Caught in a dilemma, Alessia sighed. ‘Alright, let’s go.’As they settled into the car, Logan’s phone chimed.He checked the caller ID and answered, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’Arlie’s voice crackled through the phone, ‘Dad, can I hang out at my friend’s place today?’‘Where’s that?’‘At a classmate’s house. Uncle Penshaw knows the address.’Logan paused, considering the request. ‘Is it safe?’‘Dad, seriously, it’s all good,’ Arlie reassured him.Logan, basking in the glow of his reconciliation with Alessia, relented, ‘Alright, go for it. Have fun.’As he ended the call, Alessia couldn’t contain her curiosity. ‘That sounded like a kid on the phone. Who was it?’Logan hesitated, wrestling with how to break the news.Finally, he admitted, ‘It’s a boy—a good one.’Alessia’s expression shifted, and she cut to the chase. ‘Logan, is he your son?’He gripped the steering wheel. ‘What if I said yes?’‘Then I’d have to bow out. I don’t do married men.’‘I’m not married.’Alessia pointed out the ob
Alessia spoke gently, ‘Arlie, did you know this is the first time Milo’s brought a friend over? I’m thrilled that you two are such good pals.’‘Oh, really?’ Arlie seemed a bit shy.Then he admitted, ‘This is actually my first time visiting a friend’s house, too. Kindergarten was pretty lonely before this.’‘Really?’ Alessia was taken aback.Milo glanced at his mother and shrugged. ‘Mom, I’d be lonely too without Arlie. I’m really glad he’s my friend.’Alessia’s heart warmed at his words. ‘I’m happy for both of you, becoming such great buddies.’Arlie nodded and added, ‘Yeah, it feels like we’ve known each other forever.’‘Absolutely,’ Milo chimed in.Alessia watched them with a mixture of joy and sadness.They resembled each other so much.She silently wished their happiness would last forever.‘Alright, boys. Carry on playing with your toys. I’ll go get dinner ready,’ Alessia said.‘Thank you,’ Arlie replied politely.Alessia shook her head with a smile. ‘No need to thank me. Arlie,
Alessia and Veronica exchanged smiles.‘Why do you say that, Milo?’ Alessia asked.‘Both of us wouldn’t be lonely anymore if we had each other,’ Milo explained, then pushed the plate of beef toward Arlie, saying, ‘Arlie, please have more. Look around the table; there are no vegetables. We’re meat lovers.’Veronica burst into laughter, adding, ‘That’s true. Sis, did you notice? It’s all meat.’The table was indeed filled with ribs, shredded pork, sirloin steak, and diced chicken – not a plate of vegetables in sight.Alessia joined in the laughter. ‘You’re right. It’s a good thing Arlie shares our taste in food; otherwise, he’d go home hungry.’They all laughed together.Veronica raised her yoghurt-filled cup and proposed, ‘Let’s toast to Arlie, welcoming him into our home.’‘Cheers!’ Milo raised his cup of orange juice.Arlie raised his glass of milk, stood up, and politely said, ‘Thank you for having me today. I’m really happy. It’s an honour to be your guest, and I appreciate your ho
Heath, with a mischievous grin, gestured to the waiter to take their order.Then, he leaned in and raised an eyebrow at Logan. ‘Don’t you see it?’Logan narrowed his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette. ‘See what?’‘Alessia’s got a tight bond with her younger sister, Veronica, but not so much with her elder sister, Connie,’ Heath pointed out.‘Yeah, I’m not blind. It’s pretty obvious,’ Logan responded, a bit irked.Heath nodded knowingly. ‘Both of them got the boot from Redwood Group, which is Connie’s domain. So, Alessia and Veronica had to rely on each other.’‘And?’ Logan questioned.‘They’ve been through thick and thin together, that’s why their relationship is rock solid.’Logan waved his hand dismissively. ‘I get it. No need for the lecture.’Heath continued, ‘Don’t let jealousy get the best of you just because she cares more about her sister. Her sister means the world to her.’Logan’s brows furrowed, irritation creeping in.He tried to stay calm.Heath advised, ‘If you want
