NoahThomas’s voice dripped like poison through the phone. A familiar chill creeped down my spine as he spoke. “Noah, there you are. I almost thought you’d lost interest in saving your son.”The disgust in me flared. But I forced my voice to remain steady. “Certainly not,” I replied evenly, hoping to mask the fury I felt. “What do you want, Thomas?”He chuckled, a sound that slithered through the receiver. “Oh, it’s not about what I want, Noah. It’s about what you want. Tell me—why haven’t you followed your next clue yet? Or…” he paused, his voice taking on a mocking edge, “do you need a hint?”I glanced at Emilia, who was focused intently on her device, fingers poised to work her magic as she nodded, encouraging me to keep him talking.“We got a little… sidetracked,” I said carefully. “But a hint would be helpful.” The longer I kept him on the line, the better chance Emilia would have to trace his location. My heart pounded with each second that ticked by, silently praying we’d get wh
NoahEmilia studied the map she had printed, marked with the location she had tracked from the call. Then, she glanced up at us. Determination glinted in her eyes. “Look, I don’t usually get involved with hands-on situations. But this time… an innocent child’s life is on the line. I’m coming with you. You’ll need someone who can outsmart those two.”Her words were steady, like a promise. My heart swelled with gratitude. I managed a small smile. “That means a lot, Emilia. Really.”She returned the smile with a quick nod. Then she snapped into action, efficiently gathering her equipment. It was strange, seeing her like this—no longer the mysterious hacker hiding behind her screens, but someone ready to join us on the front lines. Raymond and I watched as she packed wires, tracking devices, and a laptop into her bag. Each piece was stowed with practiced precision.Finally, she straightened, her gaze serious as it settled on me. “Noah,” she said softly, almost gently, “this is going to b
NoahThe scene before me was almost surreal. I crouched behind the crumbling stone wall, peering out at the shadowy figures of Thomas and Clara standing in the ruins. Thomas's voice echoed through the ancient stone. His tone was icy, laced with disgust and frustration. He was nearly shouting at Clara, his voice carrying a bitterness that caught me off guard."You really botched this, Clara," he sneered, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Raymond didn’t sign the papers, and then they slipped right through your fingers! I should’ve known better than to trust a woman with this. You were supposed to handle them, keep them under control, but instead, you’ve left me cleaning up your mess!”Clara’s face was tight, visibly restraining herself. She glanced away, her expression a mix of irritation and boredom, as if she were enduring a lecture she’d heard a thousand times before. But Thomas wasn’t done. His anger had taken on a venomous quality, a hint of something deeper, almost obsessiv
NoahThe jungle air felt heavy around us, dense and unforgiving. Thomas’s laughter echoed against the moss-covered stones. I swallowed hard, feeling my pulse drum in my ears. Then, Thomas raised a hand, signaling to his guards. They stepped forward, guns drawn. Their cold, mechanical movements were a reminder of the danger pressing in on us from all sides.“Thomas,” Raymond said, his voice low and controlled, but a tremor gave away his fear. “This game has lasted long enough. Let us go.”Thomas chuckled, his gaze sharpening as he looked from me to Raymond, savoring the moment. “Did you really think it would be that easy?” He gestured at the guards, who immediately raised their guns, pointing them squarely at our heads. I felt a sharp chill despite the jungle’s oppressive heat. It was clear that Thomas didn’t intend to let us walk out of here without forcing his hand.“This is ridiculous, Thomas,” I managed, forcing my voice to stay steady despite the fury that trembled within. “All t
NoahMy heart pounded as I whispered, “Emilia?” My voice was low, barely audible over the rustle of jungle leaves and the slow, sickly breathing coming from Neil’s cage. But she heard me. “Why are you smiling?”Her gaze flicked over to meet mine. Her eyes glinted with that same strange, unnerving smile. She didn’t look alarmed or desperate—she looked as if she held the answers to secrets I couldn’t fathom. “You’ll see soon enough,” she replied, her tone soft but steady. Her eyes darted briefly to the guards nearby before she returned to scanning the jungle floor, completely unperturbed.A chill ran down my spine. See soon enough? What did she mean by that? The weight of dread settled heavily in my chest, seeping through me like ice. “Wait—what do you mean? Are you on their—”“Hey!” one of the guards barked, turning his gun in our direction. “No conspiring over there!” The guard’s glare was as sharp as his weapon, his stance unwavering as he looked us over. My breath caught. I forced
NoahThe guards tensed, their hands darting for their weapons. But it was clear that they were outmatched, and they knew it. Before they could make a single move, the masked figures sprang forward, disarming them with practiced precision.They sent the guards crashing to the ground one by one. Within seconds, they all lay unconscious, neatly restrained.Emilia rose from her crouched position. Her face was a picture of triumph as a masked man removed the ropes tied around her wrists. “Thomas,” she said, her voice calm and almost pitying, “you really should’ve trusted your gut when it told you not to cross me.”Raymond and I exchanged looks of shock, relief, and a glimmer of pride as the masked men formed a perimeter around us. Their presence was both imposing and reassuring.Thomas’s mouth twisted into a furious scowl. “What the hell? How did you manage this?” He spat the words out as though they tasted bitter. His eyes darted to the masked men who now surrounded him, fear edging into
