"Why are you here?" Alex scrunched his face upon meeting his parents at home."It's high time I changed the entrance lock if you think you can come over whenever you like when I'm not a kid.""Why haven't you been picking up our calls or replying to our messages? If you did, we wouldn't be here." His father retorted."It's because I don't want to. I've been busy cleaning up the mess you caused, father." Alex blurted out."What mess?"Alex laughed in disbelief. "Really? Do you really want me to spell it out to you?""I had a busy day; please kindly take your leave." He said, calmly.As he strode to the stairs, he was halted by his father's words."Come back here, Alex! How dare you walk out on us?"Alex chuckled as he turned to face them. "Why won't I? Tell me. After you almost ruined my perfect life."The accusation hit his father like a punch to the gut, and his response choked in his throat."Alex..." His mother started softly and cautiously, defusing the tension his father had spar
Alex's mind raced as he drove aimlessly through the dimly lit streets, seeking solace in the familiar rhythms of the city. With Henry out of town, his usual confidant was unavailable, leaving him adrift in a sea of troubled thoughts. The local bar, his typical refuge in times of distress, seemed like an empty solution tonight. His problems required more than the numbing embrace of alcohol. Almost unconsciously, he found himself steering towards Emily's house, drawn by an inexplicable pull. As he parked across the street, his eyes locked on Emily's window. He sat motionless, his hands gripping the steering wheel, as a war waged in his mind. "She thinks I'm weak already, and I'm yet to convince her that I'm not," he muttered, his voice barely audible in the quiet car."Won't going to her for consolation make her think I'm vulnerable?" A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "I should head back home or anywhere else." He decided, reaching for the ignition. His hand froze midway as anot
Alex was pissed to see that his parents were still at his house. "Maybe I need to remind them that I built this mansion with my hard-earned money." He muttered as he left his bedroom after meeting them sleeping on the bed. He was annoyed that they were discomforting him with their presence in his home. He was barely getting comfortable in the visitor's room when he received a call from Emily. "Hey. I thought you would have gone back to sleep." Alex said, immediately after he had picked up the call. "No. I'm finding it hard to sleep. Have you gotten home?" She asked him. When he told her that he had, she flared up about why he couldn't call to inform her. Before replying, he beamed, knowing that she had never succeeded in masking her true feelings for him, which she thought she was. "I'm sorry. I thought you would have returned to sleep, and I didn't want to wake you again." He explained. After so many teases, she later accepted his apology and asked him if his parent
As dawn broke, Alex stirred from a peaceful slumber, his spirits unusually high. For the first time in a very long time, he had woken up on the right side of the bed. A quiet melody escaped his lips as he dressed. Today was the last day of the big game against Santiago, and he could feel it in his bones—this was the last step to finally topple their long-standing rivals before the grand finale. His parents had left before he woke up. He decided to call Emily before he left home because that day would be a hectic and interesting one. "Hope you slept well, my angel." Emily chuckled at his utterance. "It wasn't for you, but for my baby." He added, which made her roll her eyes. She let out a brief smile. "It wasn't for me, indeed." "What about you? Did you?" He asked her. "Yes. Please don't try stalking me today, just like you've been doing recently. It's creepy." He fell silent at her words, smiling as he understood her perfectly. "Just wait till I'm done wit
Alex's first destination was where Isabella lived. Emily's eyes widened as she opened the door. "Well, who do we have here?" she said, a smirk playing on her lips. He rolled his eyes and thrust his hands deep into his pockets. "Don't flatter yourself, Emily." She straightened her posture, adopting an air of indifference. "What brings you here?" "We need to talk," he stated firmly. She remained in the doorway, neither inviting him in nor stepping aside. He shifted his weight, realising he needed them both seated for the serious conversation ahead. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked, eyebrow raised. She crossed her arms. "I thought you wanted to have your urgent discussion and leave." He held her gaze, not budging from his spot. After a moment of tense silence, she sighed and reluctantly stepped aside, allowing him to enter. As he strode into the room, he glanced around before turning back to her. "Don't you suppose you would offer me a drink?" he sa
"I couldn't believe it when my secretary told me that you were here to see me." Santiago scoffed as Akex entered his office. The visit was the last one he planned for the day before the press conference, followed by the grand finale. "I bet you won't believe the reason I'm here if I tell you." Alex spoke with confidence as he made his way to one of the chairs in front of Santiago. "What is it, Mr. Thornton?" Santiago inquired, curling his lips in derision. Alex crossed his legs against each other. "I believe Mr. Collins relayed my message to you." He looked directly into Santiago's eyes as he spoke. Santiago chuckled. "Where is this confidence of yours coming from, Alex? Have you forgotten what happened the last time that you were confident, thinking you would defeat me in court?" He leaned closer as his voice dropped a little. "Or is it because of the fear of losing your precious Emily..." He paused as he smirked before adding, "To me this time?" Alex clenched his
