(The devil and its minions)I continuously pressed the doorbell, aware that Gustavo must be inside. His car was parked in the lot, after all. Hoping for a response, I tried one last time, but still, there was no answer. Frustrated, I turned to leave and made my way towards the elevator.Confusion gnawed at me, wondering why Gustavo was avoiding me. He was inside, so why was he ignoring my attempts to reach him? I unlocked my car and sat inside, unable to move. Just then, the doors of the elevator opened, revealing a figure stepping out.My eyes widened in disbelief as I recognized my stepmother emerging from Gustavo's place. A wave of realization washed over me. Was there something I was missing? Had Gustavo been avoiding me because my stepmother was with him? The questions raced through my mind, leaving me stunned and lost for words.I sat there in disbelief as my stepmother walked out of Gustavo's place. Confusion and anger washed over me in waves as I tried to
(The Truth)I sat there, struggling to comprehend a single word of what Nanny Laura was attempting to convey. "Wait, are you saying my mom knew my stepmother?"Nanny Laura sighed, her gaze fixed on some distant memory. "Yes, Madam Ciara was employed as your mother's secretary in Paris. She had complete access to your mother's work because she knew every intricate detail like the back of her hand."Confusion consumed me as I absorbed this information. "But how does Gustavo fit into all of this?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.Nanny Laura hesitated for a moment before answering. "I only recently discovered that they have been seeing each other secretly. It seems that when Gustavo was newly employed, your stepmother staged their introduction. It appears she set him up with your father."The realization hit me like a wave, leaving me with more questions than answers. How deep did this secret web of connections go? And just how well did I truly know the
(The pregnancy)I sat in silence while Penelope paced back and forth, muttering to herself."Just tell him," she finally declared."Tell him what, Pen?" I asked."The truth. He's responsible, isn't he?" she replied."Yes, Simon is the father. But Penelope, he's been avoiding me," I reminded her."What exactly happened?" She sat down next to me, curious."He saw Gustavo kissing me and he lost it. He just started avoiding me. The way he looked at me, it felt like I had done something wrong. I felt guilty, even though we were just fulfilling each other's desires. I despised the hatred and disgust in his eyes whenever he looked at me," I managed to explain.“Why was he jealous” she asked “I know right, why was he jealous, he agreed on just being friends and nothing more” I managed to say “Well that's not important, this pregnancy is” Penelope simply added This was too much for me, a child at this moment in my life, how did I make such a mistake, I wasn't th
(contract marriage)A heavy silence filled the room as everyone's eyes widened in shock. Tiara, my stepmother, gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth.Gustavo looks away, his face masked with disgust and disappointment.My dad's face turned Ashen, his confusion slowly melting into anger. “What nonsense are you sprouting, Gemini” he growled, his voice dripping with disbelief and anger.“It's truth, Papa” I replied firmly, my voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at me from within. “I'm pregnant” Finally, my father broke the silence, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disappointment. “How can this be, Gemini, we raised you better than this! I have given you everything, and this is how you repay me,?” Hot tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “Papa, please, listen. I didn't plan for all this to happen. It just did. I need your support now more than ever.” His face contorted with rage, and I saw the familiar fire
(The decision)(Simon pov)I couldn't help but think that she was joking. After all, this demand of hers had to be a prank in retaliation for my refusal. There was simply no way she could be pregnant. When did I make such a mistake?The thought that she might be desperate crossed my mind. I couldn't allow myself to fall for this. It had to be some kind of ploy. I decided to tease her, hoping to expose her prank."You must be joking, right? This is all because I turned down your proposal," I said with a smirk.But her response caught me off guard. She spoke with a seriousness that made me pause."Simon, have you forgotten so easily? Well, I suppose with the number of women you sleep with every day, it's no wonder. But we had sex in your office, unprotected. Do you remember that, or should I provide more details to jog your memory?" She looked at me intensely, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.I gripped the table, realization sinking in. She was ri
(The promise) *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•He suddenly felt remorseful, his anger dissipating as he realized the impact of his words.“I didn't mean that,” he said his voice filled with regret.But it was too late. The damage had been done. The words hang in the Air, a bitter reminder of the truth.Feeling a mixture of hurt and betrayal, I wiped away my tears and turned away from him. “Gemini” he called as he grabbed my hand I pulled away, “don't” I warned, stepping into the house.We sat at the dining table, eating our meal in silence, Simon's eyes were fixated on me, I could tell he was feeling guilty but that was none of my business “So you are a doctor” Grandma asked Simon, I could see the excitement in her eyes.“Yes, A cardiologist Ma’am” he answered Grandma's face lit up with a smile as she clapped her hand in joy. “Oh, how wonderful! A cardiologist! That is such an important and Noble profession. You must be proud. She said glancing at me briefly
(The slash funds) (Simon pov)The drive back home felt long as I pondered over the last 30 minutes that just happened. Lying to her about how I felt, I hated myself, I was scared, scared of the way she made me feel, scared of being vulnerable in the process I hurt her.I could see the hate in her eyes when I told her I couldn't love her, the pain, the disappointment. I never wanted to hurt her. But it felt like the only way to protect myself.The truth was, I did love her. I love her more than anything. But I couldn't bear the thought of opening up, of letting someone in so completely.The walls I have built around my heart seemed impenetrable, a shield to protect me from the pain that love inevitably brings.But in pushing her away, I had caused more pain than I ever imagined. The regret washed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in sorrow and guilt. I replayed the moment over and over again in my mind, wishing I could turn back time and find the bravery, to be honest with her.
