[ Adeline Linwood ]"Ma'am, are you okay?"I heard a woman's voice. I recognized her as our maid. I slowly tried to open my eyes and shut them instantly as I felt a sharp pain in my head."Ahh.." I groaned and tried to wake up.I found myself on the floor while my house staff was staring at me with concern."Are you okay, Ma'am? You're laying on the floor." The maid asked me.I recalled Addison's impulsive act. She came here with a vendetta to kill me."I just..I just passed out." I made an excuse because I didn't want my parents to get worried and hate Addison more but it doesn't mean that I'd let her walk away easily. She messed up with a wrong person."Help me." I requested her to help me to get up.They helped me and I sat down on the sofa. My head was throbbing with pain."Here, take this, Ma'am. It'll subside the pain." Another maid handed me a glass of water with a painkiller.I quickly swallowed it and suddenly remembered. I was going to the party but attacked by my lunatic si
[ Adeline Linwood ]"You look quiet and lost since you entered in the party, Ade. Tell me, what's the matter. Did you receive another threat from Arthur?" Xavier asked me while offering me a glass of gin."The party was a huge success. I just hope, they get the message. By the way, you invited Linda? I mean it was quite unexpected to see her with Arnold." I asked him rather than answering his question. I wasn't sure if he'd take it patiently."Linda is a mystery, Ade. We both know how she works under the rug. She's the snake, always near but hidden in the grass, you can hear her hissing and crawling around you but she never bites. Creating fear is her move and it works." He said pouring another glass for himself."It's around two in the morning, Xav. You shouldn't be drinking more." I advised him."I don't drink often unless it's a moment to celebrate. Today, you marked your first impression on many. I met half a dozen corporate groups who are eager to work with you." He said."One st
[ Adeline ]The night was excruciatingly long for me as sleep was far from my eyes. I was tired yet I couldn't sleep. Throughout the silent hours of the night, many thoughts were stirring in my mind.Xavier, Arthur, Addison and my future, they kept pulling me into a myriad of conflicts. I slipped out of my bed around four thirty when I felt I couldn't sleep anymore. I wore my jogging shoes and workout clothes and came out of the mansion for a run. I had been working out after the divorce to keep my body in good shape since Addison and Arthur used to ridicule my plump body.I ran faster on the deserted streets. There was no one to disturb me. The sweat and tiring muscles, they couldn't stop me from draining myself out.I ran for almost two hours and when I returned, it was already early morning. I was covered in sweat, so I decided to take a long shower first. "Good morning, wife. If you had told me, we could go together for run." I heard Xavier's smooth voice thus stopping me from
[ Adeline ]The contract sitting in front of my eyes pushed me into an internal battle. In last few days, I had seen a different aspect of life. Xavier was still a stranger to me to some extent. I know very less about him even though we have been in touch since we met. He revealed less about himself except what I should know to balance transparency between us.I was contemplating with the clauses I would want to include in the contract when my cell phone buzzed showing a private number. It brought frown on my forehead since very few people have my personal phone number. With suspicion, I picked the call and put it near my ear.“Hello, who’s speaking?” I asked in a cold tone.“It’s me, my dear ex-wife. I hope my wife gave you a good lesson last night. Consider it as our return gift.” I heard Arthur’s tenacious laughing after he said the words to me.I gritted my teeth. Addison attacked me, I could be seriously injured and this man was having fun. “You know I can easily send your pret
Adeline ]“Do you have any idea why your father is calling all of us for a family dinner?” I asked Xavier who was sitting quietly beside me while the driver drove the car towards Arnold’s house.“I have no clue just like you. My father has a habit to surprise us with his decisions. I just hope he doesn’t drop a bomb over our heads.” He sighed. He reeked of cigarette.I have observed him. He drinks or smokes whenever he’s stressed over something.“Xavier, you know you can tell me anything unless it’s too personal.” I tried to scratch the hard surface of my husband.He craned his neck in my side and shook his head, “It’s nothing, Adeline. I just don’t want to be around Linda and Arthur. The make me feel outcast. They tried their best to turn my father against me and to some extent, they succeeded. Dad sent me to boarding school and then to London for my higher studies I used to crave for my father’s love since my mother died.” He looked down on his lap.A powerful and intimidating man
[ Adeline ]"Let's get seated and offer our prayers, children. I hope you haven't forgotten your manners with age." Arnold said.Addison rolled her eyes but had no courage to deny him. I surpressed my laugh as she was never into religious or spiritual life.We took our respective seats on the rectangular dining table with Arnold on the head chair. Linda seated on her left side with her children while we chose to sit on the ring side opposite to them.The dishes were served with expensive wine from Arnold’s collection. We offered our prayers and then he asked us to eat first but the tension on the table could be cut through knife. Everyone was desperate to hear him. "Honey, please spill the beans why you have called our children for a dinner all of a sudden." Linda tried to poke the old man, she looked more impatient than any of us.I could see clouds of uncertainties in her eyes as she stared at her husband to speak up."Shal we have our meal first? I do not want the efforts of our
