Author's Note: In this chapter, Shadrach and Wynter delve into the depths of their past, sharing moments of heartache and vulnerability. As their stories intertwine, we witness the power of connection and the strength that can arise from shared pain. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where new paths will unfold, and hope will find its way through the shadows. I love you all <3 - Saphoenix
17. Wynter's TaleAs promised, the two arrived at the park the next day, bringing Ellias and Bella along. Unlike the previous day, where Shadrach was the first to arrive and wait for Wynter, today Wynter finished her work quickly and arrived a little earlier than Shadrach. They left Bella and Eli to play on their own and settled on their benches."I apologize for leaving early yesterday," Wynter said, expressing her regret."Oh, there's no need to apologize. When we have conversations, we should consider the time, and continuing the discussion the next day gives us another reason to see each other," Shadrach pointed out."You're right," Wynter giggled. "But you asked me something yesterday that I didn't have time to reply to." She explained her point to Shadrach.Shadrach explained that he had asked Wynter if she had experienced something similar to his own. Wynter also remembered that she was about to tell Shadrach about her biological mother, Denissa, but Sabrina's phone call had dis
18. Bonds and ResponsibilitiesThe next day, Wynter was preparing to go to her clinic when, once again, her little brother interrupted her."Wyn Wyn, are you going to the clinic today?" Hunter pouted at Wynter. It was the start of his vacation, and the King family had yet to decide on their annual family vacation. Normally, they would plan it according to everyone's schedules and go somewhere secluded to spend quality time together. However, it had only been a week since Hunter's vacation began, and he was already bored staying home alone."Yes, sweetie," Wynter replied, sitting down to be at eye level with him. "Why do you look sad, munchkin?"Hunter puckered his lips, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Wyn Wyn, I'm bored. Nobody is home, everyone is busy. Nobody cares about me. Nobody loves me," he explained, his voice breaking. Hunter tended to stumble over his words when he was emotional, although his speech was usually very clear.Wynter reassured him, "Not at all, baby. You
19. Trust Shadrach was stunned when he heard a small boy's voice coming from behind him. Hunter stood in the doorway, assuming his sister was talking to a patient. However, Ellias quickly grabbed his leash, which was in Hunter's hand, and rushed towards Bella. Bella was still groaning in pain from the effects of the syringe that Wynter had injected into her. Nevertheless, she was a little excited to see her friend. "Hunter, what are you doing here?" Wynter asked, knowing her brother very well. Hunter wouldn't stop pestering Wynter with questions, and he wouldn't give up until Wynter spilled all the details. Wynter was worried that he might blurt out something silly in front of Shadrach, especially since she wasn't sure how to introduce him when she herself didn't know where they stood in their relationship. A part of her feared that he might bring up her pregnancy, like he did with Ethan, and that it would make Shadrach feel betrayed or like she didn't trust him. She was afraid tha
20. Decision "Bella, look, Dad and I got you this new toy," Hunter proudly displayed the dog toy they had bought for Bella. The King's family was growing fond of Bella. When Wynter brought her home, they were thrilled, but Hunter couldn't keep quiet. Despite Wynter's attempts to stop him, he spilled all the details about his meeting with Shadrach, even mentioning their trip to the park, calling him "Shad." When asked about the new pet, Wynter had to explain that Bella belonged to a friend who had to leave town for a few days and requested they look after her. They welcomed Bella into their home, caring for her as if she were their own. It had been nearly a week since Shadrach's departure, and Wynter already missed him. Just then, her phone rang, and it was Shadrach calling. Wynter, who was lying on the bed, quickly sat up and answered the phone, "Hey Shadrach! "Hey Griz, how are you doing?" he asked cheerfully. They used to chat every day, but today Wynter missed him more than e
21. Delay?Today was the day Shadrach was supposed to return, but as Wynter was getting ready to meet him, she was about to exit the clinic when she received a voice note from Shadrach informing her that his flight was delayed. He would only be able to come back the next day. Wynter felt sad, as she was really looking forward to meeting Shadrach that day, but her face fell upon hearing his note.Wynter looked down at Elli and Bella, who were all set to go to the park. She had both of their leashes in her hand. "Guess we have to wait another day to meet our favorite person, my friends," said Wynter. However, both Ellias and Bella were too excited to be outside. They were tugging Wynter along, guiding her near her car, silently expressing that they wanted to be in her car then, eager to be in the park where they could be free."I see you both want to be at the park; anyways, let's go there," Wynter sighed.She thought that since they were already out, it would be better to take the pet
