Hi guys! Thank you for reading this book. I'm sorry if I was tardy with updates but I've been facing some personal issues for a while.
But, I'm back with regular updates and I've recently been seeing a spike in readership. I can't thank you guys enough for supporting my book. It means a lot to me <3This book is on its last arc (yes, we are nearly at the end). I'd really appreciate if you guys leave reviews and comments. I really love to read your thoughts so that I can improve my stories.Please do leave comments and reviews so that I'll be motivated to write even better books for your guys.Thank you for spending so much time with this book. Let's step into the final arc <3The small room is filled with smoke and a strong scent of booze. Three men are huddled around a table, playing cards. They are all wearing similar denim blue jackets with cut up sleeves and each of them have a tattoo of chimeras on their arms. “F*ck!” One of the men hiss as he loses the round.“Pay up f*cker,” another man smugly grins. “Yer cheating!” Another gang member accuses.They start to argue among themselves. The men have been playing for hours and are completely stoned. They start another hand when there’s a knock on the door.“Pizza!” the voice of a female comes from behind the door. The men grin at each other.“Wanna drag this one inside?” A bulky man in his thirties smirks.“How old is she?”“Let’s find out. I prefer young ones.”A thin man with a goatee peeks through the door. The girl’s face is hidden under her oversized hat.“She looks like she’s got some muscles on her,” the man frowns.“A meaty one?” A short, stocky man exclaims. “Even better!”The man with the goat
Back at the Rochesters’ mansion, Scarlett is anxious. Ryder had received a tip that the chimera gang members are probably hiding in a cheap motel and went to investigate. Will they find clues there? “Scarlett…” She looks up to find Troy and Kat, watching her with caution. Kat sits next to her and grasps her palm. “I’ve tried to hack into the Hawkins’s system,” Kat says in a small tone. “I still can’t-” “It won’t be easy,” Troy adds. “No one knows the password nor can anyone break into it. The system is too powerful.” “We can’t give up,” Scarlett murmurs. “Did Jim say anything? How’s the search going?” “He’s trying but there’s nothing suspicious he can find in the area,” Kat admits. “It might be a deadend.” Scarlett stands up and starts pacing back and forth. So far, they only have suspicions but no concrete proof. Her phone beeps and it’s a message from Ryder. “Found the car. Jim took it for prints.” “Thank god!” Scarlett sighs in relief after reading the message out loud. “A
Dr. Ronan is in his office, looking over at the charts. Ryder’s last report is concerning him. It seems that the damage is only becoming even more severe and without a transplant, it’ll be impossible to treat him with medicines.He picks up his phone and dials Ryder’s number but it’s switched off.“This kid is gonna get himself killed,” he mutters.“Why?”Startled, he looks up only to be shocked. A beautiful dark haired woman with striking blue eyes is standing there. With her intimidating aura and elegant demeanor, it’s not hard for Ronan to guess who she is. Also, he saw her picture in Ryder’s phone.“Scarlett D’arcy,” Ronan mutters. “Please, sit.”Scarlett slowly takes a seat and faces him. Her calculative gaze unnerves him.“How can I help you?” Ronan asks.“You know very well why I’m here,” Scarlett states. “So, let’s get it out of the way. What is wrong with Ryder?”“He’s perfectly fine-” Ronan says as he tries to hide the report but Scarlett reaches over and snatches the report
“You have our full support,” the investor assures Vincent. “We were forced to work with Ryder Rochester. There is no reason for us to work with him any longer because of what he and his men did to Hector!”Vincent is unfazed by the claims. He knows that the investors are simply following the trend and have no particular loyalty to anyone. Ever since Hector’s death, a rumor has been circulating that Ryder pushed Troy to murder his own brother. This caused a ripple effect as Ryder started to lose support from the board of directors. They’re now flocking towards Vincent.“We’ll regain our shares from him,” the investor goes on. “We can oust him from the company!”“The next board meeting is in a month,” Vincent states. “How do I know you will be loyal till then? After all, you all conspired to trap me.”He leans forward on his desk to scrutinize the man. The investor gulps.“We-”“You will sign a contract to assure me of your loyalty and oust Ryder Rochester from the company,” Vincent thr
