Late Evening, Elijah slept next to Genelia, and his nanny took him back to his room. Genelia tried to stand on her feet but felt too weak because of the chemotherapy session. She tried to stand again, taking the support of the nightstand, but she was in immense pain. “Come,” A hand came in her direction and she glanced up at Keith. “Let me help you!” He said, and Genelia accepted his hand. “I badly need to pee,” she said, and he helped to get to the bathroom. “Do you need help?” “No,” she said, closing the door, and instead of walking away, Keith stood outside waiting for her. “Genelia, are you alright?” He knocked. “Hmm,” He heard a faint response and opened the door, only to find her holding the counter and brushing her teeth. “It’s okay. I’m here.” He stood by the door until she was done and helped her get back to bed. “Thanks,” she gave a tight smile. “It’s alright,” Keith covered her with a blanket and turned off the lights, joining next to her on the bed. Tears rolled dow
Jasper and Lydia gave a warm hug to Veronica. “I’m sorry for your loss!” He held her hands. “But you know we’re always here for you.” Veronica smiled faintly. “I know,” she said and her eyes moved to Lydia. “Lydia and Sandra are going to work with me now. I hope you join me soon!” “Maybe if you raise my pay by a few thousand dollars?” He lifted an eyebrow and everyone chuckled. “Come on, I’m friends with an heiress!” “Let’s go home!” Aries holds her hand. “Bye, guys!” Veronica smiled, and they turned to leave with Ace and Maria. “Veronica!” Liam called her from behind and she stopped in her tracks, turning to him. “This probably isn’t the right time! But could you please talk to Isla for a few minutes? She’s waiting for you there!” Liam pointed to the lake and Veronica saw her sitting on the wooden bench. She slowly left Aries’s hand and walked to the lake, crossing her arms across her chest. Isla was watching the silent water when Veronica came to sit on the other end of the ben
[MATURE CONTENT AHEAD] Tapping her slender fingers on the table, Veronica was waiting for Aries with Milo, who was lying on the couch, utterly silent and blinking his eyes, as if he understood that he had pushed all the buttons of his master. Veronica huffed, calling him again while playing with the flame of the aromatic candle, but he didn’t take her calls. “Now who’s childish?” She groaned and was about to blow out the candle when Milo started barking and the next moment the door opened. Aries walked in with a brown basket decorated with fairy light and Veronica widened her eyes. “I’m sorry, you know women take time at the beauty salon!” He smiled. “Women?” Veronica creased her forehead. “Yeah!” Aries opened the basket and a set of eyes exactly like Milo’s looked out. Milo quickly stood back on his four legs and barked. “This is Milli!” Aries took her out of the basket and the furry white ball captured all the attention. Veronica widened her eyes with a wide grin while Milo jum
“Genelia, why are you crying?” Keith turned to her and held her hand. “Are you experiencing any pain?” “No!” Tears were falling in her lap as she lowered her head. “Babe, what’s wrong?” He caressed her head. “Just, it’s too late!” She sniffled. “If you continued to shower so much affection, I’d start loving this life again and I don’t want that!” Keith stared at her helplessly. “I don’t want to leave you and Elijah! I don’t want to go!” She pressed her lips. “But I know it’s inevitable!” “Loot at me!” Keith cupped her face and wiped her tears. “We decided not to talk about it! I’m with you. At this moment. We don’t have control over the future, but we have control over our today and we’re going to create tons of memories tonight!” He smiled. “I’m scared!” Her eyes were scared to imagine what the future holds for her. Keith holds her hand, intertwining their fingers. “Still?” *** Simon slammed the files on the desk, and Noah widened his eyes standing by Aries’s side. “We’d be i
“Where are you Isla?” Veronica asked over the phone call. “Bahamas,” she answered, and a long silence fell between them. “Why?” “Come back!” Veronica said. “It’s not good for you to live so far away when you’re not in the right state of mind. Come back to New York so that I can watch over you.” “I don’t want to come back.” Isla drew a deep breath. “This place is so good. I like it here. Besides, I don’t want to cause further problems in your life.” “Isla, come back. I won’t say anything to you.” Veronica attempted to convince her. “If you want, you can stay at the farmhouse, but please come back. Don’t make me stressed about you!” “I won’t kill myself. Don’t worry.” Isla said. “Stop talking nonsense!” Veronica snapped at her. “Maria and Uncle Ace are getting married. Are you coming?” “No.” Isla didn’t take a moment before answering. “I’m not coming back ever.” Veronica felt a weight on her chest and she didn’t know what to say anymore. Deep down, she didn’t plan to not see her
The car stopped with a loud jerk, and Samantha flinched, covering her face. Raging in anger, Aries stepped out of the car, throwing his jacket off. Samantha was watching him and her heart was racing as she feared facing his wrath. Aries opened the first two buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. His face was red as he watched the waves hitting the shores from a distance, and he recalled his conversation with Alyona, the only woman who guessed him right. “I’m a scarred soul who can only offer scars in return. I don’t have any sad backstory to support my dominant side. This is just how I am and I don’t want to change myself for anyone!” “If there is a scar, then there must be some unhealed wounds!” She said, and the side of Aries’s lips curved up. “Healed wounds leave scars sometimes to remind you what you’ve suffered!” He countered. This was Aries’s story. Scratch that, it was Aries and Veronica’s story! The twist that changed them into what they are today. Aries’s phone
