Brayden interrupted Connie, his voice unyielding, ‘You caused your own miscarriage and blamed it on Alessia. That’s why you’re so nervous. You’re afraid of being cursed.’‘Brayden, I didn’t—’ Connie continued to deny.Brayden’s voice remained cold and resolute. ‘It doesn’t matter whether you admit it or not. You’re the one who got hurt, and you’re the one who’d feel it the most. That was your own child. And you used it as a tool to hurt others.’Connie paused again, feeling cornered.Brayden continued pushing her into the examination room, his steps heavy.‘Brayden,’ Connie tried once more.‘Stop talking,’ Brayden said coldly. ‘I don’t want to talk to you right now.’Feeling abashed and desperate, Connie fell silent.While the doctor examined her, Brayden waited outside, his mind filled with a tumultuous mix of emotions.He overheard the doctor’s words to Connie. ‘Mrs Scott, your bleeding has stopped, and we can remove the gauze. However, the bleeding has caused thinning of your uteru
Alex recounted their encounter, detailing Connie’s insults.As Logan listened, his anger grew, and his brow furrowed in displeasure. ‘Connie has finally dropped her façade. She’s been pretending to be a good wife and mother, but she couldn’t keep up the act any longer.’‘I’ll keep a close eye on her,’ Alex assured him.At that moment, the bodyguard by the door whispered something to Alex.After receiving the information, he returned to Logan and reported, ‘Our contact at the hospital provided Connie’s test results. It seems she’s likely to be infertile for the rest of her life.’Logan raised an eyebrow, surprised. ‘Karma came swiftly, didn’t it?’‘She fully deserves it for attempting to frame Miss Jansen,’ Alex remarked.Logan’s gaze grew more intense, and just as he was about to respond, Alessia, who had overheard their conversation, joined in. ‘Alex, is it true about Connie?’Alex turned towards her and nodded, confirming, ‘Yes, Miss Jansen, it’s true.’A trace of regret crossed Ale
In the darkness, Logan watched Alessia’s slim figure move toward the bathroom.He sensed that she was intentionally avoiding him after their earlier conversation.He felt an emotional chasm between them, even though she was right beside him.Alessia lingered in the bathroom, taking her time to freshen up.She washed her face and brushed her teeth at a leisurely pace, allowing twenty minutes to pass.Finally, she was ready to leave the bathroom.But the moment she opened the door, Logan stood before her, blocking her path.Without uttering a word, he gripped Alessia’s waist and pulled her into his arms before extinguishing the lights.The room plunged into total darkness.Alessia sensed his handsome face descending and then felt his lips on hers.‘Hey!’ she began, her voice filled with agitation, finding his unannounced kiss a display of dominance.Her heart raced, and she remembered her doctor’s advice not to let herself become overly distressed.Rapid heartbeats could trigger arrhyth
Throughout Alessia’s stay at the hospital, Logan’s bodyguards had been attentive to her needs.They guarded her door and provided carefully planned, nutritious meals from Logan’s residence.However, the hospital was beginning to drive her crazy due to the monotony.After a final check-up, the doctor approved her discharge.Overjoyed by the news, Alessia quickly packed her things, ready to leave the hospital.‘We’ll escort you home, Miss Jansen,’ Terence offered as she was finishing her packing.Alessia shook her head, declining the offer. ‘Oh, it’s alright. I can manage on my own. I’ll just call a cab.’Terence hesitated, and then explained, ‘But Miss Jansen, it’s the boss’s orders that we must accompany you.’Alessia’s frustration flared. ‘He’s your boss, not mine. Who gave him the right to interfere with my freedom?’Terence found himself at a loss for words.He had noticed that Logan had been absent since that night.The tension between the couple had escalated, and it was clear th
The magnetic pull between them was powerful, and Logan didn’t want to lose control and do something he’d regret.Seeing Logan in a less domineering state, Alessia poked him in the chest and challenged, ‘Are you even a man?’He responded calmly, ‘You’ve experienced first-hand whether I’m a man or not, haven’t you?’Alessia blushed at his response and continued, ‘What kind of man walks away from a fight and disappears for two days, hmm?’Logan remained silent, acknowledging the truth in her words.She probed further, ‘How can a man be so irresponsible, especially to the woman who hasn’t betrayed him in any way? Why were you so angry?’But it ran deeper than that, and Logan knew it.Alessia wasn’t just his girlfriend; she was the woman who had saved his life.He gazed at her with deep tenderness.She pressed on, ‘You walked away. Do you think that was right?’Logan, still in a daze, replied, ‘No.’She huffed lightly, ‘No matter how upset you were, how could you just abandon me like that?
While their eyes lingered on each other, Logan softened, a hint of reluctance in his voice. ‘Let’s forget about it for now. It seems we’ll have to save it for next time—for our own good.’Alessia nodded, her smile bright. ‘I’m getting off now. Get back to work.’As they both exited the car, Logan couldn’t resist pulling her closer into his arms.She inhaled deeply and whispered, ‘I really need to go now. I need a shower.’Logan leaned in, his eyes locked on hers. ‘I don’t mind.’After a long moment, he finally let her go.Alessia began to walk away.But just before she left, she paused and turned back. ‘Logan, I know we’ve talked about it before, but I want to confirm again. Have you ever been with anyone else besides your ex-girlfriend?’Logan’s eyes met hers, his tone sincere. ‘That’s not exactly true.’Alessia’s heart raced, her voice tinged with apprehension. ‘Who?’Logan’s answer surprised her. ‘You.’She probed further, her tone wavering. ‘Anyone else besides me?’He thought of
‘Taking advantage?’ Alessia muttered, feeling the weight of his repeated accusations.He had labelled her this way more than once, and Alessia felt a deep sense of desolation.‘Yes, I’m obviously out of your league,’ Logan said, betraying his sense of feeling used, ‘You risked your life to save me so that I’d accept you and your kid. I’d been wondering why you would put yourself in such danger. Now I know.’‘And now you’ve successfully made me feel I owe you all my life. You’re unbelievable, Alessia,’ he added coldly. ‘You wanted me to be a stepfather to your kid. You said you weren’t dating me because of my money. That was only half true. You didn’t need my money for yourself. You needed it for your kid, didn’t you?’Alessia felt his words stab at her heart. ‘I’m not as vile as you’ve said.’Logan, fuelled by anger and a sense of betrayal, continued his harsh words, ‘Yes, you are. You’re just unscrupulous. You thought that just because you’ve saved my life, I would owe you for the re
Terence had no idea who was calling, as the phone remained in Logan’s pocket.The call rang for a while before finally stopping.‘Drive,’ Logan ordered, breaking the silence. ‘Back to my house.’‘Yes, boss,’ Terence responded, starting the car and pulling away.Just as they turned a corner, he spotted Veronica on the street with bags in her hands.He remembered Logan’s words and chose to remain silent.Veronica, who had returned from a grocery run, didn’t notice Logan’s car as she entered the building.Inside the apartment, she found Alessia kneeling by the door, her head buried in her arms.Startled, she closed the door and asked with concern, ‘Alessia, what’s wrong? Why are you kneeling there? Have you been back for long?’Alessia slowly raised her head to look at Veronica, her eyes gradually focusing.Without uttering a word, she blinked and tears streamed down her face.Veronica, her heart aching for her sister, couldn’t bear to see her cry.She got down on the floor and looked 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