Elle is slowly brushing her hair, looking at herself in the mirror. She’s wearing a silky negligee which perfectly highlights her perky b*easts. Taking her silky hair, she carefully prepares herself for another torturous night with Vincent. After being with Hector for so long, she has learnt how to manipulate men. Vincent is no better than his son; he’s worse.But it doesn’t matter to her. Her eyes are still on Ryder.She’s in the room she now shares with Vincent. Outwardly, she’s looking like a doll. Her pale skin is glowing while her dark hair is swaying in the air. There’s a soft blush on her cheeks and she looks as angelic as ever.Inwardly, she’s in agony.“This is just for Ryder,” she tells herself. “Once Scarlett is dead, I’ll take him. I know he’ll forgive me…”They were in love once. It was a mad, passionate love. Surely, he’ll remember it?Beep!Her phone flashes a message. She takes it, expecting it to be from Vincent but it’s an email from an unknown sended. Frowning, she
A long silence follows Kat’s declaration. Scarlett glances at Ryder who has gone pale with fear as if he’s scared to relive that day. His knuckles are white and he’s speechless. Kat and Troy are also hesitant to talk to him.“I think it’s best if we don’t play it-” Scarlett begins but Ryder shakes his head.“Play it,” he says. “I want to see it.”“A-are you sure?” Kat asks. “I mean this…this will show our parents’ deaths…”Both the siblings are in a dilemma. A part of them wants to see how Vincent wronged their parents and another part is too scared of what will happen if they did. Kat, who only heard the stories of their deaths, is visibly shaking upon facing the reality. Ryder, who faced the reality, is paralyzed by the memories of the past.“If it helps…” Troy says. “All of you can leave and I’ll watch it for you. I can confirm if…if it’s the real video.”“No,” the siblings say together. “We’ll watch.”“You guys don’t have to,” Scarlett says, privately agreeing with Troy. “This isn
Elle is slowly chewing her food, looking down. Vincent is sitting next to her at the dinner table and right across them is Amelia who’s being fed by a nurse. Vincent calmly cuts his steak as he speaks.“The investigation is going smoothly,” he says. “Autopsy reports will be out in a couple of days. Hector’s body will then be released for burial.”Elle hides her disdain and fear. So far, no one connected her to the murder and they’re still looking for Troy. The police only asked her a couple of questions about that night and she said that she was at home. No one had seen her going out nor coming in so she’s playing her cards right. The bald man’s disappearance has not been noticed either, but Elle needs to be smart.Sheer luck won’t help her. She needs to erase all the evidence but the new kidnapper is making her life miserable.“Do you know how he was killed?” she asks.“Same as in the reports,” Vincent states. “A heavy object crushed his skull. Troy’s fingerprints were all over the m
Elle is nervously tapping the table, waiting. She’s very nervous and keeps looking around her to see if she’s being followed. It has been over an hour since she arrived at XZ Insurance and the process is unbelievably slow.An agent with a bright smile finally arrives. Her name is Minnie Cox and she greets Elle.“I am so sorry Miss Swanson,” she apologizes. “It’s a monday and it’s hectic out there. I hope you weren’t inconvenienced.”Elle wants to snap at her but holds back her tongue. “Not at all,” she says. “I have a request to file.”“I’ve heard about Mr. Hector,” Minnie remarks. “I am so sorry for your loss.”“Yes…well…” Elle touches her stomach. “A part of him is living in me. I’ll be forever grateful to him for the memories.”“Indeed,” Minnie smiles. “How may I help you today?”“Well, I need to withdraw the insurance money Hector left behind,” Elle states. “I know it’s a short notice but with my pregnancy and the uncertainty of my fate at the Hawkins family, I really need to thin
