Chapter 61To Protect You.Simon kept his eyes fixed on the road as he drove Gemini to his villa. He knew he wasn’t going to let her return to her father’s house—not after that confrontation. The nerve of that man.“Simon,” Gemini called out, but he didn’t respond, his jaw clenched in frustration. Was he angry at her? She hadn’t done anything wrong. “Are you angry with me?” she asked again, her voice tinged with confusion.Silence met her, and Simon continued to ignore her. He didn’t want to engage in an argument, not now, not when his temper was already flaring. “Seriously? You won’t even answer me?” she pressed, annoyance furrowing her brows.Finally, Simon arrived at his villa, parking the car in the garage. He stepped out and unlocked the door, gesturing for Gemini to follow. She hesitated for a moment, unsure, but eventually complied.As he walked ahead, she trailed behind, irritation bubbling inside her. Why had he brought her here instead of taking her back to her father’s hou
~HIDDEN TRUTH~Gustavo’s eyes shifted from the passing scenery to the rearview mirror. Saint was fuming with rage, his expression dark and unyielding. Gustavo didn’t know what he and Brandon had talked about, but it was clear it hadn’t been a friendly, lighthearted catch-up. Not that it mattered to him at the moment.His main focus was on obtaining those documents from Tiara. Those papers were crucial—they could set his plans into motion.The sting of Simon’s public humiliation still burned fresh in his mind. Simon would pay for that, Gustavo vowed silently.The imposing silhouette of the Saint mansion came into view, its grandeur doing little to calm Gustavo’s nerves. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus as the car pulled into the garage. The driver stepped out and made his way to Mrs. Ciara’s side of the vehicle, opening the door for her with practiced precision. Meanwhile, Gustavo unlocked the door for Mr. Saint, who stepped out with an air of icy authority. Gustavo
~No Going Back~Tiara hurried after her mother, desperate to stop her from doing something that could ruin her chances with Gustavo. She *couldn’t* lose him. She needed him—not just for herself, but for their unborn child. “Mom, please don’t do this,” Tiara pleaded, her footsteps quickening. “Stay out of this, Tiara. This is between me and that bastard,” Mrs. Ciara snapped, her voice sharp with anger. Her fury wasn’t just about Gustavo—it was about the insult of it all. He had come from nothing, a nobody from the slums, and now *he* dared to entangle himself with her daughter? Tiara was only nineteen. She had a future ahead of her. A future *far* beyond Gustavo. And yet, here she was, pregnant with his child. He would *regret* ever messing with her daughter. Mrs. Ciara stormed outside, her eyes immediately locking onto Gustavo as he was about to get into his car. Without hesitation, she called out to him. “Gustavo.” Her voice was cold, cutting through the air like a b
~GETTING RID OF PROBLEMS~Nanny Lauren's face turned pale as she listened in on their conversation. Madam Ciara had been poisoning Sir Saint. She knew she couldn't stay there for long before someone caught her spying. She needed to inform Ma’am Gemini. *These people are devils. How could they?* she thought. “Why are you so surprised, Ciara?” Gustavo asked, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. “You think I don’t know about all your dirty dealings?” He took a slow, deliberate step toward Tiara, his eyes assessing her from head to toe. She was trembling—it was almost pathetic to watch. “How dare you threaten me with that?” Mrs. Ciara spat, her hands clenched into fists. “You think if I go down, you won’t go down with me? I know all about the funds you've been siphoning from Saint.” Gustavo smirked. He was impressed that she still had the guts to stand up to him. But he also knew she wouldn’t do anything with that information. “Should I be scared? Compared to me, you
~MORE THAN A MAID~Sunlight streamed into Gemini’s room as she slowly opened her eyes. She stared at the small bird chirping on the balcony, its tiny frame hopping along the railing. Last night’s conversation with Simon echoed in her mind. "A family," Gemini whispered, a soft smile curving her lips. Sitting upright, she let her hand rest on her belly, gently caressing it. She looked around the room—it felt familiar, comforting. She was back in her space. She sighed. Reaching for her phone, she noticed a missed call from Nanny Lauren. Frowning, she dialed the number back, pressing the phone to her ear. It rang. And rang. No answer. That was odd. Nanny Lauren always picked up her calls immediately. She tried again. Nothing. And then a third time. Still nothing. "Strange," Gemini murmured. She placed the phone back on her nightstand. *I’ll just see her at Dad’s place later when I go to get my things,* she decided before pushing the thought aside and getting out of b
~MINE ALONE~Gemini pulled away from Simon’s hold, her hands clenched into fists as she bit her lower lip until she tasted copper. “I won’t forgive any of you if anything happens to Nanny Lauren,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Especially you, Father.” She was done. Done with his tricks, his lies, his cruelty. She refused to break—especially not in front of them. “What a stupid brat,” Mr. Saint growled through gritted teeth. His cold eyes bore into his daughter. He should have disowned her long ago, but he couldn’t. Not now. Not when she was the key to everything Maya left behind. Those damn documents. He needed to get his hands on them—before Gemini did. “You never fail to disappoint me, Gemini,” he said, his tone dripping with hate. “It’s almost tragic that we’re related.” His gaze shifted toward the doorway. Gemini instinctively followed his eyes, and when they landed on him, her stomach twisted. Gustavo.That bastard.“I hope I’m not interrupting a family momen
