-Chapter Thirty-Two: Simeon's Release and Leo's AbsenceI look at the clock on the wall of the hospital, each passing tick pulling me deeper into a void I do not want to face. The doctors clear Simeon for discharge, and the papers are signed. I should feel relieved, but the gnawing emptiness of Leo's absence presses against my chest.I texted Leo that his son would be released this morning, so he should be here by now. My phone vibrates softly in my hand, but it's not Leo. Not a word all day from him.I make myself look at Simeon, his small face lighting up as he gathers his things, his legs swinging excitedly over the side of the bed. I can't let him see my disappointment-he needs today to be perfect. After everything he's been through, he deserves that much.“Mommy, can we get ice cream on the way home?"-his voice is sweet and eager, that kind of innocence that makes my heart ache even more.Before I can answer, Nolan's voice cuts through the thick silence around me. "Of course, bu
-Chapter Thirty ThreeIt's been a long time since I went to the office and today I want to resume fully. I really can't skip work lik this in another company, but this is Nolan company, that's why I can do all that I want.I step into the office trying to shake the heavy feeling clinging to my heart.. My eyes flicker into the direction to Nolan's office, I wish to go in there immediately to hug him. I don't know how I'm going to get through the day.My hands shake slightly as I settle behind my desk. Everything seems the same, but it feels like I'm walking on shattered glass after everything that went on between Nolan and me.I barely focus on my work, not concentrating, my mind keeps drifting back to the day before the wedding, how Leo had come in to confuse me. Everytime someone approaches me on my desk, I jump. Because my mind isn't even at work, I am expecting Nolan.On a normal day, Nolan would have come to say Hi or even call me to come over.By mid-afternoon, I just can't tak
Chapter Thirty FourMy son and I have decide to spend a week in Nolan's house with Nolan's permission. A week to enjoy ourselves from the stress we have passed through “Mum, are we not there yet?” Nolan asks, his eagerness is palpable.“Don't worry darling, we are almost there. Just a few minutes, Okay?” I say, keeping my voice cheerful, almost like his mood As we get there, my heart races for joy. His house proudly stands out, with a very neat and modern structure. The garden is full and healthy, a reflection of Nolan's attention to details.“Whoa! I love these flowers! They are beautiful” Nolan says, his eyes wide with wonder as he jumps out of the car.“Really? It's indeed beautiful, I am sure you are going to love the view more if we step in” I say.Nolan opens the door and his face lights up as he sees us. “Welcome to my house. I am so happy to see you”"Thanks for having us!" I reply, my heart warming at his genuine enthusiasm.“Come in” Nolan says.We go in and this is so bea
Chapte Thirty Five: A Day at the BeachThe sun is high in the sky, its warmth dancing across our skin as the salted breath of the ocean whisks by with a gush. It is so long since I felt this free, with the weight of the world finally lifted off my shoulders. En route to the beach, I glanced over at Simeon, beaming, his small hands pressed against the window as the ocean came into view.Mum! Look at the water! Can we swim as soon as we get there? Please?" Simeon begs, his voice bubbly with eagerness.I smile, “Yes darling, that's the reason we are going there. We will swim, build sandcastles and enjoy ourselves there, I am sure you will like it. How does that sound?”“That sounds really good, I am going to enjoy myself today” he says, bouncing in his seat I feel a chuckle from Nolan-who sits next to me in the driver's seat. "Seems like someone's ready for an adventure.".I turn to him, my heart full of gratitude. Nolan's company has been a constant, composed, a silent strength that I
Chapter Thirty SixNext morning, I woke up with that gnawing feeling of unease, like some buzzing fly whizzing around inside me. The serenity of yesterday at the beach now seemed a distant dream as reality came lashing back. Today, we were to meet the doctor-the one who would hold the key to whatever the future held for me and my son.I look sideways at Simeon; he is still sleeping, his slim body twisted in the sheets. A pang of guilt tightens my chest. How will I keep all this from him? How will I keep him from all of this that's going to come crashing down? I sit up softly, my mind suddenly racing.I make my way to the kitchen, where Nolan is already brewing coffee. He's always up before me, always steady. Today, though, there's a tightness around his eyes, an unspoken tension he's not concealing very well. He hands me a mug, and for a second, I feel his eyes on me, as if he's waiting for me to break the silence first.You haven't slept much," he says softly, more said than asked.I
