DAMIEN“What do we do first now?" Shawna asked."England of course, that's where we'll get all our answers and gather more evidence on them,” Liam said.Getting to England at the moment wasn't a problem for them as all I had to do was to make a few calls and we’ll be on the flight."That's good then, let's prepare. I'll just get to some people so we can get there quickly. I'm assuming that you both have your international passports ready.” I asked.“Yes," Liam answered for them, he knew about Shawna so much that she could decide to fly out of the country anytime soon.The fact that he even answered for her made me feel somehow, but I just overlooked that, it's probably nothing.“Okay then, I'll need that to get us out of here. Let's get ready, shall we?" I asked and both Shawna and Liam nodded.Just as we were about to walk into the cars we came with, my phone rang. It was the doctor calling. Not just any doctor but the one working for Eugene.“It's the doctor," I said out loud, alert
SHAWNAWe arrived in England in no time, the journey was just smooth, with no unnecessary stopover. It's just like everything was working together for our good concerning that.We haven't been able to contact Damien, but I'm sure he'll contact us once there's something we need to know, so we're all good for now.“Are you good?" Liam asked me as we got out of the plane, on our way to the part where we looked for the car Damien already prepared for us.“Of course, what about you?” I asked him back."I'm okay, it just kind of feels good to be in another land even though we're here for something rather important.” He said."Right…" I mumbled as I looked around, the place is fine, people here are just minding their business, just the way I love it.We recognized the car in no time, the driver was just like Damien described with the clothes and everything. We hopped into the car.Liam brought out the papers he had with him, the one that had the address of the house we were going to lay befo
EUGENEHe looked at me tentatively before handing over his phone to me, he didn't look comfortable with that but he gave me the phone anyway.“Here it is." He said and took the phone from him. I took it from him with a smile on my face.“Thank you. I'm just going to…” I trailed off as I did the things I wanted to, I already prepared everything, all I needed to do on his phone was to accept it there.I was done in a minute and handed over the phone to him.“I just resaved my name on your phone, that was all," I said when I noticed that he wanted to check his phone to see what was going on.I did change my name on his phone to make this more believable. He stopped looking at the phone immediately I said that.“I think you should go to the registry to book a date for us so we'll get married as soon as possible,” I told him.“I don't think I understand you, why do we have to rush?" He asked.“Didn’t you agree to us getting married immediately?" I pouted, hoping I just gave him my best pou
SHAWNATerror gripped my entire form as whoever was with the gun started chasing us, the gunshots were getting closer and we kept running too.“Go faster! They're getting closer! You're both too slow!” Henry yelled. I felt like I was holding them back, especially Liam. He's a great runner, but right now he's being so slow.I tried to rub as fast as I could but it just felt like I wasn't doing enough, those people are too fast.At some point, it seems we lost them because no one was behind us anymore. I wanted to stop but Henry was greatly against that.“Don’t stop till I say you should.” He said, proceeding further. It's just that he seems to know about this very well and we just have to follow his instructions if we want to get out of here alive.He soon stopped at some point, the place was just in between two stores, one could run if they wanted to here, it's an open space. Going forward would be a street while going back is that alley.“Why are you two even here? You're only compli
SHAWNAI looked away from him when I heard another groan from Liam, he's bleeding again, blood was seeping from the bandage and he looked like he'd lose his breath anytime soon.“Stay with me, Liam. You have to fight this with everything in you, you have to keep your eyes open now." I tried as much as possible to keep my voice stable even though I was practically shaking.I looked up from Liam when I heard departing voices she footsteps. It seems the people Henry said were around us just left.“They're gone." He said and I went back to being relieved a bit, Liam is my utmost priority now, we need to find help for him.“Did Damien say he's coming for you?" Henry asked."Yes, he's the only one that can get us out of here now. He said people are coming to get us out of here.” The tears were falling on my face freely.I've never felt this useless, it just feels like I'm just here useless while he's dying. I should be able to do something to help him, he has always been the one helping me,
SHAWNA“I think I'll just present it to my grandfather now, he's inside." He'll know what to do to the evidence.“Who’s your grandfather?” Henry asked, frowning.“He's someone you know, but I'd rather not say it. Just know that he'll be able to get Eugene out of the way with this." I smirked.“Okay then, just do anything that'll get her locked up for good.” He shrugged."Yeah, so I guess it's a goodbye turn,” I said, looking majorly at Damien."Unfortunately, I'll miss you so much. I wish we had more time now." Damien mumbled, he sounded so much like someone sad.“We'll still see tomorrow or something," I said.“We will, it's just not today. Goodbye anyways, I'm leaving with him." He pointed at Henry.I bade them goodbye then I ran into the house with a bright smile on my face. I really can't wait to tell Grandfather about this, he'll be so happy.I went upstairs and got to our floor in no time, opening the door with my card. They were all settled before the television, watching a sho
