Chapter 3: A Cry In The Night
Nine months later
The delivery room was filled with chaos . Avery screamed out loudly, her body drenched in sweat as another contraction tore through her.
“Almost there!” The doctor called. “One more push! I need you to push!!”
Avery clenched her teeth so hard, using every last ounce of strength she had, but it wasn't enough. The doctor kept telling her to push harder and harder.
If she had known labour pain was this painful,she wouldn't have made this Wrong mistake. This is literally one of the worst pain she had ever passed through.
She could feel every part of her body being broken, it was as if her waist was damaged.
If she could survive this labour then it's a miracle because she felt like going crazy.
After a while of screaming the pushing, a sharp cry pierced the air.
Then another.
And another.
“Triplets,” the nurse whispered in shock. Avery's entire body sagged in relief as she gazed at the three tiny babies being placed in the nurse’s arms.
She did it. She had done it. And it turns out to be a triplets for that matter, Avery so hope she would be rewarded for that.
Avery countenance changed immediately, the moment she saw the doctor murmuring some words into the nurse's ears. She read their facial expressions and it was disappointing. It's as if something bad had happened, like she had done something bad.
They were just talking and looking at her with a shameful gaze.
“Avery, we need to talk.”
She swallowed hard, her breath laboured with anxiousness. “What is it?” The doctor hesitated for a while before proceeding with the unpleasant words he had for her.
“The genetic results came in.” He paused. “The babies… they don't match Landon's genetic markers.”
Silent flooded the air as Avery breath caught. She couldn't believe her eyes, neither did she seem to understand what the doctor was trying to pull.
Avery gave him a questionable gaze to explain himself. She didn't even know how to respond to him at this point.
“It looks like Landon isn't their biological father,” the doctor rasped in at her.
Before Avery could react to the shocking news, the door burst open. It was Gianna, she had been outside the door, hearing everything they've been discussing.
“You lying little whore!” She stormed inside. Avery barely had time to process before Gianna was in her face. Her nails are digging into her arms.
“You scammed us!” Gianna spat. “You tricked us into raising your bastard for the whole nine months and compensating you with money!!”
She half yelled at her, waves of angers surging through her.
Avery was too weak to fight back.
“I didn't know….” She said softly, trying to explain herself but Gianna wasn't listening. She had already been swallowed with rage.
She turned to the doctor. “Get rid of her now.”
“But the babies_” Avery screamed at her, hoping she knew what she was doing.
“They're not my husband!” Gianna snapped. “And unfortunately, that makes them worthless!”
Avery's heart shattered into pieces. She was pained that this barren woman called her babies worthless.
With one last cold glare, Gianna sneered, “Landon Will never know they exist and I'll make sure of it.”
Then she was gone.
Avery lay there, her body shaking as the realization set in.
She had lost everything. Including her mother. She was unable to make it, even after the surgery. Her body died when she was three months pregnant. She died of a heart stroke.
Avery had thought with her body by her side, she would be able to push through everything,but now that she's gone, she's left alone to care for a child she never asked for.
Assuming her mother was alive, she had no reason to worry or cry right now.
But all hope was lost on her, she had nothing in her account. She had thought she would be compensated with the remaining money once she birthed the child but it seems like things don't seem to go in her way.
She had lost everything in life, everything except for them.
She looked down at the tiny babies in her arms, her eyes filling with tears.
They were hers.
And no matter what happened next…
She would never let them go.
********
In a small, run_down apartment on the outskirts of the city, the cries of newborn babies echoed through the room.
Avery sat on the old worn out couch in her apartment. Staring blankly at the ceiling, the apartment smelled of baby powder and formula. A scent that had become too familiar over the past week.
She was exhausted, not just from the sleepless nights, but from everything life had thrown at her.
She had given birth to triplets, three tiny beautiful babies. But instead of being welcome with open arms and being celebrated for punching in three adorable babies at once, she was rejected. Thrown away like garbage.
Landon and Gianna had abandoned her and the baby.
The doctor had made a mistake. Avery was sure of it. The report that led them to reject her. Avery was sure it was all part of the doctor's work, to make her be rejected by them which was the reason why he made that wrong statement that day.
No matter how many times she tried to reach Landon, no matter how many times she pleaded, she was ignored .
And just like that, they breach the contract which she signed with them and if only she had money to sue them, everything would have been easy.
But she had no money. No help. No future. And now, she had three mouths to feed.
