Alexa woke up that morning feeling dizzy. She immediately ran to the bathroom when she felt the need to throw up the dinner she ate last night. But when she got there, nothing came out. ‘Arghh! What is this happening to me? Why am I so dizzy?’ Alexa massaged her temples to ease the dizziness she was feeling. ‘Maybe I’ll tell Maxime I can’t help them–- oh shit! Maxime is going to the hospital today.’ She bit her fingernails out of frustration. “What should I do? If I tell them I need to take a day off today, Ina will probably get mad again. Arghhh…” She shrugged as she felt like she had already lost her battle. ‘I guess I have no choice but to help Ina today. I just hope sh
โMiss Alexa Morgan is pregnantโฆ โ Ethan felt horrified. He felt shaken up as if the doctor had just drenched him with cold water. The doctor was still talking, but he couldnโt hear any words she was saying. โAlexa is pregnantโ are the only words that kept rolling to his head. โFuck!โฆ Iโm so fucked up. This is my fault. I didnโt even think about protection. What should I do now? Once Uncle Albert awakens, he and Austin will find out that Athena has been here the whole time and is no longer missing. And if that happens, theyโll get back at me for everything I did to herโฆ I canโtโฆ Uncleโฆ Austinโฆ. Theyโre the only family I have leftโฆ They will get furious...โ โItโs not true. This is a dream. Alexa canโt be pregnant,โ he told himself. โMr. Reedโฆ Mr. Reedโฆโ Ethan returned to his senses and looked at the doctor in a daze. โHuh?โ He asked, feeling a bit lost in their conversation. โWhat did you say, doc?โ He asked. โI gave Miss Morgan the prescription for
“Who was it?” Alexa asked after Ethan came back. He locked her door, which had Alexa panicking.“Why did you lock the door?” ‘He’s not touching me, right? I’m already bearing his child… shouldn’t that stop him from having sex with me?’ Thinking about doing it right now made her blush.“I locked the door, so no one could hear—What were you thinking?” Ethan looked at her with a frown. ‘Why is she blushing?’ He wondered.Alexa cleared her throat to cover the embarrassment she felt from her dirty thoughts. “Maybe you should leave. I think there’s nothing else we need to discuss here.”
"Whatโs between you and Master?" Maxime interrogated Alexa.โH-huh? Hmmโฆ Nothing.โ Alexa took a drink from her glass of water and finished the food Ethan cooked for her.โAnd why does he have to cook for you? This is the first time Iโve seen the Master cooking in the kitchenโฆ And itโs not just for anyone, but for you.โ Maxime said cheekily.(cough... cough... ) Alexa choked on her water when Maxime teased her about Ethan.She was still trying to catch her breath when Ethan suddenly appeared, pushing Maxime sideways to replace her in patting Alexaโs back. Surprised, Maxime fell to the floor and hit her bum.โAre you okay? You should be more careful next time.โ Ethan asked Alexa worriedly.Both women were stunned. โUhmโฆ Iโm okay, donโt worry.โ Alexa answered. She still couldnโt believe Ethan was very concerned with her wellbeing. โLast time I checkedโฆ You were happy seeing me in my miseryโฆ And nowโฆ why are you showing too much concern over me? Is it because Iโm
Alexa was sitting and looking at herself in the mirror. ‘This day, I will get tied to the Devil forever. I will never be free.’ A tear escaped from her eyes.‘I’m only 21, for God’s sake… Why do I need to suffer all this misery? What did I do in my past life to earn me this suffering? I don’t deserve this shit.’ She cried silently while waiting for someone to call her.The door opened, and she hurriedly wiped her tears away. It was Maxime who entered the room. She is wearing a simple blue maxi dress. “Hey-- Oh, are you crying?” Maxime asked when she noticed Alexa’s makeup in the reflection got smudged. “Don’t cry now. Look…” Maxime pointed at their reflection. “You look like a panda now that your makeup got ruined.&rd
โDo you want me to help you?โ Ethan frowned in confusion.โWhat is this woman talking about? Help? Meโฆ ask her for help? I bet sheโs not in her right mind.โ He scoffed.โWhy do I need your help?โย โYou want to remove the baby, right? But you donโt want to get your hands dirty since itโs still your childโฆ Am I right?โ Ina grinned, seeing that Ethan couldnโt say anything. โThis bitch is insane.โโYesโฆ I wanted to remove the childโฆ But that was before I realized that this child Alexa is bearing, is still my flesh and blood, and I wouldnโt dare to hurt my childโฆ So, donโt you dare lay a hand on herโฆ If you hurt my childโฆ I will erase you from the face of the earth.โ He warned.โI thought you were a smart manโฆ But you fell into my trap.โ With her right brow raised, she bit her lower lip seductively and leaned forward to seduce Ethan with her low-cut neckline, trying to show off her goods. โDonโt worry, I wonโt hurt themโฆ As long as you let me
โThank you,โ Alexa sincerely said. She was happy that Ethan had fulfilled her cravings. He didn't expect to feel this good about getting her food.ย โThis will be the first and last time I will allow you to eat that kind of food. Burgers and fries are not healthy for you and the baby.โ Ethan said.โI know, and Iโve never had these kinds of food. It just so happened that I saw it on TV.โThey entered their room, and Alexa couldnโt help but smile. It was the first time she had gone out of the house. Even though Ethan didnโt allow her to leave the car, at least she saw what was outside the villa.โIt was my first time going out of the house, aside from the time my dad delivered me to his friend, and I didnโt really see much then because he kept me in the trunk.โ Ethan was astonished.Alexa sat on the corner of the bed while swinging her feet like an excited kid, waiting for her mom.โHavenโt you gone outside before? Did he lock you i
