Elara’s POV
I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand, setting down the stack of old documents on the floor.
The basement was dusty and packed with years of forgotten items, boxes of files, old furniture, and cobwebbed memories.
Cleaning it was a chore I dreaded but also an excuse to clear my head.
Liam had been distant lately, and I couldnt shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Sliding another box toward me, I opened the lid and began sorting through its contents.
Most of it was junk, outdated bills, faded photographs, and scraps of paper that meant nothing now.
But at the bottom of the box, beneath a pile of yellowed receipts, was a thick envelope. My name wasnt on it, but curiosity pushed me to open it anyway.
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “Medical Report: Liam Stone”. My eyes scanned the lines, my heart pounding harder with every word. “Diagnosis: Azoospermia. Prognosis: Irreversible.”
My hands trembled as I clutched the paper. Liam is impotent. The realization settled over me like a suffocating blanket.
My hand trembled as I flipped through the pages, each one confirming what I didnt want to believe.
How could he not tell me? He knew how much I wanted a child. How many nights had I lain awake, dreaming of a little one running around our home? And all this time, he had kept this from me.
Tears blurred my vision as I sank to the floor, clutching the report. Anger, and heartbreak churned inside me.
I didnt even know who I was angry with, Liam for keeping this secret or myself for not seeing it sooner. I sat there for what felt like hours, crying until I had no more tears left.
When I finally got up, the report still in my hand, I knew what I had to do. I couldnt wait for Liam to come clean; he never would.
If Liam couldnt be honest with me, I wouldnt feel guilty about keeping this from him.
Grabbing my phone, I scrolled to Dr. Morgan’s number. He was the fertility specialist Id consulted months ago, when Liam and I had started talking about children. My fingers hovered over the call button for a moment before I pressed it.
The phone rang twice before his voice came through, calm and professional. Dr. Morgan speaking.
Its Elara, I said, my voice cracking. Im ready.
He paused, likely processing the sudden change. Are you sure? This is a big step.
I wiped my face, forcing steadiness into my tone. Im sure. I want to move forward with it
There was a brief silence, and then he said, Alright. Come in tomorrow morning, and well start the process.
**************
The hospital was quiet the next morning, the kind of sterile silence that made every sound every step, every word feel amplified.
I sat in Dr. Morgans office, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap as he explained the procedure.
“The donor sperm weve selected matches the criteria you provided,” he said, sliding a file across the desk.
“The implantation is straightforward, and if all goes well, you should be able to confirm a pregnancy within a few weeks.”
I nodded, barely hearing him. My mind was elsewhere, still stuck on the report Id found and the decision I was making. Was it selfish? Was it right? I didnt know, and honestly, I didnt care.
All I knew was that I wanted a child.
The procedure itself was quick and clinical, over in less than twenty minutes. Dr. Morgan handed me a pamphlet afterward, his voice gentle as he explained the next steps.
“Youll need to take it easy for the next few days. Rest, avoid stress, and follow the instructions here.”
My phone buzzed in my purse. I ignored it until he finished speaking.
I nodded again, clutching the pamphlet, but his words faded into the background as my phone buzzed again on the desk beside me.
Excuse me, I said, fishing my phone out. The number wasnt saved, but something in me knew it was important. I answered, and a frantic voice filled the line.
Elara, Theres been an accident.
What? What kind of accident? My chest tightened.
Your parents. They were rushed to Mercy General. You need to get here now.
My heart stopped.
“Mrs. Stone?” Dr. Morgans voice pulled me back to the room. “Are you all right?”
“I have to go,” I said, standing so abruptly that the pamphlet fell to the floor. My head was spinning, my vision blurring.
I barely registered bumping into someone on my way out of the office, a man whose face seemed very familiar. But I mummured a sorry but didn’t stop to figure out where I knew him from. My only focus was getting to the hospital as fast as I could.
The drive was a blur. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white, my heart racing as I replayed the brief, frantic phone call in my head.
“Your parents… accident… hospital…” That was all Id heard before the line went dead.
By the time I reached the hospital, my legs were shaking so badly I could barely walk. I stumbled through the sliding doors and approached the front desk. “Elara Stone,” I gasped. “My parents were brought in, where are they?”
