“Where are you taking me?” Sia asked as Leon walked into her room, urging her to follow him.“Can’t you just follow me quietly?” Leon replied, exasperated. He knew her well enough by now that she was never going to just do what he asked without questioning him. She did not have bones inside her that promotes the quality of obeying. Sia, with her usual pride, retorted, “Why should I? I don’t follow trends. I am the trend, and the world follows me.”Leon rolled his eyes. “Stop being so full of yourself and come with me.”It was like she couldn’t go a day without showing off her favorite traits—pride, arrogance, and narcissism. She lived by them. No she was basically drowning in these qualities.“Why are you opening the door?” she nearly screeched as he grabbed the knob.Leon glanced at her and replied, “Because we are going out.”She paused, concerned for him which caught him by a little surprise. “You just got over a fever.”“I know,” he said, reassuring her. “I am wearing thick cloth
Early in the morning, there was a knock on the door. Leon, who had barely slept all night, heard it and went to see who it was. Outside stood one of the guards who was stationed nearby. He knew from the grim look on the guard’s face, something might have happened. It was an emergency, either at home or office. “Sir, there is an urgent message for you from your home,” the guard said.It was just like how he had expected. Leon took the phone. With no network on the island, the guard had brought a voicemail.It was from his father.If it had been his mother, he might have felt less concerned, but the fact that his father had left multiple messages over the last ten hours meant it was urgent. Not just urgent, something had happened back home and he needed to rush. He had yet to hear the contents of the voicemail and he knew that he had to leave as soon as possible. "Leon, it’s Dad. Please come home soon.""Leon, Abella is in the hospital. She needs you. We need you.""Son, where are you
When Leon reached the hospital, he was greeted by the sight of his parents who were looking worn and haggard as if they had aged overnight. His father’s eyes were shadowed with concern while his mother, Anne, stood fragile with her emotions barely held together. As soon as Anne saw Leon, she burst into tears and he immediately embraced her in his arms as be felt the deep weight of her sorrow. It was in moments like this that Leon realized how delicate his mother truly was and how much he couldn’t stand to see a single tear fall from her eyes. This was the woman who he loved more than anything.He could fight with the world but he could not see a single tear in her eyes. This wo,an was everything to him. "Mommy, I am here," Leon whispered, holding her close. "Everything will be fine."Anne tried to muster some strength, but the sight of Abella, the youngest of her children, lying in the hospital bed had shattered her heart in ways she couldn’t explain. Her sobs were full of agony as
As Leon entered, his eyes immediately fell on his sister, Abella was lying peacefully in her hospital bed. She was still but as if she could feel his presence, her eyes fluttered open. She looked straight at him, her innocent blue eyes locking onto his.In that moment, Leon could see it clearly, how much he meant to her. Those innocent blue eyes which were full of trust and hope, looked at him like he was her entire world.Truly, he felt like a jerk for not being there for her when she needed him. He never had time for her. Now, he wished he had spared time for this precious little child who loved him more than anything. Leon smiled gently as he pulled out a small chocolate and a delicate rose from his pocket, holding them out toward Abella."Is this for me?" she asked, her voice soft and her eyes widened just a little.He ruffled her hair with a tender touch. "Who else? Is there any other pretty girl in the whole world?"Despite the small smile on her lips, it didn’t quite reach her
Abella added, “It is my fault. This happened to me because I went out. I gave him the opportunity. I…”“Hush,” He said. “None of this is your fault. You did not gave him permission to touch you. He has committed a sin. He will be punished for it. No one gets to harm my sister.” “Leon, everyone will hate me,” Abella cried. “Coco’s marriage will be ruined…”Leon pulled her into another hug as her breathing became erratic and her body began shaking with anxiety. "Breathe, Belly. I’m here," he whispered, holding her tightly. But as her panic spiralled out of control, he quickly called for the doctor who arrived and gave a sedative.Slowly, Abella’s sobs quieted and her body relaxed into the bed. As she drifted into sleep, Leon sat beside her. He was going to find that bastard, cut him into pieces and throw him in the ocean where his family would not be able to find him! He did not know why Abella felt that nobody would believe her. As much as he knew his family, his father would be the
When she arrived at the Smith family home, her heart raced a bit as she spotted her fiancé, Archie, the man she hadn't seen in a month. But she didn’t look at him as her focus was elsewhere."Charlotte, when did you return from Paris?" Archie asked gently. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were also present but their expressions were both curiosity and annoyance. Curiosity as to why she was here and annoyance as to why she was followed by an army of guards who looked nothing less than highly skilled soldiers. Charlotte cut to the chase. "Where is Christian?"Mrs Smith raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp. "Why are you looking for him? Shouldn't you care about your fiancé? You are always travelling around the world and you don’t even work. You are not taking care of my son."Mrs Smith had always dismissed Charlotte’s artistic works as nothing more than a hobby. She did not believe that it was a career. She had always disliked Charlotte for her son but she never complained openly because she was from