[ Adeline ]"This is nonsense! I won't accept this sham." Arthur threw the papers in the air."Yes, it's unacceptable, Mr. Linwood. How can you do this to us?" Addison exclaimed beside us.Linda’s expressions weren't different but she refrained herself from bursting out like her son and daughter-in-law. She seemed cry in anguish any moment."Please, calm down, my young bloods. I have edited my will for a reason." Arnold was extremely calm in this situation."Dad, why are you doing this? You know, I was satisfied with whatever I have received from you." Xavier said very calmly but his voice was thick with emotions."Honey, you could have thought about it before writing your will again. You're practically throwing our son out of your inheritance." Linda said in a low voice."Linda, you're my wife and an amazing life partner that I could ever ask for and that's why I gave you the villa and 10,000 acres of fertile land on our Texas property. A sum of 30 million will be paid to you annuall
[ Adeline ]It's hard to imagine living without one's parents. Currently, Xavier was dealing with the unexpected news of his father's worsening health. He has a few months or maximum year to live when you know, death is slowly approaching you with gradual steps, you can feel it around you or your loved ones, the feeling is terrible.You live every moment in fear of losing them. For Xavier, his father is the last family after his mother and his first wife's tragic death.I watched him from a distance. He was sitting near the pool with a bottle of whiskey, his head hung low.I contemplated whether I should talk to him or let him accept the truth in his solitary spirit. I barely know him and it was an intimate level of conversation.After fighting with my brain and heart for some time, I finally decided to talk to him. He has been a great support to me. I should do the same for him."Can I sit here?" I softly asked him."Hmm." He slowly hummed.I occupied the empty space beside him and g
[ Adeline ]“Good morning, sleepy head. It’s nine in the morning and our little devils are waiting for their mom to wake up.” I heard my husband’s husky voice in my ear and lazily I opened my eyes. His beautiful eyes looked more intense in the bright sunlight which was peeking through the window.I cupped his face and brought him close to peck his forehead, “Good morning, love. It’s not my fault that I slept till this late.” I said and threw my arms around his torso.“Don’t blame me, you look ravishing in red and black and it’s been a week since I last had you.” He defended himself.“Now, it’s my fault?” I raised my brows while he took me to the bathroom and placed me on the countertop. He applied toothpaste on my brush and gave it to me.“Thanks, love. You can leave now. I’ll join you and our sons in fifteen minutes.” I said but he remained there.“What?” I gave him a confused look.“I won’t mind taking another shower with my sexy wife who’s looking more ravishing with my marks on he
[ Xavier ]The day of the judgement has finally come. I held my wife’s hand tightly, it was a silent promise that no matter what happens today, I’d stick by her side and we’ll start a new journey together today. The trial was in progress, my lawyers were doing their best to prove Emily and Linda guilty but I didn’t think Linda would get imprisonment, her mental health worsened after the death of her son. She couldn’t believe that he was actually gone.It was more severe punishment, she’d live the rest of her life in this pain and denial. Speaking of Emily, she remained silent throughout the hearing. Her family didn’t show up as they were hiding themselves from the law but her brother testified against her.We also brought the father of her ex-boyfriend in Cananda to solidify a murder case against her.“We’re going to win this case, Xav.” Adeline whispered to me.“I don’t doubt that. I am thinking where should we go to celebrate this day, just you and me.” I gave her a side glance.“Le
[ Adeline ]“Yes, Addison. You look pale, maybe sick. What’s the matter?” I asked my sister with a raised brow while Adam was busy playing with the house staff. I told Xavier not to come out because he and Addison still don’t look into eyes.She looked here and there, the coffee I served her was still untouched. She was tapping her foot on the floor, which does it whenever she’s nervous.“Look, we both aren’t very close, I get it but it has a brighter side. You don’t expect me to judge you or give you advise, you just want to talk, then talk. I am listening.” I said to ease her and she looked up.“But you must promise me that you won’t tell Mom or anyone else.” She said and I was shocked, she was requesting me.“If you have doubts on me then don’t tell me. I didn’t ask you to come to me.” I said in a little annoyed tone, blame my imbalanced hormones.“I didn’t mean in that way.” She tried to justify and a tensed silence sprawled between us.“Addison, if you are seeing yourself on a cr
