It was a quiet night in the whole town. As usual Nina was getting ready for bed in the Helvar Mansion. She took a warm bath, and then went to search for her little girl Inej. Yes, Inej is Nina's stepdaughter who is four now. Nina, Nina Helvar is the daughter-in-law of the Helvar family. She was married to Matthias Helvar when his first wife died giving birth to Inej Helvar.

Nina was only 21, when she was forced to marry Matthias and Inej was One year old. She didn't know who he was, what he was doing. She absolutely knew nothing about him. Her Paternal aunty, and uncle, who adopted her for her parents' wealth, forced her to marry Matthias. They will get the Helvar family's help for their falling business in return for her hand in this marriage.

But Nina doesn't know any of the things and married him, afraid to face her aunty and uncle's wrath. She convinced herself at least here no one will beat her or torture her here. As she expected, her in-laws, Matthias's mom and dad were kind enough to treat her like their own daughter. So she held her hope and started to live her life as Matthias's wife and Inej's mother.

Nina found Inej was still playing in the living room despite her bedtime. Inej is a good kid and a cheerful one too. Nina loved Inej as her own blood and Inej too was attached to Nina like a glue. Nina came downstairs and stood in front of Inej who didn't see her mother coming for her.

"Inej, it's your bedtime baby. We will continue playing tomorrow. Come let's go." Nina was trying to make her sleep but Inej was a little stubborn too. "Mumma five minutes. I am drawing this." she said in her baby voice and showed Nina her little five fingers. Inej's grandparents who were looking after her chuckled at the child's cuteness. "It seems we have to wait for five more minutes for this little lady Nina dear". Said Nina's Father-In-Law, Alex Helvar.

Nina smiled at him and sat down near the little lady to coax her into bed. "Mumma, I want us to go and see the stars. Let's go. Grandma, grandpa let's go see the stars. I won't sleep." Inej started to insist. "Ok baby girl, come to grandma. Don't cry dear, we will go see the stars now." Said Nina's Mother-In-Law, Selena Helvar gave in to her granddaughter's wish.

They all went to their mansion's roof for stargazing. Nina quickly laid down a carpet so that Inej could lay down and see the stars. "Baby come lie down. You can see the stars all you want." Said Nina tucking Inej into her sleep sack and kissed her cheeks. Inej giggled while cuddling to her mom's neck. Nina gently patted Inej to sleep and the Little lady after so much of babbling drifted off to sleep. When Nina was ready to take Inej to their room she saw the servants helping Matthias to the roof for some fresh air. She turned to look at her In Laws. "Nina Dear, I was the one who asked them to bring him up for some fresh air. He must be struggling cooped up in the room all day." Said Selena. Her eyes showed that she was guilty towards Nina.

Nina nodded her head in silence. "It's okay mother. You don't need to explain." She said smiling genuinely at Selena reassuring her she is not angry with her. "No Dear, you have every right to get angry at us. We don't deserve your kindness for what we did to you. If you find it in your heart, Please forgive us dear." Said Selena. Alex nodded in acceptance that he was guilty too. Nina didn't say a word. Matthias was seated near Selena and Alex. Nina Covered him in a duvet so that he wouldn't feel cold. He was Emotionless staring at an empty space. Nina again sat down near sleeping Inej caressing her gently.

Nina and her In-laws were distracted by their own thoughts and stayed quiet. The Silence there was suffocating but no one was ready to break it. Matthias who was sitting quietly stood up suddenly. "Maria, where were you all this time? I was searching for you. I was waiting for you all this time." Matthias started to babble staring at the empty space. Nina flinched looking at Matthias and turned to look at her In-Laws. "Mother, we need to get him to his room immediately. I will call the servants." Said Nina and went to call the servants who were on standby.

In the meantime, Matthias was moving forward speaking, staring at the sky. "No, don't leave me Maria. I Love you. I can't live without you. I want to have a child with you and live happily with our little family." It looked like he was confessing to someone who was present Infront of him. "Matthias, come to your senses. There is no one here son. Maria is dead. Look at me. Come back, don't go forward." Selena screamed. When Nina came back with the servants Matthias was dangerously near the rail. "Don't agitate him and go near him from that side quickly." Nina instructed the servant calmly hiding her fear and moved near to Matthias.

Alex, Nina and the Servants were moving near to Matthias without provoking him. "Maria, you know my dad has accepted for us to get married. So you are not going to escape from me. I am coming to you this time, My Love." Matthias said smiling like a teen who is blissfully in love. Nina was near Matthias now and she slowly held his hand gently. "Matthias, It's time for bed. We'll go to bed so that you can see Maria tomorrow." She tried to coax him. Alex held Matthias's other hand and tried to pacify him. "No, I won't go anywhere leaving Maria alone here. Leave me. Don't touch me. I don't know you. Maria I don't know her. Believe me. Don't leave me." He cried out loudly struggling out of their grip.

