Torn Between Forgiveness and Fury
In the labyrinth of a tumultuous marriage, Hazel Stewart had grown accustomed to the biting edge of Benjamin Lucas's sarcasm, weathered the storm of his recurrent divorce threats, and reluctantly tolerated his secret liaison. For three long years, she believed she could navigate this tempest indefinitely. Then, a twist of fate brought an unexpected life into the equation—Hazel found herself pregnant with a child Benjamin vehemently disowned.
In a moment of despair, Hazel inked the divorce agreement, seeking an escape from the toxic bond. Little did she anticipate that leaving would be the beginning of a haunting chase. While she hoped to vanish into the shadows of separation, Benjamin, refusing to accept defeat, became an enigmatic pursuer, leaving Hazel to wonder if her liberation came at the cost of a relentless, ominous pursuit.
Read
Chapter: 24For Hazel, the ensuing few months were a blur of activity. The childcare manager interview process was unexpectedly nerve-racking, but Hazel was hired because of her strong vision for the facility and Ms. Evans' good reference.Early on, it was a baptism by fire. Remodeled into a community center, the center was alive with the exuberance of small children and the focused work of the construction crew who were wrapping up the finishing touches. Hazel was overburdened with the task of organizing lessons, scheduling meetings with contractors, and juggling Liam's constant demands.In unexpected ways, Christian—who was always the dependable friend in a beat-up truck, rather than the knight in shining armor—stepped up. He volunteered his evenings to assist with the mural painting, transforming the formerly empty space into a vibrant jungle picture. He even proposed to watch Liam on infrequent playdates, providing Hazel with much-needed respites.One evening, Liam curled up on Hazel's lap as
Last Updated: 2024-04-18
Chapter: 23The silence before morning was broken by the first cry, a loud lament that reverberated throughout the little flat. Hazel cradled her baby boy in her arms, a beautiful bundle of exhaustion but ecstasy. He was all she could have ever imagined and more, and his arrival signaled the beginning of a new era.Beside them stood Christian, bleary-eyed but with a Cheshire cat's smile. Hazy, he is so lovely. Many congratulations!"Hazel forced a meek grin, love welling up in her heart. With his button nose and fine dark hair, her son gave off the impression of a calm alien visitor, a marvel cuddled up against her skin.The nights that followed were a whirl of restless ones, constant changing of diapers, and the constant sound of an appetite-stricken infant. Nonetheless, a calm happiness and a feeling of direction gave Hazel newfound strength despite the mayhem.Benjamin, uncertain at first, gradually started to establish himself in this new global structure. He was clumsy yet willing to help an
Last Updated: 2024-04-18
Chapter: 22"What do you want, Benjamin?" Unlike the quiet woman he was accustomed to, Hazel's voice had a harsh edge.Benjamin continued after a long silence during which there seemed to be pregnancy. "I just wanted to… see how you're doing." His tone was tight, almost uncertain.Hazel scoffed, her tone acerbic and sceptical. "All right. since you've consistently expressed concern for my welfare."On the other end, silence stretched. Benjamin finally let out a heavy sigh. "Look, Hazel, I made a mistake. Largely. I am aware that regrets cannot change the past, yet nonetheless."But what?" Hazel was powerless to resist. A small, sensitive part of her longed to hear an expression of regret or acknowledgement of the suffering he had brought about.Benjamin suddenly said, "But I want to see my child," in a remarkably honest voice.Hazel caught her breath. This caught me off guard. She was surprised by a desire for participation, even though she had expected rage and threats."Your child?" she said ag
Last Updated: 2024-04-18
Chapter: 21The sound of the tires shocked Hazel. Worried, Christian drove up in a beat-up pickup vehicle, the passenger door flung open.He started things off right away by saying, "Get in, Hazy! "We need to rush."Hazel entered the room with a tiny tote bag and her handbag, feeling incredibly relieved. Thank you, Christian. I'm not sure what I would have done if it weren't for you."Hey, that's what friends are for, right?" Christian glanced uneasily in the rearview mirror while grinning. "Besides, wouldn't want you to miss your big day."Hazel felt her stomach turn. It was a necessary procedure, the severing of a fatal bond, not a celebration. "I just want this to be over with," she said, her voice almost audible.Christian's smile narrowed. He extended his hand and gave her a fleeting squeeze. "That's going to happen. Hazel, you are strong. More powerful than you realize."The courthouse drive was a blur. Christian talked nonstop, largely about his early years and humorous jokes, even though
Last Updated: 2024-04-18
Chapter: 20 "How did it seem impossible?" Ms Evan asked, taking a sip of her coffee and urging her to do the same. She obliged her and followed suit, letting the liquid warm her throat. "After I got married, I guess I just let my dreams take the back seat as I tried to get my husband to love me." Hazel didn't miss the look of pity that crossed the woman's face. It sounded pitiful, even to her. "If life gave you another chance, will you take it?" Ms Evans asked. Hazel looked up, her orbs still moist from crying a while ago. "Of course, I will. A second chance at life is what I need the most, especially at this moment when my life doesn't seem to have any direction." Ms Evans smiled at her statement. "It's getting quite late now and I have somewhere else to be. Here's my card, call me when you finalize your divorce." With trembling hands, she accepted the card from Ms Evans' outstretched hand. "Thank you, ma'am. You saved me back there and I don't know how to repay you."
