Henry sighed broodingly with a pouted mouth and played with his food. "I've got to say, it's been boring."Damon and Damien looked at him. "And for good reason. It's better this way." Damon told him."After weeks, I can't believe they got Joseph. And now, Kara is absent." Henry voiced out the obvious.Damon just nodded."It's kinda weird how he was caught so easily. Have you guys heard anything?" Henry asked curiously."No one is telling us anything, Henry," Damien answered him."And besides, my dad warned us to stay clear and not bother about it anymore," Aria added.Damon nodded in agreement. "Yep. No Joseph and no Kara means no enemy and no enemy means we're safe, which also means there's nothing to investigate.""But do you think it's over?" Henry asked him."Whatever happens, I trust my dad can handle it." Damon gave him a straight answer."I just hope he's careful, though. Mummy still doesn't know what he's doing." Aria said with a sad face."Oh." Henry gaped as he heard it. "It
Getting home, the kids ran to their mommy, gave her a hug, and ran upstairs per their dad's command.Seeing Leo, Alexa sighed as the morning behavior knocked on her head. She was trying hard to forget and not be bothered by it, but he definitely won't let it."So how are you?" Leo asked with a mischievous smile on his face."Hmm? I'm fine."He walked closer to her with narrowed eyes simulating confusion, cause even though he found the morning amusing, he just had to wonder what got into her."About this morning...""Let's not talk about it, Leo." Alexa stopped him, her face getting red and she lowered it, facing the floor.Leo took both her hands making her look up at him. For some reason, she was having the same feelings she had this morning. So drawn to him. "It's not that bad to talk about...""Stop it, Leo!" Alexa shunned him.Leo frowned. "Fine. I'll just wonder all my life then."Alexa swallowed and nodded. "Yeah." Her voice came out husky. She was feeling uncomfortable for some
"Talk to me, it's late." Leo urged Alexa since he was feeling sleepy already. He still couldn't believe the question his son asked out of the blue.If only they knew their mom actually passed through that."I've been thinking about...um, pursuing what I want. My dreams." Alexa began in a calm tone as she drew circles on his chest."Dream? You've got dreams?" Leo asked, looking confused.Alexa nodded her head which rested on his shoulder. "I do. Apparently."Leo chuckled finding it weird. "And what's that?""I wanna own a pub, hon." Alexa made known.Leo kept shtum at the information. His thought went wild. "Pub." He said to himself."Yeah. A restaurant. A food...""I know what a pub is, babe." Leo dismissed her in annoyance."Oh. Sorry." She mellowed."Why all of a sudden?" He decided to ask."Because it's what I want. Instead of staying home all day, I wanna start doing things that'll make me feel at ease. Things that'll make me go out when everyone goes out. A thing that I love doin
"I already called a realtor agent, Alexa," Leo informed over the phone, knowing it was the only thing his wife is excited about at the main time. The only thing she actually wants to hear."Really?" Alexa's eyes brightened at the information.Leo nodded. "Yeah. He's um, he's working on it. I explained the kind of building you want."Alexa smiled. "Thanks, honey.""Yeah, although I've been thinking about what you really want to do. Why a pub?" Leo asked her.Alexa shook her head, thinking about it. "Um, don't know. Just feel it's gonna be fun.""Fun ah? Alexa, I don't really think that's what I want...""Come on, Leo." Alexa frowned as he was being against it once again. "Please."Leo sighed. "I accepted what you want, Alexa. What I'm saying is, I don't think I want it to be a pub.""Why?""Because it's dangerous. Entertaining people to get drunk is not...I don't want that. Just make a restaurant where people can come. and eat. Have dates, drink champagne, and then leave without proble
The boss heard a knock on his door, and looked up, wondering who was there. "Come in."Marco opened and entered.The boss relaxed upon seeing him and he leaned against his chair. "You're here, Marco. With news, I'm guessing?" He inquired.Marco nodded. "I visited some thugs in prison and got to talk to people that once worked with Renard Hodge.""And what did you get?""I have to say, it's complicated. I heard he was after that Denvers company and even killed the owner to get it.""What?" The boss blurted with a frown.Marco nodded. "Yeah. He even had children from different women that could make his plans come to pass. That could help him achieve ownership of the company. He made his son who never knew his existence marry Alexa Denvers, threatened him by kidnapping his mother, and tried to make him kill his wife so they can have the full rights to the company, but then she survived and got pregnant. His son didn't want anything to happen to his wife and unborn children, so he had to.
