—Michelle knew this from the tightness in his jaw and how he always seemed alert, even when still. Raymond, she whispered, her voice sounding rough and dry. He instantly sat up, leaned forward, and took her hand. Michelle, he said softly, studying her face to ensure she was really awake. How are you feeling? Weak, she admitted, but she managed to give a weary smile. But… they’re okay, right? The babies? Just then, a soft knock came from the door. A nurse entered quietly, bringin
Raymond turned off the TV, but the room stayed heavy with what they’d all seen. Millie in handcuffs stuck in Michelle’s mind like a ghost that wouldn’t leave. The silence that followed was filled with thoughts—peace had come, but with a cost she hadn’t fully realized. Michelle didn’t speak at once. She looked at the small baby in her arms, her daughter’s soft breaths reminding her why she fought so hard. Still, the silence bothered her. Raymond spoke first. You don’t have to think about her now, he said softly, moving a hair from her face. She’s gone, Michelle. She can’t get to you or the twins. It’s over. Michelle shook her head slowly. It’s not that simple, she replied. Raymond seemed confused. What do you mean? She’s my sister, Michelle whispered, eyes down. Or… she was. I don’t know what to call her now. I thought I’d feel free, but it’s not easy. It still hurts. Chloe noticed Michelle’s change in mood and softened her voice. You can feel everything, you know? Grief, relief, con
The car was quiet and filled with tension. Michelle sat next to Raymond, her fingers nervously opening and closing in her lap. The letter from Millie was in her handbag, feeling much heavier than it looked. Since receiving it, she hadn't slept well. Her mind was full of questions and worries. Raymond slowly stopped the car outside the prison gates. He didn't say anything right away, just stared straight ahead with a clenched jaw. Finally, Michelle spoke. You don’t want me to go in. No, Raymond said. I don’t. She turned to him, speaking softly. But you understand why I have to. Raymond looked at her, searching her face. Yes, and that’s what scares me. Her heart ached, but she leaned over and gently kissed his cheek. I need to do this, Raymond. I have to hear it from her. No matter what it is. He nodded slowly, then held her hand tightly. I'll be right here. If you feel unsafe, come back out. Don’t let her fool you into her games again. Michelle nodded, got out of the car, and felt t
Michelle went back inside after a while, she sat frozen in the visiting room, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Millie's words echoed relentlessly in her mind. Still trying to come to grips with that revelation, Michelle was taken aback when Millie mentioned someone else. Mother, Millie whispered again, her voice barely audible. Vivian Davenport. Hearing that name felt like a sharp slap to Michelle’s face. Her eyes narrowed, and she gripped the edge of the cold metal table tightly. Are you saying… our mother was part of all this too? Millie nodded slowly, her gaze falling to the floor. She did more than just get involved, Michelle. She planned much more than you think. Michelle’s throat felt dry, and she shook her head slightly, struggling to understand. That doesn’t add up. Vivian barely spoke to me unless she had something nasty to say. She didn’t even try to be part of my life after the wedding was announced. Millie let out a hollow, bitter laugh. Exactly. She was working
The next morning, the sun shone through the villa’s big windows, filling the living room with warm, golden light. Michelle sat at the kitchen table with her sketchpad in front of her, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She hadn’t slept much because her mind was so active. After her call with Raymond, she had dug out an old box of pencils and notebooks. She flipped through nearly forgotten sketches and doodles. Her fingers were eager to create again, to bring the characters Raymond imagined to life. Now, she looked at the first page. It was a sketch of two small twins exploring a magical forest. She smiled. A new chapter. A new dream. It felt like coming home. Michelle picked up a pencil, enjoying how it felt in her hand. She started drawing slowly, but as the lines and characters came to life, she felt herself relax. Pure joy filled her heart. She would do it. She would illustrate their story—not for the publisher, not because she had to—but because it was their story. Something
Millie gazed at herself in the mirror, softly pressing down the smooth fabric of her dress. Her stomach felt a mix of nerves, and she couldn’t help but keep smiling. She was going to have coffee with Damian. Millie didn’t expect to say yes so easily, and she didn’t expect to feel this excited. She kept reminding herself it was just a simple hangout, nothing too complex. When she walked into the small bistro at the corner of the plaza, she spotted Damian already seated at a candlelit table. Her heart felt a sudden jolt. He stood up as soon as he saw her, a warm smile brightening his face. Damian looked effortlessly handsome in his navy shirt with sleeves rolled up and slightly tousled hair. You found it, he said, pulling out a chair for her. Millie nodded and sat down, nervously toying with her napkin. I almost got lost, but... she grinned, "it was worth it. They ordered some wine and local dishes, and soon they were chatting easily, as if they had been friends for a long time. Damia
Michelle looked at the blinking cursor on her screen for a long time. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. The idea of letting cameras into her home, even for just one day, made her feel uneasy. Her home had become a safe haven after everything she had been through. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to show even a small part of it to the world. Then, she thought about the bigger picture—the story she was sharing. It wasn’t just in her designs but also in the life she had rebuilt from the ground up. Maybe it was time to show a little of that new life. Carefully, Michelle typed her response: Hi Alice, Thank you for thinking of me! I’m open to filming at home, but I have one request: I do not want the children on camera. They are too young, and I want to protect their privacy. Looking forward to hearing more about the logistics. Best, Michelle. Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send. It was a boundary she felt comfortable with, and she hoped
