The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was the first thing Chloe registered as she slowly regained consciousness. Her body ached, her head ached, and her throat felt dry so much that she couldn't even swallow her saliva, but the moment her eyelids fluttered open, she saw Michelle sitting beside her, gripping her hand tightly. "Chloe?" Michelle's voice was laced with both relief and urgency. Chloe tried to speak, but her throat was too dry and it burned. Michelle quickly reached for a cup of water and helped her sit up to take a small sip. "You scared the hell out of me Chloe ," Michelle whispered, her grip on Chloe’s hand tightening. The worry on her face obvious. Chloe gave her a weak smile. "That… makes two of us." But the relief was short-lived. Chloe's brows knitted together as memories of the attack came rushing back. Her fingers curled against the bedsheet, and she swallowed hard. She suddenly became tense. Michelle noticed the change instantly. "Chloe, are you okay? Wh
Raymond’s gaze sharpened as he watched Miranda and Eleanor across the restaurant. They were deep in conversation, their expressions tense, their gestures restrained yet urgent. Whatever they were discussing, it wasn’t casual. He took a calculated step forward to their table, making his presence known. Eleanor was the first to notice him. Her posture stiffened, but she masked it quickly with a charming smile. “Raymond,” she greeted smoothly as if she hadn’t just been caught whispering with Miranda. “What a surprise.” Miranda turned, her expression unreadable, though Raymond could see the flicker of unease and panic in her eyes. It was brief, but it was there. “Ladies,” he greeted coolly. “Didn’t expect to find you both here.” what a coincidence. Miranda was the first to recover, smoothing out her blazer as she gave him a practiced smile. “Business discussions. You know how it is right?.” Raymond didn’t respond right away. Instead, he glanced at the untouched glasses of wine on t
The hospital room was quiet except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor. Chloe sat up against the pillows, her fingers tightening around the blanket as she stared at Michelle, who sat beside her. The weight of the past few days hung between them—Chloe’s attack, the threatening note Michelle received, and now, an unsettling silence. Michelle could tell something was wrong. "Chloe, you need to tell me what's going on," And I mean everything. Michelle urged, her voice gentle but firm. "I know you’re scared, but keeping secrets won’t help." Chloe hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, then closing again. She let out a shaky breath. “I should have told you this a long time ago,” she said finally. “But I didn’t know how to bring it up.” Michelle frowned. “Told me what?” Chloe lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping the blanket tighter. “I was adopted.” Michelle blinked. “What?” “My last name has always been Bennett, but my biological parents… they weren’t the people I gre
Michelle stared at Alex, her fingers tightening around the photograph. Chloe, much younger, standing beside someone she didn’t recognize—but the resemblance was uncanny. There was no denying it. It was definitely one of Chloe's parents or relatives.Her pulse pounded. “What do you mean by, ‘who she was supposed to be’?”Alex exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. “Michelle, Chloe isn’t just some ordinary girl with a lost past. She wasn't just an adopted child, she came from a family so powerful and dangerous that most people don’t even say their name out loud.”Michelle’s grip on the photograph tightened. “That doesn’t make any sense. Chloe was adopted as a baby. She doesn’t even know who her real parents are.”Alex gave a humorless chuckle. “Yeah? Well, someone sure as hell knows her.” He motioned toward the photo. “And they’ve been waiting for the right time to find her.”Michelle felt a lump form in her throat. “Who are they?”And why are they looking for her?Alex hesitated
A heavy silence filled the hospital room, thick with the weight of Miranda’s revelation.Michelle’s mind raced. Raymond’s family… connected to the people Chloe had been running from? How was that possible?Chloe was trembling, her breath uneven as if the air had been knocked out of her lungs. “That doesn’t make any sense,” she whispered.Miranda’s smirk deepened. “Oh, sweetheart. The truth rarely does.”Michelle’s jaw tightened. “You’re lying.”“Am I?” Miranda tilted her head, her amusement only growing. “Then by all means, keep digging. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find yourself in danger.”Before Michelle could fire back, Miranda turned on her heel and strolled out of the room, leaving behind a suffocating tension.Michelle barely noticed Chloe’s shaking hands clutching the blanket. Her own thoughts were spinning too fast.She needed answers. And she needed them now.Michelle stood outside Alex’s apartment door, her heart pounding. She had spent the last hour pacing, try
A chilling breeze swept through the hospital parking lot as Michelle stepped outside, her thoughts still tangled from her conversation with Alex. The revelation that Chloe had been hidden—erased—only made things more complicated.But why? Who was after her? Why did they need to hide her existence? And how did this connect to Raymond’s family?She exhaled sharply, gripping her phone. She needed more answers.A vibration in her palm made her jolt. A message.Miranda: Told you to stop digging. But since you won’t… let’s play a game.Michelle’s pulse quickened as a second message came in—a picture.Her stomach twisted. It was the hospital’s front entrance, the shot clearly taken from a distance. Chloe was in the frame, just barely visible as she walked along the pathway, completely unaware of the danger she was about to find herself in.A sick feeling settled in Michelle’s gut.Miranda was watching.Chloe wrapped her arms around herself, breathing in the crisp evening air. She had been re
The hospital’s dim hallway buzzed with quiet activity as Michelle sat by Chloe’s bedside, her mind racing. The attack earlier had really shaken her to the core, but it had also ignited something within her—determination. The determination to find answers and reveal their dirty deeds, even though she knew she was putting herself in danger by doing so. Chloe had barely spoken a word since she returned to her hospital room. The doctor had treated her scrapes and bruises, but the fear in her eyes remained. What had just happened had truly shaken her. “Are you sure you didn’t see their face at all?”Maybe their eyes or anything that can be used to identify them? Michelle asked, keeping her voice steady. Chloe shook her head. No “They wore a mask. But the way they moved—it wasn’t random. They wanted to make sure I didn’t survive.” If those couples hadn't shown up when they did, maybe I would be dead by now. Michelle clenched her fists, a mixture of anger and dread settling in her chest.
