Chapter One Hundred And Ninety Seven As the days turned into weeks and the orphanage foundation became a reality, something beautiful was happening in Elijah and Selena's relationship. Selena, who had always loved her husband deeply, found herself falling even more in love with him, and it was because of the kindness and compassion he showed to the orphans.Seeing Elijah's transformation from a feared mafia boss into a caring, philanthropic figure had a profound impact on Selena. She had always known the complexities of her husband's life, the power and danger that came with it, but now she witnessed a side of him she hadn't fully understood before. It was a side filled with empathy, a deep-seated desire to make a positive change in the world.Every time Elijah returned from visiting the orphanage, there was a new light in his eyes, a sense of fulfillment that radiated from him. He would recount stories of the children he had met, their dreams and aspirations, and the progress being
Chapter One Hundred And Ninety EightHenry, his face contorted by anger and embarrassment, stood in the dimly lit room, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He clenched his fists, and the fragile porcelain vase on the table bore the brunt of his fury, shattering into a thousand pieces on the polished floor. His plan to sneak into Elijah's house as a bodyguard had unravelled, leaving him jobless and humiliated."Damn it," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice thick with frustration. He had thought this would be his chance to prove himself to his stepbrother Elijah, to finally gain some respect in his eyes. But instead, he found himself standing in the wreckage of his dreams, shattered just like that vase.Henry had spent days meticulously planning his covert mission, envisioning himself as the valiant protector, earning Elijah's admiration and trust. Now, all that remained was the harsh reality of his failure.Elijah's voice echoed in his mind, the words that had cut de
Chapter One Hundred And Ninety Nine Nicki's steps echoed in the mall as she pushed through the glass doors. The afternoon sun streamed through the expansive windows, casting a warm glow across the polished floors. Shoppers bustled about, weaving through the aisles of colorful displays and catchy sales signs. She adjusted her grip on the shopping cart and glanced around the mall, trying to find the right store.Her family would be shocked to see her here, especially her sister, Selena. Nicki had always been clear about her disinterest in babies, even her own sister's pregnancy hadn't changed that. But today, something had stirred within her, a surprising determination to choose a gift for her soon-to-arrive niece or nephew.She approached a store brimming with adorable baby clothes and toys. Nicki felt a twinge of unfamiliar excitement as she crossed the threshold. A friendly sales clerk greeted her, and Nicki returned the smile with one of her own. She wasn't accustomed to the baby
Chapter Two Hundred Selena and her younger sister, Nicki, were in the cozy corner of the nursery, surrounded by shelves filled with colorful baby toys. They had been engrossed in a lively conversation about which toys would be perfect for Selena's future bundle of joy. Selena's eyes sparkled with excitement as they carefully inspected each toy, her heart full of anticipation.As they laughed and shared their thoughts, Selena felt a strange sensation, like a sudden warmth between her legs. Alarmed, she stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening. A look of concern washed over Nicki's face as she saw her sister's expression change."Sis, are you alright?" Nicki asked, her voice tinged with worry. Selena couldn't find words immediately. Her gaze fell to her lap, and that's when she saw it. The deep red stain on her dress. Panic surged through her as she realized what was happening."Nicki," Selena stammered, her voice quivering. "I...I need to go to the bathroom." Her trembling hand pressed
Chapter Two Hundred And One As the minutes passed, the tension in the waiting room grew palpable. The doctor finally returned with more news about Selena's condition. It was a moment of relief, as the bleeding had been contained, and the baby was stable for now. Selena sighed, a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude washing over her.Elijah, still standing beside his sister, felt a complex mixture of emotions. He was relieved that Selena and the baby were stable, but his anger had not completely dissipated. His concern for his sister warred with his lingering resentment towards Nicki.Turning his gaze to Nicki, his voice was icy as he said, "Nicki, I don't want to see you near my wife again. You're not part of this family." His words were a harsh reminder of the past, of the times when Nicki had been unkind and unapologetic.Nicki's face fell, her eyes filled with regret. "Elijah, I'm just trying to help now," she pleaded. "I know I wasn't always the best sister, but I've changed. I ca
Chapter Two Hundred And Two Elijah, the mafia boss, stepped into the dimly lit underground boxing ring, surrounded by the hushed anticipation of his men. His imposing figure cast a long shadow over the bloodstained canvas. Tonight, he was here to watch the match between his boys, to oversee the money being made and managed.The air was thick with tension as the fighters, his loyal henchmen, prepared to engage in brutal combat. Elijah, dressed in his finest tailored suit, watched with a discerning eye. He leaned against the cold, damp brick wall, his face inscrutable as the first bout commenced.The crowd roared as the two fighters circled each other in the makeshift ring. Punches were thrown with precision, and the sound of fists meeting flesh echoed through the underground chamber. Elijah's stoic expression betrayed nothing as he analyzed every move.As the night wore on, he couldn't help but feel a growing dissatisfaction. The level of strength displayed in the matches fell short o
Chapter Two Hundred And Three Elijah cruised through the city on his powerful motorcycle. The night air was cool against his skin, and the rumble of the engine beneath him was like a soothing melody. He relished these solitary rides, finding a sense of freedom in the open road that couldn't be replicated anywhere else.As he turned a corner onto a dimly lit street, his headlights illuminated a group of stunning women standing on the sidewalk. Their laughter and lively chatter filled the night, making them impossible to ignore. They were alluring, their silhouettes outlined by the soft glow of the streetlights. Elijah's heart quickened at the sight, and he couldn't resist the temptation to slow down and take a closer look.Approaching cautiously, he admired their radiant smiles and vibrant energy. They seemed like a fun and lively group, a stark contrast to the solitude he was accustomed to on his rides. The ladies noticed him and waved, their gestures inviting and warm. A mix of emo
Chapter Two Hundred And four Elijah, the mafia boss, walked through the opulent corridors of his grand mansion, a frown etched deeply upon his face. His mind was consumed by a single, burning desire: to find a way to create new job opportunities for those vulnerable girls who had no choice but to wander the unforgiving streets. It was a responsibility he couldn't shake, and the weight of it bore down on his broad shoulders.As he entered his dimly lit office, his eyes fell upon the luxurious mahogany desk, where a map of the city sprawled, its streets and alleys like a labyrinth. He thought about the lives that were trapped within these concrete walls, and he couldn't let it stand any longer.Elijah took a seat in his leather-clad chair, the soft creaking of it blending with the distant sounds of the bustling city. His fingers tapped lightly on the polished wood, his thoughts racing as he contemplated the ways to bring change.He began to speak, his deep voice carrying a sense of det