As lunchtime approached, I happily packed the food I had lovingly prepared into a lunchbox. Today is a special day.Susan stands beside me, “I think you should just ask Marlon to send it, Miss Anastasia”I shook my head, "It's been a long time since I've done it myself. And I am sure Marlon must be too tired and sick of delivering lunch for Regan. It is his day off today."But Susan still looked concerned for some reason. “Why? Is there something wrong?”“No, nothing, Miss”I nodded and carried the lunch bag. “I should get going.”“Take care on your way, Miss”I walked out of our house, my house clicking on the garage. I don’t ask for drivers. For me, it was nicer to drive on your own. I entered my Red Mercedes-Benz and sped off the Dynastar Enterprises. It is a billion-multinational company owned by Regan.As I parked my car, I looked at the towering building in front of me. Then I walked inside. The guards greeted me with a polite nod, but I couldn't help but notice the unease that
But just as I took a step, a woman's voice pierced the air from inside Regan's office. I froze, my heart skipping a beat, then seemed to stop altogether, as if time itself had paused in that agonizing moment of realization. Every instinct within me screamed to flee, to escape the inevitable pain that awaited me. Yet, despite the overwhelming urge to run, something compelled me to turn around, my eyes narrowing as I faced the trembling secretary."Who is inside?" My voice was cold."No one, Ma’am. Please, just ignore it and leave."Her pitiful expression only fueled my resolve. "Move.""Ma’am, please, just go back later. I swear no one—""I said step aside."Reluctantly, she bowed, her trembling hands opening a path for me to pass.Without hesitation, I pushed past the secretary, my hands trembling as I reached for the door handle. With a deep breath, I pushed it open.As I entered the room, my worst fears were realized in an instant. Zarina stood before me, her cheeks flushed, and her
As the elevator doors slid shut behind me, I leaned heavily against the cool metal wall. Tears streamed down my cheeks unchecked. I lifted a trembling hand to wipe them away, but they seemed to flow endlessly.As I reached my car, I fumbled with the keys, my hands shaking uncontrollably. The engine roared to life as I peeled out of the parking space, the tires screeching against the pavement. My vision blurred with tears as I drove aimlessly through the streets. I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to escape.To get as far with Regan as I can.It was then that I saw it – a bridge in the distance. Without a second thought, I veered off the main road and drove underneath it. The car came to a stop, the engine ticking as it cooled.With trembling legs, I stepped out of the car and leaned against its cool metal frame, the tears flowing freely down my cheeks. Each sob tore through me like a knife. I doubled over, my body wracked with heaving sobs.The memori
Tonight, I wore my best dress—a sleek, black satin maxi dress that hugged my figure perfectly, accentuating my graceful silhouette. The dress had a plunging neckline and a slit up the side that added a touch of elegance and allure. My dark, wavy hair cascaded down my shoulders, framing my face softly. I meticulously painted my lips a bold shade of red, a striking contrast against my fair skin.I sat in the corner of the restaurant, the glow of candlelight forming shadows across the tablecloth. The ambiance was romantic, but my heart was still heavy with dull ache. After my breakdown, I went back to the mansion like nothing happened.I’ll stay with Regan, with my husband no matter what. That’s what I decided three years ago.I wore my best dress and painted my lips a bold shade of red like always.This restaurant held a special significance for me—it was where Regan had first brought me after he saved me ten years ago. I was 17 when I got lost in the pouring rain, terrified by the thund
As I rose from my seat, a wave of dizziness washed over me, causing the room to spin. The waitress quickly hold my arms."Are you okay, Ma’am?""Yeah, I'm fine," I slurred, attempting to steady myself on the table."Are you sure you should be driving?""I'll manage, thanks though. Just need some fresh air."She nodded reluctantly as I made my unsteady way to the door. The truth was, I was more than fine—I was tipsy, bordering on drunk. I hadn't realized I'd consumed so much wine, but my high tolerance for alcohol often masked the effects until it was too late.Struggling to maintain my balance, I made my way out of the restaurant and to the parking space. My head pounding with every step.“Ugh shit” I groaned, holding my throbbing head.As I approached my car, relief washed over me momentarily. But as I stepped forward, something fell on my face—tiny droplets that quickly morphed into a downpour. I stood frozen, feeling the cold droplets soak through my clothes, mixing with the tears
