I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my heart racing for no reason. That’s when I heard it—a faint tapping, like nails against wood, coming from the far corner of the room.I sat up, my breath caught in my throat. “Who’s there?” My voice was barely a whisper.The tapping stopped.For a moment, there was silence, and then… dragging. A soft, deliberate sound as though something heavy was being pulled across the floor.My blood ran cold as my eyes darted to the corner. Nothing.I forced myself into the sheets.Then I saw it—a faint outline of a figure towards me, its head tilted unnaturally to the side.I pulled away the sheets from my face. I saw nothing.my heart beating fast.It must be my imagination, i pacified myself.I closed my eyes.the bed creaked as if someone had just sat on it. I turned slowly, my heart pounding in my ears.The imprint of a hand pressed into the mattress, even though no one was there.I didn’t wait any longer. I ran out of the room, slamming the door beh
The funeral was a quiet affair, held under a gray sky that seemed to mourn alongside us. David had arranged everything meticulously, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. The flowers, the hymns, the serene setting—it was all perfect, yet it couldn’t mask the heaviness in my chest.My friends stayed close, offering silent support. Eva held my hand, her grip firm yet comforting. Daniel stood beside me, his presence a steady anchor amidst the swirling emotions. Mia occasionally whispered words of encouragement, reminding me to breathe, to stay strong.But Ryan—he stayed at a distance.After the service ended and people began to disperse, Ryan finally approached me. His face was unreadable, his usual warmth replaced by something restrained, almost cold.“You can hug me if you want,” he said softly, his voice devoid of any judgment.I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him, letting go of the stoic mask I’d been wearing all day. The tears came in
After days of mourning my mother’s death, I busied myself fulfilling her last wishes and ensuring her legacy endured. The mansion, a place full of memories, was not to be abandoned as per her wish. Though the emptiness echoed within its walls, I chose to preserve it, finding solace in her desire to keep it alive. I settled accounts with everyone who had worked for her. My manager David, loyal and compassionate, refused the generous sum I offered as gratitude for his care of my mother.One evening, seeking some distraction from the sorrow, I decided to visit the orphanage I often supported. Normally, Eva would accompany me, but she was unavailable. Hesitant but left with no other option, I called Ryan.“Ryan,” I began hesitantly. “Would you like to come with me to the orphanage tomorrow? I could use some help, and I know the kids would love meeting you.”After a pause, he replied curtly, “Alright. What time?”“Let’s leave around 10 a.m.,” I said, hoping to bridge the distance that had
The orphanage was alive with the chatter and laughter of children as I stood near the staff desk, discussing upcoming medical checkups for the kids. It felt good to be back in a place where kindness thrived, but I was also constantly aware of the tension in my life.As I wrapped up my conversation, I heard a commotion outside. One of the kids ran in, shouting, “He’s been stung!”I rushed outside, heart pounding, only to find Aiden standing there, clutching his arm. He had just crushed a scorpion beneath his shoe, and though he tried to appear nonchalant, his face betrayed the pain.I instinctively moved toward Aiden, but before I could take a step, Ryan grabbed my wrist, his grip firm and unyielding.“Let him deal with it,” Ryan said, his voice laced with anger. “He’s not a child.”“Ryan, I know him,” I said, meeting his fiery gaze. “He wouldn’t take care of himself even if it was life-threatening.”Ryan’s jaw tightened, but I pulled my hand free and walked toward Aiden.Aiden glanced
It was another bustling morning in the hospital. As I walked into the pediatric wing, the sound of beeping monitors and faint cries filled the air. I was reviewing my patient charts when a nurse approached me hurriedly.“Dr. Amira, we have a little girl in Room 302. She’s been here since last night, and the residents are stumped. Her vitals are stable, but she’s in severe pain. No one can figure out what’s wrong,” she said breathlessly.I nodded, grabbing my stethoscope and heading toward the room. Inside, I saw a tiny figure curled up on the hospital bed. She couldn’t have been older than six. Her face was pale, and her large, teary eyes met mine as I entered.Her mother stood by her bedside, visibly distraught. “Doctor, please help her. She’s been in pain for hours. They’ve done so many tests, but they say everything looks normal.”I gave her a reassuring nod, kneeling beside the little girl. “Hi there, sweetheart. Can you tell me where it hurts?”She pointed weakly to her abdomen,
Aiden paced the length of the office, his hands resting on his hips. His brow furrowed, doubt flickering across his face. “Michael, are you sure this will work?”Michael leaned casually against the desk, arms crossed and a confident smirk on his face. “Trust me, Aiden. It’s not just about business. This is about showing her you’re not the same man she left behind. Besides, the expansion to America is long overdue, and you know it.”Aiden exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t want this to seem… calculated.”“It’s not calculated if it’s sincere,” Michael replied, shrugging. “The new venture will get her attention, but what you do afterward is up to you.”Aiden fell silent, staring out the window. His jaw tightened. “I hope you’re right.”The morning sunlight streamed through Amira’s apartment as she clipped Leo’s leash onto his collar. “Alright, Leo,” she said cheerily. “Let’s go stretch those legs.”The two strolled down the street to the nearby park. The crisp air an
