《Alpha鈥檚 Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    ¡°Hazel, I¡¯ve found my mate,¡± Ethan dered, his solemn voice echoed through ourrge and dimly lit


    bedroom, the weight of his words hanging heavily between us.


    My heart sank as I gazed at his devastatingly handsome face, his features etched with determination.


    Each beat felt like a sharp stab, tearing my emotions to shreds.


    ¡°You found your mate?¡± I stammered, my voice barely rising above a whisper, hoping against hope that


    he would say otherwise.


    Ethan¡¯s grey eyes, once filled with warmth for me, now seemed cold and dis¡°tant as they locked onto


    mine. He had been absent for days, leaving me to worry about his sudden change in demeanor.


    Then earlier that evening, he returned home with an aura of seriousness and sternness. ¡°We need to


    talk,¡± he announced, his voice tinged with seriousness.


    Our rtionship was anything but a typical family; our union had been forced after a one¨Cnight stand.


    Yet, deep down, I had always loved Ethan, not merely because he was the Alpha¡¯s son and the future


    Alpha himself, but because he had a special ce in my heart. I had prayed to the moon goddess


    countless times to grant me the honor of being his mate, but unfortunately, I wasn¡¯t.


    The Mooncrest pack, a concealed world within what appeared to be an ordinary estate to outsiders,


    thrived in secrecy. We coexisted harmoniously with humans, our true identities hidden from the


    oblivious world.


    On the night of mying of age,I had gotten drunk and ranted to Ethan how frustrated I was that I


    couldn¡¯t feel the mate bond between us. He was also intoxicated, and we found ourselves entangled in


    a passionate embrace, this happened only months after he had taken on the role of Alpha. The


    morning after, I felt the weight of my heart¡¯s desire and impulsively proposed to him, urging him to take


    responsibility for our actions and marry me. Despite not being fated mates, I believed love could


    transcend the boundaries of destiny.


    Ethan looked conflicted, his brow furrowed as he pondered my proposition. ¡°But I¡¯m not your mate,¡± he


    stated calmly.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, you don¡¯t have a mate. It¡¯s been five years since you came of


    you came of age, this would be the sixth year, which would mean you don¡¯t have a fated mate,¡± I tried


    convincing


    him.


    my


    Throughout the wedding preparations, Ethan disyed cooperation but remained emotionally distant. I


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    clung to the hope that he would eventually love me, just like parents, who weren¡¯t fated mates, my


    mom and dad weren¡¯t fated mates but had grown to love each other, after my dad died, heartbroken


    mom followed. She waspletely heartbroken and couldn¡¯t do without him. Being fated mates wasn¡¯t


    necessary, Ethan would grow to love me.


    I was sure, so very sure. We had only been married for six months now. Ethan fulfilled his roles as a


    husband almost robotically. I was respected as Luna and as his wife, I wanted more, to be close to him


    as a real loving couple but he was always so distant. But I settled for what he could give, a functional


    rtionship not a loving one believing with time, I could win his heart.


    Then, everything changed abruptly. Ethan returned home this evening with a spark in his


    12:38


    eyes, unlike any I had seen before. ¡°I need to tell you something,¡± he began, a mix of excitement and


    guilt in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ve found my mate.¡±


    My heart shattered anew as he described her, a radiant smile on his features as he described her, he


    never smiled at me that way, that had never been meant for me. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder where I fit in


    his life now.


    Ethan exined that his newfound mate had been badly injured when they found her and was currently


    at the hospital, prompting him to leave. With a heavy heart, I watched him walk away, the realization


    sinking in ¡®I won¡¯t being home anytime soon!¡® that was what he came to tell me.


    The next morning was gloomy and dark, just like how I felt. What¡¯s going to happen now? I wondered.


    What would happen to I and Ethan.


    Iy in bedcking the motivation to leave my room. The sheets smelt of him, I cuddled it unwilling to


    leave this room dominated by his scent. I remained in bed the whole day feeling sick, drowsy and dizzy.


    I had my meals there jn my bedroomcking motivation to move about.


    On the third day, Iy there wrapped in the sheets that clung Ethan¡¯s musk and ice scent, my mind


    filled with uncertainty about the future for Ethan and me.


    Lying in bed, I clung to the sheets, which still carried his scent. It was an unwillingness to leave this


    room that seemed dominated by his presence. However, the sound of three raspy knocks interrupted


    my thoughts.


    ¡°Good morning, Luna. The chores have all beenpleted. We got a call from the Alpha¡¯s office. He


    forgot some documents, the deeds of and? It¡¯s in a blue file, and he has sent Adam to have it


    delivered,¡± my house servant, Martha informed me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go myself. Tell Adam to wait; he¡¯ll drive me to the office,¡± I instructed, mustering the strength to get


    up and face the day.


    A part of me yearned to see Ethan, to understand his thoughts and the implications of his newfound


    mate. I clutched the documents in my hands, feeling the weight of my responsibilities as Luna pressing


    down on me.


    Once dressed, I rushed downstairs, acknowledging the greetings of the servants as I passed by them.


    ¡°Where to, Luna?¡± the driver, Adam, asked as I gracefully got into the car. ¡°Thepany,¡± I replied, my


    heart pounding heavily in my chest. I needed to see Ethan. The drive to thepany was short, but it


    felt like an eternity with the weight of uncertainty on my shoulders. As we arrived, I walked into the


    magnificent building that housed Ethan¡¯spany. It stood tall and imposing, a reflection of the man


    who owned it.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Making my way to his office, I hesitated outside the door, taking a moment to gather my thoughts.


    When I finally entered, I found Ethan seated behind his desk, engrossed in his work. His presence still


    had the power to render me speechless.


    For a moment, I stood there, admiring his broad shoulders and handsome features. However, his gaze


    met mine, and any warmth I had hoped to see was reced with


    disinterest.


    ¡°I brought the files,¡± I said, my voice steady, cing the documents on his desk.


    He nodded, acknowledging my gesture but saying nothing.


    ¡°Have you had lunch? We could eat together,¡± I suggested, my heart hoping for a chance to talk, to


    connect with him again.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that; I promised Be we¡¯d cat together,¡± he replied, and a pang of jealousy struck


    my heart at the mention of his mate¡¯s name.


    ¡°Be?¡± I questioned, unable to hide my curiosity.


    ¡°My mate,¡± came the curt reply, and I felt a mixture of sorrow and bitterness rise within me. ¡°You


    remember the conditions that led to our marriage, right? It was all a big mistake. As for


    Be, she¡¯s been through a lot. She was being trafficked, practically hidden and in captivity when we


    rescued her. That was why it took me this long to find her. I have a mate now, Hazel,¡± he said, his eyes


    holding the truth of his love for Be.


    My heart clenched as I listened to his words, understanding that our rtionship meant nothing.


    ¡°You want to announce her as your mate?¡± I asked, my voice quivering slightly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t. At least not now. She¡¯s too weak to be Luna. Apart from her injuries, she¡¯s a gamma. So she¡¯s


    weak. I can¡¯t cast you aside; the pack will not approve of it. I still need you to stand in as Luna. It¡¯s not a


    request but an order, I am ordering you as your Alpha,¡± Ethan stated authoritatively, his eyes burning


    with passion for Be.


    ¡°Yes,¡± I nodded demurely, my heart aching with the realization that I would be living in the shadow of


    his true mate.


    ¡°What about me?¡± I whispered, unable to suppressing the pain in my voice.


    ¡°I only married you because of the mistake. You were never my mate, Hazel. I¡¯ve found her now. Know


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    your ce,¡± he said coldly, and I understood that there was no room for me in his heart.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be wellpensated. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    As I sank into a nearby chair, I felt my dreams shatter into a thousand pieces. It had only been days


    since we had grown closer, shared moments of intimacy, and I had foolishly believed it meant


    something more. But now, it was clear that he belonged to her, and I was merely a temporary


    ceholder.


    Turning to leave, my heart heavy with sorrow, ady rushed past me, heading straight for Ethan¡¯s


    office. Our eyes met briefly, sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over me, as if I had seen her before.


    Hurrying into the office, Be threw herself into Ethan¡¯s arms, and my heart ached as I witnessed the


    depth of their connection. Ethan held her tenderly, his voice soft and caring


    12:30


    as he spoke to her. There was a love between them that could never be replicated with me. That was


    the mate bond, it¡¯s the real thing I¡¯ve been with Ethan but he never looked at me that way, but he just


    met Be but there was clear and burning love in his


    eyes.


    I¡¯ll wait outside, I murmured, my voice choked with emotion, unable to bear their intimacy any longer.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ethan called, his tone still cold but firm.


    Turning to face him, I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.


    Hazel, this is Be, my mate. Be, meet Hazel, we are married. She¡¯ll be performing the Luna function


    for now until you¡¯re safe,¡± he introduced us, his gaze softening as he looked at Be, and bing


    detached as he nced at me. Ones b*dynguage couldn¡¯t lie.


    Be regarded me with a smug smile, and I could feel her disdain for me, understanding that I was an


    obstacle in her path.


    I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get along I managed to say politely, though my heart felt heavy with pain. ¡°Thank you,¡±


    Be replied, her wordsced with underlying tension.


    I turned to leave, deciding to take the stairs instead of the elevator. The empty stairwell provided a quiet


    sanctuary where I could finally let my tears flow freely. Ethan and Be were a perfect fit, destined for


    each other, while I was merely a recement, a fake. The real mate was back now


    My heart ached for the dreams I had foolishly held onto the hope of a loving and


    functional rtionship with Ethan. It was now clear that he would devote himself to his true mate, Be,


    Heart hammering in my chest and holding back tears I walked away.


    Just as I got to the stairs I heard someone call out my name. Turning, to the caller, it¡¯s her


    Be walking towards me with a menacing and mean look on her face.


    ********


    The moment Be was informed of Ethan¡¯s wife¡¯s visit to his office, she hurriedly left the hospital


    heading there. Curiosity and a desire to assert her position as his true mate fueled her actions. Be


    wanted to see what Hazel looked like and make it clear that she was the one destined to be with Ethan.


    As she approached, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a strong wave of anger, sensing Hazel¡¯s presence as a


    strong and capable werewolf. It was intimidating,pared to her, she was a nob*dy. It was clear, she


    didn¡¯t need anyone to tell her. Looking at Hazel she felt a bitter surge of anger, she would have to


    <ppete with that.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    She studied Hazel as Ethan introduced the both of them. In front of her stood an attractive and


    ravishingly beautiful she¨Cwolf, and Be couldn¡¯t help butpare herself to her. Be knew she was


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    no match, physically or in status, and that she could neverpete with Hazel. She was merely an


    ordinary gamma, not fit to be Luna. The only confidence she had stemmed from the mate bond


    she shared with Ethan.


    Determined to secure Ethan as her mate and husband, Be knew she had to get rid of Hazel. She


    needed the Luna position for herself Ethan kindly offered to take Hazel back to the hospital and asked


    her to wait for him to finish some business. This provided Be with an opportunity to carry out her


    n.


    As she pondered how to remove Hazel from the picture, Be realized the challenge she faced. Hazel


    was a reliable and beloved Luna; the pack spoke highly of her, making it almost impossible to win their


    eptance, Frustration and self¨Chatred overwhelmed Be, fueling her determination to find a way to


    im Ethan as her own.


    Instead of waiting for Ethan, Be decided to follow Hazel as she headed for the stairs. Seizing the


    moment, she approached her, calling out to her in a cold and unfriendly tone. With no one else around,


    Be dropped the act of being sick and fragile, revealing her true


    self.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shameless, Hazel,¡± Be retorted sharply. ¡°His mate is back now; shouldn¡¯t you leave? The


    only reason he hasn¡¯t offered to divorce you is because he pities you. You should take the initiative to


    end things. I am his mate, not you. Stop hoarding what¡¯s not yours,¡± she spat, her anger and jealousy


    evident in her words.


    Hazel looked taken aback by Be¡¯s sudden change in demeanor.


    HAZEL


    Frustrated and fed up with Be¡¯s smug smile and public disy of affection with Ethan, I walked away,


    hoping to escape her taunts and irritation that now fueled me. However, she relentlessly followed me,


    seemingly intent on provoking a reaction. My initial sadness turned to a surge of irritation; how dare she


    talk to me this way?


    Unable to bear her presence any longer, I turned to face her, my head held high and my fists clenched


    in an attempt to appear brave and resolute. ¡°I am still hiswful wife. You may be his mate, but not


    everyone gets married to their mates. You can remain his mistress. I didn¡¯t hoard nor did I steal. I¡¯ll


    remain Luna, doing what¡¯s right for the pack,¡± I asserted firmly, determined to stand my ground.


    Her once beautiful face contorted into a mask of bitter anger and rage. Deep down, she knew I was


    right; Ethan may shower her with love and emotions, but I was still his wife, the Luna. She wasn¡¯t fit to


    be Luna, fully aware of her ordinary gamma status and the vast difference in our wolf bloodlines. My


    parents possessed a strong and noble wolf lineage, making me a perfect fit for the role of Luna, a


    position of royalty. On the other hand, she was an ordinary gamma, the weakest in the wolf hierarchy.


    You¡¯re a mistress, that¡¯s all.¡± With that I turned to leave.


    She walked faster stood in front of me blocking my way to the stairs, then she started backing off


    slowly, heading towards the stairs.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I snapped in frustration, witnessing her sly smile as she continually walked


    backwards until she reached the edge of the stairs.


    Suddenly, she let out a chilling scream and allowed herself to fall, dramatically rolling down the


    staircase. I stood stunned


    couldn¡¯tprehend what had just happened. She had fallen, and the chaos that ensued was


    overwhelming.


    She threw herself down the stairs and fell. Shey at the end of the stairs writhing in pain. ¡°Help, she


    pushed me.¡± She cried.


    ¡°What?!¡± I snapped, feeling my frustration and irritation intensify.


    Upon closer observation, I noticed that Be wasn¡¯t badly hurt; she had taken care not to fall in a way


    that would cause serious injury. Ethan rushed out to her side, his concern evident, and I felt a pang of


    jealousy that he was giving her all his attention. He threw an angry gaze in my direction.


    Be was carried out of the building and into a car to be rushed to a hospital. I followed behind,


    instructing Adam to follow Ethan¡¯s car. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and amazement; just


    what was she up to? I knew I hadn¡¯t touched her. The smug smile she gave me before releasing herself


    to fall from the stairs shed before my eyes, and suddenly it all became clear ¨C she did it on purpose


    to make me seem evil and make Ethan hate me. At the hospital, I waited in the waiting room while


    Be was taken to the emergency ward. She had badly bruised her calf, but she concealed a smile in


    my direction, mocking and taunting me. Enraged, I couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and walked into her


    room. ¡°You did it on purpose! I never pushed you. Admit it!¡± I yelled, my anger boiling over. Before I


    could reach her, Ethan stepped in, grabbing and shoving me away. The betrayal and disbelief in his


    eyes cut deep. ¡°How could you hurt her?¡± he growled. The hospital belonged to the pack, and people


    were all around, witnessing this confrontation.


    ¡°Not only did you push her, but you¡¯re also denying it! Have you always been this way? Cold¨Chearted


    and wicked? You could have killed her!¡± Ethan¡¯s words echoed in my ears, and my heart shattered at


    his usations.


    Sitting on the cold hospital floor, I felt humiliated and lost, while people peered through the doors to see


    what was happening. The pack, who once respected and admired me as Luna, now saw me as a


    spiteful woman trying to harm my husband¡¯s mate.


    ¡°Get out. Right now,¡± Ethan ordered, his voice filled with anger and disappointment. I stumbled off the


    floor, shock and confusion overwhelming me. ¡°Ethan, believe me, I didn¡¯t do it. I never pushed her,¡± I


    pleaded desperately, but he seemed unwilling to listen. ¡°Go home and wait for me,¡± he instructed, and


    with a heavy heart, I obeyed, walking away stunned and unsure of how to salvage my rtionship and


    reputation.


    I truge down the stairs still in a daze, I couldn¡¯t believe what had just happened.


    As Adam pulled into the driveway of our gated mansion, my mind was still in turmoil. I exited the car


    almost robotically, my heart heavy with the burden of the truth that had been twisted against me.


    As I passed the servants, I couldn¡¯t even hear their greetings. The whispers about the incident followed


    me like a dark cloud, painting me as a viin in the eyes of the pack.


    In the solitude of my dark bedroom, I grappled with my emotions, trying to make sense of


    the situation. I knew I had to exin everything to Ethan, to make him understand the truth. Be, just


    what was she up to? Framing me up like this wasn¡¯t necessary.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Ethan tightly held onto Be, his b*dy trembling with anger. He couldn¡¯t believe Hazel would hurt


    someone, but he witnessed it firsthand when she tried to harm Be, his mate.


    ¡°Ethan, I¡¯m okay now. It¡¯s just a small injury. When she pushed me, I instinctively protected myself to


    minimize the damage. I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m just so weak,¡± Be said, her voice trailing off. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have


    followed her, but something seemed familiar about her, so I confronted her, and that¡¯s when she


    pushed me.¡±


    ¡°What? Why would she be so angry at you? It doesn¡¯t make sense for her to try to kill you,¡± Ethan


    inquired, trying to understand the situation.


    ¡°Alpha, I want to tell you some things, but please don¡¯t get mad,¡± Be said, looking at him intently.


    Ethan adjusted to meet her gaze, ready to listen to her exnation.


    ¡°For over two years now, I¡¯ve known you were my mate. I was nning toe and find you, but on


    the night of your birthday celebration, I was abducted. When I woke up, I was already being sold and


    taken far away,¡± Be revealed sadly.


    Ethan¡¯s heart broke at the revtion, realizing that he had missed out on meeting his mate for such a


    long time.


    ¡°When I was drugged, I heard a woman¡¯s voice giving instructions to my kidnappers. She wanted me


    taken far away. And when I met Hazel, I felt she was familiar, so I confronted her. In her rage, she


    pushed me down the stairs. I was terrified, but I managed to protect myself,¡± Be lied, trying to make


    her story more convincing as she broke down sobbing.


    Ethan froze upon hearing her words, shocked that Hazel had tried to kill Be not once but twice. He


    now understood why Hazel had kept them apart, purposely preventing them from meeting as mates.


    He remembered Hazel¡¯s obsession with him since their teenage years, always seeking his attention


    and constantly being around him. However, he never imagined she would such extreme lengths to get


    rid of his mate. She had convinced him to marry her, assuring


    go to


    him and very certain that his mate was dead.


    ¡°Get some rest; I¡¯ll be backter. I need to take care of something,¡± Ethan said in a constrained voice,


    filled with anger. Be nodded, hiding a small smile, knowing her n was working.


    Ethan believed Hazel intentionally kept them apart and married him, which fueled his decision to


    divorce her. Be felt pleased with herself, as she knew Ethan¡¯s reaction was going as she had


    nned.


    While he walked away, he made a call to his Beta, Chris. ¡°Arrange a marriage annulment, I¡¯ll be


    divorcing the Luna.¡± He instructed.


    He hadn¡¯t nned anything drastic, but the revtion of how she had kept them apart ticked him. The


    feeling of being a fool and manipted by her over took all other emotions he had for her.


    The documents were made ready in minutes and he drove offte that night to their gated mansion.


    HAZEL


    I was just settling into sleep when the doors swung open, and Ethan walked into our


    178


    12:38


    bedroom. ¡°Sign this,¡± he instructed, flinging a blue document on the bed,


    Curious and puzzled, I picked up the file and read the bold words ¡°Marriage Annulment.¡± ¡°Ethan, what¡¯s


    this?¡± I asked calmly, trying to keep my emotions in check. ¡°You¡¯re divorcing


    me? You¡­¡±


    ¡°Be¡¯s my mate, I¡¯ll get married to her officially by next week. You have until then to sign that, the


    rejection will take ce tomorrow,¡± he replied in a restrained voice,


    My heart sank, and a knot formed in my stomach. This couldn¡¯t be happening. ¡°Do you love her?¡± I


    found myself asking, wanting to know the truth. ¡°Did you ever love me? Or evene to like me?¡±


    ¡°No, you were convenient, at least that¡¯s what I thought till it came clear to me that it was all your plot,


    keeping Be away, staying around me while I was drunk and trying to kill her yesterday!¡± he retorted


    with anger in his voice.


    My eyes widened in disbelief and hurt. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I shot out of bed, running towards


    him. ¡°I never pushed Be. She threw herself¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Ethan interrupted, furiously grabbing my arm and pinning me to the wall. His fingers


    tightened around my arm, digging into my skin. His b*dy was shaking with anger, and his gaze was


    filled with disdain. ¡°You¡¯re a mistake, getting married to you was a mistake. I fell for your plot. You


    purposely got me drunk that day and probably drugged me that night, right?¡±


    1


    My head dropped slowly as tears filled my eyes, I was guilty of that. ¡°I¡¯ll only give you a little bit of honor


    because of the service of yourte father, for harming my mate, your Luna, You shouldn¡¯t be allowed to


    live. I need you out of my home by tomorrow. Be will be moving in,¡± he said, releasing his grip on me


    as I fell weakly to the floor.


    It¡¯s hopeless, he believes her, even if he didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t have a ce here anymore, not in his heart. I¡¯d


    hoped to win his love but that would never happen now.


    ¡°Are you okay, ma¡¯am?¡± James, the family butler, asked, helping me up. I took a pen and signed the


    papers. I ran after Ethan as he got into his car and called out, ¡°Wait! I¡¯ve signed it. I hope you¡¯re happy


    together.¡±


    Ethan took the files, got into his car, and drove away. James stood beside me, offering silent.fort.


    I spent the night packing and organizing my things. I decided to give away most of them to the kind


    helpers.


    Morning came, and I hadn¡¯t slept at all. James and Martha helped me with the final preparations.


    James said, ¡°Finding your mate is a happy thing. He¡¯s so in love. The Alpha never hated or disliked


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    you. It just wasn¡¯t meant to be. I hope you find your mate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good you¡¯re not pregnant; it would have made things messier.¡± He added Confused, I asked, ¡°What


    do you mean? What would have happened if I was?¡± James exined, ¡°The first child of the Alpha


    muste from his mate, not a rejected one. Having the Alpha¡¯s first child outside of the mateship is


    up with the Alpha and his mate, though most likely as an illegitimate child by the pack, if the Luna


    epted the child. In most cases, though, the child was just aborted.


    James excused himself, leaving Martha and me alone. She held my hands, and concern filled her


    eyes.


    ¡°Oh ma¡¯am, you didn¡¯t ask for your ginseng dosest month,¡± Martha said softly. ¡°You


    usually have menstrual cramps and request those soups, but it¡¯s been weeks now, and you haven¡¯t


    asked for them. You also haven¡¯t had your time of the month yet, have you?¡± she inquired, urging me to


    consider the possibility.


    The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been preupied with everything that was happening,


    and it hadn¡¯t even urred to me. Could I actually be pregnant? Counting back, along with the morning


    sickness and tiredness I had, it seemed possible. I looked at Martha in horror, and she seemed to


    understand.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    With a concerned expression, Martha produced a test strip, and I excused myself to the bathroom to


    use it. As I waited for the result, my heart was pounding in my chest. When I saw the test, I let out a


    small gasp, unable to believe my eyes.


    I was pregnant!


    Martha¡¯s expression turned grave as she looked at me. ¡°This is bad. You¡¯re not the Luna anymore, and


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    they might not let you keep this child. Even worse, they could take it from you. Don¡¯t tell the Alpha


    about your pregnancy. Stick to your n of leaving the country and start a new life, far away, with your


    child,¡± she said softly, her eyes filled with warmth and love.


    I was taken aback by her words. Martha had always been loyal and caring, but this was a level of


    kindness and understanding I hadn¡¯t expected. She continued, ¡°Mydy, you¡¯ve shown me such


    kindness andpassion. You don¡¯t deserve this sad fate. It¡¯s not your fault that your love couldn¡¯t be


    reciprocated. Find happiness for yourself and your child. Don¡¯t let thein take that away from you.¡±


    She swiftly grabbed the test strips and concealed them in my luggage, sealing it shut.


    Soon we were done packing, the doors swung open, revealing Ethan¡¯s handsome face with his hair


    swept to the side. I remembered running my hands through it thest time we made love, but now he


    stood distant, nked by his Beta and best friend Chris.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m all set now,¡± I said in a faint whisper, heading for the stairs. My voice quivered slightly as I


    couldn¡¯t wait to leave, knowing that my child was at risk.


    t


    Chris spoke up, ¡°Onest thing, Luna, uh, Jasmine.¡± He corrected. Right, I wasn¡¯t Luna


    anymore.


    We need to be sure that you¡¯re not leaving with anything that belongs to the pack.¡±


    Confused, I asked, ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m not a thief.¡±


    He rified, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way. What I meant was, an heir. We need to be sure you our¡± As he


    spoke, Butler James brought out four pregnancy strips.


    ¡°Mydy, you¡¯ll have to use these before your official rejection and before you¡¯re allowed to go,¡± James


    exined.


    I nced at Ethan


    He interjected through gritted teeth, ¡°We need to be sure you¡¯re not pregnant.¡± He looked


    ufortable and anxious, he was clearly hoping for a negative result.


    Holding back my emotions, I walked back to the room with the test strips clutched in my fingers. My


    mind was reeling as I wondered what to do.


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you, mydy. You¡¯ll be needing assistance,¡± Martha offered, following me in shutting the


    door.


    ¡°Martha, what do I do?¡± I asked, grabbing her anxiously. ¡°I can¡¯t let Ethan know,¡± I cried. ¡°Am not


    pregnant,¡± Martha reassured, taking the test strips from me. She gave me a small smile before heading


    to the bathroom.


    She was done in a couple of minutes, and the strips read negative. She handed all four of them over to


    me. We both exited the room, and Ethan and his Beta stood side by side. Butler James announced,


    ¡°It¡¯s a negative.¡±


    12:35


    I heard Ethan heave a sigh of relief. He looked relieved as well, which hurt me deeply. It was clear he


    wanted nothing to do with me. The joy on his face was painful to witness. Curiosity got the better of me,


    and I asked him, ¡°What would have happened if I was pregnant?¡± I wanted to be sure that hiding the


    truth from him was the right decision. Ethan¡¯s face contorted with seriousness. ¡°It would have posed a


    problem, a huge one. It¡¯s a relief you¡¯re not,¡± he replied.


    I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. I knew I had made the right choice, doing what was best for both of


    us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the rejection done with,¡± I demanded.


    ¡°Hazel Woods, I hereby reject you as my Luna, dissolving any kinds of bonds we ever had,¡± he said,


    With a heavy heart, I added, ¡°I, Hazel Woods, am Luna no more. Our marriage bonds dissolve.¡± The


    words finalized our separation, and my heartache was now officially a reality.


    I turned to leave, to clear


    my head.


    ¡°Hazel, finding ones mate is a magical experience. I really hope you find yours.¡± Ethan said walking


    away.


    Ad¨¢m kindly offered to drive me away, and my luggage was loaded into the vehicle. As we prepared to


    depart, I bid heartfelt goodbyes to the servants, knowing that this ce had be my home for the


    past few months, and I had grown deeply attached to it.


    Martha squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with warmth and care. ¡°Take care, Mydy,¡± she said


    tenderly. ¡°Your secret is safe with me. Stay happy with your child; you deserve all the happiness. And


    thank you for everything.¡±


    I mustered a small smile and replied, ¡°No, I should be thanking you. You saved me. I promise to live


    well. Goodbye, Martha.¡±


    Taking onest nce at the house, I slowly got into the car.


    As the vehicle left the mansion gates, another car drove in, and my heart sank when I saw Be alight


    from it, running to Ethan¡¯s embrace. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes. Would I ever truly move on


    from this heartache? Could I ever find love again? Doubts filled my mind, but one thing was clear ¨C my


    child was my priority now. I gently caressed. my belly, feeling a sense of protectiveness.


    I knew that even when eturned, no one would ever suspect my child¡¯s true parentage, thanks to


    Martha¡¯s brave actions. Even if I came back with a child in the future, no one would suspect that it was


    Ethan¡¯s. They all believed I was not pregnant when I left. Taking a deep breath, I leaned back into my


    seat, determined to start anew and leave this ce and the packs behind. I yearned to blend in as a


    normal, proper human, putting the past behind me. It was time to move on, and I was ready for a fresh


    start, far away from everything I had known.


    I lodged in a hotel, took a cab and rode far away to a hospital in a different town, there it was


    confirmed. I was actually pregnant

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    As Ethan stood there, watching the car drive through the gates, a searing pain suddenly ripped through


    his chest, throwing him off bnce. His steps faltered, and he nearly stumbled from the intensity of the


    sensation. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± he questioned, perplexed by the overwhelming agony that engulfed


    him. He and Hazel had never been mated; their marriage had been a result of her maniption. He felt


    no genuine emotions for her, so why was he experiencing such excruciating pain?


    Confusion and unease swirled within him as he tried to rationalize the inexplicable pain. ¡°Ethan, I¡¯m


    here,¡± Be¡¯s voice called out, reaching his ears from where she stood nearby. The sound of her voice


    momentarily broke through the disorienting difort. ¡°Right, Be,¡± he muttered as he stared back at


    her smiling face as be walled towards him as if reminding himself of the current situation. ¡°I have a


    mate now. She¡¯s my responsibility.¡± He repeated the thought like a mantra, attempting to anchor


    himself and regain control over the unsettling turmoil that had seized him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked quietly as she moved to embrace him.


    ¡°Yes, he replied curtly withdrawing from her hug. There was this emptiness he felt inside of him, he


    could exin it nor ce his fingers on the reasons why he felt the way he did.


    He cleared his throat slightly turning to leave the balcony.


    Be stared at his retracting back with aplex look on her face. Her face gradually broke into a


    smug and mysterious smile.


    ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve won.¡± She would finally be Luna.


    She grabbed her phone to make a call.


    ¡°Derrick, Hazel is gone. Ethan divorced and rejected her today.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± he replied from the other end.


    ¡°Now all that¡¯s left is to ess your position as Luna, make Ethan get married to you.¡± ¡°Yes, of course.


    He will.¡± She replied with a confident smile.


    Five Months Later


    Ethan sat in his car, irritation filling him as he upied the back seat of his customized Rolls¨CRoyce,


    trapped in a traffic jam. As his gaze aimlessly wandered, his eyes settled on a small coffee shop.


    Suddenly craving caffeine and a doughnut.


    It has been months since Hazel vanished, she left, disappeared without a trace. A part of him wanted to


    and yearned to see her again.


    In that very moment, ady dressed in a striking red outfit exited from the shop. Her back turned to the


    road. He found himself staring at her back sensing a strange familiarity in her figure. A surge of


    emotions washed over him, causing literal goosebumps to rise on his skin, making him jolt upright and


    almost stumble from surprise. Without a second thought, he hastily exited the car, the cold air hitting his


    face made him draw in breath sharply, ignoring the chaotic traffic, driven by an overwhelming mix of


    disbelief and confusion. Could it actually be her? Hazel? She had disappeared from his lifepletely.


    Left immediately after the divorce, although he was remarried now, he still felt a huge gap. Like


    something was missing inside of him. His driver sat behind the wheels in confusion at his bosses


    unerrratic behavior, he parked out of the way and followed closely behind his boss.


    Ethan rushed forward trying to catch up with the woman along the busy streets, she took a


    turn and vanishedpletely from his sight blending amongst the cluster of people. He stood there


    tossing and turning bumping into the influx of people. Just as he turned he caught sight of her once


    more, he ran forward reaching out and grabbing her wrist from behind. ¡°Hazel.¡± He called out


    breathlessly


    The woman turned.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She snapped.


    ¡°Oh. Sorry. I thought you were someone, he gave a small sigh of disappointment, it wasn¡¯t Hazel.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    The woman shrugged him off and continued walking on. He stood there for long moments. ¡°Sir, are you


    alright?¡± Adam his driver has caught up with him and asked in concern.


    ¡°Yes. He replied slowly. I made a mistake, I thought I saw Hazel.¡±


    ¡°The Luna?¡± Adam asked.


    ¡°Yes. It wasn¡¯t her.¡± Ethan said turning and walking back to where the car was parked settling back into


    the seats.


    Hazel, just where is she.¡± He wondered.


    The car drove into his gated mansion


    ¡°It¡¯s been five months, without a word from her Ethan said pacing around his study.


    He recounted his encounter earlier that day to his Beta and best friend Christopher.


    ¡°No one knows where she is, I¡¯ve asked neighbouring packs. She didn¡¯t leave the country either.¡± Ethan


    said still pacing.


    Christopher sat there listening to his Alpha¡¯s musings.


    ¡°Oh please stop your whining.¡±


    ¡°It was you who divorced and rejected her.¡± Christopher snapped.


    ¡°You say you found your mate, and then you sent her away. You picked Be over her.¡± Christopher


    said pointedly.


    ¡°What was I supposed to do? When I heard those dreadful things Ipletely lost it. And Hazel, I


    never imagined she would give up so easily, that she would sign it that very day. She didn¡¯t even try to


    talk me out of my decision.¡± Ethan said sadly.


    All his life he was used to Hazel being my him, always constantly trying to and begging for his attention.


    He never imagined she would have moved on so easily and disappeared from his lifepletely. He


    felt she was a nuisance, but now, he missed her presence. ¡°What would you have had her do? You


    found your mate. She had to back off. She wasn¡¯t wanted, you made it clear.¡± Christopher challenged.


    He was on Hazel¡¯s side, she had been a loving and loyal Luna and leader while Ethan¡¯s actual mate


    Be irked him.


    ¡°She should have stayed!¡± Ethan snapped.