~GREEDY AMBITION~There was nothing more they could do but wait for Nanny Lauren to call, as Simon had suggested. Gemini walked him to his car. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you pack?” he asked, concern obvious in his eyes as they flickered from her to the house. Gemini smiled, her hand gently holding his. “As much as I love your company, I know you’re a busy man. Don’t let me keep you,” she said, hoping it would convince him to leave. This was her family’s problem, and she was going to solve it herself. She would get to the root of everything. “I’ll be visiting my grandma. I heard her health has gotten worse.” Simon’s expression softened. “How are you coping with that?” Gemini had always been close to her grandmother, staying by her side ever since she was diagnosed. Now, she was losing another family member, and the thought terrified her. “Well… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared as hell. But Uncle Brandon is still around—that’s a good sign.” She
~YOU ARE MINE STILL~Gustavo made his way out of the kitchen toward the living room exit, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he spotted Gemini approaching. “Hey,” he called out, a fake smile plastered across his lips. Gemini’s brows furrowed in annoyance, but she forced herself to stay calm. Now was not the time to get upset. “You have a little…” Gustavo said, reaching out to brush a smudge of lipstick from the corner of her lips. She recoiled instantly, slapping his hand away as she glared at him. *Shameless bastard,* she thought, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. “No ‘thank you’?” he mused, feigning disappointment. “You’re getting ruder by the day, Gemini, and I don’t like it.” His tone was teasing, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable. “I wouldn’t be if you learned to keep your hands to yourself—especially off someone else’s wife,” she shot back, disgust evident in her voice. Gustavo chuckled, shaking his head. *Someone else’s wife.* It was funny. No ma
~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
~A GROWING THREAT~Simon stepped out of the hospital’s grand entrance, the weight of the day pressing against his shoulders. His name was etched in bold letters across the sleek glass facade—Sinclair Medical Center—a reminder of the empire he’d built. But right now, none of it mattered. He loosened his tie slightly, exhaling as he made his way to his car. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and pulled out of the lot, navigating the busy streets with ease. A few blocks later, he spotted a small roadside flower stand tucked between a café and a bookstore. A hint of memories tugged at him—Gemini loved fresh flowers. She once told him that nothing brightened a room quite like them. Smiling to himself, he parked and stepped out, his sharp suit standing in contrast to the casual bustle of the street. “Good evening, sir,” the elderly florist greeted warmly. “What can I get for you?” “Something elegant,” Simon said, scanning the vibrant display. His eyes landed o
~ENDGAME~Lilac sat in her car, her eyes fixed on Saint Mansion before they drifted back to the steering wheel. Maya had been in love with this monster. How could he want to take everything from his daughter? Lilac thought, shaking her head. She knew she’d played her part well in there, making them believe she wanted the same thing. But now, she needed to inform Brandon. Gemini might be in danger. And so were the galleries. Starting the engine, she drove out of the compound, her thoughts heavy as she headed back to her office. On the way, her mind replayed the last conversation she'd had with Maya. Maya had been terrified that Saint would hurt Gemini. But Gemini was okay. Married to a great guy—someone who loved her and protected her fiercely. And soon, she would become a mother. Lilac pulled into her office driveway. The two-story building loomed quietly in front of her. She’d opened a small office here in Manhattan, knowing she would be staying for a while before eve
~AN END TO IT ALL~Gustavo stared at Lilac Sheinkaih as she stepped out of Saint's mansion. A slow, satisfied smile curled his lips. He knew exactly how desperate Saint was to get his hands on Gemini's inheritance.The old man was grasping at whatever power he had left. And if Saint managed to take control of those galleries, everything would eventually fall right into Gustavo’s hands—once he took over Saint Technologies.He glanced back at Tiara, who sat behind him, her hands twisted in her lap. She was nervous, chewing her bottom lip as if it might save her from the storm she was willingly stepping into.“What were you saying again?” Gustavo asked casually as if they hadn’t just been discussing something life-altering. His tone was cold, disinterested.Tiara took a shaky breath. She had promised herself she would move on, that she wouldn't keep chasing him for something he couldn't give her. But she still needed to tell him. He deserved to know her final decision.“I’m keeping the
~TAKING THE BAIT~Saint picked up his glass of whisky, taking a slow sip, his cold eyes fixed on Lilac as she sat across from him. He had called her here, requesting a meeting under the guise of business. If possible, he hoped to strike a deal—after all, she was the biggest art collector in town. And he needed her.“I didn’t expect this meeting, Mr. Saint,” Lilac said smoothly, her polite smile betraying none of the wariness she felt inside. She was surprised, to say the least, when the mighty George Saint himself had requested to see her.And now here she was, sitting face-to-face with the man who had once been Maya’s husband.“There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” he replied, matching her politeness with a thin, practiced smile of his own. He set his glass of whiskey down carefully on the polished table between them. “Business has a way of bringing people together.”“I see,” Lilac murmured, dragging the words out, clearly unconvinced. But she was here now, and curio