Chapter One: * The Bitter Revelation “Mum, what are you doing? Are we still going or not?” my son, Simeon, asks impatiently from the hallway. His eyes gleam with excitement, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in my heart. I glance at myself in the mirror, forcing a smile that feels heavier than it should. “Yes, sweetheart. We’re going to surprise Daddy. He’s going to love it.” My voice sounds distant, as if I’m speaking to someone else. Deep down, a gnawing feeling has been festering ever since last night. My husband didn’t come home. He hasn’t even called. I’d pushed away the unease, chalking it up to his busy work life. Not that this is his first time, but today is a special day and he should celebrate it with his family regardless of his hectic work. I pull on my jacket, smoothing down my dress, trying to cover the anxiety that gnaws within me. After all, we’re going to his office to surprise him for his 34th birthday. Surely, that’ll make everything right. “We’re
Chapter TwoComing back from submitting my CV, I could hear my son's voice, he's clearly talking to someone.I step in, and find my son and his father on the coach.“Mum, Dad is here! He bought me a toy,” my son says excitedly, showing off his new toy.I’m confuse, I leave home few hours ago, only to return and find my husband, the same man who left my son and me and even blocked me.“Leo, what are you doing here?”Leo glances at me, his expression indifferent. “Are you asking why I’m in my own house?”“Do you think you can just play with our hearts? Show up whenever you feel like it and disappear when it suits you?”Leo shifts his attention to Simeon, gently ruffling his hair. “Simeon, could you go to your room for a bit? Your mum and I need to talk. ”Simeon nods, though he clearly wants to stay and listen. Reluctantly, he leaves for his room.“You saw my message, right?” Leo asks.“Yes, I saw it. But you must be joking. It has to be a cruel joke. Not after everything I’ve done for
Chapter Three Now I know I have no choice but to look for a job in order to get money to take care of my child and myself. Depending on anyone else isn’t an option anymore I have heard about a place, a new company that is currently recruiting workers. With my CV in hand, I make my way there, “Good Morning, I am Marie. I want to apply for a job here. my…..” “You are welcome," Marie, the receptionist, says with a smile. “You can wait, let me call the CEO personal assistant” I nod, “No problem, I'll wait” “You can have your seat, I'll let you know what next” I sit down, hoping that everything will turn out well. Just then, I see a young pretty lady coming towards me. “Hello, you are Marie, right? I nod, “Yes, I am Marie” “You can follow me” she says. I stands up and follow her through the corridor The walls are all very well designed, with modern features and borders that seem to highlight all of what I think to be the company’s achievements. The high glass walls make me f
Chapter Four Nolan's decision catches me off guard. “Marie, let me drive you home so I can get to know your house and importantly, meet your son” . I am uncertain how to respond, I hesitate for a moment before responding. "Okay... but why now?” “I want to meet your son, you call him..” “Simeon” I say, correcting him, softly. “His name is Simeon” . “Yes, Simeon” he says nodding, “Can we go now?” “Okay” We leave his office and head to where he parked his car. Nolan opens the car for me and I can’'t help but remember the good memories we had. I slip inside, while he walks around to the driver's seat and starts the engine. As the car hums to life and the city blurs past us, memories from our past flood my mind. There was a time when things were simpler, when it was just us, before the complications and the heartache. I glance at Nolan, wondering if he's thinking about the same things. “Nolan, do you mean you haven't been in any relationship since you left. You are acting s
Chapter Five Hearing that, Nolan prepares to leave, he stands at the doorway, resting his hand on the knob. He shifts his eyes from Simeon to me. The weight of the moment hangs in the air, thick, none of us have anything to say. “Nolan, I say, breaking the silence, “I know this is a lot, this is a lot to take in” He nods, he looks at Simeon again, his eyes furrowed deep. “Cutie, I wasn't expecting you to say this” he reveals, “You have given me choices to pick one. I really need some time to think about it, I'll get back to you” I nod “I understand l, Nolan, take your time. You don't need to rush things” . "Can I get your number? In case. I need to reach out later." We exchange numbers-the gesture feels empty, a bridge between us that might or might not be crossed. Nolan's gaze holds on mine, and for one fleeting instant, I think that he might say more, say something hopeful. But instead, he nods and turns to leave, the soft click of the door behind him. I am enclosed in sile
