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[Matilda]The upcoming baking showcase was fast approaching and I would say I was becoming a bit excited about itIt's three days away and managing my bakery which has somehow turned into the neighborhood's daily obsession and perfecting the signature desserts I planned to bake live, I barely had a second to breathe The two part-timers I had interviewed a few days ago weren't exactly what I was looking for and I ended up not hiring them. Now, I could only hope I'd find someone soon because handling everything alone was tearing me out "Are you done?" Julia's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as she strolled into the mini kitchen of my store. She had dropped by to help me out since today was her off dayI had closed the bakery for the day but I needed to practice for the baking showcase. They say practice makes perfect, isn't it? And while I believed in my skills, this wasn't just any event. It was an exclusive showcase featuring NYC's top pastry chefs "What's on your mind, young w
[Matilda]"What... what happened?" My heart slammed against my ribs, I pressed the phone tighter to my ear, straining to hear Ella"Ella I can't hear you, say something!" I growled, dropping the pan with a loud clatter"Ma'am, it's Aiden, he's...he's been vomiting and his body is so hot, I don't know what to do," Ella's voice was breathless, panic raising every word. "I tried cooling him down with a cold towel, but it's not working, it's just getting worse,"A sharp breath left my lips before she could finish, I was already ripping my apron off"Everything okay what's wrong?" Julia's voice cut in as she stepped in front of me"Ella please stay with him, I'm coming right away!" I hung up the phone, my eyes darting around for my car key, my fingers trembled as I patted the counter, my pocket —where the hell was it?"Talk to me, what happened?" Julia grabbed my shoulder, keeping me in place"Aiden—he's sick," I choked out, my pulse hammering in my ears. He was fine this morning before I
[Matilda]I bit my lower lip, quickening my pace, my jaw clenching harder with each stepSix years. That's how long it has been since I saw her but even from a distance, I could recognize her instantly — the woman who was part of making my marriage a living hellMy ex-mother-in-law"Where do you say your mummy is, baby boy," That annoying voice rang out making my jaw clench even harder as I came to a stop in front of my son"Right here," My voice was sharp, cutting through the air like blade Vivian's head snapped towards me and for a split second, I saw shock flash across her face — quickly replaced by the same look I've known so well. Hatred, the same resentment she has always thrown my way My eyes flicked from her sneering face to her hand, her filthy hands, still gripping my son's wrist. I inhaled sharply, stepping forward and yanking Austin away from her grasp "And what do you think you're doing?" Yes, That's the voice! The same voice that used to belittle me"And what does it
[Kaden]I tilted my neck for the umpteenth time today, my eyes fixed on my laptop as my eyes danced across the keyboard. Running Donovan's empire along with my businesses was demanding, but nothing I couldn't handleMy eyes shifted from my laptop to my phone as the ringtone pierced the air. My jaw clenched, did I forget to put this phone on silence? The last thing I needed right now was a distractionI exhaled, grabbing my phone from the desk, my brow creased together as I stared at the name on the caller ID. My eyes flicked to the clock. It was almost 8 pm. What the hell does my mother want this late? Because if this was another dinner invite, she could forget it. I hadn't even said a word to her after the stunt she pulled in my houseI declined the call and pushed my phone aside. Focusing my eyes back on my laptop but who was I kidding, it's Vivian Donovan we were talking about, if this phone didn't go off, she wouldn't stop calling. So I had only one optionI turned it off. My eyes
[Kaden] "What are you talking about?" "I went for my checkup at Brookside Health Center and I decided to take a stroll at the hospital, just to see how things were running," I gave her a firm nod to continue. Brookside was one of the hospitals I owned here in NYC"Then I saw a little boy," she continued, her brows furrowing. "And it felt like I was looking at a younger version of you. He looked exactly like you Kaden," Her lips curled in distaste before she added. "And then that good-for-nothing ex-wife of yours appeared and the boy called her mommy," Her face twisted in disgust, but I wasn't listening to her anymore, I pulled out my phone dialing Spider's number immediately"Boss," Spider's voice came through almost instantly"Find out what Tilda and my kids are doing at Brookside Health Center and get back to me immediately," I ended the call, shoving my phone back into my pocketI stared back at my mother, her eyes wide in shock"What...you...," I cut her off before she could
[Kaden]"Cherry I'm asking you a question," My jaw clenched as I tried to make sense of what she was doing in my office. Hadn't she said she was feeling under the weather and needed sleep? My eyes swept over her face, she didn't look sick in the slightest"I...I...," She opened her mouth to speak but shut it back, her gaze darting everywhere but meDisgust twisted my face as I strode towards my desk, my jaw tightening further at the mess of scattered documents — the same ones I spent fucking hours sorting. My gaze snapped back to her. She stood frozen like she'd lost the ability to speak "I'm going to ask you one more time," I ground out. "What exactly were you doing in my office, searching through my files without my consent," She spun towards me, her voice rising. "If you want to hear it then fine, I noticed that this past few days, you've been acting strange, distant and I knew something was wrong. I asked you days back and you said nothing," She exhaled sharply, taking another
