CHAPTER 61: Secret Begins Simeon drives down the winding roads; his grasp on the wheel is firm yet distracted, the faint hum of the motor filling the quiet. Beside him, Elizabeth leans her head against the window, the rhythmic passing of houses and trees a blur. Simeon, however, is not gazing at the view. His mind is miles away, deep in his past, somewhere he has worked so hard to forget.A face's flicker. An abandoned dialogue. Without warning, the memory stirs, sharp and unyielding, clawing its way to the surface. Uninvited, the recollection rushes over him, and he blinks, breath-catching. A dark figure, a room full of shadows, the corner's fire flickers. His heart races, the pulse of fear intensifying. He shakes his head to ignore it.Feeling the abrupt tightness in his body, Elizabeth moves next to him. Simeon's voice, though mild, is enough to distract him. Though it's already too late, he doesn't react immediately and resists the desire to seek the memory again. The past is not
CHAPTER 62: Unraveling the past In the low light of the study, Elizabeth sits at a table strewn with papers. Her brow creases and her fingers hang over every piece of paper; she has spent hours putting things together. Though slight, the links are clear. A name here, a date there, and then the awareness starts to break.Only the sporadic paper rustle breaks the room's stillness. Simeon walks in, the familiar aroma of his perfume enveloping her like a shadow. Pausing in the entryway, he watches her with an unreadable face.He enquires quietly, "What are you working on?"Her heart pounding, Elizabeth looks up at him. I discovered something.Simeon advances, his eyes scanning the documents. What is it?Elizabeth's voice is almost a whisper as her finger runs a line across the page. This timeline seems odd. Your family and Alex's... they were connected long before we knew. The companies, the agreements—they all interrelate.Simeon pushes in closer, his breath hot on her neck. What do yo
CHAPTER 63: The Weight of the PastAt the balcony's edge, Simeon stands, the cool breeze pulling at the seams of his shirt and his thoughts as stormy as the clouds above. Before him, the city below spreads out, lights twinkling like stars trapped in a dark ocean. Behind him, the past hovers like a shadow, its weight on his chest pushing with every breath, a reminder of the decisions he confronts.Elizabeth is behind him, her presence anchoring him at this moment. Though the tightness in his body does not go away, he feels her palm softly resting on his back, a little relief. Her voice is soft, a gentle murmur against the raging wind. "What's on your mind?"Haunted, he turns to look at her. "The truth," he says, his voice tight. Elizabeth, it's all coming apart. Every choice I have made, and every lie I have buried is all coming to light.Elizabeth moves nearer, her gaze probing his. You don't have to go through this by yourself. We'll confront it jointly.Simeon, however, shakes his h
CHAPTER 64: The Path to Redemption Years of escaping from reality and burying the past under layers of achievement and power have been his experience. But now he understands he cannot keep hiding.Though she is a quiet strength, Elizabeth walks next to him and can sense the tension in the air. Her voice is low and concerned; she asks, "Are you certain about this?"Simeon stares forward, not responding right away. "I need answers," he adds, his voice tight with a resolve he hasn't felt in years. I have to understand why my family acted this way."Simeon hesitates at the entrance, hand lingering above the doorknob. He feels the weight of what will happen pressing down on him. This door conceals the family he has always known, who fashioned him for better or worse. The guy in front of them now, however, is not the youngster they reared. He has developed. And they should be aware of it now.He forces the door open. Sitting in the same chair she has continually inhabited, her mother shows
CHAPTER 65: The Hidden Dangers Elizabeth gently replies, her voice just above a whisper. Her words linger like a prayer, a plea, and a promise. Her eyes meet his, brimming with both dread and will. Though neither can turn away, the quiet between them seems unending.As she grabs his hand, Simeon senses the tremble in her touch and questions whether she has the same significant burden on her shoulders as he does. Should she realise there's no turning back once they take this step? Their life, their world, will never be the same.His throat is stiff as he gazes at her. Exposing everything runs the danger of losing it all. Our safety, my family, all we have created.Her gaze unflinching, her hold tightens. "We must," she claims. The reality is larger than all of that. We both merit it—that much.Simeon's thoughts fly through the hazards, the risks, and the outcomes that lay ahead. His fingers tighten around hers as if clinging to this last security thread before they enter the unknown.