The door burst open, and Aries’s eyes moved to the door. “Are you crazy?” Veronica was flabbergasted as she rushed to hug him. “What happened to you?” She inspected the bandage on his head. “Is this serious?” She touched his bruised face. Aries held her hands in his. “There is something you should know!” he had difficulty moving his facial muscles. “Don’t talk!” She stopped him. “We’ll talk later. You should rest.” She forced him to lie down, but he showed his hand. “I need to tell you something! I won’t be at peace if I don’t tell you!” His face turned red. “I…” “I know everything!” Veronica interrupted him and he looked up at her through his bloodshot eyes. “You know…” He sounded aghast. Veronica nodded her head, her eyes welled up. “Maria told me everything,” “And you still came to see me…” He covered his face. Ace and Clara witnessed everything standing at the door and sauntered away, closing the door. Veronica wiped her tears and sat on the bed. “Aries, look at me,” she he
The car stopped outside the university gate. Veronica rolled down the window and looked at the magnificent white building, gulping a lump formed in her throat. The driver opened the door for her and she stepped out in high-waist blue denim jeans with a white crop top and white sneakers. “Good morning, ma’am. I’m your bodyguard. I’ll always be around you, so you don’t have to worry about anything and focus on your studies.” A man dressed in black appeared. “You’re Aries’s bodyguard, aren’t you?” She lifted an eyebrow. “What are you doing here? Who is with Aries?” “I’m one of Mr Grayson’s five trustworthy staff, so now onwards I’ll be at your service.” He stated firmly. “Who are the other four?” Veronica was curious. “Mr. Simon Wills, Noah Marson, Mr. Ace Grayson and Mr. Mike Soual,” the bodyguard said and then glanced at his wristwatch. “Your class is about to start in five minutes and I believe you shouldn’t be late on your first day. This way, please!” He gestured for her to proc
“Let me go!” I cried out in terror as they threw me onto the freezing floor of the dungeon, and I observed the silhouettes of five towering figures looming over me in the dim, wavering light. One of them made a call to my father, Connor Blair. The closest ally and confidant of Anton Genovese, the most feared Mafia King of New York City. “If you’re willing to see Janet again, just do as I say!” The sound of their menacing voices on the phone call sent a shiver down my spine. “Let’s see who you choose between your precious daughter and loyalty to Anton Genovese.” He finished the call and glared at me with murderous eyes. Despite the threat of harm, my father remained loyal to the Genovese family and made the decision that left me to face the consequences of their anger alone. Realizing that I was now worthless to them, they resolved to present me as a gift to the Russian mafia to enhance their alliance in their struggle against Genovese. They handed me over to a group of Russian arme
One year later, ~Veronica~ Today, for reasons I cannot fathom, my mind wandered back to the words Jasper spoke to me years ago. ‘Cara, the savior in a difficult situation, isn’t always the hero. The world we live in is not always kind, and not everyone you trust is virtuous. How come you are so gullible?’ As I reminisced about the past, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, realizing how naïve I was back then. Or perhaps now I am wise enough to decipher the true meaning behind his words. As I take a stroll down memory lane, I am reminded of the angels that entered my life at just the right moment to rescue me. I would have died that night if it weren’t for Megan Morgan taking me in. Sandra consistently had my back and ensured I never went to bed hungry. Keith, who made me feel special even for a brief amount of time, and left behind all the differences between us in the past, I respect him for that. He made me experience love for a small amount of time and I am thankful for all th
Gianna’s white halter dress fluttered in the wind as she paced outside her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Glancing at her wristwatch, she groaned, realizing that Keith was already twenty minutes late and her stomach grumbled with hunger. “I better go back inside and grab a bite,” she thought to herself and turned to head back into the apartment complex, letting out a sigh. However, a black range rover pulled up next to her, causing her to roll her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest and fixated her gaze on the car door. Keith stepped out in a neatly tucked white shirt and black pants, spiking his hair to perfection. But it wasn’t him who caught her attention. Elijah made quite the entrance as he stepped out of the car, looking dapper in his black suit and carrying a bouquet of red roses that were almost as tall as he was. “Dad, help me!” Elijah struggled to hold them, and Keith sighed, bending down to take them from him. Elijah breathed a sigh of relief and fl
