PastâŠâHave you seen my book?â Amber inquired of Liam while searching for her novel in bed.âNightstand, right side drawer,â Liam responded, working on his laptop.âWhen did I keep here?â she muttered as she opened the drawer that held her book and chocolates.âOh, god, half of the book is yet to be read,â she said, sitting on the bed and biting into her chocolate.Liam cast a questioning look at her, and she noticed his gaze. Amber inquired, âWhat?â Amber inquired, prompting Liam to pause his typing.âYou were on the final chapter last night, and I told you to sleep and read tomorrow,â he replied.âIt must be another book, Liam.â âI have good memory power, but this book is still incomplete,â she said, ignoring Liam and reading her novel.âDo not you remember the female lead? What was her name? Amber asked Liam, âHazel,â as he struggled to remember her name. âYes,â Liam answered, adding, âShe was fleeing the golden cage.ââHow come Ethan will not let her?â Amber argued.âWhat is the
âWhat exactly are you doing here?â I inquired, my expression serious as I stared at Salina's broad smile.âStop with the death glares,â she said, tucking her hair behind her ears and striding into my study, her heels clicking against the floor.âWho told you I was here?â I asked, closing the file I had been reading.âI didn't come here to see you,â Salina replied, taking a seat and placing her handbag on the table.âThen who?â I probed, fixing my gaze on her. During her time in Russia, she often spent time with us, occasionally meeting with David and me. She was the only person in the world who knew about our existence.âAmberâŠâ she smirked. âMy sister-in-law.ââDon't get involved,â I cautioned. It wasn't that she posed a threat, but Salina's bubbly personality could be overwhelming.âDon't be possessive,â Salina shot back, her tone sharp. âI was the one who donated plasma when she was pregnant with your child and lying in the hospital bed.ââSorry,â I murmured softly. I knew I could
Past..âAmberâŠâ Liam gasped, catching her collapsing body in his arms. His fingers brushed against something wet on her backâblood.âShitâŠâ he cursed, rolling them both toward the wall. The gunshot echoed in his mind. Someone had fired at them, and Amber was hit.âAhhhâŠâ Amber's cry pierced through the chaos, her agony raw and unfiltered.âDon't close your eyes,â Liam urged, his voice trembling with desperation. He helped her to sit on the floor, his eyes darting to the open window, knowing another shot could come at any moment. He needed his phone and laptop to call Nick, to get them to the hospital.âJust stay here,â he whispered, his heart pounding as he began to crawl toward the table. As he reached for his phone, another gunshot rang out, forcing him to dodge. The bullet whizzed past, embedding itself in the wall.âFucker, how did anyone find our location?â he spat, fear and anger coursing through him.âLiamâŠâ Amber's breathing was rapid and shallow. Blood continued to pour from
Present âBaby, why are there so many marks?â He questioned me while tracing my arms that was covered with red marks. I took a deep breath before closing my eyes. I could feel his gaze fixed on me. I did not want to meet his inquisitive gaze. What would I tell him, About the betrayal I had committed in the past, which I had completely forgotten? âBabyâŠ" His voice was gentle as a feather, and he cupped my face, but I lacked the courage to look into his eyes. My eyes were closed, and tears flowed. I felt him kiss my tears before pressing his lips against mine. I allowed him to do whatever he wanted. He was savoring the moment and taking his time kissing me; we both needed one another. I could not stop myself from kissing him back and stroking his silk hair. He picked me up, and I wrapped my leg around his torso as we sucked on each other's mouths. I could feel him adjusting me to the cabinet as his hand began massaging my boobs. I inhaled deeply as I moaned into his mouth, his index f
Past....Liam sat outside the ICU in the dead of night, his eyes tightly shut. Ten agonizing hours had passed since the doctors disappeared behind those doors, and the constant hustle of nurses carrying blood bags and medical gear only heightened his sense of helplessness. Normally unfazed by blood, Liam's demeanor tonight betrayed a deep-seated fearâthe prospect of losing his only family, Amber and their unborn child.Nick, observing his idol, sensed the impending storm beneath Liam's usually calm exterior. He had already deduced who was responsible for the attack.Liam's eyes snapped open as the ICU door creaked open, and Dr. Williston emerged, his sigh of relief audible as he removed his cap. âDavid, she's stable,â the doctor announced, trying to reassure Liam.âWhat about the baby?â Liam's voice trembled with anxiety, his heart pounding at the thought of losing another loved one.âThe baby is fine,â Dr. Williston confirmed, though the worry etched on his face betrayed the severity
âLet's meet her,â Ivan said, taking my hand in his warm grasp and giving it a gentle squeeze. I smiled, though I was nervous about meeting someone from his family for the first time since regaining my consciousness. I wasnât sure if weâd met before when I had my memory.A girl with dirty blond hair was eating a forkful of pasta, her eyes closing in satisfaction. A helper stood behind her, and the table was filled with food. Sensing our presence, she opened her eyes, her cheeks flushing red. âSorry, I started before you both joined, but I was starving,â she said, sounding like a child.Ivan chuckled and added, âIâm happy youâre enjoying the food. Thatâs a rare side of you.ââIâm not that choosy,â she pouted, her eyes meeting mine.âAmber,â she said with a smile, revealing a small dimple on her right cheek, a small button nose, and glowing fair skin. Her eyes were brown, unlike the blue eyes often seen in Russians. I felt someone nudge my elbow and looked up to see Ivanâs concerned eyes
