Chapter Twenty SixI stand at the window, watching the sky fade from orange to a deep blue as dusk starts to fall. It's too quiet in the house, that sort of silence that feels wrong, like it's holding its breath in preparation for something terrible. Tomorrow, I am getting married, a time that really should fill me with excitement. Instead, my chest has just settled in with this cold weight. I should be thinking of flowers and vows, the life I'm about to lead with Nolan. But the only thing that grips me is this feeling of unease that I cannot shake off.Simeon sits on the couch beside me, concentrating on his books.He's my son but I won't lie, sometimes he reminds me of Leo. The resemblance with him and some other things. But that wouldn't make me love him less, he's my son.I shake my head from the thought as I turn away from the window and try to focus on the present. Then I hear it-footsteps. Slow, deliberate, closing in on the front door. My heart pounds. I hadn't expected anybod
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Broken Promise Nolan stands at the altar, his eyes fixed on the large wooden doors at the far end of the aisle. He is wearing a crisp black suit, everything from the crease in his trousers to the glint on his cufflinks perfect for this moment. The hum of the guests speaks volumes of the palpable excitement in the air. But it isn't anticipation that makes Nolan's heart beat furiously inside his chest-it's something far darker. She ought to have been here by now. He looks at his wristwatch, and his stomach starts to knot up. Fifteen minutes past time. Every second felt as though it's dragging so hard, the sound of ticking a bit dreadful. Nolan can feel the piercing weight of the crowd's gaze, the way they quickly exchange nervous glances as the silence continues to stretch on. He digs his phone from his pocket, his quick, nimble fingers dialing Marie's number. He presses the phone to his ear, praying to hear her voice, soft reassurances that she's on her way
---Chapter Twenty Eight I sit at my bedroom window watching everything that's been going on since morning, how Nolan had knocked, I clearly heard his frustrated voice.The wedding dress I'm supposed to be wearing hangs from the closet door, its white lace taunting me every time I look its way.It feels as though everything weighs on my chest, crushing me with the truth of what I just did. By now, I should be walking down that aisle, but instead, I sat here in silence, knowing Nolan was most likely still standing there, waiting for me. The thought alone sent a wave of guilt crashing over me, the intensity making my stomach lurch.My cell phone lies glowing in its usual place on my nightstand, Nolan's name flashing across it as it rings for what must be the hundredth time tonight. But I can't answer it. I don't think I can bear to hear his voice now. Not now. How would I explain what I've done, when I don't wholly understand it myself?I bring my knees up to my chest and press my head
Chapter Twenty NineIt's a cold morning, and I am taking my son to school. He's lagging behind me as we are approaching his school. I glance at my watch, swearing under my breath. I don't want him to be going to school late, and I still don't know if I'll be going to work.“Come on, Simeon, we're already late!" I prod, tugging his small hand gently, yet his steps drag with distractions.“Mum, I don't want to go to school” he says, scrunching his face.I look at his face and I figure out that there's something bothering him. I'll find out when he gets home after school, not now.I pause for a moment, lowering myself to his level. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" I place my hand on his forehead, but he is cool; no fever.He shakes his head, pouting. "No, I just. I don't want to go today.“I sigh and nuzzle his arm softly. "I know you don't feel like it today, but you have to. How about we get some ice cream after school, hmm? You can pick the flavor."That perks him up some, and he
Chapter ThirtyThe room is sterilized, bathed in cold fluorescent light that is not even remotely comforting. I sit on the uncomfortable chair beside Simeon's bed; my heart still races from all the things that had taken place. My eyes stick to his small, pale face, so still beneath the white sheets. The beeping of the heart monitor keeps me attached to the fact that he is alive, that he's still breathing.Nolan is here, silently sitting on the other side of the room, but says a thousand words with his presence-smothering, nearly, yet not in any repulsive manner. And I do not know what to make of it. He has been here for hours, not talking much, just being here. There is this stillness in him which I don't really understand, this aura of calmness which should make me feel better. It only makes me confused.I have not uttered a word since we got here. I can't-I just can't. My throat is all dry, my head in the fuddle of guilt, with questions I couldn't answer. Why was I so preoccupied? W
