Azek’s POV “Pain! So much pain "I yelled. The pain I felt grew more intense as the minutes flew by. My pledge and oath to never allow my family to get hurt again was the only thing fuelling my endurance. This is my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove to Mia that I was all she needed to have a good life. As I got hit by that bullet the pain was nothing compared to the thought of losing my family. As I drove the car, my vision became bloody, my mind was constantly fighting my body not to give out before I could get Mia and the kids to safety. All I could hear was Mia and the boys crying, their tears made me more determined. “Azek please stop your bleeding, let me get help” Mia's words sounded like a fading call to make me falter and fail in my quest to protect my family. “Don't worry my love, I will get you and the kids to safety” I said in my mind. She didn't see the determination I had to get to safety. Even if I died I would die a happy and fulfilled man cause I knew I prote
Mia’s POV“Azek are you okay?” I had to ask him because he wasn't looking okay. He just stared at me and the kids, mute and silent. I found this awkward. Was he okay? I asked myself. I watched him closely for some time and it dawned on me that Azek didn't recognize me nor the kids.I didn't believe it at first as it felt like a weird thought but the more I observed him, the more he acted strange. My heart was filled with gratitude and joy, seeing my kids and my entire family reunite. Azek had put his life on the line to make sure we all were safe. It was several hours after the gunfight and Azek’s operation, I suddenly remembered that he must be hungry. As he hasn't eaten anything since the day began. “What would you like to eat Azek, can I get you anything?” I asked him. He just stared at me and was completely mute. No reaction or sound. I waved my hands at him trying to break the stare but he didn't. I flicked my fingers but he still stared at me like he was a statue or somethin
Mia’s POVThe minutes felt like eternity, as I sat with Liam and Lewis by my side. Azek would be fine! I repeatedly said in my mind. Repeating those words gave me a sense of hope and courage. Azek can't just leave me with the kids and all the evil of this world, he needs to come back. This turn of events plagued my mind with horrible thoughts. After a while, a nurse came out to the reception area. I recognised her, she was one of the nurses handling Azek. I immediately got up and walked towards her. “Please what are the results of the brain scans?” I asked with a feeble tone. She had a worried look on her face and she let out a deep sigh. “The results are still undergoing evaluation. Once they are cleared the doctor will relay the result to you. Please ma’am be calm and patient and let us do our jobs” the nurse said softly. Her words were intended to calm me down but instead, it increased the anxiety I was running away from. I walked back to my seat, Liam once again said my facial
Mia’s POVAs I walked in, documents and papers were scattered all over the table, the room well-lit and occupied with cabinets and shelves. Was he looking for something? I asked myself. “Please forgive my untidied office, being all over the place for some days now” he said to me as he noticed I was scanning the room. He offered me a seat, his voice had a feeling of urgency and seriousness. I took my seat and looked at him. She ran through a bit of details and information they had gotten from some of the hoodlums they captured at the gunfight. “We need your statement so we can compare and contrast with the information we've gotten so far. So please can you do a little but detailed recap on what happened at the exchange?” he said to me in a very serious tone. I began the tale from when I got the phone call to come get my kids down to the point the kids were released and they tried to shoot at me when I fled with the kids. As I spoke I realized how heavy my words were. Each word fe
Mia’s POVHesitation gripped me as I got to the door of Azek’s ward. I stood there in fear of the uncertainty around Azek's condition. My entire being was tense and the tension took its spread into the atmosphere around where I stood. I must be strong and take anything news I get calmly. If Azek wasn't strong enough I needed to be strong for both of us. I said to myself, After a long battle with fear and anxiety, I opened the door and walked in. Nurses were all over Azek, I watched them fiddle with the machines that beeped loudly. The nurses left the room one after the other, till I was left with the head nurse who walked towards me and took a seat. I looked at Azek who laid peacefully in bed, it took all the strength in me to hold myself from crying. The nurse touched me and gave me a look of pity. “This is a bit heavy to say. But Mr Ford experienced a concussion from the impact of a grazing bullet to his skull” she spoke as softly as she could. Her words came to me with growing
Natalia’s POVThe indistinct chatter of hospital patients thundered down the hallway and into the room where Azek was on bed rest. Mia still sat there holding his hands like he could wake him up. She consistently brushed her fingers against his face. The burden and heavy weight of despair was written all over her face.As I watched Mia intensely, my phone rang. I threw a glance at the screen and saw a familiar number. It was my parents. My stomach twisted when the thought of how Mia would feel hit me. She had never wanted to be in contact with parents. The fear of her losing it gripped me and my chest crushed under the pressure of my anxiety. “Hello ?” I picked up the phone call and tried not to disturbed the tense silence in the room“Natalia?” a shaky old voice said from the other end of the line. The voice sounded even older than I can remember. “We saw the news, hope Mia is ok” my mum added. I was conflicted within me, the relationship between Mia and her foster parents had alwa