    ¡°You got used to her being obsessed with you and you imagined she¡¯ll stay that way fighting to remain


    by your side even after you kicked her away constantly? Well it¡¯s good she knew her worth. She¡¯ll find


    someone better who would love her the way she deserved.


    Christopher said.


    ¡°Hey watch it.¡± Ethan snapped at him.


    ¡°What?¡± Christopher snapped back.


    12:38)


    ¡°She has arge heart. But she wasn¡¯t good enough and you tossed her away. Now, you should get


    over it, move on with your mate.¡± Christopher finished.


    Ethan had gotten engaged to Be but was still hesitant to get married to her. He spent weeks trying to


    find Hazel.


    After she left he had felt empty. He never imagined it before and hadn¡¯t noticed it before, but Hazel was


    a fixed presence, she was always constantly there for him. And now she was gone,pletely gone


    without a trace. Without giving word of where she was or what she was up to. A part of Ethan felt


    pained at the thought. Her phone never turned on, she was still in the country, he was sure of that. Her


    international passport hadn¡¯t been used yet. But yet she stayedpletely off raider, she didn¡¯t want


    him to find or see her. It only meant she was guilty. She¡¯d indeed harmed his mate, for years Be had,


    suffered he gritted his teeth in restrained rage, he was begining to feel angry again thinking about it.


    Hazel had yed him. But why did he miss her this much and feel empty. He sighed and rxed back


    into his office chair.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡± Christopher probed, his voiceced with annoyance with Ethan¡¯s


    indecisiveness.


    ¡°Even if you found Hazel, what would you do?¡± he continued, urging Ethan to confront the implications


    of his actions.


    With a heavy sigh, Christopher gracefully exited the office, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts. Just


    as Christopher departed, Be stormed into the room, narrowly avoiding a collision with him on the


    way.


    ¡°I want to be alone,¡± Ethan dered, his voiceden with a sense of weariness and frustration.


    ¡°What?¡± Be inquired, moving closer, her genuine concern evident. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did something


    happen at work? You can tell me anything,¡± she insisted, circling around to where he sat. She reached


    out to touch his shoulder, but Ethan abruptly shrugged her off. ¡°Please leave,¡± he said, his patience


    wearing thin, his voice tinged with exasperation. ¡°But¡­¡± Be began to protest, determined to


    understand what was troubling him. ¡°Now!¡± he yelled, his emotions finally breaking through the surface.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about your ex, aren¡¯t you? This is tant disrespect, after what she did to me. Now


    you¡¯re even pushing me away!¡± Be retorted, her frustration and anger spilling over, her deep¨Cseated


    resentment for Hazel resurfacing. Even though Hazel had


    disappeared, her presence still lingered, haunting their rtionship. Ethan¡¯s inability to move on fueled


    Be¡¯s irritation.


    Ethan remained silent, caught in his inner turmoil, and unable to articte his feelings. ¡°You want to be


    alone? Fine! I¡¯ll leave your house. I¡¯ll leave and nevere back. Go find your precious Hazel. I¡¯m


    nob*dy anyway,¡± she said, turning to leave. She paused at the door. hoping and expecting Ethan to


    chase after her, as he always did. She often guilt¨Ctripped him and threatened to leave whenever he got


    lost in thoughts of his ex¨Cwife. However, today was different. Ethan remained seated quietly, his


    decision firm and unwavering.


    ¡°Go to your room, Be, and remain there,¡± he finallymanded, his tone resolute. With an annoyed


    sigh, Be mmed the door behind her, her brashness a reflection of her mounting frustration.


    Inside the room, Ethan¡¯s fists clenched in anger. Be had be increasingly challenging. acting like


    a brat, and testing his patience.


    She would make threats like that whenever she didn¡¯t have her way, but now he was too fatigued and


    stressed to give in to her demands. The strain in their rtionship was clear. and even members of his


    pack had begun to voice their dissatisfaction, longing for his former wife and Luna, Hazel.


    He sighed once again, burdened by theplexities of his life and rtionships. He sat there for hours


    shuffling through documents and folders concerning work and the pack. Amid his contemtion, a


    knock echoed through the study.


    ¡°Come in,¡± he beckoned.


    Martha, a longtime member of their household staff, entered with a polite greeting. ¡°Good evening,


    Alpha.¡±


    ¡°Martha,¡± Ethan acknowledged, reclining into his seat. Hisposure remained steady as he inquired,


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, Alpha. Nothing is wrong, It¡¯s just that I would like to resign,¡± Martha exined, her voice tinged


    with sadness.


    ¡°You no longer want to work for me?¡± Ethan inquired calmly, knowing that Martha had been with


    Hazel¡¯s family long before she joined their household.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that way, sir,¡± Martha replied, her head bowed respectfully. ¡°I would love to retire and move to


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    the seaside.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ethan said, understanding her desire. ¡°Is there anything I can do to make you change your


    mind? I can offer you a raise or something.¡±


    ¡°No, sir. I would like to retire, to live with my family on the ind.¡± Martha insisted, her resolve


    unwavering.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Ethan agreed. ¡°You¡¯ll be missed, Martha. When do you intend to leave?¡±


    ¡°By the end of this month,¡± came her reply.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Ethan acknowledged. ¡°Thank you for your services. Please send for James on your way


    out.¡±


    Martha exited the study quietly, leaving Ethan to his thoughts. Momentster, James entered, waiting


    respectfully.


    ¡°James, Martha will be retiring next month. Please make the necessary arrangements,¡± Ethan


    instructed without raising his head, still shuffling through documents.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± James replied, but there was a moment of hesitation in his demeanor.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Ethan inquired, sensing James¡® reluctance to speak.


    ¡°Well,¡± James began, ¡°the maids were cleaning Ma¡¯am Be¡¯s room, and they found this,¡± he said,


    passing an envelope to Ethan. ¡°I believe it¡¯s addressed to you.¡±


    Ethan looked up, his brows furrowing with curiosity. ¡°What?¡± he asked, collecting the envelope and


    tearing it open, wondering why Be had left a letter.


    As he read the contents, his face contorted with concern, and he rushed out of the room, his steps


    echoing on the stairs as he dialed a number on his phone.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Christopher inquired, noticing Ethan¡¯s agitated state.


    ¡°Be¡¯s gone,¡± Ethan replied, his voice filled with worry.


    ¡°Gone where?¡± Christopher asked, bewildered by the sudden turn of events.


    1


    4


    ¡°She¡¯s gone. She said she¡¯s leaving, that she isn¡¯t good enough for me, and that I don¡¯t want her,¡±


    Ethan exined, exasperation and regret evident in his tone as he ran a hand through his hair.


    ¡°What?! Get your act together. First Hazel, now Be. What exactly do you want?¡± Christopher asked in


    annoyance, preparing to follow Ethan in his search.


    As Ethan waited for Adam to bring the car around, he muttered to himself, ¡°Pick up phone, Be.¡±


    the


    He entered the car and began searching the streets for her, deeply regretting how he had treated his


    mate. He had constantly pushed her away and ignored her. Christopher was right, he and Hazel were


    divorced. But all he ever did was make Be feel unwanted, at that moment he made up his mind. He


    had put it off long enough, once he found Be, they would get married.


    His phone rang, and he answered it. It was Christopher on the other end.


    ¡°Come to Willow Hospital right now. Be¡¯s here she was hit by a car,¡± Christopher urgently informed


    him.


    Ethan froze at his words, the weight of guilt crashing over him. ¡°What?!¡± he bellowed, as panic gripped


    him.


    ¡°Calm down. Just drive over,¡± Christopher advised, urging Ethan to collect his thoughts and not do


    anything rash.


    Guilt gnawed at Ethan as he navigated the streets, fully aware of the consequences of his


    actions.


    Its all my fault, I pushed my mate away he thought sadly to himself

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Hazel


    ¡°Oh my goodness, look! It¡¯s snowing outside.¡± I mused in excitement as I gazed through the window. I


    loved snow. I stroked my protruding belly gently and lovingly, feeling the gentle kicks from within. I


    couldn¡¯t wait to meet my babies.


    I stepped out to the balcony, the temperature had dropped, the air a little bit chilly. Still I felt warm and


    excited inside.


    After


    my divorce and rejection, I suffered severe emotional pain for a month. The pain of rejection was


    something I never anticipated. Even though Ethan and I weren¡¯t fated mates, the rejection hurt deeply.


    Immediately after Adam dropped me off at that small hotel, that day, I went for a thorough medical test


    and scan. To my surprise and delight, the tests revealed two tiny heartbeats inside of me. Tears of joy


    welled up in my eyes as I listened to their precious heartbeats. After losing my parents, I felt utterly


    alone in the world, but now, I had a family of my own in the making.


    I decided to leave the city and its pack life behind to start anew in a secluded small town. I knew that if I


    remained connected to any pack, Ethan might find me with his Alpha influence. So, I chose to go


    rogue, taking refuge in this tranquil town where I hoped to live peacefully with my unborn children.


    Thankfully, I had enough money to sustain us, at least until I gave birth. Still, I couldn¡¯t afford to take


    any chances. One evening, while strolling through the quiet streets, I spotted a job opening. My baby


    bump was still rtively small and hidden, so I decided to apply. This decision changed my life in ways


    I could never have predicted.


    That¡¯s when I met Chloe, my boss, and soon¨Cto¨Cbe cherished friend. She weed me into her


    family¡¯s business, a cozy cafe, and we quickly formed a close bond. Chloe soon demanded to be the


    godmother of the twins and offered unwavering support throughout my pregnancy, making me feel like I


    wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    As the clock struck past six, I relished the beautiful view from my little home. Watching the sunset was


    one of my favorite pastimes, and the picturesque scenery from my window never failed to captivate me.


    The day was slowly turning into night, casting a warm orange glow across the room.


    I heard the door open and close, signaling Chloe¡¯s return. She entered the room with a cheerful smile


    and her usual yful tone.


    ¡°Hey, mama, how have you been?¡± Chloe said in her endearing manner, walking over to me. I smiled


    warmly at her and ced my hand on my belly. ¡°How are my babies doing? You must be tired,¡± I said,


    feeling the reassuring movements from within.


    Chloe chuckled and gently rubbed my belly. ¡°Well, you¡¯re a bit of a handful, aren¡¯t you?¡± I let out a small


    giggle. ¡°I¡¯m a little exhausted, to be honest.¡±


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    My pregnancy had gone a bit longer than the usual nine months, and I was now a week past my due


    date. ¡°The doctor mentioned that if the babies don¡¯t arrive soon, they might need to inducebor,¡± I


    admitted with a small sigh.


    Chloe responded with a yful scolding, ¡°Oh, those kids. You¡¯re sofortable in your mom¡¯s belly.


    Come out already!¡±


    We both shared augh as Chloe yfully urged my unborn twins to make their grand


    12:39


    entrance into the world. I couldn¡¯t wait to hold them in my arms and shower them with all


    the love I had.


    Chloe¡¯s eyes then fell on a vase of fresh flowers on the table. ¡°Are these from Noah?¡± she asked,


    taking in the delicate fragrance.


    I nodded with a fond smile. ¡°Yes, he surprised me with these this morning.¡±


    Chloe raised an eyebrow and teased, ¡°He bought you flowers? That¡¯s so cute. Someone¡¯s getting


    attached,¡± she added, her expression suggestive.


    I chuckled in response. ¡°Noah¡¯s a kind and gentle man, always willing to help. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±


    But Chloe continued, her yful tone reced with a hint of concern. ¡°I know, Hazel, but don¡¯t close


    yourself off to the possibility of romance. You¡¯re still so young at just


    twenty¨Cthree, and you have your whole life ahead of you. Who knows, you might even find your true


    mate someday.¡±


    I sighed, my past heartbreak still fresh in my memory. ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone else. I have my babies, and


    I have you. We¡¯ll be okay together, just us.¡±


    Ethan had shattered my heart with his rejection. I had given up everything, followed him faithfully, only


    to be discarded like yesterday¡¯s news. All that truly mattered to me now was my children; they were my


    anchor, my reason to keep moving forward.


    Chloe, always perceptive, added, ¡°But Noah seems to have a lot of secrets, doesn¡¯t he?¡±


    My curiosity was piqued. ¡°Secrets? What do you mean?¡±


    Chloe hesitated for a moment before sharing a surprising revtion. ¡°He lost his mate and unborn pup


    in a tragic ident one snowy day!


    I gasped, my eyes widening in shock. ¡°Wait, are you serious?¡±


    Chloe nodded solemnly. ¡°Yes, Hazel. Noah carries a heavy burden of grief, just like you.¡± It all made


    sense the very first time we met. I had been a little clumsy, and Noah reached out, gently grabbing me,


    even scolding me. He was always so protective and caring.


    The sadness that often clouded his eyes started to make sense. Sometimes, when he looked at me, I


    could see that lingering sadness. His wife had passed away while she was pregnant, which exined


    his sorrow. That was why he was so protective.


    ¡°He still hasn¡¯te to terms with her death, you know,¡± Chloe confided. ¡°Noah doesn¡¯t really belong in


    this small town. He¡¯s the CEO of apany, but he met his wife here, so he returns every year. That¡¯s


    how you crossed paths with him. Although I must say, he¡¯s staying much longer than he usually does.¡±


    Chloe sighed as she spoke.


    ¡°I think


    you


    remind him of her. So he just wants to be sure you¡¯re okay.¡± Chloe continued. I nodded in


    understanding. Noah, had been through a lot.


    The next morning, as I strolled along, my thoughts wandered back to my conversation with Chloe about


    Noah. Suddenly, a sickening screech of metal pierced the peaceful morning. The world turned upside


    down as I found myself sprawled on the ground. My b*dy felt weak and burdened with an unbearable


    heaviness. Agonizing pain tore through me, and the world blurred into a hazy, disorienting whirlwind.


    2%

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Amidst the sterile white halls of the bustling hospital, a symphony of hurried footsteps and distant


    murmurs formed a dissonant backdrop to the unfolding emergency. The nurse¡¯s voice cut through the


    chaos, urgent and trembling with the weight of the situation as she guided the resident doctor toward


    the ident and emergency ward, where Hazely, her condition hanging in the bnce. The


    fluorescent lights overhead seemed too harsh, too unforgiving for the gravity of the moment.


    Hazel was wheeled in. Shey there feebly on the hospital bed. Her swollen belly protruded beneath


    the hospital gown like a precious cargo, both vulnerable and resilient.


    ¡°There was an ident,¡± the nurse exined briefing the doctor on the way.


    Hazel listened while she battled with unconsciousness, it was hard to remain awake. Weakly, she


    implored, ¡°Please, save my babies.¡± Her words, a fragile plea, hung in the air like a prayer.


    The young doctor, his eyes a mosaic of concern andpassion, approached Hazel¡¯s bedside. His


    voice, calm and reassuring, served as an anchor in the sea of uncertainty. ¡°What is your name?¡± he


    asked with a calming smile.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± came her weak reply.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Hazel. You¡¯re in the hands of capable professionals.¡±


    As he inquired further, his gentle demeanor remained unwavering. ¡°How far along are you?¡± he asked,


    his voice softened by empathy.


    ¡°About ten months,¡± Hazel replied, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.


    ¡°Your overdue for delivery,¡± the doctor acknowledged, his face etched with a mixture of sympathy and


    resolve.


    With a trembling voice, Hazel clung to a singr plea, her eyes filled with maternal devotion. ¡°Just save


    my babies; they¡¯re more important.¡±


    urgency,


    The medical team, their faces a mosaic of determination, swung into action with the precision born of


    years of training. They administered treatments with a sense of the rhythmic beeping of machines


    serving as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life. The doctor, keenly aware of the gravity of the


    situation, made a swift decision. ¡°Prepare her for surgery,¡± he instructed, his voice carrying the weight


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    of responsibility. With those words, he left the ward, disappearing into thebyrinthine corridors, where


    the operating room awaited, a realm where miracles and heartaches intersected.


    As he exited the ward, a concerned Noah approached the doctor, his expression marked by an


    overwhelming sense of responsibility. ¡°Doctor, please, do whatever it takes to save her life.¡±


    The doctor, momentarily pausing in his hurried stride, inquired with genuine curiosity, ¡°Are you rted


    to the woman? She¡¯s in danger. We need the family to sign. It might get to the stage where it¡¯s her life


    or that of her child.¡± The nurse spoke urgently. ¡°We need the go¨Cahead from a family rtive,¡± he


    urged. ¡°The husband or father.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the father; I¡¯ll sign. Hazel would choose her kids instead.¡± Noah rushed out. ¡°Alright then. We can


    proceed.¡±


    Noah was shaken but resolute, knowing she had no one; he shook his head. ¡°Whatever happens to


    her, I carry that burden.¡±


    With a beany heart the doctor offered a candid assessment of the situation. Well, I¡¯ll be honest with


    you. Her pregnancy is already overdue, and the trauma from the ident


    surgery a ruky endeavor at this moment. She¡¯s weakened and the CT scan has revealed that the


    position of her babies is nothing short of precarious. Well marshal every resource at our disposal but


    you must also prepare for the stark possiblity of the worst¡± He stared silently grappling with the gravity


    of the situation, then nodded solemnly. He sank into a nearby chan where the weight of uncertainty


    pressed heavily upon his shoulders


    In the midst of the hospital¡¯s tense


    bere a distraught woman suddenly burst into the


    waiting area, her breathless voice carrying the echoes of desperation. Noch Is she okay? Chloe


    panted, her words a fratic plea for reassurance


    Noah met the Chloe¡¯s gaze. His own epres betrayed a contact of hope and fear as he said. ¡°It¡¯s risky.


    They might not make it He said sadly


    ¡°Oh no¡± the uttered sadly making into the seat next to him


    Noah saf in silence, his thoughts involuntary rearing back


    painful memory, the most


    dreadful of his life. The day when fate had been merciless robbing him of his own wide and unbor


    offspring in a simrly tragic ident. Seeing Hazel lying there helplessly reminded him of what he had


    lost


    Now, as he buried his face in his hands, the wodi?


    as he buried his face in his hands, the world around him faded into insignicance. He fervently


    whispered a silent prayer desperately hoping that this time. fate would show a more merciful face and


    that the young woman would emerge from this ordeal her children cradled safely in her arms.


    They sat there in silence. The woman next to him reached out, squeezing his palm be She knew of his


    history and understood way be was afered Ezzel reminded h wife. They¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯ll see. And Noah,


    what happened that might was reassured, squeezing his hand lighdy


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he replied calmly squeezing back


    your famil¡± She


    They sat that way for hours. Ending sce in each other¡¯s presence as they waited for news that would


    determine the fate of the woman they both cared for deeply.


    Finally, the surgery lights dimmed, and the doors swing open revealing the exhausted surgeons. Noah


    rose to his feet and hurriedly followed them


    Chloe cast a fleeting nce in his direction hereges Eed with concern. ¡°She¡¯s alive. although she¡¯s not


    our of danger yet. She had twins. One is healthy and thriving, but the other¡­ The doctor¡¯s voice trailed


    off heavy with a sig


    Noah¡¯s voice quivered with sorrow as he sought rification. She lost one of the babies?¡± The doctor


    nodded solemnly, his gaze filled with empathy. It was stillborn. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡± he replied before turning


    to walk away, leaving the weight of that painful revtion hanging


    in the air


    Noah trudged back sadly watching as an unconscious Hazel was wheeled out of there theatre and into


    the observation ward.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    ¡°Mama,¡± Hazel¡¯s little boy called out to her that morning during breakfast.


    ¡°Can we go see Daisy? I miss her,¡± the little boy said with an adorable pout.


    ¡°Yes, tiger. We¡¯ll go see your sister today. Now finish up breakfast, Honey,¡± she instructed, taking off her


    apron and joining him at the table.


    ¡°Yay, Daisy!¡± He cheered excitedly, scooping another spoonful of cereal.


    She had already called the office to let them know she would bete that day. The small family of two


    enjoyed their breakfast together, savoring the simple moments.


    Hazel cleared the table while her son settled in front of the television, engrossed in a cartoon show.


    The familiar intro song of ¡°Puppy Dog Pals¡± echoed through the room, casting a calming and soothing


    spell over the house.


    Hazel hummed along to the theme song while her son danced to it, theirughter filling the


    air.


    ¡°I love this feeling. If Daisy were home, everything would beplete. The house wouldn¡¯t be this


    quiet; she would have argued with her brother to watch a different TV show instead,¡± Hazel thought


    sadly to herself with a sigh.


    About four years ago, she had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl whom she had lovingly named


    Daisy and Liam. Her daughter¡¯s survival itself was a miracle. At birth, Daisy had been pronounced


    stillborn, her fragile b*dy lifeless. But a determined nurse had refused to give up, tirelessly


    administering CPR until the newborn¡¯s weak cry pierced the silence, breaking


    into tears.


    Although Daisy had survived, she remained a very fragile child, requiring frequent hospital visits. The


    hospital had be like a second home to them.


    Hazel sighed once more, her little fighter enduring so much. The doctors had postponed the heart


    surgery on ount of Daisy¡¯s small and fragile frame, and they were walking on thin ice while waiting.


    Daisy¡¯sst seizure had thrown Hazel into a state of panic and fear. The night before, she and her kids


    had baked cookies, enjoyed them, and taken their baths before bedtime.


    The calmness of the house that night had been shattered by Liam¡¯s frightened shriek while he shook


    Hazel awake. ¡°Mama, Daisy¡¯s not breathing!¡± he had yelled, tears streaming down


    his face.


    Hazel had jumped out of bed and sprung into action, rushing Daisy to the hospital immediately. ¡°Her


    heart had slowed down,¡± the doctor exined to Hazel afterward. Daisy¡¯s attacks and seizures were


    unpredictable, demanding constant attention.


    After each episode, Daisy would weakly clutch her mother¡¯s dress with her small hands, and Hazel¡¯s


    heart would shatter at the sight of her frail daughter, wishing for her to grow up quickly and undergo the


    surgery that might save her life¨Ca surgery both expensive and high¨Crisk.


    Daisy had remained at the hospital for the rest of the week, with Hazel and her son allowed to visit her


    regrly, their love and hope unwavering.


    ¡°Come on, Tiger,¡± Hazel said, extending her hand to her son. ¡°Let¡¯s go see your sister.¡±


    ¡°Yeahhhh,¡± Liam squealed, doing a small happy dance. He adored and was fiercely protective of his


    younger sister. While she slept, most times, he would sneak into her room


    12.39


    multiple times to ensure she was still breathing, and his presence offered Hazel aforting sense of


    security. He was always watching over her.


    Hazel, hand in hand with her son, descended the apartment stairs side by side, a mother¨Cson pair with


    an unbreakable bond. On their way to the hospital, people couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at them.


    Hazel¡¯s face radiated a quiet beauty, and the adorable little boy she held receivedpliments for his


    striking hair and adorable chubby face.


    Upon entering the hospital, the unmistakable scent of antiseptics wafted through the air, causing both


    mother and son to wrinkle their noses in unison.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this smell, Mummy,¡± Liam remarked as they proceeded straight to the children¡¯s. ward.


    Hazel shared Liam¡¯s sentiment; she loathed the hospital environment. Nevertheless, it had be an


    all¨Ctoo¨Cfamiliar ce for them; it was practically their second home.


    Liam, a child wise beyond his years, empathized with his sister¡¯s dislike for the hospital. ¡°Daisy hates it


    too. It stinks,¡± he added with a somber nod.


    Inside the elevator, Liam confidently pressed the button for the sixth floor. His familiarity with the


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    hospitalyout was remarkable for his age. Seeing his mother squatting down to his height, he met her


    gaze with determination.


    ¡°Listen, Honey, very soon your sister will have the surgery, and she¡¯ll be all better. She won¡¯t have to


    stay in hospitals any longer; she¡¯lle home with us.¡±


    Liam¡¯s innocent optimism surfaced again, as he suggested, ¡°Well, then let¡¯s get the surgery today so


    she cane home with us tomorrow!


    Hazel chuckled gently, recognizing the purity of Liam¡¯s wish. ¡°Oh, Liam, it doesn¡¯t work that way.¡± The


    elevator chimed and opened, revealing the sixth floor. The mother and son stepped out, headed for the


    children¡¯s section where Daisy always stayed.


    ¡°Daisy!¡± Liam squealed with delight, racing over to hug his sister gently. ¡°I missed you. Mummy didn¡¯t


    let mee yesterday. She made me go to school.¡±


    Hazel giggled affectionately, her heart warmed by the sibling love on disy. She leaned over to ce


    a tender k*ss on her daughter¡¯s head. Daisy, however, looked even frailer and paler than before, a


    painful reminder of her ongoing struggles.


    Liam sprang into action, determined to brighten Daisy¡¯s day. His yful antics brought a weak smile to


    her l*ps, and they engaged in a fragile exchange of joy. Hazel couldn¡¯t help but notice how pale and


    fragile Daisy appeared, her heart aching at the sight.


    The separation between Liam and Daisy was a necessary precaution; the excitement from their yful


    interactions had proven too taxing on Daisy¡¯s fragile heart.


    ¡°Oh, good you¡¯re here. A word?¡± A doctor approached Hazel, diverting her attention. He affectionately


    ruffled Liam¡¯s hair before they both stepped out of the ward to converse.


    The doctor¡¯s tone grew serious as he shared concerning news. ¡°She had a seizurest night. Listen,


    Hazel, we may not have the experience or expertise for such a delicate surgery. However, there¡¯s been


    a recent breakthrough a groundbreaking surgery conducted in another hospital. I rmend that you


    meet with the doctors there, discuss Daisy¡¯s case, and seek their expert opinion. It¡¯s possible she might


    undergo the surgery earlier than originally nned.¡±


    Hazel listened with rapt attention, hope blossoming in her heart. The doctor¡¯s words offered a glimmer


    of light in their otherwise challenging journey. ¡°We¡¯ll support you as much as we can,¡± he assured her, a


    12.38


    Tears of gratitude welled up in Hazel¡¯s eyes. ¡°Thank you, thank you very much, Doctor.¡± ¡°You¡¯re


    wee. I¡¯ll write a rmendation and send a request to the hospital in Los Angeles,¡± the doctor


    informed her.


    ¡°Los Angeles?¡± Hazel faltered, her smile gradually fading.


    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s a doctor there who specializes in children¡¯s surgeries with minimal risks. He¡¯s the best fit


    for Daisy¡¯s case.¡±


    Hazel nodded slowly, absorbing the information. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll await your instructions,¡± she replied as


    the doctor walked away.


    Hazel turned her gaze back to her daughter, her fragile form lying on the hospital bed. There was hope,


    but it was located in Los Angeles¨Cthe same city where Ethan, the twins¡® father, resided. Hazel felt her


    strength waver, and she leaned against the wall for support. They would be returning to a ce she


    wasn¡¯t yet prepared to face, but Daisy¡¯s life depended on it. ¡°Daisy, Liam, we¡¯re going home,¡± she


    whispered to herself, steeling her resolve for the challenges thaty ahead.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    The next morning, Hazel and her son sat down for breakfast before they prepared for their respective


    duties, Hazel for work and Liam son for school. After safely seeing her son off on the school bus, she


    made her way to bus park. Her grace and elegance were undeniable as she strolled confidently in


    stilettos, clutching her handbag with poise. Her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, a hairstyle that


    entuated her striking facial features.


    ¡°Taxi,¡± she called, summoning a taxi with grace. Once inside, she calmly instructed the driver,


    ¡°Starlight,¡± the vehicle smoothly navigated through the city streets, stopping at a high¨Crise building at


    the heart of the city where she gracefully alighted.


    At the office, Hazel was greeted with warm pleasantries from her coworkers as she walked in. ¡°Good


    morning Miss Rashford,¡± they chimed in unison, to which she replied with a warm smile, ¡°Good


    morning.¡±


    Hazel was in high spirits that morning, fueled by her love for her children, her passion for her job, and


    the imminent surgery that would help her daughter, Daisy. She admired thepany¡¯s tasteful and


    bright design, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment in this ce she worked.


    She waited for the elevator and joined her coworkers on the journey to her work floor, quietly humming


    a song. Polite exchanges of greetings filled the elevator as they rode up, and when the Director joined


    them, Hazel¡¯s positive energy was infectious. ¡°Good morning boss,¡± her colleagues greeted him, to


    which he replied, ¡°I¡¯ll join you guys in this. The executive elevator broke down.¡±


    Hazel continued to hum while tapping her feet lightly.


    The Director couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°The things kids would do to you.¡± Confused, Hazel asked,


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hmm. What?¡±


    The Director chuckled, ¡°You didn¡¯t even realize it, but you were humming the PJ Masks theme song.¡±


    Hazelughed in realization, admitting, ¡°Ohhh my goodness.¡± She often found herself inadvertently


    singing her kids¡® TV show tunes.


    ¡°The only reason you recognized it is because you¡¯re guilty as well,¡± Hazel teased. The Director


    yfully surrendered, ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got five kids. And those songs are really catchy, you know.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s our little princess doing?¡± one colleague asked, referring to Daisy.


    ¡°She¡¯s a fighter. And I¡¯ve got good news, she¡¯ll be able to get her surgery soon!¡± Hazel shared


    excitedly, prompting joyous reactions from her coworkers.


    Starlight was a kid¨Cfriendlypany with a designated space for children, and Hazel often brought her


    twins to work, endearing them to her colleagues. She beamed in response to their smiles.


    As the elevator doors opened, Hazel stepped out, bidding her coworkers, ¡°Well, have a nice day,¡±


    before heading to her office, which she shared with Chloe.


    Chloe greeted her with enthusiasm, eximing. Good morning boss!¡± and couldn¡¯t contain her


    excitement. ¡°We got it!¡± she squealed, dancing around. Hazel eagerly inquired, ¡°The contract for


    cooperating with J.T.?¡± Chloe confirmed with a resounding ¡°Yes!¡±


    Theirpany, Starlight, was rapidly expanding, and Chloe, one of the executives, had


    yed a significant role in its growth. While Hazel had initially worked at her family¡¯s cafe, observed


    Chloe¡¯s passion for design and creativity. A year after giving birth, Hazel joined Starlight, a fast¨C


    growing designpany. ¡°Believe it, hun, you made it all possible,¡± Chloe cheered excitedly.


    Just as their celebration reached its peak, thepany phone rang.


    Chloe excused herself to answer a call from headquarters, leaving Hazel in a momentary state of


    euphoria over the freshly secured contract. The prospect of new opportunities and creative challenges


    had initially painted a bright picture in her mind. However, as she contemted her daughter Daisy¡¯s


    fragile health, her thoughts began to drift into a realm of uncertainty and parental concern. It was a mix


    of emotions that weighed heavily on her heart


    Hazel had been at the forefront of the team that had produced the winning designs for this contract.


    Her dedication and creative prowess had been integral in clinching the deal. She had poured her heart


    and soul into the project, but now, with the reality of the project¡¯s demands looming, she felt emotionally


    drained. The realization that her daughter¡¯s well¨Cbeing could bepromised due to hermitment


    to her career had be an agonizing dilemma


    Within her she resolved to ask for a leave or resign if it wasn¡¯t granted. Even though she loved her job,


    her kids were more important.


    When Chloe returned, she immediately noticed Hazel¡¯s troubled expression. ¡°Is this about Daisy?¡± she


    inquired with a sigh, anticipating Hazel¡¯s concerns. ¡°You know what this means, right? The project is


    significant and hectic. We¡¯ll likely be asked to relocate to a different branch, leaving you with little time


    for yourself


    Hazel began, ¡°Chloe, I¡¯m sorry, but¡­¡± before Chloe interrupted her with understanding. ¡°It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t


    be sorry. Your kidse first. I¡¯ll cover for you. You stay here. I¡¯lle up with an excuse for the


    higher¨Cups,¡± she assured Hazel. ¡°You need to stay here, considering how disruptive moving you all the


    way to Los Angeles would be, especially for Daisy¡¯s health.¡± Hazel stood up, surprised, and asked,


    ¡°Wait, Los Angeles?¡±


    Chloe rified, ¡°Yes, Los Angeles. Since our team led the design, we¡¯ll have to relocate to the Los


    Angeles branch and coborate directly with thepany that recently acquired J.T.¡± Hazel was taken


    aback. ¡°Wait! I thought J.T was in London.¡±


    Chloe exined, ¡°Yes, it was, but a newpany bought it recently, and they¡¯ve moved operations to


    Los Angeles. We¡¯ll be working closely with them.¡±


    Hazel could hardly believe her ears and stood there in shock. Chloe, concerned about Daisy, inquired


    further, ¡°Now, about Daisy. You mentioned that Dr. Mike said a surgeon could operate on her with low


    risks, right? How do we find him? Where is he? You¡¯ll have to travel there, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Hazel responded tly, ¡°Los Angeles.¡±


    Chloe¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Wait, what? You mean it? The ce you mentioned you have to travel to for the


    surgery is also in Los Angeles?¡±


    Hazel nodded gleefully, and Chloe rushed over to give her a heartfelt hug in excitement. ¡°That means I


    won¡¯t be separated from my godchildren, and you can still retain your position as the head designer of


    our project,¡± Chloe eximed, her voice tinged with enthusiasm.


    Hazel was overjoyed; everything had worked out perfectly, ¡°I¡¯m so d everything worked


    out,¡± she said, sighing in relief.


    As the days flew by, preparations were made. Chloe was sent out of the country first, while Hazel


    remained to finalize all the arrangements before the relocation.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    High atop the towering skyscraper that served as the heart of his corporate empire, Ethan stood on the


    highest floor, overlooking the sprawling chaos of the city below. The afternoon. breeze, cool and


    invigorating, ruffled his mane of hair as he stood there in contemtion.


