Lauren gripped the hospital bedrail, wincing as a contraction rolled through her, the soft hospital light casting a warm glow. Alex sat close, his crutches propped against the wall, his hand steady on hers. “You’re doing so great, Lauren,” he said, his voice thick with love. “I’m right here, every step.”She managed to give him a weak smile, as her breath came out shaky. “Thanks, Alex. It’s… intense, but knowing you’re here helps.” Her eyes met his, her heart full, the monitor’s steady beep a quiet comfort.The door suddenly swung open, and Priya slipped in, her grin bright, a small bouquet of daisies in hand. “Look at you, rocking this labor thing!” she teased, setting the flowers on the table. “I brought some cheer, but you’re already glowing.”Lauren chuckled, easing back as the contraction faded. She closed her eyes as she recalled the past even that had gone on in her life. It seemed like she would never get to have peace, but with the baby coming, a strong flood of relief flood
Lauren narrated everything to Priya on the phone, telling her how Tom had deceived the Clara and her. Priya was silent for a minute on the other end until she couldn't hold her tongue anymore. Some seconds later, she began narrating how she also knew Tom was married. But in her defense, Tom had lied that they had divorced.She even told Lauren how she had once overheard a close staff claiming that Tom had tried to decieve Lauren and take over the Langston empire for himself. But at that time, she hadn't believed. But hearing this whole conspiracy from Lauren and her think about it and the possiblity of it.Lauren was shocked to hear the confirmation she needed and hanged up the call when they were done calling.“Tom was a monster, Alex!” Her tears streamed down her face. “How could he do this? He was married all this while and he deceived me. Priya confirmed everything!" “He planned to steal your company?” His hand grabbed hers, his anger hot. “Lauren, you’re not fighting this alone
Lauren’s heart stopped, her breath catching. She rest her hand on her pregnant belly as Clara faced Helen, her eyes blazing with pain and her swollen belly a stark truth in Helen’s dim living room. Clara’s voice broke, her words sharp with hurt. “You thought you won, Lauren?” Her hand rested on her belly, her dark hair falling loose, as her eyes glintee with hatred. “I’m Tom’s wife, carrying his child, the one he betrayed!” Her voice cracked, her pain raw, her betrayal deep. Lauren’s gasp was loud, her voice trembling, her tears spilling. “His wife? Pregnant?” Her heart shattered, her eyes wide, her shock a storm, her love for Tom—her late husband—crumbling. “Tom never told me… how could he hide you?” Her words shook, her baby’s kick anchoring her, her love for Alex a faint light, her betrayal raw.“Of course he wouldn't tell you about me. He was probably desperate to get you into bed, he forgot he had a pregnant wife at home. Everything he's told you has been lies. I built him from
Lauren’s heart swelled as she stood by Alex’s mansion pool, the morning sun glinting off the turquoise water, her silk blouse soft against her pregnant frame.Alex, gripping two crutches, shuffled forward, his green eyes bright, his physiotherapist, Dr. Chen, guiding his steps. Lauren’s voice was warm, her smile wide. “You’re doing great, Alex!” Her eyes followed his careful movements.Alex’s chuckle was light, his voice teasing, his crutches clicking on the tiles. “Great? I’m wobbling like a newborn foal, Lauren!” His grin flashed, his sweat beading, his recovery a fragile triumph. “You didn’t have to come this early, you know.” His eyes met hers, his warmth grounding her, his humor a spark, the pool’s ripples catching the light.Lauren’s laughter bubbled, her voice playful, as she waved her hands in the air with excitement. “And miss your first session? No way!” she said. “I’m here to cheer you on, Alex, every step.” Her tone was firm, like a vow she knew she would take to her gra
Lauren’s heart pounded as she paced her penthouse living room, the Singapore skyline dim beyond the glass walls, her hand clutching her phone, Priya’s words—Mr. Vaughn, murdered—echoing. Priya and Khalid sat on the velvet sofa, their faces tense, the coffee table strewn with papers. “Priya, Khalid, we have to figure this out,” Lauren said, her voice sharp,. “Vaughn’s death—it’s no suicide, no matter what the police say.”Priya’s sigh was heavy, as she narrowed her eyes. With a low voice, she said, “Lauren, it’s a lost cause.” Her hand gestured to the papers. The frustration on her face was raw, her dark hair falling across her brow. “The will’s probably destroyed by now. That suicide note on his desk? The police confirmed it.” she said, her tone wavering.Lauren’s breath caught. “Why would Vaughn kill himself?” Her eyes darted between them, her mind racing. “He was working with Helen, pushing her fake will. Who was he against that wanted him dead?” Khalid’s jaw tightened, his voice
Lauren’s voice trembled as she reached Alex’s bedroom, her dress damp from the hot tea, her skin stinging. “Alex, Melissa did that on purpose!” Her tears spilled, her heart racing. Lucky for her, the maid quickly retracted her hand, pouring most of the tea on the floor instead.Alex’s crutches clicked, his voice sharp. “I know, Lauren!” He eased onto the bed, his hands clenched, and his fury clear. “I should’ve thrown them out, not let them stay on the estate! I'm sorry.” His gaze softened, his hand reaching for hers. “You okay? The baby?”Lauren nodded, her voice shaky, her tears falling. “I’m fine, Alex, just… mad.” Her hand squeezed his. “She’s trying to hurt me, to hurt us.” Her eyes met his. Her strength began to weaken against his strong stare. It was like he could see right through her, and maybe that was what she liked about him most. She didn't have to tell him something was wrong before he understood.With a low voice, Alex cupped her face.“She won’t win, Lauren.” His thum