Jethro's POVI was standing in my own dark apartment, just the opposite of Shiloh's apartment.I knew that the two women left for Australia yesterday.I also saw when the nanny arrived at the apartment alone around nine in the morning and also saw her when she left after a short while. She hasn't changed her clothes, though. What's in a hurry that she can't wait for tomorrow? I know she will go to Claire's apartment because she only knows Claire and Shiloh. Around eleven in the evening, later the two men came into Shiloh's apartment. I already anticipated it for them to come. They're the hired spy of Mr. Hansen. The two men are inside the apartment now. I don't want to waste my time informing Claire regarding the men in Shiloh's apartment. Only one ring and the woman picked up her mobile phone."Yes, Jethro?""You need to leave France right now. Immediately. They came in Shiloh's apartment. Go bring her nanny now!" That's all and I hung up. I need to do something. I dialed the poli
Spy 1 POV"What do you mean Shiloh's gone?" said the booming voice of Mr. Hansen from the other line.He is burning in anger."Sir, we didn't see her in her office for the last two days. We thought she was sick. So we checked her apartment tonight and we found out that they were both gone. We came in and we saw the old pictures on her bed with the red box," I told Mr. Hansen. what I saw.I was lucky that I escaped from the police and I was hiding in the abandoned old building. My partner was caught. "Bullshit! How did that box reach there? Who brought that box in there?" He's very angry."I don't know but we saw a luggage in the living room. Maybe the owner of the luggage brought the red box in the apartment we don't have a chance to check because the police came," I explained."Idiot! You two are useless. Where are we going to find them now? Did you check her assistant's apartment?" Mr. Hansen asked. "No, sir, as I said, we were chased by police," I replied."I don't know how the po
**Charles' POV**I couldn't tell how long I had been in this place, nor did I know whether it was day or night. The last thing I remembered was going to Damien's house after my wife's funeral.I never expected that, in the blink of an eye, my friend—whom I treated like my own brother—would betray me.That day is still very clear in my memory.After my wife’s grave was covered, I placed my baby Leah in her basket and walked toward my parked car at the gate of the memorial park. I fastened the baby basket in the front seat so I could easily reach her if she needed me.I drove to my friend’s house in Brisbane. It only took forty-five minutes. When we arrived, my little girl was asleep, so I gently lifted her from her basket and carried her inside. I pressed the doorbell, and a moment later, my friend opened the door.“Hey! What brought you here? Is it for Miranda’s funeral?"Damien asked.“Yes, we just left the memorial park. Where’s Katherine?"I asked when I noticed that his wife wasn’t a
**Charles' POV**I wondered why my old friend didn’t lay his hand on me the way he used to every time he came to visit me. He would hit me, kick me, punch me, and even spit at me while cursing and name-calling. I heard all the hurtful words from him.Today was different. He came to tell me that my daughter was missing. When I showed no interest in my daughter's whereabouts, it made him angry, yet he didn’t do anything. It’s odd.After our conversation, he left and turned off the light, which I was thankful for; my eyes couldn’t bear the brightness.In my heart, I was so worried about my little girl, who was probably a grown woman by now. I can’t tell how old she is because I have stopped counting the days. In the dungeon where I was imprisoned by my old friend, all I did was pray for
***Shiloh***After we had eaten our late lunch and dinner in one, we watched my mom's video for the second time and had a chance to see the two women via video call.I went up to my room. I was relieved that Theresa had gone back to Paris safe and sound. I'm thankful, too, that she managed to get my box; if not, I would never have known the truth. Maybe until now, I would still be very angry with Heath for capturing me defenseless."Thank you, Theresa, for your bravery. Thank you, Mom, for telling me the truth," I whispered.I have nothing to do and I'm bored. I lay down in her bed and closed my eyes. A few moments later I was adrift in sleep.
