A month LaterLeah's povIn the conference room"What?! That's not possible," Mia exclaimed, her wide eyes reflecting her disbelief.As the youngest designer on the team, she had a boundless imagination and was tasked with designing dreamy gowns for kids. "I agreed with Mia," Jason chimed in, adjusting his glasses and adding, "The International Fashion Gala competition is not just an ordinary event, Leah. It's a big deal."I could see the doubt in their eyes, but I remained determined. "I know you all won't agree, but this international fashion gala competition has the potential to elevate our brand internationally," I gently tapped my nose, trying to convey my conviction.Lilian, who had been focused on sketching, looked up and replied, "As much as it might have the potential to make us international, it's not meant for local brands like ours, Leah. This fashion gala is only for well-known and established brands.""I think Lilian is right. Besides, getting a slot for this competitio
Axel's povAt the hospital "Are you happy getting discharged today, are you? Are you?" I heard Leah's playful voice as soon as I stepped into the children's VIP ward. After discovering that Jasper was my son, I had changed his ward to the VIP section, giving him a large room only to himself.The room was filled with toys, resembling an amusement park. Jasper was sitting on the bed with his tablet in hand, while Leah was tickling him, trying to make the little man laugh."Aiya!, mommy, stop tickling me," Jasper said, scowling in frustration. "I am no longer a baby."Leah looked at him surprised. "Who told you that you are no longer a baby? You will forever be mommy's baby," she said with a smile tugging his cheek.Jasper retorted, "I am already a big boy, mommy. I am now five years old, and I will be starting kindergarten soon," raising five fingers to show Leah.Leah scoffs and walked over to the luggage by the side, indicating that it was time to leave. Jasper looked up from his t
Leah's PovI gently wiped my mouth and stood up, "Axel we need to talk," I said, leading him to the balcony. "Here" I said, as I stretched my hand, giving him a file. Axel looked at me with raised eyebrows as he flipped it open."These are some ground rules," I began, a firmness evident in my voice. "You need to visit Jasper once a week, and you are not allowed to let him know you are his father. Also, you can't introduce him to any of your family members," I announced to him.Axel waggled his eyebrow in disbelief. "Why am I allowed to see my son just once a week?" he asked, puzzled by the limitations I was imposing. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my resolve. "That's the time frame we've agreed on. If you know you are not interested in signing the agreement, please hand them back to me," I replied, my tone firm and unwavering.I made a move to collect the agreement file from him, but Axel swiftly dodged it and quickly signed the document. I handed him his copy, and as his fro
Axel's PovThe Russo Empire, Axel's office"They sent the letter again? Is this person actually a ghost that bro Axel couldn't catch?" Tony's frustration punctuated the air in the room.Marvin sighed and added, "This mysterious person sent the letter five years ago, and now they sent it again. I think this person is actually watching you even in the dark."I stood up and walked to the ceiling-to-floor window in my office, staring at the cityscape below as I clenched the crumpled letter in my hands.I received this same letter of threat five years ago when Louisiana just woke up from a coma, I was torn between my love for Leah and Louisiana. I wanted to break my engagement with Louisiana because I found myself falling for Leah, but I got this threat stating that if I should break the engagement, my mom will be killed, and Leah will also be in danger. A mom I have never known in all my life.This person is hidden in the dark. I can't risk my mom's life because there are some questions
Leah's PovI stood up suddenly, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks as I observed Axel's smirking presence and Jasper's innocent doe-like gaze fixed on me. It was an uncomfortable silence that seemed to stretch on, making me fidget as I tried to avoid their piercing stares. Finally, I mustered the courage to speak up, "It's getting late. Jasper and I need to go to bed. You should get going."As Axel gently rubbed his hands together, a sad expression enveloped his face, and he gazed at me with a pair of puppy-dog eyes. My resolve wavered for a moment as I found his antics endearing. Young master Axel, how can you act so cute?! I thought to myself, momentarily reminded of Jasper's similar charm and innocence. Shaking off the distraction, I quickly composed myself and put on a nonchalant facade as I challenged Axel, "What?! Do you want to lie that your house got burnt?"To my surprise, Axel's shamelessness knew no bounds as he slowly nodded and confessed, "I wouldn't say you are wrong
Axel's Pov"Better than when I was with you," Leah stated nonchalantly, and I felt my grip tighten on the glass cup. Watching her lower her head as if I didn't matter made my smile alter. "Doesn't she miss me even for a second during these five years?" I pondered. "I'm sorry, Leah," I said, pausing to meet her eyes, which widened in shock. "For all the pain I caused you..."There was a profound silence as Leah lowered her head and said, "What's the use when the deed has been done?"I could sense the pain in her voice, despite her nonchalant demeanor. Gently rubbing the cup of coffee before me, I pleaded, "Give me the chance, Leah, to make up for all the wrongs I've done."Leah looked at me and uttered, "Axel Russo, I only allowed you to stay here because of Jasper. Do not ask for more than the limit I've given you.""Leah, please listen to me. I know I wronged you, but please give me the chance," I implored gently.Leah slammed her hands on the table in anger. "Do you think coming her
