All Chapters of Fading Embers: The Search For Lost Love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

“Ranya?” Vivian squeaked from the bathroom, her legs clashing against the marble floor as she approached him. “Why wouldn’t you let me fix this house? It looks so lifeless to me.”Ranya sighed, turning slightly towards her, the coldness in his expression easing as he gazed at her. “The house looks perfectly fine, Vivian.”“Why won’t you let her fix it, Ranya? What are you scared of?” Ranya thought.“No...” she blurted, grabbing his tie, attempting to help fix it, but he stepped back, a forced smile on his face. “I can handle it.”Her lips parted slightly, trying to say something, but her lips wouldn’t budge.Since she moved in a month ago, she had noticed his changed demeanor. He seemed to be pushing her away, despite his skilled attempts to hide it from her, not wanting her to feel unimportant. She knew he wasn’t the loving Ranya she had once known.She released the tie and observed him adjusting it around his neck. Her gaze lingered on his eyes, noticing the absence of the warmth th

“It’s not his, and you know it.”Vivian stared at the message before her, unable to comprehend it. What on earth was she saying? How did she even find out about it?She paced around the empty house, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.“How do I explain this to Ranya without him kicking me out of his house? Since I returned, we’ve only had sex once, and he didn’t even finish!”Ranya wasn’t foolish; he was observant. She couldn’t pin a child on him without him suspecting her. She had to find a way to make him believe whatever lies she would weave. She had to make him give in; she would ensure it!“What about Yang?” she muttered under her breath, her eyes fixed on the message sent by the woman who threatened to ruin her life if she didn’t comply.Her phone rang suddenly, making her jump in fear as she nervously picked it up. It was an unknown number, but she knew who it was.After much hesitation, she answered, placing the phone to her ear.“You know better than to ignore t

"A freaking coffee shop?" Emily screeched over the call. "You've got to be kidding me.""No, Em, I consider it worthy. You would have loved it if you were here. It's still growing, but I'm so proud," Calista replied, holding her phone firmly while walking out of her portable office in the coffee shop.The coffee shop, named "Cal's Brew," was a cozy and inviting space with warm wooden floors and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The walls were adorned with local artwork and shelves filled with books and plants. Soft ambient music played in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Comfortable seating arrangements, including plush armchairs and wooden tables, provided a perfect spot for customers to unwind or catch up on work. All this was put in place by Anthony. A sly smile cut across her face; owning something felt right."I can see you did a good job with the interiors. Los Angeles must have good interior decorators," Emily confessed as her friend showed her th

Despite his calm demeanor and the message on the phone, it was clear that he was confused and shocked. Vivian looked at him, feeling her heart race in her chest. She knew she was taking a risk, but she had already formulated her plans and now had the courage to voice them.“What were you saying, Vivian?” he asked, sounding slightly disappointed.She couldn’t despair, but she was sure a hint of disappointment was hidden in that thick voice of his. She closed her eyes briefly, opening them with a more determined look.“That’s the test confirmation from a month and a few weeks ago. I bet our first and only night together since I returned wasn’t actually as bad as we thought.”“Vivian!” he roared, causing her to flinch backward, her eyes flickering as she watched his jaw clench and unclench rhythmically. “That’s not what I was asking, and you knew it.”“Ranya, I knew I lied,” she breathed, taking the phone away from him. “I shouldn’t have, but I was scared to tell you. I just had to say s

A few months later.“Signoral?”The husky voice of the elderly man in his late sixties called out as she walked into the elaborate office belonging to Chairman Hamilton, one of the richest men in Texas. The office, with its dark mahogany furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, exuded power and wealth.“Grandfather…” she replied, smiling broadly, her heels making a resounding sound on the polished marble floor as she approached him. “You always seem to know it’s me whenever I’m around. I’m really curious to know how you do that.”His throaty laugh filled the room, causing her smile to broaden with each step she took towards him. “You have forgotten that I’m your grandfather, your only family.”“I know… How have you been doing?” she asked, removing her sunglasses as she seated herself in one of the plush leather chairs. “It’s been almost a year since we had a proper family get-together.”The elderly man sneered, picking up his stick as he walked back to his chair. “