"Matthias, Stop it son. See its me, your father. Look at me. Listen, look at me."  Alex cried out. Nina literally forgot to breathe. "Father, should we use the sedatives now? He is dangerously near the railing." Said Nina nervously. "Yes Nina, it looks like we have to use it. Someone bring the sedatives now." Alex shouted at the Servant and he ran downstairs quickly. "Alex, Nina please save Matthias. My son, please come back here. Come back to mom." Selena cried out in fear.

Matthias was struggling hard to get out of their grip. Nina felt like Matthias got strong suddenly. He was not in his right sense and was deluded. "Father, he is getting out of control." Nina cried, struggling to hold him. "Master here the sedatives." The servant came running. "Nina give the injection to him. I will hold him." Said Alex. Nina nodded and filled the injection. Her hands were trembling and she went near Matthias. "No, Don't come near me. I am not sick. Don't separate me from my Maria." Matthias cried out pushing Nina and Alex hard. Stumbled by his sudden actions Nina and Alex fell down. "Maria, don't go. Let me come with you." Mathias cried out. Nina was terrified hearing that. She got up and ran towards him and it was already late. Matthias was on the railing and fell. "Nooo." Nina was horrified as she held Matthias's one hand. He was hanging already and pulling Nina also down. "Father help me. I can't hold it any longer."  Nina's frail body was not able to hold him any longer that she cried out for help. "I got him Nina." Alex held his hand and Nina moved back and slide down in agony and feeling dizzy.

"Leave Me. Maria is waiting for me." Matthias who is still struggling hanging down left his father's hand and fell down. "Matthias....Noo..." Alex cried out seeing his son falling down. "No No No..." Nina cried and ran downstairs dragging her sore body. "My son, Matthias... Matthias..."Screamed Selena getting Unconscious. Nina saw Matthias's Body full of blood. She ran to call the ambulance. "Hello someone is dying, come to this address quickly." She hung up the phone and went to him for his first aid, giving him CPR. Alex who came down rubbed on her head tears rolling from his eyes. "Leave him dear he is dead. You have tried your best to save him. It's also time we let him go." Said Alex dejectedly. "No father, the ambulance is coming. He will be saved." Nina cried tears running down her cheeks and continued giving CPR like a mad woman. The Ambulance arrived. "Please move away. let me check on him." Said the Paramedic checking on Matthias. "Sorry Sir, He is Dead." Said the Paramedic. Nina collapsed hearing the last word from the paramedic.

Nina slides down, getting unconscious from all the tragedy that happened. "Nina.... Doc Please check on her." Alex cried out seeing Nina fall down. The nurse took Nina in the stretcher to check her. "What happened to him? Did he fell down attempting Suicide?" The Paramedic asked. "It was not Suicide. He was mentally unstable and fell down from the roof railing. He was delusional thinking his dead wife was in front of him and talking to her. We tried to get him back off the railing and give him his sleeping sedative that's when he pushed us and fell from the railing." Alex told the paramedic tears rolling down his cheeks. "My Wife is unconscious on the rooftop. Can you please look into her?" He asked the paramedic to rescue Selena.

The Paramedic rushed to save Selena. They gave her first aid and let her rest on trips. Due to all the noises and havoc Inej woke up and was crying, not able to find her mom."Mumma..mumma..where are you?" She wailed, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The Paramedic rescued her and got her to the living room. Everything happened in a fraction of second. They took Matthias's body for the postmortem and  funeral. Alex came to the living room and saw Nina who was still unconscious lying on the couch. Nina was struggling and frowning. "Matthias.. No.. Stop..." She bolted and awoke, tears rolling down. As soon as Inej saw Nina, "Mumma..." She ran to Nina and hugged her tightly sniffling. "It's ok dear. Don't cry. Don't cry." Alex went to Nina and rubbed her head gently pacifying her. He knows how terrific it will be for Nina, even though Matthias was only a husband in name to her.

Nina hugged Inej back, pacifying her. She looked at Alex, "I am sorry father. It was my fault. I shouldn't have let go of  his hand. I am so sorry." Nina was not in her right senses, baffled by everything that happened and kept on rambling that It was her fault that Matthias was dead. "Nina, dear calm down. You are scaring Inej. Relax dear it was not your fault. He was dead because he jumped on his own. Are you clear? You are not responsible for his death. Get that into your brain." Alex pressed each and every word so that Nina would get it clear in her brain. She stopped talking looking at Inej with tears and hugged her back.