    With a casual flick of his wrist, he produced a cigarette, its tip glowing to life as he drew in a deep


    inhtion. Externally, his demeanor remained calm andposed, but within him, a fierce internal


    struggle raged. His wolf, a primal force within him, yearned to tear and destroy, for his beta and best


    friend had met a tragic end.


    For years, his pack had thrived in peace, even before he had taken on to the role of Alpha. But the


    times had changed and their lives was under siege. The responsibility for the survival of his kind now


    rested solely on his shoulders as their leader.


    ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve located them, one was killed but we got the other one,¡± Axel reported, prompting a


    momentary pause from Ethan. A muscle twitched at the side of his jaw as he clenched it.


    With


    With onest draw on his cigarette, he carelessly discarded it to the floor. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    Ethan and Axel entered the elevator, ascending from the building¡¯s highest floor. As they -emerged, he


    strode purposefully through the corridors, his pack members falling in line


    behind him. Six loyal members trailed him, ready to execute his everymand.


    To the outside world, he was a billionaire, a powerful CEO of a tech empire and several airlines. He


    formidable syndicate, a mafia boss. Yet, this was a mere facade. In truth, he was the Alpha of the


    Times were changing, and the safety of his pack, his kind, teetered on the brink. Their hidden existence


    was no longer a secret, and the threat of exposure loomed.


    As he made his way forward, apanied by Axel and five other members of his wolf n, his


    employees instinctively backed away. His aura radiated an intimidating and frightening presence, with


    his inner wolf battling and struggling for release.


    Humans couldn¡¯t perceive it, but they could sense the heat and pressure of his mood, a natural


    defense mechanism. Ethan Roberts was not a man to be trifled with.


    Stepping out of the imposing Empire building, he briefly basked in the sunlight, which highlighted his


    ruggedly handsome face. Hazel¡¯s ex¨Chusband had transformed in just a couple of years. Even if she


    had encountered him at that moment, she wouldn¡¯t have recognized him. His aura and presence had


    undergone aplete metamorphosis. This change, from a calm, gentle Alpha to a ruthless killer, was


    a sacrifice he had deemed necessary, as the lives of his people depended on it.


    -Passersby couldn¡¯t help but cast curious nces at the enigmatic group, with their dark


    vehicles and tinted windows.


    Ethan settled into the plush back seat of his luxurious vehicle, unbuttoning his cufflinks and rolling up


    his sleeves as they approached a secluded location.


    ¡°Alpha, we¡¯ve arrived,¡± his driver dered,


    Stepping out of the car, he adjusted his attire, signifying the transition from businessman to something


    darker and more primal. They approached a derelict, abandoned building with a sense of


    purpose.


    The room was a sinister, dimly lit chamber where shadows seemed to dance with malevolence. The


    man, battered and bruised, was bound tightly, rendering him utterly immobile. His b*dy bore the marks


    of a brutal beating, leaving him barely conscious. The air in the room was thick with an unpleasant


    stench, suffocating in its intensity.


    His captors had shown no mercy, blindfolding him and gagging him, leaving him vulnerable and reliant


    solely on his other senses. The echoes of approaching footsteps sent his heart racing, a pulse of fear


    coursing through him. The steps drew nearer, each one like a sinister drumbeat, and he shivered,


    frantically scanning the room in a panic.


    In a sudden, heart¨Cstopping moment, the blindfold was torn from his face, and icy dread washed over


    him as he found himself staring into the eyes of Ethan Roberts. His eyes widened in shock; this man,


    Ethan, was one of them?


    The gag was ripped from his mouth, and Ethan took a seat, positioning himself directly across from the


    helpless, bound man. In that chilling moment, he came face to face with the person who had brutally


    murdered Christopher, leaving him to die like an abandoned animal.


    Recognition struck the man like a lightning bolt; he knew Ethan immediately. In a voice weakened by


    terror, he begged, ¡°Please, spare me.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s gaze remained cold and unforgiving. ¡°Is this the man who killed Christopher, leaving him to rot


    like a dog?¡± he asked with a bitter edge in his voice.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know. We were sent by the Reapers. We had no idea he was rted to you,¡± the wounded


    man stammered, his voice trembling with fear. ¡°We never knew that a Roberto belonged to that n. I


    swear, I would never have crossed you.¡±


    ¡°The Reapers?¡± Ethan sought rification.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the man nodded anxiously. ¡°I had no idea he was one of yours. I couldn¡¯t have known. Please,


    let me go. I didn¡¯t kill him. The one who did is dead. I have a family, a family! That¡¯s why I took the job,


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    but I didn¡¯t kill him. It was a mistake, an ident. It won¡¯t happen again. I have a family!¡± His voice


    grew frantic as he mentioned his family, knowing that the wolves had a soft spot for family. He hoped


    Ethan would have mercy at the mention of his. ¡°You should have been more discerning in the jobs you


    epted,¡± Ethan remarked casually. ¡°No one would know what I Know. I swear.¡± The man yelled


    convincing.


    The secret of who Ethan was could not be exposed, now he had seen his face, he tried his best to


    convince him


    Ethan signaled to his men, and tface,moved in to do as instructed, untying the terrified man as Ethan


    had indicated. Gratitude washed over the man as he hobbled off the chair and threw himself to the


    ground, his life spared, or so he thought.


    As he turned to flee, a sudden, deafening gunshot shattered the air, and searing pain ripped through


    his back. He stumbled and crumpled to the floor, realizing that the bullet had struck vital organs. Hey


    there, slowly dying, his vision fading as he glimpsed Ethan¡¯s expensive shoes approaching.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing this for my family too,¡± Ethan mumbled, his words the man¡¯s hauntingst memory before


    taking his final breath.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Ethan stepped over the lifeless man¡¯s b*dy and exited the small, foul¨Csmelling room. He settled into the


    back seat of his car, closing his eyes briefly. As the engine roared to life, he let out a sigh, rxing into


    the seat as the car pulled away. His destination: the hangar where his private jet awaited. His


    corporation had expanded significantly, and his pack thrived; everything seemed perfect. In the country,


    Ethan Roberts was a formidable force, feared by many, but within himself, he harbored an


    unexinable sadness, an emptiness.


    Another sigh escaped his l*ps as the car came to a halt, and he stepped out into the crisp cold air.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s ready, boss,¡± someone said.


    1


    Ethan¡¯s focus was on acquiring a newpany, a top priority was transferring it to his country. He was


    leaving for a meeting with experts to finalize the purchase when his phone vibrated, disying Be¡¯s


    name. ¡°Be,¡± he answered softly.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± she thundered, her annoyance evident. Ethan sighed, ¡°Christopher just died. I don¡¯t


    think throwing a party is suitable, wasn¡¯t in the mood for one. Something came up. Am leaving the


    country.¡±


    Be¡¯s frustration was palpable, ¡°What was I supposed to do? With several dignitaries pr¨¦sent, I


    couldn¡¯t just cancel on them because a pack member of a n they know nothing about died! You


    know how important tonight is to me. Don¡¯t you?¡±


    Ethan sighed deeply, ¡°We¡¯re taking off in a while. I¡¯ll call you once Ind.¡±


    ¡°Really, Ethan?,¡± she replied from the other end.


    ¡°Fine!¡± She yelled into the phone, and the line went dead. Be, now Be Roberts, clutched the phone


    tightly, vibrating with anger. She was the wife of renowned Ethan Roberts, part of the Los Angeles


    power couple. Dressed in an elegant ck dinner gown, she looked every bit the important,


    untouchable woman. This wasn¡¯t the first time Ethan had left her hanging, but she was determined not


    to let him ruin her night. She had guests to attend to, and she sauntered down the steps of theirvish


    mansion.


    ¡°James,¡± she called to the butler, ¡°The Alpha won¡¯t being home. Don¡¯t bother with the spare suit.¡±


    She walked away, heading for the expensive sleek car.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she told James as he assisted her into the car. ¡°You know, ma¡¯am, the Alpha isn¡¯t


    avoiding you. He¡¯s just really busy. Don¡¯t let this ruin your night. Enjoy your night, ma¡¯am,¡± he said with


    a bow.


    Be nodded, settling into the car. ¡°Drive,¡± she instructed.


    ****


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch Buttercup Princess,¡± Daisy demanded, her eyes fixed on the TV. ¡°Nooo, let¡¯s watch Paw


    Patrol instead,¡± Liam suggested, crossing his arms defiantly.


    Hazel¡¯s children were embroiled in a morning argument. From the kitchen, Hazel nced at them, a


    small smile ying on her l*ps. Daisy¡¯s fever had reduced, and she was now better, having been


    discharged from the hospital. The delightful scent of breakfast wafted through the air, enveloping the


    family in its warmth. As a family of three, they had settled into their morning routine. The kids


    squabbled over which TV show to watch, a familiar morning ritual.


    Hazel chose not to intervene, confident that they would eventually reach an agreement on their own.


    The bickering continued unabated.


    12:10


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go help Mama in the kitchen. You watch for now, but once I¡¯m back, I¡¯m in charge of the


    remote. Okay?¡± Daisy dered in a bossy tone, stomping off to the kitchen.


    ¡°Are you making pancakes?¡± Daisy asked, her voice sweet and innocent.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, pebble,¡± Hazel replied, using the endearing nickname she had given her daughter due to her


    obsession with pebbles and her small, pebble¨Clike nose. Daisy settled into one of the kitchen chairs,


    her eyes fixed on her mother¡¯s culinary skills.


    Liam walked in momentster, abandoning the TV. ¡°Come back. We¡¯ll watch Buttercup Princess,¡± he


    conceded, a small frown on his face. Watching TV shows with Daisy was one of his favorite activities.


    Daisy nodded in agreement. ¡°Ok,¡± she agreed.


    ¡°Mama, dough,¡± Liam demanded with a slight pout. Both kids loved to sneak bites of the dough from


    whatever Hazel was baking.


    Hazel emptied the bowl and handed the spat to Daisy, while Liam eagerly epted the dough¨Cfilled


    bowl. The kids savored every bite.


    ¡°Mom,¡± Liam called between mouthfuls, ¡°When we go to our new home, do I have to go to school


    there?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Hun. You have to go to kindergarten,¡± Hazel affirmed.


    ¡°Oh noooo,¡± he whined, sulking. ¡°I don¡¯t like kindergarten. It¡¯s boring,¡± he dered, his eyes lighting up


    with hope. ¡°I¡¯ll stay at the hospital with Daisy.¡±


    Liam disliked school, a sentiment not shared by his sister, who loved going to school.


    Hazel leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Why don¡¯t you like school?¡± she asked, attentive to his


    feelings.


    ¡°They all smell weird,¡± Liam replied soulfully, his sensitive werewolf nose making the experience less


    pleasant for him.


    ¡°Mom, do I get to say goodbye to Miss Mary?¡± Daisy inquired, her eyes filled with curiosity.


    ¡°Of course, sweetie. We¡¯ll go to school tomorrow onest time so you can say goodbye to your friends,¡±


    Hazel replied with a reassuring smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna leave,¡± Daisy said, her voice tinged with sadness.


    ¡°Mom, do I also have a dad?¡± Liam asked, his gaze thoughtful as he turned to Hazel.


    Hazel¡¯s attention shifted immediately to Liam, surprised by the unexpected question. ¡°What?¡± she


    responded, her focus solely on her son.


    ¡°All the kids here, all my friends have a dad. But I don¡¯t,¡± Liam exined, a hint of sadness in his voice.


    Hazel gazed at Liam, realizing that the time hade for them to start asking about their father. ¡°We


    have a dad. Don¡¯t we, Mom? That¡¯s why we¡¯re moving; we¡¯re going to meet Dad!¡± Daisy dered


    confidently.


    Hazel was taken aback. ¡°What? Who told you that?¡± she asked in a panicked tone.


    ¡°Well, I heard you tell Aunt Chloe that our dad is also there. And that you wouldn¡¯t want to meet him,¡±


    Daisy exined further.


    ¡°Really?¡± Liam inquired.


    Hazel tried to rify the situation. ¡°No, and Daisy, you shouldn¡¯t be listening to grown¨Cups talk. You


    don¡¯t have a dad. He¡¯s not part of our lives.¡±


    12:40


    ¡°Is Noah our dad?¡± Liam asked, referring to the man who had been a consistent presence in their lives,


    even after they had moved away.


    ¡°No, but he does love you guys. Your father¡­ He¡­¡± Hazel paused, struggling to find the right


    words.


    She sighed heavily and decided to be honest with them. ¡°Listen, my little ones, your dad is no longer


    with us. It¡¯s just Mommy you have. Don¡¯t you love Mommy anymore?¡± Hazel pouted and made a


    dramatic sad face.


    ¡°No! We love Mommy,¡± Daisy yelled, running to give her mother a hug.


    ¡°And I love you. You have me, Aunt Chloe, and Big Noah. And we love you very


    ¡°Is Noah in Los Angelos?¡± Liam asked¡±


    ¡°Los Angeles, not Angelos honey.¡± Hazelgently corrected


    ¡°And


    yes,


    he¡¯s there. You¡¯ll get to be with him,¡± Hazel assured them.


    ¡°Yay!¡± The twins cheered, dancing about happily.


    much.¡±


    Hazel watched her children with a mixture of pride and sadness. ¡°But I¡¯m gonna miss Tony and Mable


    and Christy,¡± Daisy suddenly realized, listing off her friends.


    ¡°Buy it¡¯s for the best, sweetheart. Mama got a promotion, and also, we can finally have Daisy¡¯s


    surgery,¡± Hazel encouraged.


    Daisy fell silent, and then a look of fear washed over her. ¡°The doctors are gonna cut me up,¡± she


    sobbed. ¡°Are they gonna be more women like Amanda? With her white coat and injections?¡±


    Hazel nodded, understanding Daisy¡¯s description of a nurse at the hospital. She cradled her daughter


    in her arms. ¡°Oh honey,¡± she murmured soothingly. ¡°You¡¯ll get all better, and afterward, you can go to


    school with Liam, y, go swimming¨Ceverything you love. Having surgery will make you better, and it


    won¡¯t even hurt a bit. Mommy will be with you. every step of the way.¡±


    Little Daisy wiped her eyes and looked up at her mother with puppy eyes.


    ¡°Really?¡± She asked hopefully.


    ¡°Yes. My little pebble.¡± Hazel replied squeezing her chubby cheeks.


    ¡°And Daddy Noah?¡± Daisy asked further her voice filled with curiosity and innocence. Hazel¡¯s heart


    melted at her daughter¡¯s cuteness.


    ¡°Yes, and Noah,¡± Hazel replied with a warm smile, leaning in to nt a gentle k*ss on Daisy¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Now, kids, it¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s eat,¡± Hazel announced a few momentster as they settled around the


    dining table.


    ¡°I wanna eat in front of the TV,¡± Liam demanded, his eyes filled with anticipation. ¡°Okay, boss,¡± Hazel


    teased, yfully saluting her son. She quickly arranged a small table in front of the TV for the kids,


    allowing them to indulge in their favorite TV show during breakfast.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Daisy. I¡¯ll hold your hand when you get the booboos, so it doesn¡¯t hurt anymore,¡± Liam


    assured his sister between bites of food.


    Daisy looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude, and she gave him a heartwarming smile. The bond


    between the siblings was undeniable,


    Hazel gazed at her children, her heart swelling with love. Life at this moment felt perfect, but beneath


    the surface, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of anxiety. In just a couple of months, Daisy¡¯s life would


    undergo a significant change. The thought of her child not making it through the uing surgery


    crossed her mind, but she quickly pushed it away, reminding herself to stay positive.


    ¡°Positive thoughts, Hazel,¡± she whispered to herself, taking deep, calming breaths as she tried to


    banish her worries.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    The following day, Hazel and her children visited the hospital for onest check¨Cup before their


    uing trip. Daisy was surprisingly lively and cooperative with the doctors, which provided some


    relief to Hazel¡¯s anxieties. Hazel was given drugs, prescription and a note she was to give to the


    hospital Daisy would be transferred to.


    The kids went to the wards bidding goodbye.


    Daisy gave out sweets to her friends still at the hospital.


    Afterward, they stopped by the kindergarten to bid proper farewells to Daisy¡¯s friends and. teachers.


    Emotions ran high, but it was a necessary step in their journey.


    Finally done with their errands, they passed by a small grocery store on the way home. Liam couldn¡¯t


    resist the temptation, and he halted his steps, pulling Hazel¡¯s hand backward. ¡°Mommy, ice cream,¡±


    Liam demanded, his eyes pleading.


    Hazel sighed with a fond smile, realizing that a small indulgence was in order. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s get ice


    cream, and we¡¯ll have takeout for dinner tonight.¡±


    ¡°Yay Ice cream!¡± Liam cheered. The kids hopped into the store excitedly.


    All of their luggage had already been packed in anticipation of their relocation the next day. Hazel had


    also given away various belongings to their neighbors. With their house now practically empty, she


    couldn¡¯t muster the energy to cook dinner. The family of three. entered the grocery store, selecting their


    favorite ice cream vors and grabbing takeout for dinner.


    Exiting the store, the kids eagerly indulged in their ice cream treats,ughter and joy filling, the air as


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    they enjoyed this simple moment together as a family.


    *****


    The clock struck noon, and the city airport buzzed


    with the constant arrival and departure of passengers. Hazel and her children disembarked from the


    airne. Pausing briefly, she inhaled the air, flooded with nostalgia from her first departure five years


    ago as a hurt and ignored Luna. A sense of unease gnawed at her stomach as the memories rushed


    back.


    ¡°Mommy, are you okay?¡± an adorable voice broke through her reverie. She looked down to find two


    pairs of concerned eyes gazing up at her, their eyebrows furrowed with worry. ¡°Yes, my loves.


    Mommy¡¯s okay, I just got lost in thought for a moment,¡± Hazel reassured them with a forced smile.


    ¡°Well, shall we?¡± she asked, offering her arms to her children on either side of her. They took her


    hands, and together they entered the bustling airport building.


    The airport¡¯s chaotic atmosphere made Hazel anxious, fearing her children might get lost. Just then,


    her phone rang.


    ¡°Hey, mama,¡± Chloe greeted from the other end.


    ¡°Heyyy. Where are you?¡± Hazel inquired.


    ¡°There¡¯s a massive traffic jam right now, and the roads are blocked for some reason. But I¡¯m close;


    please wait for me,¡± Chloe replied.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯re here, waiting,¡± Hazel said before ending the call.


    ¡°Aunt Chloe will be here soon,¡± she reassured her kids.


    Hazel moved with graceful poise, still holding the hands of her two children as they proceeded towards


    the checkout point to collect their luggage. With a practiced efficiency, they retrieved most of their bags.


    ¡°Our things aren¡¯tplete. There are two boxes left,¡± Hazel exined to the baggage im agent, her


    tone a mixture of concern and frustration.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m very sorry, ma¡¯am. They must still be on the ne. Can you recognize them? Come this


    way,¡± the agent directed, attempting to assist her.


    Hazel hesitated, reluctant to leave her children alone amidst the bustling airport. After a moment¡¯s


    contemtion, she decided to move them and the luggage to a small, secluded waiting area.


    ¡°Do not get lost. Wait for me here,¡± she instructed her children, her voice carrying a hint of


    sternness.


    ¡°Yes, Mom,¡± they both replied obediently. Hazel turned to leave with the staff to find their missing


    luggage.


    Meanwhile, impably dressed men in sleek ck suitsmanded the attention of onlookers.


    Murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd as they spected about the arrival of an important


    figure or even a celebrity.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hazel wondered, briefly ncing at themotion before refocusing on her


    luggage retrieval, eager to reunite with her kids.


    In another part of the airport, Ethan Roberts had just returned to the country, making a grand entrance.


    His mere presence demanded attention, exuding an unmistakable air of power. Dressed impably in


    a tailored suit, his ruggedly handsome features were entuated by his cold and aloof demeanor. An


    aura of danger surrounded him, causing bystanders to panic and hurriedly move away.


    Ethan strode confidently through the crowd with quick, calcted strides, but suddenly, an unfamiliar


    scent hit him like a bolt of lightning. He paused midway, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings, and


    his underlings halted, puzzled by their boss¡¯s abrupt change in demeanor.


    ¡°That scent¡­ Could it be?¡± he wondered to himself, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. His right¨Chand


    man, Axel, approached cautiously.


    ¡°Is something wrong, Alpha?¡± Axel asked, concern etched on his face.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go,¡± Ethan replied, shaking off the eerie familiarity of the scent and the unsettling


    feeling it had stirred within him, continuing on his way


    Daisy marveled at the grandeur of the bustling airport, her young eyes wide with wonder as she took in


    the towering building and the bustling crowd.


    ¡°Daisy, stay close to me at all times. Mom said to look after each other,¡± Liam instructed his distracted


    sister, a sense of responsibility in his voice.


    ¡°I know. I know,¡± she replied, yfully sticking her tongue out at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m thirsty,¡± Daisy sighed, her attention quickly shifting to her parched throat.


    Liam reached into his backpack and handed her a water bottle. ¡°Here you go,¡± he offered kindly.


    Daisy eagerly grabbed the water and took a few sips before rummaging through the bag in search of


    sweets. Her small fingers brushed against the smooth texture of candies, and she


    12:40


    pulled them out mindlessly spilling some to the floor. Among them was her cherished pebble.


    Daisy gasped, setting the sweets aside and chasing after the pebble as it rolled away. ¡°Daisy,e


    back!¡± Liam yelled, concerned, as he followed his sister.


    The pebble held immense importance to the little girl; she and Noah had found it on the beach and she


    had grown deeply attached to its shiny, light¨Cpink surface.


    In her pursuit, Daisy¡¯s small frame got lost amidst the throng of people. As she chased the rolling


    pebble, hunched down and even smaller, people unconsciously kicked and pushed it further away from


    her reach. Finally, it came to a halt under a stranger¡¯s shoe.


    Daisy squatted down immediately, attempting to lift the foot off the shoe. ¡°Hey, mister, my rocky is


    under your shoe,¡± she implored, her voice filled with innocence.


    Ethan stared down at the adorable little girl who was bothering his left leg, his expression a mixture of


    confusion and surprise. He wasn¡¯t prepared for this unexpected encounter. ¡°Daisy! Don¡¯t run off like


    that. Did you find Rocky?¡± Ethan asked, his tone gentle, unaware of the name¡¯s significance.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s under this man¡¯s foot,¡± Daisy replied, her eyes wide with concern.


    ¡°Hey Mr, my sister¡¯s rock is under your leg. Do you mind?¡± Liam asked with a frown.


    Ethan was stunned by the gaze of the little boy, Who¡¯s child is this?¡® he wondered silently. Liam,


    frustrated by the stranger¡¯s unresponsiveness, squatted down and attempted to lift Ethan¡¯s foot by


    himself. ¡°Oh, move, you big bully. It¡¯s my sister¡¯s!¡± Liam insisted with a frown.


    Ethan¡¯s underlings had halted their movements, watching in astonishment as a child dared to confront


    their boss and even attempted shoving him. Upon his arrival, Ethan was already. in a foul mood, and


    his aura exuded a menacing and dangerous presence, sending fear rippling through the nearby


    humans.


    Even his underlings, despite being werewolves, were unnerved by the intensity of his energy. It was


    expected that children like Daisy and Liam would be utterly terrified and crying for their mother in this


    situation.


    Ethan stood rooted to the spot, his thoughts racing as he met Liam¡¯s determined gaze, an odd sense of


    familiarity creeping into his mind. The boy¡¯s eyes reminded him of someone, a woman he had tried


    hard to forget for over five years.


    Ethan finally bent down and picked up the object after lightly shifting his foot to reveal it¡ªa simple


    pebble. Daisy released a frustrated whine,


    ¡°It¡¯s mine. Can I have it back now? It¡¯s my lucky pebble,¡± she said with a hint of sadness, her eyes


    glistening with unshed tears.


    ¡°Hey, Mr. You shouldn¡¯t bully kids. Give my sister her pebble now!¡± Liam growled protectively, his


    temper ring as he saw his sister close to tears.


    Ethan, stunned by the child¡¯s audacity, couldn¡¯t help but challenge him. He gave a low growl, an


    authoritative sound that was unmistakably Alpha. He expected the boy to back down, as it was


    customary in the presence of an Alpha.


    To Ethan¡¯s surprise, Liam moved closer, growling back, and even baring his teeth in defiance. Liam


    was struggling to remain calm, recalling a simr incident where he had defended Daisy from harm.


    Months ago, another boy had hurt her on a yground, and Liam had unleashed his protective


    instincts, even biting the offender, his mom had been


    12 1000


    very disappointed with him that day warning him to never loose control of his emotions. the next time.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but smile at Liam¡¯s courage. He chuckled lightly and handed the pebble back to


    Daisy, respecting the boy¡¯s bravery.


    Meanwhile, Hazel, their mother, came rushing back to the spot she had left her children. Panic had


    overtaken her as she sensed Liam¡¯s sudden mood change and had abandoned. their luggage in her


    haste to find them. It took her anxious moments to locate them. Standing at the top of a nearby


    staircase, she spotted them, her children engaged in a tense standoff with a man who emitted a


    strange, unsettling, yet oddly familiar aura.


    Her motherly instincts went into overdrive, sensing that the man standing near her children was a


    potential threat. She raced down the stairs with all her might, her heart pounding with fear.


    As Liam¡¯s anger escted, his mother froze when she saw the man¡¯s back. She recognized him


    immediately, the familiar scent of the man she had once been in love with. overwhelmed her senses.


    Ethan, sensing her presence, spun around, his disbelief evident in his eyes. There she stood, Hazel,


    the woman he had tried so hard to forget.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Daisy cried out, rushing to hold onto her mother. Liam walked calmly over to join them.


    Hazel stepped in front, shielding her children from Ethan¡¯s sight, a protective barrier formed by a


    mother¡¯s love. Ethan stared, his face disying aplex and unreadable mix of emotions.


    ¡°Hazel?¡± he called out, his voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of longing.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Hazel


    Ever since our arrival, a gnawing unease has been tormenting me, and my stomach feels like it¡¯s


    twisted into knots. My grip on my childrens hand is white¨Cknuckled.


    I murmur to myself, ¡°Breathe, Hazel,¡± struggling to stay calm. The vulnerability of being out in the open


    with my children makes me nervous. All I can think about is reaching the house Noah found for us. My


    little bundles of joy are excited, but the crowded environment could easily lead to them getting lost.


    As we collect our luggage, my heart sinks when I realize two of our bags are missing. With a heavy


    heart, I instruct my children, leaving them by the bags we¡¯ve managed to locate in a corner of the


    airport, a waiting area.


    ¡°Stay right here. Don¡¯t go anywhere, and look after each other.¡± I instructed.


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Still consumed by unease, I can¡¯t help but nce back repeatedly to where they¡¯re sitting until they


    vanish from my sight, leaving a pit of dread in my stomach.


    What feels like an eternity passes as we finally find the missing bags. Just then, a strange aura


    envelops the area, and I sense a shift in Liam¡¯s mood a storm is brewing.


    Thest time this happened, it was when Daisy was badly hurt. Panic consumes me as I think of my


    children. ¡°My babies!¡± I rush back to the waiting area, ignoring the airport staff. Hoping and praying they


    are still there, I frantically scan the area, losing myposure. The seats are empty, only the bags and


    some scattered sweets remain on the floor, as if they left in haste or were taken forcibly.


    ¡°Oh no, God, no,¡± I think to myself, imploring any higher power for help. I scan the area, my mind and


    head spinning. This is a nightmare. Liam¡¯s mood deteriorates, and my children are in danger. I


    shouldn¡¯t have left them for even a moment.


    ¡°Help! My kids are missing¨Ctwins, a boy and a girl, about this tall, with dark hair,¡± I desperately exin


    to a security guard I find.


    ¡°Alright, ma¡¯am, we¡¯ll find them. Don¡¯t worry,¡± he assures me.


    I leave the area but continue searching,bing through the floor. My phone rings, interrupting my


    frantic thoughts. I grab it, hoping someone has found them and called me. I made sure Liam and Daisy


    memorized my phone number.


    ¡°Noah! Noah, I lost them!¡± I yell into the phone, tears welling up.


    ¡°Calm down, Daisy. I¡¯m also at the airport; I came to pick you guys up. Where exactly are you?¡± Noah


    asks, his voice steady.


    I look around and reply, ¡°Arrivals.¡±


    In a matter of minutes, Noah finds me. ¡°Calm down, we¡¯ll find them. I can¡¯t sense their presence. It¡¯s


    like there¡¯s some kind of block, or they¡¯ve left the premises,¡± he says, his concern evident.


    I understand what he means; this is why I¡¯ve been so afraid. There¡¯s an aura block, and I can¡¯t sense or


    scent my kids.


    ¡°Let¡¯s split up,¡± he suggests.


    ¡°But what if someone took them? What if I never see my kids again? This ce is enormous; someone


    might have taken them,¡± I cry out, breaking into sobs. Those kids are


    my entire world.


    ¡°Liam¡¯s a smart kid. He¡¯ll take care of his sister. There are cameras everywhere. We¡¯ll find them. I¡¯ll go


    talk to the security unit to check the cameras. What were they wearing?¡± I provide him with the details.


    ¡°They¡¯re fine. We¡¯ll find them,¡± he assures me, squeezing my hand lightly before walking off to locate


    the security unit.


    ¡°Excuse me, have you seen two kids, a boy and a girl, about this tall, one in a sundress and the other


    in a blue sweatshirt?¡± I ¡®inquire of people passing by. Most politely shake their heads.


    ¡°A girl and a boy. They look simr, right? Twins,¡± a middle¨Caged woman says, approaching me from


    the opposite direction!


    ¡°Yes! You¡¯ve seen them?¡± I ask hopefully.


    ¡°Go back that way; I spotted them from the stairs,¡± she advises before walking away.


    I hastily climb the stairs she indicated, which offers a better view of the area. My heart is pounding as I


    scan the ce, desperate for any sign of my children.


    My phone vibrates, and I answer it in a rush. ¡°I¡¯ve found them; they¡¯re on the ground floor.¡± Noah said


    from the other end.


    In that moment, I spotted Daisy squatting down with Liam at a distance, and a wave of relief washed


    over me as I frantically waved to them. However, my relief swiftly transformed into dread when I sensed


    the aura of the man standing before them. They were surrounded by a group of individuals, all dressed


    in suits, emanating a dangerous and enigmatic aura that sent shivers down my spine. I knew I had to


    get my kids away from those people.


    Panic took hold of me, and I sprinted back in the opposite direction, bounding down the stairs two steps


    at a time. My mind raced, desperately trying tomunicate with Liam, ¡°Liam, get away from those


    people,¡± I implored through our link.


    As I drew nearer, I noticed Liam¡¯s teeth bared, but as soon as he saw me, he visibly rxed. Just as I


    was about to reach them, I froze in my tracks. I recognized that back view, and the scent was all too


    familiar. Yet, it had changed; it was both familiar and tainted with a dangerous and unsettling unfamiliar


    aura.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Daisy yelled, running toward me, snapping me out of my stupor.


    Goddess, it couldn¡¯t be! The man turned to face me, and my heart sank. ¡°Hazel?¡± he called out in


    confusion.


    Time seemed to slow down as the realization hit me like a ton of bricks¨Cthis was Ethan. My first love,


    my ex¨Chusband, and the father of my twins! Thest person I ever wanted to see again.


    ¡°Hazel?¡± Ethan asked once more still rooted to the spot.


    I stared at him, taking in his more mature appearance and the menacing change in his aura. He


    exuded danger, and a faint scent of blood lingered around him, a stark contrast to the man I once knew.


    This was Ethan, but it wasn¡¯t him; he had transformedpletely.


    ¡°Mommy, do you know this man?¡± Liam asked, ring in his direction.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± Ethan asked, his gaze shifting from Liam to me. Those eyes that I had been once deeply in


    love with and still harbored a strange attraction to had turned cold, the eyes of a predator, an Alpha.


    ¡°Leave us,¡± he ordered the group of men who appeared to be his entourage. Their departure


    was immediate, leaving me alone with the man I never wanted to encounter again.


    I silently urged myself to breathe, attempting to calm the irrational pounding of my heart. ¡°Yes, honey. I


    know him,¡± I replied to Liam with a forced smile.


    ¡°They¡¯re your


    kids?¡± Ethan asked,unching himself toward us suddenly.


    ¡°You had kids?¡± he inquired once more.


    I pulled them both behind me, forming a protective barrier. He looked at them possessively, as though


    he believed they belonged to him.


    ¡°Surprised?¡± I challenged, stepping closer to him. ¡°You¡¯re married, right? You found your mate. Is there


    some unwritten rule that says I couldn¡¯t move on with someone else?¡± I inquired, my head held high,


    and my fists clenched at my sides.


    ¡°How old are they?¡± Ethan demanded, moving closer to get a better look at the children.


    ¡°What?¡± I replied, taken aback.


    ¡°How old!¡± he bellowed.


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± I shot back, my voice quivering slightly.


    He red at me suspiciously. I had to dispel any doubts he had about them.


    ¡°You surely don¡¯t think they¡¯re yours, do you?¡± I asked with a scoff, challenging his -assumptions. He


    gave me aplex look.


    ¡°I took a pregnancy test before our rejection and divorce. Remember that?¡± I pressed further. ¡°It was


    negative.¡±


    His expression shifted to one of realization; I was right. He looked almost disappointed, almost


    crushed. He remembered, and it was true¨CI wasn¡¯t lying.


    His eyes softened as he turned back to me. ¡°How have you been?¡± he asked in a hoarse voice. Before


    I could respond, a voice interrupted us.


    ¡°Hazel! Hazel!¡± Noah called, rushing over. ¡°Are the kids alright?¡±


    ¡°Dada Noah!¡± Daisy cheered, running into his arms. Even Liam, who usually remainedposed,


    jumped on him.


