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
Alex's thoughts drifted to the upcoming evening with Emily, anticipating the moment when their re-ignited feelings would resume the journey that had abruptly ended in the past.However, before he could focus on that, he needed to address matters with his secretary. This prompted his immediate return to the office after leaving the event that had marked the end of Santiago. As he passed her desk, he instructed her to follow him into his office."Please, sit down," he said, gesturing to one of the empty chairs across from him. She complied, taking a seat.He met her gaze directly, causing her to feel uneasy. Then he began, "Elizabeth, I want to thank you for your help today. I truly appreciate your assistance."Her eyes widened momentarily, surprised by both his words of gratitude and his use of her name—something he had never done before.He chuckled, understanding the reason behind her expression. "I understand." He nodded with a faint smile."I've been getting that a lot from you
Emily frowned as Alex appeared at her door. "Isn't it too early?" she asked.He grinned, stepping inside as she closed the door behind him. "Too early to visit the woman who holds my heart? I think not," he quipped."And who might that be?" She challenged, her tone demanding. "Do I need to remind you what you mean to me?" He moved closer, leaving just a sliver of space between them. His voice dropped to a whisper that made her knees weak. "Or perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think you are to me?"As he leaned in, his lips nearing hers, she caught herself. She stepped back, determined not to give in to her feelings so easily.His silent chuckle and knowing smirk showed he was not deterred. He placed two bags on the nearby table, containing gifts he had brought for her."What are those?" She inquisitively asked him."Feel free to take a look," he said, his smile radiant as he made himself comfortable on the bed.She pulled out a red gown from one of the bags. It was clear he
When Santiago was told that he had a visitor, he thought it was his lawyer because he had called for him. But when he saw that it was Alex, he was shocked."It's so crazy how being stuck in a place could take a toll on someone." Alex scoffed as their eyes met. "Come on. Have your seat. I have places to be unlike you." Alex's voice was laced with mockery as he gestured at the chair in front of him.Santiago knew Alex was there to mock him, but he decided to mask his fear of being finally defeated by Alex."I can see that you think you've won. But one thing I will tell you is what you used to tell me: enjoy the moment while it lasts because you are making a mistake thinking that I will go down with what you've planned. I will show you why I'll always be ahead of you, just like last time. I remember how you thought you had won the last time." Santiago chuckled. Alex scoffed. "I know what you mean, but what you don't know is that I knew what you did back then, and trust me, I've done th
The marble-floored courtroom fell silent as Judge Evelyn Hawthorne delivered the verdict, her stern voice echoing off the wood-panelled walls."In the case of Alex Thornton vs. Santiago Hernandez, this court finds the defendant guilty on all charges, including bribery, corruption, obstruction of justice, and numerous other charges. Mr. Hernandez, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."As the judge delivered the judgement, Alex beamed with a smile of victory, which widened as his gaze met Santiago's. Santiago's face was etched with shock and disbelief as he stood in the dock.A wave of murmurs and whispers swept through the courthouse.Alex's lawyer patted him on the back, whispering, "We did it."The judge continued, "Furthermore, given that these crimes were perpetrated against Mr. Alex Thornton, the court orders that half of Mr. Hernandez' assets and properties be transferred to Mr. Thornton as restitution. The remainder will be seized by
Weeks and two months had passed since Alex returned to reclaim his spot in the industry and the city. His love bond with Emily had also rekindled during the timeframe, becoming stronger and more inseparable with each passing day. These moments had marked the best in Alex's life, as he realised that fame and success were not the only forms of joy; love and affection for one's partner were equally, if not more, fulfilling. For him, that partner was Emily.Emily felt the same way. After their rekindling and reconciliation, she no longer dwelled on the sorrow of Amara's death. She had come to understand that love was more profound than she had ever imagined, and she was glad she could forgive and reconcile with Alex. It was perfect to give their love another chance.Their relationship had grown so strong that it became known to everyone. Alex proudly showed her off to the public at every opportunity. Even though his parents remained silent about their relationship, and despite his resol
After several intimate moments in the bedroom of toe-curling rounds of sexual intercourse, Alex and Emily were now enjoying dinner together in the dining room.As Alex savoured a bite of pasta, he said, "You know, I had never cooked before in my entire life until you came into my life."She chuckled. "That should tell you that I wasn't wrong earlier; you ought to be falling down on your knees before me every day because you have discovered a lot about you through me."He shrugged. "That's right. But you should also be doing the same. What do you think?"She arched her brows. "Why?""Do you really want to tell me that I've not made you realise and discover some things? Or have you forgotten what you said earlier?"She rolled her eyes."Yeah. I thought as much, and I guess that settles the score of your so-called daily routine." He chuckled.The spicy bite of pepper caught her off guard, transforming her chuckle into a violent cough. Her eyes widened in panic as the searing sensation s
"Wow. I love the ambience of this room." Emily breathed, her gaze sweeping over the study room as she entered with Alex."I had no idea you had a thing for aesthetics. You never struck me as the type."Alex remained silent, his shoulders tense as he shut the door behind them.He gave a faint smile, but his eyes betrayed a depth of emotion that she could not quite decipher as he walked past her.Little did she know that this very room was both a sanctuary and a torment for him.Driven by curiosity and the importance of the conversation he wanted to have, she quickened her pace, moving from behind him to stand directly in front. Her brow furrowed as she searched his face, trying to decipher the sudden shift in his mood. "What are we doing here?" she asked, her voice soft but insistent. "What is it that you want to tell me in here, of all places?"He remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on a distant point beyond the room's walls. His face, usually so expressive, was now shadow
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