Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVEThalia's POV EPILOGUE: SEVEN YEARS LATER The estate buzzed with life, Thanksgiving brunch was already underway, the air smelled of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, and the hum of conversation mingled with the occasional squeals of children running through the halls. Sunlight poured into the garden through the tall windows, casting warm and golden streaks over everything, making the moment feel as heavenly as it was. I stood on the patio, holding a steaming mug of tea, my eyes scanning the lively scene before me.Theo and Elise, now four, were chasing each other around the fountain, their giggles echoing. Theo, the notorious mischief-maker, grabbed a handful of fallen leaves and tossed them into the air, pretending it was snow."Elise, look it's snowing!" "That's not snow, Theo!" she scolded, her little hands on her hips, but she was smiling, her dimples making an appearance just like Alexander's when he was amused."They're at it again" Alexander said, stepping up beside me with a plate
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURThalia's POV We stayed at the manor for two more days before heading back to Alexander's house, where Lorraine greeted us with another warm welcome. It wasn't anything extravagant, just a thoughtful display that felt genuine, I told her about my visit to Mom and Dad, and she listened intently, then suggested we go together next time, I agreed without hesitation. Later that evening, Cassie told me to get dressed, saying we were going somewhere, after some deliberation, I chose a silky whitedress with a Queen Anne neckline, pairing it with a touch of red lipstick, the look was simple but striking, just the way I liked it. As I descended the stairs, the soft fabric of my dress trailing behind me, I caught sight of Alexander standing by the doorway. Alexander was waiting, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp shirt and tailored pants, his hair was styled as usual, effortlessly tousled yet somehow flawless. But tonight, it wasn't just his looks, it was the way his eyes found mine,
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREEThalia's POV As much as I wanted to stay curled up in bed with Alexander all day, to enjoy the warmth of his arms and the peace he brought me, today wasn't a day for indulgence.Lilith, Tobias, and I had agreed to visit Mom and Dad at the cemetery this morning, it was something we had never done together and while it was never easy, it felt like the right thing to do. The drive to the cemetery was quiet, the kind of silence filled with unspoken words and shared memories. When we arrived, I pulled the folded picnic mat from the trunk and laid it out on the grass in front of their graves, the air was crisp but gentle, and the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting soft light over the headstones. Lilith knelt first, her movements slow and deliberate as she placed the basket of pastries Gladys had prepared for us on the mat. "Good morning Mom" she said, her voice soft but steady. Tobias and I echoed her, our voices overlapping in a quiet chorus.“Good morning Mom". We all chu
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWOThalia's POV Dinner had been a perfect end to an emotional day, laughter echoed through the house. But now, the night had deepened, and the warmth of family faded into a quieter kind of comfort. After we'd all gathered in the living room to watch an old childhood favorite, I found myself seeking something more than nostalgia. Something…Someone… Alexander. The house was silent by the time we made our way upstairs. I held his hand, guiding him toward my room, the soft creak of the floorboards beneath us the only sound. Despite the hour, exhaustion hadn't settled in yet. I wasn't tired, not in the way sleep could fix, at least. What I needed wasn't rest but him. We stepped into my room, and he paused just inside the doorway, his gaze sweeping across the space. His smile was soft but curious."Your room is lovely” he said, his voice warm and laced with amusement. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me."Thanks. I picked the one closest to the library" He arched a brow at me, his
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONEThalia's POV Justin staggered back, denial painted across his face, his panic concrete."It can't be. You were both dead!" he yelled, his voice cracking under the weight of his terror as his eyes darted between Tobias and Lilith. Tobias stood unyielding, his expression void of anything but icy contempt.“Guess you're not as precise a murderer as you thought you were," he said, his voice chillingly even, his cold gaze drilling into Justin. Justin's wild eyes shifted to Eugene, his desperation taking over."You! You set us up!" Justin roared, lunging forward. Eugene didn't flinch. He pushed Justin back with a force that sent him stumbling."Lay another finger on me” Eugene warned, his voice sharp “and I'll personally make sure you wind up on death row”. Brandon stepped forward, his fury burning hotter than Justin's desperation.“He's not winding up anywhere” Brandon seethed "You're right, Brandon. You both are” Tobias's voice broke the tension, and just as the weight of his words set
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY Thalia's POV Justin and Brandon thought Eugene was hiding out here, in this dingy downtown house-turned-office. Eugene, put on his acting mask and pretended to be frantic, packing like he had every intention of disappearing off the grid. The moment Justin and Brandon stormed in, my breath hitched because there he was. Justin. A man who'd ruined countless lives with his schemes. Just seeing him sent a surge of anger through me. I felt Alexander's hand squeeze mine firmly beside me, grounding me, to my left, Lilith stood tall, her sharp eyes fixed on the screens. Kirill was beside her, silent and unreadable as always. Tobias was leaning casually against the wall behind us, his posture deceptively relaxed, though I could see the alertness in his gaze, Katherine was beside him. Across the room, the tech team sat huddled near their equipment, four of them with headphones on, monitoring the live feed, they were oblivious to the drama unfolding before us, focused entirely on ensuring th
