Simeon's POVI moved swiftly toward the back entrance of the building, my senses heightened, every step cautious. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and I could feel the tension in the pit of my stomach.We’d been preparing for this moment for too long, but nothing could have prepared me for the chaos that awaited. The moment we neared the building’s side entrance, gunfire erupted from behind a series of crates near the alley."Get down!" I shouted, instinctively ducking behind the nearest pillar, pulling my gun from its holster. The crack of bullets bounced off the walls around us as my men sprang into action."Watch the right!" one of my men yelled, taking a knee and firing blindly into the darkness. Another burst of gunfire sounded, and I saw a man in the distance fall, his body crumpling in an instant."Suppressing fire!" I ordered, steadying my breath as I rose up momentarily to take a shot. A bullet whizzed past my ear, and I ducked down, firing a burst back toward the shoote
Andrew's POVI should have known it was a trap. Every nerve in my body screamed at me to stop, to think, to pause, but the sight of Sheila tied to that chair drowned out all reason. The way she struggled against those ropes made my heart clench. Was she hurt? In pain? I didn’t think. I couldn’t think. “Sheila!” I called out, rushing toward her. Her movements grew more desperate as I closed the distance, her eyes wide with a terror that didn’t make sense—until I heard it. “No!” The shout came from behind, and I heard both Simeon and Zane’s loud voices. Time slowed to a crawl. I turned, the motion agonizingly sluggish, like wading through molasses. Zane was charging toward me, his outstretched hand a blur, his face twisted in panic. That was when it hit me. A sharp, searing pain shot through my arm as the bullet grazed past, its trajectory only inches from my chest. The force of it spun me, and I hit the floor hard, the world tilting and throbbing around me. “Andrew!” Za
Simeon’s POVThe room seemed to close in around me as the figure stepped forward, her silhouette becoming clearer with every step. My mind refused to believe it until she fully emerged into the dim light, her presence suffocating and inescapable. Her. My breath hitched, the air in my lungs turning cold. Never, not in my worst nightmares, had I imagined this moment. But there she stood, her face twisted into the same wicked smile that had haunted me for years. “Mother,” I spat, the word dripping with all the anger and bitterness I’d carried for as long as I could remember. “Hello, son,” she replied smoothly in her usual mocking voice. That smile—cold and calculating—never wavered. My fists clenched as I stared at her, my emotions threatening to just spill out. “Why?” I demanded in a hard voice. “Why are you doing this? Why Sheila?” She chuckled, a low, bitter sound that grated on my nerves. “You should be grateful, Simeon,” she said, her tone mocking as though she were scol
Andrew’s POVI thought the greatest shock of today had been discovering that Gina Giovanni, Simeon’s mother, was behind Sheila’s kidnapping. The sheer malice and audacity of her actions had been enough to fill me with rage. But I was wrong. That wasn’t even the beginning of the nightmare. As the voice from earlier faded into silence, a figure stepped into view. The dim light revealed her face, and my heart stopped. “Evelyn,” I breathed, her name escaping my lips like a prayer, though the scene before me felt nothing like salvation. She stood beside Gina, her head lowered, not saying a word. My mind refused to make sense of it. Why was she here? Why with Gina? “Evelyn!” I called again, louder this time, my tone anxious and laced with worry. She flinched slightly but said nothing, her gaze fixed on the ground. My heart pounded, confusion and dread swirling inside me like a storm. I had made sure to move Evelyn to a safe house after we learned Sheila had been kidnapped. How t
Evelyn's POVThe anger simmered in my chest as I stared at Sheila tied up to the chair with a gun pointed at her head. Things weren’t supposed to go this way. Simeon and Andrew weren’t supposed to show up together, let alone to save her. How could this happen? They despised each other—always had. So why were they suddenly allies, working together to save Sheila? Why must it always be Sheila! Sheila! Sheila?!Andrew’s hard voice immediately cut through my thoughts. “What documents are you talking about, Evelyn?!” he demanded again, his tone sharper this time.I glanced at him, and the guilt that I’d tried to suppress clawed its way to the surface. Andrew. Sweet, innocent Andrew. He was the one person who truly didn’t deserve any of this. Both brothers were victims in this twisted game, but Andrew… he was the one I’d hurt the most. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. It was time to tell the truth. I couldn’t keep hiding anymore, not when everything was already unraveling before
Evelyn's POVAndrew’s expression froze, and I saw the flicker of disbelief in his eyes. “What are you trying to say, Evelyn?” he asked quietly, though there was a sharp edge to his tone.I took a deep breath, forcing myself to continue. “It was all planned. Gina gave me all the details about you—everything I needed to know. I knew where you would be, what you liked, and what you didn’t. I studied you, Andrew. I had to. I needed to know how to act, what to say, and how to get your attention that day.”Andrew stared at me, his jaw tightening as he processed my words.“I knew you loved the aquarium,” I said softly, feeling the weight of my confession crush me. “I knew you enjoyed spending time at orphanages. I forced myself to like those things, too. Everything I said, every moment we shared—it was all designed to draw you in. To make you trust me.”I watched as the realization dawned on him, his shoulders slumping under the weight of betrayal. He ran a hand through his hair, his breathi
