Jenna awoke to the sunlight shining on her face, warming her. She pulled the blanket over her head and turned her back to the sun as it tried to rouse her from her slumber. She was almost back to sleep when a disturbing noise woke her up. Luckily, her alarm was already off or she would have killed it herself. Now that her sleep had been disturbed, it would be difficult to go back to sleep, so she didn't try. She awoke lethargically, rubbed her sleepy eyes, lowered her feet to the floor, and lifted her butt off the bed. Last night she had been too lazy to wear pants, so she slept in a loose t-shirt that only reached to her butt. She went to the bathroom and did her routine, changed into shorts and a tank top, and went downstairs for breakfast. There, Sean and the kids were sitting at the end of the table cutting up apples, and Jenna sat next to him and said, "Good morning." Sean just nodded because his mouth was full. "Good morning, Mom." Olivia and Oliver kiss Jenna. "We're
Jenna looked at his wide-eyed. Auntie? She hadn't seen one in a long time. "Okay, I'll be right down," she said. "Um, baby." Sean called as Jenna sat down in the vanity chair to blow dry her hair a little. Jenna just mumbled in response. "About the news, I didn't know they realized it wasn't you." Sean tried to explain. "It's okay," Jenna replied casually. She suddenly remembered that Sean and Alexa had been hugging on the news, seemingly on the dance floor. "I bought this for you." The man pulled out a blue box and opened it. Inside was a beautiful diamond necklace. Jenna looked at it and smiled. "For me?" "For you, of course." "Thank you." Jenna took it and put it in the wardrobe. "You're not wearing it?" Sean looked disappointed. Jenna smiled understandingly. "It's too fancy to wear every day. I only wear it for special occasions. But I really like it." "Okay." Sean smiled too, and when Jenna's hair was dry enough, she went downstairs to meet her aunt. They walked do
Jenna dusts off her sundress. She puts on flat shoes, applies lip gloss, and smiles at her appearance. She looks perfect. She's so excited about this vacation that just seeing the word "vacation" makes her happy. "Jenna," Lily calls as she comes into her room. "Umm?" Jenna answers, meeting her halfway. "Someone's looking for you downstairs," she says as she leaves the room and Jenna follows. "Carter," Jenna says with a broad smile. His blue eyes look up at her and sparkle as he recognizes her. He opens his arms and Jenna runs to greet him. Carter was her second best friend after Esther. He always took care of her. And even though he had to transfer schools, he always messaged her on social media to ask how she was doing. "How are you, Jenna?" he asked, looking into her eyes. "I'm good. How are you?" Jenna asks, smiling broadly and showing her pearly white teeth. Carter's hair is dark brown, almost black with a touch of silver. He's always dressed neatly and coolly, typical
It wasn't long before they landed in Miami. The hot morning air of Miami hits Jenna as she steps off the plane, considering the flight is only a few hours long. Jenna smiles as she remembers the last time she was in Miami. It was almost 7 months ago. That was when she and Sean decided to come to Miami. To say it was fun would be an understatement. Seeing how much Jenna liked the place, Sean bought a house on the beach, but they never got around to visiting again as they were busy with their respective businesses. Today they are back, but not alone. Jenna has her old family and her new family. "Come on, kids," Karen invites. Two BMWs are waiting for them. We split into two cars. Soon Jenna is in the passenger seat with Esther, Carter and Alexa in the back. Olivia is on Jenna's lap and Oliver is with Esther. Carter is still staring at Jenna, looking at her with an expression in his eyes that's hard to describe. Feeling uncomfortable with his gaze, Jenna turned to him with a r
Karen didn't want to join the teens' party, so she decided to sleep in the room next to Jenna's so she could hear Olivia or Oliver's screams if they woke up. Jenna left with Esther and Carter without Sean knowing, and they left him behind. "Sean?" Alexa knocked on the door of Jenna's room. There was no answer, and after a few tries, Alexa finally gave up and went into the living room to watch TV. About an hour later, Sean came downstairs and went into the kitchen, and Alexa walked over to him. "Sean, are you avoiding me?" Alexa asked. "No, why?" Sean said blankly. "But I feel like you're avoiding me. We're so awkward now," Alexa said with a sad expression. "You used to be very attentive to me, Sean. Even when I looked a little tired, you were very concerned about me. But now you won't even talk to me." "I told you that things have changed, Alexa. I know you probably had to, but you left me. I was devastated, but I finally found my happiness again, and now you're putting me in
After dinner, Jenna took off her shoes and walked out onto the patio and down the few steps that led to the beach. The soft sand under her feet felt so much better and soothing. She felt content. Oh no, she could never be content with the beach because she would always want to be there. Jenna walked towards the pitch black sea and stopped as the waves hit her feet and flowed around her. Jenna smiled as she looked up at the night sky and found it full of stars. Being alone to see such a dazzling sight was the best thing for her. She started to walk, her feet still in the water, her ears filled with the sound of the crashing waves, the beautiful wind and the sound of crickets in the background. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the wind playing with her hair and gently caressing her face. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Someone's voice behind her made her jump and scream. Her heart was racing. "Oh my gosh." Jenna put her hand to her chest to calm her down a bit. Why did everyone want