Chapter SixI arrive at my new working place. The receptionist greets me, she gave me the key and direct me to my new working place.As I open the office, I couldn't express my excitement, the office looks very simple and beautiful.I text Nolan to let him know about my arrival. He replies me immediately.“Good to hear. I am on my way, see you soon”I feel so lucky as I lay my back to the chair.As I am about to turn on the system, a knock at the door interupts me."Come in," I says.The door opens, and a tall, elegant woman steps in. Her polished appearance and confident stride make an immediate impression. She smiles wa,rmly as she enters."I’m Nancy, Mr. Nolan’s personal assistant," she introduces herself, her tone both professional and friendly.As she steps inside, her high heels click on the polish floor."I am Marie Smith” I responded, extending a hand.Nancy shakes my hand firmly, her grip confident. "The receptionist mentioned you were starting today, so I thought I’d come by
**Chapter Seven**I leave my office and head toward the conference room. When I arrive, everyone is already seated, waiting expectantly.ToMy heels click on the floor as I make my way to the table. All eyes shift on me. I won't lie, I am a bit anxious “Good Morning everyone. I am Marie Smith” I smile, “I am Marie Smith. I won’t be discussing for so long because I am still new here” my eyes search around, but I can't find Nancy.“Within yesterday and today, I have gone through the ongoing project and I wouldn’t like to say things about it but before I dive into that, dos anyone have anything to say?....”I pause when the door swings open, it was an unexpected interruption. Nolan who had told me he wouldn't be coming.My heart skips a beat as he moved forward..“I am sorry for interrupting, but this meeting is canceled”I stand, unsure of how to react. The first meeting I'll be holding is canceled. I watch how the room becomes empty.As soon as the last person leaves, I slip out quiet
Chapter Eight**I have been expecting his message, but I didn't see it. I start gathering my things to leave for my house.As I gather my things, I hear a knock at the door.“Come in,” I call, hoping it’s Nolan.The door opens, and to my surprise, Nolan steps inside. There’s a determined look on his face that makes my heart race.“Are you going home?” he asks.I nod, not looking at his face. “Is there anything you would like to tell me? I am heading home”He looks at me keenly, “No, I am not sure” he says, “Can I take you home?”“Take me home?” I blurt out, incredulous. “Do you think I am a fool or who do you think I am?” I say patiently. “You see I am trying to be calm, I need you to tell me everything going on?” “What's that?” He asks, pretending not to know what I am talking about.But Nolan's face is impassive, unreadable-but I can see a flicker of something, way deep behind his eyes. It's something he's desperately trying to push down.”Stop pretending, you know what I am talkin
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
Chapter: Nolan Stays by Simeon's SideThe pale-faced Marie paces around the living room, her eyes on Simeon. He lay on the sofa, hardly conscious, with beads of sweat on his forehead. His wheezing is shallow and faint, and every wheeze refreshes a new panic wave in her mind.Simeon, please, stay awake," she begs, moving the cool cloth once more over his burning forehead. Her voice breaks, and for a moment, her emotions betray her. She clenches her jaw and tries not to fall apart, but seeing him like this breaks her.Her mind is racing with what to do next. She's not prepared for this-she's never been prepared for this. Simeon has always been the strong one, the steady rock in a world full of chaos. Seeing him like this, so vulnerable, terrifies her.Trembling, she picks up her phone and dials Nolan's number. It rings twice before he answers.Nolan," she begins, her voice strained with desperation. "Simeon is sick. I don't know what to do. Hè's burning up, and he can barely breathe. Pl
Chapter Ninety-One: "Torn Between the Past and PresentHe leaned back in his chair, sitting alone in his study, the faint light of the desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. The confrontation with Marie earlier in the day replayed in his mind-every word another dagger twisting deeper. The weight of her voice, the crack in her resolve when she begged for his understanding, still lingered in his mind like some unshakable ghost.Five years: five long, long years they shared together, once a time that seemed to be the basis of his future. But then it fell, torn down by the stab of betrayal. Twice, she failed him, and each time it felt as if someone plunged a knife into his soul.At this, Nolan runs a hand through his hair; frustration boils inside him. He knows what logic dictates: she's the past. Marie made her choices, and he made his. When she wasn't there for him, Elena stepped in. Elena had been the one to stand by him at his very lowest, when he thought himself empty and wi