**Would Lucian actually change for the better? **Would Latton let him inside her life again? **Spare part story available in CHAPTER 19 - Contact name ***DON'T FORGET TO ADD THE STORY ON YOUR LIBRARY #VOTE #BladeAndSieve #LucianAndLatton #LattonAndLucian #HeyStranger
LUCIAN shook his head, and then said in a gentle voice filled with certainty, “No lies.” Then he lowered his head to kiss her on the forehead, "Why would you think I would lie to you?" She smiled bitterly, then replied, "I'm so tired of disappointments." Shortly, the music stops and then the host starts to speak. "Let’s ditch this place." He whispered into her ear. "What?" She asks while giggling at his suggestion. "I saw your parents are here to support the event. They might look for you." She explains. "They’ll understand. Let’s go." He said coaxingly. "Where do you want to go?" She asks curiously. "There." He says while pointing at the garden. They walk to the garden, away from the venue, till they become concealed by the hedge maze and trees. Lucian then embraces her from behind and starts sniffing her. She was startled, but she was unable to move as he held her tightly. She could feel the warmth of his breath around her neck, and the thumping of his heart on her back. "W
[Continuation of the first part of Chapter 1] “March 31, 2024, is a Sunday, not a Friday,” the nurse says while checking Latton's vital signs. Her voice instantly jolted Latton back to her senses. She glanced at the door where the doctor had just got out of. “It’s normal that your memory is blurry. Don’t push yourself too much, everything will return soon.” The nurse added. When she looked at the nameplate she saw the nurse’s name was Karen. “Thank you, Karen,” she mumbles in a low voice. Karen smiled, then before she left she said, “We’ve already contacted your family members. They should be here in no time.” Latton nods. “I’ve lost two years of my life?” She said to herself. Her head still hurts, and her mind is filled with clouded memories, her thoughts are mashed, flashing like strobe lights. Shortly, a blurry memory enters her mind, and it confuses her further, “If I got shot on March 31. Why do I have memories beyond that day? Why does Victor’s face keep flashing in my m
April 1, 2024, A day after the Circle of Hope incident. AFTER knowing that Latton was out of danger, Lucian went to Malena, who at that time was in the custody of the LAPD. His hands were trembling in rage as he drove to the police station. Shortly, he arrived at the precinct and sat patiently in the visitation area while the police ushered Malena in front of him. “I'm not aiming for her. I'm aiming for you.” Malena yelled through gritted teeth. Lucian's jaw clenched in rage, he slammed his hand on the table. Startling, the officers nearby. If there were no glass separating them, he would surely grab her and strangle her. “What did I do to you?” He yelled back. She smirked, “You did a lot and people like you don’t deserve to be happy.” She declares. “If this is about me cheating…” He didn’t have time to finish his sentence when she intervened. “I don’t care how many women you sleep with. You want to know something real, Lucian? Nothing happened to us. Because you disgust me.
April 1, 2024, 4:00 PM WHEN Albert woke up and saw the time he frantically got up from bed, Alison was sleeping beside him. He discreetly changed his clothes and ran to his car. “Shit! I fell asleep. I should not have gotten home to change clothes. I should have stayed in the hospital with my daughter”. He yells while starting his car. Unbeknownst to him, Alison was staring at him from the window of their room smiling eerily. “Sleeping pills work like a charm.” She said to herself. “Latton must be livid waking up without her father at her side.” She added while laughing maniacally. When Albert got to the hospital he was surprised to see that Victor was in there feeding Latton minestrone. “Good evening, Albert!” Victor greeted him while smiling faintly. “What is going on here?” He asked. When he saw Victor, his mood immediately shifted to annoyance. Latton sneered, “Victor is feeding me because my dominant arm was shot.” She said while pointing at the bandage on her right arm. “
LATTON is still in the hospital but was about to get released in the afternoon. Victor kept his promise and stayed in the hospital. He sleeps in the extra bed near Latton and this annoys Albert as he doesn’t like Victor at all, but he can’t force him to leave as he helps keep Latton calm. Against his will, he discreetly called Victor to the corridor and told him about the hearing that would happen later in the day. “The hearing against Malena is about to start this afternoon. Latton doesn’t know. I want you to accompany her to the manor and make sure she won’t hear anything about it. Do you understand?” Victor furrowed his brows, “Why are you hiding it from her?” He asked curiously. Albert glanced at both sides of the hallway to make sure no one was listening. Then he whispered, “We thought the case would be easy, but the defense attorney gave out evidence that states Latton was not the intended target and there’s a possibility that from first-degree attempted murder, will drop to s
