HAILEY'S POV"I'm pregnant," I said. Jaxon froze, as I expected, the two small glasses sliding down from his grasp, his jaw dropping, and his eyes widening in shock. I could swear he couldn't breathe, trying to process what I just told him."When? What? How?" he finally found his voice."I went for a test last week. I'm almost a month," I replied."And you didn't tell me," he half-yelled, cutting me off, as I averted my eyes, avoiding eye contact."I didn't know how you'd react," I yelled, my lungs out."I would have prepared..." He said. Even if he wasn't prepared at least he could have reacted better."How could I? You were busy with work and trying to set Tristan up on those unsuccessful blind dates while I was with Willow," I said."But you should have told me you wanted a baby. I would have at least been prepared," Jaxon yelled."I didn't want to keep the baby," I yelled again as my eyes welled up."I wanted to abort it. I didn't want to keep it because I know how you'd react, an
WILLOW'S POVI wore a black scarf to work to hide what Tristan printed on me as everyone gave me looks. Raelynn was the only one that's being nice to me since she's my trainer and also since every nurse in the hospital thinks if they talk to me, they'll get fired. I just checked in, pushing my scarf up to hide the hickey, as Raelynn, who ordered me to take down some patients' diagnoses, noticed me struggling with my scarf."Um, Willow..." Raelynn called as I turned to face her."Are you sick or something...?" she asked as I struggled with my scarf."Nope... It's just that... I thought it would be nice to be fashionable for once. Everyone wearing the Same uniform every day, and it's kinda cold recently," I said as she scoffed and glared at me."That's the hospital for you. You aren't in Greenland. You are supposed to work with the temperature when carrying out certain activities, whether hot or cold. Now take it off, you look ridiculous," she spat, taking down some diagnoses herself."
WILLOW'S POVHe roughly kissed me. I was stunned and shocked. Markus kissed me, and I didn't like it one bit. His hands traced down under my top as he slid his fingers under. His fingers dug up the hems of my top slowly, trying to take it off. I tried pushing him off me, but his body was a force I couldn't push over. His fingers dug deeper, slowly sliding my shirt off. He had the upper hand on me as he sucked the life off my lower lip until he bit it so hard my lower lip bled.He didn't stop there. He sucked on my lower lip so aggressively that my lips started to bruise as he involuntarily deepened the kiss. His tongue pushed past, forcing its way into my mouth, pushing my head back as he forced me down on the table. He took off his shirt, his eyes full of lust. It wasn't going to end well for me any moment from now. If he doesn't take it off, he's eventually going to tear it apart.His force on me was greater than before as he climbed on me, my eyes welling up.What was I thinking wa
TRISTAN'S POVI was in my room, glancing through my phone. I didn't feel like stepping foot in the casino today. I was planning to take Willow out if she comes back, until a furious Hailey barged into my room."Hailey, you're back..." She wasn't happy; she looked like she cried on her way here. As she made her way towards me, her eyes were swollen, her cheeks puffy, and her eyes red."Hailey, are you okay?" She sniffed as she ruffled her tears dry."We broke up..." she cried."Wait, you and Jaxon broke up?" My brows furrowed as I tried to sink in the information. I knew they would break up eventually, but I didn't expect it now. I thought maybe after three months into the relationship they would call it off. It's been eight years now; this was unexpected."And it's all your fault." She claimed, my brows furrowed. "My fault?" I mouthed in visible confusion. "Yes, your fault, but you were right; he doesn't love me, and I had to accept the true reality that I'm nothing more than his slut
WILLOW'S POVMy eyes darted to Tristan, who was screaming his lungs out as he tried to force his way through the gates. My feet were glued to the ground as every single memory of Tristan held me down, even as the upcoming vehicle tried to hit the brakes.I picked the right day to wear black. Today was the day I die. Death won't escape me now. Maybe I'll see Mom. Did she even want to see me?As my life flashed before my eyes, I heard some voices trying to sink in through my skull, but I was too in the moment to listen.This was it, the light shined so bright for me, leading me to my early grave, a way for me to die. All those times I hurt Tristan, in my eyes, it felt so slow and right to die. But one person won't let me die that easy, not without him eventually.Quickly, Tristan made his way past the gates as he raced towards me, pushing me away from the hands of death. The moment he saved me, the moment he pushed me away from the cold hands of death, the upcoming vehicle, which turns
HAILEY'S POVOn the day when hope seemed within reach, when Willow could have reclaimed her memories, fate cruelly intervened. She teetered on the brink of death, slipping into the clutches of unconsciousness, her fragile state worsened by a concussion. Meanwhile, Tristan lay in a coma, unresponsive to any treatments."The doctor confirmed that Willow couldn't handle the pressure, causing her to pass out. It could have been perilous, especially since she had just begun to regain some of her memories. She's yet to awaken," Jaxon explained solemnly, his words hanging heavily in the air. "As for Tristan, his breathing has stabilized, thankfully due to Willow's efforts, but there's been no sign of him waking up from his coma." All I could manage was a silent nod, the weight of the situation pressing down on me like an insurmountable burden."Thank you for helping them get to the hospital. You can go now; you'll be informed if anything happens," I said icily, heightening the tension betwee
