Richardโs pov.The morning started with that ominous letter. I held it, reading the typed words over and over, trying to make sense of the threat. It was clear, sharpโโMeet me or youโll regret it.โ Sarahโs face was pale, her fingers tight around the paper. She looked at me, fear and frustration mingling in her eyes.โDo you thinkโฆโ she began, voice barely a whisper. โDo you think itโs Susan?โMy jaw clenched at the name. Susan had been a thorn in our lives, vowing revenge after our fallout with her. She was ruthless, always scheming, always pulling stunts to try and get back at us. This kind of intimidation had her name all over it.โI wouldnโt put it past her,โ I muttered, rubbing my temples. โShe did say weโd regret crossing her.โSarah gave a small nod, her eyes still fixed on the letter. โIf it is her, then maybe I should go alone. Handle it directly.โI immediately shook my head, not liking where her mind was going. โNo way, Sarah. If youโre meeting anyone, Iโm going with you.
Richardโs pov.Sarah stood there, still holding the file like it was her only shield. Her shoulders were tense, her head slightly bowed. I wanted to run over and pull her into my arms, to ask her a thousand questions, but I stayed back, waiting for her to gather herself. She needed a minute, and I wasnโt about to take that from her.Finally, she looked around, her eyes scanning the area until they fell on me. Her expression shifted, a mix of surprise and relief flooding her face. She didnโt look angry that Iโd followed herโif anything, she looked grateful.I stepped out from the shadows, walking over slowly. โYou alright?โ I asked, my voice soft.She let out a shaky breath and nodded. โYeah. Justโฆ a bit shaken, I guess.โI glanced at the file she was clutching. โWho is he? What did he give you?โHer gaze dropped to the file, a frown creasing her forehead. โI donโt know yet,โ she murmured. โBut whatever it isโฆ it canโt be good.โI put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. โWeโ
Sarahโs Pov.But the words felt hollow, empty. I looked back down at the file, trying to make sense of it all. Back when we were married, Richard had been a closed book, and now, with these shadows from his past creeping in, I wasnโt sure if Iโd ever truly known him.Don't blame me.As he sat there, I thought of reaching out to someone who could help me make sense of this mess. Someone who might know the real truth about these deals, about the web Richard had gotten himself tangled in.When he finally went upstairs, I picked up my phone and dialed an old friendโs number. It had been years since Iโd spoken to him, but heโd always had connections. Trust me to have loads of useful contacts, they always come in handy.If there was a way to get to the bottom of this without Richardโs help, I had to try.โHey,โ I whispered when he answered, my voice barely audible. โI need a favor.โI couldnโt shake the guilt. But I told myself I was doing this for us. I needed to know the truth, and if
Richardโs pov.I couldnโt help but feel that gnawing feeling at the back of my mind, like I was constantly being watched. Every step I took, every meeting I attended, I kept noticing these little things, small signs that didnโt feel right. Employees looked away too quickly when I walked by, whispers that died down just as I entered the room, the way certain people held back in conversations.And it wasnโt just paranoia, was it? Iโd found myself caught between James and Susan, with Sarah now looking at me like I was a stranger. Those business dealsโtheyโd all happened years ago, a lifetime ago, or so Iโd thought. But seeing Sarahโs hurt, that pain Iโd caused just by hiding the truth, it all came rushing back to me. And I couldnโt help wondering: if Susan and James had dragged Sarah into this, who else in my life might be working with them?In the beginning, Iโd brushed it off. Told myself I was just stressed, that I was seeing patterns where there were none. But as the days went on
Sarahโs POV.Sitting alone in the dim light of the kitchen, I read through the records, every line on the page feeling like a heavy stone added to my chest. The file from Jason was spread out in front of me, the pieces of Richardโs past deals slowly fitting together into a picture I was beginning to understandโฆ but didnโt want to.I hadnโt told Richard, not yet. Part of me wanted to protect him, to take the burden off his shoulders. The other part, thoughโฆ the part of me that couldnโt quite let go of what heโd hidden, that part wanted to know the truth for myself. And the truth wasnโt pretty.Flipping through the stack of papers, I recognized the names, dates, and even a few locations. Richard had told me bits and pieces beforeโabout โsome deals,โ a network of people heโd worked with when he was still new in business. But he hadnโt told me how deep heโd been involved, and he certainly hadnโt told me heโd worked with people whose reputations still lingered like dark shadows over ce
Sarahโs POV.Sitting in a quiet booth at the back of a small cafe, I wrapped my hands around a mug of coffee, letting the warmth seep through my fingers. I glanced at the door again, nerves buzzing through me as I waited. James was late, but I wasnโt sure if that was a good thing or not. Every second that passed made me question my decision to come here, to meet him alone. But after everything Iโd foundโand everything Richard still wouldnโt tell meโI had to know. I had to understand what James wanted and what he knew.Just as I was considering leaving, the door opened, and there he was. James looked different than the last time Iโd seen himโolder, and a bit worn down. But his eyes still had that same sharpness, that same hint of something dark. He spotted me right away and walked over, his expression unreadable.โSarah,โ he said, sliding into the seat across from me. โDidnโt expect youโd actually show up.โI forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. โWell, you left me little
