CHAPTER 9The complexity of it all weighed heavily on my heart. The tragedy didn't end there, as my father's second wife had later orchestrated his death, causing a ripple effect of despair and loss. And she was now presently jailed for her crime for life.The mere thought of my own origins, intertwined with such sorrow, sent a shiver down my spine. It was a chapter of my life that had haunted me, a burden I carried silently. But in that moment of introspection, I realized that my past need not dictate my future. I had the power to break the cycle, to shape my own destiny.A newfound clarity washed over me, a decision crystallizing within my core. I couldn't let the ghosts of my past dictate the course of my present and future. I had the strength and resilience to rise above the circumstances that had shaped me. I refused to let fear and despair dictate the choices I made.With a deep breath, I resolved to embrace the unknown, to face the challenges ahea
Chapter 10 As the evening drew near, we found ourselves sitting in a cozy corner of the mall's food court, savoring our last bites of dessert. Natalie and Laila exchanged glances, their eyes filled with curiosity and concern. It was clear that they wanted to ask about the reason behind my emotional state earlier, but they respected my decision to keep it private for now. In hopes that they would also understand the purpose for my silence even without me giving them a hint about it. I their company, I felt relieved. My true family was a mess up but this here is my true family. A family bound by trust and love. My baby would complete this little family of mine. As I sat on the couch, my hands resting gently on my still flat belly, I couldn't help but ponder over one of the most important decisions of my life. Every expectant mother faces the question of who will be the godmother to their unborn child, and I was no exception. Especially now that my two
CHAPTER 11Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I looked at my two best friends, now chosen as the godmothers to my unborn child. In that moment, I knew that my child would be surrounded by an abundance of love, laughter, and unwavering support. The support of it's mother and godmother's. With or without it's father.Together, my friends and I would navigate the beautiful journey of parenthood, with Natalie and Laila by my side, guiding, nurturing, and showering my child with their unique influences. And as for the aunt title, well, we would figure it out as a united front, just as we always had. An idea suddenly popped up in my head but I decided to leave it for then.I placed my hands on my belly once more, trying to feel even if the slightest hint that there was a life in there but there was nothing as expected. I whispered, "You are so loved already, little one. You will have two extraordinary godmothers who will shape your life in the most incred
CHAPTER 12 With every dip beneath the surface, I could feel the remnants of the day's frustrations drifting away. The water caressed my body, washing away the tension that had gathered up in me for hours. In these moments, I found solace, a temporary respite from the demands of my reality.As the water gradually cooled, I rose from the tub, wrapping myself in a plush robe. The reflection in the mirror revealed a face that mirrored my weariness, the lines etched by stress. But tonight, my countenance carried an additional layer of resentment, a result of the unwelcome presence of my mother. In my room, I closed the door of the bathroom behind me, shutting out the world beyond. As I dressed in my night wear which was an up an down night white shirt and white pants with vertical lines, I couldn't help but wonder when the rift between my mother and me had grown so deep. Our differences were not mere trivialities; they were fundamental aspects of our beings
Chapter 13 "I had the most incredible opportunity, Alexander. I was invited to the Met Gala, but I couldn't bear the thought of being away from you any longer, so I decided to come visit my dearest son and heir to our family empire" she praised, her voice filled with a mix of pride and affection. I continued to gaze intently into her eyes, unyielding in my scrutiny. The silence between us grew heavy, as if the unspoken words hung in the air, waiting to be acknowledged. I knew I was making her uncomfortable but that was the plan and it would go on until she breaks. "Stop," she finally said, her voice tinged with unease. "You're making me nervous." She complained "I feel like I'm in the presence of some kind of investigator over some kind of crime" she said, slowly fanning herself with her hand. Without a hint of emotion, I broke the silence, my words cutting through the air with an icy edge. "New boyfriend? judging by the new diamond wedding ring
CHAPTER 14"No you are not!" A sudden rage cursed through me and I stood up and hit the table hard in anger Frustration surged through me as I leaned forward, my voice laced with bitterness. "Best for us? Tell me, what part of your grand plan involved spending quality time with me and my sister? What part included being there when we needed a mother's love and support?"She flinched at my words, her facade of indifference crumbling. Her voice trembled as she struggled to respond. "Alexander, I admit I made mistakes. But I love you both, and I'm willing to make amends. We can rebuild what has been broken."A scoff was my reply to that followed by a smile that played upon my lips. "Rebuild? That's easier said than done, Mother. Trust isn't easily repaired, and forgiveness cannot be demanded. It must be earned."We fell into a heavy silence, the weight of our shattered relationship hanging heavy in the air. In that moment, I realized that the truth had
