"My suspicion was right, Mrs. Sawyer. You're one month pregnant."The doctor's voice was calm, but the words struck Chloe like a bolt of lightning. She sat still in the sterile hospital office, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her cane.Her world had always been dark, but this news brought a new kind of uncertainty, one she wasn’t prepared for."Pregnant?" Chloe whispered. She touched her abdomen gently, wondering if there was really a tiny life growing inside her.A child? Could I really be a mother? The thought both thrilled and terrified her. How will I tell Dan? The question alone made her anxious.The doctor looked at Chloe, who was clearly still processing the news. “Yes, it’s early, but the tests are clear. Congratulations, ma'am. You must take care of yourself. I’ll write a note and add it to your file so we can stop any further blood donations to Miss Sofia.”Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. “Miss Sofia?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Could it be…? N
The sound of the door closing behind Dan echoed through the house, and Chloe finally allowed herself to break. She sank onto the living room couch, her cane slipping from her grasp as the tears she had been holding back poured out.She had loved Dan with every fibre of her being. Even after losing her sight, she had found hope in his presence, in the belief that he cared for her as deeply as she did for him.But now, all that love felt like a cruel joke, a one-sided affair where she had been nothing more than a convenient pawn in his life. Three years... wasted on a man who only needed my blood. The realization brought fresh waves of pain, and she buried her face in her hands, her body wracked with sobs.The room was silent, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the mantelpiece. Chloe could feel the cool air of the early evening brushing against her skin, but it did nothing to soothe the ache in her chest.The house, which was once a place she thought of as her home, now felt lik
Chloe stood frozen as Dan’s voice filled the room, dripping with scorn. "I didn’t expect you to still be here,” he said, each word laced with contempt that sent a chill down her spine.Before she could respond, another voice chimed in, soft and sweet, yet somehow more venomous than Dan’s coldness. "Hey Chloe, I didn't know I'd be seeing you hanging around."Sofia.Her tone feigned innocence but betrayed a hint of satisfaction that Chloe could almost picture the smirk on her face.For someone who had been comatosed for a while, Sofia still looked as glamorous and stylish as ever, clad in a white designer dress that stopped way above her knees. Her blonde hair was packed in a tight ponytail, giving her an air of elegance and sophistication.She stepped closer to Dan, her arms crossed, and her brown eyes narrowing into slits as she studied Chloe.Chloe's stomach churned as she felt Sofia's undeniable presence even in her darkness. The scent of her perfume, something floral and overpoweri
Chapter 004: Finding Her Back…Dan paced the length of his study, the rhythmic sound of his shoes tapping against the wooden floor doing little to calm his nerves. Chloe's departure replayed in his head like a broken record.The revelation that she was gone, for good, was something his mind was still trying to come to terms with.But what troubled him most was the way she had left. His now-ex-wife had left—taken off in a helicopter, no less in a helicopter. The fact that someone had been ready and waiting to whisk Chloe away only deepened his unease. It wasn’t just a coincidence; it was planned. He leaned back in his chair, his jaw clenched in frustration. He had ordered his men to find out who had sent the helicopter, but they’d come back with nothing."Where did she go?" Dan muttered to himself in frustration. How could they not know? His hands clenched into fists as he stared out the window, his sharp blue eyes narrowing at the sprawling estate beyond. It’s as if she vanished i
Chloe had never imagined herself in a limousine, heading to a world she had never known. Just days ago, she had been Chloe Sawyer, the discarded wife of Dan Sawyer, lost in the darkness of her blindness and the ruins of her marriage. Now, she was Chloe Westbrook, the long-lost daughter of one of the most powerful families in the city, thrust into a life she had never expected. Her fingers lightly brushed over the delicate stitching of her tailored suit. It was the first time in years she had worn anything other than simple, practical clothing. The fabric was smooth and expensive, a far cry from the modest wardrobe she had grown accustomed to. But despite the change in status, the same gnawing uncertainty remained. Can I really do this? she wondered, her grip tightening around the handle of her cane as she took a deep breath. "Are you ready, Chloe?” Adam’s voice broke through her thoughts. Her elder brother’s presence was a comforting anchor in this new and unfamiliar reality. D
The elevator doors slid open, revealing the long corridor that led to the boardroom. The scent of polished wood and expensive cologne filled the air, a reminder of the power and influence that awaited beyond those double doors. Chloe took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.“Ready?” Adam asked, his hand resting on the small of her back to reassure her.“Ready,” Chloe affirmed steadily.As they approached the boardroom, the murmur of voices grew louder. The moment they stepped inside, the conversations ceased, replaced by a dead silence. Chloe could feel the weight of their gazes on her, the curiosity, the skepticism.But she had a plan. She had asked Adam to keep her position low-key, not as an executive or a figurehead but as an assistant to the Research and Development (R&D) department, where she could contribute without being in the spotlight. She wanted to start from the ground up, to experience what it was like to work in the company without the pressure of be
