Chapter: Chapter 52“Yes! I will marry you.” I dove into his arms and hugged him tightly. “I love you so much Annette.” “I love you more.” He slid the ring onto my finger and kissed my lips. “This was really beautiful.” I admitted and he smiled. “I wanted the best for you, my love.” “It really is the best baby and I appreciate all that you do for me.” I stared at the ring on my finger, I couldn’t believe I was getting married again. It’s funny how I was about to become Mrs. Taylor once again. We sat down and ate dinner then Alex took me home. “Aren’t we getting Ayla?” I asked and he shook his head. “Well, I kind of had something else in mind.” "Aren't you full of surprises?" “Trust me, you’ll love it.” I stepped out of the car and walked into the house. It was beautifully decorated. There was a record player. Alex turned it on and walked over to me. He took my hands and we danced as laid my chin on his chest, enjoying our moment. “Alex, this is lovely. The way you’
Last Updated: 2025-12-02
Chapter: Chapter 51Being a mom was an entirely new experience. The sleepless nights, the constant worry, the overwhelming love — no one could’ve prepared me for the way my heart shifted the moment Ayla was born. Suddenly, everything revolved around her: when she ate, how she slept, the sound of every cry. My body still ached, and my emotions were all over the place, but one look at her tiny face, and I knew I’d go through it all again a thousand times.Alex had been incredible — patient, loving, attentive. He never treated her like someone else’s child. In his arms, she was his.Every bottle he made, every diaper he changed, every time he took her so I could rest — it reminded me I wasn’t doing this alone. And even though our situation was complicated, our little girl had more love than she could ever need.Motherhood wasn’t easy. But it was mine now. And I was ready.Before I knew it, she was already six months babbling and cooing as her beautiful eyes gazed up at me. Where did the time go?“Are you
Last Updated: 2025-10-12
Chapter: Chapter 50 I found Nathan in the hospital garden, sitting alone with his elbows on his knees, eyes locked on the ground. He looked up when he heard my footsteps. "Annette," he said, standing slowly. His eyes darted to the tiny bundle in my arms. "She's okay," I said softly. "We both are." We stood there for a beat, the tension thick. "Can I…?" He motioned toward the baby. I hesitated. Then, with a quiet breath, I nodded and gently placed her in his arms. Nathan looked down at her, emotion flickering in his eyes. "She’s perfect." "She doesn’t have a name yet," I murmured. He looked up at me. “You’re giving me a chance to be here for her?” “She is your child too.” We stood quietly, the baby letting out a soft coo in his arms. “I never wanted to hurt you,” Nathan said. “What I did… it was selfish. Stupid. Looking at her now I realized what we could have had and I ruined it.” He said bitterly. I nodded. “But we’re past that now.“ “I know. She looks so much like you.” He smiled. “Y
Last Updated: 2025-10-12
Chapter: Chapter 49I clutched Alex's hand like a lifeline, my nails digging into his skin as another contraction ripped through me. My breathing came in shallow gasps, and all I could think was—this baby is not waiting. “I can’t—Alex, I can’t do this,” I sobbed, my voice shaking. “Yes, you can. Look at me, baby,” he said, kneeling beside me, brushing the damp strands of hair from my face. “You are the strongest woman I know. Breathe with me.” The beach crowd was thinning as people noticed something was wrong. A few strangers hovered nearby, offering help, but Paige waved them off as she kept me shaded under an umbrella. “Where’s the damn ambulance?” Tiffany growled into the phone. “We’re at Bayview Shore—*yes*, she’s in active labor!” “I don’t think we’re going to make it to the hospital,” Paige whispered, panic flickering in her eyes. “What do you mean we’re not—” I didn’t even finish before another wave of pain hit me, and this time, I screamed. Alex turned ghost-pale. “Baby… do you feel pressu
Last Updated: 2025-10-12
Chapter: Chapter 48Life has been really good to me lately. Alex and I were perfect together. Paige, Tiffany and I went out often and Nathan was respectful whenever we spoke. I couldn’t complain. Days had turned to weeks and before I knew it, I was ready to pop my baby out. Well almost ready. It’s been a long time since I found out I was pregnant and the time had seemed so far since then. I couldn’t wait to meet my baby, to hold him or her and give them the best life that I could. I wanted to wait until I have birth to know the gender. I always wanted children and now I got the opportunity to have my own little bundle of joy. “Hey sexy mama,” Alex greeted as he plopped down on the bed. “Hey baby,” I pecked his lips. “I was thinking that we should have a beach day, today,” I suggested and he raised a brow. “You’re heavily pregnant. I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said and I rolled my eyes. “Firstly, I’m pregnant, not disabled and secondly, the baby is due in a week.” “I really don’
Last Updated: 2025-10-11
Chapter: Chapter 47I knew what I had to do now. I wanted Alex to feel better. I wanted him to know that he could trust me with his feelings and emotions. The morning of the anniversary, I woke up before Alex and collected a bouquet of fresh, beautiful flowers I had ordered. Ruth said that Alex would always buy Brianna pink carnations. Those were her favorite flowers. The night before, I had already prepared a picnic basket. Then I went and added a few more things this morning. When I arrived home, Alex had already taken a shower and was eating the breakfast I had made before I left. “Good morning, Annie,” he said.“Good morning Alex.”“Where did you go?” He asked. “I got these,” I showed him a bouquet of flowers and his eyes widened. “Annie……what are you doing?” He avoided eye contact and dropped his fork. “I’m here with you. I want you to talk to me. This time around is a little tougher but I want to be here for you. Please let me in. It’s not always okay to handle these things alone. Trust me.”
