Upon reaching the third floor, Logan opened a door, revealing a room roughly one hundred square feet in size with a large screen and three sets of sofa beds in front of it.It didn’t exactly resemble a traditional movie theatre.Logan swept an arm over the space. ‘What do you think? Cleaner than a cinema, right?’Alessia nodded. ‘Yes, much cleaner.’However, despite the cleanliness, it lacked the ambience of a real cinema—the excited chatter of the audience, and the mouth-watering scent of caramel popcorn.Still, she didn’t want to express her true feelings and make things awkward.Alessia explored the room and spotted a few DVDs.Picking one up, she noticed it was a cartoon.Curiosity got the better of her as she asked, ‘Cartoons? Do you enjoy watching them?’Logan tensed slightly.These DVDs belonged to Arlie.Normally, Logan lived here alone, and Arlie stayed with Logan’s grandfather Albert but visited occasionally.Without taking the DVDs from her, he suggested, ‘Let’s choose a di
Alessia, clearly flustered by the situation, stated, ‘You’re being unreasonable.’Logan, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, retorted, ‘So what? I really want to watch it with you anyway. I’ve never had anyone to watch this with before, but now that you’re here, we can enjoy it together.’Alessia was left momentarily speechless, her mind racing to comprehend his audacity.Logan, however, wasn’t done, and he continued in a blunt tone, ‘We’ve already been intimate, so why be a hypocrite now? Just take a look.’Her frustration growing, Alessia clenched her teeth and begrudgingly agreed, ‘Fine, I’ll watch it, what’s the big deal anyway? It’s just an erotic movie, right?’As she looked at the screen, her anger simmered.This man was pushing her buttons.Alessia considered herself rather conservative, finding it hard to fathom how the actors could perform such explicit scenes on camera.In the silence of the theatre, the protagonists’ heavy breathing echoed through the room.Alessia was c
Alessia, however, didn’t let Sofie’s slap land.She caught Sofie’s hand swiftly and snapped, ‘I’m not the shameless one here. In fact, it seems like you’re the one shamelessly trying to chase after him. I was invited here by him.’‘You!’ Sofie struggled to break free from Alessia’s grip, her voice rising in anger. ‘You’re just a gold-digging b*tch! Do you even know who I am?’‘Why should I know who you are? What does it have to do with me?’ Alessia shot back.‘His grandfather favours me. Grandpa Albert wants me to be his granddaughter-in-law. So, let me warn you, stay away from Logan. Albert made it clear that I’m the only one for Logan!’ Sofie proclaimed, her pride evident.Alessia couldn’t bear this woman’s arrogance.She sighed, ‘Oh, so Logan’s grandfather likes you. Well, why don’t you marry his grandfather then, since he’s so fond of you?’Sofie was furious and made another attempt to slap Alessia.Alessia, with a frown, said coolly, ‘I don’t know who you are, but what’s with the
Logan beckoned, ‘Get me another belt from the dressing room.’Alessia shook her head with a hint of defiance. ‘No.’With a sly smile, Logan tried a different approach. ‘Either you fetch me that belt, sweetheart, or we can pick up right where we left off, right here in this very room.’Alessia’s eyes widened in shock. ‘I’ll get it now!’She hurried upstairs to the dressing room, where she discovered an assortment of thirty belts, each from a different luxury brand.‘Is he running a belt boutique in here or what?’ she muttered to herself.Selecting one at random, she swiftly returned downstairs.As she descended, she couldn’t help but overhear Logan on the phone, his tone dripping with irritation. ‘I’ll set the dogs on her if you ever ask Sofie to come to my house again.’The voice on the other end, belonging to Logan’s grandfather, protested vehemently. ‘How dare you! Why don’t you enlighten me about the kind of woman your girlfriend is?’Logan shot back, his voice dripping with disdai
The butler remained silent as the old man stormed into the house.‘Where is that woman?’ Albert asked coldly. ‘Is she a woman of questionable character?’Georg shook his head. ‘She seemed quite respectable.’‘Blast it, come out now!’ the old man shouted upon entering the house, but there was no response.Frowning, he wondered aloud, ‘Did they really leave?’The butler nodded. ‘Yes, they truly left.’‘Why didn’t I see his car on my way here?’‘I’m not sure. Perhaps they left in a different car.’The old man huffed. ‘He’ll do anything to get his way.’A bit irritably, Georg muttered, ‘Aren’t you the same?’‘What did you say?’ The old man snapped after hearing the butler’s words, turning his rage towards him, ‘I’m asking you, what did you say?’The butler clamped his mouth shut.‘Well?’ the old man pressed.Still, the butler offered no reply.‘Tell that rascal to bring that woman to me within a day,’ the old man declared, ‘or I’ll have to investigate her myself.’Georg calmly responded,
Alone in the car, Alessia’s brows knitted, an uneasy feeling creeping over her.She hated exploiting people, and she was determined not to let Logan think she was just after his riches.His earlier snide remark about her being poor but ambitious had hit a nerve, and she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction.Sitting in the car for a moment, she took a deep breath.Then, raindrops started drumming on the windshield, and anxiety seeped in.With a sigh, she decided to take action.‘Logan, it’s raining. Can you please come back?’ she called out, but Logan remained unresponsive as the rain intensified.Getting out of the car, Alessia was now soaked, her concern mounting.Unable to spot Logan, she pulled out her phone, using its flashlight to pierce through the rain.To her shock, she found him about eight meters behind the car, kneeling as if injured.Her heart clenched, and she darted towards him. ‘Logan?’The heavy rain made it challenging for her to see, water stinging her eyes.She sh
Logan leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on Alessia as she drove.Thoughts of the recent events raced through his mind, and his gaze grew more profound.Meanwhile, Terence swiftly contacted the hospital, arranging for an emergency bed and an expert to stand by in the emergency centre.He was visibly anxious, his mind racing.The bodyguards and the doctor gathered at the entrance of the emergency centre.‘They’re here!’ one of the bodyguards suddenly shouted, ‘It’s the president’s car!’Amidst the pouring rain, Alessia skilfully manoeuvred the car into the emergency centre parking lot, although every space was occupied.Then, she spotted an ambulance pulling out with sirens blaring.Her eyes lit up, and she floored the accelerator, the car’s engine roaring.She swiftly approached an empty parking space and slammed on the brakes.Logan was nearly launched from his seat, and when he finally regained his composure, he looked at Alessia in amazement.She’d parked in the ambulance zone
‘I need to call my sister,’ Alessia sighed. ‘I didn’t expect that I wouldn’t be going home tonight.’‘Why don’t you call her after our conditions have stabilized?’ Logan suggested.‘Okay.’Alessia took out her phone and texted her sister.[Alessia]: Veronica, I don’t think I can make it home tonight. I have some stuff to do.In less than a minute, Veronica replied with a smiling emoji.[Veronica]: Sis, don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.[Alessia]: Thanks, V. Tell Milo I’m sorry.[Veronica]: No prob. Have fun!Alessia put her phone down and felt a deep sense of relief.She wouldn’t know what to do without Veronica in her life.‘I’m going to take a nap. Wake me when it’s time for the blood draw,’ she said, her eyelids heavy.She was exhausted and just wanted to sleep.Logan nodded. ‘Rest well.’Without another word, Alessia closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep within seconds.Half an hour later, a nurse entered the room.Seeing Alessia asleep, she was surprised. ‘She’s not s
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