what do you think of this chapter? do you think Richard will live?
AUTHOR'S POVMadison sat motionless on the chair beside the operating room. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face pale, her hands trembling faintly on her lap. The bright hallway lights above seemed cold—too bright, too empty.The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. Mrs. Benjamin appeared, breathless, her face filled with worry.“Madison… Madison, what happened?” she cried as she rushed over.Madison stood up slowly, her lips quivering. She tried to speak, but her throat closed up. Finally, in a trembling voice, she whispered, “I’m sorry… Richard got badly hurt. He was trying to save me.”Mrs. Benjamin froze, her face draining of color. “What…? Oh, goodness…”Without another word, she pulled Madison tightly into her arms. Madison’s body shook as the tears she’d been holding back finally burst free again. Mrs. Benjamin stroked her hair gently, whispering, “It’s alright, dear… It’s alright…” even though her own voice trembled.The two stayed that way.clinging to eac
AUTHOR'S POV A few minutes after Richard left for his meeting with Greg, the doorbell chimed through the quiet house. Madison, lounging on the couch, perked up immediately. A smile bloomed across her face as she hurried to the door. That must be the food. She pulled it open, her words already tumbling out “Thank you for the…” Her voice caught. There was no delivery bag. No familiar uniform. Instead, a figure loomed before her,dressed head to toe in black: leather jacket, black jeans, gloves that glinted faintly under the porch light. A motorcycle helmet covered his face, reflecting her wide eyes back at her. Madison’s heart dropped into her stomach. She scrambled to slam the door shut, but the man’s gloved hand shot out, forcing it open with terrifying ease. The door banged against the wall. She spun to run, but he was faster. A brutal grip caught her arm, slamming her back against the wall. Pain jolted through her shoulders as she gasped. “Let go!” she tried to scream, but
AUTHOR'S POVThe soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, bathing the room in a warm, golden light. Richard stirred first, waking up to the peaceful rhythm of Madison’s breathing. He shifted slightly, his gaze landing on her sleeping form, her face serene and peaceful as she lay with her back to him. A small, loving smile crept onto his lips.He couldn’t help himself. Gently, he slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer, his chest pressing against her back. Madison stirred slightly, groggily lifting her head before blinking her eyes open. She turned her face toward him, the sunlight catching the softness of her features, and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips."Good morning," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.Richard’s smile deepened, his heart fluttering. “Good morning,” he replied, his voice full of warmth. He tightened his embrace around her, savoring the closeness.But Madison’s eyes wandered down to his wrist, and her smile fal
AUTHOR'S POVAfter a long, draining day, Richard finally pushed open the door of their house—not the hotel. His shoulders sagged as he loosened his tie, exhaustion weighing down every step.Madison, who had been pacing the living room restlessly, immediately ran up when she heard him. She stopped just five feet away, her hands clasped together, her eyes wide with concern.“Today was a rough day, wasn’t it?” she asked softly, her voice trembling with worry.Richard’s tired eyes softened at the sight of her. He exhaled, forcing a small smile. “I’m okay.” Then, without hesitation, he looked straight into her eyes and asked, “Your painting…did you see it?”Madison blinked, startled. Slowly, she nodded. “I did.” Her brows furrowed slightly. “But… how did you have it?”Richard took a step closer, sincerity shining in his gaze, his voice low but steady. “I first got to know you through that painting.”Her breath caught in her throat. The weight of his words, the quiet confession, made her he
AUTHOR'S POVLucas strolled into his father’s office with his usual air of confidence, a faint smile tugging at his lips.“Father, you wanted to see me? Shall I stay for lunch? I’ll have them prepare something special for you,” he said lightly, not noticing the storm brewing across the room.Behind the desk, Mr. Benjamin sat rigidly in his chair, eyes dark, jaw tight. He didn’t look at his son when he spoke, his tone low and venomous.“You lied to me.”Lucas blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”“You’re feigning ignorance?” Mr. Benjamin’s voice rose, raw fury breaking through. “How much more will you disappoint me!?”Confused, Lucas raised his hands slightly, almost in defense. “Calm down, Father. Explain what you mean so I can…”He didn’t get to finish. Mr. Benjamin snatched the document and flash drive from his desk and hurled them toward him. They slid across the polished floor, stopping at Lucas’s feet.Lucas’s expression flickered. He bent down, picked up the p
AUTHOR’S POVLate morning sunlight streamed through the restaurant’s tall windows, casting sharp shadows across the polished wooden floor. Richard stepped inside, his gaze scanning until it caught the man he had come for—Lucas’s assistant, sitting alone in the far corner, phone pressed to his ear, his face softened with a smile.“Yes, I’ll be home soon today. I’ll bring fried chicken. I promise,” the man murmured warmly before his eyes flicked up and froze at the sight of Richard approaching. His expression shifted instantly, affection draining into tension. He ended the call with hurried fingers, sliding his phone aside.“Sir,” he greeted stiffly.Richard slid into the seat opposite him, his movements deliberate, calm. “Hope I’m not imposing by asking to meet you?”“No, sir,” the assistant replied, sitting straighter, his voice tight. “Please… tell me why you wanted to meet.”“Of course. I’ll get to the point right away.” Richard’s voice was smooth, measured. “Mr. Thomas Wilson died