Chapter Thirty FourMy son and I have decide to spend a week in Nolan's house with Nolan's permission. A week to enjoy ourselves from the stress we have passed through “Mum, are we not there yet?” Nolan asks, his eagerness is palpable.“Don't worry darling, we are almost there. Just a few minutes, Okay?” I say, keeping my voice cheerful, almost like his mood As we get there, my heart races for joy. His house proudly stands out, with a very neat and modern structure. The garden is full and healthy, a reflection of Nolan's attention to details.“Whoa! I love these flowers! They are beautiful” Nolan says, his eyes wide with wonder as he jumps out of the car.“Really? It's indeed beautiful, I am sure you are going to love the view more if we step in” I say.Nolan opens the door and his face lights up as he sees us. “Welcome to my house. I am so happy to see you”"Thanks for having us!" I reply, my heart warming at his genuine enthusiasm.“Come in” Nolan says.We go in and this is so bea
Chapte Thirty Five: A Day at the BeachThe sun is high in the sky, its warmth dancing across our skin as the salted breath of the ocean whisks by with a gush. It is so long since I felt this free, with the weight of the world finally lifted off my shoulders. En route to the beach, I glanced over at Simeon, beaming, his small hands pressed against the window as the ocean came into view.Mum! Look at the water! Can we swim as soon as we get there? Please?" Simeon begs, his voice bubbly with eagerness.I smile, “Yes darling, that's the reason we are going there. We will swim, build sandcastles and enjoy ourselves there, I am sure you will like it. How does that sound?”“That sounds really good, I am going to enjoy myself today” he says, bouncing in his seat I feel a chuckle from Nolan-who sits next to me in the driver's seat. "Seems like someone's ready for an adventure.".I turn to him, my heart full of gratitude. Nolan's company has been a constant, composed, a silent strength that I
Chapter Thirty SixNext morning, I woke up with that gnawing feeling of unease, like some buzzing fly whizzing around inside me. The serenity of yesterday at the beach now seemed a distant dream as reality came lashing back. Today, we were to meet the doctor-the one who would hold the key to whatever the future held for me and my son.I look sideways at Simeon; he is still sleeping, his slim body twisted in the sheets. A pang of guilt tightens my chest. How will I keep all this from him? How will I keep him from all of this that's going to come crashing down? I sit up softly, my mind suddenly racing.I make my way to the kitchen, where Nolan is already brewing coffee. He's always up before me, always steady. Today, though, there's a tightness around his eyes, an unspoken tension he's not concealing very well. He hands me a mug, and for a second, I feel his eyes on me, as if he's waiting for me to break the silence first.You haven't slept much," he says softly, more said than asked.I
Chaptee Thirty Seven I have been thinking of the discussion we had with the doctor yesterday. The doctor's words stick into my brain, and I can't seem to get it out of my head, it sits there, heavy like boulders weighing on my chest. Trying to know I have lived with someone who blackmails, extorts and does a lot of bad things and I even have a child with him.I stand at the window, watching Simeon play in the yard. His laughter filters through the glass, pure and full of joy, completely unaware of the storm brewing around him. For a moment, I consider what it would be like to let things stay just that way-to keep him from the truth. But how much longer can I keep pretending it's okay out here, when Leo's shadow keeps encroaching?Nolan busies himself in the kitchen even though he has a lot of chefs, yet he's making us tea in silence. He has become an anchor for me, something steady I can lean upon. But even he can't mask the concern that dances in his eyes now. Dr. Gray's offer still
Chapter Thirty EightNola and I decide to go to the Doctor's place.We step into the car, and we didn't even utter a word. We are both thinking of what's going on As we get there, we are told to enter. The doctor is sitting opposite his desk, and we sit across from her. She adjusts her glasses, an expression of thought upon her face , her face is unreadable.“We have agreed to align with us, with the hope of not losing” Nolan says " What do we do? We need to start planning, “I know it's not only us he has done bad things to, but he promised not to stop, we can't watch him keep doing bad things to everyone”Dr. Gray leaned back in her chair, tapping a pen against her notebook. "Leo is smart. He's always been one step ahead. If you want to bring him down, you'll need his private documents—the ones he uses to blackmail people. Those are the key to his power."My stomach churns just to hear Leo's name. He has always been so calculated, merciless. I shut my eyes as the images of him rush
Chapter Thirty Nine The sun shines soft through the window, casting a warm glow across the living room as I sit on the floor with Simeon. He's focused, his tiny fingers carefully stacking one colorful block atop another. I watch him, my heart swelling with affection. These moments are so dear to me, when everything seems so typical, so serene. For a few minutes, I can forget the chaos looming over us.Look, Mommy!" Simeon beams up at me, his tower proud-though a little wobbly-standing.I smile and reach to steady the blocks. "You're getting to be such a good builder, my little builder.At my praise, his face lights up, and before I know it, I lean down and press a soft kiss to his forehead. I think I am fulfilling my promise already, that I won't let him know of this storm, I won't let what's weighing me down affect him, I can see his face light up and I am happy for that. I smile watching him play happily, my joy. But it doesn't last.Nolan steps into the room; his footsteps heavy,
