In the shadows of a dimly lit basement, a group of masked men sat around a heavy wooden table filled with weapons and blueprints. The air was thick with tension and the faint scent of oil and sweat. On one wall, a massive map of New York City was hung. A particular location was marked with a bright red circle and there was a date scribbled beside it ominously. It was the focal point of their sinister plan.“Commander, we are all ready for our goal,” one of the masked men announced, his voice low and cool that was betraying none of the anxiety they all were facing. Another man leaned forward and said, “We will blast the city so the government can hear us. We have been suppressed, our voices muted for far too long. This explosion will not just destroy one building but it will send shockwaves through the entire world. The whole world will have to listen to our cries for justice!”The commander, a tall figure draped in dark clothing, surveyed his soldiers with a fierce intensity. “We w
When Sia arrived at the gala venue, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and the clinking of glasses. Scanning the room, she spotted Leon immediately. He was engaged in conversation with a client. Her gaze lingered on him as he was looking quite dashing in his black suit and Charlotte did not fail as Leon had added a pocket square that was red in colour and matched her dress. But as she entered, a subtle shift occurred as his gaze locked onto her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her. It was as if he could sense her presence even from across the room, his attention unwavering as she navigated the crowd the entire night.With a playful twinkle in her eyes, Sia decided to tease him a bit as she deliberately avoiding his gaze while engaging with the guests who approached her. For an entire hour, they did polite conversations with clients and associates, yet all they could truly feel was the magnetic pull between them. Even on opposite sides of the room, it felt as if they we
The couple exited the restroom and they returned to the gala to enjoy the rest of the evening. They agreed to meet after the event as they were caught up in their respective conversations and business alliances. The night carried on, drinks kept flowing and deals were being made. Meanwhile, across the room, an interesting scene was unfolding. Olivia sat at a table while her hand were resting lightly on her stomach. She winced as a wave of nausea passed over her while making the food in front of her seem unappealing. Matthew looked at her with a furrowed brow. “Olivia, that is why I was telling you to stay home. You are heavily pregnant. And little Jake misses you at home.”Olivia shot him a sharp look while her annoyance was clear. “Matthew, just because I am pregnant and ugly doesn’t mean you can keep me at home. Did you forget how many times I have charmed your clients into giving you deals? You can’t just dispose of me because I look like this. I am ruining my body twice over jus
“Matthew!”Olivia shouted, her voice trembling, but she didn't stop. The guard was already pulling her away from the entrance while urging her to move and to stay safe. She was barely aware of her own movements as she reached the hallway while her hand still clutched protectively around her stomach. "The guards will take care of you," Olivia muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes not once returning to Matthew. She had no choice but to keep moving as her mind fixated only on her baby’s safety and too overwhelmed with fear to consider what she was leaving behind.Meanwhile, Matthew stood frozen in place as the flames were getting intens. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the entrance grow smaller and the space between them widening. He could see Olivia being escorted safely, but he was trapped and surrounded by the fire, the chaos, and with no way out.His gaze flickered to the others who were still inside, but it was evident that the fire had spread so quickly t
Leon sat next to Sia's bed, watching her sleep, her face was calm as she was sleeping, despite the burns and the bruises on her skin. Her breathing was steady and for now, that was all that mattered to him. The room was quiet except, for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. Despite the calmness in the room, all he could think was the image of fire surrounded all around them and the dread he felt when he realised that she was inside. He had gone out to take a call when the fire broke out. However, he rushed back inside to find her. He was not ready to lose the love of his life again. When his phone rang again, Leon hesitated before answering as it was his mother’s name flashing on the screen. He took a deep breath before taking the call. She would be dead sick for him at the moment. "Leon, baby, are you okay?" Anne’s voice trembled with concern. He could hear the fear in her words and the way she had probably been imagining the worst after hearing about the fire. "We heard ab
Kate’s voice dropped to a whisper, almost as if she was sharing a secret. "He loves you, boss. Madly." She glanced around the room, making sure no one else could hear, before adding, "I even saw him crying silently while holding your hand."Sia’s breath caught in her throat at the news. She couldn’t imagine Leon crying. He was usually blank or nonchalant. She felt even worse now knowing that her own pain had caused him to suffer. What was she supposed to do with a man like him? A man who loved her so deeply? Yes, she loved him back but… She did not let negative thoughts to come to her head and ruin her prospects of a good life. She deserve this love. She told herself. She would go to equal lengths for him. Each time, she had to tell herself that she was worthy of all the love that she got from him. With a sigh, Sia looked at Kate. "Kate, you need to eat and get some sleep. I will make him get some rest. He can’t keep going like this."Kate shook her head stubbornly. "I can’t leave y
Charlotte’s heart ached while seeing Sia in such a fragile state. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her best friend in a comforting hug but she knew it would only cause Sia more pain. She could not touch Sia without causing pain. “I’m not leaving,” Charlotte announced. They could not get rid of her. Her bestfriend was in pain and she needed to be here to take care of her. Sia wasn’t surprised. She knew the moment Charlotte found out about her injuries, she wouldn’t go anywhere.Leon, however, raised an eyebrow. “Why would you stay here?”“To take care of her,” Charlotte replied without hesitation.Leon crossed his arms. “I’m here. She doesn’t need anyone else. I’m her boyfriend, it’s my job to take care of her.”Charlotte shot him a defiant look. “I respect that you are her boyfriend, but I’m her best friend and family. Leaving her alone with you feels like leaving my daughter at her in-laws. I’m not comfortable with that.”Leon frowned, bewildered by her choice of words. Weren’
Leon was so sleep-deprived that he slept straight through until the next day. When he woke up, he noticed that Sia wasn’t around. He glanced at the phone on the nightstand, it was supposed to ring because he had set an alarm, but the alarm didn’t go off, and it was on silent mode. His eyes widened when he saw the date and time.As he hurried to get up, anxiety bubbling inside him, he noticed a voice message on his phone.“Leon, I’m in the living room with Charlotte. I took my medicine and had meals on time. Charlotte and Kate are taking care of me, so don’t stress. I’m absolutely fine. Also, your clothes and other things are in the closet. Take a long, relaxing shower. I will be waiting for you. P.S.: Don’t rush.”A smile formed on his lips. He decided to follow her instructions and not rush, though it was difficult knowing she was waiting downstairs. Still, he didn’t want to disappoint her, so he reluctantly took his things and headed for the shower. The best part? His clothes were n