Jace's POV
"Sir your meeting starts in 30 minutes" I heard someone say from the door, making me sit up from my seat as the bimbo on my laps fell to the ground due to her lack of warning, "Ok then, inform Jay and Brandon we will be leaving in 10 minutes" I said in a gruff voice, and she nodded before hurrying out, and now she just killed my mood, "Get up and get out" I told the bimbo that I don't know her name, no surprise there it's difficult remembering any of their names, "Wait, what?" She asked looking all confused and by the way, still on the ground, is she waiting for me to help her up or something because if she is, then she should get ready to clean the floors then, "You heard me" I said, facing the files in my table that needed my attention, "We haven't completed what we started" she said trying to sound sexy, but it just pissed me off the more, "Don't let me repeat myself, Janet" I said trying to keep my cool, though I was getting really impatient with her, "My name is Brittany" she said well squealed and that was it, "Security come take out this trash" I said into the AirPods on my ear, "You have got to be kidding me" she said finally getting up and dusting herself, guess she realized she couldn't clean the floor to my taste, "Sir" one of my bodyguards said from the door and I nodded signalling him to come in, I simply glanced at the bimbo and he quickly got the hint, "Don't come near me, I can help myself out" she said grabbing her purse and walking out but not before sliding a piece of paper containing what I guess should be her number to me, so much for her being angry. "Get my black limo ready I have a meeting in a few minutes" I said to the bodyguard, he gave me a curt nod before walking out, "If anyone calls you know what to say right?" I asked my secretary as I walked out of my office, locking the door behind me, "Yes sir, but what if your Dad calls?"she asked in a small voice, knowing she hit a nerve, "Like I said you know what to say" I said, walking away before I say something I didn't want to *********** "Come on, we are late already" I heard Brandon say as I stepped out of the large building, "It's not like they can start the meeting without us" I said with a shrug as I got into the limo, "Still we shouldn't be late it doesn't say good about us" he said making me roll my eyes, "Stop acting like you are a saint or something, I am pretty sure you don't want to go" I said turning to face him, "I am better than this big head here, he kept on whining that you just cock blocked him and stuffs like that, apparently he was about to get it when you sent Jamie to come get us" he said referring to my little brother who stuck his tongue out at him, "I didn't ask you to remind me" Jay said, making me burst out laughing, "The irony that I cock blocked myself "I said in between laughter, "Does it mean I am the only sane and decent guy in our midst?" Brandon asked, making both Jay and I give him a skeptical look, "That's cause you claim you have a girlfriend you love, it's funny how Lisa turned you into a love sick puppy "I said, "You won't get it until a girl sweeps you off your feet" he said, ignoring the looks he was getting from Jay and me, "Yea, not happening "I said shaking my head, "Don't be so sure, after all that girl back in high school did it, what's her name again, ha right Paige" he said and I froze midair, "That's true bro, you never told is what really happened between the both of you" Jay chirped in and just like that my mood died, "Like is said earlier nothing, we just got tired and decided to have a break then she moved" I muttered turning away from them, "Yea right, but you are still stuck up for her" Brandon said totally not believing me, but I couldn't say anything to them, I just couldn't, I still remember that day like it was yesterday, the day that still haunts me... * Flashback* "You can't just deny everything just like that" Paige screamed at me as tears gathered in her eyes, she was showing me her pain, how much my words were affecting her, but I just couldn't think straight with the news she just dropped, "Well watch me" I said casually crashing on the sofa beside my desk, "We have to find a solution to this pregnancy, you can't expect me to abort our baby" she said, wait who talked about abortion here of course she won't do that, but I just can't, I have a future ahead of me, "Your baby not ours" I said, shocking both her and myself, I love her, but I just can't, My Dad won't take this lightly and I can't afford to let anything come between me and my future, "Are you seriously denying sleeping with me and getting me pregnant" She screamed at me as she finally let the tears fall, at that moment I was tempted to hug her and apologize accept the baby and work something out but something just kept holding me back keeping me rooted to a spot, "Look I accept that I slept with you, but I definitely