“Austin, I need you to take charge here. I know it will be hard for you since Uncle Albert is still in the hospital, but I hope that you can still visit the hideout. Also, keep your eyes on Ina. I can sense she’ll create more trouble for Alexa.” Austin’s brows raised.“I noticed you and Alexa are on good terms now. Is this because of the baby? And why does it have something to do with Ina? Why don’t you kick her out instead… if you feel suspicious about her?” Ethan shook his head.“I can’t. Ina threatened to expose my identity to our enemies,” Ethan said, which made Austin agree.“And don’t forget to visit our prisoner now and then. He still needs medicine for him to be weak. When I come back, I will deal with him again.” He instruc
“Max, it’s time for you to escape,” Ina whispered when she arrived at Max’s cell. He nodded and took out the key in his pocket and unlocked the cell.“I’m totally free now. Thank you. I owe you big time. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t come out of this place alive.” Max said to Ina.“Cut that drama… you need to hurry. While everyone in the villa is in chaos.” Ina informed him. “Let us meet at the place I wrote on the paper.” Max nodded before he left Ina alone in the dungeon.‘Now it’s my time to escape.’ She picked up the luggage she hid under the bush.***Austin arrived along with the ambulance. They hurried inside the
Everyone is busy preparing for the big event. Itโs just a simple gathering, where they invited only the closest family members.They set the beach for the most awaited day. The wedding is finally happening. There were Chiavari chairs on both sides of the aisle, lined with pink roses placed on tall vases, requested specifically by the bride. In the center, curtains framed the altar pulled over to both sides to give the illusion that one was looking out a window into the pristine beach beyond.The guests wore pastel colors as the theme for the event. Albert and Austin wore a champagne-colored suit with white long-sleeves, while Maxime wore a halter turquoise-colored infinity dress and her son, Lucas, was wearing a suit that matched his fatherโs outfit.Maxime and Austin would stand as the best man and maid of honor, while their son Lucas would be the ring bearer. For their preparation, Ethan occupied the house they bought from the Scotts, while Athena checked in the hotel nearby. They
Athenaโs Point of ViewI thought thatโฆ I would never feel the love and freedom that I longed for. I never thought this day would come. When I was young, all I had were the books my mom brought me to learn how to read and write. I remembered the moment I asked herโฆ why I couldnโt live like a normal childโฆ couldnโt do normal things like going to school, making friends with other kids, playing with them on the playground, and going to the mall? She just answered that Dad wanted to protect us from the people outside who wanted nothing to do but hurt us. And I believed in what she said.Even though I felt like I was in a cage, and I even saw Andrew hurt my momโฆ I felt horrified. And when mom died, he became more terrifying. He locked me inside our house. He didnโt even allow me to go to the gardenโฆ much less roam around the house. Instead, he locked me in my room. I could only sneak out when he was not there. But my luck vanished when he found out about my escapades and killed my closest
It was a late night. Athena and Ethan just finished preparing for bed. They had fun, enjoying their festive dinner with their families inside their compound and talking about the wedding that was about to happen. It was the wedding theyโd all been waiting for. After their dinner, they invited everyone to stay over. Albert, Austin, and his family were happy to stay for the night just to be with Athena, whom they missed the most.โHey, arenโt you getting sleepy? Wear this, or you might get cold.โ Ethan placed a shawl on her shoulders, which Athena gladly received. He hugged her from behind while staring at the stars in the sky. They were both standing on the balcony of their room, appreciating the beauty of the night. They had the full moon giving light to their surroundings and the sound of the icy wind that touched the leaves of the trees, making the trees dance to the rhythm of their natural music.Athena shook her head. โI canโt sleep,โ she said, which made Ethan frown.โWhy? Is th
โWhat if I leave the underground world? Will you be happy and choose to stay with me?โ Athena turned her head and looked at Ethan while slowly walking towards her, reaching for her hand.โI love you so much, Athena. And if you want me to quit the Mafia, Iโll do it for you. I will never hesitate to leave my organization if that will make you feel safe and happy. I will do it because I canโt live without you. So, pleaseโฆ please be with me.โ His eyes pleaded as he looked Athena directly in the eye. He was full of hope that Athena would come back to him. โBut the Mafia is like a family to you. Are you really abandoning them? How can you say that? Besides, you are popular in the underground world. Everyone knows you are their king.โ Athena stated.Ethan walked closer, making her step backward until he cornered her on the wall. โI have my second in command. He will stay and guide the Mafia. I know he wonโt leave the troops.โ Ethan reached for her hand and pinned it to the wall.โNow, I wil
