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“Hot…” she groaned.“My body is so hot. Please…” she pleaded, her voice desperate.I could barely swallow.Damn it! What the hell did that bartender put in Katniss’s drink?My body froze, every muscle tense, as Katniss kept pulling me closer.“It hurts… I can’t stand it,” she whimpered.“James, please help me…”“Katniss… calm down. I’m going to call a doctor.”I shot to my feet, but one glance down at my crotch and damn! It just kept getting harder. How did Katniss have this much of an effect on me? My mind was clouding over, losing any shred of rational thought.My hand, still gripping my phone, began to tremble. I should’ve called a doctor like I said I would, to ease whatever strange sensations were flooding her body. But I couldn’t even type a single word.Something had already taken over me. Sweat began dripping down my forehead. My heart pounded out of control, and I paced back and forth across the room, desperately trying to shake off the lust creeping in, taking over.Co
James Tears streamed down Katniss’s face, one after another, and without thinking, I reached out and gently wiped them away with my thumb.“Don’t cry, Katniss,” I whispered softly. “I can’t stand to see those beautiful eyes of yours filled with tears.”She bit her lip, her anxiety growing. She leaned her forehead against my chest, her hands sliding down from my face to rest on my chest. I knew she could feel my heart racing beneath her touch, pounding in sync with the intense tension between us.“James... I can’t take this anymore...” Her voice was fragile, breaking.I wasn’t sure if Katniss would remember what was happening now, later. A part of me feared she’d regret everything once this moment was over. But as she lifted her face to look at me, her lips swollen from nervously biting them, her tear-filled eyes gleaming like misted glass, I lost control.“Fuck! I can’t hold back anymore, I’m sorry.”Without waiting for a response, I closed the space between us, bringing my lips to h
JamesI carefully lay Katniss down on the bed, making sure that her skin is not touched in the least. being gentle, considerate, and mindful of her every breath, treating her as though she were a queen. I hesitate for a second as her arms come apart from our embrace. "May I?" I inquire quietly as I keep my gaze on her still-perfectly-fitting clothing. Despite our intense yearning for one another, I couldn't take action without her consent.Katniss didn't respond directly. Instead, eager, urgent, her lips speaking a language of their own, she drew me in with her arm and brought me back into her kiss. "Katniss had no control over herself because the drug was taking hold of her more strongly than I had anticipated."I wondered for a moment if I should be happy or worried. What if she believed I was using her weakness, grabbing hold of a moment when her body and mind were no longer within her control? That was the dread that kept coming back to me. Damn it, though, I was also losing con
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