WILLOW'S POV"I'm sorry..." Vivian's expression haunted me, her words echoing in my mind as if she was saying goodbye forever. The fear intensified when I remembered her promise to my mom, vowing to keep me safe no matter the cost to her own life.I'm overwhelmed with confusion and torn between staying to ask Vivian how she knew my mom, what she meant by "people change," and whether someone is after Tristan. A whirlwind of thoughts fills my mind like popping corn, but my primary focus and fear remain centered on Tristan .The White room is reserved for those teetering on the verge of death, where medical intervention proves futile. I've frequented that place countless times, witnessing too many souls slip away in their sleep. They linger there until they drift into a deep slumber from which they never awaken.My heart bleeds every moment I think about Tristan in this situation. He's on life support, attached to oxygen, and won't wake up. Any moment now, his heart will stop as he slowl
WILLOW'S POVJaxon and I, disguised, were almost at the White Room, blending in seamlessly. We ran across the empty corridor until we stood before a white door with a red mark. My hands found their way into the pocket of my lab coat as I retrieved the key pass and slid it over the door, causing it to open."I'll be out here keeping lookout. Go to him," Jaxon said as I nodded. I entered the room, as I imagine, he was strapped down, eyes shut. He was still breathing, and the monitor clearly showed his heart was still beating.I walked towards him, my eyes welled up with emotion. I took off my lab coat and sat down next to him. It's ironic how the tables have turned. He used to sit next to me, suffocating me with his presence, something I once despised, something I now treasure, something I want now.I intertwined my fingers with his, brushing them gently."Hey..." That's it? I had been thinking of what to say to him, and all I could come up with was 'Hey.'"I'm sorry for letting this ha
Willow's POVAfter I got my shift off, behold, I saw Hailey . She rocked black ripped jeans and an imprinted denim crop top. I wouldn't believe her if they said she recently gave birth; talk of she put to birth early, and guess what? Twins! I'm so happy for her and Tristan, and recently they got married. I swear Jaxon has his hands full with a boy and a girl; the boy's name is Allister, and the girl's name is Willow."I thought you were in London," I said as she pulled me into a hug."I'm on the run, and I missed you, and Jaxon wouldn't permit me, so I stole a jet and came here. So, how's the hospital?" she asked, clinging tightly to my arm and pulling me away from the hospital."Great! I'm getting full validation having over the hospital documents. You are free to call me Doctor Willow," I teased."After you go to med school," she said, ignoring my protests."Hey, I've not fully checked out yet," I cried, but she didn't listen."Jaxon is on the lookout for me, and I don't have much t
WILLOW'S POV"What if he doesn't like me?" Tina panicked, jolting back and escaping from my grip."He's my dad, and I'm sure he'll be happy to welcome you into his heart," I said as she looked into the community center for old people. It's been five months now, and she's nervous about meeting Dad.We've both had lots of time together to bond, and I'm sure she forgives me for the whole stealing her boyfriend thing, I think.My dad recently woke up from his coma, and Tristan permitted us both to see him. It didn't matter, though, because we were both going to go anyways."How do you know he will like me?" she said, clinging tightly to the frames of the door. Tina Mendoza, nervous? I think not."You've strutted the runway, eaten competition, and broken your competitors, and you're afraid of meeting your stepfather. Tina, he's heard so much about you and really wants to see you. Show him the real Tina Mendoza," I said as she let go of the frames and hugged me."It's Tina Shawn Davis to yo
WILLOW'S POVI'm in a wedding dress, and all eyes land on me. I feel very uneasy; they won't stop staring. Maybe it's because they are surprised to see a bride at an airport. Markus said we are getting married the moment we land in Croatia and start a new life away from troubles. As pleasant as all that sounds, I feel like I'm leaving a big part of me behind, like an other half, but every time I try to remember, nothing comes.It's my turn to pass through the metal detector. It scans for any metal but dings green. I prayed for it to ding red so that I might be held back, but it didn't. Markus took me by my hand, ushering me to the plane he booked. I can't believe it, and I don't know why I'm feeling miserable. The cloud is heavy, and it looks like it was about to rain. Maybe lightning will strike the plane because death is optional. Right now, I don't want to leave, but I'm afraid to tell Markus ; the way he reacted earlier scared me."Are you ready?" he said as our luggage was being
