Brandon’s heart pounded in his chest as he lunged at Henry, adrenaline coursing through his veins. His hands found purchase on Henry’s shoulders, and with a violent shove, he sent the man flying backward into the corner. Henry hit the ground with a heavy thud, a grunt of pain escaping his lips as he slumped against the wall.Brandon didn’t wait to see the damage. He bolted for the door, tearing it open and sprinting toward his car. His breath came in ragged gasps as he fumbled for his keys, unlocking the door and tossing the folder into the passenger seat with shaking hands. But as he reached for the driver’s side door, something tugged at him. A gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach told him to turn back, to check on Henry.He couldn’t shake the image of Henry, crumpled in the corner like that. The man was old, and Brandon had been rough—too rough. What if he’d hurt him worse than he realized?Brandon hesitated, his fingers trembling as he hovered near the door handle. The folder
Brandon’s heart pounded in his chest as he crept through the house, carefully avoiding anyone who might still be awake. His steps felt heavier with each passing moment, the weight of what he’d done threatening to crush him. "Killed a man," he kept thinking. It echoed in his head over and over until it was all he could hear.Once he reached the bathroom, he locked the door and caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Blood—Henry’s blood—smeared across his clothes, his hands, and even his face. His eyes widened in horror at the sight. The reality of it all finally sank in, and the floodgates opened. He collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.He was disgusted with himself. He had taken a life. "A human life."When the tears finally slowed, he rose to his feet and quickly stripped off his clothes, unable to bear the sight of them any longer. They felt like they were suffocating him. He grabbed a pair of scissors from the drawer and began cutting them into shreds, piece by piece,
A few days passed, and Brandon continued to ignore not just Ethan but also Britney. He made sure to slip out of the house early, well before she woke up, heading straight to the office. After work, he would quietly sneak back home.But today was different. After a long, draining meeting that left him feeling depressed, Brandon decided to march into Ethan’s office. He knocked gently on the door, greeted Becky, and stepped inside.“Well, look who finally decided to show up after avoiding me for days,” Ethan remarked, loosening his tie as he set his gaze on Brandon.Brandon moved closer to him. “I’m sorry, baby. I’ve just been so preoccupied with work,” he lied, trying to sound convincing.“I run this company, and I’m extremely busy too, but nothing is ever important enough to keep me from seeing you. We’re all busy, but when you love someone, you make time for them. That’s how it works.”“I know, I’m sorry,” Brandon mumbled, leaning in for a kiss. “Actually, I’ve been planning something
Ethan’s breath caught in his throat as the car came to a halt. Sicily. His hometown. He hadn’t stepped foot in these streets in years. Now, being here again felt like a burden settling into his chest, heavy and unyielding. The sun sat high in the sky, casting a golden glow that reflected off the cobbled streets. The air carried that familiar blend of salt and earth, tugging at long-forgotten corners of his memory.They stepped out of the car in silence. The modest hotel Brandon had booked wasn’t extravagant, but it was thoughtful—an intimate place for them to stay. Ethan appreciated the gesture, though he couldn’t help but glance at Brandon, noticing the weariness etched into his face. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes, usually bright and steady, seemed distant, lost in some thought he wasn’t sharing.“You sure you’re okay?” Ethan asked for what felt like the hundredth time, his voice quieter than usual.Brandon gave him a weak smile, the kind that barely lifted the corners of his li
Ethan approached Brandon, keeping his face blank but his steps alert. He hadn’t wanted to admit it at first—hadn’t wanted to confront the truth that had been killing him within since they started talking about his past. But now, standing in front of Brandon, it felt impossible to ignore.Ethan’s gaze softened, and his voice lowered to a vulnerable murmur. “You were right, Brandon,” he began, hesitating just long enough for the words to land. “I’ve been holding onto things for too long—anger, resentment. All these emotions that I thought were protecting me, but really... they’ve been keeping me stuck.”Brandon’s expression remained calm, but his eyes was filled with something—perhaps relief, perhaps understanding. He stayed quiet, letting Ethan say what needed to be said.“I’ve avoided this place for years,” Ethan continued, glancing at the dilapidated house in front of them. “I thought if I didn’t look back, if I didn’t confront any of it, I could move on. But I was wrong. I need to f
Ethan handed Brandon a glass of water, his gaze soft with concern as he watched Brandon’s shaky hands grasp the cup. “Take it slow,” Ethan murmured, his voice low and soothing. Brandon nodded, sipping carefully, feeling the cool liquid coat his dry throat, but it did little to settle the turmoil inside him.Once Brandon’s breathing evened out, Ethan asked gently, “What happened? Why were you apologizing?”Brandon hesitated, his chest tightening under the weight of his lie before it even escaped his lips. He glanced down at the floor, avoiding Ethan’s eyes. “It was just a bad dream,” he muttered, forcing a casual shrug. “Ever since that attack… I get these nightmares. Like I’m being murdered all over again.”Ethan’s expression darkened with guilt, and he reached out, clasping Brandon’s hand in his. “I’m so sorry,” Ethan whispered, his thumb brushing the back of Brandon’s hand in small, comforting strokes. “I swear, I’ll never let anything like that happen to you again.”A lump of guilt
