Gina's POV The moment Alex left, the weight of everything crashed down on me. My legs gave out, and I sank to the floor, my chest heaving as sobs wracked my body. The strong, composed Gina—the one who always had a plan, always had control—was gone. In her place was someone broken, desperate, and drowning in her own mistakes. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks as my mind replayed everything that had led me here. Julian's betrayal.It had all started with that. Then Elena's blackmail She had cornered me, forced my hand, threatened to expose secrets that could ruin me. And in my desperation to keep her silent, I had dug myself deeper and deeper into a pit I couldn’t escape. I had been so consumed with protecting myself, so blinded by my need for control, that I hadn’t realized just how much I was losing. And now, Alex—my husband, my only true ally—was slipping through my fingers too. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking slightly as my sobs quieted into soft gasps. I ha
Gina's POV I rested my head on Alex's chest and remained there for a long time; oblivious of how time passed by. It felt like ages since I last felt this peaceful. It seemed like a breath that I could finally breathe and relax.I had no idea how we would tackle Elena without triggering her anger, but I believe in Alex. He said he would support me all the way, and I know he would.Finally, I lifted my head and looked into his dark eyes, “Babe, Thank you.” “For what exactly?” He asked.“Everything. For not flaring up like I expected. For accepting me as I am.” I said, my voice shaky and tears stinging at my eyelids.“You're welcome. Now, we can put the past behind us and look forward to a greater future.” He drew me closer and pecked my hair.I broke down into light sobs when the feeling became so overwhelming. How could he forgive me so easily? He doesn't even hate me…Even after finding out the truth.“Shush, Baby. It's alright now.” He wiped the tears at the corners of my eyes and b
Gina's POV After spending the morning with Alex, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—peace. For the first time in what felt like *forever*, I wasn’t carrying the crushing weight of my secrets alone. I had Alex by my side. The thought alone was enough to make my steps lighter, my heart less burdened. I arrived at the office feeling… different. There was no tension in my shoulders, no anger simmering beneath the surface. Instead, I felt—dare I say it—*happy*. As soon as I stepped into the sleek, glass-walled building of Saxton Empire, I caught sight of Jenna, my secretary, sorting through a pile of documents on her desk. Normally, I would have walked past her without a second glance, too consumed by my own stress to acknowledge her. But today, something made me pause. "Good morning, Jenna," I greeted with a small smile. Jenna’s head snapped up so fast that I almost laughed. Her brown eyes widened in shock, as if she had just seen a ghost. "Uh… g-good morning, ma’am," s
Julian’s POVThe past week had been nothing short of *amazing*. For months, my company had been struggling to stay afloat, suffocating under debts and failed deals. But now? Everything had turned around, *all thanks to Elena’s blackmail.* I had signed the partnership deal with Gina’s company just in time, and since then, *doors had opened*. Funding poured in from multiple organizations, investors suddenly saw potential in my company, and the name "Windsor Enterprises" was beginning to be recognized by bigger firms. For the first time in *forever*, I felt like I was finally winning. I sat in my office, leaning back in my chair, staring at the document in front of me—a *new* contract, a *bigger* deal. "$15 million," I muttered under my breath, running my fingers over the thick paper. My company had just sealed an agreement with another major firm, an opportunity that would solidify our growth. A grin spread across my face as I picked up my pen and signed my name at the bot
Julian's POV The taste of victory still lingered on my tongue as I leaned back on the couch, swirling the remnants of wine in my glass. The night had been perfect—a new car, a thriving business, and Lily in my arms, celebrating our success. Everything was falling into place. Lily had gone to bed an hour ago, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the alcohol settle into my veins. Life was finally looking up. Just as I was about to stand and head to bed, my phone vibrated against the glass coffee table. I frowned. It was an unknown number. At this hour? My instincts prickled with unease, but I picked up anyway. "Julian Windsor," I answered smoothly, bringing the phone to my ear. There was a pause. Then, a deep, composed voice spoke. "Julian, it’s Alex." I stiffened. Alex? Gina’s husband? What the hell was he calling me for? "Alex," I said coolly. "What a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" "I figured I should be the o
Elena’s POVThe moment Julian’s call ended, I felt my blood boil. Alex was interfering. After everything I did to secure this deal—after all the strings I pulled, the threats I made—he thought he could just waltz in and ruin it? Not on my watch. I paced my room, gripping my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. Julian had sounded furious, and rightfully so. If Gina actually canceled the partnership, everything we worked for would go down the drain. I wasn’t about to let that happen. Without hesitation, I scrolled through my contacts and pressed Gina’s number. The phone rang once. Twice. Then, she picked up. “Elena,” Gina’s voice came through, cold and sharp. “We need to talk,” I snapped, wasting no time. “I just got a call from Julian. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” A pause. Then, a slow, amused exhale. “I assume you’re calling about the partnership deal?” she said, her voice annoyingly calm. “You know damn well why I’m calling.” I gritted my