The nurse behind the desk gave me a sympathetic look and gestured for me to follow her.
My feet felt like lead as she led me down a long corridor, the fluorescent lights above casting harsh shadows on the walls. Every step felt like an eternity, my chest tightening with each passing second.
Finally, we reached a room at the end of the hall. The nurse pushed the door open, and I stepped inside. The sight that greeted me made my knees buckle.
“Mom! Dad!” I screamed, my voice cracking as I rushed to their bedsides. They were both hooked up to machines, their faces pale and bruised. My mothers arm was in a cast, and my father had a bandage wrapped around his head.
“What happened?” I whispered, my voice trembling as I turned to the nurse. She looked hesitant, glancing over her shoulder before replying.
“A car accident,” she said softly. “They were hit by a drunk driver.”
I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. A car accident? My parents? It didnt seem real. It couldnt be real.
I let out a strangled cry and stumbled forward, collapsing into the chair beside my mothers bed. Mom? Dad? My voice cracked.
Dads eyes fluttered open, and he managed a weak smile. Elara, he rasped.
What happened? I whispered, tears streaming down my face.
Car accident, he said, his voice barely audible. Someone ran a red light. Your mom His voice broke, and he looked away, his hands dropped
Daddad, dad talk to me, No no..
Elara’s POV
Two months had passed since the accident that claimed my parents. I still couldnt believe they were gone, taken from me in a single, cruel moment.
Grief was my constant companion, a weight that wouldnt lift no matter how much I tried to push it aside.
Liam stayed by my side through it all, his presence anchoring me when I felt like I might float away in my sorrow.
And then there was Sophia, my best friend. She was my rock, always ready with a comforting word or a shoulder to cry on.
Without them, I wasnt sure how I wouldve survived those first harrowing weeks.
Liam was supposed to go on a business trip the week my parents died, but he postponed it to be with me.
I was grateful, even though I knew it was important work. Eventually, after months of delays, he decided he couldnt put it off any longer.
The morning of his departure, I helped him pack, folding his shirts neatly into the suitcase while he teased me about my precision.
Youre going to miss me, arent you? he said, smirking.
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. Dont flatter yourself, Liam. Ill be fine.
He pulled me into his arms. Ill miss you too, you know.
The kiss we shared felt heavier than usual, like we both understood the significance of this goodbye.
As I waved him off, a pang of loneliness settled in my chest, but I pushed it aside. He needed to go, and I needed to be strong.
That evening, the dull ache in my head returned. Id been ignoring it for days, convincing myself it was just stress. But when the headaches came with bouts of weakness, I knew I couldnt avoid it any longer. Reluctantly, I decided to see a doctor.
I called Sophia, hoping shed accompany me, but she had an excuse ready. Im so sorry, Elara. Ive got this thing I cant get out of. Can you manage?
Disappointed but understanding, I assured her Id be fine. As I drove to the hospital, my thoughts kept drifting to Liam. I missed him already, and the house felt emptier without him.
At the hospital, the doctor greeted me with a strained smile. Something about his demeanor felt hesitant, almost nervous.
Dr. Morgan, is everything okay? I asked.
He cleared his throat. Of course, Mrs. Stone. Lets run some tests and see whats going on.
The tests didnt take long, but as I waited in his office for the results, I couldnt shake the feeling that something was wrong. Dr. Morgans hands fidgeted with the papers on his desk, and he avoided meeting my eyes.
If theres something youre not telling me, I. I started, but my phone rang, cutting me off. The number was unfamiliar, but I answered anyway.
Mrs. Stone? This is Mercy General Hospital. Your husband has been in an accident. You need to come immediately.
My heart stopped. What? No, that cant be right
But the voice on the other end was insistent. I barely registered Dr. Morgan’s concerned expression as I stumbled out of his office, my mind spinning.
The drive to the hospital was a blur. My chest felt tight, and the dizziness Id been battling worsened, but I pushed through.
When I arrived at the hospital, a nurse guided me to the ward. This way, she said softly, her face betraying nothing.
The moment I stepped into the room, my knees buckled. Liams lifeless body lay on the bed, his face pale and still. I screamed, the sound raw and guttural, and then everything went black.
