Bonus chapter tonight! Updates will be posted every Friday - Monday by 11:30 p.m. EST. I will also post additional chapters when I can. (。♥‿♥。) Thank you for reading!
Aamon’s Point of ViewI stared at the phone in disbelief when I saw who was calling me. I was in the middle of a meeting, but when it came to Grace, I would always drop everything to be there for her however I could. In some ways, it was the only way I could keep the ghost of my ex-girlfriend in my life.“Excuse me, I need to take this,” I said, leaving the room to speak privately.“Hello, Grace,” I said quietly.“Aamon, I need your help,” Grace’s voice was a tortured whisper.“Are you hurt? In danger?” I asked, trying not to panic, wondering what could be wrong.“Not at the moment, but do you think we could talk? In person? Lillianna showed up at my apartment very upset and passed out on my couch. This is not a conversation I want to have over the phone, and I don’t want to go too far with her feeling like this,” Grace said.This wasn’t a good idea. I knew it wasn’t. Everything in me screamed to say no, to protect my heart that had never fully healed from Grace’s rejection. It was dif
Grace’s Point of ViewI knew what Aamon was trying to say without directly saying it. I closed my eyes and took a measured breath. I still loved him. I’d never stopped. But I thought for sure that he had moved on.“Do you need me to say it, kochanie?” Aamon asked as he wiped away a tear falling down my cheek.I nodded slowly because I did. I needed to know that even though I had walked away, tried to move on, and left him behind, Aamon still loved me because I had never stopped loving him. I needed those words, and I prayed that they would be the truth, not just something he thought I needed to hear.“I love you, my Grace. I always have, and I always will. There will never be another who holds my heart as you do. If I couldn’t be there to protect you myself, someone else was always watching,” Aamon said softly.His words were like a caress to my soul, and I kissed him before I could stop myself. Aamon hesitated for a brief moment and then kissed me back. Everything we wanted but couldn
Aamon’s Point of ViewI’d wanted Grace to see the danger that Lillianna posed, but not like that. My ex-girlfriend looked terrified; the colour drained from her beautiful face. She was shaking from shock and fear. Reality was hitting hard, and Grace knew she couldn’t pretend it wasn’t and look away.“Rei… the children …” Grace’s voice trailed off in a panic.My phone rang, and I knew how it was before I even answered. I held up a finger and placed it on my lips, looking at Grace before answering the phone.“Interesting night you’ve been having there, boss,” she teased, trying to lighten my mood. When I didn’t respond, she awkwardly cleared her throat.“I’m tailing her, don’t worry. It doesn’t look like Lillianna is heading towards Xavier or Rei right now. I’ll keep following her, and if anything changes, I’ll let you know,” she shared.“Call for backup if you need it. Do not ruin your cover. She’ll come for you next if you do,” I warned.“Noted,” she answered and then cut the call.“So
Mary’s Point of ViewWhen we first started working together, I was taken aback at how hard Rei worked, how dedicated she was to her job and doing the best she could. Maybe it was because she was the sole provider for her little family, or perhaps it was the way she was raised. Or, most likely, it was because that was just how Rei was. Bless her heart; she pours it into everything she does.I playfully teased and supported her throughout the years we’ve worked together. While I had worked with numerous nurses, none were quite like Rei, my sweet girl. She was a joy to tease and uplift to boost her confidence. That as.shole of an ex-husband of hers had really done a number on Rei. Despite her beauty, she was oblivious to it. Men often tried to catch her eye, but she was always unaware of them until Xavier Woods came into the emergency after some shenanigans had gone wrong for his group of friends.Rei hurried away like a timid mouse, seemingly believing she wasn't deserving of his notice
Lillianna’s Point of ViewWhen I left Grace's place, I noticed someone following me at a distance. I didn’t slow down or acknowledge that I was aware of their presence. Working for the organization, I knew they were not working independently. If the driver were following me, there would be another person nearby. I knew it was too good to be true that Aamon was on his own. After all, he was the Don’s grandson, the heir to the organization.I turned onto a rural road to get off my bike and hide amongst the trees to give myself cover if I needed to defend myself. The one thing I had left was my life, and as much as it sucked right now, it was mine. I wasn’t going to give it up lightly. I slowed down, parked quickly and then ran into the forest, waiting for a vehicle that never came. Interesting, I wonder who Aamon had watching me to be able to anticipate my reaction so well.I stood alone in the vastness of the forest, surrounded by deafening silence and released a raw, guttural scream. M
Shiloh’s Point of ViewI’d always wondered but never asked. Tonight, I would, when my brothers were playing on their devices. Mom had always answered my questions about my father and our extended family but in bite-sized responses. I’d never pushed for more. But seeing Aamon Brzezinski everywhere we went or someone else discreetly watching us, I needed to know. Everyone knew he was connected to the organization that was not to be named, and if he was watching us, I had to wonder if we were, too.Our home had no family photos displayed, and even Mom's social media accounts were void of them. It felt as though they were all like ghosts. I only knew my father's appearance from searching online with my brothers. When someone teased Onyx at school for not having a father, we searched and found a photograph of him. The Ravenscroft family had become mysterious and elusive since leaving our town, known only for their wealth and connections. Seeing our father's image had given Onyx some comfort
Grace’s Point of ViewAs Aamon drove us back to his place, I called Xavier. He held the steering wheel with one hand and my hand in the other, a simple but meaningful gesture. To his credit, Xavier answered immediately despite it being late at night.“You were right, Xavier. For what it’s worth, I chose Rei too. I will stay with the kids tomorrow night,” I said.A shaky breath on the other line sounded like Xavier had been on edge, waiting to see if I would call him back. I felt terrible that it took as long as it had, but would my answer have been the same if I had responded right away? If I was honest, I don’t know if it would have been initially.Seeing Lillianna unravel like that before my eyes was something seared into my memory. That, paired with the memory of her covered in blood, smiling as she stared at herself in the mirror years ago, destroyed the version Lillianna had created for my benefit.Were we ever truly friends, or was I just another pawn in Lillianna's game of life?