(MINE)(Gustavo pov)Her hand connected with my cheek, the force of the slap echoing through the room. I could feel the anger, the hatred radiating from her stare. It infuriated me to see her look at me this way.If only she understood the depth of my love for her and the lengths I would go to ensure her father's company remained in capable hands.I had worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to build my reputation and secure this position. I couldn't simply stand by and let some entitled, spoiled brat come in and ruin everything I had worked so hard for."You want Saint Global to continue to thrive, and I want to protect it from destruction," I tried to reason with her."What the hell are you talking about? Protect the company? Is sleeping with my stepmother part of that plan as well?" Her voice dripped with contempt and mistrust.As for her stepmother, Gemini, she was merely a pawn in this game. I didn't love her; I was merely biding my tim
~THE SECRET OF RUE DE LILA (1)~ The morning had started better than Gemini expected. Simon had prepared a full breakfast feast, and she stood in the elegant dining section of the suite he’d privately booked for them. “What did he say we were having again?” Benson leaned over to whisper in Gemini’s ear. She smiled softly, her gaze drifting over the beautifully arranged table. She always knew Simon could be a bit over the top, but this? This was something out of a movie. Vita tugged gently at Gemini’s hand, pulling her attention to the three-year-old standing beside her with wide, excited eyes. “Daddy’s here,” Vita said happily. That’s right—she had been fast asleep when Simon arrived last night. “Yes, sweetheart,” Gemini replied with a giggle, brushing a curl from Vita’s forehead. “Daddy’s here, and he’s doing the usual Simon Sinclair thing.” “I’m officially jealous,” Penelope chimed in, nudging Gemini’s shoulder playfully, making her laugh. “A romantic breakfast in the city
~A CITY OF ART~Gemini didn’t hesitate. The moment Simon uttered those words “You need to get out of there”—she was already packing. She didn’t need an explanation. She trusted Simon. By the time the clean-up crew arrived, she was already handing the keys to them with strict instructions to finish by the morning.Penelope and Benson had watched her with matching expressions of concern. Benson, being Benson, had tried to keep the mood light. “You know, Gem,” he said as they walked into the lobby of the luxurious hotel she had booked at the last minute. “For someone who claims to want a quiet life, your life is pure telenovela material.” Gemini forced a smile as she handed her credit card to the receptionist. “I’d say it’s more of a psychological thriller at this point.” Penelope crossed her arms. “Gem, are you okay? You barely said a word in the cab.” “I’m fine,” Gemini lied, forcing another fake smile.”Benson squinted. “That was the fakest smile I’ve ever seen.” She g
~A TRIP TO PARIS~The moment their plane touched down in Paris, Gemini felt a strange mix of excitement and unease settle in her chest. The last time she had been here, she was a child—clutching her mother’s hand as they walked through the streets, listening to her talk about dreams, art, and love.Now, she was returning with a mission.Benson stretched as they stepped into the arrivals terminal, adjusting his oversized sunglasses. “Ah, Paris. The city of love, croissants, and my future sugar daddy.” Penelope rolled her eyes. “We’ve been here for five minutes.” “I like to manifest.” Gemini chuckled but quickly turned serious as she pulled out the letter again, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting.It had to be her mother’s. And there was only one place that could hold the answers she needed—her mother’s house in Paris.A sleek black car was already waiting for them, arranged by Simon, of course.“Tell me, Gem, how rich are you now?” Benson teased as he slid into the back
~A CRUEL CONFESSION~It wouldn’t look good if I didn’t visit Tiara. I had enough on my plate already—keeping an eye on Jerome, who was hell-bent on becoming a problem, and now Simon, who was digging into things that were none of his damn business. Simon needed to be dealt with—soon.As I stepped into the hospital hallway, my sharp gaze swept over the doctors and nurses bustling past me. I exhaled, rolling my shoulders before stopping in front of Tiara’s room. Just as I reached for the door handle, a nurse appeared, blocking my way. “Excuse me, sir,” she said, adjusting the noteboard in her arms. “May I ask who you are?” I turned to her, flashing my most charming smile. The blush that crept up her neck told me it worked. “A close friend of the patient,” I said smoothly. She hesitated, biting her lip. “That’s nice, but I’m afraid she’s not accepting visitors—strict orders from her mother.” Ciara. That insufferable woman. Did she know I’d come?I sighed dramatically, tilti
