Alexander lifted a hand, signaling for silence. It took a moment, but the crowd eventually quieted down, their eager eyes fixed on him.Then, with a perfectly timed sigh, he ran a hand through his thick hair, the picture of a tormented yet composed man. "First of all," he began, his voice smooth and deep, carrying over the restless crowd, "I want to sayโฆ thank you."The screams started up again, but he held up a hand. "I appreciate the love, the concern, and the..." he chuckled, "...very creative signs. Really, it means a lot that so many of you care."A wave of murmurs and sighs spread through the crowd, his devoted fans hanging onto his every word.Then, he tilted his head, his expression softening just enough to make the entire city believe he was actually wounded. "Butโฆ this is my personal life. And as much as I admire your dedication, I would appreciate some privacy while I navigate thisโฆ difficult time."The dramatic pause.The subtle hint of pain in his voice.The slightly furr
After a long day at Blake Group, Alexander and Sarah were finally heading home.Sarah sighed in relief as she stepped into the car, leaning back against the seat.The day had been filled with whispers, side eyes, and awkward stares, but Alexander had thrived in it. He had soaked in every moment, enjoying the chaos like it was his personal entertainment.Just as their driver pulled away from the company building, Alexanderโs phone rang. He glanced at the screen and smirked.Sebastian Hargrove.Sarah raised an eyebrow when she saw his expression. "Seb?"Alexander put the call on speaker, already knowing this was going to be good."Alex, come on, manโฆ this has gone too far," Seb's voice came through, sounding exasperated. "Look, I know youโre enjoying this, but my PR team is losing their minds over here. We need to take the posts down. The media is eating this up, and itโs not good for either of us."Alexander chuckled, completely unbothered. "And why would I do that?""Because you know
Alexander only hummed, completely unbothered. "Itโs actually quite funny. They think Seb came to โclaimโ you, but instead of taking you, he had to ask me for permission to even get the PR team to clear the rumors.โSarah froze.Then she groaned. "You set him up on purpose."Alexander didnโt deny it. He just smiled, tilting her chin up. "Itโs simple, my love. I donโt need to let you go. Because youโve always been mine."Sebastian ran a frustrated hand through his hair, leaning against the sleek marble counter in Alexanderโs living room. His sharp gaze was locked onto the man lounging effortlessly on the couch, sipping a glass of whiskey like he hadnโt just let the entire world believe his wife was caught in a scandal."Alright, Blake," Seb sighed, crossing his arms. "What game are you playing?"Alexander smirked but didnโt look away from his drink. "I have no idea what youโre talking about."Seb let out a humorless chuckle. "Oh, donโt give me that bullshit. Youโre letting the world run
Sarah just stared at him, arms still crossed. "Let me get this straight," she said slowly. "Your grand plan to fix the scandalโฆ is to throw a wedding sequel?""Precisely."Seb let out a low whistle. "I canโt believe this is actually happening."Sarah sighed, pressing two fingers to her temple. "And what if I say no?"Alexander smiled. "Then I suppose Iโll just have to suffer in misery, surrounded by all the gifts and love my adoring fans have been sending me."Seb let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Youโre really enjoying this, arenโt you?"Alexanderโs smirk widened. "Immensely."Sarah exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment before finally looking up at him. "Fine. But I want full control over the event."Alexander tilted his head. "Full control?""Yes. No media circus unless I say so. No ridiculous grandstanding."Alexander considered for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."Seb raised a brow. "Wait, thatโs it? Youโre agreeing just like that?"Alexander smirked. "I always let my wife have he
Gerald sat in the dimly lit room, his fingers steepled together as he stared at the flickering television screen. The breaking news banner scrolled across the bottom, "BLAKE HEIR ANNOUNCES GRAND VOW RENEWAL WITH WIFE, SARAH BLAKE."A slow, cruel smirk spread across his lips. Ah, Alexander... so careless. So arrogant.He hadnโt expected his dear nephew to make such a bold move, not when he should have known better. Not when he, Gerald Blake, the man everyone thought was long buried in the past, was still alive and waiting."Foolish boy," he murmured, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Did you really think Iโd stay in the shadows forever?"The vow renewal was the perfect opportunity. The event would be grand, extravagant beyond measure, drawing in the biggest names in society. It would be the ideal moment to strike.He leaned back, exhaling slowly. He had spent years biding his time, watching Alexander rise to power, watching him consolidate the Blake fortune, making enemies, crus
For a long while, Victoria looked uncertain.Cecilia watched her closely, waiting to see if she would back down, if the fear of what could happen would make her rethink this reckless idea.But then, slowly, Victoriaโs lips curled back into a smile, this time colder, sharper.โThatโs exactly why we have to move first,โ she murmured. โBefore she does.โCeciliaโs breath hitched. โVictoria...โVictoria stood, eyes gleaming with dangerous resolve. โSarah thinks sheโs the only one who can play the waiting game? Fine. Letโs see how she handles it when she becomes the target.โCecilia hesitated. Something about this felt like they were walking straight into a trap, but the taste of revenge was too tempting.โโฆFine,โ she finally muttered, rubbing her temples. โBut if this backfires, Iโm blaming you.โVictoria smirked. โTrust me, Cecilia. This time, we wonโt lose.โ...............................Sarah stepped into the office, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors.The entire bu