NoahWe drove to the closest hotel, the silence between us thick and uneasy. I held Neil close, feeling his fragile body against me. Each tremble broke my heart a little more. When we arrived, we thanked Emilia and her team, knowing words could never fully express what they’d done for us. Emilia gave me a soft, reassuring smile before disappearing with her men into the night, vanishing back into shadows.In the hotel room, I filled the tub with warm water, hoping a long bath might bring Neil a little comfort. As I gently bathed him, he seemed distant. Almost like a ghost of the boy he’d been. His little shoulders shivered, even as the warmth wrapped around him. Every small sound—a faucet drip, the hum of the air conditioner—made him flinch. His eyes darted around in terror. I tried to speak softly, to reassure him. But his gaze was empty. As if he were a thousand miles away.As I dried him off and dressed him in fresh clothes, I could hardly bear the thought that this was the same l
NoahRaymond stood before me by the lake, his face lit with an earnest, almost boyish nervousness. The intensity in his eyes was unexpected. It was almost like he was seeing me in a whole new light, or maybe for the first time. We’d been through so much together. More than I ever could’ve imagined. And now, in this quiet moment with the gentle water as our backdrop, I felt every unspoken word, every lingering feeling between us.He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently take mine. “Noah,” he began, his voice soft but firm, “I know I’ve made mistakes. There have been misunderstandings, things I should’ve explained sooner.” His thumb traced light circles over my hand, grounding me in the warmth of his touch. “But one thing I need you to know—something I’ve never said clearly enough—is that there has never been anyone else for me. I couldn’t even imagine it.”I looked up at him, my heart pounding, emotions whirling in my chest. “Raymond, I…” I started, but the words caught in
NoahI opened the box, and there it was—a delicate golden necklace with a teardrop-shaped ruby nestled at the center. It caught the light with a soft, familiar glow.“Wait a minute… Is this…?”Raymond’s smile widened. “The necklace Owen gave you after you saved his life as a child? It sure is.”I shook my head in disbelief, my fingers brushing over the ruby’s multifaceted surface. This was the necklace that had started it all—the one that ended my relationship with Owen, fractured my friendship with Josie, and, in the end, brought Raymond and me together.“No way… Where did you find it?” I asked breathlessly.He took my hand. “I went to Josie’s apartment after she passed away and found it tucked away in a jewelry box. I remembered the story you told me about it. I just knew you should have it back.”Overwhelmed, I looked up at him, my eyes filling with gratitude. He held my gaze, and we shared a lingering, tender kiss. One that was filled with years of love and unspoken promises. As
NoahThe grand hall was resplendent, draped in soft whites, blush pinks, and touches of gold. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the orchestra played a melody that filled the air with romance and elegance. I took a deep breath, looking out over the sea of familiar faces, and then my eyes found Raymond’s.He stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed on me, his smile both proud and tender. The love in his eyes was so deep, so steady, that my nerves began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that filled my entire being.With every step, my heart beat faster, the anticipation building with each note of the music. Raymond’s gaze never wavered, and as I drew closer, I could see the emotion glistening in his eyes.Finally, we reached him. My mother released my hand and turned to Raymond, her own eyes shimmering. She placed my hand in his, her voice choked with emotion. “Take good care of her,” she said softly, her words laced with love and a hint of the strength that had carried us both.Ra
NoahAs I looked at Evelyn, her gentle smile seemed to melt the tension in my shoulders. Her eyes, always so full of determination, held a glimmer of joy as she spoke.“Don’t worry, Noah. It’s good news.”A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me. “Good news?” My voice was barely a whisper.She nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. “The doctor said… well, they said there’s a chance I’ll walk again. The prognosis is good if I keep exercising, eating healthy, and pushing myself.”My relief quickly turned into a grin as the magnitude of her words hit me. “Mom, that’s amazing!”She wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. Her touch was warm and filled with the quiet strength that I’d come to admire even more through her recovery. “I know, right?” She laughed, her voice tinged with the thrill of newfound hope. “I can’t wait for the day I can pick up Rosie all on my own, to hold her without limits.”We sat there, both smiling, both overwhelmed by the idea that she migh
