Laia's POV
It hasn't been all that long since Az and I began running a new firm with the aid of his pals, but I was relieved to find that his business acumen is far above what I had anticipated.
I turned to my secretary as we were both watching the livestream of the debut of our project and asked, "Can you recommend a decent gift for a man?"
She grinned and asked, "Is it for Mr. Elrod?"
Seeing her smile made me realize that our employees had never seen me act affectionately toward my husband, despite how sweet he is to me. I just don't feel comfortable showing off our relationship to others.
I nodded and said, "What do you typically get your boyfriend?" As I felt my cheeks sting with embarrassment, I turned away.
"I'm not sure what the boss loves, but I normally get my boyfriend a pricey collection of anime figures as a gift because he enjoys watching anime," she retorted.I paused to consider my husband'
It's been a day since my wife disappeared, and we received reports that the kidnappers took her while she was shopping alone. I had no idea why she went out alone, and I felt so frustrated and helpless that I lost my appetite as we kept on searching for her whereabouts. According to the witnesses, the kidnappers took my wife in a white van that left immediately after capturing her. "Az, you need to take a break; you haven't eaten even just a bit," Carlo suggested with a tone of worry. "I can't stop until I can find my wife," I replied as I looked through the reports that the investigators sent to me. "It would be better to take a break for a bit; this is not good for your health," Eric added as he took some papers from my desk. "Don't worry too much; I already begged my father to help us find your wife—I'm sure we'll hear some good news soon," John reassured as he walked back and forth while looking through his phone, exhausting all his resources to help out. "How can I rest while
Mr. Moretti looked at us in amusement after hearing Carlo's words. "That's quite interesting—the HexPhantom offering his service to the underground organization," he chuckled."I believe you already know my capabilities, so I will not further discuss the kind of service I can provide for your organization," Carlo replied confidently.I was so confused due to the sudden change of tone from my friend to Mr. Moretti—it was as if he were a different person in front of me. "I know, we have been recruiting you ages ago, but if we help you deal with the Black Panthers, we may lose more than we can gain," he replied with a serious tone."I'll give you ownership of the current company we built; the project recently succeeded, and it's only a matter of time before we can earn a huge sum," I offered despite hesitation, thinking I was ready to give up everything for my wife's safety."I am now quite unsure of your business management ability; I have no idea why Mr. Dominique trusted his companies
Carlo's words weighed so much on my mind, making me able to gather all my thoughts. I was able to successfully collect the sum sought by the kidnappers in a short time with the support of our friends and family. I felt grateful yet scared since almost nothing was left of our assets. I knew we would have a hard time due to poverty after this incident, but saving my wife's life is more important than any leisure or comfort.As we were planning how to save my wife in Mr. Moretti's office, I received a call from my dad asking me to fetch Sienna on their behalf. My mom suddenly fainted due to worry and was unconscious at the hospital. I felt the gravity of the situation crashing over me again as I faltered and stumbled to the ground.I'm not the only one who is in pain. Even my parents and friends are trying their best to assist me—I must remain strong.I felt dizzy as my sight grew dim. I haven't had a good rest these past few days, which has taken a toll on my body."Dude!" John jolted in
I secretly talked to my dad regarding Sienna's pregnancy as my mom was being assisted by the nurse to the bathroom. He groaned heavily, his brow wrinkled, and his head shook slightly in astonishment. "I'll talk to Sienna and Carlo. Let's not mention this to your mom in the meantime," he whispered while cautiously looking at the bathroom door."Is there something wrong?" my mom asked upon stepping out of the bathroom with the nurse by her side, holding the drip bag in her hand.I nervously smiled and replied, "Nothing, Mom, we're just talking about the doctor's instructions."She suddenly lowered her gaze, looking to the side as if thinking about something heavy while curling her lips into a frown. "Don't overthink it, honey. We're merely discussing the doctor's instructions, and he specifically stated that you shouldn't stressed out too much," my dad added as he stood up and supported my mom back to the bed."I know, but I can't stop worrying about Laia," my mom replied, looking at me
I opened my eyes and saw my mom tirelessly caring for me. However, I had no strength to move a single finger, then immediately drifted back to sleep just a few minutes after waking up. Remembering the last sight of my wife moments before the yacht exploded, I couldn't help myself asking God why I was still alive. My dreams constantly repeated the dreadful incident, breaking my core due to regret."Oh God, why didn't you take me instead?" I asked as I walked down the path of the unknown.After walking endlessly and tirelessly, I suddenly felt like drowning in the water, leading me deep into the ocean, where I saw the explosion of the boat right above me. I slowly sank deeper into the abyss as I shut my eyes with my heavy heart.When I woke up from the continuous nightmare, my eyes kept shedding tears, causing my mother to panic as soon as she saw me awake. "Mom..." I muttered in a weak voice, as the oxygen mask hindered me from talking further."I'll call the doctor," my dad rattled as
