Jessica's POVAfter Downey and Rebecca were escorted out of the room by Emmett, the ward finally returned to its much-needed silence. The only sounds that filled the space were the rhythmic beeps from the heart monitor and Johnny's faint but steady breathing.I slowly lowered myself into the chair beside the hospital bed, exhaustion and helplessness weighing heavily on my heart. If I could, I would banish Downey and Rebecca from Los Angeles forever, ensuring they never resurfaced. But I couldn't. After all, because of me, Johnny had already lost so much. Despite Rebecca's hypocrisy and snobbery, her presence at least gave Johnny the illusion of a complete family. I couldn't selfishly take away this last bit of warmth from him.Emmett soon returned to the room, nodding at me to signal that everything had been taken care of. I looked at him and whispered, "Emmett, arrange for someone to keep an eye on the room. We can't let anyone else take advantage of and harm Johnny."Emmett gave a s
Jessica's POVZander's words hit me like a thunderbolt, echoing in my ears as I stood there, stunned, praying I had misheard.But as I met his bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes and the expression of pain and turmoil etched on his face, the reality of the situation dawned on me.It was as if all the strength had been drained from my body, and my fingers slackened their grip on his shirt.I instinctively took two steps back, my footing unsteady, nearly collapsing under the weight of this revelation.When I married Zander, I knew his father, Kenneth, had died in a battle, caught in the crossfire and leaving behind a young Zander. Yet, I never imagined that his death could be connected to Johnny.My lips trembled slightly as I struggled to utter, "It can't be. This can't be true." Zander's gaze was unwavering, his voice hoarse but resolute. "Jessica, I wish it weren't true. You have no idea how much I wished it wasn't Johnny. I loved you so much, so much that I was willing to ignore it all, but
Jessica's POV"Look at these photos! Kenneth wasn't the only one Johnny harmed; he also implicated two other comrades. The woman in this photo is the wife of one of those comrades, taken by Johnny by force. Can you still claim he's an innocent good man?" He pointed at the photos, his voice sharp and trembling with rage.I gazed at the photos, each image like a blade piercing my eyes and soul. My heart was in turmoil, torn between the seemingly irrefutable evidence Zander presented and the deep trust and affection I had for Johnny over the years, a fortress difficult to breach.I couldn't bring myself to believe that Johnny, who had been there for me, who had shown me care, could be evil.Dazed, I turned and left Zander's villa, each step feeling like a thousand pounds, my legs heavy as lead, moving with difficulty.I returned to my small apartment and collapsed onto the sofa as soon as I entered. Memories of Johnny kept surfacing, those beautiful moments shining like bright stars in t
Jessica's POVI glanced at the pillow in her arms, not daring to agitate her, and nodded, "Who's trying to take your child?"At that moment, the sound of high heels echoed in the hallway. Upon hearing this, Vilda shrank behind the curtain, trembling in fear, "She's here! She's come to take my child!"Before I could say anything more, a woman dressed as a doctor strode in imposing air. She looked at me rudely and said, "Vilda's condition is unstable, and she doesn't meet the criteria for visitors. Please leave."I glanced at the name badge on her chest, which seemed to read "Attending Physician." I asked, "You're the doctor?"She nodded and said, "I'm Vilda's attending physician, Dr. Tamara Dickinson."I put down the fruit basket and explained, "I'm her friend, and I'll leave after seeing her.""There's no need. Strangers will only exacerbate her condition. You should go," she replied.I frowned and said, "I'm her friend, not exactly a stranger. Do you refuse visits from her family for
Jessica's POVI never expected Tawny to show up here at this time. Although I had moved out of the villa, it still held years of shared memories with Zander. Moreover, Zander and I are still legally married. What did she think of me, showing up so boldly with a key?My gaze bore into Zander, my anger burning fiercely. I demanded harshly, "Why does she have a key to this place? You owe me an explanation!"Zander just pressed his lips tightly, silent. His face was clouded, seemingly still angry about our previous argument, unwilling to explain further."Tell me!" I pressed loudly.Tawny stepped forward at that moment, a sly glint in her eyes. Yet, she forced a smile on her face and feigned innocence, "Jessica, don't misunderstand. I just came to..."I didn't want to hear her nonsense and interrupted her, raising my voice, "Fine, then tell me, where did you get the key to my house?"Tawny's gaze flickered, stealing glances at Zander but remaining silent. I was disgusted by her pretentiou
Zander's POVI fantasized alone in the dark during countless silent nights.When I finally lay bare the truth about Johnny to Jessica, about how he killed my father, I imagined her reactions.I envisioned her being devastated, possibly accusing me of false accusations with anger, but I never anticipated the reality to be such a heart-wrenching situation—she simply refused to believe the evidence before her eyes.She persistently tried to exonerate Johnny, going to great lengths to clear his name, which filled me with frustration and helplessness.This was the situation I least wanted to face.Our relationship had become charged because of this.I was determined to have a thorough conversation with Jessica, to lay out all the facts so she could no longer argue.However, Tawny's sudden appearance disrupted my freshly made decision like an unexpected storm.At that moment, the telephone rang abruptly, breaking the tense atmosphere.I glanced at the caller ID. It was Dwayne.I took a deep