Late at night, Leon and Charlotte sat on the lawn, holding beers in their hands. The air was cooland the stars twinkled above them. They felt a sense of relief after Abella’s situation had improved. The teenage bullies and Christian had been confronted and they confessed to their actions before Abella. Anne and Nicholas had a long talk with Abella, reassuring her that they would always trust her and that she was their priority. Even now they were with her. Thankfully, she was better after Christain confessed everything and now she was at home, recovering. “Where have you been all these days?” Charlotte asked, breaking the silence. “You texted me that you wouldn’t be available for a while. Just where were you?”“It’s a long story for another time,” Leon murmured, avoiding her gaze.Charlotte nodded but then dropped a surprising truth. “I broke up with Archie.”Leon turned to her, his expression shifting to concern. “Why? When did this happen?”“A few months ago,” she replied, her voi
Sia sat in her house in New York, her eyes fixed on her guards, the ones who had let her get kidnapped. They worked for one of the highest-paid security companies, yet they had failed her when it mattered most. She did not like mistakes and worse, she did not like those who makes mistakes. “We are sorry, Miss Swift,” the head security chief said, his voice was filled with regret. Too bad that Alessia Swift did not accept regrets and apologies. “You are all fired,” she replied coldly.“Tell your boss I’ll see him in court,” Sia added, her tone sharp.She glanced at Kate, who wore both relief and apprehension. Half of her was glad to see her boss alive and back, while the other half dreaded the repercussions that would follow.“I want you to hire White Dove Securities,” Sia instructed.“Yes, boss,” Kate replied, though her brow furrowed in confusion. “But, boss, White Dove Securities is owned by the Hart Group. Didn’t we always try to avoid any links with them?”Sia turned to her and s
EpilogueThree Years Later“Dr. Hart?”Abella turned around to see a nurse hurrying toward her.“The patient in the NICU is responding to the medication,” the nurse informed her. “Could you check on her?”Without hesitation, Abella rushed to the NICU, her heart throbbing fast. That morning, the baby girl’s condition had been critical, but now, as she looked into those tiny, bright eyes, she felt a wave of relief.“Hey there, sweetheart,” Abella cooed, smiling warmly. “You’re such a fighter. You fought so hard to be here with your mom and dad.”The baby stared up at her, and Abella’s heart melted.“Yes, you’re such a strong, big girl,” she whispered, gently touching the baby’s hand.Outside the NICU, the parents expressed their gratitude; their tearful smiles reminded Abella why she had chosen this path. In moments like these, she was reminded of how beautiful it was to help save these little angels. But there were also the heartbreaking days, the ones where some angels didn’t make it.
Meanwhile, Kate and Rhys were sitting with Anne.“Why is Aunt suddenly changing colors?” Rhys asked.“Because she knows she was wrong and wants back what she lost,” Kate said matter-of-factly.Anne chuckled. “Kate, as much as I love your straightforward attitude, I’d appreciate it if you toned it down in front of Emery. She is… well, very touchy and fussy.”Kate shrugged. “MIL, I have a complaint. Coco and Sia had a girls’ day without me! Can you imagine? I’m trying to be as cool as them, but they left me out!”Rhys suppressed a chuckle. “Yes, Mom, they left my dear Kate out.”Anne played along. “That’s terrible, I’ll scold them,”“Yes, scold them well,” Kate agreed, then added mischievously, “but don’t tell them I snitched. Just say it was Rhys.”Anne smiled. “Alright, dear.” Then, she glanced at Kate. “I saw you have been spending time with Abella. How’s that going? I know you two weren’t close.”Kate sighed. “Everyone coddles her too much. She is living in disillusionment. Coco and
It was a beautiful day that was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Anne and Nicholas’s wedding anniversary had brought the entire family together, and the house was buzzing with warmth and joy.Nicholas turned to Anne as his eyes were soft with affection. “We have been together for forty years,” he said, a gentle smile on his lips.Anne smiled back, a touch of nostalgia in her gaze. “Yes, we made it this far.”Leaning in, Nicholas pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “Thank you for giving me the chance to be your husband.”Anne’s voice was barely above a whisper as she responded, “Thank you for fighting for us.”Just then, Leon and Coco appeared out of nowhere while wrapping their arms around their parents in a tight hug. “If anyone deserves the credit, it’s us!” Leon declared with a grin. “We made sure you two ended up together.”Nicholas and Anne exchanged amused glances before nodding. “Yes,” Nicholas agreed, “and we’re very thankful for your scheming. Turns out, it w