Three days later. (5th August. Friday)Alexa walked into the dining and furrowed her brows to see Leo sitting in the dining, his hands crossed on the table, face lowered, and hair disheveled. He was looking so rough, and deep in thought. She walked up to him wondering what was up with him. Ever since he just came back from work unexpectedly early, he's been that way and it's getting her worried.She sat in front of him, placing her hands on the table. "Leo, are you alright?"Leo let out a sigh and look at her. "Yeah."Alexa scoffed with a frown. "Come on, Leo. You expect me to see you this way and not know something is wrong?"Leo looked away not ready to answer any questions or even talk much. "Just let me be for now.""How can I let you be, Leo? What's going on with you?""Just let me be, damn it!" He lashed out giving her a glare.Alexa was taken by surprise, her eyes getting watery as he rose his voice at her. "Is that why you had to shout at me? Being worried has become a bad th
Aria's face contorted as she couldn't hide the frustration at the fact that no one has come to pick them up. "What's taking them so long?" She whined.Damien shook his head also getting tired of waiting. "Don't know.""I've called dad twice, but he isn't picking up his cell. I'll phone mom instead." Damon told them as he screened his mom's number out.After two rings, the phone picked up since it was obvious Alexa was getting worried about why they weren't back yet. She was also trying Leo's number, but he wasn't answering."Hey, son. I was about to call you guys.""Mom, why isn't anyone picking us up?" Damon asked immediately."What? Your dad isn't there yet?" Alexa asked, baffled at the question.Damon nodded. "Yes, mom. We've been waiting."Alexa blinked not knowing what to think of it, but it was becoming a cause for worry and giving her discomfort. "Uh, I'll um...I'll send Levi to pick you up.""OK, mom. Please be fast about it."Alexa nodded and hung up the call-up. She immediat
Two weeks later. (23rd August. Tuesday.)"Mom, dad hasn't woken up yet?" Aria kept whining with a sad expression on, but Alexa was out of it. She'd be lying if she says she was not worried, or if she tried to hide her worries. It's something she cannot do no matter how she wants to act strong in front of her children.Just seeing Leo like that weakened her and the painful part is, he hasn't improved according to the doctor and it's been two weeks."He's gonna wake up." Emily decided to answer Aria.Aria looked at her. "But when?""Just take it as he's sleeping. He's having a very long sleep and he'll definitely wake up." Emily reassured. She looked at Alexa whose eyes were on Leo through the looking glass of the ICU. "You guys should head home, Alexa."Damon and Damien looked at their mom with pity. They knew it best not to worry her anymore with their constant complaints. She's definitely going through a lot herself.Deep down they believe nothing bad will happen to their dad no matt
The greatest shock Alexa received in all her life was when Leo knelt down on the ground with a ring in hand and ask the question she has never heard anyone ask her. "Will you marry me?"She was overwhelmed by that question. It was totally unexpected. Out of nowhere. It officially became one of the happiest days of her life.Her smile was broad and uncontrollable, and after saying yes, immediately after he stood up, she engulfed him in a hug.Their kids and friends just stood there happy since it was all planned by all of them.The wedding was not that grand, but it was perfect. The happy smiles on their face made things different from when they had their first.This time, there was love in their eyes. They were happy as they looked at each other.Back then, it was just pain, confusion, and different negative thoughts in their heads when they were about to join them together. There was just no smile on their faces no matter how much they wanted to force it.It's funny how different thi
Throughout, the kids were restless since they have no idea what was going on. They haven't seen their mom and their dad since he saved them from the wicked men."I'm pretty sure everything is going to be fine," Joseph spoke out, shaking his head at their brooding expressions as he came out of the kitchen."Don't talk to us, Joseph." Damien shunned him in a bad mood.Joseph took a seat on the couch by their left. "I understand you guys detest me, but I'm sure you've understood why. I'm not a bad person, you know."Damien scoffed. "Whatever.""He's right." James chimed in, coming out of his room. He closed his door shut and walked closer to the kids. "He's also a victim." He made known, sitting down on the couch opposite Joseph.The kids kept quiet wanting him to talk further."He's a kid without parents. Homeless. He saw an opportunity and grabbed it. He's sorry for everything he did just because he was looking out for himself. He's also helped to save a lot of kids like Kara. The cops
Leo's eyes widened in shock and horror as he held his wife firmly from falling to the floor. "Oh, my God."Alexa was choking as she was finding it hard to breathe, blood spilling from her mouth and the part she got shot which was her back.Leo knelt on the ground with her in his arms still in shock at what happened. He couldn't believe it. His... His wife got shot. "Alexa." It came out with a shaky breath.Her breathing was heavy, she was finding it hard to even say anything to him."We need an ambulance." Leo's voice came out shaky once again, but the war was still going on."This shouldn't have happened." The boss's voice was filled with regret."I'm sorry, boss. She came in the way." Mason apologized.Leo sighted Harrison and his goon hiding and immediately knew they were the ones who shot his wife. He knew they were hiding, but he thought it was just to save themselves from being shot.Fury tore through him. He didn't wanna kill anyone, but he was not ready for that man to go scot
