The streets of Paris were bustling as Alexander and Sarah strolled along, his wheelchair expertly maneuvering through the cobblestone streets.The crisp air was laced with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby patisseries.Sarah had been unusually quiet though her eyes sparkled at every window display they passed.Alexander noticed her hesitance, attributing it to her nerves about the gala later that evening.His gaze softened. Though he had grown accustomed to masking his emotions, he found himself feeling strangely protective of her. More than usual."See something you like?" he asked, motioning toward a storefront showcasing elegant Parisian jewelry.Sarah shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not really. Just admiring the craftsmanship."He arched a brow, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "You, admiring someone else's jewelry? Should I be jealous?"Before Sarah could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din of the crowd."Alexander! Sarah!"They t
Alexander sat in the study, the faint light from the desk lamp casting shadows across his furrowed brow.His hand rested on the arm of his wheelchair, fingers drumming absently as frustration boiled within him.The confrontation with Liam and the way he had abruptly ended their day haunted him.What’s wrong with me? He thought bitterly.His possessiveness had spiraled out of control.He wasn’t the insecure type, yet with Sarah, everything seemed heightened, his protectiveness, his jealousy, his doubts.Liam’s casual familiarity with Sarah had ignited something primal in him. The realization left a sour taste in his mouth.He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.I cut the city tour short for what?To prove some nonexistent point?His own actions disgusted him.She had been so excited about exploring, and he had stolen that moment from her.In their bedroom, Sarah stood by the window, arms wrapped around herself as she gazed out at the city lights.Her mind replayed the day
As they made their final preparations, Sarah added subtle jewelry to complement the gown, delicate emerald earrings and a matching bracelet.Alexander, ever attentive, adjusted the clasp on her necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.She shivered at the touch, and he noticed, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.Once they were ready, Sarah stood back to admire the both of them in the mirror.They looked like a power couple straight out of a fairy tale, her radiant in green and him a pillar of poise and strength, even in his chair.“You know,” she said playfully, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say we look like we’re about to take over the world.”Alexander raised a brow. “Who says we’re not?”They both laughed, and he held out a hand. “Shall we, Mrs. Blake?”“We shall,” she replied, her heart swelling as she took his hand.She bent down to place another lingering kiss on his lips before standing straight again.“We’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said as they exited the
The grand hall was a dazzling display of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and gilded walls.The Paris Fashion Gala had drawn a crowd of elite figures from across the globe, designers, celebrities, business magnates, and journalists, all mingling in their most extravagant attire.As Alexander and Sarah entered, their presence immediately commanded attention.Heads turned, and a murmur rippled through the crowd.It wasn’t just Alexander Blake, the formidable businessman, or Sarah, his stunning wife, it was their palpable aura as a couple that drew people in.“Mr. Blake!” A portly man with a thick French accent approached, his hand extended in greeting. “A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.”“Good to see you, Jacques,” Alexander replied smoothly, shaking his hand while subtly shifting his chair to ensure Sarah was included in the conversation. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah Blake.”Jacques beamed as he turned to Sar
Cecilia raised a perfectly arched brow, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she masked it with an amused smile. “Wife? Well, isn’t that unexpected?” She chuckled softly, though it lacked warmth. “I would have thought you’d... wait longer to settle down. Considering everything.”Alexander’s expression darkened, and Sarah felt the weight of his restraint. “What I do with my life is none of your concern, Cecilia,” he said sharply. “You made your choices. I made mine.”Cecilia’s eyes flashed, and she tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, Alexander, don’t be like that. I only meant... you’ve been through so much. It’s just surprising to see you with someone so... fresh faced. Doesn’t she look barely out of school?”The jab was subtle but clear, and Sarah stiffened.Her instinct was to retort, but Alexander beat her to it.“Sarah is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Alexander said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. “And more than you could ever understand.”Cecili
“Well,” he said, taking a small step back, “I’ll leave you both to enjoy the evening. Don’t forget, Sarah, there’s always a place for you in my corner of the industry.”With that, he clinked his glass lightly against hers one last time before turning away, disappearing into the crowd.Sarah exhaled slowly, tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding easing from her shoulders.She turned to Alexander, whose expression was a study in restraint.“I...” she began, but Alexander cut her off, his voice low and firm.“Not here,” he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the crowd before returning to her. “Let’s just focus on the gala for now.”Though his words were measured, the look in his eyes spoke volumes. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.Sarah excused herself to use the washroom.The soft hum of the gala’s festivities faded as she stepped into the lavishly decorated washroom.The walls were lined with opulent mirrors, their gold filigree frames reflecting the soft, warm light.She t
