JENSEN’S POV:The nurses immediately nodded their heads as they dragged the stretcher again towards the operating room, as we still followed them behind.As soon as we arrived in front of the operating room, the doctor excused herself to prepare for the operation and told us politely, "Just stay here outside and we will take care of her as soon as possible to treat her condition."The three of us just nodded our heads because of this as he entered the room as well and closed it after. As the door closed, I couldn’t help but lean my back against the wall and slide down as I felt the exhaustion in my body. I slump on the ground blankly as I look at the door without blinking.However, I heard a lot of footsteps that were approaching, which made me turn my head in the opposite direction of the operating room, and there I saw Jaycel who was running towards us.When she arrived in front of us, she was breathing hard as she immediately asked, with a lace of worry in her voice, "How is she?"
JAYCEL’S POV:After all, they are sleeping, and it is not that safe if I leave them too long, especially the children. Although there are some guards, my heart and mind will not be at ease once I am not the one who will watch out for them personally.I sighed helplessly and told the two girls, "I think it is better if one of you buys coffee and food to eat later."The two of them looked at me, and Taylor was about to say something when the door of the operating room suddenly opened, which made the four of us become alert.I saw the two nurses come out while pushing a stretcher with a sleeping Xercel on it. She was still unconscious and pale while wearing a blue hospital gown.They passed us since they would bring her to a room that she could use to recuperate, but I still saw her situation, which somehow made my heart break.Without saying anything, Jensen followed behind the stretcher while the two girls faced me first.Ysabelle mumbled weakly, "I will guard her together with Jensen
JAYCEL’S POV:I heaved a sigh at this before I walked toward the counter and sat on one of the stools in front of it.When the bartender saw me, he immediately smiled at me and greeted me politely, "Good evening, miss." He paused somehow as he asked, "What drink do you like to try tonight?"I smiled back at him and placed my arms above the counter before answering, "One shot of Tequila, please."He chuckled and commented playfully, "I am assuming that someone really wants to get drunk tonight." He paused and got a shot glass before pouring me a drink as he added, "Are you new here?"I chuckled and nodded my head as I answered, "Yes, since I am having insomnia tonight, I decided to get some drinks to refresh my mind."He smirked at me and pushed the shot glass of tequila with salt and lime in front of me before saying, "Enjoy your drink."I just hummed in response before holding the shot glass and lifting my chin upward as I placed the tip of the glass on my lips to pour the liquid.I
JAYCEL’S POV:However, I was really wrong. Everything became wrong because when school days came, he pestered me to the point that I just wanted to bury myself somewhere that he couldn’t find. It turns out that it is a family tradition to marry the person they devirginized.Yes, I was still a virgin when we did it, and he was the only man who touched me like that.I was shocked because everyone knew that he was a womanizer, but he told me that it was just a facade. Even though he was flirting and dating random women, it doesn’t mean that he was having sex with them.Unfortunately, I do not want to get married, especially not to him. I did everything just to hide from him, but I couldn’t do that when he was so determined about it.I don’t know if those things that happened to the Empress were good or not, because it became my scapegoat to file a leave of absence so that our paths would not cross anymore.I was so surprised by that, but at the same time, my trust issues are kicking in.
JAYCEL’S POV:As soon as the elevator door opened, I immediately went inside and pushed the button where the Empress’s room was located. While I was inside the elevator alone, my tears started to run down my cheeks since I couldn’t stop the pain that I felt in my heart.Those memories happened a long time ago, but the pain, the wounds due to their harsh words to me. Yes, I was subjected to verbal abuse rather than physical abuse, which lasted for many years. Am I bad when I say that there is part of me that was quite happy when they both died?When I saw that the elevator was almost there, I immediately wiped the tears from my face and calmed myself so that they would not suspect anything. Why am I even crying anyway? Damn it! This is so not me, but I can’t help it. I need to stay calm. As soon as the elevator sounded and its door opened, I hurriedly went outside while still carrying the bags in my hand.However, I suddenly stopped in my tracks when I saw the figure of Kiana walking t
JAYCEL'S POV:After a few minutes, they immediately looked at me and smiled. Before one of them could say something, Jensen suddenly told us, "I’ll go now, then, so that I can also start washing up and help Arthur look out for his sister."We all looked at him and nodded our heads as the Empress told him, "Get your share of food first before you go so that Arthur can eat his share as well."This made him look in a certain direction, and when I followed his gaze, I saw that he was looking at the center table, but I saw nothing on it. I was about to ask him about it when Taylor suddenly bent down and got something from the feet of the center table.When she raised it, I saw that it was three plastic bags, which I assumed were the food. She put down the other two plastic bags above the table before standing up straight and giving the remaining one to Jensen, who immediately accepted it while still carrying some bags that Kiana had brought earlier.He immediately smiled faintly at us as w
