INICIAR SESIÓNRachel POV Our food arrived, brought by the same waiter and a young woman in matching uniform. They set the plates down carefully-Marcus's steak, my salmon, Dad's chicken-and refilled our water glasses before slipping away quietly.The three of us began eating in silence.I glanced over at Marcus watching as he cut his steak with deliberate precision, his eyes fixed on his plate. "It's a fine degree," Marcus said after a long moment, his tone carefully neutral-detached. "I just wish you'd picked something with better job security after graduation."Dad's smile faltered slightly, but he pressed on. "Sometimes people choose careers not just for money or security, but for fulfillment. Rachel loves being part of these children's lives. That matters.""Perhaps," Marcus said flatly, still not looking up.Dad's hand tightened slightly around mine, but he didn't say anything else.I hated this. I hated watching Dad try so hard only to be shut down with a single word. I hated seeing Marcus s
Rachel POVWe finally arrived at the restaurant Marcus had reserved.A valet took Marcus's keys as the three of us walked through the glass doors.Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm light across the polished marble floors. Soft piano music played in the background, mixing with the quiet sound of conversation and clinking silverware.I glanced at Dad. His eyes widened as he took it all in, his hands clasped nervously."Your brother really went all out," he whispered to me in awe.I linked my arm through his. "Of course he did. It's Mom's birthday."Marcus was already at the front desk, speaking with the hostess. She nodded with a polite smile and gestured for us to follow.We walked past the main dining area into a smaller, private section. Our table was tucked in a corner, separated by elegant wooden screens that gave us privacy."Wow," I said as we sat down. "Marcus, this is beautiful."He shrugged, already looking at his menu. "I thought we'd want privacy.""How
Rachel POVThe city lights blurred past the car window as Damien drove through the quiet streets.Tonight was Mom's birthday dinner, and despite everything-Marcus's suspicions of Damien, Dad's obvious guilt-I couldn't help feeling excited. Marcus had actually invited Dad. That alone felt like progress.I smoothed down my red sundress for the third time, checking my reflection in the side mirror. My hair was pulled back in a simple bun, and I'd kept my makeup light.Simple. Appropriate for a family dinner."You look nice," Damien said quietly, his eyes flicking to me before returning to the road.I felt my cheeks warm. "Thank you."A pause settled between us, comfortable but weighted with unspoken worry."Rachel," Damien said finally, his voice softer than usual. "If anything happens tonight-anything at all-call me immediately."I turned to look at him fully. His jaw was tight, his grip on the steering wheel firm."I don't like this," he continued. "You being out there with no securi
Rachel POVI stepped out of the car, exhaustion settling into my bones. The school day had drained me completely that I had to skip the library and come straight home.The moment I stepped into the foyer, Leo came running."Mama!" He crashed into my legs, wrapping his arms around them tightly. "Welcome back!"I smiled despite my tiredness, running my fingers through his hair. "Hi, sweetheart."His attention shifted immediately to the figure behind me. "Hello, Mark!"He waved enthusiastically at him, practically bouncing.Mark's gaze dropped to Leo for just a moment. He gave a single, curt nod before turning away and heading up the stairs.My smile faded as I watched him go.The Mark I'd known would have at least ruffled Leo's hair. Would have asked how his day was. Something.Now he was just... empty."Mama, guess what!" Leo tugged on my hand, pulling my attention back. "I met your brother today!"My heart stopped."What?" I blinked down at him. "Marcus?""Uh-huh!" Leo nodded eagerly.
Damien POVI stared after Marcus's retreating form, still caught in a haze of disbelief.Then I heard small footsteps behind me.Leo came to my side, carefully lifting Scout from the ground into his arms. She remained asleep, her body limp with trust, her small head tucked against his chest as if nothing in the world had changed."Are you mad at me?" he asked quietly, watching Marcus's car disappear down the street. "Did I say something wrong?"I knelt and ruffled his hair. "No. You didn't do anything wrong. That was just... adults talking."Leo nodded, though he didn't look convinced.We stood there for a moment longer, watching as Marcus's car pulled away-accelerating faster than necessary.I exhaled slowly and looked down at Leo. His eyelids were already drooping, his movements sluggish."It's time to go home," I said gently.He nodded and leaned into me, careful not to wake Scout as I lifted them both into my arms.I carried Leo back to the car. Vance was already inside, waiting.
Damien POVMarcus stopped a few feet away, hands in his coat pockets, posture relaxed enough to be insulting."I was driving past," he said lightly. "Saw you buying ice cream. Thought I'd stop and say hello."My jaw tightened.Of course, he had.Of all the places in this city-of all the days-he'd noticed me standing in line like an ordinary man, fumbling money while my son gave me love advice."Don't you have somewhere to be?" I asked coolly. "Work, perhaps."Marcus smiled, but it never reached his eyes. "I do. But then again..." His gaze slid briefly to Leo, then back to me. "You're dating my sister. I figured that earned you a minute."Leo shifted beside me, clutching his ice cream cup tighter. I felt it instantly-the subtle change in his breathing, the way his body leaned closer to mine."Papa," he whispered. "Who's that?"I placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. "An acquaintance."Marcus raised a brow. "That's one word for it."He crouched slightly, lowering himself to Leo'
Rachel POV The private study felt like a cage of dark wood and suffocating silence. Lorenzo sat behind the massive desk, his silver hair catching the faint light. Alessandro leaned against the bookshelf with lazy elegance, though his eyes were anything but relaxed. I took a seat near
Rachel POVThe day of the gala finally arrived.And at exactly 5 p.m., a small army of stern-faced women swept into my room, arms full of boxes, fabric bags, and accessories. For the next hour, they worked with sharp efficiency, barely speaking except to adjust a curl or fasten a cla
Rachel POVThe estate rose from the night like a carved monument, all white marble and golden light. Fountains glittered coldly. Laughter floated in the air, sharp and practised, the kind that never quite reached the eyes. It looked like a dream. It felt like a trap. My stom
Rachel POV I stood in front of my closet, staring at the new clothes that had arrived yesterday night —elegant, expensive, carefully curated by a personal shopper Mr Vance had sent. Tailored trousers, cashmere sweaters, leather bags that cost more than my entire old wardrobe combined.