Chaptee Thirty Seven I have been thinking of the discussion we had with the doctor yesterday. The doctor's words stick into my brain, and I can't seem to get it out of my head, it sits there, heavy like boulders weighing on my chest. Trying to know I have lived with someone who blackmails, extorts and does a lot of bad things and I even have a child with him.I stand at the window, watching Simeon play in the yard. His laughter filters through the glass, pure and full of joy, completely unaware of the storm brewing around him. For a moment, I consider what it would be like to let things stay just that way-to keep him from the truth. But how much longer can I keep pretending it's okay out here, when Leo's shadow keeps encroaching?Nolan busies himself in the kitchen even though he has a lot of chefs, yet he's making us tea in silence. He has become an anchor for me, something steady I can lean upon. But even he can't mask the concern that dances in his eyes now. Dr. Gray's offer still
Chapter Thirty EightNola and I decide to go to the Doctor's place.We step into the car, and we didn't even utter a word. We are both thinking of what's going on As we get there, we are told to enter. The doctor is sitting opposite his desk, and we sit across from her. She adjusts her glasses, an expression of thought upon her face , her face is unreadable.“We have agreed to align with us, with the hope of not losing” Nolan says " What do we do? We need to start planning, “I know it's not only us he has done bad things to, but he promised not to stop, we can't watch him keep doing bad things to everyone”Dr. Gray leaned back in her chair, tapping a pen against her notebook. "Leo is smart. He's always been one step ahead. If you want to bring him down, you'll need his private documents—the ones he uses to blackmail people. Those are the key to his power."My stomach churns just to hear Leo's name. He has always been so calculated, merciless. I shut my eyes as the images of him rush
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 One Hundred And Two: A Perilous PlanHeavy with the weight of his machinations, tension fills the air at Leo's large estate. The room is dimly lit, and quiet murmurs and conversations ensue between Leo's most trusted men-all handpicked for their loyalty and ruthlessness. Dominating the center of the room is a mahogany table littered with maps, files, and a few glasses of whiskey. Leo stands at the head, his commanding presence ensuring that all eyes remain on him.Leo's dark eyes dance with an unnerving mixture of anger and a resolution as he addresses his men. "Nolan thinks he can challenge me and win," he begins, his voice low but keen. "The fool actually took me to court, and now he has a woman strong enough to stand beside him. That's dangerous.One of his closest comrades, Marco, the man with a permanent scowl etched on his face, leans forward. "So what's the plan, boss? Do we hit him where it hurts? Burn down his business? Scare off his allies?"Leo shakes his head, his
Chapter One Hundred One : Strength in UnityThe early evening light filters through the living room windows as Nolan sets down his coffee mug on the kitchen counter. He’s restless, his mind replaying Leo’s threats from earlier. Elena moves around the kitchen with purpose, her hands busy slicing vegetables for dinner."You're still pacing," Elena remarks without looking up, her voice calm but firm. "It won't change anything, you know."Nolan stops mid-step and leans against the counter. "How can you be so calm, Elena? The man practically declared war in my own house. And the way he looked at you—"Elena lifts an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What, you're scared of Leo now? I thought you were braver than that."Brave? It's not about bravery. You don't know what he's capable of. He's not just some angry ex-con. Leo is-He's dangerous," Nolan says, running a hand through his hair.Elena chuckles softly, shaking her head as she stirs a pot on the stove. "Dangerous or not, we're not running.
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