Rei’s Point of ViewAfter pulling a double shift, I was extremely exhausted and couldn't remember if I had even dreamed the night before. To my surprise, when I arrived home from dropping off the kids at school, a stack of boxes greeted me on the front porch. Mary must have paid for express shipping because they were delivered much sooner than expected. It was a relief to have them earlier in the day as I could wash and dry the clothes without feeling rushed. As I went through the box of "specialty items" that Mary had ordered, I was thankful that no one else was around to see. But it seemed like Mary was keeping track of the package delivery because she immediately sent me a text after they had arrived.Mary: Well? What do you think? 🤔Rei: It was very generous of you, but I’m not sure I’ll be using these items.Mary: Do you need a tutorial on how to use it? I thought it came with instructions, but I can give you the basics if you need me to.I frantically hurled my phone onto the ne
Rei's Point of ViewI yearned for the freedom and exhilaration of riding on the back of Xavier's motorcycle, but ever since we found out about my pregnancy, he insisted on taking the car whenever we went out together. While I understood his concern for my safety and that of our unborn child, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the rush of wind in my hair and feeling like I was flying with him. This baby was a surprise blessing for us, one we both cherished deeply, yet I couldn't shake off the lingering longing for our carefree rides on his bike.Shiloh had kindly offered to take care of Onyx and Salem while Xavier took me out for a date. Life had been hectic with moving into a new house and the kids starting at a new school. Though we didn't live in our small hometown anymore, we were still close by. It was a chance to start fresh, something we all needed. The kids had finally found their place and made friends who often hung out at our house, enjoying bonfires and stargazing
Rei’s Point of ViewTwo weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. It was strange adapting to our new normal. The kids were pulled from school so that we could have a proper funeral for my grandfather and we could find new living arrangements. Saying farewell to a man who played such an influential role in my life yet remained unknown until his last moments was an incredibly surreal experience.As the casket was closed, Shiloh and Onyx remained silent as they said their final goodbyes. I couldn't help but notice Xavier, Aamon, and Salem standing together. Both men reached for one of Salem's hands, causing him to straighten his back and take a deep breath. It was almost as if he acknowledged someone or something only he could see. I tried to look in the same direction but saw nothing. However, recent events have taught me not to discount the possibility of there being something more beyond our physical world.Since our last moments together, I hadn't sensed X's presence. However, not long
Rei’s Point of ViewMy choice. This time, it would be my choice. The words echoed in my mind as I stared at my three sleeping children. I couldn’t recall a time except when Xavier came into my life when I was truly given a choice—when the decision was entirely my own.“You have a lot to think about. Why don’t I give you some space to do that?” my brother said as he patted my head and walked out of the room.My brother. I have a brother who is dating my best friend. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that. Wait, Aamon just patted my head as he walked out, much like Onyx would do to Salem. I smiled to myself at the thought.Honestly, I had no desire to return to the house. It held too many painful memories of my grandfather's death and Lillianna's betrayal. Every room felt haunted by the life I once shared with Greg. Starting fresh in a new place with Xavier and the children sounded like the best option.However, relocating my children from their current school and leaving behind th
Aamon’s Point of ViewAs Xavier left the room, the office fell into a heavy silence. Rei's nervous eyes darted around, taking in each of our faces."Chloe, were you paid to be my friend?" she asked hesitantly.All eyes turned to me, and I let out a sigh."I hired Chloe to protect you and Grace to become your friend. But Chloe, Grace, and Iris genuinely care about you, Rei. It may have started as a job for them, but their feelings for you are real," I explained."Ladies, Rei and I haven't had a chance to talk alone as siblings yet. Could you give us some privacy for a few minutes? Maybe check on Xavier and contact Sam to make sure she's okay. With our new circumstances, it would be best if Alex, Tom, and Matt knew what we were dealing with. If we're going to change how we operate, we'll need the support and understanding of our loved ones," I suggested.Grace squeezed my hand in support and kissed my cheek softly."I can stay if you need me to," she whispered discreetly.I smiled at her