Chapter FortySimeon and I take a cab to his father's company. The weight of what I am about to do is heavy on my chest.Every ride feels like we are walking into a trap. Leo isn't someone who my son should claim as his father, and Nolan, what if Nolan gives birth, will he still have these feelings he has for my child? Will he still care about him?I need to get what I need to get from Leo, to build a company, my son will inheritAs we approach the company, Simeon looks up at us, with his big eyes, “Mum, we are going to see dad, right”..“Yes darling, we are going to see Leo, your father”“But mum, I don't want to go”“Please darling, I know you are not happy with him, you just need to pretend like you are. I am doing this, for some reasons and I need you to play along”He nods, even when he's not happy with the idea, but I trust him to obey me. Though, I am not happy with what I asked him to do, but I just had to do this, I am desperate to do this.We go inside the company with no se
Chapter Forty-OneI sit in the living room. I had already text Nolan's house address to Doctor Gray, so I am waiting for her to arrive. Nolan and I had been in the living room, but he isn't even talking to me, because of this same matter. When the doorbell rings, I turn to Nolan, who nods, his face etched with a mix of concern and resolve."Just be careful and know what you will discuss with her " Nolan whispered as I stood to open the door.I take a deep breath and open the door to Doctor Gray, who steps inside, her expression serious. "Marie," she greets me, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Nolan. "We need to talk."I close the door and lead him to the living room. "I'm glad you're here. I told Leo that I miss him, that I want to reconnect for Simeon's sake. I think she's considering it.Doctor Gray raises an eyebrow. "You're really going to play this angle? After everything Leo has done?""It's not about me," I return, the weight of our mission solidly on my shoulder
Chapter 132She balled her fists into the material of her dress as the confrontation's weight settled firmly onto her shoulders. She kept staring at the door, her heart clutched in her chest. The accusations and disdain from Nolan's family reverberated loudly in her ears, louder than the silence that greeted them after their dramatic exit.Nolan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Don't let them get to you," he said, his tone softer now, though a residual edge of anger lingered. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, but Elena pulled back instinctively, the tension still too raw."How can I not?" she replied, her voice trembling. "They practically blamed me for everything—for Marie, for Marcus, for… for you not being the son or brother they want anymore.""They don't know what they're talking about," Nolan said firmly, his expression hardening again. "Marie is my past. You're my present. They'll just have to deal with it."Elena shook her head. Her throa
Chapter 131Nolan and Elena share a brief, weighted glance; then he turns to head back to the living room. Elena hesitates, her heart still racing from the tension, but she follows him, her footsteps quieter than usual.As they re-enter the room, Marcus is lounging exactly as they left him, eyes still half-closed as if he's genuinely relaxed, but the edge in his smirk is unmistakable. He's playing a dangerous game, and Nolan's not sure if he's the pawn or the one pulling the strings."Enjoying yourself?" Nolan asks, voice cold and sharp as he stands at the threshold.Marcus raises an eyebrow, makes a languid rise to sitting, tossing the magazine aside. "Just getting comfortable," he says-casually enough, but the challenge in his eyes is undiminished. "Isn't that what guests are supposed to do?"Don't mistake me for one who plays by the rules of hospitality," Nolan responds, not batting an eyelash. He steps closer to him, standing right in front of Marcus. "You're here on borrowed time
Chapter 130“You'll regret it. And trust me, Marcus, I don't make idle threats."The room seems to grow colder as Nolan's words hang in the air. Marcus holds his hands up in mock surrender, though the defiance in his smirk doesn't quite fade. "Alright, alright," he says lightly. "Message received, loud and clear. I'll be on my best behavior, promise."Good," Nolan snaps; there is no room for an argument. He steps back, his body a wall of silent warning, as he moves to stand beside Elena. She shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the tension, her fingers curling around the hem of her sweater.Marcus throws a glance between them, the corners of his lips twitching as if to hold back a comment. Finally, he leans against the couch and picks up the magazine again, an act of pretend indolence. "Three days it is, then," he murmurs, flipping a page. "Should be plenty of time.Nolan narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to Elena instead. "Let's go," he says softly, his voice low enough
