Lexi’s POV Dad was asleep now, his breathing slow but steady. The harsh hospital lights made the room feel cold, sterile—everything I hated about places like this. But I didn’t dare leave. I stayed planted in my chair, one hand gripping his as though he might slip away if I let go. Kayla had curled up in the chair on the other side of the bed, her head resting against the armrest. She looked peaceful for once, though I knew the moment she woke up, she’d be back to snapping at me or avoiding me entirely. Not that I blamed her. A creak at the door made me look up. Julian stepped inside, his tall frame filling the small space. The sharp lines of his suit made him look improper, like he belonged in some high-rise office rather than this cramped hospital room. “How is he?” he asked quietly, his voice softer than I’d expected. “Still stable,” I replied, keeping my voice low, so I wouldn’t wake Dad or Kayla. “They’re saying the next 24 hours are critical, but… he’s holding on.” Julian
Victor’s POV I stood in front of the large, polished oak desk, fingers drumming a steady rhythm on its surface. The details had to be perfect. If it wasn’t flawless, it would all fall apart. And I couldn’t afford that. Not now. Not when the time had finally come to take the final step. Lexi had been too much of an obstacle, and she had no idea how much danger she was in. But that was about to change. I pulled the map closer, the street names blurring as I tapped the area I’d marked in red. The route was perfect—isolated, with no traffic at all that time of night. It would look like a freak accident. No one would suspect a thing. My mind raced through every possible scenario. The timing, the positioning, and even the way the car would roll. I could see it all in my head, playing out like a well-rehearsed script. I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. “It has to be seamless,” I muttered to myself, turning toward the phone on the desk. It was time to call Etienne. The phone ran
Kayla’s POV The moment Dad was safely inside and seated, I felt the weight of everything shift. I tried to shake off the tension that had crept in when we’d pulled up to the house, but it clung to me like an uncomfortable sweater. I caught Lexi’s smile as she helped Dad settle into the couch, her hand on his shoulder, her voice soft and comforting. “We’re going to make sure you get some rest tonight, Mr. Thompson. You’ve been through a lot.” Of course, she was the one taking charge. She always was. I couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang in my chest. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate what she was doing for Dad; I did. But with every little thing she did, it was like she was trying to prove something. To prove that she was the better daughter. The better everything. I was still standing by the door, frozen in place as Lexi kept talking. She didn’t even glance my way, not once. But I could feel her eyes on me earlier, a pitying look that I’d seen too many times before. Like I
Kayla’s POV The stranger’s words echoed in my mind, heavy with promise. He was offering me everything I’d ever wanted. And yet, every instinct told me this was a trap, a dangerous game, whether I liked it or not. “You want Julian. You want Lexi's life, her wealth—everything she has,” the man said, his voice like smooth velvet, masking something darker beneath. “I can help you get it all. But you’ll have to trust me.” The words hung in the air, so easy, so tempting. I stared at him, trying to piece together his intentions. But his gaze was unwavering, confident. It made my skin crawl and my heart race at the same time. “Why me?” I finally managed to ask, my voice tight, still reeling from his bluntness. “Because,” he said, taking a slow step toward me, his eyes glinting with something I couldn’t place, “I know what you want. More than that, I know how to get it.” I crossed my arms, fighting the impulse to back away. “What’s the catch?” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his e
Kayla’s POV Catherine’s words swirled in my mind, intoxicating and undeniable. She didn’t speak like an ordinary person—her voice carried power, authority, and a promise of something I couldn’t resist. “All you have to do is follow my instructions,” she said, her piercing eyes never leaving mine. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted, Kayla. And more.” “And what do you want in return?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to sound confident. Her smile deepened, and for a moment, I saw something darker behind her composed exterior. “Loyalty. Obedience. And a willingness to do what’s necessary.” I swallowed hard, unsure if she meant what I thought she did. But it didn’t matter. I’d already come this far—there was no going back. “I’ll do it,” I said firmly, my voice steadier now. “Whatever it takes.” Catherine stepped closer, her gaze almost predatory. “Good. Then let’s get started.” Lexi’s POV “Dad, she’s missing!” My voice cracked, the panic overwhelming m
Kayla’s POV I stared at my phone, Catherine’s voice still echoing in my head: “Make your decision, Kayla. By morning, it’ll be too late. And if you can’t choose, I will.” My chest tightened as I glanced at the clock. It was almost dawn. I needed to think. No, I needed to act. But every time I tried to picture the next move, Lexi’s face would flash in my mind—her arms around me last night, her voice full of concern, the way she always had Dad’s back. How could I betray her? My phone vibrated in my hand. The screen lit up with Catherine’s name. I froze. The call disconnected then rang again. My stomach churned as I finally answered. “I—I told you I need time.” Catherine’s voice was sharp, her patience gone. “And I told you time is up. Make a choice, Kayla. Help me take her out of the picture, or you’ll wish you had. I don’t wait for indecisive little girls.” “I’ll give you my answer by morning,” I stammered, desperation slipping into my tone. A low chuckle. “By morning, huh? Fi
