Just as he began to relax, something hard hit him squarely in the chest. His eyes shot open, and he looked down to see a small rubber ball bouncing onto the floor and rolling away.“What the hell is this?” Xavier shouted, his gaze snapping up to the staircase, where Zane stood frozen like a deer in headlights.Zane’s wide-eyed expression said it all—he hadn’t meant for the ball to hit Xavier, but now that it had, he knew what was coming. Without a word, the boy turned and bolted into the room Calla had shown them earlier.Xavier stood up abruptly, fury flashing in his eyes. “Zane!” he yelled, his voice echoing through the expansive hall. He started toward the staircase but then stopped, running a hand through his hair in frustration.“Margaret!” he called sharply, and the maid appeared almost instantly, her demeanor calm and composed.“Yes, sir?” she asked.“Keep the children in their room,” Xavier ordered, his tone clipped. “I don’t want them wandering around the house. Make sure the
“Xavier,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “You can’t be serious.”“I wish I wasn’t,” he muttered, leaning back against the sofa. “But I’ve been getting some random messages… and I feel he’s sending them to me.”Calla felt her breath catch in her throat. She clenched her fists to stop them from shaking, but her entire body felt cold. “How do you know it’s him?” Her voice was fragile, as if asking the question might shatter her resolve entirely.Xavier’s gaze sharpened, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip. “Calla, I’m not the kind of man who lives under false hopes. I don’t cling to ‘maybes’ or ignore the obvious. I know it’s him.” His voice softened, but the firmness remained. “I’m not taking any chances. Not with your safety.”Calla turned away, unable to hold his gaze. The room felt suffocating, the reality crashing down around her. She had hoped—prayed, even—that this nightmare was behind them. But now… it felt like the walls were clo
The house was dead quiet when Xavier stirred from sleep, but something felt wrong. He couldn’t pinpoint it right away, but there was a strange tension in the air, like something was just… off. Then, faint at first but quickly growing louder, he heard it—a wild cacophony of screams echoing through the mansion.“What on earth?” Startled, Xavier shot up, his heart pounding. The noise wasn’t coming from just one spot; it sounded like the whole place was in chaos. Throwing on a robe, he bolted out of his room, his bare feet hitting the cold marble floor as he raced toward the commotion. When he reached the top of the staircase, the sight that greeted him was beyond bizarre.His entire staff was gathered in the living room, standing in shocked silence, covered from head to toe in a fine white powder. It clung to their skin and clothes, making them look like ghostly figures caught in some strange nightmare. Their eyes were wide with a mix of shock and irritation, and the room was thick with
Logan leaned against the desk, his sharp gaze fixed on Xavier, arms crossed as he tilted his head slightly.“Tell me everything,” Logan said, his voice low but pressing, eyes narrowing with curiosity. “These kids—how did they end up with you?”Xavier let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair as he slumped into the chair behind him.“It all started on that damn cruise,” Xavier muttered, his face hard with exasperation. “You know, like you suggested, I went to clear my head, to get away from it all. But they were there—those kids… Zane and Alana.” His face tightened at the memory. “They were the most annoying, wild, chaotic kids I’ve ever come across. They made every meal a disaster, every event a circus, and completely wrecked my plans.”Logan’s brow furrowed. “And yet, they’re here with you now. What happened?”Xavier leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the floor, replaying the last day of the cruise in his mind.“I was ready to leave, you know
"You didn’t mention your sleep. You’re not still dependent on those sleeping pills, right? My advice was good, at least for that reason.”“Yeah, that worked,” Xavier admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “The cruise was good for that, at least. And hey, it had its perks with some of the cool girls there.”Logan smirked. “Ah, I’m glad to hear you’re getting back to some manly instincts. Attracting the ladies, huh?”Xavier rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “Please don’t get carried away, Logan. I’m just trying to survive here.”“Come on, man! You need to keep spending time with some attractive women. It’s good for you. Those kinds of associations release testosterone and adrenaline, both of which are pretty necessary for a happy, healthy life!” Logan laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief.“Oh, come on, Logan!” Xavier blushed, a smile creeping onto his face despite the weight of the situation.But then Xavier’s expression shifted as he leaned back against the wall, his t
The villa was silent, its opulence both breathtaking and cold. Calla sat cross-legged on a plush Persian rug, leaning against an armchair upholstered in butter-soft leather, her gaze drifting across the cavernous room. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the distant city lights, while silk drapes pooled on the marble floor, their elegance untouched, as if no one had ever dared disturb this carefully arranged perfection.Across from her, a grand fireplace cast faint shadows over the sculpted marble figurines on the mantle. A crystal decanter and cut-glass tumblers gleamed atop a polished table, and priceless artwork lined the walls, each piece an exquisite reminder of the wealth that surrounded her. Yet in this beautiful, curated space, Calla felt strangely hollow, the luxury around her a stark contrast to the ache she carried within.She hugged her knees tighter, letting out a shuddering breath that cut through the quiet. Her chest felt raw, like an old wound she’d tried to stitch up hers
