As the meeting concluded, Wilda smiled at Alessia and said, ‘Keep up the good work, Alessia. Your dedication to this project is paying off. Oh, and congratulations on the raise. You’ve earned it.’Alessia’s eyes lit up with delight. ‘Thank you so much, Wilda. I really appreciate it.’Wilda chuckled. ‘You’ve got a bright future ahead of you, Alessia.’As Alessia left Wilda’s office, she was on cloud nine.The promise of more raises and the possibility of finally being able to afford Nova Heights Academy for Milo filled her with determination.This interview series was not only a career opportunity but a chance to change her son’s life for the better.Throughout the rest of the afternoon, Alessia worked tirelessly on her article, fine-tuning the details and polishing the prose.She knew she had to make this series a success, not just for her career but for her son’s future.As the clock struck six thirty, Alessia finally submitted the third draft to Wilda.On the way home, she stopped b
Earlier that morning, Logan had become aroused the moment he saw Alessia enter in that suit and pencil skirt.Throughout the interview, he had remained seated behind his huge desk because he didn’t want to risk standing up and letting his ‘excitement’ be captured on camera.The moment the cameraman left the room, Logan gave in to his urges and kissed Alessia to quench his thirst.Seeing the look on his friend’s face, Heath whistled and playfully slapped Logan’s back. ‘Well, well, looks like you’re ready to take the plunge. Congratulations, my man. You finally found your cure.’Logan said nothing, just clinked his glass against Heath’s.***Late in the evening, as Alessia was engrossed in her part-time writing work, her phone rang, and Logan’s name flashed on the screen.She hesitated for a moment before answering.‘Hey,’ she said casually.‘Hey. Are you coming to Skye Tower tomorrow?’Alessia leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the keyboard. ‘No, I think I’
The last time Alessia attended a cocktail party as a guest was more than seven years ago, before her father passed away, before the disastrous mix-up at Lovestruck Haven turned her entire world upside down.Alessia shook her head to push away the thought; no point dwelling on the past.***At six pm the next day, the BuzzBeat office was abuzz with the usual chaos, but when Logan Wilde walked in, it was as if a sudden hush fell over the entire place.Alessia’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him make his way through the sea of desks, his confident stride drawing glances from every single person in the office.She quickly shuffled some papers on her desk, hoping he wouldn’t notice her, but that hope was in vain.Logan approached Wilda Hicks, the chief editor, and engaged in a brief conversation.Alessia couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she could tell by the glances thrown her way that it was probably about her.Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Logan turned his gaze t
Alessia’s heart fluttered with excitement as she perused the array of gowns, each one more breathtaking than the last.The dresses ranged from classic and elegant to daring and bold, each one carefully curated to suit her unique style and personality.After some deliberation, they settled on a stunning gown that hugged her curves in all the right places.With her hair, makeup, and dress finalised, Alessia felt like a true vision of beauty.The team of professionals stepped back, marvelling at their creation, and Alessia couldn’t help but smile at the reflection staring back at her in the mirror.She felt a surge of confidence and empowerment, as though she had reclaimed a part of herself that had been buried for too long.As Alessia rose from the chair, her movements were filled with a newfound grace and poise.She thanked the team of professionals, who beamed with pride at their work.When she emerged from the dressing room, Logan was left speechless.Her dress was an off-the-shoulde
After the dance, which Logan felt was far too short, he kept his promise and introduced Alessia to Geo Larocque.The rising tech star was a distinguished-looking man, with salt-and-pepper hair that added a touch of maturity to his otherwise youthful appearance.He graciously gave Alessia his business card and agreed to be interviewed at his office.Logan, spotting another opportunity, asked Alessia for another dance before introducing her to Ramon Ruiz, a young mogul in the software industry.Ramon was in his early thirties, with a charismatic charm that drew people towards him.Alessia was excited to have the chance to interview such a promising figure in the tech world.‘Excuse me,’ Logan said when he spotted a business rival in the crowd. ‘I need to go talk to a man about something.’‘Another interview subject?’ Alessia asked.‘Not this one. Elvin Baranov’s not worth your time.’Curious, Alessia watched as Logan walked up to a man, tall, fragile, and bronze-skinned.She would have
