Rickard's POVI was awakened by a noise coming from my door. “Argh, who could it be this early? Can't someone get a good sleep around here?” I let out a feeble groan. I opened my eyes and used my hands to rub the sleep off.My apartment had two bedrooms, one of which had a balcony, and a sitting room. It was not particularly big, but it was all I could afford. I was surviving thanks to my Father and Elena's generosity.The knocks at my door increased, causing louder sounds. I jumped out of bed and wore a plain shirt.I did not go to bed early last night because I was too busy looking for a place to bury Brody's body without raising any suspicions.Dealing with Brody's lifeless body was exhausting. Who could have thought he would still be a pain in the ass even after being dead?“Coming,” I said.“What the hell is taking you so long?” Elena asked frantically through the door.“Hey beautiful,” I said excitedly, as I flung my arms wide open for a hug."Excuse me," she said angrily as s
Gwen's POVLate night strolls were the best therapy for me. Back then, when Mum was still alive, whenever I felt stressed, she would suggest we go out for a walk.She was not here to do that anymore, but I found someone who cares about me in the same way she did. I buried my hands in my pocket. My sweater fit perfectly around my body, and my canvas was perfect for a long walk.Evan was down with a cold and the doctor prescribed some drugs for him. The pharmacy where I would get the drugs was only a few blocks away, so I took advantage of the opportunity and went for a walk.It was passed 8p.m but the neighborhood was the safest place to be in so I had nothing to worry about.“Hey Princess, where are you going this late?” Ricky said, waving his hands at me.He just moved into his new apartment which was directly facing Granny's house. I have gotten so used to having Ricky around that he was basically part of my daily life.I took the prescription and waved it at Ricky. Knowing him wel
Gwen's POVWith a loud cry, I ran to Ricky who was lying on the ground.“What are you going Gwen? Run inside” He said softly. He was struggling to talk. He clutched his hands over the new opening in his chest caused by the gunshot."No, no, no," I sobbed, laying my hand on his. “Someone help, is anyone here” I yelled at the top of my voice.Suddenly, I spotted a black-tinted car parked across the street. When the person inside noticed I was looking in the car's direction, he rolled up the window glass and drove away.Who the hell was that? Why did he shoot Ricky? My attention returned to Ricky, who was now having difficulty breathing. He was bleeding profusely.“Stay with me Ricky, please” I cried loudly. “Someone help us, please” Ricky raised his hand which was already covered in his blood and placed it on my cheeks, forming a faint smile on his face.“Calm dow..n pr…in..cess” He stammered. “I'm not going any..whe..re” He attempted to force a smile on his face, but it was ineffectiv
Gwen's POV“The hell Andrew, let go” I yelled, pulling my arm away from him.“I am sorry Gwen, I didn't mean…”“Enough!, please leave” I said, interrupting his statement.“Okay, I will leave but please hear me out first” He said, pleadingly. “You still have a spot at the company. I know you did not steal the money, so I had no reason to fire you.”“Why would I even take your offer?” I said, rolling my eyes.“Well, you have bills to sort out Gwen, Our sons and your Grandma. You need the money," Andrew stated confidently. He had an intimidating look on his face, almost certain that I would accept the offer."Thank you for your concern, sir, but I will have to leave now," I said with sarcastic courtesy.I did not wait for Andrew to say anything else before walking out and heading to Ricky's house. Ricky was already waiting for me at the door.“Hey Princess, you good?” Ricky asked, with his gaze fixed on where Andrew stood.“I'm good, let's go in” I said. I turned around to Andrew's direc
Gwen's POVRicky was taken aback by what I had just said. I wish I had not said it either. I did not want to admit that, despite everything that had happened, I still loved Andrew.Ricky slowly released me from his grip.“What did you say?” Ricky let out a gasp of surprise.“I still love him, I never stopped,” I said, crying profusely. “After everything he did to you Gwen? After everything you have been through. How can you even say that?”I fell to the floor and cried even more. I hated myself for still loving him, I tried my best to stop but I couldn't. And now that he is back in my life and trying to make amends, it hasn't been easy for me.“I will never hurt you Gwen, I promise” Ricky said, leaning to press his hands firmly against my cheeks.“I know Ricky. That is why I am begging you, please do not ruin what we have, it is precious to me," I said, wiping away tears from my cheeks.Ricky didn't say a word to me, he got on his feet and walked out of the room, leaving me all alone
Elena's POV“What the fuck Rickard? How can you be so stupid?” I uttered in frustration.“I didn't know he would take the bullet for her, come on, I mean I wouldn't” Rickard murmured."He is clearly in love with Gwen. If he goes out of the picture, Gwen will have nobody in between her and Andrew” I said, hitting Rickard with my hand bag. I came to a halt when I remembered how much I paid for it.I can't ruin my designer bag because of Rickard. I mean, I spent a fortune to purchase this bag.“But he didn't die. In Fact, he is alive and recovering just fine” Rickard said.“How would you know that?” I asked, becoming agitated."I have got people watching him. And, if it will interest you to know, Andrew has been seen around the neighborhood, specifically at Gwen's house." Rickard said, glaring at me.“What?” Startled, I questioned.“Yes. He was there a week ago, accompanied by his bodyguard.”"How the hell did he find out where she lives?" I said, grabbing Rickard by the collar.“How wou
