Milo said, ‘Name it.’‘I want you to put in a good word for me with your mom,’ Vince said.‘What kind of good word?’ Milo tilted his head.‘Um…’ Vince scratched his head. ‘Just tell her that you like spending time with me.’Milo considered this. ‘Okay. I do like spending time with you.’‘Especially if I teach you how to hack into Logan’s website.’‘That’s right.’***Alessia took a long, hot bath, but it didn’t help her relax as she’d hoped.She sat cross-legged on the bed and stared at her phone.Then she made a call.‘Hello.’‘Heath, it’s Alessia. There’s something I’d like to ask you.’‘Sure. What is it?’‘It’s about Arlie.’‘How did you—? Logan told you?’Alessia didn’t answer the question. ‘He’s Logan’s son, isn’t he?’‘Well, since you already know about him…Yes, but he’s not Logan’s biological child.’Alessia gripped her phone. ‘What do you mean?’‘About five years ago, I rescued Arlie and a bunch of other babies and young kids from a human trafficking ring. Most of the kids wen
Logan asked, ‘Kid, what’s your name?’‘Milo.’‘Milo?’ Logan mentally searched for the name. ‘Arlie’s classmate?’‘Yes.’Logan was struck by a sudden realisation. ‘Alessia’s son?’Milo nodded.Logan stared at the boy in disbelief.This was Alessia’s son?Why did he look so much like Logan himself?Milo declared, ‘I’m the one who messed up your company’s website and sent those emails.’Logan, his mind pulled back to the present, gritted his teeth. ‘Kid, you’ve got nerve.’‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’‘Did Alessia put you up to this?’Milo wrinkled up his nose. ‘Do you always make accusations without evidence?’Logan took a deep breath. ‘Kid, tell me, who’s your father?’‘An arrogant, selfish jerk.’Logan stared at him.‘A supposed billionaire who doesn’t have enough money to hire a better IT guy,’ Milo continued.‘You are talking about me.’Milo spread out both hands. ‘Isn’t that obvious? You are not only arrogant, you are also slow.’Logan’s mind reeled as he processed the revelat
‘Alessia—’ Logan began.She raised a hand to stop him. ‘Don’t talk. Just…I need a minute to think.’Logan waited patiently.A long while later, she looked up. ‘Okay. Yes, it’s true. Milo’s your son. Now that you know, tell me, what are you going to do?’‘Be a father to him, of course.’Alessia nodded.‘I’ve asked Terence to look into properties near his school. Arlie knows about Milo as well. We are going to need a big house if the four of us are going to—’‘Wait, stop. What do you mean—the four of us?’‘You, me, Milo and Arlie. We are going to be living together as a family.‘Absolutely not!’ Alessia said vehemently. ‘You and I are not living together.’Logan sighed. ‘Alessia, I understand I’ve messed things up, but I want to make it right. I want us to be a family.’‘Look, I don’t want Milo to miss out on having a relationship with you. He deserves to know his father, and I won’t stand in the way of that.’Logan’s eyes lit up with hope.‘But you and I, we are not getting back togeth
Milo eyed the dishes with a hint of scepticism, his expression turning into a subtle pout. ‘What’s this green stuff, Mom? And why is there fish that looks like it’s wearing a fancy coat?’Alessia chuckled at Milo’s candid observations. ‘That, sweetheart, is a kale salad, and the “fish with a fancy coat” is lobster. It’s a delicacy.’Milo wrinkled his nose. ‘Well, I don’t like it. Where’s the pizza or burgers?’Logan, determined to win Milo over, leaned in with a smile. ‘Come on, champ, give it a try. You might discover a new favourite.’Milo eyed the lobster suspiciously, but he reluctantly took a small bite.After chewing for a moment, he made a face that clearly communicated his distaste. ‘Ugh, it’s too fancy. I’d rather have a hotdog.’Alessia couldn’t help but laugh, exchanging amused glances with Logan. ‘Alright, we can order some hotdogs for you next time. But let’s not waste these dishes.’‘Okay.’Logan, eager to connect with Milo, tried to strike up a conversation. ‘So, Milo,