I woke hours later in a different hospital room, the sterile white walls closing in on me. My head throbbed, and for a moment, I couldnt remember where I was. Then it hit me, Liam. The tears started again, hot and uncontrollable.
Elara, a familiar voice called. I turned to see Victor, Liams best friend, sitting by my bedside.
His dark hair was disheveled, and worry etched deep lines on his usually confident face.
Victor? My voice cracked. What are you doing here? Wheres Liam?
His expression faltered. Elara, I
No, I interrupted, shaking my head. Its not true. It cant be true. Hes fine. Hes
I ripped the IV from my arm and tried to stand, but Victor grabbed me. Stop. Youre not well.
I have to see him! I screamed, struggling against him. The door opened, and two policemen entered.
Mrs. Stone, we need to ask you some questions, one of them said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Victors grip on me tightened. This can wait. Shes just lost her husband.
Its okay, I whispered, my voice hollow. What do you need to know?
*********
At the police station, the questions came fast and relentlessly.
Did you and your husband have any arguments recently?
No. We were happy. He was everything to me.
Do you know if he had any enemies?
I shook my head. None that Im aware of. Liam was a good man.
The officers eyes narrowed. Mrs. Stone, your husbands death wasnt an accident. He was murdered.
The words hit me like a physical blow. No. Thats not possible. Who would?
The door opened, and a young man was led in. He was tall and lean, with unkempt hair and a nervous energy that made him fidget constantly. The officer turned to him.
Do you know this woman?
The man nodded. Yes. She she hired me to do it.
My mouth fell open. What? No! I dont even know you!
The man continued, his voice steady despite my protests. She texted me the details. Said her husband was leaving the house and to make it look like an accident.
I looked at Victor, who stared back at me, stunned. Victor, you know me. You know I wouldnt
The officer held up my phone. Weve gone through your messages, Mrs. Stone. Care to explain this?
He read aloud: He just left the house now. Make sure you do a clean job and end it.
I felt the world tilt beneath me. Thats not I didnt write that. I swear, I didnt.
The officers expression hardened. Mrs. Stone. lying will only make things worse.
Victor stepped forward. Wait. This doesnt make sense. Elara loved Liam. Theres no way shed
But the evidence was damning. The messages were there, clear as day, and the mans story matched the timeline perfectly. My protests fell on deaf ears as the officers led me away, my cries echoing in the sterile room.
I didnt do it, I whispered, more to myself than anyone else. I didnt do it.
The World Turns Against Me
The cold walls of the police station felt like they were closing in around me. My body trembled as I sat in the interrogation room, my hands cuffed to the table.
My heart raced as I tried to make sense of the whirlwind of events that had led me here. Just days ago, I was mourning the loss of my husband, and now, I was being accused of his murder.
The door creaked open, and the lead investigator, Detective Harris, entered. His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned me as if I were an open book.
Mrs. Elara Stone, he began, dropping a folder onto the table. The autopsy results are in.
I sat up straight, clutching onto a shred of hope. Perhaps the results would clear me. Perhaps they would find something to prove I wasnt responsible for Liams death.
Your husband was poisoned, Harris said bluntly, his voice void of emotion.
My stomach dropped. Poisoned? I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Yes, he confirmed, flipping open the folder. The autopsy revealed traces of a rare toxin in his system. It was administered hours before the car accident.
I shook my head, my mind racing. But I didnt
Harris leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. The evidence says otherwise, Mrs. Stone. We found receipts for the toxin purchased in your name.
Your fingerprints were on a vial discovered in your home. Care to explain that?
My breath caught. Thats impossible! Ive never.
Save it, Harris interrupted, his tone sharp. You had motive. Your husbands business is worth millions, and you stood to gain everything.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I loved Liam! I would never hurt him!
Love isnt enough to clear you of suspicion, Harris retorted. Weve seen this story play out before: a grieving widow turns out to be a cold-blooded murderer.
I couldnt breathe. My chest tightened as the weight of his words pressed down on me. Please, you have to believe me. Someone is framing me.
Harris smirked, clearly unconvinced. Thats a convenient excuse. Do you have any idea who would want to frame you?
I opened my mouth to respond but faltered. The truth was, I didnt know. Liam had always been careful about his business dealings. Who would do this? And why?
