Goodness, Amira is one of a kind 𼴠Please do well to drop a comment if you've been enjoying the story so far. Would love to know my dear reader's thoughts regarding the story. đ It's going to be encouraging. God bless you as you do so. đ
At the hospital, Karina sat by Sophie's bed, watching her daughter with a mixture of worry and hope. Lucas entered the room quietly, holding a bottle of water. He gently persuaded her, "You haven't had anything all day. At least drink this."Reluctantly, Karina nodded and took the water. Glancing at Sophie, Lucas said, "Gina is talking to the doctor."Karina nodded again, her eyes never leaving her daughter. The door opened, and Anita walked in, her presence a mixture of concern and tension. Lucas tried to hide his annoyance and surprise at seeing her.With a concerned expression, Anita walked up to Karina and hugged her. "I'm so sorry about what happened to Sophie," she said, casting a long glance at the unconscious child.Karina managed a small smile, trying to be polite. "Thank you, Anita."Curious and slightly suspicious, Karina asked, "How did you know we were at this hospital?"Anita sighed, seamlessly lying, "I got Lucas's message with the address."Lucas eyed her secretly, kno
Meanwhile, outside in the parking lot, Martha pulled up the car. As they got out, she told Riley, "We're just going to show fake concern. Donât act strange, or they will suspect us."Riley nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and guilt. "Okay. I just feel so restless since I caught a glimpse of Sophie yesterday when she was taken out of the ICU."Martha admonished her, "Pull yourself together."Riley reluctantly walked beside her mother. "Don't worry," Martha added. "You can stay outside the room when we get in. That way, you won't have to see Sophie."Riley managed a smile, though she still felt uneasy for reasons she couldn't fully understand.Back inside the hospital, Amira held Aidan's hand, trying to pull him away. "Let's go."He pushed her slightly, freeing his hand from her grasp. Irked, Amira hissed and started leaving, her frustration palpable.Stepping out of the hospital, seething, Amira groaned. As she fished her car key from her purse, she bumped into someone. âYou foolâŚ!â Ami
Aidan clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with determination. "Iâm not giving up on Sophie. I donât care what you say. I will be back, and I will find out the truth."With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Karina standing there, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched him go, a mix of relief and fear washing over her. She knew this wasnât the end of it. Aidan wouldnât stop until he got to the bottom of the truth, and she needed to be prepared for what was coming next."Oh damn," Karina let out, exhaling as she returned to the ward.Reaching the exit, Aidan halted and stopped Gina, who almost walked past him. He gently said, "Karina didn't let me see Sophie, and I just want to know how she's getting better."Gina, feigning annoyance, replied, "You should just leave and stop being hot-headed."He nodded. "Yes, of course. Can you at least give me your number so I can stay updated regarding Sophie? I know Karina wouldn't want to see me around."She reluctantly refused. "I'm s
Gina studied Karina's reaction for a moment before revealing, "They actually came to the ward to check on Sophie, but Riley seemed odd. When she saw Sophie, she started to turn pale, and before we knew it, she passed out."Karina looked puzzled. "We should go check on her."Gina attempted to persuade her. "Karina, you should go home and rest. You need it."Karina, determined, walked past Gina and headed down the hallway. "No, I need to see her now."Gina sighed and went after her. "Alright, letâs go."Together, they made their way to find Martha and Riley, leaving Gina more concerned about the increasingly mysterious circumstances surrounding Sophie's accident.Karina found her way to the ward and walked in on Martha seemingly scolding Riley. Gina walked in after Karina, and Martha immediately straightened up, adopting a softer expression."Karina, why are you here and not withâ" Martha began.Karina cut in, her voice filled with concern. "Is Riley alright?" She walked over to the bed
Later in the evening, the Everhardt family gathered around the dining table for dinner. Noticing Riley's absence, Martha silently excused herself and went to call her. She found Riley on the bed, sulking."Riley, come to dinner," Martha demanded."I'm not hungry," Riley muttered, turning away.Martha angrily closed the door behind her and approached Riley, her voice low and stiff. "You're acting suspicious, Riley. If you keep withdrawing like this, the family is bound to know something's wrong."Riley was about to refute but her phone beeped, drawing her attention. She picked it up and read a message, her expression souring. The phone started ringing. She ended the call and sluggishly got out of bed."I can't deal with this," Riley began, but the phone rang again. She ended the call once more, her frustration evident."Who is it?" Martha asked, her eyes narrowing."Who else could it be?" Riley snapped."Amira?" Martha's voice was a mix of anger and concern.Riley nodded. "Yes, it's Am
Amira took the pocket knife, crouching down, placed it at Riley's neck as she grabbed her hair, and asked, "Do you want to die instead of carrying out my order?"Riley's heart pounded. "Please, Amira, there must be another way. I...I can't."Amira's face hardened. "48 hours, Riley. Or you'll wish you'd never crossed me."Riley nodded reluctantly, tears welling in her eyes. "Okay, okay. I will do it."Amira released her, stepping back. "Good. Now get back in the car. I will do you a favor by dropping you home."As Riley climbed back into the car, her mind raced with panic and fear. She had no idea how she was going to fulfill Amira's demand, but one thing was clear: her life and Sophie's hung in a delicate balance.When they arrived at the Everhardt mansion, Linda spoke cryptically, "Send my greetings to your mother and tell her it's from Linda."Despite not understanding what she meant, Riley nodded eagerly and hurried out of the car.Amira drove off at full speed, not casting Riley a