"Since your company had dropped to the third spot ranking, falling behind your rival's that now occupies what used to be your spot, people have been expecting your company to have reclaimed what was considered its birthright at some point. What do you have to say concerning this, Mr. Thornton." A journalist asked Alex after he had answered some questions thrown at him by some of them. The purpose of the press conference was to announce a contract deal that his company had secured, something he had never done before. Previously, when the company won its biggest contract since its establishment, he had only celebrated with staff members. However, the main reasons for the press conference were to subtly inform the public of his impending move to reclaim his position and to intensify the pressure on Santiago. "As you mentioned, holding the top position and being the leading company in the entertainment industry have been my company's legacy for a very long time, and we intend to maint
The grand ballroom of the Meridian Hotel buzzed with excitement as Santiago's company celebrated its fourth anniversary. Among the audience, Alex stood motionless, his eyes fixed on Santiago holding court near the stage. Days of careful planning had led to this moment. Every detail had been considered, and every contingency had been accounted for. As he watched Santiago laugh and shake hands with people, a cold smile escaped his lips. This lavish celebration—a testament to Santiago's success and influence—would mark the beginning of Santiago's downfall. The time had finally come for Alex to unravel his plan."It's done, sir. They should be there anytime soon." A smile plastered his face as he read the secretary's message. His trust in her had grown steadily, nurtured by her previous assistance. Otherwise, he would not have entrusted her with such a crucial task—the one she was now reporting back on."The moment has arrived," he murmured, his eyes fixed on Santiago, who had just
Weeks had flown by, each day adding another vibrant brushstroke to the masterpiece of Alex and Emily's relationship. The storm that had once threatened to tear them apart seemed like a distant memory now, their bond stronger than ever. Their love had blossomed into something even more beautiful: an engagement. He had popped the question in a cosy little restaurant, the kind of place where fairy lights twinkled like stars and the aroma of exquisite dishes filled the air.***Flashback***"Em..." His voice cut through the comfortable silence, with a hint of nervousness in his tone.She looked up from her plate, a forkful of pasta halfway to her mouth. "Hmm?" she mumbled, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.He took a deep breath, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. "So, there's actually a main reason I set up this date. I mean, besides just hanging out and enjoying this sick view of the city lights."Her interest was instantly piqued. She set down her utensils with a so
Alex froze just a few a few steps away from Emily's hospital room. He had just returned from home with the doctor-prescribed meal and some clothes, but what he overheard stopped him cold."Those few days... I've never been so terrified in my entire life." Emily's voice trembled from behind the door.He knew she would probably never open up to him about the horrors she had endured in captivity, no matter how much he begged her to share. Torn between respecting her privacy and his desperate need to understand what she had been through, he hesitated, deciding to listen."They starved me," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even though I was in agony, even knowing my condition, they only allowed me one meal a day. Like an idiot, I asked who was behind all this torture. They said it was Isabella's order." She let out a bitter laugh that barely masked her anguish. "Asking that question... God, they made me regret it."Her voice dropped to a whisper. "But the worst part, th
Alex pushed open the door to Emily's hospital room, his heart sinking as he saw her still form on the bed. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound breaking the silence. For a moment, he just stood there, frozen, as the weight of everything crashed down on him.He approached slowly, his eyes fixed on her pale face, willing her to open her eyes. She looked so fragile, surrounded by tubes and wires.He sank into the chair beside her bed, taking her hand gently in his. It felt so small and fragile. A lump formed in his throat as he struggled to find words."Hey, Em," he whispered, his voice cracking.He took her hand gently, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. "I'm back. I... I need you to wake up, okay? Please."He then squeezed her hand, searching for any sign of response. Nothing.His voice broke as he continued, tears welling up."I'm so sorry. God, I'm so sorry for everything. I know I've messed up big time. But I swear, if you just open your eyes, I'll make it r