GRAYSON’S POV:If I do not knock these people down any minute now, I can only be picked up from the cliff that was ahead of me. Why is that cliff there during this time? Damn it!I guess I don’t have that much choice, so I open the compartment of my car while gritting my teeth in annoyance as I grab my gun inside. I didn’t even bother closing it anymore since I don't have the freaking time to do so.I immediately pulled down my window and put my left hand, which was holding a gun, to shoot at their car before withdrawing my hand in a hurry.I am good at using guns, but since they were also showering me with bullets and I was alone at the moment, it became hard for me to fight back, but I didn't have any choice since I still wanted to live even though this world was too cruel for me.I am not going to die here without putting up a goddamn fight. I heaved a sigh to calm my nerves as I looked at the road with determination while gripping my steering wheel until my knuckles turned white b
GRAYSON’S POV:I sighed and looked at the back of this girl before heaving a sigh. I don’t know why I trusted this person even though I didn’t know anything about her except the name Zee.However, even though I don’t want to let my guard down against her, I already did because of how she risked her life in saving me earlier.After a few minutes of driving, she suddenly stopped in front of a cafe that was unfamiliar to me. In fact, since I don’t have that much time to roam around the Philippines unless it is important, I am not quite familiar with many places around the country.She parked her big bike in a parking lot, so this was my cue to get down, which I immediately did and remove the helmet I was wearing before using my other hand to fix my hair that was messed up because of wearing it.She also got down and stood up beside me before removing the helmet she was wearing as well and placing it above her big bike, just as I put mine beside her helmet.After that, she immediately loo
ICE’S POV:"Mommy!" I heard History's excited voice echoing through the house, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew he, along with his dad, Iciest, and his brother, Chronicles, were eagerly waiting for me and our little angel, Legend. With a fond shake of my head, I anticipated History's imminent arrival in the room that Iciest and I shared.I glanced at my 2-year-old daughter, her vibrant violet and green eyes meeting mine. She had inherited those striking eyes from me. Gently, I dressed her in a beautiful blue dress, carefully placing a delicate white flower tiara on her head before braiding her hair. It was a marvel to think about the journey that had led to this point—after everything that had transpired, the unexpected gift of another baby had caught Iciest and me by surprise. Recollecting a past conversation with my two older children about their desire for a third sibling once their parents reunited (which, unbeknownst to me at the time, referred to me and Iciest), I had decid
ICE’S POV:As my arms encircled him, I could feel his body tremble beneath my touch. It was clear that his façade was cracking and that the tough exterior he tried to project was giving way to the pain he held within. I gently turned him to face me, his tear-streaked face a testament to the battle raging inside him."It's going to be alright, brother," I murmured, my voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of his emotions. I held his gaze, willing him to believe my words. "Your sister will not leave you again." His eyes, usually so guarded, seemed to soften with a glimmer of hope as our connection deepened.Yet, as we stood there locked in our embrace, something shifted in Grayson. His defenses crumbled, and the floodgates he had erected against his feelings began to open. The sound of his sobs, raw and heartbreaking, reached my ears, and I felt a pang in my chest. This was his pain, his vulnerability laid bare, and I was honored that he chose to share it with me.Tears welled up in my
ICE’S POV:Guns were drawn, tension hung thick in the air, and it seemed like a standoff was about to erupt, but amidst the pointed weapons, only Zia and I stood without weapons, locked in a chilling gaze. With a wry smile, Zia's voice slithered forth, her words carrying a mocking tone: "Well, isn't this a cozy gathering? Traitors' offspring all grown up. What a delight."My response wasn't as amusing as hers. I fixed her with a cold stare, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Why drag me, my brother, and those who matter to me into this? What's the point of involving us in the tangled mess our parents made that wasn’t our problems in the first place?"Zia's laughter rippled, a bitter melody in the midst of the charged atmosphere. She fired back, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, come on. Did you really expect me to roll out the red carpet for you just because your parents are the culprits and it doesn’t include you?"I didn't grace her question with an immediate ans