A cold wind swept through the streets as Michelle sat in a quiet café where she was waiting for Alex. She had called him to meet her, her fingers curled around a steaming cup of coffee. She barely tasted it—her mind was elsewhere, filled with thoughts. So many things were going on in her head. Alex’s words repeatedly echoed in her head. "You don’t understand the people you’re messing with." He hadn’t been exaggerating. The deeper she dug, the more tangled this web became and the more she felt uneasy. And now, with Chloe’s past connecting to the Hawthorne name, it was clear—this wasn’t just about Miranda, Eleanor, or their schemes. It was way bigger than that. The bell above the café door chimed, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Alex approaching, his expression grim. He slid into the seat across from her. “Tell me you’ve stopped digging.” Michelle shook her head. “Tell me why you won’t just tell me the truth.” Alex exhaled sharply. “Because you don’t wan
The morning after Chloe’s magical wedding, Michelle woke up to soft sunlight streaming through the windows. The apartment was quiet and peaceful. She noticed the gentle rustling of sheets as Raymond stirred beside her. Michelle lay still for a moment, her hand resting on her flat stomach. Her thoughts wandered to the tiny life growing inside her. It had been Ten weeks. There was no visible bump yet, but tiredness and occasional nausea kept reminding her of the changes happening in her life.Raymond turned towards her, eyes still sleepy, but a gentle smile on his face. You okay? he asked warmly. Michelle nodded. Yeah. Just... thinking. He gently tucked stray hair behind her ear. About the baby? About everything, she replied. The wedding, Chloe, us... and becoming a mom again. Raymond held her hand under the covers. We’ll be great at this. Even better than before. I promise you, he said. Looking into his reassuring eyes, Michelle felt a wave of calmness. You’ve changed a lot, Raymond. H
Michelle sat in silence beside Raymond as he drove them home from the Hawthorne estate. Her eyes were on the distant city lights, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Eleanor’s words played in her head—gentle, trembling, and unexpectedly sincere. The apology. The confession. Her plea to be in her grandchildren’s life lingered in Michelle’s mind. She still hadn’t given Eleanor an answer. Raymond glanced at her periodically, hands steady on the wheel, his concern clear.You've been quiet, he said softly. Michelle blinked, offering a faint smile. Just… thinking things over. He reached over, giving her hand a supportive squeeze. Whatever you decide about my mother, I’m with you. No pressure. No expectations.Michelle felt grateful for his understanding. Eleanor had caused a lot of pain in the past. But today, for the first time, Eleanor appeared to Michelle not as the distant matriarch of the Hawthorne family but as a woman attempting to make amends, perhaps too late. A buzz from her phone br
The imposing gates of the Hawthorne estate loomed ahead, a symbol of power, legacy, and so much pain. Michelle sat stiffly beside Raymond in the back seat of the black SUV, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her heart pounded as they passed through the gates, the familiar driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges looking as pristine as ever. But to Michelle, it was a battlefield. A place that held memories she wasn’t sure she was ready to confront.Raymond reached over and gently took her hand. We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready. Michelle shook her head, her voice quiet but firm. I am. I need to hear what she has to say. He nodded, understanding. No more running. No more avoiding. They had made their decision, and now it was time to face the woman who had once tried to tear them apart.As the car rolled to a stop in front of the estate, the front doors opened before they even stepped out. Eleanor Hawthorne stood in the grand entryway, her posture poised but noticeably
The following morning, Michelle sat in a plain, white hospital room, holding tightly to Raymond's hand. The world outside felt distant and quiet. She focused on the small screen in front of her, where the doctor prepared to confirm something she sensed deep down. You're about seven weeks pregnant, the doctor said softly yet clearly. The ultrasound shows a healthy pregnancy, and everything looks good.Michelle's heart raced with mixed emotions: excitement, joy, and a touch of disbelief. She had suspected she was pregnant, but hearing it made everything real. She was going to have another child. Beside her, Raymond smiled gently at the screen, brushing his fingers against hers to show his support. She turned to him, her eyes sparkling with happiness despite some lingering nerves. We're having another baby, she whispered, her voice barely audible. Raymond's eyes softened, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead. I know. And I couldn't be happier.A small laugh escaped her, feeling the weig
