Novel-novel oleh Mimi Hannah

(A YEAR LATER)Camille gazed down at her newborn son, ensconced in the soft blanket she had lovingly prepared. His tiny fingers curled around hers, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was indeed a handsome baby boy, with tufts of dark hair and a peaceful expression that filled her heart with an overwhelming sense of joy. Next to her, Xavier sat, his eyes gleaming with pride as he took in the miracle before them. “Isn’t he so small and beautiful?” Xavier asked, his heart fluttering.Together, they had built a life filled with warmth, laughter, and now, the beautiful chaos of parenthood.The little family was nestled in a snug corner of their home, a small but welcoming space that’s decorated with lots of love. “He’s my new bundle of joy…my peace,” Camille found herself muttering, the small boy grabbed her hand.“What am I, if he’s your peace? I’m here too… I should be your inner peace as well!” Xavier chipped in teasingly, Camille laughed out loud and slap him playfully on the ches

THE DAY OF UNION.The sun rose on a clear, bright morning, casting a golden glow on the beautiful room of the Guevara’s. Time seemed to be so fast on Camille’s side…Wasn’t it just last month when everything seemed it was never going to better?Camille stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her veil and taking a deep breath. The day she’s always dreamt of…her wedding with someone she loves. Her satin gown shimmered under the soft light, reflecting the excitement bubbling within her. “You’re looking beautiful,” Irene muttered coming into the room, her hair packed in a loose updo, her silk mint dress flow beautifully on the floor.Anyone would have mistaken Irene for the if she was putting on white. Camille’s face softened, the tension she was feeling earlier melt away when she saw Irene’s face.“I’m grateful you’re here, I’m so nervous Irene.” Camille laments, Irene move closer and took her hand.“It’s your big day! Don’t let that anxiety ruin your look. You’re damn beautiful, ma’am

(THE FOLLOWING WEEK)Camille sat at the waiting room, her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Tiana. Camille had decided to visit her today but TianA was totally different, the once-vibrant woman she’d known now looked like a shadow of her former self. Dark circles clung beneath Tiana's eyes, and her skin, usually radiant, now appeared hollow and sallow. Her hair is a total mess.“How have you been, Tiana?” Camille called softly, that was then Tiana lifted her gaze, only to meet Camille’s.“What do you want, Camille? You’re the least person I’d thought of seeing today! ” Tiana’s voice was flat, echoing with the weight of unspoken pain.“Not like I’ve got a choice? But I felt like if I don’t say these words to you, I might never fight peace too,” Camille said, resting her back against the chair. . “You look... exhausted.” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “You can’t keep going like this. You need to find peace too.”Tiana laughed, a harsh, manic soun

After weeks of camping her at the hospital, Camille was finally home. Her small heels clicked on the floor as she stepped into the main building, spreading her hands wide into the atmosphere, her nostril recognized the sweet scent of her home. God knows she has missed this!“You miss home…that much?” Xavier asked behind her, she turned. “Yea! I missed it! So much!”“Camille!” the excited voice of her father reverberated through the house. His figure moved swiftly towards her, arms wide open as if he were preparing to catch her in a warm embrace that had been too long in coming. “You’re finally back! We’ve missed you so much!”As he enveloped her in a bear hug, Camille felt all the worry and fear that had clung to her for so long begin to melt away. She returned the embrace with equal fervor, her heart swelling with joy and relief. “That’s so random coming from someone who visited the hospital everyday…” She teased.Then she heard a sound from behind, she turned. Irene was already i

————————Camille's eyelids fluttered as consciousness slowly seeped back into her weary mind, and she blinked against the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights above. Her blurry vision adjusted, she caught sight of familiar faces anxiously waiting by her bedside. Xavier's eyes, usually so full of life, were clouded with worry. He reached out instinctively at the sound of her shallow breaths, his hand gripping hers with a mix of relief and fear. “I’m here, I’m here. You survived, my queen.” He had mumbled happily.Beside him stood her father, his expression a blend of worry and gladness. His expression became something comforting to Camille, she was not alone.Then her eyes caught the doctors standing beside her, for some minutes, the doctor examined her thoroughly before turning to Leonard, “She’s fine now. All she needs is to respond quickly to the treatment,” The doctor explained.“Thank you Doc.”“If there’s any issue again kindly reach out to me as soon as possible,” With that t

