Chapter Thirty Nine The sun shines soft through the window, casting a warm glow across the living room as I sit on the floor with Simeon. He's focused, his tiny fingers carefully stacking one colorful block atop another. I watch him, my heart swelling with affection. These moments are so dear to me, when everything seems so typical, so serene. For a few minutes, I can forget the chaos looming over us.Look, Mommy!" Simeon beams up at me, his tower proud-though a little wobbly-standing.I smile and reach to steady the blocks. "You're getting to be such a good builder, my little builder.At my praise, his face lights up, and before I know it, I lean down and press a soft kiss to his forehead. I think I am fulfilling my promise already, that I won't let him know of this storm, I won't let what's weighing me down affect him, I can see his face light up and I am happy for that. I smile watching him play happily, my joy. But it doesn't last.Nolan steps into the room; his footsteps heavy,
Chapter FortySimeon and I take a cab to his father's company. The weight of what I am about to do is heavy on my chest.Every ride feels like we are walking into a trap. Leo isn't someone who my son should claim as his father, and Nolan, what if Nolan gives birth, will he still have these feelings he has for my child? Will he still care about him?I need to get what I need to get from Leo, to build a company, my son will inheritAs we approach the company, Simeon looks up at us, with his big eyes, “Mum, we are going to see dad, right”..“Yes darling, we are going to see Leo, your father”“But mum, I don't want to go”“Please darling, I know you are not happy with him, you just need to pretend like you are. I am doing this, for some reasons and I need you to play along”He nods, even when he's not happy with the idea, but I trust him to obey me. Though, I am not happy with what I asked him to do, but I just had to do this, I am desperate to do this.We go inside the company with no se
Chapter Forty-OneI sit in the living room. I had already text Nolan's house address to Doctor Gray, so I am waiting for her to arrive. Nolan and I had been in the living room, but he isn't even talking to me, because of this same matter. When the doorbell rings, I turn to Nolan, who nods, his face etched with a mix of concern and resolve."Just be careful and know what you will discuss with her " Nolan whispered as I stood to open the door.I take a deep breath and open the door to Doctor Gray, who steps inside, her expression serious. "Marie," she greets me, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Nolan. "We need to talk."I close the door and lead him to the living room. "I'm glad you're here. I told Leo that I miss him, that I want to reconnect for Simeon's sake. I think she's considering it.Doctor Gray raises an eyebrow. "You're really going to play this angle? After everything Leo has done?""It's not about me," I return, the weight of our mission solidly on my shoulder
---Chapter Forty TwoNolan is at home, thinking about Marie and Simeon, who are on their way to Leo's place.Dr. Gray walks into Nolan's living room, suddenly.The room is so tense, and Nolan was shock to see Gray, not even a day like this when Marie isn't around.“Hey! Dr. Gray” Nolan says, shaking off the shock in his body.“Mr. Nolan, how are you doing” Dr. Gray says, smiling.“I am fine. Marie has went to Leo's place, as you suggested” Dr. Gray smiles, “I know. How are you holding up? Hope you don't miss her too much?”Nolan doesn't turn. His gaze is affixed outside on the horizon where the sun has just disappeared. "I don't know," he mutters, his voice thick with concern. "I can't shake this feeling. What if something happens to her? what if Nolan's know this was all planned"Dr. Gray takes another step closer, her heels lightly clicking on the wood floor. "She'll be all right," she reassures him, though it's said almost mechanistically. "Marie's tougher than you think. She's d
Chapter Forty ThreeI never thought I'd see the day where Leo actually looks at me like this. There's something different in his eyes today, something soft, almost hesitant. It's unsettling because I'm used to the cold, calculated expression he wears like a mask, one that reminds me exactly why I can't trust him. But sitting across from him today, in his office, I watch him with Simeon, and can't shake that weird feeling tugging at the edges of my mind.Simeon's lying on the floor, surrounded by a sea of blocks. He's building something - a castle, maybe. I'm only half paying attention, my eyes drawn back to Leo every few seconds. He's sitting in his chair, leaned back slightly, watching our son with a quiet intensity that I've never seen before. Usually, his focus is sharp, predatory. But right now, it's… softer.“You're quiet today," Leo says, breaking the silence. His voice is lower than it usually is, as if he's afraid of disturbing something fragile in the room.I shrug, trying to
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 132She balled her fists into the material of her dress as the confrontation's weight settled firmly onto her shoulders. She kept staring at the door, her heart clutched in her chest. The accusations and disdain from Nolan's family reverberated loudly in her ears, louder than the silence that greeted them after their dramatic exit.Nolan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Don't let them get to you," he said, his tone softer now, though a residual edge of anger lingered. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, but Elena pulled back instinctively, the tension still too raw."How can I not?" she replied, her voice trembling. "They practically blamed me for everything—for Marie, for Marcus, for… for you not being the son or brother they want anymore.""They don't know what they're talking about," Nolan said firmly, his expression hardening again. "Marie is my past. You're my present. They'll just have to deal with it."Elena shook her head. Her throa
Chapter 131Nolan and Elena share a brief, weighted glance; then he turns to head back to the living room. Elena hesitates, her heart still racing from the tension, but she follows him, her footsteps quieter than usual.As they re-enter the room, Marcus is lounging exactly as they left him, eyes still half-closed as if he's genuinely relaxed, but the edge in his smirk is unmistakable. He's playing a dangerous game, and Nolan's not sure if he's the pawn or the one pulling the strings."Enjoying yourself?" Nolan asks, voice cold and sharp as he stands at the threshold.Marcus raises an eyebrow, makes a languid rise to sitting, tossing the magazine aside. "Just getting comfortable," he says-casually enough, but the challenge in his eyes is undiminished. "Isn't that what guests are supposed to do?"Don't mistake me for one who plays by the rules of hospitality," Nolan responds, not batting an eyelash. He steps closer to him, standing right in front of Marcus. "You're here on borrowed time