Ethan’s fingers tapped rhythmically against his phone as he made the call to secure a penthouse in the city. He arranged for security to pick them up, ensuring everything was in place before ending the call with a sigh. As they waited for the transport, tension hung in the air between him and Brandon, neither speaking as the weight of the night bore down on them.When the security detail finally arrived, Ethan gestured for Brandon to follow him out. They settled into the armored car, the hum of the engine a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts that raced through Ethan’s mind. He couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that they were being watched, the invisible threat lurking somewhere beyond his reach.Once they arrived at the penthouse, Ethan checked every room, inspecting the locks and security systems while Brandon stood by, watching him with concern. The luxury of the place did nothing to ease the tension between them, and as the night stretched on, Ethan couldn’t sleep. He sta
The flight back to Seattle was tense, a suffocating silence wrapping itself around Ethan and Brandon. Ethan's jaw clenched as he stared out the window, feeling the weight of unspoken words between them. Brandon's fingers drummed against his knee, his heart racing with worry. Neither had said much since they boarded the plane, the air thick with something more than just unease.Once they arrived, there was no time to waste. Brandon led the way, marching into the house with Ethan trailing close behind. His steps were hurried, each footfall heavy with anxiety. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was happening behind that closed door, where his sister had isolated herself for days.They stopped outside Britney’s room. Brandon leaned against the door, his forehead pressed to the wood, as if hoping to feel her presence through it. He knocked softly, his voice trembling with desperation. "Britney, I don't know what's going on, but please... open the door. It's me."There wa
Christmas...The warmth of the fireplace filled the room, the crackling of the flames blending with the soft hum of Christmas carols playing in the background. The Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its branches covered in twinkling lights and delicate ornaments that shimmered in the soft glow. Outside, snow fell gently, blanketing the world in a peaceful white. Inside, the laughter of family could be heard through the house, filling every corner with love and joy.Around the large dining table, everyone was gathered. Nana, looking radiant and content, cradled one of her twin boys in her arms while the other rested peacefully in a bassinet nearby. She'd given birth two weeks ago and everyone has been supportive.Her recovery over the past few months had been nothing short of miraculous, and the glow on her face was proof of the happiness she had found. She and Brandon had grown close, their bond deepening as they shared stories and leaned on each other through the ups and dow
A WEEK LATER...The sky was painted in shades of soft blues and blush pinks, with the occasional puff of cloud dotting the horizon. Birds soared high, their wings glinting in the sunlight, as if celebrating alongside the hundreds of guests below. There was something in the air—something gentle and full of love, as though the universe itself was smiling down on this day. The slow ringing of bells hummed throughout the city, the sound weaving its way through the streets and gardens where the wedding was about to take place.The garden itself was like something out of a fairytale. A vast space covered in greenery, with towering trees draped in delicate white flowers. Tiny twinkling lights were strung between the branches, looking magical. The path leading to the altar was lined with blooming roses in every color imaginable, reds and whites swirling together like a painter’s masterpiece. Chandeliers hung from the arches, their crystals catching the sun, reflecting rainbows onto the guests
They made it through every storm, and now, they would live to love and cherish.*****With Aldo's help and Ethan’s connections, it didn’t take long to find Nana. Ethan and Brandon were stepping out of the car, breathing in the damp, cold air of Ireland as they looked at the modest house ahead. Ethan already disliked the neighbourhood. He hadn’t seen his sister in years, and he wasn’t sure how he’d react. He squeezed Brandon’s hand, a nervous energy running through him.Brandon, ever the optimist, linked arms with him and smiled. “We’ll handle this together,” he whispered.The porch creaked beneath their feet as they walked up to the door. Ethan raised his hand, knocking with a hesitation he wasn’t used to feeling. A few moments passed, and finally, the door creaked open.“Na—” The name caught in Ethan’s throat. The woman standing before him, her body hunched as if she'd age five times more. She barely resembled the sister he once knew. But her eyes—those distinct, beautiful blue eyes
