(The pregnancy)I sat in silence while Penelope paced back and forth, muttering to herself."Just tell him," she finally declared."Tell him what, Pen?" I asked."The truth. He's responsible, isn't he?" she replied."Yes, Simon is the father. But Penelope, he's been avoiding me," I reminded her."What exactly happened?" She sat down next to me, curious."He saw Gustavo kissing me and he lost it. He just started avoiding me. The way he looked at me, it felt like I had done something wrong. I felt guilty, even though we were just fulfilling each other's desires. I despised the hatred and disgust in his eyes whenever he looked at me," I managed to explain.“Why was he jealous” she asked “I know right, why was he jealous, he agreed on just being friends and nothing more” I managed to say “Well that's not important, this pregnancy is” Penelope simply added This was too much for me, a child at this moment in my life, how did I make such a mistake, I wasn't th
(contract marriage)A heavy silence filled the room as everyone's eyes widened in shock. Tiara, my stepmother, gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth.Gustavo looks away, his face masked with disgust and disappointment.My dad's face turned Ashen, his confusion slowly melting into anger. “What nonsense are you sprouting, Gemini” he growled, his voice dripping with disbelief and anger.“It's truth, Papa” I replied firmly, my voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at me from within. “I'm pregnant” Finally, my father broke the silence, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disappointment. “How can this be, Gemini, we raised you better than this! I have given you everything, and this is how you repay me,?” Hot tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “Papa, please, listen. I didn't plan for all this to happen. It just did. I need your support now more than ever.” His face contorted with rage, and I saw the familiar fire
(The decision)(Simon pov)I couldn't help but think that she was joking. After all, this demand of hers had to be a prank in retaliation for my refusal. There was simply no way she could be pregnant. When did I make such a mistake?The thought that she might be desperate crossed my mind. I couldn't allow myself to fall for this. It had to be some kind of ploy. I decided to tease her, hoping to expose her prank."You must be joking, right? This is all because I turned down your proposal," I said with a smirk.But her response caught me off guard. She spoke with a seriousness that made me pause."Simon, have you forgotten so easily? Well, I suppose with the number of women you sleep with every day, it's no wonder. But we had sex in your office, unprotected. Do you remember that, or should I provide more details to jog your memory?" She looked at me intensely, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.I gripped the table, realization sinking in. She was ri
(The promise) *•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•He suddenly felt remorseful, his anger dissipating as he realized the impact of his words.“I didn't mean that,” he said his voice filled with regret.But it was too late. The damage had been done. The words hang in the Air, a bitter reminder of the truth.Feeling a mixture of hurt and betrayal, I wiped away my tears and turned away from him. “Gemini” he called as he grabbed my hand I pulled away, “don't” I warned, stepping into the house.We sat at the dining table, eating our meal in silence, Simon's eyes were fixated on me, I could tell he was feeling guilty but that was none of my business “So you are a doctor” Grandma asked Simon, I could see the excitement in her eyes.“Yes, A cardiologist Ma’am” he answered Grandma's face lit up with a smile as she clapped her hand in joy. “Oh, how wonderful! A cardiologist! That is such an important and Noble profession. You must be proud. She said glancing at me briefly
(The slash funds) (Simon pov)The drive back home felt long as I pondered over the last 30 minutes that just happened. Lying to her about how I felt, I hated myself, I was scared, scared of the way she made me feel, scared of being vulnerable in the process I hurt her.I could see the hate in her eyes when I told her I couldn't love her, the pain, the disappointment. I never wanted to hurt her. But it felt like the only way to protect myself.The truth was, I did love her. I love her more than anything. But I couldn't bear the thought of opening up, of letting someone in so completely.The walls I have built around my heart seemed impenetrable, a shield to protect me from the pain that love inevitably brings.But in pushing her away, I had caused more pain than I ever imagined. The regret washed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in sorrow and guilt. I replayed the moment over and over again in my mind, wishing I could turn back time and find the bravery, to be honest with her.