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: Chapter 14With her eye fixed on the engraved words on the gate, Lauren stood motionless in the hallway: "You can’t protect her forever." Wheeling closer to her, Alex stared at the icy words. Lauren could sense the storm building beneath his placid veneer, but his face was unreadable. "This is getting worse," she said, holding her arms tight as a shiver went through her. Alex's voice was rough and icy as he turned to face Dan. "I want the security staff to double right away. Bring in more security and ensure that Lauren is always watched. Dan gave a nod. I get it, sir. I will immediately coordinate with the team. Lauren turned to Alex as Dan walked away, her voice shaking. "Is this Jake again, in your opinion?" Alex's mouth clenched. "It is beyond question. He's clearly trying to use you to reach me with this message. Lauren was devastated. She didn't want to be the cause of Alex's increased stress. "Perhaps I should go for a bit," she said. "Until this passes." Alex's tone was forceful
Last Updated: 2025-02-02
Chapter: Chapter 13A knock on Lauren's bedroom door roused her. She sat up, half tired and sleepy, and yelled, "Come in."Dan came in, looking abnormally agitated. He had an envelope in his hand. He put it on the bedside table and added, "This was left at the front gate this morning." "Mr. Magnus and you are the intended recipients." As Lauren picked up the envelope, her fingers shaking, her heart fell. Carefully opening it, she read the handwritten note that was inside: Alex, you can't hide forever. Your beloved wife is now playing the game as well. Her blood ran cold as she gasped. She said, "Dan, who could have done this?" Dan's mouth clenched. We're looking into it. Nothing of value can be seen in the security footage. However, I've already told Mr. Magnus. Alex emerged at the doorway, his face a mask of rage, before Lauren could reply. With his gaze fixed on the letter she was holding, he wheeled into the room. "Hand it over to me," he insisted. Lauren silently passed it over. Alex's jaw tigh
Last Updated: 2025-02-02
Chapter: Chapter 12There was too much tension in the mansion. Lauren watched Alex pace back and forth while perched on the edge of the couch in his study. The ferocity in his gaze was reflected in his angular movements. Dan was standing close by, rummaging through folders, his jaw clenched in annoyance.Dan stated, "The stock is still declining." Jake's spill came at the ideal moment. Investors are in a panic.Alex came to a sudden halt and struck the desk with his fist. He's pressuring us. However, I will not allow him to take what I have created.Lauren got up and walked cautiously toward him. She said, "Is there anything I can do?"Alex gazed at her, and his eyes softened a little. "Your presence is sufficient," he declared. Then he became firm once more. Jake won't stop, though. We must fight back, and we will begin by addressing those untrue reports. Speak to the media, Dan. Ensure they are aware of the truth.Dan gave a nod. "Working on it already, sir."Alex leaned back in his chair and massaged
Last Updated: 2025-02-02
Chapter: Chapter 11As Alex and Lauren looked at her, Clara stood in the middle of Alex's study, her hands shaking. Just seconds before, Dan had escorted her in, his countenance tense.Alex's tone was icy and piercing. You and Jake have been collaborating. Provide him with details about my wife, my home, and myself. Why?Clara's mouth trembled. "Mr. Magnus, I had no intention of hurting you. I was threatened by Jake. He threatened to harm my family if I didn't assist him.Lauren felt betrayed even though her heart thawed a little. Why didn't you visit us, Clara? Alex had the opportunity to keep you safe.Tears filled Clara's eyes. "I was unsure about what to do. I believed I could handle it without hurting anyone. However, Jake persisted in demanding more.Alex's mouth clenched. "You put everyone's safety in danger. Lauren might have been killed as a result of your actions.Clara broke down in tears and fell to her knees. Kindly, Mr. Magnus. Pardon me. I will stop at nothing to put things right.Lauren a
Last Updated: 2025-02-02
Chapter: Chapter 10Lauren kept thinking about the note that was left at the gate to the mansion. While she sat in the dining room, gazing at her unfinished meal, the words, "Stay away from Alex, or you'll regret it," kept repeating in her head.Alex came in with a composed expression on his face, but his eyes showed worry. Rolling his wheelchair toward her, he added, "You didn't eat." "Lauren, you must maintain your strength."Lauren gave him a quick look while speaking quietly. When someone tries to harm us, how can I remain strong? It's no longer just about you, Alex. They are also aiming for me.Alex's palm covered hers as he reached out. "I will not permit anything to occur to you. I have requested additional security. Dan has already increased the number of patrols surrounding the estate by twofold.Lauren nodded, but her uneasiness was obvious. "What if it's insufficient? What happens if Jake manages to get past them?Alex's eyes grew gloomy. "Lauren, Jake won't prevail. I'll see to that. But you
Last Updated: 2025-02-02
Chapter: Chapter 9Staring at the contract Alex had given her, Lauren perched on the edge of her bed. Her mind was racing, and the words appeared to blur. She was shocked by what she was reading. Earlier that night, Alex had said icily, "Sign this." "To make sure we both get what we need, it's just a simple agreement." She remembered their chat, and her hands shook. She recalled how she had glanced up at him, expecting to see a human face, but his expression was unreadable. Flashback: Lauren paused before saying, "You can't expect me to just agree to this." She looked over the terms of the contract as she held it in her hands. Alex's face remained unchanged. He remarked, "You stole my money to save your mother." "This is the cost you incur. Lauren, it's a commercial transaction. Not much more. "A business deal?" she repeated, her tone tinted with disbelief. "Alex, you're discussing our life. This is not only a transaction. His blue, piercing eyes met hers as he wheeled closer. "In my universe, ever
Last Updated: 2025-01-10
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