Chapter 11“Please, don't take me away…” Lyon pleaded, as he got dragged out of the podium in front of his executives.He wanted to explain himself, he wanted to say he did nothing but, no one was listening. He struggled to free himself but a fight against four hefty men was fruitless. At his left, he saw Wendy standing, her hands akimbo with what looked like a dangerous smirk, which turned into mockery, “I told you not to toil with me, I can bring you down…” she whispered.“If only you listened to me and had left that freak you call a wife, all these wouldn't have happened!” She sounded angry this time.Wendy approached Lyon as though to devour him and slapped both his cheeks. He had to quickly free his hand to hold his cheek, “what was that for?” Lyon yelled.This cracked everyone up and they laughed out loud. He wondered what was funny, whether Wendy's slap or his yell. He felt humiliated, he wished the ground could just open up and swallow him.Lyon looked around for Martins but
Chapter 12Kathryn paced the living room, her phone in hand, glancing now and then at the staircase. She couldn’t focus, her mind still replaying Lyon’s strange behaviour at breakfast. Finally, she tapped her phone screen and scrolled through her contacts, pausing at the name, Rosey. Her closest friend always had a way of lifting her spirits. The call connected after a few rings, and Rosey’s cheerful voice came through. “Kathryn! Long time, girl. What’s up?” Kathryn smiled faintly, sitting on the couch and tucking her legs beneath her. “Hey, Rosey. I just needed someone to talk to. How are you?” “Oh, I’m great,” Rosey said with a light laugh. “Michael and I just got back from a weekend trip. He planned the whole thing as a surprise. It was amazing! I swear that man spoils me too much.” Kathryn’s smiled slightly. She hesitated, not wanting to dampen Rosey’s enthusiasm. “That sounds lovely,” she said softly. “It’s good to hear you’re both doing well.” Rosey caught the tone in
Chapter 13“Going with me? Are you for real?” Kathryn asked surprised, not believing it'd be true.“Of course, I am..” Lyon said as he stood, staring straight at her, “I know you are surprised, but don't be.”Kathryn didn't know what to say, she just nodded in doubt and moved over to the mirror, where her makeup kits were, “Lyon would never follow me anywhere, all jokes..”Kathryn was putting the final touches on her makeup, when she turned slightly, expecting him to go back to his laptop or lie down again. But to her surprise, Lyon was at the wardrobe, pulling out one of his neatly pressed shirts and a pair of trousers. She paused, watching as he slipped the shirt on, buttoning it carefully. He paired it with dark trousers and grabbed his wristwatch from the bedside table.“Are you going somewhere?” she asked to be sure.Lyon looked at her briefly, his expression calm. “Yes,” he said, adjusting his collar. Then, after a moment, he added with a small smile, “With you.” Kathryn bli
Chapter 14Martins led the way through the crowd, weaving between groups of people laughing and chatting. The further they walked, the quieter it became, until they reached a spot where only a few guests lingered. Standing there was a man in his mid-thirties, dressed simply in a plain shirt and trousers. He looked a bit out of place and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Lyon. “Lyon!” the man said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and excitement. Lyon stared at him for a moment, his brows furrowing as he tried to place the face. Then it hit him. “Daniel?” The man nodded quickly. “Yes! It’s me, Daniel.” Lyon blinked in surprise. Daniel was his childhood friend, someone he hadn’t seen in years. They’d grown up in the same neighborhood, sharing countless memories, but life had taken them in different directions. “What are you doing here?” Lyon asked, his tone softening as he stepped closer. Daniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t know how else to reach you.