(2 DAYS LATER)Days passed in a blur of paperwork, phone calls, and late-night strategy sessions. Xavier made sure Leonard was out of jail in no time, Theo and his brother has been arrested and put behind bars with a desirable sentence each.Xavier waited outside of the prison in his car, his gaze were fixed on the prison gates, “When-” before he could even say a thing, Leonard stepped out of the prison.He adjusted to the bright light that shone upon him. When last did he see the atmosphere so bright? One or two weeks ago?Then he spot a white car outside. Xavier came down from the car, Leonard’s eyes glimmered as he approached him. “Thank you, Xavier,” Leonard mumbled, a tiny smile on his lips.“There’s no need…just consider it as something I should have done. I’m glad everything went just as I hoped,”Xavier said, apprehending the intensity of the moment.Leonard nod, got into the car and drove away.And—the rest of the ride to the hospital was practically in silence.————————Xavi

(Three Days Later)“Mrs Alberto has been responding to treatment which has helped her recover so quickly, she can go home now but we will always come check her at home to complete her dose,” The doctor explained to Adriana.“Finally, I’m leaving,” Mrs Alberto teased from where she laid. “That’s a great news, Can she go home in the afternoon then?” Adriana asked and the doctor nod.“Yes, Please Excuse me,” The doctor left.“I should start packing up, We are finally leaving,” Adriana said going to the shelf, she started packing her own clothes into a bag.“Will you be moving into the house as from today with my grandkids? I’d be happy to have you all at my home,“ Mrs Alberto asked and it took some minutes before Adriana answered.“Er…I don’t want your husband to feel uncomfortable, you know he lost a daughter and I think he knew that’s because of me, I-““Douglas is not someone like that, I know who I married so I’m sure, he will accept you as his daughter but if you don’t want to move

****One week Later****Adriana opened the door to Mrs Alberto’s room, she dropped the fruits she got from the market on the desk, “Mom, the doctors said avocado and bananas are good for you,” She muttered softly to her mom who was still unconscious.She pulled out a chair and sat, she took her hand into hers and pat on it gently, “I know you can do it mom, It’s been a week since you’re been on that bed, please,,” Adriana sniffs preventing tears from falling.Adriana wanted to let go of her hand but it held her back instead and one of her fingers moved, Adriana quickly looked at her mom who was still struggling to open her eyes.When she finally did, her eyes met with Adriana’s teary eyes. “Mom! Thank you!” She exclaimed.Few minutes later, “Can she now walk on her own, talk, eat now?” Adriana asked the doctor in charge glancing back at her mother, who was staring at the window.“Don’t worry Ms Adriana, She responded to treatment while she was still in coma and there’s possibility of h

*** Jessica brows knitted, she couldn’t wrap a finger around it and the same goes for Adriana, “What the fuck are you talking about Mom? Julia is dead!” Jessica shrilled. Mrs Alberto shook her head and waved the DNA test results in her hand, she started walking closer to Jessica, “I don’t know why you lied about that to me but I have taken the right way to amend this between you two,” She breathed. Jessica glowered, “ What the fuck are you trying to say mom? Don’t tell me….” Jessica shook her head and averted her gaze at Adriana. “Yes, Adriana is your blood sister,” Mrs Alberto announced making the gun with Jessica almost break into pieces and looking lost. The corner of Adriana’s eyes crinkled, “Can, Can, someone tell me what’s going on here? Why am I Jessica’s sister?” Adriana asked croakily Then Mrs Alberto walked to Adriana, “I’m sorry child, I’m sorry I came late for you. You’re my daughter and dropped you with Gina and her husband, I’m sorry for abandoning you,” She g

