Xavier sat in his car, his fingers tapping restlessly on the steering wheel. He hadn’t heard from Ember all day, and the silence between them was unsettling. Ever since the argument they’d had over Bea, she hadn’t called or texted, and Xavier knew something was wrong. He had hoped the tension would dissipate, but it lingered like a shadow, stretching between them. He couldn’t stand it any longer. The weight of the unspoken words between them was suffocating, and he needed to do something—anything—to make it right.He had an idea.Pulling his phone from his pocket, he dialed Ember’s number. After a few rings, she answered, her voice cool and distant.“Xavier,” she said, a single word that conveyed everything—distance, disappointment, and a trace of anger.“Hey, Ember,” he said, trying to sound casual but knowing he couldn’t hide the concern in his voice. “I was thinking we could go out today. I’ll pick you up, and we could do something fun. What do you say?”There was a long pause on
The car hummed as Xavier drove through the busy city streets, his mind not entirely focused on the road ahead. He was on his way to the hospital with Logan, who had insisted on joining him to review Thomas’s latest blood reports. The silence between them was palpable, with Logan’s earlier words still echoing in Xavier’s mind.“Logan,” Xavier said, his voice tight with frustration. “Why did you have to say all that stuff in the mall today? What was that about?”Logan glanced at him, the familiar twinkle in his eyes barely concealed beneath the surface of his calm expression. “I was telling you the truth, Xavier,” Logan replied nonchalantly. “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”Xavier clenched his jaw, hands tightening on the steering wheel. “About Bella? That’s just ridiculous. You’ve never even met her properly, and now you’re giving me advice about her?”Logan let out a soft sigh, clearly unimpressed. “I’ve seen enough. Look, I’m not blind, Xavier. I’ve seen Bella in your ho
The sterile smell of the hospital hit Xavier’s nose as he and Logan walked down the corridor toward the liver specialist's office. The sounds of nurses and patients filled the air, but in that moment, Xavier couldn’t focus on anything but the weight on his shoulders. His mind kept replaying the conversation they had had earlier, but now, he was about to face the truth about his father, Thomas. He wasn’t prepared for whatever he was about to hear.As they entered the doctor's office, Xavier’s eyes immediately fixed on the doctor sitting behind the desk. Dr. Harris, a man in his late 40s with glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and a clipboard in hand, motioned for them to sit. His calm demeanor offered little comfort to Xavier, whose anxiety was beginning to bubble up."Mr. Donovan," Dr. Harris greeted them, his voice calm and professional. "I’ve reviewed the tests and scans. Let me get straight to the point. Your father is suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a for
Xavier walked slowly down the hallway, his footsteps muffled by the soft carpet beneath his feet. He paused for a moment outside Thomas's bedroom, his hand resting on the doorknob. The house was eerily quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning. It was late—far too late for him to be awake, but sleep evaded him. His thoughts were consumed by the grim reality he had just been handed.With a heavy sigh, Xavier pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic, mixed with a trace of something deeper—something he couldn’t quite place, but it made his chest tighten. Thomas lay in the bed, his once-vibrant frame now frail and wasted, his chest rising and falling with the shallow breaths of a man who had long overstayed his welcome in the world. His face was gaunt, his skin pale, and the sight of him struck Xavier with a strange, hollow pain.He stood there for a long time, just watching. It was as if time had stopped, leaving Xavier suspended between
The front door slammed behind her, and Calla didn’t hesitate. She had made up her mind, and there was no turning back. The air was crisp as she stepped outside, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm the chaos in her mind. Drake had been giving her trouble lately, and she couldn’t take it anymore. She had to see her father—at least he was a constant in her life, even if their relationship had become strained over time. She needed to talk to him, to feel like someone cared.As she slid into her car, the familiar roar of the engine reverberated through her body. She adjusted her rearview mirror, glancing at the empty driveway one last time. Drake was inside, but Calla didn’t care. He’d never understand why she needed to see her father.She shifted the car into drive, her fingers gripping the wheel tightly as she pulled away from the house.Back at the house, Drake stormed out onto the porch just as Calla’s car was pulling away. He shouted after her, his voice rising with frustration
The sound of heels clicking sharply on the marble floor echoed through the mansion as Ember entered, her eyes immediately scanning the familiar space. She had dressed in a short, tight mini dress that accentuated her curves. Today, she was determined to make her presence known to Xavier, to remind him that he should be focused on her, not someone else.She didn’t bother knocking as she pushed open the grand door to the dining room. Bella was seated at the table, helping Zane and Alana with their dinner. The children were laughing, their innocent voices filling the air. Ember’s eyes narrowed as she saw them. Bella, dressed in her simple attire, was speaking to them with that gentle, maternal tone that always seemed to draw attention.Xavier was standing near the window, his back to Ember. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of possessiveness as she walked toward him. With a purposeful stride, she reached him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a kiss. Her lips presse