*Three years later*Ryder is in the study, intently reading the books sprawling in front of him. He’s completely absorbed in them, memorizing every bit of detail.“Feed the baby every two to three hours,” he murmurs. “Change diapers after four to six hours. Where’s the part on how to help with digestion?”Ever since Scarlett announced her pregnancy, Ryder has been extremely cautious of her every need. Whether it’s at day or night, he’s ready to get her anything, do anything she wants. She has the strangest cravings especially at night so Ryder stocked the fridge with everything she might want. From pineapples dipped in tabasco sauce to even bananas on pizzas, there isn’t anything he left out.“Ryder!” Scarlett’s voice comes from their bedroom. Instantly, he drops the books and runs to help her.“What is it?” He asks. “Is it ice cream? Or do you want strawberries with mustard again?”Scarlett blinks at him in surprise before bursting into laughter. “I just wanted to ask which color do
A soft breeze is flowing by, making the colorful flowers sway like delicate ballerinas. The vast garden has been set up with several mahogany benches. Every bit of the garden has been neatly trimmed and roses of all colors have been planted along the entrances to add a natural sophistication.The entrance is made of an arch with green leaves and twigs elegantly entangled together. A scent of fresh flowers and soil is enchanting the guests who have arrived. The groomsmen are busy showing the guests to their seats. They didn’t invite a lot of people but a large chunk of the guests are Ryder and Scarlett’s old friend who are indebted to the couple for their inherent kindness.In the midst of the picturesque garden is a breathtaking altar crafted with scarlet and vermillion flowers of all kinds. Set against the vibrant sunset, the arch is softly glittering in the multicolor hues as it stands on sturdy pillars. The flowers are soft, yet fiery, blooming vibrantly like flames. The gentle bre
*One month later*Everyone is tense. Scarlett is standing still while Kat keeps on rubbing her back to reassure her that it will be fine. Troy is there as well along with Jim and Jeremy who are equally worried. Sitting on a wheelchair is Miranda, who’s weak but hopeful. They’re all standing outside a room, separated by a glass window. On the other side are Ronan and a pair of nurses with Ryder. Ryder is sitting still on a bed, his eyes still covered with bandages. His heart is racing and he’s taking several deep breaths. Ronan slowly undoes the bandages to reveal Ryder’s closed eyes.“When I count to three, slowly open your eyes,” he instructs. “Very slowly, alright? Don’t get too excited.”“Got it.”“1…2…3…”Ryder slowly starts to open his eyes. Scarlett holds her breath, her heart still. Every second feels long and torturous as she watches Ryder opening his eyes until finally, they’re fully open. For a moment, no one speaks. Ryder is simply staring into space, not saying anything.
Ryder is rushed to the hospital, his eyes still bleeding. Scarlett, Troy, and Jim are pale faced as Ronan takes a look at Ryder’s state.“His eyes won’t even last a month!” Ronan tells them. “He has been under too much stress. We must operate on him, but there’s no donor-”“There is!” Scarlett declares. Everyone stares at her in shock when she points at Elle’s corpse which is lying on another bed.“Her blood type was B negative and she died just today,” Scarlett goes on. “I’m sure she can donate.”Ronan, Troy, and Jim are astonished. Did Scarlett plan all this by herself?“We’ll need permission from her family-” Ronan begins but Scarlett is already prepared. She takes out a permission form for organ donation.“I’ve already signed it,” she states. “As her only family member, I give you the full authority to donate all her workable organs. Now, give her eyes to my husband. Now!”…He tries to move his eyelids but the agonizing pain is weakening him. There are muffled sounds around him,
Elle cries in agony as Vincent’s men beat her up. Scarlett is kept in a corner, bloody but untouched. Vincent knows that as long as Ryder has the evidence against him, he can’t hurt Scarlett, but Elle is a different issue.“Please!” Elle begs. “I-I swear I’m pregnant-”A guard kicks her so hard that her rib cracks. Vincent holds up his hand and the guards stop beating her. They’re in a soundproof room which doesn’t let any sound escape nor come in. This is a special room designed for his hostages and Vincent loves to torment them here.“That last baby,” he sneers at her. “Was it also a sham?”“I…” Elle has no words. Vincent takes out another document which has pictures of Elle and the bald man together in bed. She squirms at the sight of them.“It was his, wasn’t it?” Vincent shouts at her.Elle only whimpers in pain. “I loved Hector!” She lies. “I-”“You had that man kidnap me so that you could have Ryder to yourself,” Scarlett speaks up. Vincent turns to her.“What did you just say?
