Richard lay in his hospital bed, the memory of the accident flashing vividly in his mind. The image of the Hummer van that had rammed into him before Daz arrived was clear. He turned to Daz, who was sitting by his side."Daz, I remember the van," Richard said, his voice steady despite the underlying tension. "It was a Hummer, black, with tinted windows."Daz nodded. "Yeah, I saw it too. But all I could think about was getting you out of that car. By the time I thought to look for the plate number, it was already too far away."Their father, Mr. Leo, had reported the incident to the police as soon as it happened. He was not a man to sit idly by when his family was threatened. If the police didn’t handle it, he was more than willing to take matters into his own hands.That day, Mr. Leo received a call from the police station. He picked up, ever ready to find out who the culprit is."Mr. Leo," said Officer Daniels on the other end, "we have some news regarding your son's case. Can you co
Richie looked up, his eyes fixed on Leah. "Hey, you. Mi Lady, everything alright? You look worried. Do you need anything? "Leah managed a smile. "Just some family drama. Nothing I can't handle."Richie reached out and took her hand. "I'm here for you, Leah. Whatever is bothering you, you have to let me know. I am your man."She squeezed his hand, feeling a surge of love for him. "Thank you, Richie. That means more than you know.""So tell me, what is it?" Richie insisted."I told you about my family, remember?""Yes, you did..""The way they treated me. Do you know they still had the effrontery to come to me and say gibberish to me?"Richie just watched and admired her while she explained her ordeal with her family and the betrayals."Who came to you exactly?""Stepmum and her daughter, of course.""What do they want?" Richie was curious and paying close attention."They want me to be a surrogate mother for her daughter and my ex-husband. How? How do they think? After destroying my l
Emily and her mother, Mary, stormed into the apartment where her husband, Alex, sat on the couch, his face glued to his laptop.“Alex!” Emily yelled.He ignored her, his focus unwavering.“Alex!!!” she shouted louder.Slowly, Alex raised his head, gazing at her without uttering a word.“I hope I didn’t hear Leah correctly, or my ears have turned traitorous. Did you actually go begging Leah for forgiveness?” Emily demanded.“Alex, please tell me she’s lying,” Mary chimed in.“Who told you that?” Alex asked, his eyes returning to his screen.“Leah, of course. Who else?” Emily replied.“Well, she’s telling the truth. Were you doubting her? Do you think I couldn’t do that after we humiliated her?” he shot back.“You let us down, Alex. Why would you do such a thing?” Emily pressed.“I wronged her, we wronged her. Can’t you both ever admit to your wrongdoings?”“Not only have you wronged her in the past, but you also accused her of having an affair with me and wanting to bear my children. N
"Alex!!!" Emily yelled. "I won't let you divorce me. Never! Do you really want to leave me for Leah? Are you serious?""We're tangled together, and no one's leaving. Since you want this marriage to be a battle, so be it! You can't bring that adulterer into our home! I won't let you," she added, her voice shaking with anger.Alex turned back and stared at her scornfully. "Mrs. Saint! You’re the righteous one, right? Let's see who begs for a divorce first—me or you?" He continued climbing the stairs, one hand in his pocket, slowly disappearing from view while Emily stood there, mute and speechless."When did he become so unromantic? Where are all the feelings he once had for me? Wasn't he the one who promised to give me the world? To love and cherish me? How did he change so suddenly, all because of Leah, whom he once despised? Why is he making me suffer?" she thought, clutching her head with both hands."How can I stay in this marriage if I'm treated as nothing but a tool, a disposable
Leah sat on the couch, the airy morning sun casting a golden hue over her balcony. She realized she hadn't spoken to Mariam, Mrs. Adams, or her grandmother in ages, and the thought of reconnecting filled her with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.She picked up her phone and dialed Mariam’s number."Hello, Mariam? It’s Leah," she began hesitantly."Leah! Oh my God, it’s been so long! How have you been? Did you really forget me, or was it the whole issue that made you ignore me for weeks?" Mariam's voice was filled with genuine excitement but a hint of worry as well."I’ve been better. I am so sorry for how I treated you, Mariam. I thought "I’ve been better. I am so sorry for how I treated you, Mariam. I thought long and hard about your advice, and I must say, it’s the best advice I’ve ever received. Thank you so much. Anyway, there’s so much to catch up on. Can we meet? Maybe at your place? I have missed seeing you, Mrs. Adams, and grandma.""Absolutely. I’ll be waiting
"To ask if I could help them by being their surrogate," Leah replied, rolling her eyes. "It’s like they think I have a Rolodex of potential surrogates in my purse. Do I even look like one to them? Or can I even deal with that?"Mariam chuckled, "Really, they really went far with that. After all they have done to you? They still had the face to come to you with such an offensive offer? That’s rich. You, the mother and queen of all surrogates and the keeper of the surrogate list. What did you say?""Yep, they did. Like I was surprised too. Just exactly the way you are. I told them I’d never do that, but honestly, I don’t want to ever get involved with that family anymore. I have my hands full with Richard and the boys.""Understandable," Mariam said. "I don't think they know who you are yet but I am sure when they find they'd be more respectful. So, what are you going to do? Sounds like a tricky situation, you really need to stop them from coming close to you. You are just beginning a n
That night, Leah received a call from Lorenzo, the private investigator Richard had hired."Hello Mr. Richard, I have some updates on the accident investigation," Lorenzo said.Leah’s heart raced. "What did you find?""Ooh, Mrs. Leah. There’s a lead we need to follow up on. It’s not conclusive, but it’s a start. I think it’s best if we meet in person to discuss the details along with Mr. Richard," Lorenzo explained."Alright. When can we meet?" Leah asked."How about tomorrow morning? My office, 10: 00 AM?" Lorenzo suggested."Sounds good. We'll be there tomorrow," Leah agreed.After hanging up, Leah felt a mix of apprehension and hope. She shared the news with Richard, who agreed to go with her to Lorenzo's office tomorrow.The next morning, they arrived at Lorenzo’s office, a small but professional space in the heart of the city. Lorenzo greeted them warmly and ushered them into his office."Thank you for coming," Lorenzo said, sitting down behind his desk. "I’ve been looking into t
Richie was fully recovered and had been going to the office for a few days. Waking up that morning, there had been rumors about him everywhere. It's been going on for a few days but today it became a worst-case scenario. The initial meeting with the clients was postponed to two weeks later..Meanwhile Richie sat in his office, staring at the array of papers scattered across his desk. His mind was a million miles away, lost in thoughts of Leah and their relationship so far. It had been a whirlwind, since the accident, and despite the challenges, he felt happier than he had in years. But today was not about work; it was about facing a conversation he had been dreading.His phone buzzed, pulling him back to reality. It was a reminder of the family video call scheduled in fifteen minutes. Richie sighed, leaning back in his chair. He knew this conversation was inevitable, but that didn’t make it any easier. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo, had been pushing for this call ever since word go
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