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,
‘Logan, please,’ Alessia implored, tears forming in her eyes. ‘I know it sounds unreasonable, but I need time to sort things out.’‘You know I could’ve hired a PI to look into your life,’ he said coldly.‘I know. And I’m grateful that you didn’t.’‘Because I enjoy solving the puzzle myself, and because Heath told me you are a decent, honest woman. He tested you out, and you passed with flying colours. So I thought you wouldn’t hide anything from me. But maybe both he and I were wrong.’‘Logan, I—’‘Never mind,’ he said, his voice cold and distant. ‘Take all the time you need. But don’t expect me to wait forever.’He grabbed a towel. ‘I don’t have women’s clothes in the house. You’ll have to wear mine. I’ll ask Georg to bring them to you. And there’ll be a car to take you home.’With those words, Logan turned and walked away, leaving Alessia standing by the poolside, her heart heavy with regret and unspoken fears.***Logan paced back and forth in his study, his mind a chaotic mess.Hi
The hostesses’ efforts were admirable, their allure evident, and yet, they were missing the mark.As they continued to weave their web of seduction, Logan’s mind remained steadfastly anchored to the memory of Alessia.Her presence lingered like an intoxicating perfume, her touch a wildfire that had ignited a storm of emotions within him.The images of their stolen moments, the electricity of their chemistry, and the heat of their encounters played out in his mind like a forbidden reel.A hostess leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered promises of ecstasy.Her fingers traced a teasing path along his thigh, her touch calculated to elicit a reaction.And yet, despite her efforts, Logan’s pulse remained steady, his demeanour unchanged.His thoughts were a tempest, a whirlwind of desire and restraint that clashed in the depths of his consciousness.The hostesses persisted, trying every trick in their repertoire, their sensual allure a symphony that played out be
And, after the trip to the club earlier, Logan realised he had not been cured; Alessia was the exception.With a determined glint in his eyes, Logan stepped on the gas pedal.Alessia was a challenge—a challenge he was not willing to relinquish.***The challenge stepped out of the sleek black car, her heels clicking softly against the pavement.Alessia offered a polite nod to the driver, who met her with a curt acknowledgement before speeding away into the night.She couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at his stoic demeanour.It seemed that Logan’s employees shared his penchant for terseness.‘Guess not all of Logan’s minions are conversational,’ she muttered under her breath, the corners of her lips quirking in wry amusement.She adjusted the oversized shirt she was wearing, rolling up the sleeves and tugging at the hem.The pants were no better, requiring constant hitching as she made her way towards her apartment building.The lobby was a stark contrast to the opulent mansion she ha
Alessia’s desperation turned to fury.Without hesitation, she sank her teeth into Brayden’s hand, the sharp bite of pain causing him to release his hold.She shoved him away, her heart pounding, and sprinted past him into the building.Her mind raced as she bolted towards her apartment, thoughts swirling with a newfound determination.As she slammed her apartment door shut, Alessia leaned against it, her chest heaving.The encounter had left her shaken, her emotions a tumultuous whirlwind.‘D*mn it!’ she smacked her forehead with a palm. ‘I should’ve used the pepper spray on him!’She knew she couldn’t let Brayden’s intrusion affect her any longer.With a resolute exhale, she made a silent promise to herself—she would find a way to break free from the chains of her past.As she sank onto her sofa, waiting for the adrenaline rush to subside, Alessia’s gaze shifted to the window, the city lights painting an intricate tapestry against the night sky.A single thought echoed in her mind—a
Tickled by her own imagination, Alessia leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to Milo’s forehead.His sleep-ruffled hair tickled her lips.‘Morning,’ she said softly. ‘Breakfast’s on the table, honey. Aunt Veronica will take you to school later.’Milo’s eyes fluttered open, still groggy from sleep.His voice held a hint of protest as he murmured, ‘You’re leaving already? It’s only six thirty.’Alessia brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her smile warm and reassuring. ‘Mommy has to go into work early today.’Her mind buzzed with the tasks that awaited her—she needed to organise her notes from the previous night, to produce a first draft of the cocktail party fluff piece, and to go over the order of upcoming interviews with Miss Hicks.She was happy to be busy; it meant her career was moving forward.Milo’s voice pulled her from her thoughts as he offered a sleepy goodbye.She pressed another kiss to his cheek, her heart swelling with maternal affection. ‘Goodbye, my love. Be go
Alessia’s gaze hardened. ‘We all have our struggles, Connie. I’m not responsible for yours. Excuse me, I have to get to work.’With that, Alessia turned and started walking away.‘Brayden never loved me!’ Connie shouted. ‘I know that. We’ve been married for six years, but I know he still loves you.’Alessia’s steps faltered.She let out a frustrated sigh, her patience wearing thin as she turned to face Connie. ‘What’s wrong with you and your husband? Can’t you take your family drama elsewhere and stop turning up like an unwanted penny? I’m busy with work.’Tears streaked down Connie’s cheeks, smudging her carefully applied makeup, and Alessia winced at the clownish sight.‘It’s been six years,’ Connie continued, her voice quivering with raw emotion. ‘But everything I’ve done is just a joke to him. He doesn’t love me. That night six years ago, you lost a boyfriend, and I lost my dignity.’Alessia’s frustration mounted, her voice laced with exasperation. ‘Must you dredge up the past at
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