Uninvited GuestNolan and Elena back into the living room, their hands briefly touching, as if for reassurance. The tension between them in the air is palpable, but the look smoldering in Nolan's eyes indicates that he wasn't done with this just yet.Marcus is sprawled out on the couch, crossing his legs, an arm cast indolently over the back of the couch as he seems to exude superiority. He looks up; the smirk widens across his face, for all intents and purposes, he has just won some silent battle.Nolan's jaw clenches, but then, in one swift movement, a sly spreads across his face. He strides forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Ah, my in-law," he says, articulating the words as if Elena's eyes must roll out of her head. "I hope you're feeling right at home?"Marcus' eyebrow lifts, partially taken aback by Nolan's tone, still smug, nonetheless. "I'm doing just fine, thanks."Nolan nods, pacing languidly in front of the couch. "That's great. My in-law, can I get you some
Chapter 128: Uninvited GuestMorning sun peeks through the apartment, casting a golden glimmer in the cozy living room as Elena and Nolan sat with the rare peace that finally rested between them. For the first time in weeks, the air felt light, the tension that had once gripped them now a distant memory. Nolan leans in, a playful smile on his face, and steals a kiss from Elena, who laughs softly and dodges, teasing him with a mischievous look."You missed," she teases, her voice lilting with false arrogance.Nolan chuckles, tugging her closer. "Did I? Let me try again."Their lips meet this time in a long, languorous kiss, and for a moment, everything is just right with the world. The world outside doesn't matter.Elena pulls back an inch, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I missed this," she whispers. "Us. Without all the chaos."Nolan brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "It's not over yet, but I promise you-nothing will ever come between us again.They
Chapter 127 :The Breaking PointThere is an almost palpable sense of tension in the apartment. Nolan sits at the dining table, his head in his hands, while Marie stands across the room, watching him like a predator stalking its prey. A knowing smile curls her lips, as if she's already won.Marie steps closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "You can't keep ignoring me forever, Nolan," she says softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We both know you still have a soft spot for me. Why else would you let me stay here?Nolan's head jerks up, his jaw clenched. "Don't flatter yourself, Marie. You're only here because my mother forced this on me. If it were up to me, you'd already be gone."Marie pouts dramatically, her eyes shimmering with crocodile tears. "Oh, Nolan. Is it really that hard for you to admit that we had something special? Something worth saving?Nolan bangs his fist onto the table and jolts her. "We had something, Marie. Past tense. You destroyed it
Chapter 126The soft creak of the front door echoes faintly through the quiet house, signaling Elena's return. She had only been gone an hour, a quick trip to pick up groceries. As she steps into the hallway, the faint murmur of voices carries to her ears and stops her in her tracks. She recognizes Nolan's voice, low and steady, but there's another one, softer and pleading-Marie.Elena's heart clutches. What could they be talking about now? She sets the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and pads silently down the hall, the carpet muffling her footsteps.In the living room, Marie stiffens at the faint noise of the door opening. Her ears perk up, and her sharp gaze darts to Nolan, who is seated a few feet away from her on the couch, his expression unreadable. Instinct takes over. She rises swiftly and moves toward him, feigning vulnerability as she practically throws herself onto the couch beside him.Her hands claw at his arm, and she presses herself close, her voice shaking. "Nolan,
Chapter 125: A Plea for the PastThe door latched shut behind Elena and, with that, everything seemed to come to rest in a pool of discomfort. Nolan stood by the window and watched her figure descend the street. The strain didn't let go of his shoulders even after she turned and vanished out of his line of vision into quiet suburban anonymity.He turned around, ready to plunge into something—anything—that would take his mind off the growing unease in the house. But he couldn't escape it. Marie was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across her chest, standing in the kitchen with an unreadable expression on her face."Nolan," she said softly, breaking the silence. The edge was off her voice, and for a moment, he almost didn't recognize it.He stiffened, already sensing the direction this conversation might take. "What is it, Marie?" he asked, his tone curt as he walked past her toward the dining table."I want to talk," she replied, stepping away from the counter.Nolan sighed
Chapter 124As Nolan's mother and sister leave, Nolan and Elena are left standing in the living room, looking at each other in shock."Well, that was fun," Elena says sarcastically, breaking the silence.Nolan shakes his head. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I had no idea they were going to do that."Elena takes a step closer to him. "It's not your fault, Nolan. We'll figure this out together."Nolan nods, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Elena. "We will. I promise."As they hug, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that his family is not going to give up easily, and he's worried about what they might do next.But for now, he's just grateful to have Elena by his side."What do you say we order some pizza and try to forget about this for a while?" Nolan suggests.Elena smiles. "Sounds like a plan to me."As they sit down on the couch, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they can make this work.But as they're waiting for the pizza to arrive, Nolan's