Life continued in its blissful, secretive rhythm for Stiles and Derek. Their affair was a flame that refused to dim—every glance, every touch loaded with promise. The babies were thriving at six months, their chubby cheeks even rounder, their giggles more infectious. Liam loved grabbing at Derek’s nose during playtime, while Noah snuggled into Stiles’s chest like it was his favorite place in the world. Matt remained the distant, arrogant shadow he always was, buried in work and oblivious to the heat simmering under his own roof. Stiles felt cherished, desired, and truly happy for the first time, her kind heart finally finding the love it craved in Derek’s arms.

But one night, the fragile peace shattered. Matt was home, pacing the living room on a late business call, his voice booming through the penthouse. “What the fuck do you mean the deal’s off? Fix it, or I’ll ruin you!” The twins, usually angels at bedtime, were being extra naughty—rolling around in their cribs, fussing and crying, refusing to settle. Their wails echoed down the hall, piercing Matt’s tirade.