Chaptee Thirty One "Okay! I'll be there soon" Nolan says, as he hang up his call. Hearing the conversation, I knew it's a call from the company they needs him urgently. I breathe In and out deeply, because I need him by my side. "I am sorry, Marie. I'll be back as soon as I can," he says, his eyes lingering on me, awaiting something that I do not want to give him at this particular moment. Understanding, perhaps. Forgiveness. I nod, my throat tight, and watch him go. The door clicks softly shut behind him and the quiet presses in-too heavy, too still. I turn back to Simeon lying in the hospital bed, his small chest rising and falling with every labored breath. The steady beeping of the machines is the only sound in the room, the constant reminder of how fragile everything feels right now. I look at him again, he looks so small from the bed. “Or is there something bothering Simeon? He doesn't even want to go to school before the incident occurs, is it within school or outsi
-Chapter Thirty-Two: Simeon's Release and Leo's AbsenceI look at the clock on the wall of the hospital, each passing tick pulling me deeper into a void I do not want to face. The doctors clear Simeon for discharge, and the papers are signed. I should feel relieved, but the gnawing emptiness of Leo's absence presses against my chest.I texted Leo that his son would be released this morning, so he should be here by now. My phone vibrates softly in my hand, but it's not Leo. Not a word all day from him.I make myself look at Simeon, his small face lighting up as he gathers his things, his legs swinging excitedly over the side of the bed. I can't let him see my disappointment-he needs today to be perfect. After everything he's been through, he deserves that much.“Mommy, can we get ice cream on the way home?"-his voice is sweet and eager, that kind of innocence that makes my heart ache even more.Before I can answer, Nolan's voice cuts through the thick silence around me. "Of course, bu
-Chapter Thirty ThreeIt's been a long time since I went to the office and today I want to resume fully. I really can't skip work lik this in another company, but this is Nolan company, that's why I can do all that I want.I step into the office trying to shake the heavy feeling clinging to my heart.. My eyes flicker into the direction to Nolan's office, I wish to go in there immediately to hug him. I don't know how I'm going to get through the day.My hands shake slightly as I settle behind my desk. Everything seems the same, but it feels like I'm walking on shattered glass after everything that went on between Nolan and me.I barely focus on my work, not concentrating, my mind keeps drifting back to the day before the wedding, how Leo had come in to confuse me. Everytime someone approaches me on my desk, I jump. Because my mind isn't even at work, I am expecting Nolan.On a normal day, Nolan would have come to say Hi or even call me to come over.By mid-afternoon, I just can't tak
Chapter One Hundred And Two: A Perilous PlanHeavy with the weight of his machinations, tension fills the air at Leo's large estate. The room is dimly lit, and quiet murmurs and conversations ensue between Leo's most trusted men-all handpicked for their loyalty and ruthlessness. Dominating the center of the room is a mahogany table littered with maps, files, and a few glasses of whiskey. Leo stands at the head, his commanding presence ensuring that all eyes remain on him.Leo's dark eyes dance with an unnerving mixture of anger and a resolution as he addresses his men. "Nolan thinks he can challenge me and win," he begins, his voice low but keen. "The fool actually took me to court, and now he has a woman strong enough to stand beside him. That's dangerous.One of his closest comrades, Marco, the man with a permanent scowl etched on his face, leans forward. "So what's the plan, boss? Do we hit him where it hurts? Burn down his business? Scare off his allies?"Leo shakes his head, his
Chapter One Hundred One : Strength in UnityThe early evening light filters through the living room windows as Nolan sets down his coffee mug on the kitchen counter. He’s restless, his mind replaying Leo’s threats from earlier. Elena moves around the kitchen with purpose, her hands busy slicing vegetables for dinner."You're still pacing," Elena remarks without looking up, her voice calm but firm. "It won't change anything, you know."Nolan stops mid-step and leans against the counter. "How can you be so calm, Elena? The man practically declared war in my own house. And the way he looked at you—"Elena lifts an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What, you're scared of Leo now? I thought you were braver than that."Brave? It's not about bravery. You don't know what he's capable of. He's not just some angry ex-con. Leo is-He's dangerous," Nolan says, running a hand through his hair.Elena chuckles softly, shaking her head as she stirs a pot on the stove. "Dangerous or not, we're not running.
