The clock on the wall continued its relentless march in the silence of the empty house. I stood there, clutching the glass of water in my hand, feeling the coldness seep into my palm, but it did little to numb the pain that radiates through my entire being. The events of the evening weighed heavily on my heart, threatening to crush my spirit.Herod, the name reverberated in my mind, a bitter reminder of the betrayal that had torn our family apart. He had been like a brother to me once, a confidant, but now he was a treacherous shadow in my life. His actions had not only stolen my wife but had shattered the very foundation of trust on which we had built our relationship."How could he? How could he twist my life like that? We are cousins! We are f-family."I longed for solace, a respite from the stormclouds that seemed to perpetually hover over my head. With a heavy sigh, I made my way up the stairs, the weight of the world seemingly carried on my slumped shoulders. The faint sound of
The sun beat down on the pristine tennis court as Athro and I engaged in a challenging match. It had been a few days since I had received the shocking news about my wife's supposed death, and amidst the whirlwind of emotions, the only escape I could find was on the court. Little did I know that another twist of fate awaited me on this scorching afternoon.As we volleyed back and forth, the familiar chiming of my phone interrupted the rhythm of the game. Athro shot me a curious glance as I reached for my pocket and retrieved the device. My heart raced as I saw Keigan's name flashing on the screen. Without wasting a second, I answered the call, but my voice betrayed the anxiety that crept within me."Keigan? What is it?" I asked, my throat tight with anticipation.His voice on the other end sounded urgent. "Theron, you need to hear this. I've uncovered something, something that turns everything upside down."I froze, the racket slipping from my fingers as his words hit me like an electr
I couldn't believe my ears. The words that had just come out of Herod's mouth echoed in my mind, shattering the fragile semblance of normalcy I had built for myself. I stared at the screen of the TV, dumbfounded. How could this be true? How could everything I believed about myself be nothing more than a lie?Mother Tanna, sensing my distress, came to my side, her gentle touch offering solace amidst the chaos in my mind. Her comforting presence grounded me, and I turned to look at her, seeking answers, seeking reassurance.Her eyes, usually filled with warmth and compassion, now held a deep sadness. She knew the truth, the truth that Herod had just unveiled to the world. I longed to hear her voice, to have her explain everything, but I couldn't. My voice had been taken away from me, just like my identity.I had always known I was different from the other Duffins. I was never quite as good at baking, never quite as adept at following their traditions and recipes. But I had never questio
I could feel my fury building up inside of me, like an uncontrollable inferno threatening to consume everything in its path. I had reached my limit, my breaking point, and there was no turning back now. Herodotus had to answer for his treachery. He had played with my life, shattered my world, and it was time to confront him face to face.Exiting my car, I stepped onto the grounds of Herodotus' sprawling estate - a stark contrast to the chaos that raged within me. The wind picked up, whipping my hair around my face, mirroring the storm that brewed within my soul. This confrontation was long overdue; it was time to settle the debts that were owed.Herodotus emerged from the grand entrance, arrogance dripping from every pore. With each step he took, my blood boiled hotter. I could see the smirk on his face, as if he relished the pain he had caused me. It was in that moment, as we locked eyes, that time regressed. Memories flooded back, intertwining with the burning anger that coursed thr
••Athara••I stood in the kitchen, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the household staff as they prepared meals for the day. It was a routine I had grown accustomed to - lending a helping hand to the maids in the kitchen whenever I had the chance. Today, however, fate had a different plan in store for me.As I moved about the kitchen, conversing with the maids and chopping vegetables, a sudden explosion reverberated through the room. The stove had malfunctioned, causing a violent eruption of flames and debris. Chaos ensued as the fire rapidly spread, licking at the walls and consuming everything in its path.In that moment, amongst the panic and fear, something stirred within me. It was as though the flames had ignited a fire within my own consciousness, rekindling a sea of memories that had long been forgotten. I felt the weight of a different life, a life where I was not Eliana, but Athara.My mind raced back to a hospital, a place of sickness and despair. I remembered the angu
The clock struck midnight, casting a haunting stillness over the room. I found myself unable to rest, my thoughts consumed by the tumultuous events that had brought me to this point. The pale moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting ethereal shadows upon the walls. I turned my gaze towards the bed, where Herodotus lay still, his eyes fixed upon the ceiling as he slumbered.A sense of unease shrouded me, driving me to seek solace in the comfort of my phone. I reached under my pillow and retrieved it, feeling the cool touch of the device in my hands. With trembling fingers, I unlocked my phone, revealing a flood of notifications. Ignoring them all, I navigated to the messenger app, my heart pounding with anticipation.Theron's name appeared on the search bar, and a mixture of excitement and fear coursed through my veins. Memories of our clandestine meetings, stolen glances, and secret whispers flashed before my eyes. My mind brought me again to who he really was to me. He was my
