A few months passed, and Melissa’s tummy had fully protruded, making it hard for her to sleep at night. She woke up every hour, feeling pain here and there. Her legs felt heavier, almost making it impossible for her to move as quickly as she used to. Though Charlie tried to be there for her, his work became demanding, with one appointment after another. This week was particularly hectic because his company was vying for a contract worth millions of dollars. A rival company pushed them to work harder, with his staff putting in long hours to secure the deal. Charlie, who never tolerated laziness or incompetence, worked harder than anyone else and promised his team handsome rewards if they succeeded. Though motivated, the staff found the workload daunting. However, when the boss works ten times harder, complaining isn’t an option. Charlie returned home exhausted. The walk from the garage to the living room felt endless. Ms. Renetta rushed to take his briefcase, greeting him p
The baby was immediately taken away as the doctors discovered he had breathing problems. “Where are they taking him?” Melissa demanded. “Just relax. He’ll be fine,” Charlie assured her, but she wasn’t convinced. “They didn’t let me hold him. They just left. Is my child okay? What are they doing to him?” she cried. “Do you think I’d let them do anything wrong to him?” he said, and she relaxed. “He’s in the NICU, receiving urgent medical attention,” he explained. “Thank you for being here with me. I would have given up without your support,” she said gratefully. “It’s nothing. I’m happy you made it through,” he smiled, grabbing her hand and kissing her knuckles. “I’ll always be here, okay?” “You missed your presentation because of me. You’re supposed to be angry,” she said, feeling guilty. Charlie chuckled. “Why would I be angry? I can always get another contract, but if I lose you, how do I get you back?” His reply made Melissa’s eyes water. Sh
“Lisa!” Charlie shouted in his sleep, startling Melissa, who had been admiring his sleepy face. He jerked upright, disoriented, until his eyes found hers.“Boss,” Melissa called softly, sitting up.“Are you okay?” he asked, inspecting her. “Does anything else hurt? I told you to stop saying last words!”“I’m sorry,” she apologized, confused. “I didn’t repeat it.”Charlie exhaled sharply. “I thought something bad happened to you. The doctor said—”“It was a dream,” she interrupted. “I’m okay now. I don’t feel severe pain anymore. The doctor also said Junior will be fine, so there’s nothing to worry about. I didn’t want to wake you up, seeing how stressed you were,” she explained.“Okay,” Charlie said, stretching. “I’ll go get you something to eat. Stay safe,” he added, picking up his phone from the bed.“Don’t bother. I’m not hungry yet,” she said, grabbing his hand. “I think you should go home and rest. The doctors will take care of me.”“Don’t worry about me. Let me get you food firs
Melissa didn’t look up as she felt his gaze piercing her, making her feel exposed. “Look at me, Lisa.” His commanding tone sent shivers down her spine, and she found herself lifting her eyes to meet his. She dared not defy that simple order from her charming boss. He was eerily handsome, and every time she got close to him like this, her heart felt like it might explode. Her body reacted so sensitively to his touch that she wondered if she was truly in love with Jared. When her eyes met his, her pulse quickened.“Tell me what you want,” he said, his voice low and seductive as his hand brushed against her arm. It was hot in the room, but Melissa was certain she felt goosebumps form where he touched her.“I… I wanted… us to…” her voice trembled. Charlie leaned in, his lips barely inches from hers. His gaze seemed to pierce straight through her soul.“I’m listening,” he urged.Instinctively, her hand reached up to his chest, his heartbeat mirroring hers. “Can we talk outside? It’s very h
Melissa pinched her arm, hoping she was still dreaming, but no. She was fully awake, and Charlie’s words only made her feel lightheaded. “What… what do you mean?” she asked, her voice trembling.A sly smirk spread across Charlie’s face as he stared at her. “What were you thinking, Lisa?” he asked sharply, making her recoil. “Stetson is my son, and nothing can change that.”“Stop saying that!” Melissa snapped, her temper flaring. “Don’t make me go crazy, Charlie. I’m just respecting you.”“Oh, you are?” he leaned forward, his dark hazel eyes locking onto hers. “Why don’t you lose it? Let’s see how far you can go,” he challenged her, then leaned back again.Melissa scratched her neck, trying to calm herself. Her temper was bad, but Charlie’s could be worse. Though she hadn’t seen him lose control, she had heard stories.“Fine, tell me what you mean by Stetson is your son,” she said, her voice calmer.“I adopted him,” he said curtly, reclining against the headbo
A month had passed since Melissa agreed to marry Charlie, and they had been actively preparing for their wedding. Melissa wanted a simple wedding. She didn’t want outsiders witnessing their union—just family members and a few friends. Currently, Charlie opened the car door for her as they arrived at Melissa’s mother’s house. She stood for a moment, gazing at the home she once called hers. She wasn’t sure if her mother would throw her out again. The last time she was here, she had promised to become the woman her mother always wanted. Was getting married truly the beginning of that journey? She took a deep breath as Charlie held her hand, reassuring her.“She’s still your mom,” he said. Melissa nodded, and they headed inside. One of the maids let them in, then went upstairs to get her mother.“Your house is beautiful,” Charlie whispered. Melissa smiled, surveying the living room. Nothing had changed much. It was just as she remembered, except it was quieter. This had once been her hom
He stood and walked over. “You can go stay at your mom’s or Jared’s—I don’t care. Stetson stays with me,” he declared, pushing her aside and carrying the baby. “Go on. I’ll tell the driver to drop you off.” “You’re so mean, Charlie! Stetson is my baby! How can I live without him?” she sobbed, her resolve faltering. “Who knows? You can visit us once in a while,” he smirked, heading out. “Okay,” she said, blocking his path. “I won’t go. Just hand over my child,” she pleaded, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Not so fast. Why don’t you go out there and tell that loser outside the truth? We are getting married, and Stetson was never his child.” Melissa stumbled back, her back hitting the door. “You can’t make me do that.” “I’m not making you—just a suggestion,” he said. “Charlie, please,” she begged. “I don’t want to go back to Jared, but I don’t want him to think I fooled him. Let me show him his child, just once.”