She looked down at the small cribs beside her. The babies slept peacefully. Their little chests rising and falling in .
They had no idea of the world's cruelty. No Idea that their father didn't even know they existed.
Tears filled Avery’s eyes. She wasn't ready for this.
She never wanted to be a mother in the first place. She had agreed to be a surrogate because she needed the money for her mother's surgery. But her mother had died anyway, and now she was stuck with three babies who weren't even supposed to be hers in the first place.
She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. What was she going to do? She was tired of everything and wished she had never made this decision in the first place.
*******
A week gone since she gave birth and everyday, Avery fell into depression. She wasn't herself. How would she survive? She hasn't even eaten something for the past two days.
And she fears she might collapse one day, leaving the tiny little babies behind, but before that could happen, she has to make a choice.
It was in the dead of night when the thought first crossed her mind.
A way out.
Not for herself but for them.
A way to give them a better chance. One she could never provide.
Her hands shook as she wrapped them in the softest blanket she owned, tucking them in gently.
“I'm sorry babies,” she apologised to them, knowing they might hate her later for the decision she was about to make.
She wouldn't abandon them, no. Never. But she would take them to where they belonged.
To their real father.
She knew Landon had been deceived, misled by a cruel woman who only cared about control. But if he saw them, truly saw them, he wouldn't turn them away.
He couldn't.
With her heart pounding like a drum against her ribs, she slipped out of the apartment and into the night, the triplets bundled safely in her arms.
Avery walked through the empty lonely street which took her about twenty minutes to get to landon mansion. By the time she reached there, her legs ached, and exhaustion threatened to consume her.
She was at the gate, where she intended to drop the kids by the corner because she knows there's no possible way they would allow her in.
Tears streamed out of her eyes, as she gazed down at the three tiny faces. They were so innocent.
So perfect.
So undeserving of the cruel fate that had been forced upon them.
A whimpering sounds escaped her mouth as she knelt near the entrance, pressing soft kisses to each of their forehead n
“I love you!” She whispered. “I love you so much.” She reached to place them down.
“A young mother shouldn't be out here alone.”
An eccentric voice echoes from behind. The voice startled her.
Avery turned sharply, eyes widening as she took in the older woman standing a few feet away.
Avery tightened her grip on the babies. And the woman took a slow step closer. “You're not planning to leave them here, are you?”
Avery's lips trembled, “they deserve better.” She never thought she would be caught. She never wishes to be caught.
The woman studied her for a while then glanced at the sleeping infants. “And you think abandoning them in the cold is better?”
The woman's words made Avery sob. She was disappointed in herself. For wanting to abandon her babies which she carried for a whole nine months.
“I have nothing to give them.” The woman nodded her head in sympathy. She knew this was definitely the reason why she had intended to abandon them.
The woman dipped her hands inside her bag and brought out a bundle of cash of about three thousand dollars and handed it to her.
“ This is little, but I'm sure it will make you change your mind.”
The woman predicted and it sure did made her have a change of heart.
“ Trust me, the journey might seem a little rough now, but with time you will overcome it. These kids are your blessing, protect them and keep them saved.”
With that being said, the woman walked away.
The woman's voice was steady, filled with something Avery hadn't felt in a long time. Hope.
She didn't understand why, but she believed her.
For the first time in months, she believed that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't completely lost.
Maybe these babies weren't her downfall n
Maybe they were her salvation.
And just like that, she made her choice.
She wouldn't leave them.
She would fight.
For them.
For herself.
For a future sh
e never thought she deserved.
And as she turned away from the mansion, holding her children close, she whispered a silent promise to them.
