Back at home, Kendrick stepped into the familiar warmth of the Peterson mansion, his eyes sweeping over the grand foyer, its marble floors gleaming under the crystal chandeliers. The house, with its towering columns and vast open spaces, had always been a symbol of success, but now, it felt different. It wasn’t just the place where he’d grown up it was the place where he’d decided to return, the place where his journey of rebuilding, of settling down, would truly begin.He had come home with more than just the weight of his corporate triumphs on his shoulders; he had come home with a new resolve. His mind was set. He was ready to settle down with Bridget, to take a break from the chaos and build a life that wasn’t defined by the ever-present demands of business. He’d already bought a sprawling mansion of their own, a place where they could start fresh, where he could give Bridget everything she deserved, and more.But before any of that could happen, there was one thing he needed to d
As the celebrations began to wind down, the sounds of laughter and music faded, leaving behind a comfortable buzz of conversation and the lingering scent of gourmet dishes. Kendrick stood at the window, still enveloped in Bridget's warmth, his heart swelling with a mixture of joy and apprehension. The evening had been everything he’d hoped for a triumphant homecoming, but he felt the weight of the future pressing down on him.“Shall we take a walk?” he suggested, breaking the silence between them.Bridget looked up, her blue eyes sparkling under the soft glow of the chandelier. “I’d love that. I could use a moment away from all the excitement.”Kendrick gently led her toward the expansive terrace that wrapped around the mansion. The night air was cool, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the ballroom, and the stars twinkled brightly above them, offering a sense of infinite possibility.Once outside, they settled onto a cozy lounge chair, surrounded by lush gardens illuminated by so
As the sun rose on a new day, Kendrick felt an exhilarating rush of purpose coursing through him. The night of their celebration had ignited something within him, a deep desire to not only build a community space but to create a life that was intertwined with Bridget’s happiness.Bridget had always worn her scars like badges of honour, remnants of her past that told a story of resilience. Yet, as Kendrick gazed at her sleeping form, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she deserved more than just to live with those marks. He wanted her to feel whole, to see herself as the beautiful person he knew her to be.After discussing it with her, Kendrick decided to take action. He contacted the best plastic surgeons in the country, assembling a team of twenty highly skilled doctors, each renowned for their expertise. He wanted to ensure that Bridget received the best care possible, and he was willing to spare no expense.“Bridget,” he said one morning, gently shaking her awake, “I have something
It was a week after the turmoil at the old Rogers mansion had settled, a week where tears brimmed down like a waterfall on the whole of the Roger’s family. Peace Churchill stood at the edge of her daughter’s grave, a heavy weight of sorrow pressing down on her chest. The fresh earth still looked raw, the flowers she’d laid wilting under the relentless sun, much like her spirit. Louis was gone, and with her, a light had dimmed in Peace’s world.“Imagine how much I’ll have to pay or how long I’ll have to work to settle the debt I owe Kendrick,” Peace muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “You made us all feel like he was some kind of maid.” Tears pooled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks, mingling with the dirt on her hands as she clutched the gravestone.Beside her, Katherine Rogers wiped her tears, regret twisting her face and rolling down her cheeks. “This wasn’t supposed to happen, Peace... If only I hadn’t pushed Kendrick away, he might have been able to help.” she lamented
The city of Texas awakened as sunrise splashed the metropolis with vibrant colours, transforming skyscrapers into golden giants. Morning's warmth enveloped busy streets, inviting another day of endless possibilities. There, Maverick stood on the balcony of his apartment, heart racing with uncertainty. The weight of his family’s desperation bore down on him, Peace and Katherine needed help, and the only person who could provide it was Kendrick. But reaching him was another matter entirely.Kendrick was no longer the boy who had once lived under their roof. He had not only transformed into the richest man in the world, a business mogul whose influence and power couldn't be measured. After how he had been treated by the Rogers family, Maverick knew that approaching him wouldn’t be easy. The walls Kendrick had built around himself were fortified by wealth and a fortress of heightened securities.After numerous failed attempts to connect through phone calls and emails, each met with Xav
Maverick drove home with a heavy heart, the weight of his futile attempts to reach Kendrick pressing down on him. He entered the Rogers household, greeted by the familiar sounds of family life, his mother, Katherine, leaning in the kitchen, and his sister, Peace, sitting at the dining table, lost in thought.“Hey, Mom,” Maverick called, trying to muster a cheerful tone.Katherine turned, her face brightening. “Maverick! How did it go?” Her eyes sparkled with hope, but Maverick’s silence told her everything she needed to know.He sighed, dropping into a chair. “I couldn’t get through to him, Mom. He’s changed too much. It’s like I’m trying to reach a ghost.”Katherine’s expression fell, worry creasing her forehead. “We need him, Maverick. Without his help, we’re lost. What if we lose the house?”“I know,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I tried everything. He’s surrounded by a fortress of guards. He’s not the same Kendrick we knew.”Peace, who had been listening quietly, lo
Kendrick stood at the entrance of the party, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses washing over him. He adjusted his cuffs, his instincts honed from years of going round his world of wealth and power. The grandeur of the venue contrasted sharply with the turmoil that brewed inside him, memories of his family resurfacing with every glance at the opulence surrounding him.As he moved through the crowd, a cadre of guards flanked him, unseen but ever-present shadows. Their eyes scanned the room, alert for any threats, both real and imagined. Kendrick felt their vigilance, a necessary burden that had become second nature. Yet beneath that armor of confidence, an unsettling thought lingered: what if tonight was different? What if the ghosts of his past had come to claim him?In the corner of the lavish hall, Peace paced nervously in her bedroom. The walls felt like they were locking in, her heart racing with each passing second. Christy’s call had left her on edge; she imagined her fr
Christy’s heart raced as she stood between Kendrick and Twain, the atmosphere crackling with tension. She had come to this party with a plan, a desperate hope to bridge a gap for Peace and Kendrick. But now, caught in a line of accusations, her intentions felt lost.“Twain, please, let me explain!” she pleaded, trying to maintain her composure despite the storm brewing inside her. She could see Kendrick’s eyes scanning the crowd, his guards ready for anything.“Explain what?” Twain shot back, his expression a mix of anger and hurt. “That you’re running back to your old flame? I thought you were better than this, Christy!”“No, you don’t understand,” she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. “I came to help Peace! She’s worried about Kendrick, and I thought… I thought I could get through to him.”“Get through to him?” Twain echoed incredulously. “Or get through to him?” He thrust his chin in Kendrick’s direction, his voice rising with every word. “You think this is just about