A black luxury car moved smoothly through the streets, but inside, Eureka sat stiffly, her fingers tightening around the cool leather seat. Los Angeles felt foreign and strange. She knew she had grown up here—at least, that’s what she had been told—but there was no warmth in the familiarity. No sense of belonging. She turned to the boy sitting beside her. Kaiden had his earbuds in, his sharp features illuminated by the city lights flickering through the window. He was quiet, staring outside as if trying to piece together something from the scenery, just as she was.Eureka swallowed, tears filling her eyes. Her son. She knew she had given birth to Kaiden, yet sometimes, when she looked at him, she felt disconnected. There was something about his features that tugged at her, like a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit.The doctors had told her not to force it, that her memories might never return. The accident had erased parts of her past, and she had to learn to live with the blank space
Eureka sat by Kailani's side on the bed after she regained consciousness. The therapist had to leave, advising Eureka to make the girl see reasons why she needed her service. Eureka promised to try."I'm sorry, Mom," Kailani apologized, her voice quiet."About what, honey? You did nothing wrong," Eureka said warmly.Kailani glanced at her, her eyes beaming with tears. "Mom, can I tell…you something?" she asked, her voice shaky."Always, sweetheart. I'm all ears."Kailani swallowed a lump, the ugly torture she was subjected to flashing through her mind. "When I was…with those people," she paused, watching Eureka's concerned expression. Kailani scanned the room, shifting closer to her mother as her hands began trembling."Relax…you're safe with me now," Eureka assured her, draping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. "I'm here for you.""Mom, the principal…at my school connived with…with that…there was a woman, she was wicked to me," she stuttered, her body trembling slig
Kaiden walked into the room after leaving to get some snacks for Kailani, but she had already fallen asleep. He sat on the edge of the bed, his soft eyes trailing her from head to toe, then he held her hand, squeezing it gently.“I knew something was off when that bitch entered the class on that ugly day," he thought. “The energy felt different. She had your voice, your face, but she didn't have your heart. I wish I had pointed that out, I wish I could have looked her in the face and told her she was not my Kayla. How could I? She bloody had your face and there was no way you would be two in the world with striking resemblance,” he paused as she stirred. He patted her arm gently and she relaxed again.“I'm deeply sorry, Kayla. The second time you need me and I wasn't able to help you. Even Mom couldn't. We all couldn't, probably because we didn't know evil exists to that extent. You'll heal perfectly, okay?” he said with a warm smile appearing on his face.
