Chapter 008AliceI stepped out of the cab, releasing a deep sigh as I took in the picturesque school scenery. The elegant building stood before me, complemented by a beautiful fountain at its front.The parking lot was already filled with cars, reminding me that I needed to consider getting one. The stress of constantly hailing cabs or ordering rides with my kids was taking its toll, but with numerous bills to pay and sole responsibility for their care, it remained a luxury I couldn't afford. I walked through the quiet corridors leading to the meeting venue. The school has closed so it has made the surroundings eerily silent.I had also left my kids in the care of my sales worker, opting not to bring them along.Pushing open the door, I entered a room filled with parents gathered for the meeting. An air of importance filled the room as if hinting at the presence of a distinguished guest in the meeting. As I made my way through the crowd, exchanging greetings with familiar faces, I
Chapter 009AliceShe sat calmly, a young girl perched on her lap, gazing in my direction. The girl's resemblance to Janice was striking, and I instantly knew she's the child she had with Alec.But what brought Janice here after all these years? I stood silently, watching her back, unsure of what to do next. How did she even find me? Has Granny or Father betrayed my trust by telling her where I live?The little girl touched Janice's face and pointed in my direction. Janice turned, her eyes locking onto mine.A forced smile spread across her face as she rose to her feet. Janice still exudes elegance, from her poised demeanor to her impeccably tailored clothes."Well…Well… well, if it isn't my runaway slut of a daughter," she spat, holding the little girl in her hand and moving closer.I didn't flinch, my expression unchanging as I watched her.If she thought her venomous words would get a rise out of me, she was mistaken."I wouldn't have known you wanted to see me, Mother," I said, th
Chapter 010Mario "Please, sir... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I needed the money for my sick grandmother," the young lady begged, her battered face dripping blood into her eyes. I stepped back to survey my handiwork, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. The nurse, who had aided the kidnappers, was nailed to a cross, her left leg and right hand severed."Your desperation doesn't justify harming my son," I said, my voice cold and menacing. "Mario Bianchi's son. You must have been blinded by greed to think you could get away with it."The woman whimpered, her eyes pleading for mercy I didn't have. If only she knew. "I... I didn't know he was your son, sir. We weren't told," she stammered. I sneered at her, looking around the dark, blood-stained basement with the hard stench of copper. The faint light from the small window highlighted the gruesome scene.Normally, I wouldn't dirty my hands, but this time was different. They had laid hands on my kids, Liam and Ava.
Chapter 011AliceAfter tucking Ava in, I stretched, yawning from exhaustion. I switched off their room light, quietly opened and closed the door, and walked down the dimly lit corridor.The scandal from three days ago still lingers in my mind. My mom and Elsa's incident had made headlines, but I'd grown numb to the gossip. But what hurt most was my kids facing ridicule at school. They were called bastards, and me, labeled as involved with another man whose resemblance to them sparked cruel rumors.I'd visited the school multiple times, threatening to report to higher ranked people if the management and parents wouldn't find a way to talk to their kids. Yet, the teasing still persisted. Now that I was desperate for a solution, I considered finding a father figure to end it all. Entering my room, I closed my bedroom door behind me and shivered as a sudden chill ran through me. This wasn't from the AC because I hadn't turned it on.I flicked the light switch, but the room remained da
Chapter 012Alice"Hey! Liam, be careful over there! And Paul, don't use the wheel!" I shouted over the amusement park's loud noise.I had brought my kids here to let them have some fun and take my mind off the encounter with Mario three days ago. The memory still lingered, filling me with both regret and longing. Thankfully, my kids had arrived just in time, preventing things from going further."If not for their timely arrival, things would have gone too far," I thought, shuddering at the thought.I vowed to myself that it wouldn't happen again. But Mario is to blame, I reasoned. He's too dominating and doesn't take no for an answer. Yet, I knew I couldn't let him near my family again."Mom, come play with us!" Ava shouted, snapping me back to reality.I looked up to see her on the slide alongside Liam, but Paul was nowhere to be seen, making my heart sink.I rushed towards Ava and Liam, panic rising within me."Where's Paul?" I asked, scanning the area frantically.Liam pointed tow
Chapter 013Alice"Give me my toy, Dad bought you yours!" Liam exclaimed."This is mine! This is the color of yours!" Ava retorted.Their argument filled the air as we stepped out of the cab, while I waited behind to pay the fare. We had just returned home from a long day out."Ava! Liam! Stop fighting, or I'll seize the toys!" I warned, trying to intervene.But Paul, chiming in, said, "They wouldn't listen, Mom. They always behave like children, while I'm the wisest and most adult-like. Gosh, I'll have gray hair soon from constantly correcting these kids!"His statement left me and the cabman in stitches and we bursted into laugher. I anticipated a night filled with arguments, shouting, and fighting, so I steeled myself for the chaos ahead.Ava quickly shot back, hands on her waist in a comically sassy pose, "You're so silly for saying you're the wisest, Paul! I was there when Mom gave birth to you! I'm the Sage of this family"Her witty response sent me into another fit of laughter
