A leap into the future Lea's POV PHEW!!! I sat in my new office, a far cry from the days spent in the hospital and that old house in the hills. The large glass walls behind me offered a panoramic view of the city, but I barely noticed. The banner of the Sully industries flew across the billboards across the city. My desk was cluttered with papers and files, and my computer screen displayed a long list of emails. I adjusted my glasses and pushed back a stray lock of hair that had escaped my tight bun. The coat and formal attire made me feel like a different person, but this was who I needed to beI was so deep in work that I didn’t hear the door open. Suddenly, I felt small arms wrap around my shoulders from behind. My heart skipped a beat, and I looked down to see tiny hands. I turned my head slightly and saw a pair of bright eyes and a mischievous grin that looked just like Jake’s. “Mommy!” the little boy exclaimed, his voice full of joy. "Hey there, buddy,” I said, my voice
Trigger warning / drug abuse Jake's POV I lounged in the jacuzzi, the warm water bubbling around me, but I barely felt its soothing effect. My body was bare, the result of hours spent at the gym ever since Lea had left again, three years ago. My muscles were more pronounced than ever,shoulders were broader, arms and thighs thicker and stronger but it didn’t bring me the satisfaction I’d hoped for. It was a distraction, nothing more.I didn’t blame her for walking away this time. After everything she learned about my family being involved in her family's murder, I completely understood her decision. Phill and I did everything we could to make sure she got everything she deserved and more. We fought to make her legal struggles as smooth as possible. It was a constant battle to keep our mother from interfering or causing trouble for Lea, but we did what we could.Lea didn't know that we helped, of course. All I wanted was to make things easy for her, give her comfort. Despite ou
Lea's POV Kai and I were happily getting ready in our spacious walk-in wardrobe, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows and casting a warm glow on the polished wood and glass. The room was filled with neatly organized rows of clothes, shoes, and accessories, everything in its place. Yet everything felt out of place. "Mommy, can I wear my dinosaur shirt?" Kai asked, his small hands rummaging through his drawer filled with colorful clothes. "Of course you can, sweetheart," I said, smiling at his enthusiasm. "Let’s find your favorite green shorts to go with it." I was going through one of my sluggish days. I had those days quite often where I would just slouch back and relax. Had it not been for Kai's day care, I wouldn't have bothered to get up. But I promised the little one I would drop him off that day. He grinned, holding up his dinosaur shirt with pride. "Roar! I'm a dinosaur!" "Roar! You're the cutest dinosaur ever," I agreed, helping him into his shirt an
Lea's POVLisa and I touched down in Paris and were immediately greeted by a chauffeur holding a sign with my name on it.As we stepped into the sleek black car, which whisked us away to our hotel we saw the streets of Paris buzzing with life.I felt a thrill of anticipation despite the exhaustion from the flight."Lea, you’re going to knock them dead tonight," Lisa said, giving me an encouraging smile right after she gasped at me a couple of times. I laughed, shaking my head. "Let’s just hope I don't trip in these heels."After a much-needed rest and a refreshing shower, I had already started getting ready. Lisa had arranged for a stylist to help me, and when I slipped into my dress, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a floor-length, midnight blue gown that hugged my curves and shimmered every inch. The off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle sequins made it both elegant and striking."" I am not bragging but you will definitely steal the show! " Lisa was already getting everything ready a
At another luxurious hotel suite in Paris, Mercy lounged on the plush couch, a large bowl of popcorn in her lap, eyes glued to the massive flat-screen TV. The latest entertainment news show was on, showing snippets from the glamorous party in Paris,she too had come to visit. But today was not her day. She would be attending the second day.She munched away, engrossed in the glitzy world unfolding before her.In the background, Percy strolled out of the bathroom, still damp and wrapped in nothing but a towel. He hummed a tune, glancing at Mercy and shaking his head with a chuckle. "Honestly, Mercy, are you ever not watching TV?" Percy teased, drying his hair with another towel."You are in love with your books,I am in love with my screen. I don't see a problem in that.Shh...this is the best part," Mercy replied, not taking her eyes off the screen but waving her hand for Percy to shut up. Suddenly, Mercy gasped and choked on a mouthful of popcorn, her eyes wide with shock. She coughed a
Jake arrived at the same hotel early the next morning, still jet lagged from the long flight. He barely threw his bag inside his room before heading straight to Mercy’s door. Without hesitation, he started ringing the doorbell repeatedly, the noise echoing through the hallway but luckily nobody was there to notice since it was too early and it was weekend. Mercy cursed under her breath as she stumbled out of bed. Her hair was a wild mess, and she could barely open her eyes. She shuffled to the door, muttering, “Who the hell...?”The moment she cracked the door open, Jake burst inside, nearly knocking her over. “What the hell, Jake?” she groaned. Jake, unfazed, jumped onto her bed, making himself comfortable. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on? Why did you drag me to Paris?”Mercy rubbed her temples, trying to shake off her grogginess. “Ugh, you’re like a hyperactive puppy.” She sulked her way to the phone and dialed room service. “Hi, I need coffee. Lots of it. Stat. Thanks.”Jake s
Lea stepped out of the art gallery to take the call. Her phone had been ringing nonstop and she was worried for a moment because the call was from back home. As she reached for her phone, it buzzed in her hand again. Seeing Kai's name on the screen, she immediately accepted the video call. "Mooommyyyyyy!”Kai wheezed on the other side as his excited face filled the screen, with his nanny, Anna, holding the phone for him. “Guess what? I made a tower with my blocks!Like the one in Paris. ”"Did you now?Like the Eiffel Tower you mean? ” Lea beamed. “That’s awesome, sweetie! Tell me all about it.Did you take a picture? Where is it? ”Kai launched into an animated recount of his playtime, his enthusiasm was infectious. Lea laughed, her heart warming with every word he babbled. Kai's speech was perfect but she loved it when he stammered a little. “You’re becoming quite the builder,” she said. “I’m so proud of you.”Anna chimed in with a smile, “He’s been talking about showing you all day.Sor
Lea's POV I lost my appetite as soon as Lisa and I settled at the bistro. I just skimmed through my meal of Tournedos Rossini, the tender beef fillet topped with foie gras and truffle sauce almost mocking my lack of hunger. It wasn't because of Lisa's remark. It happened whenever I was overthinking. I fidgeted with my food, pushing it around my plate. "Lea, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you,” Lisa said quietly, her voice filled with genuine regret. I sighed, setting down my fork ,pushing back my plate. “It’s not your fault, Lisa. The fault lies in my past. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to shake it off. I will be heading off to the spa. You can finish your food and take some hours off. Pick me up before dinner. ” *** "Bienvenue," the receptionist greeted me with a gracious smile. "Welcome to Le Rêve Spa. How can we make your day perfect?" " I have a reservation for the VIP treatment," I said, "Of course, madame," the receptionist replied, her accent as smooth