As I woke up the next morning, a feeling of dread consumed my mind. I tried to push away thoughts of work and focus on being a mother to Marco. However, as a CEO, it was difficult to completely disconnect from my responsibilities. I headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.While flipping pancakes, my phone rang. I debated whether to answer, but decided to pick it up. It was my lawyer, Mr. Harper."Good morning, Ms.Monte Verde. I hope I'm not disturbing you," Mr. Harper said calmly.I couldn't believe it. This was the best news I had heard. But is it really true?Elijah even warned me last night that there's next step of his action to ruin my name. But I make myself believe that maybe Elijah changed his mind."That's great to hear. Please proceed with the settlement. I just want this to be over," I said, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders."I will. I'll keep you updated on the progress. But for now, enjoy your day off and try not to think about work too much," Mr. Harper advised.
"Hey, Sam."Marcus voiced filled with worry."Hey, Marcus," I replied, trying to sound composed.Upon witnessing Elijah's televised apology, Marcus asked, "Are you okay?"I could tell he was struggling to keep his own anger in check."I'm alright," I lied."Just shocked that he would drag your name into this mess.""I get it. It's shameful. But don't let it get to you. You know the truth, and that's what matters," he reassured me.Feeling relieved, I let out a sigh and appreciated Marcus's support."Marcus, your support means the world to me. I am forever grateful for your love and constant presence in my life," he expressed sincerely.A wave of emotions washed over me, and I held back tears. Marcus's words served as a constant reminder of how lucky I was to have him by my side. I knew I could always count on him, no matter what.After we hung up, I sank into the couch, feeling emotionally drained. It was hard to believe that Elijah had the audacity to make such false accusations abou
I felt a sinking feeling in my chest as the color drained from my face. I couldn't grasp the words she was saying."What?!" I cried out."What's happening? Where's Marco, Betty?" Marcus asked anxiously."He was forced to get inside the Van by unknown mens!"Betty panicked.We rushed inside to look for the van. Marcus grabbed the phone and dialed 911, while I tried to compose myself and make sense of the situation."'What happened, Betty? How did this happen?" I asked, my voice shaking with fear.Betty took a deep breath and recounted all the information she had."As I approached the front door to see how Marco was doing while playing, I noticed a black van parked in the driveway. Suddenly, four men appeared, with one of them carrying a weapon. Without wasting any time, they forcefully took Marco and swiftly drove off in the van, leaving me stunned and unable to react."he stated.Her words struck me like a bolt from the blue. It felt like a never-ending nightmare, one that I couldn't e
The resounding reverberation of Elijah's laughter echoed relentlessly throughout his place, a heartless symphony that taunted my despair.When our gazes met, I no longer recognized the man I had once adored, only an unfamiliar figure consumed by malevolence and a distorted fixation."You're a devil!" I exclaimed."Please, my dear, do not test my patience any further," he whispered, his voice filled with a sinister undertone. "Like what I said If you wish to lay eyes on your son again, you will obey my every command."A surge of terror rushed through me as his words echoed in my mind. My precious son had been taken by this deranged man. The mere thought of losing him was unbearable."Alright, fine. I'll do whatever you want," I murmured, my voice quivering.Elijah leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin."I want you back, Samantha. I want everything to return to how it was before."I recoiled in disgust. "That's impossible. I'm already engaged to Marcus!" I whispered, barel
I heard my phone ring suddenly. I took it out of my purse and saw Marcus's name on the screen."Hello?"I answered."Samantha,"Marcus said urgently. "Marco is home. He's safe."I gasped. "What?"I asked. "How?""I don't know," Marcus said. "He just showed up at the door a few minutes ago. He's okay, but he's a little shaken up."I felt a surge of relief wash over me. "Thank God," I said. "I'm on my way home now.""I'll see you,"Marcus said.I hung up the phone and looked at Elijah."You obeyed me so I give what you want. I told you I will mark my word always,"he grinned."Please Elijah stop bothering me and my family. Please don't do it again,"I begged."I will do what I want"he said firmly."You should,"he grinned.I took a deep breath and spoke," But I'll go ahead now,""Okay. Just Don't forget our agreement. You are only mine now!"he reminded me.As I drove home, I couldn't help but think about Marco.I pulled into my driveway and saw Marcus and Marco standing on the front porch.
Marcus recoiled, his eyes a mix of fury and pain. "Why would you betray me like this?" he demanded."I trusted you.""I know I let you down. But I had no other choice. I had to protect Marco.""Protect Marco?"Marcus inquired.After a brief pause, I mustered the courage to reveal the truth."Elijah is the mastermind of the kidnapping, Marcus,” I confessed."He's been threatening me. He promised harm to Marco one again if I didn't obey,"Marcus fell silent, his complexion turning ashen. "I should have know this," he murmured at last."I should have seen it coming.""No," I interjected, shaking my head."It's not your fault. Elijah is desperate. He's capable of anything."Marcus let out a sigh and embraced me tightly."I swear I won't allow him to harm you or Marco again," he assured me.The weight of my betrayal lingered in the air as I whispered to Marcus, my voice trembling."I'm really sorry. I didn't intend for it to happen. I was desperate. Elijah had Marco."Marcus had forgiven me
As I woke up, my body was sore and I noticed Elijah sleeping next to me without a shirt. Swiftly, I grabbed my clothes and put them on. Quietly, I opened the door and slipped out. My heart felt heavy as I drove back home. I felt incredibly foolish and vulnerable in that moment.Just a few moments ago, I made it back home. A huge sigh escaped my lips as soon as I pulled the car to a halt. My phone rang, but I just watched it ring until it stops. I got out of the car and went inside the house. The darkness immediately greeted me as I walked in, which only means that Betty had already put Marco to bed. With another sigh, I went upstairs and into his room. Indeed, he was already fast asleep when I entered."Hey, baby," I whispered as I caressed his forehead although I know he wouldn't hear me.I planted a soft kiss on his cheek and watched him sleep.The sight of him is enough to ease the heaviness in my chest. Had it not been for him, I would've given up a long time ago. "Samantha..."
But I didn't get a reply. Instead, I heard the loud purring of his car's engine before it vanished all at once. "F*ck!" I screamed and pulled my own hair in anger. "F*ck, f*ck, f*ck." But then the loud screams and shouts receded to a little pained sobs. I sat down on the tiled floor of the kitchen, the wine bottle pressed between my lips. I drank and drank everything until I almost choked myself to death. "Madam." Betty suddenly appeared out of nowhere, carrying a towel. She wiped my face then pulled me up and sat me down in the bar stool of the kitchen's countertop. "Here, drink this," she said as she handed me a glass of water. "Betty..." I cried and drank the glass of water."Why is my life like this? What did I ever do to deserve this pain?"Betty gazed at me pitifully. She raised her hand, as though attempting to touch me, but hesitated. "All you ever did is to love unconditionally, ma'am."I cried even harder. "Then why... why does it hurt so much?""Because that's what love