Chapter 014Alice"What the hell is he doing here?" Mario barked, his aura radiating danger as we started advancing towards Davis. I immediately stepped between them, but if I'd thought Mario's aura was ominous before, it was now intensified a hundredfold."Davis, please, can you leave? I'll meet you later," I said, my eyes fixed on Mario, wary of his next move.Davis replied from behind me, "I'm not going anywhere because of this man, Alice. I'm here for you, not him. I wanted to invite you to dinner and that's why I brought you a dress."Mario growled, making me tremble. I could feel the tension as he and Davis glared at each other."Okay, okay, fine. I'll come," I said, trying to turn to collect the dress, but Mario grabbed my shoulders tightly. I winced, and he relaxed his grip slightly at the sound."You're going nowhere, Alice," Mario snapped, his voice firm.I remained trapped between them, sensing the escalating hostility. Davis wasn't even backing down even seeing how intimi
Chapter 015"What's going on?" I finally managed to ask, my voice shaking as I recovered from the shock. The restaurant staff had now surrounded us, concerned expressions etched on their faces. The staff rushed to my side, inquiring about my well-being and scanning me for injuries. Even my kids wanted to come close but I forced a smile and murmured I was okay. Davis remained silent, his eyes fixed on Mario with a terrified, ashen gaze."Can someone tell me what the hell is going on right now before I lose my sanity?"My gaze shifted to my children, their innocent faces now clouded with worry. "Liam! Ava! Paul! What are you doing here? How did you three get here?" I pressed, my voice rising.Their heads drooped, fingers twisting anxiously in their hands and I knew it's a telltale sign of nervousness. Mario's hand reached out to adjust Ava's ponytail, his touch sending a surge of anger through me. I glared at him, but his attention remained on my daughter.He finally looked up, his e
Chapter 015"What's going on?" I finally managed to ask, my voice shaking as I recovered from the shock. The restaurant staff had now surrounded us, concerned expressions etched on their faces. The staff rushed to my side, inquiring about my well-being and scanning me for injuries. Even my kids wanted to come close but I forced a smile and murmured I was okay. Davis remained silent, his eyes fixed on Mario with a terrified, ashen gaze."Can someone tell me what the hell is going on right now before I lose my sanity?"My gaze shifted to my children, their innocent faces now clouded with worry. "Liam! Ava! Paul! What are you doing here? How did you three get here?" I pressed, my voice rising.Their heads drooped, fingers twisting anxiously in their hands and I knew it's a telltale sign of nervousness. Mario's hand reached out to adjust Ava's ponytail, his touch sending a surge of anger through me. I glared at him, but his attention remained on my daughter.He finally looked up, his e
Chapter 014Alice"What the hell is he doing here?" Mario barked, his aura radiating danger as we started advancing towards Davis. I immediately stepped between them, but if I'd thought Mario's aura was ominous before, it was now intensified a hundredfold."Davis, please, can you leave? I'll meet you later," I said, my eyes fixed on Mario, wary of his next move.Davis replied from behind me, "I'm not going anywhere because of this man, Alice. I'm here for you, not him. I wanted to invite you to dinner and that's why I brought you a dress."Mario growled, making me tremble. I could feel the tension as he and Davis glared at each other."Okay, okay, fine. I'll come," I said, trying to turn to collect the dress, but Mario grabbed my shoulders tightly. I winced, and he relaxed his grip slightly at the sound."You're going nowhere, Alice," Mario snapped, his voice firm.I remained trapped between them, sensing the escalating hostility. Davis wasn't even backing down even seeing how intimi
Chapter 013Alice"Give me my toy, Dad bought you yours!" Liam exclaimed."This is mine! This is the color of yours!" Ava retorted.Their argument filled the air as we stepped out of the cab, while I waited behind to pay the fare. We had just returned home from a long day out."Ava! Liam! Stop fighting, or I'll seize the toys!" I warned, trying to intervene.But Paul, chiming in, said, "They wouldn't listen, Mom. They always behave like children, while I'm the wisest and most adult-like. Gosh, I'll have gray hair soon from constantly correcting these kids!"His statement left me and the cabman in stitches and we bursted into laugher. I anticipated a night filled with arguments, shouting, and fighting, so I steeled myself for the chaos ahead.Ava quickly shot back, hands on her waist in a comically sassy pose, "You're so silly for saying you're the wisest, Paul! I was there when Mom gave birth to you! I'm the Sage of this family"Her witty response sent me into another fit of laughter
