As the morning sun brightened their apartment through the large windows, its soft light filled the room. Raymond and Michelle sat quietly at the kitchen island, sipping their coffee. The gallery's opening had gone smoothly, and Michelle was proud of Chloe. Art enthusiasts, influencers, and critics were all excited about The Bloom, praising the artwork on display. Raymond leaned back in his chair and smiled at Michelle. I told you, he said gently. Her art speaks for itself. She only needed her own approval. Michelle felt warmth spread inside her as she nodded. Chloe had been nervous and unsure, but Michelle always believed in her talent. Now, with her own gallery, Chloe had proven her abilities to the world and silenced her doubts. She did it, Michelle said with admiration in her voice. She did. And you supported her all along, Raymond said warmly. That's why people are drawn to you, Michelle. His words touched Michelle deeply. Do you really think so? I know so, Raymond replied with
Michelle felt a thrill as she walked through the empty space that would soon be her architectural office. The walls were blank, and the wooden floors shined. The space seemed full of possibilities, and she could hardly believe her big dream was starting to come true. Raymond had helped her find this great place, and now it was up to Michelle to bring her dream to life. She could feel New York's busy energy in the building. As she walked around, she thought about everything she had achieved. She used to struggle just to get by, not sure of her place in a tough world. Now, she was on the verge of opening her own firm. It felt almost unbelievable. Standing by a window, Michelle gazed at the skyline and took a deep breath. The view was fantastic, showing the city in all its glory. She felt a strong connection to New York. This city was now her home and her place to create. Her phone buzzed, pulling her back to the moment. She smiled when she saw Chloe's name on the screen. Hi, how’s the
The morning sun shone brightly through the windows in Michelle's office, creating a gentle glow on the polished wooden floors. The city outside was busy and alive, but inside, it was calm, matching Michelle's peaceful energy. She was still thinking about the important decision she made yesterday. It felt heavy, but in a good way, as it brought her closer to the life she had always dreamt of. Raymond had just left after a quick meeting, and his words lingered in her mind. You’re amazing, Michelle, he said with genuine pride. I’m really proud of you. This partnership is only the beginning. You have the potential to create something incredible. His kind words provided comfort, like wrapping herself in a warm blanket. It had taken her a long time to arrive at this point, but now everything seemed to be falling into place. She no longer felt uncertain. Michelle had grown and changed, and she now moved forward with confidence. From the start, Raymond had always believed in her. He supporte
The afternoon sun created long shadows in Michelle’s office. She sat at her desk, checking the last details of her company's new project. She thought about the busy days they'd just had, and as she looked out at the bustling city, she felt a surge of pride. It had been a long journey, but her company had finally reached the place she had always dreamed of. Raymond had just left after a brief but motivating meeting, and his words lingered in her mind. Michelle, he had said with real admiration, You’ve built something amazing. I am so proud of what you’ve achieved. But this is just the start. There’s a whole empire ahead of you. She was at a loss for words then. His praise was both humbling and thrilling. The way he looked at her made her feel like she was truly special. It wasn’t just about the company. It was about their partnership, shared dreams, and the life they were beginning to build together. From the start, Raymond had always been there for her, urging her to go beyond her ow
The grand ballroom of the Davenport estate glittered under the soft glow of the golden chandeliers, filled with the chatter of New York’s elite, swirling champagne glasses, and the lingering scent of expensive cologne and designer perfumes. Michelle Davenport stood at the far end of the hall, her delicate fingers tightening around the stem of her untouched champagne flute as she observed the extravagant event unfold before her.It was yet another social gathering thrown by her parents, an evening where deals were disguised as pleasantries, alliances were built over expensive wine, and where she, as always, was nothing more than a decorative afterthought. The perfect, obedient daughter, unseen yet expected to exist only when needed. She was only needed whenever it was beneficial to them.Her gaze flickered across the room, scanning all the guests in the room until her eyes landed on the golden child of the Davenport family—her twin sister, Millie. Dressed in a shimmering red gown that
Michelle barely slept that night.Even after the party had ended and she had locked herself in her room, Raymond's words echoed in her head over and over again like an unsolvable riddle, she thought hard about what he said."You need a way out. And I need a wife."She tossed and turned, the weight of her predicament pressing hard against her chest. Marrying a stranger—no, worse, marrying Raymond Hawthorne, a man feared by many—was sheer madness. And yet, the alternative was just as terrifying. She wasn't ready for the kind of trouble and fame that came with marrying him but then, she didn't want to be trapped and be at the mercy of her parents unpredictable actions . She wanted to be free. Her father would not let her reject the arranged marriage he had planned. And even if she tried to resist, he’d either guilt-trip her or threaten to cut her off completely, as if she weren’t already the family’s disposable afterthought.By morning, Michelle’s decision still hadn’t solidified, but