Hours later, Victor, Liams best friend, arrived. Seeing his familiar face brought a sliver of comfort, but his expression was guarded. He sat across from me, his usual confident demeanor replaced with uncertainty.
Elara, he began softly. I came as soon as I heard.
Tears streamed down my face. Victor, they think I killed Liam. Theyre saying I poisoned him.
Victors brows furrowed. That doesnt make any sense. You you wouldnt do that.
Of course I wouldnt! I cried. But they have evidence against me. Someone planted it, Victor. Someone wants to destroy me.
He hesitated, his eyes searching mine. Do you do you think it could be related to Liams business? He he wasnt always transparent about his dealings.
I blinked, caught off guard. Liam had always told me his business was above board, but Victors words suggested otherwise. What do you mean?
Victor shook his head. I dont know. Im just grasping at straws here. But I promise, Ill look into this.
The next day, I was summoned for another round of questioning. This time, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. Harris wasnt alone; two other officers flanked him, their gazes cold and calculating.
Mrs. Stone, Harris began, weve brought someone in who claims you killed your husband.
My heart stopped. What? Thats absurd!
Dominics Pov
I was seated at my desk, my eyes glued to the spreadsheets on my screen. The numbers swam before me as I tried to focus. Work was the only thing that kept my mind busy, away from memories Id rather forget.
A knock on the door broke my concentration. My personal assistant, Clara, stepped in with her usual efficient demeanor.
Mr. Dominic, you have an appointment with Dr. Fletcher in thirty minutes, she reminded me, her tone gentle but firm.
The appointment had completely slipped my mind amidst the chaos of work. With a nod, I saved the document on my screen and began shutting down my system. Thanks, Claire. Ill head out now.
She gave a small smile and left the office as I gathered my things. It had become routine for me to visit the hospital for check-ups.
After the accident that claimed my parents lives when I was fifteen, the hospital had become almost like a second home.
The physical scars healed over time, but the internal ones? Not so much. The worst of it was the injury to my private part.
Dr. Fletcher had delivered the devastating news years ago: my chances of fathering a child were slim to none.
Since then, Id buried myself in work, steering clear of anything remotely resembling a romantic relationship. What was the point?
Recently, Id been feeling better, and the pain had lessened. Yesterday, theyd collected my sperm sample for testing, and I was here to pick up the results.
The drive to the hospital was uneventful, the hum of the car engine the only sound as I navigated the familiar streets.
By the time I arrived, my mind was already on autopilot. Parking my car, I made my way to the building.
Inside, the scent of disinfectant greeted me. I checked in at the reception and began walking towards Dr. Fletchers office.
As I turned, a woman suddenly rounded the corner and collided into me. I staggered slightly, catching her by the shoulders to steady her.
She looked up, and my breath caught. Her face was older, more mature, but unmistakably hers.
Memories of high school flooded back, the girl who had noticed me when no one else did, who bullied me mercilessly, and yet, who I couldnt stop liking.
Elara, I murmured before I could stop myself.
Her eyes widened in recognition, but she quickly masked her expression. “Sorry,” she mumbled, her voice barely audible, before brushing past me in a rush.
I remembered her sharp wit, her piercing eyes, and the way she always seemed to have a retort ready. Id secretly liked her, even though shed made it clear she didnt think much of me.
I stood frozen, my heart pounding. What was she doing here? Why now? My thoughts swirled, but I forced myself to focus. There was no point running after her. Not yet.
Dr. Fletcher greeted me warmly as I entered his office. Ah, Dominic, good to see you. Come in and please take a seat.
I did as he asked, but the unease from my encounter with Elara lingered.
Doctor, I nodded, taking a seat. Hows everything looking?
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. That was never a good sign. Well, about that, he began, his voice hesitant. Theres been a mix-up.
My brows furrowed. Mix-up?
Your sample from yesterday He cleared his throat. Its gone missing. We cant locate it.
For a moment, I thought Id misheard. “Missing? How does that even happen?
I blinked at him, unsure if Id heard correctly. You lost my sperm sample?
He winced at my bluntness but nodded. Im afraid so. I wanted to inform you over the phone, but I thought it best to discuss it in person. Well need you to provide another sample so we can proceed with the tests.
