Jessica smiled as she raised her head, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Behind her stood a beautiful woman with long raven hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. One didn’t need to look twice to notice their striking resemblance. The woman’s hands ran gently through Jessica’s hair, combing it with care. “Mother,” Jessica whispered, her heart swelling with joy. This was a habit they used to share. When she was younger, her mother would brush her hair every night before bed. The thought brought tears to Jessica’s eyes, but she didn’t let them fall. “You’ve grown into such a strong and independent woman, sweetie. I’m so proud of who you’ve become and the achievements you’ve made so far,” her mother said, brushing her hair softly. “Thank you, Mother,” Jessica replied, closing her eyes. Everything here felt so right, so serene... so perfect. However, her mother’s next words sent a wave of panic through her. “It’s time for me to go,” Janet said, placing the brush on the table.
"Evan," Jessica muttered. She hadn’t expected him to come. She glanced at William before looking at Evan. Evan couldn’t contain the shock he felt seeing them together. However, he smiled and walked in fully. "I brought flowers for you. They're your favorite," he said, placing them on the table. "Thank you," Jessica smiled. "How are you feeling? When I saw the news, I immediately called your personal assistant, who informed me you were here. It's a relief to see you're out of danger," Evan said. "Yeah," Jessica muttered, glancing at William again. Surprisingly, he looked calm. Was it because of her current situation? Jessica sighed, deciding to tell Evan the truth. Besides, she had no reason to hide William from him. "Evan, I don’t think I properly introduced him to you the first time you guys met," Jessica began. "So, meet William Newman, my husband." Husband? The word rang in Evan's mind. If seeing them together earlier had been shocking, this revelation was even mor
The doctor entered the ward with a warm smile. Jessica sat up slightly, her hand moving to the bandaged wound on her side. William stood beside her bed, his arms crossed with his gaze focused on the doctor. "Good news," the doctor began, flipping through his clipboard. "You're officially out of danger. But you'll need plenty of rest and should avoid any strenuous activities. Your wound needs time to heal properly." Jessica nodded. "Thank you, doctor. Does that mean I can be discharged today?" The doctor adjusted his glasses. "Yes, but you'll need to return in two days so we can check your wound and ensure everything is healing as it should." Jessica sighed in relief. "Thank you." She muttered. Rachael, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, clapped her hands softly. "That's great news! Thankfully, the filming for the movie doesn't start until next week. You'll have plenty of time to rest." Soon after, the discharge process was complete. Jessica slowly got out of bed. William
Silence.That was all that could be heard in the eerie room. Jennifer lay motionless on the dirty floor, unconscious. Her body was soaked in blood, and her face was so badly bruised that one could barely recognize her.With a groan, she slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry, and her body ached intensely; she couldn't move a muscle. Those ruthless men had beaten her until she lost consciousness.Her vision began to clear, and the first thing she saw was a pair of legs, one crossed over the other. "Argh!!" she screamed in agony when one of the men poured a bucket of salty water onto her.The water seeped into her open wounds, stinging her terribly. Tears streamed down her face as she winced in pain.Two men came forward and lifted her up, tilting her head back. She slowly opened her eyes and locked gazes with William.Her blood immediately ran cold. What was William Newman doing here?William looked at her, his gaze cold and filled with restrained anger."So, you're the lady wh
Five days later…Jessica and Helena strolled through the spacious aisles of an upscale boutique, the soft sound of classical music playing in the background. Shelves were lined with luxurious items ranging from fine jewelry to rare collectibles, and Helena’s eyes sparkled as she browsed through the store.“I just don’t know what to get William,” Helena sighed, holding up an expensive watch before placing it back.Jessica walked beside her, observing silently. Helena had invited her along to help shop for William’s birthday, but Jessica felt oddly out of place. She hadn’t even prepared a gift for her husband yet, and the thought bothered her slightly.“What about you, Jessica?” Helena asked, glancing over her shoulder. “Have you decided what to give him?”Jessica hesitated. “I… I’m not sure,” she admitted. “I don’t even know what he likes.” she said, biting her lower lips.Helena chuckled, patting Jessica’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t overthink it. William will treasure anything you give
"Make me yours," she whispered.William stood there, gazing at her. He didn't expect this would be the second present she wanted.Taking steps to fill in the gap between them, he cupped her cheek. A smile grazed his lips as he spoke, "You don't have to feel obliged to do this. I don't want you to–""I want it, trust me." Jessica held his hand on her face, she looked down, her cheek redening even more. "I want you," she muttered.William lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Slowly, he leaned in to capture her lips. He lifted her in his arms, walking to the bed, their lips never leaving each other.He laid her gently on bed, her hands buried in his hair as they kiss. Something about him felt addictive, intoxicating.William broke the kiss and lowered his head. Jessica's breathing became uneven when his lips met with her chest, sending shivers down her spine.He peppered kisses on her body, trailing further down. When Jessica realized where he was heading to, she closed her legs, blushing.