SHAWNAI stared at her with nothing coming to my mind as a response to her, she had a smirk on her face and was assessing me as if she expected me to lose my cool or something.Because of that look, I had to suppress the emotions coursing through me. I cleared my throat and put on the best smiling expression I could come up with.“When is the wedding? When is it meant to hold?" I asked her.“In two days, I'm doing it with the company's anniversary. So, you're specially invited, here's your invitation card." She collected a card from the person behind her and handed it over to me.“Here you go." She said as I took the card from her.I stared at the said card, the design was beautiful, obviously made by one of the best graphic designers in town.“So I'm expecting you as my maid of honor, you'll have everything you need, including dresses delivered to you before the day. Just come and be behind me as my maid of honor, sister."That last word sounded more like a mocking one from her, she
EUGENEThe kind of anger that surfaced through me when I saw Shawna and Liam at the mall was unmatched, I just wanted to smash their faces, but I had to control the anger.Smiling with her was harder than I thought it would be, especially when all I just wanted to do was end her existence.And Kyle told me that they've been taken care of, I've been waiting for the news of their death since I've been expecting to hear that they were killed in a gang shooting or something.Only for me to see them at the mall when I came to get something, I was more than shocked to see them there.But maybe I'll just end Shawna's chapter when she comes to the event.I didn't think twice before inviting her to the wedding, I just knew I'd have to do something about her when she came there since Kyle was too useless to do that.“Ma'am? Are you okay?" The lady I came here with is meant to assist me all through today with my dresses and other things I'll need to be said.“Do I look any different? Just do you
SHAWNAI could feel the weight of it all pressing down on me. The constant decisions, the expectations that seemed to build up faster than I could keep track of. I just wanted a small wedding, simple and quiet, with the people who mattered most. But it felt like every step I took toward what I wanted was met with resistance.“Shawna, you need to speak up if you’re not being treated the way you deserve,” my mother had said earlier, concern thick in her voice. “You can’t let them walk all over you.”“I’m not being walked all over,” I’d snapped back, though I wasn’t sure if that was entirely true. “It’s just... the wedding. It’s a lot of pressure.”She sighed, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. “I know it’s a big deal, but you need to be honest about what you want, honey. If they’re making you uncomfortable—”“I’m fine, Mom,” I cut in, though I wasn’t. “I just want a small wedding. Is that too much to ask?”“Nothing wrong with that,” she said, squeezing my shoulder. “You deserve to
SHAWNAI felt like I was on a rollercoaster that wouldn’t stop. It was only a few hours ago when Damien had asked me to marry him. The words still echoed in my head, as did the joy on his face when I said yes. It felt right, no, more than right. It felt like everything I’d been hoping for, everything I’d wanted. A family, love, stability... finally, I was getting the life I’d always dreamed of.But then, of course, reality hit. Damien’s family came into the picture, and things started to spiral out of control.“Mommy, what kind of dress are you gonna wear?” Phoebe asked, her tiny voice cutting through the thoughts swirling in my head. She was jumping up and down, her little hands clapping. She was thrilled, and I couldn’t help but smile at her excitement. Billy wasn’t far behind, grinning like a Cheshire cat.“I don’t know yet, sweetheart,” I replied, ruffling her hair. “But I’ll make sure it’s something special.”Damien was watching me with that goofy grin, practically glowing from h
DAMIENThe first thing I felt when I woke up was the thudding in my head. It was like a drumbeat pounding against my skull, relentless and unforgiving. My throat was dry, and I could barely focus my blurry vision on the sterile white ceiling above me. What the hell happened?I tried to sit up, but the weight of the IV in my wrist stopped me. Groaning, I reached for it, fingers trembling as I fumbled for the connection. I was going to yank it out, end the damn pain, and figure out what had happened. Maybe then I’d understand why the hell everything hurt so much.But just as my hand hovered over the IV, I heard her voice. Shawna’s voice. It was shaky, full of urgency.“Damien, don’t you dare!”I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Her tone was sharp, but beneath it was something I hadn’t expected: fear. Real fear.I turned my head slowly to find her standing at the foot of the bed, wide-eyed, her face pale, tears glistening on her cheeks.“Shawna…” I croaked, still trying to make sense of
