"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
The Lumière Theatre stood like a shimmering mirage in the heart of the city, its façade a breathtaking fusion of Art Nouveau whimsy and modern architectural daring. Delicate iron latticework twined around gleaming glass panels, creating the illusion of a structure woven from moonlight and dreams. As Brandon and Britney approached, the afternoon sun caught the building's curves, sending prismatic rainbows dancing across the sidewalk."It's like something out of a fairytale," Britney murmured, her earlier tension momentarily forgotten in the face of such beauty.Brandon's eyes sparkled with childlike wonder. "Can you believe Eliot Bassett himself designed this place? It's not just a theatre, it's a work of art! The man was into construction. Now it all makes sense why he chose specific venues for each performance. ""Seriously, the man is a living legend. An embodiment of talent," Britney added.The both sang Eliot's praises as they knew more about him than anyone else in the touring gr
The Lumière Theatre pulsed with anticipation as the house lights dimmed. Brandon leaned forward, his breath caught in his throat, fingers curled tightly around the armrests. Beside him, Britney sat perfectly still, her face a mask of polite interest that didn't quite reach her eyes.The curtain rose, revealing a stage transformed into a dreamscape. Gossamer fabrics in shades of purple billowed like clouds, while delicate lavender blossoms seemed to float in midair, suspended on nearly invisible wires. At the center of it all stood Eliot Bassett, a figure both frail and powerful, patches of his gray hair catching the soft light like a halo. He was going bald from the cancer.As Eliot began to speak, his rich baritone filled the theatre, releasing words that held the audience spellbound. Brandon found himself transported, carried along on the current of Eliot's emotions as he spoke of love found and lost, of regrets that he suffered through the years.The performance unfolded like a fev
Things had been overwhelmingly busy for Ethan. His new assistant wasn't of much help, leaving Ethan to solely handle everything. Seriously, he realized that no assistant past or present could beat Brandon's competence.He was preoccupied with work all morning and afternoon. The air hummed with the low murmur of voices as Ethan, Aldo, Navida, and a handful of associates wrapped up their virtual meeting. He then proceeded to have his pen scratch across document after document, his brow furrowed in concentration.The door creaked open, and Kevin Bear, Ethan's new assistant, entered. At twenty-eight, Kevin cut a striking figure with his dark brown hair styled in a sleek, side-parted undercut that highlighted his sharp jawline. His black suit was neat, the white dress shirt fitting against his warm-toned skin. A slim tie with a subtle pattern completed the ensemble.Kevin hesitated at the threshold, his fingers fidgeting with the cuff of his sleeve. "Mr. Asher, you have—" he began, his voi
The Grecian sun had kissed their skin to a golden hue, but the seven days of bliss were drawing to a close for Britney and Brandon. Their suitcases stood sentinel in the living room, half-packed reminders that their 2 PM departure was close. The siblings moved about their penthouse, gathering and inspecting every corner to make sure nothing is been forgotten.Throughout their stay, their father had become a ghost, vanishing into thin air streets after their initial encounter. While Britney found relief in his absence, Brandon's mind was filled with unfinished business. He wanted justice so badly; he couldn't allow a lying murderer to roam free. His heart hardened – once back in Seattle, he would track down Collins and ensure he returned to where he belonged: behind bars.Britney zipped her suitcase with a dramatic sigh. "I can't believe we have to leave already. Can't you get an extension?" She turned to Brandon, her lower lip protruding in an exaggerated pout that belied the genuine
The incessant buzzing of Ethan's phone pierced through the veil of his restless sleep. He groaned, reaching for the device with the intention of silencing it. As his bleary eyes focused on the screen, he scrambled to sit up on his bed, heart pounding."BREAKING: Renowned Poet Eliot Bassett Found Dead"Below the headline, a photo of Ethan and Eliot locked in an intimate embrace stared back at him. His breath caught in his throat. "No," he whispered, voice hoarse. "No, no, no."With trembling fingers, he dialed his most trusted sources, praying for a denial, a retraction, anything but confirmation. But with each call, the terrible truth solidified, settling like lead in his stomach."I'm sorry, Mr. Asher," Carter's voice quavered over the line. "It's been confirmed. Mr. Bassett was found in his hotel room early this morning. They're saying it was a heart attack, but there are whispers of foul play, and... and you're being implicated."Ethan couldn't hear the rest. The phone slipped from
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