Vivian POV"Missing me already?" His smug voice blared out loudly through the phone and instantly, my racing mind calmed down.Just now, I couldn't believe that I was this worried about Max."Where are you going to Max?" I forced myself to ask, pressing my lips thinly to each other and hoping he wouldn't give me a hilarious cackle this time around."I'm going to Ruth and after, I'll go to work" He revealed, I could Sense the sincerity in his voice but I forced down those thoughts, my mind suddenly replaced with anger the moment he mentioned her name.Had I truly forgotten that Max's first love was still alive? I shut my eyes in exasperation, regretting why I was worried about him in the first place.Even after everything that seemed to be pulling us closer, Max still had Ruth in his mind. Envy, jealousy smeared through me and I gritted my teeth at how stupid I had become."Vivian, are you there?" He asked but I remained silent.What am I going to say anyways, not like he could change
Vivian POV"What the hell are you doing here?!" I snapped as soon as our eyes locked in contact."Vivian" My Mom called but I ignored her, the feeling of joy I had earlier on seeing her vanished, replaced by with intense anger and hatred as the man stood up."I repeat again, what are you doing here Alexander"I demanded, voice lacing with pure raging contempt."I came to see your Mom Vivian" He replied, feigning a tone of care. I glared daggers at him, hating the air of prestige he held and not minding the presence of the nurse in the room, I spoke out an order" Get out" I said calmly, clenching my fists and supressing the urge to punch his face at the moment, if it was possible, I could've pounced and beat the hell out of him until his face bloated with blood."Vivian you should calm down, he has something to say" My Mom chipped in, surprising me and I was taken aback. Did she just tell me to calm down? For who exactly? For a man who didn't care if she was dead or not?"Are you being
Vivian POV" What was that Vivian!" My Mom faced me and immediately, I dropped on my acts, my expression softened now replaced with care as I smiled at her. Seeing her stand up firm made me happy and excited. She had been lying on the bed for so long and at some point, I had thought she would be there forever but staring at her composure at the moment made me bawl with true gladness."How are you Mom, I'm sorry I wasn't there with you after surgery, something came up" I said , walking towards her and embracing her in a tight hug. Her nerves which flared up earlier relaxed at that instant and she returned the hug, tightening her grip around me. I've missed my mother so much that I've almost forgotten what being in her arms feels like; protected and care."I'm sorry Vivian. I'm so sorry too" She sobbed silently and I smiled and patted her back. We stayed in each other's embrace for a few minutes before we finally disengaged.My Mom flashed a heartwarming smile at me, tugging my hands i
Vivian POVHe strode in, walking past me towards my mother whose expression suddenly changed with glistening smiles. He bent down, took her hands and kissed it; a courtesy and introduction shown to elderly in-laws. "Max Norman?" My Mom asked, her smiles brightening even more and Max nodded, suddenly acting like an innocent cute four year old baby. "Yes Mom" He replied in a very demure polite tone that I didn't realize he had with him "You're really handsome like they say" She complimented, shocking me even more. I didn't understand my Mom, although I know her as someone to be flexible most times, I still couldn't believe she would be this pleased to someone who she already knows wanted to divorce me; of course she knows! I told her! Then why was she acting so oblivious? Strange, entirely strange." Common, let's have a brief talk, can we?" My Mom suddenly chipped in and at that moment, I knew I couldn't just watch and do nothing. What is she doing?"Mom, I'm sorry but I can't leave
Vivian POV "Mom, what are you saying, I don't sleep around!" I almost screamed. I couldn't believe that what Max had been accusing me for over three years was beginning to seem like the truth. "I saw the pictures perhaps I don't have my phone any longer Vivian but it was you, laying on the bed in a five star hotel with a man old enough to be your father" My Mom said, throwing more light to my confusion. How could that be? I wasn't even the type of person that socialize with people that much so how could I suddenly sleep with someone I don't know. I turned to face Max" You have the pictures, don't you? Let me see it" I requested in a fierce demand but instead Max rolled his eyes at me, tugging his hands into his pockets and gave me a nonchalant stare. "There'll be no need for that Vivian. I don't have it and I didn't want to divorce you because of that, just bear that in mind" He answered curtly, flashing a smile at me then to my mother. "Why did you come back? You were goi
Vivian POV I fluttered my eye lids open, taking in the hot sun that penetrated through the curtain as I quickly covered my eyes with my hands, preventing further burn from the sun but then I winced, feeling a stinging sharp pain pierce my arm; A drip was connected to it. "Thank Goodness you're awake, I'm saved" A strange unfamiliar yet familiar voice said as he walked towards me, putting on his expense white coat that made his profession stand out, I instantly recognized him as the doctor whom I had earlier rushed to seek answers the other day about who cleared for my surgery bills. "What happened Doctor Tim? Where's my my husband_ I mean Max and my Mom" I asked, not realizing when the words escaped my lips. I bit my lips in regret having revealed that piece of information because Doctor Tim might not really know that Max was my husband perhaps for the moment. "Your husband? You mean Max Norman? He almost turned down this whole hospital the moment you passed out, he almost boug
