Two agonizing hours passed before the door to the emergency room flung open. To Crimson, though, it felt like an eternity. He rose from the chair, the metal creaking in relief as he eased his weight and stood on his feet.He couldn't summon the strength to run to the man garbed in a white robe, so he waited, fear swelling in his chest, making breathing a struggle.The veins in his temples pounded beneath his skin.Isabela was his responsibility as the new head of the house, and if something bad happened to her, he only had himself to blame."How's the patient?" Crimson asked, the words barely emerging from his paper-white lips.The doctor, a man in his early fifties with graying sandy brown hair, looked at him with tired eyes."The surgery was a success. Although, she could have died if you'd been a bit later."Crimson collapsed into the chair, relief washing through him like a tide. He had the urge to cry, but he couldn't summon the tears. His stinging eyes felt like a dried well.He
Taylor leaned forward; there was sympathy in his eyes as he looked at him. "None of it is your fault. You can't carry all the burden on your own, son."Crimson took the financial reports in his hand and felt the weight of all his responsibilities pressing down on his palms. "Is there any way for me to save the family business?""Proceed with the marriage to Celestine Ford, and all your worries will disappear. Her father, the Mayor, will give you the leverage you need."He heaved a sigh. The engagement with Celestine had helped a lot, and he managed to convince the investors not to pull out of the contract. But he couldn't keep relying on her or anyone. If there was another option, he would rather take it without binding himself to anyone."Is there any other option?" he asked.Taylor's expression sobered. He delayed his response by abandoning his chair to grab the bottle of vintage wine. He poured a couple of inches of the velvet liquid into a crystal glass before lowering himself bac
Grandfather had left the house by the time I went downstairs in my work uniform. My head pounded with the onslaught of morning sickness. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to take an aspirin.Downstairs, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet. Inside, there was a transparent plastic container filled with a medley of different medicines for various ailments.I sifted through the contents with my fingers in search of a particular familiar packaging. Much to my dismay, I couldn't seem to find any aspirin.A bit frustrated, I decided to check the next cabinet. I reached for the handle and slowly pulled it open.A scream almost escaped my lips, and shivers ran down my spine upon seeing a fourteen-inch knife covered with dried blood.In my shock, I dropped the container of medicine I was still holding, and it scattered on the ground like a burst of colorful confetti.A sudden jolt of fear ran through my body, leaving me frozen in place.The question that plagued my mind was one that th
I stood frozen in place at the sound of approaching footsteps."What are you doing?" Grandfather's voice boomed through the room and I jumped at the sound. I turned around to face him, my hands shaking as I tried to come up with a lie."I'm just looking for an aspirin," I said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "My head is pounding, and I thought there might be some in here."Grandfather frowned suspiciously at me. “You know there's no need to rummage through the drawers like that. I keep the aspirin in a clearly labeled bottle on the top shelf.” “I just took the last one this morning, and I thought you might be keeping more in one of these drawers."Grandfather's expression softened, and he put a hand on my shoulder. "I apologize; I must have forgotten to refill it, but I'll buy some from the pharmacy tomorrow.”“I’ll do it, Grandpa. I’ll grab some aspirin from the pharmacy on my way to work tomorrow.”“If you insist,” he replied with a shrug. “I shall go back to my room no
Shaking my head, I told myself he couldn't possibly know about my pregnancy since I hadn't told anyone who could have informed him.I put on a poker face. “I don't know what's running through your head, Mr. Phoenix. Accusing me of lying when I have nothing to gain is not only pathetic but also insulting.”His eyes searched mine. In a low and measured tone he asked, "Are you pregnant?"The confident smile on my face disappeared, replaced by a mix of surprise and fear.I tried to understand why he would ask such a thing. Did he hear from someone else that I was pregnant? But even if he hit home, I was still not going to admit anything. "Of course not! Why would you even ask such a preposterous question?”"Naturally, I must ask. The last time we were intimate, the condom broke.” "No, I am not pregnant," I insisted, praying he would buy it and leave me alone.The mere thought of him discovering my secret filled me with dread. If he knew that I was carrying his child, he would stop at no
I didn't even resist, knowing how badly I needed it right now because the room was extremely cold.“Can I sit down?” he asked, gesturing to the seat next to mine.Although I may have preferred a bit more space between us, it would not be my place to refuse.“Suit yourself,” I replied with a shrug.Silence lapsed between us until it was broken by his voice.“I'm sorry, Elizabeth.”I stared at my lap to avoid his gaze, wondering what he could possibly be apologizing for.Was he sorry that my grandfather had killed his own? Sorry that I had been unwillingly pulled into this complicated situation? Or perhaps he was merely sorry for how miserable I appeared at that moment. Regardless, his words left me with more questions than answers."You don't have to apologize. None of us wanted this to happen," I murmured under my breath, holding up a hand to stop him from touching me when he attempted to comfort me. I didn't want to be consoled, especially not by him.I stood up and returned his jack
