James “No... it can't be...” I heard her say in a small voice.“It’s been years, that’s impossible,” she muttered even more quietly. I had no idea what she meant, but I couldn’t focus on it because my head was pounding.“Let’s go to the bedroom,” Renata said, helping me walk as my legs felt weak from the throbbing headache.“Here, drink this,” she handed me a glass of water, which I gulped down immediately.“Just sleep,” she insisted.I closed my eyes, but flashes of unfamiliar memories haunted me. “Katniss...” I murmured.“Don’t say her name,” Renata snapped, her tone harsh.“Don’t think too much. Just sleep, and your headache will go away,” she said coldly. I glanced at her, noticing her clenched fists hanging by her sides.“I got memories about her,” I said, confused.“No. That’s just a hallucination,” Renata replied quickly, almost too quickly.“I’ll go to the pharmacy to get the usual medicine for your headaches. Stay here. Don’t go anywhere,” she said hurriedly, as if she was a
Katniss"How could the result be negative? That's impossible! She’s your biological daughter!"I wasn't seeking validation from James, but it felt like a slap in the face. The lie would make them think their accusations from the past were true—that it was never slander.For heaven’s sake!I could swear on anyone's name that I never, not once, slept with another man. I never even stepped foot in a nightclub, or any sinful place to get drunk and lose myself in such a way that I’d end up with a stranger. I avoided all of that at every cost.I was a good wife, a good daughter-in-law. I stayed home, helping with everything my mother-in-law and husband needed. I only ever left the house if they ordered me to.So how could the result be negative now? Why was I getting those accusatory glares again? It was just like before—Renata’s smug satisfaction written all over her face, thrilled that the result aligned with her twisted desires.And James—God, I stared at him for what felt like forever.
JamesRenata kept pulling at my arm, trying to rush me out of the hospital. Her face was tense, like she was trying to escape something—or someone. I knew exactly who it was—Katniss.Her words kept spinning in my head. Loving each other? We both love hard? Waiting for the baby for so long? And the lies from my family?I stopped dead in my tracks, forcing Renata to stop with me. I carefully peeled her hand off my arm.“What is it? Why are you stopping?” she asked, panic flashing in her eyes.“What Katniss said back there... It doesn’t line up with what you and Mom told me when I came out of the coma.”Renata froze. Her silence said it all.“You’ve been lying to me,” I said, my voice sharp, cutting through the tension.“We’re still at the hospital, James. Let’s talk about this at home,” she insisted, but I could hear the tremor in her voice.She linked her arm around mine again, pulling me forward. But the questions kept burning inside, refusing to be silenced.Once we were in the car,
James"You really don't remember?" Emma asked again, clearly shocked by my earlier response.I nodded. "Can you explain this to me? Stop beating around the bush." I was too tired to deal with their drawn-out explanations. My patience was thin, and I wasn’t in the mood for pointless conversation.Emma exchanged a glance with Renata. That look—what the hell were they trying to say to each other with just their eyes? It felt like they were sharing some secret I wasn’t privy to.Emma turned back to me and reached out, stroking my hair. The gesture was supposed to be comforting, but it felt staged, artificial. Still, I didn’t argue. My head was pounding, and I had no energy for a fight. All I wanted was answers. Something told me I’d missed out on a lot, and I needed to know what."Just explain it," I demanded again, my voice edged with frustration.But Emma shook her head gently. "No. You’ve just regained consciousness, my son. You need to rest first. I need to speak with the doctor, find
James“Hm,” Emma nodded slowly, her eyes dark and serious.“I don’t know what spell she’s cast on you to make you so obsessed with her, James. But… she’s been using you this whole time,” Emma’s voice was sharp, filled with tension.“What are you talking about, Emma?” I asked, confused, but a growing unease churned in my gut.“I want to explain… but maybe it’s not my place. I’m just your stepmother, after all. I have no right to interfere in your marriage,” Emma looked down, guilt shadowing her expression like she regretted opening Pandora’s box.“I want you to tell me. Now,” I demanded, my patience running thin. I couldn’t take the suspense any longer.“Are you sure?” Emma asked, her tone uncertain as she searched my face. I nodded firmly.“Say it.”She took a deep breath, then said, “She’s been using you, James. She only wants your wealth, and she’s been planning to take it from you. She’s been having an affair and secretly funneling money to her lover.”The words hung heavy in the a
James"After everything I’ve shown you? Come on, James! You still don’t believe me?" Renata’s voice was sharp, frustration laced in every word.I stayed quiet, but my eyes made it clear—I wasn’t here for excuses. I wanted answers.She let out an exasperated sigh, shrugging her shoulders as if I was being ridiculous. "Is this really all it takes for you to fall back into her trap? That child you think is yours—I’ve already proven he’s not!"I sat there, unmoving, waiting for her to continue. I wasn’t buying it, not this time.Renata's lips curled into a sneer. "And yet here you are, doubting me again because of her. What spell does she have over you, James? How can you still be so gullible? I don’t care what you say—you still love her, don’t you? Even after losing your memory, that pathetic excuse for love is still buried deep inside you, like some primal instinct you can’t shake!" Her voice cracked, anger and hurt seeping through her calm façade.She was furious now, trying to twist e
