Jake stayed beside their aunt's hospital bed, his hand enveloping her frail, trembling one.She was struggling to breathe again. Her breaths were shallow and rapid. The doctors had managed to stabilize her fifteen minutes ago, but then, her condition was deteriorating again."Shh, it's okay. Just breathe slowly," Jake murmured, his voice steady, trying to mask his own rising fear. "In and out, nice and easy.Remember how you taught us to swim? Blow your bubbles. You can do it! ”Her eyes darted around the room, wild with panic, but she focused on Jake, gripping his hand as if it were her lifeline. "Jake... Jake, I can't..." she gasped, struggling to catch her breath. "I'm right here. Just focus on me," he said softly, squeezing her hand reassuringly.Suddenly, her eyes cleared, and she tried to push herself up. Her eyes fluttered and she suddenly sat up with a jolt. She ripped off her oxygen mask, her breath was labored but her eyes were sharp with an unexplained urgency. "Jake," she ras
Lea’s eyes were red-rimmed from crying, her hand resting over her hip. She looked tired, sleep deprived,grief etched on every fibre.She stood by her aunt’s grave, her black dress clinging to her pregnant belly. She looked fragile, her face pale and drawn, but there was a stubborn resolve in her eyes. She had insisted on being here, defying the doctors and her own body's protests. The air was heavy with the scent of rain, the sky a blanket of grey. The sky was overcast, as if mourning with them. A cool breeze rustled the leaves. Jake stood a few feet away, his eyes never leaving Lea. His hands were buried in his pockets.His eyebrows furrowed.He was lost deep in thought. Phill was there too.The last guests had left, leaving the three of them alone.Lea’s fingers traced the edges of the gravestone, her voice barely a whisper. “She always believed in me..." Her voice trailed off. Jake stepped closer, his face was a mask of a lot of emotions of which concern was very prominent. “Lea, yo
Lea had been staring at the ceiling for too long. Her eyes ached but she couldn't bear to shut her eyes. She glanced at the phone. Jake had promised he would come back in the morning. Would she be disturbing him by calling in the middle of the night? But she couldn't stop herself from picking the phone and hitting the dial pad. He answered right after the first ring. " Jake! " Her voice faded. " Yes, Lea! Is everything alright? " Asked. He didn't sound like he was sleeping. He wasn't even at home. She could hear car sounds in the background. " Where are you? I can't sleep. No matter how much I try. " Lea was fighting to hold back tears. " Lea, please don't cry. I will be there right away! I am not far from the hospital. " Jake was already sprinting with Phill on his heels. " No! I am fine. I mean no need to rush. I am just... Jake I am missing our old life. You, me and aunt. I want to go back. I want to go home to the hills. Right now. I need to. Will you take me? "Jake abruptly
Late into the night, the house was quiet except for the occasional creak of the old wooden floors. The cool breeze from the hills outside drifted in through the open windows, carrying the scent of fresh earth.Jake was in the kitchen, preparing a traditional noodle dish. The rich aroma of the noodle soup, spiced with local herbs and vegetables, filled the air.Lea lounged on the single couch, a soft blanket draped over her. The cozy warmth of the living room, combined with the rhythmic sound of Jake chopping vegetables, made her feel relaxed and at ease.From the kitchen, the sound of pots clinking and the delicious aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air. Jake was bustling around, humming a tune she vaguely remembered from their younger days.The kitchen, living room and bedroom were all in the same space. "Jake, you sure you know what you're doing in there?" Lea called out," I can help,you know. I am just a little unwell not completely invalid."Jake peeked his head around the corn
Lea's POV“Jake, is everything alright?” I asked, noting the tense lines on his face. He gave me a quick, strained smile.“Yeah, Lea, everything’s fine. Come on, let’s finish our meal,” he replied, his voice forcedly cheerful. He led me back to the table, and we sat down to eat. The noodle soup was delicious, just like he promised. We chatted about old memories and shared a few laughs, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Jake was trying too hard to act normal, and it made me uneasy.After dinner, Jake insisted on cleaning up. I watched him from the couch, my eyes half-closed as I feigned sleep. He moved with a restlessness that betrayed his calm demeanor.When he was done, he came over and tucked me in, brushing a kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight, Lea. Get some rest.” I mumbled a soft “Goodnight” and closed my eyes, waiting until I heard the door click shut behind him.I immediately opened my eyes and sat and listened to what he was doing intently. Jake was pacing t
Lea's POVUnable to sleep, I found myself back on the couch, drawn to the journal I had found earlier. The worn leather cover and faded pages spoke of years gone by, and I felt a strange compulsion to uncover its secrets.Opening the journal, I was met with my aunt’s neat handwriting. The first few entries were mundane, detailing everyday life and events prior to my adoption into her household. But as I read on, the tone shifted. The entries became more serious, more urgent."March 15, 2002 - It’s been a month since the accident. That’s what I’ve told Lea, and that’s what I’ll tell everyone else. But the truth is far more horrifying. Thomas and Emily didn’t die in an accident. They were murdered."WHAT!!!!!! My heart stopped as I read the words. Murdered? I sat up straight, my eyes scanning the pagey, desperate for more information."March 20, 2002 - I’ve hidden the truth from Lea to protect her. The people who killed her parents are dangerousI can’t let Lea know the truth. She’s