The soft hum of the office air conditioning faded into the background as Chloe approached the elevator doors, her cane tapping lightly on the floor. She exhaled, her nerves still tingling from the satisfaction of making a small but impactful contribution. Now, her stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since the early morning.She tapped her cane again, reaching for the call button. A brief moment of silence passed before the doors slid open. As the elevator descended, Chloe remembered she had no idea where the cafeteria was and would need to ask someone. Upon exiting the elevator, she paused for a moment, unsure of which direction to take. Suddenly, a kind voice broke through her thoughts. "Excuse me, do you need help finding something?"Chloe turned towards the sound of the voice. "Yes, actually. Could you direct me to the cafeteria?"The lady’s footsteps came closer. "Of course! I’m heading that way myself. My name’s Natalie, by the way. What’s yours?"Chloe smiled
The man led Chloe through the hallways, his grip was firm but surprisingly gentle. The echo of her cane tapping against the floor punctuated their silence as they left the building behind. Chloe's pulse was still racing from the humiliation of the cafeteria, but the further they walked, the more the tension in her chest began to ease.The moment they stepped outside, the cool breeze brushed against her skin, bringing with it the subtle scent of flowers and fresh grass. The distant sound of birds chirping and the rustle of leaves created a peaceful backdrop to the chaos swirling inside her mind.He guided her to a bench in a secluded corner of the company’s garden. The bench creaked slightly as she sat down, her hands gripping her cane as if it could ground her. Chloe stared into the darkness of her own world, willing herself to breathe, to let go of the sting of those awful words still ringing in her ears.The kind man remained silent, his presence steady beside her. She could sense
The ride to the hospital was calm, with the sound of the car engine providing a steady background to Chloe’s thoughts. She had asked Leo to take her there to see her brothers first before driving her home.Sitting beside Leo, she found herself nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.“You’re unusually quiet,” Leo said softly, his voice breaking the silence.Chloe tilted her head in his direction, offering a faint smile. “Just thinking,” she admitted. “About Adam and Francis. I can’t imagine how worried they’ve been.”“They’ll feel better seeing you,” Leo reassured her. “It’ll do them good to know you’re safe.”She nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on the fabric. “Thank you for bringing me here. I couldn’t go home without seeing them first.”The hospital came into sight, its plain outside shining softly in the afternoon light. As they pulled into the driveway, Chloe took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was sure to be an emotional reunion.Inside, the soft beeping o
Morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting muted shadows across the guest room. Chloe stirred beneath the warm covers, her senses gradually awakening to the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. The sound of a low, hushed voice caught her attention, drawing her from the edges of sleep.She remained still, her head resting lightly against the pillow, as she strained to catch the words.“...need to find out who it was,” Leo’s voice murmured in a firm but quiet voice. “I don’t care what it takes. They targeted her, and I won’t let it go unanswered.”There was a pause, presumably the other person responding. Leo’s tone softened but held its edge. “Just keep me updated. I want answers soon.”The line clicked off, and Chloe heard the faint rustle of movement. She let her breathing remain slow and even, unsure if she should acknowledge what she’d overheard. Before she could decide, Leo’s voice broke the quiet again.“Chloe?” he said softly, closer now. “You’re awak
The dining room grew quiet again as the remnants of their dinner were cleared away. Chloe sat back in her chair, her fingers tracing the edge of her napkin. Despite the tension of the past few days, this moment of calm felt precious, even fleeting. She exhaled softly, feeling her shoulders relax for the first time since the ordeal began.“Chloe,” Leo began, breaking the silence with a thoughtful tone. “Would you like to take a stroll? Stretch your legs a bit?”She tilted her head, intrigued. “A stroll?”“Just around the mansion,” he said. “It’s quiet this time of night. I can show you the garden, maybe even the library if you’d like.”Her lips quirked into a faint smile. “A guided tour of the Leo King estate? How could I say no?”Leo chuckled as he stood, moving to her side to offer his arm. “Shall we?”Chloe hesitated for a moment before taking his arm. “You’re the one who’s supposed to be resting, you know,” she reminded him in a teasing tone.“I’ll be fine,” he replied smoothly. “
