Novel-novel oleh Joychrystie

As the days turned into weeks, the excitement for the wedding grew. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, and the house was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter.We all went on a shopping spree, getting new outfits, clothes, shoes, and bags. I tried on my wedding dress multiple times, making sure it was perfect. Nessa got her maid of honor dress, and Drew and Nicolas looked dashing in their tuxedos.Finally, the big day arrived. The house was buzzing with activity as everyone got ready. My grandparents, uncles, aunt and families all arrived, beaming with happiness.We all got into our various cars and headed to the wedding venue, some guests were already seated waiting patiently for us. Everything kicked off just immediately, I was walked down the aisle by my grandfather. I saw Drew waiting for me, looking handsome in his tuxedo. Nicholas stood beside him, his smile, contagious as he saw me. Nessa also stood by my side, smiling brightly.The ceremony was beautiful, with pe

As we woke up the next morning, my phone rang, breaking the silence. It was my grandfather calling to ask about the babies and exchange pleasantries. After a while, he asked, "So, when are you two lovebirds planning on getting married?"Drew, who was lying beside me, suddenly sat up and took the phone from me. "Actually, sir, I've have something nice planned out, and I intended to see you physically for a discussion.” he said with a smile. "We're going to have a beautiful outdoor wedding in a stunning landscape surrounded by nature and flowers. And the best part is, it's just a month away! The venue and all is under construction and would be ready in two weeks time.”I was taken aback, my eyes widening in surprise. I had no idea Drew had planned anything, let alone the entire wedding! I listened in awe as Drew continued to talk to my grandfather, discussing the details of the wedding.After they hung up, I turned to Drew, excitement radiating from my face. "You've planned the wedding?

Few days after the birth, our house was still buzzing with excitement. Zach and Catherine were inseparable from the babies, and they took turns feeding and cuddling them.My mom and Theresa were also a big help, cooking meals and doing laundry despite the presence of a new housekeeper and cook. Drew and I were enjoying every moment of parenthood, even the sleepless nights. We would take turns feeding and changing the babies, and we would often sit together in the nursery, watching them sleep.Nessa was also a big help, and she would often come over to visit and assist with the babies. She was overjoyed to be an aunty, and she would spend hours playing with the babies and giving them attention.My mom was now staying with us full-time, she was cleared off her probation and now was happily helping with the babies and getting everything back to normal. Drew was working from home, taking care of his fatherly duties and making sure everything was running smoothly.Our home was filled with

We drove through the quiet streets, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. It had been a wonderful evening, and I was grateful for the love and friendship that surrounded us.After a while, Drew broke the silence. "I'm glad we're having twins," he said, smiling at me.I smiled back, feeling happy. "Me too," I said. "It's going to be an amazing adventure."Drew nodded, taking my hand. "We'll face it together," he said. "As a family."I felt a surge of love for him, and I knew that everything was going to be okay. We were in this together, and we would face whatever challenges came our way as a team.As we pulled into our driveway, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. It had been a long day, but it had been worth it.Drew helped me out of the car, and we walked together into our house going into our room immediately and getting ready for bed. Drifting off to sleep that night, I knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and adventures. But I was ready, because I had Drew by m

I woke up to the sound of Catherine knocking gently on our bedroom door. "Good morning, Alexa! I brought you some breakfast. It’s almost noon.” she said, her voice soft and cheerful.I smiled, feeling grateful for Catherine's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Catherine. Come on in." I said to her and glanced at the wall clock, it was past 11am. Catherine walked in with a tray laden with scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit. "Good morning, Drew," she said, smiling. Drew stirred, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Morning, Catherine. Thanks for bringing us breakfast."I took a bite of my eggs, savoring the delicious flavors. "Catherine, did Theresa make these?” I asked, gesturing to the meal. Catherine nodded. "No, she left hours ago. She said she had a busy day ahead of her at the restaurant, I made them.”“Oh, you’re the sweetest. Thank you.” I said, praising her sense of thoughtfulness. After we finished eating, Drew and I relaxed for a while, before he started to work on his computer. A

***FIVE MONTHS LATER….I sat in the living room, engrossed in a book about parenthood. The warm glow of the lamp beside me cast a cozy ambiance, and the soft hum of the TV in the background created a sense of relaxation. Drew walked into the room, a gentle smile on his face, and sat down beside me."Hey, how's the book?" he asked, nodding towards the pages in my hand.I looked up, my eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's great! I'm learning so much about what to expect when the twins arrive."Drew chuckled. "I'm sure you'll be an amazing mom. You're already so prepared."Just then, Zack walked out of his room, a curious expression on his face. "Hey, what are you reading?” I smiled. "Just a book parenthood.” Zack nodded and plopped down beside us on the couch. Catherine, who had been quietly reading in her room, also emerged, drawn in by the conversation.As we chatted, Stella, our new housekeeper, walked into the room with a tray of freshly baked cookies and a pitcher of cold lemona

