Emma's eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the figure who had tapped her from behind. Her breath caught in her throat as her mind raced with worst-case scenarios of who it could be. But then, a gentle voice cut through the tension as she screamed, snapping her back to reality."Emma."Harper's calm tone was like a soothing balm, slowing Emma's racing heart. She spun around, her phone down on the floor, and saw Harper's concerned expression."Hey, are you okay? You look like you have seen a ghost," Harper said, her eyes scanning Emma's face."I did not see you come back inside after a while and thought to come look for you. Adriel has been asking of you. He thinks you have gone home."Emma's lips parted, but no words came out. She felt like she was frozen in time, her mind still reeling from the shock.She had thought someone had been eavesdropping on her conversation and tapped her at the moment to increase her fear.She purposely went outside the hospital, to the open where there were a
“Where are we going, Harper?” “Let's just get you out of here. You can't face Adriel looking like that. He would suspect that something is wrong and don't you think he will find out later? You wouldn't want to get him involved, would you?” “No, I don't want him involved.” Emma shook her head in negative. Harper got to her car where her driver was waiting for them. “Get out, I will drive.” She snatched the key from him and took the driver's seat while Emma sat in the passenger's seat on the front. Harper navigated the winding and busy roads. Emma gazed out the window, her mind reeling with thoughts of Adriel and the danger that lurked in every shadow. As they crossed a steel bridge, Harper pulled over, the tires crunching on gravel. The river below sparkled and reflected in the fading light. "Let's take a break," Harper said, turning off the engine. Emma nodded, her eyes fixed on the view. Harper got out, phone in hand, and walked a short distance away. "Hey, Ryder," H
Maya's eyes widened in horror as she stared at her phone. A picture of her naked self, entwined with the popular actor, stared back at her. Her mind reeled as she read the attached message: "Leave Emma alone, or this will be all over the internet."Maya's face burned with shame and anger. Who could have taken this picture? And how did they get it? She thought back to the night she and the actor had spent together, but she could not remember anyone else being there.Panic set in as she realized the implications. If this picture got out, her reputation would be ruined. Her career would be over. She would never be able to show her face in public again. And now she did not have the Lucas family solidly supportung her. They were all about Emma and not her anymore. After all, she was not their biological daughter, just a girl they thought was their daughter for almost two decades.Maya's eyes narrowed as she thought of Emma. This had to be her doing. She was the only one who would stoop
“No! You can't get rid of me so easily. You have been using me and I have been the best I can be for you.” Maya wanted to scream out so loud but she dared not.“No, please, you can't get me out of the way now. I believe I am still useful.” She replied, lowering her voice in a pleading way.“Useful?” He scoffed at her.“Prove to me that you are useful then. I want to see results! Don't come back back here with need of failure else I would not hesitate to get you out of my way and find someone who can do the job better.”“I will not disappoint you this time.”“You had better be. I have been training you and fixed you in that family deliberately for the past twenty years and now you have nothing tangible to show forth.”Maya's eyes widened in desperation as she listened to the harsh words. She knew she had to think fast, to come up with something to prove her worth."I understand," she said, her voice trembling. "I'll get you the information you want. I'll make the head of the family pay
Adriel's eyes sparkled with mischief as he gazed at Emma, his grin still plastered on his face. "The next level of our relationship, my dear," he said, his voice low and husky. "I think it is time we get to know each other better... intimately."Emma's cheeks flushed deeper, her eyes darting away from his piercing gaze. "I don't think that is necessary." she stammered, trying to maintain her composure.Adriel chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I think it is very necessary." "We have been married for months now, and I still have not seen you smile... truly smile. You know, the kind of smile that lights up the whole room."Emma's gaze snapped back to his, her eyes narrowing. "I smile," she protested, her voice barely above a whisper.Adriel's grin grew wider. "Not like you mean it," he teased, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "I want to see the real you, Emma. The you that is hidden behind those beautiful eyes. The you that's been locked away, waiting to be set fr
"Adriel..yo..you..."“You should get a goodnight rest, Adriel. You don't want to still be tired by tomorrow.” Emma opened her mouth and finally found some words to say.“I am going to rest but then, I just said I love you and I want you to know I mean every word I have said. I am going to give you time to think about it and discover your feelings for me.”“I…err…Adriel…”“You don't have to say anything now. Say it when you are ready.”“I know you weren't really comfortable with marrying me especially when you heard I was crippled if not that you found out the truth later.”Adriel's eyes softened, his gaze gentle as he looked at Emma. "You don't have to explain, Emma. I know I was not exactly thrilled about the arrangement of a new bride at first, but...things have changed."Emma's cheeks flushed, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I know I am not like other women, Adriel. I'm...broken, in a way. But I promise I will make it up to you, I will be the best wife I can be… The very reason
