Chapter One hundred and fifty one— A New PlanWe all sat in the lounge, quiet and thinking. The message still echoed in my head:"Camila is in Redhill Hospital. Emergency. Come quick."But we knew something was wrong. Simeon had checked. Camila hadn't sent it. The number was hidden. It was a trap. And now we had to think carefully.Simeon stood by the window, arms crossed. Nelson sat on the sofa, head bowed, deep in thought. I placed a cup of tea in front of them. No one touched it.I broke the silence."So… what do we do now?"Simeon turned round slowly. "They think we're stupid. That we'll charge into danger without asking questions."Nelson raised his head. "But it could still be true. What if Camila is really hurt?"I sighed. "I know. But we did look. The hospital did not have her as a patient. Simeon's contact said no one with her description was admitted."Nelson rubbed his face. "This is all too much."Simeon moved closer and sat beside me. "Nelson, you like her. That's okay. B
Chapter One hundred and fifty two : Just the Two of Us(Lily's POV)I had just cooked. The aroma filled the whole kitchen—grilled chicken, spicy sauce, and fried rice, Nelson's favorite. I had observed he was quiet of late. He did not laugh as much, did not smile as much. Since that message regarding Camila and the faked emergency, I knew he was troubled. Maybe food could get him to open up.I laid the food daintily on a tray and entered the living room where he sat on the couch, looking at his phone. The TV was on but he wasn't watching it. "Hey," I spoke softly with a smile. "I made your favorite."He looked up and a small smile appeared on his face. "Thanks, Lily. You always know what I need."I sat beside him and gave him the tray. He started to eat slowly.We didn't say a word for a couple of minutes. Just the muted sound of the spoon and the quiet hum from the TV. Then I took a good look at him. He looked weary—not just physically, but also in his heart."Nelson," I said slowly
Chapter One hundred and fifty three : The Hospital ClueDeji’s POVI ventured out in the early morning. The message we had gotten last night did not escape my mind. Camila was supposed to be at the hospital. Redhill Hospital. But we all knew that it was a trap. Nelson had come very close to going, but we discouraged him. Now it was my turn to check out the facts.I just wore jeans and a shirt. I did not want to be noticed. My phone was charged, and I had a small camera in my backpack in case. I rode a bike to the hospital so I could go fast and unnoticed.Redhill Hospital was massive. Very clean. Nurses hurried in and out, patients wandered about, and there was a hint of medicine in the air. I walked straight to the reception desk. There was a woman in her late forties at the desk. She wore glasses and was weary-looking but pleasant."Good morning, ma," I said to her with a grin.She looked up and smiled at me. "Good morning. How can I help you?"I tried to remain calm. "Please, I'm l
Chapter 154 : The Picture That Changed EverythingLily's POVThe afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows as we remained in the living room. Simeon was on the phone, fingers moving quickly. Nelson was across from him, looking at the floor, while Leora had a sip of tea in silence next to me.Simeon's phone suddenly buzzed. He looked at the screen, and his face immediately altered."Deji just sent something," he said, voice tight.He opened the message and we all clustered in silence. The picture revealed a woman at the hospital reception speaking to the receptionists. My heart jumped."That's… Camila," I gasped, recognizing her immediately."What? Let me see," Nelson's head snapped up.He grabbed the phone from Simeon and looked at the photo. "No, it can't be. She told me she was at home the entire time."Leora leaned in closer. "Are you sure it's her?"Simeon nodded. "Deji explained to me that she was attempting to convince the hospital staff to report Camila was taken in if
Chapter Title: She Must Not ComePOV: LilySimple English | Very Long | Emotional & SuspensefulI was in the living room, laughing with Leora. We were talking about a movie that we all watched the night before. It was funny and confusing at the same time. Nelson was in the kitchen, trying to warm up the leftovers. Simeon was reading something on his phone and drinking tea.Leora smiled and continued, "That time when the man stormed into the wedding with the incorrect trousers still makes me laugh!"I laughed too. "And the woman fainted! I did not even know if she was pretending or not!"Simeon smiled but did not say anything. He was subdued.Then Nelson's phone beeped. He looked at it and stiffened right away. His smile disappeared. He stared at the screen for a long time.Simeon noticed. "What is it?"Nelson didn't answer. He just handed the phone to Simeon.I turned back to look. "What happened?"Simeon read slowly from the message."Hi Nelson. I'm fine now. I've missed you. I want
Chapter 155: The Surprise KissPOV: LeoraThe house was quiet that evening. I had just come home from work, but my mind wasn't quiet at all. Everything felt strange nowadays. Camila's message, her deceit, and this wonderful scheme we were all cooking up—it was all so much to handle sometimes. I was tired, but I couldn't get Nelson out of my head. He worried all day long. I knew his heart was soft, and no matter how hard he tried to be macho, I could see through him.I went to the kitchen and made him a hot drink—ginger and honey tea, his favorite way. I did not know why I was doing this, but something inside me told me he needed comfort. Maybe I also needed a reason to sit next to him, just this once. I told myself that it was nothing serious. I just wanted to talk.When I opened the door, he was over at the foot of his bed. His face was crumpled downwards, his hand grasping his phone. I noticed that he was re-reading Camila's message. I stood quietly at the entrance for a moment."Ne