[Matilda]The audacity of that bastard, how the hell did he even get my number? I wasn't surprised when he asked what I was doing in the hospitalI exhaled sharply staring at the number, I had immediately blacklisted him. What is giving him the guts that we need his attention or care? He should stay the fuck away from me and let me have some peaceI took a deep breath, dropping my phone as I made to push myself off the bed only to pause as the door swung open, and my two babies came running towards me"I came in first, I told you!" Austin sprinted to the bed, plopping down with a victorious grin. Aiden ran in behind me, settling beside his brother"Good morning Mom! Good morning Mom!" Their voice chimed together, bringing a smile to my lips"Good morning my babies," I sat up ruffling their messy hair. "How was your night, my loves?""Good," Aiden answered. My eyes lingered on him. He already looked much better. I had to stay in their room for hours even after they fell asleep, to make
[Matilda]I took a deep breath standing in front of the mirror as I examined my reflection. The crisp white shirt hugged me perfectly, with the tailored black skirt that stopped just above my knees. My dark hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, but no matter how put together I looked, the nerves clawing at my chest refused to settleToday was finally the competition and despite the effort to stay composed, my heart pounded relentlessly. This was my first time stepping into something this big—something out of my comfort zone and Leo had been the one to make it possible"Breathe in Tilda, breathe out," I muttered, glancing at my watch. The event was to begin at 5 pm and it was already 3 pm. That means we had a little over an hour to get there Leo was supposed to be here by now. He had called me an hour ago that he was on his wayWith another deep breath, I grabbed my handbag and headed downstairs to the kitchen. The competition had strict rules, no bringing of personal ingredient
[Matilda]"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped, staring into his eyes as he straightened up"What do you mean?" Kaden asked, a smirk curling up his lips. "Aren't we supposed to talk, or are you planning on not letting me get the three days a week too?"I rolled my eyes, walking over to the plate rack as I carefully placed the plate I could have ended up breaking it if I wasn't careful"Don't think everyone is as selfish as you, young man," I snapped, turning my attention to him as I leaned against the kitchen cabinet. "You were with the kids, and they weren't letting go so isn't it normal for me to stay still until we are alone? Or do you want me to discuss in front of the kids?" My eyes were shifting from him to the doorway to make sure the kids weren't coming"We can talk now, they are busy with their games," Kaden said. I averted my eyes from him and walked over to the living room and truly they were busy with whatever game they were playing on their iPadI took a deep breath a
[Matilda]"Daddy, Austin, daddy is here!" Aiden sprang up from the couch rushing to the door where Kaden was standing with smiles all over his face. He dropped the bag in his hand and crouched down in time, grabbing him in his arms"Daddy!!" Austin ran down the stairs where he had gone to pick up his iPad. I watched as his eyes lit up as he ran towards Kaden, practically flying into his armsA smile spread across my lips as I watched him grabbing and spinning them around"My big boys," He cooed, placing a kiss on their hair. "How are you? Who missed Daddy?" Kaden asked placing them down I've known him so well to tell that there wasn't his hint of fear when the kids came running to him like he was a bit surprised that they did so and even when I didn't know the reason I could tell it was how the kids witnessed him lose in the courtroom"Daddy I missed you," Aiden smiled, pulling Kaden's hand and trying to swing with it"Me too Daddy, Mommy said you were busy that's why you've not come
[Matilda]"Mommy, so we're going to start school soon?" Aiden asked excitedly as we walked back into the house with our shopping bags"Yes baby, are you excited about it?" I asked and he nodded, his tongue swirling around the lollipop in his hand"Yes Mommy, I've missed all my friends," Aiden said. My eyes shifted to Austin and I didn't fail to notice how his lips pouted into a small frown. I could tell he was so much enjoying their homeschoolingAt least, I could tell that everything was a bit over now even when I knew I should also be on the lookout. I knew how ruthless Donovan could be. But my children's life shouldn't be on pause"Mommy but I like my home teacher, why can't we school at home like we always do?" Austin asked as we walked into the kitchen. I placed the shopping bag on top of the counter before grabbing the little ones Austin and Aiden were holding"I know you like your home teacher my love, but it's time you resume school okay? Tell me don't you miss all your friend