    Noah squatted down, showering them with k*sses before lifting them up in his arms. They giggled and


    squealed with delight. I couldn¡¯t help but smile brightly at the sight; my children¡¯sughter and voices


    were pure and innocent, a wee contrast to the chaos. surrounding us.


    Noah walked over and gave me a k*ss on the cheek. ¡°Hey, mama,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°Where did


    you guys go? You made me and your mom very worried, you know?¡± he scolded gently.


    ¡°Sorry, Mama and Dada,¡± Daisy chimed in.


    ¡°Boss,¡± a man called, approaching Ethan. He whispered something in his ear, and Ethan turned to walk


    away with him. He nced back at us one more time, with an unreadable expression before finally


    departing, leaving me with a sense of relief, I hadn¡¯t realized I was holding my breath


    I let out a sigh and turned my attention back to my children. ¡°I lost the magic pebble, but I found it,¡±


    Daisy exined.


    ¡°Is that why you left, even though I told you not to?¡± I asked Liam.


    He appeared distracted, still fixated on Ethan¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°Liam?¡± I called out,


    following his gaze.


    12:40


    ¡°Yes?¡± he replied, finally breaking his focus.


    When Ethan disappeared from our sight, he turned back to answer me. ¡°Yes, Mommy?¡± ¡°You left to find


    Daisy¡¯s pebble?¡± I asked once more.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered with a nod.


    ¡°Hey, my favorite kids,¡± Chloe greeted, walking toward us. She hugged the twins, gave Noah a fist


    bump, and then enveloped me in a warm hug.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± I asked.


    ¡°The road waspletely blocked. Some important guy was returning to the country or something, so


    they blocked it,¡± Chloe exined with an eye roll.


    ¡°Really?¡± I replied, raising an eyebrow.


    She shrugged. ¡°He must be pretty important.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to your new house. It¡¯s really pretty, with arge balcony,¡± Chloe said, her eyes lighting up as


    she turned to Daisy.


    ¡°Noah helped get the house,¡± I added.


    ¡°It was nothing. Anything for you guys,¡± Noah replied with a friendly smile.


    A uniformed man wheeled our luggage over to us. ¡°Here, ma¡¯am,¡± he said.


    ¡°Oh, thank you very much,¡± I replied.


    Noah took charge of the luggage, leading the way out of the airport building to the parking lot. Chloe


    and Daisy chatted animatedly, while Liam remained quiet, his thoughts seemingly upied.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Ethan gracefully slid into the back seat of his car,


    ¡°Drive to thepany.¡± He instructed.


    His expression a mixture of sourness and sadness.


    The vivid image he had just witnessed yed like a relentless movie in his mind, unleashing a torrent


    ofplex emotions within him. Hazel, the woman who had once been his wife, was now remarried


    and had children. He couldn¡¯t help but emit a deep sigh, briefly shutting his eyes.


    The road stretched before him, eerily free of other vehicles, with only pedestrians ambling by. Hazel


    had transformed in ways that were hard for him to fathom. She exuded an air of maturity, her


    appearance radiating a newfound sense of adulthood. Gone was the fragile young girl he had known;


    in her ce stood a woman who had undergone a profound growth and change..


    Her alluring scent, reminiscent of Eucalyptus, seemed to linger tantalizingly in his senses. Her once¨C


    short hair had now grown considerably, flowing down her back in cascades. Her face had rounded out,


    adopting a fuller and more mature shape, while her l*ps had taken on a plump and inviting quality. As


    she had conversed with him, he had found himself unconsciously registering her features.


    ¡°What the hell, Ethan?¡± he groaned audibly, grappling with theplexity of his thoughts. ¡°Is there an


    issue, boss?¡± Axel, seated in the front, inquired, as the car came to a halt. ¡°No,¡± Ethan replied curtly,


    though the reality was quite the opposite. He was thinking of his ex¨Cwife!


    ¡°Drive,¡± he ordered firmly.


    Ethan attempted to redirect his focus for the remainder of the car ride, but his mind. persistently circled


    back to Hazel. The man standing beside her, he deduced, must be her


    mate.


    Ethan reclined in his seat, thoughts swirling like a tempest in his mind. He couldn¡¯t help but recall the


    enchanting faces of Hazel¡¯s beautiful children, a soft chuckle escaping his l*ps as he reminisced about


    Daisy¡¯s adorable pout and Liam¡¯s fiery temper. The little boy had exhibited a fiery temper, even


    growling at him, an Alpha!.


    He was a tiny warrior, fiercely protective of his sister and mother. In some peculiar way, that boy


    reminded him of his own younger self, and it tugged at his heart.


    ¡°Perhaps, if Hazel hadn¡¯t left, those kids would be mine,¡± he mused momentarily, a wistful expression


    crossing his face. However, he swiftly leaned forward, dismissing such thoughts from his mind. He was


    remarried. So was Hazel. He sternly reminded himself of these facts.


    Hazel had undergone a significant transformation, but so had Ethan. He was no longer the same man


    he used to be, and he was certain she must have noticed it. The taint of a man who had been involved


    in unsavory dealings had marked him¨Chis aura, his scent, even the look in his eyes had all changed..


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Nevertheless, the memory of that little boy walking up to him, growling and yelling, brought a genuine


    smile to Ethan¡¯s face. The tiny cupcake clutching his leg and attempting to raise it was so small


    Yet, upon noticing her, an inexplicable urge had surged


    within him to lower himself to her eye level andfort her¨Cuntil her protective brother charged in,


    disying his macho bravado. The little girl bore a striking resemnce to her mother.


    If she were his daughter, Ethan mused, he would have such endearing beings waiting for him at home,


    tugging at him with their innocence. Maybe, if he had such a family, he wouldn¡¯t have be deeply


    entangled in the dark world he now inhabited. The little girl. possessed the kind of eyes that could


    render anyone a willing minion, catering to her every whim and desire. If she were his, she would have


    him wrapped around her little finger, Ethan thought with a sad smile.


    They looked so happy together; he couldn¡¯t help but recall the heartwarming image of the children


    bursting into giggles. Even the initially grumpy little man who had growled at him just moments ago had


    softened at the sight of his mom. It expanded the abyss of emptiness he had long kept hidden within.


    Ethan had turned around onest time, stealing a final glimpse of Hazel¡¯s radiant smile as she gazed


    down at her children. She looked truly lovely with that smile, and an air of mncholy settled over him.


    Perhaps, he contemted, it was for the best that they remained apart. His world was far too tainted


    and shadowed for her and those innocent cubs./


    ¡°Axel, find out where that woman lives, where she works, and gather any other pertinent details,¡± he


    instructed in a low, measured tone.


    ¡°Okay, boss,¡± came the prompt reply.


    ¡°And,¡± he added with a note of secrecy, ¡°don¡¯t breathe a word of this encounter to the Luna.


    Understood?¡±


    ¡°You met someone?¡± Axel asked, feigning ignorance.


    Ethan sighed with a hint of satisfaction.


    Ethan let out a frustrated sigh as his phone vibrated, interrupting his train of thought. He reluctantly


    answered, his tone curt.


    ¡°Be,¡± he acknowledged.


    ¡°Are you back?¡± she inquired.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied shortly.


    ¡°Are you on your way home?¡± Her voice carried a hopeful tone. Ethan¡¯s demanding schedule often kept


    him at the office, tending to matters that Be remained blissfully unaware of.


    ¡°Not yet, but I¡¯ll be heading home today.¡±


    ¡°Good. My exhibition begins in a few hours, and you can¡­¡± Be¡¯s words trailed off into the


    background for Ethan. She was perpetually hosting one event after another, relishing her role as the


    wife of one of the city¡¯s most influential figures. Material wealth and social status appeared to be her


    primary concern, it was all she cared about leaving Ethan feeling drained. His mind wandered away


    from the conversation, back to the image of the little girl who had squatted down by his leg, her


    innocent puppy¨Cdog eyes gazing up at him. Her chubby cheeks were undeniably endearing.


    ¡°Ethan. Ethan! Are you listening?¡± Be¡¯s voice snapped him back to the present.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll try to make it,¡± he replied, ending the call. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Be had always


    been so shallow, with her singr focus on wealth. It was a stark contrast to the genuine warmth he


    had once known in Hazel, a warmth he now sorely missed. Memories


    of Hazel¡¯s pure and radiant smile, along with her infectiousughter, briefly flitted through his mind. He


    had to forcefully pull himself back from thoughts of his ex¨Cwife.


    Returning to his work, Ethan¡¯s trusted assistant, Axel, presented another matter.


    ¡°The Clevnd Hospital organizers have requested a date that doesn¡¯t conflict with your schedule for


    their g. Would the twenty¨Cthird of this month work for you?¡± Axel asked, his gaze fixed on hisptop


    screen.


    ¡°That¡¯s next week. What¡¯s on my schedule for that week?¡±


    ¡°Primarily, you have meetings rted to the ongoing takeovers. It¡¯s not overly hectic,¡± Axel replied,


    consulting Ethan¡¯s calendar. ¡°However, it¡¯s also the day of Mrs. Be¡¯s art exhibition.¡±


    The Roberts family had yed a pivotal role in establishing thergest hospital in the country,


    specializing in various surgical procedures. Ethan had diversified his interests beyond the business


    world, engaging in charitable endeavors that included overseeing projects and sponsoring surgeries at


    the Clevnd Hospital, which currently ranked as the nation¡¯s foremost medical facility.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but let out an exasperated sigh at the mention of yet another one of Be¡¯s


    exhibition.


    ¡°The date works. Be can manage her little parties without my presence,¡± he stated firmly. Yet, buried


    deep within, a curiosity nagged at him. What were Hazel¡¯s children named? Why had she returned to


    the country? A part of him yearned to see her once more, to engage in conversation, and perhaps


    catch a glimpse of her children¡¯s adorable faces.


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s the name of the specialist?¡± Chloe inquired, her curiosity piqued. They had settled into their


    new house, with only a few shopping trips left toplete their transition.


    They sat together on the sofa, indulging in ate¨Cnight snack, while Daisy and Liam, exhausted from


    the day¡¯s excitement,y fast asleep. They had sought refuge in Hazel¡¯s room, as their own still


    required significant work. Their new apartment, situated on the third floor, boasted two bedrooms and a


    spacious balcony. The kids had spent hours exploring their new home, utterly enchanted, as Noah had


    anticipated.


    ¡°Dr. Gomez. I have a note right here, along with Daisy¡¯splete medical history. I just need to meet


    him and seek his opinion on this case, to determine if the surgery can be scheduled earlier or not.


    Although Daisy seems healthier and better now, it remains unpredictable,¡± Hazel exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s like walking on thin ice. You can¡¯t predict when it might crack,¡± Chloe added with a sigh.


    Hazel nodded in agreement, her mind preupied with thoughts. Chloe noticed her friend¡¯s distraction


    and voiced her concern.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Chloe inquired.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Hazel responded, her thoughts momentarily elsewhere.


    ¡°I know you were shaken by the near¨Closs of the kids, but you¡¯ve been on edge all day¨Cever since I


    picked you guys up from the airport. It¡¯s like you have a lot on your mind. Is something bothering you?¡±


    Chloe asked with genuine concern.


    Hazel hesitated, unsure of how to exin her encounter with her ex¨Chusband, Ethan. She had felt a


    distinct sense of threat to her children, sensing that Ethan had changed significantly. The look in his


    eyes, the possessiveness that emanated from his cold gaze when he looked at Daisy, it was


    disconcerting. She didn¡¯t want to burden Chloe with this


    ren.


    She shook her head and offered a vague exnation. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just feeling scattered and


    overwhelmed. I¡¯m really tired,¡± she admitted.


    Internally, Hazel was frightened. If Ethan somehow discovered that the children were his, he might not


    let them go. Her thoughts drifted to Martha and the maniptions she had with the pregnant tests that


    day, with it she had denied Ethan¡¯s connection to her kids. But for how long could she maintain this


    facade? He must have felt some connection, especially with Liam.


    Hazel took a deep breath, mentallymitting to avoiding Ethan Roberts and anything associated with


    him.


    Changing the subject, Chloe brought up Hazel¡¯s baby. ¡°So, Dr. Gomez is quite the expert, right?¡±


    Hazel nodded, grateful for the change in topic. ¡°Yes, the doctor back home said he used to be his


    lecturer years ago, although he must be close to retirement now.¡±


    Chloe expressed her hope that Dr. Gomez wasn¡¯t retiring anytime soon. Hazel agreed, realizing that


    Daisy¡¯s well¨Cbeing hinged on this expert¡¯s assistance. If Dr. Gomez were unavable, finding another


    specialist in a foreign country would be a daunting and costly endeavor, and she didn¡¯t have much


    money to spare.


    ¡°I just hope everything turns out well,¡± Hazel sighed, her thoughts returning to her desire to avoid any


    further encounters with Ethan.


    Chloe, taking a sip of her soda, inquired further about Dr. Gomez¡¯s whereabouts and the hospital he


    worked at.


    ¡°How do we find Dr. Gomez? Which hospital does he work at?¡±


    Hazel shared the information she had gathered. ¡°Clevnd Hospital. From my research, it¡¯s currently


    one of the best in the country.¡±


    Unbeknownst to her, Hazel was unwittingly stepping into Ethan¡¯s territory.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    ¡°Mommy, watch me!¡± Liam¡¯s enthusiastic cry rang out as he gleefully descended the slide, his


    infectiousughter filling the air.


    Daisy, standing by her mother¡¯s side with Nathan, contentedly sucked on a loll*pop, her eyes fixed on


    her brother¡¯s ytime adventures. Earlier that morning, Nathan had arrived and taken on the role of


    chauffeur, driving the trio around town. They embarked on a leisurely walk to explore their new


    neighborhood, ran errands, and subsequently returned home. Their outing culminated in a visit to the


    nearby park, where they currently enjoyed the lovely day.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but smile warmly as she watched Liam interact and y with the other kids in the


    park. Hisughter and excitement were palpable, a testament to the joy of the moment. Nearby, Nathan


    sat with Daisy, engaging in small games to keep her entertained. Daisy¡¯s asional bursts of delight


    added to the cheerful ambiance.


    ¡°Yay, you win again,¡± Nathan eximed, his voice filled with happiness, acknowledging Daisy¡¯s victory


    in their little games. As Hazel watched her daughter, a sense of hope filled her heart, wishing for the


    day when Daisy would regain her health and freely join in the spirited y of other children.


    Nathan, exuding affection, leaned in closer to Daisy and spoke to her in a gentle tone, ¡°You are one


    smart pup, you know.¡± His hand lovingly stroked her hair, offeringfort and warmth during this


    cherished family moment at the park


    an


    Hazel¡¯s acute instincts sent a shiver down her spine as she sensed unshakable feeling of being


    watched. She nced around, her eyes darting in search of the source of her unease. The sensation


    was persistent, as if an invisible presence lingered nearby, observing her every move. She couldn¡¯t


    help but entertain the thought that, given her position as former Luna of thergest pack, someone


    might have indeed caught sight of her and be intrigued by her presence.


    Nathan noticed her sudden alertness and asked with genuine concern, ¡°Is everything alright, Hazel?¡±


    She tried to dispel her unease and responded, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s just head home now, please. There¡¯s


    still a lot to do around the house


    Nathan nodded in agreement, saying, ¡°Alright then.¡±


    Calling for Liam, Hazel decided it was time to leave the park. ¡°Liam, let¡¯s go home now.¡± She reached


    for Daisy¡¯s small hand, and the four of them walked together, hand in hand, making their way back


    home.


    Upon returning home, the kids eagerly rushed to the living room, immediately turning on the TV to


    unwind and rx. Meanwhile, Hazel stood by the door to bid farewell to Nathan, her gratitude evident


    in her words.


    ¡°Thank you so much for today, for everything,¡± she expressed sincerely.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Nathan replied, his gaze lingering on Hazel for a moment. The more time he spent with


    her and her children, the stronger his desire to be a part of their lives grew. He felt a pang of


    sadness as he contemted returning to his own home, realizing that to Hazel, he was merely a man


    she was immensely grateful to for saving her life that fateful night.


    ¡°Goodnight, Hazel,¡± he said before turning to leave, his heart heavy with longing,


    Later that evening, while Hazel bathed and washed Liam¡¯s hair, the young boy inquired about school


    for the following day.


    ¡°Mommy, do I have to go to school tomorrow?¡± Liam asked.


    Hazel replied, ¡°Yes, honey.¡±


    ¡°And Daisy too?¡± he inquired further.


    ¡°No, Daisy¡¯sing with me to the hospital.¡±


    In a yful attempt to avoid school, Liam put on his most persuasive act, imploring, ¡°Aww, can Ie?


    Please, mommy, please,¡± as he sped his hands together with puppy eyes that were hard to resist.


    Hazel sighed, toweling him dry, and gave in, ¡°Can Ie with you guys?¡± Liam persisted.


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡± Hazel relented with a sigh. ¡°But tomorrow, we¡¯ll get you registered in school. Alright?¡±


    Liam nodded eagerly, grateful for his mother¡¯s understanding. Hazel patted him lightly and encouraged


    him to go watch TV.


    Daisy,e for your bath, Hazel called out to her daughter..


    Daisy, visibly tired and yawning, obeyed and made her way to the bathroom.


    The following morning, Hazel diligently prepared her kids for their day¡¯s activities. After their refreshing


    baths, the family gathered around the


    dining table to enjoy a simple breakfast of cereals, sharing stories andughter. The anticipation of the


    day ahead filled the air as they discussed. their ns.


    With their bellies filled, they left their apartment and made their way to the elevator, Just as they were


    about to embark on their adventure, Hazel¡¯s phone chimed with a text message from Nathan. He had


    arranged for a driver to pick them up and apany them throughout the day. Hazel breathed a sigh


    of relief, thankful for his considerate gesture.


    The sleek car pulled up in front of their building, and to her pleasant surprise, the vehicle was equipped


    with two child seats for Liam and Daisy. As they settled into thefortable car seats, the driver


    skillfully navigated through the bustling city streets, taking them to the kindergarten that Nathan had


    rmended. It was conveniently located. in the heart of the city, ensuring a shortmute.


    Sitting in the car, surrounded by the familiar streets of the city, Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of


    d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Memories of driving through these very streets with her ex-husband shed before her eyes.


    She pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that Ethan was now married to Be.


    A fleeting smile crossed her l*ps as she nced at her children, Daisy¡¯s excitement palpable, she loved


    school. Liam, not so much. He sat with a small frown stered on his face. The frown looked very


    much like that of his father¡¯s. The car eventually came to a stop in front of a colorful and cheerful


    building named ¡°Tiny Tots.¡± With a sense of determination and hope for her children¡¯s future, they


    walked into the school, making inquiries, and eventually registering both Liam and Daisy for their new


    educational journey at Tiny Tots.


    They are currently at an establishment named Tiny Tots. She¡¯s enrolling them here I believe.¡± Michael,


    the man Axel had employed to update on Hazel¡¯s whereabouts, informed him over the phone.


    ¡°Okay, Axel replied, conveying the information to his boss. Ethan sat in


    his office, wearing a brooding frown as he perused the reports on his desk.


    ¡°Boss, she enrolled them at Tiny Tots Axel informed him.


    Ethan¡¯s frown vanished instantly, reced with a small. knowing smile. Now that he knew the


    whereabouts of Hazel¡¯s children, he could find at measure of relief.


    ¡°You can have Michael back down now. Hazel must have sensed someone trailing her by now.¡± Ethan


    knew that Hazel was likely aware of the surveince and that the situation was precarious. However,


    now that he knew the school his children attended, he was determined to see them again.


    ¡°And meet with the owners of that establishment. Make them an offer. Tesco Empire will be making a


    new purchase,¡± he instructed Axel, his mind already set on a n.


    ¡°But, keep it out of the news. And leave the original management,¡± he added.


    Axel hesitated for a moment, his confusion apparent. Ever since his boss. met that woman at the


    airport, he had been behaving irrationally.


    ¡°You want to purchase the school her kids attend?¡± Axel sought


    rification, raising a valid concern about the risk involved in meddling with a married woman¡¯s affairs.


    ¡°Yes. Do you have a problem with it?¡± Ethan asked, his tone steady but holding an edge.


    ¡°No. But, Alpha, I was just worried. You¡¯re getting involved with a married woman¡¯s life, and it¡¯s a bit


    risky,¡± Axel advised, showing genuine concern. Ethan leaned back in his chair, contemting Axel¡¯s


    words. Axel now responded to him not just as his boss but as the Alpha and the leader of their packs


    which came with responsibilities towards their Luna, his wife. If word got out about what their Alpha


    was up to, tracking and following a married woman, it could have dire consequences. Ethan had even


    stationed someone near Hazel¡¯s home, a fact Axel was well aware of.


    Though Axel didn¡¯t understand the dynamics of Ethan¡¯s and the Luna¡¯s marriage, he was aware that


    the Alpha was once married and divorced before finding his true mate, Be.


    Ethan paused for a moment, his thoughts drifting to Hazel¡¯s children.


    ¡°That woman is my ex-wife,¡± he revealed, surprising Axel.


    Axel¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He hadn¡¯t met Hazel, as he was abroad for his schooling when she was


    part of the pack. However, he had heard that the Alpha had been married and divorced.


    ¡°Are her kids yours? Is that why her kids look so much like you?¡± Axel inquired, seeking answers to the


    obvious resemnce.


    ¡°They¡¯re not mine,¡± Ethan¡¯ replied sadly, his emotionsid bare for the first time. ¡°Still, I can¡¯t help but


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    want to be sure those kids are fine. It¡¯s not my ce. I¡¯m nob*dy to them, but I can¡¯t help but be


    curious. For some reason, I want to protect those kids,¡± Ethan said, giving a small, mncholic smile


    that was foreigning from him.


    Axel stood transfixed, witnessing a side of his boss that he had never seen before. For over four years,


    he had worked closely with Ethan, and this was the very first time he had seen his emotions disyed


    so openly. Ethan¡¯s eyes looked remarkably soft as he thought about Hazel¡¯s children.


    ¡°I have no rights. I¡¯m nob*dy to Hazel, but her kids¡­ Ethan trailed off with a sigh. ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± he


    added, his voice breaking softly.


    Axel remained silent, not knowing how to respond to this unexpected revtion from his boss.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stop now. It¡¯s not my ce. Purchasing the school is enough. Just do that alone, and I¡¯ll back


    down,¡± Ethan dered, abruptly shifting back to his usual businesslike demeanor. He had made a


    decision, and it was time to act on it.


    Axel bowed respectfully and turned to leave, understanding that Ethan¡¯s emotions were a sensitive


    subject. ¡°Axel, make sure word does not get out, especially to the Luna,¡± Ethan cautioned, emphasizing


    the need for discretion.


    As soon as Axel exited the office, he ced a call. ¡°Tiny Tots Kindergarten, a private establishment¡­


    Find the owners,¡± he instructed into the phone, setting in motion the n to purchase the school that


    Hazel¡¯s children attended while keeping it all under wraps.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    ¡°How is the J.T. takeover progressing?¡± Ethan inquired, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward in his


    leather chair. He had summoned the former COO of the recently acquiredpany, which was ted


    for aplete overhaul starting next month.


    ¡°We have already engaged a design firm, and we¡¯ll have the contracts. officially signed by next week,¡±


    the man replied, his voice quivering slightly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Ethan¡¯s imposing


    presence made it difficult to even breathe.


    Ethan arched an eyebrow, a glimmer of mild surprise dancing in his piercing gaze. ¡°Already? I was


    under the impression that the final decision. was scheduled for today,¡± he said, casually picking up a


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    document from his meticulously organized desk. His fingers traced the title: ¡°Starlight.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a newpany, but theye highly rmended,¡± the man hurriedly assured him, eager to


    regain Ethan¡¯s favor.


    Ethan¡¯s l*ps curled into a half-smile, but it held no warmth. ¡°Withdraw the contract. I¡¯ll personally


    oversee the selection process,¡± he dered, disdainfully tossing the Starlight folder aside. His business


    empire was renowned for its architectural designs and exquisite taste, and he was far from impressed


    with the notion of inexperienced designers handling his


    Still at the school, Hazel and her kids were given a thorough tour, leaving Hazel feeling genuinely


    satisfied with what she had seen. The


    atmosphere was warm and inviting, and she believed this was a good. ce for her children.


    Daisy, her energetic daughter, vanished like a wisp of air the moment she spotted a ss of children


    around her age. She joined them instantly, leaving Hazel and Liam to explore the school on their own.


    As Hazel continued the tour with Liam, she couldn¡¯t help but keep an eye out for Daisy. It wasn¡¯t long


    before she found her, alreadyfortably seated in a ssroom, eager and excited to be there.


    Hazel stood by the ssroom door, silently watching her daughter with a heartwarming smile. The sight


    of Daisy so engrossed in the ssroom activities melted Hazel¡¯s heart; it was evident that her little girl


    loved


    Chapter 18 school.


    The teacher, a friendly-looking woman, approached Hazel, warmly weing Daisy into the day¡¯s


    activities. ¡°Daisy, honey,e,¡± Hazel called to her daughter who was deeply absorbed in her


    surroundings.


    Daisy broke into a run, her eyes lit with excitement, and joined her mother. ¡°I weally like it here,¡± she


    said in her sweet, babyish voice.


    Hazel¡¯s smile was gentle and filled with pride as she replied, ¡°We¡¯lle back, but right now, we have


    to go somewhere. To the hospital, okay?¡±


    Daisy¡¯s cheerful demeanor took a sudden turn, and she whined, her eyes welling up with tears. ¡°No!¡±


    she protested, nearly on the verge of tears. The teacher, empathetic to Daisy¡¯s desire to stay,


    approached them.


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am. She really seems to enjoy it here. You should let her stay for the day,¡± the teacher


    encouraged, adding, ¡°We have everything she needs, and there are enough stationery supplies to go


    around.¡±


    Hazel sighed, considering the teacher¡¯s kind offer, but she knew she couldn¡¯t change their ns now. ¡°I


    know, but we already have arrangements, and we didn¡¯t bring her school things,¡± she exined to the


    teacher.


    ¡°Well,¡± the teacher continued gently, ¡°there¡¯s enough stationary to go around, and Daisy seems to be


    having a wonderful time with her new. friends.¡±


    Daisy chimed in with her own plea, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna go to the hospital. I want school, her eyes filled with


    tears. She loved the colorful ssroom, the friendly children, and the warm atmosphere. It felt like a


    world away from the hospital, which she detested for its stark white walls and strange smells.


    Hazel looked down at her daughter, torn between the need for a hospital check-up and Daisy¡¯s genuine


    desire to stay at school. Daisy would potentially spend months in the hospital once she met with the


    doctor, and Hazel decided to let her enjoy her time at school while she could. Crying could worsen


    Daisy¡¯s condition, and she didn¡¯t want to see her daughter suffer.


    Okay, okay, fine, Hazel surrendered, giving in to Daisy¡¯s heartfelt wish. She wiped away Daisy¡¯s tears


    and managed a small, reassuring smile. Daisy squealed with delight, nting a k*ss on her mom¡¯s


    cheek before running back to her seat. The teacher returned to her duties with a


    knowing smile, recognizing the bittersweet nature of the moment.


    Liam, who had been observing the entire situation, had already made up his mind. ¡°You¡¯ll stay in


    school; I¡¯ll go by myself,¡± he dered, standing by the exit door, ready to leave. His expression was


    one of mild disapproval, as he had a small frown on his little face, making it clear that he wasn¡¯t thrilled


    about the school.


    Hazel addressed her son, trying to exin the situation calmly. ¡°I¡¯lle with you, my darling,¡± she


    said, attempting to convince him to stay. However, Liam had a determined look in his eyes; he was not


    keen on remaining in school.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna. We agreed to start school tomorrow,¡± he reasoned with the wisdom of an old soul


    trapped in a five-year-old¡¯s b*dy.


    Hazel sighed, recognizing theplexities of the situation. She attempted to strike apromise with


    her son. ¡°Well, Daisy doesn¡¯t want to go to the hospital today, so we¡¯ll go some other day. Okay?¡±


    Liam, disying an unusual level of maturity for his age, raised his concerns. ¡°Why did you give in to


    her? You¡¯re the adult.¡± He furrowed his brows and crossed his arms, looking more like a tiny professor


    than a typical five-year-old. Hazel sighed once more.


    As she observed Daisy, she saw her daughter seated, holding a coloring book, giggling with another


    adorable little girl who sported yful ponytails. The cheerful atmosphere and Daisy¡¯s newfound friends


    seemed to make school an appealing ce for her, and Hazel hoped her daughter would cherish these


    moments before their hospital long stay.


    ¡°Now, Liam, you¡¯ll stay here for a few hours, not the entire day. I¡¯ll be back soon, I promise,¡± Hazel


    reassured her son, noticing his dejected expression.


    Liam¡¯s head drooped sadly, but Hazel had a special way of cheering him up. ¡°We¡¯ll have ice cream


    afterwards, and I¡¯ll even take you to the park to y, she bribed, spoiling her adorable kids. She


    couldn¡¯t resist their


    cuteness.


    ¡°Do you promise you¡¯lle back?¡± Liam asked with a hint of skepticism. Hazel nodded sincerely.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Before lunchtime?¡± he inquired, raising his small pinky as a gesture of


    trust.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, intertwining her pinky with his. ¡°Pinky promise. Mom promises not to leave you at


    school the whole day.¡±


    Liam, with renewed enthusiasm, strutted into the school, his backpack filled with snacks. Hazel


    watched her little man enter the ssroom


    before she turned to leave.


    Once settled back into the car, Hazel directed the driver to take her to Clevnd Hospitals, relieved


    that it wasn¡¯t too far from the school.


    Inside the hospital, Hazel clutched Daisy¡¯s medical reports in her hands. as she approached the


    reception desk. ¡°Hello, does Dr. Gomez still work here?¡± she inquired of ady at the front desk.


    Thedy eyed her with a calm demeanor and asked, ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    Hazel quickly assured her, ¡°No, no. I need to consult with him about my daughter¡¯s case. I have a note


    here directed to him, as he was


    rmended by our previous doctor.


    ¡°Alright, ma¡¯am. But he¡¯s currently performing surgery,¡± thedy informed her.


    Hazel sighed in relief and replied, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    Hours passed as she sat in the waiting area. Finally, a group of surgeons exited an elevator close to


    where she sat, and Hazel overheard one of the nurses call out ¡°Dr. Gomez.¡±


    She approached him briskly, catching him just as he removed his face. mask and gloves. ¡°Dr. Gomez?¡±


    she inquired, though she couldn¡¯t hide her surprise. The man before her appeared much younger than


    she had expected. The Dr. Gomez she anticipated was supposed to be a professor and former lecturer,


    but this man couldn¡¯t have been more than thirty years old.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he replied calmly, his eyes curious.


    Hazel hesitated momentarily before expressing her surprise. ¡°You¡¯re Dr. Gomez?¡±


    With a hint of humor in his voice, he teased, ¡°You¡¯re not an assassin sent to kill me, are you?¡±


    Hazel chuckled lightly but then grew serious. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± he asked, picking up on her


    disappointment.


    ¡°I thought you would be older. Are there two Dr. Gomezes here?¡± she inquired, seeking rification.


    The young doctor rified, ¡°That would be my father. He¡¯s retired now. I¡¯m the only Dr. Gomez around.¡±


    ¡°Retired?¡± Hazel¡¯s hopes began to fade.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with?¡± he asked, his tone kind and understanding.


    ¡°My daughter, she¡­¡± Hazel¡¯s voice faltered as she struggled to exin Daisy¡¯splex medical


    history.


    ¡°Is that her medical history?¡± Dr. Gomez inquired, taking the papers from her hands.


    Hazel recounted the entirety of Daisy¡¯s health challenges from birth, the frequent rpses, and the


    reliance on medication. Dr. Gomez also read the note provided by their previous doctor, summarizing


    Daisy¡¯s case.


    ¡°I see,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°Where is she?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°She was supposed toe, but she insisted on staying in school. She loves it there,¡± Hazel exined


    with a light chuckle.


    A small smile crept onto the doctor¡¯s face. ¡°She¡¯s only five; it¡¯s risky at that age. My father was


    renowned for cases like this, but he retired a few months ago. In most cases, we let the child grow up a


    bit. She¡¯s quite healthy now, right?¡± he asked.


    Hazel nodded in agreement.


    ¡°However, rpses are unpredictable and high risk,¡± Dr. Gomez cautioned. ¡°But, for now, we¡¯ll have to


    wait.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s heart sank at the prospect. ¡°I understand,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.


    ¡°Bring her to the hospital. We¡¯ll monitor her until the surgery at least,¡± he advised.


    ¡°Although that would mean confinement,¡± Hazel sighed. That doctor was the only hope for a normal


    childhood for Daisy. Daisy would soon be a permanent resident at the hospital, waiting for years


    for her enucial surgery.


    Hazel sat there with her head bowed, her heart heavy with concern.


    Watching the doctor walk away, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep sadness. for her daughter¡¯s,


    uncertain future. It was evident in her downcast expression.


    However, the doctor, seemingly touched by Hazel¡¯s distress, made his way back to her. His voice


    carried a soothing empathy as he spoke, ¡°I was also a very sick child, one that loved school, and I


    hated hospitals, just like your little girl. I understand the desire for a normal childhood for her. Let her


    take her medication, attend school, and engage in all those kid¡¯s activities. Allow her to be a child for


    the remaining months before her surgery and afterward, as it will be a challenging journey.¡±


    He then offered his professional advice, ¡°But make sure to bring her to the hospital regrly for check-


    ups.¡±


    Hazel ¨¦xpressed her gratitude with heartfelt sincerity, saying, ¡°Thank you very much, Dr.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± he replied kindly.