(MINE)(Gustavo pov)Her hand connected with my cheek, the force of the slap echoing through the room. I could feel the anger, the hatred radiating from her stare. It infuriated me to see her look at me this way.If only she understood the depth of my love for her and the lengths I would go to ensure her father's company remained in capable hands.I had worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to build my reputation and secure this position. I couldn't simply stand by and let some entitled, spoiled brat come in and ruin everything I had worked so hard for."You want Saint Global to continue to thrive, and I want to protect it from destruction," I tried to reason with her."What the hell are you talking about? Protect the company? Is sleeping with my stepmother part of that plan as well?" Her voice dripped with contempt and mistrust.As for her stepmother, Gemini, she was merely a pawn in this game. I didn't love her; I was merely biding my tim
(The Gathering)(Gemini pov)Simon and I entered the room. I felt a strange mix of emotions as I tried to follow his plan to act in love. I mustered a smile as his gaze met mine.Sitting in the family room adjacent to the kitchen, my stepmother's eyes emitted pure hatred. She scanned the room, her grip on a glass of champagne tight.Suddenly, her gaze landed on Simon beside me, and her eyes widened in surprise."Wow," she exclaimed, capturing the attention of everyone in the room. All eyes turned to me and Simon, who stood closely intertwined, observing each person in the room.The expression on my dad's face was the most stunned of all, his eyes fixated sharply on Simon. Clearing his throat, Simon began speaking."Hello, and good evening," he announced confidently. "I am Simon Sinclair, Gemini's fiance."Aunt Becky coughed abruptly, nearly choking on the champagne she held in her hand. Her husband quickly came to her aid, gently patting her back to ease
A future together (Gemini pov)I watched with a mix of amusement and pride as Simon clutched my hand tightly, his grip unyielding even as I tried to break free. The contract marriage we had entered into seemed to complicate even the simplest of conversations.Desperately, I leaned in and whispered, "You can release my hands now, you know." My voice was laden with a hint of frustration.His reply came in a deep, husky tone, filled with determination. "No, love. I need to play my part perfectly."I stared at him in disbelief, my eyebrows furrowing as Gustavo abruptly materialized before me. Hatred burned in his eyes, his presence casting a dark shadow over the situation."May I borrow her, please?" Gustavo's attention shifted from me to Simon.Simon stood unwavering, his response laced with defiance. "If you have something to say, say it in front of me."The tension in the air was palpable, and I slowly wrested my hands from Simon's grasp, turning to fa
ONE YEAR LATER: ~SWEET VENICE~ The Venetian night air was thick with expectation as Simon and Gemini returned to their luxurious suite, the soft glow of the city’s lights screening through the curtains. The evening was full of exciting tastes and feelings, but nothing matched the strong desire between them. Gemini's unexpected striptease sparked a passion in Simon, and as they entered the dimly lit room, the tension was clear.The necklace he’d gifted her sparkled around her neck, a subtle reminder of the love they shared, but it was the raw, unspokendesire that dominated the moment.Gemini moved with deliberate grace, her panties and bra the only walls between her and Simon’s hungry gaze. She approached him slowly, her hips swaying to an imaginary rhythm, her eyes locked on his. Simon stood by the window, his breath shallow, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. She reached him, her hands resting on his shoulders, and began a slow, tantalizing lap dance. Her body pr
~DESPERATE MEASURES~Gemini threw herself sideways, wrenching open the car door and tumbling onto the pavement as a deafening crack split the air. More shouting, the sound of running feet, another gunshot. She scrambled away from the car, disoriented, ears ringing.Strong hands grabbed her shoulders—one of the officers, pulled her behind the cruiser for cover. "Stay down," he ordered."My daughter," Gemini gasped. "He has my daughter. Black SUV headed north. My husband—"The officer's radio crackled with static and urgent voices. "All units, be advised that the suspect vehicle is located at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater. The child is secured and appears unharmed. Suspect in custody."Relief made Gemini's knees buckle. "Maya's safe?""Sounds like it," the officer confirmed, his attention divided between her and the standoff at the Tesla. "We had units already en route to your home. 911 call came in about twenty minutes ago from a neighbor who saw a struggle."Another
~SIN OF THE MOTHER~Ciara's face crumpled. "I didn't know he would... that he would make her lose the baby. He gave her something, told her it was just a drink...""And when she started hemorrhaging? When she was rushed to the hospital?" Maya pressed. "Did you stand up for her then? Did you confront Gustavo?"Tears streamed down Ciara's face. "I couldn't. He threatened to tell George I was stealing from the company. Said he'd make sure I went to prison, that Tiara would be left with nothing.""So you chose yourself over your daughter." Maya's words were quiet but cutting. "Just like you chose George's money over our friendship.""What was I supposed to do?" Ciara cried, her voice rising enough that the guard at the door shifted, alert. "You had everything! Everything I ever wanted! The career, the marriage, the child, the adoration—everyone called you a goddamn goddess! Do you have any idea what it was like living in your shadow?""I never put you in my shadow, Ciara. You chose to st