AmiraThe office was cold and sterile as I handed the stack of divorce papers to my lawyer. He gave me a brief nod and flipped through them, ensuring everything was in order.“I’ll handle everything from here, Ms. Amira,” he assured me, adjusting his glasses.“Thank you,” I said, my voice steady, though my heart felt anything but.I left the office with a strange heaviness. It wasn’t regret exactly, but a sense of finality that unsettled me. This was what I wanted—or what I thought I wanted.A week later, I decided to visit the mall to get something for the kids. As I browsed through a shelf of books, I heard a familiar voice behind me.“Amira?”I turned to see Michael, his usual calm demeanor intact, though his eyes showed a flicker of surprise.“Michael,” I acknowledged, offering a polite smile. “What brings you here?”“Work,” he said, gesturing to a folder in his hand. “And you?”“Just needed to step out,” I said casually. “How have you been?”“I’m fine,” he replied, tilting his he
The invitation to dinner came from Eva, who insisted I needed a break and deserved some good food after the stressful weeks. Though I hesitated, her persistence left me with little choice. I dressed casually but appropriately, a soft peach dress with flats, and arrived at the fancy restaurant she’d suggested.As I entered, scanning the elegant dining area for Eva, my breath hitched. Sitting at a table near the entrance was Ryan, looking equally confused.“Ryan?” I said, startled.His eyes widened as he saw me. “Amira? What are you doing here?”“Eva invited me,” I replied, piecing the puzzle together. “Don’t tell me Mia set this up with you?”He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Looks like they’re meddling again.”I groaned inwardly but managed a smile. “Well, we’re here now. Might as well make the best of it.”“Agreed,” he said with a wry smile.We sat at a small table tucked in a quieter corner of the restaurant, the ambient lighting casting a warm glow over everything.“I can’t
The morning was filled with anticipation as Aiden sat in the hospital’s waiting room, his hands resting gently on the small shoulders of his three-year-old son. The little boy, with his curly hair and deep brown skin, played with a small toy car, unaware of the monumental moment that was about to change their lives forever. Aiden couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the boy—a child Amira had insisted on adopting despite the prejudices of others.Amira had met the boy during one of her visits to the orphanage. She had been furious to see him excluded and got hurt by the other children because of his skin color, and her fierce heart wouldn’t let it go. She had scolded those children and, without hesitation, decided to bring him into their family. The boy was now the light of their lives, and today, he was about to become a big brother.“Daddy, when is Mommy coming out?” the boy asked, his innocent eyes looking up at Aiden.“Soon, buddy. Your little sister will be here any minute now,
Aiden covered her completely with bed sheets.Crawling under the covers, Aiden wrapped his arms around Amira's trembling body and guided her knees towards her chest. She instinctively clutched the fabric to her breasts, a barrier of modesty. "Shhh, it's okay," he murmured, pressing soothing kisses along her inner thighs. "I've got you."His lips trailed higher, skimming over soft, sensitive skin. Amira's breath hitched as his mouth neared her most intimate place. Would he truly...? Anticipation mingled with nervousness, a potent mix.Aiden nuzzled in close, inhaling her womanly musk. He licked a slow stripe through glistening folds. A strangled moan escaped her throat.He chuckled against her flesh. "You taste like heaven, Amira. Let me pleasure you." Parting her with his thumbs, he delved in for a deeper sample, laving her sweet nectar. His tongue circled her pearl, coaxing it to stiffness. Amira bucked into the different sensation, hands fisting in the sheets. Nothing had ever
Aiden arrived at the office minutes before the meeting, his stride confident but unhurried. Michele, already seated at the conference table, looked up in surprise, his eyes widening.“Well, well, well,” Michele said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “I didn’t think you’d actually show up after that call earlier. Thought you’d be… otherwise occupied.”Aiden chuckled, adjusting his tie as he took a seat. “I keep my priorities straight, Michele. Besides, someone has to make sure you don’t screw this up.”Michele laughed, shaking his head. “You’re something else, man. But hey, can’t blame you. If I had what you have waiting at home, I’d probably skip every meeting too.”Aiden gave him a knowing grin but said nothing, his thoughts already drifting to Amira.The day passed in a blur of presentations and negotiations, but Aiden’s mind kept wandering back to the promise Amira had made that morning. By the time the meeting ended, he could barely contain his excitement.As he pulled into
