Kendrick and Bridget stepped back into the main hall of the Peterson mansion, where laughter and clinking glasses filled the air like music. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, yet a shadow hung over Kendrick’s thoughts. He led Bridget through the crowd, introducing her to family members, their warmth enveloping her like a well-worn blanket.“Bridget, this is my cousin, Emily,” Kendrick said, gesturing to a lively woman with sparkling eyes and a welcoming smile. “She’s been my partner in crime since we were kids.”“Nice to meet you, Emily,” Bridget said, returning the smile.“Finally, someone who can keep this guy in line!” Emily laughed, giving Kendrick a playful nudge. “You’re in for quite the ride.”As the evening progressed, Bridget seamlessly engaged with his family. Kendrick watched, filled with admiration as she shared stories and laughed easily, her presence brightening the room. For a moment, he allowed himself to forget the tension brewing just beneath the surface. H
Two days after the tense evening at the Peterson mansion, Kendrick stood before a sea of people in the grandest ballroom Texas had ever seen. The ballroom was alive with the hum of excited chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the sound of strings playing softly in the background. The walls, adorned with cascading white roses, shimmering chandeliers, and golden accents, made it feel like something straight out of a dream. It was an event the city would remember for generations. In the center of it all, Kendrick was dressed in a sleek, custom-made black tuxedo, the deep sheen of the fabric catching the light as he turned to face the guests. He looked out at the crowd, his breath caught in his chest as he realized just how monumental this moment was not just for him, but for Bridget too. His heart raced, but not out of nerves. It was pure anticipation. This was the biggest day of his life, and Bridget was at the center of it all. His life with her was beginning. The reception hall h
Bridget Collins, would you marry me?” Kendrick Peterson said, with a smirk on his face as he knelt on one knee in the room he had decorated with rose petals, balloons and ribbons. It was a dream come true for him, he couldn't believe what he had thought to be an unfortunate circumstance was in fact his moment of breakthrough. He Met Bridget Collins in the most unsuitable ways. He had just implemented a new administrative act that enforces payable hours and allowed leaves and breaks to nursing mothers, he also pushed to check the pipelines, its proceeds and have it reported to the company directly. The board of directors were not satisfied with the change and threatened to pull out their investment, Mr. Charles Peterson was furious and scolded Kendrick saying he wanted to ruin what he had spent years building. “If you put up with this irresponsible attitude, I will leave this company to one of your distant cousins to run” Mr. Charles was irked and angry when he blurted those words ou
Kendrick and Bridget sat in the opulent office of renowned wedding planner, Julian St. Clair. Julian's reputation for creating fairytale weddings had drawn them to him, despite his hefty price tag.“As I envision it, the ceremony will take place on the Peterson estate's grand lawn,”Julian explained, his eyes sparkling with creativity. “We'll have a floral archway, custom made aisle runner, and…”“Julian, this sounds amazing” Kendrick interrupted, “but can you make it even more spectacular? I want this wedding to be unforgettable.”Julian's smile widened. “I'll make it happen, Kendrick. But I have to warn you, some people are sceptical about your ability to pull off a wedding of this magnitude.Kendrick's jaw clenched. “I'm aware. But I'll prove them wrong.”Bridget's hand found his, offering reassurance.As Julian began discussing the wedding details, Kendrick noticed Bridget's unease. She seemed distracted, her eyes fixed on Julian.“Bridget, is everything okay?” Kendrick asked, conc
Bridget's past finally caught up with her. A mysterious figure from her previous life arrived in town, threatening to expose her secrets. He went to Peterson's estate screaming on top of his lungs, waking Kendrick from his sleep. Kendrick looked out the window to see bridget begging the man to leave, he quickly ran out and pushed bridget behind him“Who are you?” Kendrick demanded, shielding Bridget.“I'm someone who knows the truth,” the figure replied, handing Kendrick a folder containing shocking revelations. The man handed a folder to Kendrick and asked him to go through it.“Everything about this fraud is in there,” the man said as he walked out of Peterson's estate.Kendrick confronted Bridget about the folder's contents. “Why didn't you tell me?” kendrick askedBridget's tears flowed. “I was protecting you, Kendrick. I didn't want to lose you.”Kendrick stormed out of the house and drove out to Richard’s house. Richard had asked to partner with him and reveal the dirty secret
Kendrick stood frozen in the middle of the living room, the weight of Richard's revelation crashing down on him. His mind was a blur, a storm of thoughts spiralling into chaos. Julian's voice echoed in his ears, each word a dagger twisting deeper into his chest."Welcome to the family business."His breath quickened. His knees threatened to buckle beneath him. He tried to hold on to some semblance of control, but the revelation shattered everything. Richard was standing just a few feet away, watching Kendrick with a mixture of pity and urgency."No... this can't be true," Kendrick whispered, almost pleading. "My father, Charles... how could he be Julian's brother?"Richard's face was grim, his eyes shadowed with years of hidden pain. "It's true, Kendrick. Your father and Julian share blood. Your mother, Maggie, was the woman who tried to distance herself from the family’s dark dealings. But she couldn't escape the shadow of it all. You, Kendrick... you've been living under a lie."Ke
Kendrick couldn't shake the weight of the conversation he'd just had with his father. The walls of the study felt like they were closing in on him, suffocating him with the truth. His entire life, everything he thought he knew about his family, had been shattered in the span of an hour. The revelation that Julian was his uncle, that his father had been complicit in his mother's death, left him reeling. But there was no time to dwell on it. He had more pressing matters at hand with Bridget.He had to protect her. After everything that had come to light about her past, the rumors, the secrets, he knew she was on the edge. She was a woman who had endured so much in silence, and Kendrick was determined to show her that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe and that included putting her on a pedestal where nothing, not even Julian, could touch her.He made up his mind. It wasn’t just about the wedding anymore. The event had long since stopped being just a celebration of love. It wa
The Peterson estate was alive with activity. The grand dining room was filled with laughter, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the rustle of silk dresses. Kendrick was surrounded by his closest family and friends, a celebratory dinner marking the successful conclusion of another business deal. But tonight, the focus wasn’t on the transactions or corporate takeovers. This evening was about living, indulging, and savoring the wealth and success that came with years of hard work—and the promise of more to come.Bridget stood at his side, her smile more genuine now, as she had slowly begun to relax into the world Kendrick had built for them. The tension in her eyes had softened, though there were still moments when the shadows of the past lingered. But tonight wasn’t for the past. It was for the future—and Kendrick was determined to make sure it was one filled with luxury, safety, and undeniable joy.The estate had been transformed for the occasion. The table was laden with an extrav