Mónica’s eyes darted around. ‘I don’t know what you are talking about. My father has nothing to do with…with that woman.’But her voice was no longer as confident.‘I’m sure Mr Sastre’s not involved with anything…nefarious.’ Alessia smiled. ‘But let’s not dwell on it. After all, tonight is about celebrating and having a good time. Shall we do just that?’Mónica, defeated and now worried, beat a hasty retreat.Logan returned, after having observed Alessia from afar, proud of the way she had handled herself. ‘What was that about?’‘Oh, nothing much. I asked if Miss Sastre would agree to give an interview to BuzzBeat. Sadly, she declined.’‘Is that so?’ Logan raised an eyebrow.‘Uh-huh.’‘Fine. Let’s go hunt down more of your interview subjects then.’As the night eventually drew to a close, Alessia felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement, having forgotten all about the incident with Logan’s admirers.She had accumulated a stack of business cards from potential interviewees, and her mind
The middle-aged butler wore an all-black suit and a stern expression.Georg Schuster had a tall, lean build and a military bearing, with a straight back and a firm jawline.His hair was short and neatly trimmed, and he had a well-groomed moustache.The most amazing thing was, he managed to clear the table, serve the coffee, and then vanish into the darkness without having uttered a single word.Even his footsteps were soundless, like a cat.‘Or a ninja,’ Alessia thought, drowsy in a food coma.She and Logan settled into the living room sofa with cups of coffee.Alessia took a sip, then said with a yawn, ‘I really need to get going. It’s been a long day.’‘Alessia.’The seriousness of Logan’s tone made her look up. ‘What?’‘I want you to be my girlfriend,’ he said, looking directly into her eyes.Alessia’s heart skipped a beat, but she still wanted to say no.She had four more days to wait for the DNA results to come out, and she couldn’t commit to a relationship until she knew the tru
Alessia smirked, accepting the challenge.‘You’re on,’ she replied, pushing off the wall to get a head start.The race was intense, and the competitive spirit between them was evident.Logan managed to reach the other end just ahead of Alessia.With a victorious grin, he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist.‘I win,’ he declared triumphantly.Alessia rolled her eyes, playfully pushing against his chest. ‘Fine, you win. Too bad we didn’t agree on a prize.’‘Oh, I know what the prize is.’Before she could say anything else, Logan leaned in and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.The sudden intensity of his actions took Alessia by surprise, but she couldn’t deny the spark that ignited within her.She kissed him back with equal fervour, the pool water creating a sensual backdrop to their amorous embrace.The poolside lights cast a soft glow over their entwined bodies, illuminating the desire and longing in their eyes.Logan’s hands traced the curves of Alessia’s body,
The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessia’s hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through her—perhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
With the briefcase in hand, Logan left the office and got in his car.He did not involve Terence; the meeting could be dangerous.Besides, he had backup.Logan raced through the city streets, weaving through traffic with a desperate determination.The clock was ticking, and the warehouse loomed ahead like a dark, ominous secret.As he approached the entrance, the flickering neon lights buzzed overhead, casting eerie shadows on the crumbling walls.Logan stepped into the darkness, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the desolate space.A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a hooded jacket to conceal their identity.Logan’s pulse quickened, his senses on high alert.‘I brought the money, now show me Sirena,’ he demanded, his voice steady but edged with a simmering rage.The figure chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the cavernous space. ‘Impatient, aren’t we?’He pulled out a phone from his pocket.With a swift motion, he tapped the screen, and a small screen on th
The city lights glittered below as Alessia and Vince sat in a trendy rooftop bar in Hamborough, taking in the breathtaking view.The change of scenery had indeed granted Alessia a temporary escape from the complexities of her life back in Veridian.Alessia raised her glass, sipping a colourful cocktail. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and escaping the chaos,’ she said with a half-smile.Vince clinked his glass with hers. ‘To new beginnings,’ he echoed, a faint smile playing on his lips.As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.The city buzzed around them, providing a backdrop for a momentary reprieve.Alessia found herself enjoying Vince’s company, appreciating the unspoken connection they had cultivated over the years.Amidst the clinking of glasses and the distant hum of the city, Alessia sensed an opportunity to share the intricacies of her life.She turned to Vince, her eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and determination.‘You know, Vince, Logan’s first marriage
Logan’s office at Wilde Enterprises was a haven of order in contrast to the chaos unravelling in his personal life.The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bathed the room as he sifted through paperwork, attempting to find solace in the routine of his professional responsibilities.His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Heath’s name.Logan’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, the outside world fading away as he focused on the voice at the other end.‘Heath,’ Logan greeted, his tone carrying the weight of worry.‘We found her,’ Heath’s voice crackled through the phone. ‘She was at the BuzzBeat office. Got into a bit of a scuffle with Alessia.’Logan’s temples throbbed in response, the news striking him like a physical blow. ‘Alessia? Is she okay?’There was a pause on the line, and Logan could almost feel the hesitation in Heath’s response. ‘According to the colleague who filed the police report, she’s got a couple of scratches, but otherwise, she’s fine.’Relief washed