Simeon's POVI couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Evelyn. The woman I thought I knew so well—the woman who had stood by me during storms, yet had silently waged a war I never asked for. Her confession tore through the room like a blade, its edge sharper than any betrayal I could have imagined. She had done all of this for us, for our love, or so she claimed. But if that were true, why hadn’t she come to me? Why hadn’t she trusted me to protect what we had? I glanced at Andrew. His face was a mask of pain and rejection, his laugh hollow and bitter. He didn’t even try to respond to Evelyn; he didn’t need to. The silence between them spoke volumes. Finally, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Evelyn,” I said, my voice tight with anger, “why did you think it was your responsibility to make these sacrifices for us? Why couldn’t you trust me enough to fight for us?” Her lips parted, but I wasn’t finished. “Do you have any idea how disappointed I am? You went behind my back. You
Gina’s POVI stared at my son, Simeon, my hands outstretched, my voice soft, almost pleading. I had hoped—no, prayed—that he would see reason. That he would join me, and together we would destroy the Walkers. The same family that ripped him from my arms, turned him against me, and left me to rot in despair. But when he muttered “no,” a quiet, cutting rejection, my heart clenched. I took a step forward, trying to convince him. “Simeon, please. This is our chance. Don’t you see? The Walkers have torn us apart for too long. We can bring them down together.” For a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes—hesitation, perhaps—but it was gone in an instant. “No,” he repeated firmly. The word hit me like a slap. I blinked, struggling to keep my composure. “No? Simeon, I’m your mother. I’ve fought for this—for YOU—all these years. Don’t you understand? Everything I’ve done has been for us.” He shook his head, his gaze cold and unrelenting. “You haven't done anything fo
Simeon’s POV I left Sheila’s room after the unexpected dinner invitation from Grandma, and headed back to Evelyn's room. I wondered if Andrew had already gone to see her. I knocked lightly on Evelyn’s door before pushing it open. To my surprise, she was awake, her face pale under the soft light of the room. She lay in bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, a distant look in them as though she was lost in thought. I walked over and sat beside her. “How are you feeling?” I asked softly. Evelyn blinked, slowly turning her head to meet my gaze. “I’m fine,” she replied warmly. “I just… can’t feel my legs,” she added softly, almost like she was saying it to herself more than to me. “I tried asking the nurse that attended to me, but she didn't say anything about it. Did the doctor tell you anything?” I averted my eyes, unsure of how to proceed. The doctor’s words had been clear, and I knew I had to tell her the truth. But I wasn’t sure if I could bear seeing her crumble under the wei
Simeon’s POV I stepped into the room, letting the door close softly behind me. “Sheila,” I said softly, drawing their attention. Sheila turned her head, a small smile forming on her lips. “Simeon. Hi.” Mia also turned and stood up to hug me warmly. “Simeon,” she exclaimed and held my hand, bringing me closer to Sheila. “How are you feeling, Sheila?” I asked, stepping closer. “I’m fine now,” she replied, her voice steady but subdued. “Thanks to you.” Mia turned to me, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Thank you, Simeon,” she said earnestly. “For saving my daughter... for saving me. If anything had happened to my daughter... I don’t think I would have survived it.” I shook my head lightly. “Nothing will happen to either of you. And it wasn’t just me. Andrew deserves just as much credit. He mobilized his men and put everything into the rescue.” At the mention of Andrew, Sheila’s smile faltered. Her expression grew distant, her gaze dropping to her hands. I sighed qui
Andrew's POVI stepped back as Sheila’s mother burst into the room, calling her name with tears in her eyes. She enveloped Sheila in a tight hug, her voice shaking with relief.Without saying a word, I quietly turned and stepped outside, easing the door shut behind me to allow them their mother-daughter moment. I leaned against the doorframe, letting my head rest lightly against it as I closed my eyes. The ache in my chest felt heavier than I’d expected. I knew Sheila would reject me. In fact, I’d prepared myself for it—or so I thought. I knew I’d hurt her deeply, more than I could ever make up for. But even with all that knowledge, hearing her say those words... “I can’t accept your love.”...it cut deeper than I imagined. Her question kept replaying in my head, like a haunting echo I couldn’t silence. “Did you realize your love for me now because Evelyn confessed her love for Simeon?” The truth was indeed hard to tell. It had taken Evelyn’s confession to rip away the blinde