“You said she would be fine, doc. What the hell is wrong with my daughter now? Why is she so scared? What does she see?” Eureka asked as she barged into the doctor's office.“You need to relax, Miss Bennett. Please have a seat," the doctor said calmly. Eureka hesitated before sitting down.“Your daughter is traumatized. She must have experienced some ugly events that are causing her reaction. You need to understand that it takes time for her to get over that scene. That’s why I suggest she starts seeing a psychotherapist,” the doctor explained."Are you saying that my daughter has a mental disability? She spoke just fine to us, then all of a sudden she started reacting strangely.”"Your daughter is emotionally affected. Psychotherapy doesn’t mean she’s crazy. I can assure you that with her medication and therapy, she will be fine in due time. You just have to be patient with her, and make her feel safe again," he stated.Eureka took a dee
Eureka entered the doctor's office, gently closing the door behind her. “You asked to see me, doc. What's the condition of my daughter?" she asked, sinking into the visitor's chair opposite the doctor.The doctor sighed, closing the folder he was holding. “What I'm about to tell you is temporary, so relax, Miss Bennett," he said."I'm calm, doctor. Just assure me my daughter will be fine,” Eureka stated softly."Your daughter was diagnosed with Chlamydia.”"I don't even know what that means.”"It's a type of sexually transmitted disease, Miss Bennett,” the doctor said.Eureka's heart caught in her throat as she shifted forward on the chair, her stomach churning. "What…what are you saying?" she stuttered, her voice trembling.“We discovered signs of sexual abuse on your daughter. She had injuries around her genitals, bruises on her thighs and wrists. Trust me, Chlamydia is treatable,” he explained.Tears rolled down Eureka's cheeks. "You're saying that my daughter suffered sexual abuse
“Kayla?” Kaiden muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He dropped on his knees in her front, cupping her face, his hands trembling. “Kayla, can you hear me? It's Kaiden," he said, then untied her. He checked her pulse, listened to her heartbeat, but heard nothing. Silence. The kind that paralysis someone with fear. Her body? She was cold; eerily cold. “Kayla, I'm here now, okay? I came to take you home. Are you listening? You have to say something to me. You have to get angry, to scold me, to tell me how disappointed you are. I should have protected you as I promised but I failed again. I'm sure you'll forgive me, so say something, please,” he begged, tears filling his eyes as he stared into her closed eyes."Kaiden?” Raymond called, barging into the room. He staggered closer, freezing on his spot."What's happening, Mr. Raymond? Why is she not responding to me?" Kaiden asked, his tone filled with sorrow as tears slipped out of his eyes.Raymond took a deep breath, composing him
"Slow down, goddamn it!" Kaiden yelled, his grip on the handle tightening as Raymond sped through the street. "I thought you enjoy speedy rides like this." Raymond smirked, not yielding to his request. "Says who?" "Says your passion, Jackie Chan," Raymond teased, a smug smile appearing on his face as he slowed down slightly, then pulled up in front of a mini bungalow. Kaiden stepped down, leaning against the car, catching his breath. "You see why I'll never like you?" Kaiden groaned, relaxing. "I only thought of treating my son to what he likes. Sorry if I made you fear," Raymond apologized, locking the car door. "Fear? You wish," Kaiden scoffed. "Where is this place?" he demanded. "Kaiden..." Raymond walked to Kaiden's side, meeting his serious eyes. "We're here to rescue your sister, that's if we haven't missed our chances yet. My candid advice is for you to follow my steps when we step into that house. They might be bad guys and I don't want to answer to your mom if y
Kaiden jumped back abruptly, landing on the hard floor with a thud as a black car swept past the spot he had stood just seconds earlier. Blood seeped from his elbow, which had been bruised by the rough marble floor. His head spun for a moment, his vision blurring. Hayley rushed forward, crouching beside him. “Kaiden, are you okay?” she asked, checking his arm. Kaiden regained himself, leaped to his feet, and pulled his hand away from her just as his driver ran over. "Don't touch me!” he snapped, startling Hayley, who trembled a bit. "Go inside!” "What did I do? Why are you mad at me?” Hayley asked, her voice shaking. "I said go inside! Don’t you listen?” he yelled, and she quickly rushed inside, locking the gate. “Are you fine?" Kaiden's driver asked. “Isn’t it obvious?" Kaiden retorted, walking back to the road. “Did you get the plate number? What car was it?" he asked as they crossed the road, this time looking carefully. “It’s a black Chevrolet, but I couldn’t get t
Kaiden stood along the street, leaning against his car, waiting. He stamped his foot on the ground, his attention shifting from his phone to the house before him. His driver stood nearby, patiently waiting on Kaiden. They had been there for over an hour, yet nothing. Kaiden said nothing, just staring at a certain house, while his driver, choiceless, didn't utter a word either.Kaiden straightened from the car, relief washing over him as Hayley stepped out of the gate across the street. She looked left and right before crossing over to him. "Hi, Kaiden,” she greeted, a broad smile plastered on her face. "It took you ages to come out,” he hissed, opening the car door for her. "I'm not entering. Do you want to kidnap me?” He hesitated. "There are better people to kidnap out there. What would someone do with you?” he sneered. “Are you entering or not?” "I wish I could punch you… so hard!" she groaned, entering th
Dark room. Low whimpers. Stench of blood. Thumping heartbeat. Fear, pain, and loneliness lingered in the ominous air. The moon, as if it noticed the helplessness of the life in the small room, peeked its warm, dim light through the small opening of the window.Kailani, slumped on a chair, her head lolled to the side, her ruffled hair cascaded around her, soaked in sweat and tears. Her body trembled slightly, her hand clawed at her clothes against her chest as if protecting the remains of her innocence. Being locked up in the damn room for days had taken a toll on her. Her eyelids heavy against her eyes, she could barely see. Fear crept under her skin like a thief breaking into a house.Hard patting of shoes jolted her, her frail body coming back to life as she forced herself to sit up, scared of what came next. Her ears narrowed as if trailing the sound of the footsteps. Suddenly, something clicked against the wall, causing white light to flood her face, blinding her. Her head dropped