~BECAUSE I HATE YOU~Two days later, Gemini stood beside her father's hospital bed, watching as the doctors reduced his sedation. Maya and Brandon waited outside—neither ready to face George just yet.Slowly, George's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as he focused on Gemini's face."My daughter," he rasped, his voice weak from disuse."Hello, Father," Gemini replied, the formal address deliberate, a signal that things had changed.George's eyes darted around the room. "Where's Gustavo? I need to speak with him immediately.""Gustavo won't be visiting," Gemini said calmly. "He's currently in federal custody, along with Ciara."An alarm flashed across George's face. "What have you done?""What you taught me to do. Protect what's mine." Gemini leaned closer. "I know everything, Father. About Grandfather. About Mother. About what you've done to Saint Tech."George's expression hardened. "You understand nothing. Everything I did, I did to build an empire worthy of t
THE RECKONINGThe Saint Tech boardroom fell silent as the heavy oak doors swung open. Gustavo Montreal, standing at the head of the table mid-sentence, froze when he saw who entered.Gemini Saint walked in first, her posture straight and confident, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that meant business. Behind her came Simon, then Brandon Greyson, and finally Jerome—Gustavo's supposedly crime in partner."I apologize for the interruption," Gemini said, her voice steady and clear as she addressed the board members seated around the massive table. "But I believe this meeting was scheduled to begin at ten, and I wouldn't want to miss it."Ciara Edwards, seated at Gustavo's right, recovered first. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the polished mahogany. "Gemini, darling, how unexpected. We thought with your... recent delivery, you'd be taking some much-needed rest.""I'm touched by your concern," Gemini replied, the ice in her voice belying her
~THE FINAL THREAT~Gemini's phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and frowned, immediately recognizing Gustavo's number. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours—discovering her mother was alive, learning the truth about her father's crimes—the last person she wanted to hear from was Gustavo Montreal.Still, she answered it. Know your enemy, her father had always taught her."What do you want, Gustavo?" Her voice was cold, detached."We need to talk, Gemini." His tone was urgent, almost desperate. "In person. It's important."She let out a bitter laugh. "I have nothing to say to you.""It's about your father," he pressed. "About the board meeting tomorrow. Things you need to know before you make a mistake you can't undo."Gemini hesitated, her mind racing. Was it possible he knew about their plans? About Maya being alive?"Fine," she said finally. "Where and when?""The café at the Riverside Hotel. In an hour.""That's across town. I need m
FAMILY RESTOREDGemini sat in the rocking chair by the window, cradling baby Maya as the first light of dawn filtered through the blinds. She hadn't slept—how could she, with her world turned upside down once again? Her mother was alive. The mother she had mourned for five years, whose grave she had visited on birthdays and anniversaries, bringing flowers and tears and whispered confidences.A soft knock at the door made her look up. Her mother—Maya, not a ghost, not a memory, but flesh and blood—stood in the doorway, hesitant."May I come in?" she asked quietly.Gemini nodded, unable to find words. Maya crossed the room and knelt beside the rocking chair, her eyes fixed on her grandchild's sleeping face."She's beautiful," Maya whispered. "She has your nose. And Simon's eyes.""I named her after you," Gemini said, her voice barely audible. "I wanted her to have something of the grandmother she would never know."Tears filled Maya's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Gemini. More than you can eve
~SEEING YOU AGAIN~Penelope sat beside Gemini's hospital bed, gently rocking baby Maya in her arms. "You're sure about this?" she asked for the third time. "Going to Brandon's place instead of home?"Gemini nodded, wincing slightly as she carefully buttoned her blouse. "I can't go back to the penthouse right now. Not with all the press camped outside. And not with..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence."Not with Lauren gone," Penelope completed softly.Tears welled in Gemini's eyes. Sweet, kind Lauren. The nanny who had been more like a mother. Found dead….another victim of whatever sinister plot was unfolding around them."I just can't believe she's gone," Gemini whispered. "And for Ciara to suggest that Simon—" Her voice broke."Hey," Penelope said firmly, "nobody with half a brain believes Simon had anything to do with any of this. The man worships the ground you walk on."A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Gemini hastily wiped her eyes as the door opened to re
~WEBS OF DECEIT~The hospital room was quiet save for the gentle beeping of monitors and the soft cooing sounds baby Maya made in her sleep. Gemini sat propped up against pillows, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, staring out the window at the Manhattan skyline.Three days. Three days since she'd given birth without Simon by her side. Three days of reporters camped outside the hospital. Three days of unanswered questions and growing fear.A soft knock at the door broke her reverie."Come in," Gemini called, expecting Penelope or one of the nurses.Instead, Ciara Saint glided in, impeccably dressed in a designer pantsuit, her blonde hair swept into a perfect chignon. A too-bright smile was plastered across her face, and she carried an ostentatious bouquet of lilies."Darling!" Ciara exclaimed, as if they were the closest of friends. "How are you feeling? And is this the little princess?"Gemini instinctively shifted her body to shield Maya's bassinet. "What are you doing here, Ciara?"