[ Adeline ]“I am going to talk to Addison, Xav.” I said as soon as we drove out of Travis’ house.It came like a huge shock to me how my best friend had fallen for my sister who actually doesn’t deserve him but we don’t fall in love by the logic, it happens.He turned his head in my direction with a frown itched between his brows, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know your sister, she isn’t one of the kindest persons and she is definitely a fan of yours. She’ll humiliate you and I don’t want you to go through it again. Just drop this idea, Ade.” He tried to convince me with the obvious outcomes.“I am not doing it for her, Xav. It’s Travis. I saw pure emotions in his eyes and the way he expressed himself, it wasn’t just sex or infatuation. He seems pretty smitten by Addison and I think she also deserves a second chance in her life if she really repents for her past mistakes.” I stated my own arguments.He sighed and held my hand, “Ade, I agree with you but isn’t she the one who p
[ Adeline ]“Wha…what do you mean? How..how..did you?” She stammered and looked away.“It doesn’t matter, Addison and it’s none of my business to meddle in your personal matter but I met Travis today and what he told me, I think you should know.” I stated as naturally as I could because I don’t want to overwhelm her.She raised her eyelashes and gave me a blank look, “Did he send you here?” She asked me flatly and I knew if I don’t handle this matter delicately from here, it might backfire and complicate everything.I shook my head negatively, “No, he doesn’t even know that I am here but he told me because he thinks I should know before someone else tells me. For him, you’re my sister so he thought it might affect our friendship.” I clarified.She looked away again.“It was a mistake. We both were drunk and one thing led to another. I told him first thing in the morning that we should move past. It wasn’t the first time I slept with someone like this. You know me well.” She said, she
[ Adeline ]“Ade, I think I have found a lead on your father.” Xavier, who walked inside our room after a long call with someone while I was reading a book to kill the time.I closed the book and put off my reading glasses. My heartbeats suddenly increased. It had been over a month since I last shared my dilemma about my father’s disappearance but I never raised the subject again because my mother insisted me to just leave him in the past, she was happy with Paul, their relationship was blooming. We even met Paul’s adopted daughter.“Where is he now?” I asked while trying to keep a straight face but it was useless because my husband knows me and can read me like an open book.He sat beside me and held me hands gently, he does it whenever he has to say something unpleasant.“Tell me, Xavier. What have you found about him. I am ready to hear anything.” I said looking straight into his eyes.“Adeline, your father is dead.” He said with a deep sigh.My hands slipped from his grip, I felt
[ Adeline ]“How can you this much careless? Unbelievable! I did not expect such recklessness from you, Adeline.” My husband scolded me whereas I kept quiet and listened to him because it was actually my fault.“Ma’am, please move your hand slightly, I have to check if you have hurt yourself anywhere else.” The maid who was cleaning my wound, asked me.“No, I am fine, it just the small scratch on my head and elbow. Put a bandage, it’ll heal in a few days.” I said to her and she resumed my primary treatment.My husband glared me murderously as if I had said something horrendous.“You call it a small scratch, Adeline. Wow! You are great, my dear.” He mocked me. I thought he was overreacting.“We all get small scratches and bruises in daily life, Xavier so stop fussing. Even she cut her finger last week, right?” I said pointing at the maid with a roll of my eyes. I was scared, he was panicking by seeing the cuts on my elbow and forehead, I fear what if he found out who had given me these
[ Adeline ]“It was easier for me, I don’t know how am I going to tell this to Mom. She spent thirty years of her life with that man.” I said to Addison who was with me. I went to her office first after my meeting which I couldn’t postpone. She took it like she’s listening about a random robbery news on the T.V.“Can’t you see her love life is blooming. I am sure She and Mr. Paul are having a steamy relationship. You should have seen her in the last week. They looked like couples in their twenties. I felt gross.” She gagged and I rolled my eyes.“Eww, don’t talk about our mother like this. Have some decency.” I gave her a disgusted look.“Then they should consider their age before flaunting their affair in front of me and specially Adam. He is growing and what effect they’d cast on an intelligent boy.” She said. Meanwhile, someone opened the door of Mr. Paul’s apartment.“Mom! What are you wearing?” This time I exclaimed and closed my eyes.“I told you.” Addison muttered under her bre
[ Xavier ]“Come on, Travis. You’re behaving like typical tragic hero of a romance novel. Addison is a free spirit and one of the most complex personalities I ever met. She isn’t interested in you, brother.” I said annoyingly to the man who had been talking about Addison Greyson nonstop.“I pity on you, Xavier. You have found your true love. Just imagine yourself on my place. How would you feel if Adeline doesn’t reciprocate your feelings?” He asked me in a sulking voice and it was something which forced me to think that he’s right.I’d die a thousand death in a moment if Adeline becomes cold and distant towards me. In fact, I find it hard to be away from her when we work.“I think you got your answer, buddy.” He smiled faintly.“We can’t do anything for you if she isn’t ready, Travis. You know Adeline tried to convince her maturely but Addison is a stubborn and strong willed woman, it’s another case that most of the time she’s either foolish or impulsive.” I put my opinion about Addi
[ Xavier ] “What the hell are you doing at my shoot?” Melissa, whom I confronted on the sets of her movie unexpectedly, barked at me but I could see the hidden fear behind her masked expressions.I crossed my arms across my chest and sat down on the sofa in her vanity van. She huffed in annoyance.“What do you want, Xavier Linwood, why are you here, at my work place? Is it your new strategy to bully me?” She asked me with raised brow.“I don’t need to bully you, Melissa because your coward act proved your weakness when you attacked my wife.” I said and saw her facial colours changing.“What are you saying? This is ridiculous. You are blaming me of something I didn’t do.” She fiercely tried to defend her deed.I rose from my chair and took predatory steps towards her, she retreated back as the result.“Stop lying and save our time, Melissa. I know a spoiled girl like you can make such stupid mistake and leave the proofs behind. You were caught in a CCTV camera where we found Adeline p
[ Adeline ]“How are you feeling, Love?” My husband asked me gently while he massaged my shoulders as I slumped down the sofa. I spent the whole afternoon with Mom and Paul. She needed us and it was the least I could do for her. Addison left early because she had an important work at office but I stayed back because I am lucky to have Sandra to handle my work behind me. I should promote her soon.“I am proud of her. She took it very well and I am glad Paul is in her life. He is the true soulmate she needs and he has all the elements of a good life partner. I think I can be less worried for her now.” I replied to him with a tired smile and kissed his hand.“Are you ready to accept him as your stepfather?” He questioned me and it wasn’t something I expected nor I thought from this angle. My last memories with my father aren’t pleasant and I don’t think I’d rush up things when it comes to my mother’s new relationship.“I don’t know but I think he is an amazing man. If my mother decides t
[ 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