Michelle sat across from Raymond in his private office, her hands folded tightly in her lap as he slid a contract toward her. The thick document looked intimidating, the pages crisp and filled with legal jargon she barely understood. “This outlines everything,” Raymond said smoothly, his fingers tapping the desk. “Terms, expectations, some rules , financial arrangements, go through it and sign.” Michelle swallowed, staring at the contract as if it might jump up and bite her, she was fidgeting with the pen in her hand. This is insane. She was about to sign a marriage contract with a man she barely knew, a rich and powerful man feared by half of New York. A man every woman in the city wanted. She hesitated. “You really had this drawn up already?” Raymond’s lips curved slightly. “I had a feeling you’d come around.” She exhaled sharply, gripping the pen he handed her. “Arrogant much?” “Confident.” Michelle shot him a glare, but he only smirked, clearly unbothered. She flipped thr
The car finally rolled to a stop in front of the Davenport estate, a sprawling architectural masterpiece, a modern design that practically screamed, "We have money, and we love reminding people about it." The mansion's white walls, towering glass windows, and perfect garden gave off an air of cold, detached luxury—much like the people inside it. Michelle barely had time to brace herself before Raymond stepped out, he opened the car door for her like the gentleman that he was, exuding his usual air of effortless authority. She stepped out of the car while sighing and closed the car door, then she followed Raymond as he walked towards the mansion, adjusting her emerald green dress—one of the many he had insisted she get earlier. If she had to face her family, at least she’d look like she belonged in their world, even though they treated her like she never truly did. As soon as they stepped onto the marble pathway, the front door swung open, revealing Mr. Andrew, the Davenport family
The afternoon sun created long shadows in Michelle’s office. She sat at her desk, checking the last details of her company's new project. She thought about the busy days they'd just had, and as she looked out at the bustling city, she felt a surge of pride. It had been a long journey, but her company had finally reached the place she had always dreamed of. Raymond had just left after a brief but motivating meeting, and his words lingered in her mind. Michelle, he had said with real admiration, You’ve built something amazing. I am so proud of what you’ve achieved. But this is just the start. There’s a whole empire ahead of you. She was at a loss for words then. His praise was both humbling and thrilling. The way he looked at her made her feel like she was truly special. It wasn’t just about the company. It was about their partnership, shared dreams, and the life they were beginning to build together. From the start, Raymond had always been there for her, urging her to go beyond her ow
The morning sun shone brightly through the windows in Michelle's office, creating a gentle glow on the polished wooden floors. The city outside was busy and alive, but inside, it was calm, matching Michelle's peaceful energy. She was still thinking about the important decision she made yesterday. It felt heavy, but in a good way, as it brought her closer to the life she had always dreamt of. Raymond had just left after a quick meeting, and his words lingered in her mind. You’re amazing, Michelle, he said with genuine pride. I’m really proud of you. This partnership is only the beginning. You have the potential to create something incredible. His kind words provided comfort, like wrapping herself in a warm blanket. It had taken her a long time to arrive at this point, but now everything seemed to be falling into place. She no longer felt uncertain. Michelle had grown and changed, and she now moved forward with confidence. From the start, Raymond had always believed in her. He supporte
Michelle felt a thrill as she walked through the empty space that would soon be her architectural office. The walls were blank, and the wooden floors shined. The space seemed full of possibilities, and she could hardly believe her big dream was starting to come true. Raymond had helped her find this great place, and now it was up to Michelle to bring her dream to life. She could feel New York's busy energy in the building. As she walked around, she thought about everything she had achieved. She used to struggle just to get by, not sure of her place in a tough world. Now, she was on the verge of opening her own firm. It felt almost unbelievable. Standing by a window, Michelle gazed at the skyline and took a deep breath. The view was fantastic, showing the city in all its glory. She felt a strong connection to New York. This city was now her home and her place to create. Her phone buzzed, pulling her back to the moment. She smiled when she saw Chloe's name on the screen. Hi, how’s the
