Axel's Pov"And a perfect smile, please," the photographer said as lights continued to flash around us. Several minutes later, we walked out of the studio, and Leah asked, "Why did you insist on having a family picture taken?""I want a memorable time between us," I replied as I helped them settle into the car. "Aren't you coming home with us?" Leah asked as she helped Jasper adjust his seat belt.I gripped the door tightly. "I still have some files to sort in the office, but I will be sure to return early," I said as I kissed her forehead. "Okay," Leah said. "Drive safe," she waved at me as the car drove off.I looked at the car until it was gone, then I sighed deeply and muttered, "I am sorry, Leah.""You have a meeting with M&D group of company at noon, and it's already 11:30 am. Should I drive straight to the cafe?" Derek asked as soon as I got into the car. I nodded in response and closed my eyes to rest.I could feel my heart beating fast on my chest, everything was happening in
Leah's PovTwo days laterAt the mourning hallI took a deep breath as I soaked in the weight of the devastating news that had shattered my world. "My whole world has shattered before me. This news is unbelievable," I murmured, my voice choked with emotion. "Is this how people die? You are with them one minute, and they are gone in just a second." I found it hard to comprehend the suddenness of Axel's departure. "No wonder people say the difference between death and life is just a second," I whispered to myself. "I just can't believe this. This is not the type of life I dreamed of."Tears blurred my vision as I continued to wrestle with the cruel reality. "I thought everything had been settled. I thought... since Sara had been caught and Lousianna taken away by the Montgomery family, my life could go back to being peaceful." The bitterness of disappointment laced my words. "Why is it that bad things always happen to good people? Why is it that I just can't have peace and joy like ot
Leah's Pov "Mom!" I called out, my voice quavering as I sat up with difficulty.Leah, dear," Mom said as she walked towards me, "I will take my leave then," the doctor said as he walked out."Mom, what's going on?" I asked, struggling to comprehend what they had just said.Mom looked at me and smiled, "You are pregnant, dear. There is a little life growing in you," she said as she gently placed her hand on my stomach. My gaze was unfocused as I gently rubbed my stomach. "I am pregnant?" I muttered. "How come? When did this happen?" The foetus is in an unstable condition, you need to stop drinking Leah, if not for yourself, for your unborn baby," Mom said as she walked out of the room.I pursed my lips, my voice quivering. "Axel, I am pregnant. I am carrying your baby," I said slowly, tears rolling down my cheeks. With my hands shaking, I searched the bedside table and brought out a frame. It was the picture of Axel and me on the day he died. I looked at his smiling face, my heart s
Leah's PovA month laterAJL group of companies, Conference hall"President Leah, we have accepted you as the president of the company, fine, but what do you have to give in return?" Director Kiln's imposing voice cut through the tense atmosphere. I could feel the weight of their skepticism bearing down on me. I squinted my eyes, knowing Director Kiln to be the hardest nut to crack among the directors. .When I first stepped into this role, he had refused, citing that he could not let a woman lead him. However, I managed to convince them with my shares, as I was the highest shareholder, leaving them no choice but to accept me.Leading a pack of cunning men is surely the hardest thing ever. Your every decision, step, and achievement are being scrutinized by these old foxes. Each move I make feels like walking on a thread of ice, I thought to myself, steeling my resolve."What do you mean, President Kiln?" I asked, meeting his gaze unwaveringly."President Leah, what Director Kiln is
Leah's Pov"Axel! Axel!" I called out anxiously as I hurried into the condo. My heart raced as I frantically searched for any sign of my husband's return. Just beside the shoe rack were a pair of...male shoes. Was Axel really home? My breath came in gasps as I dashed into the living room, shouting, "Axel!" But there was no sign of him, or Jasper. "Granny Ruth, where are you?!" I called out, feeling a sense of desolation as the house remained silent, like a graveyard that I dreaded. Was it all a dream? Could I be hallucinating? My mind raced with questions as I walked into the garden, devastated by the absence of my family.As I scanned the garden, my eyes caught sight of a shadow standing under the cherry blossom tree. The delicate flowers were in full bloom, creating a picturesque scene. The figure stood with its back facing me, and as I approached, I recognized the familiar stance. The back... it was just like Axel's. "Axel!!" I screamed as I ran towards the figure, tears flo
Leah's Pov "You aren't Axel, right?" I said, pulling my gaze away from him."What do you mean, I am not Axel? Of course, I am Axel. I am your husband, Leah. What do you mean?" the man replied, flustered. I clenched my fists tight; I had been so stupid that I couldn't even recognize Axel on first glance. I turned towards him. "You are Axel, right?" I asked.Axel nodded his head. "Of course, I am Axel," he said."Why did you love touching my waist?" I asked him. 'Axel' looked at me, short of words. "I... I..." he said, unable to gather his thoughts together.I facepalmed. "Oh my god, I have truly been deceived. You are with them, right?" I asked him, indicating to the men who were watching us.The supposed Axel scoffed. "So, you are just knowing that I am not your husband. Tsk, tsk," he stood up and removed the mask on his face.My tears fell freely down my eyes, my fists clenched. Standing before me was a man with an angular fat face, his face white probably from the impact of the ma
Leah's Pov The next day,Police stationAs I sat opposite Kian, a sense of unease prickled at me. His smug demeanor and the way he carried himself in his prison clothes with an air of arrogance made me wary. "How are you doing, Kian?" I asked, keeping a composed facade. "Thanks to you, I am where I never thought I could be," he replied arrogantly, raising his handcuffed hands."You brought this upon yourself," I stated firmly, leaning closer to him. "Besides, I have a question to ask you." I held his gaze, searching for any sign of sincerity. "Did you approach me because of the formula?" I couldn't shake the doubt that had been gnawing at me since last night. Kian's sudden appearance, his behavior—everything felt off. I was tired of people approaching me for ulterior motives, and the uncertainty was weighing heavily on me.Kian met my gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do you think?" he said, waggling his eyebrows provocatively. Frustration and sadness welled up inside me
Axel's Pov I hummed gently as I listened to the cool, gentle music while vacuuming the floor. "Ahh," I sighed gently, "What a cool evening." The door suddenly burst open and Daniel briskly walked in. "What's wrong with you?" I said, looking at him in disgust. "Are you being chased by thousands of demons?" I asked, but he ignored me and sat on the sofa. "Here's the pig liver you wanted," he said, dropping it on the table unceremoniously.I rolled my eyes and continued cleaning. "Your house looks like a pigsty. Why is there dust everywhere?" I asked him as I cleaned the shelf. "What do you expect of a programmer's house?" he said, closing his eyes to rest. "Eww," I exclaimed as I cleaned the shelf. "You are such a... what should I call you?""And when was the last time you ate this pizza? Why did you have to hide the pack behind the shelf?" I asked him as I pulled out pizza boxes. "I hid it there because I don't want to hear your nagging," he replied. I continued nagging him abou