As Ethan left the station, his posture remained sharp, controlled, even as the chaos of flashing cameras and shouting reporters descended like a storm. The press had already swarmed the premises, but Carter, backed by a squad of security, moved swiftly to carve out a protective path.They formed a human barrier, guiding Ethan through the frenzy to his waiting car. He slid inside, calmly buckling his seatbelt, and pulled out his phone—the one he had handed to Detective Chen earlier had been a decoy, a secured device meant to protect what was left of the blackboard.He stared at the screen, fingers hovering. His eyes found that video again, the one Eliot had sent him. He’d played it more times than he cared to admit. Still, his thumb tapped the play button as if pulled by a force beyond him.The video started, its familiar dim light flickering to life. Eliot sat hunched in the shadows, his face barely illuminated by the soft glow of a single lamp. His eyes, bloodshot and glassy, glisten
"How have you been?" Ethan’s voice was a melody Brandon hadn’t realized how much he missed until now. It flowed through him, stirring emotions he thought he had buried.A sob escaped Brandon, slow at first, then overwhelming. "My world’s been dark, Ethan. Empty without you. I’ve been lost—without purpose, without direction," he admitted.Ethan’s sigh resounded through the phone, regret hanging in the space between them. "I’m sorry things ended the way they did," he said softly. "I was... overwhelmed. Everything became too much, and it hurt me when you lost faith in us. In me.""I’m sorry too," Brandon whispered, his breath hitching. "If you give me just one more chance, I swear I’ll make things right."Ethan’s response came quietly, but there was a strength in it that made Brandon’s chest tighten. "No... if you give me the chance, I’ll make it golden. I hurt you, Brandon. In more ways than I can count. I broke you. I broke us. But I realized, after losing you, how much I love you. You
Meanwhile, Ethan’s home was a hive of activity, buzzing with preparations. It felt like a royal banquet was about to take place—anticipation thick in the air. The garden, which usually stood simple and serene, had been transformed into a romantic haven. Twinkling fairy lights draped overhead, casting a soft, ethereal glow.Roses in shades of blush and ivory lined the pathways, their sweet fragrance blending with the gentle hum of the evening breeze. Lanterns flickered on every table, surrounded by arrangements of lush greenery, making the entire setting feel as if it had been plucked from a storybook. There were lavender roses at the left corner. A soft melody floated through the air, the sound of strings tuning, hinting at a live quartet waiting for the right moment to strike a chord.Inside the house, high-end chefs moved in a synchronized dance through the kitchen, crafting an array of gourmet dishes. The counters were filled with fresh ingredients, gleaming utensils, and simmering
As soon as the ticking hand of Brandon’s wristwatch struck 8 PM, he snatched his car keys and hurried to the garage. He’d been dressed since 4 PM, after meticulously packing everything he’d bought and prepared into the car. The hours had dragged, and now, at last, it was time to make his way to Ethan's.Sliding into the driver’s seat, Brandon started the car, letting out a small dance of joy. He thought about calling Ethan to let him know he was on his way but decided against it. "Texting is better," he mumbled to himself, grabbing his phone and typing out a quick message: "I can't wait to see you tonight, baby."Just as he was about to tuck the phone away, the screen lit up with Ethan’s response: "I can’t wait either."That was all the fuel Brandon needed. His heart leaped with joy as he hit the gas, heading towards the only place that felt like home—where Ethan would be waiting.The universe seemed to be on his side. The roads were clear, no traffic to slow him down. Everything was
"Can you at least tell me how he died?" Brandon demanded, his voice shaking as he shuffled uncomfortably in his seat, the cold handcuffs biting into his wrists. Every breath felt heavy, suffocating."He was poisoned," the leader replied casually from the front seat, never bothering to look back. His focus remained on the iPad in his hands, as if discussing Ethan’s death was just another part of his job.Brandon’s heart felt like it stopped. Poisoned? The air in the van felt thick and choking now, barely enough to keep him from spiraling into full-blown panic. "Poisoned." The word rang one too many times in his mind. Ethan was supposed to be waiting for him, alive, full of life and love. The idea that someone had deliberately harmed him—taken him away—was excruciating.He needed to speak to someone, anyone who could snap him out of this nightmare. Carter, maybe. Or even Britney. Just one call to confirm this wasn’t happening, that it was all some twisted joke. His eyes burned with unsh
Noah adjusted his suit with a calm elegance, his silver hair catching the light as he eased into the head chair. His gaze was impenetrable, commanding authority and showing indifference that made everyone hold their breath. "Elizabeth, darling, take a seat," he instructed.Without hesitation, Elizabeth obeyed, retreating to her chair like an obedient child, though the fire in her eyes remained. There was something strikingly similar between Noah and Ethan—their calm demeanor in the face of unusual situations. It was a calm too perfect to be real, especially given the circumstances, and yet it exuded an aura of power. Despite their polarizing personalities, both men were breathtakingly magnetic, even when drenched in negativity."I'm not going to waste your time or mine," Noah began, folding his hands over his lap, his voice smooth and unnervingly measured. "And I apologize for the way you were brought here. Must’ve been rough." His lips curled into a thin smile, almost as if he found
"He’s not here yet, Brit. He was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago. Do you think he changed his mind? Did he back out?" Ethan’s voice was frantic as he paced back and forth, tugging at his shirt cuffs for the umpteenth time. His nerves had overtaken him completely, and every passing minute felt like an eternity.The garden was breathtaking. It looked like a scene out of a dream, with every detail meticulously arranged. Colorful birds chirped softly from cages, their songs blending with the scent of roses, lavender and jasmine that filled the air. The sun-like lamps lit in every corner bathed the space in a golden hue, adding to the magical ambiance. Ethan had worked hard to make everything perfect for this day—their day. But as the minutes ticked by, his heart raced faster, uncertainty eating him up."Relax, Ethan. He wouldn't back out," Britney’s voice came through the phone, trying to soothe him. "Have you called him yet?""I haven’t. I was... I don’t know. I thought I’d call y
Brandon's boots clicked against the wooden floor, the sound creaking through the silence as he turned to leave. The creak of his leather jacket and the soft jingle of his belt buckle accompanied his departure, but Ethan grabbed his arm.The grip wasn’t tight, but it was desperate. “Please, Brandon, listen to me. I planned on coming clean tonight. I don’t want any more secrets between us. I want to be honest.”“Honest?” Brandon yanked his arm free, eyes blazing with betrayal. “You waited all this time to tell me you killed my mother? That you sent my father to jail? Brainwashed my sister and me into testifying against him? And you—” his voice cracked, “you’ve been watching me, keeping tabs on me for years. You knew who I was long before I worked for you. You used me, Ethan.”Ethan stood frozen for a beat. “How did you find out?”Brandon’s laugh was bitter, harsh. “Is that what matters right now? Elizabeth—your sister—your first sister, and your father opened my eyes. I thought they wer
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