Chapter 35Kathryn stepped into the restaurant, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor as her eyes darted around the bustling space. She wasn’t sure who she was looking for, but something about this entire setup felt off. She tightened her grip on her handbag, her nerves creeping in as she scanned the tables filled with strangers engaged in quiet conversations. Pulling out her phone, she stared at the last dialed number before reluctantly pressing it again. The line rang twice before the voice picked up. "I'm here," Kathryn said, glancing around nervously. "Where are you?" The voice chuckled, low and mocking. "At your back, buddy." Kathryn froze, a chill running down her spine. Slowly, she turned, and there she was, a face from the past that Kathryn thought she’d never see again. "Wendy…?" Kathryn’s voice wavered, her brows furrowing in shock. "Isn’t it?" Wendy smirked, her lips curving into an all-too-familiar smug grin. "You have a good memory, Katy," she said
Chapter 36Kathryn stood by the bar in the parlor, her fingers tapping against the cool surface of the countertop. She wasn’t sure if the rhythm of her foot against the floor was to calm her nerves or if it was just an automatic response to the chaos swirling in her head. Lyon is a murderer!Wendy's voice echoed in her mind, cruel and mocking, mixed with that infuriating laugh that made Kathryn want to scream. Her heart felt like it was sinking into her stomach, a pit forming as the weight of the accusation pressed down on her chest. The room around her seemed to blur, her vision narrowing to the thoughts racing in her head. No. This can’t be true. Lyon wouldn’t, he can’t be…Her phone buzzed, cutting through the whirlwind of her thoughts. The screen lit up, and for a moment, Kathryn just stared at it, frozen. She already knew who it was. The unknown number. The one that had been tormenting her.Her fingers moved slowly, almost unwillingly, to unlock the phone. The message from the u
Chapter 37"Kathryn is pregnant?" Lyon’s voice came out low, as though he needed to say it aloud to believe it. His eyes widened, his heart pumping furiously against his chest. Dr. Leo nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yes, Mr. Lyon. Congratulations, you’re going to be a father." For a moment, Lyon just sat there, completely still. Then, a wave of emotion hit him all at once—joy, disbelief, excitement, even a tinge of fear. But above all, he felt a deep, overwhelming happiness. A grin spread across his face, growing wider and wider. He leaned back in the chair, running a hand through his hair. "A father," he muttered to himself, his voice filled with awe. "Kathryn and I... we’re having a baby." Dr. Leo chuckled softly. "Yes, and from what I can tell, she’s in good health. She’ll need care and support, of course, but this is wonderful news for you both." Lyon stood up abruptly, unable to contain his excitement. He paced the room, his hands on his hips, then clasped together, the
Chapter 38“Kathryn, I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, rushing toward her. “Are you alright? Where have you been?” His concern was evident, but the soft smile on his lips faded the moment he saw her face. She stood there, just a few steps inside the room, holding a file tightly in her hand. Her eyes were cold, distant, and devoid of the warmth he wasn't used to. There was an air about her, one that made Lyon’s heart sink. “Kathryn?” he called softly, taking a hesitant step toward her.Without a word, she walked further in, closing the gap between them. When she was just a few feet away, she stopped abruptly, her hand trembling slightly as she tossed the file at him. It hit his chest and fell to the floor with a soft thud. “I’m done,” she said, her voice steady but low, as though she was forcing herself to say the words aloud. “We’re getting a divorce.”Lyon froze, the words hanging heavily in the air. For a moment, he thought he’d misheard her. “Divorce?” he repeated, his v
Chapter 39Gling! Wendy's phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up briefly. She picked it up, her perfectly manicured nails clicking against the device as she swiped to read the message. “I've done as you said and I hope you keep your words too."A slow, wicked smirk crept across her face, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She let out a low chuckle, the kind that made the others at the table pause. “Fools,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she tossed the phone carelessly onto the table. “What’s that about?” one of the men asked, leaning forward with interest. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and clearly eager to stay in Wendy's good graces. Wendy leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs gracefully. She picked up her drink, swirling the amber liquid inside the glass as if savoring her victory. “Kathryn is finally gone,” she said, her voice dripping with triumph. “Everything is falling into place exactly as I planned.” The group erupted in laug
Chapter 40Kathryn dragged her suitcase slowly across the tiled floor of the parlor, her steps heavy with hesitation, but her face set with determination.The soft screech of the bag's wheels seemed to echo louder than usual, filling the thick silence between her and Lyon, who sat slouched on the couch, staring blankly at the glass in his hand. From the kitchen, Fiona emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. Her brow furrowed when she saw Kathryn near the door, her bags in tow. "Katy, what's going on?" Fiona asked, stepping closer and grabbing Kathryn's hand. Kathryn shook her head softly, glancing at Fiona. "Fiona, just... go back to what you were doing," she said, her voice low but firm. "I don’t understand," Fiona insisted, gripping Kathryn’s hand tighter. "What’s happening? Why are you leaving?" Kathryn sighed, pulling her hand free. "I’m going, Fiona. It’s... it’s over." Fiona glanced at Lyon, who hadn’t moved or spoken. His face was void of any emotion, his focus on th
Chapter 41Lyon sat in a corner outside his study, he had set like a mini office, the dim light from his desk lamp casting shadows over his face. Papers were strewn across the table, but his eyes weren’t focused on them. His hands rested on his temples, his jaw clenched tightly as though it was the only thing keeping him together. Downstairs, Fiona stood near the kitchen door, clutching a tray of tea she had prepared. She hesitated for a moment, staring at the staircase, before taking a deep breath and walking up. “Mr. Lyon?” Fiona called softly, standing at the edge of the doorframe. Lyon didn’t look up. His fingers drummed against the desk, a steady beat in the heavy silence. “Sir, I just brought some tea... I thought it might help,” she continued, stepping into the room. “I don’t need tea, Fiona,” Lyon said without turning, his tone sharp but low. She paused, her nerves prickling at the coldness in his voice. “I just thought... you haven’t eaten all day, and—” “I said
Chapter 42"You're pregnant? And the father let you out on the streets?" James roared, his voice echoing off the small walls of the apartment. His hands gripped the armrest of the chair he sat in, his knuckles white with anger. Kathryn flinched slightly at his outburst, her hands trembling as she folded them in her lap. She hadn’t expected James to react this way. He wasn’t just upset, he was furious, protective even. "No, no," Kathryn said hurriedly, trying to calm him down. "He didn’t leave me... I did." Her voice was soft, almost inaudible. She couldn’t meet his eyes, the weight of her decision still pressing heavily on her chest. James’ face softened, his anger shifting to confusion. He leaned forward, his tone gentler now. "You left? Why, Kathryn? What happened?" Kathryn shook her head, biting her lip to keep the tears from falling. "I don’t want to talk about it," she murmured. "But I left for the best, for me and what’s best for my baby." James let out a heavy sigh,
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