KellyThe moment I stepped into my office, the sight of a vibrant bouquet of flowers on my desk made me pause. My heart raced, the instant rush of anxiety creeped over me. Flowers? From who? Not again. I wasn’t expecting this.I approached the bouquet cautiously, scanning for a note. My fingers brushed against the card kept underneath, and I slid it out, unfolding it with a face of curiosity and anxiety.‘Welcome back, Ma’am. You’ve been missed. Love, Clara.’A wave of relief and warmth spread through me as I recognized her handwriting. Clara….of course. Only she would think of something so thoughtful. I smiled, gently caressing the petals of the red rose flowers. The note was simple, but it was enough to remind me of how much she cared.A soft knock on the door startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Clara herself standing in the doorway, a warm smile lighting up her face.“Surprised?” she asked, stepping inside.“Completely,” I said, returning her smile. “You di
AndersonThe office was cold, colder than I expected for a room flooded with natural light. Davis’s team had already arranged everything, his sleek leather chair at the head of the long polished table, an expensive coffee spread waiting for us, and the light sound of air condition filling the silence. I stepped into the room, straightening my jacket. Davis turned his head slowly, as if he had known I was coming before the door even opened. “Anderson,” he greeted, rising from his seat. His handshake was firm, almost too firm, and his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Mr Davis,” I replied. “I hope your trip here was pleasant.” “Oh, very much so,” he said, motioning for me to take a seat. “DC is always full of opportunity, wouldn’t you agree?” I nodded, leaning back in my chair. Opportunity. That was Davis’s favorite word. He thrived on it, but the way he said it now sounded different. We drove straight into the matter at hand, finalizing the details of our collaboration. A
Kelly When Clara informed me that Davis Elanzo wanted to meet, I didn’t think much of it at first. After all, Adrian had introduced him as a friend during our time in Italy, a calm and influential businessman with connections that seemed to reach across continents. Adrian had even described him as a potential ally for some of my initiatives, though their relationship always seemed a little too convenient for my liking. Still, I wasn’t one to turn down an opportunity to gain support for my work, so when Davis reached out, I agreed to meet. The meeting was set at ‘Velluto’ an upscale Italian restaurant in DC. I arrived early, hoping to collect my thoughts before stepping into the dynamic world of Davis. The memory of our last encounter in Florence still lingered, his sharp gaze, his charming yet calculated demeanor, and the ease he had which fit into Adrian’s orbit. When I walked in, Davis was already there, sipping an espresso at a corner table as if he owned the place. He stood
AdrianThe opening of the D.C. hospital branch was overly formal, with people too eager to make themselves known. The kind of gathering where deals were made over half-filled wine glasses and fake smiles. I wasn’t in the mood, but then again, who ever was? It was just part of the game, and I’d been playing for years. I spotted Davis almost immediately as I walked in. He wasn’t hard to miss, the man had a presence, as usual. He was dressed perfectly, as if every detail had been meticulously calculated, from his suit to the way he carried himself. And that smile, charming but with just enough edge to make you wonder what he really wanted. He caught my eye and made his way toward me, smoothly passing through the crowd. I stood a little straighter, not quite sure what to expect. “Adrian, Congratulations on your hospital opening” he greeted, extending his hand. “It’s good to see you again, my friend.” His grip was firm, friendly, but there was a certain weight behind it. Like he wa
AndersonThe morning after the meeting with Davis, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. My usual instincts honed over years of dealing with the business world sharks screamed at me. But no matter how much I tried to ignore it, the nagging sensation refused to go away. Davis wasn’t just another player, he was someone with deep ties to my life, Kate’s past. And that, more than anything, made my skin crawl.I spent the next few hours digging through old files and financial records. My desk was piled with papers and scattered notes, evidence of my obsession. One after another, I flipped through documents, tracing connections between Kate and Davis, and every little detail that might link them together. Photos, receipts, old event invitations, anything that could provide a clue.At first, there was nothing. But then, hidden in the corners of a file marked “Personal Investments,” I found a string of emails between Davis and Kate, dating back several years. The tone was forma
KellyThe sound of my heels echoed against the polished floor as I made my way to my office. The day had barely begun, yet my schedule was already packed. But the one meeting I couldn’t ignore was with Mr. Davis. He’d reached out again, this time proposing a partnership for a new charity initiative. On paper, it was everything I wanted, an opportunity to support underfunded schools in lower-income areas. Yet, there was something about him that I couldn’t quite place. His charm felt good, his words always walking the fine line between flattery and something more calculated. By the time he arrived, I had prepared myself to keep the conversation strictly professional. “Congresswoman,” Mr. Davis greeted me with a smile as he stepped into my office. He was as polished as ever, his tailored suit fitting perfectly and his confident demeanor filling the room. “It’s always a pleasure.” “Mr. Davis,” I replied, keeping my tone measured as I gestured for him to sit. “You’ve certainly been