THIRD PERSON’S POV:On the other side, "Calvin, Travor, and Kiana reached the main entrance, spotting guards converging on the control room."Calvin whispered, "We're not too late. Let's go."They engaged the guards in a swift and calculated skirmish, taking them down one by one with a combination of martial prowess and precision.Travor took down a guard as he whispered, "Marcus and Jerry must be in trouble. We have to hurry."Kiana knocked out a guard as she mumbled, "Agreed. Let's clear the way."On the other side, Alfer, John, and Daryl pressed forward, their movements fluid as they navigated the dimly lit corridor.Alfer checked the corners as he mumbled, "Keep pushing. We're almost there."Suddenly, a group of guards rounded the corner, spotting the infiltrators.John smirked as he mumbled, "Looks like we've got a welcoming committee."Daryl cracked his knuckles as he muttered, "Let's give them a taste of our skills."A fierce battle ensued as the infiltrators clashed with the g
THIRD PERSON’S POV:The group wasted no time, moving with calculated precision. Zee sat hunched over a bank of monitors, fingers dancing across the keyboard as lines of code scrolled across screens along with Taylor.Arthur leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on the surveillance feed showing the imposing structure of Zia's base across the street. Luke tinkered with a small device on the table, his earbuds plugged in as he kept an ear on the team's communication while Jaycel was just on the side watching them.Zee muttered to herself, "Alright, I've patched into their security network. I can see the guards patrolling the perimeter."Arthur replied, "Keep an eye on the guards' patterns. We don't want any surprises."Luke nodded his head with a sighed as he mumbled, "I've got the signal jammers set up. Their comms won't be working."Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Zian smiled as he happily said it into his earpiece as he lured the guards. "Hey, have you guys heard about that new virtua
ICE’S POV:Inside, an ensemble of guards stationed throughout offered their respectful greetings. It was a familiar routine, and their commitment to our children's protection never wavered.Venturing deeper, we were met with a heartwarming sight. On the couch, our two children were engrossed in their tablets, undoubtedly lost in the world of their game company—an endeavor they had taken upon themselves.My throat gave a subtle cough as we entered their line of sight. In response, their heads snapped up in a mixture of surprise and sheer delight.The room was alive with a sort of controlled chaos. I watched as History hopped off the sofa with a reckless enthusiasm that sent a pang of worry through me. His father's voice, laced with pure concern, rumbled like a soothing undertone, "Be careful, baby!"Chronicles, his older brother, didn't hold back either. His words came out in a stern, almost icy tone, but beneath that frostiness, concern flickered like a hidden flame: "Slow down, Histo
CALVIN’S POV:Meanwhile, Grayson sat alongside Zee, the enigmatic figure responsible for the intricate hacking that fortified Ice's group. Learning that Zee led the faction known as Antares stunned everyone, even Arthur and Luke, cyber experts themselves, who had worked under her leadership for so long. I made a mental note to uncover the backstory behind Grayson and Zee's connection when the timing was right.Other than Ysabelle, Taylor, and Arthur, who were already acquainted, the rest of the newcomers had just arrived this morning. The dynamics in the room were captivating—a mix of camaraderie and curiosity, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.Amidst the hum of conversations, what puzzled me was the trio from Jaycel's team; their gaze was locked onto Travor. He remained unfazed by their judgmental stares, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He seemed impervious to their scrutiny as he goaded the mother of his child, her simmering anger evident yet contained.Within this intrica
ICIEST’S POV:Her response carried a scoff, her voice tinged with humor despite the situation: "I'm keeping it in check. You know me, I've got this. We're nearly at your location, so sit tight."A frown creased my brow, her words stirring a different kind of unease. Swiftly, I retorted, "Don't play it down too much. I'll be waiting right here, wife. Just get back safely."The tension in the air was thick as I clenched my fist, waiting for her response. The seconds felt like an eternity until her voice finally broke through the silence."I will," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a promise. The call ended, leaving me with a mixture of relief and uncertainty.As the call ended, I turned my gaze to Grayson, who seemed to release a breath he had been holding. There was a tension in the air that still lingered, but some of it seemed to ease with his reaction.Calmly, I advised, "Let's give them a few minutes. They should be arriving soon."My prediction wasn't off, as mere mom
GRAYSON’S POV:I nodded, my exhale carrying the weight of my anxiety. Just when it seemed like the call would go unanswered once more, I glanced at my sister, her expression unwaveringly frosty.My hope was fading, and desperation clawed at me, but then, miraculously, someone picked up the call. It took every ounce of restraint not to burst into a jubilant shout—a reaction completely out of character for me.I had never been one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, nor did I usually indulge in sentimentality. My demeanor was typically as chilly as a winter breeze, and my interactions with others were marked by detached professionalism.But in the face of recent events, my perspective has shifted. I had come to realize that I was no longer an island, no longer alone. Their well-being had become paramount to me, and I would do anything to keep them safe from harm.As soon as Calvin answered the call, I hit the loudspeaker button, ensuring Ice and Iciest could listen in on our conversation.