The sound of man's shoes echoed throughout the house as they entered after our meeting with the owners of the resorts and tourist attractions. Today was also the day Jenna signed a cooperation agreement with Sean, as Sean wanted to merge the corporate networks of Anderson Inc. and Koehler. Now, every time they signed an agreement regarding their companies, it would require two signatures, one from Jenna and one from Sean. Sean walked into the room where Jenna sat alone. "The kids are playing outside with Karen," he said. "Yeah, let them," Jenna said, then shifted uncomfortably as Sean sat down and hugged her. "Stop being uncomfortable with me, honey. I don't like you being like this." He leaned down and kissed her neck. "It's not about whether you like it or not. It's about my feelings, your feelings, and Alexa's feelings." Jenna winced as Sean bit her skin, leaving a reddish mark on her neck. "Do you still not believe that I love you? How else can I prove it?" Sean raised his
Jenna just sat on the bed. She replayed all the events of her life over the past few years. From when Sean held her captive, to when she became pregnant and gave birth, to when Alexa returned. As the thoughts ran through her mind, ignoring the pain in her heart and the strange sensation in her solar plexus, Jenna thought positively. At least she still had her biological family, her twin sisters. Poor Alexa, who had to live off her parents since childhood. Who as a teenager had to work hard to support herself. Jenna felt that Alexa deserved to be happy, too. How could she take Sean away when Sean still wanted Alexa? Maybe God had just sent Jenna to keep the only person Alexa loved sane until she returned. "Honey," someone shook her shoulder. Jenna looked up to see him, concern in his eyes. "What?" She asked. "I called you a long time ago," he said. Jenna looked around and realized that she was still sitting where she had been when Karen left. She stood up immediately. "Are yo
Sean was lying on the grass one summer afternoon, wearing a sky-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and white pants. His hand covered his closed eyes as he rested, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his body. A soft breeze brushed against his skin while birds chirped happily in the trees above. He let the world slow down for a while, trying to forget the weight in his heart. But then, his breath caught as a small weight landed on his stomach. “Daddy, Daddy! Mommy didn’t give me any chocolate,” his little daughter whined, pouting sweetly as she jumped onto him. Sean chuckled softly and pulled her close before sitting up. “You had some this morning, didn’t you?” he asked gently, brushing her hair away from her forehead. “Yes, but I want more,” she said, her brow furrowed and her eyes beginning to water. Sean looked at her tiny face, and something warm and aching stirred deep in his chest. He gently stroked her cheek. “If I could, I’d give you the whole world. But f
A group of teenagers lounged on the neatly trimmed grass, laughing and chatting as they soaked in the warmth of the sun during their break. Their lighthearted laughter floated through the air, a sharp contrast to the dark thoughts of a woman sitting alone on a bench tucked away in the corner of the park. She wore an expensive-looking blue outfit, complete with a hat, mask, and oversized sunglasses that covered nearly half her face. Sitting upright, she adjusted her glasses and let out a long sigh. The afternoon breeze played with her highlighted blonde hair as her mind drifted to the past. “Oh, those days were so beautiful,” she murmured to herself. “The only thing I used to worry about was which dress to wear to my party… and now?” She gazed into the distance. “Now I have to think about the future. My future… and my bloodline.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked back at the teenagers, a mix of longing and bitterness in her expression. “The only real way to secure anyone’s future i
“Stop zoning out on me, Val!” Sean said, noticing Valeria had spaced out. “Are you okay?” he asked, a confused look on his face. There was a hint of concern in his eyes. Valeria frowned. “Yeah,” she said, lifting her chin. Sean gave a small chuckle and shook his head. “Where do you live?” he asked again. “I don’t give my address to strangers,” Valeria shot back quickly. “But you know me,” he said casually. “No, I don’t. I just know your name—and knowing someone’s name doesn’t mean I know them,” she replied sharply. Sean’s smile froze for a second, but then it returned. “Fair enough. So… why don’t we get to know each other?” Valeria raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “And why would I want that?” she asked, arms crossed over her chest. “You know you want to,” he replied with a smug grin—the kind that made Valeria roll her eyes. Men and their cocky smiles. “I know exactly what I want,” Valeria said firmly. “Exactly. That’s what I’m saying,” Sean replied, still looking enti