Chapter 130“You'll regret it. And trust me, Marcus, I don't make idle threats."The room seems to grow colder as Nolan's words hang in the air. Marcus holds his hands up in mock surrender, though the defiance in his smirk doesn't quite fade. "Alright, alright," he says lightly. "Message received, loud and clear. I'll be on my best behavior, promise."Good," Nolan snaps; there is no room for an argument. He steps back, his body a wall of silent warning, as he moves to stand beside Elena. She shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the tension, her fingers curling around the hem of her sweater.Marcus throws a glance between them, the corners of his lips twitching as if to hold back a comment. Finally, he leans against the couch and picks up the magazine again, an act of pretend indolence. "Three days it is, then," he murmurs, flipping a page. "Should be plenty of time.Nolan narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to Elena instead. "Let's go," he says softly, his voice low enough
Uninvited GuestNolan and Elena back into the living room, their hands briefly touching, as if for reassurance. The tension between them in the air is palpable, but the look smoldering in Nolan's eyes indicates that he wasn't done with this just yet.Marcus is sprawled out on the couch, crossing his legs, an arm cast indolently over the back of the couch as he seems to exude superiority. He looks up; the smirk widens across his face, for all intents and purposes, he has just won some silent battle.Nolan's jaw clenches, but then, in one swift movement, a sly spreads across his face. He strides forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Ah, my in-law," he says, articulating the words as if Elena's eyes must roll out of her head. "I hope you're feeling right at home?"Marcus' eyebrow lifts, partially taken aback by Nolan's tone, still smug, nonetheless. "I'm doing just fine, thanks."Nolan nods, pacing languidly in front of the couch. "That's great. My in-law, can I get you some
Chapter 128: Uninvited GuestMorning sun peeks through the apartment, casting a golden glimmer in the cozy living room as Elena and Nolan sat with the rare peace that finally rested between them. For the first time in weeks, the air felt light, the tension that had once gripped them now a distant memory. Nolan leans in, a playful smile on his face, and steals a kiss from Elena, who laughs softly and dodges, teasing him with a mischievous look."You missed," she teases, her voice lilting with false arrogance.Nolan chuckles, tugging her closer. "Did I? Let me try again."Their lips meet this time in a long, languorous kiss, and for a moment, everything is just right with the world. The world outside doesn't matter.Elena pulls back an inch, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I missed this," she whispers. "Us. Without all the chaos."Nolan brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "It's not over yet, but I promise you-nothing will ever come between us again.They
Chapter 127 :The Breaking PointThere is an almost palpable sense of tension in the apartment. Nolan sits at the dining table, his head in his hands, while Marie stands across the room, watching him like a predator stalking its prey. A knowing smile curls her lips, as if she's already won.Marie steps closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "You can't keep ignoring me forever, Nolan," she says softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We both know you still have a soft spot for me. Why else would you let me stay here?Nolan's head jerks up, his jaw clenched. "Don't flatter yourself, Marie. You're only here because my mother forced this on me. If it were up to me, you'd already be gone."Marie pouts dramatically, her eyes shimmering with crocodile tears. "Oh, Nolan. Is it really that hard for you to admit that we had something special? Something worth saving?Nolan bangs his fist onto the table and jolts her. "We had something, Marie. Past tense. You destroyed it
Chapter 126The soft creak of the front door echoes faintly through the quiet house, signaling Elena's return. She had only been gone an hour, a quick trip to pick up groceries. As she steps into the hallway, the faint murmur of voices carries to her ears and stops her in her tracks. She recognizes Nolan's voice, low and steady, but there's another one, softer and pleading-Marie.Elena's heart clutches. What could they be talking about now? She sets the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and pads silently down the hall, the carpet muffling her footsteps.In the living room, Marie stiffens at the faint noise of the door opening. Her ears perk up, and her sharp gaze darts to Nolan, who is seated a few feet away from her on the couch, his expression unreadable. Instinct takes over. She rises swiftly and moves toward him, feigning vulnerability as she practically throws herself onto the couch beside him.Her hands claw at his arm, and she presses herself close, her voice shaking. "Nolan,
Chapter 125: A Plea for the PastThe door latched shut behind Elena and, with that, everything seemed to come to rest in a pool of discomfort. Nolan stood by the window and watched her figure descend the street. The strain didn't let go of his shoulders even after she turned and vanished out of his line of vision into quiet suburban anonymity.He turned around, ready to plunge into something—anything—that would take his mind off the growing unease in the house. But he couldn't escape it. Marie was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across her chest, standing in the kitchen with an unreadable expression on her face."Nolan," she said softly, breaking the silence. The edge was off her voice, and for a moment, he almost didn't recognize it.He stiffened, already sensing the direction this conversation might take. "What is it, Marie?" he asked, his tone curt as he walked past her toward the dining table."I want to talk," she replied, stepping away from the counter.Nolan sighed
Chapter 124As Nolan's mother and sister leave, Nolan and Elena are left standing in the living room, looking at each other in shock."Well, that was fun," Elena says sarcastically, breaking the silence.Nolan shakes his head. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I had no idea they were going to do that."Elena takes a step closer to him. "It's not your fault, Nolan. We'll figure this out together."Nolan nods, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Elena. "We will. I promise."As they hug, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that his family is not going to give up easily, and he's worried about what they might do next.But for now, he's just grateful to have Elena by his side."What do you say we order some pizza and try to forget about this for a while?" Nolan suggests.Elena smiles. "Sounds like a plan to me."As they sit down on the couch, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they can make this work.But as they're waiting for the pizza to arrive, Nolan's