Last Updated: 2024-03-29
Chapter: Damien's Story-Chapter 5Damien's POVI stared at the letter on my dresser. I hadn't given it to my mom yet. In the back of my mind, I was tempted to open it, but that wouldn't be right."Ugh, I should just give it to her," I thought out loud as I stood up.I took the letter up and went to her room. As I was about to knock on the door, Mom opened it."Hey, sweetie," She smiled."Mom, some guy gave me a letter to give to you," I passed it to her."Oh?"She opened it and I saw her eyes widen as she read its contents."W-Who gave this to you?" She stuttered."I don't know him, but he had black hair and blue eyes. He looked like he was in his 40s. He was tall and buff."Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought for a moment."Could it be....?" Her voice trailed off."Is something wrong?""Everything is fine, sweetie, but please don't speak to strangers, okay?""Sure."I wonder who that guy was and what Mom's hiding.I didn't have school today, and I just wanted to rest my body.As I was sitting on the sofa watching th
Last Updated: 2023-09-18
Chapter: Damien's Story- Chapter 4DamienI yawned softly as I got out of bed. Today is the soccer match. I was super excited and nervous, but I'm gonna do my best. Yesterday I got my driver's license, it was such a relief."Sweetie, are you getting ready for school?" Mom called."Yeah Mom. I'm gonna shower. I'll be down in a bit."After I brushed my teeth and showered, I got dressed for school. The game is taking place this afternoon so I still had time.My phone buzzed signaling that I had a notification.Checking my phone, I saw that I received a message from Dad.Dad: Hey, I just wanna wish you luck on your match today. I know that you're gonna play amazing. Always know that I'm proud of you Dami. His message brought a smile on my face as I replied to him.I made my way downstairs and met my mom placing breakfast on the table."Big day today Dami." She smiled as I took a seat."Yeah, I hope everything works out." "It will, you've been working hard for this.""We're coming to see your match this evening Damien."
