Chapter 18 I watch as the men approach me, their faces adorned with sinister smiles. Paul appeared pleased with the orders he had given them. “Just give her a single shock, boys, then take a break. We need to be ready for when that jerk boyfriend shows up with his entourage.” Instead of worrying about being electrocuted, I focused on Ace. He had been preparing to confront his cruel uncle ever since they killed his mother, and I believed he could take them down along with his men. One of the men, who looked to be in his early twenties, approached me. He brushed his black hair back, his striking blue eyes locked onto mine. "I'm Malik. And you are?" he asked, with a hint of pity in his voice. "Do you always make conversation with your victims?" I seethed, my gaze fiercely piercing into his face. "I just thought you were cute and wanted to help you out of this situation; after all, I'm Paul's right-hand man." He casually twirled a lock of my hair around his finger. "Ge
Chapter 19 There’s something truly magical about this world. Everything is blanketed in white, and I felt as if I were trapped among the clouds, touched only by a hint of blue, yet it remained peaceful. I entered through a grand brown oak door, where a man in a flowing white gown stood, his back turned toward me. “Hello?” I called out, but the man did not acknowledge my presence. I called again, and he finally turned around—that's when I realized who he was. “Papa?” I whispered. “Joe Joe?” he replied. “Papa,” I said more cheerfully as I ran toward him. I leaped into my Papa's arms, and he hugged me tightly. “I miss you so much, Papa,” I told him. He placed me back on my feet and looked at me warmly. “I miss you too, baby girl, but why are you here?” he asked, concern in his eyes. “Ah, I got shot—am I dead?” I questioned my dad, a mix of confusion and fear in my voice. “No, pumpkin, it’s not your time yet; if it were, you wouldn’t still be wearing your normal clot
Chapter 20 My wound no longer hurts as badly, but my throat is dry, and my eyes feel as if they've been closed for years. I looked around my surroundings and noticed two green eyes staring down at me. "Hey, Sleeping Beauty, your blood pressure is finally normal, and you'll be discharged today," Micah said as he sat by my bedside. "Can I have some water?" I asked. He quickly retrieved a glass from the bedside table and helped me drink it. Afterwards, I asked, "How long have I been unconscious?" "Four days?" I asked, still in disbelief. "Was I dreaming, or did I really get shot, lose my baby, and have your brother break up with me?" Micah sighed and brushed his hair back, only for it to flop right back into his face. "He's the biggest jerk; you should know that. Don't dwell on it too much; everything will be fine. Unlike Ace, I keep my promises." Feeling calm, I chose to trust Micah's words and pushed aside my emotions; I definitely didn't want to slip into another coma.
Chapter 21 As the days stretched into weeks and then months, my tears became a constant companion, marking the passage of time with aching familiarity; five months had slipped away, yet I still cried each day and night. Therapy felt futile, a hollow attempt to mend the shattered pieces of my heart that seemed destined to remain fragmented. Each night, I found solace on my balcony, gazing at the stars and wishing desperately for my love to return, but deep down, I knew that wishes whispered to distant lights rarely materialized. The weight of my longing drained me, leaving me feeling as if I were merely existing, a shadow of the person I used to be. In Ace's letter, the cracks of his world and the weight of his choices emerged vividly; he explained the brutal realities of his life, how power was claimed through violence, and the difficult decisions that led him to leave. He articulated that as things escalated, it would become increasingly dangerous for both Micah and me to
Chapter 22 A year has passed, and I am still without Ace. During this time, I have learned a bit about coping with the loss of my child. Micah and I have grown to feel like real siblings; he drives me crazy, but he is the best older brother I could ask for. Lavana Singh has become my best friend and sister; she is still the sweetest person I have ever met and practically lives here now. Together, they have become the family I always wished for. Even though Ace pushed us away, I still find comfort in the fact that I chose to be with him that day. I don’t regret the paths I took or the decisions I made in the past. My life has changed significantly since Ace compelled Micah and me to leave. For starters, I cut my hair; it no longer cascades down my back, perhaps because Ace liked it that way. I do my best to wear a smile on the outside, but on the inside, I feel as if I’m gradually withering away. I never dated Nate; in fact, I haven’t dated anyone. However, since he is Mi
★★★★ Four years have passed since the one person I needed most returned to my life, and so much has changed since then. Micah has become a successful entrepreneur, owning a thriving technology company, while Lavana helps him manage the business and also works as a dedicated social worker at the hospital where I work. As for Ace, he remains an entrepreneur at heart, continuously exploring new ventures and challenges, and together, we've built a new life, enriched by the love and support of those around us. He now owns a successful car company and still possesses all the houses in Russia, a testament to his enduring influence. Thanks to Rico, his record remained spotless, just like when we first met, allowing him to step into this new chapter without the shadows of his past. However, the landscape around Ace has shifted drastically; many of his former associates met tragic ends, unable to sever ties with the dirty business they once thrived on, choosing instead to join rival gangs
Seventeen years later Niyler Rostov We stood watching our cousin. She dance her way towards us, hands in the air and hips rocking. Most of the people in the airport stop to watch her. Madison Rostov was something else. Harper and I only met her four years ago. For some reason her mom hid her birth from Uncle Jake. Uncle Micah, who is Harper's dad along with my dad, decided it was a great idea for us to spend a month together in Italy before the three of us went off to Russia, where we go every year to visit the resting place of our grandma who is Madison grandaunt. They wanted us to study in Italy, so tht was another reason. Although I'm not sure of Harper's plan, I already told my parents that I have no interest in attending College. "Hello my beauties," Madison says pulling us in a group hug. "Hey," Harper and I say hugging her back. "You look as good as the last time I saw you." Harper says brushing her long dark her over her shoulder and out of her face. Madison
Niyler Rostov POV "Mom have you seen my other skirt?" I ask after mom picked up after the second ring.It was a bit embarrassing that we are in the same house, but still I had to call her on the phone instead of yelling, simply because she wouldn't hear a thing. We lived in a house way too huge for my liking. It had something to do with mom living on the streets and now it's time for her to have the luxury of having multiple rooms. My parents weren't the kind to show off and brag, they remained humble. "Good morning to you too honey, and it's in your closet next to your winter clothes.""Thanks mom," I say as I walk back into the closet and just like she said it was right next to my coats.Today was the first day of senior year and I want to look my extra best. After pulling up the beige pleated skirt, I fix the button and move over to my full body mirror that is located in the middle of my walk-in closet. My makeup was flawless and my brunette hair were in large curls t