“It was my fault,” Ethan said softly. Valeria’s heart cracked hearing his trembling voice, but she knew she had to let him speak before jumping in to comfort him. “Why do you think that?” she asked gently, stroking his head as he sat curled up, knees pulled to his chest. The boy looked up at her, eyes glassy with tears. “I took her favorite doll and ran. She started chasing after me, yelling for me to give it back. I didn’t stop, and then she tripped and fell,” Ethan explained, lips quivering. Valeria cupped his small face and brushed his tears away with her thumb. “Sweetheart, it wasn’t your fault,” she said softly. She didn’t correct his grammar—this wasn’t the time. “You were just playing with your sister, and that’s okay. But now you know, right? You need to be a bit more careful next time.” Ethan gave a small nod. Valeria smiled and kissed his forehead. “You’re her big brother. It’s in your nature to protect and look out for her. But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to
“Emily! She’s in the hospital!” Valeria gasped, her voice cracking. Her face went pale, and panic clouded her eyes. Ben froze for a second before grabbing her arm. “Let’s go,” he said firmly, pulling her toward the elevator. “Sorry, this is urgent. I’ll make it up to you another time. We have to go,” he told Esther and Carter over his shoulder. “It’s fine, go,” they said in unison, both stepping aside. Valeria’s fingers trembled as she jabbed the elevator button. When the doors slid open, they stepped inside. Just before they closed again, Valeria caught sight of Sean at the end of the hallway. His expression was unreadable—confused, maybe concerned. Only a second passed before the elevator doors sealed shut, cutting her off from him. A few minutes later, Valeria sat in the passenger seat of Ben’s car. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, heart pounding too hard for her to breathe right. It was a cold night. Ben glanced at her, trying to offer a sense of calm. “She’s going to be okay
“Hey!” Valeria greeted the handsome man in front of her with a friendly smile. He looked frozen. His eyes were on her, but his mind was clearly somewhere else. There was something in his gaze a mix of worry and fear that made Valeria uneasy. “What’s going on with you?” Valeria asked. “Jenna…” another man walked up and called out to her. Why does everyone keep calling me that? Valeria thought, frustrated. She let out a long sigh and rolled her eyes. “Sorry, but I’m Valeria, not Jenna,” she said sharply. “Who even is this Jenna, anyway?” Her head was starting to ache. She pressed her temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain that was starting to dig in. “Hey, it’s okay…” Ben whispered softly, his voice calm and soothing. His warm hand wrapped around her shoulder. “Take a deep breath, alright?” Valeria closed her eyes, trying to follow his instruction. She could feel the softness of the couch beneath her, the only stable thing in the middle of her emotional chaos. “Okay, sorry.
Jenna looked so innocent and beautiful that night. Her purple dress hugged her body gracefully, making her look like a teenager who had wandered into an adult party. Sean couldn’t take his eyes off her. He stood beside his mother, who was deep in conversation with an old friend, but he wasn’t paying attention at all. His eyes were fixed solely on Jenna. His jaw clenched when he saw a man's hand around Jenna’s waist. Without realizing it, his fists balled up. The urge to walk over and yank that hand away was strong, but he held back and just took a deep breath. When the hand finally dropped away, he exhaled too. A faint smile returned to his face. “What’s wrong?” Mrs. Veronica’s voice snapped him out of it. He quickly turned to her, trying to fix his expression. “Nothing!” he said quickly, not even sure what she was asking about. Mrs. Veronica raised an eyebrow, suspicious. But before she could press him further, Sean mumbled an apology and walked off toward the minibar. Away fro
Valeria muttered under her breath as another taxi zoomed past without even slowing down. “I seriously need to buy a car.” She’d been standing there for almost an hour, yet not a single empty cab had stopped.The cold breeze made her shiver. She hugged herself, regretting not wearing a sweater or something warmer. Her simple purple dress with black floral patterns looked cute, sure—but it was definitely not made for weather like this.“Maybe I shouldn’t have come at all,” she mumbled, staring down the empty street in frustration.She let out a long sigh. The baby shower still had to be attended, even if Ben had said she didn’t need to. Emily said the dress looked great on her, and Valeria couldn’t resist the idea of seeing that adorable little baby again.Suddenly, a car stopped right in front of her. She flinched, heart nearly leaping out of her chest.“Ben?” she gasped, placing a hand over her heart. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”Ben rolled down the window. “You need a ride, o
“Bye, kids!” Valeria called out, waving at them as they ran toward the school gate. They paused to wave back before continuing on. Once they were safely inside, Ben started the car and they headed toward the café. “You know, you don’t have to do this every day. I can get my own car,” Valeria said, staring out the window, fully aware of Ben glancing her way as they stopped at a red light. “So I’m supposed to risk losing you again? No thanks,” Ben replied as the light turned green and they drove on. This time, Valeria turned to look at him. “Come on, Ben. That happened months ago. I’m fine now, totally capable of driving myself. You can’t babysit me forever, you know?” she added, turning her gaze back outside. “I can, and I will,” Ben said firmly. The rest of the ride was quiet. When they reached the café, Valeria got out without saying a word and headed straight inside. He didn’t seriously expect her to never drive again, right? She let out a deep sigh, dropped her bag behind t