"Allow me to introduce my wife, Nicole Hales, mother of our twins. I have loved this amazing woman for years, starting from our college days." His voice dripped with adoration, each word a dagger to her heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the painful truth hit her, while she had devoted herself to making his dreams a reality, he had been building a life with someone else. Eight years, eight whole years and she ended up a mistress. Alexa had sacrificed her fully paid college scholarship to support Steven's dreams, she had even taken on the role of a mother to the twins he had claimed were adopted, And now, he was ready to discard her like trash. She had built the stage where they stood in blood and sweat, she would ensure it burned to ashes. Luke was cast aside as a child by his father, Owen Hales, who had married Luke's mother only for her wealth and inheritance. After exploiting her, he had brutally murdered her. Luke, who was a young boy then was thrown into an orphanage, left to fend for himself. After years of hardship and struggle Luke was now one of the most powerful men globally and he was back for revenge determined to make Owen and his family pay. Luke observed the scene unfolding before him with great interest. His nephew, Steven, was being crowned the new CEO of Hales Enterprises, but what caught Luke's attention was the young lady who slipped past him, her eyes brimming with tears. He smiled, Steven had made a grave mistake. He had chosen the wrong woman. Amidst the tangled web of revenge and deceit, could love be found or would they be destroyed by the hatred that drove them.
Chapter 1 MEET THE TWINS
Lala's arms wrapped tightly around me, "You look beautiful, my love." Her voice was filled with love.
"Thank you" I replied blushing
Lala beamed with excitement, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ohhh, look at you already glowing!" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you nervous?" she looked at me her brow raised in curiosity.
"Of course I am!" I exclaimed, my eyes shining with anticipation. "The day is finally here. I've waited eight years for this," Rubbing my hands together anxiously.
Lala put her hands on my shoulders, gently pulling me closer. "Don't be afraid, nothing will happen, nothing will change, everyone adores and respects you. You've been an amazing mother to Mitchelle and Michael since the day they were born. The only thing that will change is your legal status as Steven's wife."
I noticed Michael and Michelle rushing towards me, their little faces lighting up with excitement. "Alexa! We've been looking everywhere for you!" they said in unison, throwing their arms around me in a tight hug.
As I looked at the two adorable kids, my heart swelled with pride. They were a part of my greatest achievements. After Steven had traveled abroad for further studies, he had returned with a surprise, two precious babies. He had found them in the gutters with their biological mother, struggling with poverty and starving. Steven has always been kind, so he had adopted the twins.
We took on the role of guardian, lovingly raising Michael and Michelle as our own. Whenever Steven traveled abroad, he would often take the twins with him to meet their biological mother. We had agreed to keep contact with her.
Lala nudged me gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "Have you met their mother yet?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"No, I haven't had the chance yet," I replied, shrugging slightly. "I have tried calling but apparently, she changes her contact information frequently. Steven mentioned that it has been a challenge to keep in touch with her. I have always wanted to meet her, though. After all, I have been raising her children. I was thinking of joining Steven on the next trip, so I could finally meet her in person."
"Oh, is that so?" Lala raised an eyebrow, her expression doubtful. I could tell she didn't believe a word I said. I had recently discovered she had hired a secret detective to track down the twin's biological mother.
I smiled warmly at her. "You have always been overprotective, Lala."
She smiled back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Don't worry, Lexa. I am willing to let it slide for now. I do not want to ruin your special day, after all."
I turned to Michelle, pulling her into a warm hug on my lap. "Hey Ella, did you get to meet your mother when you traveled with Daddy?" I asked, curiously wanting to know more about the other lady.
Michelle's eyes sparkled as she nodded happily. "Yes, we did! And she came back with us, Lexcha, we can all finally be together." She was still learning how to pronounce my name.
"What?!" I exclaimed in shock, accidentally spilling my drink everywhere. "Really Michelle? Where is she?" Lala asked, her eyes wide with surprise too.
"She's in the dressing room with Daddy," Michelle replied, her voice innocent and oblivious to the bombshell she had just dropped.
I felt a mix of confusion and betrayal. I was with Steven just last night, after the plane landed. Why didn't he mention anything about her being here? And why didn't I see her anywhere? Was she avoiding me?
An assistant came running towards us, momentarily distracting me from the mysterious mother.
"Good evening Mrs.Jones, it's time to get the twins fitted for their outfits." Michelle and Michael reluctantly bid me farewell, showering me with a few more tight hugs before skipping off hand in hand. I was still a little shaken to fully understand what was happening.
"I need to meet her," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "What if she's avoiding me? If she's financially stable now, I am willing to share custody of the twins with her."
"Have you told him of your decision to move abroad with him yet?"
"No, I haven't told him yet. I want to tell him today," I said, barely containing my excitement. "I am sure he will be so happy."
"I doubt that," Lala murmured under her breath, but I caught it. I turned to her, my expression pleading. "Lala, I know you have a personal vendetta against Steven, but it's time to let go. Please, for me, try to move past it. I really wish you could learn to like him."
"True, I don't like him that much," Lala said, her voice filled with hate. "He has lived his life to the fullest, pursued his studies, traveled the world while you, Alexa, took care of his business. You have built Hales Property Consultants with your sweat and blood, and what did you get in return? Two children to raise."
"Have you informed him about Alin Architecture Designs yet," she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"No, I haven't," I said with a smile. "I want to surprise him. It will be my wedding gift to him. Once we're married, I'll reveal everything. After all, a wife can't keep secrets from her husband."
Lala's voice was laced with empathy and a hint of frustration. "He should have married you earlier, sis. Eight years and no ring?"
I nodded, recalling the painful conversation I once had with Steven. "He said his family would never accept me because of our humble background. We were not wealthy, had no influential connections or a prestigious name to back us up."
"But that's not the case now, Alexa. It hasn't been the case for years. You're one of the top richest people in the country." Lala said, pleading with me to see sense.
I chuckled, playfully pitching Lala's nose. "I know I've paved the way for you, and very soon I'll be Mrs. Hales," I said with a grin. "And don't forget, if anyone ever bullies you, just remind them that your sister is Mrs. Hales," I added, winking at her.
Lala smiled, tucking her arm through mine. "Alright sis, I finally accept him as my brother in law." she teased. "Let's go to the party! I'm starving! I have received a message from Mum, her and the twins are already there."
"Alright, meet you there! Let me touch up my makeup real quick," I said with a