The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow on the room. Aiden lay on his back, his arms wrapped tightly around Amira as she nestled against his chest. Their bodies were tangled together under the sheets, a peaceful silence enveloping them.Aiden’s phone buzzed on the bedside table, breaking the calm. He groaned, reaching out to grab it, but before he could, Amira snatched it from his hand with a sleepy but determined motion.“Hello?” she said groggily, her voice low and raspy from sleep.On the other end, Michele’s voice sounded serious. “Aiden, there’s an important meeting this morning. You need to—”Amira cut him off mid-sentence. “He’s not coming anywhere,” she said, her words slow and deliberate. “Handle it yourself.”There was a moment of stunned silence from Michele.Aiden, unable to hold back his amusement, chuckled softly, burying his face in her hair. “You’re something else, you know that?” he murmured, kissing her cheek.Michele, still on
The cold metal of the gun pressed against Amira’s back sent a shiver down her spine, but her jaw clenched in defiance. The man behind her tightened his grip on her hair, yanking her head back as he sneered.“Put the gun down,” he ordered, his voice rough and taunting. “You’ve got no chance, sweetheart. You’re just a girl.”Amira’s teeth ground together, her blood boiling at his condescension. Her fingers twitched, itching to grab the gun, but his hold on her hair kept her restrained.From the shadows, a soft, deliberate noise echoed—a click of the tongue, dripping with mock disappointment.The man holding Amira froze, his head snapping toward the sound. Amira turned her eyes in the same direction, and from the darkness, a figure stepped into the dim light, his silhouette instantly recognizable.Aiden.He stood casually, a gun resting lazily in his hand, his other hand scratching his head as if he were mildly bored. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up, but his expr
The clock on the bedside table read 2:37 a.m. when Amira’s phone buzzed silently. She stirred, blinking in the dim light as she reached for it. The name Denis flashed across the screen. Her pulse quickened. She glanced at Aiden, whose arm was draped over her waist, his steady breathing indicating he was deep asleep.She hesitated for a second before answering, whispering, “Hello?”“Amira,” Denis’s voice was sharp, urgent. “I’m in trouble. I need you. Now.”“What’s going on?” she asked, keeping her voice low.“They’ve found me. I’m sending my location. Please, hurry,” he said before the line went dead.Amira exhaled slowly, her mind racing. She turned to Aiden, carefully lifting his arm and sliding out of bed. He stirred briefly, but his breathing soon returned to its rhythmic cadence.She moved quietly through the apartment, grabbing her jacket and the loaded gun she kept in a drawer. As she reached the living room, Leo, lifted his head, his sharp eyes following her.“Shh, Leo,” she w
Aiden signalled one of his men to clean up the mess and made other one to drive the car.The air in the car was heavy with the remnants of the chaos they had just left behind, but in the backseat, the tension between Aiden and Amira had shifted to something softer, something far more intimate. The city lights flickered through the tinted windows, casting a warm glow over their faces as the car rolled down the quiet streets.Amira leaned against Aiden, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. She let out a long, tired sigh and turned her face slightly toward him. “Thanks for the… valuable gift,” she murmured, her voice laced with a mix of gratitude and lingering exhaustion.Aiden smirked, tilting his head to look at her. “Valuable gift? That’s one way to put it,” he teased, his tone playful. “You emptied bullets into him.shouldn’t I deserve more than thanks”Amira shot him a faint smile, her eyes glimmering under the soft light.She shifted slightly, looking up at him more directly. “
The gun felt like it weighed a thousand pounds in Amira’s trembling hands, but her resolve was steady. Memories crashed over her like waves—moments of fear, anguish, and betrayal all tied to the man in front of her. He had been the architect of her nightmares, the shadow that loomed over her every step, and now, he sat bound, powerless, and at her mercy.Her breath came in short, sharp bursts as she took a step closer, her eyes dark with rage. She raised the gun and pointed it at his groin, her finger hovering over the trigger. “Stephen”she called out his name with a sinister smile with an head tilt..The man’s sneer vanished instantly, replaced by wide-eyed terror.“No! Wait! Please!” he shouted, struggling against the restraints. “Don’t do this! I’ll do anything you want—just don’t shoot!”Amira’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “Anything I want?” she repeated, her voice cold and venomous. “How generous of you, can you give my child’s life back.”“I—I was wrong,” he stammered, hi
The night air was thick with finality as I packed my things and left the mansion behind—along with the memories, the pain, and the darkness it harbored. Every step I took away from that place felt like shedding a weight off my chest, but the further I went, the more I realized how deeply my father’s betrayal had wounded me. Even leaving Aiden behind, with all the history we shared, felt like a necessary step in a journey that no longer had any clear destination.The city lights grew dim as I sped away, and by the time I reached Mia’s house, the moon was hanging low in the sky, casting long shadows over her quiet neighborhood. I knocked softly at first, hesitant to disturb her, but the need for someone—anyone—was stronger than my hesitance. My second knock was firmer, and after a few moments, the door opened to Mia’s familiar face, her warm smile faltering when she saw the state I was in.“Amira?” Her voice was full of surprise, then concern as she took in my tear-streaked face, the ha