CHAPTER 15With renewed energy, I walked through the living room, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Leaving the living room behind, as I walked into the kitchen, the savory aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Natalie and Laila were bustling around, setting up the table with utmost care and precision. Plates, glasses, and silverware were meticulously arranged. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my two dear friends working together, their laughter and banter filling the room. "Hey, Em, come on in!" Natalie called out, flashing me a wide grin. "We're almost ready!" Laila looked up from her task and waved at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Emma, come sit at the table, seat at the edge." My heart swelled with warmth and gratitude. These incredible women had been my pillars of strength since the moment I told them about my pregnancy. They had showered me with love, support, and endless kindness. And now, they were going above
CHAPTER 16Her words resonated deep within me, reminding me that I had a network of love and understanding surrounding me. It was a reminder that I didn't have to face this journey alone.As the conversation faded into a contemplative silence, we continued our meal, each lost in our own thoughts. The taste of the food mingled with the bittersweet yearning in my heart. I imagined Alexander's reaction, his face contorting with surprise, anger, or perhaps even disappointment. It was an unanswerable question, one that I would have to confront in due time.In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the support of Natalie and Laila, I found solace. I realized that no matter the outcome of my conversation with Alexander, I had made a choice that felt right for me and my unborn child.With renewed determination, I pushed aside the uncertainties and focused on the present. I savored each bite of the meal, relishing the care and love that had gone
CHAPTER 130Emma's POV Just like the wind, the days cane and flew by. Before I knew it, it was Asher's birthday. I've been trying my best to convince Alexander and Olivia to at least reach out to their mother but neither of them were willing to give me a listening ear. Turned out fyn Mrs Collins was actually so wrong about both of them. At first Olivia would walk away from me at the mention of her mother but then after I had told her the story Mrs Collins had told me, I noticed that she had warmed up a bit.I could easily tell that for Olivia, all it took was a face to face apology from her mother and all will be okay. She is most definitely going to forgive. But Alexander.....He was a case study, I once had to bind him for him to be able to hear me out. I spoke about all the things Mrs Collins had told me and even explained just how much I feel for her as a mother that I am too. But Alexander always had a reply that undermines mine.There was no
CHAPTER 129Emma's POV " Olivia was already in a coma. For three long years, she lay there, and I couldn't bring myself to come home. I felt so ashamed and guilty. I thought I had ruined my daughter's life. I did get the alimony and thought to redeem myself in both their eyes by the fact that Olivia at least got something off from the marriage."Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to Mrs Collins' heartbreaking confession. The weight of her guilt was palpable. She had made grave mistakes, but deep down, I could sense her love for Olivia.Mrs Collins looked at me, her eyes filled with regret. "Emma, during those years, I couldn't face Olivia, but I couldn't bear being away from both my children any longer. That's why I returned for Alexander. I wanted him to get married to a girl of my choice, someone I had thoroughly investigated and thought would be good for him. I knew it would be hard convincing him after all that happened with Olivia but I had
CHAPTER 128Emma's POV Mrs Collins nodded, her gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Emma. Your words give me hope. I've made many mistakes, in my life but the greatest of all was neglecting them. Making them live their lives like my little puppets. I want them to know how much I love them."She sat back on the bench and let out a huge depressed sigh. I wondered how many mistakes she had made to make Alexander and Olivia be so mad at her.As we sat quietly on the bench Mrs Collins and I, a question burned within me. I mustered up the courage to ask, "Mrs Collins, may I ask why you were this way with your children. I do not want to seem intrusive but, we're your parents the same way with you?"Mrs Collins sighed, a mix of sorrow and regret on her face. She turned to me and said, "Emma, I wish to tell you a story. Do you wanna hear it?" She asked and I nodded gently." We weren't always so wealthy, you see, my parents weren't that poor, we were comfortab
