Andrew's POVI looked towards the direction of table 87 but couldn't see who was seated there. The angle where the table was placed was dark and there was no light reflection towards it.Still, whoever that person is, I can not let him get the piece. Nobody publicly challenges me and gets away with it.There were several gasps in the room, and I noticed that everyone, including Elena, turned their gazes to table 87.“Babe, you can't allow him to embarrass you publicly” Elena said, tapping me by the hand. “I want that necklace at all cost”“350,000 dollars” I said, raising my paddle up.“500,000 dollars, anyone,” Daniel said. There was no way he would pay that much for a piece of necklace, right?Yet again, I was proven wrong. Bidder 87 held up his paddle. I decided it was time to up my game.“1 million dollars” I said.The room was dead silent, and everyone's eyes were fixed on me.“Baby, what are you doing? That's way too much” Elena said, trying to persuade me to rethink my decision
Gwen's POVIt took me a few seconds to catch my breath from the vigorous kiss Andrew just imposed on me. I felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I am not sure why I still felt this strong attraction to Andrew after everything that had happened between us.He released me from his grip as soon as he heard Elena's voice. She looked at both of us, disgusted and enraged. I knew it was not going to end well.I had no idea why he did what he did, but I knew Elena was not going to let this go.“The hell is going on here Andrew?” Elena yelled, pushing him by the chest.“Elena, don't create a scene here” Andrew said indignantly.I turned and was about to walk away when Elena violently grabbed my arm. She continued walking with my hand in hers until we reached the center of the room."Let go of me!" I yelled, pulling my hand away from her. “What is wrong with you?”“What is wrong with me? You filthy lowlife” She screamed at the top of her voice, drawing the guests' attention to us.“Don’t
Gwen's POVI opened my eyes slowly. I was still feeling very dizzy. The last thing I remembered was my nose being covered before I passed out.I was sitting in a chair and could not seem to move either of my hands. It was then that I noticed that my hands were both tied tightly to the chair.The room was empty, with only one chair in the middle. I was seated on the chair and I didn't seem to recognize where I was.There was only one bulb hanging and two windows. “Help! Is anyone here?" I yelled, vigorously shaking the chair, but it did not move.My call for help seemed to have attracted someone to me as I heard footsteps approaching the door that lead to the room.The door opened, and four men walked in. I was taken aback because I didn't seem to recognize any of them. “Who are you guys? Please let me go” I screamed.“She's making too much noise boss, do you want me to shut her up” One of them said."No, I love them loud!" The one addressed as the boss responded.“What do you want w
Gwen's POV“Ricky” I said, slowly. His lips were still on mine, so my voice was muffled.I knew that Ricky and I were in a relationship but I felt like I was doing something wrong.The intensity with which he kissed me increased, and his hands were already inside my shirt. He made an attempt to unhook my bra, then I managed to push him away.“Ricky, please stop” I said, my hands firmly pressed against his chest.“Why should I? You are my girlfriend," he said, gazing deeply into my eyes.How could I tell him that I could not let him touch me because I only wanted Andrew's touch? How could I tell him I was just fantasizing about being in Andrew's arms? How could I tell him I had not fully moved on?"It is getting late, I should leave," I said, leaping off the sofa."Gwen," Ricky said, clasping my hand. "Let me at least see you off."I nodded and smiled.The walk to my house was a quiet one. It was visible that Ricky had something to say but he was trying to refrain himself.“You know y
Andrew's POV I dashed downstairs while on the phone with the lieutenant. I specifically instructed him to dispatch police officers to Gwen's home.Sophie had escaped from prison, and I was certain she would want to exert revenge on Gwen.“Hey bro, where are you running off to?” I heard Rickard call out.“It's none of your business,” I exclaimed angrily.“I could come….”I didn't wait for Richard to complete his statement, I dashed out of the house. When I arrived at the parking lot, Fred was already waiting for me.“Are you set to go boss?” He asked.“I would drive myself there.” I said this while collecting the car keys from him.“I need you to figure out who Elena goes to see at the building. I have no doubt she connived with Sophie, I need all the information I could get” I ordered.“Alright sir.” He replied firmly.************When I arrived at Gwen's house, the officers were already assembled outside.I walked inside and found Gwen, her grandma and the boys in the living room.
Andrew's POVIn my hands, I was holding a photograph of Rickard and I. The picture was taken two years back at my father's birthday party.What I could not figure out was what the photo was doing here. Does this imply that the person who stayed in this apartment was specifically targeting Rickard and I, or that Rickard rented the apartment?I tried to think of a possible explanation but nothing was coming.“Let's go Fred” I ordered, storming out of the room with the photograph in my hands.********“What's going on in your mind boss?” Fred asked, staring at me through the rearview mirror.“A lot of things. Do you think it's possible that Rickard rented that same apartment?”“But that would mean Elena and Rickard are extremely close because she visited there often.” Fred said, taking a new turn to Gwen's place.I have seen them at a club and Elena flatly denied it. Also I remembered how he called her at the hospital and she was very defensive about it. Things are starting to make sense
Gwen's POVI walked over to the drawer and brought some wipes. I used it to clean the blood on Andrew's palm.“How long has this been going on?” I inquired, alarmed.“Just a few days,” Andrew answered, still coughing.“Don't think it will be advisable to see a doctor?”“I am just stressed out Gwen, i will be fine” Andrew said, tucking my hair behind.My face flushed and I immediately let go of his hand. “You could spend the night here if you don't feel too good, I will get the guest room ready” I offered.“I would love that.” Andrew said, smiling broadly.I walked out of the room leaving Andrew and the boys. I felt he needed to be alone with them. I quickly arranged the guest room, spreading new bed sheets, duvet and pillow cases. I informed Andrew that the room was ready and he met me in it a few minutes later.“How is your cough now?” I asked, sitting on a chair across the bed.“I'm feeling better now” He said, settling on the bed."Okay, Andrew, you can call me if you need anythin
Andrew's POVI pulled over at Gwen's house and noticed a figure that looked familiar trying to drag a body.The officers were so busy guarding the gate that they didn't notice what was going on in the house.“Hey, who are you?” I yelled, charging towards the direction.The figure turned and looked at me and I saw her face visibly well. “Sophie, how dare you show up here?” I screamed angrily.She quickly let go of Gwen and started running. I alerted the police officers and trailed after her with full speed.She was unable to keep up with the pace and began to run slower than before. In no time, I had caught up with her.“Let go of me” She screeched, trying desperately to free herself from my grip. I retained her firmly and waited for the police officers to arrive.Sophie was handcuffed and just as she was about to be taken into the police vehicle, she turned around and smiled at me.“Can I speak to her for a second?” I asked the sergeant in charge of coordinating the police officers.H
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