"Emma darling! It's me."As she turned to see who it was that came to see her, she was surprised to see Evelyn rushing up to her.Evelyn's chest heaved up and down, her breath coming in short gasps as she collapsed into the Emma's hand. Her face was flushed, her skin glistening with a fine sheen of sweat. She fanned herself with her hand, her eyes closed as she struggled to catch her breath."Ah...ah...I am so sorry, Emma," she panted, her words broken by gasps for air. "I...I rushed here as soon as I could...I was so worried about you..."Emma's expression softened with concern as she poured Evelyn a glass of water from the pitcher on a table close to her. "Here, Evelyn, drink this. You look like you are about to pass out."Evelyn's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking onto the glass as Emma handed it to her. She took a long, shaky sip, the water spilling down her chin as she gulped it down."Thank you, darling.""Easy, easy." Emma's hand made its way to her back, patting her softly
"The threads of deceit are always not straight to loosen, but with a gentle tug, the entire web can be unraveled."Adriel's eyes narrowed as he stared at the file on his desk, his mind consumed by the mysterious threats from Maya against Emma. “What did she mean by she was just letting her off the hook this time? Is she threatening Emma with something?’ What did she want from his wife? He could not shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.“I have to do something about this. I just can't sit and watch Maya try to threaten the woman I love.”Adriel did not really know the kind of stiff relationship Emma and Maya shared. Maya was his first bethroted bride and she did not act cruel or mean to him but he was shocked the day he saw the way she acted to Emma at her restaurant.Was she just pretending to him all along?With a decisive nod, Adriel picked up his phone and dialed Maya's number. "Hello, Maya. This is Adriel speaking.”Maya's voice was sweet on the other end. "Adr
The room went silent and a took a long while before someone may as small as the sound of tapping the finger. “Errm…erm…we don't have to bring that up now.” Mr Carlos coughed, “I am sorry but I had to. I had to bring it up to explain my condition to everyone.” Adriel had a half sinister apologetic look on his face. Darwin's parent mother and stepdad were seated there.“Don't think you can put my son in jail after coming up with some stupid pile of evidence against him.” Maria, Darwin's mother spat out.Adriel had expected this. She was as evil as her son and would not back down easily. But in all, Adriel had the victory. Mr Carlos cleared his throat, making every other whisper in the dinning hall stop. “It is a beautiful evening to enjoy a beautiful dinner so let us enjoy it as a united family should. What has happened has happened. It is already in the past. One has to pay for his crime and bear the weight of the consequence of his actions.” He paused for some kind of effect,
“Don't keep me waiting, Harper. Just tell me now.” Harper grinned mischievously, enjoying the suspense. "Oh, Emma, you're so impatient! Can't you just savor the moment?" Emma rolled her eyes, laughing. "Savor the moment? You're killing me, Harper! Just spill the beans already!" Harper chuckled, taking a seat next to Emma on the couch. "Okay, okay. But first, let me ask you... how's married life treating you?" Emma's face lit up with a radiant smile. "It's amazing! Adriel is an incredible husband. I'm so grateful to have him." Harper's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's so wonderful! I'm thrilled for you both. And speaking of thrilling news..." Emma's eyes narrowed, her voice playful. "Harper, don't tease me! Tell me already!" Harper giggled, stalling for a moment longer. "Okay, fine. But you have to promise not to freak out." Emma's hands flew up in exasperation. "I promise, I promise! Just tell me!" Harper took a deep breath, a sly grin spreading across her face. "I am
“Oops! My bad! I shouldn't be here.” Harper turned around, closing the door slightly. Adriel’s growling voice called her back. “Harper, stop right there.” “What do you want me to do? You shouldn't call me back in, just continue with whatever you were doing.” Emma kept nudging Adriel to stop as she was dying of embarrassment. “You already ruined the moment, Harper. Why did you have to rush in here?” “But it's Emma's room, not yours? I thought she would be the only one in. I didn't expect to see that scene.” The three stood awkwardly in the room. After a moment, Harper coughed, breaking the silence. “Alright, I am sorry about rushing in. I didn't expect to see you in.” “Well, I heard the news that happened in my absence and I rushed over to come see Emma. I haven't seen or spoken to her in a while after my impromptu trip outside the country.” Emma broke free from Adriel and drew Harper into a hug. “Thank you, Adriel.” “For what, Emma?” Harper asked, smiling and embracing he