She bit her lip, her heart pounding. “You’re just saying that.”“No, I mean it,” he insisted, the sincerity in his voice making her breath hitch. “Talking to you, it felt like I’d known you forever. I don’t know how to explain it. You just… matter to me.”The way he spoke made her feel seen in a way she had never experienced before. “I’m just me,” she murmured, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips.“Exactly. You’re just you,” he echoed. “And that’s what makes you extraordinary. You’re genuine. You don’t try to be someone you’re not. It’s refreshing.”They talked for hours, the conversation flowing effortlessly as if there were no barriers between them. Calla laughed, sharing bits of her life she hadn’t told anyone. Each word he spoke wrapped around her like a soft blanket, and she let herself sink deeper into the warmth of his voice.“Tell me more about you,” he urged, his tone coaxing. “What do you want? What makes you happy?”“I don’t know,” she admitted, feeling shy. “I gue
Calla’s heart raced at the invitation. She nodded eagerly, and together they stepped into the evening air. The transition from the dimly lit restaurant to the garden felt like entering another world. Softly glowing lanterns lined the winding path, illuminating clusters of vibrant flowers that danced gently in the cool breeze. The scent of jasmine and fresh blooms filled the air, mingling with the crispness of the night.The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over everything, making the garden feel like a scene from a fairy tale. Calla marveled at the way the moonlight shimmered on the petals, turning the white roses into delicate orbs of light. The gentle sound of water trickling from a nearby fountain added a serene backdrop, creating an atmosphere charged with magic.As they strolled along the path, Drake leaned closer, his voice a soothing murmur. “Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, glancing over at her, his dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. “It reminds me of how specia
The night was still, the city lights casting a soft glow through the windows of Xavier’s apartment. The air in the room felt thick with unspoken words, and yet Ember felt completely at ease as she sat on the couch, her legs crossed, sipping her wine with a casual grace. Her eyes remained on Xavier, who had just finished explaining the entire ordeal with Zane and Alana’s disappearance.Xavier had gone through every detail, recounting the moment he received the news of their vanishing, the fear and terror that had gripped him, and the eventual relief when they were found. But as he spoke, Ember’s gaze drifted away from him, her thoughts clearly somewhere else.Xavier paused mid-sentence, his voice faltering when he realized she hadn’t been listening.“Ember,” he said softly, his brow furrowing.“Are you even listening to me?”Ember’s eyes flickered toward him for a brief moment, her lips curling into a seductive smile. She set her wineglass down, her fingers tracing the rim as if the co
The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore was soothing, almost hypnotic, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside Ember. She sat on a plush towel, basking under the afternoon sun, surrounded by her group of friends. The warmth of the sun kissed her skin, yet a coldness gnawed at her heart as she watched the carefree laughter of her friends. Each of them was dressed in designer bikinis, their expensive swimwear glistening in the sun, the epitome of wealth and status. Yet, despite the luxury and beauty surrounding her, Ember couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Or rather, someone.One of her friends, a tall blonde woman named Chloe, lounged beside her, a glass of champagne in hand."Ember, where's Xavier? He’s usually here by now," she asked, her tone casual, but her eyes were sharp with curiosity.Ember’s fingers traced the rim of her glass as she stared out at the horizon."He’s probably busy with his wild children or dying father," she mutte
The air was thick with tension, the weight of the unknown pressing down on Xavier’s chest. Every minute that passed without any sign of Zane and Alana made his worry grow exponentially. The school had been searched from top to bottom, every hallway, every classroom, every corner. The guards, both of the school and Xavier’s, had been dispatched to search the surrounding areas. Still, there was no sign of his children.Xavier’s mind raced, unable to focus on anything other than the image of his kids, missing and alone. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks—he loved them. He loved them in a way that he had never fully recognized before. He thought of the times they had come to him, seeking comfort after a nightmare or needing his help with their schoolwork. He thought of their laughter, their energy, their constant chatter. Now he couldn’t imagine a life without them, but he had never fully allowed himself to admit how deeply they had become a part of his world.He clenched his fi