Sarah pov.After that meeting with James, I left feeling like the air was heavier, clinging to me in a way I couldnโt shake. I shouldโve known better than to think Iโd get a straight answer from him, but the little he did share was enough to send my mind spinning. Every word he said hinted at something deeper, something that could hurt Richard, and possibly, both of us. I knew if Richard found out about this meeting, heโd go into protective mode, trying to shield me from all of it. But this time, I couldnโt let him.As I drove home, my mind kept replaying the conversation. James, calm and cold as ever, hinting at secrets and alliances, all while refusing to tell me anything that actually mattered. But the way he looked at me, that smug look as he said, โNot everything is as it seems,โ sent a chill down my spine. I knew there was more at play here, but what, exactly, I couldnโt say. All I knew was that if James wanted something from us, heโd stop at nothing to get it.The house wa
Sarahโs Pov.I took a deep breath, clutching the steering wheel as I pulled up in front of the small cafe where I was meeting Susan. My mind was still reeling from the encounter with James, the way he dropped hints and threats so casually. And now here I was, facing another ghost from our past. Susan had been circling around us like a shark, but something in me said I needed to face her myself, away from Richard, to truly understand what she wanted. As soon as I walked in, I spotted her at a corner table, swirling her coffee with a thin smile that didnโt reach her eyes. She looked different from how I rememberedโstill polished and poised, but something in her eyes was colder, sharper. This wasnโt the same Susan from back when Richard and I first got married. Sheโd changed, or maybe sheโd always been like this, and Iโd been too naive to see it.โSarah,โ she greeted, her tone oozing a false warmth. โSo brave of you to come meet me.โโSusan,โ I replied, keeping my voice steady as I
Richard pov.The weeks that followed were like a dream, the kind of dream I never wanted to wake up from. Sarahโs recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She was her old self againโstrong, radiant, and filled with the kind of joy that seemed to light up any room she entered. And our daughter? She was growing so fast, already wrapping usโand everyone elseโin her tiny fingers. But the best part of it all? We were finally preparing for our wedding. Sarah wanted something small and intimate, just us and our closest family and friends. Sheโd always talked about having a garden wedding, surrounded by nature, with the sun setting in the background. And thatโs exactly what we were going to do. The morning was a flurry of activity. Zoe was in charge of decorations, barking orders at Martins, who looked like heโd rather be anywhere else. โMartins, the flowers go on the left,โ Zoe said, hands on her hips. โThey look fine where they are,โ Martins shot back, holding up a bouquet of
Richard pov.Weeks passed. Life felt like a blur of hospital visits, endless updates from doctors, and quiet moments spent in Sarahโs room. I was there every day, holding her hand, speaking softly to her, willing her to wake up. Zoe and Martins tried their best to keep things light whenever they visited, cracking jokes or telling stories, but even they couldnโt hide their worry. The NICU had become another constant in my life. Our daughter was thriving despite her premature birth, a tiny fighter who seemed determined to make it through. Iโd visit her every evening after sitting with Sarah, watching her tiny chest rise and fall under the glow of the incubatorโs lights. She was the only glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark time. โHey, little one,โ I whispered one night, my hand resting on the incubator. โYour momโs going to wake up soon. She has to. She wouldnโt leave us like this.โ It was a quiet morning when the miracle happened. I was sitting in Sarahโs room, flipping through
Richard pov.The morning of the trial felt heavy. I left the hospital earlier than usual, making sure Zoe would stay with Sarah. Despite the overwhelming dread, there was a part of me that felt strangely numb, as if my emotions had run dry after weeks of worry and anger. Martins met me outside the courthouse, impeccably dressed in his usual sharp suit. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding. โTodayโs a big step forward,โ he said. โRemember, this trial is about getting justice, not reopening wounds. Youโre here to see Susan held accountable, not to punish yourself for her actions.โI nodded, though his words didnโt settle the unease churning in my gut. The courtroom was cold, and even though Iโd prepared myself for this moment, seeing Susan seated across the room made my stomach twist. She didnโt look like someone riddled with guilt; she looked indifferent, like this was just another ordinary day. The prosecution opened with a detailed timeline of events, recou