[ Adeline ]“Hey, I told you not to move much. Your wound is healed but it doesn’t mean that you’d be walking and running here and there like this.” I reprimanded my husband who was watering the plants in our balcony.“Ade, don’t treat me like a patient anymore. It’s been four weeks and my wound is completely healed. In fact, you should take care of yourself now.” He said turning to face me.“Yes, you’re right but I am taking care of myself, Mr. Linwood. You should worry about yourself. The doctors advised you to avoid pressure on your muscles for next two months. Take it seriously, Xav. You’ll be a father very soon and this kind of behaviour isn’t appreciative from any angle.” I reminded him and on the mention of his baby, his eyes sparkled.He walked briskly towards me and caged me in between his arms, “I still can’t believe that we’re going to have a baby in next seven months. Our boy or girl will be with us to add more happiness in our world.” He said, his smile said a lot than he
[ Adeline ]“Linda, how are you?” I spoke over the microphone and her screaming stopped.“Emily, I hope your leg is healing now. It’s a long time since we met and I am feeling very elated to see you both. I hope you’re being treated well.” I said.“Adeline, you bitch! You coward whore, if you have guts, come in front of me.” Linda sneered and yelled at the cameras.For the first time, I witnessed her losing her temperament and it showed how vulnerable she was. Emily’s eyes moved on the camera as well but she didn’t express anything.“Linda, don’t shout, you’re making it hard for Emily to survive with you.” I said.“You’re enjoying this right? Just remember, if anything happens to me, my son will destroy you and that bastard.” Linda screamed.“I am sorry, Linda but your son can’t do anything now or ever.” I said and suddenly the two sided mirror became transparent and now, she could see me.Her eyes turned dark and she marched towards the glass.“I am going to kill you, Adeline Greyson
[ Adeline ]“What you both did inside? It was ridiculous.” I reprimanded Travis when doctors told us to leave his ward when they came to examine him and proceed with his shift to the hospital which was financed by the Linwood company.“It’s simple, we don’t trust the staff here because we don’t know them. What if his security is breached again by any insider? And what if this news leaks in the media, the damage will be beyond repair and all the suspicion will be pointed on Xavier. The investigation is on full swing and we need to keep low profile until the case is closed.” Travis explained and I thought he was right.“His wounds are fresh, I am afraid if he gets hurt while moving in an ambulance.” I expressed my concern.“Don’t worry, they are the latest technology, bumps on the roads can’t be felt and the best paramedic team will be with him and the route is only of twenty minutes at night time.” Travis assured me and I hoped everything happens smoothly.“Travis, can I ask you for a
[ Xaiver ]“I’m pregnant, Xavier.”These three words sent my mind into frenzy. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming after waking up and it could be the effect of medicines but when she kissed my forehead and placed my hand on her flat belly, my whole world stopped.I was numb to react and unable to process anything. She told me that we’re about to have a baby, our baby. I am going to be a father and when I just narrowly escaped death.The history might repeat itself once again. I could have lost my wife and another child if it wasn’t my fate and the God’s blessings.“Please, say something, Xavier. Your silence isn’t good.” I heard her wavered voice and when I met her eyes, I could see insecurities and many questions.“I can’t kiss you, how horrible a situation can be? I’m going to be a father and I am hearing this news on a hospital bed, with a hole in my stomach. I am overwhelmed, Ade.” I spoke the truth as I was still trying to wrap my mind around this news.“I can understand, Xav
[ Adeline ]“Hey, love. Wake up. See, I am here, your Adeline.” I whispered to the sleeping figure of my husband but he was in a deep sleep under the effect of the medicines. My hands ached to touch him but I was scared of hurting him. His abdomen was wrapped in bandages.I hadn’t left his side since I came back to the hospital with Grandma. Eventually, I had to tell her everything. Sooner or later, she’ll find out so hiding from her wasn’t an option. She took everything really patiently, even the death of her other grandson who wanted to kill her elder grandson. She expressed no remorse for his death.She wanted to come with me to the hospital but I insisted her to stay home and promised to bring her to the hospital once he gains his consciousness.“Xavier, I have to tell you something. I also got to know an hour ago but this is really an amazing news but you have to wake up first because I want to see your reaction when I tell you this.” I talked to him in a hope that he was listeni
[ Adeline ]Hours passed, perhaps the dawn rolled on but we didn’t hear anything from the doctors yet, they just kept rushing out and again going inside with medicines and other supplies, they refused to answer anything and it grew my fear even more. I couldn’t wrap my mind around this sudden halt in my life.“Here, have this or you’ll fall sick, Adeline.” Travis offered me coffee but I refused by shaking my head negatively.“No, I am fine but thanks, Travis.” I tried to smile but failed.He sighed and sat down on the vacant chair beside me.“I can’t feel the depth of your pain and fears, Adeline because I haven’t seen someone I love in this situation but I am here for you and Xavier, always and I know my friend, he won’t like if he learn that you tortured yourself. So, for Xavier, have some coffee. He is under the best care and we’d shift him to the best hospital in the city once his condition stabilizes and the doctors approve his shift.” He said and again tried to make me have the