Author's POV A couple of days passed and Lea was recovering steadily under Phill's watchful care. Phill sat quietly beside Lea's hospital bed, his expression was one of gentle concern as he watched her lost in her thoughts. He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "You need to rest, Lea. Stress isn't good for you or the baby." Lea finally glanced at him, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and stubborn resolve. "I can't help it, Phill. I keep thinking about Jake.Didn't he call after he left? " Phill shook his head,Lea sighed. "I get it that you are still not over him. But you gotta focus on you now. "Lea sighed deeply again, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's just...I will never be able to explain how I feel about him. Never mind! How is aunt? I should be beside her. Looking after her but here I am, lying on this bed. Absolutely useless." She turned around, her back towards Phill. " She is still the same. Has been like that for awhile. I am sure you will ha
Lea's POVI stirred in my sleep, the uncomfortable hospital bed doing little to ease the ache in my heart. When I opened my eyes, the last person I expected to see and the one I wanted the most, stood in the doorway.Jake! My breath caught, and for a moment, I wondered if I was dreaming again. "Jake," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Lea," he replied, his voice rough,almost a sigh. He took a hesitant step forward, then stopped, as if unsure of his place. "What are you doing here?" I asked when all I wanted to say was, " Jakey, you came? "My voice cracked, tears already pricking at the corners of my eyes"Why? Am I not allowed to visit you? " His voice was raw, desperate. "I still love you, Lea. I never stopped.And no force in this universe can stop me from seeing you. Not even Phill. " "Stop it," I snapped, though my voice was weak. "You don't get to do this. You don't get to just ..."I was angry, hurt.The images from the other night flashed before my eyes. But Jake paid no a
Lea's POV Jake's lips moved from mine to my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His hand was still on my belly, feeling the baby move, and I could see the awe in his eyes. I took a deep breath, ready to tell him the truth. "Jake, there's something you need to know," I began, my voice trembling with anticipation. But just as I was about to speak, the door burst open. "Jake!" Rosa's shrill voice cut through the room like a knife. I stiffened, my heart racing. Rosa stood in the doorway, her eyes blazing with anger. Jake's expression darkened, his grip on me tightening protectively."What the hell are you doing here, Rosa?" he snapped, his voice low and dangerous. "I could ask you the same thing," she retorted, her gaze shifting to me. "Jake, being with her is going to ruin your career. You know that." I felt a pang of discomfort, shrinking back against the pillows. "Jake, maybe she has a point," I started, but he cut me off. "Shut up, Rosa," he spat, glaring at her. "You don't
Author's POV" Brother! "Phill pulled Percy into the dimly lit cabin, the musty scent of old wood filling the air. He hugged Percy tightly, a mix of emotions swirling within him." Whoah! What's up? " Phill rarely called him brother and he was definitely not someone who easily showed his emotions. "Nothing! I wanted to show you what I found out. About Jake... and us." "What about it? What did you find out?" Percy asked nonchalantly. "Jake and I... we might be brothers." Phill answered after taking in a deep breath. "What?! How is that even possible?" Percy looked stunned. Phill handed the papers over to Percy." But that's not the entirety of the news. There is more. So much more. You need to sit down and listen carefully." Phill pulled a chair for Percy. "Greg found out. Jake and you were born in the same hospital, same day. There was some mix-up with the records. It's all here.It sheds some light but a lot remains shrouded in darkness. "Percy's eyes scanned the papers with g
Mercy crept through the shadows of the Rodger mansion, her heart pounding in her chest. It seemed like the old floorboards creaked under her feet as she tried to make her way to the library, where she could hear muffled voices. She knew that's the place they were at. She pressed herself against the door, her breath catching as she listened. Inside, Phill and Percy already had their father cornered.It seemed like they had been grilling him for some time already. His expression was flabbergasted and he looked flushed. "Father, you need to come clean. We know about the switch," Phill's voice was firm, demanding.Mr.Cole's face twisted in anger. "I don't know what you're talking about," he snapped, his eyes darting between his sons. Percy stepped forward, waving the papers in Mr. Cole's face. "Don't play dumb, Father or shall I call you Mr.Cole?We have proof. You switched me at birth! Why?" Mercy's heart ached. The pain in Percy's voice was too well defined. She couldn't even imagi
Lea's POV I was prepared to completely lose Jake and was whimpering, my head over my knees though o could barely fit my belly between my head and my knees. It was getting too frustrating when a pair of hands hugged me from the back. I knew exactly who it was but didn't move because it felt so good.Too good. All I wanted to do was relish in that feeling. I was tired. Tired of crying, tired of worrying, tired of running, I could feel it. "Lea," Jake's voice was soft, filled with an emotion I couldn't quite understand. It was somewhere between grief, relief and agitation. I didn't respond. I couldn't. I just kept crying, the pain too overwhelming. Jake tightened his hold on me, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I'm back. Are you not even going to look at me?Do you hate me that much? " he murmured.I finally looked up, my vision blurred by tears. He smiled at me, a small, reassuring smile. "Lea, look at me." I did, but then my eyes darted to the door, expecting Rosa to walk bac
Going a little back in time (to the moment when Jake and Rosa had their confrontation in the Hospital corridor ) - Jake grabbed Rosa by the arm and pulled her out into the hospital corridor, his face was a mix of anger and frustration. "Rosa, what is this nonsense?" Rosa wrenched her arm free, glaring at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Jake? I'm pregnant with your child!" Jake took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady. "Rosa, we slept together once, a few days ago. There's no way that kid is mine. You need to get an abortion." Rosa's eyes widened with shock and fury. "Are you serious? You want me to get rid of our baby? You're out of your mind!" Jake's expression hardened.He wasn't having her nonsense."Listen, if you want to keep the baby, fine. But don't expect me to just take your word for it. Get a DNA test before you start pinning this on me." Rosa's face twisted into a sneer. She was clearly not expecting that reaction from Jake. "Oh, I see. You'r
Mercy paused just before entering the hospital, turning slowly towards the throng of reporters. She removed her sunglasses with a flourish, revealing eyes that sparkled with confidence and mischief. The crowd hushed, hanging on her every move.They seemed spell bound,mesmerized. "Y'all got your equipment ready for a live stream?" she called out softly pretending to clap to grab their attention. But they were gawking at her. She knew that very well but she was the daughter of Elizabeth Rodgers after all. She had some drama I'm her blood. "Because I'm about to drop a bombshell that'll shock the entire nation. Hot gossip, straight from my household." The reporters erupted into a frenzy, scrambling to get the best spot. "Over here, Ma'am!" "What’s the scoop?" "We're live in three, two, one...!" Mercy’s smirk widened as she caught Rosa's eye. Rosa stood frozen.Reporters battled for position, shoving each other aside to set up their cameras and microphones. Tripods were hasti