(November 3rd. Wednesday)Leo stopped his car and came out of it arriving at the place Harrison Lewis said they should meet. It was like an isolated express where people and cars don't really pass through.His eyes were fixated on the old man and the other guy standing next to him and behind them was their car.It was obvious the old man was Harrison Lewis and it made him realize he actually never met him til now."It's an honor to meet you, Leonard Hodge. I'm honest." Harrison said with a smile.Leo looked around the old man since there was just one thing on his mind and that was saving his precious kids."Where are my kids?" Leo asked really wanting to see them.Harrison nodded. "Yeah." He looked at Mason. "Bring them out."Mason nodded walked to the car and opened it. He urged the kids to come out which they immediately did since they saw their father.Leo's eyes softened as he saw his kids. He was in relief seeing as they were looking fine.As Aria was about to run to her dad, Mas
The boss looked around the whole room, nodding his head and showing how pleased he was with it. "I didn't know you bought a house here, Mason."Mason nodded. "Yes, boss. It was actually for a reason, though."The boss looked at him. "I'm thankful you came back, but I've been having this burning question. How did you know?"Mason sighed. "It's Carmen, boss.""Carmen? Don't understand.""You said I should trail her on which I did. I was shocked when I heard her speaking to Leo via voicemail about what she's done for him. She was...she was the traitor, boss."The boss blinked and stumbled back a little due to missing his steps. "No. No way."Mason nodded. "It shocked and angered me. It was through her I know of the raid."The boss let out a shaky breath, finding it unbelievable. "Can't believe this. Where's she now?"Mason looked away. "I had no choice.""No choice on what?" The boss asked inquisitively."My...my anger got the best of me, boss. I shot her on the spot." Mason dropped hopi
Leonard's heart felt like it was put on a stake as he kept pacing on the porch of his house, looking worried and extremely restless.It's been hours since the mission to get his kids safe and sound, but he hasn't gotten anything. All he could get was a stupid voicemail from Carmen making him wonder how much senseless she can be.His phone began ringing making him stop in his tracks. He looked to see it was Emily and for some reason, he just felt there was bad news coming and he could only hope he was wrong."Emily..." He said after taking a calm breath. He heard her clear her throat making him sigh. "Don't tell me it's bad news.""I'm sorry, Leo. We had it all covered thinking everyone was where they were meant to be, but we were taken by surprise. Harrison Lewis and one other together with your kids escaped."Leo rubbed his head in frustration, feeling so annoyed and knowing the choice he was now left with. "We failed then. We lost our only chance.""Leo, there could be another way."
(NOVEMBER 2ND. WEDNESDAY.)"So tell me, Mason. Are you on her tail?" The boss asked over the phone.Mason nodded. "Yes, boss, but why? Why am I following her?"The boss shook his head. "Don't know. I just have a gut that she's up to something.""Something like what?"The boss sighed. "That girl has been calm lately. She doesn't come to me anymore...it's like she's creating an arm's length between us. She doesn't even talk about the anger she has toward the Hodges like she does then, so I'm having a wild feeling that something is not right with her.""And what do you think you'll get, boss?" Mason asked as he tailed Carmen carefully."Don't know. I feel she's sleeping with another man. She probably met someone to abandon me for and I won't condone that, because when I saved her, there was a pact between us."She's meant to be his if she wanted the whole world which is something he could provide for her."And what if she's betraying you, boss? What should I do?" Mason felt like asking.
"Ring. Ring. Ring."Leo's phone began ringing cutting short a long conversation as he attempted to calm Alexa down, telling her everything was gonna be fine since she couldn't stop complaining and then sobbing and then crying, showing how sad she was that their kids weren't with them.He's also sad, but all he's gotta do without choice is try calming Alexa down.He sighed, picked up his phone from where he kept it and looked at the familiar number. It was Damon's. He blinked at it, definitely knowing it wasn't his son, but his enemy.A call he's been impatiently waiting for.He answered the call. "Harrison Lewis." It sounded more like an inquiry.Alexa gently sat up, her gaze fixated on Leo, looking curious.He heard the man chuckle. "Of course, you guys cracked that. Damn it's been so long since I've heard my name.""I know everything, Mr. Lewis. Yes, I cracked a lot, but what is it you really want? How stupidly far can you go, since after all, you started stupid?"Alexa let out a wo
Carmen shook her head with a smile at the little kids in front of her. The boys just sat on the one bed inside the cage, quiet and sad, while the girl just lay down."So these are Leonard Hodge's little devils. I've heard so much."The boys looked up at her, recognizing her. She's Kara's mother. But they just looked away. No matter how strong they act, in the end, the reality of them being kidnapped, and taken from their parents were getting to them."Oh, look how sad you are." Carmen pouted at their facial expressions. "You are supposed to be tough, right?"Aria started sobbing obviously tired of what was happening. Missing her mom and dad. She doesn't know how long she can bear it.The heat due to lack of AC and the fear of eating their food that might be contaminated. Everything was so disgusting to her and it tired her. It felt like she was in jail. Now she knows why people don't like jail.Damon sighed as Aria's crying wasn't helping matters. He had to confess, that urge to also