Chapter 15“What? Are you nuts?” Lyon shouted from behind, as though he has been there all these while.“Lyon Alberto?” The guy blinked, “sorry, I didn't know she was yours..” he added and exited the scene.Kathryn heaved as though a load was taken off his shoulder, “where is Martins?” She asked looking around.Lyon joined by searching round, “who knows…”Just then Martins showed up, “are you ready to go?” He asked, sounding polite.Lyon exchanged glances and they both nodded. Stepping inside the car, Martins zoomed off.Lyon and Kathryn got home late, the house was quiet with just a few lights on. Martins parked the car, stepped out, and opened Lyon’s door. Lyon helped Kathryn out, and they walked slowly to the front door, both looking tired but still in good moods. As they entered, Fiona came out from the kitchen, smiling when she saw them. “Welcome back, sir, ma’am,” she said warmly. “Thank you, Fiona,” Kathryn replied, kicking off her heels and rubbing her neck. “I kept dinn
Chapter 16Lyon shrugged. “What? A little spice never hurts anyone.” Kathryn laughed, leaning back against the pillows. “You’re unbelievable.” He grinned, pulling her closer. “And yet, you’re stuck with me.” “Me? Jokes!” Kathryn teased.Lyon sat on the edge of the bed, looking thoughtful. Kathryn noticed him glancing her way a few times, like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how to start. She put down the novel she had been pretending to read and looked at him directly. “Lyon, you’ve been acting weird. What is it?” she asked, her tone soft but curious. He rubbed his palms together and let out a deep sigh. “Kathryn, I need to tell you something. For real this time.” Her eyebrows lifted slightly. “For real? Okay, I’m listening.” He gestured toward the chair. “Come sit here with me.” Kathryn hesitated for a second, unsure of what was coming, but his serious tone pulled her in. She stood up and walked over, sitting beside him on the bed. “Alright,” she said, fo
Chapter 17Lyon and Kathryn grew fond of themselves, as Kathryn worked on helping him achieve his goals, “if that would draw him closer to me, then I won't stop him,” she had said to herself.“Knock! Knock!” Someone called from behind the door, Fiona rushed to get the door, it was her sister, Trisha.She was all smiles as she held out her hand for a hug, as usual, Kathryn was sluggish but still hugged her.“How're you, Mrs Alberto?” Trisha asked, taking a seat, she crossed her legs, wiggling them, her hands spread out on the soft sofa.“Trisha, the warrior!” Kathryn hailed as both stole glances from each other, they burst out laughing making Fiona peep into their conversation.“Madam Trisha, do you need anything?” Fiona asked with chuckers.Trisha eyed her, checking around as though she wasn't the only Trisha in the house, “Who is this one being formal with?” She asked, her legs uncrossed now. “Madam, come and sit here, I know you real good..” she added.“Know me? Like?” Fiona asked,
Chapter 18Suddenly, the door cracked open. The sound wasn’t loud, but it was enough to catch their attention. All three women turned their heads in unison, their laughter dying down as they waited to see who it was. Lyon stepped into the room, his usual calm and confident self. His eyes swept over them, and he smiled warmly. “Looks like I walked into something interesting,” he said casually, closing the door behind him. Kathryn, still catching her breath from all the laughing, smiled back at him. “Lyon, we were just talking... nothing serious.” He nodded, his gaze shifting to Trisha. “Trisha, it’s good to see you again,” he said, his tone polite but friendly. “Welcome, Lyon,” Trisha replied, her voice steady but with a hint of her usual boldness. Lyon turned to Kathryn and leaned down to peck her cheek softly. “I’ll be upstairs,” he said, his voice gentle. With that, he straightened up and strode out of the room, his steps calm and measured, leaving the door slightly ajar b
