Chapter 76Josh stood in the doorway, looking slightly out of breath but composed. He held a small bouquet of white lilies in one hand and a bag of snacks in the other. His eyes met Ruth’s, and for a brief moment, there was something unreadable in his gaze—guilt, perhaps, or maybe just the weight of her earlier question lingering between them.“I came straight from work,” he explained, setting the flowers and bag on the small table beside Ruth’s hospital bed. “Figured you might want something to munch on before surgery.”Ruth looked at him unbelievably. “You really dislike me, don’t you?”“What’s wrong? Can you not say that? Did I do anything?” Josh crouched beside her and asked sincerely.“She cannot eat anything within the 12 hour period prior to her surgery. Have you forgotten?” Olivia said from behind to remind him. “And you’re bringing snacks minutes before surgery. Great job!"Josh looked at Ruth again. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been forgetting things a little too much lately”.Ruth h
Chapter 77Olivia turned around to see Josh looking at her. He seemed quite flustered. “Josh?” she called out to him."Hey Olivia. I thought to look around for you”, Josh said, scratching his neck awkwardly. “And thank you for staying with Ruth”.Olivia smiled. “Ruth will always do the same for me. Besides, we’ve known each other since forever, so we value each other more than our men".Josh cleared his throat. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t find the words. “Is it about you and Ruth?” Olivia asked first. Josh nodded a bit in affirmation.“I am trying my best to reassure her that you won't hurt her. But Ruth is still hurt, she thinks you’re tired of her and the relationship”, Olivia said with a sigh. “No matter what you’re going through, she’s your girlfriend, you should be able to confide in her”.“I know," Josh began. “But Carey is the biggest concern right now. I also don’t want anything to trouble her. But it didn’t occur to me that I might be hurting he
Chapter 78Ruth’s question hung in the air, a sudden shift in the calm atmosphere of the hospital room. Josh’s hand faltered slightly in hers, his fingers tightening reflexively before he gave her an unsteady smile.“Annette Fournier?” he repeated, as though the name itself had only just registered. "I don’t know who she is. Why would you ask about her?”Olivia, who had been standing by the window, suddenly turned around. Ruth told her about this name just the day before. She heard the tension in Josh’s voice and she frowned. Ruth’s gaze was steady, unwavering, and Olivia knew there was no backing down from this question. Ruth, with her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude, wouldn’t let it go.“Don’t give me that,” Ruth said with a wry smile. “You know who she is, you’ve been avoiding me for days, and I’ve been putting up with it. But I need an answer, Josh. Who. Is. Annette?”Josh opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, his thoughts running faster than he could process them. How did R
Chapter 79Eunice skipped through the corridor with Olivia holding her hand, while Christian walked behind them. The fluorescent lights buzzed quietly and it made Olivia uneasy."Honey," she began. “Are you sure you are happy to be in the hospital?”Eunice nodded happily. “I really missed Ruth, but I got to see her today. I do feel like this is not the right place to be happy, but she’s fine."Olivia who was obviously surprised by Eunice’s mature answer looked back at Christian who was smiling. “My girl is surely intelligent”, he said rubbing her back.“When are we getting to the room? I’ve been walking since a thousand years ago”, Eunice complained, instantly resuming her childlike antics like Olivia had expected.Ruth, who was still recovering was on the phone on a presumably work call. “I’ll see what I can do about it before Friday, thank you," she said before hanging up the phone.“Ruth!”, the excited Eunice screamed as soon as she saw Ruth drop her phone.“And if it isn’t my favo
Chapter 80“Sir?” one of the subordinates called out. “Are you sure about this? I mean, we could see how Christian almost ran mad with the previous attempt. Can we still do it?”The boss looked at the rest of his subordinates and let out a cynical laughter. “He’s joking, right? Does he not know me?” He questioned them quietly. "At that time, I wasn’t seriously going to kidnap her, it was just a tactic to scare Christian”.The minion pursed his lips and nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry for doubting you sir”.Meanwhile, across the city, a group of unsuspecting people were in a hospital ward. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the hospital window, bathing Ruth’s hospital room in a soft golden hue. Eunice sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed, humming to herself as she arranged her daffodils into a small glass vase. Olivia stood nearby, her hand resting gently on the rail of the bed, while Ruth reclined against the pillows, a look of contentment on her face.“It’s nice to hav
Chapter 81It is already Friday. The long anticipated day is Eunice's graduation. The morning was bright and full of positivity.Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Mason estate, casting golden hues across the sleek modern furniture. Christian stood by the kitchen island, a cup of coffee in his hand, watching Eunice bounce on her toes in excitement. Her white graduation dress—a lacy little number Olivia had picked out—flowed around her as she twirled.“Uncle Christian, do you think they’ll have cupcakes at the party?” Eunice asked, her eyes sparkling.Christian chuckled and leaned down to her level. “If they don’t, I’ll make sure to find you the biggest cupcake in the city. Deal?”“Deal!” Eunice exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck.Olivia walked into the room, her hair swept into an elegant bun, wearing a simple navy-blue dress that complemented her figure. Christian’s gaze softened as he straightened up, setting his coffee down.“Ready for the big day?” he asked
