Hazel couldn’t stop laughing. She supported her big stomach as she continued laughing, which made Alex smile. It had been so long since he’d seen her laugh like this. Her laughter made him smile even more until he finally felt it was enough.“Haze, it’s no joke,” he said, but Hazel kept laughing.“His military boys came earlier to take you. I’ve been outside trying to dismiss them,” he added, yet Hazel laughed even more.“Harden was the one who went to inform him after digging deep into your origin,” Alex added, which finally made Hazel stop laughing. She frowned.“Harden? What does he want from me?” she asked, hitting her forehead.“He wants you away from me, even though he can’t have you,” Alex replied, causing Hazel to scoff.“Do you believe that nonsense, Alex? Aiko Smith, the General of the Military, is my grandfather? Come on, that’s not even possible. Search him online—I look nothing like his Asian face. This is absurd. Goodness,” Hazel said, sighing.“We’re not looking for my
The room was dimly lit by candles. The once-silent atmosphere became lively as moans escaped Hazel’s lips. Her legs were spread wide as Alex busied himself between them.“Ah,” she moaned, her fingers digging deep into Alex’s hair.“A-Alex, I’m… Ahh,” she gasped, pushing her head back as Alex deepened his tongue inside her. He parted her folds with his tongue and pushed deeper while spreading her legs further.“A-Alex, you’re going to separate my legs from my body,” she chuckled, only for Alex’s hot mouth to devour her again. He sucked hard on her clit, making Hazel scream as her body vibrated.“That’s… fucking good, Alex,” she exhaled deeply, sighing in satisfaction.“So, you’re good?” Alex raised his head for Hazel to smile.“Mmm,” she nodded, her eyes drifting to the bulge in his pants.“Let me help,” she offered, but Alex shook his head.“How dare you? I said let me help. All you have to do is sit. Do you get it?” Hazel demanded, her tone playful yet firm.Alex furrowed his brows.
Hazel furrowed her brows at the name, glancing at Alex for clarity, but he remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the General. “My goodness…” the General whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief. “You look just like her.” Hazel frowned, her confusion growing. “Just like who?” she demanded, stepping closer to Alex. “Raina,” the General said, his voice thick with emotion. “She was…” He hesitated, his hands trembling. “She was my mistress, the love of my life. And your grandmother.” Hazel froze, her breath caught in her chest. “What? My parents were John and Gloria Smith. My father never—” The General’s voice grew firm, laced with pain. “Your father, John, was Raina’s son—my son. She hid him from me after my family was massacred. I thought I’d lost everything. But Raina… she disappeared with him, leaving me to believe I was utterly alone.” Hazel’s eyes widened, her heart pounding. “Why would she do that? Why didn’t she tell you?” The General’s shoulders slumped, his
The study doors closed behind them, leaving the General and Harden in silence. Outside, Hazel leaned into Alex, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m scared, Alex.” He pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You don’t have to be. I’ve got you.” As they walked toward their car, the tension lingered in the cold winter air. Hazel tightened her coat around herself, glancing up at Alex. His jaw was set, his dark eyes scanning their surroundings as though expecting danger at every corner. “I feel like a pawn in their game,” Hazel whispered. “The General, Harden… even my past. It’s suffocating.” Alex stopped, turning to face her. His hands cupped her face gently, his voice steady but firm. “You’re not a pawn, Hazel. You’re the queen. And no one—not Harden, not the General, not anyone—gets to decide your life. Only you do.” His words brought a flicker of reassurance, but doubt still clouded her mind. “But they won’t stop, Alex. Harden won’t stop, and the General… he’s power
Alex nodded grimly. “He’s using every connection he has to come for you. Last night, he attended that gala with General Aiko. He’s doubling down, likely whispering in the General’s ear that I’m some monster keeping you captive. He wants to turn him against us.” Hazel stood, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. “And the General? Do you think he’ll believe him?” Alex exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening. “The General is no fool, but Harden’s desperate. He’s feeding on the General’s guilt for abandoning his family all those years ago. He’ll twist it, make himself seem like the savior you need—someone who can give you the ‘life you deserve.’” Hazel scoffed, her anger rising. “The life I deserve? I have everything I want. I have you. Our baby. He has no right—no idea what’s best for me!” Alex crossed the room, his hand gently cupping her cheek, forcing her to look up at him. “I know, Hazel. But Harden thrives on manipulation, you’ve given him the opportunity to feel I wasn
As they left, Harden remained seated, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. Alex didn’t spare him a second glance, but as they walked through the mansion’s grand halls, he leaned down to whisper in Hazel’s ear. “It’s not over. He’ll try again.” Hazel squeezed his hand. “Then let him try. He’ll lose every time.” Harden stood in the General’s study, pacing furiously as the General watched him with a critical eye. The door clicked shut as the General’s assistant exited, leaving the two men alone. “You’ve lost, Harden,” the General said, his voice calm but laced with finality. “Hazel has chosen Alex. You’ll do well to respect that.” Harden’s jaw clenched, his mind racing. “You don’t understand, General. Alex is dangerous—for her and the child. If she stays with him, she’ll never be free, we’ve spent time together, we’ve shared a bond that she can’t deny, she has confessed her regrets to me. I can give her stability, safety… love.” The General sighed, shaking his head. “Love? T