[TWO DAYS LATER]“Guess what kids?” Miguel asked his kids as he drops a plate of pancakes and fruit juice.“Just tell it to us already, Daddy,” Scott pouted taking a slice from the pancake.“Can’t you at least guess?” He teased while the kids shook their heads.“No Daddy, all we can think about is the pancakes on our table,” Scarlett whined, Miguel chuckles.“Okay, okay, I’m taking to the amusement park after you’re done eating, isn’t that exciting?” He finally spilled the bean.“Yayhhhh! That’s going to be fun, we should finish this food quickly,” Skyler suggested happily and the other two followed him, they started rushing their foods.“Take it easy, don’t let that food choke you. The amusement park isn’t running away?” Miguel cautioned them but none of them were listening to him.Adriana walked in from the balcony, “Miguel?” She called diverting Miguel’s attention to her.“Yes, my darling?” Miguel answered her.“Dora just called me, she said she’s coming over for a visit. I don’t t

The Alberto’s)Jessica paced to and fro of her room as she kept starting at pictures and news on her social media page, her anger infuriated when she saw the hashtag. #How the rich heir of Fernandez broke into a wedding to claim his love# “Miguel! After all I have done for you? I did everything to love me! How dare you go back to that bitch?! Arghh!” Jessica screamed and threw the picture on her bed.She went to her other phone and dialed a number which picked up after the first ring, “I need backups and guns, Adriana has passed her boundaries and it’s time to end it for her,” with that she dropped the call.Jessica moved to the wide mirror in her room, her smirk could tear down the whole house, “I won’t spare you too, Miguel. If I can’t get you then no one, no one can have you,” She growl with gritted teeth.She walked into the bathroom and turn on the shower.Mrs Alberto standing behind the door that was left half opened gasped, her aim was to challenge Jessica for lying to her ab

After the long heartfelt kiss, Miguel slowly pull away and took Adriana’s hand, “She’s mine and this wedding can’t take place,” He announced making the guests almost pop out their eyes.Gilbert balled his fist, “Adriana, remember the promise you made to me? Will you like to see one of your kids gone?!” Gilbert suddenly yelled, the guests gasped.“Oh my, is he threatening the bride?”“What a selfish man! Why is he being bitter?”People started murmuring making Gilbert realize the mistake he had just made. Miguel scoffed and move closer to Gilbert, “Looks like you just dug your own grave,” He whispered with a smirk.Gilbert gritted his teeth and his face changed to a cold one while Miguel took the ring on Adriana’s index finger and threw it at his face.“If you know what’s best for you Gilbert, don’t show yourself around me ever again. You ruined our friendship the day you took Adriana forcefully, adios!” Miguel told him.Miguel looked at Adriana who was staring at Miguel the whole time

Chapter 58 The plot Riella stood still, frozen in place, as Stefan's grip on her hand tightened. She could feel his anger radiating from him, and she was afraid. Afraid of what he might do, afraid of what he might say. She tried to pull away from him, but his grip was too strong. As Stefan strode off into the distance, Riella heaved a deep sigh of relief. Her heart felt as though it had stopped beating for a moment there. She couldn't believe how close she had come to danger. Her eyes filled with tears as she realized how vulnerable she truly was. She quickly made her way to her chambers, shutting the door behind her with a loud thud. She leaned against it, trying to catch her breath. Her mind was racing with thoughts of what had just happened, and she couldn't shake the feeling of fear that had settled in her stomach. As she closed her eyes, she tried to calm herself down. She took deep breaths, willing herself to relax. She knew that she couldn't let Stefan's actions control her

Chapter 57The full moon anniversary The pack soldiers stood tall and proud, their uniforms neatly pressed and their weapons gleaming in the early morning light. They listened intently as their head pack soldier, a seasoned warrior with a grizzled beard, held up a book and read from it with a deep, authoritative voice. The words echoed through the courtyard, sending a shiver down the spines of the gathered soldiers. For them, the full moon anniversary was a sacred event, a time when the pack came together to celebrate their heritage and honor their ancestors. As the head pack soldier finished reading, there was a hushed silence. Then, slowly, the soldiers began to stir, nodding to each other and exchanging excited whispers. They knew that the coming celebration would be a time of great joy and camaraderie, a chance to forget the troubles of the world and revel in the strength of their pack. The soldiers turned and filed out of the courtyard, their boots clanging on the stone walkwa