âWe wonât let anything happen to our baby sister,â Liam said firmly. His calm voice was filled with urgency, leaving Salina and David stunned and speechless.âLiamâŠâ David started, his voice shaky with uncertainty. The air was thick with unasked questions and concern.âBaby sister?â Salina asked, looking between David and Liam, confused. Liam took off his mask and said, âWeâre twins, Salina.ââTwins?â Salinaâs eyes widened in shock as she stared at Liam, trying to process the revelation. She touched Liamâs hair gently, as if trying to confirm he was real.âYouâŠâ she whispered, staring at him in disbelief. Liam chuckled softly, noticing how much Salina looked like his biological mother. It suddenly made sense why she seemed so familiar.âWe are twins, Salina,â Liam repeated, guiding her to a chair and ruffling her hair with a mix of joy and disbelief at finding his sister.âHow⊠How did you know? Whatâs going on, David?â Salina asked, her hands nervously smoothing her hair as she looke
Ivan POVThe soft laughter from the other room was the sound of a world I was trying to protect. Selenaâs easy-going presence had brought a warmth to the house that I hadnât realized was missing, but it wasnât just the laughter. It was Amber. Watching her laugh like she hadnât a care in the world, like she hadnât spent months trapped in a fog of her own mind, brought an odd sense of peace â but also an unsettling tension that I could never quite shake.I leaned against the doorway, watching Amber and Selena share some ridiculous story. They were completely at ease with each other. That was something I hadnât expected. I thought Amber would always be a little distant, like a piece of her was still lost in the maze of her memories. But now, after a month of her being here, I could see the real Amber emerging again, the one I had married â the one who smiled so effortlessly, who laughed with a sparkle in her eyes, who didnât second-guess herself every time she opened her mouth.But there
The hospital room felt suffocating. The walls were so white they almost hurt to look at, and the sterile smell of antiseptic hung heavy in the air. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic beep of the heart monitor. A constant reminder that Amber was still hanging on by a thread, but no one knew for how long.Amber lay motionless on the bed. Her face was pale, her features almost lifeless beneath the harsh lights. Her body was still, except for the slow rise and fall of her chest. It was the only sign that she was still with them. The curve of her belly, round with the baby, was the only thing that seemed to keep her grounded to this world.Liam stood by the glass door, his hand pressed against it, his fingers tracing the outline of her shape. His face was a mask of anguish, eyes hollow with disbelief. How had this happened? How had a bullet meant for him found Amber instead? How was he supposed to stand here, helpless, while the woman he loved, their unborn childâhis childâfought for li
Ivan POVThe soft laughter from the other room was the sound of a world I was trying to protect. Selenaâs easy-going presence had brought a warmth to the house that I hadnât realized was missing, but it wasnât just the laughter. It was Amber. Watching her laugh like she hadnât a care in the world, like she hadnât spent months trapped in a fog of her own mind, brought an odd sense of peace â but also an unsettling tension that I could never quite shake.I leaned against the doorway, watching Amber and Selena share some ridiculous story. They were completely at ease with each other. That was something I hadnât expected. I thought Amber would always be a little distant, like a piece of her was still lost in the maze of her memories. But now, after a month of her being here, I could see the real Amber emerging again, the one I had married â the one who smiled so effortlessly, who laughed with a sparkle in her eyes, who didnât second-guess herself every time she opened her mouth.But there
âWe wonât let anything happen to our baby sister,â Liam said firmly. His calm voice was filled with urgency, leaving Salina and David stunned and speechless.âLiamâŠâ David started, his voice shaky with uncertainty. The air was thick with unasked questions and concern.âBaby sister?â Salina asked, looking between David and Liam, confused. Liam took off his mask and said, âWeâre twins, Salina.ââTwins?â Salinaâs eyes widened in shock as she stared at Liam, trying to process the revelation. She touched Liamâs hair gently, as if trying to confirm he was real.âYouâŠâ she whispered, staring at him in disbelief. Liam chuckled softly, noticing how much Salina looked like his biological mother. It suddenly made sense why she seemed so familiar.âWe are twins, Salina,â Liam repeated, guiding her to a chair and ruffling her hair with a mix of joy and disbelief at finding his sister.âHow⊠How did you know? Whatâs going on, David?â Salina asked, her hands nervously smoothing her hair as she looke