Jessica's POVAnger, grievance, and disappointment, a tapestry of emotions intertwined. I felt I couldn't bear any more, so I turned and left the villa. It was unknown how much time had passed before I regained my senses. The cold night wind played with my long hair, and the dull ache in my head made me realize I had been walking alone for quite some time.I couldn't believe that Zander, that jerk, believed Tawny wasn't capable of harm. He wouldn't even deign to listen to what I had to say. Tawny's hypocritical face lingered in my mind. At the business dinner, when she falsely accused me of splashing wine on her, I thought she was just a woman who loved to stir up trouble. But now, I realized she was far more sinister than I imagined.Just like a moment ago, I knew her admission was meant to provoke me, yet under those circumstances, my emotions were still affected by her. I couldn't help but sigh, turned around, and walked back, as my car was still parked near the villa. Cars rushed
Zander's POVSunlight streamed through the window, gradually pulling me from a chaotic slumber.My consciousness slowly gathered in my mind, and sensing the bothersome light, I opened my eyes to find that it was already daytime. The lingering dizziness and headache made me instantly realize that I must have been drugged yesterday.I sat up abruptly and looked around. The room was empty, with no sign of anyone else. Only my suit and shirt were neatly folded on the bedside table.At that moment, a slight noise came from outside the bedroom, as if someone was walking cautiously.I frowned, and a name flashed through my mind, Tawny.The image of her handing me that glass of water last night replayed in my mind like a movie. I pursed my lips, got out of bed, and quickly put on the shirt placed on the bedside table. Usually, when I'm extremely angry, I become unusually calm.I strode to the door, flung it open, and saw Tawny coming towards me with a tray in her hands. The tray was filled wi
Jessica's POVI sat quietly outside Johnny's hospital door throughout the night, watching as the sky gradually lightened.As I began to feel the weariness, a voice suddenly spoke from behind."Ms. Riddle? Is that you?" I was startled and turned to find Ned.He must have been coming for his shift. I straightened my clothes and stood up, "Yes, let's go in together." "Ms. Riddle, have you been sitting outside for long? You could have asked Emmett and the others. They're on duty and could have let you in," Ned said.I shook my head slowly, not wanting to disturb others' rest, and I needed this solitude to sort out my chaotic thoughts.Ned didn't press further. He silently followed by my side, but I could see the confusion and a hint of concern in his eyes.As a subordinate trained in the family, this was a rule set when Justin was still the mafia boss. They were not to question the arrangements and commands of their superiors. Although the Riddle Group has successfully transitioned into a
Zander's POVSunlight streamed through the window, gradually pulling me from a chaotic slumber.My consciousness slowly gathered in my mind, and sensing the bothersome light, I opened my eyes to find that it was already daytime. The lingering dizziness and headache made me instantly realize that I must have been drugged yesterday.I sat up abruptly and looked around. The room was empty, with no sign of anyone else. Only my suit and shirt were neatly folded on the bedside table.At that moment, a slight noise came from outside the bedroom, as if someone was walking cautiously.I frowned, and a name flashed through my mind, Tawny.The image of her handing me that glass of water last night replayed in my mind like a movie. I pursed my lips, got out of bed, and quickly put on the shirt placed on the bedside table. Usually, when I'm extremely angry, I become unusually calm.I strode to the door, flung it open, and saw Tawny coming towards me with a tray in her hands. The tray was filled wi
Jessica's POVAnger, grievance, and disappointment, a tapestry of emotions intertwined. I felt I couldn't bear any more, so I turned and left the villa. It was unknown how much time had passed before I regained my senses. The cold night wind played with my long hair, and the dull ache in my head made me realize I had been walking alone for quite some time.I couldn't believe that Zander, that jerk, believed Tawny wasn't capable of harm. He wouldn't even deign to listen to what I had to say. Tawny's hypocritical face lingered in my mind. At the business dinner, when she falsely accused me of splashing wine on her, I thought she was just a woman who loved to stir up trouble. But now, I realized she was far more sinister than I imagined.Just like a moment ago, I knew her admission was meant to provoke me, yet under those circumstances, my emotions were still affected by her. I couldn't help but sigh, turned around, and walked back, as my car was still parked near the villa. Cars rushed