CHAPTER 66: Elizabeth’s Discovery Elizabeth bends over a stack of worn folders, her fingers tracing the edges of ancient papers. Rifling through files, attempting to understand the chaotic jumble of her family's past, she has been looking for hours, seeking the absent parts that have escaped her for so long. But nothing could have prepared her for the find she was about to make.Her eyes are narrow as she retrieves a file she has not seen before. It is tucked between two hefty folders, its edges ragged, and its contents held together with a single, ancient rubber band. She hesitates for a minute, the discomfort settling in her chest. This file was not intended to be discovered. It's weight and apparent throbbing with unasked queries cause her pulse to rise.The crackling sound of paper filling the void prompts her to open it cautiously. The routine for the first few pages is notes and old records, nothing that seems out of place. But then she turns to the last page and finds herself
CHAPTER 67: The Return Of Enemy Flipping through papers, Simeon leans against the desk, his eyes narrowing in search of anything indicating their next move. The unexpected ping of his phone pierces the quiet, its piercing, harsh tone echoing across the room like a bell tolling for something evil.A message from a contact, a little line of text sufficient to make his heart race: "Alex is making his move. He is coming for you.Simeon's fingers freeze across the screen. His neck tightens, and the room appears closed around him briefly. Looking up at Elizabeth, he hardens his features.He is no longer sitting back. Alex is beautiful, and this time it's personal.Elizabeth turns from the window, breathless. What does he intend? What is he doing right now?Simeon grits his teeth and looks at the papers strewn on the table. Everyone is coming together; Alex has been waiting for the appropriate time to start a full offensive. And now it has come. Simeon feels queasy. This time, it's not on
CHAPTER 68: The Gathering Storm Elizabeth says, the words almost escaping her lips, "I can't keep doing this, Simeon." Her voice betrays her frustration, which she can no longer control. Every day, every moment, it's as if we're waiting for the other shoe to drop.Turning to face her, Simeon shows no expression. He starts to talk but then shuts his mouth as though the correct words were imprisoned within him. Elizabeth can see the fight in his eyes—the struggle between his wish to save her and the significant burden of their circumstances.She says, her voice slightly stronger now, "If we don't act soon, we'll lose everything." Waiting longer increases Alex's control over us.Though unspoken yet unquestionable, the truth hovers between them, choking. Simeon looks down to the ground and runs a hand through his hair."I know," he replies, his voice tight. But what if revealing everything makes it worse? What if we are directly entering a trap?Elizabeth advances, her heart pounding. Si
CHAPTER 110: Happily Ever After Elizabeth and Simeon gazed atop the structure over the sprawling city below. The twilight sky, suitable for the climax of all they had worked for, illuminated the landscape in warm tones of gold and orange. Once a dream, their firm now prospered, successful and safe, its foundations founded on trust, loyalty, and hard-won triumphs.The sense of satisfaction was nearly overpowering. They had succeeded. The many challenges they had overcome appeared far-away memories, fading as they stood together, stronger than ever.Pride flooded her heart, and Elizabeth looked at Simeon. Taking his hand in hers, she murmured, "We made it." Though straightforward, the phrases carried the burden of all they had suffered: the betrayals, the late hours, the near misses. They had battled for this time; now they had it.His eyes shining with both pride and thankfulness, Simeon gazed at her with great love. "And we'll never look back," he continued, his voice low yet strong.
CHAPTER 109: A New LegacyEverything they experienced left them with a burdensome and liberating weight. On the balcony of their new house, Elizabeth and Simeon stood together under the evening sun's golden warmth, which they had struggled for. It felt surreal, the long nights of anxiety, the fights fought in shadows, and now, all of it behind them.Elizabeth leaned on Simeon to let his presence warm her grounding. They had traveled quite far, and it felt improbable, yet they were standing in the middle of all they had hoped for.Elizabeth replied, her voice a whisper against the wind, "We have been through hell." Though straightforward, the phrases were rich with years of hardship, setbacks, and the unrelenting danger of losing everything. But suddenly, it was different. Though still unclear, their world was now again their own.As usual, Simeon held her hand tightly. He said, "We have survived." Now, we can create something enduring.They had the globe to mold. The business was doin
CHAPTER 108: The Final Confrontation Every report, email, and information from the last several months was set out in front of her. They had sensed for weeks that something was amiss; now, the solid, undeniable evidence was just out of reach.Standing beside her, Simeon grimly poured over the most recent batch of financial reports. "There it is again," he said, turning the pages. A pattern. It's too tidy to be a coincidence.A chill ran down Elizabeth's back. They had been guarded and cautious, yet someone inside their walls was pulling invisible threads—a team member they had faith in. The idea turned in her belly.What are we lacking? Elizabeth whispered, running her fingertips over the edge of the paper, her head whirling.Simeon did not respond right away. Ather Instead, he picked up the phone and called. The second stretched into a lifetime as the ringing reverberated around the room. Elizabeth's breath caught in her throat. There was no turning back.Do you have it? Immeon enqu
