The following day, Linet and Anita arrived at the company in their usual flawless style—dressed to impress, with impeccable makeup and hair. They had spent the night strategizing their arrival, determined to set the tone for how they would be treated from then on.As they stepped through the glass doors of the company lobby, heads turned. The employees, who had only heard rumors about Anita’s new role and Linet’s possible involvement, were taken aback. The office, usually buzzing with a casual energy, fell into an almost hushed atmosphere as they walked in, both of them exuding an air of superiority and power.Anita, who had always been keenly aware of the importance of first impressions, took a slow, deliberate walk towards the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor with each step. Linet, following close behind, matched her pace perfectly, her eyes scanning the room as if measuring each employee’s worth.The receptionist, who had been busy answering the phone, looked up a
Rita’s patience had worn thin, the sting of Linet’s insults festering deep inside her. She had been calm, composed, and controlled until now, but something snapped. Her hand moved faster than she could think, and with a sharp, resounding crack, her palm collided with Linet’s cheek.The sound of the slap echoed through the office, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.Linet’s head jerked to the side, her hair flying with the force of the blow. For a moment, she was frozen, her eyes wide in shock, as if she couldn’t comprehend what had just happened. The employees standing around them watched in disbelief, some whispering to each other in hushed tones while others simply stood there, too stunned to move.Linet’s hand instinctively went to her face, her fingers tracing the spot where the slap had landed, and then, with a growl of fury, she snapped.“You bitch!” she yelled, her voice venomous. Without thinking, Linet lunged at Rita, shoving her hard in the chest. The force of the push se
Rita stormed into Harry’s office, her eyes burning with fury. She barely glanced at the secretary as she marched straight past her, the sharp click of her heels echoing through the hallway. She didn’t knock, just opened the door wide and let herself in, slamming it behind her.“Harry,” she snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “The company’s management needs a serious revisiting.”Harry was sitting behind his desk, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched his sister pace back and forth, her movements sharp and tense. He leaned back in his chair, doing his best to remain calm, though he couldn’t help but feel a little amusement bubbling inside him. Rita was adorable when she was angry, her cheeks flushed, her lips pursed in that familiar, fiery expression."Rita, calm down," Harry said, his tone soothing. He leaned forward slightly, trying to keep the situation under control. He had seen her like this before, and he knew it was just a matter of time before she'
That evening, Rita stepped out of her car and took a deep breath of the cool night air. The soft lights of the lounge glowed warmly in front of her, and inside, music drifted gently through the windows. She had chosen this spot intentionally—quiet, familiar, and far away from the chaos of the company drama. She needed a break, and there was only one person she could truly relax around: her longtime friend, Janet.Janet was already waiting at a cozy corner booth, waving enthusiastically the moment she saw Rita. With her ever-vibrant energy and sassy charm, Janet was the kind of friend who made the weight of the world feel lighter—at least for a while.“Girl! You finally made it!” Janet said, getting up to hug her. “I was beginning to think you chickened out on me.”Rita chuckled softly, easing into the seat across from her. “I needed a breather. Work’s been… a mess.”Janet arched a brow playfully. “That serious? Come on, spill it.”The waitress arrived and took their orders. Janet orde
It wasn’t planned, and honestly, everything at work is turning into a circus. Linet’s been a nightmare, the manager’s playing favorites, people are whispering behind my back—”“And you’ve got a whole tiny human in there while dealing with that mess?” Janet gasped. “You deserve an award—or maybe a foot massage. Or both!”“I just wanted a break tonight,” Rita said, sipping her juice. “To be with someone who doesn’t have a hidden agenda.”Janet leaned over and squeezed her hand. “You’ve always been the strong one, Ri. I know things are messy now, but you’re not alone. You’ve got me. And this baby? This baby is going to have the coolest mom ever.”Rita’s eyes misted over, but she blinked quickly and gave Janet a teary smile. “You’re the best.”Janet grinned. “Duh. Now finish your juice, mama. We’re toasting to new beginnings—with vitamin C, of course.”They both laughed, and for the first time in days, Rita felt like herself again. The fight, the gossip, the betrayal—none of it mattered i