The room was cloaked in a muted glow from the bedside lamp, casting a warm light on the framed photographs that adorned the walls.Sirena moved silently, her eyes scanning each corner of her parents’ room as she began the meticulous search for anything of value.Ralph was still in intensive care, which meant Naomi wouldn’t leave his side, giving Sirena the time she needed for a thorough search.Her fingers brushed against the cool surface of a polished wooden dresser, adorned with small trinkets that echoed the laughter of her childhood.A porcelain figurine, a relic from a family vacation, stood alongside a faded picture of her parents and a much younger Sirena.The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of the life she had left behind.As Sirena opened drawers with deliberate care, the soft rustling of papers mixed with the creak of aged furniture.In one drawer, she found a stack of handwritten letters tied together with a ribbon.Memories of birthday wishes, expressions of love, an
The Veridian airport bustled with a kinetic energy that only a major transport hub could exude.Travellers weaved through the expansive terminal, navigating a sea of bustling crowds and rolling luggage.The air hummed with the constant murmur of announcements, the clatter of footsteps, and the intermittent symphony of departure gates chiming to life.Alessia, her eyes scanning the digital departure board, stood amidst the organized chaos.The Veridian airport, a sprawling architectural marvel, boasted high ceilings adorned with sleek modern designs.Concourse shops beckoned with an array of luxury goods, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the bustling cafes.It had been a long time since she flew—juggling a job and raising two kids hadn’t left a lot of time for the luxury of flying.‘Hey, I thought that was you.’ Someone tapped her on the shoulder.Alessia, startled, turned around to find Vince, a smile playing on his lips.‘Vince, what are you doing he
Naomi scoffed, bitterness lacing her tone. ‘Make things right? Can you bring back the peace we had before you barged in with your promises and complications?’Logan shook his head. ‘I can’t change the past, Naomi, but I can help with the present. Let me take care of Ralph’s medical bills. It’s the least I can do.’Her expression hardened, and she retorted, ‘Money won’t fix the damage you’ve caused. Sirena is missing, Ralph’s heart is failing, and our lives are in shambles. Don’t pretend you can fix it with a cheque.’Her words were still ringing in his head hours later.Logan stood on the roof, smoking, lost in thought, until his phone rang with an urgency that cut through the air like a serrated blade.He glanced at the caller ID, and a sinking feeling gripped his stomach as he answered.‘Logan, what the hell is going on?’ Albert’s voice, usually a bastion of calm, resonated with a furious edge. ‘Alessia called me, all cold and distant, calling me Mr Wilde instead of Grandpa. And she
‘Ralph! Naomi, call an ambulance!’ Logan’s urgency cut through the stunned silence, and Naomi, her face pale with shock, fumbled for her phone.Panic swirled in the room as Ralph clutched his chest, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.He toppled backwards.‘Ralph!’ Logan caught the old man in time.Within moments, the wail of an ambulance echoed through the quiet neighbourhood.Naomi and Logan hurriedly helped Ralph onto a stretcher, his face strained with agony.The ambulance doors slammed shut, trapping the trio in a suffocating bubble of uncertainty.The ambulance tore through the city’s arteries, its siren piercing.Inside, the confined space thrummed with urgency.Naomi clung to the edge of her seat, her eyes unblinking as she watched the paramedics work on her husband.Ralph lay supine on the stretcher—his heart just stopped.The heart monitor emitted a relentless warning beep.Naomi’s hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, the medical jargon exchanged by the paramed
Naomi stirred the simmering chicken soup, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.She glanced at Ralph, who was grabbing his keys.‘Ready to head to the hospital?’ he asked.‘Absolutely,’ Naomi replied, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘Hand me the thermos.’They were only allowed to visit Sirena once each day, the visit lasting no longer than half an hour.The doctor explained that the restricted visits were important to establish routine in Sirena’s life.As they prepared to leave, they heard a knock on the door.Surprised, they exchanged a puzzled glance before opening the door.Standing on their doorstep was Logan. ‘Can we talk?’Naomi and Ralph exchanged a wary look but nodded, allowing him inside.Logan took a deep breath, eyeing them both. ‘I’m sure you know why I’m here. I need Sirena to sign those divorce papers.’It had been almost three days since Sirena’s hospitalisation, and Logan had waited long enough.Naomi’s lips trembled. ‘Logan, we can’t believe you’ve moved on so