As the morning sun brightened their apartment through the large windows, its soft light filled the room. Raymond and Michelle sat quietly at the kitchen island, sipping their coffee. The gallery's opening had gone smoothly, and Michelle was proud of Chloe. Art enthusiasts, influencers, and critics were all excited about The Bloom, praising the artwork on display. Raymond leaned back in his chair and smiled at Michelle. I told you, he said gently. Her art speaks for itself. She only needed her own approval. Michelle felt warmth spread inside her as she nodded. Chloe had been nervous and unsure, but Michelle always believed in her talent. Now, with her own gallery, Chloe had proven her abilities to the world and silenced her doubts. She did it, Michelle said with admiration in her voice. She did. And you supported her all along, Raymond said warmly. That's why people are drawn to you, Michelle. His words touched Michelle deeply. Do you really think so? I know so, Raymond replied with
The plane came down gently through the clouds, revealing the vast skyline of New York City below. Michelle gazed out of the window, feeling both nervous and excited. Just a few weeks had passed since she left, yet so much had changed. The warm sun, joyful times with her family, and the pride in her success comforted her like a cozy blanket. As the plane touched the ground, Michelle's thoughts turned to what lay ahead. She remembered the award she had just won—Architect of the Year. Seeing those words on the plaque still felt unreal but very special. She looked at Raymond, who relaxed in his seat, deep in thought. His hand rested gently on Olivia's car seat, and Oliver was sleeping peacefully by his side after the long flight. A deep love for both of them filled Michelle's heart. Raymond noticed her gaze and smiled warmly, a smile that always made her feel unique. We’re home, he said softly, full of hope. Michelle nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude. The idea of home had always been d
The morning sun came through the curtains, filling the bedroom with a warm, golden light. Michelle stood by the bed, carefully folding Olivia's tiny dresses into a suitcase. Her actions were slow and gentle. The house started waking up around her, with soft voices and the faint sounds of breakfast being made. It all wrapped around her, making her feel at ease. It was hard to believe they were almost leaving. Even harder to think about how much had changed since they first got there. Michelle stopped for a moment to smooth her hand over the neatly folded clothes. A year ago, she could barely imagine what her future looked like. Now, she found herself living it — vibrant, sometimes messy, beautiful, and completely her own. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She turned and saw Chloe peeking in with excitement written all over her face. Hey, do you have a moment? Chloe asked as she entered the room with a bit of a bounce in her step. Michelle gave her a warm smile. Always. Wha
The party was slowing down, but laughter and soft chatter lingered like a pleasant memory. Michelle sat on a comfy patio chair with her phone on her lap, paused on a video where Oliver and Olivia shouted their names. Fairy lights around her cast a soft golden glow, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Raymond sat nearby, gently rocking Oliver, while Olivia slept on Michelle’s chest, her tiny fingers clutching her mother's hair. Raymond glanced over and smiled, a look that still made Michelle's heart flutter. Excited, Michelle opened her architectural team's group chat. With a slightly trembling thumb, she played the video and sent it. Responses came quickly. Anna wrote: I'm crying. They're such angels! Leo replied: Amazing! They're so precious! And Oliver’s 'no exceptions'? Hilarious! Sophie said: Those cheeks! Their cute outfits! How do you handle so much cuteness, Michelle? Ava added: Is Olivia the boss at home? She looks like it. Michelle stifled her laughter, glancing at Olivia's p
The backyard was softly lit with glowing string lights that gave everything a warm, golden hue. These lights hung between the tall oak trees and fluttered over the stone patio. Michelle stood at the edge, taking in a deep breath. She watched the guests as they chatted and laughed, with music playing in the lovely spring night air. The home she and Raymond had dreamed of was finally full of life. It wasn't just about the architecture; it was filled with heart and warmth. Tonight's gathering was more than just celebrating a completed home. It was about family, love, and the start of something new. "Hey, beautiful," Raymond said quietly, approaching Michelle from behind and wrapping an arm around her. Michelle leaned back into his embrace and smiled. Do you think they like it? Raymond glanced around. Chloe was laughing with Sebastian and Felix by the stone fireplace. Damian and Millie were sharing smiles at the dessert table. Friends from their community were gathered under canopies, t
Chloe sat quietly on the bed, gripping the note so tightly that it had become crumpled in her hands. She watched as Sebastian knelt before her. He was composed, his hands steady, and though he seemed calm, Chloe could sense the underlying tension in him. She knew he was ready to protect her at all costs. Let me see the note, he requested softly. Chloe handed it to him without saying anything. Sebastian read through the note, his jaw clenching slightly. This time, he didn't swear or get angry. Instead, he carefully folded it and placed it aside, treating it like crucial evidence. I’m fine, Chloe whispered, but her shaky voice revealed her true feelings. Sebastian reached out and held her hands, entwining their fingers. His touch was warm and reassuring. You will be fine, he gently corrected her. His voice carried a sense of certainty. I promise, Chloe. You’re safe with me. I won't let anything happen to you or let anyone hurt you. Tears filled Chloe's eyes, but she fought to keep them