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 Fifty Two I sink deep into the couch, its familiar buzz filling the room as the screen ahead unravels the game before my eyes. A Saturday afternoon, the energy of the players on the field was sufficient to keep the thrill running in my veins. This was my escape; this was normality, my moment when everything else was spiralings out of my control. But as I cheered for my team, my mind wandered back to Marie and Simeon.The door creaks open, and I glance up in time to catch Simeon peering his head through the threshold of the living room. His eyes dart around nervously and a frown settles onto his face. I mute the television and set the remote down, feeling a flood of concern in my chest."Hey, buddy," I say steadily. "What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost."Simeon steps inside, closing the door softly behind him. He walks to the couch and seats himself at the edge, his posture tense. "Dad… I need to talk to you."I perk up a bit, feeling seriousness in his tone. "Okay, w
Chapter Fifty ThreeI slide into the booth, my fingers nervously playing against the table as I try to pick up snippets of Leo's conversation with the two men. The coffee in front of me grows cold as my thoughts spiral. I know I should be cautious, but the stakes are too high for me to simply walk away. I lean in, straining to hear.“…..we need to make sure he feels it," one of them says in a low, intense voice. I can feel my heart racing. What are they going to do?"Leo, you can't just go in guns blazing. We have to be strategic," the other guy says seriously.I had given him an inch when I shifted in my seat, trying to adjust, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Léo leaned back into his chair, a sparkle of something sinistral gleaming in his eye. "He thinks he's untouchable. I want him to pay. He needs to know that no one is safe."A cold shiver runs down my spine. Gotta get outta here. They're planning something on me, and there's just no way I can afford to be in the middle o
Chapter Fifty FourEarly morning light filters through the curtains as it casts a soft glow over the living room. I sit on the couch, cradling a warm cup of tea between my hands, yet somehow the warmth doesn't reach the chill in my heart. The air is full of tension, and I have that funny feeling that something is brewing underneath. Simeon sits as silently in the other room as he always does, and yet somehow I have this feeling he is holding something back from me.The house is unnaturally quiet. The only sound, a thin sound of the clock ticking, hangs in the air, reminding me that time is running out. I sip my steaming hot tea, hoping its warmth somehow relieves this vague feeling of alarm gnawing at me. I took great pride in thinking that I can read my son, knowing instinctively when something wasn't quite right. But today, everything has felt like grasping at shadows.I set my cup down and rise, heading toward the hall to his room. I stop in front of his door and my hand lingers on
Chapter Fifty Five Marie's PovI finish cleaning up the living room and suddenly see Simeon hurrying towards the door. He walks with such speed and his face seems so full of purpose. I have seen him disappear on a lot of occasions of late, and as the thought keeps popping into my mind, I try to discard it, yet still remain apprehensive."Simeon?" I call out, hoping he will slow down, but he is well out of view now. Something inside of me stirs; a mix of worry and curiosity that I just can't seem to shake.I return to my work, but my mind starts to buzz. I can't stop myself speculating where he is off to this time. I have been observing him, noticing how he sometimes disappears, and how, when he returns, there is usually some fire in his eyes, as if he holds some secret within him.I decide to check his room-just to ease my nerves, I tell myself. Stepping inside, I take a deep breath, scanning the room; it's much neater than I'd expected. And there, on his bed, I see it: a phone lay u
Chapter Fifty SixThe wall clock tongs loudly, his echoes reverberating in the silent house. It was late, and with the weak light of the lamp casting shades everywhere, it made the room heavy. I am sitting on the couch edge, often looking at my phone, waiting for that message which never came. Simeon was late, and with every minute that flew by, the knot of worry that tied my tummy squeezed tighter.Leo notices how agitation has overcome me. He comes into the living room, his face set in a frown. "Marie, is everything okay? You seem off."I paste an empty smile to mask my concern. "It's just Simeon. He's not back yet."Leo furrows his eyebrows some more. "What do you "mean? I thought you went out to check on himAbout an hour," I answer, my voice shaking a little. "He went to meet some friends after dinner, but he should have been back by now.""Did you try asking about him from his friends?" he asks, sudden casual to seriousI nod, feeling the heat of shame rise in my cheeks. "I did,
--- Chapter Fifty Seven The silence in this house felt like an ax that could fall at any moment, heavy and suffocating. The soft ticking of the wall clock reverberated in the room, reminding me of the time running out—and with it, my hope of taking back what has been done. The documents.It gnaws at the edges of my mind, since Simeon came back tonight, without a care in the world, still smiling, completely unaware of what he has done. I know he never intended to betray anyone, never even realized what the consequences were of what he handed over. But the fact is: those documents are with Nolan now. And what they hold… Well, it's enough to bring down his father. Simeon's biological father.I shiver just thinking of all the secrets that lay between those pages, secrets I fought so hard to bury. I run my hand through my hair, taking a shaky breath. I know just what I should be doing now. I have to speak with Simeon and hope-pray-that he is able to retrieve them from Nolan, but would N
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