I wanted to hear the truth, even if it would shatter my world and break me apart.He lifted his head, and his sad eyes focused on me. They appeared hollow and unblinking, as if I was staring into the face of a man who had given up all hope of living.“Please, just this once, Grandpa,” I pleaded. Desperation seeped from my tone. “... please... tell me the truth.”"Elizabeth," his voice was tired, matching his exhausted expression. "I know you won't believe me, but I… I didn't kill Philip. I hated the man he'd become — a despicable man who never kept his promises — but I could never bring myself to harm someone who was once like a brother to me."From the depths of my heart, I knew he was telling the truth. I felt a sudden relief, as if a thorn had been pulled out from my chest. Next thing I knew, tears were streaming down my face."Then why? Why did you have to admit that you killed him?" My voice reflected the heartbreak I felt."Because I have someone to protect, Elizabeth. So please
A frown creased my forehead. Apart from Crimson, I have no other ex. He was my first and last boyfriend.He smiled, showing a pair of dimples on his cheeks. “Kidding aside, it's me, Ryle Alexander. I attended Flintstone University, we're classmates on one subject.”I still don't remember him. “I'm the man you turned down before graduation.” He supplied which made my eyes widen in recognition."You're the smart boy with large spectacles and braces?” I gasped in disbelief.“That's me.” He sheepishly grinned. “So what brings you here?"“I've come to inquire about my grandfather's condition. His name is George Stone.”The smile on his lips disappeared as quickly as it arrived“Let's discuss this further in my office," he suggested.As soon as we entered the room, he gestured for me to take a seat before settling down into his own chair in front of a mahogany desk.“I know grandfather's condition so you don't have to keep the truth from me. Tell me everything please.”When Ryle met my gaz
Crimson gently wrapped his arms around my waist as I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes. It had been an hour since we left Isabela's room, but her confession still lingered in my mind. Part of me wished I had never learned the truth, but another part of me was grateful for the closure it brought. "I wish I had been with my grandmother in her final moments so she could have shared the truth with me instead of my cousin. I wish I could have told her that I don't blame her; that despite her mistake, she remains the kindest person I know. I believe she wouldn't have done anything unless she was pushed to her limit.” I raised my head to look at him. Witnessing the frown on his forehead, I smoothed it away with my fingers until it vanished. "I have my own regrets too," I whispered, feeling a tightness in my throat from the flood of emotions. "I wish I had discovered the truth sooner, so I didn't chase after it blindly. And I wish I could have reunited Grandpa with the wom
It was supposed to be a happy day for my family to enjoy. Unfortunately, some things are beyond one's control. After we returned home from the picnic, Crimson received a call.I watched as his handsome face twisted with worry, the color draining from his features as he met my gaze.“Is everything alright? Who called you just now? What happened?” The words spilled from my lips one after another.I tried to restrain my thoughts so they wouldn't wander to terrifying conclusions, but they did anyway. It was hard not to think that something bad had happened while watching his reaction.“There's an emergency at home… Isabela was rushed to the hospital.” Worry rang painfully in his tone.Crimson cared deeply for his cousin, and the news of her being rushed to the hospital was a blow he had never expected.Fear and worry gripped me as well, knowing how important Isabela was to him.We immediately rushed back to the hotel and dropped Cleo in Sapphire's care since we couldn't bring her to the h
I stared at the ring on my finger, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. I had dreamed of this moment a thousand times before, but it was far more beautiful and magical than I could have ever imagined.“Do you like it? I could have given you a much more beautiful ring. However, I got too excited and bought this one instead because I was at a loss as to which design you would like.”“You're kidding, right? This ring is so gorgeous! Why wouldn’t I like it?”Crimson's face lit up at my words. At that moment, he looked so damn cute that I couldn't resist pinching his cheeks.“I’m glad you like it. I was a bit hesitant to give it at first because the design is simple and not as extravagant as some of the other rings out there.”“It’s perfect.”He pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapped around me protectively. “I love you so much, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I'll wait for you until you're ready to marry me.”I hugged him back, knowing that this moment would for
