Wendy stood in the stillness, her own weight settling upon her like a heavy fog. The room seemed colder now, and the echo of Leila's footsteps retreating past carried away even the sound of her desire. Wendy was left alone with her thoughts and Sabrina's heart.She didn't want Sabrina to suffer, didn't want this girl of hers to face one more drop of the poison that a world of hurt could be, how often it tore at the people they loved. But nothing like this had ever pushed her to intervene before. Certainly not since the past and the man responsible for hurting Sabrina were no longer the reasons. No, this was about the future.She truly believed that whatever was to happen in this moment would decide the rest of life for Sabrina for years to come, and she couldn't afford to let her granddaughter face another heartbreak. She cried for her hopelessness, knowing that what was going to be would be only torture if Sabrina's happiness was not handled with care.When emotions run so high, talk
At the tail end of the meeting, Wendy rose from her seat to extend a stiff but appropriately calm smile towards Benedict, covering both layers of thought. She had sown the seed of redemption within him, but it was for Benedict to determine whether he would take the change or continue on the road of destruction. With thanks and an exit out of the room, Wendy stayed seated and watched him leave while her brain whirred on with calculations of what might come next. He remained aloof. Benedict was no slacker when it came to business sense, and he instinctively knew who someone was, but she knew that was as much as he did. Wendy had determined she was not going to reveal she was Sabrina's grandmother - not yet, at any rate. There was weight to that, and a delicate balance to be struck. She knew that once Benedict learned the truth about her association with Sabrina, everything would change. Would he see it as a manipulation of sorts? Would he be driven to prove himself to her, or would he
Sabrina had been so focused and determined in entering the new chapter of her life. The pregnancy news was a surprise, but it gave her clarity she never had. She knew whatever awaited her regarding the future and no matter how tough it was, she would face it straight in the face, more so because she was about to chase her biggest dream - she became a fashion designer.She's always been passionate about design, but creating something entirely her own—building a brand from the ground up—is now at the top of her mind. Months of sketching designs, curating ideas, and looking for the best materials have resulted in something she believes is now closer to reality. Part of her wanted to prove it to herself as well as to those around her that she was capable of so much more than just being Benedict Thompson's wife. She wanted something of her own and to create something lasting—something meaningful, separate from her past.Wendy, the always protectively and supportively gentle grandmother,
This was the start.The coming months would be grueling, with long hours that would push through till the wee hours of the morning, as well as numerous lessons learned in the world of fashion design. Sabrina was well aware that it wouldn't be an easy journey, but she was prepared. She envisioned something that was more than just creating beautiful garments, but something that could stand for something much deeper. Her designs would represent strength, grit, and the loveliness born from the toughest of life's moments.Leila, ever the rock by her side, smiled softly as she watched Sabrina absorb all that Paris had to offer. There was something about this city that made everything feel possible, and Leila knew that her daughter-in-law would thrive here. Determination had always been the hallmark of Sabrina's life, and now it would lead her toward something even greater, within this city of dreams.But Wendy felt it too. She had seen her granddaughter suffer, her pain and doubt, but now
As Sabrina emerged from the conference room, she could barely hold herself in. Her heart pounded within her chest as she scanned the hall for Wendy and Leila. The meeting had gone better than she had dared hope for—she was officially accepted into one of Paris's most prestigious fashion schools. Her dream, once a far-off spark, was now almost within reach.She glanced in just beyond, holding her breath. Wendy's face alight as she caught sight of Sabrina coming into view; Leila leaped forward, her eyes raking Sabrina's face for the answer."Okay?" she ventured, her voice full of anticipating question. "How was it?"Sabrina took a deep breath. A large, shimmering smile burst forth on her face. "I got in mom," she said, her voice quivering with emotion. "They loved my designs. They said… they said I have potential."Wendy beamed, pulling Sabrina into a tight hug. "Of course you do, dear," she whispered. "I've always known you had it in you."Leila's eyes sparkled with pride as she reached
Meanwhile, Benedict sat in his office, the faint lights of the city casting shadows on the massive heaps of papers on his desk. The room was silent, except for the tick-tock of the clock, each tick singing of the growing pressure mounting against him. The company was at the point of impending doom - once a blooming empire now teetering on the point of collapse. Investors were pulling out, and employees were on their toes. But he had become so caught up in his work and in pride that he hadn't seen this coming.He sank back into his chair, the weight of fatigue pressing down on him like a stone. Still, it wasn't all this-all the chaos and the meetings, nights, and stress-that hollowed him out. It was an absence he hadn't acknowledged before, one that seemed to creep in during the quiet moments.Sabrina.And this memory of her name was like a knife cutting through him as he recalled, in vivid memory, the smooth contours of her face, the gentle smile she habitually wore, the way she would