Vivian POV "Vivian__" A familiar voice called behind me as I hurriedly hailed down a cab. I already knew it was Max but I ignored him, knowing fully well that he wouldn't let me go. "Where the hell are you going? You're not feeling__" Before he could even finish his statement, the car zoomed off immediately and I let out a long exhaustive breath. 'I just hope Doctor Tim wouldn't really reveal my baby to him or my mother' ______ It wasn't long before I arrived back at the mansion and just like I expected, Mr Norman was already dressed in his commanding attire. " You're one minute behind time dear" He said on sighting me as I walked towards where he stood, his back relaxed at the car. Taking a close look at him, I observed the similarities between him and Max; the same authoritative poise, deadly aura, dominating, and dangerous, even their features in some parts was slightly the same and I realized where Max got his muscles even when he didn't do much workout. "I'm sorry Fa
Vivian POV As soon as we got into the building and stepped into the elevator, I marveled, especially at the extravagant beauty of the company, it was undoubtedly fabulous and mighty. The elevator was purely made of silver yet a transparent glass that show the full reception hall of the company where everyone walked to and fro with files all in their hand; truly, this wasn't a place of joke, the seriousness on everyone's face already told me that the company tolerated less of incompetence. "You must be wondering why I brought you here right?" Mr Norman said, jolting me out of my fantasizing reverie of the building. We were the only two people in the elevator and I wondered if the workers had suddenly disappeared by his presence. At least, I should see some people taking the elevator but I found none. I blinked twice, pressing my lips together and gave a curt nod at him. " I've heard a lot about you from Max" He stated, shifting his gaze towards me and I blinked again, fluttering
The rain drummed lightly against the glass windows of a thp penthouse rhythmic whisper against the silence that had settled between them. Vivian stood by the fireplace, her arms crossed, her lips slightly parted as if she wanted to speak but couldn’t quite find the words.Max leaned against the back of the couch, his sharp blue eyes trained on her, unwavering, unreadable. He had removed his jacket, his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing the strong lines of his chest. The firelight flickered against his skin, casting reflection that made him look more dangerous—more irresistible.“I hate it when you shut me out,” Vivian finally said, her voice quieter than she intended.Max exhaled, rubbing his fingers across his jaw. “I’m not shutting you out, sweetheart.” His voice was deep, rough, filled with an edge of restraint. “I just don’t know how to forget the sight of you crying over him.”Vivian sucked in a breath. She knew exactly what he meant. The image of her embracing Daniel
Max stood at the edge of the terrace, the cool evening breeze tousling his dark hair. He hadn’t expected to feel this way—light, free, and even a bit hopeful. After everything that had happened, all the deceit, the betrayals, the conspiracies that had weighed heavily on his shoulders, he finally had a moment of peace. The past was behind him, but the future was bright, and it was something he’d begun to look forward to.As the golden rays of the setting sun stretched across the sky, Max took a deep breath, allowing the warmth to settle in his chest. He hadn’t realized just how suffocating the tension had been until it was gone. Vivian and Emma, the two people who had become his world, were safe, and the people responsible for the harm they’d caused would no longer be a threat.But this moment wasn’t about them. This was about something else. Something Max had never expected, something that, despite everything, felt like a reward—a new beginning.It had been a quiet evening, the mansio
The final Blow.The courtroom was filled with tension, the air thick with anticipation. Max stood at the back, his eyes sharp, scanning the room as the defendants were led in. Ruth, Hannah, and Alexander, each appearing cold and composed, but Max could see the cracks forming beneath their facades. Their time had come.The gallery was filled with spectators, reporters, and those affected by the heinous crimes that had been committed. The seats were packed, yet there was a stillness that enveloped the room as the doors opened, and the accused were escorted to their designated seats.Max stood quietly, the weight of the entire process settling on his shoulders. He wasn’t just here to see them convicted; he was here to make sure the truth was brought into the light. The truth that had been hidden for so long. The truth that had torn apart so many lives, including his own.The courtroom had a sterile atmosphere—cold marble floors, high wooden ceilings, and the buzz of murmurs filling the a