I no longer remember the last time I had dreamed of anything despite exhausting myself as I worked tirelessly to distract my mind. My slim hope was cut short with a call from Mr. Moretti, stating that they would stop the exhaustive search for my wife as the storm approached the city, bringing chaos to the land and the sea."I'm sorry, Aziel," Mr. Moretti said and paused briefly in hesitation. "This is as much as I can assist you.""I understand, sir," I replied bitterly, pursing my lips hard till they tasted like iron and swelled up. " Thank you so much for extending your help,"The gray sky cloaked in a melancholic veil and the tumultuous pitter-patter of droplets on rooftops and windowsills mirror the chaos within one's confused and agonizing mind. The simultaneous roars of the firmament quivered the land along with my empty heart, which was slowly shattering at every banging sound it created.The feeble chime of my phone dwindled into near insignificance as it rang once more, oversh
After more than half a year of attempts to find the perpetrator who caused both my father-in-law's and my wife's car accidents, the investigators finally caught him. The bittersweet relief clashed with my agony and rage, followed by self-blame as I lowered the phone, placing it slowly on the bed. "Was that the investigators?" Carlo inquired as soon as I hung up the call. "Yeah, they finally caught him," I replied. "It took them a while," he grumbled in disappointment. I clamped my jaws as I felt increasingly frustrated, then flopped onto the bed with desperation. A deep sigh escaped from my mouth as I yearned for a moment of relief. I tried to seek comfort in my mind, but my inner turmoil prevented it. Restlessness surged through me. I couldn't resist the urge to shift and turn on the mattress. It felt like a storm of thoughts and emotions was swirling within me, making any chance for rest seem like a fantasy. "Man, I know how anxious you are right now, but we need to sleep so we
As the night wore on, Sienna and Carlo prepared a makeshift bed in their living room for me. They insisted I stay the night since it was already late, and they couldn't let me go alone in my current state of mind. However, the events of the day had taken a toll on them. Anika, who had been relatively calm during dinner, began to cry, and Sienna had to tend to her. Carlo reluctantly left my side to help her soothe the baby.The frantic cries of Anika filled the apartment, echoing through the living room where I lay. But then, as Carlo and Sienna's efforts to calm her continued, a deafening silence enveloped the room. It was in this silence that my mood turned for the worst. I was overwhelmed with misery, despair, desire, wrath, and self-blame.I tossed and turned on the improvised bed, thoughts consumed by the day's events, the hunt for Laia, and the inquiry into the accidents. The heaviness of the universe seemed to settle on my shoulders, and I couldn't escape the feeling that I was
After Carlo and Sienna's exquisite wedding, Laia and I discovered ourselves in a serene corner of the resort's garden. The waning sun cast a gentle, warm glow over the surroundings as we distanced ourselves from the jubilant celebrations. The air carried the delightful scent of flowers, and in the distance, we could hear the soothing waves caressing the coast.We trekked together, our fingers entwined, and contentment surged through us. The brisk ocean breeze and the subtle saline sea aroma, nearly eclipsed by the flower's fragrance, stirred up cherished memories. With a grin, I inquired, "Recall our first New Year together?" as we settled on a nearby bench."That day was full of joy, shared with our friends and families," she chuckled. "I believe it's also the very same day when their relationship took off.""Who? Carlo and Sienna? How did you find out?" I asked, perplexed since I hadn't told her yet how I discovered Sienna's pregnancy two years ago, during her
Shortly after waking up, Daniel Adler quickly started sharing the truth with a detailed account of events. He came forward with additional evidence, determined to bring justice to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dominique's death, my son's tragic fate, and the traumatic suffering my wife endured throughout the kidnapping ordeal.He revealed that after my father-in-law's hospitalization, he investigated Mr. Stone's company as part of his mission. Unfortunately, his independent efforts led to his discovery and capture by the Black Panthers. In a twist of fate, the day he first saw Laia in the same room where he was held captive was the beginning of his ruse. He feigned allegiance to their cause, providing them with intricate details about Mr. Dominique's assets and the contractual agreements we had in place.Mr. Stone, recognizing Daniel's potential, offered him a lifeline, allowing him to work within their organization. The day he and Laia disappeared was part of a scripted act, with
The twilight deepened as I paced back and forth in a silent and dimly lit corridor in front of the operating room. Daniel Adler's operation took hours due to the tricky position of the bullet inside his body, while Mr. Stone was already in the recovery room, surrounded by law enforcers who took turns keeping an eye on him."I have to go home now and check on my wife and Anika," Carlo said as he walked near me. "You should relax yourself a bit.""Carlo is right," Eric interjected, his voice a comforting anchor amid my turmoil. He urged me gently with a supportive tap on my back. "You should take a well-deserved break and entrust the rest to me. Go and be with your wife," he suggested understandingly.I muttered, glimpsing at the operating door, "But—""I'll stay here and keep you updated. Here's your phone, so go ahead and check your wife now," Eric insisted.Carlo then pulled my arm and said, "Let's go! The exit is also that way."Despite my excitement, I felt conflicted about seeing