CHAPTER 107: The Arrival Apart from the gentle beeping of the machines and the low conversational murmur, the delivery room was quiet. Her hold on Simeon's hand was firm, and her breathing came in calm, regular intervals.The moment's weight pressed on her chest, but it wasn't the fear that formerly seized her; it was a feeling of anticipation that flooded her as she understood her life was about to change in the most lovely way.Simeon's expression was serene, but she noticed the tiny trembling in his palm squeezing hers. His gaze stayed on hers; for a brief moment, all else vanished into the backdrop. This was their start, their time.The doctor's words pierced the stillness. Okay, Elizabeth, we are nearly there. There is one more shove.Focusing, Elizabeth closed her eyes and pushed with all her might. Though the effort appeared unending, the room burst with live sounds. A gentle cry reverberated, and Elizabeth felt an emotional wave sweep her breast. It was a simple, genuine deli
CHAPTER 106: A Perfect Ending As Elizabeth stood in front of the bathroom mirror, her hands shook slightly. She looked at the plastic stick in her palm, and the modest, comfortable flat seemed even smaller today.Every second that passed made her heart race faster. Unaware of the world-changing news she was about to convey, Simeon was downstairs getting ready for dinner. The timer's gentle beep brought her back to reality. She gasped and then looked down at the test again. There it was, obvious as day.Pregent.Her heart quickened, and the room seemed too hot and chilly. Fighting the flood of feelings, she covered her mouth with her hand. Surviving betrayal, rebuilding everything, and healing from the scars of her former life with Alex had made the last few months the most difficult of her life. This was the beginning of something completely fresh, pure, and untainted by the turmoil of her past.Elizabeth? Are you all right there? From downstairs, Simeon cried out, full of worry.Sh
CHAPTER 105: A Life Reborn Simeon stood next to her, his presence a calm comfort. Reaching for her hand, he grounded her with the usual warmth of his touch. They had suffered so much together and had emerged from the wreckage of what they once knew together."It can't define us," she said quietly, mostly to herself. What came before? Looking back won't help us.Gently squeezing her hand, Simeon turned to face her. Always so constant, his gaze softened as he approached. Elizabeth, I understand. But you are no longer alone yourself. Neither of us is.They had built something out of nothing—a fresh start, a fresh business. Now, they had to make it function. Every choice was pressed on their shoulders, and with every risk came a reward. But one thing was sure: they would battle for it together.With her eyes fixed, Elizabeth looked at him. We have endured a great deal. Yet, should we survive this, we can survive anything.Simeon's voice was strong and confident. You are correct. Elizabet
CHAPTER 104: Rebuilding from Ruins"I can't believe we're here," Elizabeth remarked, her gaze roving the strange horizon. The noise of the city below felt far away as if it belonged to someone else.Simeon stood next to her, his presence as constant as always. He had always been the one who could remain cool in the storm, but tonight, Elizabeth also noticed the fragility in his eyes. But we are here, Liz. We've survived everything; now it's just us.They had eluded Alex's faction's ongoing threats, the disarray, and the machinations. It was a fresh chapter they had never thought they would get to compose.Is it sufficient? Elizabeth enquired, her voice hardly whispering, the doubt seeping in. She didn't have to say anything more. Simeon was aware. They both knew that after all they had experienced, it was about physical safety, finding tranquility, and regaining confidence.Simeon looked at her, his powerful, unyielding gaze meeting with hers. Elizabeth, we can make it happen. We are
CHAPTER 103: Facing the Unknown Simeon walked the length of the office, his head spinning with planning and calculations. Time was running out; with Olivia's discovery, events were moving more quickly than expected. The existence of a traitor still loyal to Alex was more than simply a danger; it was a ticking time bomb that might destroy all they had constructed.Elizabeth observed him, aware that the gravity of the circumstance was equally as great on his shoulders as hers. They had traveled so far, yet every stride forward seemed to draw them further into a web of lies and peril.Simeon turned to look at her, his face tight with need, "We can't afford to wait any longer." Every second we put off increases our danger of losing all.Elizabeth nodded, her thoughts racing over their choices. Olivia had provided them a lead, but it wasn't sufficient. They required extra. They must know who is still active and what they can do.She added, her voice calm but tinged with the yearning she e
CHAPTER 102: Setting the Past Turning to Simeon, who had been reading the most recent corporate report beside the fireplace, she Saw her motions tense, so he set it down.Standing up and approaching her, he inquired, "What is it?""It's Clara," Elizabeth responded her voice tight. He wishes to see her, and she says there's something I should know.Simeon grimaced, his eyes betraying a hint of worry. Are you sure you want to go back to this? You've toiled so much to escape that universe.Elizabeth hesitated, looking out the window. The tranquility of the evening stood in sharp contrast to the tempest inside her. She had gone so far and created so much, yet a persistent thought lingered in the rear of her mind. Though unclear, Clara's comments had disturbed her.The uncompleted task. Alex's ongoing impact. What if this was a component of the puzzle still endangering all she had toiled for?"I have to know," she said, mostly to herself rather than Simeon. Any loose threads I can't leave