***Heath***I went upstairs to check on the Shiloh. Maybe she fell asleep. She hasn't come down since we finished watching the video again and talking with Claire and Theresa via Skype. I was right; she is sleeping while sitting, holding a book. She must have fallen asleep while reading.I walked in and slowly took the book in her hand and put it down on the bedside table. Then I slowly lifted Shiloh's body to move down to lay her down. I'm very careful not to wake her up. After putting the pillow in her head. I covered her with a blanket until her chest. I'm thankful that I didn't wake her up. She must be very sleepy and tired because she never wakes up. I switched off the light and went out of her room.I went in the kitchen and washed the green grapes, oranges, and some apples.It's already nine thirty so I decided to visit the ranch shelter. Tonight the guests are coming to stay at the ranch. I must be there.After was
***Shiloh***I'm already twenty-eight but have never experienced being held in someone's arms. Man's arm.Never been touched, never been kissed.My first kiss was from this man in front of her. It was rude; it's punishment,' but I understood him. He was up for revenge because he thought that I was a daughter of a man whom he hated to the bone.What will it be like being held and kissed?I'm trying the patience of this man if it's until where.When he lifted my chin, there was too much electricity rushing in my veins.When his lips claimed mine, I felt like I was being lifted up into a different planet. I could feel many butterflies in my stomach. The high voltage of the electric current.Now he is giving me pleasure unlike before on their way to the ranch. My arms seem like they have their own mind that they lifted up and clung to his neck. I felt something hard pressing in my abdomen. He's harde
Heath's POV"That's only a sample, sweetheart," I whispered.I couldn't believe that Shiloh was willing to surrender her body to me. I'm anex-convict. I was convicted of a crime that I never committed.Though I was dying to take her, I respected her and, most of all, her aunt, who had helped me out in the prison cell.I can't wait to have her when the right time comes.I will marry her when all these mysteries are solved. I could feel that it was nearly coming to an end. I am already in love with her since I saw her first photo that was sent to me by my uncle. Claire has sent me too, together with her. I suppressed the feelings I had for her because I believed that she was Damien's daughter, the daughter who ruined me, and I wanted to ruin her, too.Now that I already know the truth, all I want to do is love and protect her. I will do my best to keep her away from any danger.I
** Shiloh's POV**1 YEAR LATER"Good morning, Daddy!" I greet my dad.Daddy Charles is holding his firstborn grandchild."Good morning to Sweetheart. She's the spitting image of you when you were born," Daddy said.There's a tear in his eye while he's talking. Maybe he remembered the day when his baby was stolen from him."Of course, Daddy. Just like you. I'm your female version," I said, hugging Dad from the back."Good morning, Daddy. Good morning, Sweetheart," greeted Heath.He kissed Dad's forehead, and then he kissed my lips."Good morning, Princess." He kneeled to kiss the tiny hand of his first fruit."Are we ready?" He asked when he stood up."As ready as we'll ever be," I replied.Daddy stood up with a little bundle in his arms. He doesn't let go of my daughter, Zhileah.We stayed with Daddy and Theresa since I gave birth to my firstborn.Though Daddy boug
**Shiloh's POV**After six more months, finally, it will be our moment.Dad wanted to give me a princess-like wedding because I'm the only child."You only married once, and I want it to be beautiful; you're my only daughter," Dad told me."Dad, I'm already our big girl, so instead of throwing money for that kind of wedding, we could save that for the rainy days," I replied, smiling at him."What can I say? You grew up independent; you knew the importance of saving up rather than spending," Dad replied.Dad was right; I didn't have enough growing up; the money that Hansen sent was just enough. He never sent extra money in case of additional expenses, so I learned to work part-time jobs to earn extra money."The quality strength of a relationship can't be measured by a lavish wedding, Daddy, I know, and I feel that Heath and I will succeed because we both went through hardships," I said."I won't object to you anymor
**Shiloh's POV**It's supposed to be the parents walking their son or daughter down the aisle, but today, it's the other way around.I am walking my dad down the aisle towards the altar to wait for his bride.With his tuxedo, he's a very handsome fifty-seven-year-old man. If we stayed in the city and Dad roamed around, I'm sure many women in his age would be gawking at him.Why did I say that? Because I heard some of the ranch guests who happened to witness this special occasion.When we reached the altar, I stood with Dad. I could see his happy face while we waited for Theresa."Thank you!" he said, looking at me."You're welcome, Dad," I replied.A moment later, here comes the bride in a fashionable entrance. She wore her white wedding gown. I never thought that my nanny was really beautiful when she put on some