Azek's POV I stood still as I sat on the office chair, I've not been able to get the thought of her off my head since I got to the office this morning. She's the only thing I've been doing, thinking about her is the only thing I've achieved today. I didn't even realize that I was open until I heard the door close and I cringed as I stood up to see for myself who the person was."You look like shit, is it just me, or you have not been having a good enough sleep. That is so bad my darling cousin." He said and I scoffed."I'm not in a good mood Reed, you don't want to anger me more. I'm already sure of that." I said and he nodded his head."Don't push your luck, cousin, you should know by now that getting on your nerves is one of the easiest and my favorite thing to do in the world. So now tell me, how is Mia doing and how was the first meeting after so many years? I'm sure you both had a terrific reunion, I can see the reason why you didn't sleep well. Why didn't I think about all of t
Azek's POV "What nonsense are you even saying? What do you mean by that? Do you know how stressful it would be to cook for that many people?" Reed asked and I chuckled. "You seem to be more concerned for my wife than me. Anyways, I don't mean she's going to cook all of that food by herself. She's going to have some help of course but, those people are the ones to do the cooking. She will be there to give the recipes and those things that chefs do." I said and Reed nodded his head."Well that sounds like a good idea but are you sure? Especially as she doesn't even know that you are the one behind this whole thing. Will she be willing to do the cooking?" Reed asked me and I smiled as I nodded my head. "Of course, you don't have to worry about all of that. I have everything all under control so you don't have to worry about any of those things." I said to him and we both laughed over it."I will be on my way out now, let me know when you finally show yourself to her. I would like to h
Mia's POV I sat there on the couch as I didn't have anything to do, I was just there staring into the air. Jessica said she was going to do something and then come back to be with me. Since she's my maid and has been assigned to me, she doesn't do anything apart from being with me all the time, lucky her.I brought out my phone as I contemplated calling Lily, she's the one I stayed with while I was here after I left the Ford mansion. I'm skeptical because I don't want anyone knowing I'm back in town especially as I'm trying my best to avoid my ex-husband. I don't want to have to encounter him, and also for the sake of my kids. I want them to keep a low profile as much as possible, I don't want their lives getting complicated because of my past. As soon as Azek gets to know that we have children together, I'm sure he will come here looking for them, and that is the last thing I want right now.Even though I'm yet to come up with the things that I'm going to tell my kids as they are a
Mia's POV I snatched the card from her and read the content. I was shocked to see that the reason he sent all of this was because of me being sick. I frowned because I'm not the person sick but my son, so what exactly is his deal now? I thought to myself. "What's in there? What did he write?" Jessica asked, I could see the curiosity written all over her face. She wants to know things, what a girl! Just like Lilian."Well the boss mixed things up, the letter says I should get well soon. And I'm allowed to take three days off, he thinks I'm the sick one here and not Lewis." I said and her eyes widened with shock. "What! All of this for someone who is sick? I need to get sick since that's the only ticket to all of these things. They all just work well and click." She said and I was even confused at the last thing she said. "You are crazy, aren't you?" I said and she giggled. I stood up and took one of the flowers to the room where Lewis was sleeping. Since he's the sick one. It's onl
Mia's POV I didn't know if it was my eyes deceiving me or if I was seeing the right thing. I have no idea what to think right now, I quickly rushed down the stairs to see for myself who the person was. I didn't see the face of the man. But when he turned, he looked exactly like Azek. And that is the way he walks as well.I got to the entrance of the main house and got inside, I have never entered here through the front door. I have always gone inside through the kitchen back door, I shook my head. My eyes must be playing tricks on me, it must be because I've been thinking about him for the past few days now. Azek lives quite far from here, I checked the address of this place before agreeing to come work here. I had to be sure the kids and I were not going to be seeing him or encountering anyone from that family. So how is it possible that the person I just saw now is my ex-husband? I must be dreaming, what the hell is wrong with me? I scolded myself. "Chef Mendez," the head butler
I could feel my eyes burn with tears, I sniffed so the tears would not drop and thankfully I was able to put my emotions under control and I did just that. I looked away as I stood up to go meet Liam, my son must have been hurt to speak like that. He's not the one to talk but I guess when he finally does, this is the outcome."Liam!" I called out as I knocked on the door but there was no response. He's probably so angry with me that he doesn't even want to speak to me."Liam, I'm coming in okay?" I said and opened the door, I felt really sad and guilty the minute I saw him like that on the bed curled up in the corner. My palm immediately became sweaty as I had no idea what to use as an excuse to defend myself. All these years, I have succeeded in hiding them away from the world. But I guess my kids are not so little anymore and they are starting to ask for answers to a lot of things. I bent down on my knees and carried Liam into my arms, I remember when I had just given birth to him
Azek's POVI can feel my stomach rumble as I step out of the car, I spoke to Reed this morning and we both agreed to meet each other at this restaurant to have breakfast and discuss the meal. Since Mia is sick, there's no way she will be able to prepare food. Besides, I'm already used to eating out.The manager of the restaurant was already there waiting to welcome me. He stood there with his head bowed as well as some waitresses. I simply walked into the restaurant without paying any attention to them."Good morning Master Ford, it's such an honor to have you here in our restaurant dine here this morning. It's such a great privilege, we do not take this for granted in any way." He said but I only waved my hand at him, I'm not interested in anything he's saying. All I want to do is eat my food, get to the company, and bury myself in work like I always do. I was escorted to the VIP section where I'm sure Reed was already waiting for me, I got there and shook my head."You could not eve
Azek's POV "Liam, are you sure we should do this? We are going to need to cross the road to go over to the other side, and I don't want to do that. Mummy is going to be mad at us when she finds out we left the supermarket. And she will be more mad when she finds out we crossed over to the other side." Lewis said and Liam slapped his hand over his forehead like a frustrated old man."Can you stop being like this? You need to be brave if you are ever going to do some things and going over there is one of them." Liam said trying to convince his brother but Lewis seemed to be reluctant to do anything. He's not as brave as his brother and honestly, he doesn't wish to be. Being brave is scary and he doesn't like that."What are you so busy looking at? We should head to the company already, let's get the meeting done with so I go crash at home. Azek are you even listening....." He was saying but I shut him up."Shhhh," I said and Reed was wondering what was happening, he could see me lookin
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