Chapter One Hundred: A Sudden VisitThe smell of sautéed onions and spices fills the small kitchen as Elena hums softly to herself. She efficiently navigates between the stove and the countertop, her hands deftly chopping vegetables as she occasionally follows along on the recipe pulled up on her cell phone. Sun pours through the window into the tidy space.Nolan leans lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed and his lips curled up in a small smile. He regards her with a quiet sort of admiration, though the tension in his shoulders betrays his thoughts."You know," he says at last, coming into the kitchen, "you really don't have to do all this. We could have just ordered something."Elena looks up briefly, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "And miss the chance to show off my cooking skills? Not a chance. Besides, you need a proper meal. Stress eating takeout isn't doing you any good."Nolan chuckles, moving closer. "Stress eating, huh? You make it sound like I'm falling apart."Elena r
Chapter Ninety Nine: UnitedThe soft hum of the morning sunlight pours into the kitchen, washing over the countertops and making everything moe bright. Elena stands at the stove, stirring a pot of oatmeal with a steady practiced motion. The kitchen is warm, comforting-familiar, normal in the chaos still hanging outside.The creaking of footsteps breaks the silence, and Elena doesn't need to lift her head to know who is behind her. Even before he says a word, the room fills with his presence- thick with tension now days over. She hears him stop right in the entrance, taking in the view of her; his gaze lingers as if she were the only thing keeping him bound to this earth."Elena," he begins, and the strained sound is almost weary. She doesn't turn around immediately, knowing he needs to say whatever is on his mind. She keeps her attention on the oatmeal, though she feels the heavy weight of his eyes on her."Something's wrong, isn't it?" she says calmly, while the undertone in her voi
Chapter Ninety Eight: A Fragile PlanThe room in the hospital is silent, except for the soft humming of machines that monitor Simeon's recovery. Morning light cascades through the blinds, giving the little room a pale glow. Marie sits by the window, observing her son leaning against his pillows. Simeon looks stronger now, his cheeks no longer as pale as they were when they first came in.“You’re getting better,” Marie says with a small smile. Her voice is warm, but there’s a tension behind it that Simeon doesn’t miss.“Yeah,” he replies, his tone flat. “I guess.”Marie hesitates, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her cardigan. She’s been thinking about this conversation all night, turning it over and over in her mind. She knows it’s risky, but she can’t shake the idea. Finally, she speaks."Simeon," she begins, her voice low. "I've been thinking. Perhaps we ought to get in touch with your father."Simeon freezes, his eyes narrowing as he stares at her. "What?"Hear me out," Marie sa
Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Predator ReturnsThe limousine rolls to a stop outside the towering iron gates of Leo Ralston's estate. The driver is out in a flash, briskly efficient as he opens the door. Leo steps onto the gravel driveway, commanding and cold. The air is crisp, biting against the fine fabric of his tailored suit, but Leo doesn't flinch.The gates groan to a creaky open, revealing the serpentine drive up to his mansion. In the distance, the imposing structure looms like a shadow against the fading light of dusk. This was always the house that represented his power, his untouchable status. Tonight, however, there seemed to be something off about it-something hollow in the silence that surrounded it.Leo's eyes go sharp as he nears the great front doors. The carving, once a pride, now feels almost mocking. He shoves the heavy doors open; the groan of it resounds through the halls that are now empty.A chill greets him from the foyer, one that has nothing to do with the eveni
Chapter Ninety-Six: A Storm on the HorizonNolan leave the hospital, he doesn't want to discuss with Marie, because he knew whatever he says might be use against him, just Incase Marie goes back to him againNolan steps out into the brisk evening air, the city alive with celebrations for National Unity Day, but the joy and lights feel almost like a different place. His mind is consumed by the news of Leo Ralston's release. Each step to his car feels so heavy, his thoughts gray with worry.Leo. Free.He knows what it means, and a chill runs down his spine. It's not just about him; it's about Marie and Simeon. It's about all the lives Leo could destroy again.The drive home is silent and unusually so. Even the sound of the engine feels muffled under the weight of his thoughts. He clutches the steering wheel a little tighter than usual, his knuckles whitening. Pulling into the driveway of his modest home, he readies himself for the conversation that will ensue.Inside, Elena is sitting o
Chapter Ninety Five: FreedomThe atmosphere of the morning was thick with celebration as the people prepared to celebrate National Unity Day. The streets around the nation were draped with flags, and every available square space was packed with citizens awaiting parades and merrymaking. But behind the scenes, the government is planning a far less publicized but equally important move-a gesture of goodwill that reverberated through every corner of society.Senior officials filled the seats of the long table inside the presidential mansion. At the head of the table, the president ran his eyes over the document before him. On it was a list of prisoners eligible for early release, an early but symbolic act of compassion pertaining to the national holiday.This will send a great message," the Minister of Justice says, his voice measured. "The country requires unity, and giving amnesty to some of the prisoners will show our resolve for second chances."The president nods but does not say a
Chapter: Nolan's PromiseNolan sits beside Simeon's bed, his elbows to his knees, his hands clasped together in tight fists. The soft beeping of the monitor is a reassuring cadence, a steady heartbeat that tells him Simeon lives, that he still fights. Morning light seeps through the blinds, but the exhaustion in his body will not abate. His vow to Simeon, "I won't let you down, not this time," is the litany in his brain.The door creaks open, and Marie steps in hesitantly, carrying two cups of coffee. Her face looks tired, her eyes heavy from a sleepless night. She stops near the doorway, watching Nolan for a moment before speaking.“You should rest,” she says softly, setting one cup on the small table beside him.“I’m fine,” Nolan replies, his tone curt, though he doesn’t look at her.Marie pulls a chair closer and sits down, wrapping her hands around her cup for warmth. For a while, neither of them speaks, the silence stretching out uncomfortably. Then, she breaks it.“You’re still