Logan and Alessia were greeted by a friendly receptionist who, after speaking with Logan, directed them to Dr Elaine Johnson’s office.The sign on the door proudly declared her as the head of internal medicine.Dr Johnson, a woman in her fifties, welcomed them with a warm smile. ‘Logan, it’s been a while. How have you been?’Logan grinned. ‘Busy as always, Elaine. This is Alessia, by the way.’Dr Johnson’s eyes twinkled as she extended her hand. ‘Nice to meet you, Alessia. I’m Elaine Johnson. Logan and I are old friends.’‘Nice to meet you.’ Alessia shook her hand, feeling a sense of ease from the doctor’s friendly demeanour.Logan said, ‘Elaine, I brought Alessia here because she hasn’t been feeling well. Mind giving her a check-up?’Elaine, teasingly, looked at Alessia and remarked, ‘Well, Logan, bringing a lovely woman to the doctor. I’m impressed. Let’s see what’s going on.’She turned to Alessia. ‘You’re quite a beauty, dear.’Logan, quick on the draw, declared, ‘She’s my girlfri
Logan stood up. ‘It’s good seeing you again, Elaine. Please say hello to Naomi for me.’‘I will.’The moment the door closed behind Logan, his face changed.Gone was the polite smile.His brows were knitted tightly together, his lips pressed into a thin line.He found Alessia outside the pharmacy on the first floor. ‘Done?’‘Yes. Let’s go.’ Alessia noticed his grim expression. ‘What’s wrong?’Logan didn’t seem to have heard her.He took hold of her wrist and dragged her towards the front door.‘Logan.’ Alessia struggled to keep pace with him. ‘What’s going on?’He said nothing.‘You are hurting me!’ Alessia protested, panting.Logan was walking too fast.She hissed in pain and almost doubled over as another wave of stomach cramps hit.Logan finally stopped.He snapped back to the present and noticed the sweat on Alessia’s forehead. ‘I’m sorry. I was…distracted.’He bent his knees and lifted her into his arms.‘I can walk by myself,’ Alessia said through gritted teeth.Logan turned a d
Alessia paused. ‘Where is this coming from?’‘Just answer the question, please.’ Logan stared at her intently.Alessia gave it some thought. ‘I used to think you are a jerk.’‘And now?’‘You still are.’ She smiled. ‘But after seeing the way you took care of that lady back at the hospital, I’m ready to revise my opinion. You might have some redeeming qualities, after all.’Logan breathed out. ‘What if one day, you find out that I lied to you?’‘Well, did you lie?’‘It’s a hypothetical question.’Alessia took a closer look at him. ‘What’s wrong with you? What’s with all the questions today?’‘Just answer me, please. It’s important.’‘Fine.’ Alessia thought about her own lies regarding Milo.She sighed. ‘I guess sometimes lying is inevitable. I would be okay with it, but only if it’s for a good reason.’‘What would be a good reason to you?’‘I don’t know. Maybe to protect someone? Sometimes the truth hurts.’Logan felt the weight in his heart starting to lift.He was about to say somethi
‘Aunt Naomi, how are you feeling?’ Heath stepped forward.‘I’m fine. It’s good to see you again.’When Elaine told Naomi that Ralph was out of surgery, she cried.‘Don’t worry, Naomi, I’m sure Ralph will be fine.’ Logan offered to go down and check on him.Since he wasn’t allowed inside the ICU, he sought out the surgeon.‘Mr Wilde, Mr Barrett’s condition is not looking too good. He didn’t respond well after the surgery. Frankly, of all the renal denervation procedures I’ve done, he’s the first patient who didn’t wake up soon after the surgery.’‘Have you figured out the cause?’‘I’ve ruled out all physiological reasons, which means it must be neurological. To put it bluntly, he doesn’t want to wake up. And I guess I can understand why.’The surgeon was well aware of the Barretts’ family tragedy.‘Is there anything I can do?’ Logan asked, frowning.He couldn’t go back to Naomi with the news that Ralph might never wake up.‘Well, I guess we can learn from the treatment of coma patients
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