CHAPTER 120ROBERT’S POV~ “Liam look,” Lila said, pointing at me. “It’s the man from yesterday.”Liam’s face hardened with fury and he ran over to me. I thought he wanted to hug me but my hope was dashed as he kicked me hard. ~Pain shot through my ankle and I held back a groan. Lowering, I cradled my ankle, trying to soothe the pain. I stared at Liam, hoping to get an explanation for why he would kick me like that. Instead, he continued scowling at me as if to finish me off.“Liam!” Their teacher was shocked and furious as she marched to him, scolding him. “How dare you kick your father like that? Is that your way of welcoming him...?”Liam wanted to say something but I quickly chipped in. I knew what he wanted to say – that I wasn’t his father. That he didn’t know me. And that will only land me into trouble so I had to prevent it.“It’s okay,” I said, wincing as I forced a smile through the pain. I knew I looked pathetic, but I couldn’t help it. Liam sure knew how to kick. “I had
CHAPTER 121ROBERT’S POV~ “You are,” he insisted sternly. “You lied to Miss Hampton about being our daddy while you’re not…”“I didn’t lie Liam. That’s the truth. I am your father.” ~Lila gasped in intense shock with her hands slapping her cheeks. She glanced at Liam who didn’t bother returning the glance. He just stood there unfazed and staring at me with a sardonic expression as though he’d been expecting me to drop that biggest lie in the universe.My chauffeur whispered to me that we were being loud and that might distract and draw the attention of the students and teachers learning in the nearby classrooms. I didn’t really like we were doing this in the middle of the hallway. I wished there was someplace else we could go. But I had no power to take them away now, especially during school hours. Plus, their teacher, Mrs. Hampton will be back at any moment to take them back to their classroom. I want to spend more time with them. I needed more time to explain this to them becau
CHAPTER 122ROBERT’S POV~ Taking a deep breath, I lowered myself to their level, meeting their eyes with honesty.Overcoming a lump forming in my throat, I said, “Your mummy… lied.” ~“Uhh…” their brows furrowed.“What do you mean she lied?” Lila asked agitated as she paid close attention to me.“I’m not in the military, and I’ve never been to Mars. Humans can’t even survive there—or on any other planet besides Earth. I’m just a billionaire CEO. My family owns multiple business enterprises, which is why I’m dressed like I’m running for U.S. president,” I said with a faint smile.Liam and Lila switched glances. Their faces fell and in their eyes were this disappointed and betrayed look. I knew that inexplicable feeling of hurt you get when someone you love lies to you about something important. But I didn’t want them to see Lily as a villain. She only did what she had to do to protect them from a father who, at the time, didn’t know the value of what he had. A sharp wave of regret
CHAPTER 123:ROBERT’S POV~“I won’t force you two to forgive and accept me immediately,” I said with a smile that was painful yet blissful. “Take all the time you need. I’ll wait for a thousand years if I have to. But just know that I’m finally ready to be the daddy of your dreams. The daddy you have always wanted. I’m willing to do anything to prove that I’m your biological father. I’ll run a DNA test if I have to…” ~Suddenly, Lila cut me off with an unexpected thud of a hug that made me almost lose my balance. “It’s okay,” she said as she wrapped her hands tightly around me, burying her face into the side of my neck. “You’ve done enough. I’m still mad you left us all these years but I have forgiven you, and I can’t wait for you, mummy, me, Liam and Uncle Noah to come together and become a very big happy family.” She added, her voice brimming with joy.My blood bubbled with joy and I exhaled a long sigh of contentment as I embraced her deeply, not wanting to let go, not wanting th
CHAPTER 124 LILY’S POV ~ Moments later, Tony, the head of security came back on the line. “Mrs. Jones, I have gone through all the footage of your office and can confirm there was no unauthorized entry. I’ll send it to you so you can see for yourself.” I didn’t wait for him to finish as I put the telephone back into the casing. I glanced around helplessly, feeling the tears I was holding back trail down my cheeks. Sooner or later, Noah will come asking why I hadn’t sent the pitch to him. What do I tell him? What do I do now? ~ I was fretting, pacing the length of my office like a crazy ass scientist when the door pushed open and Noah walked in. My heart skipped a beat on seeing him and I had to place my hand against my thumping chest to steady it. “I’m sorry…” Noah apologized, his brows furrowing in confusion as he found my reaction a bit disturbing. Vaguely disturbing. I had never reacted like this whenever he came to my office. “I didn’t mean to startle you like that.”