Sabrina's days in Paris had blurred into one another, with classes, sketches, fabric swatches, and runway rehearsals consuming every waking moment. She was awakened each morning by early rising and deep breaths as the external city outside her window slowly came to life. She was not unaware of what she was up against—it was more than a career to which she was joining. This was her chance at building a future, for herself and for her unborn child.Despite the constant fatigue that came with being pregnant, Sabrina never lost her will to draw. Every design she made was a gesture of love — not only for the unborn baby but also for that which she would be crafting for the future. She learned to balance her dreams with her physical limitations, leaving her feeling exhausted yet pushing herself forward while still needing a lot of rest when necessary.There were days when the exhaustion threatened to consume her. She spent long hours sitting at her desk, going over and perfecting her design
Each passing day, Sabrina's reputation as a designer continued to grow. She threw herself into every project, creativity flowing through her with a fierceness that stunned her professors and peers alike. Her passion for fashion was undeniable, and with each passing week and growing baby bump, the fire inside her to create something that would make her and her child proud had grown just as fervently.There were moments when she couldn't handle it at all-when the countless hours spent in studio sessions and the burden of carrying a child became unbearable.. But every time, she'd think of what Leila said, of the promise she had made to herself and to her baby, and somehow, that's enough to keep her going.As time went by, Sabrina's designs started to stir the waters in the fashion world. Her name started to get whispered with other established names of the best up-and-coming designers in Paris. Rave reviews coupled with subsequent competition entry to make her more stable in the world of
The following day.Tension hung heavy in the boardroom.Eliana remained seated in one of the chairs by the very long, polished mahogany table, her clenched fingers tightened together in a small fist. Nathaniel Harper stretched out in front of her, an exasperating blend of relaxation and restraint.They had been here on the first day of something that neither of them had wanted but had to tolerate nonetheless.Sabrina Ultra and Harper Global directors sat in chairs surrounding them, patiently waiting.Eliana pulled her shoulders back. She was not going to let him have the upper hand.Nathaniel's smile broadened. "Shall we begin, Princess?"Her jaw hardened. "Let me clarify something for you, Harper. We are not friends. We are not friends. We are not friends." She slowly emphasized the final word, her rage blazing from her eyes so that Nathaniel's smile creased further.Nathaniel's smile spread wider. "Whatever it is that lets you sleep better at night."Eliana ignored him and turned to
Eliana stepped out of her car and walked through the grand door of the Thompson compound, a sense of exhaustion over her shoulders. The meeting had tested all of her patience and control, and now she found herself confronted by another battle—the one within the house.She had barely walked into the living room when she heard her father's voice."Tell me I misheard, Eliana."Her head lifted to see her parents, Sabrina and Benedict, along with her eldest brother, Saben, waiting for her. Their faces were unreadable, but their stiff postures and the tension in the air told her everything she needed to know.Her mother was the first to speak, her sharp brown eyes narrowing. "You’re collaborating with Nathaniel Harper?"Eliana breathed in deeply. "I wouldn't say it was a collaboration. More of… a business arrangement."Benedict emitted a rough laugh, his head shaking. "A business arrangement? With him? Of all people?"Saben moved forward, his face grim. "Are you crazy, Eliana?"Eliana gritt
The instant Eliana entered the Sabrina Ultra boardroom the following morning, she felt the burden of the glares. Some were hopeful, some were cautious, and some, such as the in-your-face Jonathan Fields-one of the longest-serving board members-were downright hostile. She had scarcely sat down at the head of the table when he had his mouth going, speaking in a condescending tone."Miss Thompson, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything.". Your fellow board members have serious concerns about whether you have what it takes to head this company."Eliana restrained a sigh. Of course. Here we go. She put aside her tablet, putting her hands together on the table. "And what are those concerns, Mr. Fields?"Jonathan snorted. "Experience. You've never run a company in your life. You've never negotiated high-stakes deals or managed corporate disasters. Why in the world would you think you can occupy that seat?"Eliana smiled coolly. "Because my mother does. And if the woman who constructed this empi
