Ezrah had seen the guy when Lake was busy raining punches on the one on the floor.Without a thought, he sheltered Lake with his body, and the bullet pierced through his shoulder. The closeness allowed him to kick the guy in the stomach. The gun fell as he groaned from pain when more knee kicks flooded his stomach. The first guy was also reaching for his gun from where it fell a distance away, and seeing that both Ezrah and Lake were busy, Madison could only kick the gun further away.The sound of police sirens was soon heard, followed by Madison’s car. Sebastian had ransacked her room for her car keys after calling the cops.Already knowing Lake’s house, he was headed there when he stumbled upon the action. Lake pulled the wristwatch from the guy’s wrist before the police apprehended them.“Are you guys alright?” Sebastian asked before his eyes narrowed to Ezrah’s stained shirt. “Ezrah, you are bleeding.” Sebastian was genuinely concerned. Madison hastened to Ezrah’s side, but he
Sebastian’s relationship with his father was not great, so he was reluctant to make the call. “Why not talk directly to Michelle?”That was the option Ezrah had planned earlier, but after what had just happened, it was no longer an option.“If Rush finds out that we know who he is, Michelle might be in danger.”“Who is he?” Sebastian asked seriously.Ezrah tossed his phone to him after opening the report. It seemed that Sebastian was equally in the dark about Rush’s identity.After consuming quite a lot of alcohol the previous night, Madison could no longer endure the discomfort that came with it.“Lake, do you have a maid?” she asked. Lake smiled and retorted, “Yes, but not for cooking.”A blush, stained Madison’s cheek from embarrassment when she realized she had been caught and denied it.“Who said I wanted to cook?”Lake smirked. Since she was being stubborn, he decided to expose her. “You look like you are hungry.”“You are so silly,” Madison nudged him playfully on the shoulder
The revelation brought a sudden silence to the room. Ezrah couldn't shake the feeling that Odette might truly be Michelle's twin sister.The way they both resorted to faking their deaths to resolve their relationship issues seemed to be ingrained in their DNA.Mr. Newman continued his explanation. "Rush nearly lost his mind when he believed Odette was dead."Sebastian interjected, "That still doesn't justify keeping him close to Michelle.”How could he live with himself if something happened to Madison?The recommendation likely came from his father, but Sebastian was troubled by the kindness Madison had shown him.She was a good woman who didn't deserve to be caught up in their relationship drama.Mr. Newman ignored the interruption and continued to explain. "When Rush saw Michelle on screen for the first time, he regained his composure and sought ways to be near her."As he spoke, Esther’s voice was heard from the background. “Grandpa, come and play.”"She's a pretty doll. I’m talki
Mr. Newman sincerely revealed everything to Sebastian. “I took a sample of Michelle’s hair for a DNA test. It was a 99.9 percent match.”Sebastian was shocked and couldn't help but exclaim, “You are kidding me. Does she know?” He asked seriously, and Mr. Newman responded in the negative.“No. Rush was already with her, so there was no way to tell her.”Ezrah was conflicted. He had performed a background check on Michelle when he suspected their one-night encounter might have been orchestrated by her, but nothing of that sort popped up.“I bet even her parents don’t know.”Mr. Newman felt trapped. If Sebastian had informed him that the phone was on speaker, he would have known what to say and what not to say.To protect Michelle, he had conducted a background check on Ezrah and knew that he was not as simple as he seemed.Now, he found himself in a difficult situation.“I don’t know about them, but it's complicated. Let me talk to Rush’s doctor and come up with something. I never knew
Sebastian’s phone rang, and he answered it, “Seb, please hear…”Hearing Piper’s voice, he turned his head to the side and sneezed. “It’s a tsetse fly,” then he ended the call.The atmosphere turned warm as everyone laughed.“That must be Piper,” Lake said with amusement, and Sebastian was angered.“How can you mention that cursed name so easily? Please don’t bring up tsetse flies here. Where are my things? We had to purchase some when you refused to take me in last time.”Everything about Piper irritated him to the bones. He could not endure it, regretting falling in love with her.It was just annoying how her parents were also eyeing Esther. That was something Sebastian did not even want to think about.“In the room you slept in,” Lake lazily answered. Sebastian smiled, stared at Madison, and said, “Pretty lady, can you help me choose an outfit for the date?”Madison was taken aback but suddenly felt that Sebastian had forgotten her warning and stance concerning Michelle.“Aren’t you
“Seb, what are you talking about?” Michelle was confused but also happy if it was what she was thinking. All along, Sebastian made it clear, and it was both relieving and suspicious the way he just gave up. “Don’t get me wrong. I intended to do that before, but something happened today, making me change my mind.” Sebastian felt strange. The fact that those guys were after Madison stirred up something in him, and though he did not say it, he was grateful to Lake and Ezrah, especially Ezrah, who received the bullet in the process. “What exactly happened?” Michelle asked, finding both Sebastian and Madison’s behaviors strange. More like how Madison ended up in Lake’s house instead of hers. Sebastian could have let it out but could not endanger Michelle’s life. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you.”The look of dismay in Michelle’s eyes made him equally uncomfortable.“Michelle, it’s not as if I like Ezrah, but the fact that you still haven’t moved on means…” Michelle cut in, knowing exactl
