CHAPTER 84As the plane touched down at JFK International Airport, a mixture of exhaustion and relief washed over me. The long journey seemed to have drained every ounce of energy from my body. Alexander, held my hand tightly through out the whole ride, providing the much-needed support as we made our way through the bustling airport.The past few days in Brooklyn was quite fruitful, we had spent time exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city. But now, all I wanted was the comfort of our home. It felt like forever and I had to admit, I already missed Maria and Olivia The mere thought of settling into our cozy bed brought a smile to my weary face.As we stepped out of the airport, a chauffeur awaited us with a sleek black car. Alexander helped me into the backseat, and the cool leather upholstery provided a welcome respite from the fatigue that had taken hold of me. The ride back to our mansion was a blur, with my mind drifting off to the memories w
Chapter 85"I know you're confused about why I decided we meet this way. Well I found some... Files. I want to know if there's anything suspicious going on in the company." I explained calmly. "Emma, I've been investigating the irregularities in the company's finances," Olivia began, her voice grave. "There's a possibility that we have a mole within the organization. Someone is manipulating the numbers, and Alexander seems oblivious to it all."So there's also the possibility of the numbers being manipulated and this all just being a weird misunderstanding "I found the discrepancies in the documents, Olivia. Something is definitely wrong. But why would someone do this? And how long has it been going on?"Olivia sighed, her brows furrowing in frustration. "I've been trying to find answers to those questions myself, Emma. It's been going on for months, maybe even longer. The motive remains unclear, but it's evident that someone within the company is siph
CHAPTER 86Fear and anger welled up inside of me. How was it possible that Alexander had been oblivious to the extent of the corruption within his own company? It was clear that he had been either deceived or was the mastermind behind it all.I had to take action, not only for the sake of our company but also to safeguard Alexander's reputation and the trust of our employees, artists and clients.With each discovery, my resolve grew stronger. I would have to speak with Alexander on this and present the evidence, urging him to take decisive action. If he still acts carefree about it then my doubts would be clarified that this was all happening to his command.But as the realization settled in, a seed of doubt gnawed at the back of my mind. What if Alexander was somehow involved? What if he was aware of the deception and had deliberately turned a blind eye? The thought sent shivers down my spine, and I pushed it aside, determined to give him the benefit of
CHAPTER 87Alexander, how could this be. My Alexander was involved in this? How could I have fallen so madly in love with such a person. Alexander is most definitely not the man I thought i knew. The documents, with their bold, ominous headers, bore the unmistakable marks of corruption and illegal activities. My hands shook as I picked up a photograph of Alexander shaking hands with a man I recognized from the news - a notorious mob boss. The sight of it sent a chill down my spine."Alexander," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible, I had no idea what to think or do, the silence in the room made the air suffocating and I began hyperventilating like one who suffers from claustrophobia. My mind felt like a whirlwind of thoughts, each more horrifying than the last.For a moment, I considered leaving everything exactly as it was and pretending I had never found the room. But the truth was a bitter pill that had to be swallowed. I needed answers,no
CHAPTER 88She held up her hand, cutting him off. "Olivia," she interjected, her voice clear and decisive, "I wish to speak to you privately before you head off to the company."Olivia, was taken aback by her request, she exchanged a quick, apprehensive glance with Alexander before responding, "Of course, Emma."We ate the rest of our breakfast in silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Alexander kept his gaze fixed on Emma the whole time as he felt apologetic. As we all finished our breakfast, Alexander rose from the table, his eyes filled with a strange mix of regret and longing. He leaned towards Emma, attempting to plant a farewell kiss on her cheek, a morning ritual they had started, he would kiss her forehead and her baby bump. But this time was different, she stiffened, pulling away before he could make contact. He watched her retreating figure, his heart aching at the coldness that had replaced the warmth she used to exude.He left the m
CHAPTER 89In the evening, we found ourselves in the living room, an awkward silence hanging between us that has become more familiar these past few days. Alexander was perched on the edge of the cushy armchair, his eyes fixed on the antique clock on the wall. I was sprawled on the couch, a book in my lap that I wasn't really reading."I didn't mean for things to get this complicated, Emma," Alexander finally broke the silence, his voice filled with regret. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, my heart pounding in my chest. But I didn't respond, merely turning a page in the book."I... I just thought I was helping them," he continued, his gaze now fixed on me. "I thought I was giving them a platform, an opportunity to showcase their talent, it's complicated now but it will-."I scoffed, finally closing the book and turning to face him. "By exploiting them, Alex? By taking advantage of their dreams?"He flinched as if I had physically struck him. "I.
CHAPTER 90The drive to the company was a blur, my mind still reeling from Emma's revelations. As Alexander's sister I have a certain level of responsibility. And right now, that responsibility was getting to the bottom of this mess.I finally got to the company and my colleagues greeted me formally, I had made sure no one in the company knows who I truly am and my connection to the CEO, Alexander. I didn't want them to treat me differently. I entered the elevator and then got to Alexander's floor. I walked out of the elevator and began walking to his office when someone stopped me."No, where do you think you are barging into like that Miss Olivia?" It was Alexander's arrogant assistant, Vivian."Get out of my way Vivian or I will get you fired." I said through grinded teeth. "And 2ho do you think you are to fire me? Have you lost it?""Olivia" Alexander called and I looked up to find Alexander standing there right outside his office. I gave Vivian on
CHAPTER 91I was right about entering the pub when I felt a hand stopping my advances. "Olivia?" A familiar voice called. I recognized that voice, it was most definitely owned by the devil that came into my life. What does he wants? Why is he here? How did he find me?With great trepidation, I turned and gazed into his monstrous eyes, his devilish smirk taunting me with it's mischief. I gazed at his hand that was tightly clasping mine. Those hands hit me so many times and gave me nightmares. I trailed my eyes back up to his face. His hair, those blonde strings I was forced to brush each morning and make look perfect. His forehead, those weapons used to strike mine whenever I made a mistake. His eyes, those blood thirsty orbs that enjoyed watching me suffer in pain as a sex slave for ages. His nose, that loved to sniff in the smell of my blood, as it painted the tiles which I had to clean up later. His lips, those lips that only knew how to speak malice a
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