Gianna glanced at her watch when she heard Elijah sitting next to her in the car. “You shouldn’t have disturbed Dad. He is always busy with work. He doesn’t like anyone interrupting him.” Keith’s attitude agitated Gianna. “If he refuses to support his son, how will my therapies be successful? I’m a doctor, not a magician!” As soon as the ten minutes were up, she gritted her teeth in frustration. “It would be wise for me to withdraw from this case.” She contemplated as Keith got into the car. “Hi!” he smiled and then his eyes moved to Elijah. “Why did you go to see the doctor alone? Why didn't you call me?” “I didn’t want to disturb you,” Elijah lowered his head. As Keith opened his mouth again, he caught Gianna's eye, and she gestured for him to take a deep breath and speak calmly. Keith followed her and put his hand on Elijah’s head. “Eli, are you upset with me?” “No,” he didn’t meet his eyes. Keith's internal conflict had been brewing, and he finally decided to confront the iss
Aries pushed the plate of cookies forward. “Here,” “What do you mean?” Veronica lifted an eyebrow. A puzzled expression crossed Aries’s face. “Do you think I am cheating on you?” A look of hurt crossed her face and Aries could see tears swimming in her eyes. “Aries, I go to Keith’s place to spend some time with Elijah. Since you weren’t here, it’s hard for you to comprehend the special bond that Elijah and I share. I don’t want him to hold any grudges against Chase because I am too busy to give him the attention. It has nothing to do with Keith. I find him occupied with work in his office whenever I’m at his place. It’s just that today…...” Aries grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into her mouth. “Hold your horses, sweetheart!” He placed his hands on either side of her and locked his gaze with hers. “When did I say you’re cheating on me?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You’re still so stupid!” He playfully smacked her forehead and let out a chuckle. She takes the cookie out of her mouth. “I
Elijah stood beside Veronica outside the principal’s office, absentmindedly tracing circles around her wedding ring with his thumb. “I’m sorry Veronica. I’ll never do this again.” She heard him say and looked down at him. “Sweetie, you are always so calm and patient. What went wrong?” Veronica ran her fingers through his hair. “He said bad words about Mom.” Elijah lowered his head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Everyone in school thinks you’re my mom because I told them you’re marrying my dad!” He answered “They saw your wedding pictures on the internet and mocked me. They said I deserved to be motherless and I’ll always be miserable. Am I miserable, Veronica?” His sad eyes met hers as he looked up. “Of course not! Did you know your mom loved you the most?” She caressed his face. “And I love you. So much!” She planted kisses on his cheeks. “We all love you, baby!” The sound of heels clicking in the empty hallway caught their attention, and their eyes shifted to the woman in
“Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark…” Chase stole a glimpse at his father, who let out a frustrated groan after listening to the same song repeatedly. Chase’s face lit up with a wide smile while munching on another fruit snack, and he redirected his focus to the screen. “Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Mommy Shark…” “Fuck, I can’t take this anymore!” Agitated, he got out of bed and began pacing the room. “Stop playing this song or I’ll turn into a shark!” His glare made Chase twitch his mouth. “Go to sleep!” “No,” Chase shook his head. “Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark…” “Daddy Shark!” With a loud exclamation, Chase raised both hands into the air and began swaying his body to the tune. Veronica couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as she watched the father-son duo. “You’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” Aries gazed at Veronica with eyes full of accusation. The baby shark song looped again in the back
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] ~Veronica~ As I rolled down the window, I couldn’t help but gaze out at the roads, trees, cars, and buildings speeding past me, just like the faint memories of my past life that seemed to fade away with each passing moment. It was all on a loop again. Cynthia and Alfred beating me up and kicked me out in the dead of the night. Encountering Keith and finding a short-lived sense of comfort. Meeting the captivating grey eyes right amidst shattering glasses. Aries saved me from the crossfire, risking his life. Keith’s rejection. Losing my baby. The club Flames of Sizzling Desires and the night Aries claimed me. “I have a question!” Keith’s voice seized my attention, causing me to face him next to me. “The news of your wedding left Elijah feeling very melancholic. He thinks you’ll stop visiting him.” He chuckled. “And he awakened some questions in me that I’d like to know from your stance!” His eyes settled on my face and I wondered what was in his mind. “Look, d
“Why isn’t she picking up the damn calls?” Aries let out a frustrated sigh. “Are you sure she went to meet Cynthia?” His gaze shifted towards Isla. “I don’t think she would dare go to her. But it’s habitual for her to switch off her phone whenever she’s doing something that’s prohibited.” She pursed her lips in contemplation. “No, she won’t go to her ever! I should go and check.” She turned on her heels. “You’re not going anywhere!” They heard Liam’s firm voice. “The last time you visited her, you experienced a severe bout of depression.” Aries’s eyes moved to Isla. “But I’ve recovered! I don’t have any such issue. In fact, I don’t need medicines ever since Chase stepped into our life.” Her eyes briefly shifted to Chase in Aries’s grasp before settling on Liam. “I must check. It’s my mother who made Veronica’s life hell.” “The answer is still a firm no! I don’t want you anywhere near that evil woman. All she does is ruin people’s lives.” He finished his drink and made his way out