SHIMMA’S POVI dropped my phone on the couch, but suddenly, the realization hit me. I never told my mum about Lucas. In fact, I was planning on mentioning him when she called, but somehow, I forgot, letting her words sink in instead of asking her how she found out.“MOM, HOW DID YOU KNOW?” I sent a quick text, staring at the screen while I waited for her response.Suddenly, the phone buzzed loudly, the screen lighting up with her reply. “DOCTOR RYLE HAD JUST INFORMED ME A FEW DAYS AGO, AND I WAS PLANNING ON CALLING YOU BEFORE YOU TEXTED,” she wrote. And then I nodded in understanding.But why would Doctor Ryle call her to tell her? Wouldn’t he have thought she knew already, since Mattias and I did? The question hit me hard. But it didn’t really matter to me. All I wanted was this whole mess to end. I needed to go back to the peaceful and vibrant life I used to have.I held my tummy, shutting my eyes. I had two humans growing in me, and the last thing I wanted was for them to feel unsa
MATTIAS’S POVI parked in front of my parents' house, my eyes darting around to see if any cars were following me.My mother hadn’t called yet, which meant Lucas hadn’t shown up.The guards opened the gate, letting me drive in. As soon as I pulled in, my mother stepped out of the entrance, her eyes filled with worry.I stepped out of the car, watching my mother advance toward me.“Mattias, you’re back,” she said, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. My father stepped out, concern etched on his face.“Matt, what is it I heard about Lucas?” he asked, brows furrowed.“It’s a long story, Dad. I’m sure Mom has filled you in a bit. Right now, all I want is your safety—and Shimma's,” I said, my heart racing at the mention of her name. How was she doing? I needed to call her to know. I hoped she wasn’t too scared.“Let’s go inside then. We’ll wait until he shows up,” my father said, turning back to enter the house, and we followed.---Three hours had passed, and still, there was no sign of
LUCAS’S POVAfter discussing my plans with the gang members, I laid out how I wanted them to end Mattias for good.I watched the man for a few seconds as he took his time, dragging in his smoke and contemplating my words.“I don’t think your plan will work,” he said, and I felt my heart sink.“Why? Why can’t it work?” I pressed, eager to hear his reasoning.“Well, I’m sure the cops would be waiting for you at every corner, including the airport,” he replied. But I quickly cut him off.“But my friend here owns a private jet. He could fly a few of us in without the cops finding out,” I insisted, gesturing toward Derek, who rolled his eyes and shook his head, clearly irritated by a decision he knew was crucial for me. I didn’t understand why he kept acting this way. If it were him, he’d do the same thing.No one would understand my pain—my heartache, my fears. Does anyone realize what it means to love someone so deeply that nothing else matters? Just her—Shimma.I knew we were meant to b
MATTIAS’S POV.Just a few minutes after speaking with my mother on the phone, my phone buzzed again. Fearful that it was my mother again—or Shimma, rather—I hurriedly picked up the call.“Good day, Mr. Mattias,” the voice came in deep and low.“Good day. Who is this, and how may I help you?” I said with a frown. I took a glance at my phone screen; it was an unknown number.“I am Mr. Cornor, a police officer. We received both you and Doctor Ryles’ report about a man named Lucas. Am I speaking with the right person?” the man asked.“Yes, you are. Do you have any news?” I asked, my heart racing. I hoped they had maybe caught him at the airport. That way, there wouldn’t be any brutality to this situation. As much as I wanted to teach him a lesson for the damage he had caused, I definitely wanted peace.“Not really, but I wanted to let you know we went to his house with a search warrant. This might be disturbing to hear, but in one of his rooms, we found things that definitely indicate he
LUCAS’S POV.*Derek's eyes widened, clearly taken aback. “Wait, what? Are you out of your mind?” He glanced at me in disbelief. “It’s not like there’s another choice,” I said, looking out the window. “You’re telling me you want to end your cousin's life because of a girl?” he asked. “Dude, stop being stupid. You’re not in my shoes. Are you fucking helping me or not?!” I demanded. “Fine, I do know someone. But do not involve me in this. I am only helping you because you asked,” he said.“Thanks, dude. Now take me to them,” I said, and he turned around.---*SHIMMA’S POV.*Mattias pulled up in front of a building. I didn’t know he had a safe house here in California apart from his parents' house.As I watched, two huge, armed guards approached our car. Their imposing figures hovered over us, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.They wore dark uniforms that hugged their muscular frames, and the glint of their weapons made my heart race. But when they recognized Mattias, their
LUCAS'S POV.I paced back and forth in my hotel room, the weight of the revelation crushing down on me. Mattias was about to become a father, and I had just learned that my only chance to confront him—and Shimma—was slipping away. I needed to act fast.But how? The police were likely monitoring my every move, waiting for me to slip up. I had to be smarter than them. I picked up my phone, scrolling through contacts until I found someone who could help.“Derek, it’s me. I need a favor,” I said when he picked up.“Lucas? What’s going on? You sound frantic.”“I need a ride to the airport. No questions. Just do it.”---MATTIAS'S POV.As Shimma hurriedly packed her things, my heart raced. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were running out of time. I glanced at my mother, who was still standing in the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and confusion.“Mattias, this is serious. You can’t just leave without explaining everything,” she insisted.“Mom, I promise I’ll explain later. Rig