JamesI furrowed my brow as I watched Katniss, noticing her odd behavior. Her body shifted uncomfortably, restless, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, the tip of her nose, and even her upper lip. It was strange, considering the place was fairly cool, nowhere near stifling.I reached into the back pocket of my jeans, pulling out a handkerchief and offering it to her. She had been so adamant about not wanting me to touch her, I made sure to be extra careful, not daring to get too close. The last thing I wanted was to make her angry again.It was a small miracle that she even agreed to meet me, to sit down and talk. I never expected she’d finally say yes.Her gaze flickered briefly to the handkerchief I held out, hesitation clear in her eyes. "To wipe your sweat. You’re, um, really sweating... Sorry for making you come to a place like this," I explained, trying not to let her misunderstand. God knows what she’s thinking right now.Finally, she took it, dabbing her face. Her skin pra
JamesI rushed out of the room and headed straight for the top floor. That bastard bartender had taken Katniss up using the elevator. The fifth floor above housed private suites. I knew the room number—it was at the far end.“Damn it! How dare that scumbag take Katniss up there in her state!”I was sure his intentions weren’t good. The sleazy grin on his face and the way he looked at her gave it all away."He must’ve drugged her drink!" It was impossible for such a small amount of alcohol to make her that out of control, that quickly.Ding!The elevator doors slid open, and I bolted out, sprinting down the hall toward the room that creep had dragged Katniss into.Bang! Bang! Bang!I pounded on the door, hard.Bang! Bang! Bang!Again and again, but there was no answer.“YOU SICK BASTARD, OPEN UP!” I shouted at the top of my lungs.THUD!I rammed my shoulder into the door with all my strength. But the door didn’t budge—it was too solid to break down with just one hit. My heart raced, bu
James“What happened, Daddy?” Giselle asked.“It’s nothing, sweetheart. Don’t worry about it,” I replied, my tone as calm as I could manage.Giselle nodded, though the truth was, I was far more worried than she was. My eyes kept drifting to the door, waiting anxiously for them to return.Minutes later, Katniss and Ethan walked back into the room. Katniss looked even more exhausted than before, her face pale and blank. Something was seriously wrong.I glanced at Katniss, silently asking for answers. But the emptiness in her eyes spoke volumes. This wasn’t just bad news—it was something far worse.“You should leave,” Ethan said sharply, breaking the silence.“Your presence here isn’t needed,” he added, his tone dripping with finality.I glared at Ethan, my anger rising. “I’m her father!” I declared firmly.“And so am I!” Ethan snapped back.“There’s absolutely no proof you’re Giselle’s father,” he continued, his voice colder than ever. “Meanwhile, I’m Katniss’s husband, Giselle’s legiti
JamesGiselle had been moved to her own private room, no longer in the ER. Katniss was fast asleep on the couch, and Giselle remained unconscious.I decided to step out of the room to grab something for Katniss, but as soon as I exited, I came face-to-face with Ethan. He’d been waiting outside, probably for quite a while.I wasn’t sure why he didn’t just come in—perhaps he was afraid of another confrontation like the last one.His eyes immediately locked onto my face, cleaned and tended to by Katniss. He scoffed, the disdain evident. “You really have no shame, huh?” he sneered.“Ruining someone’s relationship? Shamelessly vying for attention from someone else’s wife?” he continued, his voice dripping with venom.I slid my hands into my pockets casually.“So what? You want me to apologize to you?” I replied, my tone deliberately provocative.Ethan’s attempt to stay calm unraveled quickly. Without warning, he lunged at me, grabbing the collar of my shirt with both hands.“I know it’s yo
JamesNot for a second did I loosen my embrace, even as Ethan stormed in, his hawk-like eyes glaring at me. His stare was a warning—demanding that I release Katniss immediately. He punctuated the word “my wife” with venom, as if staking a claim on her, but it only fueled my defiance.My woman.Yes, Katniss belongs to me. Only me. And I’ll make sure the whole world knows it, no matter the cost.Katniss looked up at me, her eyes wide, silently pleading for me to stop, as though she could read the reckless determination in my mind. She shook her head, desperate to halt my next move.“I said—take your filthy hands off my wife.” Ethan’s words lashed out like a whip, his voice cold enough to chill anyone’s blood.Anyone but me.I wasn’t intimidated. Not one bit.“Let go,” Katniss whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands slid between us, forming a weak barrier as she pushed against my chest. Her effort was small, hesitant. Still, I refused to let go.I turned to her, losing sight of Ethan i