I watched as Elena became extremely nervous. She dropped her heels to the ground and started stammering.“An..d..drew what are you doing here so late?” She asked, trying to remain calm.“Where are you coming from Elena? it's quite late and you were sneaking into your room” I said sternly."I was out with some friends," she said, her voice trembling.“Really? What friends? Last I checked you didn't have any friends in OKC”“What the hell is this Andrew? Why are you interrogating me?” She said angrily, pushing me out of the way.She walked into her dressing room, and I followed behind her. I wouldn't just let her get away with it tonight, she will have to give me answers.“Elena!” I yelled. “Where the hell are you coming from by this time of the night”She threw her bag at me furiously. “Do I look like Gwen to you? I am not a slut, I don't frolic with men” She yelled angrily and pushed me away with both of her hands. “I am nothing close to your ex wife,” she added.Her words infuriate
Andrew's POVPregnant? The word kept ringing in my head. How can Elena be pregnant? I haven't gotten intimate with her for a while now, right?I continued to question myself. Just when I was trying to make things right between Gwen and I and this had to happen.Sitting silently in the hospital waiting area, I buried my hands in my hair. How would Gwen react to this news? “God damnit” I exhaled loudly.“Mr Andrew, you can go in to see her now” The nurse's words interrupted my train of thought.I stood up and walked into the ward where Elena had been admitted. Elena had a big smile on her face when she saw me. It was almost as if she had won a lottery.“Baby, the nurse said I am pregnant. We are going to be parents” She said excitedly rubbing both of her hands around her tummy.I stood by the door, staring at her. Her mouth kept on moving, she was blabbing about something but I did not hear a word. My thoughts were far from here.“Who is the father?” I finally spoke, raising my head to
Gwen's POV“Rickard Gilbert. You have been found guilty of all of the charges against you. You are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor” The judge gave his final verdict.I sighed with relief as I realized that all of my problems were gradually coming to an end.A month has passed since the incident. During the struggle between Andrew and Rickard at the warehouse, a trigger was pulled and a bullet went through Rickard's left leg.The case didn't hold immediately because Rickard needed to recover before he could face the court.Jake and Dr. James both testified against Rickard, and Fred presented the court with evidence indicating Rickard pulled the trigger on Brody.Elena's statement also helped with the case but unfortunately, she slipped into a coma.She was closely monitored by the police. As soon as she regains her consciousness, she will also pay for her crimes.Hopefully, she receives a lighter sentence because she was the only reason my sons were healthy and wi
Gwen's POVNanny Rose's memorial service was held in her hometown, and Granny and I attended to pay our final respects.We boarded the next flight to Oklahoma and returned home later that evening. The house felt incredibly empty without the children and Nanny Rose.It seemed like I was in a completely different place. I walked to the sofa and shut my eyes tightly.It has been quite an awful month for me and I don't think I will recover any time soon.As soon as I picked up my phone, I received a call from Andrew asking me to come to the hospital. My heart skipped a beat because I knew the hospital spelled bad news.Granny insisted on tagging along but I didn't let her. She has also been through a lot, which has had a negative impact on her health.I tried reaching Ricky to drive me there but he wasn't picking so I decided on taking a cab there.******“What's wrong Andrew?” I asked as soon as I saw him in the waiting room.There were numerous police officers patrolling around the area
Rickard's POVI stormed into the room where I had kept the children captive. Their instant sobs and screams became a nuisance to my ears.“Would you both shut up for fuck sake?” I yelled, throwing a wooden chair across the room, and the kids shook with fear.I made the room comfortable for them, I mean, I still remain their favorite uncle right?"I want to go to my mummy," Ethan stated, rubbing his cheeks with both hands.“Shut up you little brat, mummy is not coming” I yelled, slamming my hand against the wall vigorously.Elena rushed into the room as Ethan's sobbing became louder."Oh, poor child, do not cry," she said, stepping closer to Ethan. She sat on the room's bed and cradled Ethan in her arms.“You really don't have to scare them like this Rickard. They are our key to a good life” Elena said, staring at me intently.I scoffed audibly.“Since when did you start to care about the children and their well being?” I asked sarcastically."I am not a monster, Ricky, I have always h