Chapter 56 The zephyr plant The court physician carefully picked up a small bunch of the zephyr plant, its delicate green leaves trembling in his hand. He placed it into the mortar and began grinding it with the pestle, the scent of the plant filling the air with a refreshing aroma. With a few deft movements, he created a fine powder from the plant, which he then mixed with a little water. He approached Riella, who lay on the bed, her eyes closed and her breathing shallow. With a gentle touch, he opened her mouth and poured a small amount of the mixture into it. Riella stirred slightly, and the physician gave her a reassuring smile. "Rest now, my lady," he said softly. "The zephyr plant will help to purify your body and restore your strength." He then turned to Nathan, who was standing anxiously by the bedside. "We will need to keep her here for a few days to ensure she makes a full recovery," he said. "But she is in good hands, and we will do everything we can to make sure she i

Chapter 55 Victory call Stefan's eyes glared at the ground, his grip tightening on his sword. He could hear the sounds of the pack soldiers celebrating their victory over the Raven, and he seethed with anger. It radiated in his face, causing his features to contort in frustration. The pack had succeeded where he had failed. He couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness and resentment towards them, even as he knew that it was irrational. After all, they were on the same side. But the anger and frustration continued to simmer within him, and he struggled to keep it under control. He knew he had to let go of his feelings of inadequacy. It was a battle he fought within himself, trying to reconcile his emotions As Alpha Nathan lead Noelle to her Chambers, a sense of pride and accomplishment radiated from him. His posture was tall and his steps confident as the pack soldiers cheered for their success against the Raven. Nathan couldn't help but smile at Noelle as they entered her Cham

Chapter 54The fall of the Raven. Noelle was in a state of panic as she searched frantically for her sword. She knew she needed to defend herself and her people from the Raven, but her sword was nowhere to be found. Her hands shook as she rifled through her belongings, throwing items aside in desperation. Nathan rushed into her chambers, sensing her distress. "What's wrong?" he asked urgently. "The Raven is here," Noelle replied, her voice trembling. "I need my sword, but I can't find it." Nathan quickly assessed the situation and pulled out his own sword. "Take mine," he said, thrusting it into her hands. "I'll find another weapon." Noelle nodded gratefully, gripping the sword tightly. She hurried out of her chambers, heading towards the courtyard where the Raven was approaching. Nathan followed closely behind, scanning the area for any other weapons he could use. As they emerged into the courtyard, Noelle could feel her heart racing. The Raven was a formidable foe, with its ma

Chapter 53 A defeat. Noelle heaved, with a deep breath, she straightened her posture and prepared to meet the sage. They made their way to the sage's chamber, their footsteps echoing loudly in the silent halls. As they approached the door, Noelle's heart pounded in her chest. Nathan reached for the door handle, but before he could turn it, the door creaked open on its own. Noelle's breath caught in her throat as she saw the sage standing before her, his eyes locked onto hers. He was an old man, with a long white beard and a solemn expression. "You have finally come," he said in a deep, raspy voice. "I have been waiting for you." The sage said amidst smiles. The sage stood before Noelle, his presence commanding and powerful. Noelle couldn't bring herself to look directly at him, her body shaking with fear and uncertainty. She stumbled backwards, her legs weak and unsteady. Nathan quickly stepped forward, catching her before she fell. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice full of

Chapter 60A month passed in a jiffy. Finally, Lyon and Kathryn could have their baby.Lyon and Kathryn arrived at the hospital with quiet excitement, the kind that comes when you know life is about to change forever. The ride there had been mostly silent, Kathryn holding Lyon’s hand the entire way, her mind racing as Martins drove. For weeks, they had dreamed of this moment, and now it was finally here.When they stepped into the hospital, the halls were familiar, but everything felt different this time. There was no rush, no panic. Lyon held onto Kathryn gently as they made their way to the nursery.A nurse met them with a kind smile, “Mr. and Mrs. Alberto, I’ll get your son for you.”Kathryn’s breath caught as the nurse disappeared behind a door. Her fingers gripped Lyon’s arm. “I can’t believe we’re finally bringing him home,” she whispered.Lyon looked at her, his voice low and calm. “We’ve waited long enough.”The nurse returned, pushing a small bassinet with their baby in it, w