didn't get you pregnant, why don't you ask all your numerous lovers maybe one of them will accept that they released their semen into you" I said tried to act unfazed by her tears when it was literally killing me inside, I knew very well that she didn't have any lovers or any guy apart from me, but I just had to say something, just something, "What are you talking about, I don't have any other boyfriend apart from you"she said as her tears dropped without control, "Oh, please spare me all these, whenever you are done with this drama leave and shut the door behind you"I said because I was already at the verge of losing my control, I just wanted to ignore my father's warnings and hug her, kiss her anything to stop her tears, but I knew he wasn't bluffing, "Just so you know, if anyone asks you who is responsible for that thing you're carrying, and you mistakenly call my name, I promise you I will deny ever knowing you at all and trust me when I say I'll make your life miserable" I finally said as I walked into my bathroom shutting the door behind me but not before seeing the broken look on her face and in that minute I regretted everything I just said, but I couldn't take them back, I didn't hear her voice or cries any more, so I assumed she left, and she really did, she left for good, I never saw her again........ *Present day* I looked for her everywhere, her mother was a mess without her which fuelled my guilt the more, she never came to school again, her mum showed me the letter she left and that's when I realized I made the greatest mistake of my life, I had to find a way help her mum without letting her know I was the cause of everything and up until this day I always make sure I find time for her, she hasn't been herself since the incident, but I guess she is better than she would have been without my help, Every day, I sit and wonder, where did she run off too?, did she give birth?, did she keep that child after all?, if she did, I want to know if it's a boy or girl, if he or she looks like me or her or both?, will I ever see her again?, will I ever get to apologize?, is she still alive?, I know I shouldn't think like that, but I can't help it, no social media has anything about her from that day onwards, I have tried so many detectives, but they all come out with little or nothing to help find her, Every so often I blame my Dad for all of this, he knew she was pregnant, and he made me reject her, he used his money to his advantage once again, right now, I know that's not an excuse, but then I was living off his money then if he had kept to his threat I would have been left with nothing, I still can't bring myself to look at my father the same way after day, I felt he hated me, all he ever cared about was his money and now that I made mine all on my own he wants to merge our company, but I can't let it, he should go to hell for all I care......Jace’s POV"You guys go ahead I am right behind you" I said to Brandon and Jay as we got to our destination,"Are you good?" Brandon asked noticing my new profound foul mood,"Yea" I shrugged him off, I sat in the car for a few minutes talking deep breaths while trying to clear my head before walking into the company,"Time to get this over with" I muttered as I got to the receptionist, she quickly directed to where the elevator was saying someone will be there to take me to the conference room, but I didn't miss the once over she gave me, well, most females look at me like walking sex god so nothing new there,"I'm Vanessa Sir, nice to meet you" an overly excited woman said as soon as the elevator door opened, I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her and just nodded saying she should lead the way,"Mr. Grayson will be with you shortly" I heard someone say from where I guess is the conference room, but that voice, it sounds.... familiar, the door opened before I could ask the lady in
Paige's POV"Paige, my office now" Grayson said over the phone, making me sigh, what's the problem now,"You called?" I said as I got to Grayson's office,"Take a seat" he said with a gloomy look that confirmed my suspicions, something was definitely wrong,I stared at the ground waiting for Grayson to say something, anything but instead the tension in the air just increased and so did my curiosity,"Uhm... Is something wrong?" I asked when I realized Grayson wasn't going to say anything,"You're fired" he finally whispered, not looking at me, but I didn't need him to speak any louder I heard him very loud and clear, I couldn't say anything, so I just stared, this can't be happening to me......not now just when I thought things were starting to get better,"I am sorry Paige, I really am, but my hands are tied" he said, making me scoff angrily,"Last I checked, the company was yours, your hands can't be tied you just want me out so badly" I said with so much bitterness in my tone, but