The high-ceilinged conference room of Sabrina Ultra was heavy with tension. The firm's strongest board members occupied the gleaming, mahogany table, their eyes keen and critical as they examined the young woman before them.Eliana Hope Thompson.Daughter of Benedict Thompson and Sabrina Auburn, heiress to one of the largest luxury brands in the nation.But was she really up to it?That was the question hanging over all of us like a sword in the air waiting to descend.Sabrina was quietly tall and statuesque, standing beside her daughter, whose anger, like the swirling tongues of fire, raged left and right, backward and forward, across her face. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are today at the turning point for Sabrina Ultra. You all know I have been the head of this company for many decades, and I have taken it to what it stands now. Today is the day, however, to bring in the future. The future of the company—the future leader—is my daughter, Eliana Hope Thompson."Murmurs spread among boa
Eliana sat cramped in the back of the family's luxury vehicle, her arms crossed as she stared out the window. Lights from the city whizzed by, but her mind was taken up with the one thing—Nathaniel Harper.That egotistical, condescending asshole.He believed she was fragile. He believed she would break beneath the strain.She gripped her fists.Let him believe that. For when the moment arrived, she would show him—and everyone else—otherwise.As the vehicle arrived at the Thompson Estate, Benedict stepped out first, his stance stiff. Saben got out next, looking at his sister before heaving a sigh."Eliana," he grumbled, shaking his head. "I recognize that expression. Don't be foolish."She got out, her heels clicking on the ground. "Define foolish.""Taking on Nathaniel Harper without a clear plan," Saben retorted. "He's not some entitled rich kid pretending to be a businessman. He's merciless, and he doesn't lose."Eliana smiled. "Neither do I."Benedict spun round, his face impassiv
Saben paced a vexed hand through his hair. "This is no laughing matter, Eliana! I'm warning you, stay away from him. Don't let your defenses down. Don't trust him."Eliana's eyes flashed with mutiny. "I never said I trusted him. But I'm not going to hide from him either.""You should," Saben bit out. "For your own safety."She didn't know what to say before someone else interjected."Well, well. Talking about me behind my back already?"Both of the kids spun around.There, leaning against a marble column, was Nathaniel Harper.They were crinkled with amusement, furrowed at the edges, a broad smile spreading from his mouth. "I didn't know I'd impressed you that much Eliana."Saben bristled immediately, standing watch over Eliana. "What in the devil are you still doing hanging around here?"Nathaniel took a slow drink of his whiskey."I was leaving, but someone called out my name. Figured I'd stay for a little while."Eliana stood around Saben, planted firmly in front of Nathaniel. "You'
At the same time, Nathaniel Harper was not your average businessman—he was the son of Theodore Harper, one of the erstwhile board members of BMX Estates, who had been charged with money laundering by no less a person than Benedict Thompson himself.That scandal had threatened to bankrupt BMX Estates back in the old days. Whereas Benedict had defended the company tooth and nail, the Harper clan had been gaining strength behind the scenes, benefiting from the pandemonium.The acrimony between the Harpers and the Thompsons was more than professional—it was personal.Nathaniel sipped his whiskey slowly, observing Eliana across the ballroom. She had the same spark as her father, the same resolve as her mother.Interesting.He smiled to himself.So this is the girl they are counting on to lead Sabrina Ultra?She was young, too young. Regardless of how poised she seemed in that instant, Nathaniel knew business was ruthless—a war where only the fittest remained.And if she believed she could
The mood was still tense as Nathaniel Harper melted into the crowd, his departure leaving behind a lingering sense of unease. The party went on, but to the Thompson family, the evening had turned dark. Saben looked at his sister, his face stern."True, Eliana. All of my business ventures in BMX—some of them have failed due to him." His tone was clipped, laced with irritation."Nathaniel Harper is merciless. He does not just want to win—he wants to destroy his competition. Eliana, You have to be careful. And whatever you do, don't be taken in by the way he appears."Eliana crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not easily distracted, Saben."Saben grinned. "You should. Because men like him? They don't play fair."Sabrina, who had remained silently present, spoke at last, her tone level but unyielding."The Harper family is an eyesore, yes." She shook her head, sighing. "But that's competition, my dear. That's business. But you must have your principles and be humble. No matter how ruthl
18 years later. Sabrina Auburn Thompson leaned against the balcony railing of their large estate, observing the sun set below the horizon. The golden colors of the sunset caught the reflection from the large gardens where her adult children had as toddlers played with abandon.Sabrina sighed in satisfaction, her back against the warmth of Benedict's body. He encircled Sabrina's shoulders with his arms and bit gently at her hair."What do you think about, my love Sabrina?" he asked in his deep, comforting voice.Sabrina smiled, leaning back against him. "Just thinking how fast time passes… One minute, we were rocking them to sleep, and now… they're all grown up."Benedict laughed. "And they're both great. We must've done something right."Actually, their kids had turned out to be great young adults.Saben Thompson, 26, had become the CEO of BMX Estates, the billion-dollar real estate empire that had been in their family for generations. Intelligent, ambitious, and charming, he had inhe