Author's POV Emily felt a chill run down her spine as she read the notification that flashed on her screen. It's a text from Lorenzo. She wouldn't deny that he had suggested that they meet somewhere so they could discuss better “Mom. Are you alright?” Carl asked, his brown orbs hovering over Emerald’s features, a hint of concern in themThe thunder rumbled and the clouds congregated, their dark masses ominous and foreboding. Emerald gasped as the chilly air came in contact with her skin. Carl glanced around and he noticed some people exiting the parkHe looked up at the sky with his large doe eyes before taking his gaze back to Emerald.“Mom. Do you think it's going to rain?” Carl asked, clutching Emily’s hands tightly, a hint of fear in his eyes.“I think so…” Emily replied, her voice near a whisper.“Are we going home now?” Carl asked, and just then, Emily's phone buzzed, the sound cutting through the tranquility. Emily's heart skipped a beat at the message that flashed on her sc
Author's POV Lorenzo's words echoed in her ears, friendly but firm. She knew he was trying to make her free around him since he could see how uncomfortable she was.. Emerald stole a glance at the other customers in the café who were either eating, chuckling or chatting.The chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, cast a warm glow on everyone's faces. The atmosphere was inviting and less tense but Emily could feel a certain weight gnawing at her chest.The weight of the decision she had made coming to see Lorenzo. Now, all she hoped for was that her decision to see him was worth it.“You told me to ask you any questions?” Emily asked, raising a brow..Lorenzo’s lips conformed into a thin line as he smirked.. He nodded, confirming her thoughts.Emily gave a small nod and said, “You are friends with Collin and have known him since childhood, am I right?”“Yes, you are,” Lorenzo nodded before taking a sip from his coffee..Emerald heaved a deep sigh, her eyes narrowing as she searched Col
Emily's POV My chest constricted as the time ticked by.. That afternoon after picking Carl from school, I relaxed on the sofa and watched his favourite animation with him. I tried to engage in some activities with him so I could shove off those pressing thoughts in my mind. Minutes turned into hours and it was eventually in the evening. Carl shifted his gaze at me and asked, “Mom. I'm getting hungry. When will I eat dinner?” “I'll go prepare your favourite meal now,” I said, brushing his hair with my fingers. After planting a kiss on his head, I got on my feet and strolled to the kitchen. “Help me with the utensils. I'm about to make dinner,” I said to her as I grabbed a green apron and tied it around my waist.After styling my hair in a bun, I seasoned the salmon with salt, pepper and some herbs.“I need you to cut the asparagus into spears, Brenda,”“Okay, ma'am.” She replied politely and did as instructed. When she was done cutting it into spears, she gave it to me while I st
Emily's POV My fingers danced across the keyboard as I kept searching for any information relating to the Salvatore's Protection Services. I took a deep breath as my gazed at the screen, reading the every lines and every details with keen interestWhile scrolling through the information, an article got my attention. It was news from a local business journal that highlighted Colin's humanitarian efforts..My gaze settled on the caption under a photo which says: “Colln, CEO of CSquare’s enterprise is with Salvatore's Protection service team at the charity gala.I sulked in a breath and my gaze went to the man standing beside Collin in a navy suit. I knew I'd seen him somewhere before. Now, I remember – He's one of the men I saw with Lorenzo at the Sydney café I clicked on the image to zoom in closer so I could take a good view of his face. According to the article, Salvador's protection services had provided security for the eventI reclined on the chair, my mind racing with variou
Collin’s POV I tried reaching Emerald for the umpteenth time, but all I got was the same robotic voice on her cell phone: “The number you’ve dialed is not reachable at the moment. Please try again later.”A deep sigh of exhaustion escaped my lips as I tossed the phone on my sofa. My stomach bubbles with frustration as I clench my fist. Gritting my teeth, I banged my fist on the wall and growled.“What have I done? What the fuck have I done?. I - I failed you, Emerald. I'm at fault for everything that happened between us,.now I see why you haven’t been picking my calls.”Those words rolled out of my tongue with tears stinging my eyeballs. Bringing my hand upward, I brushed my fingers into my hair and sighed once again.“I’m at fault for everything that happened.. I should have just told her the truth back then. I recalled when Colin had told me to make her aware of my involvement in the Mafia but I had refused. I should have told her since..” I walked into the kitchen and placed my h
Emily's POV “Goodbye, mommy!” Carl exclaimed, waving at me with a bright smile on his face. I walked towards him and planted a kiss on his forehead, brushing his spiky brown hair with my fingers.“Goodbye, Carl. Enjoy your day at school!” I whispered to him, watching him scurry off to meet the other kids in the school bus. I stood upright and clasped my clammy hands together, watching the bus till it drove out of sight. Brenda approached me and handed my phone to me.“Ma'am. Your phone is ringing,” She mumbled, stretching her hand to give it to me.I took it from her, my eyes hovering over the screen to check the caller ID.“Kate…” I whispered, a smile on my face. After picking the call, I brought the phone to my ear.“Good morning, Kate.” I greeted, walking back into the mansion with Brenda trailing behind me“Morning, Emerald. Don't forget, we have an event to attend. I'm so prepared. Are you?” She asked, teasingly.A smile curled at my lips as I swept a gaze around my body. I bur