Inside the McCall office, Harden anxiously drummed his fingers on the polished oak desk, his sharp eyes darting between the wall clock and his expensive wristwatch. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock. He exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his posture. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the stillness.“You agreed that if I do this, I’ll get twenty percent of the shares in McCall Corporation?” the voice on the other end asked sharply. Harden let out a slow sigh, gripping the phone tighter.“It’s a signed deal, Mr. Lark. Just do this for me,” Harden said curtly, his voice laced with impatience.“Alright,” Lark replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t associate me with this if it doesn’t turn out as you wanted.”Harden’s lips curled into a sly smile. “And if it doesn’t turn out as I wanted, you won’t be getting twenty percent. You’ll get ten percent at most,” he countered, his voice cold and calcula
The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his face shadowed with sympathy as he looked into Hazel’s striking blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears. She stood there, shaking, the weight of his silence suffocating her. “We tried our best, but…” His voice wavered, trailing off. “What?!” Hazel screamed, her body jolting forward in shock. Simon, her steadfast support, quickly caught her before she fell. His own face was a mask of anguish, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “We did everything we could, ma’am,” the doctor said softly, lowering his gaze. “But I’m sorry. The blow to his head was… too severe. He didn’t make it.” “No! No, no, no!” Hazel cried, her voice piercing and raw. She wrestled free from Simon’s arms, shaking her head violently. “Don’t say that to me! Where’s my husband?” Her frantic eyes searched the room for any sign of Alex, her desperation palpable. Simon stood frozen, helplessly watching her crumble. “Ma’am, please,” the doctor interjected, his tone gentle but fi
Hazel looked at Dr. Frank with her eyes wide open as he kept rubbing her stomach until he officially confirmed he could hear two heartbeats.“Congratulations once again, Mrs. McCollum,” he said, helping Hazel up.“So, what is it, Frank? Is the baby healthy? You said two heartbeats—am I having twins?” she asked anxiously.Dr. Frank nodded, and Hazel teared up, covering her mouth with her hands.“Twins? Is it a boy and a girl, two girls, or two boys?” she asked, her excitement evident.Dr. Frank chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Well, it’s a boy and a girl.”Hazel gasped and covered her mouth again in excitement. “Please don’t say anything to Alex. I want to surprise him with it,” she said.Dr. Frank nodded. “Of course, ma’am. Congratulations once again.”He helped Hazel walk back to his office, where Grace and the guards were waiting.At the General’s villa, Gloria sat, looking around. The luxurious, old-money-style villa made her wonder who had invited her over.“Please come with me, ma’am
The sunshine streamed brightly through the curtains in the spacious bedroom, casting its warm rays on Hazel as she slept. Her elegant facial features twitched slightly under the light before her long lashes fluttered. Finally, she opened her eyes. Her luscious lips parted as she slowly came back to reality.Hazel yawned deeply, then sat up.“Good morning, madam,” a familiar voice greeted her, prompting Hazel to frown as she turned toward the figure.“Grace?” she exclaimed in surprise.Grace stood in her maid’s uniform, bowing her head respectfully.“Give me a hug, Grace. I’ve missed you so much,” Hazel said, her eyes welling up with tears. Without hesitation, Grace stepped forward and embraced her.“Please don’t cry, madam,” Grace said gently, rubbing Hazel’s back. “I wouldn’t know what to say to the boss if he walked in and saw you like this,” she added anxiously.“Don’t mind me; this pregnancy makes me so emotional,” Hazel said, wiping her tears. “It’s been months, Grace. How are yo
The doors to the dining room opened, and three men in black suits entered silently, their imposing presence casting a shadow over the room. Alex smirked, his tone ice-cold. “I mean, Mr. Lark, that your time has run out.” The assistant paled, his hands trembling as the men in black closed in. *Outside the Villa* A convoy of cars pulled up near the entrance to the McCollum estate. The general, sitting stiffly in the backseat of his car, glanced at his assistant. “I don’t think it’s wise to approach the villa uninvited,” the general said, his voice calm but firm. “Shall I write to Mrs. McCollum, then? Ask about her health and that of your great-grandchild?” the assistant offered. The general nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. “Yes, do that. And… one more thing. Have you found her mother?” “Yes, sir,” the assistant replied. “She’s currently in the city.” “Invite her to the villa,” the general said, his expression unreadable. The assistant hesitated. “Are you sure, sir?
