The next morning, Richard woke up with severe pain radiating from his lower back. He had managed to sleep through it the previous night, but now it felt like it had intensified to an unbearable degree. He groaned softly, trying to shift his position without waking Leah.Leah stirred next to him, her eyes fluttering open. She immediately noticed the strained expression on Richard's face.Leah, "Richard, what's wrong? Are you okay?"Richard tried to put on a brave face, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Leah. Just a bit of a sore back."Leah's brow furrowed as she sat up, crossing her arms. "Don't lie to me, Richard. You look like you're in a lot of pain."Richard winced as he attempted to sit up. "It's really nothing, Leah. Just a bad night's sleep and a little bit of pain around my abdomen."Leah's frustration was evident. "You should have told me! How bad is it?"Richard hesitated, not wanting to worry her but he had to tell her. "It's... pretty bad. Maybe a 9 out of 10."Leah's eyes widen
Mrs. Adams, Mariam, and Grandmother sat in their cozy living room, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the lace curtains. A pot of tea and a plate of cookies sat on the coffee table, untouched as they engaged in their favorite pastime: discussing Leah and Richard's relationship.Mrs. Adams asked, "So, what do you think of Richard?" She took a sip of her tea, glancing at Mariam and Grandmother.Mariam answered, "I think he's wonderful for Leah. He's kind, attentive, and he genuinely cares about her.""He's also quite striking, isn't he? That tall, fair, and handsome type. Leah certainly found herself a catch." Grandma added, nodding her head in affirmation.They all chuckled, the light-hearted mood making the room feel even warmer."Do you think he's fitting for Leah? I mean, given all she's been through, she deserves someone truly special. And I think he is the special one" Mrs. Adams replied.Mariam, "Absolutely. He's been so supportive and understanding. Leah seems ha
The next day, Leah was up early, ready to tackle a few tasks for her client, Tus. She kissed Richie on the cheek, who was still lying in bed, looking at her with a mixture of concern and affection. She had scolded him the previous day and made sure that he wasn't going anywhere until he was fully recovered like the doctor had instructed. And if he goes against the doctor or her, she would keep malice with him. She would not accept any apologies later if he did.Richie frowning, "Are you sure you have to go today? I mean, Tus can wait."Leah, " Why are you acting like a crybaby?? You know I have to go, Richie. It's important. But don't worry, Dazzle will handle all your business matters. Just focus on resting and getting better." "You called Dazzle right?"..Richie frowned, his brow furrowing. "Yeah, I did. But first, promise me you won't do anything with Tus. No dinner dates or late-night meetings. I don't trust that guy near my woman. The way he looks at you is off-putting. "Leah ro
Emily and Alex sat together on the couch, Emily’s head resting on Alex’s lap while he gently stroked her hair. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional rustling of the curtains as a breeze drifted through the open window. "I... I want to discuss something with you." Alex chimed in. Emily, sensing the seriousness in his tone, shifted slightly to look up at him. She had noticed that Alex had been acting differently since that morning, more distant and contemplative. "Let the cat out of the bag." Emily said. Alex hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "It's not like I am hiding anything or I did something behind your back. I just want to straighten things up with..." "With? You mean Leah?" she interrupted, her voice edged with irritation. "Who else? Who else are we gonna ask forgiveness from if not Leah?" Alex wasn't moved by how she was reacting. Emily’s eyes narrowed. "You really have to leave this, honey. Okay?" she tried to coax him, her
Alex sat alone in his dimly lit office, the soft glow of his desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. He stared at the photograph he had, a picture of Leah and him from their wedding day. His thoughts were a whirlwind, a torrent of regret and longing.Alex, (murmuring to himself) "Had I known it would turn out this way... I wouldn't have listened to Emily or her mother, Mary. I can't take my mind off Leah. I need to clear my name. I want her to forgive me, even if it means returning everything I took from her."He leaned back in his chair, then stood up again, feeling restless. He doesn't care about anythingelse except Leah. He knew making up with his wife, Emily hadn't really worked if he doesn't make peace with his past. The decisions he is about to make might affect Emily and her manipulative mother, and it might also cost him dearly. He had lost Leah, the woman he truly loved. He needed to make things right, but he wasn't sure where to start.Alex sighing, "I have to talk
Richard sat at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee. Leah bustled around, preparing to go fetch some toast for herself, but her movements were tense, her mind clearly elsewhere. Richard watched her for a moment before speaking. Richard, "Leah, we need to talk. Just briefly" Leah paused, glancing over at him. "About what?" "About Alex"... "Yeah, I actually forgot to tell you he came over at work today".. "Okay, good. He's been trying to get in touch with you, hasn't he?" Leah sighed, placing a plate of toast on the table. "Yes, he has. But I don't want to talk to him. I don't see the point." Richard, "I get that. But maybe you should hear him out. It could give you some peace of mind and just allow him to explain himself." Leah shook her head, sitting down across from him. "He destroyed my trust, Richard. He made my life hell." "I know. But he seems to be genuinely trying to make amends. Maybe listening to him could help you move on completely." Leah stared at her toast
