‘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
‘Nothing,’ Alessia said firmly. ‘It’ll be a shame to see Peony Haven disappear, but it’s not within my power to stop it.’Veronica pondered this. ‘You are right. In fact, Connie’s the one who inherited the land use rights. She’s the one to blame if she fails to hold on to the land.’‘I only came here today to visit Grandma. Whatever Connie’s planning, I won’t give her the satisfaction.’But Connie and Brayden Scott caught up to them.Veronica turned around and asked bluntly, ‘Where is Grandma buried?’Connie began to speak, but Brayden stopped her, grabbing her sleeve and signalling her to remain silent.Connie reluctantly complied, biting her lip.Brayden then explained, ‘Veronica, Grandma Noreen’s ashes were scattered over the centre of the field, at her request. She didn’t want a tombstone.’Alessia’s heart ached.The notion of having Grandma’s ashes scattered over her beloved peony garden would have been rather romantic, if not for the impending demolition.Could she stand idly by
Brayden’s words cut through the tension. ‘As a mother, how dare you curse your own child in such a way? Even if you’re innocent, you could have sworn on your own life, but never your baby’s. Connie, you’ve truly disappointed me.’Connie remained in a daze, her face bearing the fiery imprint of Brayden’s palm.The slap had sent her thoughts into chaos, making it difficult for her to regain her composure.‘Brayden, I—’ Connie began to speak, but Brayden interrupted her with cold finality. ‘I don’t want to talk to you anymore. God only knows what you did that night. It changed everything, turned my life upside down. I couldn’t face Alessia again after I woke up, so I chose to stay with you. But I never expected you to have plotted the whole thing.’A self-deprecating chuckle escaped Brayden’s lips as he turned to Alessia.His eyes held deep regret, realising how their fates had taken such a twisted turn.But Alessia didn’t even spare him a glance.Facing Connie, Alessia’s disappointment
Alessia chuckled mirthlessly, her laughter tinged with bitterness.Veronica’s fury boiled over as she shouted, ‘Brayden, have you lost your mind? How could you possibly think we’re to blame?’Connie clutched her abdomen. ‘It hurts! Brayden, our baby!’Brayden helped her up. ‘Come on. Let’s get you to a hospital.’He glared at Alessia, suspicion flickering in his eyes.‘Alessia didn’t do it!’ Veronica spoke up. ‘Connie did this to herself. She’s trying to play the victim, as always. She’s trying to play you.’Alessia patted Veronica’s hand. ‘Don’t waste your breath. He’s not going to listen.’Connie cried out, ‘Brayden! It hurts!’‘Come on!’ Veronica rolled her eyes. ‘She’s faking it!’Alessia thought so, too, but she changed her mind when she saw a pool of blood forming around Connie’s feet. ‘D*mn it, she’s bleeding!’Connie looked down and screamed.Alessia fumbled for her phone and called for an ambulance.She gave the address of Peony Haven, but the operator told her the nearest am
‘I don’t want to talk to you. Please let go of me,’ Alessia stated firmly. ‘There’s no need for further contact.’Logan persisted, ‘Alessia, why are you doing this? If you think I’m wrong, can you at least tell me what I did wrong?’Alessia frowned and forcefully withdrew her hand.Logan noticed the red palm print on her cheek as she tilted her head.Concern laced his voice. ‘What happened to your face?’He reached out a hand towards her face, but Alessia backed away, not allowing him to touch her.‘Who hit you?’ Logan stepped closer, this time firmly gripping her shoulder.‘Let me go!’ Alessia demanded.Logan’s tone softened. ‘Alessia, tell me what happened.’‘I said, let me go!’ Alessia’s voice rose as she glared at Logan.Logan remained silent, his gaze unwavering.‘Logan Wilde!’ Alessia’s frustration boiled over. ‘Whatever happened to me is none of your business. We’ve broken up, and I have no more connection to you. Please respect that.’Logan frowned. ‘You don’t mean that.’‘Yes