ALEX called Lucian after the trial and gave him the news. “Mr. Ripley accepted the plea bargain without any issues. As you requested, Malena will be transferred to the Pennsylvania Behavioral Institution today and will stay there for a year.” Alex explains. Lucian did not respond and only disconnected the call. “I hope that’s enough as payment.” He mumbled to himself. “I wish Latton waited for my explanation and would forgive me.” He added as he smiled mockingly at himself, gulped down his whiskey in one go, and threw the glass at the wall, shattering in an instant. Meanwhile, Latton was in her room when she heard a knock on the door. “It’s open.” She yelled. Soon, Victor enters her room, “I hope I did not disturb your rest.” He mumbles. She shook her head, “I’ve been resting for quite some time now.” She replied with a faint smile. He clears his throat and then says, “I know I swear to stay beside you till you get better, but I need to go to Texas. I have important matters to att
DEREK’s eyes widened while watching the news. - BREAKING NEWS: A convicted felon bound for Pennsylvania went missing mid-flight. Yesterday afternoon, a Los Angeles-born woman named Malena Taylor boarded the plane and excused herself to use the res… - Before the reporter could even finish his report, Derek hastily turned off the TV as he saw Latton walking downstairs. When Latton saw her brother he looked startled and it piqued her interest. She slowly moves towards him and then asks, “Hey, what are you up to?” He gasped, “Nothing.” He replied with a slightly high-pitched tone to his voice. “You look puzzled. Is everything okay?” she asks while narrowing her gaze. He nodded then swiftly moved away to go to their father’s home office. His weird behavior aroused suspicion in her, "What are you up to, Derek?" She asked herself as he followed his movements with a curious gaze. Shortly after, Derek knocked on Albert's home office and soon entered. “Have you seen the news?” He asks
ALBERT was standing on a floor-to-window ceiling on the second floor of the manor. He smiled eerily while looking at the photos sent to him with the caption, “Mr. Ripley it’s done.” The photos are images of Lucian’s car that was thrown on a cliff while Lucian is lying on the side of the road bloodied. The assailants made the attack look like he had gotten into an accident. “That’s what you get for messing up with the Ripley’s,” he muttered under his breath. All of a sudden, he heard his daughter’s voice almost startling him. “Daddy?” Latton called to him gently. He turns to her with a gleeful smile. Happy that they were not shouting at each other, but what he heard next left him shocked. “I just stopped by to say I’m sorry.” She muttered in a low tone. He gasped and was taken aback momentarily. “Say what now?” He asked eagerly. "I said, I’m sorry for screaming. You know when I hear Alison’s name, it makes my blood boil. Her name triggers me and brings me back to high school, a p
Hey, Stranger! That became my readers. I can’t thank you enough for staying till the last chapter of the story.I always thought writing was not for me. I never thought I could gather readers, thanks for proving me wrong. :)Please follow my author account here at GN I might write another story soon. Dedication:For Simon for being an awesome author, your novel opened my eyes to the world of books. For Poncho, my English Bulldog for being a good boy. For my mother who’s my strongest fan and critic. My partner, who became my unwilling contributor for intimate scenes. Lastly, for my greatest adversary who kept on saying I can’t make it and I’m never enough A.K.A me. Sincerely, Latton RipleyThis is not a goodbye. It’s more of a see you later. :)=Mini Story=(Happens when Latton was in a coma)LUCIUS is running out of the lift thinking he is late for his first meeting with Caldwell Incorporated as C.O.O for Va-Yor-Ri Unlimited. When he opened the conference door only Lucian was in th
“A GIFT from Alison Gardner!” The man yelled before shooting her. The scene kept on playing in Latton’s head ever since she woke up, but she didn’t say anything. She let the police finish their investigation, but it resulted in nothing. Haunted by the reality that her words were useless without any evidence, she could only keep her silence and wait for the right time.CONCURRENTLY, At the Women's Penitentiary.In the middle of the night, Alison Gardner was escorted out of her prison cell to a corridor leading outside the prison in a spacious car."Finally freedom!" She screamed while breathing in the air in the car."Money well spent," she mumbles to herself."Good work you guys," she added, but no one replied to her. “I will pay you in full once I get out of the country.” She added.Shortly after, the car stopped in a secluded area. She frowns, “Why are we here? I thought you were going to smuggle me out of the country via plane?” She asks.The driver smirked, “Well, change of plans.”