The morning before the Mountain Rose showroom, Sarah and Raven arrived at the grand venue, a luxurious ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers, golden accents, and a sprawling runway set up in the center.The entire place exuded class, and Sarah felt a deep sense of satisfaction seeing her vision come to life.They had spent months preparing for this, securing the best venue, inviting the elites of the fashion and jewelry world, and crafting an unforgettable showcase.Now, it was all coming together.Sarah glanced around as staff bustled about, finalizing details.The seating was arranged meticulously, VVIPs, including the most influential figures in the industry, had front row seats, followed by VIP guests, then regular guests and the general audience. Every little detail had been planned to perfection.Raven, holding a tablet, ticked off points from their checklist. "Alright, seating is done. The models have their lineup. The jewelry pieces are secured and ready to be showcased. T
Alexander narrowed his eyes at her. "Itโs your fault," he shot back. "Youโre the one who insisted on making me a model at the last minute. I donโt want to ruin your show, so I figured I should at least try to do it right."Sarah's laughter softened into a warm smile. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "You could walk up there in a potato sack, Alex, and the world would still bow at your feet. But... I appreciate you putting in the effort for me."Alexander sighed, leaning back against the couch, his other hand rubbing his temple.Sarah grinned mischievously. "I shouldโve recorded you for the future. Maybe show our kids one day..""Donโt even think about it." Alexander shot her a warning look, though there was a hint of amusement in his gaze."Fine, fine," Sarah said, standing up and stretching. "Now, letโs get ready. We have a grand event to attend, and you, my dear husband, are going to steal the show."Alexander scoffed. "If I embarrass myself, youโre making it
The sun was dipping low over the horizon, casting a rich, molten gold sheen across the endless stretch of cerulean water surrounding the private island. Waves lapped lazily at the pristine white shores, and the sweet scent of tropical blooms filled the salt heavy breeze. Four years had passed since the darkness that had almost swallowed them whole. Four years since Sarah had been ripped from Alexanderโs arms and nearly broken beyond recognition. Four years since Alexander had been confined to a wheelchair, only to fight tooth and nail to walk again, fueled by sheer willpower, physical therapy, and Sarahโs unyielding belief in him. And today, today was a celebration not just of survival, but of life. Laughter rang out from the sprawling beachfront villa, decorated with colorful ribbons, balloons, and flowers that spilled over tables heavy with food and gifts. Small hands clapped excitedly as the Blake twins, three year old terrors with grins that could melt glaciers, chased each
Geraldโs world had flipped, literally and figuratively.The scent of leaking gasoline still clung to his shredded suit.His once polished shoes were coated in blood and gravel, and his jaw ached with every breath he took.The crash had thrown him like a ragdoll, flinging his body into a ditch after his vehicle, tires blown out from a desperate chase, had careened off the hillside road.Heโd blacked out for a moment. Maybe more.But when he came to, it wasnโt mercy that greeted him.It was Darius.Heโd heard the boots crunching over leaves and dirt long before the shadows finally stretched toward him.Then came the firm grip of gloved hands dragging his broken form to a clearing, rifles trained on him, and a half circle of men in black combat gear standing like a wall of death.And at the center of it all, Darius.Pristine as ever, yet colder than a winter grave.Darius stood tall, hands behind his back, his expression unreadable as he stared down at the bloodied man in front of him.G
Sarah turned slowly to Alexander, her hand still pressed to her mouth. โWeโreโฆ weโre going to have a baby.โHis eyes glistened with fresh tears, shock, joy, fear, all colliding in one single breath.He reached out to cradle her face with both hands, his broken leg momentarily forgotten.A baby.A child made from chaos and pain, love and survival.โI donโt deserve this,โ he whispered hoarsely. โNot after everything Iโve done. Not after I almost lost you.โโYou didnโt lose me,โ she whispered back. โAnd you wonโt. Not now. Not ever.โHe kissed her forehead, resting there for a long moment, his tears soaking into her hair. โI swear Iโll protect both of you. Even if I canโt walk. Even if I have to crawl to the ends of the earth, Sarah.โShe laughed through her tears, arms wrapping around him tighter than ever. โThen weโll crawl together. And when weโre readyโฆ weโll run.โThey held each other in the stillness of that room, at the beginning of something even greater.A heartbeat they hadnโt
