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
Two Months Later. (October 19th. Wednesday)"I'm so sorry, boss. I know I've been useless to you."The boss scoffed. "Indeed you have been. Nothing you did right.""I did try, but how can I achieve anything when I couldn't even get any closer?""You were supposed to be a friend to them. Someone they trust.""I warned you beforehand that he doesn't trust anyone and I have nothing to give him.""Maybe if you hadn't tried forcing your way into his wife, he would have, Stefan."Stefan blinked nervously, his eyes lowered, not having a reply."I'm sure your mom doesn't know yet the reason for your dad's death."Stefan looked at him. "There's no need for her to wonder about it.""Be careful, son. You know how much you owe me. I asked for one thing, but you couldn't achieve it.""Give me a chance, boss. I'll be able to right things."The boss shook his head. "It's too late. In no time, our business here will be over. You're no longer needed. I'll definitely think of something else for you to
Five days later. (24th October. Monday.)Alexa stood up as they brought Leo out from the ICU with a stretcher. She was confused and thankfully a resident walked up to her to answer the question on her mind."What's happening?"The resident smiled at her. "He's being transferred to the recovery room.""Recovery room? Does it mean...""He can now breathe fresh air? Yes. He's getting better and yes, he's out of danger."Deep down the doctor was happy to bring good news.Alexa let out a shaky breath as it was kinda unbelievable. Her husband is getting better. "So he'll wake up anytime?"The doctor nodded. "Yeah. He'll wake up, although it depends on how long he still wants to sleep, though." The doctor joked.A chuckle came out of her. She was totally relieved. "Thanks. I can see him now, right?""In two minutes, yes. We need to settle him down in the VIP recovery room as per what you requested."Alexa nodded remembering when she did. When she was still hopeful and now he's getting better
"You're awake," Emily stated as she entered his room.Alexa smiled widely and looked at Leo. "Emily helped a lot."Leo nodded. "Of course." His eyes were on Emily knowing all his questions could be answered by her."Uh, Alexa, can I and Leo talk for a while?" Emily asked hopefully.Leo looked at Alexa and their eyes met, but he just smiled. "It's probably just an update. Am I right, Emily?" Leo faced Emily.Emily nodded. "Yeah. Leo needs to be updated and I need to ask him a couple of questions about the accident."Alexa sighed knowing they were trying to get her out of the room. "What do you want then?""Can you excuse us?" Emily asked.Alexa contorted her face looking away and caressing her big stomach. "Don't think so."Leo looked at her. "Why?"Alexa looked at him with a pouted face. "Cause I don't want to. I don't even want to get up right now. Can't you guys just say what you wanna say here?""Please, hon. Just a little..."A glare and her eyes glistening with tears made him shu
One week later. (30th October. Sunday.)"Why just can't you tell us the truth, Chris DuClark? Don't you want justice for your family?" Rita asked with raised eyebrows."Stop visiting me, detective."Rita was in disbelief. "You really don't care. You've completely given up, haven't you?"Chris let out a bitter smirk. "What is it all gonna be for? Is it gonna bring my family back to life?""Haven't you wondered what your family might be thinking about you wherever they are? They'll be so disappointed in you. You got them involved in your involvement with a syndicate. You exposed them to that danger like it or not and now you're chickening out when you're supposed to do right by them?"Chris kept quiet as the guilt was slowly clawing into him."Since you no longer care, then do right by your family. They were brutally murdered and were innocent."Chris looked at Rita, anger so evident in his eyes. "This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for what you guys did. I keep asking myself why a
31st October. Monday."Is it safe for them to go trick or treating?" Alexa asked completely on edge as she saw her kids in their costumes with happy smiles on their faces.Damon and Damien were dressed like knights with plastic swords in their hands, while Aria was dressed like a princess with a crown on her head.Seeing them happy makes her happy, but with the problems on ground, she wasn't feeling like it was a good idea."It's normal to be worried, babe. But they're kids, we can't deny them this. Look around our home, does it look like it's Halloween?"Alexa looked at him with a small frown. "Well, it's your fault.""Going out there, they will be able to feel the Halloween that is today and when they grow up, they'll discover how so lame it is...eventually."Celebrations were never a thing for Leo. It was more like an ache. It amused him how people take it so seriously especially when it's just a day thing. It felt more like an obsession and he hates being obsessed with anything, e
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