Mary had waited long enough.She watched from the hallway as Linet lounged on the plush living room couch, sipping mango juice from a tall glass, her feet resting on a velvet ottoman. The air reeked of lavender perfume and fake sweetness — both of which made Mary’s blood simmer.She didn’t hate Linet. No, hate was too small a word. What she felt was disgust — a deep-rooted fury that this woman, this imposter, had the audacity to play the whole family for fools.Enough was enough.Mary took a deep breath, her phone tightly clenched in her hand. The screen still displayed the picture she had taken three nights ago — Linet laughing wildly with a bottle of wine in hand, her ‘baby bump’ hidden behind the haze of lies.She stepped in. Calm, steady… lethal.“Enjoying your juice?” Mary asked, her voice low and sharp.Linet glanced up lazily and offered a tight smile. “Very much. Francis had it chilled just the way I like.”Mary smiled too — only hers was ice cold. She walked over, dropped her
The plane touched down in the early hours of the morning, the golden rays of sunrise stretching lazily across the horizon as if to welcome Rita and Adrian back to their quiet corner of the world. The past weeks had been nothing short of stormy — Antony’s funeral, the uncovering of betrayal, the chaos at the company — and though they had held each other through it all, they were both silently craving the peace of home.As they stepped out of the cab and onto the familiar cobbled pathway of their apartment block, the cool breeze of the city wrapped around them like a long-lost friend. Rita clutched her small suitcase in one hand and instinctively reached for Adrian’s with the other. Her baby bump, now more visible than before, was the quiet promise of new beginnings.She had barely opened the gate when she heard it:"Miss Rita! You're back!" a small voice shrieked.Rita turned just in time to see little Naomi — the bubbly seven-year-old from next door — sprinting toward her in her pajam
The days were warm and tender, colored with laughter, gentle music, and the soft rustling of baby clothes being arranged in drawers. Rita was glowing. Her belly had blossomed into full roundness, and her steps were slower, but graceful. Her cheeks were fuller, her eyes softer, and her smile — oh, her smile could light up their entire home.To everyone, it seemed like a perfect time. Rita was safe, happy, loved. But for Adrian, a storm brewed beneath the still surface.He would watch her from across the room — one hand on her belly, the other flipping through a baby book, her eyes twinkling with anticipation — and guilt would claw at his chest.He should have told her long ago. He should have come clean before the baby’s kicks grew stronger, before they painted the nursery, before she wrote down a list of names and laughed when he jokingly added "Thor."But every time he tried, the words failed him. He'd open his mouth, but her joy was too precious, too pure — he couldn’t bear to dim i
Rita had barely rubbed the sleep from her eyes when the sharp knock echoed through the apartment. She glanced at the clock — 7:30 AM. It was too early for a visit, especially after the strange thoughts from last night still weighed on her mind. Who could it be?Pushing herself up from the couch, Rita shuffled towards the door, her bare feet against the cold floor. As she reached for the handle, the door swung open with force, and before she could react, a woman stepped past her, brushing Rita aside as if she didn’t exist."Excuse me!" Rita snapped, her heart racing with a mix of confusion and irritation. She wasn’t used to being treated this way in her own home.The woman was tall, with sharp features and an air of arrogance that made Rita’s blood boil. Her eyes scanned the living room dismissively before landing back on Rita."I’m Sophie," the woman said, her voice dripping with disdain as she stood in the middle of the living room. "I’m here to see Adrian. Where is he?"Rita’s jaw t
Adrian sat in the quiet of the living room, his thoughts swirling in a storm of confusion, guilt, and frustration. He had never once wanted Sophie in his life. The engagement had been arranged by their families years ago, long before he even met Rita. At first, it had been a simple, distant arrangement, one he never took seriously. But Sophie? She took it all too seriously. She clung to him, her arrogance and entitlement clouding every interaction, while he did everything he could to avoid her.His parents, especially his mother, had never stopped pressing him about Sophie, reminding him of the "important alliance" it would solidify. They saw the marriage as a business arrangement — a union that could strengthen their family’s standing, a way to bring in wealth, influence, and connections. But for Adrian, it was never about that. He had no interest in Sophie’s social status or her family’s power. What he wanted, what he had always wanted, was a life of his own, a life built on passion
And with that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the apartment, leaving Adrian standing in the doorway, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.He had made his choice. He had to. And he would face whatever consequences came with it. But one thing was certain — he would not let Sophie stand in the way of his future with Rita. Not anymore.Rita sat on the edge of their bed, staring out of the window, her thoughts heavy and clouded. The days seemed to blur together, and the weight in her chest only grew with each passing one. She had always prided herself on being strong, on knowing when something was wrong, but this time, she felt like she was drowning in uncertainty.Since the confrontation with Sophie, something had shifted. Adrian was different — distant, more withdrawn. The tenderness that had once marked his every action towards her had become scarce, replaced with a cool formality. It was subtle at first, the small things — the lack of the playful touches, the absen
Adrian sat in his office, staring blankly at the papers on his desk. The weight of everything that had happened in the last few weeks pressed heavily on him. Rita was distant, her trust in him fractured, and their future uncertain. Every attempt to bridge the growing gap between them seemed futile. He had made a mess of things with Sophie, and now, with the baby on the way, everything seemed to be spiraling out of his control.He rubbed his temples, trying to stave off the headache that was threatening to take over, when suddenly, his phone rang. The caller ID flashed: Father.Adrian froze. His father. The one person he had been trying to avoid, the one person whose approval he had always sought but never received. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself, and then answered the call."Adrian," his father's stern voice came through the phone, sending a chill down his spine. "We need to talk."Adrian’s stomach churned. He had known this moment would come. He knew it had been in
Adrian stood by the window of his study, his eyes fixed on the cloudy horizon. His mind wasn’t on the view—it was a storm within him that raged harder than the weather outside. The conversation with his father from the previous day had already left him drained, but it was nothing compared to the call he had just ended.This time, his father hadn’t just been stern—he had been livid."You’ve made decisions on your own before, Adrian," his father’s voice had thundered through the phone. "You walked away from the family business like it meant nothing. We let that go because you wanted to 'find yourself.' But this—this is not something I will tolerate."Adrian had barely gotten a word in before the older man continued."You think you can just disgrace the family name? A union with the Walkers—Sophie’s family—was not just about tradition. It was business, legacy, power. You’re a grown man, yet you throw all that away for a woman we know nothing about? And now, you’re living with her, claimi
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