Sheila's POV When I opened my eyes, the bright white walls and the sterile smell of disinfectant immediately told me where I was. The hospital.....I was in the hospital.I tried to move, but a sharp pain throbbed in my head, forcing me to groan softly. Turning my head carefully to the side, I saw someone seated beside me. Their arms were folded on the edge of the bed, and their head was bowed down, resting on their forearms. The figure looked tired, as if sleep had come to them after a long, restless night. My vision was blurry, making it hard to see who it was. I blinked a few times, but it didn’t help much, so I used my hand to gently wipe my eyes. Once my vision cleared, I reached out and lightly touched the person’s arm. The figure stirred, jerking up in an instant. Andrew’s face appeared, his features haggard and his hair slightly disheveled. He looked like he hadn’t slept properly in days. As soon as he saw me, he started shouting in his half-asleep state. "Doctor! D
Simeon's POVI couldn’t believe my eyes. Evelyn! Out of nowhere. A second ago, she was gone, claiming a migraine. Now, she was here—staggering, falling forward. My stomach twisted painfully as realization struck. She had thrown herself in front of Andrew, taking the bullet meant for him. “Evelyn!” Her name ripped from my throat, my voice hoarse with panic. I ran toward her, knees buckling as I dropped beside her crumpled form. Blood bloomed across her back, seeping through her clothes. The world became a blur. The distant shouts, the chaos—they faded into white noise. All I could see was Evelyn. “Stay with me,” I pleaded, pressing my trembling hands against her wound to stop the bleeding. My voice cracked as I helplessly watched her blood pooling beneath her. “Someone call the ambulance! Or get the car! Please hurry!” I yelled frantically. Andrew, having regained his senses from the shock, stumbled to her side and knelt beside her, his face ashen and stricken. “Evelyn…
Andrew’s POV“Move,” Gina said coldly, pointing the gun in my direction. Simeon’s arms were stretched wide in front of me. He didn’t even flinch. “No,” he said firmly, his gaze steady. “If you want to kill him, you’ll have to kill me first.” The words jolted me. Of all people, Simeon? I couldn’t understand it. The same man I had spent years resenting, the same brother I had accused of betrayal and despised for years… was now risking his life for me? “What are you doing?” I muttered behind him, confused by his actions. He glanced at me over his shoulder, his expression calm. “Saving your life,” he said casually, as though it were the simplest thing in the world. “Why?” I demanded, the question slipping out before I could stop it. He smirked faintly, his voice dropping so only I could hear. “Maybe I’m tired of being the villain,” he said. “Maybe I want to be the hero for once.” His words sounded light, almost teasing, but I knew better. Behind that smirk was something de
Gina’s POVI stared at my son, Simeon, my hands outstretched, my voice soft, almost pleading. I had hoped—no, prayed—that he would see reason. That he would join me, and together we would destroy the Walkers. The same family that ripped him from my arms, turned him against me, and left me to rot in despair. But when he muttered “no,” a quiet, cutting rejection, my heart clenched. I took a step forward, trying to convince him. “Simeon, please. This is our chance. Don’t you see? The Walkers have torn us apart for too long. We can bring them down together.” For a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in his eyes—hesitation, perhaps—but it was gone in an instant. “No,” he repeated firmly. The word hit me like a slap. I blinked, struggling to keep my composure. “No? Simeon, I’m your mother. I’ve fought for this—for YOU—all these years. Don’t you understand? Everything I’ve done has been for us.” He shook his head, his gaze cold and unrelenting. “You haven't done anything fo
Simeon's POVI couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Evelyn. The woman I thought I knew so well—the woman who had stood by me during storms, yet had silently waged a war I never asked for. Her confession tore through the room like a blade, its edge sharper than any betrayal I could have imagined. She had done all of this for us, for our love, or so she claimed. But if that were true, why hadn’t she come to me? Why hadn’t she trusted me to protect what we had? I glanced at Andrew. His face was a mask of pain and rejection, his laugh hollow and bitter. He didn’t even try to respond to Evelyn; he didn’t need to. The silence between them spoke volumes. Finally, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Evelyn,” I said, my voice tight with anger, “why did you think it was your responsibility to make these sacrifices for us? Why couldn’t you trust me enough to fight for us?” Her lips parted, but I wasn’t finished. “Do you have any idea how disappointed I am? You went behind my back. You
Evelyn's POVAndrew’s expression froze, and I saw the flicker of disbelief in his eyes. “What are you trying to say, Evelyn?” he asked quietly, though there was a sharp edge to his tone.I took a deep breath, forcing myself to continue. “It was all planned. Gina gave me all the details about you—everything I needed to know. I knew where you would be, what you liked, and what you didn’t. I studied you, Andrew. I had to. I needed to know how to act, what to say, and how to get your attention that day.”Andrew stared at me, his jaw tightening as he processed my words.“I knew you loved the aquarium,” I said softly, feeling the weight of my confession crush me. “I knew you enjoyed spending time at orphanages. I forced myself to like those things, too. Everything I said, every moment we shared—it was all designed to draw you in. To make you trust me.”I watched as the realization dawned on him, his shoulders slumping under the weight of betrayal. He ran a hand through his hair, his breathi