The Next Day...Jessica stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the purple body-hugging gown that accentuated her curves. The rich fabric clung to her perfectly, highlighting her slender waist and delicate figure. Her hair was styled in loose waves, falling over her shoulders, and the touch of makeup brought out the sharpness of her features. She picked up a pair of silver earrings, fastening them carefully before turning slightly to the side, examining her reflection. As she reached for her purse, she caught sight of William leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her intently with a smile on his lips. His grey eyes roamed over her, appreciation evident in his gaze. "You look stunning," he said, his voice smooth yet laced with something else... Was it possessiveness?Jessica smirked as she picked up her perfume bottle, spraying a little on her wrist. "Thank you." She replied.William pushed himself off the doorframe and walked toward her, slipping his a
The wedding ceremony was nothing short of luxurious. Soft classical music played in the background as guests watched with anticipation as the bride walked down the aisle till she stopped before the groom.Belinda stood beside Jericho, glowing in her attire. Her makeup was impeccable, and her veil sparkled under the light. Jericho, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, looked composed, though his face carried an unreadable tension.The priest smiled warmly and soon enough the rites began.“Do you, Jericho Smith, take Belinda Harrison to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”A heavy silence fell over the hall as everyone waited for Jericho’s response.Jericho’s lips parted, but no words came out.The hall suddenly grew more tense, seeing the hesitation in his eyes.Belinda’s hands clenched slightly around his as a flicker of fear crossed her eyes. The murmurs among the guests g
Rachael's heart pounded violently in her chest, each step a battle against her failing strength. Her breath came in ragged gasps, vision blurring as pain clawed up from the gash in her abdomen. But she couldn’t stop. Not now. Alexis and Brandon were waiting. She had to escape before Fred discovered Sandra’s lifeless body.The mansion was eerily quiet. Fred had no guards—just himself, Rachael, and the woman who now lay dead. Her blood stained the floor; Rachael’s hands trembled with the weight of it.She pressed her palm harder against her bleeding side, staggering through the long marble hallways. Her eyes darted across every corridor, every door, seeking salvation. Fred had kept her locked away like a secret, never allowing her to explore. Now the mansion felt like a maze, cold and unfamiliar.After minutes of desperate wandering, she found the staircase and dragged herself upward, each step sheer agony. The rooftop beckoned. From there, maybe—just maybe—someone would see her.The do
"Hello? Hello! Rachael!" Alexis said on the call but nothing.He quickly hung up and went to his inbox. "Was that Rachael? What happened?" Jessica asked. She was about to state her plan when a call came and interrupted her and from the look on Alexis face, she knew who it was."That's my girl," Alexis smirked when he saw the sketching Rachael sent him.."It's Rachael. She dropped a hint on where we could find her. However we need to act fast before Fred out smarts us," he said."I'll call back the FBI," William said."I'll go get the car ready," Alexis said."Jessica, can you stay and keep an eye on my son?" Alexis said."Your son?" Jessica furrowed her brows. Her eyes widened in realization."Oh... Yes, sure," she muttered."Thanks," he said and left. William cupped her cheek then pressed his lips against hers, "I'll be back," he said."Stay safe," Jessica said.William smiled and kissed her forehead before leaving.___A resounding slap echoed in the air and Rachael fell down to h
The sound of the tap rushing could be heard as Fred washed his hand. Rachael sat up weakly on the bed. A different look flashed in her eyes, something undecipherable. She grabbed a glass vase nearby and on a whim, shattered the vase against the wall.The sound of the broken glass immediately pulled Fred out of the bathroom. His eyes widened when he saw her holding a piece of the broken glass."What are you doing?" He muttered under his breath."I'm tired. I'm done playing this game. I can't," she muttered in tears, bringing the piece of glass to her neck."Rachael, please calm down. Don't do anything you would regret. Rachael," Fred tried to coerce her."I pray you rot in hell," she muttered and immediately brought down the glass, stabbing herself on the tummy."Rachael!" Fred screamed out.Rachael's eyes went wide as blood gushed out of the wound on her tummy. She collapsed to the bed."Rachael!" Fred rushed to her and immediately uncuffed her hand from the headboard.He cupped her
Jessica and William were sitting in the living room when a maid escorted Alexis in. William stood up the moment he walked in."I'll place him in the guest room so he can sleep," the maid said, referring to Brandon, who was fast asleep in Alexis's arms.She took Brandon and left."Bro, it's literally midnight. Why would you—""Rachael has been abducted," Alexis cut him off."What?" Jessica muttered in shock, slowly rising to her feet.Alexis ran a hand through his hair, pacing anxiously, panic etched across his face. The more time passed, the more terrified he became."It all happened in a flash. We were at a restaurant, and she excused herself to use the restroom... then she just disappeared. I tracked her phone and found it in a trash bin near the restaurant—along with all her belongings," Alexis muttered as he paced."I think… no, I know her ex-husband kidnapped her. I should have done something when she complained about being attacked by him. This is all my fault," Alexis breathed