[Kaden]I rolled my neck, the stiffness in it mirroring the tension in my chest as I stared at the files spread across my study table. After yesterday’s conversation with Mason and Ryan, we agreed to look deeper into the hospital records—and get a clearer picture of what we’re dealing with. That’s why I’d scheduled a meeting with someone I knew at the hospital. Three days from now.I glanced at the time on my wristwatch just as a knock echoed on the door.“Come in,” I called out, barely lifting my eyes from the files on my table “Sir, breakfast is ready,” I stared up at Zia, my head maid as she stood right in front of my doorI waved her off. “I’m not eating this morning.”She didn’t budge. Just stood there staring at me like I’d said something impossible.I looked up, arching a brow. “Zia, is there something else?”She hesitated, then stepped back with a slight shake of her head. “No, sir.”“Then you can go,” I said firmly.As she left, I sighed, dragging my hand down my face. My th
[Kaden]My chest tightened. Someone helped him get to my father? It was possible for my father to have passed from a heart attack following his condition but was it natural or was it triggered?"This doesn't make sense Kaden. Oh good lord, no don't tell me my husband was murdered," my mum palmed her face"Mom, don't do this, we are not sure yet, we only have to look into it," Loretta said and my mother stiffened before turning to face her"Look into it? Where are we supposed to do that from?" My mother snapped making Loretta flinch, taking a step back"The only one who can give us an answer to this is dead," my mum voiced out, her teeth clenched tightly. I swallowed hard leaning back in my seatDr Arlan died a week after my father's death! Was this...?"Could it be that this also has something to do with Doctor Arlan's death?" I voiced out, my mother and sister's eyes snapping towards me"Exactly, him dying a week after your father's death? And now theirs a report that looks like your
[Kaden]The drive to the Donovan mansion was too quiet. My hand stayed locked around the steering wheel, tighter than usual. Loretta’s voice wouldn’t stop echoing in my head—and neither would the sound of my mother’s shaky breathing.What the hell was going on?The second I stepped into the mansion, I felt it. Something was off. The air was heavy and tense. I hadn’t even made it halfway down the hall when Loretta rushed up to me, her brows drawn tight.“Where’s Mom?” I asked before she could say anything.“She’s in Dad's study,” she said quickly.I didn’t stop to respond. My steps were sharp against the marble floor as I headed straight for the study. My chest got tighter the closer I got. The door creaked a little as I pushed it open.She looked up the moment I entered. And just from the look on her face, I knew it wasn’t good. My stomach turned.She barely visited Dad's study ever since he passed. Neither did she try to touch any of his things. According to her, revisiting the memor
[Kaden]The past few days have been the most chaotic days of my life. Trying to make sure my mum wouldn't do anything silly. Hell, I knew Vivian Donovan and I know talking her out of it wouldn't work so the the only thing I am doing is keeping track of her. Because I know she can be ruthless when she wants to but they should at least trust me and let me handle thisMy jaw locked as a knock came on the door making me tilt my neck as I stared at the blank laptop I've been trying to work on a thing or two but I just couldn't do anything"Come in," I ordered and the door swung open revealing my PA, "Sir," he walked closer to me with the stacks of files in his hand. "I needed your signatures on these files," He said before dropping the files on the tableI leaned closer and pulled the file closer. I grabbed them one after the other placing my signatures on itMy mind was still a whole mess. Would I be seen as selfish to say I was considering what Cherry said days back even if I wouldn
[Matilda]The moment Leo’s lips crashed against mine, everything in my body went stiff. At first, the warmth of his mouth felt like a comforting embrace, but then, something shifted. My heart hammered in my chest, thudding so loudly in my ears that I was sure he could hear it. My mind screamed at me. Kiss him back. Just this once. Hold him. Let go. But the more I tried to close my eyes and lose myself in the moment, the more off it felt.The connection wasn’t there. It should’ve been—it should have been, but it wasn’t. My breath caught in my throat, and my body froze in place, resisting him. Leo’s kiss deepened, but my lips stayed unmoving as if betraying the very person who had stood by me through everything. The guilt hit me harder than I expected, settling in the pit of my stomach like a heavy stone.Why couldn’t I kiss him back? Why couldn’t I just let go and feel something for him? Leo wanted me. He cared for me. I could see it in the way he looked at me, how he always stepped i
[Matilda]The soft clinking of plates filled the dining room. Tonight, it wasn’t heavy in my chest like it had been these past few weeks. It felt freeAiden and Austin were seated across the table, devouring their food as if nothing else in the world mattered. I wasn’t sure if they’d ignored what they’d witnessed in the courthouse or if they’d somehow completely forgotten about it. I wasn’t leaning toward the latter. My kids were far too inquisitive for that. But they didn’t say a word about it since we stepped into the house"Congratulations once again, we did it," Leo’s voice broke through my thoughts. His deep tone was warm as he raised his glass in my direction. I shifted my eyes to Julia, before clinking my glass against Leo’s."Thank you," I mumbled, our glasses tapping together softly. He smiled, taking a sip of his wineI knew the kind of man Kaden was, and I knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer. His ego wouldn’t allow it. That much was clear. Kaden Donovan never backed down