I woke abruptly from a deep slumber as the sound of gunshots pierced through the peaceful night air. Disoriented and filled with equal parts fear and adrenaline, I quickly nudged my husband Theron awake. The urgency in my voice was palpable as I whispered, "Theron, do you hear that? Gunshots!"Theron jolted awake, his senses immediately attuned to the danger lurking outside our walls. Without wasting a moment, we both sprang out of bed and hurriedly made our way towards the bedroom door. In the corner of the room, Mother Tanna was already awake, her eyes wide with alarm as she gingerly cradled our young children in her arms.As we exchanged hurried whispers, Theron and I knew that it was paramount to protect Mother Tanna and the kids at all costs. We understood the risks involved, and in a moment of desperation, we implored her to stay behind and keep the children safe within the confines of our home. Though her heart carried worry, she bravely nodded in agreement.Barefoot and clad i
We were just inside the house all day. I suddenly felt like taking a shower so I stared at Theron. "Do you want to do something, love?" he asked me. Even though I've lived here for a while, I suddenly felt that things somehow changed. It was also a long three years that I was away from him and our children because his cousin took advantage of me when I'm having amnesia. "Theron, I want to take a shower."Theron stood up and came to me. His lips kissed my forehead that's why I smiled, looking down. "Love, you don't need to tell me that you want to take a shower when you're feeling like taking a bath. You're not a guest here. You are my wife and this is our house," he said as he distanced himself from me. I sat on the bed and stared at the wall. The times Theron and I were together in this room played through my mind. At first we didn't get along because we didn't love each other. But the time came when we found ourselves in love with each other and we started to change everything
Two years had come and gone since the untimely passing of my beloved husband, Theron. The pain of his absence still reverberated within me, but life went on, as it always does. I found solace in the comforting arms of our three children, Wisdom, Triumph, and Athro. Together, we stood strong, leaning on one another as we navigated the unpredictable journey of grief.In this time of sorrow, there was one constant source of support that held us all together: Mother Tanna. She had been my rock throughout this tumultuous period, offering her unwavering love and guidance when I needed it the most. Tanna had known Theron since we were young, and her bond with our family was unbreakable.On a sunny afternoon, as rays of golden light filtered through a canopy of trees, I found myself standing before Theron's grave. The marble headstone, etched with his name and the dates that bookended his life, stood as a somber reminder of our loss. I gently traced his name with my fingertips, a bittersweet
My heart was beating even faster than before. Earlier, the police with Theron were shooting against Herod's men. "Athara, are you still there?""Y-Yes, Theron. Are there more enemies?""Ugh...damn," Theron moaned weakly but surely in pain, making me stand up without thinking that an enemy might see me."Theron? What happened to you? Are you hurt?!" I asked him worriedly. "I-I am not," he said even though it was obvious that he was hurt. I held tightly to the end of the cement beds. Now I realize where I am. I was inside the morgue of this abandoned hospital. "Theron, do not lie! Are you hurt? Don't hide anything from me, Theron! What's happening to you?!""N-Nothing! Don't worry because I'm fine. The best thing you can do is to stay there and not come out!"I walked out of the morgue, my heart pounding in my chest. The sound of gunshots still echoed through the empty halls of the abandoned hospital, but my thoughts were solely focused on Theron. I knew deep down that he had been s
My right hand trembled as it swam inside my bag. I pulled my hand back when I caught the object I intended to pick up from it. It was my phone. I let out a sigh when my phone was in front of my face. "Love, we can not go ahead with the plan if you hesitate. We'll just find another way to catch Herodotus," Theron said to me as he grabbed my left hand that had fallen to the side of my body. I looked at him and smiled. "Theron, I don't hesitate. I just can't help but feel nervous and scared."He positioned himself behind me. He hugged me while his chin rested on my shoulder. "We can talk to Officer Lucas," he continued. I shook my head before facing him. I know that he was full of concern for me. The worries in his eyes were readable."I can't back down, Theron. It's here. We're here. If Herodotus doesn't put an end to his evil, I ... we will."He just smiled and pulled me closer to him. He gave me a tight hug. My nervousness and fear gradually disappeared because of my husband's hu