The sun was setting as Calla walked through the house, her mind set on one thing: she needed to get away from the suffocating atmosphere that surrounded her every day. The house felt smaller with each passing moment, and the tension was unbearable. She had been living in this nightmare for far too long, and today, she was determined to take a step for herself.She found Drake sitting in the living room, a scowl etched across his face. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was sniffing some white powder—cocaine. It was a sight she had seen far too many times, and it disgusted her to her core. Her body tensed as she approached him, but she kept her voice steady, despite the anger building up inside her.“Drake,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. “I need to go shopping. Take me.”Drake looked at her, a sneer on his face as he casually dropped the bag of powder onto the table. His hands were shaking, but his words were colder than ever.“No,” he spat, his voice rough. “I’m not taking yo
The sun was setting as Calla walked through the house, her mind set on one thing: she needed to get away from the suffocating atmosphere that surrounded her every day. The house felt smaller with each passing moment, and the tension was unbearable. She had been living in this nightmare for far too long, and today, she was determined to take a step for herself.She found Drake sitting in the living room, a scowl etched across his face. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was sniffing some white powder—cocaine. It was a sight she had seen far too many times, and it disgusted her to her core. Her body tensed as she approached him, but she kept her voice steady, despite the anger building up inside her.“Drake,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. “I need to go shopping. Take me.”Drake looked at her, a sneer on his face as he casually dropped the bag of powder onto the table. His hands were shaking, but his words were colder than ever.“No,” he spat, his voice rough. “I’m not taking yo
The evening sky was painted in breathtaking hues of orange, pink, and soft gold as the sun dipped lower toward the horizon, casting a warm glow across the tranquil beach. The vast canvas above them looked like something out of a dream—streaks of color melting into each other as if the heavens themselves were sighing in contentment. The ocean responded with grace, its waves dancing rhythmically to the quiet lullaby of the wind, their foam-tipped crests glowing beneath the fading light.A gentle, salty breeze rolled off the water, brushing against Bella’s skin like a whispered caress, tousling her hair and kissing her cheeks. She stood barefoot, toes curled slightly into the cool, soft sand, her heart full and yet still not quite ready to believe the peace that now wrapped itself around her like a blanket. It felt surreal—like standing inside a moment suspended in time, one she never wanted to end.She glanced to her side and found Xavier there, his tall frame motionless yet somehow anc
The journey back home from the hospital felt surreal for Bella. Everything she’d been through—the pain, the fear, the moments when hope felt like a fragile thread—lingered in her chest like shadows. But now, as she stepped through the familiar doorway of her home, the scent of lavender and vanilla greeted her like a long-lost friend. A wave of warmth and safety wrapped around her like a soft blanket, and for the first time in weeks, her shoulders relaxed.She was finally home.Before she could take another step, two small bodies rushed toward her, wrapping her in tight, desperate embraces."Mommy!" Zane cried, his voice trembling with joy as he buried his face against her stomach. His little arms clung to her as though he was afraid she might disappear again."We missed you so much!" Alana added, her voice catching with emotion as she clung to Bella’s arm, her cheek pressed tightly against her mother's sleeve.Tears spilled freely from Bella’s eyes. She knelt slowly, her body still te
A soft beeping echoed in the hospital room. The first thing Bella felt was warmth—her body felt light, her mind hazy as if she had been floating in darkness for a long time. She blinked slowly, her eyelashes fluttering as the world came back into focus. The sterile white walls, the dim glow of the bedside lamp, the faint scent of antiseptic… she was still in the hospital.Her throat was dry, and her body ached, but when she shifted slightly, she realized—she was awake.A soft gasp escaped her lips as she registered the sound of footsteps rushing toward her. The next second, she felt a warm, strong hand grasping hers.“Bella…?”She turned her head toward the familiar voice, and her gaze met Xavier’s. He was standing beside her bed, his dark eyes filled with a storm of emotions—relief, joy, pain, and something deeper, something raw and unguarded.Tears welled in Bella’s eyes as she whispered, “Xavier…?”He exhaled a shaky breath, his hand squeezing hers tightly as if afraid she would di