When Chloe woke up, the room was a bit dark and silent. The gentle sound of the air conditioning and the far-off footsteps were all that suggested that there was life in the mansion somewhere. Chloe was now lying in bed, feeling the soft mattress underneath her, which was very different from the chair where she had dozed off.She sat up slowly, disoriented for a moment. Her hands brushed against the soft sheets, and a faint scent of lavender lingered in the air. The faint ache in her muscles from the events of the day before made her sigh softly.“You’re finally awake,” a familiar voice said from somewhere nearby in a warm and teasing tone.Chloe turned her head toward the sound, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Leo,” she said softly. “You’re out of bed. You shouldn’t be up. You should be resting.”“Don’t tell me you’re going to be one of those grumpy nurses who would keep me in bed all day if they could,” he quipped with a faint chuckle in his voice.Chloe couldn’t help but laugh
The room was still and quiet, the only sound you could hear was the soft, rhythmic beeping of the monitors beside Leo’s bed. Shadows from the dim overhead light played across the walls, creating a calm amidst the storm that had torn through the night.Chloe sat slumped in the chair beside him, her head resting on the edge of his bed. Her breathing was soft, her face turned slightly toward him, her fingers still curled around his hand as if even in sleep, she couldn’t let him go.Leo’s eyes fluttered open slowly, his vision hazy and blurred at first. The ache in his chest was a dull throb, a reminder of the bullet that had narrowly missed his heart. He blinked, the fog lifting as his gaze focused on the figure beside him.Chloe.For a moment, he simply watched her. Strands of her hair fell across her face, and her lips were parted slightly in the relaxed stillness of sleep. Despite the exhaustion evident in the dark circles beneath her eyes, there was a softness to her features that
The room was dimly lit, filled with sweat and the smell of cigarette smoke. Signs of earlier chaos were everywhere, with debris scattered around and chairs turned over. The man in charge of the kidnap, a wiry man with a gaunt face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, paced back and forth, his boots thudding heavily against the concrete floor.Before him, three men knelt, their faces bruised, blood trickling down from cuts on their foreheads and lips. Each bore the aftermath of a mission gone disastrously wrong, but they kept their heads bowed, too terrified to meet their leader’s burning gaze.The wiry man suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing on the closest man. “Just thirty damn minutes. Thirty!” he snarled, his voice echoing sharply against the cold, bare walls. “I told you to watch her, to keep her contained. All you had to do was scare her. Make her sweat a little. That’s it!”He took a step closer, his fists clenched at his sides. “And not only do you mess it up,” he growled, his voice dr
The office building had grown eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity replaced by the oppressive weight of uncertainty. Marcus paced in Chloe’s office, her cane and phone resting on the desk where he’d placed them after retrieving them from the floor outside. Every so often, his eyes darted to his watch. Over an hour had passed since Leo had taken off with Chloe. No updates. No calls.Marcus stared at his phone, his thumb hovering over Leo’s number. He’d called twice already, and each time, the line went straight to voicemail. “Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, shoving the phone back into his pocket.The silence in the room felt deafening. Marcus’s mind raced with worst-case scenarios. What if something had gone wrong? What if the men who had taken Chloe had backup? What if—No. He shook his head, forcing himself to stay calm. Leo would handle it. He promised he would. But the nagging feeling in his gut told him otherwise. He had waited long enough.Taking a deep breath, Marcu
Anton gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he pressed the accelerator, speeding through the city’s streets with no regard for traffic lights or the blare of honking horns. The SUV roared past intersections, weaving through traffic like a predator hunting its prey. In the back seat, Chloe held Leo’s limp body against her, her tears staining his shirt as she tried to steady him.Her chest heaved with sobs, her mind consumed with guilt. “This is my fault,” she whispered in a trembling voice. “He’s hurt because of me. If I hadn’t been—”“Enough!” Anton’s voice interrupted her. “He’s not dead yet, so stop crying over him like he is. Save it for later, when he can yell at you himself.”Chloe flinched at his tone, biting her lip to hold back her tears. She knew he was right—her tears wouldn’t help Leo now—but the feel of his blood soaking through his shirt, his shaky breaths, and the shallow rise and fall of his chest shattered her resolve. She nodded weakly, holding
A moment later, another set of footsteps entered the room—a slower and more deliberate one.“Chloe?” The familiar voice called out.Chloe’s breath caught in her throat. “Leo?” she whispered, disbelief and relief flooding her at once.Leo’s voice was calm yet clear, piercing the musty atmosphere of the dimly lit room. “I’d be careful if I were you.” His gun was raised, trained with deadly precision on the man holding Chloe.The kidnapper paused for a moment, keeping his gun aimed at Chloe, his hand tightening around the handle. “You wouldn’t put her life in danger,” he sneered, but the slight tremor in his voice revealed his doubt.Leo’s eyes burned with cold fury. “You think I won’t put a bullet in your head before you can even pull that trigger?” His words carried no bravado, only the lethal certainty of a man who had done worse for less.The man hesitated, his resolve faltering under Leo’s intense gaze. “I just do my job, alright? Nothing personal. You want her back? Let me walk out