The moment Ethan's car skidded to a halt in front of his vast estate, a team of medical professionals was already waiting, their expressions steely with focus. The sprawling mansion, usually serene and imposing, buzzed with a different kind of energy tonight—urgent, heavy, life-threatening.As soon as the car doors swung open, the medical team rushed forward, swarming like ants to their assigned tasks. Jacob, still pale and weak from the multiple surgeries, was gently but swiftly pulled onto a stretcher. His body was fragile, hooked up to IVs and surrounded by a small fleet of doctors barking orders and checking vitals as they wheeled him inside.Aldo, hovering close behind, looked like a man on the edge of collapse. His eyes were dark with exhaustion, fear etched deep into the lines of his face. But he didn’t say a word. He just kept a hand on Jacob’s shoulder, grounding himself in the touch.Brandon, still somewhat disoriented the drugs but more aware than before, stumbled as he tri
Aldo tightened his grip on the doctor’s collar, shaking with rage and desperation. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded, practically lifting the man off the ground."Sir, we’re doing everything we can," the doctor gasped, his whole body shivering. "Mr. Ford’s condition is critical. The bullet missed his spine by inches. He’s undergone five surgeries already, but... his chances of survival are slim—seventy to thirty percent."Aldo’s eyes flared with raw emotion. "He’s strong. My Jacob is stronger than this," he growled, unaware of how tightly he was still holding the doctor until the man’s face turned red, his hands clawing at Aldo's grip for air. Aldo snapped back to reality, releasing the doctor who stumbled away, adjusting his oversized glasses before fleeing down the hall.For the past two days, Aldo hadn’t slept, eaten, or blinked without thinking of Jacob’s survival. He remained stationed outside the operating room, banned from entering, pacing like a caged animal. His consta
As soon as the door to Ethan’s room shut behind them, the fragile thread holding everything together snapped. Ethan’s voice, usually composed and steady, erupted with a fury that had been simmering for too long."You didn’t trust me enough to tell me about Henry!" Ethan shouted, pacing across the room like a raged animal. "You kept Henry from me! You thought I’d cheat on you—worse, that I’d be ashamed of being with you! And Penelope…" His voice cracked with disgust.Brandon flinched, each word gave him clarity on how emotionally naive he was with Ethan. He had braced himself for this, but hearing Ethan’s anger was like standing too close to the fire."Ethan, I’m sorry," Brandon started, his voice small and body trembling. "Everything was falling apart. You were under so much pressure. I thought… I thought I was protecting you by handling it myself. I didn’t know how to explain it. I didn’t want you to see me as a—""A what?" Ethan fumed, spinning to face him. "A murderer? A failure?"
Ethan was in the house, but it felt as though he wasn’t. He moved silently, making sure Brandon never set eyes on him. Each night, he checked on everyone: Jacob, Aldo, and Britney, ensuring they were doing well. When it came to Brandon, Ethan would only sneak a glance from the doorway, his heart heavy as he saw Brandon’s pain without being seen himself. Brandon, for his part, was always crying—secretly, quietly, his heart breaking as he tried to hold himself together. The distance between them was unbearable, and the silence, suffocating.This went on for over two weeks, and it was slowly destroying everyone. Jacob tried to lighten the mood, but the effort was strained; he was in too much pain, still undergoing physiotherapy as he struggled to regain use of both hands. Each attempt to lift the atmosphere was swallowed by the damage that has already been done.Today, though, was the day it would all change. Everyone was leaving.Outside, they stood together in a small, solemn circle. J
Despite the separation, Brandon clung to a sliver of hope that his relationship with Ethan might somehow heal. But as two months passed without any communication between them, the reality of their estrangement began to settle in. The silence was deafening, and it became clear that this wasn’t just a break—it was the end.His job at Wings was gone, too. Fired without so much as a word from Ethan, Brandon was left to pick up the pieces of his life. Being without work wasn’t something he could tolerate for long, so he sent out applications, and luck was on his side. He landed a position as a chef at a high-end restaurant. Yet, oddly, the success only deepened his sadness. It was a stark reminder that Ethan was no longer looking out for him. The Ethan he knew would have intervened, would have stopped him from getting a job, insisting he didn't need to work. Now, Ethan wasn’t there. Brandon had to learn to fend for himself, to move on somehow.Ethan would have gone as far as sabotaging his
The knife sliced through the onions in a steady rhythm, the sound blending with the low chatter coming from the dining room. Brandon moved automatically, his hands following a routine that had become second nature. He wasn't really thinking about the food, or the rush of orders coming in. Tonight, the kitchen felt more like a cage, his movements mechanical, his mind elsewhere."Order up for table seven!"Brandon blinked, snapping back to the present. He slid the plate onto the pass—a simple dish of scallops and asparagus—before turning to the next order. His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it. Probably just some news notification. He didn’t have the energy for anything outside these four walls.Then, the dining room shifted.A murmur rippled through the restaurant like a shockwave, the usual hum of conversation replaced by something more electric. The staff exchanged glances, and Brandon's brow furrowed as he saw a flustered server rushing toward him."Chef Brandon?" she as
The past few months had vanished hurriedly for Ethan. Meals were little more than obligations, and the thought of a quiet dinner seemed almost foreign now. His days folded into each other, a relentless march of meetings and deals. To everyone else, it looked like he was pouring himself into reviving Wings, but that was just the cover. In reality, work was the only thing keeping him from facing himself.And it worked. Wings was thriving, rising from the ashes almost despite his chaotic grip on the reins. He, however, was unraveling beneath the surface.Another night. Another deal. Ethan's handshake lingered a moment longer with Mr. Zoab, his mind already skipping ahead to the next move. The low hum of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses barely registered anymore. He nodded, forced a smile—it was done.Dressed to perfection, he wore power well. But the flawless suit, the controlled expression, none of it could hide what he refused to deal with. Not for much longer.The smile f
The fluorescent lights above seemed to be hanging on to dear life as it consistently blinked, over the cramped, windowless space. Ethan's had adjusted to the drab, gray walls around him.To his left, a metal table bolted to the floor and two chairs, equally immobile, flanked the table like sentinels guarding secrets.Across from him, the mirrored wall loomed, a one-way glass portal to the outside world. The audio recorder on the table seemed to leer, its microphone poised like a snake ready to strike. The video camera in the corner, its lens a cold, unblinking eye, captured every twitch.Ethan's gaze fell on the detective, his expression a mask of calculated indifference. He was unfazed. Too relaxed for someone in that kind of a situation.“The coffee’s cold,” Ethan muttered, spitting it back into the cup.Detective Sarah Chen’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Mr. Asher, you’re not taking this seriously,” she snapped, her voice sharp. “I’m afraid I can’t help you if you keep acting lik
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