22. Whispers of Longing"I missed you, Shadrach. I missed you so much," Wynter cried, burying her face in his chest as Shadrach pulled her closer.In that moment, he felt at home—the only place where he could find peace. "You have no idea how much I missed you too, Griz," he whispered in her ear, pressing her shoulders against him. This was the first time Shadrach felt every inch of her in such close proximity. It was an intimacy he had never envisioned before. He could clearly picture her in his mind; compared to his bulk, she was petite—maybe even a foot shorter than him. Shadrach had to crouch down to her level to match her height, and even then, he felt the strain in his back as he hugged her tightly.He could tell she was curvy, especially since he didn’t know she was pregnant. Normally, she had a small, slim frame. He could feel her delicious fragrance wafting up to him; she smelled like vanilla, musk, and something expensive he couldn’t quite place.When Shadrach planned his
23. Facing the Future“No, no!” Hunter huffed. “You can’t leave me alone here, Wyn Wyn!” The little guy argued, unable to comprehend the scene of his sister leaving him. Even though Wynter had talked to him about it and reassured him that she would spend most of her week at their parents' house, nothing seemed to calm him down. At that moment, he was busy with Bella, but now that she was gone and Wynter was preparing to move into her new house, Hunter couldn’t stop whining about it. He was very close to his sister and couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving them forever. His little mind couldn’t grasp that Wynter would still visit them from time to time—that’s just how adult life worked. All he wanted was for his whole family to be together as one.“Hunter, listen to me, baby,” Wynter said gently. “I’m not going anywhere. It’s not like I’m leaving you forever. Your Wyn Wyn is just moving because she’s going to have a baby, and this house might be too small for him or her. I’m only
24. New PlaceWynter was taken aback by what Shadrach was about to say. Yes, she wanted him to finish those words; she hoped they were what she thought they were, but he had paused mid-sentence. When Wynter reached her new home and was done settling things, she immediately called Shadrach to confront him. Shadrach realized he was on the verge of saying "I love you" to Wynter, but he stopped just before the words could escape his lips. When Shadrach fell silent, Wynter leaned back in the chair and whispered, “You were saying something, Shadrach.” She encouraged him with her words, eager for him to continue. “Hmmm… I—I was saying…” Shadrach stuttered, caught in his hesitation. “You were saying?” Wynter pressed, her anticipation growing. “I—I miss you,” he finally said, altering his original sentiment. It wasn’t a lie, but he wished he could express his feelings differently and reveal what he truly wanted to say.Wynter felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. She had hoped Shad
54. Clarity Wynter's POVI could see that Shadrach was a little taken aback by my unusually sweet demeanor, but I was simply following through with my decision to hear him out. I couldn't very well do that while he was standing there, so I motioned for him to come inside."Thanks," he nodded, stepping in and taking a seat on the sofa. He placed the toys he had brought for Storm on the side, perhaps a way of easing the tension between us.I wanted to tell him that he didn’t have to buy Storm anything, but I held my tongue. This might just be his way of showing he cared."Dad!" Storm came running toward us, his towel wrapped tightly around him."Storm, you didn’t change yet?" I quickly moved to stop him, but he was faster than me, jumping right into Shadrach’s arms."Hey, champ," Shadrach smiled, catching him effortlessly."Let him change first," I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips."It’s okay. He looks cute in a towel," Shadrach shrugged, planting a quick kiss on
53. Dilemma Wynter's POVI was still deeply moved by the words Mama Iris had shared with me, but I wasn’t sure what was right or wrong anymore. Every time I had expectations from someone, I ended up getting hurt. I didn’t think I had the strength to handle another wave of stress."Mommy!" Storm’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I looked up to find him standing in front of me.Now it was just me and Storm in the house. Ellie was with Hunter, and Mama Iris... well, I felt alone, and it made the overthinking worse."Yes, cupcake?" I asked, lifting him into my arms.Storm had been insisting on going to Mama Iris' house, but I’d had to emotionally blackmail him into staying here."Mommy, why are you worried? Did I do something?" He asked, his big eyes full of concern."No, sweetheart, Mommy was just thinking about work. I’m not worried about anything, alright?" I lied, trying to push away the storm of emotions swirling inside."Mommy, why did you send Dad away?" Storm asked, his voic
52. Father and SonThird Person's POV:Wynter had returned from the hospital and was now back at her home—the one she had built for herself and Storm. She had left Jackson Tower without ever stepping foot inside again.Finally easing into her routine, today was one of her rare days off. She lounged comfortably in her living room, the garden sliders open, allowing her to watch Storm, Hunter, Bella, and Elli playing outside. The cheerful laughter of the children brought a faint smile to her lips.At first, she found herself enjoying the view, but she didn’t realize when her thoughts began to drift. Her mind wandered back to her confrontation with Shadrach, replaying his accusations. Despite her best efforts to move on, the memory still stung deeply, piercing her heart every time it surfaced.Harris had told her that it was Shadrach who brought her to the hospital after the incident. He’d been furious, demanding to know what had happened. Though Harris hadn’t confronted Shadrach directly