Hi dear readers this book is coming to an end with just few more chapters ahead and an epilogue as well, be active.A week later.Max had spent years mastering the art of control—whether in business, in combat, or in the relentless war for power that had shaped his life. But tonight wasn’t just about control. Tonight was about ending this.Ruth, Hannah, and Alexander had played their twisted games for far too long. They had destroyed lives, ripped families apart, and forced Vivian into years of torment. It was time they faced the consequences.Max stood in front of a dimly lit table, the blue glow from the monitors casting reflection over his sharp features. The private estate security footage played in front of him, a slow feed of a place that would soon become the stage for their downfall.Ray stood beside him, arms crossed, his expression hard. “Are you sure about this?”Max didn’t glance at him. “It’s the only way.”Ray exhaled, nodding. “Then let’s go over it again.”The setup wa
Back at the suite, after Max had dropped off the little girl he saved earlier in the hospital to tend to her and also make inquiries about her parents, Max carried Emma inside, gently laying her on the bed. She stirred slightly, her lashes fluttering, but exhaustion kept her under.Vivian brushed a hand over her daughter’s hair, tears threatening to spill. “My baby…”Max exhaled, rubbing a hand down his face. “She needs to rest. And so do you.”Vivian turned to him, eyes flashing. “How can I rest? Max, she was taken! If you hadn’t found her, if you hadn’t—” Her voice cracked, and she pressed a hand to her lips.Max closed the distance between them in two strides, gripping her arms. “But I did find her.” His voice was low, firm. “And I won’t let it happen again.”Vivian looked up at him, searching his face. “Ruth won’t stop.”His expression darkened. “Neither will I.”A heavy silence stretched between them.Vivian’s breath was shaky as she stepped closer, pressing her forehead to his c
The dim light of Max’s computer screen was the only source of light in the room, casting sharp shadows over his face as he stared at the footage playing in front of him. His hands were clenched into fists, his jaw locked so tightly it ached.The moment Emma had gone missing, he had known something wasn’t right. And now, he had proof.On the screen, the tiny, barely noticeable footage from Vivian’s earrings played. It was a risk he had taken, secretly placing a micro CCTV camera on them before leaving. He hadn’t told her—not because he didn’t trust her, but because he didn’t trust the world around her.And now, that paranoia had paid off.A grainy, shadowy figure moved into the hotel room. The timestamp showed it was mere minutes before Vivian woke up and found Emma gone. The man was fast, calculated—he knew exactly where to go.Then, for a split second, his face was caught in the reflection of a mirror.Max froze the footage and zoomed in. His blood ran cold.Damian Cross.A ghost fro
The phone call ended with a cold finality, the kidnapper’s warning ringing in Vivian’s ears. Her breath came in shallow bursts, her fingers clenched around the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her world had shrunk down to a single, terrifying truth—Emma was in the hands of a monster, and she had to get her back. Alone.Vivian fought the urge to collapse. She couldn’t afford to fall apart. Emma needed her to be strong.Her eyes darted around the park, scanning for any sign of the man who had spoken to her moments ago, but he had vanished into the trees, blending into the shadows like a ghost. There was no one to follow, no immediate threat, just the suffocating silence pressing against her chest.Vivian forced her trembling legs to move, stumbling back toward her car. Her mind was already working at a frantic pace. The kidnapper had told her to come alone, no police, no Max. But how could she face this alone? She had no weapons, no plan, nothing but the desperate love o
Vivian woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the blinds. She knew Max had left and her body ached, a pleasant reminder of the night before, of the fire that had burned between her and Max. But as her eyes fluttered open, a sense of unease crept up her spine. The bed beside her was empty, the sheets slightly tangled as if Max had gotten up in the early hours of the morning.She pushed herself up on her elbows, glancing around the room. She couldn’t hear Emma’s usual morning giggles or the sounds of her little feet padding across the floor. The silence was unnerving, too quiet for a house that normally buzzed with life, even if it was just the two of them.Her heart sank as she pushed the covers off and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She had been so caught up in the heat of the moment with Max that she hadn't thought about Emma. In the past, Emma's early morning wanderings were never a cause for concern, but today, something felt different."Emma?" Vivian called
The house was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Emma had fallen asleep quickly, her small body curled up beneath the covers, her peaceful expression a welcome contrast to the chaos of the past days. Vivian had kissed her goodnight, her heart heavy but full, before slipping silently out of the room.Max was waiting in the living room, his presence unmistakable even before she stepped through the door. The dim light from the lamps cast reflection over his face, making him look like a man on the edge—intense, brooding, and yet somehow still impossibly magnetic.Vivian hesitated for a moment, her pulse quickening at the thought of being alone with him again. She had never imagined things would unfold like this, never expected the intensity of the emotions that had resurfaced between them. The spark between them was undeniable, but so were the complications. So many unspoken truths, and still so much left to face.Max didn’t speak right away, but his eyes fol