Her stomach twisted. The man who had helped her tonight was not just kind. He was powerful, and fate had just tied her life to his without either of them knowing it yet.

The next morning, gray light spilled through the blinds of Lily’s tiny apartment. The rain had stopped, but the city still smelled like metal and gasoline. She sat at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of weak coffee from a chipped mug, staring at Edward Langley’s business card. The name felt unreal, like something pulled out of a movie. She had met a billionaire on a broken-down night bus, and he had treated her with more kindness than her husband ever had. Still, she told herself not to think about it. People like him did not belong in her world.

By 10:00, she was sitting in the waiting room of the community clinic in Queens. The fluorescent lights buzzed. The air smelled of antiseptic. She rubbed her belly gently, whispering, “Hang in there, my loves.”

The nurse finally called her name, and within minutes, Lily was lying on the exam table, eyes fixed on the monitor as the sonographer moved the cold gel across her skin.

“Everything looks busy,” the woman murmured with a faint smile. “Miss Hart, did anyone tell you you’re carrying triplets?”

The words hit her like thunder.

“Triplets?” Lily’s mouth went dry.

“Yes, 3,” the nurse said, adjusting the screen.

3 small heartbeats flickered like tiny stars. “You’re going to need close monitoring and plenty of rest. This kind of pregnancy is high risk.”

Lily’s pulse raced. She was already struggling to pay rent and stay healthy. Now, she had 3 babies growing inside her. Her hands trembled as the nurse handed her a packet of medical forms and a list of specialists.

“If you feel dizzy, call immediately,” she warned……