Gina's POV As I walked out of my office, leaving Julian standing there in shock, I didn’t spare him another glance. I had more important things to do. “Jenna,” I called, striding toward the hallway. “Yes, ma’am.” She hurried to my side, holding a stack of documents. “Bring the files and start heading to the boardroom,” I instructed. “We don’t have time to waste.” She nodded quickly and followed behind me. Bruno and eight of my personal security men moved ahead, their presence commanding and intimidating as they cleared the path. Every step I took echoed with power, and I reveled in it. As we climbed the stairs to the boardroom, employees moved out of the way, their heads bowed slightly in respect. I was Gina Saxton—CEO of Saxton Empire. And today, I was putting an end to Julian Brookes once and for all. By the time we reached the boardroom, most of the board members were already seated, waiting. The tension in the room was palpable. At exactly 2 p.m., Mr. Thomps
Gina's POV After Alex left, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling in relief. Things were finally falling into place. Julian was humiliated, the partnership deal was dissolved, and I had the full support of my husband. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely in control. But just as I was about to pour myself a celebratory glass of wine, an unsettling thought crept into my mind. My satisfaction dimmed as I remembered one of the biggest mistakes I had made under Elena’s blackmail—firing Mrs. Clara, the efficient managing director of Saxton Luxury Homes, and replacing her with Lily. Mrs. Clara had been nothing but loyal to Saxton Empire for years, overseeing major projects and ensuring everything ran smoothly. She was a force in the real estate industry, well-respected and incredibly competent. Yet, because of Elena’s threats, I had discarded her without a second thought, humiliating her in the process. I clenched my jaw, disgusted at how far I had let Elena control me.
Five years later, the estate is no longer just a retreat. It’s a sanctuary—a living, breathing testament to the resilience of love, family, and legacy. As I stand by the grand oak tree in the heart of Seraphina’s Garden, I can hear the laughter of children echoing through the estate. My daughter is among them, her golden curls bouncing with every step as she runs around with her friends, her infectious giggle carrying on the breeze.Seraphina. The little girl who was born during a storm and who now, in the light of day, flourishes as a beacon of joy and hope. She’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. Every day, she reminds me of the strength I had when I thought I had none. And every day, she teaches me that the future is always worth fighting for.I watch as Alex kneels on the grass, helping her with the butterfly she’s carefully cupping in her hands, showing her how to let it go, how to trust the world outside. His love for her is something more than I ever imagined. A father’s l
Gina's POV There’s something sacred about peace—not just the absence of chaos, but the quiet fullness of a life hard-earned. I used to wonder if I would ever know such a feeling. Now, sitting in the sun-drenched solarium with my daughter giggling in my lap and Alex stretched beside us on the chaise, I know I’ve found it.I’ve found home.And it didn’t come wrapped in the perfect package or with a roadmap. It came in storms and secrets, in compromise and conflict, in tear-streaked nights and breathtaking mornings. It came in the arms of a man I never expected to love. And in the eyes of a child who showed me how to live without fear again.That’s why I decided to write it all down.My story.Our story.At first, it started as therapy. I needed a way to untangle the knots left behind by everything that had happened—the contract marriage, Victor’s threats, the courtroom battles, Evelyn’s truth, and the secrets buried deep within the Saxton legacy. But the more I wrote, the more I realiz
Gina's POV We named her Seraphina.The moment I held her in my arms, I knew there was no other name that could ever fit. She was born from fire and softness, from struggle and grace. And as she blinked up at me with those curious hazel eyes, so much like mine yet startlingly like Alex’s, I felt my heart permanently tether to hers.“Seraphina,” I whispered against her soft cheek, brushing a kiss there. “You’re going to change everything.”****Weeks passed in a blur of midnight feedings, lullabies hummed through tired lips, and soft coos that echoed down the estate’s halls. Alex and I were exhausted, but blissfully so. Our world had narrowed to a singular, perfect focus—her.The estate, once a symbol of looming uncertainty and painful inheritance, had become our sanctuary. But I didn’t want it to be just ours. My grandfather’s name had been dragged through courtrooms and sullied by lies. I wanted something different—a legacy rooted in healing, not conflict.That’s how the idea for the