Chapter 012Alice"Hey! Liam, be careful over there! And Paul, don't use the wheel!" I shouted over the amusement park's loud noise.I had brought my kids here to let them have some fun and take my mind off the encounter with Mario three days ago. The memory still lingered, filling me with both regret and longing. Thankfully, my kids had arrived just in time, preventing things from going further."If not for their timely arrival, things would have gone too far," I thought, shuddering at the thought.I vowed to myself that it wouldn't happen again. But Mario is to blame, I reasoned. He's too dominating and doesn't take no for an answer. Yet, I knew I couldn't let him near my family again."Mom, come play with us!" Ava shouted, snapping me back to reality.I looked up to see her on the slide alongside Liam, but Paul was nowhere to be seen, making my heart sink.I rushed towards Ava and Liam, panic rising within me."Where's Paul?" I asked, scanning the area frantically.Liam pointed tow
Chapter 011AliceAfter tucking Ava in, I stretched, yawning from exhaustion. I switched off their room light, quietly opened and closed the door, and walked down the dimly lit corridor.The scandal from three days ago still lingers in my mind. My mom and Elsa's incident had made headlines, but I'd grown numb to the gossip. But what hurt most was my kids facing ridicule at school. They were called bastards, and me, labeled as involved with another man whose resemblance to them sparked cruel rumors.I'd visited the school multiple times, threatening to report to higher ranked people if the management and parents wouldn't find a way to talk to their kids. Yet, the teasing still persisted. Now that I was desperate for a solution, I considered finding a father figure to end it all. Entering my room, I closed my bedroom door behind me and shivered as a sudden chill ran through me. This wasn't from the AC because I hadn't turned it on.I flicked the light switch, but the room remained da
Chapter 010Mario "Please, sir... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I needed the money for my sick grandmother," the young lady begged, her battered face dripping blood into her eyes. I stepped back to survey my handiwork, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. The nurse, who had aided the kidnappers, was nailed to a cross, her left leg and right hand severed."Your desperation doesn't justify harming my son," I said, my voice cold and menacing. "Mario Bianchi's son. You must have been blinded by greed to think you could get away with it."The woman whimpered, her eyes pleading for mercy I didn't have. If only she knew. "I... I didn't know he was your son, sir. We weren't told," she stammered. I sneered at her, looking around the dark, blood-stained basement with the hard stench of copper. The faint light from the small window highlighted the gruesome scene.Normally, I wouldn't dirty my hands, but this time was different. They had laid hands on my kids, Liam and Ava.
Chapter 009AliceShe sat calmly, a young girl perched on her lap, gazing in my direction. The girl's resemblance to Janice was striking, and I instantly knew she's the child she had with Alec.But what brought Janice here after all these years? I stood silently, watching her back, unsure of what to do next. How did she even find me? Has Granny or Father betrayed my trust by telling her where I live?The little girl touched Janice's face and pointed in my direction. Janice turned, her eyes locking onto mine.A forced smile spread across her face as she rose to her feet. Janice still exudes elegance, from her poised demeanor to her impeccably tailored clothes."Well…Well… well, if it isn't my runaway slut of a daughter," she spat, holding the little girl in her hand and moving closer.I didn't flinch, my expression unchanging as I watched her.If she thought her venomous words would get a rise out of me, she was mistaken."I wouldn't have known you wanted to see me, Mother," I said, th
Chapter 008AliceI stepped out of the cab, releasing a deep sigh as I took in the picturesque school scenery. The elegant building stood before me, complemented by a beautiful fountain at its front.The parking lot was already filled with cars, reminding me that I needed to consider getting one. The stress of constantly hailing cabs or ordering rides with my kids was taking its toll, but with numerous bills to pay and sole responsibility for their care, it remained a luxury I couldn't afford. I walked through the quiet corridors leading to the meeting venue. The school has closed so it has made the surroundings eerily silent.I had also left my kids in the care of my sales worker, opting not to bring them along.Pushing open the door, I entered a room filled with parents gathered for the meeting. An air of importance filled the room as if hinting at the presence of a distinguished guest in the meeting. As I made my way through the crowd, exchanging greetings with familiar faces, I
Chapter 007Alice "Liam! Ava! Paul! Time to go, or you'll be late for school!" I called out. "If you don't come now, I won't attend your parent-teacher association meeting this afternoon!""Okay, mom!" they shouted in unison.I rushed out of the kitchen with their lunch boxes and grabbed my bag, expecting to see them waiting outside. But they were nowhere to be found.I dropped the bag and boxes onto the chair, letting out a frustrated sigh. Hurrying upstairs to their room, I found Ava engrossed in a game on the tablet Mario had gifted her.She was still in the uniform I'd carefully dressed her in that morning but now roughed up. I snatched the tablet from her hands."Mom, I was about to kill the beast!" Ava protested, folding her arms and pouting.I ignored her tantrum. "Where are your brothers?" I asked, not waiting for her reply before following the trail of water to the bathroom."Liam! Paul! Mom's coming!" Ava shouted after me.I burst into the bathroom, and the chaotic scene be