I and Athara decided to spend some quality time with our son Athro in the swimming pool. It was a sunny afternoon and the water felt good against my skin. Athara was chatting away about our son's future and all the possibilities that lay ahead."If he will really become a priest, I hope that he will teach the world about the beauty of a life with God in your heart. But I realised that Athro was not obliged to fulfil my dream to become a servant of God. Whatever career he would choose, we will support him," she said.I'm relieved now because she was not going to push her dream to put our son into a seminary. I couldn't imagine the company if Athro would become a priest."I am no longer going back to my young self, Athara. I might not be able to work for the company if I really grow old. To be honest, I want to stop working for the company when I reach fifty so that I can stay with you and our family all the time. We'll travel and enjoy life when we reach that age.""I'm sure that Athro
••Athara••As I cradled our son in my arms, I hummed a soft lullaby that my mother used to sing to me when I was a child. The sweet melody filled the room, and my little boy’s eyes slowly began to flutter close. I closed my eyes too, breathing in the scent of his soft hair as I lost myself to the music. I put him to bed when he was quite asleep."Sleep tight, my handsome little man," I said in the middle of humming the lullaby that made him close his eyes.Staring at my son's innocent face made me realize that he was the best thing that happened between me and my husband, a greatest gift of all. Athro took his face after his father. My husband was the handsomest man I ever knew in this world. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and I opened my eyes to see my husband, Theron, standing in the doorway."Hi, beautiful," he said.His eyes were locked with mine, intense and full of emotions that I couldn’t quite decipher. "What is it, Theron?" I asked, sensing that something was wrong.He di
The events that happened in the last few days were still fresh in my mind. I was ecstatic when Theron knelt down on one knee and pulled out a small velvet box. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with love and adoration, and asked me to be his wife. Without hesitation, I said yes. It was a moment I had been dreaming of for so long, and it finally happened. As soon as I said yes, we hugged each other tightly and shared a kiss. I could still fantasize about that moment of love. I was really enchanted to the extent that until now, I was wondering if that really happened or if I was just having a great dream. I sighed out of knowing that what happened was real. "Look at that beautiful thing, Athara. Every time that you doubt what happened, kindly look at your ring finger," I reminded myself with a smile on my face.The beautiful diamond ring on my ring finger made me realize that Theron really wanted me to marry him into a church.It's been months since I last called my parents who were
As I stood in the middle of the garden, feeling the cool breeze blowing against my skin, I breathed in the scent of the blooming flowers around me. It was like a paradise, with vibrant colors and the chirping of the birds creating a symphony of nature. It was my favorite spot in the house, and I would spend hours here whenever I could.Suddenly, I felt a pair of arms around me, and a familiar voice whispered into my ear. "I love you, beautiful."I turned around, and there was Theron, my husband, who had just returned from meeting his friend Rome. Theron was a tall and handsome man, with striking features and a charm that could win over anyone's heart. "What are you doing at Rome's house? That's around Brookville, right? You weren't here for a couple of days." He had deep, expressive eyes that sparkled in the sunlight and a warm smile that could light up the entire room. He was my dream husband, and I was lucky that from evil he became as sweet as a candy, and I loved him more than
My heart pounded in my chest as I cradled Theron's head on my lap, blood staining the surrounding leaves. Panic gripped me as I assessed the seriousness of his condition. It was clear he was unconscious, his breaths shallow and uneven. I had to act swiftly and decisively.I looked at the sky, praying silently that may His angels would be covering my husband from evil. After a few minutes, I looked around wishing to see the person behind shooting my husband even though I had a clue that it was none other than Samantha."God, do not take him away, please…"Summoning every ounce of resolve, I rose to my feet, my knees still trembling. My mind raced with thoughts of what to do next. I needed help, and the first person that came to mind was Maid Tanna. She had been with our family for years, tending to our household affairs with unwavering loyalty.Breathing out a shaky breath, I reached into my pocket and retrieved my phone. Fingers trembling, I scrolled through the contacts until I found
It had been days since we arrived at the hospital. The tense atmosphere permeated every corner of these sterile walls. My heart raced with a mix of fear and hope every time I entered his room. There's no moment at a time that I am not checking him out, wanting to see his eyelids to move. The bullet had been successfully removed from his head, but he remained unconscious, caught in a shadowy realm between life and death.Standing outside his room, I hesitated, peering into the slightly open door. Something within me urged caution, a sixth sense that warned me to hold my steps. And then, unexpectedly, a voice broke the silence that hung in the air."Maid Tanna…" I repeated her name softly, my mind grappling with the revelation she had just dropped on me. "Theron, my son. Why are you making me worried about you like this? Can't you wake up now? I want to tell you the truth. I don't care if Madame Thaira and Sir Rondelle were getting mad at me. I don't want this feeling anymore. Seeing
Theron's eyes fluttered open, and as his gaze met mine, confusion danced within their depths. I held my breath, uncertain of how he would react to the weight of the secrets that had been revealed in his absence. For a moment, the room was silent, as we both stood on the precipice of what felt like a new beginning.But then, like a gentle wave crashing against the shore, his eyes welled up with tears. The confusion in his gaze shifted, replaced by an overwhelming mix of emotions. It was in that moment that I realized the depth of his fear, the uncertainty that had haunted his unconscious mind during his absence.Without hesitation, he reached out and pulled me into his arms, his embrace tight and desperate. The warmth of his touch enveloped me, reassuring me that he was present, that he had returned to me. We clung to each other as tears streamed down our faces, mingling with a mixture of relief, joy, and the weight of all we had endured."I thought I wouldn't see you again," Theron wh
After our intimate moment, I found solace in the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath me. The feeling of his heart beating in synchrony with mine brought a sense of peace that I hadn't felt in a long time. Being with him again, here and now, meant everything to me. It was as if all the worries that plagued my mind had been momentarily silenced.Weeks passed, and as our bond grew stronger, a new worry emerged, one that left me restless and filled with unanswered questions. It was a nagging thought that kept gnawing at the back of my mind, refusing to be dismissed. The fact that his mommy was not his real mother bothered me. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing, that there was a hidden story waiting to be unravelled.Late one evening, as the sun set and cast a warm glow over the world outside, I finally mustered up the courage to share my concerns with him. We sat side by side, our shoulders touching, in the comfort of our small den. The room was filled with the
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