Collins stood in front of Brandon, his smile warm, though his eyes held scars and sadness of years lost. His suit, while simple, fit him perfectly, and despite everything he had been through, he looked healthier, more at ease than Brandon had seen in years. There was something peaceful about him now—a quietness that only comes with closure.“He’s just trying to be nice,” Collins said, grinning at Brandon. “But I’ll tell you, your man really went all out to find me. Ethan had me tracked down, got me out of that mess I was in. Then he hired one of the best lawyers in the country. We’re still working on clearing my record entirely, but it’s in motion.”Brandon looked at Ethan, his heart filled with gratitude. He had known Ethan was working behind the scenes to find his father, but he hadn’t realized the lengths Ethan had gone to. It was overwhelming, this outpouring of love, this commitment to not just him but his family.“I... I don’t know what to say,” Brandon whispered, his voice catc
One moth later...A month had passed, and the world outside felt a little less dangerous. The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth spilling over the quiet garden outside Ethan's home. The smell of fresh herbs filling the air, and the birds sang in the trees, oblivious to the trials that had brought Brandon and Ethan to this moment. Inside the house, you could perceive the scent of warm bread and sizzling bacon, the morning routine continuing as usual.Brandon stood in the kitchen, setting out breakfast with careful hands, his mind only half-focused on the task. His heart, though, had never been more full. He glanced toward the living room where Ethan sat, propped up on the couch, still pale but improving with every day. There was color in his cheeks now, though he was often feverish, and his wound—a constant source of worry—had gotten infected twice in the past few weeks. But with a team of specialists and round-the-clock care, Ethan was healing.In the beginning, it had been terrifyi
In the midst of the chaos, a strong hand suddenly grabbed Elizabeth’s arm, yanking her away from the crane’s remote. The container stopped just inches above the crumpled car, leaving Brandon shaken but still alive. His breaths were ragged, his body trembling with fear. He would never forget surviving this near-death experienceEthan’s knees buckled beneath him, the adrenaline fading as the blood loss caught up. He exhaled sharply, fighting to stay conscious, but the world was spinning. Strong arms caught him before he collapsed completely, and through his fading vision, he saw Carter’s worried face hovering above him."We got here just in time," Carter said, his voice calm but his eyes filled with concern. "Hang on, Ethan."Ethan’s voice was faint. "Brandon… is he okay?"Carter nodded, glancing toward the car where medics were pulling Brandon out. "He’s fine. You saved him."Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, the exhaustion too much for him to handle. He had fought with everything he
Noah’s expression darkened. "She found out about my real business—human trafficking, organ harvesting. She was going to expose me. And yes, I killed her with my own hands. She wasn’t afraid of me. She loved you more than she ever loved me." His voice took on a cold edge. "So I made her pay for it."Grief and anger choked Ethan. "She was five months pregnant, Noah. Pregnant with your son. She was everything I ever wanted in a mother, and you took her from me.""I can have as many children as I want, Ethan. But if I were caught, my business, my reputation—everything I built would be gone. I won’t be taken down because of some woman."Brandon, from the crushed remains of his hope, couldn’t stay silent. "It’s always been about you, hasn’t it, Noah? Your ego. Your reputation. You destroyed my family and yours because all you care about is power.""Shut your mouth, bitch," Elizabeth snapped, slapping him hard across the face. "You know nothing about power."Ethan, his voice hoarse from the
Ethan’s fist landed with brutal precision, sinking into Ethan’s stomach. Ethan doubled over in pain, gasping as he felt the burn spread through his abdomen. His hand instinctively flew to the spot, feeling the sting of fresh blood where the wound was."You son of a bitch," Ethan spat between ragged breaths, his eyes burning with defiance.Noah, towering over him with a twisted smirk, gripped Ethan’s jaw, forcing him to look up. "How dare you call me mad, you son of a whore? A mere slave," Noah growled, tightening his hold.Ethan laughed bitterly, the sound more of a wince than amusement. "I see you’ve gone mentally unstable too, father," he mocked. "How am I the son of a slave? Last I checked, you were just a sperm donor. And as for being a slave, well, maybe to your greed, your adultery, and your lies."Noah’s eyes flared, and his grip on Ethan’s jaw tightened, making it difficult for him to speak. "I made you," Noah hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "And I’ll break you.""You’v
Ethan staggered forward, his hand pressed against his stomach, trying to stanch the bleeding. Outside, it began to rain.His breath came in ragged bursts as he pushed through the sheets of rain that poured down on him. Brandon was just ahead, darkness in the storm, sprinting as though he could outrun everything crushing him from behind."Brandon, wait!" Ethan’s voice was hoarse, almost swallowed by the roaring wind and rolling thunder. Each step sent a fresh jolt of pain through his body, but he kept moving, forcing himself onward. He had to catch him.Brandon didn’t stop. He didn’t even slow down. His feet pounded against the pavement, faster and faster, as if the rain pouring over his face was washing away the memories—the lies, the betrayal, all of it. His chest burned, and his heart screamed louder than the storm, but he couldn’t stop now. He wouldn’t.Ethan’s words cut through the rain. "I didn’t kill anyone, Brandon!" His voice broke, desperate.Brandon spun around, his face twis