I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. This was absurd. But before I could say anything, there was a sharp knock on the door, and a nurse hurried in, looking flustered.
Dr. Fletcher, theres an emergency, she said, casting a nervous glance my way.
Excuse me for a moment, he said, standing up and following the nurse out.
Left alone, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. My thoughts drifted back to Elara. What was she doing here? Did she live in the city now? Questions swirled in my mind, each one more distracting than the last.
A buzz from my phone pulled me from my thoughts. It was a text from Claire.
Sir, you need to hurry back to the office. Theres an issue.
I didnt waste any time. By the time I returned to the office, Claire was waiting for me, looking uncharacteristically frazzled.
Whats going on? I asked as I strode past her into my office.
Its the Baxter deal, she explained, following me. Theyre threatening to pull out. Something about undisclosed liabilities.
Get me Mr. Baxter on the line, I instructed, already powering up my system. As I worked, the memory of Elara lingered in the back of my mind. I couldnt shake the feeling that our paths crossing wasnt a coincidence.
The call with Mr. Baxter was tense but productive. By the time we hung up, the deal was back on track, but the mental toll was evident. I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment. The image of Elara flashed in my mind again.
Who was she now? And why did seeing her stir something I thought Id buried long ago?
Months later, as I sat in my apartment nursing a glass of whiskey, I couldnt help but replay that days events. The running into each other at the hospital, the sight of Elara, and the unresolved questions that gnawed at me.
Picking up my phone, I did something I hadnt done in years. I searched her name. The results were sparse, but one headline caught my eye:
**Elara Stone: From Tragedy to Turmoil.**
My heart sank as I read the accompanying article. It detailed the recent death of her parents, followed by the death of her husband and the subsequent investigation that had led to her arrest. Accused of murder, it seemed her life was unraveling in ways I couldnt fathom.
As I stared at the screen, a mix of emotions moved through me. Anger, disbelief, and something else, a deep, inexplicable urge to help her. But why? Shed never been kind to me.
If anything, shed made my teenage years a living hell. And yet, the thought of her facing this alone didnt sit right with me.
Setting the glass down, I made a decision. I didnt know what I could do, but I wasnt going to sit idly by. Not this time.
Elara’s POV
The gavel hit the desk, and the judges voice echoed through the courtroom: Elara Stone you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the murder of Liam Stone.
My knees buckled as reality settled over me like a suffocating weight. I wanted to scream, to protest, but no words came.
The courtroom blurred as tears filled my eyes.
Victor, my childhood friend and Liams best friend, sat in the gallery, his face pale with disbelief and sorrow.
He looked like he wanted to storm the bench. But even his unwavering support couldnt change this cruel twist of fate. I was being punished for a crime I didnt commit, and no one believed me.
As I was escorted out of the courtroom in cuffs, my mind raced with questions. Who would frame me like this? How did it come to this?
The world outside seemed so far away now, and the only thing I could cling to was the faint hope that the truth would someday surface.
Then… Liam was dead. My parents were gone. And I was a suspect. A criminal. A prisoner.
The ride to the prison was silent except for the hum of the vehicle. The officers spoke in low tones, ignoring me completely.
I stared out the window, trying to make sense of everything. It still felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.
As the van pulled into the prison gates, my body felt heavy. The thought of being locked away from the world, from any chance of proving my innocence, was unbearable.
My chest tightened, and my vision blurred. Before I could process anything else, darkness consumed me.
I regained consciousness, the harsh fluorescent lights above me seared my eyes. A nurse stood by my side, jotting notes onto a clipboard.
Where am I? I said, my throat dry and my voice weak.
Where do you think? Your mansion? the nurse replied sarcastically, not even sparing me a glance as she rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.
Her words hit me like a slap. It wasnt a dream. This was my new reality. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I swallowed them back. I couldnt afford to break down now.
Moments later, a doctor walked in, holding a clipboard. Ah, youre awake, he said, his tone neutral.
Why am I here? I asked, my voice trembling.
You blacked out on your way in, and they brought you here for observation, he explained.
Yes, but where is this? I pressed, hoping for a different answer.
The prison hospital, he replied matter-of-fact. His words shattered any lingering denial I had left.
