Lahat ng Kabanata ng Fading Embers: The Search For Lost Love: Kabanata 81 - Kabanata 90

She sat by the hospital bed, staring at Ranya’s sleeping form. The soft beeping of the machines filled the quiet room, the only sound marking the passage of time. Ranya wasn’t in a coma—the bullet hadn’t caused enough damage—but the sedative had knocked him out cold. The doctors had said he needed rest, and that was all he could do for now.She couldn’t take her eyes off him. His chest rose and fell steadily, a reminder that he was still alive, still breathing.Relief should have filled her, but all she felt was a growing pit of rage. She stared at the message long and hard, her heart full of anger. She never would have thought of it—sending such a message to Signoral was the last thing Calista would have done. But now she realized Signoral wasn’t the same person she once knew. She was now an enemy.She turned back to Ranya, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at his peaceful face. He had taken that bullet for her father, nearly losing his life. And for what? To be lying here becaus

Was he surprised? He sure as hell was. He had expected many things from Calista, but definitely not a kiss.She noticed his shock and withdrew, feeling extremely embarrassed for acting on impulse. But before she could completely pull away, Ranya gently wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her head back, leaving only a little space between his lips and hers.His gaze swept across her in amusement as happiness coiled within him. Calista was back to him. She had willingly pushed herself back into his welcoming arms.“Cal...” he called, his voice husky with passion and amusement.Calista forced her eyes away from his lips, still shocked at how she had leaned in to kiss him. She had made the move herself, and now he was staring at her with those eyes—the ones she had longed for so dearly.“I... I...”“Shush...” he cut in, the swift breath from his words brushing against her nostrils, making her body tremble. “Don’t say anything, Cal. I just want to see you like this. I want you like

Ranya stepped out of the hospital, inhaling deeply. The air outside felt fresher, warmer, like a small freedom after days of confinement.His arm was still wrapped in a bandage, but he felt much better, especially with Calista by his side. She had been sweet to him ever since they shared that unexpected kiss the previous day. Something had changed between them. Something gentle yet undeniable.He glanced at her as they walked together, her hand brushing lightly against his as they made their way toward the waiting Porsche. His mind raced with thoughts, mostly about her. The kiss lingered in his memory, and he wondered if now was the right time to ask her out again, properly this time, without the tension and chaos that had surrounded them before. She had always been special to him, but now, there was a closeness he didn’t want to lose.He couldn’t understand why he suddenly felt this way. Just weeks ago, he had been bold and determined in his efforts to win her over. Now, there was a

"You think that will bring him back?" Penelope asked. She had flown to Washington at the request of her boss."What I don't think is him laying down his profession at the expense of some shitty feelings," I replied, my hair rising and falling repeatedly as I walked. "His father had been extremely useful. I'm thinking if I should have actually gone for him."Penelope only smiled. Her boss could be anything once she was pissed off. She knew—she had always known—that she had a deep affection for Mr. Windsor, more than just what she stood to gain."What news are you hiding from me, Pene?" Signoral asked, finally walking into the elevator that would take her downstairs to the presidential suite.Ranya wasn't one to go down with just a threat, and she had made sure Mr. Lewiston used his power by pulling the Shark case over his head. That was why she had begged for one of the Shark members to be released in Ranya's name.Mr. Lewiston had at first wondered about her involvement in the case. H

He stood up, forgetting the pain in his left arm as he lifted her, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth with hungry urgency.Before, their encounters had been purely physical—straight to the point, with no romantic gestures. But today, he wasn’t just going to explore her body; he was determined to make her moan his name in ecstasy. He would worship her as though it were the first time.They pulled apart, both gasping for breath, as he carried her into the bedroom, holding her firmly."Calista..." he whispered, his eyes burning with desire, drawing her into the warm amber pools of his gaze. Calista found herself wanting to get lost in those hazel eyes that stirred an even deeper fire within her.He placed her gently on the bed, letting go of the soft fabric that clung tightly to his body. Calista's eyes followed his every movement, and she arched with need, aching to trace her hands over his perfectly sculpted abs.After drying off outside, they'd grabbed a quick lunch, and he’