LOGINJULIAThe house was finally quiet.The twins had gone to sleep hours ago, their little bodies curled together in the big shared bed, breathing soft and even. I had lingered in their room longer than usual tonight, watching them sleep, my hand resting on my still-flat belly where our new little one was already growing. The news still felt like a beautiful dream. Another baby, another chance to grow our family, even after everything we had been through.Marcus had been quiet but attentive all evening. He had helped bathe the boys, read them their bedtime story, and held me a little tighter than usual when we finally closed their door. I could feel the worry in him, the way his hand kept drifting to my stomach, protective and gentle, like he was already guarding the new life inside me.Now it was just us.We stepped into our bedroom, the soft lamplight casting a warm, golden glow over the large bed. The moment the door clicked shut, Marcus turned to me, his dark eyes filled with a mix
JULIAThe rest of the day passed in a beautiful, nervous blur.I couldn’t stop smiling. Every time I looked at the pregnancy test stick hidden in my drawer, my heart did a little flip.I spent the afternoon with the twins, playing in the garden, reading them stories, and trying my best to act normal so they wouldn’t sense how excited and anxious I was.Phoebe kept giving me knowing looks and thumbs-ups. She had been practically bouncing since the test result, already talking about nursery ideas and how she and Mira would help with the new baby just like they had with the twins.But I was waiting for one person.Marcus.He had left early for work this morning, as he often did, but I had texted him earlier saying I had something important to tell him when he got home. He replied with a simple [I’ll be home as soon as I can, baby. Love you.]That was hours ago, and now the sun was starting to set, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks.I was in the living room when I finally heard t
JULIAI woke up and felt a heavy, queasy feeling that had settled in my stomach. I lay there for a long moment, one hand resting on my belly out of habit.The nausea was different this time, not the violent kind I remembered from my first pregnancy, but a persistent, rolling discomfort that made even the thought of food feel wrong.I sat up slowly, careful not to wake Marcus, but the bed was already empty. He had left early for work again, as he often did these days. The spot beside me was cool, the pillow still slightly indented from where his head had been. A small pang of sadness hit me, sharper than usual. I missed him at breakfast. I missed his quiet presence, the way he would kiss the top of my head and make sure I ate something before he left. I padded downstairs in my robe, the house already alive with the sounds of the morning. The twins were at the dining table, their little voices chattering happily as they ate their regular breakfast. Crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and st
PHOEBEThree months.It had been exactly one month since that ridiculous, spur-of-the-moment joke in the backyard.I still couldn’t believe it.I, Phoebe, was now in a relationship with Kael. The same Kael who had once been nothing more than the tall, silent, ridiculously handsome bodyguard that all the maids drooled over during their breaks. The man who had stopped mid-training, walked straight up to me, smirked, and said “Okay. Let’s do that” when I yelled “Marry me!” as a joke.And now… we were actually together.I still woke up some mornings thinking it was a dream. That I would blink and realize I had imagined the whole thing, the way he had started texting me that same night, the first awkward but sweet coffee date in the garden the next day, the way he had pulled me into his arms and kissed me like he meant it after only two weeks of talking.But it wasn’t a dream.It was real.And I was still shy and flustered every single time he looked at me.Today was no different.I was in
JULIAThe morning sun was bright and warm as we loaded the last of the picnic baskets into the back of the large SUV. Marcus had insisted on taking the biggest vehicle we owned. The one with the reinforced frame and enough space for all of us because, in his words, “Safety first, always.” I couldn’t argue with that. Not after everything we had been through.Today is a picnic day.A simple, perfect family outing that felt like a dream come true after the years of healing. Marcus, the twins, Phoebe, Mira, Mom, and Dad. All of us together, leaving the mansion behind for a few hours of fresh air, laughter, and good food. The boys were bouncing with excitement, their little backpacks already slung over their shoulders, filled with snacks and toys they insisted on bringing.“Mommy, can we bring the red ball?” Malachi asked, tugging at my dress with his energetic little hand. He was the more active one, always running, always full of life, his dark hair messy even though I had combed it ju
MARCUSThe prison corridor smelled of concrete, bleach, and despair.I walked down the long, dimly lit hallway with two of my most trusted men flanking me, their footsteps echoing in perfect sync with mine. The guards didn’t even look at us as we passed. They knew better than to question why the most powerful man in the underground world was here to see one specific prisoner. Money and fear had bought me unlimited access long ago.Livia.She was the only one left.Terra had died that night in the abandoned building five years ago from a single, clean bullet straight to the head from my gun the moment I saw her holding a weapon to my pregnant wife’s temple. I hadn’t hesitated. I hadn’t given her a chance to beg or explain. One shot, and the woman who had tried to destroy my family was gone forever.But Livia… she had been smarter that night. Or luckier. She hadn’t raised a gun. She hadn’t made any sudden moves. She had simply stood there, trembling, while Julia screamed and cried in t
MARCUSThe sharp scent of rubbing alcohol stung my nostrils as I poured it over my hands, scrubbing with deliberate care. The kitchen tiles gleamed beneath the fluorescent light, and yet nothing could wash away the tension thrumming through my chest.The world outside was quiet, too quiet, but my i
NEROI didn’t bother knocking.The heavy doors of Marcus’ office slammed against the wall as I shoved them open, my chest tight, heartbeat hammering like I’d sprinted through the entire mansion. He was at his desk, of course, leaning back in his chair like a king on a throne, one leg lazily crossed
TERRARumors travel fast in this mansion.Faster than footsteps.Faster than servants scattering when I walk past.Faster than Nero’s lies.They move like smoke slipping through cracks, curling under doors, and seeping into the ears of anyone foolish enough to listen.And today, they reached me.I
JULIA Marcus acts light, teasing, pretending he knows nothing.I didn’t know what was worse. Is it walking back to class with everyone’s voices still replaying in my head, or walking out again knowing Marcus was waiting for me.Every step down the hallway sent a small, anxious pulse up my spine.S







