Arianna Thompson's life was once a fairy tale with her college sweetheart, Julian Saint Clair. But a devastating rumor tore them apart after graduation. Heartbroken, Arianna escaped into a loveless marriage with Ryan, only to find herself trapped in a toxic relationship with two beautiful children, Emily and Jackson. Seven years later, Arianna summons the courage to divorce Ryan and start anew as a single mother. Four years of healing and independence pass before she meets Zander Wells – a kind, responsible, and loving man who reawakens her heart. Just as Arianna considers a future with Zander, her past with Julian threatens to collide with her present. Will she choose a second chance with her first love or forge a new path with the man who healed her heart?
View MoreArianna was busy getting dinner ready when Zander walked in the door, a huge smile on his face. "Hey love, I'm home!" he said, kissing her cheek. Arianna smiled back, "How was your day?" Zander sat down at the kitchen table, "It was great. I have some exciting news - my company is transferring me to Singapore!" Arianna's eyes widened, "Singapore?! What about the kids' schools?" Zander nodded enthusiastically, "They can continue their studies there - international schools are excellent. We'll make a new life together as a family!" Arianna felt a mix of emotions. The kids burst into the kitchen, curious about Zander's big smile and news: Ava (8 yrs old) bounced up and down: "Daddy, what's happening?! You look super happy!" JJ (3 yrs old) echoed: "Yeah Daddy, tell us!" Jackson (15 yrs old) leaned against the counter: "Is everything okay, Dad?" Emily (17 yrs old) crossed his arms: "Spill it, Dad. What's going on?" Zander laughed and opened his arms wide: "I'm transferring to
Arianna turned her face, meeting Julian's lips in a soft, longing kiss: * Their mouths moved slowly, savoring the taste of each other's deep and true love * Julian's hands cradled her face, deepening the kiss as Arianna melted into him * Time stood still as they rediscovered the love that had never faded The kiss slowly ended, and Arianna gazed into Julian's eyes, sparkling with tears: Julian whispered, "My love, you're even more beautiful every moment we meet..." Arianna took Julian's hand and pulled him inside, eager to pick up where they left off last time: * The door closed behind them, and Julian swept her into his arms again * Their lips met in a passionate kiss, rekindling the flame that had been burning between them * Hands roamed freely, reacquainting themselves with familiar curves and contours Julian broke the kiss barely long enough to whisper: "Every moment away from you felt like an eternity... Arianna whispered back " Mine too... I feel like
Arianna typed out a response to Julian's text, her fingers flying across the screen: "Yes... I've missed you too. Where and when?" Julian's response arrived instantly: "My friend's vacation home near the lake - it's empty this week. How about Wednesday during the day while your kids are at school?" Arianna's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of a secret meeting away from prying eyes... She typed back: "Wednesday works perfectly. What time should I arrive?" Julian responded: "How about 2 PM? I'll make sure the house is ready for us." Arianna felt a thrill of excitement - "2 PM works for me. What should I expect when I arrive - should I come to the front door or...?" Julian responded instantly: "Come to the side door, it's less visible from the road. I'll leave it unlocked for you. As for what to expect... *smiles* Just bring yourself, beautiful. I'll take care of everything else." Arianna's heart raced at his flirtatious message... Arianna
The family spent the morning together, filled with laughter and love – Arianna, Zander, Ava, JJ, Emily, and Jackson all enjoying each other's company. After a wonderful lunch at the restaurant, Zander leaned in close to Arianna as they walked out: "Hey, honey – I need to talk to you about something." Arianna's heart skipped a beat, wondering if he'd somehow discovered her secret... But Zander continued: "I've been thinking... since I'm leaving politics soon, I want to spend some quality time with you and the kids." Arianna's mind went blank for a moment before Zander added: "But first, I have a business meeting tomorrow in Chicago – I'll be gone for three days." Arianna felt a mix of emotions: * Relief that he hadn't discovered her secret * Guilt for feeling relieved he was leaving again * A glimmer of hope – three days alone with her thoughts... "Three days alone – perfect timing to finally respond to Julian's text" Her heart skipped a beat at the pros
Arianna felt anxiety spiking – the family reunion would hide her emotional turmoil, but for how long? Her heart still raced from the secret night with Julian, and now Zander's imminent arrival threatened to unravel her carefully constructed facade. Ava and JJ chattered happily in the backseat, oblivious to their mother's inner chaos. As she pulled into the driveway again, Arianna checked the time – Zander would arrive in about 20 minutes. She took slow, deep breaths, mentally rehearsing her "welcome home" script: * Smile brightly * Kiss him warmly * Ask about his trip... The doorbell would normally signal Emily and Jackson's return from their sleepovers, but today Arianna hoped they'd arrive after Zander had settled in – Giving her time to sink into her fake routine before the whole family was together. Suddenly, her phone buzzed again – Zander texting: "Almost there. Love you" And then, unexpectedly, another text popped up – From Julian: "Missing you alr
Arianna's voice barely above whisper: "Julian, there's something I need to tell you... Zander's decided to leave politics after this term – he wants to be home with us always." Julian's embrace tightened slightly, as if bracing for impact: "What does that mean for us?" Arianna's heart ached delivering the news: "It means he'll be present every day, every night... no more late nights at the office, no more trips away from home." Julian processed this quietly for a moment before whispering: "So, the few stolen moments we might have had – they're gone now?" Arianna nodded slowly, tears pricking at her eyes: "Yes... our secret would be impossible to keep. He'll see every look, every gesture between us..." Julian's lips brushed against her forehead, a gentle, desperate kiss: "Do we give up on us, or do we risk everything?" Julian's eyes locked onto Arianna's, burning with determination: "We risk everything. I'd rather live with the danger of being caught t
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