Gina's POV The nursery smelled like fresh paint and baby powder, soft sunlight streaming through the white lace curtains that fluttered slightly in the breeze. I sat on the rocking chair near the window, my hand resting over my growing belly, which had become more prominent with each passing week. I was just seven months along, and though I felt constantly tired and achy, I also felt an overwhelming sense of love swelling inside me—more than I thought was humanly possible.Alex had just left for a quick meeting with our lawyer to finalize some estate documents. Evelyn was downstairs preparing her herbal tea mix that she claimed would "bring me peace of mind and smooth sleep," and Lana was folding tiny baby clothes in the corner of the room. It was a quiet morning. Too quiet.I shifted in my seat, rubbing my belly as a sharp ache shot up my spine. I winced but brushed it off. Pregnancy was full of strange sensations—this had to be just one of them. But a few minutes later, the ache r
Gina's POV The courtroom was colder than I remembered, its marble walls echoing the low murmurs of conversation, the clicking of heels, the scratching of pens. I wasn’t physically there—I was still confined to my bed—but through the live stream set up on my bedside table, I watched everything unfold.Alex sat at the front beside our lawyer, composed and confident in his tailored navy suit. Beside him, Evelyn, dignified in a modest beige dress, clutched a worn leather folder tightly in her lap. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes held the strength of someone ready to face the ghosts of her past.I pulled the blanket tighter around me, my heart pounding. This was it.“Court is now in session,” the bailiff announced.I gripped the edge of my blanket. This wasn’t just about reclaiming the estate anymore. It was about reclaiming the truth—our family’s truth. It was about protecting our baby’s future from a man who had threatened everything we held dear.Victor sat across the room, a
Gina's POV The room was silent except for the steady ticking of the antique grandfather clock that stood tall near the window. I lay in bed, propped up with an array of soft pillows, my hands gently resting on my growing belly. The sun had barely risen, but I hadn’t slept. My mind buzzed with anxiety, thoughts turning in endless circles.Alex had been pacing the hallway since dawn, talking to lawyers and strategists, his voice hushed but urgent. I could feel the weight of our reality pressing down harder with each passing day. The threat Victor posed wasn’t just legal anymore—it was dangerous, personal. And with each letter from Evelyn, each scrap of evidence we uncovered, the stakes only grew.I had never imagined a world where my family’s legacy could turn into a battlefield, or where protecting my unborn child would mean playing dangerous games of deception and strategy.When Alex finally stepped into the bedroom, his face was pale but determined. His suit was pressed, his tie per
Gina’s POV The morning sunlight filtered gently through the gauzy curtains, wrapping the living room in a soft golden glow. The sound of waves crashing against the distant shoreline was like a lullaby to my anxious heart, and for the first time in days, I allowed myself to relax. I stretched slightly on the couch, my swollen belly cradled by pillows, and let my eyes drift lazily across the pages of the book I was reading.Lana sat just behind me, carefully running a wide-tooth comb through my tangled hair. She was gentle—always had been. Her hands worked through the knots in slow, practiced strokes, humming quietly as she did so. It reminded me of childhood days, when my mother would brush my hair and talk softly about her dreams and regrets. It brought a strange sense of comfort, even amidst the chaos of recent events.“Lana,” I murmured, closing my book and glancing over my shoulder, “would you mind getting me a glass of water?”“Of course,” she replied warmly, setting the comb dow
Alex's POV The courthouse smelled of polished wood, nerves, and freshly brewed coffee. A place where truth was supposed to hold weight—but truth, I’ve learned, is fragile in the face of men like Victor Wells.The judge’s voice echoed in the courtroom as the proceedings began, stern and unwavering. I sat at the front bench beside our attorney, Mr. Langdon, a seasoned man with sharp eyes and a mind like steel. Beside Victor, his legal team looked smug—too smug for someone who hadn’t even seen the real documentation yet.Gina should’ve been here with me. She would’ve sat tall and poised, even in fear. But the doctor’s orders had been clear: strict bed rest. No exceptions. Not when her life and our baby’s were on the line.Just the thought of her curled up at home in bed while this circus played out made my jaw tighten. I was here not just as a husband—but as her voice, her shield, her sword.Victor looked every bit the conman he was, wrapped in a tailored gray suit and arrogance. He sat
Gina's POV “He claims to be Martin’s son,” Evelyn said. “My grandson. Your cousin, Gina.”The room tilted slightly.“Claims? You're not sure?” Alex asked, cutting in.“That’s why he’s claiming the estate,” I said slowly. “Because he believes it’s rightfully his.”“Yes. But he doesn’t know the full truth. He doesn’t know what Wilson planned. And he certainly doesn’t know that I kept every letter. Every piece of proof.”“And yes, I'm not sure”, Evelyn continued, throwing us into further confusion.My son, Martin, never told me about his son. I know he had a child some years back but I never met him. Surprisingly, this Victor Wells, has the resemblance of Martin. I suggest you carry out a DNA test to be sure if he's from our lineage. That will give you all the answers that you need, because if he isn't, a court case wouldn't be necessary.’She slid a box across the table toward me. “It’s all here. Letters, photographs, even legal documents Wilson sent me but never filed. They’ll be enou