I will never let anyone take you away from me again
Chapter 4: The Genius Triplets “Mother,” A soft voice screamed from behind. “Ethan and Evan are always finding trouble in school, I thought it was better I tell you before it's too late.” Ella ignored the glares coming from her twin brothers and pulled away from them, to avoid being chased. Their mother instantly stopped what she was doing and turned to the two boys, who had already wrapped their hands around their heads in shame. They were disappointed that Ella had snitched on them. Even after bribing her with chocolate at school to quiet her, she still reported them to their mother. She always did. “Now tell me, what exactly happened?” Avery demanded, she didn't want this. She hated it when the triplets caused chaos in school because she knew that even the smallest incident could get them expelled. Luckily, they were able to attend such prestigious, luxurious school on scholarships, and she didn't want them to ruin that opportunity for themselves. Rich kids are easily
Chapter 5: Breaking in, Cashing out. Ethan spent days studying Landon’s bank account, finding weak points in the system. He discovered that Landon's bank used a two_ step security system password and a verification code sent to Landon's phone. Evan, on the other hand, built a special device that could intercept messages sent to Landon's phone without alerting him. Ella, worked on an Al program that would cover their tracks by making it look like Landon himself had approved the transaction. Every detail was planned. There was no room for errors. Ethan believes they could do this. He knew who they were. They were the geniuses of their school. They were so good with technology that even their teachers were afraid of them. The student were jealous of their intelligence Ethan believes they were gifted with talent from birth. Ethan, the eldest of the triplets, had a natural gift for hacking. What started as fun quickly evolved into an unparalleled skill. By twelve he could bypass fi
Chapter 6: A Dangerous Game. “Do you have any idea who must be behind this?” Landon questioned his P. A, who had been standing in one position, awaiting his boss' command and instructions. “No, sir!” He replied politely, getting Landon furious with such a response. Landon can't seem to wrap his head around the whole thing. He couldn't seem to fathom out who must have hacked his account. Landon knew every good cyber security expert in this country, and he wasn't sure they could do this to him. They were familiar with him and respected him greatly. If they were really behind this, he believed they would have made away with a much larger sum of money. “Think, Owen. Do you know any upcoming cyber security? Probably someone who's good with technology?” Landon questioned him again, determined to catch the culprit today and teach them a lesson. “ I'm not really sure, but I heard there's this triplets attending your school, they're good with technology. What if someone made plans with
Chapter 7: “Even if what you're saying is true, you're not the mother of the triplets, The triplets are our children. You were just a surrogate mother.” Gianna said, with a shaking breath. *Nope! You got it all wrong! Avery stops walking around her and station herself in one place. Now it's time to break the unpleasant news, which might send waves of electricity into her body, thereby resulting in fainting. “Remember, we were to do gestational surrogacy, but unfortunately, your genetics weren't compatible with him, and if the doctor had proceeded with it, it would have led to a fall operation. So the doctor requested we did a traditional surrogacy, where my egg was used with your husband sperms, which means the triplets are fucking mine”, she said with a contempt. “And the child you claim you have today, belongs to another man.” She added. Gianna felt a heavy wave in her chest, a sinking feeling overwhelming her. Her whole body shuts down for some seconds and later starts fu
Chapter 8: A web Of Lies Gianna sighed deeply as she stepped out of the car and headed straight to the house. It was already late. She had spent almost the entire day with Ranon, her baby father. Enjoying a romantic time with him. Gianna froze when she saw her husband seated in the sitting room. She had no idea someone was there. “Where are you coming from?” Landon questions his tone with a whisper. He was calm, which reassured Gianna that he hadn't suspected anything. “That's strange and sudden. Are you now interested in my daily affairs?” Gianna was concerned, even though they were a married couple and he had the right to ask her about her whereabouts, it still felt strange to her. All those years of marriage, he had never once cared about her. “I am your husband. Of course ,I have every right to know your daily affairs!” He shrugged at her. His tone was calm and soothing. Which was unlike him. Landon looked at her and shook his head in disappointment. “If you're tire
Chapter 9 : Seduction And Silence A wave of dread washed over her as the triplets walked towards her. “Good morning, ma'am!” The triplets all greeted in unison, wondering why the woman had called them. “How can we help you?” Ella shrugged at the woman, her voice firm and steady. They had never been on Good terms with her son, so why had she called them? Gianna lost control of herself immediately, she couldn't breathe. She felt suffocated by the sight of the triplets. She was speechless. Their pointed noses, their eyes, everything_ it was the same as Landon, her husband. Gianna forced herself to regain composure, letting out a fake smile before facing them. “That's right!” She murmured with a smile, running her hand through Ella's hair. “Luke actually reported something to me “ Their faces change immediately, shifting from their normal expression to one of disdain “That we bullied him?” Evan questioned and Gianna nodded her head. “But I'm not here to scold any of you.