Emily sat on the couch, staring at the coffee table cluttered with half-empty cups and scattered papers. She was fuming, she knew she had to do something about the documents concerning Leah. She had to find a way to get her hands on them before he did something irreversible. Alex had already left for work, and this was her chance.Emily, (muttering to herself) "I just need to find those papers. I know he’s hiding them somewhere."She started rummaging through drawers and cabinets, her frustration growing with every passing minute. She checked his study, the bedroom, even the kitchen, but the documents were nowhere to be found. Exhausted, she slumped down on the couch, wiping sweat from her brow.Emily, "Damn it, Alex. Where did you hide them?"It suddenly hit her that Alex might have anticipated her moves. Knowing her as well as he did, he must have taken the documents with him to work. Panic set in as she realized her window of opportunity was closing fast.Desperate, she decided to
The tension in Alex's house was palpable as the evening light filtered through the windows. He was sitting on the couch, with a glass of water, trying to relax after the emotionally exhausting day. Suddenly, the front door burst open, and Mary stormed in, her face a mask of fury. Before Alex could react, she delivered a resounding slap to his face. Emily had called her to tell her that it was too late. He already returned the documents to Leah.Mary, "Who do you think you are to make decisions about how I run my family and what was passed down to each of us, Alex?" she spat, her eyes blazing with anger.Alex rubbed his cheek, feeling the sting of the slap. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "I have cleared my conscience. That’s all that matters."Mary, "By destroying what you didn’t work for? Oh, now you finally have a conscience to do the right thing?"Alex, "I know, right? Sometimes we all have to start on a clean slate. I’m not into cowardice. So thanks. And
The day Leah had dreamed of for so long was finally here. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the garden where her wedding ceremony was about to take place. White flowers lined the aisle, their fragrance filling the air, and the gentle hum of music played in the background. Leah stood in front of the mirror, dressed in her wedding gown, her heart filled with excitement. She couldn't believe this moment had finally arrived. "You look beautiful," Mariam said, smiling as she adjusted the veil over Leah’s hair. "Like a princess straight out of a fairy tale." Leah laughed, her hands trembling slightly. "I feel like I’m dreaming." "No," Mariam shook her head. "This is real, Leah. You’re about to marry the love of your life, the father of your children. You deserve all of this and more." Leah’s eyes welled up with tears, and she turned to Mariam, "I don’t even know how to thank you, Mariam. After everything… I never thought I’d get here." Mariam took Leah’s hands in hers
Emily watched as the prison gates swung open and Mary was led inside. The cold, gray walls of the facility seemed to match the evil in her mother’s heart.She had stood there, frozen, feeling both resentment and a strange sadness. After everything that had happened, she wasn’t sure how to feel anymore."Can I talk to her for just a few minutes?" Emily asked the guard, her voice low but firm.The guard shook his head. "Sorry, ma’am, no visits right now."Emily’s chest tightened. "Please... just five minutes. I need to say something. It’s important."The guard sighed, looking at her for a moment before finally relenting. "Alright, five minutes. That’s all."Emily took a deep breath, watching as her mother was brought back out. Mary, now in her prison uniform, looked smaller somehow, as though the weight of her sins had physically shrunk her. Her face was blank, trying to maintain the cold front she had always worn, but her eyes were puffy, and it was clear she’d been crying.As Mary ap
The police stormed Ranson's hideout, catching him and his gang off guard. As they pinned him to the ground, one officer shouted, “You’re under arrest for attempted murder and conspiracy!” Ranson struggled, cursing under his breath, but he knew this day was coming. As they dragged him into the police car, his heart pounded. During the interrogation, it didn’t take long for Ranson to crack under pressure. With his hands trembling, he finally blurted out, “It was Mary. Mary! She’s the one who wanted Leah dead! I was just doing what I was paid for!”Detectives exchanged glances, already suspecting her involvement but now having the confirmation they needed. With Ranson’s confession, they raced to Mary’s house. She answered the door, looking composed as ever, but her face paled when she saw the officers."Mary," the lead detective said sternly, "you're under arrest for the attempted murder of Leah."Mary’s voice quivered as she tried to mask her fear with confusion. “What are you talking