KellyThe sound of heels clicking against the polished marble floor outside my office door was the only warning I got before she stormed in unannounced. I didn’t have to look up to know it was her. When I finally glanced up, her eyes were blazing, her lips pressed into a thin, furious line. “We need to talk,” Kate snapped, slamming the door behind her. I set my pen down, taking a deep breath. “What are you doing in my office?” She didn’t bother sitting. Instead, she placed both hands on the edge of my desk, leaning forward in a way that made her look predatory. “Why didn’t you tell me about Dad’s new nursing home?” I frowned, confused. “What about it?” Her nails dug into the surface. “You moved him, Kelly. Without consulting me. Do you realize how humiliating it was to find out from one of the nurses that he’s no longer at the facility I approved? How dare you make that decision on your own?” I leaned back in my chair, meeting her gaze. “I didn’t think it needed discuss
KellyAdrian and I had been too busy to have those conversations about Kate, I had so much on my plate and that includes going to Harper’s school event today. I had been to her school countless events over the years, but none had ever left me feeling as uneasy as this one. The bright lights and cheerful decorations in the gymnasium did little to settle my nerves. Harper walked beside me, clutching the ribbon she had earned earlier that day, her excitement radiating in every step. I should have been happy, proud even, but my mind was elsewhere. I had known Aiden attended this school. I had just found out a week ago after going to pick Harper and seeing Evelyn pick up Aiden. Seeing him here, in Harper’s world, was something I hadn’t prepared for. I had changed Harper’s school more than once, hoping to avoid complications like this, yet somehow fate always found a way to close the gap between them. The moment came faster than I expected. “Mom! Over there!” Harper said, tugging at
Kelly I stared at the message, my fingers trembling. The words blurred together as my mind raced, imagining every horrible scenario Aiden could be enduring. I could almost hear his small voice calling for me. ‘Meet me alone. Tonight. If you want your son to live’ A message popped up as I wiped my tears that was already streaming. Every inch of me screamed to act, but the fear of making the wrong decision paralyzed me. Aiden was counting on me. This was my chance to bring him home, and I couldn’t fail him. “Kelly, no,” Adrian’s voice broke through my thoughts. He had read the message over my shoulder, his face pale. “You can’t go alone. It’s too dangerous.” I stepped back, away from him. “This isn’t your decision to make, Adrian. I’m his mother. I’ll do whatever it takes.” “You don’t have to do it alone,” Anderson interjected, his tone firmer than I’d heard in years. “We can handle this together. Let me come with you.” I turned to him, my anger flaring. “Together? Like w
Anderson Kelly was pacing every inch of the room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her determination burned through the chaos like wildfire, her focus entirely on Aiden. Even now, with everything crumbling around us, she was still the same woman I’d fallen in love with—tenacious, selfless, and extremely beautiful. And I had destroyed her. I sat on the edge of a worn leather chair, my hands clasped in front of me as guilt and regret consumed me. Evelyn, my mother had betrayed me. Kate, the woman I thought I could trust, had used me. But Kelly… she had never betrayed me. The realization hit me like a blow to the chest. Kelly had been the best thing that ever happened to me, and I’d thrown it all away. I chose loyalty to my mother, blind faith in Kate, and a web of lies over the one person who had stood by me. I’d failed her as a husband, as a protector, and now as a father. I swallowed hard, my voice barely audible. “Kelly…” She stopped pacing and turned to me, her
KellyI followed Adrian through the dark streets, my heart pounding with a mix of anger and dread. His earlier phone call had been short, but the urgency in his tone was unmistakable. He thought I was asleep, but I wasn’t about to sit back while Aiden’s life was in danger. He turned towards an alley and disappeared through an unmarked door. I hesitated for a moment, swallowing my fear, before slipping inside after him. The air was heavy with the scent of damp concrete and stale cigarettes, and muffled voices echoed from somewhere below. Keeping to the shadows, I crept down a narrow staircase, my steps careful. Adrian’s voice filtered through the air, sharp and desperate. “Give me more time,” he pleaded. “I’ll resign after this is done, I swear. But I need to get my son back first.” A deep, gravelly voice responded, dripping with condescension. “Time? You think Boss is the kind of man who waits? You’re either in, or you’re out. And if you’re out, you’re as good as dead.” I f