“Did you match into your preferred branch of residency?” Madam Facci asked, excitement filling her voice.Abella swallowed. “Ma, I’m still checking the results,” she admitted. “I’m scared.”“You have nothing to be scared of, my dear. Just look,” she heard. With a deep breath, Abella entered her credentials for the residency match. Her eyes darted across the screen as the words appeared before her.“I…” Her voice caught in her throat.“What is it?” Madam Facci asked eagerly.“Pediatrics…” Abella whispered in disbelief.A joyful gasp came from the other end. “Oh my god! I am so happy for you, dear!”Abella’s chest tightened as she read the rest. “With NYU…” she murmured. “If I accept it, I will have to stay in New York.”Was she ready for this?Madam Facci’s voice was warm and reassuring. “Whatever you choose, we are proud of you. You’ve worked hard for this. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy this moment. You did it, Abella. I’m so, so proud of you.”That evening, the entire family gather
Augustus Hart was born a healthy, chubby baby with a bald head, looking absolutely perfect in every way. His arrival was so sudden that only Callum and Estelle were present at the hospital when her water broke. They barely had time to inform anyone, but Abella rushed over as soon as she found out.The moment Callum stepped out of the delivery room and saw his sister waiting outside, a wave of emotions hit him all at once. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight hug.“Congratulations, brother. I’m so proud of you,” Abella whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.Callum let out a shaky breath, still overwhelmed. “When did you get here?”“Just now,” she said with a smile. “How’s Estelle?”“Tired,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still cursing me.”Abella chuckled. “And the baby?”“Just perfect,” Callum said, his eyes softening. “Come inside. She is going to be so happy to see you.”When Estelle saw Abella, she let out a small gasp before pulling her into a long, tight
After her divorce, Abella didn’t leave the country. Cillian had given her a staggering sum in alimony, even going as far as naming half of his assets to her, but she refused to take a single dime. She had her own inheritance. More money than she could ever need. But what could wealth do? It couldn’t buy her happiness. It couldn’t fill the void in her heart.Cillian knew her too well; he didn’t push her to accept anything. He let her go, even when it shattered him.When her mother lived in Italy with Coco and Leon, alongside her uncle Nate, she had bought a beautiful bungalow. It had never been sold, left untouched over the years. When Abella married Cillian, Leon had given her the key to that house as a quiet token of their family’s past. There were two bungalows beside each other, one where her mother had raised her two older siblings, and the other where her father had stayed, the place where her parents had met and reunited. One had been passed down to Charlotte, the other to Leon.
Cillian stared at her, his throat tightening as he heard the finality in her voice. He had imagined this conversation a thousand different ways, but none of them had prepared him for the calm and almost serene acceptance in her eyes.“Abella…” He whispered her name like a prayer, like a plea. “Can we please rethink this?”Abella smiled. It was a soft, bittersweet smile that made his chest ache.“Cillian, there is nothing to rethink,” she said gently. “Alessandro came to see me. He told me that he was leaving the country with his mother. He said he doesn’t want to come between us, that he would be happy if you called him once in a while and only if it was okay with me.” She let out a humorless chuckle. “That’s too big of a burden for me to carry. I mean, I don’t care how you navigate your relationship with your son. But I will give you one piece of advice: don’t be a jerk. Don’t hurt one more person. You have already hurt me, you have hurt him, and you have hurt his mother. Stop making
Cillian reached for her hand, his grip firm but trembling as well. “Abella, please listen to me. I’m sorry. I made a mistake by not telling you the truth. Can you please forgive me?” His voice cracked with desperation.She looked at him, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know,” she said softly.Cillian’s breath hitched, and he tried again. “Please, I’ll change. I’ll work on myself. Just give me a chance.” His hands clenched at his sides as if willing himself not to break apart. “I don’t want to see you like this, so shattered. You mean so fucking much to me. Please.”But to Abella, his words felt like echoes in an empty room. They were hollow and weightless. Once upon a time, she had longed to hear them, had dreamed of a moment where he would look at her like this, beg for her, choose her. But now? Now, they felt unimportant. They meant nothing.She exhaled, rubbing her temple. “I heard you. But my head is splitting apart, Cillian. Can you please just go back to your house? I just w
Madam Facci looked at her son, her expression undecipherable. She had seen Cillian walk through storms without flinching, but today, he stood before her looking utterly wrecked. His usually sharp eyes were bloodshot, his arm wound had reopened, staining his sleeve with fresh blood, yet none of that seemed to matter to him or anyone at this point.“What do you want, Cillian?” she asked, her voice firm but not unkind.“I’m here to see Abella,” he said. His voice was hoarse, almost desperate.Madam Facci crossed her arms. “I’m sure you have no idea what happened last night.”“I know,” he admitted, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. “I just want to explain things to her. She is overthinking this, and there is nothing much to overthink. I just—” He exhaled sharply. “I just want to make everything okay.”A wry smile tugged at Madam Facci’s lips, but there was no amusement in her eyes. “Son,” she said, “we can never tell someone what is worth overthinking or not. For you, th