AlexI left the hospital around 10 PM, exhausted and emotionally drained. Abigail had stayed with me for hours, offering quiet support and even making me laugh a few times with stories about mishaps at the office. She has been exactly what I needed, a friend without judgment or complicated history.As I drove home, I pulled out my phone at a red light and called Emily.She answered on the second ring. "Alex? Is everything okay?""Yes, sorry for calling so late. I just wanted to check on the boys before I went to sleep."I heard her moving, probably stepping away from wherever the children were. "They're both doing great. Lucas fell asleep around eight-thirty, and Phil just went down about twenty minutes ago. No fever, no complaints about pain. They're healing beautifully."Relief washed over me. "Thank you. And Lily?""Asleep in her room. She was reading to Phil before bed. it was actually really sweet.""That sounds like her." I paused, then added, "Thank you, Emily. For taking care
Alex The drive to City Hospital felt longer than usual. My phone rang just as I was pulling into the parking garage."Alex Thompson," I answered."Mr. Thompson, it's Abigail." My new secretary's voice was warm and professional. "I heard about what happened with your mother. I wanted to check on you and see if there's anything I can do to help."I was touched by her concern. "That's very kind of you, Abigail. I'm actually at the hospital now to see her.""How is she doing?""I'm about to find out. The doctors said she was stable after the incident, but...""Would you like some company?" Abigail asked. "I know hospitals can be lonely places, and I'm just leaving the office anyway."I hesitated. It would be nice to have someone there, someone who wasn't judging my every move or comparing me to Nathaniel."If you don't mind," I said. "That would actually be nice.""I'll be there in twenty minutes."By the time I reached my mother's floor, I was mentally and physically exhausted. The poli
AlexAfter the boys were settled on the couch with blankets and pillows, Emily pulled me aside into the kitchen. Nathaniel was in the living room with the children, and I could hear their laughter through the doorway, a sound that both warmed and broke my heart at the same time."Alex," Emily said quietly, her voice tense. "Did you know about your mother's attack? About Vanessa trying to get to her last night?"My stomach dropped. I should have known the detective would inform her. "Yes, I knew."Emily's eyes flashed with anger and disappointment. "And you didn't think to tell me?""I was going to...""When, Alex? When were you going to mention that the woman who kidnapped me less than two weeks ago broke into your mother's hospital room and tried to kill her?""Emily, please keep your voice down," I said, glancing toward the living room where the children were. "I didn't want to worry you. You've been so stressed with the boys' recovery...""Don't do that," Emily interrupted sharply.
Emily After all the paperwork was signed and the boys were dressed in comfortable clothes for the ride home, we prepared to leave. The hospital staff had arranged for wheelchairs to take the boys down to the entrance, even though they could walk short distances."This is so cool," Phil said, sitting in his wheelchair. "I feel like a race car driver!"Lucas was quieter, but I could see relief in his eyes. He was ready to go home, to sleep in his own bed, to be in familiar surroundings.We made our way down to the lobby, where two cars were waiting: my SUV with Marcus and my security team, and Alex's Mercedes with his guards."Okay, boys," I said. "Let's get you home."Phil looked between the two cars, then at Alex, then at me. His face scrunched up with worry."I want to go with Ms. Emily," he said quietly.Alex's smile faltered. "Phil, you're coming home with me, champ. Remember? Your room is already ready for you.""But I want to stay with Ms. Emily and Lucas and Lily," Phil said, h
Vanessa "How did you..." Mrs Thomson stuttered, her voice weak from surgery. "The police... they are looking for you.""And yet here I am. Standing over your bed while you are helpless and alone." I leaned in closer. "How does it feel, Mrs Thomson? To be powerless? To know that your life is in someone else's hands?""Please," she whispered. "Please don't do this. Think about Alex. Think about the children.""I am thinking about them," I hissed. "I'm thinking about how you destroyed my life with Alex. How you manipulated everything to get me out of the picture. How you went to Emily and confessed your sins, making yourself the hero while I became the villain.""I was trying to fix my mistakes," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "I was trying to make things right.""By destroying me?" I laughed bitterly. "By taking away the only thing I ever wanted?""You tried to kill a child," she said, her voice getting slightly stronger. "You poisoned Phil. You murdered that nurse. You're not a
VanessaMichael had been taking care of me like I was made of glass. Every morning for the past three days, he would check my injuries, change my bandages, and make sure I was comfortable."How are you feeling today, Rebecca?" he asked, bringing me breakfast on a tray.I smiled weakly at him. "Much better, thanks to you. You've been so kind.""It's the least I can do. No one should have to go through what you went through." He set the tray on my lap: scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh orange juice. "I also ran you a bath. I thought it might help with the soreness.""You're too good to me," I said, and part of me almost meant it. Michael was genuinely kind, which made using him feel almost too easy.After he left me to eat in peace, I heard the shower running in the bathroom down the hall. Perfect. This was my chance.I moved quickly despite the pain in my ribs, grabbing Michael's phone from the kitchen counter where he'd left it. My hands shook as I dialed the number I'd memorized."He