AndersonI followed my mom into the dimly lit restaurant, staying far enough behind to avoid suspicion. The private dining room she entered was shielded by frosted glass, but I could see her silhouette as she sat across from a man I recognized immediately: Davis. The man who had turned my life into chaos. There was no doubt Davis took Aiden. I clenched my fists, my pulse racing as I debated my next move. Every instinct screamed at me to storm in, to demand answers, but I couldn’t risk tipping myself off. Not without knowing what my mom had to do with all Aiden disappearance.I slipped into a booth near the back, my line of sight angled to catch glimpses of their conversation through the glass. My mom leaned forward, her voice just loud enough to carry over the low murmur of the restaurant. “You shouldn’t have taken the boy,” she said, her tone sharp and accusatory. Davis shrugged, his lips curling into a smirk. “You made this mess, Evelyn. I’m just cleaning it up.” She slamme
Kelly “Who is he?” I asked, my voice cracked as I stared at the grainy image Olivia had handed me. Her expression was cold and unyielding, her lips twisting. “I don’t know, but I think he’s the key to finding Aiden.” The photograph trembled in my hands, my vision blurring as fear tightened its grip on my chest. Aiden’s face, pale and tear-streaked, was in the background of the photo, and the man standing in front of him was a stranger. A tall figure, his face partially scarred, but the malice in his posture was unmistakable. “Where do we find him?” My voice barely audible. Olivia glanced at me, then to Lucian, who stood a few steps away, watching us intently. “I don’t know yet,” she admitted, but her tone carried the weight of determination. “Kelly,” Lucian said, stepping closer. His voice was calm, but his eyes were firm. “We’re going to get him back.” I wanted to believe him, to hold on to the small hope his words offered. But the heart wrenching guilt in my chest wou
KellyThe call from Anderson had shattered the little thread I was holding onto. Aiden, my sweet, innocent Aiden, was missing. Panic clawed at my chest as I paced around the house, unsure of what to do. Adrian was making calls, organizing a search, but I couldn’t stand still. I needed to act. “Kelly, stop,” Adrian said, his hand on my palm. “We’re doing everything we can. Just stay here.” I shook him off, unable to contain my panic. “You don’t understand. I can’t just sit here! What if something’s happened to him? What if—”“Kelly, I know. I’m scared too,” Adrian said, his voice strained. “But we can’t make any rash decisions. We need to think this through.” I looked at him, eyes wild with fear, and then I bolted for the door. I didn’t care what Adrian thought; I had to find Aiden. I needed help. .The police station was busy when I arrived. Officers were running in and out, but none of them seemed to take much notice of the frantic woman pacing back and forth in front of the
KellyThe tension in the house was suffocating. Adrian had been distant ever since Olivia’s arrival, and I couldn’t take it anymore. Every word Olivia said seemed to carry a hidden meaning, like she wanted me to know something but she wouldn’t just say it.I found him in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his phone in hand. He looked up as I walked in, his face guarded. “Adrian,” I said, crossing my arms. “We need to talk. Now.” He sighed, setting his phone down. “I figured this was coming.” I stepped closer, my voice low but firm. “Why does Olivia seem to know more about your past than I do? What is this connection to Davis that she keeps hinting at?” Adrian stiffened, his jaw tightening. “Kelly, it’s... complicated.” “No,” I snapped, cutting him off. “It’s not complicated. It’s your family. It’s your life. And it’s my life too, Adrian. I deserve to know what’s going on.” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily. “You’re right. You do. But it’s not some
OliviaThe weight of everything pressed heavily on my chest as I walked into the police station. Every step felt like a declaration of defiance. I had promised myself I would get answers, no matter the cost, and now I was here, ready to put my cards on the table. The station was bustling with phones ringing, voices raised, officers moving purposefully from desk to desk. My resolve nearly faltered, but then I saw him. He stood near the far end of the room, his uniform tailored to perfection, radiating a calm demeanor. His presence demanded attention, though he wasn’t speaking. I caught myself staring. It was as though everything else faded, leaving only him in focus. Hid name wasn’t spoken until one of his colleagues called out, “Lucian, got a second?” The sound jolted me from my thoughts, but not enough to ignore the way my heart fluttered. “Excuse me,” I said, approaching cautiously. His sharp blue eyes moved to me, and I felt as if he could see right through me. “Yes?” he
AndersonThe streetlights blurred as I sped through the quiet roads, gripping the steering wheel tighter with each passing mile. Mom’s words replayed in my mind, every word digging deeper into the pit of my anger. ‘She had a past, Anderson’ Betrayal. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and now it was coursing through my veins, poisoning every thought. My own mother, complicit in a web of secrets that I was only now unraveling. Kate, the woman I had loved, had kept her connection to Davis hidden from me. How could they both do this to me? I pulled into the parking lot of ‘Cucina Italiana’, Kate’s newest restaurant venture. The soft glow of the sign above the entrance seemed mocking, it brought back memories of our stay in Italy.The moment I stepped inside, the rich aroma of Italian herbs and freshly baked bread greeted me. The restaurant was quieter than usual, a few diners scattered across the tables. Kate was by the open kitchen, speaking with her staff. Her eyes met mine, and I