NoahCassandra’s labor dragged on, stretching through two long days. I felt every minute of it from my room. My worry and helplessness coiled tighter with each update. The doctor had ordered me to stay in bed. Although it felt good to rest, I hated that I couldn’t be there for her. She’d been such a support to me during my own labor with Rosie. Her words had steadied me through every contraction and every wave of pain. Now, here I was, stuck in bed while she struggled on her own.Little Rosie was my solace. Every time I looked at her, I felt a soft warmth spread through me, all the worry and exhaustion melting away. She was a tiny, perfect miracle with her miniature fingers and rosy cheeks. I couldn't stop staring at her. Raymond was wonderful too. He moved back and forth between rooms to check on Cassandra and then back to me, sharing gentle updates that kept me grounded.On his fourth or fifth return, Raymond’s expression was strained. He sat by my bed, taking my hand gently. “She
NoahThe words fell like a stone in the room. My heart stuttered as I looked between her and Raymond, my grip tightening around his hand. “What… what kind of complication?”The midwife took a steadying breath. “It seems your baby may be in a posterior position—facing up, rather than down. This can make labor slower and a bit more challenging.”A wave of worry swept over me, and I felt my breaths quicken. Cassandra placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. “Hey, Noah, breathe. She didn’t say impossible—just more challenging.”The midwife nodded, her tone reassuring. “We’ll try some different positions, some movements that might help encourage her to turn. This happens often enough, and there are ways we can support the process.”I nodded, feeling the tension ease a fraction as I met Raymond’s eyes. He gave me a brave smile, squeezing my hand. “We’ve got this,” he murmured. “We’ll help her get into position, and soon, we’ll be meeting our little girl.”The midwife guided me through some po
NoahI stared, slightly panicked, down at the small puddle forming beneath me. Cassandra brought her hand to rest gently on my arm. “It will be fine, Noah. Looks like your little girl has her own schedule,” she said with a reassuring smile. Her voice was calm and warm. Her words broke through my anxiety. I managed a shaky laugh, nodding in agreement.An employee approached, casting an understanding look at the situation. “Don’t worry about a thing—we’ll clean it up,” she said, a gentle smile on her face. “Good luck!” She gave a supportive nod as we carefully made our way out of the store. Cassandra held my arm to steady me.Once we were outside, Cassandra reminded me, “You don’t need to rush to the hospital just yet. They usually want you to wait until active labor is in full swing.” Her calm certainty helped, but I still felt jittery. I immediately grabbed my phone, dialing Raymond’s number. He picked up after the first ring.“Raymond?” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s ha
NoahThe room erupted in cheers and joyful shouts as pink confetti rained down around us. It took a second to sink in: we were having a girl. Barely containing my smile, I felt Raymond’s strong arms wrap around me from behind. He leaned his head close, his voice a low, gentle murmur. “A little girl, Noah… our little girl.”My heart swelled as I looked at Neil, who was watching the confetti with wide eyes. He had a look of pure wonder on his face. It was the brightest smile I’d seen on him since everything that happened, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. He was still healing. But moments like these, surrounded by love, felt like the very first steps toward a new beginning.Evelyn rolled over, her eyes filled with emotion as she held out her hands to us. Slowly but surely, she was regaining control over her muscles. I leaned down to her, and she wrapped her arms around both Neil and me. “Oh, a little girl,” she whispered, her voice thick with joy. “Our family just keeps grow
NoahThe house buzzed with excitement and laughter as we invited everyone inside. Each new arrival was greeted with hugs and cheers. Cassandra's friends—Harper, Lila, and Gia—were here, their faces lighting up when they spotted me. Our trip to Vegas and Cass’s wedding had bonded us. Seeing them again brought a sense of closeness, comfort and normality after recent events. Raymond’s colleagues filled the space with their lively energy, and Simon’s friends mingled easily with Raymond’s parents, whose faces were aglow with anticipation.Neil quickly spotted his friends from school, darting over to hug a small girl with a sweet smile. I couldn’t help but smile knowingly; he’d mentioned her more than once—his little primary school girlfriend. Seeing him run and laugh, his face bright with joy despite the shadows of recent events, filled me with a deep, almost overwhelming sense of gratitude. After everything he had endured, there was hope that he might find his way back to himself. Seei
Noah“Oh, Raymond…” I murmured, my heart brimming with emotion as he knelt before me, the words barely forming in my mouth, tangled up with a happiness that felt almost surreal.He waited patiently, still on one knee. His hazel eyes sparkled with flecks of gold in the bright sunlight. His hand was steady, holding out the ring as if it were a promise. A reminder of how far we’d come. I glanced at my old engagement ring. My fingers trembled as I noticed the way this new ring was designed to nestle perfectly against the first one. It was so unmistakably Raymond—thoughtful, detailed, crafted to fit me like a missing piece.“Yes,” I finally said, smiling through my tears. “Of course, I will marry you… again.”His face lit up with a joy I hadn’t seen in years. He slid the ring into place, its sleek band clicking softly as it nestled against my old ring. The two pieces formed a sparkling whole. As the diamonds caught the golden glow of sunset, it felt like the most perfect reflection of us—