Xavier’s Point of ViewOn my way back to the office, I passed by the kids playing in the game room. Salem noticed me and studied me intensely as if he was trying to figure something out. His face showed his frustration, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Then, he looked past me and gave me a disapproving look. I turned around, expecting to see something or someone that had caused Salem's reaction, but there was nothing there. Just as I was about to continue on my way, Salem spoke up and caught my attention.Salem looked at me seriously and asked, "Can I talk to you, Xavier?""Absolutely," I replied. I noticed him looking over my shoulder and then sticking his tongue out. It was strange behaviour, but considering all that Salem had been through recently, it could have been his way of coping. At least he felt comfortable enough to come to me when he needed to talk."Can we go to your room to talk? Unless you and Mom didn't clean up, and it's too messy in there," Salem aske
Grace’s Point of ViewAs I opened my eyes, I realized that the bed was empty. Aamon was not there, and I could feel the coldness of the sheets where he had been laying. He must have left a while ago. I sat up quickly, pulling the sheets closer to my body for warmth. I let out a sigh, hoping that everything was alright. This was something that I needed to get used to once again, especially now that Aamon was in charge of the organization.As I dressed, I realized Rei had no clothes to change into. I rummaged through the bag of unpacked clothing and found a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, underwear, and a bra that would fit her. This would suffice for now; we could find a more permanent solution for Rei and Xavier's clothing later. Xavier had left everything behind at his apartment to get Rei to the hospital on time, so he also needed some clothes. Fortunately, I found a T-shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants that should fit him well enough. Aamon and Xavier had similar builds, which worked out
Shiloh’s Point of ViewI rolled my eyes as Salem ranted about Mr. Shiny Light Pants being a real person and how we were too clueless to see him. Eventually, he quieted down and started playing the game with Onyx. I couldn't help but reflect on how Salem had always believed that someone was watching over us, even when we were younger. Maybe he was right all along. With everything going on and our world turned upside down, I had to admit that anything was possible now.I leaned back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. Onyx glanced at me with concern, but I shook my head slightly and silently mouthed, "I'm okay, just exhausted." He nodded in understanding and mouthed back, "Me too." Strangely, this experience had brought my brothers and me closer than ever before. I had a feeling we would need each other even more as we adapted to our new lives and identities.Would we end up at the same school? Would people talk about us? It was obvious Mom was going to marry Xavier. His love for her was
X’s Point of ViewJust as I had done with Kaz, I guided Lillianna toward the light. It was effortless with Kaz; I respected the Don and enjoyed his company. However, I couldn't stand Lillianna. Yet, there was a glimmer of something in her that I couldn't ignore. After she crossed over to the light completely, I turned to leave."You're not coming with me, are you?" she asked."No," I replied."Will we ever meet again?" Lillianna's voice trembled with emotion."Not if I have any say in it," I responded sharply.“I loved him, you know. In my own way, I loved Xavier. And maybe, just maybe, he could have loved me back,” Lillianna revealed.“But you knew his heart was devoted to someone else, yet you persisted in your pursuit of him. He was never yours to claim. While Xavier may have shared his body with you, his heart always belonged to Rei. And it always will,” I retorted.“You love Rei. I can't quite comprehend who or what you are, but I recognize that feeling of loving someone you can n
Lillianna’s Point of ViewThe audacity of Aamon was unfathomable. Without a second thought, he had given my hard-earned jobs to Chloe, someone who had no business taking them from me. My head spun with fury, drowning out any sounds around me until Iris appeared, her cold voice cutting through the chaos. Before I could react, a searing pain ripped through my abdomen as her bullet tore into me. I felt my insides lurch and knew she had hit vital organs. The shock was almost too much to bear as I gasped for air, realizing this was how I imagined my end. A scream rose in my throat, but was stifled by the shock and agony coursing through my body. All I could do was curse fate for this cruel and undeserved death as I bled out on the floor in front of the bathroom. Rage turned to despair as my last thoughts faded into darkness.Chloe’s Point of ViewI couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Iris had made a grand entrance and delivered a deadly blow with precision and finality. As I stood t