It was no other than Aidan, who gave her a cold stare as he rose from her couch. He glanced at Linda, who stepped in, scanning her briefly before returning his hard gaze to Amira.Quickly composing herself, Amira chuckled, almost stuttering, "Sweetheart, why are you here? And how did you get in?"Aidan took out a spare key from his pocket and held it up. She was surprised and said, "I thought you lost that spare key I gave you.""I found it when I needed it.â He shrugged, then shifted his gaze to Linda. Amira cleared her throat softly, addressing Linda as Lola. "Go finish up the work for today at home."Linda, playing along, reluctantly nodded. Though she wanted to ask for the money, Amira silently conveyed with a signal that she would send it. Linda forced a smile, saying, "Alright, ma'am." Then she left.Amira let out a sigh before turning to meet Aidan's gaze, smiling. "So, what brings you here, Aidan?"Aidanâs eyes bore into hers. "I was wondering why you didnât tell me about yo
After a moment, Karina stared, unable to talk until she found her voice. "I know you're kidding and trying to brighten up my mood, but⌠that's serious."Lucas shook his head, holding her hand. "I'm not kidding, Karina. I'm serious."She was taken aback, and he continued, "I know this came out at the wrong time, but I'm concerned about your future and that of your daughter."Still confused, she asked, "How do you mean?"Lucas explained, "Aidan isn't going to stop seeing Sophie, and if he presses on, he's likely to find out she's his daughter. I know you don't want that. If we get married, I will be Sophie's father legally, and we can make Aidan stay away."Karina nodded, considering his words. After all, she had already lied to Aidan that Lucas was Sophie's father. It wouldn't be hard to tell Sophie the same.Lucas pressed on, "Just like we're faking a relationship to the public, we could have a simple marriage and pretend to be a loving couple to push Aidan farther away."Karina conte
A Few Months LaterLife had started to return to normal for Karina and Sophie. Sophie, with the help of therapy and the constant support from Aidan and Karina, had begun to heal from the trauma of her kidnapping. They spent their weekends visiting parks, and museums, and sometimes just enjoying quiet family picnics, which helped Sophie find joy again.Karina and Aidan, too, had found a new rhythm in their relationship. They decided to set aside their past differences and work together for Sophieâs happiness and welfare. Aidan's family, especially his mother, Cruzita, had also mended fences with Karina. The shared goal of giving Sophie a stable and loving environment brought them closer.Meanwhile, Lilly had undergone her transplant surgery, thanks to the Everhardt family's efforts in finding a suitable donor. Her recovery was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.During these months, Anita and Amira faced their trials. Amiraâs defense team, led by her best lawyers, had fought tirelessly t
The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of dread and desperate hope, a battle of wills playing out in the room.The men appeared, one of them carrying Sophie on his shoulder as she squirmed and cried. Karina called out desperately, "Sophie! Sophie!"Anita's expression turned concerned as she watched the scene unfold, her eyes flickering between Karina and Sophie. âIâm doing you the honors because Iâm a mother too. Use this moment well and say goodbye properly to your daughter.â She signaled to the man, who dropped Sophie down and the other went and untied Karina. The little girl ran to Karina, her face tear-streaked and trembling.âMommy, I missed you,â Sophie cried, trembling.Karina managed a smile through her tears, cuddling her daughter tightly.âDonât worry, darling. Iâm here. Nothing will happen to you.â She scanned Sophieâs face, then shot an angry look at Anita. âWhy does my daughter look like this? What have you been doing to her?!âAnita shrugged nonchalantly. âJust keep
Karina watched with teary, weary eyes as Anita paced impatiently. Lucas stood nearby, his face a mask of frustration. Juliana returned, her face pale as she informed them that Lilly was ready.Lucas sneered at Anita. âWhere are your men? They shouldâve been here by now.ââTheyâre coming. They should beââ She was cut off by a knock on the door.Anita took a step forward, but Lucas stopped her with a raised hand. He went to open the door and returned with two burly men in tow.âWhat the heck kept you guys?â Anita snapped.âSorry, maâam. Traffic was a nightmare,â one of the men apologized.Anita hissed. âFine. Lucas, theyâll go get Sophie now.âLucas nodded, watching them head upstairs before turning his gaze back to Karina, who was sobbing and staring at him with a mix of sorrow and betrayal.âLucas, I never thought you could do this to me,â she choked out, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and heartbreak.He leaned forward, feigning remorse. âIâm sorry, love. You know I ha
Anita asked, tensed, âWhat are we going to do?ââTie her up!â Lucas commanded. He dragged a chair and placed Karina on it, securing her tightly with ropes. âWhere are your guys who are supposed to take Sophie to the facility?â he grumbled.âThey are on their way,â Anita muttered, nervously glancing at Karina.Lilly appeared, her eyes widening in horror as she saw Karina, who was now bleeding from the head. âMommy, what happened to Aunt Karina?âLucas flicked his gaze at the girl, snarling, âUgh, this girl. Take her to her room and get her ready, Mother!âJuliana quivered and walked to Lilly. âLetâs go, my dear,â she said softly, leading Lilly upstairs as Lucas continued tying Karina to the chair.In the Everhardt mansion, Aidan walked into the house. âWhereâs Karina?â he asked Gina.âShe went to the office about 30 minutes ago,â Gina replied.He nodded and turned to leave but stopped as Georgia walked in with some files in her hands. âGeorgia, have you seen Karina?â he quickly asked.