Jake's POV The sun was just beginning to rise as I pulled up to the house on my bike, exhausted from riding all night. The cool morning air did little to calm the turmoil in my mind. I cut the engine and looked around, expecting to see some sign of Lea,my lifeline, but the house was eerily quiet.Was she still sleeping? I rushed inside and peeked in from the window. She was not on the couch. “Lea?” I called out, my voice echoing through the empty space. Panic started to bubble up inside me as I realized the helicopter was gone. “Lea!” I ran inside, my heart pounding. The house felt hollow, devoid of the warmth and life it had held the night before. I frantically checked every room, calling her name, but there was no response. The bed was unmade, the kitchen untouched, and the garage was just as I had left it.Pulling out my phone, I switched it on and saw a barrage of missed calls and messages. My hands trembled as I scrolled through them, hoping for some clue about where Lea c
A leap into the future Lea's POV PHEW!!! I sat in my new office, a far cry from the days spent in the hospital and that old house in the hills. The large glass walls behind me offered a panoramic view of the city, but I barely noticed. The banner of the Sully industries flew across the billboards across the city. My desk was cluttered with papers and files, and my computer screen displayed a long list of emails. I adjusted my glasses and pushed back a stray lock of hair that had escaped my tight bun. The coat and formal attire made me feel like a different person, but this was who I needed to beI was so deep in work that I didn’t hear the door open. Suddenly, I felt small arms wrap around my shoulders from behind. My heart skipped a beat, and I looked down to see tiny hands. I turned my head slightly and saw a pair of bright eyes and a mischievous grin that looked just like Jake’s. “Mommy!” the little boy exclaimed, his voice full of joy. "Hey there, buddy,” I said, my voice
A month after Lea's death - Jake stood in front of Lea's grave, holding onto the bouquet that he had brought. He had her favourite box of chocolate, custom made by the old baker lady back in their home town. He brought her flowers everyday after seeing Kai off at his daycare. He spent the rest of his day talking to her before going back to picking Kai up again. He brought her all the things he had promised to get her one day when they were little. He was trying to give her everything he always wanted to give her but never really could. Today was no different. As if Lea's death wasn't enough of a blow, after the postmortem Jake was told that Lea was pregnant with their second child. It didn't make things any easier only driving another dagger through Jake's heart. Perhaps it was just because Kai existed that he could move forward.He didn't want to but he had to for the sake of the little guy. With Lea gone, there was no meaning left in this world. All colours were gone. It was o
" NOOOOOO! " Jake flung himself forward trying to put himself between Lea and the bullet but it was too late. The bullet hit her right on point blank. She fell right in front of his eyes,blood gushing out like a crimson fountain. " LEAAAAAA!!! "Jake's voice broke with the sheer intensity of his scream as he ripped his white shirt and pressed it over her forehead. " CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE! NOW!!! " He barked, desperately clinging onto Lea's body as Kai grabbed his shoulder and began to whimper. " It's alright, baby. Don't worry. Mommy will be fine. " Jake could barely hold onto his child as his hands started to tremble. Mercy fell down on her knees, probably the only one whose rationale was still working. She closed Lea's lifeless eyes as her body whacked with tremors as she cried.Lea was no more. It was instant death. " Mercy! What are you doing? " Jake shoved her hand away from Lea's body. " Somebody please call an ambulance! " He kept screaming as Kai's cries reached the breaking po
Lea's POV I stood in front of the grand mirror.Today, I would marry Jake, the love of my life, and the father of my Kai. Our journey had been anything but normal but it had brought us to this breathtaking moment. My dress was a masterpiece, a custom creation by one of the most renowned designers in the town. The silk fabric clung to my figure, adorned with intricate lace and delicate pearls that sparkled as I moved. The train flowed behind me like a river and the veil was draped over my shoulders, waiting to be lifted.I felt goosebumps at the thought. "Lea, you look like an absolute dream," Lisa said, fussing with the final touches on my veil. She stepped back, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Mr.Rodger is not going to know what hit him." I laughed, trying to steady my breathing. "You think?" "I know," she replied, giving me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder."Wow, Lea. You're stunning. Seriously, Jake's going to lose it when he sees you."The door opened and my maid of h