    After some moments of contemtion, Hazel resolved to give Daisy the best possible childhood she


    could provide. Despite her health challenges, she was determined to ensure her daughters happiness


    to the fullest.


    Just as she was gathering her thoughts, her phone rang suddenly, jolting her from her reverie. On the


    other end, her superior¡¯s stern voice barked, ¡°Hazel! Come down to work immediately!¡±


    Hazel was taken aback, as she wasn¡¯t scheduled to return to work until the following week. Her


    superior¡¯s urgency left her bewildered and anxious.


    Momentster, Chloe¡¯s panicked voice cra c k l e d through the phone, ¡°It¡¯s concerning the contract


    offer with J.T. They¡¯re canceling on us, offering it to someone else!¡±


    Hazel¡¯s heart sank further, feeling as though nothing was going as she had hoped. It was one


    unfortunate turn of events after another, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what else could go wrong.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Hazel rushed out of the hospital, her heart pounding with urgency. She raised her hand to hail a


    passing taxi, and as soon as one pulled over, she quickly instructed the driver, ¡°Starlight.¡±


    During the brief cab ride, Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel a gnawing worry that she might be breaking the


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    promise she had made to her kids. She needed to ensure they were well taken care of while she


    attended to her pressing matter, and that meant making a call to the kindergarten.


    With trembling fingers, she dialed the number of the kindergarten. As the phone rang, Hazel¡¯s anxiety


    grew, hoping the school would understand her unexpected predicament. When someone finally


    answered on the other end, she spoke with a hint of desperation in her voice.


    ¡°Hello, this is Hazel, the mother of Liam and Daisy. I have an urgent situation, and I won¡¯t be able to


    pick them up from school as initially nned. Could you please take good care of them for the whole


    day? Ensure they have a delicious and healthy lunch, and don¡¯t forget the promised ice cream. I¡¯ll


    reimburse any expenses when Ie to collect them. Also, could you kindly let Liam know that


    mommy had something importante up?¡± Hazel pleaded with the kindergarten management


    contact.


    There was a brief pause on the line, intensifying Hazel¡¯s anxiety.


    However, a reassuring response finally came through, providing her with some much-needed relief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Hazel. Emergencies happen, and we understand. We¡¯ll take excellent care of Liam and


    Daisy here. They¡¯ll have a wonderful lunch, indulge in some ice cream, and we¡¯ll ensure they¡¯re safe


    andfortable. You focus on your emergency, and we¡¯ll handle everything here at the kindergarten.¡±


    With immense gratitude and a heartfelt ¡°thank you,¡± Hazel hung up, feeling reassured that her children


    were in capable hands at the kindergarten. She could now concentrate on her immediate concerns,


    even though the weight of her promise to her kids still lingered in her thoughts.


    Meanwhile, Axel, who had sessfully pressured the owners and was in the process of taking over the


    kindergarten, had assigned a trustworthy man, Devin, to oversee operations and provide regr


    reports. Devin


    promptly made a call to update Axel on the situation.


    Devin approached his boss to give his report. ¡°Well, Hazel had to leave the kids at school, even though


    it wasn¡¯t her original n. Daisy insisted. on staying there; she truly loves school. Liam, on the other


    hand, wasn¡¯t as thrilled and has been a bit grumpy, he reported.


    Ethan, listening to the update, couldn¡¯t help but smile as he remembered Liam¡¯s grumpy but endearing


    demeanor when they met at the airport. Axel continued, ¡°But Liam seems to be adjusting well, and he¡¯s


    made. some friends.¡± Ethan nodded, genuinely pleased by the news. Hearing about the children¡¯s


    activities and happiness brought him a sense of joy, affirming that the decision to take over the


    kindergarten was indeed worthwhile.


    As Ethan reflected on the situation, Axel couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Ethan and Be¡¯s rtionship


    might improve with the addition of children. With a grin, he summarized. Anything else?¡±


    Devin added, ¡°Hazel mentioned that due to her emergency, the kids will be spending the whole day at


    the kindergarten, which wasn¡¯t her original n. She also requested that they be provided with lunch,


    sir.¡±


    Ethan nodded decisively, signaling that he was ready to take action. He stood up from his desk and


    issued instructions to his assistant. ¡°Call Cook Lee and have him prepare a four-course meal for the


    kids. Additionally, arrange for some desserts for them,¡± he instructed, handing his ck card to his


    assistant.


    However, his assistant raised a valid concern, voicing his worries about the kids potentially revealing


    the extravagant meal to Hazel. Ethan paused in his tracks, considering the situation carefully. He didn¡¯t


    want to make Hazel ufortable, especially since she had offered to reimburse any expenses


    rted to her children¡¯s lunch.


    After a moment of contemtion, Ethan came up with a n that would keep things discreet and


    unobtrusive. ¡°Let¡¯s handle this in a way that won¡¯t raise any concerns,¡± he proposed. ¡°Have all the kids¡¯


    meals and snacks taken care of by thepany, as a gesture of goodwill from the school. If Hazel


    inquires, simply exin that it¡¯s a special treat arranged by the owners in celebration of their


    grandfather¡¯s birthday. This way, it won¡¯t draw any unnecessary attention, he said, his decision final.


    Axel, understanding the need for discretion, immediately got to work, making the necessary calls and


    arrangements to ensure that the kids¡¯


    meals and snacks would be covered by thepany and ensure they ate healthily.


    The car came to a halt in front of the Starlight building. It was a modest structurepared to other


    Hazel rushed. up the stairs, her heart pounding with anticipation and concern.


    On her way up, she unexpectedly collided with Chloe, her colleague and confidante. The urgency of


    the situation was evident in Chloe¡¯s furrowed brows and serious demeanor.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hazel inquired anxiously, seeking answers to the brewing crisis.


    Chloe sighed deeply, clearly frustrated by the turn of events. ¡°The representatives refused to give us a


    reason. All they¡¯ve said is that they intend to cancel the contract offer. I¡¯ve been trying to reach out, but


    they¡¯ve been unresponsive, she exined, her voice tinged with concern. Hazel proceeded to the office


    of her Head of Department and superior, who was engrossed in phone calls with the head office from


    which both Hazel and Chloe had been transferred. The atmosphere was palpably tense, as everyone


    understood the magnitude of the contract and the repercussions of losing it.


    With determination, they all sprang into action, feverishly making calls to thepany¡¯s


    representatives. Chloe persistently dialed the number of one of the individuals she had been liaising


    with regarding the impending contract signing. Call after call was ignored, intensifying the pressure in


    the room.


    Chloe paced nervously around the office, while her colleagues continued their relentless efforts to


    reach thepany. The air hung heavy with seriousness and apprehension. Finally, after numerous


    attempts, the awaited call was answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, but it¡¯s the CEO¡¯s decision. He¡¯s taken charge of the renovations himself,¡± the man on


    the other end of the line exined with a hint of regret.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t hide her disappointment and frustration. She grabbed the phone, her voice filled with


    disbelief. But we won the bid fair and square! The board was impressed with our work. We¡¯ve invested


    so much time into this project, and we were supposed to finalize everything next


    The man tried to offer a conciliatory solution, saying, ¡°We can discuss.pensation with our legal


    representative.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s anger red, and her eyes began to take on a light shade of yellow, a sign of her wolf being on


    edge. She struggled to contain her emotions, preventing herself from baring her teeth in public. Her


    fury was palpable, and she felt a primal urge to unleash it.


    ¡°Honestly, the boss believes youck the experience to handle a prestigious project like his. My hands


    are tied, I¡¯m sorry,¡± the man continued before abruptly ending the call.


    The people gathered in the conference room sighed, their faces reflecting a mixture of distress and


    disappointment. Chloe slumped into her seat, her expression filled with sadness. ¡°We traveled all the


    way to Los Angeles for nothing.¡±


    Hazel vehemently refused to ept defeat. ¡°No! The CEO doubts our potential because we¡¯re a new


    we have to offer. We won the J.T. Starlight project fairly, and we¡¯ll make him see


    that.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s anger bubbled like a fierce storm, swirling within her with an intensity that refused to be


    contained. She had sacrificed so much for this opportunity, relocating her life, dedicating countless


    hours, and pouring her energy into winning this contract. The audacity of the CEO to dismiss their


    efforts merely because they were a newpany left a bitter taste in her mouth.


    She clenched her fists, her heart pounding with resolve. ¡°I won¡¯t back down,¡± Hazel muttered through


    gritted teeth. The injustice of it all fueled her determination even further. She couldn¡¯t stand idly by while


    their hard-earned victory was snatc h e d away.


    The CEO¡¯s condescending attitude, his disregard for their dedication, and the arrogance of dismissing


    them as nobodies stoked the mes of Hazel¡¯s fury. She was no longer content with ying by the


    rules; she was ready to defy the conventions of business etiquette and confront the CEO head-on.


    A fierce determination overcame her, and she swore to herself that she would show him. Whoever this


    CEO was, he needed a stark reminder that business dealings should be conducted with respect and


    integrity. Contracts and agreements couldn¡¯t be discarded on a whim. I¡¯ll show


    him, whoever he is. Hazel swore within herself, she was beginning to question the business Etiquettes


    of the so called CEO.


    With a surge of anger still coursing through her veins, Hazel mmed her hand t on the table, the


    sharp sound echoing in the room.


    Hazel¡¯s outburst sent shockwaves through her co-workers, they jumped at the sudden sound.


    Her passionatemitment to the project was evident in her fiery reaction, and her determination to


    see it through burned brightly.


    ¡°They should have rejected us from the beginning, not after all this hard work,¡± Hazel dered, her


    gaze fixed intently on the prototype of their intended project. The palpable sense of injustice fueled her


    resolve; she wasn¡¯t about to give in without a fight. I won¡¯t give up. I¡¯ll just have to meet with the new


    board, their CEO or whatever. We¡¯ve worked too hard, invested too much in this project. We¡¯ve even


    made purchases, and all they¡¯re offering ispensation?!¡± Her anger zed like a beacon of


    defiance.


    In search of more information, Hazel pressed her co-workers about Tesco Empire.


    Her colleagues provided some background details, and the mere mention of Tesco further stoked her


    determination. ¡°Tesco¡­ Where is it?¡± she inquired, her mind already racing with thoughts of her next


    strategic


    move.


    Yet, her Managing Director attempted to reason with her, cautioning against provoking Tesco Empire.


    ¡°Their CEO is renowned for his ruthlessness,¡± the M.D. warned solemnly, ¡°We can¡¯t afford to provoke


    them; they¡¯ll ruin us. Sometimes, we just have to ept defeat.¡± She cautioned.


    However, Hazel remained unyielding. ¡°No!¡± she retorted stubbornly, her gaze unflinching. ¡°I¡¯ll obtain a


    better exnation, not just a rejection due to our neer¡¯ status. I refuse to ept it; I swear I


    won¡¯t! I¡¯m willing to bet they didn¡¯t even bother to review our portfolio or our designs. We weren¡¯t given


    a fair chance. I won¡¯t back down. I can¡¯t. I¡¯ll make them see, we have to be given a chance.¡±


    With those words, she stormed out of the room, beckoning Chloe to join her. Her friend followed,


    sensing Hazel¡¯s unwavering resolve. Inside their office, a charged atmosphere lingered Hazel¡¯s


    frustration had been building up with each setback, and it seemed that nothing was unfolding


    as nned.


    As they returned to their office, Hazel inquired about the location of Tesco Empire. Chloe, however,


    expressed concerns about the owner¡¯s prominence and influence. ¡°He¡¯s considered one of the most


    influential figures in the city,¡± Chloe cautioned, ¡°He¡¯s not someone we can easily challenge.¡±


    ¡°Am not going there to fight. I just want to show them what we have, they didn¡¯t even check. We were


    rejected cause we¡¯re new. They think we¡¯re unprofessional and I¡¯ll equiped. We need to convince them.


    She urged.


    Chloe reluctantly agreed, and they set a n to meet go to Tesco Empire the following day.


    Hazel then mentioned that she had already taken Liam and Daisy to kindergarten, despite their


    scheduled start being the following day..Chloe was surprised and inquired about their reactions.


    ¡°Daisy absolutely adored it and refused to leave with me, so I allowed. them to stay the entire day


    there,¡± Hazel exined, her voice tinged with the affection.


    In response to Chloe¡¯s inquiry about Liam, Hazel chuckled, fondly recalling her son¡¯s outburst. ¡°He was


    livid,¡± she said with an affectionate. smile, and both women shared a brief moment ofughter,


    temporarily relieving the tension that had gripped them.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    ¡°I said no!¡± Ethan¡¯s voice thundered through the phone, the frustration evident in his words. He


    mmed the phone shut, flinging it away as if to distance himself from the source of his vexation.


    Tension radiated from him as he raked a hand through his hair in sheer exasperation.


    By his side, Axel bore witness to yet another heated altercation between the Alpha and the Luna, a


    scene that had be all too familiar. The Alpha¡¯s patience seemed to be wearing thin when it came


    to his mate.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Ethan snapped when he noticed Axel.


    ¡°Nothing, Alpha,¡± Axel replied, choosing his words carefully.


    But it was evident that something gnawed at Axel, something he had been holding back. ¡°It¡¯s just,


    Devin sent me some pictures,¡± he finally confessed, attempting to broach the subject.


    Ethan, his temper gradually subsiding, settled into his chair, his eyes now fixed on Axel. ¡°So?¡± he


    snapped impatiently, although a glimmer of curiosity flickered in his eyes.


    Axel persisted, knowing that Ethan wanted to know more despite his dismissive tone. ¡°Pictures of the


    kids,¡± he revealed, holding his ground. even in the face of Ethan¡¯s irritation. These pictures were taken


    at school today.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s interest was piqued, and he reluctantly reached for the tablet Axel offered. Although his initial


    nce at the device was disinterested, he couldn¡¯t help but be engrossed as he swiped through


    the images.


    The first picture captured Daisy, her cherubic face adorned with green. paint, her smile infectious.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but sigh and melt at the adorable sight. His previously furrowed brows eased,


    revealing a softer side of the typically stoic Alpha.


    As he continued to scroll through the pictures, the transformation in Ethan¡¯s demeanor was palpable.


    Daisy¡¯s radiant happiness seemed to wash over him, and a smile yed on his l*ps. The next image


    showed a grumpy Liam, his tiny face contorted in a frown, arms crossed, and a pout on his l*ps.


    Ethan¡¯s own expression broke into a smile at the sight of the boy¡¯s adorable sulk


    Axel couldn¡¯t help but observe his boss, marveling at the shift in Ethan¡¯s disposition. This was a man


    known for his hardened exterior, a leader


    Chanter 20


    who rarely disyed warmth or emotions. Yet here he was, entranced by images of these two children,


    clutching the tablet with genuine affection.


    ¡°Their names are Liam and Daisy.¡± He informed.


    ¡°They¡¯re beautiful,¡± Ethan couldn¡¯t help but remark, his voice soft and sincere, a stark departure from


    his usual demeanor. His gaze remained fixed on the images before him, captivated by the innocence of


    the children.


    Practicality soon reced his curiosity. ¡°Where do they live?¡± Ethan found himself inquiring.


    ¡°I¡¯ll text you the address, sir,¡± Axel replied, turning to leave.


    ¡°Axel,¡± Ethan called once more, his expression betraying a hint of vulnerability.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He said softly.


    Axel paused in his tracks, his hand on the door handle, his eyes wide with shock. For over four long


    years, he had worked diligently for Ethan, never once hearing a ¡°please¡± or ¡°thank you.¡± The sudden


    expression of gratitude left him momentarily stunned, unsure of how to respond. The man had not only


    expressed emotions but also gratitude.


    He simply nodded and left the room, pondering the enigma of Ethan¡¯s evolving rtionship with Hazel


    and what might have transpired.


    Axel had sought information from his sources, discreetly inquiring about Hazel. The feedback was


    unanimous: Hazel had been the best Luna, known for her warmth, smiles, and kindness, a stark


    contrast to the present Luna, Be, who exuded an air of coldness and intimidation. Theparison


    made Axel sigh inwardly, a silentment for what might have been if circumstances were different. He


    dutifully forwarded the address to Ethan¡¯s phone, a small act in light of the turbulent emotions that


    stirred within him.


    His phone buzzed, and Axel swiftly picked it up. It was his informant, bearing news that would shed


    further light on Hazel¡¯s situation. ¡°Boss, I¡¯ve discovered something,¡± the informant began cautiously.


    That man, Nathan, doesn¡¯t live with Hazel. Although he¡¯s present in the kids¡¯ lives, they¡¯re not together.¡±


    Axel paused, absorbing this revtion. ¡°Hazel¡¯s not married?¡± he Inquired, seeking rification.


    ¡°Yes,¡± came the concise reply from the informant.


    Axel released a sigh, a mixture of relief and contemtion. For some inexplicable reason, he felt


    relieved by the confirmation that Hazel was not married to Nathan. Perhaps it was a glimmer of hope in


    an otherwise.plex situation.


    However, Axel couldn¡¯t ignore the other aspect of his research. It had already been established that the


    children couldn¡¯t be Ethan¡¯s based on the timeline of Hazel¡¯s pregnancy and their birth. ¡°Perhaps she


    divorced within those five years?¡± Axel pondered aloud into the phone, his thoughts racing.


    ¡°There was no marriage, sir,¡± came the informant¡¯s response, dispelling any illusions of a past marital


    rtionship.


    Axel was left with more questions than answers, but one thing remained. clear: the children that Hazel


    cared for were not Ethan¡¯s by birth. The mystery surrounding their parentage deepened, and Axel¡¯s


    determination to unravel the truth grew stronger.


    After a long day¡¯s work, Hazel hailed a cab to pick up her kids from kindergarten. As she stepped out of


    the taxi in front of the school, her son Liam spotted her and couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. With an


    infectious grin, he dashed toward her, arms outstretched.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Liam yelled, his small voice filled with joy, his eyes shining with happiness as he approached


    his mother.


    Daisy, on the other hand, was still engrossed in a game of chasing a delicate butterfly that fluttered


    around the school garden, her little feet dancing to its whimsical flight.


    Hazel knelt down to Liam¡¯s level as he reached her. With a heartfelt smile, she addressed him. ¡°Oh,


    honey, I¡¯m so sorry. There was an emergency. Do you forgive me?¡± she asked, her voice filled with


    motherly tenderness.


    Liam, a sweet and understanding child, nodded vigorously, his smile never fading. ¡°Of course, Mommy!


    We had so much fun today. We ate, danced, yed, and we even got a huge cake!¡± Liam¡¯s eyes lit up


    as he recounted the day¡¯s adventures, his enthusiasm contagious.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but be touched by her son¡¯s happiness despite hit


    initial reluctance to attend kindergarten. For a child who had shown. reluctance and grumpiness at the


    mere thought of kindergarten, Liam. appeared to have had a fantastic time. She gently ced a hand


    on his cheek.


    ¡°You guys ate?¡± she inquired, relieved that they had enjoyed their day despite her earlier concerns.


    Liam nodded emphatically. ¡°Oh, yes, Mommy! I was sooo stuffed!¡± he replied with a big grin, his eyes


    sparkling with delight.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that her children were adjusting well to their new environment, Tiny


    Tots, it seemed, was indeed a good choice.


    Amidst the happy chatter, Daisy, her face adorned with a slight smudge of mud from her yful


    escapade, finally joined them. Her big, innocent eyes locked up at her mother as she clutched Hazel¡¯s


    legs.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Daisy said, her voice a soft, sweet melody.


    Hazel¡¯s heart melted at the sight of her daughter. She bent down to Daisy¡¯s level.


    Hazel gently brushed away the smudge of mud from Daisy¡¯s face, causing the little girl to giggle with


    delight. She had always been a source of joy and happiness in Hazel¡¯s life.


    ¡°Mommy, are you okay?¡± Daisy asked, her voice filled with genuine. concern. She gazed at her mother


    with those innocent eyes, her small hand resting on Hazel¡¯s cheek.


    Hazel¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, not out of sadness but out of the profound love she felt for her


    children. She wiped away her tears, letting out a smallugh. ¡°Uh? Oh, yes. Yes, Mommy¡¯s okay,¡± she


    assured Daisy, her voice warm and reassuring.


    Daisy reached up and gently patted Hazel¡¯s cheek, as if trying tofort her. It¡¯s just because I really


    missed you guys,¡± Hazel exined, her voice trembling with emotion. She leaned in, embracing Daisy


    in a tender hug.


    Hazel¡¯s heart ached as she held her daughter close. Her baby was a beautiful, vibrant child, full of life


    and energy. Yet, Daisy¡¯s health struggles had cast a shadow over her childhood. As her mother, Hazel


    often felt helpless, unable to do anything but watch as her daughter experienced seizures and


    struggled with her fragile health.


    She yearned for Daisy to have a happy and carefree childhood, just like


    any


    other child, to attend kindergarten with her friends and embrace the joys of life without the burdens of


    illness.


    Hazel held Daisy close to her chest, embracing her daughter with a mixture of love and guilt. She


    pressed her l*ps to Daisy¡¯s soft hair, her words of apology barely audible as she mumbled into the


    fragrant locks.


    ¡°Mommy¡¯s sorry. So sorry,¡± she whispered, her voice filled with regret for the moments she couldn¡¯t be


    there with her children.


    After gathering herself for a few precious moments, Hazel gently released Daisy. Her daughter, now


    free to explore, dashed off with youthful enthusiasm, eager to show off her artwork from the day. Daisy


    proudly disyed a colorful butterfly she had painted, each wing adorned with a different hue, a


    testament to her creativity and spirit.


    Around them, other little kids were still engaged in yful activities, waiting for their parents to pick


    them up. The schoolyard buzzed with the cheerful sounds of children at y, creating a warm and


    inviting atmosphere.


    Liam, too, was eager to share his masterpiece. He held. up his drawing with a wide smile, his eyes


    sparkling with pride. The artwork depicted. three figures, and he eagerly exined his creation.


    ¡°This is you,¡± Liam pointed to the central figure, his mother, ¡°and me and, Daisy,¡± he concluded, his


    voice brimming with joy and adoration.


    Hazel¡¯s heart swelled with maternal pride. She gently stroked Liam¡¯s face, her fingers brushing across


    his cheek with love and appreciation. ¡°Good job, sweetheart. It¡¯s so beautiful. We¡¯ll get some materials


    and hang it up at home,¡± she promised, her heartwarming words instilling a sense of aplishment in


    her son.


    With her children¡¯s artwork in hand and their spirits lifted, Hazel decided it was time to wrap up their


    day at the kindergarten. ¡°Right, you guys wait here. I¡¯ll be right back,¡¯ she said to Liam and Daisy, who


    nodded in agreement.


    Heading to the office of the kindergarten¡¯s proprietor, Hazel greeted him politely. She wanted to express


    her gratitude for the care her children had received during the day.


    ¡°The kids¡¯ food was taken care of, The proprietor, a kind-hearted individual, informed with a warm


    smile.


    ¡°Thank you very much. Let me pay you back.¡± Hazel reached for her phone. However, before she could


    proceed, the proprietor interrupted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± he insisted kindly. ¡°Today¡¯s meals was taken care of by the school.¡±


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as she realized that Liam had already spilled the beans about the day¡¯s


    unexpected feast. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what Liam was exining. He said there was a cake,¡± she remarked,


    feeling touched by the thoughtfulness of the school.


    ¡°Yes, we had a party. All the kids in the kindergarten enjoyed it,¡± the proprietor exined, his eyes twin


    k l i n g with the joy of making children happy.


    Hazel was genuinely appreciative. ¡°Okay. Thank you very much,¡± she said, her gratitude heartfelt as


    she exited the office.


    Back outside, Liam stood by the school¡¯s entrance, his snacks bag in hand, ready to head home. He


    held his mother¡¯s hand, his trust in her unwavering. ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± he suggested.


    As they left the kindergarten, Liam waved cheerfully to Mr. Devin.


    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Devin!¡± Liam called out.


    Mr. Devin chuckled warmly, returning the sentiment. ¡°Goodbye, Liam. See you tomorrow,¡± he replied,


    his heart warmed by these delightful children.


    Standing in the corridor, Mr. Devin couldn¡¯t help but watch them go. Those kids were truly adorable,


    and he could understand why Ethan had softened toward them. They were just so adorable.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Hazel and her children exited the building, heading home. Along the way, they made a brief stop at a


    small store to purchase some pins. As a family of three, they joyfully arranged the kids¡¯ paintings on the


    fridge. Hazel took a step back, admiring her children¡¯s artwork with pride. Liam¡¯s piece, in particr,


    stood out as a well-drawn masterpiece; it was clear the boy had a gift for creativity.


    After their creative disy, the kids washed up and enjoyed their dinners before heading to bed. Hazel


    lovingly k*ssed each of them goodnight, a daily routine that held a world of affection and reassurance.


    Now alone in the quiet of her home, the disappointment of the day weighed heavily on Hazel¡¯s mind.


    She felt an overwhelming urge to cry, the emotional toll of hearing that her daughter¡¯s hope had been


    retired. by the doctor, followed by the sudden termination of her hard work contract, had taken its toll.


    Unable to find sce in sleep, Hazel turned her attention to work. She dedicated herself to designing


    and refining their prototype, determined to make it even more impressive.


    After spending long hours working, fatigue finally overcame her. Hazel retired to her bed, the darkness


    enveloping her room as she turned off the lights.


    Downstairs, in his car, Ethan waited patiently. He had driven around town aimlessly Kate that night after


    being unable to shake the feeling of restlessness. He subconsciously made his way to Hazel¡¯s home.


    He stared up at the third floor of where the lights remained on for some time. His handsome face bore


    a mncholic expression as he continued to watch. It was as if he couldn¡¯t tear himself away. He had


    the sudden urge to climb the stairs and knock on the door, but he restrained himself reminding himself


    that he had no right.


    He sat there in his car for what felt like an eternity, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. When the


    lights finally turned off in Hazel¡¯s apartment, Ethan reluctantly started his car and drove away, leaving


    behind questions and unresolved feelings.


    The following morning, Hazel was in rush to prepare her children for kindergarten. She hurriedly got


    them ready and dropped them off at the school. As they arrived, Daisy¡¯s excitement was evident as she


    dashed into her ssroom without hesitation. Liam, however, disyed a more


    cautious demeanor. He lingered at the door, casting frequent nces. back at his mother, watching her


    until she disappeared from sight.


    With a sigh of mixed emotions, Hazel hailed a taxi and directed the driver to take her to Tesco Empire.


    She was dressed smartly in a crisp. white shirt, office pants, and high-heeled shoes. Her ponytail held


    her hair neatly in ce, but her slight trembling betrayed her nervousness. She tried to calm her nerves


    by humming softly during the ride.


    When the taxi stopped in front of the imposing high-rise building, Hazel received a supportive text


    message from her superior, which read, ¡°Good luck.¡± She sighed and powered off her phone, menta l l


    y preparing herself.


    The exterior of Tesco Empire was not just massive but also elegant, radiating an air of intimidation. It


    resembled an exclusive and opulent hotel rather than a workce. Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel awed by


    the grandeur of the building. She wondered who the CEO and mastermind behind this architectural


    marvel was. The sight alone made her realize why the CEO might be difficult to impress ¨C a man with


    such impable taste would undoubtedly have high standards. Nevertheless, she was determined to


    give it her best shot, even though she now felt somewhat humbled.


    Stepping through the colossal transparent doors, Hazel gasped in awe once more as she entered the


    building. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior had hinted. It was simply


    astounding, making her mutter to herself, ¡°So this is what Tesco is like.¡± The building was unlike


    anything she had ever seen before. The sheer beauty of the ce left her both inspired and slightly


    overwhelmed.


    The floor she found herself on was exquisitely furnished, spa c i o u s yet somehow restrained. Only a


    receptionist and security personnel upied this area. To progress beyond this floor and reach the


    Approaching the front desk, she greeted the receptionist politely, saying, ¡°Hello, good morning.¡± The


    receptionist responded with a polite smile and inquired, ¡°Good morning. Would you happen to have an


    appointment?¡±


    Hazel knew she would face this obstacle, it was nearly impossible to meet with the CEO, especially


    considering the formidable atmosphere within the building. She replied, her nerves still evident, ¡°No.¡±


    The receptionist¡¯s once-friendly smile faded, reced by an unreadable expression tinged with a hint of


    apprehension.


    The woman¡¯s expression shifted from polite inquiry to incredulous disbelief. Even though she had


    worked at Tesco Empire for nearly two years, she had never met the elusive CEO. That¡¯s how


    exclusive and unreachable he was.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to ask you to leave,¡± she said coldly.


    Hazel, however, wasn¡¯t ready to give up. She desperately wanted to speak to someone, perhaps the


    manager or a director. The receptionist¡¯s initial sternness began to waver as Hazel tried to exin her


    purpose.


    ¡°I am a representative from Starlight,¡± Hazel began, her tone pleading, ¡°we were contracted to work on


    Tesco¡¯s new acquisition, J.T.¡±


    The receptionist visibly rxed upon hearing this information. She seemed to let her guard down a bit.


    Hazel continued, ¡°We were supposed to finalize everything next week, but suddenly our agreements


    wer? terminated. I need to speak with someone, maybe not the CEO, but perhaps a director?¡±


    The receptionist hesitated but still seemed reluctant. She was reaching for herndline, presumably to


    call security, when a familiar voice interjected.


    ¡°Hazel?¡±


    Hazel turned around, instantly recognizing him. It was one of the representatives who had initially


    reached out to Starlight.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Newman,¡± Hazel greeted him with a sense of relief.


    He nodded slightly and addressed the issue at hand. ¡°Our agreements have been terminated. Starlight


    will bepensated.¡±


    Hazel wasn¡¯t satisfied with this exnation. She moved closer to Mr. Newman, determination in her


    eyes. ¡°That¡¯s not how business is done. We won the bid fair and square. For months, we turned down


    other contracts to focus on J.T., and now you¡¯re just backing out? There was no error or breach from


    our side. You can¡¯t just dump us after stringing us along for months.¡±


    Mr. Newman¡¯s response was short and decisive. ¡°It¡¯s the decision of the executive.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t ept this without further exnation. She pressed on, Why?


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a say in this,¡± Mr. Newman tried to reason with Hazel.


    Hazel¡¯s frustration bubbled over. ¡°Well, that¡¯s bullshi t!¡±


    Mr. Newman flinched at her curse word. He warned sternly, ¡°I suggest youport yourself.¡±


    With a sigh, he softened his tone and exined, ¡°Listen, your contract was made with a different board.


    The CEO rejected Starlight personally. The only thing I can do for you now is to suggest that you bid


    once more. for a ce. If you can impress them, then you might be re-contracted.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. ¡°You mean it?¡±


    Mr. Newman nodded. ¡°Yes. Companies are applying for the J.T. bid. Starlight should apply once more,


    and if you get selected, so be it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hazel asked with renewed hope, her heart beating faster. Mr. Newman affirmed his statement


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    with a firm nod.


    This time, the CEO will personally select thepany to handle the renovations. He has high


    standards. You should get to work,¡± Mr. Newman advised before walking away.


    Hazel felt a rush of happiness. She hade seeking answers, and now she had found another


    opportunity. If she hadn¡¯te today, she wouldn¡¯t have known there was an ongoing application


    process for the design position. It was such a big deal and so exclusive that it wasn¡¯t even being


    announced.


    ¡°Thank you very much, sir,¡± Hazel said, beaming with smiles. There was hope, and they could impress


    the board to regain their contract. Happily, she ski p p e d out of the building, her mood significantly


    lighter than before. She had already begun brainstorming ideas to improve their project. Knowing that


    the CEO had high standards, she was determined to create something elegant and ssy.


    She quickly hailed a taxi and left for her workce, Starlight eager to get started to renew their bid.


    She made a call immediately to Chloe,


    As Hazel left, a sleek ck car pulled into thepany¡¯s driveway with an air of importance. The man


    in the back seat, who appeared to be the boss, quickly exited the vehicle and hurriedly made his way


    into the building. This unexpected entrance left the security guard momentarily confused, his gaze


    tracking the elegant arrival.


    ¡°Is there a problem, boss?¡± Axel inquired as he caught up with Ethan at thepany¡¯s reception. This


    abrupt entrance was highly unusual, and Axel couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had prompted it.


    Thedy at the front desk stood up immediately, her eyes widening. The boss had always used his own


    exclusive entrance, making this the first time she had seen him up close. Her curiosity was piqued.


    Ethan appeared to be looking around frantically as if searching for something. He stopped in his tracks


    and chuckled sadly, surprising those around him. ¡°No, Axel, nothing is wrong,¡± he replied calmly,


    although his recent actions had caused quite a stir.


    The receptionist released a breath she didn¡¯t realize she had been holding. She couldn¡¯t help but


    wonder why he had rushed into the building in such a manner, as if he were looking for someone or


    something.


    Ethan turned around with a tinge of sadness in his eyes. The previous night, he had spent hours at


    Hazel¡¯s house, aimlessly driving for a long time before parking at the building where she lived. For


    some inexplicable reason, he had remained there until all the lights turned off.


    Now, in the morning light, he had rushed into his ownpany, a behavior that was entirely out of


    character for him. All because he had caught a scent ¨C a familiar blend of Eucalyptus and cinn a m o n.


    It reminded him of Hazel, and it had almost overwhelmed him. He berated himself for such thoughts,


    questioning his own judgment. There was no way it could have been her.