51. The Weight of a NameShadrach's POV:I was super pumped to see Wynter there. I just knew she was my Griz as soon as I laid eyes on her. That familiar pull towards her, like she's the only one I feel it for. But first, I had to make sure she was really my Griz. If she wasn't, I'd be so disappointed in myself for not recognizing her.I stood there, taking in the sight of her. She was wearing this stunning golden gown, her hair up in a messy bun, and the gown's shimmer was giving her skin this beautiful glow. She was exactly how I had pictured her, even more stunning in person.My heart was telling me to go hug her tight, to pour out all my emotions, but my joy turned to concern when I saw a man next to her. I thought, Maybe that's her friend Ethan she mentioned. But something felt off. This was a business event, and both she and Ethan were vets, not really supposed to be here.I could sense she was also feeling a bit out of place. I made up my mind that I needed answers. To do that,
50. Reclaiming Every AssetShadrach's POV"I am Wynter's brother," Harris King informed the receptionist, and that's when I knew that if he was telling the truth, then I messed up big time when I accused Wynter, especially when she was pleading with me to give her some time to explain, but I wasn't willing to listen, going solely by a stranger's words. As Harris' steps drew closer to me, my heart raced wildly in my chest. Each step felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode on me."Ris..." Just as my doubts seemed to confirm, Storm rose from beside me and rushed towards Harris King."Storm... What's wrong, baby? Where's your mommy?" Harris picked him up, embracing him closely, feeling his anxieties, and soothing him by rubbing his back."Mommy isn't waking up, so we brought her here," Storm explained as best as he could."And who helped bring your mommy here?" Harris inquired."Dad helped her," Storm replied simply.Harris frowned, then his eyes locked with mine, causing my heart
49. Brother"Oh sh*t," Shadrach exclaimed, frustration evident as he grabbed a handful of his hair, realizing he had been caught the moment he called Wynter by her name."Now tell me, Mr. Shadrach Hunter, do you still want to continue with your act?" Wynter turned around, folding her arms across her chest and raising an eyebrow, challenging him to be honest.Shadrach, accepting defeat, knew there was no point in hiding anymore. "First, tell me what happened to Bella, and I'm ready to answer all your questions," he conceded, understanding that the truth needed to come out.Wynter, strategic in her approach, knew how to coax the truth out of him. She felt a pang of regret for involving Bella in the situation, especially seeing the tension on Shadrach's face."Bella is fine and at home with my family. It was just an unknown call, which I dismissed. And before you comment, I'm sorry for dragging Bella into all of this, but I felt I had no other choice since you weren't willing to confess
48. Caught Third Person's POVAfter Storm finally drifted off to sleep, Wynter carefully rose from beside him, ensuring he was snug before wrapping a comforter around him. She stole a final glance at her slumbering son, his unanswered questions echoing in her mind, urging her to seek a confrontation with Shadrach."I need to speak with you now, and I won't leave until we have this conversation," Wynter declared, arms crossed over her chest."I tried to intervene, but Miss wouldn't listen," the guard excused himself.Shadrach fixed his gaze on Wynter, from head to toe, but she stood her ground. "You may leave. Once we're finished, you can escort the lady out," Shadrach dismissed the guard.Wynter's suspicions deepened. If this wasn't Shadrach, then someone who bore a striking resemblance. It wouldn't be challenging for an individual of his stature to involve the authorities or forcibly remove her. Yet, there lingered an unmistakable aura, a presence unique to Shadrach. She could sense
47. Jackson TowerThird Person's POV"I want a flat in Jackson Tower," Wynter asked while everyone was having dinner at King's Mansion."And why is that, princess?" Travis asked, placing his spoon on his china plate, the sound echoing in the thick tension growing at the dinner table."Because..." Wynter paused, reconsidering the plan she thought would go smoothly, but lying to her father was never easy for her. "I have a camp..."Seeing Wynter falter, Sabrina stepped in on her behalf, "because there is an animal rescue camp nearby, and it would be difficult for her to travel every day. So, she has requested to stay there for a month or two, and we have already discussed everything with Nio and me. I hope that's not a problem since we already have one flat there."Sabrina, aware of the truth, had been there with Harris when Wynter returned, demanding an explanation. Despite wanting to keep Shadrach hidden from them until she knew the truth, Wynter couldn't hold back for long, relying o
46. Mountain Of DoubtsWynter's POVI decided to follow him quietly without giving away my presence. However, as I approached the scene, another nightmare awaited me on my way. While passing through the crowd, my shoulder accidentally bumped into a man. When I turned around to apologize, the color drained from my face as I saw who it was—a sinister smirk on his face.My eyes widened in shock, and I didn't bother hiding my surprise. His sick grin only intensified my shock. Sean stood there, looking at me with a mocking grin. What was he doing here? He had no business being in the same place as me; he shouldn't even breathe the same air as me."What are you doing here?" I dared to ask. I could sense his intentions were not good; it was evident in his demeanor. If he thought I was the same fragile and naive girl he could manipulate as he pleased, he was mistaken. I had to shatter his assumptions and show him that I was not the same Wynter he had left behind; I had changed, and for the be