Emily's POV I gripped my purse tightly when the car came to a halt at the parking lot where other luxurious cars were parked. Kate and I took our gazes at the tinted window, staring at people walking in graciously in classy attires.“We're there, ma'am,” Miles, the bodyguard, announced, his deep polished voice carrying through the air.I nodded, and alighted from the car along with Kate who wouldn't stop staring at people as they chuckled and conversed with one another. The air was charged with enthusiasm, and the weather was perfect, with the sun casting a warm glow on everyone's faces.“I have a feeling we're going to have a lot of fun at today's charity gala, Emerald,” Kate whispered, brushing her hair with her finger, trying to smoothen it.“And you are right, Kate. I'm going to do all I can to ensure I enjoy today's event.. it's been long since we went on an event, you know,” “Yeah. Why don't we go in? I can't withstand the heat of the sun,”. Kate said, yielding her face with
Emily's POVVivian sashayed as she passed in front of us.. She held her bag high in the air, trying to flaunt it at our face. It had the emblem of the prestigious designer bag on it. Hérmes.Kate scoffed while I rolled my eyes, unimpressed. She's always using every means to show how wealthy she was. “What a show off!” Kate snorted and mumbled under her breath. “We all know she's only depending on Logan's wealth. And we all know he's finally unstable at the moment due to his company's awful state. Why the show off!”“She's such a fool! Are you minding her?” I scoffed, taking my gaze away from her to the Emcee..The auctioneer arrived at the stage and in no time, some highly exclusive items were arranged on the stage, each of them captivating and unique in their own way. There were– Luxury watches, Diamond jewelry, Rare coins, Original artwork, rare books, electronics, travel packages and a Karat Of gold.I needed to give that gold to my father. I have plans on making jewellery for hi
Emily's POVAfter a few weeks of being comatose, Logan finally woke up to my surprise. My stomach fluttered, a rush of excitement on my face. The doctor had predicted that his injuries were fatal and it might be impossible for him to survive. I felt so overwhelmed with joy at the great news of Logan's recovery “This is a miracle!” Mr. Michealson, Logan's father, exclaimed, his face etched with relief as he walked into the ward. Mrs. Michelson wiped her tears with the pad of her thumb, her steps faltering as she walked into Logan's ward Her eyes went wide with shock, tears streaming down her cheeks. I'm so happy I could stop her from committing suicide. I've always known that Logan would survive since he had promised to be with me and Carl forever..“Is Logan alive?” She asked, her face etched with disbelief.“Yes, mom. He has recovered. He's not dead. I told you he wasn't dead. He was only comatose,” I explained to her as I held her hands. Logan sat upright on the bed, his lips c
Emily's POV “Help us! Somebody help!” I screamed aloud for anyone who cared enough to listen so they would help in saving my husband.I tore a part of my dress and used it on his wound to place pressure on the injured area in order to stop the flow.“Please, help us!” I pleaded, tears in my eyes.“I'll…. I'll…I'll be fine.” Logan struggled to say to me in a stutter.“No, you are not fine.” I cried, trying to help him in any way I could before better help could come. If I had my way, I would have driven him off to the hospital but, I was in no right state of mind to drive a car now and he could not do the same in his injured state.Soon, Logan passed out and some onlookers dropped by to see what was happening.“Help me! my…my husband has been shot.” “Call the cops,” someone suggested.“Whoever fired the shot should still be around here somehow.” Another person said.“Please, let's call 911!” someone else said and all the while when they were talking and taking steps in helping us fro
Emily's POVEight Months Later…If I was told that things were going to turn out this way in the end, I'd argue that it was a lie and whoever told me was only trying to say that as a means to get me to feel better.But, I guess, there's always a moment of joy after the long nights of suffering too. Everything was gradually getting better and it looked like life was beginning to take a great form after all.Although my son, Carl was currently in the hospital undergoing some medical care and procedure at the moment to help with his transplant, I couldn't help but feel thankful that he has a great chance at surviving the turbulence.“Which one do you think will fit the baby perfectly out of these?” Logan asked me as he picked up a very cute baby outfit. He lifted the clothes in front of me so I could pick from the alternatives he had selected.“This one.” I said, pointing to a white little top that had caught my attention.“I think we can just pick both.” Logan suggested, his eyes access