Chapter 157:The Teasing BeginsPOV: LeoraThe atmosphere was dense after what had transpired.I stood there frozen. My heart was still racing. Nelson hadn't spoken. Neither had I. And in front of us, Lily and Simeon were standing at the door, staring.No one moved for a few seconds. No one made a word. I was so embarrassed that I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. I hadn't meant to kiss Nelson. Well… maybe I did. But I hadn't planned it.I looked at Lily. Her mouth was slightly open as if she was trying her best to hold back a smile. Her eyes were sparkling. Simeon, who was behind her, one eyebrow up and that same infuriating, knowing smile on his face.I glared off hastily."I—I should go," I stuttered.But Lily came into the room, standing with her arms folded."Oh no, no. Don't go now," she said. "We timed it just right."I hid my face in my hands. "Lily, please.""What?" she was giggling. "You expect to slink into Nelson's bedroom, make him a cup of tea, cuddle him, kiss
Chapter 158: The Silent InvestigationPOV: LeoraI'd never seen Adrian like this. His usual calm was shattered, replaced by furious, near-volatile tension. My heart pounding, I stood and watched him pace back and forth across his office, his face twisted in rage."They're leaking information," he muttered, half under his breath, his voice one of fury and incredulity. "There's a traitor in this company. I will find them."I couldn't help but feel the chill of his words. The tension hung heavy in the air, like a storm just before lightning. My fingers cramped involuntarily as I clutched the edge of my desk. The last thing I wanted was to become embroiled in whatever was brewing.He ceased his pacing and turned suddenly to confront his men, standing by the door. They were waiting for instructions from him. His eyes were icy, knife-sharp, and calculating."I need all phones screened," Adrian ordered, his tone hard and unyielding. "No exceptions."The force of his words struck me like a pu
Chapter Title: A New BeginningSimeon's POVI stood at the window of my living room, holding a glass of wine that I hadn't yet sipped. The golden light poured in, whirling on the floor and casting snug shadows on the walls of our home. Our home. No longer mine alone. It was where Lily resided with me now. My wife. The word still made my heart catch its breath in awe.The scent of vanilla-scented candles wafted on the air, mingling with the delicate lingerings of the rose petals still on the hallway floor from the wedding reception. There was laughter in the kitchen—Leora's soft titters, Nelson's thunderous laugh. A reminder that this house was no longer vacant now.I turned as Lily came in barefoot, her satin dress swirling around her ankles. Her cheeks glowed, her eyes sparkling from wine, from love, or from sheer joy of being with her people.She saw me looking at her and smiled. "What?" she asked, coming over."You," I said directly, hugging her close. "You are like everything I di
Chapter: Forgiveness and RedemptionAfter the whirlwind of the wedding celebrations, with everyone buzzing from the joy and happiness of the day, the atmosphere shifted. As the final guests trickled out of the reception hall, an unusual stillness filled the air. Nelson, Leora, and Simeon gathered quietly in a corner of the room, a conversation that had been lingering on the edges of their minds now demanding their attention. Adrian's name had been the ghost looming over their day—no matter how much they tried to get rid of him, he remained in their heads. Nelson knew that despite all of it, Adrian remained in their lives. The question wasn't whether they were capable of living without him; it was whether they were capable of living with the damage he inflicted and still extend a hand of forgiveness.Do you think he can be forgiven?" Leora inquired softly but firmly. The flickering candle flame within the room corner caught the distress in her eyes. Her bridal dress now trailed on a c
Chapter : The bigNelson's POV:The air was charged with tension, but I couldn't help but hear the soft thrum of my own heart. The world outside, the others scrambling about, the flowers being arranged, and the music playing softly in the background—they all seemed very distant, almost remote. Today was not a normal day; today was my day. The day I was marrying Leora, the woman who had completely transformed my life in every sense and beyond.I kept readjusting the tie for the umpteenth time, even though it was already perfect. My reflection stared back at me via the mirror, and I simply could not help but grin. I didn't want the world to know if I was okay on the inside—I was a knot of excitement and nerves, and I knew I was not alone. Leora had been more nervous in the days before the wedding, although she hid it behind that same calm, serene mask of hers.A knock at the door broke my daydream, and a wedding coordinator poked her head in."Ready for the ceremony, Mr. Taylor," she to
