Logan swore under his breath.His hand reached to yank off his tie, only to realise he’d already taken it off.He undid another two buttons on his silk shirt.‘You knew I wasn’t going to take you here,’ he shot back. ‘That’s why you kept provoking me.’Alessia shrugged, refusing to offer a comment.Her aloof attitude only served to further irk Logan.‘Alessia, whether or not you’re a virgin is irrelevant. I couldn’t care less about that,’ he declared, his words carrying a raw honesty. ‘And just so you know, I’m no cherry boy myself.’Alessia’s stunned silence filled the air, her mind struggling to process his revelation.She searched his face for any sign of deception, but the unwavering conviction in his gaze left her captivated.In that moment, her perception of the domineering, presumptuous billionaire CEO shattered, replaced by a vulnerable man who had faced his own complexities.A sudden urge overwhelmed Alessia, a desire to shed her own layers of deception and lay bare her truth
Logan made a noncommittal sound in his throat, still busy with his lamb shanks, pleasantly surprised by its rich flavours.With his fork, he gestured for her to continue.Alessia carried on, ‘Our readership is growing every day, and we have a loyal following of readers who are interested in the latest news and gossip. We also have the ability to target specific segments of the population, which can be very beneficial for companies like Wilde Enterprises. Our readership is primarily made up of young adults and millennials, who are interested in entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle news. We also have a strong following among women—’Logan, after taking a final sip of his mango lassi, abruptly cut her off, ‘I must say, your discernment in picking restaurants far surpasses that of your judgement of a good workplace.’‘What do you mean?’ Alessia frowned.‘I have no interest in doing business with a tabloid,’ Logan said.A flicker of irritation sparked in Alessia’s eyes, her patience teste
Logan leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. ‘Oh, I believe it will get me exactly where I want to be.’Before she could respond, Logan reached out to touch her cheek, his fingers trailing gently over her skin.Alessia’s breath caught in her throat, but she quickly composed herself.‘Remove your hand,’ she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.Logan only smiled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. ‘What if I don’t?’In one swift move, Alessia grabbed his hand and scratched the back of it, hard enough to draw blood.Logan hissed in pain.‘You asked for it,’ she said.Logan finally withdrew his hand. ‘You are a feisty one, aren’t you?’Reaching for a piece of tissue paper, Alessia wiped the blood from his hand, her heart pounding in her chest.Finally, she got his blood, a sample of his DNA—mission accomplished!Logan watched her move curiously.Alessia, keeping a straight face, folded the tissue paper carefully and tucked it into her pocket.***Saturday morni
Alessia’s apprehension grew.Had her son asked more than he was letting on?She studied the boy’s face intently, but Milo’s cunning expression didn’t waver.He playfully teased her, ‘Don’t worry, Mommy, the doctor’s got it under control. We’ve waited for so long, what’s a few more weeks?’Unease gnawed at Alessia, but she decided to trust Milo’s innocence and brushed off her concerns, thinking, ‘Maybe I’m just overthinking.’They rejoined Veronica, heading off to the amusement park.When Alessia went to the bathroom, Veronica turned her attention to her young nephew. ‘You got your blood drawn, kiddo? Did it hurt?’Milo smirked, his eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of purpose. ‘A little, Aunt Veronica. But hey, if this means I might finally have a dad, I can tough it out.’‘Your dad?’ Veronica’s eyes widened in surprise.Milo nodded, not holding anything back. ‘Yeah, my mom found my long-lost father in this massive sea of people. She must’ve gotten his DNA sample for testing!’‘Wha
Alessia activated the voice-recording app on her phone, ensuring that every word spoken between Lara and Jeramy would be documented as evidence.As she listened to their conversation, her heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and vindication.The truth was unravelling before her, and she was determined to bring the deception to light.The conversation she overheard was explosive, filled with accusations, denials, and demands.‘It would have made a good story for the paper,’ she thought to herself wryly.Lara sounded frustrated. ‘You can’t deny it, Jeramy! I saw you ogling Alessia at the office. It’s insulting!’Jeramy was defensive. ‘What? No, Lara, you’re mistaken! I wasn’t ogling her. You know how I feel about you.’‘I’m not buying it, Jeramy! We’ve been together for years, and you’re still holding back. When are you going to divorce Wilda and commit to me?’‘It’s not that simple, Lara. Wilda controls everything, and she’s got me on a tight leash. I need time to figure things out
As the taxi approached the location, the imposing sign of the hotel came into view.The Twilight Inn stood tall with a sophisticated and opulent façade, its name glowing in golden letters against the night sky.Its reputation as a clandestine meeting place for secret affairs added an air of mystery to its allure.Couples—some married, but mostly illicit—seeking seclusion and romance often sought refuge within its luxurious walls, making it a perfect setting for the unfolding drama of Lara and Jeramy’s tryst.As Alessia arrived at the scene, her eyes immediately fell on Logan’s sleek Bentley parked nearby.The luxurious car exuded an aura of elegance and power, befitting the man who sat inside.Dressed all in black, Logan looked dangerous and charming, his dark attire accentuating his striking features.Alessia climbed into the Bentley, settling into the plush backseat, ready to face whatever awaited them.Logan informed her that they were early, and Wilda had not yet arrived.Instead
Alessia’s eyes narrowed. ‘You can’t be serious.’Logan leaned in closer to her. ‘I’m always serious, Alessia. And I know you want to kiss me too.’Alessia quipped back, ‘Sure, if you don’t mind tasting garlic. I had it for dinner.’Logan didn’t seem the least bit deterred.‘I’ll take my chances,’ he said cheekily.Alessia pushed away his face, exclaiming, ‘You’re shameless!’Despite the banter and teasing, she couldn’t help but feel a warmth growing between them, an unspoken connection that both intrigued and frightened her.Growing impatient, Alessia wondered aloud where Wilda was.Logan reassured her, ‘Don’t worry, give her some time. She lives on the other side of the city.’Alessia raised an eyebrow.‘How do you know that?’ she asked.Logan simply smiled enigmatically. ‘I know a lot of things, Alessia.’‘Logan!’ A booming voice from behind startled them both.Alessia turned to see a man standing there, a sight to behold.He was in his late twenties or early thirties, with a striki
Both Alessia and Logan turned their heads, their eyes fixed on the figure of a woman stepping out of a car—Wilda, the woman whose life was about to be turned upside down.Wilda Chavez exuded an air of sophistication and opulence that made it hard for Alessia to imagine her as the lecherous Jeramy’s wife.She wore an expensive designer dress, a stunning creation by a renowned fashion house that cost a small fortune.Her shoes were equally luxurious, adorned with signature red soles that screamed exclusivity and extravagance.Her jewellery sparkled under the city lights, each piece meticulously selected to showcase her affluent lifestyle.A stunning diamond necklace, a pair of dazzling earrings, and a wrist adorned with a platinum watch completed her exquisite ensemble.Her makeup was flawless, created by a celebrity artist known for charging exorbitant fees to the rich and famous.Her lips were painted with a shade of red so rare that it seemed to be custom-made just for her.Alessia c
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