The Day Before the Big Bid Presentation – Office headquartersThe air in the office was thick with pressure. Desks were littered with coffee cups, sticky notes, and half-eaten snacks. The marketing team had been working around the clock for days preparing for the most crucial bid of the year—an international project that could thrust the company into an entirely new league.Everyone was exhausted, running on fumes and anticipation. Yet no one complained. This deal was everything.Rita sat in the conference room, laptop open, fine-tuning the final slides. Despite her fatigue and the quiet flutters in her belly reminding her she wasn’t alone anymore, she stayed focused. This presentation was her responsibility. Her department. Her name on the line.But somewhere down the hallway, behind the tinted glass of the executive office, Anita leaned back in her chair, a malicious smirk curving her lips.“She’s too confident lately,” Anita muttered to Linet, who stood by the door like a guard dog
When the office buzz finally dulled and the storm of sabotage settled into quiet whispers, Rita found herself alone at her desk, the glow of her computer casting soft shadows across her weary face. Her fingers absentmindedly grazed the edge of a delicate bouquet placed on the corner—white lilies and blush roses, fresh and fragrant.She hadn’t thought much of them at first. With everything going on—the chaos, the shame attempt, the endless meetings—they had simply been a gentle backdrop to her madness. But now, in the calm after the storm, her gaze drifted to the small card tucked between the stems.She pulled it out slowly, her eyes narrowing on the neat, careful handwriting.“Just a reminder: you are stronger than you think. – ”Her breath caught.Anthony.A soft, nostalgic smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Of course it was him. Anthony had always had this quiet way of showing up—never loud, never demanding, but always… present. Always watching out for her like the older broth
Rita couldn’t sleep. The discovery that Linet had been stalking her was bad enough, but her gut told her there was more—something deeper and more sinister. She decided not to stop at Fred’s findings.With her brother's help, she pulled call logs, pieced together timelines, and tapped into a few conversations through a trusted source in IT. What she uncovered next made her blood run cold.Linet had met Sarry. Multiple times.One particularly telling message exchange showed a planned meeting at a quiet café in town—days before the dramatic restaurant outburst.“I’ll get you what you need. Just make sure she feels it.” —Linet“I need proof. I can't embarrass myself without something solid.” —SarryNow it all made sense.The staged photo. The perfect timing. The convenient rage.Rita’s heart pounded. They had planned it—conspired behind her back to ruin her publicly, all because of jealousy and unreciprocated love.Later that afternoon, as Rita was still processing the betrayal, her phone
Back home, after the serene whirlwind of the honeymoon and the quiet strength it had restored in him, Adrian made a decision that would ripple through the Drake family and beyond—he finally agreed to take over the family business.The announcement was made during a quiet family dinner at the Drakes’ grand estate. The table went still for a moment when Adrian, with Rita’s hand gently resting over his, looked up at his father and said, “I’m ready to carry on the legacy.”His mother gasped softly, tears immediately brimming in her eyes. She had prayed, waited, and hoped for this day—not for power or pride, but because she wanted her son to know his worth and own it.Mr. Drake, a man not easily moved, leaned back, visibly shaken by joy. “You’re not doing this for anyone else, right?” he asked, voice steady but low.Adrian nodded. “I’m doing it because I now know who I am. And I’m not afraid to lead.”The room erupted with joy. Champagne was opened, glasses clinked, and hugs passed around.
Back home, after the serene whirlwind of the honeymoon and the quiet strength it had restored in him, Adrian made a decision that would ripple through the Drake family and beyond—he finally agreed to take over the family business.The announcement was made during a quiet family dinner at the Drakes’ grand estate. The table went still for a moment when Adrian, with Rita’s hand gently resting over his, looked up at his father and said, “I’m ready to carry on the legacy.”His mother gasped softly, tears immediately brimming in her eyes. She had prayed, waited, and hoped for this day—not for power or pride, but because she wanted her son to know his worth and own it.Mr. Drake, a man not easily moved, leaned back, visibly shaken by joy. “You’re not doing this for anyone else, right?” he asked, voice steady but low.Adrian nodded. “I’m doing it because I now know who I am. And I’m not afraid to lead.”The room erupted with joy. Champagne was opened, glasses clinked, and hugs passed around.