My eyes swept the room, but it seemed the one I was looking for wasn't present among them.Sighing, I turned to look at my brother, David. He was saying something, but I wasn't paying attention, so I missed most of his words.“Liz, are you with me?”Color rose to my cheeks. “I beg your pardon?”He cleared his throat. “I'm asking if you're looking for someone. You've been spaced out for a while now. Are you waiting for a secret admirer or something?” He teased me.I rolled my eyes heavenward. "Oh, stop it. I'm just enjoying the party.”When the dance ended, David walked to the side, leaving me alone in the middle of the room, confused.The orchestra stopped, and the room was engulfed in total silence.Suddenly, the man who had been occupying my thoughts emerged from the crowd. He walked with the elegance of a king and seemed to own the crowd as he passed by.My breath hitched in my throat. Am I imagining things? I asked myself, watching him close the distance between us.He stopped rig
I sat by Crimson's bedside in the hospital, holding his hand tightly as he lay unconscious after his operation. I knew he was strong, but the thought of losing him was too much to bear. My phone rang, breaking the silence of the room. It was Sapphire, my stepsister. “I need you to come to the police station. The officers want to talk to you to get your statement." "I'll be right there," I sighed. My eyes went to Crimson, and I fought back the tears. “I have to go,” I told him, pressing my lips to his forehead. When I arrived at the police station, Sapphire was sitting in a small room, surrounded by police officers. She looked pale, perhaps because she had lost too much blood. But she seemed okay, and that was all that mattered. Chief Dallas spotted me. He stood up and gestured for me to follow. In a separate room, he interrogated me about what happened in the warehouse. I provided him with a detailed account. The interrogation lasted an hour, and when it finally ended, I coul
Please leave. I wanted to say those words to him, but I couldn't speak.The door opened, and Crimson entered the room.“Let her go, Mark!”The man Crimson called Mark grabbed the gun from his hip holster and pointed it at me. “Give me your gun.”When Crimson didn’t even budge, Mark pressed the muzzle of the gun against my head. The cold, hard metal dug into my skin. I was terrified he would accidentally pull the trigger."I said give me your gun or her brains will splatter on the floor," he threatened.I gently shook my head, signaling Crimson never to let go of his gun. We both knew that once he relinquished his only weapon, it would be our end."I'm sorry, Liz. I need to do this to protect you," he told me. Slowly, he lowered the gun to the floor."Kick the gun away."Crimson ground his teeth together and did what Mark ordered. He kicked the gun, and it slid near Sapphire's still body.Indescribable fear seized me as I watched Mark raise the gun and point it toward Crimson's head.
When I returned to Queen's Courtyard, Samantha was already waiting in my office, seated on the plush couch. The moment I entered the room, she looked at me and asked, “How are your medical results? I hope everything's fine.” Feeling like my legs would collapse, I slumped onto the single couch opposite her and sighed. “I’m pregnant.” The words emerged from my lips.She blinked rapidly, slowly digesting my words. “Come again?”“You heard it right, Sam.”She finally stopped eating her buttered toast and set the half-finished treat down on the table."You've got to be kidding me.”I shook my head. “I wish I was, but it’s true. I just found out this afternoon from my medical results. I really am pregnant.”Her palms cradled her forehead as though she suddenly had a headache. “You're not in a relationship, Elizabeth. You don't even have a boyfriend, nor have you been dating anyone so how can you be pregnant?” “Does your brother know? Is Sapphire aware of your pregnancy?” she asked frantic
Opening my eyes, I tried to piece together what happened last night. The events of the night came rushing back to me in fragments, like a puzzle being assembled. The memory of his touch, his kisses, and his passion flooded back, sending a flush of heat to my cheeks.I turned my head to look at Crimson, still asleep beside me. His face was relaxed, peaceful in sleep.What have I done?I instinctively freed myself from his arms, feeling a twinge of soreness between my thighs from the night before as I got up from the bed.“Elizabeth?” Crimson sleepily opened his eyes and looked at me. I could see confusion clouding his gazeHe looked at my nakedness. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, his cheeks turning tomato red, perhaps recalling what happened last night..“About last night—”“Please forget about it.” I cut him off before he could finish his words.Silence filled the room, the tension in the air swelling like a balloon.“I can't do that!” The harshness in his voice surprised me.
Finally, Samantha's wedding day arrived.It was held in a luxurious resort with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The sun was shining mildly, the sky was clear, and a gentle breeze was blowing through the air.There were a hundred guests in attendance, including the bride and groom’s close friends and family members.Samantha was glowing as she walked down the aisle, her white dress shimmering in the sunlight. Her groom was waiting for her at the altar, with a look of pure love in his eyes.I wasn't the type to easily feel envious. However, at that moment, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy while watching the beautiful ceremony unfold.The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with Samantha and her groom exchanging vows that brought tears to the eyes of the guests.After the wedding, the reception was a lavish affair, complete with delicious food, dancing, and toasts to the happy couple.I was having fun until I spotted Crimson in the crowd, accompanied by a stunning woman. They