Months passed by as Michelle and Raymond adapted to their new life, where they juggled their jobs, raised their twins, and nurtured their relationship. The hectic early years of their marriage had mellowed into a steady routine. However, each day was full of fresh surprises and happy moments. Their twins, Oliver and Olivia, were nearly two years old and filled their home with the fun chaos young children bring. There were spills, laughter, tantrums, and the constant patter of little feet. Amid the noise and mess, Michelle felt a deep sense of peace in her heart. They were a family, and she felt whole like never before.Raymond remained the calm anchor in their busy life. His steady strength balanced Michelle’s energetic nature. Whether it was a late-night feeding, a doctor’s visit, or simply holding her hand after a long day, Raymond was always by her side. They were true partners in every aspect of their lives, both personal and professional.One day, Michelle came home from a busy d
After Michelle's big career achievement, her life turned busy and exciting. Her firm started a major project, and she was deep into planning, meeting clients, and making design choices. Although it was demanding, it was a thrill, and she finally felt the joy of living her dream. The sense of accomplishment stayed with her as she and Raymond adapted to their busy routine. Every evening, when Michelle came home, Raymond’s presence was a comforting support. Their life together was like a dance—a mix of work, home life, laughter, and special moments. It wasn’t perfect, but in their quiet times, Michelle felt truly grateful. They stood on the brink of something amazing, both professionally and personally.One evening, after a tiring day of meetings, Michelle settled on the couch with Raymond. He was on his tablet, checking both work and news. When she joined him, he set the tablet aside and focused on her. How was your day? he asked, gently tucking her hair behind her ear. Michelle sighed,
In the weeks that followed, time seemed to fly by, each day feeling new and full of life. The sun hung longer in the sky, painting New York in its golden light and filling the air with possibilities. Michelle and Raymond found a comfortable routine: peaceful mornings with coffee on the balcony, evenings spent together, and weekends filled with laughter alongside friends and family. Days transformed from passing moments into cherished memories. After talking with her parents, Michelle experienced a significant change—she felt peaceful. The burden of their expectations and distant love was no longer on her shoulders. It felt like a heavy cloud had lifted, and the world appeared brighter and clearer. Every little success, every quiet moment with Raymond felt like a personal triumph. Raymond remained her constant support during this time. He understood her need for space to process her feelings but consistently showed he was there for her with a gentle touch or reassuring look. That eve
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, gently waking Michelle. It cast a warm, golden glow over Raymond's arms, which were snugly wrapped around her. She lay still, cherishing the calm and rhythmic sound of his breathing. They had spent the previous night filled with laughter, dancing, and sharing dreams under the twinkling fairy lights. The events of last night felt almost surreal. Chloe had gotten engaged in a sparkling way, and the rooftop had been magical. Plus, Raymond had quietly shared his true feelings with her. A fresh chapter was waiting to begin for them. Turning softly, Michelle faced Raymond and noticed he was already awake, his blue eyes tender and full of love. "Morning," he said quietly, brushing her hair gently off her face. Morning, she replied with a sleepy voice. They shared a moment of silence, thinking about the serious conversation they had last night. Then, Raymond found her hand and entwined their fingers, his thumb softly moving over her knuckles
The weeks sped by, full of excitement, challenges, and important milestones. Michelle stood at the edge of a bustling construction site just outside central London. Her hard hat was under her arm as she took in the progress. The site buzzed with activity—cranes lifted steel beams, workers called out over the noise of machines, and scaffolding wrapped around the unfinished buildings like a growing web. Her heart filled with pride. This was not just any project—this was her firm’s first significant international endeavor. It was already catching eyes. A breeze played with her blazer as she walked along the site’s perimeter, with her British project manager, James, by her side. You’ve certainly made a splash, Mrs. Hawthorne James said, smiling and looking at his clipboard. There’s talk in the industry. Everyone's curious about the 'rising star from New York. Michelle chuckled, feeling both humble and energized. Well, let's give them something really exciting to talk about. James nodded