I have gathered important information about Sam Ryanns, the twenty-five year old man previously employed at my husband's company. There was a limited amount of information published on the internet about him but the information available is surely interesting.Sam was an orphan. When he was ten years old he was adopted by a couple who have a daughter who is the same age as him. It was not stated if Sam did have a good relationship with his adopted parents but he grew up constantly causing them trouble. At school he was labelled a delinquent and constantly cuts classes. But despite his ill-behavior, he was an intelligent child and could have topped his classes if he worked hard for it. After he finished his studies, Sam, who graduated from Accounting with surprisingly flying colors despite his troublesome history applied at the company my husband owned, his quick wit and intelligence got him a position he deserved. Over the span of three years he worked, he showed nothing but diligenc
Lucas still doesn't believe me. Until now, he's still thinking I'm trying to fake how I feel just to please him. The thought brought me both pain and sadness. But I couldn't blame him at all. I brought this upon myself and I have to face the consequences of my actions. I have to accept that Lucas will never trust me again unless I prove to him I was worthy of his trust.Unable to take the silence in my room, I finally spoke. "I'm tired. I want to be alone now, please."Lucas nodded his head in understanding. "You may have your rest now." He replied. With quick, long strides, he reached the door and closed it behind him. Then he was gone, leaving the room quiet and still.With a sigh, I slumped on top of my bed while trying to calm down my racing heart. Lucas hasn't even touched me and yet the mere sight of him was enough to make my heart go wild and turn my knees into noodles. There was something about him that could effortlessly make a woman's heart somersault inside her chest.I was
I gaped at the woman in disbelief. Sam Ryans is not a man but a woman. The realization hit me with force. It took me minutes to recover my scattered wits and speak again. "I thought you're a man. I saw your pictures on the internet and I was so sure you're a man until I saw you now."Sam shrugged his shoulders. "It's because of my cap. I always wear one before. I'm not allowed to wear one inside this prison, though."For a fleeting moment, a shadow of sadness crossed Sam's eyes, but it disappeared as fast as it arrived, as though it hadn't existed at all, leaving me wondering if I had just imagined seeing it at all. "Are you trans?" The words were out of my lips before I could even stop myself. My cheeks turned crimson. Realizing my downright rudeness of prying through her sexuality, I quickly apologized. I just wished the floor would open and swallow me up. Sam, though, appeared not offended by my question. I expected her to burst into fury and confront me, but she didn't. Instead,
My car skidded to a stop in front of the Alexander mansion. I clambered out of the car and found Thompson waiting for me. I handed him the keys so he could park the car properly before skittering into the house. Lucas hasn't come home yet. That's good news. It means I have plenty of time to prepare myself before facing himI reached my room and immediately changed into a fresh t-shirt and jogging pants. The sound of my growling stomach reminded me I have not eaten breakfast. Postponing my plans to rummage through drawers to find some important documents, I made my way downstairs and found the kitche"Mama!" Niall's voice called behind me. My eyes lit up at the sound of his voice. He skittered across the kitchen and jumped into my arms. Laughing, I pulled him into a tight hug before carrying him into my arms. "Do you want something to eat?" I asked him. He nodded in response and pointed to the refrigerator. "Ice cream." He mumbled sweetly in his child ton"It's still early in the morn
Niall's personal nanny took him for a walk. While he was with her, I took the chance to continue my task which is to look for important documents that might help me with Samantha's case. I returned to my room and began rummaging through cabinets. After an hour of thorough searching, I still found no documents which are linked to Samantha. But I discovered something much more important - a document containing my share in the company Lucas owned.After Lucas and I got married, he gave me a share in the company as a gift. That share may not be enough to pay the entirety of the embezzled money plus interest but it was a great amount to reduce the debts by three fourths.A sudden plan came to my mind. I'm not sure if it's going to work but I must at least try.I secured the documents into a folder and waited for Lucas to arrive. It was around five pm when his sleek car finally pulled into a stop in the driveway. I watched him hand the car key to Thompson while the latter said something to
"I know I won't be saying this since I'd put you in this situation but congratulations! You're free now!"Samantha Ryans came to me, teary eyed. The next thing she did made a smile appear on my lips. She hugged me tight and without warning she burst into tears."I- I honestly don't believe you when you tell me you will do your best to free me. I'm even thinking if you could actually do it, it will take months before it happens but you made the impossible possible."I hugged her tight like a sister. Laying a comforting hand on her shoulders, I told her. "A promise is a promise. I'll make it come true at all cost."Samantha wiped the tears from her eyes with the handkerchief I handed her. "Let's get out of here before I change my mind." Jokingly, I told her and pulled her hands to the door.Once outside, Samantha pulled into a stop and lifted her eyes up to the sky, savoring the fresh morning air and the warm sunlight caressing her face. She stayed in prison for a year and she's savori