Chapter 60A month passed in a jiffy. Finally, Lyon and Kathryn could have their baby.Lyon and Kathryn arrived at the hospital with quiet excitement, the kind that comes when you know life is about to change forever. The ride there had been mostly silent, Kathryn holding Lyon’s hand the entire way, her mind racing as Martins drove. For weeks, they had dreamed of this moment, and now it was finally here.When they stepped into the hospital, the halls were familiar, but everything felt different this time. There was no rush, no panic. Lyon held onto Kathryn gently as they made their way to the nursery.A nurse met them with a kind smile, “Mr. and Mrs. Alberto, I’ll get your son for you.”Kathryn’s breath caught as the nurse disappeared behind a door. Her fingers gripped Lyon’s arm. “I can’t believe we’re finally bringing him home,” she whispered.Lyon looked at her, his voice low and calm. “We’ve waited long enough.”The nurse returned, pushing a small bassinet with their baby in it, w
Chapter 59“It's a boy!” The doctor said, turning back, grabbing Lyon's hand, who was on his knees, for a handshake, “congratulations once again, Mr Lyon.”They weren't allowed in for some hours, though they stood at a distance.“You can see her now.” One of the nurses said as Lyon nodded.Lyon walked into the room quietly, the soft beeping of the machines filling the silence. He stood there for a moment, just watching Kathryn, her face peaceful as she slept. It felt unreal, how close he had come to losing her. But now she was here, still breathing, still alive. He could hardly believe it.Turning to Martins and James, Lyon spoke softly. “I need a minute with her,” he said, voice rough. “I’ll be out in a bit.”The two men nodded, understanding without needing to say much. They stepped out, leaving Lyon and Kathryn alone in the room.Lyon moved to her bedside, the sound of his footsteps too loud in the stillness. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hand gently in his, feeli
Chapter 58“Kathryn…!!!” Lyon shouted, his mouth opened wide.Kathryn’s scream echoed in the room, the sound of pain slicing through Lyon like a knife. He watched helplessly as she jerked in the chair, her leg buckling under the force of the shot. Blood began to pool around her, spreading across the floor, and Lyon’s mind went blank. He couldn’t breathe.Kathryn!” He shouted, struggling against the men holding him, his body trembling. She was everything to him. His life. His future. And now, this monster, Wendy, was trying to take her away from him.Kathryn’s breath was shallow, her face a mask of pain. Her body was shaking, but she still managed to look at Lyon, her eyes filled with tears.“Lyon... I... I’m sorry,” she whispered, but it barely registered through the haze of panic in his mind. He didn’t know if she was apologizing for what had happened, for what Wendy was doing to her... or maybe it was for something else.But he couldn’t think about that right now. He had to save he
Chapter 57Lyon had barely loosened the last knot on Kathryn’s restraints when a slow, deliberate clap echoed through the room. The sound was smug, sharp, like a knife slicing through the air.“Well, well, well…” Wendy’s voice came from the doorway, sickly sweet and dripping with malice. Lyon’s head snapped up, and there she stood, leaning against the frame with a cruel smirk plastered across her face. Two enormous men flanked her, their broad shoulders filling the entryway like silent, unmovable walls.“I’ve been expecting you, Lyon,” Wendy purred, taking a slow step into the room, her heels clicking against the floor. Her confidence oozed from every step, every calculated motion.Lyon’s entire body stiffened. He rose to his feet, shielding Kathryn instinctively as if his presence alone could protect her. “Wendy…” His voice was low, strained, fighting the rage building in his chest. “Why are you doing this? What do you want?”Wendy’s smirk deepened as her eyes locked with his. “You t
Chapter 56Lyon stepped off the plane, barely feeling the ground beneath his feet. The cool breeze brushed his face, but it didn't calm anything he was feeling.He pulled his phone out from his pocket, he dialed Martins’ number, his hand trembling slightly.“Where are you?” Lyon’s voice was tight, sharp, cutting through the noise of the bustling airport. His eyes darted around, scanning the crowd.“Right outside. I’m here.” Martins’ voice was steady but had that edge of urgency.Lyon pushed through the throngs of people.The noise, the movement, all of it was a blur. He didn’t stop until he spotted Martins near the car, waving with a slight tilt of his head. Without a word, Lyon slid into the passenger seat, the door slamming shut behind him. Martins pulled away from the curb, the tires rolling like they, too, knew there wasn’t time to waste.Inside the car, silence hung heavy. Lyon’s mind was racing, the weight of every possible outcome pressing down on him like bricks. His phone buz