I struggled to sit up, determined to leave, but the doctor gently held me back. Take it easy. You need to be careful, especially in your condition.
What condition? I asked, confused.
He hesitated, then looked me straight in the eye. Youre pregnant.
The words hung in the air like a bomb. Im what? I stammered, certain I had misheard him.
Twelve weeks along, he confirmed. Well monitor you.
Twelve weeks, the doctor said. That made sense. It matched the donor insemination date.
I knew I had undergone the procedure, but hearing it now, in this place, after so much trauma It was overwhelming knowing Id be raising this child in prison without Liam tore me apart.
I didnt speak. My hand slowly moved to my stomach.
Liam was gone. My parents were gone. I had no family left except the one growing inside me.
Everything else the doctor said faded into the background.
That night, I couldnt sleep. I lay on the thin prison mattress, my hands cradling my belly. I didnt know whose child it was. All I knew was that it wasnt Liams. His sperm had been unusable. That was the only reason I even considered donors. But before I could finalize anything, he died.
I was too numb to care who the donor was, I only signed. I just wanted to feel something again.
Now I did.
But I also felt something else: betrayal.
Because nothing about Liams death sat right with me.
—
Two days later, I was called to the visitation booth.
Visitor for Elara Kendrick.
I didnt recognize the name on the log Ben Wick but my pulse quickened. Was this another investigator? A lawyer?
I sat across from a tall man with ice-blue eyes and a stare that stripped me bare.
Elara, he said.
Do I know you?
He smiled faintly. No. But I know you.
I stared at him. He placed a manila envelope on the table between us.
Whats this? I asked.
Your next chance, he said. Ive been tracking Liam Kendrick for six years.
I froze. Thats not funny.
Its not meant to be.
My fingers trembled as I opened the envelope. A photograph slipped out.
Liam.
Same thick beard, face leaner but unmistakably him. Alive.
The air left my lungs. Thisthis has to be edited.
Its not. Hes alive, and hes not who you thought he was.
I stared at Ben Why are you telling me this?
Because Ive been investigating him for years. Hes involved in something much bigger: fraud, embezzlement, human experiments… and worse. But I never had proof. Until now, you are my only chance of getting that proof
My stomach turned. What do you mean?
Ben leaned closer, his voice dropping. He orchestrated the car accident. The one that killed your parents.
No. My voice cracked. They died in a freak crash. The brakes
Tampered with, Victor interrupted. Their driver was bribed and then killed. I traced the money trail. It led back to one of Liams shell companies.
My mind reeled.
I dont believe you, I said, standing to leave.
Ben didnt move. You will. And when you do, Ill be waiting. Im working with someone who wants justice and your freedom.
I turned back slowly. Why me?
Because youre the one person Liam underestimated.
That night, the walls felt even colder.
I sat with the photograph in my lap, my hand over my stomach again.
Did he really do it? Is Liam alive? I whispered. Why frame me? Why kill them?
The baby inside me shifted slightly or maybe it was just my mind playing tricks.
I didnt know what Bens angle was yet. But I knew one thing:
If Liam Kendrick was alive, then everything Id lived and lost had been a lie.
And I would tear him apart one truth at a time.
VICTOR’S POV
All plans to make sure she had hated Liam to the core were working. Everyday I would hear her lay silent curses on him.
“Is she in?” I asked the maid that came to take the groceries from me.
“Yes but I think she is….” She got interrupted by Elara.
“Who is there?” She walked out of her room.
She wore a sleeveless short gown, her breasts were revealing. I lost control and stared at it for a long time.
“Victor?” Her voice brought me back to reality.
“Uh… sorry to disturb you, you were sleeping I guess.” I snapped out of my thoughts immediately.
“I was….not sleeping but resting.” She came out fully and this time her full shape and body revealed.
Her hips sways at every step she takes.
Nah, this can’t be what I want to give up on.
“At least I’ve got to try.” I smiled.
“Huh? Are you saying something?” Elara turned to me immediately.
“No..umm… what? The groceries.”
Fuck! I didn’t know when I said that. I thought aloud.
“Are you sure you aren’t tired from yesterday’s work?” She asked, giving me a stern.
I loved that look so much that I smiled at her instead of replying.
“Ohh, you got this for me? Oh my gosh… ” She brought out all the items and blushed.
