Chaptee Thirty One "Okay! I'll be there soon" Nolan says, as he hang up his call. Hearing the conversation, I knew it's a call from the company they needs him urgently. I breathe In and out deeply, because I need him by my side. "I am sorry, Marie. I'll be back as soon as I can," he says, his eyes lingering on me, awaiting something that I do not want to give him at this particular moment. Understanding, perhaps. Forgiveness. I nod, my throat tight, and watch him go. The door clicks softly shut behind him and the quiet presses in-too heavy, too still. I turn back to Simeon lying in the hospital bed, his small chest rising and falling with every labored breath. The steady beeping of the machines is the only sound in the room, the constant reminder of how fragile everything feels right now. I look at him again, he looks so small from the bed. “Or is there something bothering Simeon? He doesn't even want to go to school before the incident occurs, is it within school or outsi
-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 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