CHAPTER 81LILY’S POVThe tyres of the SUV screeched noisily as I hurriedly found a parking spot at the hospital. I had never driven so recklessly in my life. I sped like I was being chased and nearly ran into three trucks. Thank goodness there was no police checkpoint on the road and we weren’t stopped or followed by them.“What the hell, Lily?!” Noah screamed at me madly, his eyes wide and bulgy with shock. “That is no way for a lady to drive. You could have gotten us killed…”“But I didn’t,” I said as I turned off the ignition, took out the keys and got out of the car. I stared at the building in front of me. It was a federal hospital with the name displayed in bold letters above the entrance. It stood tall with so many floors it was nearly impossible to count them all, with the walls painted in a clean, pale white.Noah said the taxi driver had to be brought here because the smack he gave him on the back of the head with a log that day he tried to shoot me turned out to be more
CHAPTER 82 LILY’S POV ~ “Lily wait…” He said. “I’m not going to stop you but we need to act carefully. I think there are security cameras inside.” “You’re not listening, Noah,” I replied, my mind already made up. “I don’t care…” ~ “Fine,” Noah exhaled heavily, realizing there was no stopping me. “Do what you have to do, but for the love of God, DON’T KILL HIM. I’ll stay out here and keep watch in case security or the officer from the station guarding his room shows up. I wonder where he disappeared off to. But if I sense anything going wrong, I’m coming in. No arguments.” I nodded and he let me go. Clutching the Taser and small hammer tightly in my hands, I quietly made my way into the room. Upon entering, I saw a nurse injecting a syringe of medication into the IV line of the taxi driver, who lay motionless on the bed with an oxygen mask covering his pale face and other wires from his body hooked to different medical machines. In his current state, he looked like
CHAPTER 83LILY’S POVI woke up feeling all groggy like I was hit by a high-speed train. Every part of my body ached and cramped, and my head hurt really bad as I cradled it, a breathy wince escaping my lips. The flimsy hospital gown I was putting on, the steady beeping of the heart monitor and various medical monitors that displayed vital signs nearby and the sterile smell of antiseptic and drugs made it known to me I was in a hospital. But I couldn’t remember how I got here or why my head was hurting so badly. Every memory I had of yesterday was vague. Was I involved in some kind of accident? But I couldn’t see any injuries on my body or feel any broken bones.I managed to push through the pain and propped myself up from the bed, carefully removing the wires attached to my body. I got out of the bed. My steps were unsteady but I was determined as I walked toward the door, glancing around the room with hopes of seeing Noah. But he was nowhere in sight. I could’ve sworn we were toge
CHAPTER 84LILY’S POV“NO!!!...” I kept screaming, whipping my face from side to side as my entire body quivered uncontrollably. “Don’t take them away from me… Please don’t hurt them…they’re just kids…”Shivers ran through me as I felt beads of sweat and goosebumps pop out all over my skin, perhaps due to the heat from that intense fire. I felt a pair of strong hands pressing my shoulders down against the surface to stop me from moving.Believing it was Robert, I forcefully slid my eyes open to push him away and throw him a punch only to realize it was Noah.“It’s okay, Lily,” he calmed me, holding me down by the shoulders to keep me from thrashing around. “It’s not real. It’s just a dream. You’re safe, okay?”I stared at him, wide-eyed and confused, as he kept reassuring me that I was safe. Glancing around, I realized I was still in the hospital. The steady beeping of the heart monitor and the hum of other medical machines filled the room. Outside, I could hear the faint voices of pe
CHAPTER 85LILY’S POV~ He nodded and made his way towards the door. On reaching the door, he stopped and then turned his attention back to me as though he forgot to mention something. “Miss Jones?”“Yeah…” I answered.“You’re a hero.” ~“Uhh…” My brows drew together in confusion as I wondered what he was talking about. Why was he calling me a hero? I don’t remember doing anything heroic.“You’re a hero, Mrs. Jones,” he said again, looking at me with proud eyes as a warm smile spread across his face. “Because of your quick thinking and defensive skills, we not only saved the patient in room 305 but also apprehended the woman posing as a nurse who intended to harm him. On behalf of the entire staff and management of this hospital, thank you. We will always be grateful for what you did.”I was taken aback by his commendation. I didn’t realize that was the reason he was referring to me as a hero. If only he knew the real reason I had come to this hospital then he won’t be referring to
CHAPTER 86LILY’S POV~ “The fake nurse,” he blew out a heavy sigh, his expression turning bleak. “It’s Cassandra. She has your kids.” ~My brows furrowed as I tried to remember the name. “You mean Cassandra from the company?”Noah nodded calmly. “What?...” I couldn’t contain the level of shock I felt as my mouth fell open. “What in the world could Cassandra be doing with my kids?”Noah half shrugged and let out a sigh. “I’m as surprised as you, Lily. I didn’t see this coming at all. She didn’t reveal much during the interrogation. She said she won’t talk further until she’s gotten her attorney and seen you. But one thing is certain—she has your kids. She took them from the park and has been the person behind all the attacks against you. The taxi driver confirmed it this morning after regaining some consciousness and learning you saved his life. He admitted that she paid him to drive you off the bridge. I’m also certain she’s the one who anonymously sent your prison records to my do