~MORNING DESIRE~Gemini sat quietly in the garden, her gaze locked on the mysterious key resting in her palm. She studied it intently, as if willing it to reveal its secrets. A deep, familiar voice broke her thoughts. “If you stare at it any longer, it might explode,” Simon teased from behind her, his arms wrapped securely around her shoulders. A small smile played on Gemini’s lips as she reached up, gently caressing his hand. She tilted her head slightly, an unspoken invitation. Simon understood immediately, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips before pulling back. “Aren’t you busy today?” she asked, her voice light but curious. Simon smirked and moved to sit beside her. He was supposed to be in the office, but his plans had shifted after receiving a call from Lilac Sheinkaih.She had requested a meeting today—one he wasn’t about to miss. If she had answers that could help Gemini, he would be there in a heartbeat.“Well,” he said, stretching out his legs, “I have an
SHATTERED BONDSCiara gently took Tiara’s frail hand in hers, her thumb brushing soothing circles over the cold skin. Her daughter had barely spoken since she was admitted, the weight of her loss pressing down on her like a suffocating fog.“Tiara, sweetheart,” Ciara murmured, her voice soft, almost pleading. “Won’t you say something to Mommy?”She reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Tiara’s ear, but the girl didn’t react. She simply sat there—silent, hollow, a ghost of herself.Tiara was wasting away before her eyes, refusing to eat, refusing to acknowledge the world around her. And yet, Ciara couldn’t bring herself to grieve for the baby her daughter had lost.Not when she believed it was for the best.Sighing, she laced her fingers with Tiara’s. “I know this is hard,” she said, her voice carrying that practiced gentleness, the kind that hid the sharp edge of her true thoughts. “But as much as I hate to see you like this, I think… in some ways, it was for the best.”
~DINNER & SEX~The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky as Simon pulled into the driveway of their cozy home. Gemini, her hand resting gently on her burgeoning baby bump, smiled softly at him. She had been tired lately, her body changing in ways she was still getting used to, but Simon’s quiet attentiveness had been her anchor. Tonight, though, there was something different in his eyes—a spark of excitement she hadn’t seen in weeks. “You are going to love the surprise I have for you,” he said, his voice low and teasing as he helped her out of the car. Her curiosity piqued, but she didn’t press him. Simon had always been the romantic one, the planner, the dreamer. She trusted him to make tonight special.Inside, the house was bathed in the soft, flickering light of candles. Dozens of them, scattered across the living room and dining area, their flames dancing like tiny stars. The air smelled of lavender and vanilla, a scent she associat
~THE BOX OF SECRETS~Gemini stared at the long list of preparations for the upcoming exhibition. It had been an exhausting week—work had become her only escape, keeping her mind occupied and away from the tangled mess of her family’s betrayals. Every lead had hit a dead end.But she wasn’t giving up. Her mother’s letters were still evidence—proof that something had been left for her, something hidden beneath the layers of deception. She sighed, resting a hand on her stomach. Her phone chimed. A text from Simon.A small smile tugged at her lips. He had mentioned a surprise for her tonight. What could it be?The thought warmed her, pushing aside the storm of stress she carried daily. She was just about to sign the last document for the day and head home when Tracy stepped into her office.“I think I’m done for the day, Tracy,” Gemini said, stretching her fingers and flashing her assistant a tired smile. Tracy hesitated. “You have a delivery, ma’am.” Gemini frowned, glancin
~A DARK STORM OF TRUTH~Brandon arrived at Saint Mansion not long after his call with Lilac. Stepping into the driveway, he paused, his eyes locked on the grand estate that once belonged to his sister. Memories flooded his mind. He could almost see Maya standing at the door, waiting to see him off whenever he visited. Her laughter, her warmth—everything about her still lingered in the very walls of this house. But now, there was only silence. The rain poured steadily, tapping against the sleek black car as Brandon finally stepped out. His jaw tightened as he made his way to the entrance, his footsteps heavy with purpose. A maid hurried forward to greet him. He barely spared her a glance as he scanned the dimly lit foyer. Something felt… off. The house was too quiet. Brandon turned to the maid, his voice sharp. “Where’s Nanny Laura?” The older woman hesitated. She fidgeted with the hem of her apron, avoiding his gaze. Brandon’s patience was already thin. “I asked yo