Last Updated: 2024-03-13
Chapter: 19Like a stone dumped into a deep well, Hazel's heart plummeted into her gut. It was difficult for her to breathe since it seemed like the air around her was becoming thicker and thinner. Her mind was racing, searching frantically for some justification or explanation. It is unlikely that this will occur. Not on this day, any day.The vibrant flowers she was holding in her hands were a stark contrast to the scarlet river of guilt that was on her face. With a raspy murmur, "I... I must have forgotten my other wallet," she explained. Her mouth felt metallic from the untruth she could taste on her tongue.A glimmer of doubt crossed Christian's eyes like a shadow moving across the light, weakening his grin. Maybe you just misjudged the price, Hazel? Are you sure?Hazel wanted the earth to burst apart and engulf her. She was aware that the truth would be much worse than uncertainty. Her funds had already been strained by Benjamin's incessant demands and lack of interes
Last Updated: 2024-03-03
A Racing Heart
Lilian Jackson has the worst luck, between balancing multiple jobs, playing the role of both parents for her siblings, managing her alcoholic father and paying back her student loans, 24 hours is just not enough for her. As if that's not enough life throws her a curveball in the form of a life threatening heart disease.
"I must be paying my debts from my past life for all this to be happening to me"
There is Byron Bladell, heir to a multi-million chain of restaurants and CEO in his own right. He is tall, rich, handsome and seems to have it all with a loving family and a beautiful girlfriend. The world sees him as the most eligible bachelor in town but he is chasing a shadow from his past.
Their lives intertwine as pictures of their chanced meeting sweeps the internet suggesting an intimate relationship.
"It's just a rumor" Lilian attempts to convince everyone.
"Why don't you just marry me" Bryon suggests.
In what seems like the answer to both their problems, Lillian and Byron enter a contract marriage.
The initial indifference towards each other fade as they stay under a roof and play the part of a loving couple to outside world. The lines between acting and reality start to blur as their emotions come to play. Without the pressure of providing for her family, Lilian regains her fierce and cheerful attitude which mirrors someone from Byron’s past.
It's just a fake relationship but what was happening to her heart. "Is this a symptom of my heart disease or is my heart racing for him?"
It is the journey of two hurting souls finally finding healing from their past and inner peace, after all it all started with a racing heart.
