Chapter Twelve“Marie, it's not that I wanted the accident to happen….”“Really? You didn't want the accident to happen? But where was I coming from? Wasn't it the message I saw that made me start coming over there?”“Marie, it's trapped. didn't want to tell you this, but I think I can no longer keep it from you, I am sorry”I listen attentively, not replying to him “I traveled then, right" he says, I didn't travel because of work, I lied…” he says trembling.My eyes are wide open, “Why? Why did you travel? wasn't it because of work?”“I am sorry…”“Talk” I snap.He nods, “You see that I had to travel urgently”“Can you just talk…”“I actually hit someone in an accident and it was very bad, soit was only Nancy who knew I was the one who hit the woman. I didn't wait, I speed up”I freeze, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest. The words just hang there, hanging in the air and heavy with tension, the weight of something far deeper than I'd expected."What?" My voice is barely a whispe
**Chapter Thirteen: A Betrayal of the Worst Kind The nurse leaves the hospital room, leaving silence once again. But in my head, it is a very different matter. The words of Nolan keep swirling in my mind, a vortex pulling me under waves of confusion and anger. I feel trapped, ensnared by the love I once felt for him and the weight of his crushing truth.My eyelids grow heavy, and I close my eyes, attempting to rest. Again, though, the sound of footsteps approaching makes me open my eyes. The door opens very slowly. For a moment, I think it is Nolan again, but it is not him.Nancy entered the room with excessively composed countenance, her face radiating no trace of bother about anything in this world. Her eyes then focused on mine-cold and calculating. Instantly my heartbeat quickened because I always tried hard to sit up a little."What are you doing here?" I ask in strains tones.Nancy doesn't answer immediately. She walks over to the machines alongside me, the tips of her fingers
Chapter Fourteen: A Revelation UnveiledThe room is silent after Nolan has gone. The dull beeping of the machines is the only sound that manages to keep me oriented in reality. My mind, however, is lost in this sea of confusion and betrayal. I close my eyes and let out a long shaking breath. How did all these get so out of hand?Honestly, I do not know what more to think. The man I thought I knew, the man I loved, allowed Nancy of all people to walk away unscathed after trying to hurt me. How am I supposed to make sense of that? Regardless of what's going to happen, he shouldn't have let her go if he loves me I press a hand against my forehead, the dull ache settling there. Nolan's words still echo in my brain: "I did it to protect you, Marie." Protect me from what? From the truth? From his own guilt?My heart clenches painfully. A part of me so desperately wants to believe him. Wants to believe that somewhere deep down, he cares about me enough to want to keep me safe. But after ev
Chapter Fifteen: The Veil of ThreatsThe crisp hospital sheets are too tight around me, though they have already told me that I could finally go home. The words of the doctor-complete rest-are as if an echo in my head since I have been doing anything else all these days. It is not just the body that requires healing; there's much more inside that is broken.I wait for Nolan, trying to push the exhaustion that clings to me away. I didn't expected him to pick me up, for that matter. I didn't expected him to be around much at all after everything that happened. But he's here, showing up, reliable as ever, despite the tension grown between us.The door opens and I look up from my bed. Nolan is standing in the doorway. His face is soft, his expression is unreadable. Probably he's relieved that I am being released from the hospital “Ready?” He asks with a soft, cautious voice.I nod and start to feel a wave of dizziness as I stand. He steps forward quickly, offering his arm, and though I
Chapter Sixteen: Breaking the SilenceI resume work on Monday. My office is too quiet as I step inside. I leave my office and head to Nolan's office, to tell him that I have arrive.Nolan is sitting at his desk, staring down at the paperwork in front of him, but he doesn't seem like he's reading it.He looks up as I come in, and for a second, a flash of relief crosses his features-relief that I am here and we can finally talk. I take a deep breath, feeling all the unsaid words between us."Marie," he says, standing and walking around the desk. He is hesitating; he seems unsure of what he wants to say next.Nolan, we need to talk," I begin, though I am fully aware of what I am going to say. I have been since…well, since everything between us went complicated. "I don't want to keep pretending anymore."He looks at me worriedly, “Marie, what do you mean?”I mean us," I say, carefully "We've been dancing around this for to her tune for too long, and I can no longer continue that anymore”
Chapter Seventeen: Debt to be Repaid It is one of those afternoons, few and far in between, when the air seems light and, for an instant, a blind eye is turned toward the thoughts of the past. The giggles of Simeon resonate in the living room as he tosses his ball into the air, his little face alight. I sit in the living room and cross my legs. His joy is infectious and that pulls me away from the heavy fog. Then, the doorbell rings. A sound that brings reality crashing back. I rise, wipe my hands on my jeans, and head towards the door. My heart skips a beat as I pull it open to find Nolan standing there. He is tense. His usual clear and easygoing expression clouded with something heavier-guilt, maybe, fear, definitely. "Marie," he says softly, stepping in. His eyes flick to Simeon then back to me. "Are you ready for this? I shoot a sideways glance at my son, who still plays away, completely oblivious to the tempest brewing around us. I nod, but my chest constricts as it really h
Chapter EighteenNolan is sitting behind his desk and he is going through the documents in front of him when a gentle knock breaks his concentration.Without waiting for his response, Nancy opens the door and enters, a sly smile playing on her lips.“Hey there, big guy," she purrs, leaning against the doorframe. Hers is a voice full of honey, at complete variance with the tension that fills the room. "I thought I'd come by and see if you needed a little distraction from all this paperwork."Nolan arches an eyebrow, unimpressed. "This isn't the time, Nancy.The smile falters a moment before she quickly regains her composure, swaying her hips as she moves into the office. "Oh, come on. You don't have to be all business all the time. I can lighten the mood, you know."Nolan's looked at her firmly, “I think it's time we talk now, it's time we talk about your position here”“My position? What has my position do with what we are about to do? What do you mean?”He takes a deep breath, befor
--- Chapter Nineteen: A Choice Between Love and Revenge I am inside when the doorbell rings. I didn't expect anyone by this time of the day, it's late at night and I am not expecting a visitor either Simeon is in the living room playing with his toys when I heard it. But only one person can come looking for me and that's Nolan . I glance at the time: 8:45 PM. He normally calls first. I wipe off my palms on my apron as I take a deep breath. I open the door and there he stands, tall and composed. My Nolan. “Nolan” I say softly. “It's late, what are you doing?” I ask worriedly. He steps inside without uttering a word. He looks at Simeon for a second before his gaze locks onto mine. “I miss you Marie” he says, his voice low but steadfast, “I just can't keep this again, I think it's time I talk” I nod, gesturing to the couch for him to sit. Simeon looks up from his toys, gives Nolan a big grin, completely insensitive to the tension filling the room. "Hope there's no
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