CHAPTER 87LILY’S POV ~ She started laughing like a psycho, her voice like fingernails clawing on a chalkboard. “They’re safely locked away in a dark, empty basement where you’ll never find them. I must say they’re adorable little pies, but their endless whining and crying for their mummy nearly drove me insane. I can’t imagine the number of times I was this close to ending their miserable lives. But I can’t do that, no, no, no, not without you watching. Once my attorney gets me out of this shit hole, I’ll take you with me. And then, I’ll make you watch as I take away those precious things in your life, just like you took away mine.” ~My eyes widened in horrific shock as I stared at Cassandra, a cold shiver of fear running down my spine. With her sickening laughter and the blood trickling down her nose and into her mouth, colouring her teeth, she was like a demonic spirit that fed on chaos and misery.If she had my kids locked away in a basement that meant they were alone, scared a
CHAPTER 88LILY’S POV~ As I looked into his eyes, I could see the heart-rending tenderness and genuineness in his gaze. With a heavy sigh, I wrapped my hands around my elbows and leaned against the wall. Since he said I should trust him, I had no other choice but to do that. After all, he had this uniquely calm way of approaching problems that always seemed to work. For now, I could only rely on that and believe he would bring my kids back to me. ~Noah turned towards the camera. “I apologize on her behalf, Detective Adams. Please let her stay. I promise it won’t happen again.”“Very well then,” the speaker sounded. “To ensure it doesn’t happen again, the officer will be present throughout the interrogation. Any act of violence won’t be tolerated. We’ll restart shortly after the suspect’s wounds are attended to.”Shortly after the detective made that announcement, a short female medic a little younger than me with a calm demeanour came into the room and tended to Cassandra’s wounds
LILY’S POV5 years later… The wedding bells rang softly in the cathedral and everyone rose to welcome me, the bride as I graced the aisle in my wedding gown which flowed like a river behind me. My face was covered with a veil, and in my hands was a delicate bouquet of white roses and baby’s breath. My arm was entwined with Frank’s who escorted me down the aisle, to the altar. After I came back to New York, he confessed to helping Scarlett sabotage me at Robert’s company fifteen years back which led to me being sacked. He asked for my forgiveness and I granted it. If he hadn’t brought up the incident, I don’t think I would have remembered because it’s been long. As sign I had truly forgiven him and my intentions towards him were good, I couldn’t think of any other person asides him to walk me down the aisle. We became closer than we were years back after that happened.. The guests were extravagantly dressed, beaming with smiles as their head turned and gazes glued to me in adm
CHAPTER 172LILY’S POV All my life, I don’t think I have ever felt this much hatred radiate from a person. I thought Scarlett’s was intense and overbearing. But Noah’s was on a whole different level. So cold, so menacing, so consuming it chilled my spine. Just how can someone harbour this much hatred to people related to him? He had gagged me, and tied my wrist because I wasn’t making it easy for him with all my persistence and reluctance in going to which ever place he wanted me to go with him. I once heard him say we were going to Fiji, a quiet luxurious island country far from US. Not to mention he had me caged in his brutal dominance. I couldn’t move a single muscle as he pressed the muzzle of that gun against the side of my head, the cold metal reminding me that the slightest move would end it all in a heartbeat. Being at the forefront of all these, I bore the brunt of all that angst, hatred, malice, anger rolling off in waves from him and crashing against me as he shout
CHAPTER 171 NOAH’S POV ~ You might be a lot of things son but you’re not a murderer,” father said, drawing my attention. He’d been torn and shaken to the core after I pointed the gun at his beloved wife, not knowing what to do. “You’re good,” he continued gently, careful with each word that left his lips as if afraid not to provoke me further. “I can see it in you. Just put down the gun, let’s talk things through. We have a lot of things to tell you. A lot of explanations to make. I know you think we abandoned you but we never did.” ~ He attempted to come close, taking slow cautious steps to me. “If you could just let us…” “Don’t come any close or else I’ll put a bullet through your mouth hole!” I snapped like one possessed, pointing the gun at him, my fingers gripping the handle so tight my knuckles turned white. "Did you watch me grow? Do you have any idea what I endured as a child?" I shouted, throwing the words at him like daggers, each one more vicious than the last.