The hospital room was shrouded in a heavy silence, broken only by the steady, rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor that echoed like a soft heartbeat in the otherwise lifeless space. The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to the air, mixing with the sterile chill that only hospitals seemed to possess. Outside the window, the city lights flickered like distant stars, indifferent to the quiet war of emotions unfolding inside.Xavier sat slumped in the chair beside the bed, his broad frame hunched forward as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. His fingers trembled slightly as they traced slow, tender circles on the back of Bella’s hand, which felt cold and fragile in his grasp. Her skin, once warm and full of life, now looked ghostly against the clinical white sheets. Her chest rose and fell in small, barely noticeable breaths—each one a silent thread tethering her to life.He stared at her face for a long time, memorizing every detail—the gentle curve of her cheek, the wa
Calla lay in the hospital bed, her body still sore from the wounds Drake had inflicted upon her. The sterile scent of antiseptics filled the air, and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor echoed softly in the quiet room. Though her body ached, her heart felt lighter. She was safe now.Harold admitted her here. She knew he saved her—not out of love or guilt, but to prevent yet another crime from being added to Drake’s list. Although he wanted to take her to Xavier, Calla's rough condition and rotting wounds forced him to take her to a hospital for first aid.After getting admitted in hospital, Harold asked her where she wanted to go and to whom he should call. As he had to leave. Then Calla called Xavier and the staff at the mansion told her that he was already in the hospital.The staff also told her that Bella underwent a cesarean and she was in a coma.She knew it wasn't the right time to Calla Xavier. So, she called Logan instead and asked Harold to leave and let Logan take car
The cold hospital walls closed in on Xavier as he stood outside the operation theater, his heart pounding violently in his chest. The long, agonizing wait made every second stretch endlessly, filling the air with suffocating dread. His fists clenched as he paced the hallway, his mind racing with prayers and fears.Finally, the door swung open, and Bella’s gynecologist stepped out, her expression heavy with exhaustion and concern. She removed her surgical mask and exhaled before speaking.“Mr. Xavier, the surgery was complicated.” Her voice was calm yet filled with an underlying gravity that made Xavier’s stomach drop.He swallowed hard. “Is Bella…?” His voice cracked, unable to finish the question.The doctor gave him a reassuring yet solemn look. “She has given birth to a baby boy.”For a moment, the world stood still. A son. His son. The weight of those words pressed down on his chest like an invisible force.But before relief could settle, the doctor continued.“However, there were
The heavy sound of boots stomping across the marble floor sent a chill down Jessica’s spine. She turned around sharply, her breath catching in her throat as she saw him—Drake.He stood in the doorway, his clothes disheveled, his hair a mess, and his face twisted with rage. His eyes were bloodshot, and his grip on the gun in his hand was firm.Jessica felt the blood drain from her face. "Drake, what are you doing here? The police are looking for you!"Drake ignored her. His furious gaze was locked on Harold. His father stood in the center of the living room, his expression tense but composed."You let her go!" Drake snarled, stepping closer, his hands trembling around the gun. "You betrayed me, Dad! You helped that traitor escape!"Harold exhaled slowly, his heart pounding. "I did what I had to do, Drake."Drake let out a bitter laugh. "You HAD to do it? You HAD to betray your own son?" His voice cracked with hysteria. "Do you even realize what you've done? That woman ruined everything
The apartment reeked of stale alcohol and the acrid sting of cigarette smoke, a suffocating blend that clung to the peeling wallpaper and worn carpet. Dim, flickering light from the streetlamp outside seeped in through the dusty blinds, casting long, distorted shadows across the cramped room like silent ghosts. The air was thick—heavy with despair.Harold stepped in cautiously, the floorboards creaking beneath his weight. His chest tightened, every breath catching like a stone lodged in his throat. A gnawing dread coiled in his stomach.There, sprawled out on the tattered, sweat-stained sofa, lay Drake—motionless but alive. His chest rose and fell in shallow, erratic breaths. One arm dangled limply over the edge, fingers barely touching the half-empty bottle of whiskey resting against the floor. His eyes were open but glazed over, pupils dilated like black holes, and his pale face was slick with sweat. The stench of vomit and intoxication clung to him like a second skin.Harold’s eyes
Xavier burst into the hospital, shouting for a doctor, his voice hoarse with desperation and fear. His heart pounded like a war drum in his chest, his breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps as he clutched Bella tightly in his arms.A team of nurses immediately rushed to them, urgency etched into every movement. They swiftly guided him toward a gurney, gently easing Bella from his arms. The moment his hands let go of her, a hollow ache opened in his chest. He hated the distance, even if it was just a few feet.“Please—please help her,” he whispered, but the nurses were already at work, checking her vitals, lifting her limp body with clinical precision. Her face was pale as snow, lips tinged with blue, blood staining her nightgown like a warning.He stood frozen as they wheeled her away, the sound of squeaking wheels echoing in the sterile corridor like gunshots. The air around him felt too bright, too white, too loud. Everything blurred at the edges.The gynecologist, Dr. Hayes, arrived