Alessia narrowed her eyes, suspicion lacing her words. ‘What do you want?’‘I need your help,’ Connie said. ‘Logan, he’s got plans to demolish Peony Haven.’Alessia’s eyes widened at the news.The garden was a sacred place for her, a sanctuary of memories from her grandmother’s loving care.Scepticism clouded her gaze as she regarded Connie. ‘And why should I believe you? What’s your game in all this?’Connie’s smile was warm, but beneath it lurked an ulterior motive. ‘Alessia, I know how much that garden meant to Grandma and to you. I’m not asking for much. Just your help to preserve it, for her sake.’Alessia wasn’t easily persuaded. ‘Are you using me, Connie?’Connie’s smile turned wry. ‘Let’s not make it sound malicious. We all have a responsibility to safeguard Grandma’s legacy.’Alessia didn’t back down. ‘Your duty, Connie, not mine. Remember that you’re the head of the family now. You threw me and Veronica out of the house, didn’t you?’Connie’s expression shifted slightly, her
Logan’s scepticism flared. ‘Mrs Scott, you’ve got quite the reputation for being scheming. I wouldn’t put it past you to smear your own sister.’Connie’s response was calm and composed. ‘This isn’t scheming, Mr Wilde. It’s the truth.’Logan walked away, but her words lingered in his mind, like a haunting melody that refused to fade.He reached his car in the hospital parking lot but didn’t start the engine.Instead, he lit a cigarette, the smoke swirling around him like a shroud of uncertainty.After finishing the cigarette, he tossed the stub away.He left his car behind, heading for the lift.***After Logan left, Alessia started working on interview questions on her phone, determined to keep up with work.She looked up at the sound of a knock.Brayden was leaning against the door jamb, clad in a hospital gown, looking noticeably thinner and wearier than she remembered, his bloodshot eyes fixed upon her.Without breaking eye contact, he asked, ‘May I come in?’Alessia couldn’t help
Startled, Alessia raised her head to find Logan standing there, his eyes icy and filled with anger.Their eyes locked, and she stammered, ‘W-what are you doing here? I thought you left.’Logan scoffed bitterly. ‘I wouldn’t have witnessed this touching moment if I had left. Hugging each other, are we?’Alessia’s panic grew as she tried to explain, ‘No, it’s not what it looks like, Logan. It’s a misunderstanding.’‘Misunderstanding?’ Logan’s tone dripped with sarcasm, his sharp gaze never leaving her.Brayden turned to face Logan, his expression defiant. ‘It truly is a misunderstanding, Logan. Alessia was in distress, and I was just trying to comfort her.’Logan’s lips curled into a mocking smirk as he fixed his cold gaze on Alessia, leaving her momentarily stunned.No words were exchanged, but the unspoken doubt radiated from his eyes.Alessia clutched the letter from her grandmother, struggling to find her voice.Yet, in the face of Logan’s anger, her words remained trapped within her
Alessia clenched her teeth. ‘Get me discharged.’Kelley quickly retorted, ‘I’ll need to get the attending doctor’s signature for the paperwork.’‘Then go get it.’Kelley sneered. ‘Why even bother with a signature? You are not really sick. You can just walk out of here.’Alessia stared fixedly at the nurse for a long moment, then abruptly turned towards the lift.Before she could reach it, someone called her name. ‘Alessia.’Brayden stood at the stairwell door, still in his hospital gownAlessia didn’t acknowledge him.‘Can we talk?’ Brayden took a step forward and grasped her hand.She pushed his hand away, her voice tinged with exasperation. ‘Brayden, what on earth are you doing?’Brayden’s jaw tightened as he noticed the bite mark on Alessia’s neck, jealousy flickering in his eyes. ‘Logan, he’s toying with your heart, playing games with your emotions. Can’t you see that?’Alessia’s patience wore thin. ‘Go away.’‘Do you really hate me that much?’ Brayden’s voice carried hurt. ‘I jus
‘Should we give Miss Jansen a call?’ Terence suggested.Logan wanted to nod, but pride halted him. ‘No.’If Alessia wanted to save Peony Haven and their relationship, she should be the one coming to him.Logan sat down in front of his desk and resumed working, keeping an eye on his phone.***As the workday concluded, Alessia received a call from Veronica, who sounded flustered. ‘Connie and Brayden are waiting at the kindergarten gate. They want to have dinner, said it’s Grandma’s death anniversary tomorrow.’Alessia hesitated, conflicted about the situation.She knew refusing would be difficult, especially when it concerned their grandmother.‘Got it. I’m on my way.’ Alessia hurriedly packed her things and rushed to Nova Heights Academy.Upon arrival, she spotted Brayden Scott, who had visibly slimmed down since her last encounter with him.Connie wore a skirt and four-inch heels, a surprising choice, given her pregnancy.Veronica, dressed casually, stood some distance away from the
But before rushing out, Alessia realised she needed to tell her sister.She walked over to Veronica’s bed. ‘Vero?’A sleepy voice answered, ‘Alessia? What time is it?’‘It’s midnight. I have an emergency. Need to go see a friend at the hospital. Will be back when I’m done.’‘Going out at this hour?’ Veronica sat up, her voice now more awake. ‘Are you going out alone?’‘I’ll take a taxi,’ Alessia assured her. ‘Don’t worry.’‘Still, be careful. Call me if you need anything. I’ll keep an eye on Milo.’‘Thanks, Vero.’ Alessia quickly made her way out of the apartment.She had to walk for a while before she spotted an empty taxi.She flagged it down, jumped in and gave the driver the address of the hospital.She was in the lobby before she realised she had rushed here without knowing the department or floor Logan was on.Her mind had been consumed by the urgency of Wilda’s call.It had been almost a week since their breakup, and neither had reached out to the other.If it weren’t for the e
Looking for a topic to distract her from the pain, Deanne said, ‘By the way, Heath said you have a girlfriend now.’Logan arched an eyebrow. ‘Gossip travels fast, doesn’t it? That man has no filter.’Deanne burst into laughter, the sudden movement causing her to wince in pain.She took a sharp breath. ‘I have no idea giving birth would hurt so much.’‘You should rest.’ Logan’s voice took on a serious tone. ‘Your recovery is what matters most.’Deanne nodded, her features relaxing. ‘So, who’s the mystery woman who captured your heart?’‘That, my dear sister, is a secret.’‘You’re keeping secrets even from me?’Logan’s smile was somewhat strained.If he hadn’t had that argument with Alessia, he would gladly introduce her to his family.But now…Logan rose to his feet. ‘Terence will stay here till the wet nurse arrives.’‘All right. Thanks.’Exiting the ward, Logan reached for his phone and saw the missed calls from Alessia.The clock on the wall read five o’clock in the morning when he
Alessia nodded, her own eyes misting with unshed tears. ‘She gave us the love and warmth we craved. Mum was always so distant, but Grandma was always there for us.’As they reached the old, rusty swing set, Alessia reached out to touch it, her fingers brushing against the corroded metal. ‘This swing set, V, it’s like a relic from another time. I can almost hear our laughter as we swung higher and higher.’Veronica placed a comforting hand on her sister’s shoulder. ‘I know, Alessia. It’s hard to see it like this, but we have our memories. Grandma lives on in our hearts.’A gentle breeze rustled through the overgrown garden, carrying with it the faint scent of long-forgotten blossoms.Alessia and Veronica stood there, sisters bound by both their shared past and the enduring love of the grandmother they both missed terribly.The flower field stretched across a vast 20,000 square meters, bursting with a variety of flowers in every direction.Soon, the tranquillity was shattered by a loud
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