Chapter 82The dawn of a new week painted the Massachusetts skyline in hues of gold and rose. Inside the Mason estate, a tranquil scene unfolded. Olivia, with a gentle hum, prepared Eunice’s breakfast. The little girl, her usual sparkle dimmed by the post-graduation blues, was greeted with a plate of whimsical star-shaped pancakes. The sweet aroma of maple syrup filled the air, a comforting reminder of simpler times.Eunice’s eyes lit up, her frown melting away. She took a bite of the fluffy pancake, a smile spreading across her face. Olivia watched her daughter with a fond smile, relieved to see the return of her cheerful spirit. As they sat together, the warmth of the morning sun and the joy of a shared meal filled the room. It was a simple start to a new week, but it was a start filled with love and hope. Of course, threats from Carey and other unknown sources lurk behind the shadows somewhere.Christian entered the kitchen, already dressed in a sharp charcoal suit. He stopped to p
Chapter 83Time quickly rolled by, and it was already evening. The sun had already set on the other side of the city. Inside the Mason mansion, Olivia had just finished making some spaghetti. She stood by the kitchen window, watching Eunice play with her dolls in the dining room. Her earlier resolve to tell Christian about the phone call lingered in her mind, but the worry had begun to twist in her chest like a persistent ache.The sound of the front door opening broke her thoughts. Christian’s familiar stride echoed through the hall. He appeared in the kitchen doorway moments later, his tie loosened and a tired yet relieved look on his face.“Hey,” he greeted, his voice softening as his gaze landed on her. “Hey,” Olivia replied, brushing a stray curl off her face.Christian’s eyes shifted toward the patio. “She looks happy,” he said, nodding toward Eunice, whose laughter floated through the air.Olivia smiled faintly. “She had a good day. Her scrapbook is coming along. Glitter everyw
Epilogue Nine months later. The sun streamed gently through the tall windows of the new Matt & Rose Foundation building, casting a warm glow over rows of seated attendees—executives, students, members of the press, and friends. The air held something rare: hope. Christian stood at the podium in a tailored navy suit, a small white ribbon pinned to his lapel. His gaze swept across the audience, lingering on the front row, where Olivia sat beside Ruth. Ruth wore a floral midi dress and a guarded smile. Next to her sat Roosevelt Lee—a former college buddy of Christian’s, and for the past month, Ruth’s quiet comfort. Eunice sat on Olivia’s lap, her legs swinging under her dress shoes, proudly sporting a glittery badge that read Junior Ambassador. She waved when Christian looked her way. He winked, then returned his attention to the microphone. “Today,” Christian began, his voice carrying with ease, “we honour two people whose kindness shaped who I am. My brother and sister-in-law
Chapter 120 Another four months had passed since Josh’s first court appearance. Today was judgment day.The courtroom felt colder this time—not from the air, but from the finality clinging to the walls like frost. The trial had dragged on for weeks—meticulous testimonies, irrefutable digital evidence, and the haunting voices of those Josh had manipulated or destroyed. Ruth had testified. So had Olivia. And Christian had taken the stand with quiet resolve, walking the court through every calculated step Josh had taken in the shadows.Now, there were no whispers. Just silence. The sentencing.Christian sat in the front row once again, between Ruth and Olivia. His hands rested on his knees, spine straight, jaw tight. Behind them, rows of strangers watched history unfold.Olivia wore a black blouse and slacks, her eyes fixed forward, unreadable. Ruth had opted for navy this time—a subtle, steady colour that matched the calm she was trying to summon.Josh was brought in, flanked by office
Chapter 119 Four Months LaterThe car ride to the courthouse was silent and tense. Christian drove, while Ruth and Olivia sat quietly in the back.The Massachusetts Criminal Courthouse loomed ahead, grim beneath a brooding sky. The winter air cut through even the thickest coats. News vans lined the perimeter like vultures, antennas raised like mechanical spines. Cameramen and reporters crowded the steps, lenses trained on the entrance, waiting for the man at the center of a storm no one had seen coming.Inside, the courtroom buzzed with restrained energy. Whispered conversations rose and fell like waves. Every seat was filled—press, family members, curious onlookers. The case of State vs. Joshua Smith had gripped the city: betrayal, murder, power, secrets.Christian sat at the front beside Olivia and Ruth, his expression carved from stone, but his eyes— his eyes burned. He hadn’t slept well in days, not since the indictment was finalised. The time between discovery and justice had fe
