Melissa paced anxiously in her lavishly decorated living. She had phone pressed against her ears, waiting for the receiver on the other end to pick up. After a few moments, he finally picked up. "Mr. Anderson, it's Melissa. I need your services urgently," she spoke into the phone with a sense of urgency."Of course, Miss Wiliams. I'll be there as soon as possible," replied a calm and composed voice on the other end.Within the hour, Investigator Anderson arrived at Melissa's residence. The imposing wrought-iron gates swung open to welcome him. Melissa was already outside, waiting to receive him. "Mr. Anderson, thank you for coming promptly." Melissa said as she led him into her tastefully decorated living room.The investigator, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes that seemed to miss nothing, nodded in acknowledgment. "No problem, ma'am."As they entered the living room, Melissa gestured toward a luxurious leather chair. "Please, have a seat. Can I offer you something to drink? Perhap
The meeting had ended and as the room cleared, Gabriel and Aiden remained. "Are you hell-bent serious about marrying this woman, Commander?" Gabriel asked. Aiden, without hesitation, met Gabriel's gaze and replied, "Yes, Gabriel. She saved my life. I owe her more than I can ever repay. Besides, I believe she's the best woman to ensure I spend the rest of my life with, and she'd also be the best mother for Hope."Gabriel leaned back in his chair, absorbing Aiden's words. He sighed "Aiden, marriage is a significant step, and it's not just about gratitude. Are you sure about this? You've been through a lot, and decisions made in the heat of the moment may not always be the best ones."Aiden nodded. "I've thought about it, Gabriel. This isn't impulsive. She's proven herself– she saved me. I want her in my life, not just for what she's done, but for who she is."Gabriel studied Aiden for a moment before finally nodding in acceptance. "Alright, Aiden. If you're certain about this and you
No. No. No. No Everything about this sounded wrong. It sounded like it was going to cause even more trouble than expected. Getting married to Katherine was huge. It was going to thwart his plans with his mystery woman, Hope was literally going to hate him. And not to forget that Melissa had previously asked him to marry her and he said no. How would she feel hearing that he got married to another woman? Melissa helped him and she was nothing but nice to him. And she really seemed desperate to marry him — she really needed it. Katherine just wanted to marry him for selfish reasons. He didn't know the exact selfish reason but he knew that it couldn't be compared to whatever it was that Melissa wanted desperately. Was he simply going to give in to Katherine? Aiden furrowed his brow, "Marry her? Are you serious, Gabriel?"Gabriel leaned forward, a serious look in his eyes. "Aiden, think about it. She's rich, influential, and this could work to your advantage. We make it a high-prof
Later that day, Mr. Buckley, one of Aiden's drivers, entered Aiden's office with a customary greeting. "Good afternoon, sir. I'm ready to pick up Miss Hope."Aiden looked up from his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Actually, Mr. Buckley, I appreciate it, but I'll be picking up Hope myself today. You can take a break."Mr. Buckley nodded, understanding the change of plans. "Of course, sir. If you need anything else, just let me know."Aiden offered a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mr. Buckley. I'll reach out if I need anything. Enjoy your break." With that, Aiden prepared to leave his office, eager to spend some quality time with his daughter.-:-In about thirty minutes, Aiden pulled up in front of Hope's school, waiting in his car as he glanced at his watch. The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Soon, Hope emerged from the school gates, a radiant smile on her face. However, to Aiden's surprise, a group of her classmates followed closely behind her.As Hope app
Kierra's eyes widened. "A date?" she questioned, momentarily forgetting the performance. Aiden's grin widened as he nodded, his eyes locked onto hers. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it. I really want to take you on a date."Her cheeks flushed with a subtle blush as a genuine smile graced her lips. "That's sweet, Aiden, but my boss will get mad if I leave early."Aiden's expression shifted, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Don't worry about your boss. I'll take care of it," he reassured, a subtle scoff accompanying his words.She chuckled nervously, "I appreciate the offer, but it's not that simple. My boss doesn't just let people leave early."Aiden, undeterred, offered a more convincing suggestion. "Tell you what, I'll make it worth your boss's while. I'll pay off any inconvenience caused. Consider it an early evening for a good cause."Her eyebrows arched, "You'd do that?"His smile held a promise as he nodded. "Absolutely. What do you say?"Kierra, caught in the unexpected propos
The sleek black car pulled up gracefully in front of the restaurant. Aiden stepped out first, extending his hand to assist Kierra as she gracefully exited the car. As they entered, a well-dressed maître d' welcomed them with a polite smile. "Good evening, sir, madam. Welcome to Le Luxe Exclant. May I inquire under whose name the reservation is?"Aiden responded smoothly, "It's under Aiden Parker."The maître d' checked his reservation list, confirming their booking. "Ah, Mr. Parker. Right this way, please." He led them through the elegant dining area, guiding them to a secluded table adorned with fine linen and delicate silverware.The ambiance was sophisticated, with soft lighting and a live piano melody playing in the background. Aiden graciously pulled out the chair for Kierra, ensuring she was comfortably seated before taking his own place. As they both perused the menu, adorned with an array of exquisite dishes, Kierra looked up, a perplexed expression on her face."I have no
CHAPTER FIFTY–FIVEThe next day, Melissa went to the cafe Nathan had suggested for their meeting. As she entered, she quickly spotted him already seated, a smug smile playing on his lips. She approached and took a seat across from him, "Good day." She greeted. Nathan's eyes lingered on her, and he couldn't help but comment, "Good day." His smirk broadened, "You look beautiful, Melissa. Although, I had hoped for something a bit more revealing."Her eyebrow arched in annoyance. "You're a sick perv, Nathan. Cut to the chase. Why did you call me here?"Nathan chuckled, brushing off her comment. "Always direct, Melissa. I like that about you."He leaned back, a smug grin on his face, and casually remarked, "You know, Melissa, today was supposed to be the day you provided a husband to collect your father's inheritance."Melissa's eyes narrowed at his nonchalant attitude. "Nicholas is missing, and you're here acting so casual and relaxed about it. He's your brother!"He chuckled, swirling
Aiden stood outside Katherine's office, taking a moment to compose himself. He was about to take a risky decision he might regret or appreciate later on. Inhaling deeply, he knocked on the door, the sound echoing in the corridor.It was now or never. "Come in," Katherine's voice invited him in, and he entered, greeted by the sight of her behind the desk with a warm smile."Hi." He simply greeted. "Hello, Aiden," She replied, rising from her chair to welcome him. He nodded and moved to one of the visitor's chairs, settling in. Aiden took a deep breath as Katherine rose gracefully from behind her desk, acknowledging him with a welcoming smile. "Thank you for coming, Aiden," she expressed. Aiden, however, seemed determined to cut through the pleasantries. "Let's get straight to the point. I've thought about your marriage contract and I have decided to accept it, and get married to you," he declared. Katherine's eyebrows raised in surprise.Everything was going just according to he