The drive home felt longer than usual. Xavier’s mind was racing as he tried to process everything that had happened. Thomas was quietly resting in the passenger seat, the therapy session having drained him. His father had barely spoken a word since they left the clinic, and Xavier had allowed the silence to stretch on. It was a rare moment of peace, a chance for Xavier to reflect on the complicated web of emotions that had unfolded between them in recent weeks.When they finally arrived home, Xavier stepped out of the car, his mind still heavy. He was about to head inside when Bella appeared in the doorway, her face pale and strained.“Xavier,” she called, her voice tight with worry.“Zane and Alana haven’t come home yet. It’s already late.”Xavier’s heart skipped a beat. The familiar sense of unease began to settle in his stomach.“What do you mean, they haven’t come home?”Bella stepped forward, glancing nervously down the driveway.“I called their school, but they told me all the s
Xavier’s hand tightened on the steering wheel as he drove through the streets, the familiar hum of the car’s engine a backdrop to the silence in the vehicle. Thomas sat beside him, his frail figure slumped in the passenger seat, his eyes hollow with exhaustion. It was his third round of chemotherapy, and the weight of it was clearly starting to take a toll on him. The physical changes were evident—his once broad frame had thinned considerably, his skin was pale, and his eyes seemed permanently tired. The chemo was slowly breaking him down, but it wasn’t just the disease; it was the emotional strain, the battle that had taken a toll on his spirit.Xavier could feel the tension in the air, the weight of what lay ahead hanging over them both. It had been a long, difficult road, but today felt especially heavy. He was exhausted, not just from the demands of work and family, but from the emotional toll that his strained relationship with Thomas had put on him.When they arrived at the hosp
The soft click of the door opening was barely audible as Bella stepped into Xavier’s study. She had been avoiding him for the past few days, needing space to clear her mind, to understand what was happening in her heart. But today, something in her had snapped. She couldn’t pretend anymore.Xavier was sitting at his desk, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of a lamp. The papers in front of him seemed like an endless blur, each one a reminder of the responsibilities that weighed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t hear Bella’s footsteps at first, too consumed by the work in front of him.“Xavier,” Bella said quietly, her voice trembling ever so slightly.He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers, a quiet understanding passing between them as if he had known she was standing there all along.“Bella,” he said, his voice softer than usual.“What’s wrong?”She stepped closer, the words almost stuck in her throat, but she forced them out, her voice breaking with emotion.“I want to leave. I
Xavier sat in the expansive living room of his mansion, the silence enveloping him as he stared out at the manicured gardens outside. The soft hum of the house was a comforting contrast to the chaos he had just returned from in Washington. His mind was still processing the conversation he’d had with Leila, the revelations that had shaken him to his core.As the door to the living room opened, Xavier looked up and found Jacob coming towards him.“Xavier,” Jacob greeted, his tone forced casual as he approached the couch. He sat down across from Xavier, his posture tense, as though he had something important on his mind.Xavier raised an eyebrow, not in the mood for pleasantries.“What’s going on, Jacob? What do you want?”Jacob’s eyes flickered briefly to the side before meeting Xavier’s gaze.“I need your help,” he said, his voice lower now, tinged with an urgency that immediately piqued Xavier’s interest, though not in a good way.“I’m in a tight spot, and I need a loan. A big one.”X
The small café in Washington had a cozy atmosphere, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the soft hum of background chatter. Xavier and Leila sat across from each other, two mugs of coffee placed on the wooden table between them, the steam rising from their cups as an unspoken tension lingered in the air.Xavier took a deep breath, his fingers curling around the mug, seeking warmth as much as solace.Xavier and Leila had left Dr. Priya’s clinic for a while and came to Cafe to have some coffee and discuss few more things while they had a chance."How are you now, Leila?" Xavier asked quietly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle."What does your doctor say?"Leila looked at him for a moment, as if weighing the truth of her response. She glanced down at her hands, fingers resting on the edge of the mug, before lifting her eyes to meet his."Alzheimer’s never cures," she said, her voice tinged with a sense of finality."But the medicine can help control its symptoms. So
Xavier's mind raced as he stepped off the plane in Washington, the weight of the upcoming conversation with Leila heavy on his shoulders. It had been weeks since he last heard her name, and now, after all his searching, he was finally going to face her.His manager, ever efficient, was waiting for him at the airport, greeting him with a slight nod."Mr. Xavier," his manager said, gesturing toward the car."I’ve arranged everything. Dr. Verma’s clinic is just a short drive away."Xavier nodded silently, his thoughts still spinning. There was a knot in his stomach, a mixture of frustration, confusion, and, oddly, anticipation. He had so many questions for Leila. The woman who had vanished from his life, leaving him with Zane and Alana, only to disrupt his world with her sudden disappearance, was finally within reach.The drive felt long, despite the distance being short. Xavier's mind kept circling back to the same question: Why had she disappeared? What had driven her to leave her niec