Alex’s POVThe clock on my office wall ticked steadily, a rhythmic sound that usually blended into the background. But not today. Today, it felt deafening.Across from me sat a man I had never seen before, yet he carried an air of familiarity that unsettled me. His brown eyes held an emotion I refused to acknowledge, hope. I saw a man who looked like me!. It's true, my mom's son."Who are you?" I asked, my voice devoid of warmth.He didn’t flinch. Instead, he exhaled slowly and met my gaze head-on."My name is Richard Hale," he said. Then, after a pause, he dropped the bombshell. "I’m your brother." The bastard knew!. This isn't mere coincidence.I stared at him, waiting for the punchline. When none came, I leaned back in my chair and let out a short, humorless laugh."I don’t recall having a brother," I said coolly.Richard studied me carefully. "We have the same mother."The words sent a jolt through me, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I folded my hands on the desk, keeping my ex
Kelly’s POVDid he just walk out on me again and think a kiss will suffice? This is not the Alex I knew, I'm supposed to understand but I don't want to keep blaming the pregnancy but I'm stressed!.I'm tired of actually sitting home all day, going to the hospital it's fucking the same routine and now Alex my soul source old comfort is battling his own demons, I want to help but he keeps shutting me out. God!!!! I needed a break. A long one. Preferably one that involved me on a beach, sipping something cold, and watching the waves roll in.But since that wasn’t happening, I figured retail therapy would do.I grabbed my purse and left the house, ignoring the way Alex was still brooding over his mother’s sudden reappearance in his life. I wanted to be there for him, I really did, but there was only so much moody silence I could take before I started losing my mind.The driver, a well-built man named Chris, was already waiting beside the car when I stepped outside. He opened the door, bu
Kelly’s POVThe problem with being married to a stubborn man was that he thought he could bulldoze through life by ignoring emotions, the only thing that has his emotions is me and shutting me out is not a big deal I guess.Unfortunately for Alex, I was equally stubborn—and much louder.I lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling, listening to Alex’s even breathing. But I knew better. He wasn’t asleep. He was too still. His body was too tense. His mind was spinning, and he was doing that thing where he thought he could outthink reality.I sighed, shifting slightly. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to start throwing pillows at your head until you break?”Silence.I smirked. "Okay, pillow attack it is."His large hand shot out, catching my wrist before I could reach for one. "Go to sleep, Kelly, I'm not in the mood for this right now, I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me""Not happening, buddy." I twisted my wrist free and propped myself on my elbow. "You
KELLY POV My eyes caught Holly's worried gaze as I took my fifth shot of tequila. She should take a chill pill. I'm not going to pass out on her. We are at Brooklyn's most expensive nightclub, and it's not as if we just got in here by luck. I work here, and they let me take someone with me because I'm a staff.That's why my best friend is here with me, and the main reason is... It's my twentieth birthday! My boyfriend Dain is supposed to be here with us, but he said he had something important to take care of, and I'm guessing it has to do with his mother. That's the only thing important to him apart from me."Kelly, quit drinking. You know I can't handle you when you are drunk. How will I carry you out of this place without any assistance?" She pointed out taking the glass out of my hand as I tried to take another shot."It's a club, Holly; you can ask anyone for help; they will gladly help you; it's a free world; you don't have to worry about anything." I smiled, taking the shot
KELLY POVEverything was a mistake.My life itself is a mistake, and I don't know how I ended up making another. I quickly snapped out of my pathetic thoughts. "You are awake." He stated the obvious as I wrapped the duvet around my chest: "Yes, but I wish I passed away instead of waking up in a stranger's bed." I huffed, picking up my clothes from the floor while using one hand to hold the duvet on my chest.What am I even hiding? The pervert has seen it all while he was having his fill with me last night.Last night... Where was Holly? Why didn't she stop him? Is she alright?"That's not a healthy thought, Kelly," he said, and I paused too angry to let this go."You stupid jerk! Don't you ever call my name again; in fact, I never want to see your stupid face in front of me, fucking pervert. I should report you to the police." I gritted out, but he seemed so chill, like I didn't just threaten to report him for raping me."You are only mad because you don't remember what happened; you
ALEXANDER POV I might have turned into a statue as I watched her go; she just insulted me in the presence of my men.They all stayed silent, waiting for me to shoot her in the head or something, but I couldn't move; instead, I found myself wanting to follow her. I have always loved a challenge, and Kelly seems like the type I would want to keep. "Should I go after her?" Finn, my second in command, asked.He thinks I want him to go finish her off, but it was far from that; I want to keep her instead, which doesn't make any sense. I don't chase women or try to make them stay.Kelly is a bit different from all the women I have met ever since my ex-wife left me. The women usually are the ones to try to get my attention, but I found myself wanting Kelly to look at me at the bar last night.She didn't seem impressed or even try to make advances at me until she was completely wasted. I should have stopped her, but I couldn't because I couldn't think straight.I wanted her so badly.And I s
