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
Self HateMia’s POV “What have you done to yourself !” I screamed as I realized who sat on the couch in the corner of the living room. The smell of alcohol pierced my nostrils like the foul smell from hell. My eyes rigorously scanned the room in panic and fear. This wasn’t what I wanted, why would all this be happening in the shortest period? I couldn’t understand the reason Azek did this to himself, What the hell was he thinking? I watched as saliva drooled down his open mouth. Every ounce of sanity had left him. He sat there, a shell of the man I once knew now a half-dead human. His spirit suffocation and drowned under the weight of despair. This isn’t the man I fell in love with, the Azek I knew was buried beneath layers of regret and pain, I thought to myself. This isn’t what I expected him to do. I expected a solid confrontation or effort toward bringing our marriage back to its new glory. I stood there frozen in place, confused about my marriage. Should I leave him? Or s
Morning AfterAzek’s POVI fought so hard to open my eyes that were as heavy as clay bricks. My head throbbed with severe headaches like I was shot at the back of my head. My headaches were evidence of a dreadful night. Filled with agony, despair, and pain. Leaving a scare in my brain to forever haunt me. I tried to remember what had happened last night. But each time I try, I get a blurry and hazy replay of some unrelated clips in my head. Worsening the headaches. So I stopped trying. My breath and clothes were wrecked with the stench of alcohol. The smell of a wasted soul fighting depression. The house, was so still and quiet, like a graveyard in the middle of the ocean. The quietness felt heavy like the little bits of pain and despair I could partly recall, Vague but harsh and taunting my mind. I looked around, searching for some clue to remind me of the event that took place the night before. My eyes caught sight of Mia, who was knocked out cold on the chair a few inches c
Mia’s POV The morning came with happiness, as I had prayed the night before. Azek felt better and even more like a changed man. My marriage has seen little light shine on it. The flickering light of hope in the darkness that swallowed my heart in emotional trauma. As I walked towards the door, all the exciting events replayed in my head in a split second. Contentment and joy filled my heart. I was grateful that my little prayer I said out of despair and fear was finally becoming a reality. “I am coming” I said as I walked briskly to answer the door, the distance felt like a mile as I ran my mind through numerous things. Azek just watched me walk to the door, he seemed as if he too was thinking about all that had happened. His skin still pale, but his cheek red with what I suspected to be blush. His reddish eyes starting to clear up. I expected a serious hang over after his drinking episode yesterday, but he seemed fine. I opened the door, to my relief and happiness it was Natali
ObsessionNatalia’s POV“You could come in for a quick drink,” I said as I ushered Reed in. I walked behind him admiring his muscular physique hiding behind the blue jean jacket he wore. I already started having nasty thoughts flooding my mind just from looking at him from behind. I felt My fountain water a little. I must have him all to myself, I said in my head. I kept staring at him like I had never seen a man before. “Is Mia around? Or Azek ?” His question snapped me back to reality. His question caught me off guard. I didn't have enough time to respond on time. “hello ??” he said again, snapping his fingers. “The name’s Natalia,” I said to him, raising my tone slightly. In a bid to regain composure. “Alright Natalia, is Mia home ?” he asked again. The repeated questioning was getting on my nerves. I frowned at him not noticing a lovely young blood like me. “You know I'm not that different from Mia,” I said seductively still giving him the puppy eyes. “Hmm, is that so?
ObsessionNatalia’s POV“You could come in for a quick drink,” I said as I ushered Reed in. I walked behind him admiring his muscular physique hiding behind the blue jean jacket he wore. I already started having nasty thoughts flooding my mind just from looking at him from behind. I felt My fountain water a little. I must have him all to myself, I said in my head. I kept staring at him like I had never seen a man before. “Is Mia around? Or Azek ?” His question snapped me back to reality. His question caught me off guard. I didn't have enough time to respond on time. “hello ??” he said again, snapping his fingers. “The name’s Natalia,” I said to him, raising my tone slightly. In a bid to regain composure. “Alright Natalia, is Mia home ?” he asked again. The repeated questioning was getting on my nerves. I frowned at him not noticing a lovely young blood like me. “You know I'm not that different from Mia,” I said seductively still giving him the puppy eyes. “Hmm, is that so?
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