“Thank you… come and sit. I’m sorry I didn’t notice that you were still standing.” She dragged me slowly to the sofa.
I didn’t refuse it, I sat there comfortably and waited for her to attend to me after she was done admiring the things I bought for her.
“You are really trying for me, thank you so much ” She sat opposite me
Argh, this is tempting. Why did she have to sit opposite me?
“You are always welcome. I just want to make sure that you are fine and you are thinking about anything.” My eyes strolled down her gown..
She took a deep breathe, walked into the room and came out covered up.
“What is going on? Are you going somewhere?” I looked at her in a confused manner. I don’t know what to think of that.
“Ohh, I’m so sorry. I was so excited to forget that I came out dressed that way.” She smiled softly.
My face went blank. I don’t know what reaction I was supposed to give to that, deep down I loved her that way but I dared not show it.
Not now.
“So… what’s going on? Have you heard from the bastard?” She brought out a bottle of wine from the show glass.
“What bastard?” My concern was what she is going to do with the wine.
“Liam..who else.” She poured the wine into the glass and handed mine over to me.
“Uh..what do you want to do with that?” My eyes went round.
“Drink.” She shrugged.
“No, you just came out of….” I gulped in, I don’t want to sound rude calling it “prison”
“You know what I’m talking about. You should focus on getting yourself fine before you take all these, okay??” My eyes were already on the drink and I slowly drew the drink from her.
“It’s just one time. I mean I haven’t tested this in a while.” She struggled with the glass with me.
“This is going to break and it will spill on you. You don’t have to do this..” I spoke with the calmest voice I could find in me.
“Fine!!” She dropped the glass on the table and went to the sitting room.
She threw herself on the couch and waited patiently for an answer.
“What were your questions again?” My got closer to hear what exactly she wished to know.
My ears were all up at whatever she said.
“Liam is Alive…” She whispered.
Shit! She’s going to talk about it again.
“Elara, you just came out of a place that drained you mentally. I don’t think you should be thinking of that… please at least let your mind rest.. you have been through enough.” Deep down I could hear that voice telling me not to act too nice of I was going to hurt her.
Fuck you!!
I shook my head to let the voice away.
“Been through enough??” She scoffed.
“Yes, that’s because of Liam. He did this to me, he caused me the pain I felt everyday while I was there….” She shouted almost breaking down.
“He made my children be taken away from me , because they feel I would never be a responsible mother for them. He. Took. Everything.” She clenched her lips in pain trying to fight back the tears.
Now I couldn’t let her go through this alone. I rushed over to her and held her close to myself, letting her Lean on my shoulders.
“What else has he done again?” She asked, hoping for an answer.
“No, that’s enough. You shouldn’t know more than that. You are mentally not ready to handle this.”
“Of course I am..” She cuts in sharply.
“No, you aren’t.”
“I brought something else for you.” I brought out the bag from my side.
She brought out the item and she stared at it confused.
“A whisk?” She asked.
“Nope, it will help you get the relaxation you need. You use it on your head.” I explained to her.
She looked at me for seconds with a blank face and then ended up with a soft scoff.
Does that sound funny? I questioned myself for saying that.
“This wouldn’t help, I know you want me to rest but, no, I have so many things to think about.” She fondled the item in her hands
She played with them.
“If you say so..” I shrugged.
I got a call from Sophia..
I immediately hid my phone so she does not know who was calling.
“Umm…I think I need to leave now. I am needed at the office.” I lied.
“Thank you so much, I would love to get more information if necessary.” She smiled helplessly.
I nodded and left.
I was careful to be sure that I wasn’t saying more than I should. I do not want to destroy the trust I built.
ELARA’S POV
I felt so much pain and hatred when I thought of Liam. I do not know what exactly to think of him, for Everything I have done this is how he chooses to repay me.
“Where the fuck is my phone?” I turned the duvet insideCout trying to find my missing phone.
I do not know what I was expecting but I know something was going to come out anyway.
Kelvin.
He hasn’t been here today, the last time he came. He spent little time and that’s not what I want, since he is the only person I can stay with now, I need him all the time.
“Oh there you are…” I found the phone under the pillow.
