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
Alex’s anger and frustration were still clear in his eyes. He had spent the last few hours pacing, thinking about Leah and their last conversation. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. How could she reject him like that? He has to do everything he can for her to see that they belonged together.He picked up his phone again, his hand trembling slightly as he scrolled through his contacts. He hesitated, his thumb hovering over Leah’s name. Should he call her again? What would he say? He knew he couldn’t just let it go, not now, not after she had dismissed him so coldly. He was done playing nice. This time, he would make her listen. She had to understand that she didn’t have a choice.With a deep breath, he tapped her name and brought the phone to his ear. The ringing seemed to last forever, each tone making his heart pound harder. Finally, she answered, her voice calm but with a hint of irritation.This time he was calling with an unknown number."Hi, this is Leah. Can I
It had been another long day at work for Richie, but the thought of hearing Leah’s voice was the only thing keeping him going. He dialed her number, the sound of the ringing filling the quiet office.“Hey, babe,” Leah answered, her voice soft and warm, instantly making him feel at ease.“Hey, beautiful,” Richie replied, smiling to himself. “How was your day?”Leah sighed lightly. “Oh, you know, the usual. Running around after the kids, dealing with work stuff… nothing too exciting. What about you?”“Same old, same old,” Richie said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But hearing your voice makes it all worth it.”Leah chuckled softly, "Babe! You never change. Always have something to say back.. huh?"..“Well, I try,” Richie replied, his tone playful. “Gotta keep my lady smiling.”Richie could picture Leah sitting on the couch, maybe with a blanket draped over her legs, a small smile playing on her lips."Anything new on your side".. Richie asked."Yeah.. there's something bothering me"..
Richie leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he thought about the conversation he needed to have. He had just finished his call with Leah, and the lingering concern in her voice kept echoing in his mind. He never knew Alex wasn’t someone to underestimate, and it was time to make sure Leah was protected at all costs, not knowing how far he might go. He picked up his phone and dialed Dazzle. The ringing seemed to go on forever, and Richie tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk, waiting for Dazzle to pick up. Finally, the line connected.“Yo, Richie!” Dazzle’s voice boomed through the phone, cheerful as always.“Daz, we need to talk,” Richie said, his tone more serious than usual.“What’s up, man?” Dazzle replied, the cheerfulness fading a bit as he sensed Richie’s mood.Richie exhaled slowly. “It’s about Leah. I need you to make sure the guards are always around her, day and night. No slipping, no gaps. I don’t want anything to happen to her while I’m away.”Dazzle’s voi
Dazzle drove down... parked outside Leah’s house, leaning casually against his car. He wanted to have an easy conversation with her, about Richie’s instructions. Which was clear enough…Leah’s safety came first, no matter what.As Leah stepped out of the house, her eyes met Dazzle’s. She raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Dazzle? What are you doing here?”Dazzle straightened up, pushing off the car. “Leah, we need to talk. Richie gave me some instructions, and I want to make sure you’re okay with everything.”Leah tilted her head, her smile fading slightly. “Instructions? What’s going on?”Dazzle sighed, trying to find the right words. “Richie’s worried about Alex. You know how he’s been acting, and with Richie out of town, he doesn’t want to take any chances. So, he asked me to make sure the guards are following you around at all times, except when you’re at home.”Leah’s eyes widened in surprise. “Guards? Following me? Dazzle, I’m not some kind of c
Kimberly stood by the kitchen window, her eyes narrowing as she watched Dazzle and Mariam sitting in the pagoda outside. They were deep in conversation, laughing and joking as they went over the details of the proposal. From this distance, Kimberly couldn’t hear a word, but she didn’t need to. The sight of them together was enough to stoke the embers of her jealousy into a full-blown fire.She had noticed how often Mariam had been coming over lately. At first, Kimberly didn’t think much of it…after all, Dazzle had said it was all about helping Richie. But the more she saw them together, the more it bothered her. The way Mariam leaned in close to Dazzle, how he seemed so comfortable around her, it gnawed at Kimberly’s nerves.She bit her lip, her mind racing with thoughts she didn’t want to entertain. What if Mariam was more than just a friend? What if Dazzle was bringing another woman into their lives right under her nose? The thought made her blood boil.Kimberly slammed the cupboard
Mariam drove home in silence, the day’s events pressing down on her. The confrontation with Kimberly had left her shaken, though she tried to brush it off. The accusation of being Dazzle’s mistress was baseless, of course, but it still stung. It reminded her too much of the mistakes she had made in her own life, particularly with Jack. Mariam’s mind drifted back to the last time she had seen Jack. Their breakup had been messy, full of misunderstandings and accusations, most of which had been unfounded. She had accused him of things he hadn’t done, letting her own insecurities drive a wedge between them. And now, watching Kimberly’s jealousy flare up like that, it brought everything rushing back. By the time she pulled into her driveway, Mariam’s eyes were wet and icy with unshed tears. She sat in the car for a few moments, trying to gather herself. The memories were too fresh, the pain too raw. She had been so sure of herself back then, so convinced that Jack was hiding somethin
Three days later……Leah parked her car, the guards following right behind her. She grabbed the small bag of supplements from the passenger seat. The store had been a bit busier than usual, so it had taken longer than she anticipated. Glancing at her wristwatch, she saw that it was already past 7 pm. She sighed, thinking about the quiet evening she had planned for herself…a good book and a hot bath. Richie had mentioned he'd be back in a few days, but no specific date or day. She figured she had the house to herself for at least another night or even more..As she walked up to the house, the warm glow from the living room lights spilled out through the windows. "Maybe I’ll just watch a movie instead,"..Leah thought, imagining herself curled up on the couch.She pushed open the front door and stepped inside, immediately sensing that something was different. There was an energy in the air, something familiar but unexpected, Richie’s cologne filled the air. "Is Richie home? Without le
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