Alessia stood there, her eyes wide with surprise.She nodded and whispered, ‘But what’s your angle in all of this?’Logan was left dumbfounded.He felt unjustly accused.Did Alessia genuinely think so little of him?He’d only been trying to win her over by treating her loved ones with kindness.This was a misunderstanding, and he couldn’t let it stand.Alessia noticed Logan’s silence and smiled knowingly, convinced of her own correctness.Logan’s frustration grew with each passing moment.‘Alessia,’ he finally spoke, ‘I want you. If you’re game, I won’t hold back.’Alessia blushed and hissed, ‘Logan, we’re in the office. Keep it professional.’Logan chuckled, his frustration evident. ‘Never mind. I’ve clearly made a poor impression on you. Why should I bother?’Alessia looked at him, perplexed. ‘What are you trying to say?’Suddenly, a voice interrupted them from outside.Both Alessia and Logan turned towards the door, where they saw Lee entering.Lee greeted Alessia with a friendly s
‘Distracting?’ Logan arched an eyebrow and mockingly repeated her words.Then, with a sneer, he added, ‘Well, perhaps you need to work on your multitasking skills. Seems like it’s lacking.’Alessia rolled her eyes.This guy was downright intimidating.She locked eyes with him and retorted, ‘It’s clear you can’t control your desires. It’s quite annoying.’Logan shot back, ‘You’re right. I’m your boyfriend. It’s only natural that I’d want to sleep with you. And your constant rejections are getting on my nerves.’Alessia was left dumbfounded by his bluntness.Logan was unapologetic. ‘I want you. I want to spend time with you, go for walks with you, have dinner with you, sleep with you. It’s that simple.’Alessia sighed, clearly uninterested in discussing this topic.She was about to say something when, luckily, a knock interrupted their conversation.‘Come in,’ Logan said in a commanding tone that matched his domineering demeanour.Alessia couldn’t help but roll her eyes.‘He’s such an a
Alessia returned to her seat, wondering what Logan had said to Wilda.Eventually, Wilda and Logan emerged from the conference room half an hour later.Wilda escorted Logan to the entrance, and as he glanced at Alessia and left, she heaved a sigh of relief.After a brief pause, Wilda walked over to Alessia. ‘Alessia, Mr Wilde is waiting for you outside.’Alessia was stunned.‘He requested half a day off for you,’ Wilda added.Alessia felt extremely embarrassed.‘He said it’s up to you if you want to go. He’ll give you five minutes, and if you don’t show up by then, he’ll leave. He won’t be angry if you don’t go.’Alessia hesitated for a moment. ‘Should I go?’Wilda smiled. ‘Mr. Wilde said that he’s at his wits’ end because he just can’t find the right way to court you properly.’Alessia paused.She hadn’t expected Logan to express such feelings.After a moment of thought, she told Wilda, ‘Miss Hicks, I’m not going.’‘Are you worried that I’ll blame you for always leaving the office dur
Alessia remained frozen in place, bewildered by the chaotic scene unfolding around her.She couldn’t comprehend why people lacked a sense of right and wrong.Did Karen not know her husband had been involved with other women?Was she deluding herself?Alessia tried to distance herself from the situation, reminding herself that it had nothing to do with her.She was simply furious because she was being bullied, especially after enduring s*xual harassment from Karen’s husband.‘Why don’t you dodge the eggs, Alessia?’ Wilda shouted, noticing Alessia’s immobility.Alessia snapped back to reality, locking eyes with Wilda.‘Get behind me. I won’t allow my staff to be bullied,’ Wilda declared firmly.Hands on her hips, the chief editor strode toward Karen, meeting her icy gaze with a fiery one. ‘Did you bring these people to bully my employees?’‘Wilda, get out of my way! I’m here to teach a lesson to that b*tch Alessia, and no one will stop me!’ Karen spat out, teeth clenched.‘How dare you?
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