Adriel's eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy and his head pounding. He was met with the stark brightness of the room, and his gaze instinctively scanned around for Emma. She was lying on the ground, a few feet away, her eyes closed. Adriel's heart skipped a beat as he struggled to sit up, his wheelchair abandoned beside him."Emma!" he croaked, his voice hoarse from screaming.A figure rushed to his side, helping him sit up. "Easy, Mr Adriel. You are safe now."Adriel's gaze locked onto the security personnel's face, but his eyes darted back to Emma. "Is she...?"The guard nodded. "She is alive, but we need to get her medical attention. She's been hit."Adriel's world went dark again as he remembered the sound of gunfire. He had thought Darwin had shot Emma, and his mind relived the horror. He forced himself to focus, his eyes fixed on Emma's pale face.With a surge of adrenaline, Adriel pushed himself up, using the guard for support. He stumbled towards Emma, his legs trembling benea
What the hell did you just say? Can't you keep this damn mouth of yours shut? Maya was screaming in her head for the biggest mistake she just made by calling a name she should have never called.What was she going to do now? She was trying to compose herself and find the right words to string together.“Maya, who is that person you just called? And why did you think the person was related to what happened to Emma and I?” Adriel's voice brought her back to reality.“Oh, no, I...I didn't mean to say that,” Maya stammered, her voice trembling."I don't know what you're talking about, Adriel," Maya said, her voice laced with a forced calmness. "I am just worried about you, that is all. I was not thinking straight."Adriel's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Don't lie to me, Maya. You said Mr. Miguel's name. What does he have to do with this?"Maya's hands fluttered, her eyes darting around the room. "I...I must have misspoken. I was just so scared when I heard about the shooting. I thou
“There is fire on the mountain. What do we do, father?”One of Mr Lucas son rushed into his study as if he was being chased by something invisible.“Can't you ever be calm for one, Jerry? Why do you have to rush in here like you have gone loose?”“You know I won't rush in like this without a good reason, father.”“Are you trying to justify yourself now?” Mr Lucas snorted, looking up at his son who looked like he would collapse from all the running.“I have known that you are not ever serious so I won't take your word for anything.”“You have to listen to me, father. I am not joking around this time. There is bad news from the company.”“Bad news?” He raised his brow, looking at him suspiciously.“Yes, yes.” He kept nodding his head repeatedly.“So why haven't I heard of it yet? My assistant would have been the number one person to tell me.”“I guess he is busy with trying to stabilize things and does not want to tell you yet.”“So what is the bad news? Tell me.”Mr. Lucas's expression
“Why the heck are you bringing that up now, Emma? Do you want father to have another heart attack?”"I'm talking about something that save the company, Jerry," Emma said, her voice firm. "Something you seem to be incapable of doing."Jerry's face reddened. "How dare you! I'm trying my best here.""Best? You call this a best? Father is lying in the hospital, and our company is on the verge of bankruptcy. That's your best?"Adriel intervened, placing a hand on Emma's arm. "Babe, you don't have to fight about this now. We need to work together."“Or maybe let's just go a d come back later. This is not a good time?”“So what good time will be there then? I have to say it, at least now when I have the courage.”“Alright but be calm. You don't have to throw words with him.”Emma shook off his hand. "No, Adriel. I won't keep quiet. Jerry's incompetence and the whole family’s incompetence from the beginning has led us to this point. I won't let them ruin my life further.”Jerry's eyes narrowe
Mr. Lucas stepped out of the hospital, the warm sunlight a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him. Adriel and Emma's words still lingered, refusing to be silenced. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his world was crumbling around him.As he entered his home, Mrs. Lucas greeted him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Welcome back home, darling How are you feeling, dear?”“What’s with that look on your face? I know the company is facing a hard time now but you shouldn't risk your life just yet.”Mr. Lucas forced a weak smile, trying to brush off her concerns. "I am fine, dear. Just a bit tired."“Really? You look too weak. Come, we are going back to the hospital. I feel like you commanded the doctors to discharge you went I left for a few minutes.”“There is nothing like that, woman. Stop assuming things. I am only tired.”He walked past her and up to his bedroom. Mrs Lucas stood watching him until he disappeared out of sight.She knew her husband and she knew definitely
“Surprise!”A voice squeaked out, jumping up a d pulling the duo in to a hug.It took a while the both of them to relax, looking at the familiar figure before then. “Ahh, it's you, darling.” Mrs Lucas said, finding her voice.“Were you expecting someone else?”“No, no darling. It is just that…”Maya took a step, taking in the expression of the two of them.“What's with the gloomy look on your faces? I thought Dad was the only one who was sick and is just recovering. Are you also sick, mom?”Maya's small hand reached up, her fingers gently brushing against her mother's neck. Her thumb pressed softly against the skin, as if searching for a hint of warmth or fever. “No, I am not sick. I guess I am just a little bit tired.”“Okay…” She nodded her head, squinting her eyes back and forth.“How long have you been here?” Mr Lucas cleared his throat, asking Maya. He looked at his wife with one eye to be sure he wasn't giving anything off.“I reached the door when I knocked. Is everything fin
Maya stepped out of the Lucas villa, breathing a heavy sigh. As she stood outside, she stared at the magnificent building, reminiscing on her childhood days. “I wish I could stop him. The hurting is getting too much and I can't believe I am his tool to ruin the family who took care of me all along.” She was too lost in her thoughts and just as she was about to open the door of her car and enter inside, she stood still as if something suddenly struck. “What if I just tell them the truth and stop everything right now?” “You? Stop right now?” A voice sneered in her head. “That is mission impossible. It can never happen. You are as wicked as him so don't think you will go scott free even if you decide to turn in yourself.” Maya's hand wavered on the car door handle, her mind torn apart by the conflicting desires to betray and to protect. The voice in her head kept jeering at her, its words dripping with malice. "You're as wicked as him... you will never go scott free." With a defea
Mrs Lucas could not get the thought of everything she had heard off her mind. The more she tried to push it back, the more force it came back with a severe force to hunt her. “What should I do now? Lucas will definitely get angry and throw Maya into jail with Miguel without even finding out the cause.” “I don't think I want anyone that is innocent to suffer.” Pacing round her room, she finally came to a conclusion to track Maya down. She threw on a casual black gown and grabbed her car keys, rushing down. “I must get to the bottom of this.” “Where are heading out to, ma'am?” The driver who was on standby asked when he saw her rush out. “I can drive y…” “Don't worry. I can drive myself. I want to go alone.” She cut him short before he could complete his statement. She turned on the ignition and zoomed out of the villa. Mrs. Lucas sped through the night, her mind racing with thoughts of Maya and the mysterious conversation she had overheard. She couldn't shake off the feeling
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