LOGINANTON"So, tell me. What's it like over there?" Ashley asked over the phone."It's pretty cold," I replied, glancing at the screen. "And it's snowing quite heavily.""Really?" She sounded intrigued. "What about Arthur?"I turned my head toward the living room, where Arthur sat on the sofa with a mug of hot coffee in his hand."He's here.""I can see that." She chuckled. "Give him my regards, will you?""Sure."Before I could say anything else, Jordan appeared on the screen, shirtless and looking far too comfortable."Merry Christmas in advance, Anton."I rolled my eyes. "Merry Christmas to you too.""Okay, I have to go," Ashley said. "Enjoy your trip, Anton.""I will," I muttered."Bye!" She waved at the screen before ending the call.I stared at my phone for a moment before dropping it on the counter and making my way into the living room. The warmth from the fireplace greeted me, but it did little to ease the chill that had settled into my bones after spending time outside.Arthur wa
SELENE The holiday season had arrived, bringing with it a sense of warmth, hope, and new beginnings.By now, my baby bump was becoming more noticeable, and the reality of becoming a mother was beginning to sink in. Sebastian and I had spent countless evenings discussing baby names. If we had a girl, I wanted to name her Andrea. If it was a boy, I liked Andrew or Horace. Sebastian, however, was firmly on team Andrew.Knowing him, he would probably find a way to convince me before the baby arrived.While Sebastian and I were preparing for our new life as parents, things were changing for the people around us, too.My father was still furious with Jordan for refusing to follow the path he'd chosen for him. But Jordan had made up his mind. He wanted to start his own atelier, build something of his own, and prove that he could succeed without relying on our father's influence.I'd offered to invest in his business, but he'd turned me down. He wanted to do this on his own, and although I wo
Four Weeks Later.ZARAI gave the closet one final look to make sure I hadn't left anything behind. Satisfied that everything had been packed, I zipped up my suitcase.I was supposed to return home tomorrow. My visit had only been meant to last a week, but somehow, I'd ended up staying for more than a month.And the funny thing was, I was beginning to love it here.I picked up my phone and noticed a message from Ashley saying she wouldn't be home tonight."Again?" I muttered.Ever since she and Jordan had gotten back together, she'd barely spent a night at home. At this point, I was beginning to wonder if she even remembered what her own bed felt like.I typed out a quick reply.Have fun.Then I dropped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.The house was going to feel awfully quiet tonight."I should go to Garrett's place," I mumbled, sitting up.It had become something of a routine. Whenever Ashley wasn't around, Garrett and I usually spent our evenings together. We were just hangin
ANTONJordan’s announcement had easily become the highlight of the evening. First, he'd announced his decision to step down as COO of Henderson Atelier. Then Ella had announced that their engagement was over.I hadn't expected either announcement, but watching Ashley and Jordan kiss afterward made me smile. They deserved a chance to be happy, and I was glad Ashley had finally allowed herself to take that step.“Damn.”A voice behind me pulled me from my thoughts.I turned, and my face immediately brightened.“James!” I exclaimed. “I didn’t think you’d show up.”“I couldn’t miss your exhibition for anything,” he said, pulling me into an embrace.I hugged him back, holding on for a moment before we pulled apart.He glanced around the room, taking in the artwork and the guests gathered around it. "You've done a good job. Mum would have loved to see this."The mention of our mother made my smile falter slightly."Where is she, anyway?""Something came up with her schedule." He reached int
ASHLEYMy lips parted at what I’d just heard.For a moment, I wondered if I’d misunderstood him. But the murmurs spreading through the audience and the gasps coming from different corners of the room told me otherwise.“What are you talking about?” Mr. Henderson demanded.“I’m stepping down from my position,” Jordan repeated calmly. “But that’s not even the shocking part, Father.”I furrowed my brows.Mr. Henderson glared at him. “What is?”“Wait for it.” Jordan glanced to the side.Curious, I followed his gaze, along with everyone else in the room.Ella Warner was making her way onto the stage."Isn't that the girl he got engaged to?” Zara murmured beside me.I didn’t answer. My eyes remained fixed on the two of them, my mind racing as I tried to figure out what Jordan was planning.Ella stopped beside him and leaned toward the microphone.“Hi, everyone. I’m Ella Warner." She said, looking at the audience. "I'd like to announce that Jordan and I have decided to end our engagement."Oh
SELENEOne of the most amazing things about being an expectant mother was how much more aware I’d become of my body.Every morning, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, lifting my nightdress to examine my stomach. I wanted to know if a bump had started to show or if my breasts were getting fuller. Sometimes, I’d turn sideways, studying my reflection as though I might notice a change I’d somehow missed the day before.It was ridiculous, really, considering how early it still was, but I couldn't help myself. There was something exciting about knowing a little life was growing inside me, even if the changes weren't visible yet.As for Julian, he would have to face the consequences of his actions in prison. Sebastian's father and Nora had visited him once, making it clear how disappointed they were. They'd considered him family, welcomed him into their lives, and trusted him, only for him to betray them in the worst possible way.After that, it was up to Julian to decide whethe







