Azek's POV I came back to the conference hall where the meeting was taking place and sat back on my chair. I didn't bother looking at Reed cause I'm sure he will be asking me questions as regards the document he asked me to bring.The thing is I could not go into the office to take the document, immediately I got there and wanted to open the door to the office. I overheard Mia and the kids having a discussion and wanted to listen in, I knew interrupting them would make them stop talking. I wanted to hear what they had in mind to say about me, Mia especially and to say I'm shocked is an understatement. I cannot believe that Mia will defend me the way she did, she said to the kids that I'm a good person. What I don't know now is if that's what she thinks of me, or if she said that to make the children feel good. Whatever the reason might be, I'm glad she said and I feel really good hearing her say something like that about me.I listened as the meeting went on making very little contr
Mia's POV I heard the door open and Azek emerged from the door, the boys were so happy to see him and they all plunged towards him the minute they saw him making me feel a certain type of way. I didn't even know what to think now, the kids are becoming fond of him, and I don't think I'm ready for that part of the whole thing just yet. "How was your meeting?" I found myself asking, I yelled at myself in my mind. What the hell is wrong with me? Now I'm sure he's going to get the wrong idea about me for sure, Gosh I'm so annoying right now. I cleared my throat not knowing what to say or do next at the moment, I felt so embarrassed and could not help but blush."The meeting was fine and went well, thanks for asking. I made sure to keep the meeting very simple, so that way I can come back here on time to spend time with the three of you." He said with a surprised expression on his face. He must be surprised that I asked him that question, the truth is I'm surprised as well."Hmm that is
Mia's POVWe got home with no one in sight, the maids seemed to have vanished into thin air, and the only people I saw her the guards I was really surprised as to what was going on. Because I have no idea what's happening right now, not even Jessica was here to welcome me like usual."What in the world is happening? Where are the maids, Jessica? Where the hell is everyone?" I asked immediately we got into the house, I could feel something was wrong. What's more? Azek isn't saying anything which can only mean he knows about this."Do you mind telling me what's happening here?" I asked him and he placed his hand on my finger shutting me up."Don't yell Mia, the kids are sleeping and you don't want to wake them up. Come let's get them into bed and then you can ask me all the questions you want." He said and I frowned, he was talking so slowly and that seemed to get on my nerves.We got into the room and I placed Lewis on the bed while he placed Liam on the bed. I tucked them into bed aft
Mia's POV The kiss was gentle at first, Azek took control of the kiss and kissed me fiercely. He brought my waist close to his, I didn't know what to do so I made sure to keep up with the kiss. It was as though I had never been kissed before, Well I have only been kissed a few times in my life. And that's all thanks to my husband who has done nothing but treat me like a plague. Remembering how he treated me made my mood turn sour and I instantly stopped responding to the kiss. I detached myself from him and turned away from him."Mia," he called me and I could hear the confusion in his voice. I didn't feel like talking to him or even facing him, I'm too embarrassed and angry to do any of that. I tried to walk away but he held me down and stopped me from walking away. I jerked my hand away from him and continued walking away. "Mia, what happened?" He asked me and I was forced to face him with my eyes shut and my fist clenched together. I didn't know what to say to him at first but
Azek's POV I woke up the next morning and didn't know what was going on. I had no idea where I was or what I was doing sleeping on the couch, only then did I remember what happened last night. I had requested to sleep here in the duplex with Mia and the kids, I remember the kiss and I can't help but smile placing my hand on my lips."Why are you smiling to yourself, dad?" I heard Lewis's voice and I was startled, I jumped up and both boys burst into laughter, I ended up laughing at myself as well."What are you both doing up this early this morning? And you scared me, it's not good to scare your father like that." I said and they both laughed at me again, they must be having so much fun doing this to me."Dad it's already eight in the morning, and we are so hungry. We didn't have anything to eat last night, plus did you spend the night here? On the couch like this?" Liam asked me and I rubbed my forehead with my fingers trying to assimilate all that he was saying to me."Yes son, I s
Mia's POV I opened my eyes and it was already morning, I had no idea what was going on or happening. I don't even remember falling asleep, I closed my eyes trying to remember everything that happened last night. My eyes widened with shock and I immediately touched my lips, this had to be a joke of some kind. There's no way I kissed Azek, that must have been a dream. I stood up from the bed horrified, I made my way to the closet and quickly changed into something much more comfortable. "There's no way I kissed that scoundrel, this must be a joke. I remember calling Lizzy in the dream, she's the only one who can tell me what happened. So yes I'm going to call her right away, I said and picked up my phone to call. I paced back and forth the room waiting for the phone to ring and for Lizzy to pick up his call."Hey Lizzy how are you doing? Don't even bother answering that question, so I called you last night, right? What did I tell you happen? Because I'm thinking what happened last ni
Azek's POV I have no idea why she's laughing but then I decided to join her in the laugh. Whatever is making her laugh must be funny I guess so there's no harm in joining her to have some really good laugh. The kids sat there wondering what was wrong with us, I could see the look on their faces. I didn't know what to do at first to stop the laugh, I guess I will just have to wait for her to stop laughing since she started the laugh."What is wrong with you both? Why are you laughing? Mom! Dad!" Liam called out and we immediately stopped laughing, for a moment I was stunned. I'm not used to the kids calling me dad, and to call us both together feels nice."I'm sorry honey, it's just that I didn't think your father here is such a good cook so I couldn't help but laugh out my lungs, or this is hilarious." She said and I faced her. I can't believe she's saying something like that about me to the kids, is she trying to smear my reputation to the kids?"So does that mean you have never coo
Mia's POV I can't tell what the issue here is but I don't know why I'm reacting to his touch which is honestly driving me insane. I'm not supposed to be like this with him, I'm supposed to despise him. But I've been doing the exact opposite of all of that and I don't like it one bit. I wiggled my way out of his embrace and took out some plates without saying anything to him. I know he's watching me because I can feel his gaze piercing through my body and spreading heat all over my body. I heaved a deep sigh and shook the thought off my head, I'm going to have to check my calendar. My period should be around the corner, that must be the reason why I'm being so unnecessarily emotional which is not even a good thing by the way."We should eat now, I will serve the food," I said pausing in between my words. It took a lot of self-will for me to be able to move my legs, I just feel my legs and my entire body numb. Azek walked closer to me and I almost ran out of the kitchen about to drop
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