Indeed, with envy came fascination—and fascination brought admiration that turned into unexpected blessings. What started as whispered jealousy soon transformed into public celebration of their love stories. The resort staff, charmed by the couples’ grace and gratitude, nominated them for the "Golden Hearts Getaway Contest"—an exclusive island-wide event recognizing the most inspiring lovebirds.And they won.The news was announced at a special dinner under a massive banyan tree draped in twinkling lights. As the host read their names, Rita and Adrian, along with Lydia and Ethan, stood stunned amid thunderous applause and camera flashes."For showing the island that true love not only exists but glows," the emcee beamed, "we award these couples an extended stay at the honeymoon suite, full spa access, and a private yacht tour of the secret coves."The crowd clapped wildly—some with genuine excitement, others masking their envy behind polite smiles.The rewards kept flowing.At breakfa
As the wedding festivities continued to wind down, the excitement of the day lingered in the air. Adrian and Rita, now officially husband and wife, sat together at their table, holding hands and discussing the next chapter of their lives. Their laughter and whispered words were filled with relief, happiness, and the warmth of a love that had stood the test of time and adversities.Rita leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “So, where do you think we should go?”Adrian smirked, his eyes softening as he thought for a moment. “I’m thinking somewhere quiet, away from the chaos. Somewhere we can really relax, just the two of us. No phones, no cameras—just peace.”They turned to Lydia and Ethan, who were seated across from them, both of them grinning ear to ear, still riding the wave of their own engagement. Ethan caught Lydia’s eye and squeezed her hand before joining in the conversation.“It’s hard to believe it’s finally our turn,” Lydia said, her voice warm with emotion. “After everything we’v
As Linet’s cries faded beyond the estate gates, a hush lingered — a strange blend of relief, awe, and stunned silence. But amid it all, Rita walked back down the path with the elegance of a queen who had just conquered her fiercest storm.Adrian stood at the altar, watching her with a soft, steady gaze. The way he looked at her — as if the entire world disappeared and only she remained — calmed every heartbeat around them.Rita took her place beside him, her hands slipping into his.The priest, having witnessed the chaos and the calm, nodded solemnly. “Shall we continue?”Adrian didn’t wait.He took a deep breath, lifting Rita’s hand to his lips.“Rita… you are the reason I know what peace feels like. When the world doubted, you believed. When enemies schemed, you stood by me. When I lost myself, your love reminded me who I am. I promise to never let you feel alone again. I promise to protect you, honor you, and choose you — every single day.”A murmur of soft emotion swept through th
The grand courtyard of the Drake estate shimmered in white and gold, the soft strains of violin lifting gently through the spring air. Rows upon rows of elegantly dressed guests rose to their feet as the soft chime of the wedding march began to play.And then, she appeared.Rita.Her dress — custom silk organza with hand-sewn beads that shimmered like morning dew — flowed behind her like a cascade of light. A delicate lace veil framed her glowing face, and in her arms was a bouquet of white peonies, tied with a ribbon that matched Adrian’s pocket square.The crowd gasped softly — not just at her beauty, but at the serenity and grace that clung to her like a second skin.Rita held her father’s arm, her other hand gently curled around her bouquet. Her heart raced with every step. Not out of fear — she hadn’t sensed the danger — but from the overwhelming joy of the moment. Her eyes were fixed ahead.Adrian stood waiting.He looked regal, composed, but only those who knew him well could s
The heavy door swung open.Sophie flinched, her chest heaving as a flood of light poured into the room — behind it, a cold sea of uniforms and unwavering gazes.Adrian stepped in first.His face was unreadable. Not rage. Not sorrow.Just… finality.Behind him, Rita stood — not in fear, but with quiet, fierce resolve. Her hand rested protectively on her belly, the true twins safe and far from the storm."You really did it," Adrian said quietly. "You broke into my home. You tried to harm my children."Sophie staggered back. "They were never supposed to exist!" she shrieked. “We were supposed to get married! You were mine before she came and ruined everything!”“You were never mine,” Adrian said, his voice like ice.“And you ruined yourself.”A detective stepped forward. “Sophie Collins, you’re under arrest for attempted kidnapping, breaking and entering, conspiracy, and making threats to life.”The room spun for her. “No! No, wait — wait — this isn’t happening!”They clicked the handcuf
The grand Drake estate was abuzz with activity. Silk-covered chairs, imported flowers, endless trays of pastries, and fabric swatches — everything screamed perfection. But Adrian wasn’t smiling. Beneath the elegance and sparkle, a quiet storm brewed.He paced the edge of their private garden, his eyes scanning the perimeter.“Security doubled at every corner?” he asked his assistant sharply.“Yes, sir. Discreet, but thorough.”Rita stepped onto the patio, adjusting the veil on her trial dress. She looked breathtaking — and exhausted.“You haven’t slept,” she said, crossing her arms.“Neither have you,” Adrian replied gently. “We’re close. Just a few more days.”Rita hesitated. “Adrian… are we really safe?”He walked over, brushing her cheek with his thumb. “I’ve made sure of it. But more than that, I need you to trust me.”She nodded, though her eyes betrayed her fear.Meanwhile… a Hint of SabotageEarlier that morning, a seamstress had screamed after discovering a carefully cut slit
Lydia sat in the cozy corner of a chic café, a handwritten list folded beside her coffee cup. She glanced at it for the tenth time, then sighed, half-excited, half-nervous.It had taken her weeks to narrow it down — not because she lacked friends, but because this moment felt... sacred. These women would stand beside her at the altar. They’d be there when her hands trembled and when she danced for the first time as a wife.She finally picked up her phone and began texting.First stop: Mariam’s PlaceMariam was Lydia’s childhood friend, loyal to the bone and brutally honest.When Lydia showed up unannounced with cupcakes and a white ribboned box, Mariam squinted. “What are you plotting now?”Lydia handed her the box.Inside, a silver bracelet with the initials “MB” — Maid of Honour — and a small card that read:“Will you be my person through laughter, chaos, and wedding mayhem?”Mariam blinked. Then she jumped up and hugged her so tight, Lydia laughed and gasped all at once. “Was start