Chloe’s POV “You always mess things up, you can't make anything work once it's given to you” Amber yelled on the phone. She had called me to ask what was going on. I have been ignoring her calls for days because I already knew the outcome of the persistent calls. All she intended to do was to make me feel worthless.She had seen the news. And all she took was that my plan flopped, her next move was to call me and rain down all insults and degrading comments on me. “Look at you now hiding from the police like a rat,” Amber said more hurtful things. She has never been interested in my well-being. All she wanted was Azek's inheritance that she could get through me. Her words felt like a sharp dagger digging through my heart. The danger I was in didn't mean anything to her. Neither did she care that I was practically on the run. Her greed blinded her greatly and made her heart cold as iced. I held my phone tightly, clenching my teeth in anger. “This isn't over !” I yelled. Everything
Chloe's POV “This news could be an opportunity for me to get back on track,” I said to myself as I lay on the couch. If I could get back on track and pull off a new scheme, I could get Azek and get all his inheritance for myself and keep it without the greedy fingers of my mum in it. Some minutes ago, I had given up and accepted my fate as a failure. But this newfound determination drew me into a strange state of realization. My hand trembled and my head was heavy with thoughts all about my current situation. The adrenaline that flowed and filled my blood now made the danger I was in feel like a challenge. A new scheme was taking form in my head, Mia was the only thing standing in my way. Once I could get rid of her I would have my direct access to Azek. Even if Amber did t first or believe me, I would show her that life has endless possibilities. I paced around the small room as I ransacked my brain for ideas causing the turbine in my head to turn faster to come up with the perfe
Reed looked up, his eyes ablaze with determination."I'll make it right," he promised.I smiled. "I know you will."We sat down to dinner, the initial uncomfortable silence giving way to halting conversation. Reed shared stories of his rehabilitation and growth, his struggles and triumphs. Natalie's laughter filled the room, music to my ears. Azek's quiet strength provided a steady anchor.I watched Reed watching Natalie, hopeful, believing in second chances redemption, and love. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but together, we'd face it.The tension dissipated as dinner progressed, replaced by warmth and camaraderie. Reed's eyes never left Natalie's face, his gaze filled with adoration. Natalie's smile softened, her eyes sparkling with amusement.Azek broke the spell by clearing his throat. "So, Reed, what's next?" Reed became thoughtful. "I need to atone, prove myself. I find work and start volunteering. whatever it takes." Daniel nodded. His expression was approving. "That's a g
Natalie's P.O.V.As we sat to discuss the aftermath of the consequences, Reed's desperate plea kept replaying in my head. "Wait for me, Natalie." Each word echoed in my brain, reminding me of the promise that I had made to him.Mia broke into my thoughts. "Do you think he's capable of changing?" Her brow was furrowed with worry.I clenched my teeth, unsure. "I want to believe it's possible," I said at last.Azek's face had turned contemplative. "People can change, Nat," he said. "But it takes work. And Reed's got a long way to go."Daniel nodded in agreement. "He's got to prove himself, not just to you, but to all of us."I nodded, knowing they were right. Reed's journey to redemption wasn't going to be easy.As the conversation continued, I could only but find myself in the grip of every word dropping from her lips and wondering about his future. Was he going to succeed in his quest to be a better man?Or would he fail at it, lose his chance, and never redeem himself?The uncertainty
Natalie's POV I slid into the passenger seat, Daniel's eyes catching mine in the rearview mirror."Still in love with a criminal, huh?" he said, heavy on the sarcasm.I felt a flush rise to my cheeks."That's not fair, Daniel," I said, my voice sure.Daniel's eyes crinkled at the corners."I'm just keeping it real, Nat," he said. "Reed's got a lot to answer for."I sighed."I know," I said. "But I need to understand why."Daniel's expression softened."All right, I understand," he said. "But promise me one thing.""What?" I asked."Promise me you'll keep your guard up," Daniel said, his eyes serious.I nodded."I will."The ride to the prison was dead silent as my mind created images of Reed.What was it that had driven him to such decisions?And would I ever truly, fully forgive him?We pulled up and Daniel cut the engine off."You ready?" he asked.I took a deep breath in."Yeah."Daniel walked beside me, his silent presence that of someone who'd be there whatever happened.We move