Paige's POV"What's the time?" I asked no one in particular as I stretched on my bed, but then I was hit with a large pounding in my head, making me groan as I laid back down,"This is worse than any headache I have ever had, note to self never drink again" I said holding my head as the throbbing increased,I glanced at my bedside clock trying to read the time,"Shit it's noon ....... where's my baby" I panicked, ignoring the pain in my head as I managed to get up and walk to Alex's room, when I walked in I couldn't find him there,"well of course it's noon, I'm sure he tried waking me up" I muttered heading downstairs with my head still in my hands, I feel so heavy I could literally drop at any time,"Alex ... Alex" I called out as I got to the last stairs,"Mummy" I heard him shout from the kitchen before he came in sight running to me,"Oh my baby, I am so sorry" I said, bending to his level so he could hug me,"Why are you apologizing, Mrs. Rivers said you got home so late from wo
Jace's POV"Any updates?"I asked over the phone,"This seems to be harder than I thought but I was able to get a little information I hope it can help tho"Bryan replied from the other side of the line,"I am listening"I said calmly,"She was arrested this morning"he said making shoot up from my seat,"Wait....... what,why?"I asked as panick set in,"She had a fight with the wife of Theodore Henz, CEO of the Henz industries""When did this happen?"I asked,"The fight happened yesterday evening at the Fair that was organized at the park but she was arrested this morning "he said ,"Thank you,I will contact you again soon"I said ending the call swiftly,I don't care what she did but they must pay for even putting her in handcuffs,"Jamie clear my schedule for the day"I said to my secretary as I walked out of my office,"But Sir you have a very important meeting in 20 minutes "she said lowly probably scared I will lash out on her or something,"Brandon will handle whatever it is"I said di
Jace's POV"Ugh"I groaned for the umpteenth time today but I couldn't help it, everything seems to either frustrate me,irritate me or annoy me, although it's a usual occurrence but today's own is just at its peak. I haven't heard anything from or about you know who since the day at the police station and I am not finding it funny at all, Grayson assured me that he had sacked Paige as I had requested him to but not without expressing the regret he had after doing it, he was confused as to why I would ask for such an outrageous thing but I don't know I never do sane things this days, but what frustrates me the most is the fact that she isn't even trying to look for a job when she clearly needs one, incase your wondering how I know that I have someone watching her,not as a stalker just some sort of protection but definitely not stalking, right? I don't even know but don't judge me it's the only way I can keep tabs on her and be assured she's safe cause she didn't even want to seat in the
Paige's POV"Alex has not come out from his room since he got back from school, he won't eat anything,he won't speak to me,I can't even get a reaction from him even if it's tears, just something "I said sobbing on Grace, apparently he realized I lied to him about his father, now he believes what everyone has been saying is the truth not lies like I told him, I know his father denied him and all but I didn't tell him that guess people really don't know how to mind their business,"Let me try"Grace said walking away to Alex's room leaving I and the devil himself all alone, I was about to walk away to look for something to busy my mind with other than sitting here with the devil when he stopped me,"Remove your filthy hands from me"I screeched like his hands just burned me as I pulled my hands away forcefully,he flinched a little but no it wasn't so noticeable but I noticed it,"Can we talk, please?"he asked,"What on earth do you have to say now that won't make me hate you more than I
Paige's POV"How was school today, my baby ??" I asked Alex as I helped him out of his uniform,"School was school" he said with the usual bored tone he always uses whenever I ask him about school but I don't stop cause I really want him to see the fun in school, he is smart but he doesn't seem so interested,typical his father,"And how was your little drive from school with your Dad" Grace asked knowing fully well I wasn't going to mention him,"It was fine,he offered to take me somewhere but I knew Mum wouldn't want that so i didn't agree besides I don't trust him" he said so seriously I didn't know if I found it funny or not,"Why do you say so?" Grace asked so interested,"Cause mum is always so weary of him and I can't be comfortable around someone my mum is not comfortable with"he said like he stated something so obvious, Grace looked at me like she was blaming me for how my son saw his Dad but I couldn't act like nothing is wrong that's just impossible,I already hate the fact h