    With that, he turned and exited the building, heading toward his exclusive parking lot, leaving a puzzled


    Axel following closely behind. The receptionist was left with lingering questions about the boss¡¯s


    unusual behavior.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Hazel hurried off to work, her determination evident in her brisk pace. Upon her arrival, she called for


    an urgent meeting with the Starlight. team, delivering the important announcement about the


    termination of their contract. The moment her words reached their ears, the Starlight workers sprang


    into action with unwaveringmitment.


    The office atmosphere buzzed with a palpable sense of urgency and hope. Their desks were cluttered


    with blueprints, design drafts, and countless ideas. It was a frenzy of creativity and determination as


    they embarked on the task of restructuring and redesigning their project.


    The team understood the high stakes involved; Tesco Empire demanded nothing but the best.


    Moreover, they were aware that other prominentpanies would be fiercelypeting for the


    contract. This realization fueled their motivation as they aimed to rise to the challenge and excel in


    every aspect of their work.


    Ethan sat restlessly in his office, a storm of annoyance brewing within him. The day had started on an


    unpleasant note, and his mind was far from the matters at hand.


    Just then, Axel, his trusted employee, entered the room with a crucial announcement. ¡°Sir, the board


    members are already assembled and waiting,¡± Axel informed, his toneced with a sense of urgency.


    Ethan¡¯s reaction was immediate; he sprang from his chair and promptly exited his office, striding


    purposefully toward the boardroom.


    Upon entering the boardroom, a hush fell over the room. The usual murmur of conversations ceased


    abruptly as Ethan¡¯s presence loomed.rge. An inexplicable air of tension hung in the atmosphere,


    leaving the board members feeling uneasy. Though they couldn¡¯t pinpoint the cause, an ominous aura


    seemed to envelop their boss.


    Taking his seat at the head of the long table, Ethan wasted no time in directing the meeting to


    forming on his forehead. Anxiety radiated from him as he stood before the projector board, and even


    his ent appeared to irk Ethan slightly, manifesting in a faint scowl.


    The presentation proceeded, but Ethan¡¯s focus remained divided. His irritation, more pronounced than


    usual that morning, colored his perception of the proceedings. He watched the presentation put forth by


    his employees with growing disinterest and a rising sense of irritation.


    Ethan¡¯s day was taking a turn for the worse, his thoughts involuntarily drifting toward his wife. The


    previous night had been marked by her incessantints about histe returns from the office, and


    it seemed that his prolonged hours at work were making his home an increasingly ufortable ce.


    The once cozy sanctuary had transformed into a battleground due to Be¡¯s demanding and


    contentious nature.


    As he nced at his phone, a slideshow of pictures featuring Liam and Hazel filled his screen. Ethan


    couldn¡¯t help but feel an unexpected attachment to them, a sentiment he hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    His reverie was abruptly interrupted when Axel called out to him, snapping him back to reality. Ethan¡¯s


    head snapped upright, and he realized that the entire room was focused on him.


    ¡°Finished?¡± he inquired sourly, his demeanor reflecting his foul mood. The presenter, aware of the


    boss¡¯s irritable state, nodded hesitantly. Ethan seemed like an angered beast, ready to pounce at any


    moment. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, a sign of his restlessness.


    ¡°That will be all,¡± he dismissed curtly, swiftly rising from his chair and leaving the room in a hurry. The


    employees exchanged puzzled nces, exhaling collective sighs of relief. It was unusual for the boss


    to remain uncharacteristically passive during a presentation, let alone failing to critique it.


    Inside his office, Axel followed after Ethan, witnessing his boss removing his suit jacket as he entered.


    ¡°Have Devin arrange a field day for Tiny Tots,¡± Ethan instructed abruptly. ¡°Right now?¡± Axel queried, a


    hint of confusion in his voice.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied tersely. Axel stood momentarily bewildered.


    With a sigh, he reached for his phone to make the necessary arrangements before Ethan added


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    another unexpected request. ¡°And¡­ get me some casual clothes, Ethan instructed.


    ¡°Casual clothes?¡± Axel repeated, perplexed by the request.


    Yes. A jean perhaps.¡±


    It was field day at Tiny Tots, and the excitement among the children was


    palpable. They formed a cheerful line and entered a bus that the school had thoughtfully provided for


    their adventure. The kids chatted with each other, their voices bubbling with enthusiasm.


    The bus eventually came to a halt in a nearby exclusive park where arrangements had been made for


    a delightful pic. The children¡¯s eyes. widened as they beheld the feastid out before them. Excited


    squeals filled the air as they eagerly anticipated their meal.


    After eating, the children wasted no time in exploring the recreational equipment provided for them. The


    park, being exclusive and closed off to outsiders, allowed the kids the freedom to roam and y


    without any worries.


    Amid theughter and yfulness, Liam decided to stroll off on his own. He clutched his crayons and


    drawing book, longing for a quiet spot to finish his drawing. He wandered away from the boisterous


    crowd, seeking sce in the peaceful surroundings.


    However, his solitude was short-lived as two other little boys approached him, urging him to join in a


    game of cops and robbers.¡± Liam shook his head, adamantly refusing their invitation.


    ¡°Come on,¡± they insisted, trying to convince him. In their enthusiasm, they shook him roughly, causing


    him to stumble and fall. Liam let out a cry of surprise and difort.


    A protective voice intervened, growling at the boys. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t do that.¡± It was a stern warning, and the


    two boys quickly retreated and ran off, leaving Liam behind.


    Struggling to stand up, Liam felt a sting on his knee and fought back tears. He whispered, ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡±


    but couldn¡¯t help sobbing softly as he brushed himself off.


    A kind and gentle hand reached out, offering help. ¡°Are you okay?¡± the soothing voice inquired. Liam


    nodded with a small, trembling pout while trying to wipe away his tears.


    Examining Liam¡¯s scraped knee, the stranger picked him up and cradled him gently. The little boy


    foundfort in the man¡¯s arms, and his so b s began to subside. ¡°There, there, it¡¯s okay,¡± the man


    reassured him as he headed toward the exit of the secluded park.


    As they left, Devin, who had been overseeing the field day, approached, concerned. ¡°Is there a


    problem, boss?¡± he asked.


    Ethan, now carrying Liam, shook his head, his expression showing a mix of concern and care. ¡°No, no


    problem, he replied, his protective instincts kicking in as heforted the young child in his arms.


    Still holding Liam, Ethan headed to a small, nearby store. The shop was empty of customers but fully


    stocked with various items. He found a quiet corner and carefully sat down, cradling the young boy in


    his arms.


    Gently, Ethan began to remove Liam¡¯s shoe and stockings, inspecting his injured knee. Tofort the


    child, he purchased a loll*pop from the store, offering it to Liam while he tended to the scraped knee.


    As Ethan worked on cleaning the bloodied leg, Liam¡¯s curiosity got the better of him. ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    he asked, wiping his eyes. The man before him felt strangely familiar, yet Liam couldn¡¯t quite ce


    where he had seen him before.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Ethan replied, finishing his task and leaning back in his


    seat.


    Liam¡¯s young mind was filled with the cautionary lessons he had been taught by his mother about not


    going off with strangers. He felt conflicted but oddly at ease in this man¡¯s presence. ¡°Mummy said I


    shouldn¡¯t go off with strangers, he mused aloud, his gaze fixed on Ethan.


    Ethan met Liam¡¯s gaze calmly. ¡°Do you want to go back?¡± he asked, his tone gentle and reassuring.


    Liam hesitated, his eyes darting around the quiet and peaceful store. ¡°It¡¯s quiet here,¡± he remarked, a


    hint of contentment in his voice. The store offered a sense of tranquility that contrasted with the noisy


    ytime of the other kids at the park.


    ¡°Do you work at my school?¡± Liam asked, gazing at Ethan with curious


    eyes.


    Ethan considered his response for a moment. Well, he did technically own the school now. ¡°Yes,¡± he


    replied, his gaze gentle as he looked at the young boy.


    Liam, though clearly still a child, had a certain maturity in his demeanor and speech that caught Ethan¡¯s


    attention. ¡°How old are you?¡± Ethan inquired, genuinely interested.


    I¡¯m four years old, Liam replied, the loll*pop still in his mouth. He was quick to return the question. ¡°How


    old are you?¡± he asked, his curiosity


    shining through. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle lightly.


    ¡°I am thirty years old, pup,¡± Ethan responded with a smile. He watched ast Liam focused on his paper


    and pencils.


    The little boy¡¯s mood soured momentarily as he grunted in


    disappointment. His paper was torn, and his pencils seemed to have disappeared. Ethan, noticing his


    distress, quickly procured another sheet of paper for him.


    Liam got to work with renewed passion, doodling away. The atmosphere. in the store was calm and


    soothing, with the distant sounds of children. ying outside providing a pleasant background noise.


    Liam appeared to be deeply engrossed in his drawing. He was a quiet child who often preferred


    solitude, avoiding the noisy chaos of his peers.


    Curious about Liam¡¯s art, Ethan pointed at one of the drawings. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± he asked.


    Liam looked up, a bright smile on his face. ¡°This is mommy,¡± he replied. proudly.


    Ethan chuckled at the child¡¯s depiction, which bore little resemnce to Hazel. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful,¡± he


    remarked sincerely.


    ¡°Yes! Mummy¡¯s really pretty. I love mummy,¡± Liam replied dreamily, his adoration for his mother shining


    through his innocent eyes.


    ¡°Would you also give me a nice drawing?¡± Ethan asked the young artist, his tone polite and curious.


    Liam adopted a contemtive expression, weighing the request. After a brief moment of thought, he


    reached out for a fresh sheet of paper and promptly began sketching.


    ¡°But, your friends are having fun. You sure you don¡¯t wanna go?¡± Ethan inquired, showing genuine


    concern for the boy¡¯s well-being.


    Liam shook his head, his hair falling gracefully around his face. ¡°Kids are noisy, he stated with a hint of


    distaste, which earned a heartyugh from Ethan. The little boy seemed wise beyond his years.


    But you¡¯re also a kid. Aren¡¯t you?¡± Ethan asked, his amusement still evident.


    Liam shrugged nonchntly, his mannerisms reflecting a level of


    maturity beyond his age. He then looked intently at Ethan, his eyes. narrowed in serious contemtion.


    ¡°Mr., you sure I don¡¯t know you?¡± Liam asked once more, the furrows on his young brow deepening.


    Ethan found the boy¡¯s curiosity endearing. ¡°Why? Do I look like someone you know?¡± he inquired with a


    yful grin.


    ¡°Do you have a twin?¡± Liam continued his questioning, his young mind trying to make a connection.


    ¡°You look like that guy that bullied Daisy,¡± he said with a faint frown.


    ¡°Daisy?¡± Ethan queried, genuinely curious now.


    ¡°My little sister,¡± Liam rified, adding that touch of sibling affection.


    Ethan noted to himself that, despite being twins, Liam still considered Daisy his ¡°little¡± sister, finding her


    cute.


    ¡°What if I was him?¡± Ethan prodded, curious to see how Liam¡¯s perception would evolve.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. That guy was big and grumpy and he looked mean. He also looked really important; he


    was in a suit. You don¡¯t look important,¡± Liam dered, offering a childlike but astute analysis of


    Ethan¡¯s


    appearance.


    Ethan couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter at the boy¡¯s candid evaluation. Despite Liam¡¯s initial


    impression, Ethan found himself charmed by the young boy.


    Liam, momentarily offended, stopped his drawing and folded his arms in protest. ¡°Am sorry,¡± he said


    between chuckles.


    Ethan ruffled Liam¡¯s hair gently, appreciating his candid nature. ¡°Then why did youe with me?¡± he


    asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. Ethan couldn¡¯t believe he was having such a profound


    conversation with a four-year-old; the child was exceptionally bright.


    Once more, Liam simply shrugged, his attention now focused on his bandaged knee. ¡°I guess I like


    you,¡± he replied casually, as if stating the most natural thing in the world.


    With Liam¡¯s drawing nowplete, he handed it to Ethan, who paused to look down at the little boy.


    His genuine smile shone brightly. Thank you, Liam, Ethan said warmly.


    Liam froze, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°How did you know my name?¡± he asked, his inquisitive


    eyes narrowing slightly.


    Ethan offered a nonchnt shrug this time, opting to keep his identity hidden from the child. Liam let


    out a small yawn, signaling his growing hunger.


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime already. You must be hungry,¡± Ethan observed. He reached. out to help Liam into his


    shoes. Although the injury was minor, Ethan couldn¡¯t resist the urge to carry the young boy. With Liam


    cradled in hist arms, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but bury his face in the child¡¯s hair, which carried the familiar


    scent of Hazel.


    At that


    fallenent, everything e


    faded into the background. Ethan had


    fallen in love with Hazel¡¯s children, and he wished to have one just like them.


    As they approached the group of children, Ethan gently ced Liam on the ground. The young boy


    turned to him with gratitude in his eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr¡­?¡± Liam trailed off, waiting for Ethan toplete the introduction.


    Ethan hesitated for a moment, aware that Hazel might not appreciate her/ children meeting with him,


    despite his harmless intentions. Names eluded him in that moment, and he nced around for


    inspiration.


    ¡°Butterfly?¡± No, he quickly dismissed the whimsical thought. ¡°Wood. Mr. Wood,¡± he replied with a


    reassuring nod.


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Mr. Wood,¡± Liam said politely, finally joining the group of his peers.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Ethan stood at a distance, quietly observing the little boy join the other kids with a gentle smile. It was a


    rare moment of warmth and innocence that he cherished. Seeing Liam take a liking to him felt like a


    small


    victory.


    The connection he was forming with this little boy was something he hadn¡¯t experienced before, and it


    made him feel better, lighter, and oddly hopeful.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m notpletely lost,¡± Ethan mused to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. For a man


    who had spent most of his life in boardrooms and cold, unemotional office spaces, this newfound


    connection with a child was both surprising and heartening. To have a child genuinely like him was a


    heartwarming, something he rarely. encountered in his high-stakes life.


    Ethan found himself appreciating the change of scenery, having momentarily escaped from his


    imposing and unfeeling office. It was worth it. Here, amidst theughter and innocence of children, he


    found a sense of peace he seldom encountered.


    His hand sl*pped his hand into his jeans pocket, the sensation unfamiliar. He rarely wore anything other


    than suits, and the casual attire he had chosen for this asion reminded him of the life he had left


    behind, even if just temporarily. Retrieving Liam¡¯s drawing, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the


    endearing, albeit unrecognizable, depiction of himself.


    He examined the childish doodle, admittedly, Liam showed remarkable artistic talent, even surpassing


    the abilities of most children his age. Ethan¡¯s smile widened as he marveled at the child¡¯s creativity.


    It was an unexpected and delightful discovery


    ¡°You¡¯re so lucky, Hazel,¡± he thought wistfully. In that moment, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of envy


    for the life she had with her children a life filled with innocence,ughter, and moments like these. His


    heart heavy with longing for the simple joys that seemed elusive in his life.


    Ethan made a menta l note to create more opportunities for outings and field trips for the children. He


    envisioned a special corner where Liam could find peace and quiet whenever he needed it, a serene


    spot away from the noisy bustle of the other kids.


    Axel couldn¡¯t help but observe Ethan closely as his boss sat in his office. There was something


    extraordinary about the smile that graced Ethan¡¯s face. It was a rare sight to see Ethan in such high


    spirits. He had returned. to the office after making strange demands and changing into casual clothing.


    It was evident that something had happened to put his boss in an unusually contented mood and happy


    mood.


    Ethan settled back into his chair, a small but genuine smile still ying on his l*ps as he held a piece of


    paper in his hands. The paper revealed a child¡¯s doodling, and Axel couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow,


    his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°It¡¯s a drawing of me. Liam made it,¡± Ethan answered Axel¡¯s questioning. gaze with a soft chuckle. The


    fact that Liam had made a drawing of his boss was


    intriguing, and it seemed to have brought unexpected joy to Ethan¡¯s day.


    Ethan¡¯s mood shifted suddenly as he refocused on business matters. ¡°When is the J.T mall inspection


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    date?¡± he inquired after summoning Axel back to his office.


    ¡°It¡¯s next week,¡± Axel replied.


    ¡°Tell them not to bother. I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± Ethan dered, his decision made in that moment. He stood


    up and began to put on his suit, a clear indication that he intended to handle the mall inspection


    immediately.


    ¡°Right now?¡± Axel queried, his brows furrowed in mild astonishment at the abrupt alteration of their


    schedule.


    ¡°Right now,¡± Ethan affirmed firmly, the tone of his voice leaving no room for further discussion. It was


    evident that he was determined to proceed. without dy.


    Axel acknowledged Ethan¡¯s decision with a slow nod, though he couldn¡¯t help but find it somewhat


    unusual. Over the past four years, Ethan had been known for his meticulous nning and adherence


    to schedules, not one to deviate from the routines he set for himself and others. Yet, here. he was,


    making sudden changes to their ns, disrupting importantmitments along the way.


    Following this unexpected shift, they embarked on a whirlwind tour of thepany¡¯s shopping malls,


    with Axel closely trailing behind Ethan, apanied by managers and other staff members. Tension


    hung in the air as they watched their boss. It was an unusual sight because typically, such inspections


    were conducted by a dedicated team under Ethan¡¯s


    supervision.


    What added to the confusion was Ethan¡¯s particr focus on the children¡¯s store within the mall. This


    deviation from his usual routine left everyone intrigued, wondering about the reason behind this change


    in their CEO¡¯s behavior.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just take a look. Get back to work,¡± Ethan ordered, waving away the many workers who had been


    following him closely. As he turned, he nearly bumped into the store manager, who had been standing


    nearby. With a slight bow, the workers retreated, leaving Ethan and Axel alone at that end of the store.


    Ethan paused when he spotted a kids¡¯ painting set that appeared beautiful and unique. He approached


    it, picking it up immediately. An idea formed in his mind this would make a wonderful gift for Liam.


    ¡°Boss,¡± Axel cautioned, almost as if he could read Ethan¡¯s thoughts..


    Ethan sighed, his expression softening. ¡°I know. I can¡¯t buy them toys or anything like a father would


    because, to them, I¡¯m nob*dy,¡± he said, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness.


    ¡°Here¡¯s a n,¡± Ethan continued, his tone growing decisive as he walked. away, still holding the paint


    set. ¡°Let¡¯s find out what all the kids in the kindergarten love to do, then we¡¯ll arrange gifts that align with


    their hobbies for each of them.¡±


    Axel sighed. Lately, his boss had been giving him unusual tasks, all because of those adorable little


    munchkins who had managed to crac k through Ethan¡¯s seemingly imprable exterior.


    ¡°If they were your kids, life would be so much easier,¡± Axel mused to himself as he watched Ethan


    admire the paint set and select a matching drawing set. It was hard to ignore the striking resemnce


    between. Ethan and Liam, not just in looks but in temperament as well. Moreover, the deep connection


    Ethan had formed with the kids was undeniable. These days, their boss seemed more human, less


    snappy and brooding than before. Axel felt a newfound ease in their working rtionship after over four


    years of working together.


    Ethan, holding the paint set in one hand and another exquisite toy that left Axel baffled, exited the store


    with an evident sense of satisfaction. Axel couldn¡¯t help but mutter to himself, ¡°Great, more extra work.¡±


    As they left, the manager of the mall approached Axel, his nervousness


    palpable. This was the first time the big boss himself had conducted an inspection. ¡°Is the inspection


    over?¡± he asked anxiously.


    ¡°Apparently,¡± Axel replied, his gaze fixed on his boss¡¯s retreating figure. It was clear that Ethan had


    ¡°I need a set of toys suitable for kids aged four to seven,¡± Axel ryed Ethan¡¯s request to the mall


    manager.


    The man immediately sprang into action, grateful and relieved, albeit puzzled by the CEO¡¯s unexpected


    choices. After all, Ethan had only entered one store, the toy store.


    ¡°Please deliver them to this address,¡± Axel instructed as he scribbled the details on a piece of paper


    and handed it to the manager.


    As Hazel walked into the kindergarten,to pick her kids up, her eyes widened in astonishment. The


    normally well-organized y area was now transformed into a colorful sea of new toys. Liam was


    clutching an exquisite paint and drawing set, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Meanwhile, Daisy held


    onto a colossal dollhouse that was nearly as tall as she was.


    Devin, noticing Hazel¡¯s surprise smiled warmly. He approached her, eager to exin the unexpected


    gift bonanza. ¡°Hazel,¡± he began, ¡°the school ismitted to nurturing the creative passions of its young


    students. Today, we decided to surprise the children with these wonderful gifts to encourage their


    artistic and imaginative sides.¡± He receited the words Axel had told him in order not to rouse suspicion.


    Hazel was momentarily taken aback by the generosity and


    thoughtfulness of the kindergarten management. ¡°Wow,¡± she managed to utter, her appreciation


    mirrored in her wide-eyed gaze. The toys were clearly not just your average ythings; they were high-


    quality, educational, and undoubtedly expensive.


    However, Liam, always the inquisitive one, sensed the perfect opportunity to divert his mother¡¯s


    attention. With a sad pout, he presented his wounded leg as if on cue. ¡°Mommy, I hurt my leg,¡± he


    announced, looking up at her with a touch In hope of aforting embrace.


    Hazel, juggling her emotions between surprise and concern, quickly shifted her focus to Liam. ¡°Oh, my


    sweet boy,¡± she cooed.


    Bending down, she carefully inspected his leg.


    Liam beamed as he proudly showcased his leg, now fully healed. ¡°It¡¯s okay now, Mommy. Mr. Wood


    cleaned it all up for me,¡± he announced. with an infectious smile that could melt anyone¡¯s heart.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but raise an intrigued eyebrow at the mention of ¡°Mr. Wood.¡± Her gaze shifted to


    Devin, the kindergarten manager who still lingered nearby, seemingly overseeing the departing


    children. ¡°Mr. Woods?¡± she inquired, her curiosity piqued.


    Devin cleared his throat, offering a concise exnation. ¡°He¡¯s one of our workers here at the


    kindergarten,¡± he lied smoothly.


    ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± Hazel responded, her eyes softening as she looked down at her son. ¡°Liam¡¯s usually


    quite fussy about letting anyone touch him. He must have really made an impression on him.¡±


    Liam nodded vigorously, his face lit up with affection for Mr. Woods. ¡°Yes, Mommy. I drew him a portrait


    as a thank you,¡± he revealed, his voice brimming with pride at his artistic gesture.


    As they prepared to leave the kindergarten, Hazel was confronted with at logistical challenge-these


    new toys were ratherrge, and managing them was turning out to be more of an ordeal than she had


    anticipated. She had Daisy on one side, eager to get home and explore her dollhouse, and Liam on the


    other, babbling enthusiastically about his day with Mr. Woods.


    Just as she began to contemte how to transport the newfound


    treasures, a car pulled up right in front of them. Devin stepped in with a helpful suggestion, his concern


    for the children evident. ¡°You should get- in,¡± he rmended, sensing Hazel¡¯s dilemma.


    Hazel, initially hesitant, found herself swayed by Devin¡¯s assurance. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he reassured her. ¡°He¡¯s


    my personal driver. He¡¯ll give you all a ride home.¡± Grateful for the assistance, Hazel offered her


    thanks, and with a collective shrug, they all climbed into thefortable vehicle.


    Throughout the ride home, Liam chatted animatedly about his day at kindergarten, regaling his mother


    with tales of his adventures with Mr. Woods. In contrast, Daisy remained quiet and focused, her little


    mind. undoubtedly consumed with thoughts of the new dollhouse waiting for her at home.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Ethan¡¯s car pulled into the driveway, the engine¡¯s purr fading into silence as he stepped out. His


    footsteps echoed through the vast, quiet mansion. The stillness felt deafening, a stark contrast to the


    vibrant and joyful noise of the field full of children he had spent the day with. It was the kind of silence


    that, for the first time ever, seemed unsettling to him. The absence of the kids¡¯ughter and yful


    shouts made his home feel like a lifeless graveyard.


    As he stomped towards the grand staircase, he couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge how much he disliked


    the eerie quietness of the house. It had always been a quiet ce, but today, after being immersed in


    the lively world of children, the solitude seemed oppressive. His steps echoed through the cavernous


    halls as he headed upstairs, the emptiness of the mansion weighing on him.


    When he reached the top of the stairs, his eyes locked onto Be,


    standing alone in the dimly lit room. The air was filled with an artificial, sickeningly sweet scent of citrus,


    so different from the natural scent of Hazel¡¯s presence that he had grown to adore. For a moment, he


    allowed his thoughts to drift to Hazel, but he forced himself back to the reality of the room before him.


    Be, his wife and mate, was dressed in a sheer nightdress that left little to the imagination. Her


    silhouette was alluring, her nipples tantalizingly visible through the fabric.


    ¡°You¡¯re home finally,¡± she greeted him with a sweet smile as she approached.


    ¡°I missed you,¡± she purred seductively, her hands gliding sensuously over his chest.


    ¡°Be,¡± Ethan responded softly, his voice carrying a mix of emotions, though he couldn¡¯t help but think


    of Hazel once more.


    She closed the distance between them, her fingers deftly undoing the buttons of his shirt one by one.


    Her eyes glowed with a fervent passion. and smoldering desire as she continued her seductive


    advance. Soon, his shirty discarded on the floor, a testament to their escting ardor.


    She pressed her l*ps against his, initiating a k*ss that was both tender and


    Chupter 24


    charged with longing. Her b*dy pressed fervently against his, seeking the friction and reaction that


    would satisfy their desire. Her hands ventured lower, skillfully undoing his belt and zipper. His pants fell


    to the floor in a muted cascade.


    Ethan, swept up in the moment, lifted her effortlessly, and she wrapped her legs around him as he


    carried her to the inviting expanse of their bed. Shey there, squirming with anticipation, as he deftly


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    unbuttoned her silky nightdress.


    Be¡¯s moans of desire filled the room as Ethan¡¯s l*ps roamed over her b*dy, tracing patterns of longing


    and passion. However, even amidst their intimate encounter, Be could sense a shift in him. His


    passion. seemed distant, his mind detached. He withdrew for a moment, leaving her yearning and


    unfulfilled.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± she asked, her eyes misty with unquenched desires.


    ¡°No, nothing¡¯s wrong,¡± Ethan reassured her, though his words rang hollow. His thoughts were miles


    away from their intimate connection. ¡°I¡¯m just exhausted. I need a shower; that¡¯s all.¡±


    With those words, he turned and walked away, heading towards their bathroom. Be watched him go,


    a sense of unease lingering in the air as her own desires went unfulfilled, and the quiet mansion


    awaited their return to solitude.


    ¡°Yes, Luna, you sent for me?¡¯ Axel inquired, a sense of curiosity lingering in his voice as he wondered


    why Be had summoned him so abruptly. She had called him that very morning after Ethan had left for


    work, leaving him curious about her intentions.


    Be scrutinized the man standing before her; Axel was not just her husband¡¯s assistant but someone


    who was privy to a myriad of dealings Ethan was involved in. She didn¡¯t expect him to reveal


    everything, but she needed answers.


    ¡°I found a picture in my husband¡¯s wallet, a child¡¯s doodling. Who¡¯s responsible for it?¡± Be asked as


    she settled cross-legged, her eyes locking onto Axel¡¯s. She needed to know more about this drawing


    that had captured Ethan¡¯s attention.


    Axel took a deep breath, knowing full well that the drawing in question was the one Liam had created of


    Ethan, the one that had a special ce in her husband¡¯s heart. He couldn¡¯t disclose the true nature of


    what Ethan


    was doing, but he needed to craft a believable story for his Luna.


    ¡°Thepany recently visited an orphanage,¡± Axel began, fabricating a tale on the spot. ¡°One of the


    children must have given it to the Alpha.¡±


    Be¡¯s eyebrow arched in surprise, her disbelief evident. ¡°Ethan visited an orphanage?¡± she


    questioned, her toneced with suspicion. ¡°And when was this?¡± she inquired further, seeking more


    information.


    Axel hesitated for a moment, calcting his response carefully. ¡°That was yesterday,¡± he replied


    smoothly. The truth was that the previous week, Ethan and his team from thepany had indeed


    visited an orphanage, albeit more for appearances than genuine charity. Ethan had remained in the car


    throughout the visit, making a brief appearance but not actively participating. Be wouldn¡¯t know the


    dates were incorrect, and she would likely believe that the orphanage visit had urred the previous


    day.


    ¡°So, some child he met gave him a simple painting. Is that why he was so moodyst night?¡± Be


    muttered, her annoyance evident. Her frustration seemed to be more directed at herself than anyone


    else. ¡°Did you say something, Luna?¡± Axel inquired, concerned by her sudden. change in demeanor.


    ¡°No,¡± she snapped curtly, dismissing him with a turn of her back.


    As Axel left the room, Be¡¯s thoughts swirled in a turbulent sea of emotions. She had managed to win


    Ethan away from Hazel, and she had maintained her grip on him by fabricating a miscarriage story.


    Guilt-ridden, Ethan had given her everything she wanted. Buttely, she had felt his attention waning.


    He hadn¡¯t even made love to her the previous night, and he had been returning homete when she


    was already in bed, waiting for him. Last night, she had donned a seductive outfit in anticipation, only


    for him to dismiss her. She still felt the sting of his rejection.


    She shook her head stubbornly, her determination unwavering. ¡°Ethan is mine, she whispered to


    herself, unwilling to let go of the man she had fought so hard to im as her own.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Liam roamed the vibrant kindergarten with an unmistakable sense of unease written across his young


    face. It was a stark departure from his usual exuberance that greeted the end of a school day. Devin, a


    vignt member of the school staff, took notice of the little boy¡¯s restless demeanor and approached


    him, his expression filled with concern.


    ¡°Is something wrong. Liam?¡± Devin inquired, his gentle voice infused with understanding, a stark


    contrast to the unsettling emotions that seemed to envelop the young child.


    Liam¡¯s response was tinged with innocence as he scanned his


    surroundings, his eyes searching for a figure that seemed conspicuously absent. ¡°I don¡¯t see Mr.


    Woods, he replied, a touch of uncertainty in his


    voice.


    ¡°Mr. Woods?¡± Devin repeated, momentarily puzzled as he menta l l y sifted through the roster of staff


    members. After a brief pause, he responded,


    There¡¯s no Mr. Woods.¡±


    Liam¡¯s face mirrored his inner conflict as he grappled with the disparity between what he believed and


    what he was being told. With a serious. frown etched on his young features, he hesitated before


    resuming. ¡°But. that man from the pic. He¡­ he¡­ Liam trailed off.


    Devin¡¯s confusion began to dissipate as he pieced together Liam¡¯s reference. ¡°The man at the park?¡±


    he inquired, his memory conjuring images of the recent pic outing. He chose not to correct the child,


    recalling that Ethan had introduced himself as Mr. Woods during that event. ¡°Oh, that Mr. Woods,¡± he


    acknowledged with a nod, his understanding of Liam¡¯s concern now crystal clear.


    Liam nodded eagerly, relieved that Devin nowprehended. It was evident that he was determined to


    learn more about this enigmatic figure named Mr. Woods.


    ¡°He onlyes sometimes.¡± Devin exined gently, endeavoring to temper the little boy¡¯s


    disappointment with a measure of understanding andpassion.


    shadow of disappointment crossed Liam¡¯s face as he absorbed this revtion. ¡°Only pics?¡± he


    asked, seeking to rify whether Mr. Woods was exclusively associated with their outdoor trips.


    Liam roamed the vibrant kindergarten with an unmistakable sense of unease written across his young


    face. It was a stark departure from his usual exuberance that greeted the end of a school day. Devin, a


    vignt member of the school staff, took notice of the little boy¡¯s restless demeanor and approached


    him, his expression filled with concern.


    ¡°Is something wrong, Liam?¡± Devin inquired, his gentle voice infused with understanding, a stark


    contrast to the unsettling emotions that seemed to envelop the young child.


    Liam¡¯s response was tinged with innocence as he scanned his


    surroundings, his eyes searching for a figure that seemed conspicuously absent. ¡°I don¡¯t see Mr.


    Woods,¡± he replied, a touch of uncertainty in his


    voice.


    ¡°Mr. Woods?¡± Devin repeated, momentarily puzzled as he menta l l y sifted through the roster of staff


    members. After a brief pause, he responded, ¡°There¡¯s no Mr. Woods.¡±


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Liam¡¯s face mirrored his inner conflict as he grappled with the disparity between what he believed and


    what he was being told. With a serious frown etched on his young features, he hesitated before


    resuming, ¡°But, that man from the pic. He¡­ he¡­¡± Liam trailed off.


    Devin¡¯s confusion began to dissipate as he pieced together Liam¡¯s reference. ¡°The man at the park?¡±


    he inquired, his memory conjuring images of the recent pic outing. He chose not to correct the child,


    recalling that Ethan had introduced himself as Mr. Woods during that event. ¡°Oh, that Mr. Woods,¡± he


    acknowledged with a nod, his understanding of Liam¡¯s concern now crystal clear.


    Liam nodded eagerly, relieved that Devin nowprehended. It was evident that he was determined to


    learn more about this enigmatic figure. named Mr. Woods.


    ¡°He onlyes sometimes,¡± Devin exined gently, endeavoring to temper the little boy¡¯s


    disappointment with a measure of understanding andpassion.


    A shadow of disappointment crossed Liam¡¯s face as he absorbed this revtion. ¡°Only pics?¡± he


    asked, seeking to rify whether Mr. Woods was exclusively associated with their outdoor trips.


    Devin nodded empathetically, realizing the child¡¯s profound attachment to his boss. With a drooping


    head, Liam turned away, leaving Devin to watch his retreating figure. It was clear that Liam, despite his


    tender age, possessed a maturity beyond his years, often choosing meaningful conversations or


    solitude over ytime with his peers, and it seemed he had forged a unique bond with Ethan, who had


    unwittingly be Mr. Woods.