KatnissI received a call from an unknown number. Without hesitation, I answered it.“Hello?”“Katniss, it’s me, Ethan,” said the voice on the other end.I shot up from where I was sitting, my heart pounding. “Ethan! Tell me—did you find Giselle? Is she safe?” My voice trembled as a surge of fear and worry overtook me. My grip on the phone tightened, my teeth sinking into my lip as if the pain could suppress the growing anxiety.It felt like my heart was being shocked with electricity every passing second.“Giselle... We found her. Jack and I got her to safety,” Ethan replied.A heavy breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped my lips. Relief rushed through me like a tidal wave.“Thank God. Thank you, God,” I whispered over and over, tears welling up in my eyes as gratitude flooded my heart.“But she’s unconscious,” Ethan continued. “She’s been admitted to the nearest hospital, in the emergency ward. The doctors are checking her now. I’ve sent someone to pick you up. Wait there, o
James I looked at them as they sat in the car, making sure to flash them the most disgusting look I could muster. I offended the driver’s privacy and I saw the reaction straight on its pupils, which were shrinking with panic as soon as our eyes met.My body reciprocated with the violent bouncing of what I guessed was a deliberate attempt to unbalance me. But they underestimated me. With a lot of force, I managed to kick the car window and it made a faint crack. I aimed at the same area near the driver which distracted him from the way forward. My gaze remained focused on the road in front that way if things turned ugly the car wouldn’t stray too far off course.‘But I need to be cautious now,’ I told myself. ”I can’t risk my daughter getting hurt.”Where I was standing I could see that Giselle was seated next to two men, and there were two more men in the back row. As I thought all along—there are six men in total.CRASH!I landed another solid kick, deepening the cracks in the windo
James: I sprinted down the dimly lit street, stealing a quick glance behind me to ensure Ethan was still on my heels. He was. My focus snapped forward, eyes adjusting to the oppressive darkness as I pushed myself harder. Most of the streetlights were out, leaving the path shadowed and treacherous.Damn it. Why were all the lights turned off tonight of all nights?I didn’t have time to dwell on it. My heartbeat quickened as I spotted them—those bastards. The kidnappers. Two men dragging Giselle toward a waiting black car. Cold sweat dripped down my temple.I didn’t think twice. “Ethan! They’re using a car!” My voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding, nearly a shout.Ethan nodded grimly, his expression darkening as we watched the car start moving—quickly, too quickly—already a good distance away and fading into the shadows.“Your car! Where’s your car?” I snapped at him, desperation lacing my tone.“Shit! It’s too far from here!” he replied through gritted teeth.“Damn it!”
JamesThe feast was in progress, there was an eerie feeling there that I could feel– not a joyous one, but something wrong. "Strange. Why now is there a festive air? I looked into the schedule before we got here, and nowhere was this indicated. Or… could this be one of Renata and Scarlett’s plans?”I just observed Katniss, Ethan, and Giselle while hiding behind the shadows. Some of them were laughing and chatting carelessly which struck the ears of the dancing crowds. Giselle who did not see anything wrong continued spinning around while music and dancers flooded the beach. It was beautiful and Giselle with her bubbly spirited character who never for a moment was worried about anything spun around in joy as the music and dancers illuminated the night. Then, Katniss looked unsure, her forehead was creased with worry.“Are you sure this is safe, Ethan? It feels… too sudden, doesn’t it? A celebration like this and no one said anything before?” she muttered to Ethan. She was standing wa
JamesI still remember their conversation at the restaurant—Scarlett and Renata scheming, plotting. They made it clear Giselle would become a problem for them again.“You’re right. Giselle is their weakness. That’s what I know for sure,” Scarlett had said, her tone dripping with malice.I decided to follow them, careful not to be noticed. But as luck would have it, I saw their attention shift abruptly—they had spotted Katniss and Giselle in the distance.Renata grabbed Scarlett’s arm, pulling her behind a pillar. Scarlett looked startled at first, but then her composure returned, her sharp gaze following where Renata’s finger pointed. Ethan, Katniss, and Giselle stood not too far away, walking together like a picture-perfect family.I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside. I was too far to hear their conversation. Quietly, I moved closer, pressing my back against the wall of a nearby building, peeking just enough to keep my eyes on them.“Ethan wasn’t supposed to be here,” Sc
KatnissEthan looked at James suspiciously.“Him? What about him?” Ethan asked, his tone sharp, clearly forcing the answer he desperately wanted.“He’s actually—”“Daddy!”I froze, my words caught in my throat as a familiar small voice interrupted me. I turned my head quickly, looking down to see Giselle, her face lit up with a bright, beaming smile.Then I looked at Ethan. His face mirrored my surprise, his expression caught between shock and confusion after hearing Giselle call him ‘daddy.’“You’re here, Daddy? Ah, I missed you so much! I’m so happy to see you!” Giselle squealed, rushing forward to hug Ethan’s legs tightly.Ethan and I locked eyes briefly, both of us stunned, speechless. But despite the awkwardness, there was no mistaking the small, triumphant smile creeping onto Ethan’s handsome face.Slowly, he crouched down until he was level with Giselle, their faces now inches apart.“Daddy?” he echoed softly, his smile widening into something more tender as his large hands cra