Read
Chapter: Epilogue ⟩⟩ Two years later ⟩⟩"...Happy birthday to you." They sang, rounding up the birthday chorus.Lilian was all smiles as she hugged each member of her family and friends.All her loved ones were present and she couldn't have been happier."Thank you all for celebrating this joyous occasion with me. I'm grateful to have you all as my family." She said, holding her glass of juice.Byron wrapped his arm around her waist as he lifted his wine glass. "Let's toast to Lilian. Thanks for being an amazing wife, amazing sister, amazing friend, amazing boss and last but not least, an amazing mother. We are all lucky to have you in our lives. Cheers to a long life filled with happiness."Everyone raised their glasses as they cheered Lilian on."Hey sis, the girls are awake. Can I feed them?" Christie shouted from up the stairs."Bring them downstairs, Nina wants to play with her grandkids." Lilian replied. A few minutes later, she and Rose came down the stairs, carrying my girls.Byron walked towar
Last Updated: 2023-09-04
Chapter: Chapter 100The fact that I went through a near death experience and was in a coma for over a week and I was entirely clueless about it is crazy but at the same time scary. I would have remained oblivious if I died. Oblivious to the pain of my loved ones, oblivious to my own death.I was beyond surprised to find out I had a heart transplant. I still felt weak from time to time as my body was adjusting to this new organ but there was a notable difference. I was put under observation and had to undergo different examinations. It was nice to hear that I'll be making a full and steady recovery and I was healing up nicely. The moment Kayla saw me, she burst into tears before hugging me. "Do you know how frightened I was? I really was so scared" I patted her back to comfort her. "I'm sorry"She pulled away from my hug looking at my face her eyes rimmed with tears. "Never do that to me again or else I'll never forgive or talk to you again." she threatened."This would be the first and the last time" I
Last Updated: 2023-09-04
Chapter: Chapter 99The bright light was beckoning to me but the darkness felt more comforting. That's why I chose to stay here.Until I heard their voices.It felt like years since I last heard anything but now I heard them clearly."Be in good spirits. She won't like to see you guys moping around like this." It was Rose that spoke and though I could hear the sorrow in her voice, she seemed to be trying to cheer them up.I wonder why they are sad."I will get to decorating the room. She should wake up to a beautiful sight." It was Christie that spoke this time."With as minimal noise as possible please, I'm nursing a headache." Byron's strained voice let out.‘Hey guys.’ I said, happy to hear from them. I didn't realize how much I missed them and if going into the light and leaving my comfort zone meant I could see them, then I will.No one replied me and there was silence which I didn't like."I think she likes purple. James, help us pump up some purple balloons." Rose said again, breaking the deafenin
Last Updated: 2023-09-02
Chapter: Chapter 98A week. 7days. 168 hours. 1080 minutes.When looking at it, a week doesn't look that long yet a lot can happen in just one week.It's been a week since Regina's scandals were strategically released into the world. It's been a week since Abel took control of Hetero hotels and has been managing it's affairs with the same vigour as his predecessor.A week since Hotel owner Aldridge Sharp's branches of hotels were raided and put under investigation for trafficking and possession of drugs and forced prostitution with other illegal activities. A week since Byron smiled, ate or functioned properly.It was during this week that the search for a heart for Lilian came to an end and she had the heart transplant done.During this week when the family waited outside the operating theatre with bated breath and anxious minds for 11 hours during Lilian's surgery. During this week when the family was greeted with the good news of Lilian's successful surgery.It's been 604800 seconds and counting si
Last Updated: 2023-09-02
Chapter: Chapter 97Dr Miller rushed in to the hospital and after speaking with the doctor in charge, he was directed to Lilian's room.All the Bladells were present including some people he didn't know. They all stood in the hallway, pacing, none of them daring to sit down.When Byron sighted Dr Miller, he stood up straight and walked towards him, meeting him halfway."I came on the next available flight. How's she?" Dr Miller asked. Byron sighed and bowed, his eyes trained on the ground."She's no better. Please, go and see her. You know her history more than these doctors." Byron pleaded, ushering him towards the room. "I'll be right out." Dr Miller replied, patting his back as he greeted the family and went in.Everyone waited with bated breath for him to come back out and after a while, the door was opened and he stepped out.Dr Miller cleared his throat in preparation to address the family, his eyes meeting with Byron's as he confirmed if he could tell them.Byron nodded in reply."Everything the
Last Updated: 2023-08-31
Chapter: Chapter 96Byron was granted access to stay in the room with Lilian provided he kept a distance from her. He agreed hastily and went to join her in the room.She looked so peaceful that if not for the injuries on her body, she'd have looked like she was asleep. Byron sat on the chair opposite her bed and watched the slow rising and falling of her chest which gave him a bit of relief.His mind still reeled with possibilities of what could have happened. If he hadn't acquiesced her and had just taken his car, she wouldn't be in this situation.He had his men out looking for both Lucas and Regina. Though he expected it from Regina, Lucas was one of his most trusted workers. The man had been with him for over four years and he had proven worthy of being trusted over the years. Byron was definitely not letting them go scot-free.Though he felt tired and sleepy as it was already late in the night when the doctor allowed him in, the beeping of the heart monitor couldn't allow him sleep."I just found
Last Updated: 2023-08-31
LOGIN