Regan’s POVI reclined against the headboard, the weight of the whiskey glass heavy in my hand. The scent of alcohol hung thick in the air, mingling with the subtle perfume that clung to Zarina's skin.She shifted beside me, not bothering to cover her naked body. "You should sleep here in the penthouse tonight."I shook my head, taking a long sip of the amber liquid. "No, I need to go home.""Why do you always go home to her?"I paused, grappling for an answer that I didn't have. Why did I always return to Anastasia, even when I knew I shouldn't?"I... I don't know."But deep down, I knew she was right. I should have stayed away from my wife, but something within me resisted. As Zarina's words echoed in my mind, a pang of guilt washed over me. Today was our anniversary, a day that held significance for Anastasia, even if it held none for me. She always prepared for our anniversary, despite knowing that I would never be there to celebrate with her.I don’t know why she can’t let our ma
I stormed out of the penthouse, the sound of Zarina's pleading voice fading behind me as I raced down the hallway. After I reached the parking garage and practically threw myself into my car. The engine roared to life as I slammed my foot down on the accelerator, the car lurching forward as I sped out into the rainy night.Rain pounded against the windshield, the wipers working overtime to clear the deluge. But I barely noticed. All I could think about was Anastasia, alone and waiting, somewhere out there in the storm.“I told her not to wait” I grumbled.For the first time, I pushed the speedometer beyond its limits. When I finally arrived at the restaurant, my heart sank. The doors were locked, the windows dark. Raindrops cascaded down the windows. With a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, I noticed Anastasia's car still parked in the lot—the red car.I stepped out into the rain, the cold droplets soaking through my clothes. I checked my phone, h
As I skidded to a halt outside the towering building with a big sign Skyview Heights. I leaped out of the car and dashed towards the entrance. Then, I saw him—the man from the video—strolling casually inside as though he hadn't a care in the world.“Hey!” I shouted, storming inside the building. “Stop right there!”The man turned, his eyes narrowing in annoyance, but before he could respond, the two guards stationed at the entrance blocked my path.“Sir, you are not allowed to be here”“Let go! Do you not know who I am?!” I snapped, my frustration boiling over.“Sorry, Sir, but we cannot let you in,” the other guard insisted, crossing his arms in front of him.My jaw ticked with irritation. Pointing towards Anastasia, who lay unconscious in the man’s arms, I practically spat out my words. “She is my wife! And that asshole kidnapped her!”The guards exchanged a glance, but the man simply looked annoyed. “You don’t seem to be his husban
A flood of emails greeted me first—formal messages from the foundation, updates on business reports I hadn't had the energy to care about. Then, a few news articles—headlines about society events, political scandals—none of them touching my world anymore.I swiped idly through them, my mind elsewhere, my body still fighting the lingering nausea.Then I saw it.One message stood out among the floods.A simple text, from a name I hadn’t seen in months but had been waiting for without even realizing it.Ava Ramos.My assistant. My friend.She had taken a six-month leave to care for her mother abroad, but even from halfway across the world, Ava had still managed to handle the details of my business life better than anyone else could. She didn’t just work for me—she stood by me. Without judgment. Without condition.I opened the message with trembling fingers.Ava:Miss A, Just wanted to let you know my l
The morning light spilled into the room in soft, golden streaks, coaxing me awake. I stirred beneath the light linen sheets; my body slow to move. The nausea hit me almost immediately. A wave of dizziness and discomfort churned in my stomach, forcing me to squeeze my eyes shut for a moment before carefully sitting up.The clock on the nightstand blinked back at me—7:08 AM.“Ugh” I groaned, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet touching the cool marble floor. I sat there for a moment, breathing through the nausea, pressing a hand gently against my still-flat stomach.Almost six weeks of being two people instead of one.And somehow, it already felt like my entire body had shifted. My chest tightened at the thought, and I forced myself to sit up straighter, blinking against the dizzying morning light streaming through the tall windows. I reached for the robe hanging loosely over the nearby armchair—a light ivory silk robe with delicate lace
“After Alisha died, the bond between our families… frayed. Your uncles—especially Alvaro—blamed Gregory. Maybe not for her death directly, but for the way she lived before it. For the silence. For the sadness that started showing behind her eyes.”I drew a sharp breath. I’d always known something was… strained between the Montreals and the Saavedras. Even as a child, I could feel the tension, though no one ever spoke of it.Don Alonso’s voice dropped lower, his tone thickening with something heavy. Not just memory—guilt.“After Alisha died, the bond between our families… frayed. Your uncles—especially Alvaro—blamed your father—Gregory. For her death directly, for the way she lived before it. For the silence. For the sadness that started showing behind her eyes.”His words struck something sharp and cold inside me. My hands freezing in place on my lap. I had always known, deep down, that there was a quiet rift between the Montreals and the Saavedras. It wa