"I hate you," Rachael muttered tearfully. "You're disgusting!" she screamed in anger."Disgusting? I wasn't the one who cheated on their spouse with the father of her child, then had that person threaten her spouse at gunpoint for a divorce," Fred said.Rachael just continued sobbing in silence.Fred stood up and walked toward her, sitting down in the space next to her."Just give in. There's no hope now," he said, rubbing his thumb against her teary cheek."If I accept, do you promise not to go after them?" she said, finally looking up at him."You have my word, love."Rachael looked away and nodded ever so slightly. Fred smiled in victory."That's my wife. My sweet, docile wife," he said, patting her hair gently.Rachael folded her fists tightly beneath the sheets as he patted her hair._____"Pregnant?" Louis muttered under his breath.Amara wiped her tears. "I wanted to surprise you. But you never listened to me... you never had time for me," she said quietly."Amara..." Louis mut
Alexis sat on the chair, drumming his fingers on the table as he occasionally glanced toward the hallway that led to the restroom.He looked at the group of violinists who were already on standby, waiting for Rachael to arrive. The words "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" were boldly written on the cards which the waiters held.He sighed as he checked the time on his wristwatch. Twenty minutes had already passed since Rachael excused herself to use the restroom.The more minutes passed, the more anxious he became.The waitress he had sent to check on Rachael came back with a worried look on her face—and that’s when he knew something was wrong."Where's Rachael?" he immediately asked as she approached."I'm sorry, sir, but I couldn’t find madam. When I got to the restroom, it was empty... Only this note was on the floor," she said, stretching the note toward Alexis.He took it and read it. His eyes widened.“Fuck,” he breathed out, immediately storming toward the exit of the restaurant.He looked ar
Louis was expecting a scared or tearful reaction from Amara, but he was momentarily stunned when she swiftly turned to face him, glaring while holding her stinging cheek.She smirked scornfully before standing. “Go on, hit me however you want. After all, that’s all you can do,” she said before walking away.“Amara,” Louis called, but she didn’t turn back.“Amara! If you leave this room, you’ll regret it,” he warned.Amara turned to him, then smirked before walking out of the room.Louis folded his fists tightly as he glared at nothing in particular.Roland, who was still casually eating like nothing had happened, smiled. “What’s wrong with your wife? Acting up again?” he said.“You tell me. After all, you were the one who forced me into marrying that wench,” Louis snapped.“Or maybe you’re getting too soft on her. Women are like dogs—you need to constantly remind them who their owner is. Your mother was really a docile one. Too bad she passed away,” Roland said.“I’ll deal with her la
Brandon's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at the ring in Alexis’s hand. His little fingers twitched as he could barely contained his giddiness.“So?” Alexis asked, his voice laced with nervous anticipation. "What do you think?"Brandon looked up at him, his expression suddenly turning serious. “You really love my mommy?”“With all my heart,” Alexis said without hesitation. “And I love you too, Brandon. You both mean everything to me.”Brandon squinted his eyes as if sizing him up. “Then you have to promise me something.”“Anything.”“You have to protect Mommy always. No matter what,” Brandon said, bringing up his pinky finger.Alexis smiled, reaching out for his pinky fingers to intertwine it with his, “I swear on my life, Brandon. I will protect her and you with everything I have.”Brandon studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. A small smile played on his lips before he took a deep breath. “Okay, then… Dad.”Alexis felt his heart stop for a second. The word ech
A brief moment of silence settled between them. Stephen looked at the paper, then smiled before standing up and straightening his suit.He placed an invitation card on the table and pushed it toward Jessica."If you're so eager to know what business I have with your family, then you should come and see for yourself," he said."It's such a shame you're already taken. I love feisty women," he added, eyeing her before walking out of the cafeteria.Jessica picked up the invitation card and stared at it."You’re cordially invited to the masked ball held for Halloween. Sponsored by the Shermans."She read the words before glancing toward the door where Stephen had just exited.____Amara and Evan sat in Evan’s car. The silence between them was heavy, broken only by Amara’s soft sobs. She sniffled and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears."Do you feel better now?" Evan asked, breaking the silence.Amara nodded slightly, managing a small smile. "I’m sorry you had to see me like this. M