Alina's Pov I woke up to the soft beep of the heart machine and bright white lights blinding me, making me scowl. The headache came back, although it wasn't as intense as earlier. I was on a hospital bed and a nurse was beside me, scribbling something on the paper attached to the clip file as she continued checking my vitals I assumed. “What happened?” I croaked out. “Nervous breakdown. How are you feeling now?” I tried to sit up after she explained. “I'm not sure. Drained, maybe?” The throbbing in my head began to intensify. “That's expected. Now what stressed you out?” She gave me a comforting look. “Just… stuff.” “It's not just stuff if it makes you land in a hospital. Anyways, you need to take better care of yourself. Your son has been crying sick since the past few hours.” “Hours?” That alarmed me. Where was Asher? Shit he would have been so worried! “Where is he? How long was I out?” “Don't worry. He's fine outside with your friend. And you were out for almost 5 hours no
Theodore's Pov“She won't marry you!” I boomed barging in the room without permission. I had been eavesdropping for long enough to know everything about the engagement being a fucking misunderstanding by one this crazy bat shit’s fans. And although that put me to some rest, his next words had me burning in rage once again. The fucker had the audacity to ask my Alina to marry him in front of me? As if he could. I should've listened to my provocative thoughts and just punched him the moment I saw him in the hospital aisle rushing to her room with Thea. We had an intense eye contact which Elliot broke first because Asher suddenly distracted us and and hopped onto him with his fluff greeting of him missing his favorite uncle. It honestly broke my heart to see my son so close to that fucker! I was supposed to be the one Asher should be welcoming like this.Not him! It was supposed to be me! Only me! But I was going to change everything very soon. There is no way I'm going to let that leach
Alina's Pov I had been going in and out of darkness every now and then. It was like this little breakdown had completely drained me out. I had no sense of my surroundings whatsoever. And the medicines weren't helping at all to keep me awake. But this time when I woke up, I saw myself in an oddly familiar room. But I couldn't wrap my head around it. I wasn't in the hospital room any longer. The bed I was lying on was awfully comfortable to my surprise. I sat up groaning, the ache in my body still there. I felt like I was literally 90 years old. That's how my bones were aching and cracking against each other. Fuck, it felt like I was hit by a truck. Again. I sat up, trying to ease the pounding in my head when Asher burst into the room. I squinted my eyes to see him wearing a super suit and cape, holding what seemed like a superman action figure. What? “Mummy! Look! I'm superman,” he gleamed, running for the couch in the corner and started jumping on it. “Asher. Get down. What are
Alina's Pov“What do you mean I can't leave!?” I hissed, meeting his eyes with confidence. Who does he think he is ordering me Iike that? “I mean you will be staying here from now on,” he explained confidently. “Bullshit. I'm going home,” I got off the bed and looked for my phone, except I couldn't find it. “This is your home Alina. This is my son's home. And yours,” I ignored his words and continued to search for my phone. It had to be with me. What if… I passed to see Theodore standing casually with his hands in his pockets, looking a little stressed out at the current situation. Although he was trying his best to maintain his calm. “No! This isn't. I will not live here. Neither will Asher. And where the hell is my phone?” His hand disappeared into the pocket of his pants before he pulled out my phone from it. “Right here,” I closed the distance between and tried to snatch the phone out of his hands. But only if I could. The bastard pulled his hand up in the air so I couldn't r
Alina’s PovI was given no choice. Like every time. Theodore explained in detail the consequences if I wouldn't move in with him since practically, I was his employee who signed her own death certificate in the name of a contract. Plus, the very employee was also the mother of his undeniable son. I mean, I knew no one would believe he wasn't his. But it was worth a try. Plus, the pressure of the conversation that had to unfold between me and my son about who his dad was nailing down on my head for the last few hours. I sighed, gazing out of the window from the guest room of his mansion I was currently in when a knock was heard on the door. “Come in.”Asher came barreling in through the door, jumping on the bed instantly, taking a spot beside me as Theodore entered behind him, pushing a trolly full of food. “Look mummy, we made dinner for you. Uncle Theodore said you need healthy food since you are sick. I did most of the job cooking. He only helped a little,” Asher spoke proudly, cro
Alina's Pov “Oh,” was all Asher said. “That's all you have to say baby?” My forehead creased, not knowing what he was thinking. He was in very deep thought. “So…” Asher dragged on, “he hurt you?” I didn't say anything and kept looking at his face. “And you cry at night because of him?” I gave a very subtle nod. “What are you thinking so hard about?” I asked him. “I don't understand. He gave me everything I liked; ice-cream, superman suit, action figure. But why didn't he give you ice-cream? Did he not have money at that time? Yeah I think that's it. Mummy, he might not have enough money to buy you ice cream. I'm sure he didn't want to hurt you,” I looked at him appalled. My boy really thought this was about ice cream? I mean what did I even expect of a child who doesn't even go to school yet. “I can talk to him. And he can apologize to you. I know he will listen to me.” I knew he would obviously listen to his own child too. “And then I can make him buy you ice cream also. Then y
