The tension was thick in the air, still buzzing from Linet’s outburst and James’s cold confession. But before the guards could fully take her away, Linet suddenly jerked back, eyes blazing with raw, unfiltered emotion.Her voice cracked like thunder through the night.“So you expect me to just stand here and watch you parade your fake affection—” she spat, her chest rising and falling rapidly, “and that baby… that baby growing inside of her?!”Gasps echoed all around. The words cut deeper than knives.Rita stiffened, instinctively placing a protective hand on her belly. The hush among the crowd broke into chaotic murmurs as heads turned, whispers igniting.James’s jaw clenched. “Linet, that’s enough—”“No, it’s NOT enough!” she screamed, voice thick with betrayal and desperation. “You think I didn’t see it? The way you looked at her tonight? Like I never existed? After everything I’ve done for you, James! I stood by you, I sacrificed my family for you—and this is how you repay me?”Ja
Rita was startled at first by Antony’s sudden appearance, but before she could fully process what was happening, his arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace. She could feel the warmth of his body pressing against hers, the urgency in his touch making her heart race. His shaky voice broke the silence, sending a jolt of mixed emotions through her."I'm sorry, Rita... I’m late," Antony whispered, his words barely audible, filled with regret and concern. His arms seemed to tighten around her as if he was trying to shield her from the chaos surrounding them.Rita, still reeling from the confrontation with James, stood frozen for a moment, her mind trying to catch up with the rapid succession of events. She hadn't expected this—hadn’t expected Antony to appear out of nowhere, but in that instant, she felt a strange sense of relief."It's okay," she whispered back, though her voice trembled slightly. She pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes. "I didn’t expect you to be here. But
As they arrived at Antony’s home, the atmosphere was calm and safe, a stark contrast to the tension and chaos that had unfolded earlier. Rita, still shaken but determined, followed Antony inside. He led her to the living room, motioning for her to sit on the couch while he went to get them both something to drink. Rita, grateful for the space and the quiet, sank into the soft cushions, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. Her mind raced with everything that had just transpired—the confrontation with James, the pain of the past few weeks, and now, the overwhelming reality of her pregnancy.Antony returned with two glasses of water and sat beside her, offering one to Rita. She took it silently, her fingers trembling slightly as she wrapped them around the cool glass."Rita," Antony began softly, his voice warm but tinged with concern. "What happened out there... it was a lot to take in. Are you okay?"She looked at him for a moment, searching his face, and then nodded. "I’m okay," she sa
The living room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the lamp in the corner. Antony sat on the edge of the couch, his hands clasped together as he listened quietly. Lydia paced back and forth in front of him, her voice low but heavy with frustration."Antony, I know you're kind. I know you’ve always wanted to be the hero, to save everyone. But this..." she gestured toward the hallway leading to Rita’s room, "...this isn't just about kindness. You're getting too deep. She's pregnant with another man’s child, and divorced. Do you really think this is the life you deserve?"Antony sighed, not looking up."You deserve someone who hasn’t been broken by someone else. Someone who will give you a fresh start, not baggage."Rita had woken up moments earlier, her throat dry. She walked barefoot toward the kitchen, careful not to make noise. Just as she reached the corner, Lydia's words echoed—"not baggage."She froze, her hand halfway to the fridge handle. The hurt settled in her chest like a ston
Antony stood in front of Rita now, shielding her. “That’s enough, Lydia.”But Rita stepped out from behind him, her eyes blazing through her tears. “No, let her talk. Let her finish.”They stared at each other—two women who once shared everything, now torn apart by choices, love, and grief.Lydia’s voice dropped. “I love you, Rita. You’re my best friend. But I can’t watch you destroy my brother. I won’t. If this is the path you’ve chosen… we better end this friendship here.”The words hung like a dagger in the air.Rita felt her knees weaken. She gripped the counter to steady herself. “So that’s it? After everything… that’s how we end?”Lydia blinked hard but didn’t answer. She turned on her heel, stormed toward the door, and paused—just for a moment—as if waiting for Rita to stop her.But no one spoke.The door slammed shut behind her.Rita sank slowly to the floor, her body wracked with silent sobs. Antony knelt beside her, wrapping her in his arms, but even his warmth couldn’t eras
The night was unforgiving.Lydia walked briskly down the empty street, her heels clicking on the pavement, suitcase dragging behind her, and the echo of Antony’s slap still ringing in her ears. Her cheek stung, but it was nothing compared to the fire raging in her heart.Her brother had hit her. Because ofRita.The same Rita who had once been her best friend.The same Rita who had turned Antony into a lovesick fool.The city lights blurred through her tears, but Lydia refused to let them fall. She wouldn’t cry. Not for them. Not for anyone.She checked into a cheap motel on the
The night after Rita left Antony's house with Harry was heavy with silence. Antony sat alone, staring at the door Lydia had slammed shut behind her. His hand still stung from the slap he never thought he'd ever give his sister. The guilt was gnawing at him, yet he couldn't shake the bitter words she’d hurled at Rita—at his Rita.The living room was dimly lit, echoing his chaotic thoughts. He picked up his phone, contemplating calling Rita, but decided against it. She needed peace. She deserved peace. Meanwhile, Lydia wandered aimlessly down unfamiliar streets, rage and heartbreak swirling in her chest. She’d called their parents and cried as she explained what had happened. Their shock was immediate.“We’re flying back,” her mother had said. “Don’t do anything foolish.”But foolishness was already boiling inside her. She had lost her best friend and now her brother too. And all because of one woman—Rita.Rita sat curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. Harry brought her a warm c
He buried his face in his trembling hands, heart pounding wildly. “She left… she left me again,” he mumbled. “I came here to fight… I was ready to kneel every day if I had to—just for her to look at me. And now…”Now she was gone.Gone with his child.Gone with his last piece of redemption.His mother’s voice echoed in his head—“Use the baby to win her back.” But he didn’t want strategy anymore. He wanted her. Just her. Rita. The woman whose strength had humbled him. The woman who had walked through fire and still managed to stand.And now… she had walked away from him.“Where did she go?” he asked in a hoarse whisper.Mark hesitated again. “Sir, I don’t know the exact place. Her people didn’t share details. Just that she boarded a private flight before midnight.”James sat there on the ground, eyes glazed, fingers clawing at the gravel. His heart felt like it had cracked in half, and no amount of scheming or money could put it back together.“She’s really gone…” he murmured.Mark, un
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