Chapter….Author's POV “There are so much demand for the new ammunition coming in tomorrow evening. That will be sorted by you, Black.” “You have to make sure everything turn out well when you guys go to get them.” The deep croaky voice of the mafia's grouphead resounded in the room while he addressed the members of the secret organization.“We have to ensure that nobody comes close to our group. The other rival gangs will get too cocky if they notice us slacking. This isn't time to slow down guys, we have to step up and show that we own this arena–”Collin's dark eyes wandered lazily around the dimly lit room, his mind in a faraway place as he sat on the seat at a corner in the room.The mafia members' discussion about the upcoming ammunition that had been imported secretly into the country and the inherent sneer from jealous rival gangs faded into the background while he thought of his newest worry.He couldn't be bothered about anything more except the news he'd gotten from Vivi
"Can I see you both for a few minutes?" The doctor's words came out firm and serious. Emily and Logan exchange glances before taking a deep breath.Emily and Logan walked out of the ward with the doctor. Emily's chest heaved, her heart pounding harder. Anxiety lingered in the air."Doctor, how's Carl's health?" Logan asked first, while Emily stood there looking at one way."While his immune system is still stable, we have to explore several options for a bone marrow transplant. Since neither of you is a match, having a child together could potentially save his life.” The doctor said, staring at them sympathetically.“I understand this is personal but do know that I'll always be here to support you. If you need anything, please let me know. And if you're willing to consider this option, then we can discuss the details further. I'll be taking my leave now,”.The doctor's words hang heavily in the air even after he left.[ Present day]The hospital room was filled with tension, the only
Collin’s chest heaved as he stared at his phone's screen, his hands clenched into tight fists as if he was about to go into a fight. The news played on repeat, Logan and Emily were seen together again, smiling like the latest couples in town. The sight of them chuckling and spending quality time together burned through him like a fire blaze on top of his head."Unbelievable!" he roared, flipping the coffee table in front of him. "After everything I did, after everything I said, she still went back to him?"Vivian, standing in the corner, let out a quiet chuckle. She had been watching him the entire time, enjoying the spectacle of his rage and unhappiness. Unlike him, she wasn’t blinded by anger, she saw an opportunity to do what has always been within her."Throwing objects won’t change the fact that she's back in Logan's arms," she said, walking slowly to Collins.Collin looked around, eyes flashing with anger. "Shut up, Vivian!"She smirked. "Why should I? I warned you, didn't I? Em
Logan's POV “If you're not ready for another baby, I guess we can explore several options. Just know that I'll always be here to support you in whatever decision you choose,” I said comfortingly as I placed my hands on top of hers.Emily nodded as she alighted from the car. Together, we walked into the apartment to check on Carl. As we got in, the maids greeted us with a welcoming smile.Emily cast a bored glance around. I could tell that she was completely stressed and overwhelmed because of Carl's condition.“What of Carl?” She asked the chubby maid who was standing at the doorway.“He’s awake. He woke up just recently. He's been asking about you and his father.” “Okay. Thanks for informing me,” she mumbled, tearing her gaze from her.We walked past several rooms until we got to Carl’s room. He sprawled on the bed, holding his toy train and dinosaurs in his hand..His face lit as soon as he saw us walk in “Dad!” He jumped down from his bed and sprinted towards us. Brenda, his nan
Logan’s POV I boarded a flight back to New York not long after Emily's call. Restlessness gnawed at my chest, my mind racing with several thoughts. I was enveloped by the hum of activities at the terminal. I scurried around, grabbing my luggage behind me. Finally, I was onboard. A wave of relief washed over me but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was definitely wrong.I stared at my phone as I dialed Emily's number but she wasn't picking.“Emily, please pick up. Pick up..” I whispered, shoving my fingers into my hair with a line of worry on my forehead.I tried to reach her once again but It didn't go through. I sighed in exhaustion as I reclined on my chair.“Whatever it is, I hope it's not bad.” I mumbled, dragging my lower lip with my teeth.The air hostess gave an announcement and meals were served afterwards. I didn't touch my meal; my appetite was gone. All I needed at the moment was to be with Emily and Carl. I shut my eyes, inwardly hoping everything is fine.
Emily's POV The doctor's words resounded in my ears and I just couldn't believe it. I froze for a moment. it felt as if time had come to a standstill. “Can you tell me more about this SCID?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. The doctor's voice was gentle as he added, “It's a rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system.” I listened intently, my brows knitting. He cleared his throat and continued, “It is caused by mutations in genes which play crucial roles in development and functions of the immune system.” My eyes narrowed as I struggled to process his words “So, are you trying to say that we passed it down to him?” His lips conformed into a thin line. He nodded and also added, “While it can be inherited from parents who are carriers of mutated genes, it can also be caused by spontaneous mutations during fetal development. The latter I believe is what caused It.” A deep sigh escaped my lips. I paused for a moment, trying to pull myself together. "What