Michelle gripped her tea mug a bit more as she listened to Chloe. From the next room, the gentle sound of Raymond reading a story could be heard. I thought we had a future, Chloe said, her voice trembling slightly. Michelle carefully set her tea down and moved over to hug Chloe. She didn’t say anything, offering just silent support. Chloe pulled back after a moment, quickly wiping her eyes with her sweater sleeve. She let out a shaky laugh. Now... I have no idea what's next. Michelle gently tucked a stray strand of Chloe’s hair behind her ear. Have you talked to him? Really talked? Chloe paused. Not yet. I’m scared. Michelle squeezed her hands reassuringly. He might be scared too. You won't know unless you try. Just then, as if by chance, the kitchen door opened. Sebastian stood there, looking serious but determined. Chloe, he said quietly. Can we talk? Michelle gave Chloe a supportive nudge and quietly left the kitchen to give them privacy. Outside, on the villa's porch under a sk
The next morning, Michelle stood on the edge of the construction site with her hard hat under her arm and the World Visions producer's card tightly in hand. She watched the vibrant scene before her: homes halfway built, gardens starting to grow, and the sound of workers' laughter mingling with the spring air. This was her dream built from nothing—a new beginning, and her second chance. She wanted to share it, but under her own terms. Michelle took a deep breath and dialed the number on the card. Alice answered quickly. Mrs Hawthorne! I was hoping to hear from you, she said brightly and professionally. Michelle managed a small smile. I want to proceed with the documentary, she stated, choosing her words carefully. But there are a few conditions. Of course, anything. Isabella responded warmly. We want you to feel at ease. First, Michelle said, steadying her voice, the focus has to stay on the project—the architecture and sustainability efforts. My family, especially my children, must
Michelle was in a small café's sunny courtyard in the middle of town. She felt a bit nervous as she stirred her cappuccino and kept checking the clock. Today was an important meeting with a potential investor. They chose this casual, public location to help her feel safe. Her sister Millie had offered to be there for support, but Michelle decided to handle the meeting alone. Staying professional and thinking clearly were crucial for Michelle because much was at stake. Soon, a fancy black car stopped on the cobblestone street, and a tall man stepped out. He wore a nice navy suit, with some gray in his hair. He scanned the café until his sharp eyes found her. Michelle stood as the man approached and extended her hand. Hello. I'm Michelle Hawthorne. He smiled warmly and shook her hand. I’m Oliver Grant. Thank you for meeting me. Michelle was taken aback for a moment. She knew his name. Oliver Grant was Adrien's former business partner, someone she had heard about but never met. Adrien o
Raymond spent the night walking back and forth on the terrace, holding the crumpled letter in his hand. He was torn between his responsibilities and his desires. As dawn broke, painting the sky with soft pink and gold colors, he finally made his decision. When Michelle entered the kitchen, she was still in her pajamas and holding a steaming cup of tea. She found Raymond already at the small breakfast table, his usually calm eyes showing some hesitation. Morning, Michelle greeted with a sleepy smile, placing her cup down. You're up early. I couldn't sleep, he admitted. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the letter, and slid it across to her. I need to talk to you about something. Michelle looked puzzled as she unfolded the letter. As she read it, she let out a soft gasp. Raymond, this is amazing! She exclaimed, her face lighting up. The Global Entrepreneur Excellence Award? That's a huge deal! Raymond managed a small smile. It is a big honor. You really have to go, she said immed
The following days were filled with a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. They dug out the suitcases from the closets and checked that their passports were in order. Michelle stayed busy writing lists of items to pack, tasks to cancel, and things to remember. The twins were overjoyed, running around the house and laughing about their upcoming trip on a huge airplane. At the dining table, Chloe and Sebastian were deeply focused on their laptops, discussing work matters. I think we should adjust the project timelines while Michelle is away, Chloe suggested as she reviewed the company’s main schedule. That way, if unexpected issues come up, we’ll be prepared. Sebastian agreed, tapping his pen. Yes, I'll take care of client meetings if necessary. We’ll make the transition smooth. Michelle, overhearing them from the kitchen while packing snacks for the twins, smiled to herself. She would miss her team dearly, but knowing Chloe and Sebastian were taking charge gave her peace of mind
The next morning, warm sunlight filled their living room through big windows, creating golden patterns on the wooden floor. Michelle was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, staring at an email on her phone. The subject line felt huge and important. Across from her, Raymond was calmly sipping his coffee, quietly watching her. I can’t stop thinking about it, Michelle said, setting her phone on the table. It’s such an amazing opportunity... but I’m scared, Ray. Raymond put his coffee mug down and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. Tell me everything, he encouraged her . Let's figure this out together. Michelle brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. The project lasts only three months, she explained slowly. It's about a small eco-community designed to be self-sustaining, combining nature and buildings in new ways. Raymond nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue. And they want me to lead the design, not just help. Lead. Michelle's voice wavered slightly with the