WILLOW'S POVThe nurse keeps asking me questions about who Tristan Donovan is. I don't even remember how I got here. I feel like I'm forgetting something, but did I just have an operation or plastic surgery that I don't remember anything? A doctor walked in with a cunning grin. I looked down. I'm wearing a wedding dress in a hospital. Something is definitely wrong because weddings and hospitals don't mix."Willow, you are alive. I thought those hitmen would finally get to you, but I made sure you wouldn't pass into the cold hands of death," he said, walking towards me. I feel like he's a bad omen or something."Who are you, and why am I in a wedding dress?" I asked."We were about to get married, but this man tried to kill you. He's already arm's length away from you, and to be safe, we need to leave the country," he said, showing me a picture of a man I think I remember but can't."Why?" I asked."I'm afraid you are not safe here. We will be departing from the hospital to the airpor
WILLOW'S POVBeing escorted by bodyguards, I slowly wiped my tears dry. I didn't like what I was about to do, but I had no choice. As I reached where Tristan was being held captive, I tapped gently, even though I didn't have to, before letting myself in.Tristan, pale and looking almost dead, brightened up. His eyes lit up in hope upon seeing me, as if he had been awaiting my arrival."What took you so long, and what's with the wedding dress?" he asked with a faint smile. His smile was so contagious that I looked down to the floor. It hurt so much coming here, it hurt so much seeing him in person, I felt soulless and inhumane to even be here to tell Tristan what Markus wanted me to say to him."I hate you." I started. It felt as if I got punched on my throat. "I don't love you anymore," my heart bled on mentioning that, it wasn't any better but I thought it might soften the blow."What exactly are you trying to say?" he asked."You're not deaf; you heard me. Like you said, you don't b
JAXON'S POV"Willow... Willow..." I yelled at the top of my voice over the phone, but I got no reply until I heard a scream, and eventually, the call hung up."What happened?" Sam asked, wearing a worried look, waiting for my reply."He got her..."WILLOW'S POVYawning, my eyes slightly opened to everything white. A sharp sensation hit my head as I tried bearing the migraines. I attempted to massage my temples, but my hand was pulled back; clearly, I was chained to a hospital bed. I looked around, seeing pedals on the floor. I struggled with my chains to break free, but they were solid metal. I felt a sharp sting at my arm. Why did it hurt so much? Oh right... I remembered that bastard shot me, and I bled so much. But how am I still alive? I think I lost a lot of blood.I looked down to see myself clad in a wedding gown. I could hear wedding bells playing, but how was that possible when I was chained to a hospital bed? There was a TV in the middle of the room."Help!" I yelled at the
JAXON'S POVI looked into the files with Tina's laptop, logging into my email to receive whatever Willow sent, but she cut the call. As we clicked on the file, it was called "Black File.""They look like normal computer programming to me," I said after minutes of searching, unsure of what Sam touched, logging us into another program."That's strange, these are all files of security tapes at the hospital where Caden got his surgery, but they look hidden," Tina said."And these look like contacts for the explosion of a plane to Ukraine," Sam added. "And these are contacts to the goons that chased us," she added as I got back into focus."That's not the only thing. Look at this, Willow is the rightful owner and heir to everything. This is Clara's original will, but in digital form because she left Valentina , which is Tina, some property," I said."It makes sense. That's why Clara wrote that secret message on the will. She was forced to write that fake will. Clara never willed Willow," S
91 "Mr. Donovan , you have a visitor," one of the cops yelled as they opened up the cell and cuffed me violently, escorting me to the visiting room. They pushed me into the room, instructing me to sit down on the chair while I wait for my visitor. I hope it's Willow. She hasn't picked up my calls, and I haven't heard from her. The only phone call I had, I used it to call her, but she didn't pick up. It's like she disappeared. The door opened, and my eyes lit up in hope but were crushed later on as Tina made her way in. I didn't spare her a look. All I wanted to see was Willow, but she's nowhere to be heard from. She grinned, sitting down on the chair opposite me, bringing out a plastic takeout and pushing it towards me as she gestured for me to eat, but I refused. "Come on, Tristan, eat up, please," she pleaded. I froze. I didn't want to eat anything. All I could think about was Willow. "Is Willow okay?" those were the only words that escaped my lips. She hissed at my reply, frow
WILLOW'S POV "But Willow, your mother knew she was going to die and she knew her killer. I'm sorry, but I think Tristan killed Clara..." Sam said. "It's not true..." I violently shook the table, driving both Rhett and Sam away from me. "Willow, is there any other proof? The evidence is right before our very eyes. Tristan killed Clara." "He didn't kill my mom, OK? This is just a coincidence..." I growled, trying to convince myself she's wrong. She has to be wrong. "Raelynn and Clara's clearly state someone was going to kill her, and it all points to Tristan . Tell me it's just a joke that you think he's innocent..." she said as I got up. "They didn't write Tristan's name, did they? And why would Tristan want to kill my mom? The government was after me, not Tristan . This doesn't make sense," I sighed in frustration. "Didn't you see the news? He killed Caden and probably burnt down his property... And it was just confirmed that he killed Caden with identified evidence. You