Alex could not tell if the chaos in his life lately was karma for what he had done, especially to Emily and their child. He wished he could take the punishment instead of them. Seeing Emily suffer was unbearable.Even without knowing the full extent of her ordeal during the abduction, watching her struggle on the hospital bed for the past two days was gut-wrenching."Mr. Thornton..." The doctor began."She experienced severe cardiac arrhythmia due to the extreme stress of recent events. We have managed to stabilise her condition, but she remains unconscious. The trauma appears to have been overwhelming for her system. At this point, we are monitoring her closely and hoping she regains consciousness soon. Her recovery is largely dependent on her body's ability to heal itself now."The doctor's words hit Alex like a sucker punch, leaving him winded and hollow. His mind reeled, trying to process the gravity of Emily's condition."God knows what happened to her in there." He muttered afte
Alex was relieved when the doctor smiled before he spoke. The doctor then told him that the operation was successful."Thank you so much, doctor." He thanked the doctor, beaming with a smile."When can we visit her in a room?" he asked, his voice tight with worry."We will be moving her to the post-op floor in about 20 minutes. However, I'm afraid you won't be able to until tomorrow morning, Mr. Thornton," the doctor replied.Alex's face fell, his shoulders slumping. "Seriously? Why can't I see her tonight? Is it because of the visiting hours?" He pressed, frustration creeping into his tone because visiting hours were not meant to be a restraint for a person like him. "Or is something still wrong that you are not telling me?" He added."No, Mr. Thornton, it is not because of the visiting hours." The doctor smiled."It's just for precautions to avoid some implications because she would be examined closely in the room throughout today. But rest assured, they are both fine." He added,
"Could she...could she..." Alex shook his head, not bringing himself to believe the thought that had overwhelmed his mind upon hearing the doctor's utterance. "Mr. Thornton, it would be better if we discussed it in my office." The doctor added. That confirmed his worst suspicions, and he felt his world crash down, believing Emily had died because of him—or so he thought."What do you mean by that?" Henry interrupted, while Alex stood in shock, convinced of the worst."I'm his best friend and confidant," Henry continued. "There is no need for him to follow you to your office to hear the news. I will be there too. Please tell us right now."The doctor glanced at Alex, as if seeking permission to break the news. Alex nodded sluggishly, convinced he already knew what the news was about.The doctor began, "Whatever she witnessed caused her severe shock, resulting in a panic attack and loss of consciousness. Given what she endured while being held captive, including physical and emotiona
Alex's heart raced as he clung to Emily's hand, his voice breaking with desperation. "Em...please stay with me. Don't die on me, please. Wake up; I'm now here." His words echoed down the hospital's hallway, his tears falling on her lifeless body as three nurses wheeled the stretcher rapidly towards the emergency ward, their faces masked with determination.As the stretcher approached the heavy doors of the emergency room, he tried to follow, his grip tightening on her hand and his heart pounding in his chest. But a nurse, her eyes kind but firm, gently blocked his path."Please, Mr. Thornton..." she said softly, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "You can't enter inside with us. Stay here while we attend to her in the ward," she said, her tone firm but understanding."What do you mean?" He scrunched his face in annoyance."Look, that may be your protocol, but I'm going inside there. Nothing can stop me from that." He added sternly.The nurse sighed, her expression serious. "Mr.
Upon arriving at the location, Alex was disappointed to find that the police officers had not arrived."I don't see the point of these useless officers," he muttered under his breath as he got out of the car.Henry called for him to return to the car, but he ignored him and walked determinedly towards the house at the address the private investigator had given him."Mr. Thornton," a voice from behind made him halt his track as he turned to see who it belonged to. It was the private investigator."What do you think you are doing? Where are the police officers? What's taking them so long?" He inquisitively asked Alex."Those useless officers are not here, which is why I have to go in myself." His face was creased. Henry had moved to stand behind them."Do you know what you are saying? You don't know what is in there, and you still want to go in regardless.""I don't care what awaits me in there or who the hell is there... All I know is that I'm going in." Alex insisted. "What is happ
As promised, Henry returned to the city the next morning and headed straight to Alex's mansion.Alex could not believe his eyes when he saw Henry at his doorstep. In fact, it was Henry's arrival that woke him from his slumber, the remnants of last night's drinking still weighing him down.He chuckled in disbelief and threw his arm around Henry's shoulder, pulling him into a brotherly hug."Thanks, man. I really appreciate this. Thanks for always being there for me," he said, his breath reeking of alcohol as he patted Henry's back. "Man, you drank a lot last night," Henry chuckled as they disentangled from the hug.Alex's eyes, which had been bright upon seeing Henry, suddenly transformed into gloom. "You can't blame me, man. I just didn't know what to do.""It's okay. It will be fine." Henry assured him as they walked inside.Once inside and seated, Alex explained to Henry how his conversation with the investigator had gone."I'm very sure we are going to save her. I trust the invest