There was a long pause between us.The kind that didn’t feel uncomfortable—just… heavy with things unsaid.We sat quietly, staring out at the garden bathed in the warm light of late afternoon. The hedges rustled softly as the breeze moved through them, carrying the scent of blooming roses and sun-warmed grass. A few loose petals floated gently across the stones. Birds chirped high in the trees.I reached for my teacup, the porcelain smooth and cool against my fingertips. I brought it to my lips and took a slow sip. The taste was soft—chamomile and lemon—meant to be calming. But instead of comfort, all I felt was the bitter knot in my chest, untouched by warmth.I set the cup down carefully, the clink of porcelain against porcelain sounding too loud in the stillness.Then, finally, Don Alonso spoke.“Have any of the Saavedras contacted you?”I blinked, confused.The Saavedras. My mother’s family.I frowned, turning toward
Morgan paused—and then, to my surprise, he bowed. Low.“Don Alonso.”My breath caught, and I instinctively stood up from my seat. Through the ivy-laced arch, a tall figure emerged, walking with the quiet dignity of age and command. He wore a dark coat despite the mild weather, his silver hair swept back neatly, and a cane tapping softly with every step he took.My grandfather.“Mr. Morgan. Always a pleasure.”“Likewise, sir.” Morgan’s voice held deep respect.And then he passed by him, leaving us.My eyes locked with my grandfather’s. He stopped a few feet away from me. It felt like I hadn’t seen him in so long.“Grandpa,” I breathed, my voice catching as I stepped forward.And without thinking, I stepped forward—arms wrapping around him, carefully but tightly.He didn’t hesitate. He held me back.Not just a pat on
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling garden. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh blooms and damp earth. Birds chirped softly in the distance. I sat at the elegant wrought-iron table in the heart of the garden, my hands resting lightly in my lap. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, dappling the white tablecloth with shifting patches of light and shadow. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of jasmine, one of the many flowers my mother had once loved.I hadn’t stepped out into the garden for a long time, not like this. Not dressed in anything but red, that reflected the armor I had carried for so long. But today… today was different.I wore pink. Baby pink.It felt strange, almost foreign against my skin—soft, light, alive. I wasn’t sure why I had chosen it. Maybe because Susan had left it out for me, or maybe because I wanted to see if I could still feel something.Across from
I lowered my teacup slowly, setting it back on the saucer. My eyes dropped to my lap, where the soft pink fabric of my dress pooled gently, but all I could feel was the rising pressure in my chest.I need to say it.I need to say it.I had practiced the words. Over and over in my mind. But now, with him sitting across from me, waiting, I found myself choking on them.Still, I had to say it.I raised my gaze, meeting his eyes.“Mr. Morgan…” I began, and my voice cracked almost instantly. I cleared my throat, forcing steadiness I didn’t feel. “I need your advice.”He leaned in slightly, the air shifting around us, his expression attentive and calm. “Of course, Miss Anastasia.”“I need to know the legal consequences...” I paused, drawing in a shaky breath, “...of filing for divorce.”The words landed between us like a stone dropped into still water. Morgan blinked, his composure briefly slipping. His brows
“We don’t have to go that far unless we need to,” Morgan said, his voice measured, his tone sharpening with conviction. “But if ever Regan decides to make a move—if he dares to use the fact that you kept the child from him as a weapon to demand custody—then we fight. With everything we have. The point is—you’re not defenseless, Miss Anastasia. You don’t have to run and hide in shame.”I looked down at my lap, my fingers twisting into the fabric of my dress. The breeze picked up softly, fluttering the edges of the tablecloth, and I found my voice just above a whisper.“I’m not running to hide,” I said, voice trembling. “I’m running to protect what he wanted to throw away.”“Then we build your wall before he even reaches the gate,” he said, more firmly now. “All we need is evidence. Records. Messages. Witnesses, if necessary.” He paused, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Did anyone hear him say it? About wanting you to abort the child?”I looked away, my
I exhaled softly, gathering my thoughts. I had spent the past week thinking about this—turning it over in my mind, debating, hesitating. I had run through the possibilities, the consequences, and the emotions tied to it.Was I strong enough? Brave enough? Was I really ready to let go of the past that had defined so much of me?I didn’t have all the answers.But what I did have now was a reason.A life growing inside me. A heartbeat that depended on mine. And that alone was enough.I had to move forward. I had to choose strength. I had to choose survival.For my baby.Morgan must have sensed my hesitation, because he set his cup down, his keen gaze watching me closely, but before he could ask me, I finally broke the silence."I know you must be thinking that I didn’t call you just for tea or to chat."A knowing smile crossed his lips. "That I am."I took a deep breath, straightening in my seat. My