SHAWNAI stood in the hallway, my heart heavy as I listened to the sound of my children’s feet racing ahead, eager to see their father. I was grateful for their eagerness, for their simple hope that he would wake up, but I was also terrified. How could I explain to them that everything might not go back to normal? That their dad wasn’t just going to wake up one day like he always did?"Mom," Billy called back, turning his small face up to me, "we’re not going anywhere until Dad wakes up, right?"I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a smile. "Of course not, sweetie. We’re all staying right here."The weight of the words I didn’t say hung in the air, but Billy didn’t seem to notice. He turned back and tugged on his sister’s hand. "Come on, Billy! Dad’s gonna be so happy to see us!"I nodded at their excited faces and tried to hold it together. They needed me to be strong. They couldn’t know how badly I was breaking inside.As the kids dashed down the hall, I leaned against the w
PHOEBEI bounced on the couch, swinging my legs as I watched Grandma stir something in a big pot. The kitchen smelled nice, but I didn’t care about food. I just wanted Mommy. And Daddy. And Uncle Liam. And Jasper."Grandma, when is Mommy coming back? And Daddy? And Uncle Liam? And Jasper?" I asked for the hundredth time.Grandma sighed and wiped her hands on her apron. "Phoebe, sweetheart, they’ll be back soon. Just be patient."I hugged my teddy close and frowned. "But what if they don’t come back? What if they’re lost forever?"Billy, who was lying on the couch beside me, groaned loudly. "They’re not lost forever, Phoebe. Just… stop asking."I turned to him and crossed my arms. "But how do you know? What if something bad happened?"Billy sat up, rubbing his face. "Nothing bad happened. You’re just making stuff up."I pouted. "I am not!"Grandma sighed again, coming over to pat my head. "Sweetheart, your mommy and the others will be back soon. You just have to trust me."I looked dow
SHAWNAMy hands shook as I stared at the phone screen. A strange number. My heart pounded.Liam leaned closer. "Answer it."I swallowed hard and pressed the button. "Hello?"There was silence for a second, then…"Mommy?"My breath caught in my throat. "Jasper?! Baby, is that you?""Mommy!" His little voice was filled with excitement. "I found the police! They helped me!"Tears streamed down my face as I clutched the phone. "Oh my God! Where are you, baby? Are you okay?"A deep voice came through the line. "Ma'am, this is Officer Reynolds from the Oakridge Police Department in Washington. Your son was found a few hours ago. He came to us himself and reported that he had been kidnapped."Liam exhaled sharply beside me. "Is he safe? Did you get the kidnapper?""We’re still searching, but he’s unharmed. We need you to come immediately.""We’re on our way!" I said quickly. "Please don’t let him out of your sight!""Understood, ma’am."I hung up and turned to Liam, gripping his arm tightly.
JASPERI blinked my eyes open and sat up, rubbing the sleep from my face. This wasn’t my room. My Spider-Man nightlight wasn’t glowing. My big, fluffy blanket wasn’t here. I looked around. The bed was too big, the walls were gray, and the air smelled weird, like old socks and something burnt. Where was I?I slid off the bed, my bare feet touching the cold floor. My tummy felt funny, like when I got scared watching scary cartoons. I walked to the door and pushed it open. The hallway was long and empty.“Hello?” My voice was small.Nothing.I took slow steps, my heart thumping fast. Then I saw him, the man who took me. He was sitting at a table, eating chips, and watching something on his phone.I walked up to him, my fingers curling into fists. “Where are we?” I asked, trying to sound brave. Mommy always said I was her brave little soldier.The man looked up, surprised. “You’re awake.”I nodded. “I had a bad dream. I want my mommy.”The man sighed, putting his phone down. “Kid, your mo
SHAWNAMy hands wouldn’t stop shaking. My breath came out in ragged gasps as I sat on the edge of the hospital bed, gripping Damien’s hand like it was the only thing keeping me from collapsing.“Damien, baby, please wake up,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “You have to wake up. You have to fight. I can’t do this without you.”His face remained still, pale, lifeless. The beeping of the machines was the only sign that he was still with me. The doctors had told me he was stable, but stable wasn’t enough. I needed him awake. I needed my son back.The thought of Jasper sent a fresh wave of panic through me. I covered my face with my hands, trying to control the sobs wracking my body.“You’re falling apart,” Eugene’s voice cut through my grief like a blade.I snapped my head up, my vision blurring with rage. “Shut up.”She smirked, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed. “Still fighting? You’re exhausting to watch.”I tightened my grip on Eugene’s collar, my nails digging into
SHAWNA The beeping of the monitors was the only sound in the sterile hospital room. Damien lay still, his face pale, his body unmoving. I clutched his hand tightly, my voice trembling. "Damien, please..." My throat burned with emotion. "I can't do this without you. Jasper needs us. I need you." I clutched his limp hand, squeezing it tightly as if my grip alone could pull him back. His face was pale, his breathing steady but weak. The machines around him beeped rhythmically, a constant reminder of how fragile this moment was. "Damien, wake up!" My voice cracked, thick with desperation. "He's running out of time! I can't lose both of you!" Still, nothing. Not even the slightest movement. My chest tightened, a crushing weight pressing down on me. I bit my lip, willing myself not to break down. I had to be strong, for Jasper, for Damien. But how could I be strong when everything was slipping through my fingers? Tears blurred my vision as I rested my forehead against our joined hands