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
Trigger warning / drug abuse Jake's POV I lounged in the jacuzzi, the warm water bubbling around me, but I barely felt its soothing effect. My body was bare, the result of hours spent at the gym ever since Lea had left again, three years ago. My muscles were more pronounced than ever,shoulders were broader, arms and thighs thicker and stronger but it didn’t bring me the satisfaction I’d hoped for. It was a distraction, nothing more.I didn’t blame her for walking away this time. After everything she learned about my family being involved in her family's murder, I completely understood her decision. Phill and I did everything we could to make sure she got everything she deserved and more. We fought to make her legal struggles as smooth as possible. It was a constant battle to keep our mother from interfering or causing trouble for Lea, but we did what we could.Lea didn't know that we helped, of course. All I wanted was to make things easy for her, give her comfort. Despite ou
Lea's POV Kai and I were happily getting ready in our spacious walk-in wardrobe, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows and casting a warm glow on the polished wood and glass. The room was filled with neatly organized rows of clothes, shoes, and accessories, everything in its place. Yet everything felt out of place. "Mommy, can I wear my dinosaur shirt?" Kai asked, his small hands rummaging through his drawer filled with colorful clothes. "Of course you can, sweetheart," I said, smiling at his enthusiasm. "Let’s find your favorite green shorts to go with it." I was going through one of my sluggish days. I had those days quite often where I would just slouch back and relax. Had it not been for Kai's day care, I wouldn't have bothered to get up. But I promised the little one I would drop him off that day. He grinned, holding up his dinosaur shirt with pride. "Roar! I'm a dinosaur!" "Roar! You're the cutest dinosaur ever," I agreed, helping him into his shirt an
Lea's POVLisa and I touched down in Paris and were immediately greeted by a chauffeur holding a sign with my name on it.As we stepped into the sleek black car, which whisked us away to our hotel we saw the streets of Paris buzzing with life.I felt a thrill of anticipation despite the exhaustion from the flight."Lea, you’re going to knock them dead tonight," Lisa said, giving me an encouraging smile right after she gasped at me a couple of times. I laughed, shaking my head. "Let’s just hope I don't trip in these heels."After a much-needed rest and a refreshing shower, I had already started getting ready. Lisa had arranged for a stylist to help me, and when I slipped into my dress, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a floor-length, midnight blue gown that hugged my curves and shimmered every inch. The off-the-shoulder neckline and subtle sequins made it both elegant and striking."" I am not bragging but you will definitely steal the show! " Lisa was already getting everything ready a
At another luxurious hotel suite in Paris, Mercy lounged on the plush couch, a large bowl of popcorn in her lap, eyes glued to the massive flat-screen TV. The latest entertainment news show was on, showing snippets from the glamorous party in Paris,she too had come to visit. But today was not her day. She would be attending the second day.She munched away, engrossed in the glitzy world unfolding before her.In the background, Percy strolled out of the bathroom, still damp and wrapped in nothing but a towel. He hummed a tune, glancing at Mercy and shaking his head with a chuckle. "Honestly, Mercy, are you ever not watching TV?" Percy teased, drying his hair with another towel."You are in love with your books,I am in love with my screen. I don't see a problem in that.Shh...this is the best part," Mercy replied, not taking her eyes off the screen but waving her hand for Percy to shut up. Suddenly, Mercy gasped and choked on a mouthful of popcorn, her eyes wide with shock. She coughed a
Jake arrived at the same hotel early the next morning, still jet lagged from the long flight. He barely threw his bag inside his room before heading straight to Mercy’s door. Without hesitation, he started ringing the doorbell repeatedly, the noise echoing through the hallway but luckily nobody was there to notice since it was too early and it was weekend. Mercy cursed under her breath as she stumbled out of bed. Her hair was a wild mess, and she could barely open her eyes. She shuffled to the door, muttering, “Who the hell...?”The moment she cracked the door open, Jake burst inside, nearly knocking her over. “What the hell, Jake?” she groaned. Jake, unfazed, jumped onto her bed, making himself comfortable. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on? Why did you drag me to Paris?”Mercy rubbed her temples, trying to shake off her grogginess. “Ugh, you’re like a hyperactive puppy.” She sulked her way to the phone and dialed room service. “Hi, I need coffee. Lots of it. Stat. Thanks.”Jake s