Paige's POV
"Alex, time for breakfast or mummy is going to be late for work," I yelled out to my son from the kitchen as I tried to make something for breakfast, "I can't find my other shoe," he whined in response, not again, "Are you sure you dropped it properly?" I asked as I hurriedly put the few pancakes on the plates and prepared tea for Alex, It was no news to both of us that he didn't know how to keep his stuff properly and even if he did, he wouldn't remember where he put them, “Found it, Mum” he yelled back after a few minutes, earning a little chuckle from me, “Okay then, come down for breakfast” I replied, "I'm here, mum," he said from the door, making me look up from what I was doing with a small smile on my face, "Come sit and have your breakfast," I cooed, pulling out a chair for him; I was so going to be late for work; it's not something new anyway. "Mum," Alex called out lowly, making me turn to him, "Is there a problem, love?"I asked concerned, "No...it's just that... I was...wondering why .. you know... you are not...eating .., are you okay, Mum?" he asked in a whisper, "Don't bother yourself; Mummy is fine; eat up so we can go," I replied, trying my very best to hide the tears forming in my eyes; he stared at me a little before going back to his meal, not saying any more words which I was extremely grateful for. **** "You are late, Miss Moretti," Grayson started as I walked into his office to take note of all that needed to be done for the day, "I am so sorry, I had to attend to something very urgent," I said, trying my best to keep the most apologetic face I could muster, "This is the second time this has happened this week; whatever is making you late, you better stop or you know what," he said with anger written all over his face, but it is the only expression he is always spotting; I have learned to adjust to it. He tossed a pile of files to me, asking me to sort them all before lunch, "But sir.."I wanted to protest, but he glared at me, and I quickly left the office without saying any more words, “how I hate my life”, I screamed internally as I walked into my little cabin, throwing the files on my table with a groan. I guess this is my punishment, and then, So here's the thing,after I left my home,I got a little job so I could gather money to pay for the little apartment Alex and I are living in currently and buy a little baby stuffs for Alex before I became too heavy to work, Mum tried several ways to reach me so I had to change my number and change all my social media accounts that could possibly leak my whereabouts to my mum,I cried for the whole 9 months and even when I gave birth to Alex the tears became worse no one was there to help me look after him or even witness his birth,there was a time we were both sick and we had to be admitted but I couldn't even stay in the hospital cause if I did I wouldn't have been able to pay his hospital bills luckily I got better with the help of the drugs I took ,I was all alone and I am still alone,Alex is 6 now and he is really growing into a loving,smart and awesome boy,he looks a lot like his father which sometimes bring back memories I am still struggling to put aside even after six years but I try my best to make him happy and comfortable,sometimes he asks about his father but I just shrug it off,what am I supposed to tell him,that his dad didn't want him? Of course not. After his birth, I applied to work at this company; since I wasn't able to go to college, I was only pitied and given a side assistant to the secretary, who, FYI, treats me horribly, just as everyone else, but I need the job to take care of Alex so I have to endure. No one knows Alex is my son though, for those who asked I just made them believe he is my sister's son who she abandoned and ran away since I do not have a sister I really don't care the kind of things they say, it doesn't really matter, it's not like I am not proud of him I just can't face the people and the treatment given to single mothers in the society, I have enough on my plate already I don't need more, they will find out one day but till then. "I can see your little pathetic life is starting to show on you, don't you think so, Paige" I heard Vanessa say from the door but I easily ignored her arranging the documents on my table as I began to sort them 'the earlier the better right' I said to myself, "What's wrong, Paige, cats got your tongue?" she tried again, moving further into the cabin, making me roll my eyes, "What do you want, Vanessa?" I blankly asked, hoping it would be over soon "I was asked to check on you and it's obvious that Grayson was right, you are really useless here, it's about time we got rid of you," she said smirking waiting for my reaction, probably hoping that I would kneel and beg or cry for my job in front of her, not this time Missy. "Okay,"I said simply,still focused on my work, "That's all you have to say huh,trust me you will be begging soon" she yelled before leaving banging the door behind her loudly causing me to flinch a little,why are people so bitter in life? I finally looked up staring at the door as tears slowly fell from my eyes,all of is starting to choke me,why me,why did it have to be me,what wrong did I do wrong?, “It was one fucking mistake you know” I screamed mentally as I pinched the bridge of my nose fighting the tears, “No time for tears,Paige” I reprimanded,putting myself together, I focused back on my work pushing all my pains down, determined to get through the day. **** "Mum, there is this girl in my class" Alex started as we walked down the streets heading home,I would have to go pick up my car from the mechanic today, "What about her?" I asked trying to not to sound as tired as I feel, "She said, I don't have a Dad,that he couldn't stay with such a wretch like me,is that true Mum?" He said making me stop right in my tracks,I crouched in front of him till I was eye-level with him,staring into his shining blue eyes that looked exactly like his Dad's,one thing that gets to me everytime,using my index finger to raise his chin so he could look into my eyes too,I spoke up, "That is not true, don't ever allow such words get to you,Okay, Mummy loves you and that's what matters" placing a kiss on his forehead I pulled him in for a hug,making him smile,what do parents say to their kids this days? " And I love mummy too"he replied, kissing my cheek before I stood holding his hands as we walked home in a comfortable silence.Paige's POV I tucked Alex into bed, kissing his cheeks and forehead before turning off the lights and leaving the door open, just in case he woke up later on. As I walked out, I sighed tiredly, running my hand through my hair. Today was really hectic, and I am very grateful to have actually made it through if the pounding of my head doesn't count as anything. After a quick shower, I put on a comfortable black shirt and loose shorts, the perfect fit for bed. I reviewed the work I had left unfinished since I had to pick Alex up from school, reminding me that I needed to hire a nanny to help me both physically and emotionally, it would reduce the eyes on me a little, I just hope she doesn't charge much. I don't think I can handle that right now, but at the same time, I can't keep enduring the harsh comments from people who were growing suspicious of my denial about my son. I woke up really late, realizing I was running behind schedule. I quickly showered and dressed in a professional p
Paige's POVGood news is I finally found a nanny, turns out the lady from the cafe actually took the job and she seems nice enough so I think Alex will love herNow that's off my list I have to find a way to finish the extra work I was given because Vanessa practically ditched work today I have to do everything all alone, it's already past 9, and I still have a lot to do, why on earth can't he just assign someone to help me, he is definitely doing this on purpose and it isn't fair.The office phone rang bringing me back to reality with a sigh I picked the call,"Can you bring me a cup of coffee, Miss Moretti" Grayson said through the phone, sounding just as tired as I am?"On my way" I said simply, as much as Grayson doesn't treat me so well I still tend to pity him or should I say care for him as an employee, he works his ass off day and night just to make sure his family is comfortable and happy, I found out few months ago that his wife is a cancer patient and is somewhere off in It
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 Britt
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"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