Chapter 118 Detective Harris shone his flashlight into the dark cavity beneath the floorboards, brushing aside layers of dust and cobwebs. “There’s definitely something down here.”Christian knelt beside the hole, squinting into the shadows. “What do you see?”“Some kind of box.” Harris reached down carefully and pulled out a dusty metal tin, about the size of a shoebox. It clanked faintly as he set it beside him. “It was wedged under one of the boards.”Detective Fisher stepped forward, gloved hands steady, and popped the lid. Everyone leaned in.Inside, nestled between scraps of old cloth, were two flash drives, a sealed plastic sleeve containing a small memory card—and, folded neatly at the bottom—a shirt.Fisher’s brow furrowed as he lifted the drives. “Bag these,” he instructed, handing them to another officer. “Handle with care. They could be encrypted.”Christian’s gaze narrowed. “What kind of shirt is that?”Fisher gently unfolded the fabric. It was a large-sized, worn men’s
Chapter 117 Olivia grabbed his arm before he could finish.“Christian.”He stopped and sank into the nearest sofa, the tension radiating from his frame.“Sweetheart,” he said gently, “come here. Let Uncle ask you something.”Eunice nodded and skipped forward. Christian crouched in front of her, his hands resting lightly on her small shoulders. His expression was calm, but there was an intensity in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.“Eunice,” he said softly, “what do you mean by a secret room?”Eunice beamed, clearly delighted to finally share her secret.“The one behind the big bookshelf in the living room! Daddy and Uncle Josh used to go there all the time. I saw them!” She puffed out her chest proudly. “They thought I didn’t know, but I did.”Christian’s grip tightened slightly. Olivia noticed the tick in his jaw.“When did you see them, sweetheart?” she asked gently, kneeling beside them. “Was it a long time ago?”Eunice nodded, her little hands tugging at the hem of Olivia’s
Chapter 116 The Mason mansion was quiet that night—the kind of stillness that carries the weight of things unsaid.Ruth sat curled on the plush living room couch, a blanket draped around her shoulders. But the warmth did nothing to ease the chill in her chest. The day’s events played on a loop in her mind— every word, every lie, every trace of Josh’s deception. She had spent months loving a man who never truly existed. Now all that remained was the rubble of a future that had never been real.Olivia sat beside her, close enough to offer support, but not suffocating.“Are you sure you don’t want to go upstairs and try to sleep?” she asked gently.Ruth let out a scoff and shook her head. “Sleep? Not a chance. Every time I close my eyes, I hear his voice. I see that smug smile he gave me—like he still had me wrapped around his finger.” Her voice cracked, raw with disbelief. “God, he really believed I was still his.”Olivia reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “He’
Chapter 115 Ruth tightened her grip on the steering wheel as she pulled into the detention center's parking lot. The morning sun glared off the pavement, but its warmth couldn’t touch the cold knot twisting in her stomach. She exhaled slowly, bracing herself. This wasn’t a visit for closure. It wasn’t to ask for explanations.She needed to see the manipulative monster Josh truly was—again.For the past twenty-four hours, she had replayed every moment: every conversation, every touch, every whispered promise. All lies. Carefully crafted. Skilfully delivered. And she had believed them —believed him—because she thought he loved her the way she had loved him.She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking sharply against the asphalt as she walked toward the entrance. The moment she passed through security, the weight of the situation settled squarely on her shoulders. Cold fluorescent lights hummed overhead as officers led her down sterile hallways. And then, at last, she was there—facin
Chapter 114 The rhythmic clicking of Christian’s pen against his desk was the only sound in the vast office as he sat, deep in thought. The morning had started like any other, with reports to review and meetings to prepare for, but the weight of last night’s revelation pressed down on him like a storm cloud.Josh.He had spent quite some time going over every detail from the journal Ruth had found. The words scrawled across the pages painted a picture of a man who had been living a double life—outwardly charming, supportive, and loyal, yet seething with resentment beneath the surface.A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Come in,” he called.The door opened, and Secretary Pitcher stepped inside, his expression neutral but professional. “Detective Fisher is here to see you, sir.”Christian straightened, nodding. “Send him in.”A moment later, Detective Fisher strode into the office. He was a middle-aged man with graying temples, sharp eyes that missed nothing, and an air
Chapter 113 "Make sure you have all these files assessed by the necessary departments and submitted to me by noon tomorrow," Christian said in a commanding tone."Yes, sir," Pitcher replied."As for what I told you about, continue directing them and see what they have to do about it. Also, reschedule my appointment with Mr. Manchester—I have to go pick up Eunice from sch—"Christian was interrupted by the buzzing phone on his desk. He quickly picked up the call as soon as he saw the caller ID.Olivia’s voice had been tight with urgency when she told him to come home. The undercurrent of alarm in her tone was enough to send his pulse spiking.By the time he strode into the Mason mansion, Olivia and Ruth were waiting for him in the living room, their faces pale.He was surprised to see Ruth with Olivia. Hadn't they just had a huge argument days before? Before he could ask anything, he noticed the thick, black journal sitting on the coffee table between them."What’s going on?" Christia