Last Updated: 2023-09-07
Chapter: Damien's Story- Chapter 3Damien"So, are you gonna come to Jonah's party, Phil?" I questioned as we entered the library."Of course not.""Why?""I just don't feel like it." He shrugged."Is it because he's dating Evelyn?" I questioned and he stiffened."No, Evelyn can do whatever the hell she wants. That's not my concern.""Well, you never usually miss a party so I assumed something was up.""I'm just focusing on my studies, I don't need any distractions.""Whatever you say bro."We sat and finished our essay for literature class.Halfway through the essay I heard Phil sigh and drop his pen on the table. He rocked back on the chair, his arms propped behind his head as he look at the ceiling."This is so frustrating.""It's not that hard, we just have to write about any theme in the novel of our choice. Choose a few examples and explain how it was used.""You're actually good at literature, I wish I could say the same." He sighed."I'll help you.""Thanks man." He pulled out his copy of to 'Kill A Mockingbird
Last Updated: 2023-09-07
Chapter: Damien's Story- Chapter 2Damien"Hold up, Did you say Xavier Vanderbilt?" I repeated and she nodded."I know him. Well, actually my mom knew him. He was a friend of the family." "Do you think she would tell me about him?" "I'm sure she will. Speaking of that I should be getting home and you should come with me. You could ask my mom about Xavier." I suggested."That sounds good." We took the bus and arrived home in 20 minutes."Hello Cassidy. How are you?" Mom smiled."I'm fine Aunty. How are you?" "I'm good darling.""You're home early. Didn't you have practice?" Mom asked me."I did but something much more important came up. Mom, Cassidy and I need to talk to you about something." "Ofcourse." She said calmly but a worried look graced her features.We walked into the living room and mom sat opposite me."Do you guys want something to drink?" Mom asked."I'd like a glass of water." Cassidy said."Me too." I chimed in.Minutes later, mom came back with the water and some biscuits for us."Now, what's going
Last Updated: 2023-09-07
Chapter: PART 2 - Damien's Story/ Chapter 1Damien "Dami, wake up or you'll be late for school." My mom yelled.I groaned as I rolled off the bed. As a sixteen year old I need rest. I've been training a lot as it was soccer season."Damien, I'm not gonna call again." Mom yelled from downstairs.I walked downstairs and sat at the table."Finally, you're awake." Mom smiled as she placed my breakfast in front of me.Dad came downstairs in a hurry with his suitcases. He's going to Italy for a week. "Daddy, do you have to go?" Amelia whispered."Yes sweetheart, I do.""But I want you to stay." She whined. Out of all of us, Amelia spent the most time with Dad. They played a lot together. She is quite the spoilt nine year old but in a good way.He put down his suitcases and scooped her into his arms."Amelia, I'll be back before you know it. I have a surprise for you when I get back.""A surprise?" Her eyes gleamed."Yes, so will you be patient and wait for me?" She paused for a moment and then nodded."Good girl." He kissed her for
Last Updated: 2023-09-07
Chapter: Aubrey's Childhood Part 3Aubrey was now 18 years old. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her beauty held no bounds. People would turn heads as soon as they saw her. Aubrey sat at the table, a frown on her face as she calmly went through the numbers for the party. "Hm? Am I missing someone?" She thought out loud as she looked at the list. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in. Aubrey got up from her seat and bumped into Blake. She tumbled into him and almost fell to the ground, but he steadied her. "Are you okay?" He asked politely, and she nodded."I'm fine," she smiled as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes. Blake cleared his throat and stepped at the side. "This is my parents' home. I would like to know who you are?" Blaked cracked a smile. "It's Aubrey silly," she giggled and looked up at him, "Welcome home," she smiled. "A-Aubrey?" He stuttered. "Yup. You're just on time. I was planning your party." "Nothing has changed," he scowled, "I don't want to be around you."
Last Updated: 2023-09-07
Chapter: Chapter 39The tires screamed against the pavement, and for a heartbeat the world slowed. The car door flew open. A tall man stepped out — not Nico, but one of his enforcers. I recognized him instantly. Marco. Cold eyes, slicked-back hair, a scar that split his brow in two. He grinned. “You made this too easy.” Damien shoved Bea into my arms. “Run,” he said, stepping forward. But I couldn’t. My legs wouldn’t move. Fear rooted me in place, and all I could do was watch as Damien faced Marco alone. Marco raised his gun lazily. “You always were the loyal one, Damien. What changed? The girl?” Damien didn’t answer. He lunged, disarming Marco in one brutal motion — the gun clattered away. They grappled, fists and fury echoing through the alley. Bea whimpered against my chest, and I could barely breathe. When Marco’s fist connected with Damien’s jaw, I flinched as though I’d been hit. Damien stumbled but recovered fast, slamming Marco against the wall. “Stay down,” he growled. Marco spat blood.