Mia's P.O.V.Later, I went to prison and met Chloe. "Chloe, I have news. "What is it?" she asked."I'm pregnant," I said Chloe's face softened. "Congratulations, Mia.""I forgive you, Chloe," I said.Chloe's eyes welled up. "I'm going to be an aunt."As I walked out, finally there was closure. A new chapter unfolded for all of us – with love, forgiveness, and a growing family.Azek's lips brushed mine. "We're in this together.""Forever," I replied.Inspector Thompson conveyed congratulations on my pregnancy."Well, congratulations, ma'am."I smiled and said, "Thank you, Inspector.""When will my sister be parole-eligible?""In five to seven years, given that she has cooperated and her behavior has been good," he said.I nodded, wrapping my mind around the timeline."What of Reed?"Reed will do a bit more time since he's an accessory to the crime," Inspector Thompson explained. Azek wrapped arms around me. "Alright?""Chloe will be eligible for parole in five to seven years," I
Mia's Pov Today was the day of Chloe and Reed's hearing. By now, Azek was fully recovered and stood beside me, his hand clasped tightly around mine as we stood outside the courthouse. The morning sun cast a gold glow.Liam and Lewis were clinging to Natalie, their small hands clasped in hers. "Mommy, what is happening today?" Liam queried. I squatted beside them. "Today, Chloe and Reed will be sentenced," I told them. Lewis's eyes went wide. "Will they go to jail?" I nodded. "Yes, baby. They will."Natalie's face went hard. "They need to suffer for what they did." Azek's jaw flexed. "They will." As we started to enter the courtroom, Chloe and Reed scrambled to get themselves prepared. Chloe finally looked at me, a fire of anger and desperation in her eyes. Reed simply cast his face down, shame etched on it.Bang. The gavel fell, and with it, the room fell silent. "This court is now in session." The prosecutor stood, outlining the charges: kidnapping, conspiracy, treason. The evidence
---------Mia's POV I felt my world crumble as Azek's body hit the floor. "No! Azek!" I screamed, Lewis, clinging to me in terror.Daniel rushed to Azek's side, his face ashen. "He's been hit!"Inspector Thompson barked orders, securing the area. "Get a medic in here, now!"Rachel's voice came through the comms device, laced with panic. "Azek, no! Hang in there!"I dropped to my knees, clutching Azek's head in my lap. "Stay with me," I begged, as tears streamed down my face.Azek's eyes flickered open, his gaze locking onto mine. "Mia. Lewis. Safe?" he whispered.I nodded, doing my best to choke back a sob. "We're safe. You saved us."A faint smile crossed his lips. "I'll always. protect you."The medic charged in skillfully checking over the wound on Azek's side. "We need to get him to the hospital, now."They rushed Azek away, and I clung to Lewis as my heart broke.Daniel's arm went around me, his voice barely above a whisper. "He'll pull through, Mia. He has to."I nodded, unable
Mia's POV My heart stopped as I stared into Liam, my face a mask of horror."A bomb," Daniel whispered, his eyes bulging in terror. "They've strapped a bomb to him."Azek went white. "Get away from him, Mia."But I was frozen on the spot. My child, my innocent Liam, was standing before me, a ticking time bomb strapped to his chest.Reed laughed hysterically in the warehouse. "You'll never leave this place alive."Kuznetsov's voice was laced with malice. "The programming includes a self-destruct mechanism. Anyone tries to remove the bomb, it detonates."Inspector Thompson's voice was steady and calm as it came through the comms device. "Bomb squad, move in. We need a defusal expert, now."Liam's eyes locked on mine, a faint glimmer of recognition flickering."Mom," he whispered, his voice barely audible.Tears streamed down my face. "Liam, baby, hold on."Daniel slowly made his way over to Liam, his hands held out. "Liam, don't move. We're going to get you out of this."Azek's eyes ne
Mia's POV As we left the hospital, the weight of the note settled heavily in my mind. "You'll never find them." Reed's taunting words echoed through my thoughts, fueling my determination. Azek's hand remained wrapped around mine, a steady anchor amid chaos."We'll find them," he repeated, his eyes detecting, I knew, my skepticism. "Reed thinks he's smart, but he's left trails. We'll follow them to wherever it takes us."Inspector Thompson nodded in assent. "We'll go through every shred of evidence, every possible connection that there might be. We will leave nothing unturned."Daniel fell into step beside us, peering at his phone. "I have a lead on Reed's financials. He has been siphoning money to an offshore account."Azek's grip on my hand tightened. "That is our first break. Let us see where it takes us."The investigation was taking shape, but the more the hours passed, the more anxious I felt. Where were Liam and Lewis? Were they scared? Were they safe?As we approached Azek's c
Mia's POV My phone rang, shrill in the tight atmosphere. "Mia, it's the hospital," the nurse said. "Natalie's awake. You should come." I turned to Azek. "Natalie's awake. I need to go." Azek nodded. "I'll come with you." He informed Inspector Thompson, "I'm leaving to see Natalie. Keep me updated." Then he told Daniel, "Stay with the inspector, in case anything comes up."We raced to Natalie's room at the hospital. "Natalie," I whispered, clutching her hand. Her eyes fluttered open. "Mia. Azek.""What happened?" Azek asked; his voice was laden with concern. Natalie's gaze drifted, remembering the events. "Reed. he came. Took the kids." she stuttered. The look of shock widened Azek's eyes, and I felt like I'd been punched."Reed?" I echoed in disbelief. Natalie's voice shook. "I tried to stop him. but he overpowered me." Azek's face went white. "Why Reed?" he whispered. Natalie's tears began to fall. "I don't know. He said something about teaching you a lesson."My mind was reeling. R