makeup that enhanced her beauty and wore a beautiful white dress. Her gown hugged her perfect c
**Heath POV**I agree with Shiloh's priorities right now. We have all the life ahead of us together; for now, we have to put all in place firstSince the M&B Creek Ranch is doing well. The Madrigal Building is fifty percent completed. We will make sure that Dad will have someone by his side. That will be Theresa.Daddy Charles didn't oppose when we suggested that he should marry Theresa. Then our next move is to talk to Theresa."Sweetheart, what do you think of talking to Theresa to marry Dad?" I asked Shiloh while we were outside the house."I'll talk to her; it's okay with Dad, right? Maybe both of them can have a life together. It's not too late to enjoy life," she replied."That's true. They both deserve happiness like Jethro and Claire," I said."Thank you for yoursupport for this family. Thank you for your patience," Shiloh said."Sweetheart, without this family I may be still in jail. I owe my life to this fam
**Shiloh's POVAfter the wedding of Uncle Jethro and Aunt Claire, the newlywed couple decided to reside in Heath's home. Heath gave his house to his uncle and now his aunt Claire.While Heath and I moved back to Arcadia with Daddy. Of course, Theresa will always be with us.We haven't decided yet when we are going to have our wedding. My focus right now is to help my dad restore his strength.For about six months we have been together. Dad gained weight; his color is also back. And of course, the still gorgeous fifty-seven-year-old man walking on the planet Earth. The image of a real successful businessman from Australia. The fame he had thirty years ago is now back. The ultimate and handsome rancher, Charles Madrigal, is back.My dad and Heath became very close after a few months of being together at the ranch; they always talked about innovations to make our ranch stand out.For six months, the M&B Creek Ranch launched additional activ
**Claire's POVI just noticed that I'm getting older; I didn't notice the passage of time anymore. And now that I've achieved my dream of searching for my long-lost family, I've seen my brother and my niece. I'm happy now."Claire, what are you thinking?" Jethro asked."I'm getting old for the search of my family; I didn't notice it." I suddenly laughed at what I said."No, you're not old, only wise. We never age; we mature. Your long search has been accomplished, and I think you have to reward yourself for a job well done," he replied."I already have rewards, my brother and my niece," I replied."I know, but Shiloh will be going to settle soon. Can't you see how they were together?" he said."Yes, they are perfect for each other, actually," I replied."Do you think I will be perfect for you too?" he asked.It caught me off guard. I never thought he would say that."Claire, since the day we wo
**Shiloh's POV**After reading the verdict for Damien Hansen, all of us congratulated each other since all of us deserved it. We are all the victims of the evil deed of Damien Hansen."Congratulations, Daddy!" I greeted my father when his ex-friend was finally sentenced to life imprisonment."Thank you, sweetheart," he replied.I wiped my father's tears that escaped from his eyes."I know we can't get back the moments that were stolen from us, but we can still have a happy and loving relationship. We are surrounded by people who love and care about us," I said."You're right; he only stole our freedom from us, not our whole being, and most of all our values and our faith in God," his dad replied."You're right, Daddy, the Lord is kind and has guided us for a long time," I said."Let's go, Big Brother, Shiloh," Claire invited us."Where are we going?" her dad asked his sister."Let's go find somepla
Heath's POVWe are finally reached in my own home. This is my first time coming home after fifteen years. I miss my home but because of my parents passing, I can't stay here. It will only make me sad. I choose to stay in the ranch instead after my parole has been granted.This home has many wonderful memories of my parents.Uncle Jethro helped me maintain the house; according to him, the time would come when I would come home. Uncle Jett was right. Now we are all in our house. I inherited this from my parents. Since I'm the only child.When Uncle Jethro resigned from his work, he stayed in this house since I was in prison, serving a sentence for a crime I never committed.
**Claire's POV**"Did Heath reply to your message?" asked Theresa."I haven't checked, but I'm sure he received it," I replied."We will be going to board soon. I think we better go to the boarding gate," Theresa reminded me."You're right; we better go there. Let's go," I said.We walked over to the boarding gate of the aircraft we're going to board. Waiting for the announcement for boarding, we have to find our seats.Time flies and the aircraft we boarded has touched down on the runway of the Australian airport. In less than two hours, I'm going to see my brother. My palms are sweating and itching. I couldn't explain my feeling right now—a feeling of excitement."Relax, Claire. We will run to the immigration office, okay?" Theresa said, smiling.I also could feel that, like me, she's excited to meet Shiloh."Look who's giving me the advice to relax," I replied, smiling.When th