The vans stop at the bottom of the hill and everyone starts to climb on foot. They’re all wearing green and brown jackets to camouflage themselves. The men have split into two groups: one is being led by Ryder and Troy while Jim is infiltrating the hill from the other side. They slowly crawl to the top until they spot a heavily fortified gate which has electrified barbed wires on top. A pair of armed guards are standing at the front while there might be more at other entry points. Ryder motions Troy and his men to wait while he goes around the building.He quietly crawls in the bushes, keeping an eye on the gates from afar. The stream seems to be leading to another entry point where there are a few guards who are carrying food and supplies inside. Ryder waits and observes them to memorize their movements. There are around four guards out of which two are carrying the boxes while the other two are keeping an eye on the surroundings. There are CCTV cameras around the building too.Ryde
Scarlett slowly opens her eyes. Everything is blurry and her head is heavy. The left part of her neck is throbbing hard. She winces as she lifts her neck up to take in her surroundings.The place she’s in is windowless with only one door at a corner. The walls are of a pasty yellow color, the paint peeling off in many places. She can hear the faint sound of water running somewhere and she can sniff the scent of wet petrichor in the air.A hill, she deduces. She must be somewhere near a hill which has a waterbody. Scarlett looks down and is relieved. They took off her jacket but she still has her shirt on. The button Kat gave her is still stitched on it.The door opens and a thin figure walks in to gloat at her.“You!” Scarlett barks at Elle. Elle merely smirks.“Hello, sis,” she grins. “Long time, huh?”Scarlett only glares at her in fury. The sight of Elle’s happy face makes her want to throw up. Seeing this woman gloating is making her skin crawl.“You’re really now out in the open,
Elle pulls out a large garbage trolley and with great difficulty, shoves Scarlett into it. She’s already wearing the garbs of a cleaning lady and covers Scarlett’s unconscious form with several bags. She puts on a mask and slowly pushes the trolley out.A guard is indeed standing there. He spots the cleaner coming out of the toilet and is about to approach her but he’s blocked by a group of men who are coming out of the men’s toilet, chatting loudly. Taking her chance, Elle pushes the trolley, walking far away. The guard doesn’t follow her, distracted once again when his phone rings.Elle pushes the trolley outside the restaurant and keeps on pushing it until she reaches an alley. Sliding the trolley into the alley, she quickly pushes it till she reaches a black van. Several men come out of it and they take out Scarlett’s body and shove her into the back of the van.“Let’s take her to Vincent’s hideout,” Elle instructs. “Ryder and his men will swarm the place soon.”“Yes ma’am!”She g
*A Few hours ago*The car is slowly backing out of the mansion. Scarlett’s eyes are fixed on it, her feelings mixed between dread and a strange happiness. She’s dreading that she may never see her home again while she’s also happy because she can return Ryder his life back.How many years has he been suffering like this? It pains her heart to see him hide his pain. He smiles to mask the torment he’s suffering inside, his love for his family greater than any desire for vengeance. It’s ironic, she ruefully thinks. There was a time when she was fixated on vengeance. All she wanted was to destroy the Hawkins family and wipe them off the earth. Her longing for revenge would have blinded her if Ryder hadn’t entered her life. The freedom she seeked was in front of her all along.Yes, she feels free when she’s with him. He makes her heart beat like crazy and eases her mind. Every moment with him is filled with happiness and despite the dangers which loomed around them, for the first time in