Michelle’s suspicions were running high, and she decided to confide in Coco.“When Madison left, she mentioned that something had come up and used the designated driver as an excuse. But I have a feeling she's not being entirely truthful. She could have easily arranged for another designated driver but chose to drive herself to Lake’s house instead.”The more Michelle pondered over it, the more convinced she became that her suspicions were valid.“Lake’s house? They must be quite close,” Coco remarked, her tone lacking amusement, which didn't go unnoticed by Michelle.Michelle chuckled and encouraged Coco, mentioning that Madison had claimed there was nothing between them. “Coco, if you like him, go for it.”Coco shook her head, expressing her fondness for Lake's personality but also indicating that she wasn't ready to jump into another relationship just yet.“I just got out of a relationship, Michelle. It's too soon, and I don't want to come off as desperate.”Nodding in agreement, Mi
Madison was about to speak when Lake lifted himself to a sitting position on the sofa he was lying on. “It’s late, dude. There are plenty of rooms. Do you prefer sleeping on the couch, or did you have a bad date?” Lake was ready to tease him and wasn't going to let him use Madison as a backup. He really hoped that something real would happen between them, but if Sebastian wanted Michelle, then he should steer clear of Madison. “There was no date,” Sebastian revealed. Both Madison and Lake were surprised. Was this a new form of prank? “Why?” Madison was the first to ask. Nevertheless, Sebastian’s response was directed at Lake. “Look, Lake, you and Ezrah saving Madison was heroic. That’s what made me give up.” His phone buzzed in his suit pocket, and he brought it out. “My dad is calling.” Both of them fell silent as he answered the call, but Ezrah, who couldn't sleep either, returned downstairs. Usually, he and Lake would chat through the night until sleep overtook them, but th
Congratulations, Mr. Newman. Your wife is one month pregnant," the doctor declared, the atmosphere filled with excitement. The bond they shared brought them unparalleled happiness, each genuinely happy for their friends, including little Esther. Zora and Madison spent time with Coco, leaving Esther with the men. The triplets were adorable, the boys taking after their father and the girl after her mother. "I swear, Zora, this is my first and last time. It hurts like a bitch," Coco said, as Zora and Madison laughed. "I heard women were designed for this. You did amazing, mama. Congratulations," Zora kissed her on the forehead and said. Months later, Zora and Ezrah welcomed their twins, Eugene and Eugenia Gannon, and five months after, Madison had a baby boy, Justin. Esther was the best big sister anyone could ask for. Ethan and Ethel welcomed a daughter, and a year later, they had twins, two girls. Lucas never remarried, unable to get over his ex-wife. One day, he received a messa
The day before, Rush had called to inform Ezrah and Zora that he and Odette had a son. Due to the distance, they had not yet visited, and now, he was meeting Lake at the hospital without Coco by his side.“Ezrah, what are you doing here?” Lake asked, his joy radiating on his face, but Ezrah was surprised to see him so happy at the hospital.“My wife fainted, and what are you doing here? I don’t remember the hospital being a place for happy people.”Lake laughed and made a joyful revelation. “My wife had triplets. Two boys and one girl. I was just about to call you.”Ezrah recalled Lake wishing for triplets; it seemed he got his heart's desire and something to keep his parents busy.“Congratulations, Lake, you got what you always wanted.”“Yeah, we found happiness. Congratulations to us, but what’s wrong with Zora?” Lake asked again, his joy fading due to the news about Zora, but Ezrah’s explanation lifted his spirits.“I suspect she’s pregnant. She refused to take the pregnancy test, a
“Lucas, you are insane. I will never choose you over Ethan, and I will never have anything to do with you again,” Ethel said through gritted teeth. Lucas was furious.“Then you leave me no choice,” he yelled and pulled the towel from her.She ran to seek cover in the closet, but he caught her and pulled her to his chest.Ethel felt ashamed and furious as her naked body pressed against his.She tried to free herself, but he was stronger and also drunk.“Why do you want to hide from me? We’ve had each other many times,” he cooed in her ear, but all she felt was disgust and anger.“We were married then, but not anymore. Just let me go,” she tried to push him away to no avail as he tried to force some alcohol down her throat.“I was ready to be kept on the side, but you refused.”After successfully getting the alcohol down her throat and watching her frown as he forced her to swallow it, his lips were closing in on hers.Ethel felt a burning sensation down her throat, and as a woman who n