Alina's Pov I saw Theodore's eyes go wide as his jaw dropped, probably caught off guard by Asher's question. He truly looked amazed but also in a haze of awe where he couldn't believe his world that this was actually happening. Like Asher was finally acknowledging him as his dad. Something that his eyes said, he had wished for a very long time and was looking forward to. “You..you really mean that?” Maybe I was mistaken, but I heard Theodore choked on his breath a little bit as he asked Asher. Asher nodded rather enthusiastically in return since Theodore had pretty much won him over using his favorite superhero, which I couldn't deny was a very good strategy on his part. “Yes! Mommy told me you are my daddy!” Asher smiled with his teeth on display. Theodore looked baffled as his head whipped towards me as if to confirm what Asher had said was really true. I decided to say nothing in reply, but nonetheless it gave him the answer he wanted. He looked grateful. But I didn't want to
Alina's Pov “Please, please tell me you said no! Please?” I sighed as Thea screeched out her concern, making me slightly wince at how loud she was. But I couldn't really blame her. The reaction was expected with the sudden news I broke. “I signed the contract. He used it against me,” I sighed, explaining my hands were pretty much tied up. “This bastard! He thinks he can just separate the two of us just like that? Well he is mistaken. No way in hell are you moving out!” Thea stood to her feet, her hands finding her hips angrily as she stomped her foot thinking of possible ways to get me out of the situation. “I've already thought about it, Thea. I don't have a choice. Once again.” I honestly hated that everytime I promised myself I would stay away from these problems, the more I found myself getting caught up in them. It was ridiculously annoying. “Wait, so you and Asher….you guys are just going to leave me? Just like that?” Thea sulked, dropping the bed and I could hear her voic
Alina's Pov 2 years later “Are you crazy?” Thea yells barging into my office. “I can't believe you are doing this today out of all days!” I ignored her, continuing to type furiously on my laptop. I got used to her barging into the publishing house every second day and complaining about something or the other. It's what made her Thea. Yes I had taken over the publishing house and now became a successful Author and owner of this business. Theodore was utterly proud of all the hard work and my achievements and finally after a year, I got my reward of becoming the bestseller. I had only ever imagined it in my dreams, so living it felt surreal. “Bruh! We are going to be late for the signing!” Thea shut my laptop, making me sigh. Why did I hire her as my manager once again? Yeah, to keep me on track. And she was just doing her job, I reminded myself and killed the urge to slap her. She loved her job by the way. She said it was thrilling. “I was in the middle of a very important sc
Alina's Pov I did it. I signed the last contract. Was it selfish of me to do that? Maybe. So I regret it? No. Because I wasn't going to take another chance in my life because at first, it was just me. But now, my son is also involved. No one in the world would I allow anyone to be unjust to him. So I did it for his sake. Call me a gold digger or whatever, but I had to protect my son's future before anything. As I stood in the kitchen, absently stirring my coffee, the events of last night replayed in my mind with startling clarity. Theodore and I had been lying on the cool garden grass, the stars glittering like diamonds above us. It was one of those rare, serene moments where the world seemed to pause just for us.I remember the hesitation in Theodore's voice as he turned to me, his eyes reflecting the night sky. "Alina," he began slowly, "I don't want you to feel pressured into answering this, but I've been wondering... If I hadn't done the things I did in the past, do you think yo
Theodore's PovI was buried in paperwork, the soft hum of my office providing a soothing backdrop as I reviewed a critical document. The numbers were lining up, and for once, it seemed like the day might end without any surprises. Just as I was about to finish, my phone rang, jolting me from my concentration.I glanced at the screen. It was Daniel. Strange, I thought, answering the call. "Hey, Daniel. What's up?""Where are you!?" Daniel’s voice was urgent, almost frantic."I'm at the office. Why?" I responded, my confusion growing."And Alina? Where is she? And Asher?" "They're supposed to be at home. Why? What's wrong?" "Nathan has gotten bail! Last according to my sources, he's going towards your penthouse!" Daniel's words sent a chill down my spine. I didn't waste a second. Slamming the phone down, I bolted from my office, my heart pounding in my chest. The drive to the penthouse was a blur. All I could think about was getting to Alina and Asher before Nathan did.As I neared t
