MasukDENVER HOSPITAL Richard sucked in a sharp breath and sat down on the sofa across from the bed. Isabella stared at him, still very confused by Adrian's statement. Adrian stared at him, eager to get the answer and finally solved the mystery. “I told the president I'd endorse him and fund his re-election.” Richard finally spoke.His jaws tightened, fist clenched, “Even if I suddenly died, that shouldn't give him the right to take it back. I helped him get elected in the first place!’” “What if someone else to him to withdraw the pardon and they'd fund him instead?” Adrian pointed out. “Someone that can wield the same power as you in your absence?” Richard raised his head, locking eyes with Adrian, “What are you trying to imply? That Claudia somehow set this all up?” “If your first thought is her that means we aren't so far from the truth…” “Adrian, enough. Claudia and I have been together for 30 solid years. I know her well enough.” Richard defended. Isabella bit her lip, her fa
Sebastian's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on his mother, “Mom, what's going on? What's she talking about?” “I told you to leave.” Claudia mumbled.“Mom?” Sebastian's eyes were quickly filled with fear. He knew his parents weren't the most loving couple. He knew they had their differences. But they tolerated each other. Claudia was ruthless but she'd never…“What? You're going to believe a stranger to me?” Claudia snapped.“No, mom.” Sebastian sounded nervous, “Tell me this conversation didn't happen between you too and I will believe you.” Claudia's jaw tightened. Arabella clutched her hurt arm, waiting for her to deny it. “It happened.” Claudia confessed. Arabella released her arm, eyes wide. 'She admitted it?’ “But that was because I was informed of the crash long before it came on the news.” Claudia explained, “Do you think they'd announce something like this about your father without letting his family know?” A sense of relief washed over Sebastian's face hearing the expl
By the time Arabella finally arrived at the front of the manor, she could barely catch her breath. The place was massive.The long private road led up to a huge white stone manor. The grounds stretched wide on both sides, covered in neatly cut grass, tall trees, and perfectly kept gardens.At the front, a line of luxury cars was parked near the entrance—black SUVs, sleek sedans, and a few expensive sports cars that looked freshly washed.An elderly man stood in front of the main door, ready to receive her. “Ms. Arabella, I'm Butler Simeon. Follow please.” “O–K.” Arabella replied in-between two harsh breaths and followed the man. Her legs ached. The pain in her forehead and arm had intensified. She could have left to get treatment, but that could wait.He led her into a visitors’ sitting room.The room was neat and quiet, with cream sofas arranged around a glass table. The floors were polished marble, and the furniture looked expensive but simple. Large windows letting in soft lig
Arabella drove for what felt like forever through the Gallagher Estate, passing acres of manicured lawns and lush greenery. The manor was so far from the entrance that even from the security gate, it was little more than a distant outline.She wound down her window when a guard walked towards her, explaining, “I’m here to see Claudia.”The guards looked at each other and then back at her. “You mean Mrs. Gallagher?” Nobody ever called her by that to the extent that most people even forget that was her name. “Yeah. Let me through.” She sounded pissed.But it wasn't as simple as that. They had to get confirmation from their boss. “What's your name?”“Arabella. Arabella Greene.” The guard in the security booth punched a number on the land line. It rang once. Someone answered. “Confirm it Mrs. Gallagher is expecting a guest today. Arabella Greene.” There was an awkward silence for what felt like forever.Then the guard mumbled, “Noted.” Arabella started her car engine, expecting
Richard strode forward. "Money isn't an issue. I'll buy whatever she needs. Find donors. Put her on every waiting list. If it's her liver, replace it. If it's her lungs, replace those too. You can take mine if necessary.” The room fell silent.His voice cracked as he continued."There has to be something. People get organ transplants every day."Dr. Brendan waited until Richard finished before speaking."I understand why you're thinking that way.""Then do it."The doctor's expression softened."It isn't that simple."Richard's hands clenched into fists. "Why not? I said I'm willing to pay anything. ""The problem isn't the money, Mr. Gallagher, and neither is it the organs.” Dr. Brendan turned the laptop toward him."The cancer is."He pointed at several areas on the scan."Miss Isabella's cancer has spread throughout her body. It isn't confined to one organ anymore. Even if we replaced her liver today, cancer cells already exist elsewhere. The disease would continue attacking her bo
For what felt like forever, no one said anything. Just Isabella’s continuous hand movement as she stroked Richard's head and Richard's bitter, unrestrained cry. Adrian stood quietly behind them, watching.The man who commanded rooms, the man who only required a single phone call to trigger a presidential pardon— was on his knees, face pressed to the legs of a woman crying. Crying like a child craving a mother's warmth. It tugged at Adrian's heart. This two people have missed three decades to be together. Nothing could ever bring that back. Adrian's eyes welled up, fist clenched hard. With Arabella, he’d missed a decade already. If he didn't do anything, they are going to end up like this too. Missing out on the best part of life. That thought alone scared him.He turned back, quickly walking out of the door.He bumped into Ivan who was just coming to the hospital. “Adrian…”Adrian had already made a turn in the hallway before Ivan could finish his name. He didn't look back,
CRACK.Arabella's palm connected with Adrian's face. "What the hell did you do?"She was breathing hard, face flushed with fury.Adrian touched his stinging cheek. "What did I—” "Don't." Arabella shoved her hair back from her face. "Don't play dumb. That article—what were you thinking?” "I told
The room reacted instantly.Chairs scraped. Papers rustled. Whispers started immediately.Mr. Jonathan leaned back and crossed his arms."An internal audit?" someone repeated. "Is that really necessary?”"Yes," Arabella said calmly. "In fact, my team is downstairs right now, waiting for my instruct
Arabella did a quick sweep of the office with her eyes. This office? How could she not recognise it? The same place Adrian forced her to give her child up.“Adrian's office?” She finally asked. The sofas had been moved out, providing more than enough space for her new desk right across from Adria
Arabella froze.Axel was walking toward her.He was taller now—so much taller than she remembered. Maybe 4'7. His hair was cut in a messy fade. He wore a school uniform: sky blue shirt tucked unevenly into navy pants.Her hands started to shake.After five years. Five years of being apart, of being







