Chapter Forty FourThe next thing I know, I am standing in the foyer of Leo's house, a place so well-known and yet so foreign. Memories of our past hang in the air: laughter shared, dreams built, and then shattered. This was our house, our haven in which I thought love would blossom for eternity. Now it feels like a museum of our history, full of the echoes of what once was.Simeon, my son, stands beside me, wide-eyed with wonder as he took0 in the grandeur of the place. I watched him as he went further in - a mixture of curiosity and innocence seemed to exude from him. A feeling that I would like just at this moment to be portrayed: the warmth of a father's love. But I am here, confused and lost in my thoughts, and truly wondering if I am making the right choice."Marie," Leo interrupts the spell of my reverie. His voice is deep and rich, and resonates through the big area. Closer to me, his gaze steady and serious, I can feel my heart start to race. "Are you okay? I know this must b
---Chapter Forty Five: Nolan's FrightNolan's PovI had been pacing back and forth in the living room, having my phone tightly in my hand, in which the house was silent, too silent, except for that ticking of a clock on the wall. I had been awaiting hours, and there was no sight of Marie. The phone calls that I made have gone to no answer; every single ring has only ended with a dead silence. She is not picking up, and it has been freaking me out.I glance at the phone again. Nothing.I try to shake off the worry building inside me, but it's useless. The knot in my stomach grows tighter by the minute. What if something has happened? What if she's in trouble? Leo is unpredictable-I've always known that. And now that she's with him, in his house, who knows what he's capable of?My mind is racing, and I thought I had this under control. Really, I thought sending her back to him would help us to get what we need. But now, as the hours tick on with not a word from her, I am second-guessin
Chapter Forty Six: The Confrontation (Leo to Nolan)Nolan’s Pov I push through the heavy doors of Leo's office building, my steps assured yet weighted by the uncertainty of what's ahead. This has been a long-brewing confrontation, and I'm not walking away from this until everything is out in the open. Not until Marie's fate is clear.I step into the elevator, watching the numbers climb, but my mind isn't on the ascent. It's all on Marie-on the confusion and fear in her eyes when she pushed me away. She said it was for her protection, that being with Leo was the only way to protect herself, but I know there's more to it than that. I know Leo's using the past to manipulate her, feeding off the lies she told him about me.She told him I betrayed her. It's not true, but Leo believes it. And that's all the fuel he needs to keep her close and keep me at arm's length. But that stops today.The elevator dings and I step out onto the top floor. The sleek design of Leo's office reflects the ma
---Chapter Forty - Seven : A Son's AnguishThe house is very quiet. I noticed that whenever Leo isn't around, Simeon will just be without uttering a word.I have been telling myself that he's not used to the environment yet, and soon he will get used to it, but I am not comfortable with it yet.I take a deep breath, steady myself, and walk over. "Hey, honey," I say softly, sitting down beside him. "What's on your mind?"He glances at me, his gaze sharp and serious, older than his years. "I don't like it here, Mom," he says, voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like being here with… him." The way he says "him" makes my heart ache.I knew this was going to be hard on him, that it wouldn't exactly go smoothly with him moving back in with Leo. But I never thought he'd feel this strongly so soon. I reach for his hand, but he pulls it back, looking away. "Simeon, sweetheart… This is your father's house. He wants to be a part of our lives now”He loudly exhales, crossing his arms over his
.Chapter Forty Eight : Bound by SecretsThe house is silent, quiet enough that I can hear my own breathing as I slide the drawer closed, my fingers trembling ever so slightly. I went to Leo’s room, I can't tell why I am there, his secret room.I go closer to his wardrobe. My hand lingers there, the memory of what I've just seen burning into my mind. It's the document I came here for, the proof I'd been so desperate to find. The very reason I agreed to this twisted arrangement in the first place.I swallow hard, looking around as if the walls themselves could betray me. Simeon's not here-thankfully, probably out or lost in his thoughts somewhere. I don't want him anywhere near this. He needs to keep on seeing his father through innocent eyes, even if he resents him right now. He doesn't need to know what this is or why it matters.And yet… I don't have the stomach to destroy it. I try to remind myself that it's a matter of me not having time, Leo might come in at any moment. Deep ins
Chapter Forty NineI sit alone in the quiet study, the only light coming from the dim lamp casting a soft glow over the room. Outside, soft rain taps against the window panes-a lullaby of sorts that soothes and unsettles me all at once. Nights like these, usually, bring on peace, but tonight, my mind is restless.I am taken back to Simeon's words a while back. He sees right through me, more than I thought he could. And of course, he's right. I didn't return with a view to forgive or forget. I came here with a purpose, but now, sitting in this house with secrets of Leo's vulnerabilities, my plan seems frailer than ever. Especially after what I found.I exhaled a long, slow breath and massaged my fingertips against the gathering tension in my temples. There's just so much history tangled up in this place, between all of us-me, Leo, Simeon, even Nolan. And a promise of vengeance is the one running thread that ties it all together. The one I couldn't shake.As if summoned by my thoughts,
Chapter FiftyNolan's PovI linger outside Dr. Gray's office door, my heart in my throat. Part of me is still in disbelief that I'm here-again-returning to the very person who proposed this whole idea in the first place. I had known, I had been so convinced, that it would all turn out differently. Now, Marie was slipping between my fingers-and into Leo's.I slowly open the door and enter. Dr. Gray looks up from her desk, her lips curling into a knowing smile."Ah, Nolan," she drawls, sitting back in her chair with that damned, teasing sparkle in her eye. "I knew you'd be back. I know it's just for a few days, you will come crawling back, there's a ark to accept you”She smooths her white coat and steps closer, straightening up. "So, what brings you here? Don't tell me… you've finally realized you need me for more than advice?" She raises an eyebrow. “You need me more than you need Marie, nice you realize that sooner”I try to disregard her implication, but it stings. "That's not why I
Chapter Fifty OneLeo's PovI am sitting in the quiet of my study in the dimmed light that shrouds everything around me in shadows. My head seems to swirl with plans and thoughts, a storm, and the more the ticking of seconds, the louder it gets. I swirl the whiskey in my glass and stare into it as though it has answers. It has been such an ongoing thing in my thoughts that it has become a part of me, ruining Nolan's company. But now, with Marie here, somehow the focus is sharper, more intense.It is then that the silence is broken, and a soft presence near draws my attention. Marie stands a few steps away from me, watching me with those ever-observant eyes of hers."Leo," she says softly, a warmth in her voice that somehow manages to be both soothing and unnerving at the same time. "You seem. lost in thought."I look up, holding her gaze. The concern in her eyes is real, genuine. But she has no idea what is going on in my mind."Just. thinking," I reply, my tone casual, though there's
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