The standoff was electric, the three of them caught in a storm of past betrayals and present dangers. Hazel took a shaky breath, glancing between the two men who represented two parts of her life one that had been, and one that was. “This has to end, Harden,” she said, her voice strong despite the quiver in her chest. “We can’t keep going like this. We were just friends, stop acting like we dated.” Harden’s eyes filled with a mixture of pain and acceptance, and he nodded slowly, stepping back toward his car. “I just needed to hear it from you.” With one last glance, he got into his SUV and drove away, leaving the air heavy with unspoken words. Hazel felt Alex’s arm wrap around her waist, grounding her as the tension finally began to melt away. But as they stood there, watching the car disappear down the road, Alex knew this was far from over. Harden’s obsession was dangerous, and he would need to be ready for whatever came next. “I’ll protect you, Hazel,you and our baby is m
Hazel heard the line drop as Diana rushed to check the news. “Diana, Diana,” Hazel called, but the line kept cutting off. She sighed sadly, finding it hard to cry for them, yet it hurt her heart to see their story end like that. “Madam, your lunch is ready,” the butler returned to inform Hazel, who only nodded as she sat on the couch, looking downcast. At the hospital, Diana broke down in tears as she read the news. She couldn’t hold back her emotions, feeling as if she was responsible for Steven’s drastic decision. “No… no!” she cried out, drawing the attention of a doctor and two nurses who rushed to her. “Nurse Diana, are you alright?” the doctor asked, but Diana kept crying. “Please call Nurse Camila; she’s her friend. She can calm her down,” one of the nurses said. “It was her ex-boyfriend who killed himself and his ex in California,” another nurse whispered, but Diana wasn’t listening. She kept crying, blaming herself for not giving Steven another chance. Camila
Simon couldn’t believe that his old friend, whom he had met just once and exchanged numbers with, had reached out to him for help.“Calm down. I’ll call you back because right now, I’m in the middle of work,” he said, hearing the desperation in his friend’s voice.“Okay, please do call me. I’m really in need, Simon,” his friend replied before hanging up.Simon sighed, walking toward Hazel, who had just picked out a luxury brand shoe and bag. Together, they left the store.They drove to a phone shop, where Simon went in to purchase a new phone for Hazel.While waiting in the car, Alex looked at Hazel.“So, you’re not talking to me anymore, hmm?” he asked. Hazel turned to him, frowning.“Why wouldn’t I speak with you? Why are you accusing me? I didn’t say—”“I’m not accusing you, Hazel. I’m just saying you haven’t spoken to me since your call,” Alex said, his tone softening.“Does that mean I’m ignoring you? You’re accusing me, right now, Alex, and—”“Baby,” Alex interjected, surprised
At Diana’s residence, Hazel knocked on the door, and a moment later, it opened to reveal Diana, her face swollen from crying. “Hazel!” Diana exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. “I brought you something,” Hazel said gently, gesturing for the guard to set the items down. Diana wiped her tears and smiled faintly. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you to come.” Hazel held her hands. “Of course I would come. You’re not alone, Diana. You have people who care about you.” Diana’s lips trembled, and she nodded. “I thought it was all my fault. If only I’d done things differently…” Camila came out smiling awkwardly. “I’m sorry, meet my friend and colleague, Camila” Diana introduced for Hazel to smile at Camila who smile back. “ when she said she knows Alexander McCollum wife I chuckled but now I believe.” Camila said for Hazel to smile. “Nothing special though” she said as she held on Diana before they sat down while Camila left to make a cup of tea for Hazel. “Don’t blame you
Hazel hugged the governor’s wife after dinner. As they walked to their car with their guards following behind, Hazel glanced around nervously. Alex, noticing her uneasiness since their moment on the balcony, gently helped her step into the car before climbing in after her. Hazel sighed, relaxing her hands on her protruding stomach.“If someone is pregnant, do they get to see things?” she asked hesitantly.Alex pulled out his phone. “I’m calling Dr. Frankie,” he said, not sure how to answer her.He held her hand while waiting for Frankie to pick up.“Sir Alex,” Frankie greeted.“Do pregnant women hallucinate?” Alex asked directly.“Yes, Sir Alex. A lot of pregnant women seem to have hallucinations,” Frankie explained.Alex sighed in relief and hung up, turning to Hazel.“He said yes, so don’t worry,” Alex reassured her, placing his palm on her protruding stomach.Hazel smiled but still looked concerned. “Alex…” she called softly.“Yes love?”“Since Harden left, he hasn’t made any moves
The night was elegant, and the most prominent figures in New York attended the McCollum reopening ceremony. The governor was present, alongside other investors from different countries.Alex was welcoming guests when a familiar voice called out to him.“Mr. McCollum,” the voice said.Alex turned to see John McCall smiling at him.“Thank you for inviting us despite the dispute between you and my son. I really appreciate—”“It’s not necessarily for that, Mr. McCall. Please have a seat,” Alex said, cutting him off. He then walked up to the stage to deliver his welcoming and gratitude speech.“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for honoring our reopening invitation. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, many of our investors stood by us. Your trust means everything, and as always, we will not let you down.I personally chose to give this speech because I must inform you that our company has been under attack by Harden McCall. He has been attempting to undermine us ever since my wife rejected
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 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