As if sensing his presence, Sophie arose and turned, a big smile lighting up her face. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, running to him.Aidan knelt with his arms spread wide and hugged her tightly. "I've missed you so much," she said, her small voice full of warmth.He kissed her forehead. "I’m sorry I haven’t kept my promise to see you sooner.""You always come when I really need you, Daddy. Like now," she replied, her words touching him deeply."How are you feeling? How's your recovery going?" he asked gently.Sophie nodded enthusiastically. "The doctors say I'm getting better. I've had a lot of check-ups and regular visits to the hospital since I got discharged."Aidan smiled softly. "You're so strong, Sophie. Soon, you won't have to go to the hospital so often."Her smile brightened. "I believe you, Daddy." She paused, noticing him looking around. "Are you here to see Mommy?"He nodded, sighing before forcing a smile. "Yes, I need to talk to her."Sophie studied his expression, her young e
Amira's breath caught, disbelief etching lines on her face. "You loved her all this time, didn't you?" she accused, her voice cracking with emotion.Aidan's silence spoke volumes, confirming her worst fears."That's why you called me a fool," Amira whispered, tears welling up. "You never stopped loving her."Aidan didn't respond, his gaze distant and conflicted.Amira stood abruptly, her voice trembling with hurt and betrayal. "Fine, Aidan. If Karina is what you want, then go to her. But don't expect me to be waiting when you realize your mistake."Aidan chuckled, a bitter edge to his amusement. "Oh, Amira. You know I've made nothing but mistakes. Divorcing Karina was the worst of them all."Amira felt her heart wrench as his words cut through her. "What about me?" she demanded, her voice wavering with raw emotion.He shrugged nonchalantly, grabbing his jacket and heading for the door. Pausing briefly, he glanced back at her with a mix of regret and resolve. "I don't know, Amira. Figu
Amira sat up, wrapping her arms around herself as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. She knew what she needed wasn't in this room, with this man. It was something deeper, something she couldn't find in fleeting encounters or whispered promises.As he gathered his things to leave, she whispered a quiet apology. "I'm sorry," she said again, her voice barely audible. "I thought I could... forget."He nodded understandingly, his gaze lingering on her briefly before he turned away. "I hope you find what you're looking for," he replied softly, before closing the door behind him.After he left, Amira started laughing like a psycho, admonishing herself for just acting like a damned bitch. "What the hell are you doing, Amira?" she muttered, her voice tinged with hysteria. She grabbed her phone and dialed Tasha's number."Tasha, send me another man," she demanded, her voice shaky yet firm."Amira, are you out of your mind? This isn't healthy," Tasha scolded her, but Am
The following day, Karina was in her office, lost in deep thought. She found herself unwillingly thinking about Aidan. His unbelievable love confession the previous day had left her feeling distracted, confused, and more upset than ever.She couldn't get him off her mind even when she tried her best. It was a big shock to her too because she hadn't felt this way since they parted ways years ago. Whenever she shut her eyes, vivid images of him trying to kiss her, their proximity, and other intense encounters from their past flashed in her mind in seconds.Her assistant, Georgia, knocked lightly on the door before stepping in. "Karina, you have a meeting in ten minutes," she reminded gently.Karina snapped out of her reverie, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Georgia. I'll be right there."As Maria turned to leave, Karina's phone buzzed. She picked it up, expecting another mundane email, but her heart skipped a beat when she saw it was a message from Aidan."Can we talk? I need to see you," the
Lucas' expression darkened slightly, but he kept his tone light. “Well, you should get used to it.” He reached her and smirked. “You know, it’s quite unfortunate for you, missy. I'm going to be your mother’s husband.”Sophie frowned and shook her head vehemently. “You’re not going to ever be my daddy.”Lucas chuckled darkly. “And why is that?”“Because I don’t like you, and my daddy’s name is Aidan Algernon.”Infuriated, he grabbed her arms roughly, wanting to hit her. “Listen here, you little brat—”Before he could finish, a voice called out, “Sophie?”He straightened up, forcing a smile as he turned to see Phoebe standing there. “Aunt Phoebe!” Sophie screamed, running to hug her tightly.Phoebe returned the hug, eyeing Lucas with suspicion. “What’s going on here?”Lucas waved awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Lucas. I was just waiting for Karina. Sophie was keeping me company.”Phoebe’s gaze hardened. “I know who you are. What were you doing?”Lucas shook his head, feigning innocence. “Just tryi
Back at the mansion, Karina finished dressing Aidan’s wound, her hands lingering on his arm a moment longer than necessary. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and lingering affection."I owe you one," she whispered."You don’t owe me anything," Aidan replied softly. "Just stay safe, Karina."She nodded, the weight of the night’s events settling over her. "I’ll try. Thank you, Aidan."He gave her a reassuring smile, and for a brief moment, everything felt right in the world again.Karina was putting the things back into the first aid box, neatly organizing the gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and medical tape. Aidan watched her, his expression softening with each movement she made."I didn't know what made me come here," Aidan began, his voice breaking the silence, "but I did, and I'm happy I was able to save you again."She sighed, her back still to him. "Don't do it again.""I'll keep doing it over and over," he insisted, stepping closer. "I'd ev