Alina’s PovThe sun was shining brilliantly, casting a golden hue over the park as I spread out the picnic blanket. Asher was already dashing off to join the other kids, his laughter filling the air. It was one of those perfect days that made you forget all your troubles, even if just for a moment.I unpacked the picnic basket, laying out sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. I watched Asher play, a smile tugging at my lips. Life had changed so much in the span of a few days. From grappling with the loss of my estranged father to deciding to take over the publishing house, it felt like I was finally stepping into my own.Theodore had been my rock through it all. His support, his unwavering belief in me, had given me the strength to face everything. And now, here I was, planning to start a new chapter, determined to make the most of the opportunities before me."Mommy, look!" Asher called out, holding up a flower he'd picked."It's beautiful, sweetie," I called back, waving at him.As the af
Alina's Pov As I opened the letter, I watched carefully as my heart was pounding in my chest. I unfold the paper with trembling hands and began to read. The silence in the car feeling heavy, each second stretching out as my eyes take in what was written. My Dearest Alina,If you are reading this, then my time has come, and I have departed from this world. There are no words that can truly express the remorse I feel for the pain and suffering I caused you. I know I was never the father you deserved. I was selfish, cruel, and neglectful, and I let my ambitions and grudges take precedence over my duties to you as a parent.Signing you away to Theodore was the most disgraceful thing I ever did. I justified it as a business decision, but deep down, I knew it was wrong. It was not until I was imprisoned that I began to see the full extent of my failures and the hurt I had inflicted on you. I asked you to visit, hoping to have the chance to make amends, to explain myself, and to beg for
Alina's Pov "How... when?"Theodore takes a step closer, his expression softening as he reaches for my hand again. "Earlier today," he says gently. "I'm so sorry, Alina."I feel a strange numbness wash over me, a mix of shock and disbelief. "I... I don't know what to say," I stammer, my voice breaking."It's okay," Theodore murmurs, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "Take your time."I cling to him, the weight of the news pressing down on me. The room fades into the background as I try to process the reality of my father's death, feeling Theodore's steady presence grounding me in the midst of my turmoil.I stand there, wrapped in Theodore's embrace, but all I feel is a strange, unsettling numbness. No sadness, no remorse, just a void where my emotions should be. The news echoes in my mind, but it feels distant, as if it's happening to someone else.I pull back slightly, looking up at Theodore. "I don't... I don't feel anything," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "I tho
Alina's PovAs I opened the door to the penthouse, Thea stood there with a huge grin, her arms loaded with bags of snacks and a couple of DVDs. It had been way too long since we'd had one of our legendary sleepovers."Thea! You made it!" I exclaimed, giving her a tight hug."Of course I did! Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, squeezing me back. "Where's my little man?""Asher! Aunt Thea's here!" I called out.Within seconds, a blur of curly hair and infectious energy came barreling towards us. Asher threw himself into Thea's arms, giggling wildly as she lifted him off the ground."I've missed you so much, buddy!" Thea said, spinning him around. Asher squealed with delight, his laughter filling the room."We've missed you too," I said softly, watching them with a smile.After settling in and catching up a bit, we gathered on the couch with a mountain of popcorn between us. Asher sat between Thea and me, his eyes wide with excitement as he looked at the stack of movies on the
Alina's Pov Cooking with Asher was always a delightful, messy adventure. This morning, he had insisted on helping me make pasta. At just four years old, he had a fiery determination and an eagerness to be involved in whatever I was doing. How could I say no to his bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm?“Okay, sweetheart, you can help Mommy,” I said, lifting him up to sit on the kitchen counter. His eyes sparkled with joy, and he clapped his tiny hands in excitement."Yay! I help Mama," he declared proudly.I set the ingredients out on the counter: a packet of pasta, a variety of spices, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Asher leaned forward, eyes wide, surveying the array of items before him. He reached for the spice jars, his small hands struggling a bit with the lids.“Let me help you with that, love,” I said, gently twisting off the cap of the oregano for him. “This is oregano. Smell it. Isn’t it wonderful?”Asher took a big whiff and scrunched up his nose, making a face that m
Alina's Pov Without breaking the kiss and having his hand wrapped around me, he effortlessly walked to the other side of the decoration and it was only then I noticed a beautiful pastel tent decorated with fairy lights waiting for us. “What are you—” my words were silenced as his lips captured mine in a fervent kiss. The world around us disappeared. His hands slid up my sides, pulling me closer as I deepened the kiss, our tongues tangling in a dance of raw need. My soft lips yielded to his, and I clutched his shoulders, pulling him even closer. The intensity of the moment consumed us, our breaths mingling, my gasps fueling his desire. He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek as I tilted my head, exploring his mouth with a hunger I couldn’t contain. My fingers threaded through his hair, tugging gently. Every touch, every caress was electric, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing second. I could feel my heart pounding against his chest,