[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]Leo's brows knitted together as he stared right into my eyes. "Are you okay?" He asked, leaning in close with his hand firmly on my shoulderI glanced at him, my eyes shifting to my kids who had their eyes fixed on us. I clutched the phone in my hand, biting down on my lower lip as I stared back at Leo"Just nervous," I said the first thing that came to my mind, and I watched as Leo bit down on his lips like he didn't believe me but he ended up nodding. "You don't have to be. I thought something was wrong, you can do this Tilda or don't you believe in yourself?" Leo's voice rang out making my lips stretch into a smile that didn't reach my eyes"Thank you," I mumbled, shifting my eyes away from him. My heart was thumping louder in my chest as I tried to push out the harsh pain surrounding that messageWhat exactly am I supposed to do now? What wrong did I do In knowing who Kaden was and getting married to him? I wouldn't want to say I regret ever knowing him because that lov
[Matilda]As Leo pulled the car to a smooth stop, I found myself staring out the window momentarily speechlessThe building before us was breathtaking, a sleek modern structure with tall glass windows that gleamed under the light. The kind of place that makes you straighten your posture just by looking at it"Leo, are you sure we're in the right place?" I couldn't help but ask as my eyes scanned the whole building. "This looks like a damn five-star event," Leo chuckled before unbuckling his seatbelt. "That's because it is, only the best of the best are allowed to participate here, and guess what? That includes you,"I swallowed, nerves crawling up my spineLeo stepped out of the car and walked over to the passenger seat pulling the door open. "Come on Tesoro, time to show them what you've got," Leo smiled extending his hands toward meI took a deep breath and took his hand, slowly stepping out of the car. My heels clicked softly against the pavement. The crisp evening air did little
[Matilda]The waiting felt endless. A quiet hum of anticipation filled the backstage area as I stood there, clutching my apron. I watched as some participants shifted on their feet, and others quietly psyched themselves up. My fingers grazed over the embroidered letters of my name on the apron trying to calm the nerves crawling up my spineOne by one, the others were led out. Disappearing through the door. The air felt thick, the pressure pressing hard against my chest. Almost every one of them wore a professional look, their faces carefully composed"It's time," Daisy murmured behind me pulling me out of my thoughts. I nodded, swallowing hard as I followed behind herShe led the way as we walked right into where I presumed should be the stageThe moment I stepped inside, my breath hitchedThe stage was massive, my eyes scanned the seven grand polished stations that stood under the gleaming lights, each equipped with every tool every pastry chef could dream of. The grandeur of the eve
[Kaden]I wasn't supposed to hereThe moment I walked into the viewing, I knew this wasn't much of my scene - but Ryan had purposely dragged me into it on the account that his friend who was the host of the event had invited himBut what I didn't expect to see was the woman standing right on stage, with an apron firmly tied around her, with the hairnet holding her hairI had a smirk on my face earlier when my lawyer told me that he had forwarded the email to her. And if I was to picture how she would be by now, it was that she would likely have a scowl on her face and an unbelievable look or much more a terrifying one, knowing that I was going to take my kids soonBut what I wasn't expecting was to see her right on stage, among one of the best pastry chefs in NYC competing. Matilda a pastry chef?Her name alone tasted bitter in my tongue, as I tilted my neck to look at Ryan who had his eyes glued on his phone. I leaned back in my chair, elbow resting against the armrest as my finger t
[Matilda]The sharp beep of the timer cut through the hushed murmur of the room signaling the end. My hand stilled, my grip tightening around the edge of the counter as I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. For a moment I just stood still, my breath rising and falling, the adrenaline still coursing through my veinsI took a deep breath and finally took a step back just like every other person had doneI straightened, my gaze flickering to the three plated desserts before me that I had carefully practiced beforehand hoping that I got every ingredient in the right quantity The energy in the room suddenly shifted, three people who I had presumed to be the food critics rose from their seats. Their notepad in hand as they began making their way in our directionI could feel my pulse in my throat as my eyes subconsciously landed back on my stationEverything was in order, right?One of them a man with silver-streaked hair and sharp discerning eyes paused in front of the firs
[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