I sat on the porch, gently rocking back and forth in the old, creaky wooden chair. The soft breeze brushed against my face, and the distant chirping of birds provided a peaceful harmony. But my mind was far from serene. I was alone with the twins, my husband having gone to visit our eldest son. He was entangled in the whims of a child, a son who wanted nothing more than new toys. Meanwhile, Mother Tanna resided within the protective walls of our home.My thoughts couldn't help but drift to the peculiar occurrences that had taken place in the past few days. The nurse, who had been coming in and out of our room frequently, had left me on edge. I noticed an unease settle within me every time she passed through the threshold, an unsettling feeling that something was amiss.What troubled me most was the nurse's refusal to reveal her face. She would always keep her face hidden, as if shielding herself from my gaze. Her every interaction seemed shrouded in secrecy, and her avoidance of eye c
I stepped back into the sterile hospital room, reality crashing around me like a tidal wave. The familiar scent of antiseptic assaulted my senses, triggering a cascade of memories that threatened to drown me. But I couldn't let myself be consumed by nostalgia, not now, not when danger lurked in the darkness.As I watched Mother Tanna, confusion etched across her gentle face, I felt my hands instinctively start to pack our things. The urgency radiated through my veins, setting my heart racing like a wild stallion. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, mingling with the saltiness of my fear."Why are you doing this, dear?" Mother Tanna questioned, her voice tinged with both concern and curiosity. Her eyes lingered on my frantic movements, searching for answers that were far too complicated to put into words.I paused, my chest heaving, struggling to regain control of my rattled nerves. In that heart-stopping moment, I realized the weight of my revelations threatened to shatter the p
••Theron••I woke up to a stillness that hung heavy in the air, suffocating me. But it wasn't the physical emptiness of the room that weighed me down; it was the crushing reality of my loss that wrapped around my heart like a vice. Athara, my beloved wife, was gone. The tragedy that had befallen us felt like a cruel joke, a nightmare I couldn't bear to accept.I rubbed my eyes, hoping to rid myself of the haunting images that plagued my mind. The fire, the inferno that consumed the hospital, had stolen away everything I held dear. I couldn't accept it. This had to be a terrible dream. I longed to jolt awake and find Athara lying peacefully beside me, her gentle breaths soothing my soul.I looked on the other side of the bed and all I saw was her image. She was always sleeping peacefully until morning beside me but now she was not with me anymore and all I have in me was her memories and image of her I kept on painting in my head."Love, Athara, I wish I could see you and hug you anytim
Exactly three years had passed since Athara's untimely departure, and today, I woke up with a heavy heart as I couldn't help but miss her. As the warm morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, I slowly rose from the bed, my thoughts consumed by the memories we had shared. "Good morning, my love," I whispered looking at her portrait inside our room.Our twins had just turned three, and it pained me to know that they would never have the chance to know their incredible mother.Untangling myself from the sheets, I made my way downstairs, the empty spaces in the house haunting me. As I stepped into the kitchen, I was greeted by the sound of joyful laughter. Turning the corner, I found my three sons, Triumph, Wisdom, and Athro, waiting for me with wide smiles on their faces. Athro, the eldest, had just celebrated his eighth birthday and was attending school now."Good morning, papa!" they chorused, their energy contagious even on such a somber day."Good morning, my little warriors,
The holiday season was approaching, and the air crackled with anticipation and excitement. My heart yearned to bring a glimmer of joy to my twin sons, the youthful energy that had once filled our home with laughter and play. It was with this intention that I stepped into the bustling mall, hoping to find the perfect gifts that would ignite their imaginations and bring a smile to their faces.Everyone was looking at me. I might be familiar to them or some of them know who I am."Is that him? Theron Duffins?""Yes. He's really successful but his wife died because of a fire accident in South Carolina.""Well, I am willing to be a mom of his kids, if he permits!" I sighed and pretended I didn't hear them. As I strolled past the colorful displays and shelves filled with toys of all sizes, my heart was heavy with the memories that accompanied this territory. I always imagined being with her in every moment like this, selecting toys for our boys and walking around while we talked about lif
The heaviness in my heart lingered long after Athara's burial, and the lack of communication from my cousin Herod only added to my growing unease. I couldn't help but feel a sense of worry, unsettled by his silence during such a challenging time. It seemed as though he had vanished into thin air, leaving me with unanswered questions and a gnawing anxiety that wouldn't subside.However, my concerns were soon alleviated when, quite unexpectedly, Herod answered one of my emails. Relief washed over me as the words on the screen brought a glimmer of hope. It seemed as though we were finally going to reconnect and share the weight of our grief.Eager to catch up, we set up a time for a long-overdue conversation. The anticipation of hearing his voice after all these months was almost overwhelming. As the agreed-upon time approached, I found myself nervously pacing the room, my fingers tapping incessantly against the armrest of the couch.Finally, the familiar ringtone echoed through the room
Loneliness has wrapped its cold arms around me, encasing me in a shroud of desolation. No longer do the comforting smiles of friends and family warm my heart; their belief in my sanity seems to have eroded like the sands beneath a crashing wave. I find myself lost in a sea of doubt, desperately clutching at the fragile tendrils of hope that refuse to leave me.It was in the bustling halls of the mall that I first laid eyes upon her. Amidst the throng of strangers, my heart recognized her, my beloved Athara. Her radiant smile and flowing auburn locks cascading over her shoulders remained vivid in my memory, etched there from the countless nights spent together. How could I have imagined her as anything but?But the world around me disputes my version of reality. They say she is gone, her soul severed from this earthly realm and thrust into a realm beyond our reach. They claim to have buried her, whispering hushed condolences and offering sympathetic glances. Yet, my heart fights agains
The day of Herod and his wife Eliana's welcome party has arrived. I'm excited to see that cousin of mine again and meet his wife. Eliana's luck with my cousin Herod was indeed incomparable, apart from being rich, he is handsome and very loving. That's why I was afraid that he would win my wife's heart because Athara might see in him what I couldn't give her in those days and that was love without holding back. "Papa, are you going to uncle's party? Tell him that I miss him and ask him about the gift that I asked for from him.""Yes, son. Stay with your grandma and listen to her. Do not bring your siblings outside, alright?""Yes, papa."As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my new elegant suit that hung perfectly on my frame. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building up within me - tonight was the night of the welcome home party for my cousin Herod and his wife Eliana. I had been eagerly looking forwa
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