âLet's meet her,â Ivan said, taking my hand in his warm grasp and giving it a gentle squeeze. I smiled, though I was nervous about meeting someone from his family for the first time since regaining my consciousness. I wasnât sure if weâd met before when I had my memory.A girl with dirty blond hair was eating a forkful of pasta, her eyes closing in satisfaction. A helper stood behind her, and the table was filled with food. Sensing our presence, she opened her eyes, her cheeks flushing red. âSorry, I started before you both joined, but I was starving,â she said, sounding like a child.Ivan chuckled and added, âIâm happy youâre enjoying the food. Thatâs a rare side of you.ââIâm not that choosy,â she pouted, her eyes meeting mine.âAmber,â she said with a smile, revealing a small dimple on her right cheek, a small button nose, and glowing fair skin. Her eyes were brown, unlike the blue eyes often seen in Russians. I felt someone nudge my elbow and looked up to see Ivanâs concerned eyes
Past....Liam sat outside the ICU in the dead of night, his eyes tightly shut. Ten agonizing hours had passed since the doctors disappeared behind those doors, and the constant hustle of nurses carrying blood bags and medical gear only heightened his sense of helplessness. Normally unfazed by blood, Liam's demeanor tonight betrayed a deep-seated fearâthe prospect of losing his only family, Amber and their unborn child.Nick, observing his idol, sensed the impending storm beneath Liam's usually calm exterior. He had already deduced who was responsible for the attack.Liam's eyes snapped open as the ICU door creaked open, and Dr. Williston emerged, his sigh of relief audible as he removed his cap. âDavid, she's stable,â the doctor announced, trying to reassure Liam.âWhat about the baby?â Liam's voice trembled with anxiety, his heart pounding at the thought of losing another loved one.âThe baby is fine,â Dr. Williston confirmed, though the worry etched on his face betrayed the severity
Present âBaby, why are there so many marks?â He questioned me while tracing my arms that was covered with red marks. I took a deep breath before closing my eyes. I could feel his gaze fixed on me. I did not want to meet his inquisitive gaze. What would I tell him, About the betrayal I had committed in the past, which I had completely forgotten? âBabyâŠ" His voice was gentle as a feather, and he cupped my face, but I lacked the courage to look into his eyes. My eyes were closed, and tears flowed. I felt him kiss my tears before pressing his lips against mine. I allowed him to do whatever he wanted. He was savoring the moment and taking his time kissing me; we both needed one another. I could not stop myself from kissing him back and stroking his silk hair. He picked me up, and I wrapped my leg around his torso as we sucked on each other's mouths. I could feel him adjusting me to the cabinet as his hand began massaging my boobs. I inhaled deeply as I moaned into his mouth, his index f
Past..âAmberâŠâ Liam gasped, catching her collapsing body in his arms. His fingers brushed against something wet on her backâblood.âShitâŠâ he cursed, rolling them both toward the wall. The gunshot echoed in his mind. Someone had fired at them, and Amber was hit.âAhhhâŠâ Amber's cry pierced through the chaos, her agony raw and unfiltered.âDon't close your eyes,â Liam urged, his voice trembling with desperation. He helped her to sit on the floor, his eyes darting to the open window, knowing another shot could come at any moment. He needed his phone and laptop to call Nick, to get them to the hospital.âJust stay here,â he whispered, his heart pounding as he began to crawl toward the table. As he reached for his phone, another gunshot rang out, forcing him to dodge. The bullet whizzed past, embedding itself in the wall.âFucker, how did anyone find our location?â he spat, fear and anger coursing through him.âLiamâŠâ Amber's breathing was rapid and shallow. Blood continued to pour from
âWhat exactly are you doing here?â I inquired, my expression serious as I stared at Salina's broad smile.âStop with the death glares,â she said, tucking her hair behind her ears and striding into my study, her heels clicking against the floor.âWho told you I was here?â I asked, closing the file I had been reading.âI didn't come here to see you,â Salina replied, taking a seat and placing her handbag on the table.âThen who?â I probed, fixing my gaze on her. During her time in Russia, she often spent time with us, occasionally meeting with David and me. She was the only person in the world who knew about our existence.âAmberâŠâ she smirked. âMy sister-in-law.ââDon't get involved,â I cautioned. It wasn't that she posed a threat, but Salina's bubbly personality could be overwhelming.âDon't be possessive,â Salina shot back, her tone sharp. âI was the one who donated plasma when she was pregnant with your child and lying in the hospital bed.ââSorry,â I murmured softly. I knew I could
PastâŠâHave you seen my book?â Amber inquired of Liam while searching for her novel in bed.âNightstand, right side drawer,â Liam responded, working on his laptop.âWhen did I keep here?â she muttered as she opened the drawer that held her book and chocolates.âOh, god, half of the book is yet to be read,â she said, sitting on the bed and biting into her chocolate.Liam cast a questioning look at her, and she noticed his gaze. Amber inquired, âWhat?â Amber inquired, prompting Liam to pause his typing.âYou were on the final chapter last night, and I told you to sleep and read tomorrow,â he replied.âIt must be another book, Liam.â âI have good memory power, but this book is still incomplete,â she said, ignoring Liam and reading her novel.âDo not you remember the female lead? What was her name? Amber asked Liam, âHazel,â as he struggled to remember her name. âYes,â Liam answered, adding, âShe was fleeing the golden cage.ââHow come Ethan will not let her?â Amber argued.âWhat is the