CHAPTER 125LILY’S POVNoah and I pulled up to the school just as the bell rang, signalling the end of the day. The whole area was filled with parents who had come to pick up their kids. Nothing warmed my heart more than seeing little children reunite with their parents after a long day in school and telling them how it went. I couldn’t wait for Liam and Lila to tell me how their day went.We waited for Liam and Lila in the spot where they usually stayed after school to wait for me. But five minutes went by, ten, fifteen, getting to twenty minutes yet they were nowhere to be seen.Having this odd feeling that something could be wrong, I stepped out of the car in search of them, telling Noah I would be right back. Why were they taking so long? What could be keeping them? Usually, they wait for me at that spot before I even arrive.I went straight to their classroom only to see their classmates were gone, leaving the classroom empty. The hallway and other classes were empty too. Tensio
CHAPTER 126LILY’S POV~ “I have nothing to say to you,” I sneered at her coldly. “Just know that if anything happens to my kids, I’ll make sure you lose your teaching license and I’ll burn this school to the fucking ground. Now, where did he take them?!”“I don’t know…” She squeaked amid the tears burning at the back of her shielded eyes. ~“What do you mean you don’t know?” My eyes were wide as I stared at her in disbelief.“He didn’t say…” she muttered.I gripped my forehead, feeling the panic flood my system. How do I find them when I had no idea where Robert had taken them? I didn’t have his contact and didn’t know any means I could use to get to him. As far as I was concerned, this was a kidnap. Robert had kidnapped my kids.Quickly, I rushed out of the office, determined to get to Noah and tell him because he’ll know what to do in this kind of situation. Miss Hampton tried calling me back but I ignored her like she didn’t exist. If anything happens to my kids, I’ll make sure
CHAPTER 127LILY’S POVWe drove straight home after Nana Mae made it known to us the kids were safe and home. Noah was speeding on the way he almost ran into a construction vehicle. I hadn’t seen him this angry and serious in a while.If Nana Mae hadn’t called, we would have been on our way to New York. Noah had wanted to drive to his hangar and get one of his private jets to take us when she called. I was relieved we didn’t leave the city. The thought of meeting with Robert’s family members filled me with nothing but dread and rage. They were monsters, and seeing them will bring back a lot of memories I struggled to forget.I couldn’t believe Nana Mae was asking if I was sure Robert was the one who hurt me. Like what the fuck! Did she think I was lying or making a big deal out of the matter? Robert had probably put up an act to deceive her and the kids. That’s what he’d been doing ever since he arrived – putting on acts and pretending to be sorry while in reality, he had ulterior mo
CHAPTER 170NOAH’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 shot fo
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 165LILY’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 per
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
CHAPTER 164LILY’S POV~ “Is there any hope?” I asked, my voice shaken and barely audible. “Please tell me there is… tell me he’ll be waking up anytime from now…”“I’m afraid I can’t Mrs. Jones,” he said with a bleak, sympathetic expression. “The next 48 to 72 hours will be critical in determining how well he responds to treatment. Once that is determined, it might take days, weeks, months or even years for him to recover fully and wake up. His body and brain are severely damaged and will need time to heal.” ~“But don’t lose hope, okay,” Dr Maxwell reassured seeing how miserable I looked. “Your husband is strong. If he weren’t then he would have died right on the spot, even before he was brought here. Right now, we’re doing everything possible to stabilize him. All we can do now is wait and monitor. I’ll keep you updated on any changes, I promise. I have a feeling he’ll make it.”I nodded. Swallowing the knot in my throat and doing my best to keep up a smile, I turned back to look
CHAPTER 163 LILY’S POV ~ “I love you, and be a good boy. If the rain stops, you can go with Grandma and the driver to pick up your sister okay?” “Okay, mummy,” he nodded firmly. Grabbing my coat and umbrella, I took a deep breath to calm myself before pulling the door open and heading out in the heavy downpour. ~ The rain had reduced to a drizzle, one that could be walked on without necessarily needing an umbrella. After several minutes on the road, I couldn’t find Robert. After numerous rounds and detours, I had to find a spot to park to get hold of myself because I was crumbling with frustration. I recalled him saying he was getting close to my place on the phone yet I have driven around every street, every corner, every possible route but couldn’t find him. There was no sign of him anywhere. With each passing minute, I became more and more afraid as waves and endless waves of apprehension swept through me like a storm I couldn’t outrun. A painful trail of tear
CHAPTER 162LILY’S POV~ “Robert…You’re scaring me. Please say something…” I could no longer contain the fear building up inside me.But there was no response from his side. The next thing I heard was the disturbing sound of something like metal crashing against metal, glass shattering and finally his line cut off. ~Fear gripped me like a vice. I could no longer hear my heart beating in my chest. It felt as if something had violently pulled it down to the pit of my stomach. Bringing the phone down from my ear, I stared at the screen, at the call that just ended abruptly. “I hope this isn’t what I’m thinking,” I said to myself internally as wild thoughts ran through my mind. “Robert, please be fine… Don’t do this to me…”My eyes stung with unshed tears as I quickly put the call through again. Those disturbing sounds of metals smashing against metal and glass shattering I heard before his line disconnected could only mean one thing – that he’d been involved in an accident.“No…no…no