Leah's PovAxel, Are you my father? Jasper asked. I felt my throat tighten at his question. I had been at the kitchen door, listening to their conversation. I couldn't deny that Jasper truly needed a father figure in his life.Axel smiled at Jasper and tugged at his cheek. "Jasper, I..." he began."He is not your father," I interjected, cutting off whatever Axel was about to say. "I don't care, I don't want to know, and I don't wish to know.""Mummy!" Jasper called out to me. I smiled and ruffled his short hair. "Good morning, Jasper," I said, trying to push aside the tension in the room. I dragged a dining chair and sat on it, pouring myself a glass of water, all the while ignoring Axel's gaze. After some time, Axel greeted me. "Good morning, Leah," he said.I ignored his greeting and said, "I will be going to work early today, so pack up early and leave." I couldn't let Axel stay here, not at all. If I did, it might lead to me quickly forgiving him, as I know I am soft-hearted. Sil
Welcome contestants to the 9th edition of the fashion gala competition.... Please settle in your workstation as the first round of the competition will begin in an hour's time," the MC's voice resounded through the speaker.I carefully placed the last piece of pin on the cloth I was designing. Each workstation had been assigned to the ten contestants as a preparation area before the competition. The format had three stages, where only six contestants moved on to the second segment, and then just three contestants for the final round."Each brand line here is well-known in the country, except for ours. How we even got a slot was a miracle," Mia remarked as she dropped the last batch of materials on the floor. She pointed to the workstation next to ours, which was empty. "I wonder who owns this workstation," Mia mused.I shrugged my shoulders and continued with what I was doing. "I wonder who is so lucky to be our next-door neighbor," Jack said, joining in the conversation.Just then,
Leah's PovI took a desperate breath, relief flooding through me as the police arrived. It was short-lived, however, as M suddenly held my neck and placed a knife against my skin, sending a shiver of fear through my body. "Stay where you are," M screamed, his voice filled with a chilling intensity. As his grip tightened, and the knife inched closer, I felt like I was on the brink of death. This type of scene had always seemed like a distant nightmare, only seen in movies. I pleaded silently with the police in my mind, "Please don't come closer," I thought, feeling the cold touch of the blade against my skin. I was never this close to death before, and the fear was suffocating.The police stood still, unsure of their next move. "Drop your weapons," they called out, trying to remain in control of the situation. "So that you can arrest me? Not possible," M sneered, his voice filled with defiance. "If you're going to get me, I'd rather go down with one person," he threatened, sending a
Leah's Pov,The room was quiet, except for the TV's voices that suddenly caught my attention. "Master, Little Red, called out as he stood up abruptly looking at the TV. I turned to look at the screen and saw Axel being handcuffed and taken away by the police. My heart skipped a beat. "Axel?!" I muttered, blinking my eyes, hoping it was just a dream. I reached for my phone to call him, but it wasn't going through. Panicked, I turned to Little Red. "Let's go," I said, my voice filled with worry."Leah, Hannah called after me, but I refused to wait. My heart filled with worry, "Axel, that liar," I screamed in my heart. I felt like tearing his face apart. As we sat in the waiting room, I hoped that it was all a lie. How could Axel be arrested? The weight of worry and questions filled my heart when I found out that he had gone alone to face M but fell into M's traps instead. "Men! They are scum," I seethed in anger.Suddenly, Axel was walked in by a police officer, his clothes changed i
Axel's Pov"Master, this is where the guy confessed to meet with M, during their mission," Little Nine said as soon as we came to a stop.I looked over at the clinic. It was a private hospital with a huge sign that read Milka Hospital. It had been in existence for over six years now, and it was rumored that the doctor had a magic touch. However, his face was never seen as he always wore a mask whenever he saw patients."That's pretty normal; most doctors always wear a nose mask when they are at work," I said to Little Nine."I know master, but his is quite different. Even the workers at the hospital never saw his face before," Little Nine said.I gently rubbed my lips with my thumb. "Always wearing a mask, was he afraid that his scar would scare people away?"Are the backups here yet?" I asked Little Nine as I made to go out."Yes, master, they are already here," Little Nine replied. I nodded and got down from the car. "Stay alert," I said to him.As I got to the entrance of the clini
