All Chapters of Four Babies and a Billion Dollar Lie: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Times fliesSeven Years LaterThe Langford estate was alive with laughter, balloons, and the shrill excitement of children. The gardens had been transformed into a wonderland of bright colors, inflatable castles, and a miniature carnival that stretched from the fountain to the rose garden.Seven years ago, Ares Langford would never have imagined himself standing at the center of such a celebration, responsible for four pairs of small feet, four unique little personalities who called him Daddy with no hesitation, no doubt in their voices.But here he was, straightening his tie as he looked at the scene, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.It was the quadruplets’ birthday—Kamal, Jamal, Beauty, and Pretty. Seven years old today, yet it felt like they had always been a part of his life.“Daddy, look at me!” Jamal shouted, balancing precariously on the edge of the inflatable slide before tumbling down with wild laughter.“You’re going to break your neck,” Ares called back, but his

Out of prisonThe hall glittered with golden light. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling like raindrops of fire, scattering warmth over the crowd of dignitaries, family, and friends. Musicians played soft strings in the background while servers carried trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Everyone assumed it was just another of Ares Langford’s grand celebrations—a charity gala, a business success, or perhaps a birthday. No one suspected what was about to unfold.Ares stood at the center of it all, in a suit that fit him like it had been carved onto his frame. His jaw was set, his dark eyes sharper than ever, but inside, his chest pounded with nerves he hadn’t felt in years. He had faced boardrooms, billion-dollar deals, and competitors who wanted him ruined. But nothing compared to this moment.Chloe entered, radiant in a deep emerald gown that brought out the richness of her brown skin and the brightness of her smile. The room shifted its focus naturally to her, as if she c

Take a chill pillThe one bedroom apartment they rented still smelled faintly of paint and dust, but to Tessa it felt like paradise compared to the years of damp earth, iron chains, and whispers of death in the forest. She sat on the thin mattress that lay in the corner of the room, listening to Mariam humming softly as she stirred rice in a battered pot they had bought with part of Ayisha’s stolen money.The windows were cracked open, letting in the noise of the city—children playing on the street, a man shouting prices of roasted corn, a motorcycle rattling by. For the first time in years, the sound of ordinary life surrounded them.But peace didn’t last long in Tessa’s mind. Every thought circled back to her children. Where were they? Did they still remember her? Did they think she had abandoned them? The ache grew sharper every night.Ayisha dropped down onto the floor with a sigh, fanning herself with a piece of cardboard. “This city is hot like fire. And noisy too.”“You’ll get

How convenient“Tessa?” Ares breathed, the name cracking out of him like a secret let loose.Chloe’s fingers clamped around his forearm. “Don’t,” she hissed. “Ares, stop.”He stepped off the dais. Guests turned. Music died. At the back of the aisle, Tessa stood between two women, pale and steady.Marcus rose. “What is this?”Lady Bianca didn’t hesitate. “Nannies, now. Security, remove the children from the floor. Take them to the green room.”Four small heads jerked. Kamal and Jamal in tiny tuxedos, Beauty and Pretty in white, were swept away by two nannies. Beauty clutched Pretty’s hand. Jamal looked at Ares. Kamal pressed his mouth thin.Tessa lurched. “Please…don’t take them,” she cried. Mariam and Ayisha caught her elbows.“Isn’t this your best friend?” Ayisha asked. “Getting married to your baby daddy?”Tessa shook her head. “She probably did it to help be closer to my children so she can take better care of them.”Ares shook free of Chloe and moved down the steps. “Tessa,” he sa

Money or Love?The moment the door of their small rented apartment closed behind them, Tessa could no longer hold it in. The strength she had been clinging to in front of Chloe, Ares, Julian, Lady Bianca, and everyone else crumbled the instant she was back in her own space. Her knees buckled, and she sank onto the old, threadbare sofa. Her body shook as tears streamed down her cheeks. The sound that came out of her chest wasn’t just crying…it was the raw, guttural pain of betrayal, the kind that left scars on a soul.Ayisha and Mariam rushed to her, dropping their purses carelessly to the floor. They flanked her on both sides, rubbing her back, holding her trembling hands, whispering soft reassurances that barely made sense but were soaked with love.“It’s okay, Tessa,” Ayisha murmured, though her own voice was quivering. “We’re here. You’re not alone.”Mariam wrapped an arm tightly around her. “Please, stop crying. You’re stronger than this. Don’t let them see you broken.”But the so