Gwen's POV I watched how Andrew's face turned pale. I had no doubt that Rickard was on the other end of the phone. Andrew lowered the phone from his ear and stared at me without saying anything. “What happened?” “He threatened to harm the children, but I won't let him Gwen, I promise” Andrew said, taking my hands into his. "I know you won't," I replied, smiling lightly at him. He was the only person I fully trusted to bring my kids back. He was their father, he had the money and influence and I knew he was willing to give Rickard all his properties. He loved the boys that much. “Let me drive you home Gwen” Andrew offered. “I came with Ricky, it's only right I go back with him” I declined politely. “Alright Gwen, I will meet you at the house” Andrew said, softly planting a kiss on my cheeks. I got into the car with Ricky and he drove me home. On the way to the house, I could not stop thinking about how Rickard learned about our plan to ambush him. It only meant one thing, so
Andrew's POVI impatiently stared at the footage that captured how Rickard bulged into the house and came out with my children.“How could you be careless? You were assigned to look after my children," I yelled angrily, slamming my hands against the table.My phone began buzzing just as the chief of police was about to speak. It was an unknown number. I had an immediate suspicion that it was Rickard calling.I picked my phone and placed the call on loud speaker. The chief of police quickly asked his assistant to connect my mobile phone to the cellular location system in order to track down Rickard's exact location.“Hello big bro” Rickard said over the phone.“You scoundrel, where are you? Where are my children” I yelled vehemently over the phone.“Oh big bro, why are you being aggressive? The kids are having a little fun time with their favorite uncle” Rickard said sarcastically over the phone.My anger surged, and I could feel my blood crackling. If I ever get my hands on Rickard, I
Gwen's POV“No! No! No!” I continuously kept on saying. With every word I said, I took a step back.I almost lost my balance if not because of Ricky who supported me from behind.Nanny Rose lay on the floor in her own pool of blood, and the room's window was wide open.Ethan and Evan were not in their beds, and I could feel my heart breaking into little pieces. I released myself from Ricky's grip and ran towards the window.“Ethan! Evan!” I yelled at the top of my voice.Granny rushed into the room and was taken aback as soon as she saw the scene. She quickly took out her phone and dialed the ambulance.Ricky dashed out of the room to inform the cops about the kidnapping.I was left in shock and I kept on calling out to my boys, magically hoping that they would appear in front of me.I sat on the floor and burst into tears. My children were my weakness and if anything should happen to them, I don't think I would ever move on.I wished I had put them to bed myself, then maybe all this
Gwen's POVI sat beside Andrew staring at him quietly. His chelation therapy had been going on for more than four days, and he was already doing well.The pale color of his skin was gradually vanishing and he was regaining his actual skin complexion.The doctor said that if he continued to respond well to the treatment, he would be discharged in less than a week.I tucked his hands into mine and gently squeezed them.“They won't get away with what they did to you, I promise” I said softly.Suddenly, I heard the door to the room unlocked.“Fred, is that you?” I said, slightly turning my face in the direction of the door.“Attorney Frederick,” I exclaimed, getting up to my feet. “You are here?”“Well yes, I flew to Oklahoma as soon as I heard the news. How is Andrew doing?” Attorney Frederick asked, moving closer to Andrew's bed.“He is responding well to treatment sir. He will soon be back on his feet” I spoke calmly.“Did Rickard really do everything he was accused of?” Attorney Frede
Rickard's POVI continued to clench my teeth. If I had not followed Andrew out of the house, I would probably be in jail by now.“Damn it” I exclaimed furiously.I sat on the bed in the small room and dug my hands into my hair. How could I have been so dumb not to notice that i was being followed.“Fuck!” I yelled, smashing my phone across the wall.“There is no use smashing your phone across the wall Rickard. You sold us out” Elena glared furiously.“What the hell are you even saying? You should be glad I brought you along with me” I said angrily.I instantly regretted my decision. I should not have told Elena about Andrew's discovery. I should have gone into hiding and let her pay dearly for our crimes.Now I was stuck with her and her constant nagging. I was sure that going to jail wouldn't be as bad as being in the same space with Elena.Perhaps I should just turn myself in to the police.“God damnit” I murmured to myself.“We are fucking low on cash Rickard. How are we going to s
Gwen's POVI asked Fred to drive me home after leaving the hospital. On our way there, I paid for our flight tickets to New York.My plan was to subdue Dr. James. He will not go scot free for conniving with Rickard to lie about Andrew's health.I will ensure that he and Jake are transferred to Oklahoma prison so that when Rickard and Elena are apprehended, they can testify against them.My flight was scheduled for 9p.m that evening so I decided to go home first.When I arrived at the house, the scene reminded me of when Sophie escaped. There were officers patrolling around my house.I asked Fred to wait for me in the car while I went to get some of my stuff in the house.“Gwen, what is going on?” Granny said as soon as she saw me walking in. She carried that worried look across her face which made me wonder when all this will come to an end.“Remain in the house Granny and make sure you keep a close eyes on Ethan and Evan.” I said before dashing upstairs.Granny wouldn't just settle f