Axel's Pov"Jasper recognized you at first glance," Leah asked me with wide eyes. I nodded as I stroked her hair. "You both deceived me. You are going to receive your punishment," I said to him."I am willing to receive anything," he said, locking gaze with me. "Gosh, how can he be so handsome," I muttered. "So what's the surprise?" i asked her.Leah looked at me and smiled. "I... she said, poking my chest, am... pregnan... my," she said to me slowly."Okay," I nodded. Leah looked at me, confused. "Was that the reaction you are supposed to have, she asked. I looked at her, suddenly, I came to a realization. "What?!" i exclaimed. "You are pregnant?" i asked her, my eyes shining. "When, how, how come I didn't know about it?" I asked her as i gently placed my hand on her stomach. "It happened after you 'died'," she said, looking at me. I grinned as I continued rubbing her stomach, smiling stupidly. "How many months is it now?" i asked her. I looked at her as she made the calculatio
Leah's PovAt the hospital,"Doctor How is he?" I asked anxiously, looking at the doctor.The doctor looked at me with a reassuring smile. "It's nothing serious. He just passed out from shock. The wounds are not too deep. You can go see him now," the doctor said before walking away.I entered the room, and the space was quiet, save for the constant beeping of the machine. I looked at Axel's pale face, my eyes stinging as I held back tears. Memories of his betrayal and the pain he had caused me flooded my mind. I felt torn between wanting to leave and never look back, and staying by his side, conflicted by my lingering feelings for him.I stood by the ward door, not wanting to move closer to him."Leah," Axel called out, jolting me back from my thoughts. I looked at him, his pale face crunched in pain as he struggled to sit up on the bed. "I need to go," I said, my voice strained, as I turned to leave."Leah, please, listen to me," Axel pleaded with a soft and gentle voice. His words
Axel's Pov "Your majesty!! Your breakfast is ready," Daniel said as he brought my breakfast to me. "Wow! You are really conscious of your body shape, riding a stationary bike this morning. I really need to applaud you," Daniel said, fawning."What do you want?" I asked him without looking at his face."President Axel," he said, and bent down to help me massage my leg.I looked at him, his smile spreading across. "Brother Axel, what would you say about my performance when I was your secretary?" he asked.I sighed. To be truthful, Daniel had outdone himself. He was really proficient and efficient. The professor had been very happy and had continued threatening him with a blind date, so that he could keep working in the company."Good," I said."Awwwn! I am blushing," he said, grinning, the tips of his werewolf teeth showing as he looked at me, his cheeks tinged with red. "You've never complimented anyone before," he said."Didn't I deserve an award?" he said, searching my eyes."What d
Leah's Pov,"Ms. Leah, here is the list of the people in the Montgomery family," Derek said as he passed me a small booklet. "You have to be careful; they are not the people you can joke with. They are extra dangerous," he said. I nodded, scanning through the file with a furrowed brow, taking in Derek's warning seriously.We arrived at the Montgomery estate, and all I could say was wow, this is... at the gigantic gate of the estate stood two large lions made of rare rubies. We underwent intense security checks at the gate before being allowed entry into the estate. The level of security was staggering.The house was surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden, with winding paths and intricate statues. The roof was curved and tiled, reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. The windows were arched and adorned with delicate detailing. The doors were made of dark wood, with latticework panels inlaid with elaborate designs, exuding a sense of tranquility and timeless elegance.
Leah's Pov"Why did you do this, Leah?" John asked, looking at me with concern. I ignored his gaze and looked straight at Axel. My mind raced with questions. Would he support me and help me? Would he reveal his true self? I anxiously awaited his response.Axel looked away from me, his demeanor nonchalant, as if I were not even visible. My heart clenched, and I felt like I was in a hot furnace, my emotions overwhelming me. Could it be....... Was he not Axel? I had questions, but he remained mute, refusing to reveal anything. Frustrated, sad, and tired, I looked around at the people working. "I will get to the bottom of this. Don't worry, keep on working," I assured the designers as I walked out to make a call. "Hey Michael," I said slowly. "Leah, what's wrong? You sound sad," Michael responded. "I am fine. I just need a little help from you," I said, trying to steady my voice.Several minutes later, several women walked into the backstage, their figures and beauty lighting up the
Axel's Pov8 hours ago,At the airport,"Brother Liam, you have to wait for some time, the car will be here soon," Daniel said, his voice filled with assurance. "Okay," I nodded, my fingers tapping away on my phone. It had been a long day, traveling from one country to another for a business collaboration. All I wanted was to fall into a deep sleep."Axel!" a cute voice shouted, causing me to snap out of my daze. I furrowed my brow, wondering if my ears were playing tricks on me. Couldn't be... I turned around and was met with the sight of Jasper. He was sporting shorts and a checkered shirt, paired with stylish sunglasses. His chubby, round face bore a striking resemblance to mine. My heart ached with longing to hug him and ruffle his hair; oh, how I missed my son. But then I hesitated. "Sorry, you've got the wrong person," I told him."You're not Axel?" Jasper asked, peering directly into my eyes as he took off his sunglasses."I am not," I replied, trying to maintain composure.