"Is it just me or everyone had been staring at me the moment we entered the restaurant?"Froom looking at her food, Samantha raised her head and surveyed the expanse of the first class restaurant with a brief glance. When she finished, she shifted her gaze to me."I did notice that." Samantha replied then shrugged her shoulders. "You are Alexandria Alexander so it's no wonder people will look your way." She added. Ignoring the crowd, she continued to eat.I let the matter drop and continued eating. I'm almost done with my food when my phone rang. I ignored the call at first but my phone won't stop ringing. With an exasperated sigh, I picked it up. "Hello?" I could barely keep the annoyance in my tone as I said the words."Where the hell are you?" Lucas asked.I was so surprised to hear his voice that it took me a few seconds to reply."Why?" I asked him back instead of answering his question."Goddammit." Lucas muttered under his breath. "Just tell me." I could instantly tell by the
The trip back to the house had been short and eerily quiet. When the car skidded into a stop on the driveway, I clambered out of the car first before Lucas could open the door for me and skittered to the door of the house. Without a backward glance, I made a beeline straight to the stairs then went to my room where I spent the rest of the afternoon all by myself.Lucas was still mad at me. I did him a huge favor and I didn't show myself until lunch time. After lunch however, I immediately returned to my room where I spent the hours hauling the contents of my expansive wardrobe to the bed and separated (as I call it) the decent over the indecent ones.The indecent clothes I reffered to were the slimy, scanty clothes that hid nothing from imagination once worn. That includes the see-through nighties, gowns with plunging necklines and the scandalous crop tops that made shivers run down my spine by just looking at it.After separating the indecent clothes from the rest, I hung them on the
"Are you still leaving?" Lucas asked me after a moment of pause. Sadness shone in his eyes. At that moment he looked like an adorable puppy melting my heart. "I have important matters to attend to, being the CEO of AA Cosmetics," I replied, my tone apologetic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "If only I don't have to attend to my responsibilities then I could just stay. However, I will lose not only millions but the company I worked hard for if I don't take care of it. I have responsibilities that I can't neglect."He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I understand," he murmured under his breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "But will you come back?" he asked, hope shining in his eyes. I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts."I promise I'll be back in a month," I told him, trying to give him some reassurance. "I won't let our time together end like this." Lucas cleared his throat. "What if you find someone else while you're away?" he asked, his brows f
I gazed at the necklace in awe, tears fell down my flushed cheeks. Hastily, I wiped it away before the child could notice and inquire about my tears. I didn't want Niall to witness my sorrow, fearing that he might feel the same way. It was too painful for me to bear.I took the necklace from the velvet box and held it up, admiring its beauty carefully. The child is so thoughtful, remembering to give me a gift. It makes me more guilty to explain to him that I'll be gone from the house and will probably never return.Gently, I put it around my neck. The cool silver chain rested against my skin, the stones creating a dazzling display of color in the soft light of the room. It was the first and probably the last gift I received from him and I will forever treasure it."It looks perfect on you, Mom." he said softly, his eyes shining with pride. "I knew you would like it."I reached up to touch his cheeks and whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Niall….This is so beautiful. I
When Sam and I parted ways, I didn't head straight home, wanting to have a moment to myself. Deep in thought, I realized that with my twin sister gone, I have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, the CEO of AA cosmetics to fulfill my responsibility.It's been a long time since I've handled the company on my own. But with everything finally back in its place it's clear that I have to take over.I experienced a twinge of sadness thinking about leaving the Alexander mansion and saying goodbye to the cherished memories and loved ones I hold dear. Lucas and Niall, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. Although Niall may not be my biological child, as my twin's son, he feels like my own.I had a strong desire to remain in the mansion, creating more memories with Niall and Lucas. Sadly, I couldn't find a valid reason to stay. The relationship between Lucas and myself is unclear. I am unsure of where I stand in his life and know that one day he will find the woman he w