Chapter 318 – I loved you before, but not anymoreA week ago, Ethel arrived home with Ethan, but he was called away to take care of a few things because Ezrah was still on his honeymoon.The past month and a few weeks had been peaceful, and with Ethel moving in with Ethan, she had no need for a bodyguard. However, on this particular night, things did not seem the same after Ethan left.Unlike his brothers, Ethan never had his domestic staff live with him, but after his mansion is ready, that will change.They were not only planning their wedding but also their future together. All that they wanted for their kids, they wanted to ensure they had it in the mansion.Ethel had gone to shower after a tiring day at work only to find Lucas seated on her and Ethan’s bed.“Jesus, what are you doing here?” She halted in her steps, right in front of the shower room door.Lucas looked drunk, which made Ethel scared. Before she could reach for her phone to call Ethan, Lucas took it from her and inst
“Why? Don’t you like it?” Ezrah asked teasingly. Zora screamed, “Like it? I love it, Ezrah. I’m a lover of pools, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”She couldn’t take her eyes off her room. Everything was natural, with multiple pools scattered around.For the first time, words failed her when she tried to describe the aesthetics of the room.It looked as if it were carved out of natural rocks.Even the footsteps around were made of natural black stones, and the water was crystal clear. She could also see the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.“To clear up your confusion, we are at Papa’s beach, and this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. I thought you would love this as a honeymoon location.”Zora, though rich, had been too focused on business and revenge before. Honestly, she had never heard of this place.“I’m fascinated to be here.”“Great. Let me explain further. This is Calilo on the Greek Island of IOS. There are only 35 suites in this hotel, and each r
The silence was thick in the air as everybody waited for Ethel’s response, which was not forthcoming.Feeling like he was just being used, Ethan had the understanding that she could not bring herself to trust him.“Dad, she doesn’t love me,” he said on behalf of Ethel. Lucas smiled, but his smile soon went stiff when Ethel responded.“I do, Ethan.”She saw Ethan freeze with a shocked look in his eyes and explained.“I mean, I never imagined having anything to do with my ex-husband’s kid brother, but I’m ready to give it a try.”“You do?” Ethan was so shocked that he lifted her in the air by the waist. “I love you so much, Ethel. I will prove it to you.”Their lips met once again, but they were rudely interrupted by Lucas. “Dad, how can you condone this? It’s shameful.”He could not believe how his submissive housewife could take an interest in his kid brother. This was unexpected.Ethel should have rejected Ethan and not this. However, his mother spoke this time.“You know what, Lucas
“Kate?” Lucas turned in the direction of Ethel’s gaze, calling out accusingly, but Kate made a 180-degree turn and was headed to the exit when the man she came with blocked her.It was obvious that she was trying to escape the accusation, but everyone was interested in hearing what she had to say.Homewreckers were not exactly welcome at occasions like this, as every woman with a man of her own began to get protective.“You seem to be running away,” the man she came with said, not pleased by the revelation.Lucas walked towards her and questioned, “Did you kick her in the stomach?”Kate was covered in so much shame that her lips trembled because of all the gazes on her and replied, “It was an accident.”“No, it wasn’t,” Ethel interrupted, not upset but wanting to prove a point.“You said I didn’t deserve to carry his child because he didn’t love me. You were right because he divorced me,” Ethel smiled, no longer feeling the pain of losing her scum husband.Only Lucas had a pained expr
From a distance, Ezrah and Zora watched everything unfold.“Lucas, I need to put him in his place. Can you give me a moment?” Ezrah was about to go to the scene of the incident when Zora held him back.“No. Didn't you say that Ethan seemed genuine with his feelings? Let’s see how he handles this situation.”Ezrah was unsure if Ethan could come out of this cleanly, reminding Zora,“You told me to protect Ethel or better still, let me get her bodyguard.”Zora shook her head. “Sometimes, the heart doesn’t know what it wants until the opportunity presents itself. Let Ethan deal with it.”Ezrah smiled and relented. “Alright. If you say so.”They heard Lucas mocking Ethan and Ethel. “Why? Can’t you kiss your woman? Sebastian has kissed Madison like three times already, even though they aren’t the bride and groom.”Indirectly, he was taking away the opportunity for Ethan to use the event as an excuse for his inability to kiss Ethel.“Lucas, how we choose to define our relationship is none of
Everyone was excited for Ezrah and Zora, and right after the cake cutting, the couple's dance was announced.Ezrah and Zora had just left the dance floor and were speaking to some guests when other couples took over.Ethan saw it as the perfect opportunity to dance with Ethel, but there were other men eyeing her as well, and they were not afraid to show it.To make matters worse, they reached her before him.“Hi, I’m Rick,” one of them said. Ethan didn't recognize him from their company, which could mean he might be one of Zora’s co-stars.Ethan didn't like this but knew he had to be a gentleman to win Ethel's favor.“Ethel,” she responded with a forced smile, trying to be polite, and somehow, she was glad to see Ethan nearby.It was Ezrah’s birthday, and his focus would only be on his wife. Her bodyguard was there to protect her from danger, not lovers, so he was with the other bodyguards.The only man she had loved all her life was Lucas, and she had never had the chance to mingle b