Michelle’s hands trembled as she scrolled through the article, her breath catching in her throat as she read each line. The words on the screen twisted the truth beyond recognition, turning her life into a grotesque narrative designed to ruin her. Michelle Davenport: The Troubled Heiress With a History of Lies. Her heart pounded as she read on. According to the reports, she had been an unruly, rebellious troublemaker from a young age—constantly defying authority, picking fights with teachers, and refusing to follow school rules. They painted her as a reckless child who had been a burden on her family, someone incapable of discipline or responsibility. Her lips parted in silent disbelief as she read further. There were claims that she had a history of dishonesty, that she was known for manipulating situations to her advantage. One particular story stood out—a fabricated account of how she had allegedly stolen exam answers in high school and framed another student just to avoid pun
Michelle sat in the backseat of Raymond’s car, her fingers still trembling from the weight of everything that had just happened. The press conference had ended, but its impact still lingered. Raymond had defended her so fiercely, publicly, that it left her shaken in ways she couldn’t quite explain. She stole a glance at him. His jaw was tight, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his thigh—a subtle sign of agitation. Yet, despite the cold mask he wore, he had protected her when she had expected him to distance himself instead. Just like he did in the past. “Why did you do that?” she finally asked the question that had been on her mind, her voice quiet but firm. Raymond’s gaze didn’t shift from the road ahead. “Because I won’t let anyone tarnish my name, and right now, you’re tied to me and anything that affects you affects me too.” The answer was direct and logical—exactly what she had expected him to say. Yet, for some reason, it didn’t sit right with her, she felt like there
Michelle stepped into the sleek, glass-walled lobby of Hawthorne Enterprises, still adjusting to the idea of being tied to Raymond’s world in such an overwhelming way. The whispers that followed her weren’t as vicious as before—Raymond had made sure of that by helping her clear her name—but the lingering stares reminded her that people still doubted her place here. As she made her way to the executive floor where her office was, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks. “Michelle!” She turned to see Millie hurrying toward her, a radiant smile on her pretty face. Dressed in a stylish beige coat and heels that clicked loudly against the marble floor, drawing attention as she took each step , she looked effortlessly put together. But Michelle knew better than anyone that her sister’s polished exterior hid something else beneath. “Millie, what are you doing here?” Michelle asked, forcing a small smile. Millie linked her arm with Michelle’s, a casual display of sisterly affection th
Millie sat gracefully across from Raymond in his office, a cup of coffee in her perfectly manicured hands. She had been patient, carefully planting seeds of doubt and saying negative things about Michelle over the past few weeks. Now, it was time to take the next step. “Raymond, I really hope you don’t take this the wrong way,” she started, her voice laced with fake concern. “But I think you need to be careful about Michelle.” Raymond, who had been reviewing a contract, lifted his gaze. His expression remained blank and unreadable, but his eyes carried a bit of coldness and sharpness that made her uneasy. “Careful about what?” he asked. Millie let out a soft sigh, as if burdened by the weight of her next words. “I love my sister, I really do, but she's not like me. You should choose me instead… I’m worried she might not be as sincere and innocent as she seems.” Raymond leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling together. “Go on,” I'm listening. Millie hesitated, making sure
The following morning, the tension of last night still hung in the air like a heavy fog over Hawthorne Enterprises. Raymond had received the anonymous message on his private phone—“Your mother is playing a dangerous game. If you want to save your company, meet me tomorrow. Alone.”—and had spent a sleepless night wrestling with whether to go or not and its implications. Now, as the first rays of dawn filtered through the penthouse windows, he made his way to the boardroom with determination. Inside the boardroom, silence had fallen over the gathered executives just as Raymond made his way inside the room. The crisis meeting had been called abruptly, and whispers filled the space as everyone awaited the reason behind the unexpected meeting and Raymond’s address. At the head of the long mahogany table, Raymond’s eyes swept over their tense faces. But what caught his attention wasn’t just the anxious murmur of the board and the expression on their faces that showed their worry—it was Mic
The atmosphere at Hawthorne Enterprises had grown tense over the past few days. The investor’s unexpected withdrawal had sent shockwaves through the board and made everyone uneasy, whispers of financial instability swirled like autumn leaves in a storm. In the midst of all this chaos, Raymond and Michelle found themselves pushed into an alliance—one born of desperation and a shared determination to protect what they had built. Raymond paced in his glass-walled office, the city skyline a distant reminder of everything at stake. His jaw was set, his mind racing with strategies to counter the attack. Every number on his spreadsheets, every memo, seemed to remind him that Eleanor’s machinations were driving the company toward ruin. Yet, in the midst of it all, he couldn’t ignore Michelle’s steady presence. Despite the coldness and doubt that had crept between them, he now saw her in a different way, in her the spark of a brilliant strategist—someone whose instincts and intellect could sa
Millie sat alone in the shadowed corner of an upscale but discreet lounge, her eyes glittering with a venom that had been slowly building over the past few days, she was becoming really impatient. The lights were low and the murmur of conversation around her barely registered as she tapped her fingers impatiently on the polished mahogany table. Today was the day she would make her next move—a move that would shake Michelle’s world to its very core. Earlier that day, she had arranged a secret meeting with someone she knew would understand her frustration. Someone who had dealt with Michelle before and knows how to handle her. It wasn’t long before the door to the private back room opened, and Alex Westwood walked in. His dark eyes held a mix of weariness and ruthless determination—a far cry from the smug smile he had worn during previous encounters. The same Alex who had warned Michelle with icy words that “some secrets should stay buried.” “Millie,” he greeted curtly, taking a seat
The morning air was crisp, but the heat from the media storm brewing around Michelle was suffocating. The internet was ablaze with scandalous headlines, all pointing fingers at her. "Michelle Davenport Caught in Cheating Scandal!" "Raymond Hawthorne’s wife Exposed in Secret Affair!" She stood in front of the television in the penthouse, her face pale as news anchors analyze every fabricated detail. Pictures— misleading—flashed across the screen, showing her in what appeared to be intimate moments with a man she barely recognized. A man who, upon closer inspection, had been strategically placed in her presence at charity events and galas over the past year. It was a carefully orchestrated illusion designed to destroy her. The pictures were obviously photoshopped. She didn't even know the man they claimed she had an affair with. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her phone. Dozens of missed calls and texts bombarded her screen. Friends, colleagues, and even distant acquaintances all
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
Chloe was sitting on the sofa with her knees pulled close to her chest, focused on her phone. She couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling from an anonymous message she had received, even though she deleted it right away. After everything Chloe and Sebastian had been through to find peace, she didn’t want to make him worry. She believed she could manage this on her own. Her phone chimed again, lighting up with another message. Unknown Number: We should talk. You owe me that much. Her heart sank. Chloe knew she no longer owed him anything. She promptly blocked the number and deleted the message without hesitation. Tossing the phone onto the coffee table, it felt as if the phone were burning her fingers. Determined, she refused to let the past disrupt her life once more. From upstairs, the sound of children laughing echoed through the house. It was bright, innocent, and healing. Chloe smiled softly, drawing strength from their happiness. She stood up and headed toward the backyard, where
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