Chapter 55Lyon gripped his phone tightly, his knuckles turning white as the voice on the other end came through."We've found where Kathryn is," the voice said.Lyon stopped dead in his tracks. His heartbeat felt like it had jumped to his throat. "Where?" he said sharply, his voice low but steady."An old warehouse just outside the city," the voice continued, pausing for a second. "But Lyon… it's Wendy. She's not working alone. There's something off about everything.”Lyon’s mind raced, staring straight at the empty space ahead of him. Wendy. Of course. “Wendy’s cunning. This isn’t going to be simple, but, it will.” Lyon muttered to himself. He exhaled sharply through his nose, trying to keep his rage in check. “Listen, make more investigation. Keep a close eye on Wendy. I’ll be there in two hours.”“Understood.” The line went dead.Lyon lowered the phone and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady the storm coming up inside him. When he opened them again, they were cold and
Chapter 54MR LYON ALBERTO–ALLEGED MULDER DISMISSED FROM HIS CHAIRMANSHIP POSITION AT OIL GAS WORLD WIDE.Trisha read from the headies, everything happened so fast and Trisha imagined the string this Wendy lady pulled, because it seemed like she connected everything waiting to pull and she did.“Where are we headed right now?” Inquisitive, Trisha inquired.“The station,” Martins replied. “We have to get our next line of action from Lyon.”———Kathryn gasped awake, the shock of ice-cold water jolting her back to life. Her chest heaved, her hair soaked and sticking to her face. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, and that’s when she saw her.Wendy. She stood there smirking, arms crossed like she’d been waiting for this moment all her life.Wendy let out a slow, cruel laugh. “Oh, look who’s awake. Did you enjoy your little nap, Kathryn?”Kathryn didn’t answer, her heart pounding in her chest. Her wrists ached where the ropes dug into her skin, her ankles just as trapped. “Wendy… wh
Chapter 53Lyon's mind was racing, trying to piece together the situation. His gut told him something wasn’t right. “I have this feeling... It is Wendy. I just know it.”Martins stood quietly beside him, his arms crossed as he observed the scene. He didn’t speak at first, just watching Lyon carefully. “The police should be reporting back soon,” Martins said, his voice calm despite the tension. “But we can’t just wait for them. This is moving too fast.”Lyon paused in his pacing and turned to look at Martins. There was a silent understanding between them, and Lyon’s gaze hardened. He didn’t need anyone to tell him what to do. He had to act now.He turned back to Trisha, crouching down in front of her. His eyes softened for a moment, though his voice was still firm. “Trisha, listen to me. We’ll find her. I promise you, we’ll bring Kathryn back.”Trisha’s eyes welled up with fresh tears as she looked at him. She shook her head slowly. “I should’ve... I should’ve done something. I was to
Chapter 52The sun was warm, and a light breeze rustled the trees. Kathryn let out a slow breath as they walked, taking it all in.“See? Feels nice, right?” Trisha said, glancing over at her.Kathryn nodded slowly. “I guess it’s not so bad.”“Not so bad?” Trisha laughed. “Please. I know you’re enjoying this.”A faint smile crept onto Kathryn’s face. “Maybe a little.”Trisha looked at her, her voice softening. “You’ve been through a lot, Kath. I know you don’t like to talk about it, but you’re back now. That’s all that matters.”Kathryn glanced down, her steps slowing a bit. “It’s just... sometimes I don’t know if I’m ready. Being here again... it’s not easy.”Trisha squeezed her arm gently. “One step at a time. That’s all you need to do. And when you don’t feel strong enough, I’ll remind you that you are.”Kathryn looked at her sister, her throat tightening for a second. “Thanks, Trish. You always know what to say.”“Of course I do. It’s my job as your annoying little sister,” Trisha