CHAPTER 127Emma's POV A years later....A full year had flown by, and our little Asher had grown into a lively and mischievous toddler. On this particular day, Maria, Olivia, and I found ourselves engaged in a playful chase, trying to catch Asher and get him to put on his clothes. But he giggled and ran about, refusing to cooperate."Come on, Asher! It's time to get dressed," I called out, feeling a mix of exhaustion and amusement.But Asher just giggled even louder, darting away from us with his tiny legs carrying him swiftly. I could feel my energy draining, and I was close to giving up when I noticed him heading straight for the entrance of the mansion. Panic surged through me, and I hurried to catch up to him, not wanting him to hurt himself on the stairs of the pavement.Just as I reached the entrance, my heart skipped a beat as I came face to face with a pair of feet in ruby shiny slippers. I followed the gaze up, and shock washed over me like a ti
CHAPTER 126Emma's POV "This is for you, Emma. We thought it would be perfect for those late-night feedings and soothing moments."I sat down in the rocking chair, feeling its smooth wood against my back. "Thank you, Alexander. It's just what I need to cuddle and bond with Asher."He smiled warmly. "And see that shelf over there? It's filled with all the books Olivia and I loved reading when we were kids. We want Asher to grow up surrounded by stories and imagination. Who knows, he could be an artist like the both of us or be a writer like Olivia had always dreamed of being."I walked over to the shelf, tracing my fingers along the spines of the books. "Oh, I can't wait to read to him every night."The room was complete with a changing table, adorned with soft, fluffy towels and neatly organized diapers and baby products. There was also a small dresser for Asher's tiny clothes, each item carefully folded and arranged."Everything is ready for our little p
CHAPTER 1253rd person POV Dr. Johnson offered a faint smile, touched by his devotion. "That's the spirit. Remember, miracles do happen, and we're going to fight with everything we have to give Olivia the best chance at recovery."As the doctor turned to leave, he paused and looked back at Alexander and James. "Take care of yourselves too. It's important to stay strong for her. I'll be back to update you as soon as there are any changes."With that, Dr. Johnson disappeared down the corridor, leaving Alexander and James alone with their thoughts and worries. "She'll be fine, am sure of it," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with determination. "She has to be. She's not leaving me this way."James squeezed his hand, his voice filled with hope. "She won't. This is the most cowardly way to die giving Olivia's personality."And so, with heavy hearts and unwavering love, Alexander and James prepared themselves for the long and uncertain hours ahead. Wit
CHAPTER 1243rd person POVA week before...After Olivia had gotten shot and passed out to the ground, James kept trying his best to wake her up, he was slapping lightly at her face as tears streamed down his cheeks. He had never looked or felt so vulnerable in his entire life.Meanwhile Lance was raging in anger as the policies had caught up to him and Alexander followed. He glared at Alexander like he wanted to chop him into pieces at that exact moment."Alexander! You fool! What do you think will happen to your company? Your fucking life work? Do you think just because you turned yourself in means you won't get punished? I will reveal it all! I will!." She yelled non stop but Alexander had his cool emotionless face on the whole time. Slowly he leaned into Lance."Do you really think I had no idea about these consequences? And don't forget, I also know the most darkest of your secrets. Do you remember that Andrew?" He said and pulled away.There was a
Chapter 123Olivia's POV Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the door suddenly swung open, and Alexander walked in, cradling a precious bundle in his arms. It was Asher, Emma and Alexander's baby. I watched as surprise flashed across his face when he noticed me sitting there. He looked overwhelmed, but there was something else in his eyes, something I couldn't quite place."Olivia?" Alexander's voice quivered with astonishment. " You're finally awake? Since when? What are you doing here?""Alexander" I called, standing up and taking a few steps toward him. "I... I wanted to see Emma. I've missed her so much."His gaze shifted from me to Emma, and that's when he saw the tear stains on her face. His eyes widened, and he hurriedly made his way to her side, gently passing Asher into my waiting arms."Emma, my love," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with longing and concern. "I've missed you more than words can express. Please, come back to me. I've made everything okay. I fixed it a
Chapter 122Olivia's POV After the examination, the doctor looked satisfied. "Everything looks good, Olivia. You've come a long way, and it's great to see you awake and well. We'll keep you for a little longer for observation, but if all goes well, you should be able to go home soon."I frleanedt so relieved to hear that. Home sounded like the best place to be right now, I didn't like the hospital smell or the food here.As the doctor left the room, I turned to James, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you for being here, James. And thank you all for never giving up on me."James held my hand tightly, his voice filled with emotion. "Olivia, you scared me so much. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the impact my absence had on him. "I'm so sorry, James. I didn't mean to worry you."He shook his head, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and sadness. "It's not your fault, Olivia. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself from