It was so cruel how the world moved on without you. No pause for your absence, no regard for the empty space you left behind. Life marched on relentlessly, indifferent to the loss that consumed you. Ethan had learned that harsh lesson too well in the past three months.Three months of pain. Three months of searching. Three months of alcohol—every glass draining just a little more of his already hollow soul. It never dulled the hurt, but at least it kept him numb enough to function. The news of Becky, Tracey, Alexander, and so many others dying in the bomb blast shattered something deep inside him.Becky's death cut deepest. Though he'd never openly acknowledged it, she'd been more than just an employee. Her bright laughter and playful jabs had chipped away at his defenses, earning her a special place in his hardened heart. Her unwavering competence, loyalty, and compassion had made her an invaluable asset, but it was her kindness that had truly resonated with him.Becky treated everyo
"I'm thirsty," Brandon mumbled, his voice hoarse from days of dehydration.Yes, we all thought he was dead. Turns out, he was barely alive.Penelope, ever eager to care for him in her twisted way, grabbed a bottle of water. "Let me help you with it," she offered, her voice sickly sweet as she bent down to place the top of the bottle against his cracked lips.Brandon snatched it from her. "Don't touch me, you filthy whore!" he spat, his voice weak.Penelope's face tightened for a moment, but she forced a calm smile. "You know I've been faithful to you. And, I would be faithful to you forever. Don't make me out to be the bad person here."Sneering, Brandon glared at her. "Aren't you a horrible person?" His voice was low, filled with a contempt that had grown like a wildfire over the past few months.Penelope shook her head, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "No, I'm not. I’m just in love with you.""You must be mad," Brandon growled. "You cheated on me and then married someone else.
As Brandon stood under the hot spray of water, letting it wash over his gaunt, malnourished body, all he could think about was Ethan. The man who had once held his trust so completely, who he thought was the one betrayed him. Worse of all, he kept questioning himself if Ethan was behind the explosion.The thought was dirty to accept, twisting his stomach into painful knots. The very reason Ethan had confined him in the house now seemed to carry darker undertones. Maybe Ethan wanted him gone—along with their secret.Maybe Ethan thought that if Brandon disappeared, buried under the ashes of that house, no one would ever know the truth. Their love would die in silence, forgotten by the world. Ethan had betrayed him before but going to this extent? The doubt plagued Brandon day and night.As the water streamed down his face, mixing with his tears, Brandon’s mind overturned with questions that had no answers. What had he been fighting for all this time? Why did he make those rash decisions
The bathroom was a cramped, dreary space—barely enough to fit Brandon, let alone another person. It was tidy, yes, stocked with all the necessary toiletries, but it lacked warmth. It felt like a prison, much like everything else Penelope had given him. Except, this wasn’t just a prison for his body—it was one for his mind.Brandon stepped out, his damp skin immediately assaulted by the chill in the air. Penelope was there, as always, ready to dry him off like some deranged housewife, wiping him down with a towel before handing him a bottle of lotion. "Moisturize," she said, her voice was relaxed. Too relaxed for anyone not to be concerned.After months of captivity, even her softest words were harsh to his ears.Then came the suit. Black, formal, and completely out of place for a man who hadn't been allowed to see the sun in months. He dressed silently, knowing it wasn’t worth the argument. He had learned that Penelope thrived on his resistance.Every day, Brandon mentally escaped his
"Enough of this reunion!" Penelope barked, slamming her hand on the table. "I'm the focus of tonight.""You're crazy!" Britney spat, her voice unsteady but defiant."I keep telling her that," Brandon added, his eyes locked on Penelope, burning with rage.Penelope didn’t seem phased, her grin widening at the accusation. "I did this for us, Brandon. You’ll see soon enough."Brandon turned to Britney, his mind racing. "How did she get you out of the house that day? We searched everywhere and found nothing. You just vanished."Britney glanced at Penelope, then back at Brandon. She looked as though she was struggling to find the right words, her mouth opening and closing as if too afraid to speak. "She... she drugged me," Britney finally whispered. "I woke up here. I... I can't remember anything. The last thing I remember is coming back home from shopping with Lornado. After that, nothing else. I just woke up here and has been caged." Her voice broke, and Brandon noticed the dark bruises o
Once the dinner was cleared away, Penelope stood tall, her face glowing with smug satisfaction. The air around her seemed to pleasurable as she surveyed her prisoners—Brandon and Britney, both bound by her twisted desires."I know you want Brandon happy," Penelope said, as if speaking to a dear friend, "I'm the one who can give him everything he deserves. Give us your blessing, Brit. You're like the sister I never had."Britney shot up from her seat, her palms flat on the table, gripping the wood as if her hands could crush it to dust. “Don’t call me Brit. Don’t ever compare me to a sister you never had because if I was your sister, I would’ve strangled you myself. And for the record, you’ll never get my blessing. Only my curse and my rage.”Brandon couldn't help but feel proud watching his sister’s fiery resistance. Despite everything she had endured, she was still fierce, still standing.Penelope’s smile briefly faded. Her eyes darkened as she focused on Britney. “I see you haven’t
It was supposed to be the end. The pain, the blood, and then death—those were the only things Britney thought she’d have to face. But as the gunshot echoed, two more followed. Penelope’s intentions had been brutally clear. She wanted Britney dead, shattered to pieces. But something went wrong.Yelling, Britney dropped to the ground, bracing for the hail of bullets that never came. The first shot had been so poorly aimed it hit the wall. The second and third weren’t Penelope’s doing. She was already crumpled on the floor, curled into a ball, her knees drawn to her chest. The gun she had held minutes ago now lay a few inches from her, blood trickling from her hand.Brandon was still on the bed, his chest heaving as he mumbled incoherently. Britney peeked out from her crouched position, her mind racing. She was supposed to be dead—but she wasn’t. Slowly, she lifted her head, her vision sharpening just enough to see the silhouette of an elegantly dressed man stepping through the doorway.
Jacob coughed, blood staining his lips, but he straightened up despite the pain. "You’ve already lost, Penelope. This isn’t a fight you can win."Outside, the chaos raged on—gunfire, the screams of wounded men blending with the sounds of the battle. Penelope’s eyes darted toward the door, her confidence withering.Britney’s heart drummed, but she forced herself to stand her ground. Jacob was barely holding on, and Brandon was slipping further out of consciousness in the corner. Time was running out."You’re not killing anyone," Britney let out. "You’re not in control anymore, Penelope. This is over. You’re delusional if you think any of this will make Brandon love you."Penelope’s grip on the gun tightened, her eyes wild and desperate. "You don’t understand. I need him. He’s the only one who ever mattered."Jacob, bleeding and hunched over, let out a harsh, pained laugh. "You’re finished, and you don’t even know it. He loves someone else."Penelope's eyes narrowed, her lip curling in
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