Selena was unconscious till morning and when she woke up everything was done. Matthias was no more. She saw the funeral works were going on. Matthias's body arrived and their relatives were informed. She saw Nina sitting at a corner quietly hugging Inej who was sleeping on her lap. There was no emotion in her face. Her eyes were lifeless. Selena quietly went and sat near her caressing her head, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I am sorry dear. I ruined your life. I am really sorry. I have wronged you." Nina didn't say anything staring at an empty space, tears rolling down.

Relatives started to come for the funeral. Alex's elder brother Daniel Helvar, his wife Alysa Helvar were the first to come as soon as they heard about the news. David and Alysa were utterly heartbroken to see Nina like a statue in a corner quietly crying. Alysa quickly went to her and took Nina in her arms hugging her. That hug was full of warmth and a silent promise to Nina that she is not alone in this. It was a motherly aggression of Alysa to protect her children from every possible danger. Daniel stood near Nina caressing her hair affectionately and silently telling her "I am also here with you dear".

Kenzie Helvar who is the daughter of Daniel and Alysa and an architect student studying in the next city came rushing. She shared a sisterly bond with Nina. She is three years younger than Nina. Nina also treated her like her own little sister as Kenzie was a cheerful, naughty and kind girl. They both, along with Inej, enjoyed themselves very much and went out sometimes. Those were like escaping moments for Nina from reality. Kenzie saw Nina and was devastated to see her like this. Nina was always quiet and unexpressive since marriage but today she is lifeless like a statue. Tears were protesting to fall from Kenzie's eyes and she hugged Nina tightly to make Nina feel her. She could not hold back her emotions any longer and burst out.

It was purely visible in Daniel and Alysa's eyes how angry they were at Alex and Selena. This is not tolerable at all for them. Seeing their Best Friend's cherished daughter being a widow at such a young age. The girl who is treasured by their best friend's is struggling to survive facing all the tragedy that comes in her way since childhood. They were against Matthias and Nina's marriage from the very first when they got to know that Nina is not just another girl but Steve Harrington and Joyce Harrington's daughter. The Harrington Family's little lady.

Steve Harrington and Daniel Helvar have been best friends since school. Joyce and Alysa were cousin sisters by blood. Two couples had given birth to a boy and a girl each. Steve and Joyce had Henry and Nina. Daniel and Alysa had Joshua and Kenzie. Henry and Joshua were of the same age and best friends like their fathers. Henry Harrington was two years older than Nina, her Elder brother. Their family was perfect in every possible way. Steve's parents and Daniel's parents were family friends too. So naturally they all knew each other and cared for each other. But this happiness ended when Steve and Joyce died in a car accident. They were taking Henry to the hospital when a collapsed truck hit their car. Both Steve and Joyce died on the spot but they didn't find Henry anywhere. His body was not there and he is still missing. When Nina heard this news, her six year old little brain couldn't take all this and it removed all these painful memories by itself. Nina forgot who she was, what her name was, everything. It was like her brain defended her from all that pain.

"I told you right brother you are going to destroy my little girl's life. I am worried for Matthias as much as you and Selena. He is my son too. But she was just 21 Alex, when she was married to Matthias. You should have at least waited till Matthias recovered. But see what have you done to my little girl now. Are you happy now Alex?" Daniel shouted at Alex in the corridor, his eyes were bloodshot. "You are always the correct brother. I ruined everything thinking I am fixing everything. I don't deserve anyone's kindness." Alex held Daniel's hand and pleaded guilty. "There is no cry over the spilled milk Alex. I am very much disappointed in you. I am going to take Nina to my mansion after all this is over." Daniel said in a firm voice and left Alex alone in the corridor.

Nina, who was sitting like a statue in the corner, flinched back to reality when Inej woke up. "Mumma, why are you crying? I didn't do anything naughty. Please don't cry." Inej asked, rubbing her eyes from sleep. Inej was nervous seeing her mother crying, and tried to wipe Nina's tears. Little beads of tears were waiting to roll down Inej's soft chubby cheeks. Nina's heart clenched to see this little one's love for her and hugged her immediately. "Sorry my baby, Mumma was not crying because of you. I know my Inej is a good girl. Don't cry baby. See mumma is not crying." Nina pacified Inej, wiping her own tears and smiled at Inej. Inej hugged Nina's neck and nestled closely to her. "Is my baby Inej hungry? come mumma will feed you."  Nina struggled to be her old self for the sake of Inej.