    Later that day, Hazel embarked on her usual routine of picking up her kids from school. As she


    observed Liam¡¯s unusually somber demeanor during the car ride home, a sense of concern washed


    over her, and she couldn¡¯t help but cast frequent worried nces in his direction.


    ¡°How was school today?¡± she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern, her eyes never straying far


    from her contemtive son.


    Liam responded with a single word, his voice tinged with a hint of, mncholy. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, a small


    sigh escaping his l*ps. This was a stark departure from his usual enthusiasm, as Liam typically greeted


    the end of the school day with unbridled excitement. He would often urge Hazel to hasten her


    conversations with other parents so they could. promptly head home. However, on this particr day,


    he sat quietly in the car, Daisy¡¯s cheerful chatter providing a stark contrast to his subdued demeanor.


    Ethan seated in his ssy and meticulously organized office was deeply. engrossed in his work. His


    face bore the unmistakable expression of unwavering seriousness. His eyebrows furrowed in


    concentration.


    Despite his longing for more leisurely moments, he had an overflowing agenda to contend with, and


    even his employees were working overtime this evening to help meet the demanding deadlines.


    Feeling the urgency of the tasks at hand, Ethan reached for the inte button on his desk, he


    instructed Axel


    ¡°Fix a meeting with Sarah Ford¡¯s.¡±


    was


    Axel¡¯s response swift and to the point, ¡°Already done that, sir.¡±


    Ethan, however, had something more specific in mind. He leaned forward, his voice carrying an air of


    formality, ¡°This evening. Over dinner.


    A flicker of understanding passed through Axel as he acknowledged his boss¡¯s request with a nod.


    ¡°Certainly, sir. I¡¯ll make the necessary


    11:24


    Chaper 23


    arrangements.¡±


    Ethan gave a subtle nod of approval, acknowledging Axel¡¯s efficiency in handling the task.


    Later that evening, as the sun began its descent. Be¡¯s soft voice. resonated through the phone¡¯s


    receiver. ¡°Ethan. can youe home early tonight?¡± Her request was imbued with a gentle, hopeful


    tone, and the warmth in her voice hinted at the longing she felt. ¡°Let¡¯s eat dinner together. It¡¯s been a


    while.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be busy,¡± he replied stiffly, his focuspletely on the documents he was reviewing.


    Undeterred, Be¡¯s voice held a note of optimism as she said. ¡°Juste home, I¡¯ll be expecting you.


    With those words, she hung up, leaving Ethan to contemte the choice before him.


    Hours passed. Ethan still hunched over his table and buried up in the demands of his work, had lost


    track of time and failed to notice when evening descended upon the city. It was then a sigh escaped his


    l*ps, and he realized he had been sitting at his desk for hours on end, that he finally stood, preparing to


    leave his office for the dinner engagement with


    Sarah Ford.


    As he made his way towards the exit. Axel followed closely behind.


    Hourster, Ethan found himself ensconced in the VIP section of an upscale executive restaurant.


    Surrounded by international business. representatives, including those from Sarah Ford¡¯s delegation,


    he was deeply engrossed in a high-stakes dinner meeting. However, his phone, which had be a


    persistent source of distraction, repeatedly buzzed with iing calls and messages.


    Each vibration punctuated the atmosphere of tension in the room. briefly drawing the attention of his


    diningpanions. Ethan¡¯s gaze flicked toward his phone, and he briefly examined the messages that


    continued to flood in. The name ¡°Be¡± illuminated the screen, prompting a momentary internal struggle


    before he decided to fl*p the phone over, attempting to redirect his focus back to the business at hand.


    Yet, the messages persisted, their frequency and urgency escting until they finallypelled Ethan


    to excuse himself from the table. As he navigated his way toward a more private corner of the


    restaurant to take the call, the collective curiosity of his fellow diners lingered in the air, a testament to


    the enigmatic nature of his abrupt departure.


    ¡°Where are you, Ethan?¡± Be¡¯s voice trembled with a mixture of concern. and frustration as she


    sought answers about his whereabouts. ¡°Are your still working? I¡¯ve prepared dinner. Can¡¯t youe


    home?¡± Her words carried a poignant note of longing, a heartfelt invitation to reconnect.


    With a voice that conveyed both seriousness and exasperation, Ethan replied, ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯m in the middle


    of something.¡± His preupied mind had little room for anything else.


    A note of disappointment crept into Be¡¯s voice as she responded, ¡°So you¡¯d rather stay out? You


    don¡¯t want to be with me? Fine, I¡¯ll leave you. alone!¡± Her words reverberated with echoes of past


    disagreements, hanging in the air like an unresolved chord.


    ¡°Be¡­¡± Ethan began, his voiceced with an earnest attempt at reason, but before he could articte


    his thoughts further, the line abruptly went silent. Panic surged within him as he vividly recalled the


    tumultuous. consequences of a simr outburst in the past-the loss of their child, a wound that had


    never fully healed.


    In a desperate bid to reach her, Ethan initiated a barrage of calls, each unanswered attempt fueling his


    growing unease. Finally, he turned to use his mansion home line, it was answered by one of the serva


    n t s. He urgently instructed them to persuade Be to answer her phone.


    ¡°The Luna just left, sir. She drove off angrily,¡± came the servan t¡¯ s unsettling reply, sending Ethan¡¯s


    anxiety levels skyrocketing.


    Desperation gnawed at him as he continued to call Be¡¯s number, time passed like eternities, each


    ring amplifying Ethan¡¯s mounting distress. Then, a shuddering voice answered on the other end, its


    tremors echoing through the receiver.


    ¡°Calm down, Be. Where are you?¡± Ethan implored, his voice nowden with genuine concern, his


    earlier frustration reced with anxiety.


    Be¡¯s so b s overshadowed her words as she grappled to convey her emotions. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault, you


    know,¡± she managed to articte between tears. ¡°I understand you want a child, but I do too. Ever


    since. that night we lost our baby, it¡¯s as if you¡¯ve changed. It¡¯s almost like you. don¡¯t love me anymore.


    You¡¯re exhausted with me, and I¡¯m better off leaving you alone!¡± Her words flowed like a river of


    emotion, a reflection. of her inner turmoil.


    Ethan pleaded, ¡°Where are you?¡± His voice carried a hint of care and


    concern.


    ¡°Last night, since you brought back that child¡¯s drawing,¡± Be continued, her voice rising with the


    intensity of her emotions. ¡°That¡¯s why you refused to be close to me. You resent me for the miscarriage,


    but it was an ident, Ethan, I swear it.¡± Her words were punctuated by her anguished so b s.


    Ethan ran his hand through his hair in exasperation, grappling with the depth of Be¡¯s pain. ¡°Be, pull


    over the car right now and calm down,¡± he implored, his voice softening as he tried to guide her. He


    was trying to avoid the repetition of thest event she had driven angrily.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    ¡°Calm down Be Stop the car this instant and pull over,¡± Ethan urged, his voice filled with concern,


    trying to soothe the turmoil on the other end of the line. He could hear her choking breaths and shivers


    of distress.


    ¡°Have you pulled over?¡± He asked.


    With a trembling voice, Be finally replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve pulled over. Her words carried the weight of her


    emotional turmoil.


    The child they had lost was a lingering regret that had cast a long shadow over their lives. Ethan


    couldn¡¯t help but think. about that fateful night, the night they had fought bitterly. After their heated


    argument, he had angrily instructed her to leave him alone. In her upset state, she had stormed out


    without revealing her secret ¨C she was pregnant with his pup. Tragically, she got into an ident,


    leading to the loss of their unborn child.


    Ethan sighed, the weight of that memory a heavy burden on his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered


    softly, his voiceced with remorse. ¡°Where are you, Be?¡± he inquired, genuine concern evident in


    his words.


    Bell, on the other end of the line, couldn¡¯t help but feel a small surge of triumph. This was one aspect of


    theirplex rtionship that had always worked to her advantage Ethan had always carried the


    me for the ident and the miscarriage, endlessly torturing himself with guilt. Bringing it up was her


    way of maintaining control, guilt-tripping him whenever she saw fit.


    Buttely. her position in their marriage had been threatened. Ethan¡¯s long hours at the office, histe


    nights, and his increasing emotional distance had left her feeling neglected. She had grown


    ustomed to a life of luxury, indulging in shopping sprees and attending high-profile functions as the


    Luna and the wife of one of the city¡¯s most influential men.. However, the previous night, Ethan had


    turned her away, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed.


    She knew she needed to y her cards right, to ensure that Ethan never forgot the role he yed in


    their tragedy. It was her trump card, the one thing she could always use to manipte him to her


    advantage.


    ¡°Come to¡­ that ce,¡± Be said, her voice softening as she made her request. Ethan immediately


    understood what ce she meant the site of her ident.


    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯ll be there right away. Ethan responded with urgency, his feelings for Be, no matter how


    her getting hurt.


    Ethan signaled to Axel, the ever-efficient assistant who had been apanying him throughout the


    evening. ¡°Something came up. I need to leave,¡± he exined to the group of business representatives


    and guests, not sparing them another nce. Without waiting for their reaction, he exited the VIP


    section, leaving the group to exchange puzzled looks and whispered.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s him ¨C Ethan of Tesco Empire,¡± one of them remarked with a sigh, their surprise at his


    abrupt departure evident. While Ethan was known for his business focus, his influence, and his


    tendency to walk out on important meetings left them somewhat bewildered. Nevertheless, they


    recognized that they needed his input and his financial support for their endeavors.


    Back in his car, Ethan wasted no time, speeding toward the location that held painful memories for both


    him and Be. Axel, with his usual efficiency, took charge of the discussion that Ethan had left behind,


    ensuring that business meeting Continued smoothly, even in his absence.


    As Ethan drove closer to the deste location, he spotted Be¡¯s vehicle in the distance. The road


    stretched out in eerie Istion and as he approached, his thoughts couldn¡¯t help but drift back to that


    traumatic night the night when Be. must have been left there, unconscious and fighting for her life for


    hours. His hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel. and guilt gruwed at his heart.


    He knew it was his fault, no matter how he tried to rationalize it. One of the many individuals he had


    crossed paths with, one had likely wronged in his relentless climb to sess, had chosen to exact


    revenge by targeting Be. They had taken out jeir anger and quest for revenge on her. They had paid


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    with their lives but the damage had already been done. Ethan knew that he could never fully make it up


    to Be for the pain and suffering she had endured because of him.


    the porked the car and stepped out, he approached Be¡¯s motionless figure outside her vehicle. Her


    gaze wat fixed, bist it Jeld a pro d m a n d sadness, a somber reflection of the turmoil she had been


    going through, Ethan Teached out, his fingers


    ching t y cold cheeks. Without hesitation, be removed his wit jacket and draped it around her, offering


    ber


    By


    Mire ut itan space, Memingly low her thoughts, and than couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep s


    Paving. He had alreadyplicated her life, making more challenging then heeded in b. 201


    dimculty to a life that had already been marked by Hardtop


    ¡°You¡¯re tired of me, right?¡± Be¡¯s voice trembled as she confronted the growing distance between her


    and Ethan. The phone conversations were the worst, filled with impatience as if he couldn¡¯t wait to end


    the calls. She sensed his detachment, the subtle hints that their connection was sl*pping away. If he


    wouldn¡¯t stay with her out of love, then she¡¯d find another way, and guilt seemed like it would suffice


    ¡°Do you think it would have been a girl or a boy?¡± Be¡¯s question long in the air, heavy with sorrow.


    Ethan sighed, his heart aching at the unanswerable question. The loss they had suffered had left a void


    one they could never fill.


    Suddenly, Be switched into full acting mode, crumbling to the floor in a torrent of tears. Ethan


    reached out, pulling her close as she buried her face in his chest. He sighed, his fingers sofily stroking


    her face, providingfort amidst the turmoil of emotions


    ¡°Be, let¡¯s go home, he whispered gently, leading her by the hand to his car and settling her inside. He


    then went over to the car she had driven, locking it securely. A text message was sent to Axel with the


    car¡¯s location, instructing him to have someone pick it up


    Returning to his own car. Ethan started the engine, and the two of them sat in silence as he navigated


    through the empty. silent streets. The streetlights cast intermittent shadows on his profile, his face


    etched in seriousness. Be couldn¡¯t help but steal nces at him. She had made him worry, and deep


    within herself, she found a peculiar satisfaction. Having Ethan¡¯s attention and concern was all she truly


    wanted.


    Ethan had be a more demure version of himself, sumbing to the guilt that had gued him


    since the ident. Be¡¯s tactic of guilt-tripping him had worked wonders. He was now an attentive,


    caring husband who had even held her while she cried. Her eyes grew heavy with sleep as she


    watched hirm drive them home.


    Pulling into the driveway of their stately home, Ethan nced at his slumbering wife Gently, he exited


    the car and moved over to her side, carefully lifting her into his arms. Be rested peacefully in his


    warm embrace, her face buried into his chest. It waste at night, and only the butler, James, remained


    awake to wee his master


    As they ascended the stairs, James led the way to their bedroom and opened the door, murmuring a


    quiet, ¡°Good night.¡± before leaving them to their privacy.


    Ethan tenderly ced Be onto the bed, ensuring she wasfortably cocooned beneath the


    nkets. Just as he was about to withdraw, she seized his arm with a longing gleam in her eyes


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she whispered his name, desire evident in her voice. She sat up, pulling him closer, and their


    l*ps met in a fiery k*ss. The room seemed to hum with electricity as Ethan, sumbing to the


    irresistible allure of his wife, took charge, their mouths melding with unbridled passion.


    Despite the intensity of their longing, a subtle pang of guilt coursed through Ethan¡¯s mind. He tried to


    shake off those thoughts as Be skillfully undid the buttons of his shirt.


    ¡°Be,¡± he groaned heavily, torn between desire and the weight of theirplex history.


    ¡°I want you,¡± Be confessed breathlessly.


    ¡°Tve missed you Erhan


    With a groan Ethan shrugged off his shirt joining her on the bed.


    The next morning. He moved gracefully around her opulent oflice, a contented hum escaping her


    l*ps. Her fingertips brushed over a delicate vase of fresh lilies, their fragrance permeating the room.


    She recalled the previous night with a Impering andle that radiated satisfaction


    Although Ethan had left very early that morning before she had even woken up, Be¡¯s heart was filled


    withentiment. He had made love to her with a passion that had left her breathless, and he had


    held her in his strong, protective embrace throughout the raght. It was a rare urrence, a glimpse of


    the husband she yearned for, and the memory of their intimate ezger tions was enched vividly in


    her mind


    However, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered abruptly by an unexpected presence. Before she even


    shiver down her spine. Her unile


    Listant, reced by a sense of unease


    As she office dour sing open revealing the intruder, Be¡¯s heart raced. She knew this sant and his


    presence in her office


    s a stark contrast to the warmth


    Helse, Lam, the inan greed with a mock bow,s voiceced with an air of annement. His eyes, cold


    and calcting


    ensure tady, and the pond reli, her posture right Panje crept in her voices the que

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    ¡°Never knew you would be this unpredictable. I mean, you made up that miscarriage story to guilt trip


    Ethan into marrying you, the man remarked, his eyes scanning the expanse of the opulent office.


    Months had passed since Ethan¡¯s divorce, yet Be remained unsettled in her marriage. Unbeknownst


    to her, Ethan¡¯s heart. still yearned for Hazel, and Be couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she was merely a


    stand-in for the woman who had captured Ethan¡¯s thoughts and dreams. Despite being at Ethan¡¯s side,


    she felt like a substitute, and he hadn¡¯t officially made her Luna


    yet.


    Then, the turning point arrived on a night marked by a fierce argument that left Be in a storm of


    emotions. Her impulsive decision to storm off led to a harrowing collision with one of Ethan¡¯s enemies.


    Faced with the urgent need to secure her hold on Ethan, a devious n began to take shape in her


    mind. The idea of a fabricated pregnancy and miscarriage seemed like the perfect weapon to


    manipte Ethan¡¯s emotions. To her surprise, it worked like a charm. Ethan, consumed by guilt,


    became more considerate toward her, halting his relentless quest for Hazel and marrying Be trying to


    make it up to her. Gabriel couldn¡¯t help but chuckle in amusement as he witnessed Be¡¯s predicament.


    ¡°Who would have known he would still be nampted and guilt-tripped by you five years after, he


    mused, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    The man who seemed to take pleasure in Be¡¯s difort,ughed out loud. That¡¯s why he¡¯s with


    you, isn¡¯t it? Because he feels guilty and sorry,¡± he taunted, hisughter echoing in the room


    Be¡¯s patience wore thin, and annoyance colored her features. ¡°Stop it,¡± she snapped, her voiceced


    with irritation. She refused to let this man¡¯s words undermine her confidence. ¡°I am still Luna,¡± she


    dered, her head held high in defiance. A wicked grin yed on the man¡¯s l*ps as he advanced


    towards her, his authoritative presence casting a shadow over her. ¡°Yes, but a fake one,¡± he asserted,


    his tone dripping with superiority. ¡°I made you who you are right now, cleaned up your messes. Even


    when you framed Hazel and faked the mate bond too. I did all that for you,¡± he stated firmly, towering


    above her


    He relished in the difort he caused, hisughter ringing out. ¡°I wonder what the Alpha¡¯s reaction


    would be when he finds out he¡¯s been fooled all along. Wow! It¡¯s going to be wild,¡± he added, his


    amusement growing.


    Be¡¯splexion paled, and her frustration boiled within her. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked in a


    panic, her hands clenched at her sides. She yearned to erase the smugness from his face and make


    him disappear.


    ¡°What do I want?¡± he repeated, his amusement vanishing as he gripped her wrist forcefully, pinning her


    to the door. ¡°This was all supposed to be for revenge, Abigail,¡± he spat, his tone filled with resentment.


    ¡°But you became all caught up in ying Luna. You love being the expensive, ssy wife of a


    prominent man, don¡¯t you? You forgot all about everything.¡± Be¡¯s voice wavered as fear crept in. I


    didn¡¯t, she protested, her eyes wide with fright.


    His anger red, and he shook her fiercely. ¡°What I want is very simple, he dered, his eyes filled with


    rage. ¡°What I want is for Ethan and everything that belongs to him to burn¡± His grip on Be intensified,


    his voice dripping with malice as he uttered his ominous desires.


    ¡°That is what I want,¡± he muttered, his head jerking from side to side, his gaze fixed on some unseen


    specter in the room. His crazed demeanor sent shivers down Be¡¯s spine, making her back away until


    she collided with the wall.


    ¡°What I want. What I want,¡± he repeated maniacally, hisughter filling the room. Be, overwhelmed


    by fear, couldn¡¯t help but cry out, ¡°Stop it!¡±


    Ignoring her cries, he continued his senseless ramblings, appearing utterly unhinged. Then, suddenly,


    he paused, fixing his vacant gaze on her for what felt like an eternity while she remained frozen in


    ce. It was as if he had momentarily snapped out of his madness.


    Blinking several times, he seemed to regain hisposure, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be watching you. Every single time he dered before turning and vanishing from her presence.


    Be¡¯s legs gave way, and she sank to the floor in weakness. She remained there for a long while


    before gradually regaining her strength. Slowly, she began to pace around hervishly appointed office,


    which overlooked the sprawling city below. She cherished her current life, reveling in the power, wealth,


    and influence she had attained, not to mention her marriage to Ethan Those were things she couldn¡¯t


    hear to lose


    She realized she needed to take action regarding Gabriel While her initial intentions for getting close to


    Ethan had been driven by revenge, over time, she had fallen deeply in love with him. She cherished


    her role as the Luna and all the power and influence it brought her. She couldn¡¯t simply discard


    everything she had worked for in pursuit of some revenge,


    Gabriel had disappeared only to reuirface unexpectedly now. Be couldn¡¯t help but wonder about his


    ulterior motives. One thing was clear: Ethan innst never find out about her past involvement with


    Gabriel. The consequences of such a fevtion would be dire, and Ethan would likely never forgive


    her. She resolved to protect her position as Luma at all costs


    Hazel gracefully moved through the bustling streets, her every step linged with a sense of urgency.


    Clutching her hielbag


    tralintained s poised and confident posture, hier firstly tied ponytail entuati


    anded an air of Bostication and wyle that garnered adiniring nces from passersby, both men and


    women alike. Fler


    presence was akin to that of a runway model, effortlesslymanding attention and respect.


    With a delicate touch, she adjusted her wristwatch while hailing a taxi. As she settled into the vehicle,


    she retrieved herptop, meticulously making final adjustments to her proposal. The taxi navigated


    through the city streets, finallying to halt in front of the impressive Tesco Empire building Hazel


    exited the taxi gracefully, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Although this was


    her second visit, the grandeur of the building never ceased to amaze her


    She reached for her phone to call Chloe, her colleague and friend, who had been tasked with securing


    their spot at thepany. However, just as she was about to dial, a tap on her shoulder startled her.


    Turning around, she met Chloe¡¯s eager


    face


    ¡°Why are you out here?¡± Hazel asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice


    Chloe had been sent ahead to ensure their small designpany had a spot to make their presntat at


    securing the coveted interior design contract with Tesco Empire but she has gotten overwhelmed. The


    running


    ¡°We¡¯re facing some seriouspetition, Chloe replied anxiously, the weight of their task evident in her


    tone.


    As they entered the bustling reception area, representatives from variouspanies were vying for


    attention, their folders filled with proposals. Hazel felt a surge of anxiety. Thepetition was


    formidable, and their dreams hinged on winning


    this contract.


    Approaching the front desk, they were greeted by a professional-looking woman who inquired about


    the purpose of their


    visit.


    ¡°J.T. Interview,¡± Hazel exined sinctly.


    The woman nodded and collected their folders before leading them to an elevator, each of them


    assigned a serial number, Company representatives were being summoned into the boardroom to


    present their offers, and the tension in the air was palpable.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t shake the unease settling in her stomach. They had secured a simr contract before


    but lost it due to unforeseen circumstances. She worried about the impending meeting with the CEO,


    fearing that their hard work over the past eight months might go to waste.


    Hours passed, and finally, apany staff member exited the boardroom.


    ¡°Starlight,¡± she called, and both Hazel and Chloe stood up, heading for the door of the boardroom.


    However, nothing could have prepared Hazel for the sight that awaited her inside. Seated at the head


    of the table was her ex-husband, Ethan. Her hands trembled, and she inadvertently dropped the things


    she was carrying, including the prototype of their design, which shattered on the floor.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Workers scurried away arrival of their formidable employer and CEO. Ethan Dressed impably in a


    custom-tailored grey suit with matching pants, he exuded an air of authority and elegance as he


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    gracefully stepped out of his sleek vehicle. His countenance bore seriousness and ridigity.


    Today marked a crucial juncture-the selection process for thepany that would be awarded the


    coveted J.T. contract. The atmosphere hummed with a blend of tension and excitement aspany


    representatives gathered, hoping to secure the contract bid


    As Ethan made his way toward the grand entrance of the Tesco Empire building, a medley of scents


    swirled around him, colognes, subtle perfumes, and a palpable nervousness. It was an ordinary day in


    the bustling city, yet the significance of the cient filled the air. Just then a familiar scent hit him. He


    brushed aside the thought, attributing the familiar scent to mere coincidence, and entered the imposing


    building


    Momentster, however, that same and particr fragrance stopped him dead in his tracks. Confusion


    etched his features as he paused, scanning the faces of those entering the building.


    With a resigned sigh, Ethan continued on his way, dismissing the idea as a figment of his


    immagination. ¡°I must be mistaken,¡± he mumbled under his breath. This wouldn¡¯t be the first time.


    Entering the building, he strode confidently toward the elevators, his thoughts focused on the task at


    hand. The selection. process was a critical one, and he couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted


    Minutester, Ethan found himself seated at the head of therge deliberation table, the weight of


    responsibility and an unshakable sense of unease settling over him like an invisible shroud.


    The room was adorned with sleek, modern furnishings and a floor-to-ceiling window that offered a


    panoramic view of the city below. Despite the luxurious surroundings, he couldn¡¯t rid himself of the


    nagging feeling that something was amiss.


    The presentations began, eachpany vying for the prestigious J.T. contract. As the representatives


    spoke and showcased their portfolios, Ethan¡¯s keen eye scrutinized every detail. He couldn¡¯t help but


    find fault in nearly every presentation, even those of renowned interior design giants like Big Bang, who


    were known for their impressive and innovative work. To him. their designs appeared disappointingly


    nd


    As the hours dragged on, Ethan¡¯s initial impatience grew into a simmering frustration. His agitation


    permeated the room, and those present couldn¡¯t help but feel a palpable tension in the air. Whispers of


    difort circted among the board members, each silently hoping to avoid drawing his ire. His aura


    was foreboding and dangerous.


    When the next set of presenters entered the room, they were greeted by a shocking sight. Ethan


    already in a tensed and irritated mood.cast his prating gaze in their direction, his irises shimmered


    with an unsenling, light shade of yellow. A hushed gasp of terror escaped one of the presenters as she


    locked eyes with him, and panic overtook her in a heartbeat. She turned on her heel and fied the room


    in a wild scramble, leaving her materials behind in her frantic escape.


    Ethan, exasperated and fatigued, heaved a deep sigh, the aura around him dissipating as his eyes


    returned to their natural color. The board members sat in rigid silence, their boss was in a notably foul


    mood, and none wished to incur his wrath


    Ethans foul mood showed a gradual dissipation, although his wolf was still on the edge, something


    itched at the edges of his consciousness like a persistent whisper. He attempted to dismiss the


    inexplicable sensation, convincing himself that it couldn¡¯t possibly be her; Hazel.


    As the next set of presenters was ushered into the boardroom, the scent got stronger.


    Hazel and Chloe, entered the boardroom. Hazel¡¯s graceful stride faltered the instant her eyes locked


    with Ethan¡¯s piercing gaze Shock reverberated through her, and she stumbled backward, inadvertently


    bumping into Chloe. In her startled retreat, everything she had been carrying sl*pped from her grasp,


    ttering to the floor and sca t t e r i n g into disarray. Hazel stood for some seconds just staring at


    En then she snapped out of it squatting immediately.


    With Chloe¡¯s help, they swiftly moved to gather their sca t t e r e d materials, but the prototypey in a


    hopeless state, shattered and beyond repair.


    ¡°Starlight?¡± one of the stakeholders quizzed, his toneced with disapproval as he nced through the


    contents of their already presented folder. He raised an incredulous eyebrow and further inquired, ¡°Do


    you perhaps n to damage our project just like your prototype


    The atmosphere in the room grew tense, and all eyes fixated on Hazel and Chloe. Ethan¡¯s expression


    remained inscrutable, his mind racing with a cacophony of emotions and unspoken questions


    Im very sorry Just give us a minute, Chlor pleaded, her voice carrying a hint of urgency and apology.


    Ethan, though still processing the shock of seeing Hazel after so long, nodded. ¡°Send for the next set,¡±


    he ordered, intending to give Harel time to rearrange hersell.


    As the still-stunned Hazel was led out of the office, chuching her broken prototype, her mind raced with


    disbelief. She had


    thin was not only the CEO but also the founder of Tesco Empire. The revtion shook her to the enre


    She couldn¡¯t fathoms how he had ascetided to such a position.


    sundhed the damaged prototype in her hands, the reality of their situation settling it. The broken


    prototype thight ¨C


    #11-09


    automatically disqualify them from the bid.


    With determined resolve, both Hazel and Chloe attempted to salvage the situation. They decided to


    rely on their presentation slides and digital copies of the design. hoping it would be enough to make up


    for their shattered prototype.


    ¡°Can we get another attempt? Chloe asked the female assistant,


    ¡°No. Am sorry but. You¡¯re disqualified.¡± She said pointedly.


    Sinting there, devastation etched across their faces, they realized that their efforts had been in vain.


    The prototype was beyond repair


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hazel numbled softly to Chloe, her voice heavy with regret.


    Chloe responded with a reassuring squeeze on Hazel¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s phone buzzed, but lost in thought, she chose to ignore it momentarily.


    ¡°We should go, Chloe urged, her voice gently coaxing Hazel out of her daze. Hazelplied, slowly


    rising from her seat, her und still reeling from the shock of the encounter.


    Inwardly, Hazel tried to console herself. Perhaps it was for the best. Working closely with Ethan would


    have been a disaster, considering theirplicated history. She clung to this thought as a means of


    emotional refuge.


    As Chloe and Hazel made their way towards the elevator, Chloe¡¯s phone began to ring incessantly. She


    hastily answered the call, curiosity and apprehension mingling on her face as she listened to the voice


    on the other end.


    The excitement in their director¡¯s voice was palpable as she spoke into the phone, urging them to


    return to thepany immediately. Chloe was about to share the disappointing news of their].T.


    proposal when the director abruptly cut her off,


    ¡°Oh, forget about J.T.! We¡¯ve received a new offer, the director eximed, her enthusiasm radiating


    through the phone. ¡°They saw your prototype for J.T. and want to contract us for it. It¡¯s a smaller


    With th


    joy


    those words, the line went dead, leaving Chloe stunned for a moment. She nced at Hazel, her eyes


    brimming with


    ¡°We got a new offer, Chloe eximed with a sense of exhration.


    ¡°Really!¡± Hazel responded, a glimmer of hope rekindling in her eyes.


    Chloe nodded vigorously in affirmation. ¡°Yes, we did!¡±


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but smile at the unexpected turn of events. She remembered her mother¡¯s words.


    ¡°When Go d closes a door. He opens a window.¡± With newfound determination, they hurried back to


    theirpany, ready to embrace this fresh opportunity with renewed vigor and hope.


    Ethan sat restlessly in his seat. His impatience grew with each passing presentation. Finally, he


    couldn¡¯t bear it any longer. ¡°Let¡¯s go on a break,¡± he announced, rising from his chair and heading out


    into the hallway. His thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity.


    He had sensed Hazel just like that day when he¡¯d rushed into thepany but it¡¯d turned out to be


    false, he ignored it today. Who would have thought that Hazel would be in hispany.


    She didn¡¯t know he owned thispany. It was clear from the look of shock on her face, she had even


    dropped the prototype.


    moments before she was sent out of the room.


    He had only stared at her, too frozen in shock to react for long n Edan stood in the hall, his mund racing


    and emotions in turmoil. People around him cast curious nces, wondering what had prompted their


    CEO¡¯s sudden departure and return. He needed to regain hisposure and make sense of this


    unexpected turn of events. With a deep breath, heposed himself he headed to his office, swinging


    the huge mahogany door wide open. Axel followed closely behind.


    ¡°Is something bothering you, boss?¡± Axel inquired, observing his boss¡¯s evident frustration.


    responded sinctly, ¡°Hazel was here.¡±.


    thun


    un raised an inquisitive eyebrow, remarking. ¡°You never mentioned that she worked for Starlight. Did


    you not discover this or did you keep it from me?¡±


    el pendesed Ethan¡¯s words before responding calmly, ¡°You were primarily interested in the children,


    and you never


    employment.


    Tampong into his chair, Eun acknowledged Aarl¡¯s point. His sale request was to determine Hazel¡¯s


    whereabouts locatines


    Cand (orn spent a day covertly surveilling her to discern the children¡¯s school, which he absequently


    seguirert acquired.


    He toured, Where & their portfolio?¡±.


    han ineviously rejected their proposal,


    Chapter 28.


    Axel proceeded to jog Ethan¡¯s memory, saying, ¡°Remember, it¡¯s Starlight-thepany had won the bid


    and was contracted by the COO¡± Axel stated further.


    The portfolio Axel handed him was the very one Starlight had leveraged to secure the first contract bid,


    the same document. Ethan had dismissed withour offering it a fair evaluation. As he meticulously


    fl*pped through the catalog, he sank deeper into his seat, realizing the exceptional quality it contained.


    The designs and concepts he saw intrigued him. He had underestimated Starlight due to their new


    status, but the quality of their work spoke for itself.


    Decisively, Ethan dered. ¡°Have all the others leave. There¡¯ll be no more interviews or presentations.


    I¡¯ve made my choice.¡±


    With a nod, Axel left to deliver the message to the remaining candidates, knowing that the bidding


    process hade to an abrupt end.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be considering any further bids.¡±


    Upon returning to the office. Axel¡¯s phone dinged with a notification. Axel halted in his tracks, adjusting


    his sses as he read the message.


    Ethan remained in his seat still huddled over the documents, swayed by their impressive content.


    ¡°Arrange for a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to Luna¡¯s office,¡± Ethan instructed without shifting his


    gaze.


    Axel, who had been on the cusp of sharing some information, swiftlyplied with the new directive. It


    appeared that there might be hope for Ethan¡¯s marriage to Luna. With a resigned sigh, Axel retrieved


    his phone.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯d like to know, Hazel never remarried, he contemted telling Ethan, but he decided


    against it. After all, they were divorced, and it seemed Ethan was now willing to work with his wife. Why


    <pplicate matters further, Axel reasoned.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Hazel and Chloe arrived at the Starlight building, a mix of apprehension and hope in their hearts. Had


    they truly secured another deal that could help theirpany?


    ¡°However, as soon as they entered the office, they were greeted by a different atmosphere. Their


    Director, Ashley, usuallyposed and professional, was anything but that today. She was jumpy with


    excitement, practically radiating joy as she beckoned them over.


    ¡°You guys,e this instant!¡± she eximed, her face glowing with happiness.


    Hazel and Chloe exchanged nces but wasted no time in joining her. The energy in the room obvious


    as it buzzed happily.


    ¨C


    She eagerly showed them the email that had brought about this excitement an offer although from a


    new, smallerpan, G.G which stood for Gentle giant. Their services were in demand, and they


    hadn¡¯t even needed to apply or bid for it; the offer had been handed to them on a silver tter.