Chapter 59“It's a boy!” The doctor said, turning back, grabbing Lyon's hand, who was on his knees, for a handshake, “congratulations once again, Mr Lyon.”They weren't allowed in for some hours, though they stood at a distance.“You can see her now.” One of the nurses said as Lyon nodded.Lyon walked into the room quietly, the soft beeping of the machines filling the silence. He stood there for a moment, just watching Kathryn, her face peaceful as she slept. It felt unreal, how close he had come to losing her. But now she was here, still breathing, still alive. He could hardly believe it.Turning to Martins and James, Lyon spoke softly. “I need a minute with her,” he said, voice rough. “I’ll be out in a bit.”The two men nodded, understanding without needing to say much. They stepped out, leaving Lyon and Kathryn alone in the room.Lyon moved to her bedside, the sound of his footsteps too loud in the stillness. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hand gently in his, feeli

Chapter 58“Kathryn…!!!” Lyon shouted, his mouth opened wide.Kathryn’s scream echoed in the room, the sound of pain slicing through Lyon like a knife. He watched helplessly as she jerked in the chair, her leg buckling under the force of the shot. Blood began to pool around her, spreading across the floor, and Lyon’s mind went blank. He couldn’t breathe.Kathryn!” He shouted, struggling against the men holding him, his body trembling. She was everything to him. His life. His future. And now, this monster, Wendy, was trying to take her away from him.Kathryn’s breath was shallow, her face a mask of pain. Her body was shaking, but she still managed to look at Lyon, her eyes filled with tears.“Lyon... I... I’m sorry,” she whispered, but it barely registered through the haze of panic in his mind. He didn’t know if she was apologizing for what had happened, for what Wendy was doing to her... or maybe it was for something else.But he couldn’t think about that right now. He had to save he

Chapter 57Lyon had barely loosened the last knot on Kathryn’s restraints when a slow, deliberate clap echoed through the room. The sound was smug, sharp, like a knife slicing through the air.“Well, well, well…” Wendy’s voice came from the doorway, sickly sweet and dripping with malice. Lyon’s head snapped up, and there she stood, leaning against the frame with a cruel smirk plastered across her face. Two enormous men flanked her, their broad shoulders filling the entryway like silent, unmovable walls.“I’ve been expecting you, Lyon,” Wendy purred, taking a slow step into the room, her heels clicking against the floor. Her confidence oozed from every step, every calculated motion.Lyon’s entire body stiffened. He rose to his feet, shielding Kathryn instinctively as if his presence alone could protect her. “Wendy…” His voice was low, strained, fighting the rage building in his chest. “Why are you doing this? What do you want?”Wendy’s smirk deepened as her eyes locked with his. “You t

Chapter 56Lyon stepped off the plane, barely feeling the ground beneath his feet. The cool breeze brushed his face, but it didn't calm anything he was feeling.He pulled his phone out from his pocket, he dialed Martins’ number, his hand trembling slightly.“Where are you?” Lyon’s voice was tight, sharp, cutting through the noise of the bustling airport. His eyes darted around, scanning the crowd.“Right outside. I’m here.” Martins’ voice was steady but had that edge of urgency.Lyon pushed through the throngs of people.The noise, the movement, all of it was a blur. He didn’t stop until he spotted Martins near the car, waving with a slight tilt of his head. Without a word, Lyon slid into the passenger seat, the door slamming shut behind him. Martins pulled away from the curb, the tires rolling like they, too, knew there wasn’t time to waste.Inside the car, silence hung heavy. Lyon’s mind was racing, the weight of every possible outcome pressing down on him like bricks. His phone buz

Chapter 55Lyon gripped his phone tightly, his knuckles turning white as the voice on the other end came through."We've found where Kathryn is," the voice said.Lyon stopped dead in his tracks. His heartbeat felt like it had jumped to his throat. "Where?" he said sharply, his voice low but steady."An old warehouse just outside the city," the voice continued, pausing for a second. "But Lyon… it's Wendy. She's not working alone. There's something off about everything.”Lyon’s mind raced, staring straight at the empty space ahead of him. Wendy. Of course. “Wendy’s cunning. This isn’t going to be simple, but, it will.” Lyon muttered to himself. He exhaled sharply through his nose, trying to keep his rage in check. “Listen, make more investigation. Keep a close eye on Wendy. I’ll be there in two hours.”“Understood.” The line went dead.Lyon lowered the phone and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady the storm coming up inside him. When he opened them again, they were cold and