The Contract

Chapter 1: The ContractThe rain was falling heavily as I stood outside the orphanage, two garbage bags containing everything I owned at my feet. Sister Margaret's face was cruel as she handed me my final check, a mere $200 that wouldn't last a week."Eighteen means you're an adult now, Celeste. The state no longer pays for your care," she said coldly shaking her head. "We need the bed for the younger children."I nodded my head already numb to it all. Eighteen years in this place have taught me one thing: and that was to never expect compassion from anyone.The orphanage door closed and there was a click, and just like that, I was left alone in this world.My job working as a waitress at Riley's Diner was all I had left. The pay was small and terrible, but it would keep me from sleeping on park benches for a while at least until I could figure something out.Three hours later, I was unemployed."You can't just assault customers!" Mr. Riley shouted, his face filled with rage as he

Last Updated : 2025-05-16

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Two Days LeftSIX YEARS LATER"Mom! Troy took my robot again!" Lake's voice was loud enough as it echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of little feet.I sighed, gently dropping the laundry basket. Six years in this mansion, and I still hadn't gotten used to the chaos that came with raising triplets."Troy Kingston," I called out, sounding a bit stern so that he could see that I was being serious."What have we said about taking things without asking?"My middle son showed up in the door way his , blonde curls scattered wildly but managing to frame his face in a beautiful way with the stolen robot held to his chest. At five years old, Troy was already showing signs of his father's stubbornness."I was just borrowing it," he protested, his green eyes wide with fake innocence as he continued speaking "Lake wasn't using it right." Lake ran into the room, his face red with anger. into view, . Of my three boys, Lake was the most sensitive, and the self proclaimed

Last Updated : 2025-05-18

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Last Night Kingston Industries' annual Innovation Showcase was unlike any other corporate event in the city. It was part trade show, part celebration, part intimidation tactic; I learned early that it was Xenois's way of reminding competitors and allies as well of his dominance in both legitimate and illegitimate businesses.I'd attended ten of these galas now, but this one felt a bit different. After all it was my last one as Mrs. Kingston."Mom, look! They have quantum computers!" Soren said as he tugged at my hand, pointing toward a display where engineers demonstrated holographic things.I smiled, smoothing down my gold gown, the same one that Xenois had specifically selected for tonight. "Why don't you go check it out? Stay where I can see you."The boys ran off, happy to have gotten permission to explore. I watched them go, smiling and feeling sad at the same time.By this time tomorrow I would never see them again."They're making quite an impression," Xenois

Last Updated : 2025-05-18

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Shattered PlansThe car ride home was quiet. The boys, exhausted from the excitement, were dozing off against each other in the backseat. Xenois worked on his tablet, his face brightened by its blue glow."They made quite an impression tonight," he said finally, breaking the silence. "Roman's son is fifteen and still struggling with basic calculus. He was impressed.""They're exceptional," I agreed with him nodding my head slowly. "You should be proud.""We should be proud," he corrected, surprising me as I looked at him. "Your influence has been... significant."I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur as the car sped past them. "They're going to miss me."He didn't respond immediately. When he did, his voice was, detached ....cold. "It's time to tell them, Celeste. Tonight."My heart sank. I'd hoped that I would have tonight too but it seemed like it was all coming to an end."If that's what you want.""It's necessary," he said, as he went back to his table

Last Updated : 2025-05-19

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Irrevocable Changes "I don't want nap time," Soren declared, crossing his arms defiantly as he glared at me but it was more of a pout.After a morning at the park and a subdued lunch, the boys were overtired and emotional, it was a dangerous combination that normally showed an incoming meltdown."Just a short rest," I coaxed, smoothing back his dark hair as I looked at him. "You were up very early, and you had such big feelings today.""Because you're leaving," he accused, his lower lip wobbling already as I felt my chest tighten seeing this look on his face.My heart twisted as I nodded my head slowly . There was no need to deny it or try to come up with a lie just to make them feel better for now."I know, sweetheart. And it's okay to be sad and angry about that."Lake was already drowsing, curled around his favorite stuffed elephant. Troy was fighting sleep but losing the battle, his eyes drooping as he clutched my hand."Will you still be here when we wake up?" Soren a

Last Updated : 2025-05-21

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: A Different XenoisThe hospital room was dimly lit, monitors beeping steadily beside the bed where Xenois lay, his head bandaged, an IV in his arm. He looked smaller somehow and more vulnerable in a way I'd never thought I would associate with him.The boys approached the bed cautiously, Troy reaching for my hand."Daddy?" Soren called softly.Xenois's eyes opened slowly, unfocused at first, then focusing as recognition flashed through his eyes as they landed on the childrenHe smiled, at them as he looked at each of them tenderly."My boys," he murmured, his voice hoarse from tiredness. "Come here."They moved forward eagerly then, their caution earlier forgotten after the explicit permission from their dad. Xenois winced as they climbed onto the bed but he made no move to stop them, instead gathering them close with his uninjured arm."Careful," I warned, stepping forward getting in his line of vision. "Daddy's hurt."Xenois looked up at me, and something in his eyes ma