Jace's POV"Come in" I said gruffly,"Hey babyy" her whiny little voice started worsening my already bad mood,"What do you want this time Catherine?" I groaned not bothering to even look up"Come on we have not seen in months"She slurred,"Did you come to see me drunk ??" I asked irritation lacing my voice,"Is that any of your business?"she swayed as she spoke confirming my suspicions,"I will not speak to you until you are sober"I simply stated making sure my voice was firm enough so she would know I was serious,"Don't be difficult now Jacy bear,that's no way to speak to your future wife"she slurred making herself comfortable on my chair but that wasn't what caught my her attention her words did,"Future wife you say,you wish" I chuckled,I wonder why she is still keeping up with this lie,I backed out long ago,"Your dad says you are just throwing a tantrum and you'll get over it and I believe him" she said smugly like she did not just say a very stupid thing,"Why don't you go on
Paige's POV"Mum, mum" I called out from the sitting room panic filling me as I was greeted with silence, it was only a few minutes past 8 pm, she wouldn't have gone to bed so soon,"Mum" I continued yelling heading towards her room but I stopped in my tracks when I heard hushed voices coming from down the hall where here room was, grabbing the closest flower vase I could find, I slowly headed towards her room trying to even my breathing,"Mum?" I whispered as I got to the door, when I didn't get a reply, I took a deep breath before pushing the door preparing myself for the worst."What the hell?" I exclaimed not expecting the sight before me,"I didn't think you would be back for another hour sweetie, what's wrong?" Mum quickly said sitting up from the bed where she lay with Dad, no soothsayer was needed to know what they had just done, their littered clothes were enough evidence,"Lisa didn't call you? Cause I remember her telling me you had called and she said I would be coming hom
Jace's POVHer grip on my hand loosened as she stared at me hard with both shock and pain in her eyes,"What do you mean by who am I ?" she asked dropping my hands,"You don't remember me?" she asked again shaking her head frantically like she couldn't believe her ears,"Am I supposed to?" I asked staring at her, her brows slowly folded as a frown formed on her face,"Jace, please tell me this is a joke" she muttered tears forming in her eyes,"I don't understand, I feel like I am missing something here" I continued maintaining the confusion that was written on my face,"Obviously, Me, how can you forget me? I am going to call the doctor, something is definitely wrong" she cried, heading to the door, the pain on her face indescribable. ~~~~I couldn't make out the conversation she was having with the doctor due to the distance between us but from the look on Paige's face, it seemed like the doctor wasn't giving her any positive news,
Paige's POVMy whole body felt cold as his words slowly sank, he doesn't remember me...he doesn't remember me??"What do you mean by who am I?" I asked dropping his hands as shock and confusion took over,"You don't remember me?" I asked again in disbelief trying to fight the truth that was staring at me,"Am I supposed to?" He asked staring at me with so much shock and confusion, there wasn't a glint of recognition in his eyes, and the pain in my heart grew as I realized I wasn't dreaming,"Jace, please tell me this is a joke" I pleaded as my eyes stung from unshed tears,"I don't understand, I feel like I am missing something here" he said staring at me like I had suddenly grown two heads,"Obviously, Me, how can you forget me? I am going to call the doctor, something is definitely wrong" I cried out walking to the door. ~~~~"I can't tell what the problem is, we have run several tests on him and none of the results show any sign or t
Paige's POV"He was here a few hours ago insisting that he must see his sons but with the suspicions and everything we couldn't let him anywhere close to you guys and now he is dead?" I said asking no one in particular, the body was indeed confirmed to be Mr.Russo's body, apparently, the body was dropped there exactly an hour after he had left the hospital in anger, but that wasn't the scariest part of it all, excluding the bullet to the head that must have killed him, there was a writing on his back, that must have been inscribed with something very sharp to have achieved the cursive writing,'You three just got lucky, unfortunately, your luck didn't extend to him'"I guess we were wrong about our suspicions then" Brandon muttered, the cop had stayed to gather all the information he could from everyone before leaving assuring us that he would keep in touch, Jay had woken up a few minutes after that and we had to fill him in on everything,"Someone outside our family is after us and f
