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
Azek's POV I heard Reed ask the question, I was going to ask the same thing but then he beat me to it. I looked at him and then at the boys and I could see he had a really weird expression on his face. I tapped him on the shoulder and then he walked up to the boys and held Lewis's hand."I'm sorry, I know we are strangers and you don't know us. I'm just trying to make sure you both get to your mother safe and sound. So I ask again, who is your mother? Where is she and where are you both off to?" Reed asked and Liam pointed to a supermarket by the roadside. Lewis then nodded his head in confirmation of what his brother just said. He looks like the one who will never agree to lie no matter what someone does."We were going over to the other side to check out some toys. I was going to see if the toy was not too expensive before asking mummy to buy it. We don't want her spending too much money on things that aren't necessary. As my brother said, we don't have a daddy so mummy is the only
Mia's POV "The kids have been found in the supermarket, the cashier just called me now. I told you we are going to find them right? Come on let's get going now," the head butler said and I have never felt more relieved in my life. I cannot believe my kids have been found, I was already on the verge of losing my mind I didn't even know what to do at all. I stood there motionless for a while and Jessica came to me, she also had been crying as she felt guilty for not looking after the kids. I wiped away her tears and held her hand as we followed after the head butler to go look for the kids at the supermarket. We got there and they were seated in the back seat, they both looked so tired. My eyes stung with tears and I didn't even have the heart to get mad or yell at them. I ran to them and pulled them into my arms, I was so scared that I was still trembling. I have never been so vulnerable and helpless in my entire life."Liam! Lewis! Where did you both go? I was so scared that I won'
Azek's POV I checked the toys in my hands and I was so happy that I bought them. I'm sure with this, the kids will be happy and who knows? Their mother might be there already, I waited for the lady beside me to walk out first. I'm carrying a lot of things and I don't want to keep her waiting. Finally, I was able to cross to the other side and then I got to the supermarket. I was about to open the door when I saw Reed come out of there."You might want to return those stuff, they left," Reed said and I frowned, I have no idea what he's even talking about. I looked inside the supermarket and truly there are no signs of the boys there."What do you mean by gone? Did their mother come for them already?" I asked and he nodded his head, I felt really bad as my efforts were watered down just like that. I dropped the toys on the floor with my hand on the chest."Did you get to see her? What did she look like?" I asked and Reed frowned as he walked away. I carried the stuff again and followed
Mia's POV Finally, it's a day to the long-awaited event, I have been running around this past week with little or no rest and today I finally get to have some rest. The boss got a voucher for everyone to visit the spa and that is exactly what I need right now. I don't know why everyone says he's wicked but he seems like a nice person to me. Even though it's still kind of weird that I'm unable to see him, it's been two weeks since I began working here and I'm still yet to see my employer. That's about the weirdest thing ever. I sat there waiting for the maid who would be coming over to take care of the boys. With the stunt they pulled on me last week at the supermarket, there's no way I'm taking them with me on this one again. "Good morning Chef Mendez," the maid greeted and I smiled at her, even though I was a little bit curious as to the reason why she was not going to the spa with the rest of us. I decided not to say anything, there's no way I'm going to ruin things for myself.
Mia's POV The lady came into the VIP section and I was forced to open my eyes to see who the person was, I was shocked as soon as I saw who the person was. I couldn't believe my eyes before I could say anything. She was already in my presence hugging me."Mia, I can't believe you didn't tell me you are now back in the country. How could you do that to me?" Lily asked and I was almost moved to tears, seeing her brings back the memories of the things that have happened to me so far and that I've faced, I honestly can't believe my luck. I guess this is the way I will be running into everyone that I know."Oh Lily, I'm so sorry I didn't put a call through to you," I said and we hugged each other so tightly. *****"I can't believe this is you I'm seeing in flesh and blood. This is you Mia but I'm so hurt that you didn't reach out to me as soon as you came into the country. We are supposed to be friends for goodness sake and I also helped you escape from Azek, I think that should count fo
Mia's POV I got home and I was really bothered about everything I heard from Lily, there's no way she was telling the truth about me. She probably has the whole thing mixed up, why will he go crazy looking for me? He doesn't even care about me in any way. This is the most contradicting thing I will ever hear in my life honestly. "Mummy, you are back already." Lewis was the one that ran to me, I carried him up and kissed him on the cheek. There's no way I'm going to allow my kids to know about their father even though I'm already having second thoughts about the whole thing. I shook my head to take the thoughts off my head, I'm already allowing the things she said to get to me. I should not do that, I thought to myself and sighed. "Mummy, are you okay?" Lewis asked me and I nodded my head."Yes darling, I'm more than fine. How can I not be when I have you here with me? No way's going to happen, never." I said and kissed Lewis on the cheek, he giggled happily. "Hey Mom, here we made
Mia's POV I looked at myself in the mirror and I could barely recognize myself at all. The makeup artist did a really good job, the last time I had this kind of beautiful work done on myself was on my wedding day with Azek. Something I wished never happened but then again, I'm glad that it happened because I would never have been able to give birth to my boys if not for him. And I'm thankful for them every day. I tried the gown yesterday and it was absolutely beautiful, I really can't wait to wear it again, now that I think about it. If a staff like me is looking this beautiful for the event, I wonder what the guests will look like. My boss must truly be the richest man in this country cause there's no other explanation for his generosity towards me in this manner."You look really beautiful Chef Mendez, you look like a bride," Jessica said and I was forced to smile, Jessica does have a way with words I have to give that to her. "Thank you, Jessica, the makeup and the dress are ind
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