Catherine's POV The room was dimly lit, the faint glow of a single candle casting dancing shadows on the walls. Catherine paced back and forth, the phone pressed to her ear. Her red lips curved into a wicked smile as a familiar voice spoke on the other end. “Is it time for me to step into the game?” the voice asked. It was calm, smooth, and dripping with confidence. “Very soon, my dear,” Catherine purred. “Very soon. After the accident, you’ll have your moment.” There was a chuckle on the other end. “I’m ready whenever you are. Just give me the signal.” “Oh, you’ll know,” she said, her tone sharp now. “This will be a night Lexi won’t forget—if she survives.” The call ended with a soft click, and Catherine stared at the screen for a moment before whispering to herself, “It’s already in motion.” Lexi’s POV The car hummed along the road as Carla and I sat in silence. My thoughts were still tangled in Julian’s call earlier, his voice heavy with worry. I sighed, running my fingers
Carla’s POV The icy water dragged at me, but I pushed on, my muscles screaming with each stroke. The small motorboat was a dark silhouette ahead, waiting exactly where we’d planned. As I broke through the surface, gasping for air, Victor Hale’s figure came into view. “About time,” he muttered, his voice sharp with impatience as he leaned down to grab my hand. I ignored his tone, too drained to care. “You wanted the job done right, didn’t you?” I shot back as he pulled me into the boat. Etienne sat at the helm, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Is she gone?” I dropped onto the wet deck, wiping water from my face. “She’s dead. There’s no way she survived that.” Victor handed me a towel, his expression unreadable. “You’re sure?” “Yes,” I snapped. “I made sure she wouldn’t make it out alive.” Etienne chuckled darkly, revving the engine. “Then let’s get out of here. Catherine’s waiting.” As the boat sped away from the riverbank, I leaned back and let the cold night air whip against m
Lexi’s POV “Actually Lexi, I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice low. I forced myself to stay calm, even as my mind screamed for me to get rid of him. Julian’s in the shower. He can’t see him. Not now. “What is it, Liam?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. Liam leaned back against the couch, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m sure you’ve been wondering about the pregnancy. About whose it is.” I clenched my fists at my sides, my breath quickening. “What do you mean?” Liam’s eyes softened for a second. “Lexi, you and I both know what happened that night. We got drunk, we made out, and things escalated.” He paused, watching me closely. “I’m pretty sure I’m the father of your baby.” “I’m here because I want to step up, Lexi,” he continued, his tone serious now. “I’m here to take responsibility. I want to be a part of your life, and I want to be a father to our child.” I took a step back, panic starting to take over. Julian can’t know about this. He’ll kill him. The
Lexi’s POV The suitcase lay open on the bed, half-filled with carefully folded clothes. Excitement buzzed through me as I reached for another dress, my mind already painting images of the romantic getaway Julian and I had planned. We needed this—after everything, we deserved a moment to breathe, to just be us. I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. Julian was in the shower, and I could already picture his reaction when he saw my outfit choices. The thought made my heart race. Just as I zipped up the suitcase, a soft knock came at the door. “Ma’am?” A hesitant voice followed. I turned to find a young woman standing by the doorway, her hands neatly folded in front of her apron. I recognized her as the new maid Julian had hired after the last one was caught snooping. “What is it?” I asked, straightening up. “You have a visitor, ma’am,” she said, shifting uncomfortably. A visitor? My brows furrowed. No one was supposed to know we were here. “Who is it?” The maid hesitated before ans
Julian’s POV Pain. That was the first thing I felt. A deep, gnawing ache in my side, sharp and unrelenting. It dragged me back to consciousness, forcing my heavy eyelids to flutter open. The room was dimly lit, the beeping of machines the only sound breaking the silence. The sterile scent of antiseptics filled my nose, and it didn’t take long to realize where I was—hospital. I blinked, my vision adjusting, and then I saw her. Lexi. She was curled up in a chair beside my bed, fast asleep. Her head rested against the armrest, strands of her hair falling into her face. Her breathing was soft, steady, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace in her expression. No tension. No fear. Just… peace. My chest tightened at the sight. How long had she been sitting there, waiting for me to wake up? I studied her face, memorizing every detail—the way her lashes rested against her skin, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her fingers twitched slightly, as if