AT THE Women's PenitentiaryAlison was smiling from ear to ear. She receives a letter from her friend that states the court granted temporary access to her money."I might not be able to get away from the law, but I can surely pay someone to bust me out and get back on everyone. Especially with that brat that sent me here." She said as she glanced at the prison guards. Observing which people she could bribe."You seem in a good mood, pumpkin," Sam commented.Alison nods. But she did not give any details as she didn't want Sam to escape with her. She wants to do it on her own.She's been in prison for more than a year, and she has met people far more powerful than Sam, and she wants to take advantage of them.MEANWHILE, Lucian felt a pit in his stomach.Drowning sorrow creeps all over his body. He could feel sweat forming around his forehead, palms, and neck. Followed by an unknown bump that wants to throw him out of his misery.Shortly after, someone tugs on his suit. Unwilling to open
(Continuation of CHAPTER 121 - June 19, 2026)~He is in the Maldives...destination wedding.~ This was Lucius' answer when Latton asked where Lucian was. These were the words that were tormenting her mind.It pained her that after all the things they'd been through, it all ended like this.Her heart is breaking knowing that he is there somewhere getting married in a beautiful place just 6 months after she was shot."Am I that easy to forget? He didn't even wait a year," She mumbled while replaying all the promises he had told her. Soon, the item on the spare bed caught her attention.It's the teddy bear she gave to Lucian and the scarf she made for him.Her thoughts were soon interrupted when Lucius entered with Xavier, who had just arrived from Ohio.Xavier smiled from ear to ear seeing her awake. "Latton," he called out, then gently held her hand.He could sense her sadness."What's with the sad look on your face? Aren't you happy to see me? Are you still mad?" He asks politely.She
DAYS had passed and Lucian seemed to get worse. He became overbearing, he called every hour to check on her. It is as if someone is out to get them.Latton couldn't take it anymore, but she knew too well that Lucian wouldn't tell her what it was.She needed to investigate it without raising any suspicions. She made a surprise visit to Caldwell Incorporated as it might be work-related. It's not. Caldwell Inc. was flourishing, standing stronger than ever. She witnesses on her visit how he buries himself at work while constantly checking on her."If you continue doing that you are going to get sick." She mumbled as she patted his back in concern.He smiles. "I'll be fine." He says as he kisses her hand. "Why don't you stay in the CEO's lounge? I'll finish this, and we'll have lunch together." He suggested.She nods. She could see that the dark circle in his eyes worsened, and it seemed he had lost weight over the week.She wanted to speak to him when, suddenly, someone knocked on the door
JOHN and VIVIAN's engagement party was a success. It was even featured in a local newspaper with the caption 'A decade of love story'."An inspiring love story for everyone to read." Malena mumbles while reading through the newspaper.Then an idea entered her mind, "What if I chose to be with Lucian instead of plotting revenge against him and his family? Would I be this happy?" She asks herself while staring at Vivian's smiling image in the newspaper.She starts laughing at her own thoughts. "Of course not. I'm merely a substitute for Shirley and most likely I won't even meet him if I didn't plan everything from the start." She says, then folds the newspaper and hides it in the drawer. "This time I will make things right," she mumbles.Then she started rummaging through her computer and soon began typing on her phone.MEANWHILE, at Lucian's Villa.Lucian was still having difficulty sleeping, even with Latton in his arms, he couldn't stop having nightmares about losing her.On the other
ALBERT'S eyes enlarged."The audacity of this cunt," Albert thought as he stared malevolently at the man in front of him.He leaned forward and held Lucian's collar."Hey!? Cut it off." The police officer nearby yelled. Albert immediately let go of Lucian.Albert scoffed," Your words are more of a declaration than asking for permission," he remarked."How sure are you that my daughter will accept your proposal?" He added while crossing his arms.Lucian nodded, "She's the one who proposed to me." He muttered proudly.Albert laughed, "She did?" He spoke in surprise, and his gaze softened momentarily. He visualizes his daughter wearing a wedding gown, but soon sorrow creeps into him. The reality that he might not have the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle entered his mind.Soon his gaze darkened when he stared at Lucian, "If that's her decision... But... If you hurt her, assure yourself I won't take this lightly." He warns.Lucian smirked, "I know what you mean, and I would never
LATTON had just finished speaking to Boris over the phone when Igor pulled up the car in front of the manor’s main entrance. He opens the door for her and soon gets into the driver’s seat. “Where to Miss?” He asks nicely, his voice sounds jovial instead of threatening. She grinned, “Aren’t you a bit gleeful today?” She uttered without looking at him. He scoffed, “Can’t I be happy?” He answered sarcastically with his thick Russian accent.She smirked. “Well, that’s more like it.” She mumbled. “I spoke to Boris today.” She paused and then glanced at Igor, observing if there were changes in his demeanor.She noticed that he gripped the stirring wheel tighter upon hearing her words.He cleared his throat, “What did the boss say?” He inquired while staring at her through the rearview mirror.She leaned comfortably on her seat and then clasped her hands on top of her knees. “Your boss told me that you insist on working for me as a driver. Why is that?” She asks curiously.He laughs, “Wha
LUCIAN wrapped his arms around Latton's waist and kissed her neck, "How about we go back to your room and exercise before I go to the office?" He whispered flirtatiously in her ear. "What if after we do our cardio you accompany me anywhere I go?" He added while nibbling her neck.She blushed, and a hot wave of lust ignited in her body. She bit her lower lip and, as if she was under his spell, all she could do was agree and nod to him.They smile lustfully at each other like two thirsty bunnies hungry for one another's touch. He kisses her gently on the lips, but he can't get enough of her addicting soft lips. From a gentle peck to a full-blown French kiss. Their lips intertwined, and they couldn't seem to stop. Eyes closed, tongues rubbing each other, both caught in an intense tongue fight, none backed down.Their hands began traveling on each other's bodies. He hurriedly unbuttoned her pajama, then the buttons started to fall on the floor, but it never bothered them. He threw her top