Ethan and Austin landed safely at the hotel they were checking in. Luckily, they had a helipad where he could land his chopper. Only both of them came without any troops as they knew the place was safe. Before Ethan and Austin came to the island, where Athena was hiding, Ethan called the couple, Marcia and Theodore, who saved her to inform them that they were coming to bring Athena back to the city. When they met, the couple was hesitant, because Athena asked them not to tell anyone she was hiding. But they also understood that her family was worried about her, so thecouple welcomed them and led the way to the resort.It was a private resort that only the people who owned properties were allowed to enter. From the highway, there was a narrow road that permitted one car to enter at a time. This area was hidden and surrounded by coconut trees. The entrance to their property had a bright red gate that was so huge you could not see what was inside. Plants and flowers dotted the path lea
EthanEthan was drinking whiskey while sitting in the kitchen. He was about to drink his next glass when Austin appeared and took the drink from him.โItโs not the time to drink, Ethan.โ He said sternly.โWhat do you want me to do, then? Athena is still missing, and I donโt have any idea where the fuck they brought my pregnant wife--โ Ethan couldn't finish what he was about to say when Austin stopped him from talking.โShe called,โ Austin said.โWhat?โโAthena called. She said that sheโs fine and safe.โโWhere is she?โ Ethan grabbed Austinโs collar and pulled him closer. โWhen did she call? Why didnโt you call me? What did she say?โ Austin shook his head as he looked at Ethan in his drunken state.Austin knew how hard it was for Ethan to lose her, and even when he was badly injured, he never stopped worrying and looking for Athena. Every single day that she was missing, Austin witnessed how Ethan used his connections to find her. But now that Athena called them and said she didnโt wan
AthenaAthena woke up hearing unfamiliar voices quarreling near her. When she opened her eyes, she immediately covered her body with the quilt, protecting her belly from the strangers in front of her. She looked at them and figured they were a couple whose ages ranged in their late 50s. Then she looked around and noticed that she was in an unfamiliar place. The house was made of wood, bamboo, and nipa leaves. It was a small and quaint house, but it was cozy. She was sitting in a bed that was very comfortable. It felt like her own bed at home. She looked at herself and noticed she was wearing different clothes.โWho are you? Where am I?โ she asked.The ladyโs eyes softened while looking at her pitifully. She shook her hand. โDonโt worry, we wonโt hurt you. You are in our house because we found your unconscious body on the shore. At first, we thought you were dead, but thankfully, you were alive. So, we decided to bring you here to treat the wound on your head,โ she explained.โHow long
Ina bit her lower lip as she looked at Ethan seductively. โSureโฆ Anything for you, my love.โโMaster!โ One of his men called out. He just came out of Maxโs cell. โThe subject is dead,โ He added in a whisper. His voice was so low that only Ethan could hear him. Ina frowned in confusion. He nodded and said he should go ahead and would follow behind him. โIโll be back,โ Ethan said to Ina before leaving and going back to Maxโs cell.Ina glared at the person who called at Ethan. โTss... Damn this guy! What did he have to call Ethan for?! He just wasted my opportunity to escape from this stinky cellโฆ I hope Ethan will come back,โ she thought.Ina waited patiently until she heard her cell door open again. It was Ethan and a bunch of his troops who entered. Ethan ordered them to remove the chain from Inaโs cell, making her smile victoriously.Then they laid down a case that was filled with various tools. Ina frowned. There were pliers, needles, small knives, scissors, a container with a whit
โGive me good news. Have you found Athena?โ Ethan asked the private investigator and his men about the progress of finding Athena.โSir, we traced her using the tracking device you put on her engagement ring and found the location.โ One of his men answered.โAnd where is it?โ Ethan asked. The private investigator gave him the engagement ring.โWe found it on the same island where they kept Athena, she must have dropped it. Weโve also searched the area and only saw these torn clothing.โ The investigator gave him pieces of torn fragments they thought came from Athenaโs gown.โWe found this in the trash bin. According to the pattern, I think they chopped it on purpose.โ One of his men said.โMaybe she was thrown to the seaโโ The investigator was about to deliver his conclusion when a wine glass flew above his head. It was supposed to hit him, but luckily he had fast reflexes and bowed down just in time to evade the flying glass.โGET OUT OF MY OFFICE NOW!โ Ethanโs voice roared, which mad