Aidan and Karina arrived at the Everhardt mansion, the tension palpable between them. Aidan got out of his car and quickly walked up to her, his tone urgent. "Karina, I think we should inform Inspector Kai."Her eyes widened in surprise. "No. We shouldn't.""What? Why?" Aidan asked, bewildered."Lucas is no fool," Karina explained, her voice steady but tense. "He might have figured that I didn't just come to his family's house looking for him. I'm sure Anita told him already that she saw me at the hospital, and then he figured out that he messed up by lying to me twice."Aidan shook his head in frustration. "So, what are we going to do? Stay calm when Sophie's earring was lying in their house?"She sighed deeply, struggling to keep her composure. "Aidan, we shouldn't react impulsively. Lucas shouldn't think that I'm suspecting him."Aidan eyed her with concern. "Are you scared of him or what?""I'm just considering the odds and possibilities now. What if⌠my daughter is in that house
Karina answered it, faking her cheerful voice. "Hello, Lucas.""Hi, Karina. Uh, sorry but you can't see Anita or Lilly."Her brows creased. "What? Why?""They left the country. They went to Switzerland.""But you said we could have dinner with them, Lucas.""Yes, I had no idea they left. I just called my mom and she told me about it."She nodded. "So, when did they leave?""Last night, yeah."She nodded. "Okay. It's fine. Let's talk later." She ended the call and groaned. "He lied again."Aidan asked, "What happened?""I saw Anita and Lilly less than an hour ago, and he said they left last night," she concluded.Aidan's expression turned grim. "He's definitely hiding something, Karina.""I feel so too. I need to go over to his family's house.""I'm coming with you.""But you're going to stay outside and hide. Paraventure Lucas shows up, he shouldn't see you."He agreed, and they left. Aidan followed Karina's car as she drove to the Salvatore Mansion.When Karina arrived, she placed so
The air in the room shifted, charged with a new, tense energy.Lucas's face darkened, his jaw clenched tightly."Karina?" he muttered, half to himself, half to Amira. The intimacy between him and Amira shattered instantly, replaced by a complicated mix of fear, guilt, and anger.Amira pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with surprise and worry. âWhat do we do?" she whispered, her voice trembling.Lucas took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Stay quiet," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. He disentangled himself from Amira, his expression hardening as he prepared to face whatever was waiting for him on the other side of the door.Lucas started heading to the door and halted. He spun and gestured at Amira to go hide somewhere. She quickly grabbed her clothes and ran off, her footsteps light as she disappeared into another room. He exhaled deeply, trying to steady himself."Lucas, are you thereâŚ?" Karina's voice was tinged with impatience."Uh, I'm coming!" he ca
Anita held Lillyâs hand tightly as they walked into an examining room in an extinguished hospital owned by the Algernon family. She had brought Lilly for a discreet proper checkup. She had been meticulous in ensuring this visit would be confidential, preparing for the upcoming transplant surgery. After the doctor had thoroughly examined Lilly, they all returned to his office, a tense silence hanging in the air.The doctor sat behind his desk, looking over Lillyâs charts before raising his eyes to Anita."So, Mrs. Anita, when is Lilly scheduled for the transplant?"Anita forced a smile, her mind racing for a believable answer. "Weâre taking her to England for the transplant. A hospital there has found a suitable donor."The doctor frowned, clearly puzzled. "England? Which hospital, if you don't mind me asking? We need to transfer her medical records and ensure they have all the necessary information."Anitaâs responses became increasingly evasive. "It's a private facility. Theyâve as
Soon, Amira matched Lucasâs vigor, her enthusiasm doubling his pleasure. He growled and moaned, âGood girl, keep going.â She finished, then licked him from his V-line up to his chest, biting his nipples. Lucas groaned, his body tensing with the mix of pleasure and pain.âYouâre not scared of me?â he muttered hoarsely.Amira smiled naughtily. âWhy would I be? I know you wonât kill me.âHe nodded, kissing her forehead. âI wonât. You're just different.â They started kissing passionately, their lips moving in a synchronized dance of lust and dominance. She asked between breaths, âHow?âHe chuckled, pulling back to look at her. âEveryone considers me a monster.âThey locked gazes, Amiraâs eyes piercing into his as she smirked. âWeâre alike. Raymond used to be someone special to me before. I loved and adored him.â Her tone turned flat and callous. âBut I killed him.âLucas grinned. âIâm not like you, darling. I donât kill the ones I love. Only those who give me trouble.âShe started care