Chapter: Simeon and Lily's Wedding DayThe long wait was over—Simeon and Lily's wedding day. The sun poured through the elegant windows of the hall, pouring a golden warmth on the spotless white walls, as if nature itself had conspired to celebrate their wedding. The air was filled with the scent of fresh roses, mixed with the subtle aroma of lilies, a gesture of honor to both their names. It was a day in which the two of them would at last arrive at the destination of their travels—two lives soon to be blended into a single entity.Lily's MorningLily sat in front of the big mirror in the dressing room, watching herself as the seamstress made last-minute alterations to her wedding dress. The fabric was beautiful, a smooth blend of satin and lace, the ivory tone a match to her skin color. The dress hugged her as if it had been made to order, accentuating her curves, draping over every step she took. It glowed with a soft light, reflecting as if it held secrets of its own. Her heart po
Chapter: Nelson's Proposal to LeoraNelson's POV:I rested against the window, the city lights glinting in the distance, but I was not gazing at the view. I was thinking about Leora, what I was going to do. The weight of the choice had descended upon me like a burden, and I could not shake it. There was no turning back now. This was something I was not going to let pass by carelessly; I was prepared. I was beyond prepared.The past few months had been pure craziness. So much had occurred, the drama, suspense, the bouts of doubt. But through it all, there had been one individual who was there for me – Leora. One person who knew me, who was able to break through my charade and reach into my very soul. I had never thought this would happen to me, had never thought that I would be able to feel so strongly for another human being. But here I was, with a heart racing, palms sweating, waiting for the minute that would turn my world upside down.When the day finally drew to a close, I could h
Chapter: Lily and Simeon's New BeginningsSimeon's POV:It was just a little past dusk, with orange hues still sprawled across the sky, as I stood before my office complex, waiting to catch sight of Lily's vehicle. The workday had drained me, but today was more than that. Today was about new beginnings.Today was starting something that was going to change everything.Lily had said yes. She had said yes to me, to us, to the life we were going to build together. And in that moment, as the car door opened and she stepped out, I couldn't help but smile. She was radiating, as always, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I knew that look. It was the same look she gave when we started this craziness."Hi," I told her, approaching her with a huge grin. "How was your day?"Lily smiled, though it was weak, her mind clearly elsewhere. She had been thinking about the wedding, our lives to come, all the things that would be changing. The weight of it all was beginning to ta
Chapter 184: A Place to Call My OwnNelson’s POVI never thought I’d feel this kind of warmth just from holding a set of keys.They were chilly in my palm, but the weight of them was loamy—reminding me that this moment, this location, this roof… it was mine. Not borrowed, not hidden, not part of someone else's life. It was something I had worked for. Something I had built from all the pieces of myself that I had once thought were too broken to rebuild.I stood in front of the door for quite a while before actually opening it.It wasn't the biggest house in town, but it was okay with me. A two-story little home in a small neighborhood on the edge of town, far enough away from the craziness but close enough to still be a part of their lives. The walls had just been painted, pale gray and white trimmings. The front porch would accommodate two chairs and a table. I could already imagine sitting there, sipping coffee as the sun rose.I stepped inside, and silence welcomed me like an old fr
Chapter Title: "A Ring for My Light"Simeon's POVThe quiet that fell on the apartment when Lily had left to buy ingredients was a golden kind of tranquility. But it was also the perfect time I had been waiting for. I glanced at Leora, who was cramped with her phone, and then at Nelson, who was mindlessly changing channels with the remote.This was it.I jumped up, too fast, my own heart racing already."Gone?" I said, trying to be calm.Leora looked up. "Yes… She just got up and walked out. Why?"I took a deep breath. "Because it is time. I must ask Lily to marry me."Nelson shot upright as if electrified into alertness. "Wait—a real question?"Leora burst out, eyes shining. "Oh my God. Yes!"I rubbed the back of my neck. My hands were sweating already, and she hadn't even arrived yet. "Yeah. I've been thinking about it for weeks, but I couldn't decide. After everything we've been through. after Leora was stolen, after Adrian's arrest. I just— I want Lily to understand that I want he
Chapter 152: The Night AfterLeora's POVI couldn't sleep.No matter how many times I shifted my pillow or clamped the blanket down, it would not work. The silence was too deaf, with reverberations that didn't exist at all—his voice, his cold laughter, the thudding door that slammed behind me. I was caught once again even though I was secure now.I straightened up in bed, sweat clinging to my body. The room was dark, except for the gentle illumination of the streetlights coming through the curtains. My heart was racing as though it had just run a marathon. I couldn't breathe horizontally anymore. I needed air.I slid quietly out of bed, wrapped my arms around myself, and snuck out onto the balcony. The night air enveloped me like an old acquaintance—cold, still, but reassuringly strange. I stood at the rail, trying to calm my breath as I looked out into the dark street. The stars filled the sky with seemingly random shreds of hope.I didn't see the door creak open behind me until I he