Brown, one of the executives, walked into Jack’s main office after the clients had left. He had been waiting outside after the meeting, for Jack to speak one on one with them. Knowing how important it was to Jack. But as he entered and saw the look on his face, he knew something had gone terribly wrong.“Jack?” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. “What happened in there?”Jack looked up at him, his eyes filled with the regret and guilt that had been eating at him all morning. He couldn’t bring himself to explain, couldn’t tell him that his personal life had spilled over into his professional one and had cost them the deal.“We lost it,” he said simply, his voice flat.Brown frowned, his brow furrowed in confusion. “But why? We were so prepared. You were so prepared. What went wrong?” "I made sure I coordinated the meeting arrangements properly alongside your assistant".Jack shook his head, unable to find the words. How could he explain to him that he had been too consumed
Jack was lost in thoughts until his phone buzzed again, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Mariam’s name on the screen. But this time, it wasn’t a text. It was a call.For a moment, Jack considered letting it go to voicemail, considered avoiding the conversation he knew was coming. But he couldn’t do that. He couldn’t keep running away from her. They need to sort things out or everyone goes their various ways. Taking a deep breath, he swiped up to answer the call, bringing the phone to his ear.“Hello?” he said, his voice trembling slightly.“Jack?” Mariam’s voice was calm, “Can we talk?”Jack closed his eyes, “Yeah, Mariam. We need to talk.”“I’m outside your office,” she said. “Can I come up?”"Again?".. he said inaudibly."I didn't ask you to meet me in my office, Mariam?"..."I know but you didn't reply to any of my messages, so what would you have me do? Stay idle and wait?"..Jack’s heart raced. She was here already, at his office. There was no more avoiding it.“Of course
Richie had been away for over a few weeks, traveling for work—a series of important meetings that couldn’t be handled over the phone or zoom, despite Leah’s gentle suggestions. This was the longest stretch of time he’d been away from Leah and their boys, Jayden and Jayson, in weeks. As important as the work seemed, He still missed home so much. Especially being around his wife, Leah.Every evening, no matter how late it was, Richie found a quiet corner in his hotel room, propped up his phone, and called her... They would talk for hours, their voices soft, filled with longing. It didn’t matter what they talked about. Their day, the kids, what they had for dinner. They just wanted to keep talking to each other.One evening, after an especially grueling day of meetings, Richie called Leah. He flopped onto his hotel bed with a tired groan, barely waiting for the video call to connect before Leah’s face appeared on the screen, her smile instantly making him feel at ease.“There’s my han
Dazzle had never been one to keep secrets or keep any important information about himself from his family.. But then, he wished his family had backed him up by saying no when he complained about Kimberly's condition.Marrying Kimberly had been the toughest decision of his life. A decision he had wrestled with for months. He had known deep down that he never loved her, and the commitment had scared him. It wasn’t just about saying "I do" in front of a judge. It was about everything that came after: the responsibilities, the expectations, the unknown future. But in the end, Dazzle had realized that his little one in Kimberly's stomach outweighed all his fears. And so, he had made the leap.Dazzle stared down at his phone, his thumb hovering over the call button. He had already told Leah, and as he expected, she had been surprised, maybe even a little shocked, but ultimately supportive. She was, after all, his sister-in-law.But now came the hard part, telling Richie.Finally, after wha
No matter how old he got, she would always call him that. "Gisting with dad, old lovebirds. Anyways Mom, I’m good. How are you and Dad?""Ooh, we're still very young lovebirds. Don't be jealous.. We’re just fine, dear," she replied cheerfully. "Your father went in to have some coffee, but I can get him if you want to talk to him too.""Actually, yeah," Dazzle said, his heart pounding in his chest. "Could you get him? I’ve got something I need to tell you both."There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Dazzle could almost hear the shift in his mother’s demeanor. "Is everything alright, Dazzy?""Everything’s fine, Mom," Dazzle quickly reassured her. "It’s just... it’s important. I’d rather tell you both at the same time.""Alright, dear. Hold on a moment."Dazzle listened as his mother called for his father, her voice slightly muffled as she moved through the house. He could feel his palms sweating, his nerves getting the better of him as he waited. Finally, he heard his fath
The following evening, Richie paced back and forth in his hotel room, the phone pressed against his ear. His heart pounded with nervous excitement as he listened to the ringing on the other end. Finally, Dazzle picked up, his voice cheerful and relaxed.“Yo, Richie! What’s up, man? How’s the trip going?”Richie let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Hey, Dazzle. The trip’s fine, work’s a bit hectic, but that’s not why I’m calling.”Dazzle’s tone immediately shifted, sensing the seriousness in Richie’s voice. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on? Why are you all serious now?”Richie stopped pacing and leaned against the window, looking out at the city lights. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately… about Leah and the kids. You know, she’s everything to me. And I’ve asked her to marry me before, but she wasn’t ready. We had our issues, especially with how things started between us, but we’ve worked through them. We've been together for months now and I think—No—I know it’s time. S
Alex woke up the following morning. He remembered a discussion he had earlier with Emily. He couldn’t shake the thought of Leah, the boys. The idea of Leah having kids, it just wouldn’t leave his mind. It ate at him, gnawing away until he couldn’t stand it anymore. "Did she really get pregnant after that night?.. and if she did, she probably doesn't know their father. I need to call her"...He picked up the phone and dialed her number, his heart pounding in his chest. As the phone rang, he tried to steady his breathing, but the moment he heard Leah’s voice on the other end, all that calm flew out the window.“Hello?” Leah’s voice was sharp, impatient.“Leah, it’s me, Alex,” he said, trying to sound composed, but his voice wavered slightly.Leah paused for a moment, and he could almost feel her irritation through the phone. “What do you want, Alex?”“I... I heard something from Emily,” Alex began, choosing his words carefully. “She said you have kids... twin boys. Is it true?”Leah’s s
Leah stared at her phone, her heart still racing from the anger boiling inside her. She couldn’t believe the nerve of Alex, calling her out of the blue with that nonsense. After everything he had done, after all the pain he’d caused, he had the audacity to suggest something so ridiculous. Which prompted her to delete the call, erasing every trace of him from her phone, as if that could wipe away the bitter memories.Now, she needed to talk to someone who would understand, someone who could make her feel better and help her clear her head.. Without hesitation, she dialed Richie’s number. The phone rang and he answered, his voice instantly soothing her frayed nerves.“Hey, beautiful,” Richie said, his tone warm and full of affection. “What’s up?”“Richie, you won’t believe what just happened,” Leah said, her voice tinged with frustration. “I’m so annoyed right now.”Richie chuckled softly. “What’s got you all worked up, babe?”Leah took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down enough
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