We carefully scheduled our corporate celebration to occur precisely one week after the highly successful launch of Harmony Assist. The timing was deliberate, as we wanted to ensure that the project gained ample attention and coverage from the media all across the globe. The response to Harmony Assist had exceeded our expectations, and it had become the focal point of many news outlets and tech publications.The project had captured attention, not just for its innovative features but also for the rapid pace at which we had developed it. Our exceptional team of engineers and designers had worked tirelessly, sometimes through the night, to make Harmony Assist a reality. The result was a revolutionary product, transforming not just technology but also the quality of life.The media frenzy around Harmony Assist was so intense that it momentarily eclipsed other news stories, including the ongoing litigation against Mr. Stone, the former CEO of Stonewell Construction Enterprise. This legal b
I found myself in profound silence, staring at the room's ceiling. The pristine white expanse seemed to reflect my inner turmoil, a cruel reminder of the revelation about Olivia Harrington that had shaken me to my core. I sat at my desk, feeling overwhelmed. I forced deep breaths to steady my racing heart. Each beat resonated in my ears, echoing the emotions welling up inside. At the same time, my head throbbed with anguish, and tears blurred my vision. Each fleeting moment stretched endlessly, and the surroundings dissolved into obscurity as I grappled with the surge of intense emotions. It was as if the weight of the entire universe rested on my shoulders, and all I could do was hold my breath, adrift in the chaos of my thoughts and feelings. After I regained some composure, taking a deep, shuddering breath, I reached for the company phone. I summoned Carlo and Eric to my office, maintaining a steady tone despite my inner restlessness. They promptly arrived to discuss further enha
Following the downfall of my father-in-law's prominent business and my wife's kidnapping, the Black Panthers maintained a low profile. A confidential investigation revealed Mr. Stone's abstention from further actions, emphasizing their exclusive objective of eradicating the AD corporation from the corporate landscape. To steer clear of direct rivalry with his enterprise, I channeled my newly established venture into pioneering technological advancements, ensuring their covert development beyond the scope of Mr. Stone's scrutiny.During the initial weeks of rekindling my friendship with Tiffany, Mr. Stone grew suspicious to the extent that he had me surveilled by Black Panthers personnel. Unbeknownst to him, these individuals were spies working for Red Phyton under John's direct and discreet supervision.Mr. Moretti had surreptitiously penetrated the rival faction, skillfully breaching their sanctuary without alerting their senior leadership. Shortly after I managed to assuage Mr. Ston
I froze, my heart pounding as though it might burst from my chest. My hands trembled as I grasped my champagne glass, my fingers slick with moisture. It couldn't be her, I reasoned. My mind is scrambling to rationalize the absurdity of the situation. Laia had been missing for a year despite our best attempts, and the agony of not knowing her fate had been a continuous weight on my shoulders.However, the deeper hole kept opening up inside me as she moved nearer, and the facial features became apparent clearly. It was her. The same hazel eyes that once sparkled with frivolity and comfort are scanning the space in a vain attempt to locate someone. The edges of her lips curled up in a gentle smile that carried the power to dispel all anxiety.I put my champagne glass back on the table and started walking in the crowd, looking at them with mixed feelings of hope and anxiety inside me. Time seemed to have stopped, and I felt neither the piercing eyes nor the whispers behind my back. It was
As the night wore on, Sienna and Carlo prepared a makeshift bed in their living room for me. They insisted I stay the night since it was already late, and they couldn't let me go alone in my current state of mind. However, the events of the day had taken a toll on them. Anika, who had been relatively calm during dinner, began to cry, and Sienna had to tend to her. Carlo reluctantly left my side to help her soothe the baby.The frantic cries of Anika filled the apartment, echoing through the living room where I lay. But then, as Carlo and Sienna's efforts to calm her continued, a deafening silence enveloped the room. It was in this silence that my mood turned for the worst. I was overwhelmed with misery, despair, desire, wrath, and self-blame.I tossed and turned on the improvised bed, thoughts consumed by the day's events, the hunt for Laia, and the inquiry into the accidents. The heaviness of the universe seemed to settle on my shoulders, and I couldn't escape the feeling that I was
After more than half a year of attempts to find the perpetrator who caused both my father-in-law's and my wife's car accidents, the investigators finally caught him. The bittersweet relief clashed with my agony and rage, followed by self-blame as I lowered the phone, placing it slowly on the bed. "Was that the investigators?" Carlo inquired as soon as I hung up the call. "Yeah, they finally caught him," I replied. "It took them a while," he grumbled in disappointment. I clamped my jaws as I felt increasingly frustrated, then flopped onto the bed with desperation. A deep sigh escaped from my mouth as I yearned for a moment of relief. I tried to seek comfort in my mind, but my inner turmoil prevented it. Restlessness surged through me. I couldn't resist the urge to shift and turn on the mattress. It felt like a storm of thoughts and emotions was swirling within me, making any chance for rest seem like a fantasy. "Man, I know how anxious you are right now, but we need to sleep so we