Alexander froze mid motion, his heart pounding as the shrill cry echoed through the grand hall.“Sarah,” he murmured, his voice a mix of alarm and urgency. Forgetting his ruse of reliance on the wheelchair, he pushed it with one hand, propelling himself faster toward the center of the room where a crowd was beginning to gather.The sea of guests parted slightly, and Alexander’s breath caught at the sight before him.Sarah, pale and shaken, was being helped to her feet by Liam, who looked equally concerned.Her gown was slightly askew, and the delicate straps of her shoes seemed out of place, one bent as though it had twisted mid step.“What happened?” Alexander’s voice was sharp as he reached Sarah, his gaze scanning her face for any sign of pain or injury.Liam glanced at him, his expression unusually serious. “She must have slipped on the polished floor,” he explained, steadying Sarah as she swayed slightly. “She’s fine, but she hit the floor hard.”“I’m fine, really,” Sarah interje
The gala drew to a close, the glittering lights dimming as the event transitioned into quiet farewells. The crowd of fashion elite thinned, and the once buzzing atmosphere settled into the polite murmurs of guests departing for the night.Near the grand entrance, Alexander, Liam, Sarah, and Margaret stood in a loose circle, exchanging parting words.Margaret, ever the gracious mentor, reached out to clasp Sarah’s hand. “You’ve done brilliantly, my dear,” she said warmly. “Mountain Rose has left an indelible mark tonight. You’ve made me so proud.”Sarah smiled, her cheeks tinged pink from both the praise and the lingering tension of the evening. “Thank you, Margaret. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”Liam chimed in, his easy charm lighting up the moment. “She’s a natural. You’d better watch out, Alexander. Sarah’s destined to outshine us all in the jewelry world.”Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his hand instinctively tightened on the armrest of his whe
At his estate, Gerald poured himself another glass of whiskey, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he received the update."She’s secured," the voice on the other end reported. "We’re bringing her to the safe house.""Good," Gerald replied. "Make sure she’s kept alive. For now.""And Blake?" the voice asked.Gerald’s smile faltered. "He’s still breathing. But with his wife missing and his body failing him, he’ll crumble soon enough. Keep me informed."As he ended the call, Gerald leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.The pieces were falling into place, but there was still work to be done.Hours later, Alexander woke in the hospital, his body heavy with exhaustion and pain.He blinked against the harsh light, his mind immediately going to Sarah."Where is she?" he rasped, his voice barely audible.Carter was at his side in an instant. "We’re still looking, sir. We’ve expanded the search, but so far, no leads."Alexander’s fists clenched. "She’s out there, Carter. I don’t c
Back at his estate, Gerald paced his study, his mind racing as he considered his next move.He sipped a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling as he contemplated the situation.The failure to eliminate Alexander outright had been a setback, but with Sarah in his grasp, he had a new advantage.“She’s the key,” Gerald murmured to himself. “Alexander will come for her, and when he does, I’ll finish this once and for all.”He picked up his phone, issuing orders to his trusted enforcers.“Prepare a secure location,” he instructed. “Somewhere remote, where no one can find her.”“Yes, sir,” came the reply.“And double the security,” Gerald added. “I don’t want any more surprises.”..........................At the temporary command post, Alexander’s frustration boiled over. He slammed his fist into the side of his wheelchair, ignoring the pain that shot through his arm.“She’s out there,” he said, his voice raw with emotion. “We’re running out of time.”“Sir,” Carter said carefully, “we
Sarah's mind raced as the conversation continued.“I warned you,” Gerald said, his tone dangerous. “There was no room for mistakes. Alexander Blake cannot be allowed to walk away from this.”“He won’t,” the assassin replied, his voice tinged with desperation. “I hit him. He’s paralyzed again. He won’t be a threat.”Gerald’s response was sharp. “That’s not enough. Paralyzed or not, as long as he’s alive, he’s a problem. And now, thanks to your failure, he knows someone is after him.”“I’ll regroup,” the assassin promised. “We’ll finish it.”“No,” Gerald said coldly. “You’re done. Don’t contact me again. I’ll handle this myself.”The call ended abruptly, leaving the assassin cursing under his breath.Sarah’s hands trembled as she processed what she had just heard.Gerald had orchestrated the attack.Her parents’ deaths, Alexander’s injury, it was all because of him.Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes, but anger surged within her, mingling with her grief.Gerald had taken eve