KELLY POV The tears streamed down my chin as I hopped into the taxi. I couldn't even stop myself from sobbing like a child.The driver was stealing glances.at me, but he couldn't ask if I was okay. This is New York; not everyone is okay with their lives, and a sobbing girl in his taxi shouldn't be his problem. I wiped the tears trying to figure out what I would say to Holly or Dain. I really hope Holly is alright, because I don't understand why she will let me out of her sight.Was she drunk too?Or is it just my fault that I went back to the handsome stranger I met at the bar? I'm such a dumb idiot. All these wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been drinking like that; my head is pounding and my stomach rumbles loudly enough for the driver to hear. I didn't have the time to be embarrassed because I was busy reflecting on my actions. "Here." The driver tossed me a chocolate bar, and I grabbed it, tearing it open.My eyes caught my reflection in the side mirror, and I looked terri
KELLY POVI gasped as Dain forced me to sit, and Holly chuckled before pulling him closer. Then she kissed him again, this time with her eyes on me.It felt as if my heart was ripped out of my chest and her betrayal stinged even more than Dain's. We are like soul sisters, and I love her so damn much.I didn't expect this from Dain or even from her. I have never felt so heartbroken all my life; she pulled away, smirking at me."How did that make you feel?" She taunted."Nauseous," I replied, wiping the tears on my cheeks; it didn't stop more from falling. This is Holly, my nice friend that looks out for me, the one that was worried that I would get lost in the crowd last night. The one I shared everything with, and nobody knows her like she knows me; she is the reason I'm not in college now. I gave her my savings because she had a debt she wanted to pay.This is how she repays me? Sleeping with my boyfriend behind my back and holding a knife at me."Oh, don't cry, you poor thing. Loo
Kelly’s POVThe problem with being married to a stubborn man was that he thought he could bulldoze through life by ignoring emotions, the only thing that has his emotions is me and shutting me out is not a big deal I guess.Unfortunately for Alex, I was equally stubborn—and much louder.I lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling, listening to Alex’s even breathing. But I knew better. He wasn’t asleep. He was too still. His body was too tense. His mind was spinning, and he was doing that thing where he thought he could outthink reality.I sighed, shifting slightly. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to start throwing pillows at your head until you break?”Silence.I smirked. "Okay, pillow attack it is."His large hand shot out, catching my wrist before I could reach for one. "Go to sleep, Kelly, I'm not in the mood for this right now, I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me""Not happening, buddy." I twisted my wrist free and propped myself on my elbow. "You
Kelly’s POVDid he just walk out on me again and think a kiss will suffice? This is not the Alex I knew, I'm supposed to understand but I don't want to keep blaming the pregnancy but I'm stressed!.I'm tired of actually sitting home all day, going to the hospital it's fucking the same routine and now Alex my soul source old comfort is battling his own demons, I want to help but he keeps shutting me out. God!!!! I needed a break. A long one. Preferably one that involved me on a beach, sipping something cold, and watching the waves roll in.But since that wasn’t happening, I figured retail therapy would do.I grabbed my purse and left the house, ignoring the way Alex was still brooding over his mother’s sudden reappearance in his life. I wanted to be there for him, I really did, but there was only so much moody silence I could take before I started losing my mind.The driver, a well-built man named Chris, was already waiting beside the car when I stepped outside. He opened the door, bu
Alex’s POVThe clock on my office wall ticked steadily, a rhythmic sound that usually blended into the background. But not today. Today, it felt deafening.Across from me sat a man I had never seen before, yet he carried an air of familiarity that unsettled me. His brown eyes held an emotion I refused to acknowledge, hope. I saw a man who looked like me!. It's true, my mom's son."Who are you?" I asked, my voice devoid of warmth.He didn’t flinch. Instead, he exhaled slowly and met my gaze head-on."My name is Richard Hale," he said. Then, after a pause, he dropped the bombshell. "I’m your brother." The bastard knew!. This isn't mere coincidence.I stared at him, waiting for the punchline. When none came, I leaned back in my chair and let out a short, humorless laugh."I don’t recall having a brother," I said coolly.Richard studied me carefully. "We have the same mother."The words sent a jolt through me, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I folded my hands on the desk, keeping my ex
Kelly’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress for the third time. The baby bump had made choosing outfits a mission, but I wasn’t in the mood for anything too tight or uncomfortable today. I need more maternity gowns, I had my routine check-up at the hospital, and as much as I hated hospitals, I knew it was necessary, at least for the baby.Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed, flipping through his phone, looking every bit as relaxed as I was anxious, we just had breakfast, maybe that's why my stomach is bigger, or not, this baby is growing super fast. I looked at myself and smiled, I was becoming a mother!."You know, you're supposed to come with me, right?" I said, turning to him.He barely glanced up. "Come with you where?"I rolled my eyes. "To the hospital. It’s supposed to be me and my partner,that’s you, in case you forgot it helps us bond with the baby on a parent-baby level and makes us more excited and involved in this together.Alex exhaled dramatically.