CHAPTER 170 NOAH’S POV ~ Once the kids were settled and ready to fly, I returned my full attention to the rest of the family. I pointed my gun straight to Juliana’s head. “Now, for the final rites.” ~ “Now, for the final rites,” I said with a crooked smile curving my lips, the cold metal clicking as I cocked the gun, ready to take the shot when suddenly, Martin lunged forward, throwing himself in front of her. “No!” he shouted, voice cracking with desperation as his chest rose and fell heavily. “Don’t do this please…! If you have to kill someone, kill me instead!” Fear and panic was written all over their faces. I could even pick out the heavy, disturbing sound of their breaths as it gushed out from the lungs. Did they think the gun was for fancy? Think I won’t shes blood before I left? I whiffed out a frustrated fume, facepalming internally. This Martin was a fool indeed. Was that his genius plan all along, to step in when I wanted to kill someone so he could take the sho
CHAPTER 169NOAH’S POV ~ “The kids now!” I returned my gaze to Juliana with a scowl. She quickly ran into the car and brought them out. ~ As Juliana brought them forward, they cowered in fear, almost on the verge of tears seeing the gun I had to the side of their mum’s head. Liam was in crunches and could barely walk properly while Lila was nervously fiddling with her hair. At the sight of them, Lily jolted as if triggered by their presence, almost freeing herself from my grip. Her muffled cries as she struggled grew louder, more disturbing and unbearable as she desperately tried to break free from my hold. “Keep quiet, woman, or else I’ll hurt them!” I snarled at her, and she became calm like a puppy, her eyes red and puffy as tears mixed with sweat dripped from her eyes and stained her cheeks. She was easy to control. All I had to do was threaten to hurt Robert, the kids, or anyone else close to her, and she’d comply. She was selfless, willing to sacrifice herself for ot
CHAPTER 168NOAH’S POV At the hangar… Lily and I waited at my hangar for Juliana to arrive with the kids so we can be on our way. My private jet was ready and the pilot was inside waiting for us. The kids were the only ones keeping us. If it weren’t for them, I would have left with Lily hours ago. We will be leaving for a quiet luxurious island country far away like I wanted, where no one will ever find us. It’ll be like going on a vacation only that the vacation will last forever. I doubt Lily even told the kids about the idea when I first mentioned it to her because she never liked it in the first place but pretended she needed time and their permission. Juliana, how much I hate calling her name and remembering her stupid face, was already five minutes late. Over the phone while she and Lily was speaking, I made it clear to her I don’t condone lateness. It seems she wants to taste my patience. I brought a gun along. After I take the kids from her, I’m going to kill her. Fi
CHAPTER 167 LILY’S POV I woke up feeling all groggy, like I had been out for days. Whatever sedative he injected me with must have been very strong for me to be feeling this way. Every part of my body ached and throbbed including the part between my legs as I brushed my thighs together to ease the pain and discomfort. Cradling my head, I let out a slight wince as I slowly pulled up from the bed. My vision blurred for a moment before adjusting to my surrounding. I didn’t know how long I’d been unconscious. It was hard to tell because the windows were shut, the room filled with bright, artificial lights, leaving no space for natural sunlight to come in. Then I saw him. Noah. He stood at the foot of the bed, completely unclothed with his member on full display. My breath caught in my throat, the shock of seeing him that way sobering me up completely. My brows knitted deeply, different questions racing through my head. Why was he naked in front of me? What was he planning on d
CHAPTER 166 LILY’S POV ~ A painful trail of tears left my eyes and stained my cheek. I wiped it and looked away, not wanting him to see me in such a state. Even if he did, it wouldn’t change anything. It won’t have any effect on him. The Noah I knew was gone, replaced by a cold, heartless monster of a man. I was too dazed by this discovery to think clearly. I found it so hard to believe. I could have sworn he was good. It felt real. I was sure I wasn’t dreaming. When did he turn into this? ~ “Why are you doing this?” I choked out weakly. “What did he ever do to you?…” “He took everything from me, Lily,” he said, his expression twisted with hatred so deep it made my skin crawl. “You’ve never been in a position where someone takes everything from you without even lifting a finger. So no, I don’t expect you to understand. I’m just returning the favour.” “What could Robert have possibly taken from you for you to want him dead? I mean look at you… you’re perfect. Your life is p
CHAPTER 165 LILY’S POV Arriving at Noah’s place, I quickly made my way to his room only to see him seated on his bedroom chair, his legs crossed on top of the table as he played with a lighter, flicking it on and off. I was shocked to see him like that. But worse, my lips thinned in exasperation as my gaze burned into him. I left everything else I was doing and drove to this place like a mad woman, almost running into a truck only to see he was in perfect condition. “How could you play with my feelings like that?” I shot at him, my expression filled with anger. “You told me you were dying. I left everything else I was doing… I nearly had a heart attack from…” “What exactly were you doing?” He cut me off with a cold, nonchalant tone, not bothering to spare me a glance as his eyes were fixed on the flame. He was looking into them with a ruthless expression as if he wanted to vent his anger by setting something ablaze. I couldn’t help but scoff in a mix of disbelief and