LOGINSIX MONTHS LATER The smell of roasted chicken and laughter filled the dining room. Grayson sat awkwardly at the center of the table, watching in disbelief as Tessa’s family argued over whose cooking was better. “ Here.. have more.” “ You barely touched the meat.” “ Why are you eating so little?’ Before he could answer, another portion of vegetables and fish landed on his plate. He blinked. Across from him, Tessa struggled to suppress her laughter. “ You look traumatized." Grayson lowered his voice. " Your family has fed me enough for the next three business quarters." She burst into laughter. For years, Grayson had known only cold dinners, silent mansions, and conversations that revolved around profits and expectations. This was different. Nobody wanted anything from him. Nobody expected perfection. They simply wanted him there. And somehow, that terrified him far more than boardrooms ever had. But still… he felt like he belonged here. And that made his heart feel f
| TWO MONTHS LATER | The courthouse had never felt so suffocating. Reporters crowded the entrance from the early hours of the morning, their cameras flashing relentlessly as police officers struggled to maintain order. News vans lined the streets while journalists fought to secure the best angle. Inside, however, was quiet. Blake sat rigidly in his seat, his expensive suit unable to conceal the exhaustion etched into his features. The once-commanding businessman looked years older, his hair streaked with more gray than anyone remembered. A few seats away sat Tyler. For the first time in his life, there was no arrogance in his eyes, no confidence, no resentment. Only emptiness. Ciara sat behind them, clutching a handkerchief in trembling hands. She had cried so much over the past months that she wondered whether she had any tears left. Across the room, Grayson sat quietly beside Tessa. Their fingers were intertwined. Neither of them spoke. The judge entered moments later, br
Few minutes after Grayson handed the footage to the cops, the other officers in charge of his accident case had returned. “ We've arrested the driver.” One of the officers had informed him. But not only that, but they also told him who it was that wanted him dead. The mastermind. Grayson and Tessa’s breath quivered. Ciara was right after all. It was Tyler. Tyler straightened upon seeing the cops, his chest tightened along with his throat. The officer stepped forward, leaving two other officers behind. “ Mr. Tyler Beaumont?” he asked even though he already knew. “ Y.. yes?” Ciara turned to them, panicking, her hands trembling. “ You are under arrest for attempted murder of Mr. Grayson Beaumont.” He brought out his handcuffs and read him his rights. Tyler opened his mouth to speak but no words would form. Ciara wept, tried to stop the cops but he was led out anyway. Coldness washed over Tyler, looking at his hands in cuffs, his chest racing faster and faster. His head
Blake's chest kept thudding faster against his rib. He had come back home and told Tyler to go and get prepared that they'll be heading to the company in a few minutes. It kept ringing at the back of his mind. That it's only a matter of time. Before the police found out that he had killed his brother. He knew, that he had been so careless about it, forgetting he didn't have Grayson to cover up for anything anymore. Knowing he only had a limited time left, he decided to save his company by quickly making Tyler the CEO. He was still standing in the sitting room, waiting for Tyler when a sharp knock hit the front door and his body froze. ‘ Who's that?’ he asked in his mind. ‘ It couldn't be the cops, right? They couldn't have already found out.’ Another three firm knocks came in. “ Police! Open the door!” Blake's heart nearly jumped to his throat. Tyler who was already walking down the stairs when he heard that—froze. ‘ No, no way.’ his chest started beating fast and hard.
Laura giggled as she placed different types of food before Tessa and Grayson. “ So now you can finally eat right?” Laura teased. Tessa chuckled, grabbing the apple off the tray. “ I'm so glad you guys are okay now.” She said, smiling sweetly at Grayson. She had arrived early that morning to bring some clothes and food. Grayson smiled back. “ Thank you so much…” He was still talking when they heard a scream from the ward next door. A nurse had fumbled for the emergency button, pressing it repeatedly as panic surged through her veins. “ Code blue!” She screamed, her voice echoing through the corridor. “ Code blue in ward A!” Within seconds, chaos erupted. “ Isn't that..” Laura's brow furrowed as she looked at Tessa and Grayson. “ Isn't that Bennett's ward?” “ What?!” “ Wait here, let me confirm.” She sprang to her feet and rushed out. Grayson and Tessa looked at each other, brows knitted, staring at the door and waiting for Laura to return with answers. Laura's heart
Blake barely slept that night, even though he was happy about the DNA result that at least Tyler is his son, his mind was still restless. Haunted by Bennett, Grayson, numbers report, and the faces of shareholders who had spent the last few days demanding answers he didn't have. Just when the sleep was finally dragging him under, his phone rang. The shrill sound jolted his body a little as he jerked awake. His heart—hammering against his chest. He grunted. “ What now, what's it this time?” He grumbled as he reached for the device on his bedside table. For a moment, his vision was blurry, but the moment he saw the caller ID—his financial director—dread settled in his stomach. “ Hello.” He said, picking up the call. “ Sir, you need to see the market reports.” Blake was already sitting upright. “ What happened?” There was a pause. "Our stocks dropped another twenty percent overnight. Investors are pulling out, and three major partners have suspended negotiations." Blake'
After Corrine left the office, she had been smiling to herself. Even though her interactions with Grayson were minimal, as he was more interested in the solution she offered, she felt elated to have gained his attention and even earned a thumbs-up from him. But it's been minutes since she came
“ You're shaking, Tess. And I haven't even done anything.” Her breath hitched, face reddened with embarrassment. Her brow creased in anger and confusion at how hard her chest was pounding, and why her body was trembling like that. But she cared not about any answer at the point, she just wanted
The most anticipated day was finally here, yet the morning felt unreal. The room buzzed with stylists, makeup artists, photographers adjusting their lenses, and assistants moving around with bouquets and fabric. White. Everything was white. White curtains, white roses, white dress. Tessa stared
“ I do.” Tessa didn't recognize her own voice. It sounded distant, mechanical, like it belonged to someone else standing at the altar in her white dress.The church was filled. Cameras flashed. Guests smiled. Applause echoed softly. But she felt nothing but ache in her chest, a pain that refused t