I expected to receive a text from Kelvin by now but I haven’t received anything from him.
“Oh girl…I shouldn’t be expecting too much from him.” I sighed and dropped the phone back on the bed.
*He framed you.*
The sentence resounded in my head and I immediately felt a sharp pain in my chest.
There was no way I could stop thinking of this, hot tears shimmered in my eyes. I felt like my eyeballs would fall the next minute.
The hurt on my chest was so much that I held my chest and slide to the ground slowly.
“No, no, no….” I repeated the words slowly as I struggled to breath.
The maid that barged into my room must be God sent.
“Good mo….” She threw the tray aside and tried to help me get up.
“Please ma, you don’t have to do this to yourself.” She pulled me up.
The sharp pain got worse. I couldn’t get over the words, I appeared weak to her and that is not what I want for myself.
“Let me be, I will…..” I coughed so hard.
“I will be fine, just get me water.” I instructed her to leave.
“You ruined my life. I will make you beg for Mercy because of this, I will find you and you will pay.” I cursed with my lower clenched in between my teeth.
The whole world spun for a moment in my head. If I attempted to stand I might fall a thousand times.
The maid returned with the glass of water in her hands. She was already trembling in fear for what would happen to me.
“Just a little…” I took the water from her and gulped it in slowly.
My phone beeped and I rushed to check it.
“Your breakfast ma’am.” She pointed at the tray that she had thrown aside.
“You didn’t have to bring it here, just drop it on the dining table. I will be there shortly, please.” I signaled for her to leave while I picked up the call.
“What kept you so long?”
“I’m close already, just telling you to be prepared.” Kelvin answered and hung up the call.
Erm…I scoffed and walked out of the room.
Whatever he has in mind, he will share it when he arrives here, for now, I need to eat.
The food was the lady thing I wanted, I had less appetite for the food. All I did was to force myself just so I don’t fall anymore.
“Liam!!!” Every spoon of food I took made me remember him.
If only I could bite his skin off just like I do to this chicken.
I glanced up to the ceiling to stop the tears that were already finding their way out of my eyes.
“Gosh!!!” I threw the spoon back into the tray and got up.
*******
“Come in..” With the knock I knew very well that it was Kelvin.
“How are you doing?” That was the first question he asked.
Of all the questions in the world, why did he decide to ask me such an irrelevant question.
“I think you know the answer already.” I sipped the whine that I had in my hand.
“What do you think you are doing?” He got the wine from me and kept it aside.
Kelvin began with his preachings which I am not ready for. I rolled my eyes at every word he said, hoping it would get him jealous, instead it got me mad.
“Fine, fine. I have heard. Can we talk about how we are going to search for my babies?” I got up and packed my hair in a messy bun.
“What? What are you talking about?” His eyes wandered in confusion.
“My babies…we need to get them back from the orphanage. What are you not understanding?” I got my car keys and threw them at me.
Kelvin sighed and rolled my eyes, he must not have expected this.
He got the keys from her.
“I can’t wait to see my babies..” I forced a smile.
“You will see them soon.”
He started the engine and drove away.
When we got to the building. I took a deep breath and got down from the car.
I didn’t even let Kelvin go with me, before he could say a word I was discussing with the lady in there.
“Elara aren’t you going to wait?.” He joined me only to hear me screaming.
“What’s going on? What’s the matter?” He held me, I was acting like someone who is going to run mad.
“The children she needs have been adopted.” The lady announced.
Oh my God!!
What did you mean by adopted?
How do I get out of this pain, why would my children be taken away from me.
“By who?” Kelvin asked.
I was uninterested in the *”WHO”* I just want my children back.
“We cannot disclose that information to anyone, sorry sir.” The lady said to us.
“What do you mean you can not tell me where my children are?” I sniffed in the tears.
“Calm down Elara, they aren’t dead okay? We will find them.” Kelvin said to me.
He turned to the woman. “This is the mother and she needs her children. You need to tell us who took them.”
“I’m sorry sir we….”
“Shut up!!!! You fool.” I screamed in tears and anger.
Kelvin dragged me back to the house….I couldn’t stop thinking about Bailey.
↓ ↓ Download the Novel Master app, Search 【 302735 】reads the whole book. ↓ ↓
NovelShort
