Leah's PovI gently wiped my mouth and stood up, "Axel we need to talk," I said, leading him to the balcony. "Here" I said, as I stretched my hand, giving him a file. Axel looked at me with raised eyebrows as he flipped it open."These are some ground rules," I began, a firmness evident in my voice. "You need to visit Jasper once a week, and you are not allowed to let him know you are his father. Also, you can't introduce him to any of your family members," I announced to him.Axel waggled his eyebrow in disbelief. "Why am I allowed to see my son just once a week?" he asked, puzzled by the limitations I was imposing. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my resolve. "That's the time frame we've agreed on. If you know you are not interested in signing the agreement, please hand them back to me," I replied, my tone firm and unwavering.I made a move to collect the agreement file from him, but Axel swiftly dodged it and quickly signed the document. I handed him his copy, and as his fro
Axel's PovThe Russo Empire, Axel's office"They sent the letter again? Is this person actually a ghost that bro Axel couldn't catch?" Tony's frustration punctuated the air in the room.Marvin sighed and added, "This mysterious person sent the letter five years ago, and now they sent it again. I think this person is actually watching you even in the dark."I stood up and walked to the ceiling-to-floor window in my office, staring at the cityscape below as I clenched the crumpled letter in my hands.I received this same letter of threat five years ago when Louisiana just woke up from a coma, I was torn between my love for Leah and Louisiana. I wanted to break my engagement with Louisiana because I found myself falling for Leah, but I got this threat stating that if I should break the engagement, my mom will be killed, and Leah will also be in danger. A mom I have never known in all my life.This person is hidden in the dark. I can't risk my mom's life because there are some questions
Leah's PovI stood up suddenly, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks as I observed Axel's smirking presence and Jasper's innocent doe-like gaze fixed on me. It was an uncomfortable silence that seemed to stretch on, making me fidget as I tried to avoid their piercing stares. Finally, I mustered the courage to speak up, "It's getting late. Jasper and I need to go to bed. You should get going."As Axel gently rubbed his hands together, a sad expression enveloped his face, and he gazed at me with a pair of puppy-dog eyes. My resolve wavered for a moment as I found his antics endearing. Young master Axel, how can you act so cute?! I thought to myself, momentarily reminded of Jasper's similar charm and innocence. Shaking off the distraction, I quickly composed myself and put on a nonchalant facade as I challenged Axel, "What?! Do you want to lie that your house got burnt?"To my surprise, Axel's shamelessness knew no bounds as he slowly nodded and confessed, "I wouldn't say you are wrong
Axel's Pov"Better than when I was with you," Leah stated nonchalantly, and I felt my grip tighten on the glass cup. Watching her lower her head as if I didn't matter made my smile alter. "Doesn't she miss me even for a second during these five years?" I pondered. "I'm sorry, Leah," I said, pausing to meet her eyes, which widened in shock. "For all the pain I caused you..."There was a profound silence as Leah lowered her head and said, "What's the use when the deed has been done?"I could sense the pain in her voice, despite her nonchalant demeanor. Gently rubbing the cup of coffee before me, I pleaded, "Give me the chance, Leah, to make up for all the wrongs I've done."Leah looked at me and uttered, "Axel Russo, I only allowed you to stay here because of Jasper. Do not ask for more than the limit I've given you.""Leah, please listen to me. I know I wronged you, but please give me the chance," I implored gently.Leah slammed her hands on the table in anger. "Do you think coming her
Leah's PovAxel, Are you my father? Jasper asked. I felt my throat tighten at his question. I had been at the kitchen door, listening to their conversation. I couldn't deny that Jasper truly needed a father figure in his life.Axel smiled at Jasper and tugged at his cheek. "Jasper, I..." he began."He is not your father," I interjected, cutting off whatever Axel was about to say. "I don't care, I don't want to know, and I don't wish to know.""Mummy!" Jasper called out to me. I smiled and ruffled his short hair. "Good morning, Jasper," I said, trying to push aside the tension in the room. I dragged a dining chair and sat on it, pouring myself a glass of water, all the while ignoring Axel's gaze. After some time, Axel greeted me. "Good morning, Leah," he said.I ignored his greeting and said, "I will be going to work early today, so pack up early and leave." I couldn't let Axel stay here, not at all. If I did, it might lead to me quickly forgiving him, as I know I am soft-hearted. Sil
Welcome contestants to the 9th edition of the fashion gala competition.... Please settle in your workstation as the first round of the competition will begin in an hour's time," the MC's voice resounded through the speaker.I carefully placed the last piece of pin on the cloth I was designing. Each workstation had been assigned to the ten contestants as a preparation area before the competition. The format had three stages, where only six contestants moved on to the second segment, and then just three contestants for the final round."Each brand line here is well-known in the country, except for ours. How we even got a slot was a miracle," Mia remarked as she dropped the last batch of materials on the floor. She pointed to the workstation next to ours, which was empty. "I wonder who owns this workstation," Mia mused.I shrugged my shoulders and continued with what I was doing. "I wonder who is so lucky to be our next-door neighbor," Jack said, joining in the conversation.Just then,
Louisiana PovI felt a surge of panic as Leah denied my accusations. It was clear I had to think fast, but my mind was whirling. When did I send people to kill her?"If I truly sent people to kill you, why are you still alive?" I asked her, my voice tinged with panic.Leah's face became petrified, her expression filled with shock. But in that moment, my resolve solidified. I lifted my chin and said proudly, "Do you think you can just smear my name?" Everyone's attention turned against Leah, and murmurs filled the hall. "I didn't know Ms. Leah could be this wretched. She even tried to smear Ms. Louisiana's name," a lady said, her disgust evident in her tone.I decided to play the part and acted more pitifully, sobbing gently. "I would never hurt you, Leah. You helped me take care of Axel for five whole years. Why would I want to kill you?" I sobbed. A man chimed in, saying, "Ms. Louisiana is so pitiful. I almost believed Ms. Leah." I felt a triumphant smirk play across my lips as Lea
Leah Pov"Mummy, mummy, mummy," Jasper's voice shook me from my slumber, and I jolted up and sat on the bed, immediately regretting it as a splitting headache throbbed in response. I held my head in my hands and groaned, "Oh my, why didn't someone tell me hangovers are really this bad?"Jasper looked at me with concern and said, "Some strange-looking men are at the door, and they asked to see you, mummy."I nodded, trying to shake off the grogginess as I grabbed my slippers and staggered out of the bedroom. "Where is Axel?" I asked, hoping that he could handle whatever the situation might be. Jasper spread out his hands and replied, "I didn't see him this morning."I nodded in understanding and walked towards the door, reaching out to open it. True to Jasper's words, there were four men in black suits standing in front of the house. "Good morning, Miss Leah," the leading man greeted me with a respectful tone.I looked at him and returned the greeting, "Good morning. How may I help