Suddenly Jake leaped off the bed, crossing over Lea as he did. He went for the cupboards, yanking them open, rummaging through the drawer as he did. Lea raised herself up on one elbow, watching him closely. " Jake, what's going on? " She asked with one brow raised. " I swear it has to be somewhere in here. I left it just as it was. " Jake kept searching not looking back at her. Lea signed as she got up from the bed, still very naked and walked right over. " If you tell me what you are looking for, maybe I can help. Is it your wallet? " Jake yanked another section of the cupboard open and Lea stopped at the sight of all the neatly arranged laundry. It was her side of the cupboard. Absolutely mess-free and tidy, just like she had left it years ago. She left Jake as he went through the night stand , touching the fabrics and checking if they were still in the same sequence like she left them. " They are untouched. Why didn't you move them? " Lea's voice was barely above a whisper
Lea's POV His kiss soothed me a little. Those things had been bottled up inside and it was high time I let it escape. Tears streamed down my face as memories I had tried so hard to suppress resurfaced. I couldn't hold back the sobs that wracked my body. Jake's presence beside me was both comforting and agonizing."Lea," he begged, his voice trembling slightly, "talk to me." I shook my head, unable to find the words to express the turmoil inside me. Instead, I let out a choked sob, burying my face in my hands. Jake's arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. His embrace was warm and strong."I'm here," he murmured, his lips brushing against my hair."I'm not going anywhere." His words broke something inside me. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping me from falling apart. His scent filled me with comfort as I burried my nose over his neck while he nibbled at mine. His lips slowly found it's way back to mine. But before he could kiss
Jake's POV " Yes, we are coming right now. Yes please. Keep the keys ready. " I called the old watchman because it had been ages since I last went there. Lea hadn't spoken for the rest of the drive and I knew for certain there was something cooking in her little head. I wasn't complaining. She had been through a lot and I was happy to be of any serve to her, any use... anything to make my Lea happy again. Make her smile and dance like when she was a little girl. My crazy, sweet, innocent Lea. She had been leaning on the seat but as soon as we entered the driveway towards the apartment she sat up, rolled down the window and stretched her neck out. " Lea, careful... " I tried to pull her back but she opened the car door before I could pull up and made a run for it. I tossed the keys to the valley with much frustration and ran after her. " Lea, wait" She topped right in front of the elevator and turned around. I was running so fast, I almost banged into her. She pulled my hand int
Jake's POV " Of course you get that job, whether you like it or not. " I wasn't even lying. Who better than Phil to look after my little one. I knew he would always have his back, no matter what. Phill chuckled before turning around. " By the way, did you sign the papers before coming inside? " He asked me and it took me off guard. " Papers? What papers? " " Discharge papers. Didn't they tell you before you entered? " He made a disappointed face and looked out of the door even though he could see no one. " These incompetent workers. They can't get one thing... " " Discharge papers? Who is getting discharged? I thought you needed around a week to recover. " Lea interrupted looking straight at Phill. " I am not getting discharged. You are! " Phill pointed at Lea but she stood up. " Me? Oh, alright. Makes sense. " Phill turned his gaze back to me and said, " Get the paper works done and take her home. I think I need to get some sleep... " " Take who home? " Lea stood face t
Phill's POV I had to do it. I knew how much I was going to suffer after that kiss ended. I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to let go of her hand. I didn't want to see her with anyone else, even if it was my own brother. I knew I was finally letting the dam break. I had been holding back way too long I couldn't do it anymore. I had to let her know. The moment her taste touched me, I lost track of everything. I lost control of myself. I lost my sense of the place. I kissed her and she let me and I was grateful for that. I was half expecting her to shove me back but she didn't. She held me, held my hand as I took from her what I needed. My life force. She was like an EpiPen bringing me back to life. " Phill... " She finally mumbled against my lips, her hands on my chest, gently holding them but not pushing. It took way too much of my energy to stop and finally look up at her face. I couldn't read her expression. Was it shock, fear, disgust, sympathy.... I could not understan
Lea's POV " Kai... " The moment my eyes opened I threw my hands in all directions, trying to get up and look for Kai. But i didn't have to look much further. He was right across and I could see him in the other room. My baby was latched to the beeping machines with pipes and wires and what not. And right beside him was Phill. He sat at his head side, his hand gently gliding up and down through his hair. Phill turned towards me with a smile when he realised I was up. My head was still groggy because of the sedative the nurse had injected me with but I was feeling all better and alright. " Lea, you are up! Are you feeling alright? "He asked me with that infectious smile. I should have been the one to ask him that question. He was the one with a wound. He had just saved my child's life all over again, perhaps for the zillionth time. " I am fine. How are you feeling? How is Kai holding up?" I walked towards where he was. He was in a wheelchair, I noticed when I went near. He