Zander's POVI fantasized alone in the dark during countless silent nights.When I finally lay bare the truth about Johnny to Jessica, about how he killed my father, I imagined her reactions.I envisioned her being devastated, possibly accusing me of false accusations with anger, but I never anticipated the reality to be such a heart-wrenching situation—she simply refused to believe the evidence before her eyes.She persistently tried to exonerate Johnny, going to great lengths to clear his name, which filled me with frustration and helplessness.This was the situation I least wanted to face.Our relationship had become charged because of this.I was determined to have a thorough conversation with Jessica, to lay out all the facts so she could no longer argue.However, Tawny's sudden appearance disrupted my freshly made decision like an unexpected storm.At that moment, the telephone rang abruptly, breaking the tense atmosphere.I glanced at the caller ID. It was Dwayne.I took a deep
Jessica's POVI never expected Tawny to show up here at this time. Although I had moved out of the villa, it still held years of shared memories with Zander. Moreover, Zander and I are still legally married. What did she think of me, showing up so boldly with a key?My gaze bore into Zander, my anger burning fiercely. I demanded harshly, "Why does she have a key to this place? You owe me an explanation!"Zander just pressed his lips tightly, silent. His face was clouded, seemingly still angry about our previous argument, unwilling to explain further."Tell me!" I pressed loudly.Tawny stepped forward at that moment, a sly glint in her eyes. Yet, she forced a smile on her face and feigned innocence, "Jessica, don't misunderstand. I just came to..."I didn't want to hear her nonsense and interrupted her, raising my voice, "Fine, then tell me, where did you get the key to my house?"Tawny's gaze flickered, stealing glances at Zander but remaining silent. I was disgusted by her pretentiou
Jessica's POVI glanced at the pillow in her arms, not daring to agitate her, and nodded, "Who's trying to take your child?"At that moment, the sound of high heels echoed in the hallway. Upon hearing this, Vilda shrank behind the curtain, trembling in fear, "She's here! She's come to take my child!"Before I could say anything more, a woman dressed as a doctor strode in imposing air. She looked at me rudely and said, "Vilda's condition is unstable, and she doesn't meet the criteria for visitors. Please leave."I glanced at the name badge on her chest, which seemed to read "Attending Physician." I asked, "You're the doctor?"She nodded and said, "I'm Vilda's attending physician, Dr. Tamara Dickinson."I put down the fruit basket and explained, "I'm her friend, and I'll leave after seeing her.""There's no need. Strangers will only exacerbate her condition. You should go," she replied.I frowned and said, "I'm her friend, not exactly a stranger. Do you refuse visits from her family for
Jessica's POV"Look at these photos! Kenneth wasn't the only one Johnny harmed; he also implicated two other comrades. The woman in this photo is the wife of one of those comrades, taken by Johnny by force. Can you still claim he's an innocent good man?" He pointed at the photos, his voice sharp and trembling with rage.I gazed at the photos, each image like a blade piercing my eyes and soul. My heart was in turmoil, torn between the seemingly irrefutable evidence Zander presented and the deep trust and affection I had for Johnny over the years, a fortress difficult to breach.I couldn't bring myself to believe that Johnny, who had been there for me, who had shown me care, could be evil.Dazed, I turned and left Zander's villa, each step feeling like a thousand pounds, my legs heavy as lead, moving with difficulty.I returned to my small apartment and collapsed onto the sofa as soon as I entered. Memories of Johnny kept surfacing, those beautiful moments shining like bright stars in t
Jessica's POVZander's words hit me like a thunderbolt, echoing in my ears as I stood there, stunned, praying I had misheard.But as I met his bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes and the expression of pain and turmoil etched on his face, the reality of the situation dawned on me.It was as if all the strength had been drained from my body, and my fingers slackened their grip on his shirt.I instinctively took two steps back, my footing unsteady, nearly collapsing under the weight of this revelation.When I married Zander, I knew his father, Kenneth, had died in a battle, caught in the crossfire and leaving behind a young Zander. Yet, I never imagined that his death could be connected to Johnny.My lips trembled slightly as I struggled to utter, "It can't be. This can't be true." Zander's gaze was unwavering, his voice hoarse but resolute. "Jessica, I wish it weren't true. You have no idea how much I wished it wasn't Johnny. I loved you so much, so much that I was willing to ignore it all, but
Jessica's POVAfter Downey and Rebecca were escorted out of the room by Emmett, the ward finally returned to its much-needed silence. The only sounds that filled the space were the rhythmic beeps from the heart monitor and Johnny's faint but steady breathing.I slowly lowered myself into the chair beside the hospital bed, exhaustion and helplessness weighing heavily on my heart. If I could, I would banish Downey and Rebecca from Los Angeles forever, ensuring they never resurfaced. But I couldn't. After all, because of me, Johnny had already lost so much. Despite Rebecca's hypocrisy and snobbery, her presence at least gave Johnny the illusion of a complete family. I couldn't selfishly take away this last bit of warmth from him.Emmett soon returned to the room, nodding at me to signal that everything had been taken care of. I looked at him and whispered, "Emmett, arrange for someone to keep an eye on the room. We can't let anyone else take advantage of and harm Johnny."Emmett gave a s