Chapter 10_ His step brother Every day, Landon regretted his decision. He regretted being used by his father for his own selfish gains. If everything had not been based on an arranged marriage, he would never have married Gianna, a woman for whom he felt absolutely nothing. He had thought that perhaps, with time, he would grow to like her, but that had never happened. Her character was simply unbearable. It irritated him to no end and made him regret his choice even more. But could he really be to blame? He had been just a twenty three years old young man when he had been forced to make such life altering decisions. If he had been older and wiser then, he would not have allowed his family to influence him into making such a terrible mistake by marrying Gianna. Even after twelve years, he still did not truly know the kind of person Gianna was. ****** Landon studied her movements carefully and could see how terrified she was. Her entire body trembled tremendously. He coul
Chapter 11: Diary of a chef At the small portable dinner table, an Omelette was served, seated around it were four figures. Avery and the triplets. “Can't believe we're finally eating this again!” Ella exclaimed happily. During the time her mother was too broke to afford it, she hardly made omelette, and even when she did, there was never any meat, no chicken. Nothing. It was always just eggs, fried with butter and vegetables. But today, the story was different . Assuming they didn't make that decision that day, they would still be living in poverty. Ella was glad Ethan had come up with that Idea, And she was grateful they were geniuses; otherwise, none of this would have been possible. “mmm, this is so good!” Evan exclaimed, sipping his glass of juice. “Mother, you are the best chef ever!” Ethan compliments, munching more of the omelette in his mouth. Ella's mood changed abruptly as a thought came to her mind. There was no way she wouldn't tell her mother about this. She ne
Chapter 37: Three Against The Devil The doctor instructed the both of them to step outside while the medical team rushed her to the operating room. “You should stay here with her. Call me once the operation is done. I need to find the triplets.” Landon said sharply, glancing at Anora. “Please wait!!” Anora called after him, and stood up from the chair she was seated on and walked to him. “Never forget, Gianna and Avery are rivals. I won't be surprised if she was the one that kidnapped the triplets.” she warned and his thoughts reflected yesterday night. At the party. Now everything was suddenly making sense to him. “Thank you Anora. Here's my card, you can use it to make payment for the bills.” With that being said, Landon turned and walked away in a hurry. He needs to trace Gianna. He needs to find her!!! This was probably her way of avenging him. Landon still finds it hard she could do such an evil thing, all because she was bitterd he divorced her. *****“Hahaha!” A lau
Chapter 36: Before It's Too Late On his way, he encounters a scene. It was anora. Anora had called Landon earlier to ask about the hospital her friend was admitted to. Avery had given Landon's number to anora,in case of emergency. And today was that emergency. Anora walked to the receptionist, asking about her friend but the nurses informed her there was no body like that. Especially when she couldn't tell them the ward number, so they assume she was just a stranger hoping to visit a patient. Luckily, she saw Landon walking away and quickly ran to him. *Oh my God!!” “Good day sir!!” Anora couldn't believe her eyes. This was officially her first time seeing Landon. She had always admired him online “Are you anora?” Landon still remembers the name Ava had mentioned during their conversation earlier. “Yes! Yes sir!!* She affirmed quickly. “Please, can you take me to her ward? I need to see my friend!” sobbing sounds came out of her mind when she figured out the triplets look s
Chapter 35: Kidnapped “Avery!” “Avery!” Anora screamed her name in terror, panic surging through her. Anora could tell Avery was disappointed. She was certain she would never forgive her for what happened. “I'm really so sorry!!” Avery was still speechless. She was dumbfounded for a while, trying to fathom out what was happening. Trying to comprehend the words Anora had said to her but all she kept hearing was the triplets. “Kidnapped!!” The words rang in her ears continuously, making her eyes shed tears. Avery wished the ground could just open up and swallow her whole. How would she face Landon, who was giving her questionable gaze? “What's happening Ava, and who's the triplets she was talking about?” Landon questioned. But Avery didn't respond to him, she was trying to gather her strength and then maybe, try to face him. “You seemed very sick. I shall take you to the hospital,and once you get well, you better answer my question with honesty.” Landon reprimanded her, hurt b
Chapter 34: Secrets, Screams, and Stolen Children“Young lady, is this how you go about, mistaking a stranger for someone you know and accusing them of something they have no absolute ideas of?” Avery screeched at Gianna, her hands balled into fists,her entire body trembling with Fury. Avery Voi dropped with venom as she spoke. “That's enough already Gianna.” Landon rasped at her, his heart ached with guilt as he regretted not sending Gianna away the moment she approached them. “I'm so sorry, my love.” Landon tilted his head at Avery. He hated the fact that he allowed Gianna to trigger her exploding. “I'm really sorry!” Landon apologised, grabbed Avery's hands and walked out of Gianna, who was still hesitating to leave their sight. She wasn't satisfied. She thought she could expose Avery right there but her mission failed. Landon doesn't believe her. He never did. “My love, are you okay?” Landon questions on their way out and Avery pauses to look at him. “I'm just exhausted and
