(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 Gathering)(Gemini pov)Simon and I entered the room. I felt a strange mix of emotions as I tried to follow his plan to act in love. I mustered a smile as his gaze met mine.Sitting in the family room adjacent to the kitchen, my stepmother's eyes emitted pure hatred. She scanned the room, her grip on a glass of champagne tight.Suddenly, her gaze landed on Simon beside me, and her eyes widened in surprise."Wow," she exclaimed, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. All eyes turned to me and Simon, who stood closely intertwined, observing each person in the room.The expression on my dad's face was the most stunned of all, his eyes fixated sharply on Simon. Clearing his throat, Simon began speaking."Hello, and good evening," he announced confidently. "I am Simon Sinclair, Gemini's fiance."Aunt Becky coughed abruptly, nearly choking on the champagne she held in her hand. Her husband quickly came to her aid, gently patting her back to ease
~A GIRL IN LAVENDER~Brandon didn't look back.He took another sip of his whiskey, the Amber liquid sliding down his throat with practiced ease.The voice behind him didn't speak again…didnt need to. It was enough that it had spoken at all.That it was her voice.His grip tightened on the glass, and he finally turned his head slightly, just enough to catch the shadow shift near the old staircase.There was nothing there now—only darkness and the soft ticking of the antique clock above the mantle.FLASHBACK : (THE DAY OF MAYA INCIDENT) SAN FRANCISCO: The rain had been relentless that night. Thick fog clung to the hillside roads like breath on cold glass, and the Pacific winds howled in protest as the luxury sedan swerved along the coastal edge.Inside, Maya gripped the steering wheel harder, her heart pounding. She was never supposed to find the documents. But she had.And now she was being hunted for them.She glanced at the sealed manila envelope on the passenger seat, her handwrit
~THE SECRET OF RUE DE LILA (2)~Gemini sat in the passenger seat of the car Simon had rented, the ride was quite. The car engine hummed softly beneath us, gliding past narrowed streets lined with old stone building and the golden tint of morning sunlight spilling through the trees.Gemini hand gently rested in her baby bump. She rubbed it absentmindedly in small, slow circle, her thought elsewhere.Vita was with her nanny and Penelope and Benson decided to spend the rest of the day exploring. They knew whatever Gemini came to Paris for she wanted to do it alone.And they respected her decision.Her bump has grew fuller…now, heavier.Simon glance over to her from the driver’s seat, his hand shifting from the wheel to rest over hers. She didn’t flinch, didn’t look away from the window where she stared at the soft, rolling hills beyond the edge of the city.“You’re quiet,” Simon said gently, his voice cutting through the silence like warm butter. “Is it the place?”Gemini turned to him,
~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