Aidan rammed into her, their bodies moving as one, lost in the ecstasy of the moment."Karina, you're everything to me," he groaned, his pace increasing.She couldn't form words, her entire being consumed by the sensations coursing through her. They reached the pinnacle together, their climax a powerful, shared experience that left them both breathless.As they collapsed onto the bed, entwined and exhausted, Aidan whispered against her skin, "This is just the beginning, Karina. I'll never stop proving my love to you."She lay in his arms, her heart pounding, knowing that despite the uncertainty of the future, this moment was theirs to hold on to.After a brief rest, Karina slowly got on top of him, pushing her hair back as she slid down his body. Her fingers found his hardened length, and she began to massage him, her touch both firm and tender. He growled, his hands instinctively grabbing her head as she took him into her mouth."Goodness, Karina," he moaned, his voice raw with desir
Sophie looked concerned but nodded. "Okay, Mommy."Karina thanked Phoebe for spending the night. "I really appreciate you being here, Phoebe."Phoebe waved it off. "No problem at all. I’m glad to help."Karina’s phone rang, and she glanced at the screen, seeing Aidan’s name. She almost swore aloud but caught herself. "I’ll just go freshen up. Join you both in a bit."Sophie smiled. "Okay, Mommy!"Karina turned to Phoebe. "Are you leaving soon?"Phoebe nodded. "In about an hour. I need to get back to campus.""Thanks again, Phoebe," Karina said before heading upstairs.Once in her room, she shredded off her clothes and hurried into the shower. As the warm water cascaded over her, images of last night’s intense moments with Aidan flooded her mind. She gasped softly, feeling the heat rise within her again.Stepping out of the shower, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her lips parted as she noticed the marks he had left on her body. Her eyes fixed on a vivid hickey at the side of
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 Sophie’s 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. Amira’s 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. “I’m doing you the honors because I’m a mother too. Use this moment well and say goodbye properly to your daughter.” 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.“Mommy, I missed you,” Sophie cried, trembling.Karina managed a smile through her tears, cuddling her daughter tightly.“Don’t worry, darling. I’m here. Nothing will happen to you.” She scanned Sophie’s face, then shot an angry look at Anita. “Why does my daughter look like this? What have you been doing to her?!”Anita shrugged nonchalantly. “Just 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. “Where are your men? They should’ve been here by now.”“They’re coming. They should be—” 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.“What the heck kept you guys?” Anita snapped.“Sorry, ma’am. Traffic was a nightmare,” one of the men apologized.Anita hissed. “Fine. Lucas, they’ll go get Sophie now.”Lucas 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.“Lucas, I never thought you could do this to me,” she choked out, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and heartbreak.He leaned forward, feigning remorse. “I’m sorry, love. You know I ha
Anita asked, tensed, “What are we going to do?”“Tie her up!” Lucas commanded. He dragged a chair and placed Karina on it, securing her tightly with ropes. “Where are your guys who are supposed to take Sophie to the facility?” he grumbled.“They are on their way,” Anita muttered, nervously glancing at Karina.Lilly appeared, her eyes widening in horror as she saw Karina, who was now bleeding from the head. “Mommy, what happened to Aunt Karina?”Lucas flicked his gaze at the girl, snarling, “Ugh, this girl. Take her to her room and get her ready, Mother!”Juliana quivered and walked to Lilly. “Let’s go, my dear,” she said softly, leading Lilly upstairs as Lucas continued tying Karina to the chair.In the Everhardt mansion, Aidan walked into the house. “Where’s Karina?” he asked Gina.“She went to the office about 30 minutes ago,” Gina replied.He nodded and turned to leave but stopped as Georgia walked in with some files in her hands. “Georgia, have you seen Karina?” 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. “What 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 there…?" Karina's voice was tinged with impatience."Uh, I'm coming!" he ca
Anita held Lilly’s 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 Lilly’s 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. "We’re 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."Anita’s responses became increasingly evasive. "It's a private facility. They’ve as
Soon, Amira matched Lucas’s vigor, her enthusiasm doubling his pleasure. He growled and moaned, “Good girl, keep going.” 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.“You’re not scared of me?” he muttered hoarsely.Amira smiled naughtily. “Why would I be? I know you won’t kill me.”He nodded, kissing her forehead. “I won’t. You're just different.” They started kissing passionately, their lips moving in a synchronized dance of lust and dominance. She asked between breaths, “How?”He chuckled, pulling back to look at her. “Everyone considers me a monster.”They locked gazes, Amira’s eyes piercing into his as she smirked. “We’re alike. Raymond used to be someone special to me before. I loved and adored him.” Her tone turned flat and callous. “But I killed him.”Lucas grinned. “I’m not like you, darling. I don’t kill the ones I love. Only those who give me trouble.”She started care