Last Updated: 2025-11-13
Chapter: Chapter 38 The car sped off into the night, the city lights blurring past the windows like streaks of cold fire. I pressed my forehead against the glass, trying to steady my breathing, but panic clawed at my throat. Nico sat beside me, his face unreadable in the dim glow of the dashboard. “Why are you doing this?” I whispered, voice trembling. He didn’t answer at first. Then, quietly, “Because you belong to me. You and your sister and everything else.”I swallowed hard, heart pounding. “Bea... what are you going to do to her?”Nico’s eyes darkened. “She’s safe for now. But don’t think I won’t use her to make you comply.”The silence that followed was suffocating. My mind raced—where was he taking me? How could Damien find us before it was too late? Outside, the city slipped away into shadows. The only thing I could hold onto was the memory of Damien’s promise: *You’re not alone.* I clenched my fists, feeling the flicker of defiance stir within me. No matter how far Nico took me, I wouldn’t
Last Updated: 2025-11-12
Chapter: Chapter 37As the café filled with the soft murmur of early morning patrons, I let my eyes drift to the worn wooden table in front of me, tracing the faded scratches as if they could map out a way to safety. Bea was dozing against my side, her small breaths steady but shallow from the tension I knew she carried. Damien’s presence beside me was a steady anchor, yet I could feel the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.“We need a plan,” Damien said quietly, breaking the silence. “Nico’s not just going to let us walk away. He’s smart. Dangerous. And he has resources.”I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words settle into my bones. “I’ve been thinking about that. We can’t just go to the police blind. He’s got people everywhere—corrupt cops, lawyers—he’s built a fortress around himself.”Damien’s eyes darkened. “We need evidence. Something solid. Something they can’t ignore.”The thought of gathering proof terrified me. The hidden calls, the threats, the moments of violence—would any of it
Last Updated: 2025-11-12
Chapter: Chapter 36 For the first time in weeks, a flicker of hope stirred inside me. But I knew this was far from over. Nico had escalated, and we were walking into a storm. “We have to be careful,” I whispered. “If he suspects we’re onto him, Bea could be in even more danger.” Damien nodded, eyes softening as he reached out and squeezed my hand. “We’ll get through this. Together.” I closed my eyes, trying to draw strength from his touch. Whatever came next, I wouldn’t face it alone. Not anymore. --- Damien’s fingers flew over his phone, pulling up security camera footage from around Nico’s usual haunts, scanning through contacts and recent calls. Every minute dragged on like an eternity. I sat by the window, watching the city bustle below, but feeling miles away from the life outside. Suddenly, Damien’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then quickly moved to the side so I couldn’t see. “What is it?” I asked, heart pounding. “Got something,” he said, voice tight. “There’s been a recent delivery to
Last Updated: 2025-11-12
Chapter: Chapter 35The hours dragged by like a slow, unforgiving tide. I sat on the edge of the bed, the small bag at my feet half-packed, the weight of everything pressing down on me like a physical force. Damien moved quietly around the room, methodically gathering the essentials: clothes, chargers, documents. His calm was a sharp contrast to the storm raging inside me. I envied his strength and clarity. “I never thought it would come to this,” I whispered, voice barely audible, my hands twisting nervously in my lap. Damien looked up, eyes softening. “None of this is your fault, Aisla. You didn’t ask for any of it.” “But I stayed. I let it happen,” I said, shame creeping over my cheeks. “I was scared and weak.” He crossed the room and sat beside me, placing a steady hand over mine. “You’re not weak. You survived. You’re fighting now, and that makes you stronger than anyone I know.” I wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that this nightmare could end. But every time I thought of Nico—his
Last Updated: 2025-11-12
Chapter: Chapter 34“I’m all of it,” I whispered. “Scared. Angry. Guilty. Relieved. I’m everything all at once, and it’s tearing me apart.” He kissed the side of my neck gently. “We’ll put you back together. I promise.” I turned in his arms and looked up at him. “Do you really think we’ll be safe?” He didn’t answer right away. “Not forever. But long enough to start fighting back. You don’t have to run anymore. We can build something. We can make it so he doesn’t get to control the narrative.” “But what if he hurts someone else trying to find me?” I asked. “What if he uses my family? Or the media? You know what he’s capable of.” Damien exhaled slowly. “Then we take the power from him. Go public. Tell the truth. Every ugly piece of it. If we expose him, it’s over.” I felt my heart hammer in my chest. “You’d do that? Risk everything to take him down?” “I already have,” he said simply. “And I’d do it again.” I leaned into him, burying my face into his chest. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t need to. I
Last Updated: 2025-11-12
Chapter: He strikes again I left Michael and by that time I was on my way home. It was evening time. I wasn’t far from my apartment when I felt it—a presence behind me. My pace quickened instinctively, but the footsteps behind me matched mine, steady and deliberate. I glanced over my shoulder, and my heart sank. Tony. He stepped out from the shadows, his eyes cold and predatory. My pulse quickened, and a wave of fear washed over me. "Tony," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here?" He smirked, a sinister glint in his eyes. "I heard you've been running your mouth about me, Arya. Getting Yasmeen’s family involved... Not a smart move." I took a step back, my mind racing. "Stay away from me." "Now, now," he said, closing the distance between us. "You should've stayed quiet. But you didn’t, did you? You had to ruin everything." Before I could react, he grabbed my arm, his grip bruising. I struggled, trying to pull away, but he was too strong. "Let me go!" I shouted, my vo
