The lobby of the Κάλος Hotel gleamed with marble floors and crystal chandeliers, showing luxury that seamlessly blended modern sophistication with subtle nods to ancient Greek aesthetics. Mediterranean plants adorned every corner, their vibrant green leaves complementing the white walls. The gentle trickle of a nearby fountain provided a soothing sound, enhancing the soft strains of a lyre that sounded throughout the environment.At the reception desk, Lornado approached with his characteristic efficiency, his suit as sharp as his focus. The receptionist, a young woman with an impeccable updo and a warm smile, greeted them with practiced charm."Welcome to Κάλος Hotel. How may I assist you today?"Lornado's voice was smooth and authoritative as he spoke. "Reservation for Brandon Daniel, please. The penthouse suite."The receptionist's fingers danced across the keyboard, her eyes widening slightly as she processed the information. "Ah, yes, Mr. Daniel. We've been expecting you. Everyth
The restaurant aptly named "Poseidon's Realm," was breathtaking. Built on a series of platforms extending over the Saronic Gulf, it gave the illusion of floating on water. Glass floors in certain sections allowed diners to peer into the illuminated depths below, where fish darted between swaying seagrasses.The décor was a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary elegance. Ionic columns supported a ceiling painted to resemble the night sky, complete with constellations rendered in twinkling fiber-optic lights. The walls featured elaborate murals depicting scenes from Greek mythology, rendered in a striking modern style.Greece never missed the opportunity to show off its tales, heritage and mythology.Brandon and Britney were seated at a prime table near the edge of the platform, offering a mesmerising view of the moonlit sea. Lornado took up a position at a nearby table, his vigilant gaze sweeping the surroundings even as he maintained a respectful distance.A waitress came sho
As Britney came out from the restroom, the Aegean breeze carried the faint scent of her father's aftershave, reminding her of what she has missed; their family. She collided with Lornado's watchful gaze, his eyes narrowing as they cataloged the subtle shifts in her demeanor."Are you alright, Miss Daniel?" Lornado asked, his usual stoicism cracking to reveal a hint of genuine concern.Britney's fingers instinctively reached for the owl charm on her new bracelet, a nervous habit she'd developed in the short time since receiving the gift. "I'm fine," she lied. "Just a bit tired."She brushed past him, her heels striking a staccato rhythm against the floor. The sound echoed the frantic beating of her heart as she approached their table. Brandon lounged in his chair, enjoying a blue cocktail that mirrored the color of the sea stretching out before them."I'm ready to go," Britney announced abruptly, not bothering to sit.Brandon blinked in surprise, his cocktail forgotten mid-sip. "Alread
Nana, their second sister, had been different. For years, Ethan had clung to the hope that she might be an ally, a lifeline in the toxic sea of their family dynamics. But Nana had chosen self-preservation over sisterly love. She had married young and moved away, turning a blind eye to the abuse Ethan suffered at Noah's hands.Ethan's jaw clenched as he remembered the desperate phone calls, the pleas for help that went unanswered. Nana could have been his rescuer, his knight in shining armor. Instead, she had chosen silence and distance, leaving him to weather the storm alone.The pain of that abandonment still stung, a wound that had never fully healed. Ethan had eventually cut ties with Nana too, unable to reconcile her inaction with the love she claimed to feel for him. Her selfishness had cost her a brother, and Ethan another piece of his already fractured heart.Then there was his father, Noah. The man's uncharacteristic silence was more deafening than any shouting match. Noah was
The sun had barely crested the horizon when Brandon and Britney emerged from their penthouse, eager to embrace another day of their adventure. Four days into their trip, the siblings had fallen into a comfortable rhythm, each morning bringing new experiences and memories, exploring within and outside the city. They just couldn't get enough of the spectacular places the country had.Their first stop was the renowned Thermae Sylla Spa, where they indulged in mineral-rich mud baths and invigorating massages. The scent of eucalyptus and vanilla with the steam rising from the thermal pools, filling theor nostrils, serving as a nerve soothing aid. As skilled hands worked out the knots in his shoulders, Brandon felt the last vestiges of every stress in his body melt away."I could get used to this," he murmured, his voice muffled by the massage table.Britney's laugh tinkled from the next room. "Don't let Ethan hear you say that. He might think you're angling for a permanent vacation."The m
"Are you the one who's been sending me those anonymous texts?" Brandon cut in, realization dawning.Collins nodded eagerly. "Yes, Brandon. I'm trying to warn you. Please, listen. Ethan Asher isn't a saint. You don't know anything about him. He–""I know more about him than I do about my own father," Brandon snapped. "He offered me a job, he's been nothing but helpful after you destroyed our family.""That's because he's feeling–"A soft knock interrupted them. Lornado's voice came through the door, inquiring about the commotion. Brandon dismissed him, claiming it was nothing. The sound of retreating footsteps signaled Lornado's departure."I'm calling the cops," Brandon announced, reaching for his phone.Panic flashed across Collins's face. "No, you can't. Brandon," his voice broke, tears streaming down his weathered cheeks. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."He moved towards the door, checking the hallway before turning back to his children one last time. "Don't trust anyone.
The crystal chandeliers of the Lounge showed shadows across Britney's face, highlighting the defiance blazing in her eyes. She glared up at Lornado, her fingers circling the top of an empty glass. "What does it look like I'm doing?" she drawled, words slightly incoherent.Lornado's jaw clenched, a familiar tension headache building behind his eyes. "It looks like you're drinking," he growled, "which you know damn well you shouldn't be doing."As if summoned by their clash of wills, the waiter came back, another drink balanced on his tray. Britney's lips curved into a sardonic smile, one that sent a jolt of frustration through Lornado's core."Look," Britney purred, reaching for the fresh glass, "I don't need parenting. After all, you're here to serve us, aren't you, Lornado?"In that moment, something snapped within him. Before the drink could touch Britney's lips, Lornado's hand shot out, snatching the glass. With a controlled violence, he sent the glass flying. It shattered against
Brandon perched on a sun-bleached driftwood bench, his fingers tracing the weathered grooves as if they held the answers he sought. No, they didn't. But the environment was relaxing.A nearby jazz quartet coaxed melancholy notes from their instruments, the music twining with the cry of seagulls. He loved the sound."You really screwed up this time, didn't you?" he muttered to himself, replaying his venomous words to Britney. Each word was unkind, and he could still see the hurt blooming in her eyes. She was just a kid, for Christ's sake. A kid playing dress-up in an adult world that threatened to swallow them both whole.As twilight deepened, Brandon's legs propelled him along the boardwalk, muscle memory guiding him while his mind battled. A quaint flower stand caught his eye, its buckets overflowing with adorable blooms that seemed to call out to him."Peonies," he said to the vendor, the ghost of a smile at the corners of his lips. "They're her favorite."The walk back to the penth
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