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 words hung in the air like a bombshell, the shock of them rattling Xavier to his core. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his frustration building with each passing second. He wanted to scream, to grab Zane and Alana by the shoulders and shake some sense into them.What the hell had they been thinking, blurting out the truth—no, their version of the truth—in front of Mrs. Jennifer Mason? He could feel the weight of their careless words pressing down on him, the panic rising in his chest.But no matter how much he wanted to lash out, Xavier knew it was too late. The damage was done. His lips curled into a tight, forced smile, the kind of smile that didn’t reach his eyes, and that he hoped would mask the storm brewing inside him.“Right,” Mrs. Jennifer Mason said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.“Your dad? How wonderful! But I’m curious... how did you suddenly become the father of two older kids?” Her voice was sweet, but there was a sharp edge to it, as though she was
The sun hung high in the sky as Xavier pulled into the expansive parking lot of Kingsway Academy, an elite school known for its rigorous academic standards and its reputation for shaping the brightest minds. He glanced at the two children sitting quietly in the back seat, Zane and Alana.“Let’s keep them busy, so I can focus on Calla and convince her to leave for a while,” Xavier thought as he parked the car.He got out of the car and called out, “Come on, get out.”Zane nodded eagerly, while Alana remained quiet, her fingers absently tracing the hem of her dress.“Let’s go,” Xavier said, heading toward the entrance. The twins followed behind, their hands entwined as they navigated through the crowd of parents and students milling around.Inside, the school exuded sophistication, with gleaming marble floors and elegant decor that screamed wealth. Xavier approached the reception desk, where a woman in a sharp blazer greeted him with a warm smile.“Good morning! How can I help you?”“Hi
Xavier stormed into the house, his mind racing from the urgency of the call. The moment he crossed the threshold, the sound of laughter hit him like a tidal wave, echoing through the hallways.He followed the noise with quick strides, his chest tightening as he braced for whatever new disaster awaited him.Turning a corner, he found Zane and Alana standing outside the guest room, their young faces hidden behind masks, holding small spray bottles. As he got closer, a sharp, pungent smell hit his nostrils, stinging his eyes and burning his sinuses.“What are you two doing?” he demanded, his voice deep and authoritative, reverberating through the corridor.Zane and Alana froze for a moment, then exchanged mischievous glances. Xavier didn’t waste any time.He reached out, snatched the bottles from their hands, and tossed them aside. The smell was overpowering, and a sudden itch spread across his face.“What is this? What did you spray in here?” he barked, his tone firm and commanding.“No
“Sir, you need to come home immediately!” The voice on the other end of the line was frantic and trembling, bursting into the room like a gale-force wind. It was his housekeeper, but Xavier barely recognized her in her panic.“What’s going on?” he asked sharply, his brows knitting as he sat up straight, every muscle in his body instantly tense.“It’s the kids!” she exclaimed, her voice wobbling as though she were on the verge of tears. “They’ve locked us in a room, and they’re not letting us out!”Xavier’s confusion hardened into a frown. “What do you mean they’ve locked you in a room? How is that even possible?”“They tricked us into the study!” she explained in a rush, her words tumbling over each other. “They said they needed help with something. Then they slammed the door behind us and locked it! And now—” Her voice hitched, the next words coming out in a breathless gasp. “They’re pumping some kind of gas into the room. We can’t breathe! Please, sir, hurry!”For a moment, Xavier w
The dining hall of the hotel radiated elegance, its soft golden lights reflecting off the polished surfaces. Xavier swirled the last sip of red wine in his glass before draining it, the rich aroma of their meal still lingering in the air. He pushed his chair back deliberately and stood.“We should head out,” he said, his tone neutral but firm.“Yeah… we should,” Ember replied, standing gracefully. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she followed him toward the exit. The evening had been smooth, almost perfect, but Xavier’s thoughts churned beneath the surface, a storm of tension and unspoken worries.Outside, the crisp night air greeted them. Ember stepped closer, her perfume—a subtle, intoxicating blend of jasmine and vanilla—wafting between them. Her voice dipped into a softer, more seductive register.“Don’t you think we owe ourselves a little more time together?” she murmured, her fingers lightly brushing his arm. “I could see it in your eyes tonight—you were enjo
Xavier sat alone at the outdoor café, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. The late afternoon sun bathed the bustling street in a warm, golden light, while a light breeze tugged at the hem of his coat. Despite the postcard-perfect scene, his mind was anything but calm.He took a sip of his coffee, the bitterness doing little to drown out the storm of thoughts swirling in his head.Why did I ever think bringing them with me was a good idea? he thought, his jaw tightening.Zane and Alana… God knows what they’re up to back home.For what felt like the hundredth time since they’d moved in, he asked himself, Why did I think they'd be easy to handle? His life had been nothing but chaos ever since.Images of the two wreaking havoc at his estate flashed through his mind—shattering antiques, scaring the staff half to death. He ran a hand down his face and sighed."Calla was right," he muttered under his breath. "I should get them admitted to school. I’ll take them for admission
Xavier sat in his office, leaning back in his leather chair. Sunlight filtered through the blinds and cast long shadows across the desk. His mind was miles away, tangled in thoughts of Zane, Alana, and the chaos unraveling his life. He was drowning in uncertainty when his phone buzzed on the desk.He glanced at the caller ID: Logan.With a sigh, he picked up the phone.“Logan?”“Yeah, it’s me,” Logan’s voice came through, steady but tense.“Man, I did some digging. You were right… Drake’s out of jail.”Xavier felt his stomach drop. He’d been preparing for this, but hearing it confirmed made it all too real.“How?” His voice darkened, carrying a mix of anger and dread.“Good behavior, supposedly,” Logan said.“But you know it’s more than that. His father, Harold Maverick, definitely pulled some strings. That guy’s got influence everywhere. A few greased palms, the right calls made, and now Drake’s walking free, way before he should’ve been.”Xavier swore under his breath, his fists tig
Xavier paced the length of his study, his mind in turmoil. No matter how hard he tried to push it away, the fact was undeniable: Zane and Alana were his kids. The DNA test had made it crystal clear.Yet, the very idea of them being in his life filled him with unease. He’d built a world for himself that didn’t include the mess of parenthood, especially not kids who had been dropped into his life like a puzzle he couldn’t figure out.Who was their mother?When did I meet her?How the hell did I let this happen?And why the hell didn’t she come to me when she found out she was pregnant? His mind ran in circles, each question leading to more frustration.But he knew the answers lay in finding Leila. Once he tracked her down, he’d offer her a generous monthly allowance—enough to make sure Zane and Alana were taken care of. But they had to go back to her. He couldn’t keep them. The weight of parenthood, the reminders of choices he didn’t even remember making, was more than he could bear.Wi
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Thomas shot back, his voice dripping with disdain.“I’m better than you. At least I stuck around for my kids. I raised you and your sister, didn’t I? But you? You’ve abandoned your own kids, left them to fend for themselves like orphans.”Xavier’s hands curled into fists, his jaw tight. Calla, sensing the tension rising, quickly stepped between them.“Dad,” she said, voice firm, as she laid a hand on Thomas’s arm. “Let’s just take a step back. Not the time—”Thomas jerked his arm away, not breaking his stare at Xavier. “Yeah, it’s easy to point fingers, but it’s hard to face the truth about yourself, isn’t it?”“Dad, please…” Calla said, trying to move him.Thomas paused, staring at Xavier, and then, suddenly, his expression shifted, his posture going rigid. He took a sharp breath, as if realizing something. The shift was subtle, but chilling.“Okay, fine. I’m not here to trash talk your brother,” Thomas said, his tone now cold, calculating. He pointed at