Simon immediately followed Alex’s instructions. As expected, Alex approved of the arrangements. The drive back to the villa was dead silent. Hazel held Alex’s hand tightly, watching him carefully for any unusual signs that might necessitate returning to the hospital. “When are the workers in the mansion coming back?” she asked, breaking the silence and earning a small smile from Alex. “They’re already back. I just want us to stay at the villa until you give birth,” Alex replied, his tone calm. Hazel sighed. “It’s lonely in the villa. At least in the mansion, the maids keep me company when you’re away.” Alex nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t trust them with you. They might accept money to hurt you. Let’s stay here until our child is born,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and planting a gentle kiss. “And the scan?” Alex asked, watching Hazel closely. “You remember?” Hazel responded with a smile. “Of course. I dare not forget anything about you,” he said, making Hazel blush. “I
Hazel sat in the cold weather as Alex slept soundly, unaware of Simon being out on tasks. The gentle snow falling outside caught her attention so deeply that she didn’t notice someone enter the room. “Erhem,” a familiar voice said, causing Hazel to turn abruptly. Supporting her stomach, she stood up swiftly. “How dare you step your filthy feet in here?” she demanded, her voice full of rage, as Harden raised his hands in mock surrender. “Guards!” she called out, but Harden sighed in response. “Chill. I wouldn’t be here if the guards were active. I just came to visit,” he said, watching Hazel reach for her phone. She knew the sedative Alex was under wouldn’t allow him to wake up. “Haze, chill—” “Don’t call me that!” Hazel snapped, furiously dialing Simon’s number. “I came for a business deal,” Harden continued, undeterred. “I just wanted to check on him after hearing he was in an—” “Or you came to see if he survived the accident you planned!” Hazel cut him off furiously. “Get ou
Alex’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze unfocused but alive. Hazel sobbed with relief, pressing a kiss to his hand. “You’re here… you’re still with us,” she whispered. Alex’s voice was hoarse, barely audible. “Hazel… what happened?” “You were in an accident,” she said softly. “But you’re going to be okay.” His brow furrowed, memories flickering through his mind. “It wasn’t… an accident,” he rasped. Hazel nodded, her voice trembling. “We know. And we’ll find out who did this. Together.” Simon stepped forward, his expression grim. “Sir, we think it was Harden McCall.” Alex’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “Harden… he won’t get away with this.” Hazel squeezed his hand, her resolve matching his. “No, he won’t. We’ll make sure of it.”the soft knock on the hospital door pulled Hazel’s attention away from Alex. A middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in, carrying a clipboard.“Mrs. McCollum, I’m Dr. Harris, I will be taking over from Doctor Gabriel, he has a family emergency,” he s
Tears streamed down the driver’s face as he shook his head. “I didn’t mean to… I swear I didn’t…”The driver’s sobs grew louder, and he buried his face in his hands. “I… I needed the money… but I didn’t think… It wasn’t supposed to…” He broke off, shaking his head in despair. Grant ignored him, stepping out of the room to make a call. “Officer Grant,” a voice answered on the other end. “I’ve got a lead,” Grant said. “Trace the account that sent this transfer. We’re dealing with something bigger than a random accident.”… “Understood,” the voice replied. Grant hung up, his mind racing. He had a gut feeling this wasn’t just a case of reckless driving—it was a targeted attack. And someone wanted Alex McCollum dead. Back at the hospital, Hazel stirred awake, her face still pale and tear-streaked. She glanced around and found Simon seated by the window, speaking quietly on the phone. Alex lay on the hospital bed beside her, his breathing steady but labored. “Simon,” Hazel called
The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his face shadowed with sympathy as he looked into Hazel’s striking blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears. She stood there, shaking, the weight of his silence suffocating her. “We tried our best, but…” His voice wavered, trailing off. “What?!” Hazel screamed, her body jolting forward in shock. Simon, her steadfast support, quickly caught her before she fell. His own face was a mask of anguish, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “We did everything we could, ma’am,” the doctor said softly, lowering his gaze. “But I’m sorry. The blow to his head was… too severe. He didn’t make it.” “No! No, no, no!” Hazel cried, her voice piercing and raw. She wrestled free from Simon’s arms, shaking her head violently. “Don’t say that to me! Where’s my husband?” Her frantic eyes searched the room for any sign of Alex, her desperation palpable. Simon stood frozen, helplessly watching her crumble. “Ma’am, please,” the doctor interjected, his tone gentle but fi
Inside the McCall office, Harden anxiously drummed his fingers on the polished oak desk, his sharp eyes darting between the wall clock and his expensive wristwatch. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock. He exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his posture. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the stillness.“You agreed that if I do this, I’ll get twenty percent of the shares in McCall Corporation?” the voice on the other end asked sharply. Harden let out a slow sigh, gripping the phone tighter.“It’s a signed deal, Mr. Lark. Just do this for me,” Harden said curtly, his voice laced with impatience.“Alright,” Lark replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t associate me with this if it doesn’t turn out as you wanted.”Harden’s lips curled into a sly smile. “And if it doesn’t turn out as I wanted, you won’t be getting twenty percent. You’ll get ten percent at most,” he countered, his voice cold and calcula