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Making Up I sat frozen, staring at the door long after it closed behind him. My heart felt like it had been ripped from my chest, left beating somewhere on the other side. The silence in the kitchen was deafening, broken only by the faint hum of the refrigerator and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall.Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision as I hugged myself, trying to hold in the sobs threatening to break free. But I couldn’t. The pain was too much, too raw. My shoulders shook as I cried, each tear falling like a piece of the life we had built together.Why did I wait so long to tell him?Why did I let fear control me?The questions circled in my mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.I stood up abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. I couldn’t just sit here and drown in my own misery. I had to do something. I had to find him.Grabbing my coat from the back of the chair, I wiped my face hastily, though the tears continued to fall. My hands trembled as I fumble
Last Updated: 2024-12-05
Chapter: Acting Strange"You seem distant," Michael said, his eyes searching mine as we sat together in the quiet of his kitchen, sipping our morning coffee. His voice was gentle but laced with concern.I looked down at the steam rising from my cup, avoiding his gaze. "I’m just... tired," I replied, forcing a small smile that didn’t reach my eyes. "Work’s been a lot lately."Michael frowned, clearly unconvinced. "Arya, I know you better than that. It’s not just work." He reached across the table, his hand warm as it covered mine. "What’s going on?"I hesitated, the words on the tip of my tongue, ready to spill out. Tell him. Be honest. But my mind flashed back to the elevator, to Damon’s kiss, and my chest tightened with guilt and confusion."I..." I started, then shook my head. "It’s nothing, really." I pulled my hand away, gripping the edge of the table as if it could anchor me. "Maybe I just need a little space to clear my head."Michael's eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something—disappointment, may
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
Chapter: A MessI practically ran out of the elevator the second the doors opened, putting as much distance between me and Damon as possible. My heart was still racing, my lips still tingling from his kiss. Why did I kiss him back? The question replayed in my mind over and over as I forced myself to focus on the client meeting.I managed to get through it, delivering the pitch and discussing terms like nothing had happened, but I was on autopilot the entire time. The second it was over, I grabbed my things and headed home, needing to talk to someone—someone who wouldn’t judge me but would help me sort through this emotional chaos.Yasmeen was already lounging on the couch when I got home, a bowl of popcorn in her lap and a reality show playing on TV. She took one look at me and immediately knew something was up.“Oh no,” she said, setting the bowl aside. “What happened?”I dropped my bag and collapsed onto the couch beside her, burying my face in my hands. “You’re not going to believe this.”“Try me,
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
Chapter: Please Don'tI pushed his hand off my waist, my breath quick and unsteady. “Get away from me, Damon,” I snapped, my voice trembling with barely contained anger.He didn’t move immediately, just stood there with that same infuriating smirk. “Why are you so worked up, Arya? I’m just—”“Just what?” I cut him off, my voice rising. “Just trying to manipulate me? Just playing your stupid mind games? You waltz back into my life like nothing happened, like you didn’t hurt me, like you didn’t laugh in my face when I told you how I felt!”Damon’s smirk vanished. I took a shaky step back, my fists clenched at my sides, every word pouring out like I had been holding it in for far too long. “You think you can just show up, say a few words, and I’ll fall at your feet again? Well, I won’t. I’m not that girl anymore.”“Arya—” he started, but I didn’t let him finish.“You broke me, Damon!” My voice cracked, and before I could stop myself, tears spilled down my cheeks. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to put
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
Chapter: Elevator The day started off as ordinary as any other.I adjusted my blazer and smoothed down my skirt as I entered the sleek, glass-walled building just a few blocks from Michael’s company. The client meeting was supposed to be quick—discuss the details, finalize a proposal, and be out in no time. But life had a twisted sense of humor.As I stepped into the lobby, the soft hum of classical music playing through the speakers did little to calm my nerves. I pressed the button for the elevator, checking my phone for any last-minute updates from the client. Nothing. Good. One less thing to stress about.The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the 18th floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand slipped between them, forcing them back open.Of course. Life just couldn’t resist.Damon.My breath hitched as he stepped inside, looking as infuriatingly confident as ever in a perfectly tailored suit, his dark eyes locking onto mine the momen
Last Updated: 2024-12-03
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