Reed's POV “I will be with you shortly” I said to Mia who was trying to hide her bad mood. I sense she was in serious tears. I knew something was wrong but I was confused.I tried not to judge Azek immediately. He might not be the direct cause for her tears. Deep down, my guts told me Azek had committed another offense that made Mia to break down like that. I drove hurriedly to Azek's mansion, the road was busy as countless cars were out. Workers coming in from work. Making driving slow and difficult. I made use of some shortcuts I knew and got to the mansion some fifteen minutes later. As I entered the building, it was awfully quiet. I guess the kids were not back from school.I scanned the living room looking for any sign of life. Everything looked dead calm. “Hello, is anyone home” I said as I walked in. My eyes caught Mia in the corner of the room. She was crying with her head buried between her arms. “Mia, what's wrong? “ I said as I walked towards her. I drew a chair a
Azek’s POV Reed was trying to make his way to Mia. He was using her most vulnerable state to get her. I felt betrayed. “Why would he do this to me, well, It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have put Mia in such a state,” I said to myself As I walked up the stairs in shame and growing hate for Reed? I heard someone come into the mansion. I didn’t care who it was, I just continued walking up the stairs. I was only thinking about how to make Mia love me again. “Reed !, you asshole” I screamed in my head. I didn’t want Mia to be more upset. I decided not to confront Reed in her presence. Deciding to go upstairs and not say a word. It was the best option. When I got to my room, I dropped my bags and sat on the bed. Thinking of my next move. When suddenly I heard Lilian’s voice, she wailed and cried, asking if Mia was ok. She was the one who walked in on my way up the stairs. “What has he done this time, why can’t he just make this marriage work and stop putting you through emotional stres
Mia’s POV A lot was going on in my life at the moment. One day, my happy marriage turned into a failing one. Lilian was fed up with all Azek was doing. “You deserve better, honey, just leave this man. He doesn’t want your happiness. He just wants to be heartbroken” Lilian said, raising her voice. “Please, Mia, just try not to think about it. Your health is more important. Your kids need you. Please be here for them” Lilian said referring to my health condition. I wasn’t supposed to be triggered by sadness or anger. I was handling my emotions well, but my countenance showed how heartbroken I was. Reed came back downstairs and said to me “Cheer up honey, don’t allow his behavior to break you and deprive you of pure happiness. You have the purest heart a person anyone could have. You deserve happiness to the fullest. Please cheer up, we all love you”. Both Reed and Lilian’s words were so calming, and my anxiety reduced as I heard each of them encourage me. Truly, I was loved and A
Azek’s POVHer scream pierced my soul so badly that I couldn’t reply to the question. “Mia …” I said as my words got stuck in my mouth. “If you don’t know what to say, just let me sleep please,” Mia said to me harshly.I wanted to speak with Mia, but my self-confidence had fizzled away. I didn't understand why, but I just couldn’t speak fluently. This annoyed Mia the more, and she settled into sleep. I tried tapping her again, but she just ignored me. “What is precisely your annoyance” I asked Mia I asked in frustration, I wanted Mia to see my efforts in making our marriage work. I couldn’t just keep quiet and avoided me like a plague. That would work, it would only increase the tension I have with her already. “Chloe didn’t tell me who she was that night, and I was badly drunk,” I said, trying to reduce the accusations laid on me. “So how do you explain her knowing your office, that means she has been there severally” Mia argued“I swear, Mia, we don’t have any affair togethe
Mia’s POV The morning came without happiness. My heart grew heavy by the hour. I just couldn’t bear the sight of Azek. My sadness turns into annoyance. As I turned to Azek’s side of the bed, he wasn’t there. That side of the bed looks like he didn’t sleep on it. “Did he even sleep ?” I asked myself a bit sad that he couldn’t sleep because of the way I talked to him that previous night. I managed to get out of bed and decided to check on the boys. I was surprised to meet Azek in the boy's room getting them dressed for school. “Good morning mummy,” Lewis said as he saw me at the door. I smiled and nodded. I still felt a bit drowsy from sleep. “How was your night, hope you slept well,” Liam asked with a big smile. “Am fine my babies, I'm just feeling tired. Maybe I need more sleep” I said as my eyes still felt heavy. I struggled to keep them open “my love, you can get some rest. I’ve got you covered today” Azek said as he helped Liam wear his shoes. Why does he even bother, c
Azek’s POV As I pondered over how Mia acted in the morning, I felt my heart getting crushed under the weight of guilt. My love life was now hanging in the balance. Lingering on a single strand of connection. Lewis and Liam were the single strands of connection that I and Mia had. Without them maybe we won’t be together anymore. Mia wasn’t anywhere close to forgiving me. Additionally, the fear of Reed succeeding in his attempt to take Mia was eating me from the inside out like a termite. The only thing I could think about was my plan to get into Mia’s good books once again. How do I make her reconsider my love for her? And see my pure and determined decision to give her a trauma-free life. As I drove, my mind zoned out intermittently making me lose concentration on the road a couple of times. All I could hear were the echoes of Mia’s voice telling me to leave, and let her live a stress-free life. The pledge I made at the hospital had started haunting me like a plague. I was sudd
Mia POV My conversation with Reed felt like a happy in my heart. His words, his flirty tone, and the way he looked at me all made me feel like I had been deprived of happiness for a long time. I laughed so hard until my lungs began to ache from the pressure of laughing. Reed was truly a gentleman. Every minute I spent with Reed brought me closer to asking myself why I married Azek. I felt I needed Reed, but instead, I kept reminding myself about my marriage to Azek. This confusion I was experiencing, made the happiness less enjoyable. Likeness for someone usually felt butterflies in one’s stomach, but this one felt like ants. A sweet pain I couldn’t describe fully. I loved Azek, but I hated the emotional trauma that came with loving him. On the other hand, Reed was as lovable as Azek maybe a bit more, but I couldn’t be with Reed because I was married to Azek and that fact ate me up mercilessly. A few minutes into our drive, we came up to a crossroad where the traffic light showed
Agony and Despair Azek’s POV As I drove, I prayed that my life would just end in a flash and that all this tension in my soul would leave me to rest in unending peace. The urge to allow the darkness to swallow me grew stronger. What was I living for if the one I loved was drifting away from me? The way Mia looked at me, I knew deep down that Mia still loved me, even if it was the slightest it was all I needed to get to her. Reed's betrayal cut me deep, twisting the knife to create a wound that might never heal. My heart was filled with regret as I remembered our deal. I didn’t expect him to go this far. It was supposed to help me, not worsen the case. “Reed, why are you doing this” I shrieked as I hit the steering wheel repeatedly in agony. Images of Reed and Mia in each other's arms making out flashed before my eyes. These illusions felt so real they seemed like I was seeing the future. If things continued like this, Mia and I might end up divorced. I would be finished for Goo
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