Lizzy arrived at the mansion late in the morning, I told her not to come early because I didn't want her to encounter Azek. As much as I don't like what's happening now, I do feel liberated and free. At least I'm no longer hiding from Azek because I now live with him. "Mia!" Lizzy screamed as soon as she saw me come out of the duplex to meet her on the way. I had the head butler pick her up at the bus station, that was the only way I could ensure she didn't get lost. I know how clumsy Lizzy can get, and she doesn't seem to acknowledge it no matter how much I point it out."Lizzy!" I also giggled excitedly as I moved away from the door and ran to hug her. I missed my friend, she was the only thing close to family that I ever had. After my parents changed towards me, I had to take up a job at the mart just to be able to get by and afford some things for myself. That was when I met Lizzy, and to think I separated from her for so many years just to avoid Azek is awful now that I think a
Azek's POV I've not been able to concentrate on anything since I resumed this morning. Everything has been nothing short of frustrating for me. And even though I pretend not to know the reason, I know it's because of my wife. She's the only person that can drive me crazy like this. I have to find a way to make her forgive me no matter what, I just have to try. It's the only thing that matters to me right now, I don't even care about work or all of those things. None of them made any sense to me right now, I was still contemplating what to do when my phone rang. I checked and it was the private investigator I hired to find out about the twins. He must have some news for me and it better be something good."Are they my children?" That was the question I asked him and I'm sure he must be shocked as well. I really can't help but be paranoid about this whole thing."Well I can't tell Mr Ford but, with the information you provided me and what I have here. The chances are high, I forwarded
Mia's POV Immediately I opened the door, I was shocked at the person I saw at the door. And here I am thinking he won't be bothering me anymore. Just who does he think he is to treat me like this? Coming here whenever it so pleases him, I frowned as I placed my hand over my chest. "What do you want now Azek? I'm not interested in any of your silly games this night so please leave me alone already." I said and slammed the door but he was fast enough to catch the door. As though he already predicted my move."Mia please wait, we can sort this out," Azek said and ran after me, but I was in no mood for his nonsense. I had so much fun today, the last thing I need right now is to end my day with a fight especially one with Azek."Mia, I'm begging and asking you to give me a chance to explain all that happened. I know my behaviour can't be excused but you have to at least let me say what I have to say. I've been looking for you for the past five years, I even went to great lengths to have
Azek's POV I heard what she said and I could feel the blood wipe off my face. I bet she's only saying that to cover up and make me mad, I walked close to her grabbing her by the hand. "Mia I know you are mad at me but please don't deprive me of spending time with my children, they are mine and I know it. I had a private investigator look things up and I discovered a few things. First, the kids and I have the same surname. Then secondly, you had them five months after you left. How then can you say they are not mine? That is not fair to them or to me, they have to know their father." I said already feeling angry myself."You had me looked up? How dare you do that? Just who the hell do you think you are to look into my life like that?" Mia asked yelling at me."You left me with no other choice Mia, you don't want to talk to me or give me the slightest chance to even explain myself to you," I said trying to get close to her but, she kept drawing back. "Why do you suddenly care about t
Mia's POV I woke up feeling down, I had such a short night and that was because Azek was very generous enough to ruin my day, and I'm going to kill him for that. I have no idea what to do now, I'm already tired of doing nothing and lying around like this. I heard a knock on the door and walked to the door dragging my feet. I'm already used to waking up so early because of my former job and now I don't know how to undo that."Good morning ma'am," Jessica greeted with her head bowed and I shook my head."You are not going to stop right?" I asked her and she smiled at me not saying anything, I guess I'm just going to have to get used to her addressing me like this no matter how much I try to stop her, she's going to continue addressing me as ma'am. Jessica came into the house and began her work, she went to the room first to see if the kids were sleeping and I felt grateful for her. She has helped me a lot since I began working here and I owe that to her. Soon I heard another knock on t
Mia's POV "Azek what the hell are you even doing? Let me go this minute, you don't have the right to hold me down like this. Leave this place right this minute," I said but he didn't seem to hear me, he wrapped his hand around me and drew me closer to him. He whispered something into my ear but I didn't hear anything he said."I didn't think I would be saying this, but I miss you, Mia. And I suffered so much after you left me, please forgive me. I have suffered enough already, I think that's enough punishment or don't you agree?" He asked me and I was taken aback by his words. As much as I refuse to believe him, I cannot help but feel the sincerity in his voice and the way he is speaking. I was finally able to get out of his grip and walked to the kitchen. I cannot stand him right now, Azek however followed after me. I opened the fridge and grabbed some milk there, I didn't want to speak with him, so I'm going to do everything possible to avoid him. Azek grabbed me and put my back a
Azek's POV We finished eating our food and I decided to come up with a discussion, I'm not sure Mia is going to like this but now is the best time to discuss the issue. "What do you think about going to the main house in the city?" I asked and Mia looked up at me with shock written all over her face but I made sure to ignore and pretend like I didn't see anything. I'm going to allow the kids to be the ones to determine that and I don't want Mia interfering in this at all."What in the world are you even saying? What house are you talking about?" She asked me and before I could come up with anything to say to her, the kids already said something. "Dad you mean to say you have another house in the city?" Lewis was the one that asked and I nodded my head in response to him. I dropped the spoon in my hands and looked at him."There's one thing I would like for you both to know now. Your father is the richest and most influential man in the entire city, this mansion right here is nothin
Azek's POV We finished eating our food and I decided to come up with a discussion, I'm not sure Mia is going to like this but now is the best time to discuss the issue. "What do you think about going to the main house in the city?" I asked and Mia looked up at me with shock written all over her face but I made sure to ignore and pretend like I didn't see anything. I'm going to allow the kids to be the ones to determine that and I don't want Mia interfering in this at all."What in the world are you even saying? What house are you talking about?" She asked me and before I could come up with anything to say to her, the kids already said something. "Dad you mean to say you have another house in the city?" Lewis was the one that asked and I nodded my head in response to him. I dropped the spoon in my hands and looked at him."There's one thing I would like for you both to know now. Your father is the richest and most influential man in the entire city, this mansion right here is nothin
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