Alexander moved swiftly through the dense woods, each step calculated to draw the assassins away from Sarah.The cold air stung his lungs as he darted between trees, his sharp instincts keeping him one step ahead of the gunfire.“Over there!” a gruff voice barked, and Alexander heard the crunch of footsteps behind him.Good, he thought grimly.He was leading them away.The plan was working until the sharp crack of a gunshot echoed through the night.Pain exploded in his back, radiating outward like fire.His legs buckled beneath him, and he hit the ground hard, a groan escaping his lips as his body refused to respond.Damn it.He tried to move, but nothing happened.The realization hit him like a freight train, he was paralyzed.The sound of the assassins closing in sent adrenaline surging through his veins.He couldn’t let them finish him off. Gritting his teeth, he used his arms to pull himself behind a large tree, his breathing labored.Meanwhile, Sarah ran blindly through the fore
For a moment, they simply stood there, holding each other’s gaze.The warmth in his eyes made her heart ache, and she felt some of the heaviness in her chest begin to lift.“I just… I needed to come back here,” she said quietly. “The Millers have always been my safe haven. They loved me for me, even when I wasn’t really theirs. And tonight, I needed that.”“I understand,” Alexander replied. “And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you have them. But you should know that you’re not alone, Sarah. No matter how hard things get, I’m here. Always.”Her lips curved into a faint smile, and she leaned into him, resting her head against his chest.The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.“I know,” she murmured. “And I’m grateful. Truly.”They continued their walk but this time, back to the Miller house.Alexander walked beside her, his hand lightly brushing hers. The conversation had dwindled to a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the soft crunch of gravel u
The Miller house was warm and inviting, the scent of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread filling the air.Alexander handed the basket of gifts to Mrs. Miller, who couldn’t stop beaming.“These are lovely, Alexander,” she said, glancing through the assortment of specialty jams, wines, and hand crafted treats. “You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble!”“It’s the least I could do,” Alexander replied with a polite smile. “I regret not visiting sooner.”James Miller clapped Alexander on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “Better late than never, son. Come on, dinner’s almost ready.”Mrs. Miller led the way into the dining room, where the table was already set with a spread of hearty dishes.Sarah trailed behind silently, her mind still spinning. Alexander’s sudden arrival and the calm, composed way he fit into her parents’ home was almost surreal.As they sat down to eat, Alexander effortlessly charmed the Millers with his conversation.He asked about their farm, listened attentiv
Alexander sank back into his chair, his mind swirling with emotions.Part of him wanted to rush to the mountains and bring her home, but another part held him back.What if she didn’t want to be found right now?What if this was her way of seeking space?Still, the thought of her out there alone, hurt, possibly overwhelmed, gnawed at him. He couldn’t leave her like this.Determined, Alexander grabbed his coat and made his way to the elevator in his wheelchair with practiced ease.He had a driver bring the car around, but this wasn’t a trip he planned to make with fanfare.As the car drove onto the high way, Alexander found himself deep in thought. Though urgency burned in his chest, he knew this wasn’t just any visit.The Millers weren’t just the family who had raised Sarah, they were also, in a way, his in laws.He drummed his fingers against his thigh, considering.He couldn’t show up empty handed. Not only would that be disrespectful, but it would also send the wrong message.This
The inside of the house was just as Sarah remembered, cozy, warm, and filled with memories of a simpler time.The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, and a patchwork quilt lay draped over the couch, a testament to Mary’s handiwork.As Mary busied herself preparing tea and James set the table, Sarah sat down and watched them, a bittersweet feeling swelling in her chest.These were the people who had raised her, loved her unconditionally, and stood by her through every challenge. Yet, the words Elise had hurled at her earlier that day echoed in her mind."You’re the switch daughter, remember? The one who was never supposed to exist."Sarah clenched her hands into fists, trying to push the memory away. She didn’t want to burden her parents with her pain. They had done enough for her already.“So,” James said, breaking the silence as he placed a plate of cookies in front of her, “tell us what’s been keeping you so busy in the city.”Sarah forced a smile. “Just work,” she
Moments later, the door swung open, and Gerald strolled in, his presence commanding as always.Dressed impeccably in a tailored charcoal suit, Gerald’s graying hair and piercing blue eyes made him every bit the imposing figure he liked to portray.“Alexander,” Gerald greeted, his tone amiable but his smile sharp. “How are you holding up?”“What do you want, Gerald?” Alexander cut straight to the point, his voice cool. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, not when his mind was preoccupied with Sarah.Gerald’s smile faltered for a brief second before he took a seat across from Alexander’s desk. “Straight to business, I see. Fine. Let’s talk about this contract you’re so stubbornly refusing to approve. You’re holding up progress, Alexander. It’s unlike you.”Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Progress?” he echoed. “Is that what you call giving away control to a group of opportunists? The changes you proposed are reckless. They put the company at risk.”Ger