Kelly’s POVI lay on the bed, my head propped against Alex’s chest as I slowly licked the ice cream he’d given me, I wasn't entirely comfortable because I've added so much weight and I always feel like I'm now weighing too much for him to handle. My brain was still reeling from the day’s events, but exhaustion was kicking in fast. I needed sleep desperately. But instead, my mind decided to fixate on the one thing I’d been avoiding.The baby’s name.I don't know why Alex is refusing me to read the letter or not telling me the detailed content, but I know it's something that has to do with me.I glanced up at Alex, who was staring at me like he was trying to mind-read.“What?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.“You’re thinking about that letter,” he said, setting his spoon down.“No, I’m thinking about our baby’s name.” I frowned. “Wait babe, are you thinking about that letter?”“No,” he lied.“Yes, you are, else why was that the first question that came to your mind.”“No, I’m not, I don't j
Alex POV Kelly's eyes were already filled with tears, but she had an irritable look on her face, she gagged, I knew what was coming. I led her to find a bathroom, she was throwing up before we got to the scene.“Clean that up” I told the one of the security that followed us in, motioning to the point Mrs Nicole lifeless body laid.“Atleast check for a pulse or something, she might still be alive”. Kelly said faintly after I gave the order, she didn't want to accept the death, I allowed her to cry as much as she wanted. I could not quite understand how close they were. Or was she just feeling guilty.“Say something Alex, she might have a weak pulse let's call the ambulance” I just stood there looking at her not saying anything, she was grieving. She walked out of the bathroom making for Mrs Nicole's body, but stopped on the sight again. She took a step back and held her stomach, I rushed to her side to hold her from behind.“What's wrong babe? If you are not feeling well we can leave”
Alex’s POVI watched as Kelly sat on the couch, her fingers drumming nervously against her thigh, her thighs have become thicker. The events of the day had clearly unsettled her, but she was trying to hold it together. I admired that about her; her resilience, her ability to keep pushing forward even when the world seemed determined to break her.After Finn left, we retired to the room and she did her skin routine, not much just some minor cleaning.“I wonder how hard all these must be for Mrs Nicole, she's always so nice, and now she has to be a victim of Holly's decisions, how did they get to find her?” Kelly asked even without turning to look at me.“Trust me Kelly, if I want to know anything about anyone I will, I have the means and resources, it's same as the black bullet clan only that they use people, it's a world of you scratch my back I scratch yours, and what's more scary about them, they call it a brotherhood hence you see his followers doing stupid things even as far as dy
Alex’s POVThat bastard!I clenched my fists, suppressing the surge of fury rising in my chest. The audacity. The manipulation. The sheer nerve of whoever was pulling the strings behind this. Why did they want Kelly arrested?.Mrs. Nicole’s eyes were steady on me, but I saw the hesitation in them, the doubt creeping in, the weight of what she had just said."The real enemy isn’t the Black Bullet Clan… It’s the one closest to Kelly."And then, with quiet calculation, she added, “That’s you, isn’t it?, I mean you're her fiance, Kelly is what she is because of you, I know you understand that if she's in danger it's because of you”.I inhaled sharply. “No.” My voice was firm, unwavering. “That’s exactly what they want you to believe, If I were the threat I wouldn't be here with security details on you and asking you to leave so they don't harm you.”Mrs. Nicole studied me, her fingers tightening slightly around the glass she held. “And why would they want me to believe that?”I exhaled, l
Mrs. Nicole’s POVThe café was quiet except for the soft hum of classical music playing in the background. I sat at a corner table, my fingers idly tracing the rim of my teacup as I replayed the conversation from earlier in my mind.The man who had approached me had been well-dressed, polite even, but there had been something unsettling about him the way his sharp eyes held too much knowledge, the way his voice carried a weight of certainty."Your daughter, Holly, was part of a team. A very dangerous team."I had frowned at that. I knew Holly had secrets—had always been drawn to the shadows—but I had never imagined my daughter would be involved in something so… calculated. The image of her corpse came to my mind as I struggle bit to let the tears drop, I couldn't imagine, Holly has been an active baby with very sensitive emotions but she managed to cut off the moment she found out something was wrong."She wasn’t innocent, Mrs. Nicole," the man had continued, his voice smooth. "And