Emily lay awake all night, she had been trying to process all her mother’s confession. The horror of it consumed her. Leah had been so innocent from the beginning, and then possibly dead because of her mother’s actions. She hadn’t agreed to any of it, she didn't even know her mother had gone that far as taking someone’s life yet she felt just as guilty. By morning, her stomach churned with nausea. She had to do something.When the first light of dawn filtered through her window, she got up, and made her way downstairs. Mary was already in the kitchen, making coffee, her expression smug as though nothing had changed.Emily’s heart pounded in her chest. She had no choice. She had to confront her mother."I’m turning myself in," Emily blurted out, her voice shaky but determined as she entered the kitchen.Mary froze for a second, her back to Emily. Slowly, she turned around, her face twisting into disbelief and shock. "What did you just say?" She asked."I said I’m turning myself in,
The door creaked open, and in walked Mary, her expression triumphant as usual. Emily stiffened, sensing that something was off. Mary’s eyes were gleaming with a satisfaction that made Emily uneasy."Emily," Mary started, her voice dripping with excitement. "I’ve got news for you. Finally, everything has fallen into place."Emily blinked, unsure of where this was going. "What are you talking about, mom?"Mary sat down, a little too close to Emily, and leaned in. "Leah," she whispered, her voice cold and sinister. "It seems like she’s finally gone. No one has heard anything. No news. It’s been weeks. She’s probably dead, and they haven’t found her body yet."Emily’s heart stopped for a moment. She stared at her mother, wide-eyed, her mind racing. She had been angry at Leah for years, jealous even, but wishing her dead? That wasn’t something she wanted. Not like this."How? What happened?"... Emily asked.Mary continued, oblivious to Emily’s shock. "I told you, didn’t I? That girl was al
Richie stood at Leah's bedside two weeks after the accident, watching as she slept. Her breathing was steady, and her face looked peaceful. The machines surrounding her were no longer terrifying to him; they were signs of progress now. Signs that she was getting better. He smiled faintly, remembering how much darker everything seemed just days ago.The boys were sitting in the corner of the room, playing with some toys Dazzle had brought for them to keep them occupied.They were quieter than usual, but Richie could tell they were just as hopeful as he was. They had been through so much these days, yet they still managed to be helpful in ways they could.The doctor came in, his clipboard in hand, and gave Richie a nod before checking on Leah’s vitals. “She’s doing much better,” the doctor said, scribbling something down. “The baby’s fine as well. Everything looks good.”Richie exhaled slowly, letting all his worries out “Thank God,” he whispered. “But… her head? How’s the injury?”The
Richie stood by Leah’s bedside, his entire body shaking as he cried. The pain was unbearable, the thought of losing her too much to handle. The boys, their innocent faces wet with tears, clung to Richie as they looked at their mother lying so still on the bed."Dad… is Mom going to be alright?" one of the boys, his voice small and frightened, asked between sobs.Richie could barely answer. He dropped to his knees beside the bed, burying his face in his hands. His heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces. He couldn’t stop the flood of tears. "God, please…" Richie began, his voice breaking with every word. "Save Leah. Please… I’ll be a good husband, I promise. I’ll take care of our kids… I’ll do anything you want me to, just save my wife. Please, God… don’t take her from us."The boys began to wail too, their small voices filling the room with a heartbreaking sound. Richie’s tears fell even harder, his hands gripping Leah’s cold fingers. "Leah, please come back to us… pl
Richie stood in the cold, sterile hallway of the hospital, his hands trembling as he held Leah’s belongings in a small, unassuming plastic bag. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, his heart aching everything that had happened. He couldn’t believe how quickly his world had fallen apart. Just days ago, Leah was smiling, and now… now he was standing here, lost in a nightmare he couldn’t wake up from.He pulled out the small stack of documents from her bag, his curiosity getting the better of him. He wasn't sure what the result of the medical documents might be. Maybe it was something routine, he thought, something insignificant. But as he opened the folder, his breath caught in his throat.There it was, staring back at him in black and white; Leah was five weeks pregnant.Richie blinked, unable to process the words for a moment. "Pregnant? Five weeks?"..He collapsed into the nearest chair, his hands clutching the papers as if they might offer some explanation. His vision blurre
Richie’s hand trembled as he hung up the phone, the news had hit him so bad. His mind spun, struggling to process what he had just been told. Leah, his Leah, was hurt badly. The details were still unclear, but it was serious enough for Dazzle to call the family in a panic.His legs suddenly were too weak to hold him up. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat heavier than the last. Grabbing his phone, Richie immediately canceled all his upcoming seminars and meetings, sending quick emails to his assistants. They would have to figure out the rest on their own. Leah was his priority now. Without wasting another second, he booked the earliest flight back home, his fingers shaking as he typed in his information.Meanwhile, Dazzle was pacing outside the hospital room, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. He had already called everyone in the family, delivering the horrible news. Their father, Mr. Leo had been silent on the phone, but Dazzle could hear the pain and fear in his fat