Julian’s POV I couldn’t hear anything over the deafening thrum of blood pumping in my ears. The pain in my chest was overwhelming, but there was no time to dwell on it. I couldn’t let her win. Not like this. Not after everything. I pushed forward, stumbling slightly, using the wall to steady myself as I moved toward her. I had to end this. It didn’t matter how bad I was hurt—I would finish this fight. “Stay down, Alexa!” I shouted, my voice rough, every word a struggle to push out. My grip on the gun was shaky, but my aim was steady. But Alexa didn’t seem scared. Her lips curled into that smug, dangerous smile of hers. “You really think you can win this? You’re too late, Julian.” She lunged forward in a blur of motion, catching me off guard. The blade flashed in her hand, and before I could even think, it sunk deep into my chest. I gasped, blood spilling from my mouth as the pain hit like a wave, knocking the air out of me. The world started to spin, but I gritted my teeth, refu
Julian’s POV I slammed my hand against the steering wheel, my mind racing. Every inch of my body burned with adrenaline as I drove through the streets, trying to calm the storm of anger that raged inside me. I couldn’t believe what I’d just learned—Alexa killed Etienne. The betrayal hit harder than any punch. I grabbed my phone, dialing the investigator’s number with shaky fingers. The line clicked before it even rang twice. “Julian,” the voice on the other end said, calm, collected, as always. “I’ve got the information you need.” “Tell me where she’s hiding,” I growled, not caring if my words sounded sharp. I was beyond caring. This had to end now. “She’s holed up in an old warehouse by the docks, Julian. It’s under heavy security. You’ll need to be careful.” “Understood. Just drop the location,” I snapped, my grip tightening around the wheel. He rattled off the address, and I hung up without saying another word. My fingers gripped the wheel tighter as I pressed the accelerato
Lexis pov “You should’ve told me,” he said, disappointment in his voice I didn’t know how to respond. My throat tightened, and I just stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. I had been so caught up in everything else—Alexa, the betrayal, the lies—I had forgotten to mention the most important thing. I didn’t want to complicate things further, but now, it was out in the open. “Well, yes,” I said, my voice quiet. “I didn’t bother to tell you because you were comfortable living with another woman.” The words stung, and I hated the bitterness in my voice, but it was the truth. Julian’s face faltered for a moment, and he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice thick with regret. “I swear I never knew. I thought it was you, Lexi. I… I never would have done what I did if I’d known.” He sat down beside me, his hands reaching for mine. The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable, and I felt a pang in my chest. He was sorry. And I could see it. “How many weeks?” he
Lexi The world felt heavy. My body ached, my mind foggy as I forced my eyes open. A dull beeping echoed in my ears, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling my lungs. The hospital. I was still alive. But then I saw her. Alexa. She stood near my bed, one hand idly playing with the oxygen tube beside me, her golden eyes gleaming with something twisted—something cruel. I tried to move. Tried to scream. Nothing. My throat was raw, my limbs weak, my voice trapped in my body. Alexa smirked, tilting her head. “You just won’t die, will you?” she mused. Panic shot through me. My heart pounded against my ribs as I struggled to move, but my muscles wouldn’t cooperate. Alexa traced her fingers along the oxygen tube, twisting it slightly. Not enough to cut off my air—but enough to make her point. “You should’ve stayed dead,” she whispered. “Do you know how easy it would be for me to finish this right now?” I willed my body to move. To do something. She leaned in, her breath brushing a
Julian I walked the hallway outside Lexi’s room, my mind racing. Elise sat nearby, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Neither of us spoke for a while. “She’ll be okay,” Elise finally said, her voice softer than usual. I dragged a hand through my hair, frustration clawing at my insides. “She shouldn’t have to be okay. This shouldn’t have happened in the first place.” Elise sighed. “We both know that’s not how life works.” I clenched my jaw, my fists tightening. Alexa had been right under my nose, pretending to be Lexi, and I hadn’t seen it. I had trusted her. I had lived with her. And now Lexi was lying in that hospital bed because of my blindness. Without another word, I turned on my heel and stalked down the hall. “Where are you going?” Elise called after me. I didn’t stop walking. “To end this.” Julian The fluorescent lights of the asylum buzzed faintly overhead, casting a sickly glow on the white walls. The air smelled like antiseptic and something stale—something
Julian I stepped outside, my mind spinning so fast it felt like I might lose my balance. The cold night air barely registered—I could still hear Lexi’s voice in my head, still see her standing there, her hazel eyes burning with anger and something else. Something deeper. Something real. But how? How had I not seen it? How had I spent months with someone who wasn’t even her? A hand touched my arm, and I turned sharply, my body still tense from the confrontation. Elise stood beside me, watching me closely. “I figured you might need a minute,” she said. I exhaled sharply. “A minute? Try a lifetime. None of this makes any damn sense, Elise.” I ran a hand through my hair, my pulse hammering against my skull. “I was living with a stranger, Elise. A stranger who looked exactly like Lexi, talked like her, acted like her. And I had no idea.” Elise let out a slow breath. “That’s the thing about deception, Julian. It’s easy to believe what you want to believe. She played the part perfect