Ethan completely lost control of his emotions. He rolled onto his stomach, burying his face directly into the mattress as deep, racking sobs tore through his chest. He wept uncontrollably, his shoulders shaking with a level of grief and overwhelming shock I had never seen in him before.I sat right where I was on the edge of the mattress, my own face bathed in silent tears. As much as every instinct in my body urged me to reach out and pull him into my arms, I forced myself to give him space for a few long minutes. He needed to let the dam break.After about ten agonizing minutes, his heavy weeping quieted down to ragged sniffling. He slowly pushed himself up, resting his weight on his forearms. He raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, swollen, and shining with raw pain as his gaze met mine."Why?" he muttered, his voice trembling violently. "Why did you hide this from me, Claire? Why didn't you tell me my son was alive, well and that he was living right under my nose?""Ethan, please

Once inside his expansive master bedroom, Ethan guided Leo over to the lounge area. He turned on the big-screen television, tuning it to a cartoon channel to keep him completely occupied. With Leo settled on the plush couch, he took my hand and led me over to the far side of the room, sitting me down on the edge of his bed so we could continue our conversation.I unzipped the top of my carry-on suitcase, reaching inside to pull out the small organizer bag where I had locked away every single piece of evidence I possessed. My hands trembled as I handed him the blood-stained letter I had received the night of Sarah’s death, the mysterious note I had found tucked inside my bedroom days ago, and the rusted key from the garden.Next, I brought out the rest, the silver locket, the old personnel file Sarah had used while working at the estate, the video SIM clip I had discovered hidden inside the locket, his private diary, the stack of letters he had written over the years, and the official

Ethan recoiled in absolute shock, his hands snapping off my shoulders as if my skin had suddenly turned into burning coals.He took three uneven steps back, his chest heaving as he paced the narrow strip of carpet between the bed and the wall. He was completely focused, his sharp mind frantically working to connect every single dot from the very day I submitted my application for the job to this precise, devastating moment. I remained frozen against the wall, my spine pressed flat against the cool surface, calculating every breath and every next word.He spun around on his heel, closing the distance between us until he stood just inches away, his shadow completely consuming me."Did I... did I hear you correctly?" he asked, his voice cracking down the middle.I swallowed hard, holding his gaze. "Yes. I am Sarah’s sister."He raised his eyes to mine, and for the first time since I had met him, I saw raw tears welling over his lower lashes. He blinked several times, fighting with everyt

Claire’s POV I slowly walked across the smooth marble floor to where Ethan stood waiting for me, keeping my eyes glued firmly to the tiles beneath my feet. I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. I felt his piercing glare scanning me from head to toe, taking in my altered appearance. I had already shed my former attire, and changed into comfortable lounge shorts that barely covered my hips and a simple dark tank top."What exactly are you doing in a hotel with Leo, Claire?" his voice rasped, cold and sharp, yet low so no other person could hear him. "Is this really where you decided to take a small boy for a fun day out, or did you have a completely different mission in mind?"My chest tightened, and my throat felt completely dry. "I... I was just, I mean we were…” I stammered, still unable to raise my head.Before I could drag out another broken word, his hand reached out, his fingers catching my chin. His grip wasn't rough, but it was firm enough to lift my head, forcing my tear-

Ethan’s povI wrapped up the event in record time. All the organizers really needed from me were my speech and a few signatures on the contract annexes. I delivered both quickly, checked out with my assistant to make sure all post-event loose ends were handled, and stepped away from the main floor. The venue was packed with shareholders and press, and I had zero patience for the suffocating crowd or the endless small talk.I dail Mark’s number, asking him to get the car ready and send in some escorts to lead me out. I disliked walking around with them but events like this, or crowded environments called for it. Thankfully I had already informed them to hang around in cases of necessity. I didn’t like the attention and all that comes with it. Stepping out to the curb, I got into the back of my car, dismissed the escorts and my driver pulled out into traffic immediately, taking the highway back home.I leaned my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes for a brief moment. But a

By seven o'clock on Saturday morning, I was already wide awake. I knew Ethan was up as well, preparing for his corporate function. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, I gathered our smaller belongings. Leo’s favorite toys, my skincare products, and essential bath items, packing them carefully into a separate box. I had already arranged Leo’s clothes inside my main suitcase, using the remaining space to pack as many of my own outfits as possible. It hurt to leave so much behind, especially all the beautiful things I had acquired since moving into the estate, but taking everything was impossible.With a aching heart, I zipped up the main suitcase and sat back on the bed.At a little past eight, a light knock echoed at the door. It was too early for breakfast, making me wonder who it could be. I walked over and opened the door immediately.Ethan was standing in the hallway, looking strikingly handsome. He wore a crisp white shirt paired with tailored black trousers and polished black sh