The Funeral was held for three days. Everyone pitied Nina for her misery and expressed their condolences. Nina took care of Inej keeping her sorrow aside. Nina refused to eat anything and was taking care of Inej solely as if that is her life's only purpose. Alysa was also stubborn not leaving Nina on Empty stomach. Alysa somehow made Nina eat a little bit, coaxing her.

On the second day of the funeral, Nina's Aunty and uncle came to pay their respects as Nina's Maternal family. Nina, who was looking after Inej, saw them. She started to tremble in fear. "What if they came here to take her back? What if they torture and abuse her again? what if they again sell her to someone for their benefits?" Nina thought of all the worst nightmares that could happen and thought of escaping from the mansion like a mad woman. "Mumma, I want that cake." Inej brought Nina to reality. Nina was shocked by her own thoughts. How can she think of leaving this pure little soul behind selfishly? Now that Inej has become her sole reason to live. Nina slid on her knees in front of Inej and hugged her tightly and showered her with kisses, tears flowing from her eyes. When Nina stood up holding  Inej in her arms, "Papa..." Inej shouted in joy and wriggled out of Nina's arms. Nina Froze.

Nina turned back in shock to see who was behind her. She stumbled by the new man who was standing dangerously close to her. He held her hand and pulled her towards him to let her balance her footing. When the man held Nina's hand, It was electrifying for him and his heart started beating crazily like it would come out anytime soon. Nina clearly heard his crazy heart beats and slowly looked at him in his eyes. He looked like a sole proprietor of good looks. Nina's heart skipped a beat and she quickly regained her posture and took her hand back. The man behind was Joshua. Joshua Helvar, the heir of Helvar Enterprises. Inej quickly hugged his legs, "Papa you came, yay!" Nina was shocked to hear Inej calling Joshua as her dad. Nina never heard from inej asking for her dad so she was shocked.

"Aww, my little girl you have been waiting for me?" he crouched down to Inej's level and hugged her protectively. "Mmm papa, I have been a good girl and listened to mumma and waited for you." Inej said, holding Joshua's cheeks in her baby hand. It was a picture perfect moment to whoever saw this dad-daughter duo affectionately talking to each other. But Nina was bombarded with questions in her brain.

From the beginning, Matthias was also a normal young man who was born with a silver spoon. He and Maria were blissfully in love since their college days together. Maria is a kind girl who is a commoner without much background. Alex was kind of against their marriage but at last he accepted Maria as his Daughter in Law. They both got married and were so happy together. A year rolled off quickly and Maria became pregnant with Inej. They both were in their cloud nine and celebrated their pregnancy along with the family. Matthias was so excited to see his baby girl and he awaited impatiently for Inej's arrival.

Maria got into labor pain and was admitted for delivery. But due to the complications in pregnancy the doctors were limited to save only one life and Maria pleaded with them to save her baby girl. Matthias, who was in a dilemma, protested and asked to save Maria. But due to Maria's final decision, Inej was born. Hearing Maria is dead, Matthias couldn't take the loss of his love and he lost his whole purpose to live. He became delusional and imagining things. His brain couldn't accept the fact that Maria was dead and started imagining that she is still in front of him. He didn't even see Inej. Even Inej's presence was not known by him and he became stagnant and stuck in the past unable to move forward.

Joshua was the one who lifted Inej first. She was so small in his sturdy hand soft like a flower petal. Tears formed in Joshua's eyes seeing the little life in his hands. Inej held Joshua's finger tightly not leaving him and that's when he decided Inej will be his responsibility. He took the fatherly responsibilities for Inej from Day One. He refused to leave Inej in anyone else's care and stayed home and took care of her as a single man for a whole year in place of his younger cousin brother before Nina's arrival. Inej's first word was 'Papa' before 'Mumma'. That's how Joshua became Inej's dad.

Joshua was also only 22 when he was taking care of Inej. He also took charge of the company that year and worked day and night thriving to stay at the top. He was working and taking care of Inej at the same time, staying home like an invincible man. Alex and Selena felt bad that his youth was withering away because of Matthias's conditions. That's why they thought of bringing a mother to Inej and were searching for a girl who can accept Inej as her own child and can look after Matthias. That's when they came in touch with Inej's aunty, Steve Harrington's younger sister Vanessa Lopez who adopted Nina after her parents death. Venessa and her Husband Martin Lopez were after the Harrington Enterprises. After Steve and Joyce's death, it naturally went to Nina and they adopted her to take control of the company. Nina's Grandparents Thomas Harrington, the founder of Harrington Enterprises and his wife Isabella Harrington were completely aware of their daughter's evil mind behind Nina's adoption but since Vanessa and Martin didn't have children they thought they would not wrong Nina.