“You look startled, babe.” Adriel whispered in Emma's ear as they were almost outside the hospital doors. “It is taking a while for me to take in everything that has just happened. It is quite ridiculous, isn't it?” “Do you feel well?” Adriel asked when he saw her scrunch up her nose in disgust. “I am fine, babe. I am just a little tired from all the happenings recently.” She yawned, covering her hand with her palm. “It is all over now and so you don't have to worry.” “Are you saying Darwin is not going to escape again?” “You can't trust me on that, babe. I have got the detective and his men around. He can't escape. Since he is not remorseful or repentant, he has to face the consequences of his actions and the law.” “Are you going to press charges, babe?” “Don't you want me to?” “I do but I just thought when I looked at you, you still have a little feeling for him and hoped he would change.” “Well, he is never going to change. That's the kind of person my brother is and I c
Emma sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the TV as she flipped through channels. Adriel had been gone for a while, and she was getting anxious. She needed a distraction. Suddenly, a breaking news headline caught her attention: "Breaking News: Carlos's Son Involved in Fatal Accident" Emma's heart skipped a beat as she turned up the volume. "...Details are still coming in, but sources close to the investigation confirm that Darwin, the son of wealthy businessman Carlos, was involved in a severe car accident earlier today," the news anchor said, her voice grave. Emma's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with thoughts of Adriel and the danger he might be in. "The accident occurred on Highway 12, where Darwin's car lost control and crashed into a tree. Witnesses report that the car was traveling at high speeds before the accident." Emma felt a chill run down her spine as she watched the footage of the wreckage on TV. It was a miracle anyone had survived. "Darwin is curr
Adriel's fingers traced gentle circles on Emma's bare skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine. They lay together in bed, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow on their relaxed faces. Emma's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Adriel's, and she smiled lazily. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep. Adriel's lips curved into a tender smile. "Good morning, my love." Emma's hand drifted up to his cheek, her fingers tracing the sharp jawline. Adriel's eyes closed, his face tilting into her touch. They lay there for a moment, basking in the warmth of each other's presence. Slowly, Adriel's eyes opened, his gaze burning with intensity. Emma's heart skipped a beat as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love. As they deepened the kiss, Emma's arms wrapped around Adriel's neck, pulling him cl
“Mom! How can you let dad arrest me alongside that man? I don't know anything about his grudges with dad.” "I don't anything and why he keeps dragging me into all of this. We only met a few times and not to plot anything evil. Please mom, listen to me. Mr Lucas had come to see Maya. She was the only one who was willing to see Maya now. She could not just abandon her as she was the daughter she raised from childhood so it was not easy. She had a pitiful look on her face. “He doesn't want to believe anything you have to say. The fact that he saw you with him was enough to tell him everything. You know how hard your father can be right?” “That is still not enough reason, mom.” She pouted, showing teary eyes. She had been in detention and now it seemed like her stay in the correctional center will be more than just detention now. “Oh, okay! I get it now! It is because I am not his real daughter and neither am I your real daughter. That is why it feels so easy to throw me into the
With newfound determination, he sprang into action.Mr. Lucas called his trusted assistant, Thompson, and instructed him to track down Miguel's whereabouts.Thompson quickly got to work, using his resources to locate Miguel. He soon discovered that Miguel was at a private meeting room in a downtown high-rise, accompanied by Maya.The room was enclosed, with no windows, making it difficult to gather more information without being detected. Mr. Lucas's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Miguel and Maya's secret meeting.“He is together with Maya and it is quite a heavily guarded place.”“So what are you waiting for? I want you to storm in there. I don't care if the place is heavily guarded. We have some solid evidence from Maya’s call recording in this house so nothing can go wrong.”“Alright, sir. I will get to work now.”“You had better do so. Don't come back to me without the news of his arrest or detainment.” He said and hung up on the call.Mr Lucas was already
Adriel turned as he watched her walk in.“She is not ready to go down without a fight. I am going to give it to her too.”Adriel's hands moved quickly as he picked his phone to dial a familiar number, his mind still reeling from the encounter with Darwin. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after he left the prison."Lawrence, it's Adriel. I need to see you now," he said, his voice firm and urgent."Adriel, what's wrong? You sound like you've seen a ghost.” his lawyer replied, concern etched in his voice."It's Darwin. I just got back from visiting him in prison, and I am more convinced than ever that he is a menace. I want to press charges, Lawrence. I want to make sure he pays for what he has done."There was a pause on the other end of the line before Lawrence spoke up. "Adriel, we have been over this. We need to be careful. I have my advice as a legal practitioner for us to tread carefully.“Your stepmother, I mean, Darwin's mother is a powerful woman, a