When we reached home, the first light of dawn pierced through the dark sky. Lucas and I quickly went to Niall's room to check on him. Finding the little boy peacefully asleep relieved my anxiety. Afterwards, we headed straight to bed, craving a few hours of rest.The night had been intense, unforgettable. While Lucas drifted into a deep slumber, I stayed awake, observing the steady rhythm of his breathing, thinking I'm going to miss him when I'm gone.I tried to push the thought out of my mind but I couldn't. My time in this house was limited. I couldn't stay here forever, this isn't my home. Eventually, I would have to go back to my old life as Arabella Angelstone, a businesswoman accustomed to being alone.I gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face, feeling a pang of regret. But if Lucas were to express a desire for me to stay, I would consider it. But the reality was, that was not an option as he harbored no feelings for me.I couldn't find the courage to confess my feeli
"I have a gun, Bella. If you make so much as a scream, I'll kill Niall next door."I froze, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach "No you won't." I gasped, "He's your son.""Do you think I won't kill him?" Her laughter filled the air with chill. "I once killed you… I won't hesitate to get rid of my son for the sake of revenge.""You're evil!" My teeth clenched."Is that a compliment?" Alexandria giggled. "Turn around, I want to witness the fear in your eyes when I get rid of you."I obediently did what she told me. She was wearing a servant's uniform, and concealed her hair color behind a brunette wig. No wonder no one noticed her sneak in, she blended well with her disguise."You won't get away with this." "Oh, really? I've done this before Bella. I was never caught and I'm sure not this time."Her lips curled into a smug smirk. "Lucas will take time to return, by the time he reaches here, you'll be dead."Shock reverberated through me. Panic threatened to consume me, but I ref
Three days later.I took a deep breath and strode inside the study, clutching the DNA result which arrived from the lab this morning.What I have to say to Lucas would change everything.As I approached him, I noticed a furrowed brow and a slight hunch in his posture. He was completely engrossed in the papers scattered across his desk, and seemed oblivious to my presence. It was as if the world around him had faded away, leaving only the task at hand to capture his attention.I didn't want to interrupt him, but what I have to say can't wait.""Lucas."With a lift of his gaze, he met my eyes. His frown, which had been etched on his face just a moment prior, vanished in an instant."Is there anything you need?" he inquired, rising from his chair and striding purposefully in my direction.I shook my head and handed him the envelope which I had already read."A DNA result?" His frown returned and he unfolded the paper. As he finished reading, a look of indescribable shock washed over his
"I just want to talk to you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I know you're angry with me, but I think we need to clear the air.Ms. Hamilton crossed her arms and shot me a murderous glare. "And why should I talk to you? You slept with my fiancé.""No, we never slept together. I lied to you because I was envious of your relationship and I wanted to destroy it but after I learned you're pregnant I felt guilty and wanted to correct my mistakes.As the conversation between us started to heat up, Peterson finally got in between."Alexandria is telling the truth, Lily....Nothing happened between us!" He exclaimed, his thick brows almost meeting halfway in frustration.Peterson continued on, " She made everything up! She lied to everyone, trying to ruin my reputation!""I cannot believe what you have done," she said, her voice trembling with anger, her eyes never once leaving my face.I took a deep breath, aware of a countless pair of eyes watching us like a freak show. "Ms. Ha
As I walked down the stairs, I felt the soft rustle of my cocktail gown brushing against the polished wooden steps. I had spent hours getting ready for this moment - carefully applying makeup, curling my hair, and choosing the perfect dress - all to impress Lucas, who was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase.He looked up as I approached, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You look stunning," he said, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "Absolutely breathtaking."I couldn't help but blush at his words, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation fill me. "Thank you," I mumbled.Lucas took my hand and led me towards the door, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and husky.I nodded, feeling a sudden burst of confidence. This was it - the moment I had been waiting for. With Lucas by my side, I knew anything was possible.As we stepped out into the night air, I felt his hand slip around my waist, pulling me close. "You
"Eros was so worried about you, Bella. He thought you're dead.""Oh my god. I felt so terrible. " I bit my lower lip. "How was he doing?" Sam took a deep breath. "Well, before I explained to him what had happened to you, he was utterly devastated. Somehow he was relieved to know you're doing fine.""Phew... I hope he understands that I can't just show up without knowing the situation there first. I wouldn't want to spoil our plans by revealing to Alexandria that my memory has returned.""Don't worry Bella, Eros understands. In fact he said it's better you stay here for a while until Alexandria is caught."Feeling a pulsing ache in my head, I begin to gently rub my temples. "She's as elusive as a fish," I mutter to myself, "I wonder where we should even start looking for her.""You don't have to search for Alexandria. Eventually, she will come to you to finish on her own accord."I raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What exactly do you mean, Samantha?"She leaned back in her chair, tak