It was noticeable that my husband was not very energetic. I didn't talk to him and I didn't apologize after I slapped him. I'm tired of the setup of our life. It's tiring to hide. I think it's better to live like other people, that's why I've made up my mind to coordinate with the police to make Herodotus' greed over. I informed Mother Tanna of my plan. We are now sitting on a sofa. We are next to each other. My right hand was locked between her two palms. We stared at each other at this time. "Have you really made up your mind to do this thing, child?""Mother Tanna, I'm not backing down anymore. This is for my family. This is for all of us. I know it's scary but it's not right that we'll be afraid forever. I've always wanted all of this to end," I said. You can see the fear in Mother Tanna's eyes. He pressed holding my hand. "Child, how about your husband?"I pressed my lips together. I breathed deeply. "He's against my decision, mother. We haven't spoken for a few days after I
I kept staring at Lucas. I just saw his mouth open but what he was saying didn't sink into my mind. "What?"He adjusted his seat. "What I said is let's make your wife a bait. Athara is what he wanted to get from you, right? If he agrees to meet Athara, then surely that will be our chance to catch him completely."I stood up and immediately shook my head. His way of arresting Herodotus was wrong. My wife will be destroyed the way he wants. There's nonway I would let Athara be in that unsecured plan! "I'm sorry, Lucas. I won't bet my wife on this. What if my wife gets hurt? No way. I can't afford to lose Athara."Lucas gave me a blank look. I know he wants to go ahead with the plan. It was obvious to him that he wanted to convince me. "Look, Theron. Athara is the only way we can catch Herodotus. Security is tight at his house and I'm sure it will be difficult for us to get close to him because he is cunning.""I don't want Athara to be involved—""I will allow myself to be the bait
The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm golden glow across the city streets. It had been a long day, and I was eager to head home and find solace in the sanctuary of my humble abode. I stepped out of the office building, briefcase in hand, ready to leave this chaotic world behind.As I made my way towards the parking lot, a familiar unease nestled in the pit of my stomach. Glancing in the side mirror of my car, I caught a glimpse of a sleek, black sedan parked a few meters away. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the license plate – it was Herodotus' car.Herodotus. The name alone sent shivers down my spine and evoked memories of a painful past. He was a man filled with darkness, an insidious force who sought to claim what was rightfully mine. And now, it seemed that he was lurking in the shadows once again, like a wolf patiently stalking its prey.I knew I couldn't afford to be complacent. Herodotus was relentless, a force to be reckoned with. He wouldn't stop until
I glanced over at Athara as she fastened her seatbelt. The worry etched on her face was plain to see. Herodotus's relentless pursuit had reached a dangerous level, and it was imperative that we stay together, even on a simple trip to the store. With a deep breath, I mustered up the courage to voice my concerns."Athara," I began softly, "we need to stick together. I don't want to alarm you, but Herodotus is looking for you. He's become obsessed, and I fear he might try to take you away."Athara's eyes widened, and I could see fear creeping into her gaze. I reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her arm, hoping to convey some semblance of comfort."I will, Theron. Don't worry" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What does he want with me anymore? He got your company and the trust of the board."I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. The truth was too complicated, too painful. Herodotus's motives remained shrouded in mystery, his obsession with Athara unfathomable."S
The water kissed my skin as I was under the shower. Tears were sprouting in the corner of my eyes and slowly forming transparent balls before they were rolling down my face. I knew that it would come to happen. I already accepted the fact that I couldn't please the board and they would wish me to leave my position, but I am not used to it. I remembered the moment that Mommy Thaira and Daddy Rondelle gave me the power to take care of the company. I poured my whole being into the company to improve it and achieve goals. I was the reason why the company was on top now. There are many things I want to happen and achieve as the CEO of the company, but I know they will never happen. I no longer have the right to decide what is good for the company because I am no longer in charge of it. I don't know why the board didn't want daddy to be the CEO again. What they really wanted was Herodotus. They chose Herodotus who was greedy and a traitor to lead the company. After I finished taking a
As the sun stretched its golden rays across the room, casting a warm glow over the embrace between Mommy Thaira, Daddy Rondelle, and our children, my heart swelled with a mixture of joy and apprehension. It had been days since their visit, and I had been eagerly awaiting this moment, longing to be in the presence of the ones who had showered me with love and affection. Little did I know that their visit would bring unsuspected turns, unraveling a tangled web of emotions.The laughter of our children echoed in the air as they clung tightly to their grandparents, their innocent faces filled with pure delight. "We miss you so much, kiddos!""We miss you too, granny and grappa!"It was a beautiful sight, one that filled my soul with immense gratitude that they had found such unconditional love in Mommy and Daddy. But beneath the joyous reunion, an underlying tension pulsed, making my heart race with anticipation.After the initial flurry of affectionate greetings, Mommy and Daddy asked f