Paige's POV"Luckily, he didn't sustain any primary blast injury from the explosion, just secondary injuries, he has a severe head injury hence the surgery, a dislocated arm, and a few injuries to his soft tissues but we were able to stabilize him although we would still need to keep an eye on him for at least a week to be sure we didn't miss any injuries. Injuries gotten from explosions may not be noticed until it late as they are usually internal injuries " the doctor informed writing down what I presume to be Jace's prescriptions as he spoke,"Will he be okay?" I asked trying to calm my heart, he is stable now at least,"Well, for now, we can only hope that he recovers quickly and he doesn't have any relapse" he answered stretching to hand me the prescription,"Just give it to the nurse by the reception, she knows what to do" he instructed,"Thank you" I appreciated getting up to leave,"Your husband is a real fighter, most people wouldn't have even made it to the hospital with the
Unknown POV"Just one job and you couldn't do it right, huh?" I yelled at the good-for-nothing assassin I hired to get rid of those boys,"I didn't think they would notice the bomb early enough to escape" he cried out, the blood dripping to the floor from the knife I rooted deep into his left arm which was the only thing preventing me from putting a bullet through his head, he is in pain at least,"And you had to do it in front of the old man's damn company? Did you know I was in there, what if the explosion had caught the attention of the police and they had seen me sneaking out, do you know what they would have thought?" I asked,"I'm sorry, I didn't know" he pleaded, dead people don't beg right because there is no way he is making it out of here alive,"Do you know what you have caused me? I will have to kill the old man earlier than I planned as this has raised their suspicions, he doesn't look like the type that won't snitch with a bullet to the head and that's not good for me" I
Paige's POV"Paige, what's wrong?" Lisa asked hurrying over to where I stood staring at my blank phone screen in shock,"We have to go to the hospital, now" I answered snapping out of my reverie,"Wait, why? Who was that?" she asked frantically as we both walked out of the kitchen leaving everything behind,"They were attacked, I don't know how bad it was but the doctor said Jace may not make it" I murmured breathing through the pain in my heart as I thought of it,"Oh my goodness, that sounds bad already" she gasped in shock,"I can't take the kids there right now, get the car started, let me inform Mum so she can keep an eye on them," I said heading towards the stairs. The loud beating of my heart was the perfect reminder that even with everything that had happened in the past, I couldn't handle losing him. ****"What happened?" we asked once we spotted a frantic Catherine at the reception,"I couldn't get much information from any of
Paige's POV"How are the wedding arrangements going?" I asked Lisa while we prepared lunch, I had been meaning to ask this question for over a week now but I couldn't find the appropriate time until now,Releasing a sigh she glanced at me, " To be honest, I have been thinking of moving it" she answered lowly,"Why will you want to do that?" I gasped shocked at her reply, I don't know what I was expecting but it was definitely not this,"Why not, Paige, with everything that is going on, Mrs.Russo's death, the suspicions, Brandon, Jay, and Jace playing cops, there is no space for a wedding, Brandon barely mentions it these days, it is like it is not even on his mind anymore and I don't want to seem like the bugging fianćee that doesn't want to understand but it would be a lot better if he told me straight up he wasn't interested anymore instead of ignoring the subject matter" she answered, the sadness in her voice hurt me more than words could express, I didn't realize all these problem
Jace's POVSuicide? That doesn't even make any sense,"That can't be true, Mum was many things but not suicidal" I argued staring at the hospital report,"Something is not adding up," Paige said and everyone nodded in agreement,"It says here, she abused her drugs"I spoke up again letting the shock sink in,"But Mum wasn't in charge of her drugs, she didn't even know where they were kept, I made sure of that" Jay muttered, nothing seemed to be making sense here,"Who hired the Nurse?" Paige suddenly asked,"Peter, he was actually the first person to find out about her sickness" I answered realization dawning on me, I knew something was up with him since that weekend at Mum's place,"Well, if that is the case, Jay, Brandon, come on, I want to have a word with our dearest old man" I hollered grabbing my car keys,"Be careful guys" Lisa yelled as we headed to the door, halting my steps, I turned to glance at Paige with a small smile on my face, although she wouldn't say it, she was obvio