Sarah stayed curled in Alexanderโs arms for a long moment, breathing him in like he was the only tether keeping her from floating away.His hand cradled the back of her head, his chest rising and falling in unsteady waves as if he still couldnโt believe she was real, that she was here.But then her eyes drifted down.Her gaze locked on the white sheets, crumpled and slightly lifted around his lower half.Something tugged at her memory, the shot.The sharp crack of a bullet.The sight of him falling behind her as she ran, screaming his name. Her stomach twisted.She leaned back slightly, her hand moving instinctively to the edge of the blanket, brushing against the thick padding of a cast beneath.Her voice was soft. โYou were shotโฆ I rememberโฆ I...โAlexander caught her hand gently, pressing it to his lips. โItโs okay. Iโm here.โBut Sarahโs heart had already begun to race again. โYou were limpingโฆ and I sawโฆ but I didnโt know it was this bad.โ Her eyes darted toward the crutches now
The first thing Sarah registered was the scent of antiseptic, clean, sharp, and nauseating.Then came the ache. Deep in her bones. In her chest. In the marrow of her soul.She stirred, her fingers twitching over crisp hospital sheets as her body shifted ever so slightly, and her mind scrambled to catch up.She wasnโt tied down. She wasnโt cold anymore. She wasnโt in that dark room. That house. Thatโฆ nightmare.She was safe.Orโฆ something like it.Her eyes fluttered open slowly, lashes damp from tears she hadnโt even known sheโd been crying.The ceiling was a sterile white blur. The walls hummed faintly with distant activity, soft footfalls, medical monitors, the low murmur of conversation somewhere outside the door.But none of it mattered.Because he wasnโt there.And without him, none of this felt real.Her lips parted, cracked and dry, and she tried to speak. Tried to push out the name that had lived on the edge of every prayer she'd whispered during captivity.It came out broken a
Alexander turned his head, his eyes bloodshot and glistening. โIโll be a burden now. Sheโll never say it, but Iโll see it in her eyes. Pity. Guilt. Iโd rather she hate me than pity me.โโSheโs not that kind of woman,โ Darius said firmly.A pause. Then Alexander swallowed hard and asked the question that had been clawing at him since the moment the doctor said the word paralysis.โWhat if she staysโฆ just because she thinks she owes me?โDariusโs brow furrowed. โThen you remind her what you both have been through. Remind her who the hell you are. And what you mean to each other.โSilence again.Then Alexander leaned back against the pillows and stared up at the ceiling. โGerald got away.โDariusโs expression hardened. โBarely. One of my men put a tracker on his vehicle before he escaped. Victoria got caught in the crossfire. Gerald used her,โ Darius replied coldly. โHe doesnโt care who dies as long as he gets what he wants.โAlexanderโs jaw clenched. โThen weโll burn every last shadow h
The sterile beep of Alexanderโs heart monitor filled the hospital room like a metronome, steady and soft. The worst had passed, so the doctors said. He had survived the bullets, the blood loss, the surgery. He had defied death.But outside the room, just as Darius turned to check on Sarah again, something in her expression shifted.Relief.That was the first thing he saw.A full bodied, all consuming relief that weakened her spine, dulled her eyes, and uncoiled every taut muscle that had kept her upright through pain, fear, and heartbreak.Then she crumpled.โSarah...!โ Darius lunged forward and caught her just before her knees slammed into the polished floor.Her body was limp in his arms, barely conscious, her breathing shallow and unsteady. Her bloodied hands slipped against his shirt as he pulled her close, his voice sharp and commanding as he yelled over his shoulder, โGet a doctor! Now!โWithin seconds, nurses flooded the corridor. A gurney was wheeled over, and Darius laid her d
The woman heโd secretly crushed on since the first night he saved her bleeding and defiant.โHoly shit,โ he muttered.But she was already in the driverโs seat.The moment her fingers wrapped around the wheel, she changed. Her spine straightened. Her breath slowed. The fear didnโt vanish, but it sharpened, fused into her bones like steel.And when her foot hit the gas, the tires screamed their fury into the night.The SUV became a blur under her hands.Trees melted past them. Headlights glared like ghosts. The world narrowed to instinct and motion.Sarah didnโt flinch when they nearly sideswiped a truck. She didnโt panic when the back tires fishtailed across loose gravel. She was in it.. back.Back to the part of herself sheโd buried when she married into the Blake family.Back to Sparrow.โHang on,โ she said under her breath, glancing at Alexander in the mirror, his head resting in Dariusโs lap as the man tried to stop the bleeding.โHeโs fading,โ Darius warned. โWeโve got fifteen min
The air turned electric as Dariusโs boots pounded the forest floor, his rifle cradled tight against his shoulder. His men moved ahead of him like shadows, silent, fast, lethal.Their coordinated breaths were drowned out by the distant echoes of gunfire erupting from the estate.Alexander was still fighting.He was alive.But for how long?โAlpha to all units,โ Darius growled into his earpiece, โentry on my mark. Hostile count is high. Primary objective, get Alexander out alive. Secondary level anyone who tries to stop us.โโCopy that,โ came a chorus of calm, battle hardened voices.Behind him, the night swallowed his words.But not all of it.He turned briefly, his sharp gaze locking onto Sarah, who stood beside the black SUV Darius had arrived in. Her body trembled, her eyes red from tears, but she had not collapsed.She hadnโt fallen apart.And that, Darius admired deeply.โCan you drive?โ he asked, voice hard but not unkind.Sarah blinked, startled. โWhat?โโIf this goes south, weโ