But Vanessa, who had hatred for her maternal family showed all her hate towards Nina. From 6 years old, Nina was facing all their beating, abusive words and torture. Not long after, due to Vanessa and Martin's lack of ability they were not able to stop the Harrington Enterprise's fall. They were in need of money. Since Alex was ready to help them, they forced Nina to marry Matthias, hiding the fact about his mental illness and about Inej. Alex and Selena didn't know Nina was left out with all the truth and proceeded with the marriage despite Daniel's protest. Since Vanessa was Nina's legal guardian, Daniel and Alysa couldn't stop the marriage.

Everyone at the funeral was looking at the dad-daughter duo, When Vanessa saw Nina and tried to approach her. Joshua saw Nina trembling and stood in between them as an invincible wall. Before Vanessa speaks, "Mrs. Lopez, I was here first. So would you mind waiting until I express my condolences to Nina? I hope I am not bothering you." He strikes first and turns towards Nina. "Let's go Nina, I would like to have some of your time." He said to Nina leading her to a secluded place in the garden with Inej in his arms. "Papa, where are we going? Are we going to the amusement park?" Inej asked excitedly. Joshua chuckled. "Mhmm, so my little girl wants to go to the amusement park?" he tickled Inej and she was giggling. Nina was looking at them, how Joshua is talking to Inej freely like they were always like this.

"Ok baby girl, I will talk to mumma first and then we will go to the park with mumma. You have to sit here quietly and wait. Ok?" Said Joshua making Inej sit on the tea table before them. "Ok papa." Inej smiled happily and Joshua ruffled her hair affectionately. Joshua looked at an almost frozen Nina and chuckled. "You are too shocked Nina. Sit down. You don't have to worry. I will not kidnap you or misbehave with you. I just want to have a heart to heart chat with you." Nina blinked looking at Joshua and nodded her head slowly. Joshua was looking at Nina who was so adorable with endearment. Nina averted her gaze in shyness.

"Ok my shy queen, what's next? Had any plans?" Joshua asked Nina. "Huh.. Plans? what plans?" Nina looked at Joshua and asked in a small voice. "Plans.. now that you are single again what's next? You are not old enough to stay single for the rest of your life right?" Joshua asked gently. Nina flinched. "I have no plans, Inej is my daughter and I won't leave her." Nina said slowly. "No one is going to separate you from Inej Nina. Trust me. I won't allow anyone to come anywhere near you and Inej. You will be Inej's mumma for the rest of your life." Joshua reassured her gently.

Nina looked at Joshua confused. "Nina I know you have so many questions running in your head. I just want your permission to continue as Inej's papa. I know this is not the right time. But trust me Marriage talks always happen at a funeral. I want your hand in marriage. Will you marry me and stay by my side for your entire life?" Joshua gently asked without making her nervous. Nina was quiet looking down. "Nina I won't rush it. I want a proper marriage. I will pursue you until you fall for me and then I will propose to you and then marry you. I can wait as long as you accept me. If you find any other man in the meantime and fall in love with him, then you can marry him. I won't force you to stay by my side." Said Joshua, a ray of sadness visible in his eyes. Nina was shocked and looked at him. "Yes, my lady it hurts to say that but trust me your wish is more than important for me." Joshua explained. Nina's heart skipped a beat and tears rolled down hearing Joshua. Nina saw the genuine care and worry in his eyes.

"Oh no my brave girl, don't cry. You have already done a very good job holding up. You have survived all the challenges in life without any support. You are the bravest one here and I am proud of you." Joshua said soothing Nina. Hearing that Nina's held up tears and pent up sadness broke out. Joshua waited patiently for Nina to empty all her emotions. Inej was worried seeing her mumma cry. Joshua patted her head gently and pacified her. "Why? Why are you being so good to me? I haven't seen you before. This is the first time I am meeting you." Nina asked. "Hmm.. If you let me pursue you, then I might tell you why I am treating you so well." Joshua shrugged casually smirking. Nina stayed silent. "Don't stay silent butterfly. Let's go on dates and know about each other. After a few dates you can decide whether to let me pursue you or not." Said Joshua.

Nina blushed hard hearing him calling her 'butterfly'. "Then can I assume your silence as 'Yes' butterfly?" Joshua asked, smiling confidently. "Day after tomorrow, you are going to come with me to your home. Dad said he will not leave you here, not even for a second after tomorrow." Said Joshua. "My** home?" Nina questioned. "Yes yours, you will stay with us and we will be your family." Joshua said casually.