Richard pov.The call from the police came just after dawn, jarring me awake in the cold, uncomfortable chair next to Sarahโs hospital bed. I fumbled with my phone, heart pounding as I stepped into the hallway to answer.โWeโve located Susan,โ the officer said. โSheโs in custody. Weโd like you to come down to the station.โMy grip tightened around the phone. The relief I felt was fleeting, quickly replaced by anger. โIโll be there,โ I said, my voice low.Zoe appeared beside me as I hung up. She had been sitting with Sarah through the night, taking turns with Martins to ensure I wasnโt alone. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her concern for Sarah mirrored my own.โWas that about Susan?โ she asked.I nodded. โTheyโve got her. Iโm heading to the station.โโIโm coming with you,โ she said firmly.โNo,โ I said, shaking my head. โStay here. I need someone I trust to be with Sarah.โShe hesitated, then sighed. โFine. But keep me updated.โWhen I arrived at the police station, Martin
Richard pov.The cold, sterile environment of the police station did nothing to settle the unease that had been gnawing at me since Sarahโs fall. Sitting across from Isabelle in the small interrogation room only amplified it. She looked differentโdisheveled, almost feralโbut her eyes still held that same unhinged intensity I remembered from before. Martins sat beside me, arms crossed, his body language radiating skepticism and disgust. The officer standing by the door had warned us to keep the conversation civil, but I wasnโt here to trade pleasantries. โWhy, Isabelle?โ My voice was steady, but my hands clenched into fists under the table. โWhy did you hurt Sarah?โ She tilted her head, a slow, deliberate movement that made my skin crawl. Then, she smiledโa twisted, almost childlike grin. โShe wanted to take you from me,โ she said, her tone eerily calm. I blinked, the sheer absurdity of her words momentarily robbing me of speech. โTake me from you? Isabelle, how many times
Richard pov.Morning came soon. The soft hum of the machines in Sarahโs room provided a false sense of calm, but every beep reminded me she was hanging on by a thread. My chest felt heavy with every passing second, waiting for her to open her eyes, to tell me everything would be okay. Zoe and Martins stayed close, their presence quiet but steady. Zoe would occasionally bring coffee or attempt to distract me with updates on the baby, but my focus stayed on Sarah.Martins had taken over the logisticsโcoordinating with hospital staff, keeping everyone updated, and ensuring the security team outside wasnโt slacking. It was just after 7 a.m. when my phone buzzed in my pocket, the vibration snapping me out of my daze. I saw the caller ID and immediately stepped out of the room to take the call. โThis better be good,โ I snapped, my voice low but sharp. โMr. Wright,โ a familiar voice respondedโit was Derek, head of my security team. โWeโve apprehended Isabelle.โ The words didnโt re
Richard povThe living room buzzed with lifeโlaughter, the clinking of glasses, and warm chatter filled the air. Guests had arrived, carrying brightly wrapped gifts and wide smiles. It should have been a joyful day, a celebration of new life. But all I could feel was unease twisting in my gut like a knot that wouldnโt come undone. Martins nudged me as I stood by the window, eyes darting to the security guards stationed discreetly outside. โHey, CIA,โ he joked, his tone light. โYou might wanna dial it down before Sarah figures out youโve turned the baby shower into a covert operation.โ I managed a thin smile. โJust being cautious.โ Martins chuckled. โYeah, cautious is your middle name. Youโre so tense, you might scare the baby into coming early.โ His humor didnโt land. I couldnโt shake the image of Sarah falling down those stairs from my mindโa thought that had no basis but still felt like an omen. Isabelle was out there. I didnโt know where, and that made her a threat.
Sarah pov.I woke up feeling like I was floating on air. Memories of last night flooded backโthe soft glow of fairy lights, Richardโs face as he knelt before me, the ring that sparkled on my finger. I glanced at my hand, letting the sunlight catch the diamond, and smiled. It still felt surreal. The baby stirred, a gentle nudge reminding me she was there. โGood morning, little one,โ I murmured, rubbing my belly. She responded with another kick, and my heart swelled. Today was going to be beautiful, filled with friends and laughter at the baby shower. But as I climbed out of bed and pulled on a robe, a faint unease settled in the back of my mind. Something I couldnโt quite place. When I reached the kitchen, the smell of coffee and the sound of laughter greeted me. Zoe was sitting at the counter, holding a steaming mug, while Martins leaned back in his chair, mid-joke. โAh, our glowing bride-to-be!โ Martins said with exaggerated flair, waving his hands like a magician. I roll
Richard pov.It had been a month since our trip to the nearby town. Sarah was now in her eighth month, and every day, I marveled at how gracefully she handled the ups and downs of pregnancy. But today was about more than just her strengthโit was about giving her a moment to remember forever. I had planned a re-engagement surprise for her, one that would let her know how much she meant to me, now and always.โMartins, hurry up with the banner!โ I called out as my best friend tried to figure out which end of the ribbon went where. He muttered something about not being a decorator, but I ignored him.The house was chaotic, but the good kind. At least, thatโs what I kept telling myself as I rushed from one end of the living room to the other, adjusting balloons and making sure the decorations didnโt look like a Pinterest project gone wrong. I wanted everything to be perfect for Sarah. After everything weโd been through, she deserved thatโand more.โRichard, mate, you need to chill,โ Ma