Chapter 33: Claimed By The Gentleman Landon's jaw dropped in astonishment. A glimmer of hope sparkled in his eyes as his eyes met with Avery, who was walking to meet him. His driver had gone to take her from the Salon some minutes ago and here she is, looking like a bride. A queen actually. “Ava!!” His breath caught in his throat. “You…. you look so beautiful!” He praised her. For a second, he had almost thought she was someone else. He didn't recognise her at first until his mind told him this could be ava. Landon was dressed in a black suit and a luxurious shoe that matched his dress. When he was done dressing,he came over to the sitting room to wait for Ava. His date. And after what seems to be forever, she finally came home, but looking so gorgeous and beautiful. Landon was proud of himself. He was really proud to have someone like her around him. “Let's get going, shall we?” Landon held onto her arms and they made their way to his car. Being a loving gentleman, he opened t
Chapter 32: One Night Of Pretend Landon was very thrilled and excited when Avery agreed to follow him to the party. It was a night party, which they're to return the next day if they weren't able to go home that night. Landon explained everything to her and she agreed to follow him. Even though it might cause a problem, Landon believes he's likely going to bump into his enemy tonight. CEO Carson, the Owner and founder of one of the most successful companies aside from the Robert family, he would be celebrating his birthday today on the rooftop of his company HQ. Landon knew he couldn't afford to miss such a party. Not now that he got a beautiful woman to accompany him. He just needed something to keep his mind off certain things, this party was all he needed. “ When is this party starting?” A soft gentle voice echoes into his ear and he blink his eyes, gazing at her with warmth in his ears. “Tonight!!” “Follow me, I shall take you shopping and get you some clothes. We have fo
Chapter 31Landon was about to open the hospital ward and enter inside to greet his father when he heard a familiar voice, quickly, he drifted back and lean around the corner of the wall, eavesdropping in their conversation. He saw the person face. It was no other than his step brother, Smith. Slowly, he stretched his hands, trying to have a clue of what smith was doing. He seems to be talking to himself. At first Landon had thought he was having a conversation with his father,not until he realized he was talking to himself. His father seems to be sleeping. These days, the sickness seems to be getting worse daily. Causing him to worry. Landon knows the moment his father kicked the bucket, he would be disown from the family. They will kicked him out and everything he had built and worked so hard for would crash down. It will crumble, thereby making him a looser and making smith to win him. But he can never let that happen. He would do everything he could,to make sure his father stay
Chapter 30: The Game Begins Avery's sight became blurry and dark as she watched Gianna walking away. Her body was cold and frozen. As if she had been electrocuted. Avery didn't notice the effect of Gianna’s words on her until she almost stumbled and fell while trying to enter the house, in fear. Her body was trembling. With a panicked tone, Avery called her friend, Anora who picked up within the span of two minutes. “Hello, , I will be coming to your place. I will stay there with the kids for a while.” She uttered, anxiously waiting for her friend to respond before going ahead to pack a few of her things. “Sure. I will be waiting for your arrival!” assured her and the call came to an end. Without wasting time, Avery quickly walked to her room and began to pack a few of her things she Will be needing. Her mind wasn't at peace here anymore. Not after Gianna had figured out where she stayed. She was afraid Gianna would send people after her and she would be kidnapped. It's jus
Chapter 29: Threat “What are you saying, Ella?” Avery was perplexed by her words. It seems like Ella seems to be joking. “It's true mother. We were afraid. Thinking they would come at us.” Evan added, his body trembling a little. He was still terrified from the incident “They were two men, they walked around for a while and left.” Ethan added, scaring the hell out of Avery. Avery opened her hands and put them into an embrace. The thought of those men breaking into the house and kidnapping them horrific her. What if they've been kidnapped? What would she have done? “Ohh, Avery, you're so stupid!” She curses under her breath, while still hugging them. “I'm really sorry. Mother wouldn't leave you guys this long again.” Avery said as she disengaged from the hug. ******* Gianna had sent two men to confirm the address and to know if that was truly where Avery stayed before going there herself, and indeed, the men came with the information she wanted. She had told them to kid