    Hazel felt a sense of relief wash over her. Their hard work was being recognized. With thepany¡¯s


    legal advisor, they meticulously reviewed the contracts and the opportunities this new offer presented.


    In a high-rise building housed the imposing Nex Tech Corporation, a young man held amanding


    presence behind an expansive desk. The golden te affixed to the desk. proudly proimed his title:


    CEO, Nex Tech Corporation.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve had Gentle Giant send out the new bid to Starlight,¡± an efficient andposed woman


    reported to her boss. Her voice was a symphony of professionalism, and she stood with a grace that


    mirrored the impressive surroundings. The CEO¡¯s back was turned, as het gazed through the vast


    open windows that offered a panoramic view of the bustling city


    below.


    ¡°Okay,¡± came the response, a simple yet purposeful acknowledgment from the enigmatic man with an


    aura that exuded authority and power. Slowly, he pivoted, revealing his face. and identity to the world.


    Nathan Fox, a name synonymous with innovation and sess in the tech industry.


    Nathan gave a small nod of affirmation.


    Knowing Starlight, the small but promising designpany Hazel worked at, had entered. the


    Starlight had only a slim chance of sess, apany that prominent like Tesco Empire would rarely


    pick practically new and unknownpany.


    Using his influence and connections, Nathan had begun making waves behind the scenes. He had


    rmended Starlight to an associate¡¯s newpany and had surreptitiously submitted Starlight¡¯s


    portfolio for bidding process. Hazel might be unaware of his involvement, but he couldn¡¯t help but


    imagine her face lighting up with delight when the learned the news of winning a bid right after loosing


    that of JT. He got a feeling of


    atisfaction from the thought and found himself smiling


    ering Hazel and her children happy was a source of profound satisfaction for Nathan.


    ze fell to a frached photograph on his desk. The image captured the face


    long, Howing hair. His smile foomentarily


    suze fell to


    sy


    His assistant, Jasmine stood silently by the door, her eyes observing her boss¡¯s expressions. She had


    witnessed these moments several times before. But she also recognized that her presence was no


    longer needed.


    That would be all. Thank you,¡± Nathan spoke gently, his voice breaking the reverie. His fingers


    continued to trace the contours of the photograph.


    Jasmine exited Nathan¡¯s office and retreated to her own adjoining workspace. There, she watched her


    boss from a distance, his handsome face was etched in agony.


    It had been over eight years, but the searing pain of that fateful day still etched vividly in Nathan¡¯s


    memory.


    He sat in his office, staring into space with the picture of his wife still clutched in his hands. Jasmine,


    observed in silence.


    The memory that Nathan grappled with was no doubt the day he lost his wife, a memory that came with


    an addedyer of heartache his wife had been pregnant at the time. It was a double blow that had


    shattered his world into pieces. The child they had eagerly anticipated, the life that was supposed to


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    intertwine theirs, was snatc h e d away in an instant along with that of his wife. Had it not been for that


    tragic ident, his child would have celebrated his seventh birthday that year.


    In college, Jasmine had been the younger, starry-eyed student, harboring a massive crush on the


    brilliant senior who would go on to be her boss. Nathan¡¯s journey had led him from graduation to


    marriage with his beloved mate, the love of his life, and the establishment of his own techpany,


    Nex.


    At the time, Nex had been a rising star in the tech world, thriving and expanding as Nathan¡¯s vision


    took flight. It was the embodiment of a dream realized, and everything appeared perfect until that


    fateful day. The details of the ident still remained a painful and haunting mystery. Rumors and


    spections had swirled, but the truth was known only to those who were there that day.


    Jasmine sighed softly, her own heart heavy with empathy and understanding. She held an immense


    sense of gratitude and appreciation for her boss. Nathan was more than just a professional mentor to


    her; he was someone she deeply cared about. She wanted him to find happiness, to heal from the


    scars that still lingered in his soul.


    The entrance of a woman named Hazel and her children into Nathan¡¯s life seemed to be a beacon of


    joy amidst the shadows. Jasmine had observed the subtle shift in Nathan¡¯s demeanor when Hazel¡¯s


    kids were around or mentioned, a warmth that transcended through her boss.


    Even though she had received numerous offers that would have propelled her career far beyond being


    a secretary and assistant, Jasmine remained steadfast sticking to Nathan¡¯spany. She couldn¡¯t


    bring herself to leave, knowing that Nathan¡¯s well-being and happiness mattered deeply to her.


    As she watched her boss reminisce, Jasmine silently hoped that, with time, Nathan might find a path


    toward healing and perhaps even rediscover joy once more.


    After a few moments, Nathan emerged from his office, having changed into a more casual outfit His


    existence revolved mostly around work and his office was more than just a orkspace, it was a ce


    where he lived. He even had a luxurious adjoining room, a


    retreat within the confines of his workce, Nathan rarely returned home, often thin there was no one


    waiting for him there


    ¡°Here,¡± he casually tossed the keys to his luxurious car to Jasmine. She caught them. smoothly, her


    heart doing somersaults as she met his charming, boyish grin. Seeing him smile was precious sight,


    given his asional bouts of sadness that seemed to weigh him down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your car,¡± he said.


    She tossed her own car keys to him which he effortlessly caught. Nathan would drive her less shy


    but still functional vehicle like he did most times.


    With a graceful stride, he headed for his exclusive elevator. The entire floor they upied was empty,


    housing only their offices. The sky-rise building seemed almost deserted on this particr floor.


    Observing Nathan¡¯s departing figure, one would hardly think he was the CEO of such a massive


    corporation. He exuded aid-back, effortless charm, dressed in a pair of jeans and a casual polo shirt,


    yet still undeniably attractive.


    Jasmine couldn¡¯t help but smile to herself, relieved to see him in better spirits. These random bouts of


    sadness seemed to strike him frequently. She knew he must be going to meet Hazel and her children,


    the people who had brought a semnce of happiness into his life.


    Nathan had a genuine affection for those kids, and Jasmine felt the same way about them. They were


    simply adorable, and she often wondered what his son would have looked like. With a drop-dead


    gorgeous mother and the smoldering good looks of his father, he would have been a sight to behold.


    But such thoughts inevitably led to the painful reminder that Nathan never had the chance to meet his


    own child.


    He had created a heart-wrenching ritual of sorts, listening to the recorded heartbeat taken during the


    first ultrasound. Those moments would reduce him to tears, a raw expression of his enduring grief.


    Now, he lived with a sense of purposelessness, clinging to thepany as a way to preserve his wife¡¯s


    legacy and keep a part of her close, even if she was no longer

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    Nathan had made his way to Starlight to pick up Hazel after work. He found her standing at the front of


    herpany, attempting to hail a taxi. He pulled up gracefully, parking his car right next to her.


    Stepping out of his vehicle, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of contentment at the sight of her.


    ¡°Nathan?¡± she questioned, her tone a mixture of amusement and surprise as she turned to face him.


    Nathan responded with a cheerful grin, his eyes twin kl i n g with warmth. ¡°Uhuhh,¡± he affirmed, his


    voice light and friendly. ¡°I was running some errands, and I decided to drop by. I haven¡¯t seen those


    rascals for some time now,¡± he added, referring to Hazel¡¯s kids.


    Hazel¡¯s features softened as she nodded in understanding. ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    ¡°Hop in,¡± Nathan invited, making a gracious gesture toward the passenger door. He opened it for her,


    allowing her to glide into thefortable seats before he gently closed it behind her.


    Hazel settled into the car, appreciating the plush interior and the familiar scent that


    surrounded her. As Nathan walked around the car to take the driver¡¯s seat, he couldn¡¯t help but notice


    the radiant glow on her face.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re in high spirits,¡± he remarked, his gaze fixated on her as he started the engine.


    Hazel¡¯s excitement couldn¡¯t be contained. ¡°Oh, yes! So, we weren¡¯t able to make our presentation at


    Tesco Empire today,¡± she began, her voice filled with enthusiasm. ¡°But then we got an offer. We still got


    an offer today! A bid we didn¡¯t even ask for!¡±


    She deliberately left out the part about meeting her ex-husband, choosing instead to focus. on the


    positive aspects of her day.


    Nathan continued to listen intently as Hazel chatted animatedly about the contract offer and the small


    celebration they had thrown at work. Her excitement was contagious, and het couldn¡¯t help but feel a


    sense of aplishment. Unbeknownst to her, he had orchestrated. this offer for her and her


    He navigated the car, expertly weaving through the city¡¯s bustling streets as they made their way


    toward the kindergarten where Hazel¡¯s children were. Gradually, her initial chatter began to fade into


    thoughtful silence. Her bright demeanor shifted, reced by a sense of anxiety and unease. Nathan


    couldn¡¯t help but notice the change in her mood.


    Hazel¡¯s mind wandered back to that morning, the shocking encounter with Ethan at Tesco Empire. The


    memory weighed on her, and her apprehension grew as they approached the school. Her thoughts


    were consumed by her children, her precious twins. She couldn¡¯t help but worry about what might


    happen if Ethan were to discover their true parentage. He had be even wealthier over the years,


    practically owning the entire city. The mere thought. of losing her children filled her with dread.


    Her twins, the embodiment of her love with Ethan, were her most precious treasures. She had built her


    life around them, cherishing every moment, and the mere thought of losing custody terrified her. She


    had spent years crafting a world where they could live, where they could have a semnce of


    normalcy despite their unique circumstances. All of that could


    hable if Ethan chose to assert his right


    Unconsciously, she began clutching her arms, her fingers digging into her skin as if seeking


    reassurance. Nathan, concerned for her well-being, noticed her difort.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern, as he stole a quick nce at her.


    Hazel took a deep breath, trying to regain herposure. ¡°Yes. Yes, I¡¯m fine,¡± she reassured him, her


    voice trembling slightly.


    Nathan wasn¡¯t convinced, and he pulled the car to a stop, turning his attention fully to her. ¡°Are you


    sure?¡± he inquired, his eyes searching hers.


    Meeting Ethan in his current position of influence and power had been nothing short of intimidating.


    Hazel knew all too well that he could easily use his resources to gain custody of her children if he


    discovered.


    However, in her heart, she found a sense of sce. The unexpected turn of events meant that they


    wouldn¡¯t have to cooperate with hispany anymore, sparing her the anguish of bumping into him


    regrly. The city was vast enough to ensure they wouldn¡¯t cross paths, and to top it off, they had a


    new contract offer. These thoughts filled her with a newfound sense of calm, and she began humming


    softly to herself, soothing her racing nerves. ¡°Everything will be okay! She mumbled to herself. When


    she raised her head she found Nathan searching eyes peering worriedly down at her.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Is this about Daisy? Nathan probed.¡±


    She¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯ll find the best doctors for her.¡± He said reassuringly.


    Hazel gave him a small reassuring smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. She urged.


    Nathan¡¯s reassuring words eased some of the worry in Hazel¡¯s heart.


    Nathan shifted his attention back to driving. Their destination was the vibrant and colorful kindergarten


    school building that was now in view. Theughter and giggles of children ying in the little


    yground outside brought a small, warm smile to Hazel¡¯s face. The sight of happy kids was a


    wee contrast to the worries of the day.


    Nathan led the way as they approached the school. Hazel standing directly behind Nathan was buried


    The children continued their yful activities, unaware of the approaching adults.


    with


    Among the yful bunch, it was Daisy who first spotted Nathan. Her little face lit up joy as she


    recognized him, her muddy hands and cheeks a testament to her yful adventures. With an excited


    squeal, she dashed toward him with her chubby legs working furiously


    Nater Daisy eximed, her delight evident in every step she took. Her tiny hands reached for him


    eagerly as Nathan knelt down to receive her. In her innocent world, he was a beloved figure, a source


    of boundless joy.


    Dairy¡¯s giggles filled the air as Nathan effortlessly lifted her into the air, their impromptu


    the covering him in mud. He didn¡¯t seem to mind the muddy stains on his clothes at all,


    was solely on the happiness radiating from the little girl in his arms.


    As Daisy hugged him tightly, her mud-streaked cheeks pressing affectionately against his, she


    expressed her feelings with childlike sincerity. ¡°I missed you,¡± she whispered sweetly before nting a


    big, muddy k*ss on his cheek.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± Daisy¡¯s voice held a hint of curiosity as she turned her head to find Hazel.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Daisy¡¯s excitement couldn¡¯t be contained as she threw her little arms wide open. practically


    leaping into her mother¡¯s embrace. The joy radiating from the little girl was infectious.


    Hazel responded by squeezing Daisy tightly against her, her ear pressed close to her daughter¡¯s chest,


    where she could hear theforting rhythm of Daisy¡¯s heartbeat.


    Nathan, always attentive to the little ones, inquired about Daisy¡¯s brother. ¡°Where¡¯s your brother?¡± he


    asked with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with gentle curiosity.


    Daisy, however, responded with the innocence and humor only a child could muster. She shrugged her


    tiny shoulders and made aically clueless expression. ¡°Ah dunno,¡± she replied, her tiny fingers


    syed wide to emphasize her puzzlement.


    Hazel, chuckling at her daughter¡¯s antics, squeezed Daisy¡¯s hand affectionately. ¡°Let¡¯s go get you


    cleaned up,¡± she suggested, understanding the need to address the mud stains that adorned her little


    explorer.


    Nathan, taking on the role of the caringpanion, decided to seek out Daisy¡¯s older brother, Liam. He


    walked away with a confident stride, heading towards a more secluded area where he anticipated


    finding the young boy engrossed in his world of imagination.


    And indeed, Liam was nestled in a quiet spot, engrossed in ying all by himself with his cherished toy


    truck. His attention was fully captured by the miniature vehicle¡¯s adventures, making him blissfully


    unaware of his surroundings.


    ¡°Hey champ,¡± Nathan greeted warmly, his hand gently ruffling Liam¡¯s hair to get his


    attention.


    Liam¡¯s reaction was pure and unadulterated joy. Startled by the unexpected arrival of his father figure,


    he promptly abandoned his toys and sprang to his feet, rushing into Nathan¡¯s


    arms.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d forgotten about me and Daisy,¡± Liam admitted, his childlike sadness tugging at


    Nathan¡¯s heart. He felt neglected, and it weighed heavily on his young mind.


    ¡°No, champ, I¡¯m really sorry,¡± Nathan apologized sincerely, running his fingers through Liam¡¯s hair once


    more. The affectionate gesture reassured the little boy, and he nodded, a smile gradually returning to


    his face. The connection between them was mended.


    ¡°What do we have here?¡± Nathan asked, squatting down among Liam¡¯s toys to engage in a yful


    moment with Liam. The two of them shared quality time, lost in the world of toys and imagination.


    Meanwhile, Hazel was in the process of cleaning up Daisy, who had managed to umte quite a bit


    of mud during her yful escapades. It was during this mundane task that Daisy suddenly posed a


    rather unexpected question:


    Are you and Nathan gonna get married?¡± Daisy¡¯s innocent query caught Hazel off guard. Sheughed


    incredulously at the unexpected topic.


    Where did you get that from? she inquired puzzled by the curiosity that had sparked the


    Daisy, always inquisitive and observant, exined her thought process. ¡°Well, Molly said her mommy


    married Mr. Adams, and now she has a new daddy and new siblings.


    Hazel understood that Daisy was referring to a blended family, where Molly¡¯s mom had remarried a


    man with children. She rified. ¡°No, honey. I and Nathan aren¡¯t getting married.¡±


    Returning her focus to the open arms of her daughter, Hazel couldn¡¯t help but nce over at Nathan


    and Liam as they emerged from wherever Liam had hidden himself. They were engaged in yful


    antics, with Nathan yfully throwing Liam over his shoulder and spinning him around. Liam¡¯s joyful


    Hazel watched the scene before her with a small, tender smile. ¡°Mommy!¡± Liam¡¯s voice called out as he


    ran to her, wrapping his arms around her legs. Hazel bent down, lowering Daisy gently to the ground so


    she could hug both of her precious children at once. The embrace lingered longer than usual, Hazel


    holding her twins tightly to her, her emotions. bubbling up. They truly were everything she had.


    After a heartfelt moment, Hazel eventually stood up and made a decision. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    The trio made their way to Nathan¡¯s car, where he proceeded to strap both Liam and Daisy into their


    respective car seats. Nathan¡¯s yful antics didn¡¯t stop, and he tickled Liam while securing him in the


    seat, eliciting a loud burst ofughter from the young boy.


    Once the children were safely fastened in, Nathan took his ce in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Let¡¯s stop at the


    grocery store,¡± he suggested, eager to extend their time together. He cherished these moments with


    the family and wanted to make the most of them.


    ¡°We¡¯re out of milk, Daisy chimed in agreement, emphasizing the urgency of their grocery trip.


    Liam, not one to be left out, added his list of needed items. ¡°And butter, eggs, corn kes, sugar,


    strawberries, and jam,¡± he rattled off with youthful enthusiasm.


    Hazel concurred, ¡°We¡¯re going grocery shopping, then.¡±


    Daisy, always ready for a treat, didn¡¯t miss an opportunity. ¡°Mom, can we get ice cream too?¡± she


    asked, her adorable pout in full effect.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Nathan conceded with a smile, his heart warmed by their eagerness. ¡°I¡¯ll get you guys ice


    cream. Whatever size you want.¡±


    ¡°Yay, Nathan!¡± the twins cheered in unison, their happiness filling the car.


    As the car journey continued, Nathan yed a medley of cheerful children¡¯s songs. Daisy and Liam


    enthusiastically joined in, their young voices harmonizing in the backseat. Nathan nced at them


    through the rearview mirror, a contented smile on his face. In that moment, life felt meaningful and


    fulfilling, and he wished he could hit pause to savor it a little longer.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    As Nathan, Hazel, and her kids left the school, Devin remained behind, his expression aplex mix


    of curiosity and confusion. The children had referred to their father by his name? A thought tugged at


    his mind-maybe he wasn¡¯t their dad.


    Devin decided to head back to his office, his mind racing with questions. He grabbed his phone,


    intending to inform Axel about the situation he discovered.


    ¡°Hey, Axel,¡± Devin began when his call connected. ¡°I just observed something strange. The man with


    the twins¡¯ mom, the former Luna, isn¡¯t the kids father I don¡¯t think she remarried. Did you know about


    this?¡±


    Axel¡¯s response was somewhat dismissive, his tone uninterested. ¡°So?¡±


    Axel however, persisted with his line of questioning. ¡°What does it change? She was Luna, yes, but not


    anymore. The Alpha is remarried now. What does her rtionship status matter?¡±


    Axel seemed unfazed and offered a straightforward response. ¡°But¡­,¡± Devin began to protest.


    Axel interrupted him with a stern tone. ¡°But nothing. There¡¯s nothing between the two of them, and the


    kids aren¡¯t the Alpha¡¯s either. Just do your work and quit getting involved in things that do not concern


    you!¡±


    With that, Axel abruptly ended the phone call, leaving Devin in a state of bewilderment.


    Devin remained perplexed by Axel¡¯s dismissive tone. Although he knew that Axel was right, it changed


    nothing in their current situation, he couldn¡¯t shake off the nagging feeling that there was something


    more to this. With a sigh, he decided to return to his office, where the sounds of kids ying and


    Meanwhile, Axel took it upon himself to provide an update to his boss, Ethan, who was seated in his


    office, contemting the recent turn of events. Axel entered the room with at respectful demeanor.


    ¡°Starlight has signed a different contract today, sir,¡± Axel reported.


    Ethan¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°Already?¡± he mused. ¡°With whichpany?¡± he inquired further.


    ¡°The new corporation called Gentle, Axel replied, adjusting his sses with a finger.


    Ethan paused, taking off his sses to better consider the information. ¡°The same one I have shares


    in?¡± he asked.


    Axel nodded in confirmation. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Echan leaned back in his chair, contemting his next moves. ¡°Well, that works for us. I¡¯ve


    rays wanted to diversify into more areas, and I want Starlight,¡± he stated.


    Axel, sought rification: ¡°Do you n to buy more shares?¡±


    Edhan nodded thoughtfully ¡°Yes, but discreetly. 111 purchase shares and invest in bing


    for shareholder there. That will be all, he said, signaling his intention to act


    As if on cue, Ethan¡¯s phone began to ring, interrupting their conversation. Axel stood silently, curious


    about the unfolding events and his boss¡¯s underlying motivations.


    Nathan maneuvered his car into the bustling parking lot of the mall building. He unbuckled. the


    children, ensuring they were securely on their feet. Daisy, brimming with enthusiasm, eagerly linked her


    small arms with Hazel¡¯s, forming a heartwarming tableau.


    The quartet attracted the attention of an observant elderly woman, who couldn¡¯t resist. expressing her


    delight. With a warm and admiring smile, she eximed, ¡°Oh my goodness, you guys are such a cute


    family.¡±


    Caught somewhat off-guard by the unexpectedpliment, Hazel hesitated for a moment before


    managing to respond, ¡°Um¡­¡±


    Nathan, on the other hand, was quick to acknowledge the kind stranger¡¯s words. He beamed


    appreciatively at her and said, ¡°Thank you very much, ma¡¯am.¡±


    With the mood lightened by the stranger¡¯sment, the four of them delved into the task at hand ¨C


    navigating the store to gather the items they needed. Nathan however not content with just ice cream,


    indulged the children with a selection of sweets that would make any dentist The sizes of the treats he


    selected earned him a look of disapproval from


    Hazenge


    who was concerned about the kids¡¯ sugar intake. However, Nathan responded to her silent reproach


    with a mischievous smirk. Hazel, in response, couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes, though her heart warmed


    at the sight of the bond Nathan shared with her children.


    ¡°Mommy look!¡± Liam¡¯s excited voice rang out as they strolled past a delightful kiddie store. His small


    finger pointed enthusiastically at arge, impressive monster truck on disy.


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s the monster truck 02! All my friends at school have it!¡± Liam eximed, punctuating his words with


    a spirited little dance. During ytime, he had often watched his pals engage in thrilling truck


    adventures, yearning to join their exciting escapades.


    upon the


    Hazel approached the monster truck, only to be greeted by a gasp as her eyes. fell hefty price tag


    adorning it, a sum exceeding three thousand units of currency. Her initial delight faded as financial


    realities sank in.


    Observing his mother¡¯s reaction, Liam¡¯s perceptive nature kicked in, and he quickly changed his


    request, understanding that the monster truck might be beyond reach. ¡°No, Mommy. Get me this one


    instead,¡± he suggested, pointing to a smaller, more affordable truck model.


    A warm smile spread across Hazel¡¯s face as she affectionately ruffled Liam¡¯s hair. It was evident that


    her son possessed both intelligence and empathy, qualities she cherished.


    Meanwhile, Nathan, the family¡¯s silent observer, stood at a distance, keeping a watchful eye on the


    unfolding scene. He decided to excuse himself, saying, ¡°You guys wait for me. I need. to use the


    bathroom,¡± and walked away, leaving Daisy contentedly gazing at the


    Joys.


    array of


    Hazel, now alone with Liam, considered the smaller toy her son had chosen. It brought some relief as


    she noticed it came with a significantly smaller price tag, one that wouldn¡¯t strain their tight budget. Yet,


    her heart ached; she longed to provide her children with the very best, but she couldn¡¯t


    Coupled with Daisy¡¯s surgery underway which had added financial strain.


    ¡°Okay, champ, Hazel said, her voice tinged with a hint of mncholy, as she tenderly stroked Liam¡¯s


    head. He looked up at her, his smile radiant.


    Just then, a saleswoman approached them, offering an unexpected glimmer of hope. ¡°Why don¡¯t you


    consider those bigger toys instead?¡± she suggested, gesturing towards therger, more expensive


    options. Hazel managed a small, ufortable smile, her financial constraints weighing heavily on


    her.


    ¡°It¡¯s on promotion,¡± the saleswoman continued, her smile warm and genuine. ¡°Currently, there¡¯s a who


    p p i n g ny-five percent discount on those items. You¡¯re the first to know about it; we¡¯re just putting


    up the signs.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Wait, really?¡± she asked, her voice filled with hope and


    amazement.


    ¡°Yes, and even that girl¡¯s set over there,¡± the saleswoman added, pointing to the very dollhouse cook


    set that had caught Daisy¡¯s eye. She had been ogling over it for long


    moments.


    elieve her


    ¡°It¡¯s all part of the discount for our seventh customer today.¡± Hazel couldn¡¯t luck. The chance to provide


    her children with the toys they had dreamed of seemed almost too good to be true.


    ¡°So, we can actually get those toys at such a huge discount?¡± Hazel inquired, her voice tinged with


    hope and disbelief. Her children were indeed in need of new toys, and the prospect of a substantial


    discount was music to her ears.


    The saleswoman nodded affirmatively once more, her friendly demeanor reassuring Hazel that this was


    no mere illusion but a genuine opportunity.


    Overwhelmed by the sudden stroke of luck, Hazel couldn¡¯t contain her excitement, chuckling with


    delight. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll take those,¡± she eximed, determination and joy mingling in her voice.


    As she turned to head back to the shelf to swap out the toys, Liam couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity and


    impatience. ¡°What does she mean, Mommy?¡± he inquired, his young eyes brimming with curiosity.


    With a heartwarming smile, Hazel exined, ¡°It means we¡¯re getting your monster truck!¡± Liam¡¯s joy


    knew no bounds as he ski p p e d and hopped about in exhration.


    Gratefully, Hazel returned the truck picking the more expensive one Liam wanted adding it into their


    cart then returning the small cheap one. She went to the next shelf asking Daisy to pick out one in the


    color she loved more.


    Meanwhile, Daisy, grabbed the toys refusing to drop them in the cart. She held them tightly in her arms,


    her eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of happiness and contentment. The unexpected twist had made


    her feel not only fortunate but also fulfilled as a mother, knowing that her children would soon be


    enjoying the toys they had longed for.


    Noah rejoined the group shortly after his brief bathroom break, returning to find Hazel practically


    bubbling with excitement. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she couldn¡¯t. contain the urge to share


    the incredible turn of events that had just unfolded.


    *Nathan, you wouldn¡¯t believe what just happened!¡± Hazel eximed with fervor, her voiceced with


    enthusiasm. Sheunched into a vivid narrative, recounting the remarkable chain of events that had led


    to the unexpected acquisition of the coveted toys.


    walked attentively beside her, yed the role of the attentive audience. He listened


    to Hazel¡¯s animated storytelling, his eyes locked onto her as she weaved the tale.


    In reality, Nathan hadn¡¯t actually made a stop at the bathroom during his brief absence. Instead, he had


    engaged in a discreet conversation with the store manager, arranging for the purchase of the toys in


    question. He wanted the kids to have it without Hazel feeling ufortable or indebted to him. It was


    better this way. Looking at joy radiating off Hazel and the kids face, it was worth it.


    Finally, with their cart filled, they made their way to the checkout. Nathan insisted on paying for


    everything, including the extra ice cream and sweets, Hazel demanded for his details refunding the


    money for her shopping back. The ice cream and treats however were on Nathan.


    As they walked back to the car, Liam, holding Nathan¡¯s hand, looked up and asked, ¡°Nathan, can we


    do this again sometime?¡±


    Nathan ruffled Liam¡¯s hair affectionately. ¡°Of course, buddy. We can do it as often as possible¡±


    Hazel buckled the twins into their seats while Nathan offloaded everything into the trunk


    Then soon they were on their way home.


    The twins yed with their new toys for some time. Exhausted from their fun filled day they slept off


    slouching into their seats still clutching the toys.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    As they walked back to their car, their armsden with the newly acquired items, there was at palpable


    sense of satisfaction in the air. Hazel, moved to buckle her children up in their seats, ensuring they


    were snug and secure.


    Once settled in their car seats, the kids clung to their new toys, their eyes wide with wonder and


    excitement. It was as if the magic of the toy store still lingered, and they reveled in the joy of their new


    toys. They giggled, yed, and chatted animatedly.


    Their journey home began, The city seemed to be winding down, transitioning into the soothing


    embrace of evening, the end of a day. As the minutes passed, the children¡¯s boundless energy waned.


    Exhausted from the fun-filled day, the kids gradually sumbed to the irresistible allure of sleep. Their


    small frames slouchedfortably in their seats, their eyes growing heavy with drowsiness.


    The car pulled over gently, signaling their arrival home. Daisy, the lighter sleeper of the two, stirred


    awake immediately. She yawned sleepily, her eyes blinking in the dim light, as she readied herself to


    head into the house..


    Nathan, with Liam cradled in his arms, led the way into the building, guiding them towards the elevator.


    While Hazel, carrying the groceries in bags followed closely behind.


    Once they reached their floor, Nathan carried Liam into their cozy apartment. Hazel, with her dropped


    the groceries at the kitchen.


    Nathan made his way to the bedroom with a soft step, conscious not to disturb Liam¡¯s peaceful


    slumber. He gently helped him remove his shoes, ensuring hisfort as he tucked him in gently.


    Hazel, standing by the door, observed this tender scene with a small, affectionate smile.


    With Liamfortably settled, Nathan walked quietly to the door, avoiding any obstacles that might


    cause a disturbance. He closed the door behind him, mindful not to make a sound that might stir the


    sleeping child.


    Nathan headed to thr kitchen where Hazel stood at the threshold her gaze locked onto Nathan, her


    heart filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She needed to express what words alone couldn¡¯t


    convey.


    Thank you, Nathan,¡± she began, her voiceced with warmth and sincerity. ¡°For everything.¡±


    Nathan met her heartfelt gratitude with a gentle smile, his azure eyes capturing the essence. of his


    feelings. Those eyes had an almost mesmerizing quality when he looked at her this way, and Hazel


    found herself unable to break their connection. She stared back in daze.


    While they stood there, lost in a silent exchange of emotions, Hazel decided to extend her appreciation


    through a simple yet meaningful gesture. ¡°Would you care for a small dinner?¡± she offered.


    ¡°Nothing fancy, just a light meal


    Nathan, without hesitation, epted her offer, his eagerness apparent. He wanted to spend more time


    there.


    Sure, he replied, a yful grin on his face. Infact, 1 can make a mean sauce.


    With that, he moved gracefully into the kitchen, taking the initiative to wash his hands and prepare for


    their impromptu dinner. Hazel, positioned herself as his trusty assistant, chopping and preparing


    ingredients with precision.


    Together, they embarked on the task of preparing a modest dinner, their synchrony evident as they


    moved about the kitchen. Momentster, they were done and ready to eat.


    Seated at the kitchen table, bathed in the soft, dim glow of the lights, their surroundings took on an


    intimate and romantic ambiance. The low lighting cast alluring shadows, lending the room an aura of


    closeness and warmth.


    As they began their meal, Nathan noticed that Hazel seemed lost in thought, she kept moving her food


    around her te. Her absent-mindedness didn¡¯t escape his keen. observation, and he couldn¡¯t help but


    inquire, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Hazel looked up, her smile seemingly forced. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she replied, though her eyes held a hint of


    something that she hesitated to share.


    He gently probed, ¡°How¡¯s Daisy¡¯s healthing along?¡± It had been a while since he¡¯d received an


    update on her condition and the impending surgery. Thest he heard was that Hazel was supposed to


    meet with a specialist to expedite Daisy¡¯s surgery.


    ¡°He¡¯s retired,¡± Hazel responded with a touch of sadness. ¡°I¡¯ll have to find someone else.¡± Her voice


    carried a mixture of uncertainty and sadness.


    Hazel went on exining the events that had transpired, the fear she felt and everything.


    Nathan listened attentively, allowing Hazel to voice her concerns and fears. She spoke openly, sharing


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    her worries and doubts. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she eventually murmured, her thoughtsing back together.


    She had babbled off for a long time.


    Nathan was quick to reassure her. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± he said, his tone gentle and understanding.


    ¡°Thank you, Nathan, for everything.¡± Her gratitude was genuine, and it held a depth that words could


    barely encapste. She knew that without his timely intervention that her twins might not have


    survived. And now, he was still present in their lives, a reliable person she could trust.


    Nathan nodded, his smile reflecting his appreciation for her words. Their dinner concluded, he stood


    up, signaling his intention to leave. ¡°Well, goodnight,¡± he said, heading to the door. Hazel followed


    closely behind.


    However, before he made his exit, he shared some news with Hazel. ¡°I¡¯ll be away for business, he


    exined softly. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a couple of weeks.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s immediate response was heartfelt, ¡°We¡¯ll miss you.¡± Her words tumbled out without. much


    thought, revealing the truth of her feelings.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes widened for a moment, his surprise evident.


    Hazel corrected herself with a light chuckle, ¡°I mean, the kids. They¡¯ll miss¡­¡± She trailed off.


    A wann smile graced Nathan¡¯s features as he continued. ¡°I¡¯ll miss them too. And you as well


    With a final farewell, he turned to leave, heading toward the elevator. Just before entering, nced


    back one more time, catching sight of Hazel still standing there. She wore a


    radiant smile as she waved to him, her eyes filled with genuine affection. He reciprocated her smile and


    wave, a silent exchange of sentiments, before stepping into the elevator. In moments, he was gone,


    leaving Hazel with a sense of warmth.


    ¡°Mommy.¡± Liam called grudgingly from his sleep walking to her while rubbing his eyes.


    ¡°I want to pee¡± He whined.


    ¡°Okay. Okay. Aming.¡± Hazel replied.


    Nathan lingered for a few moments in the car park of Hazel¡¯s apartment a sense of reluctance tugging


    at his heartstrings. He had just bid farewell to Hazel. As he gazed up in the direction of their t, a quiet


    contemtion enveloped him. What would it be like to have a permanent ce in their lives? It was a


    question he had pondered countless times in silence.


    The thoughts of returning to his solitary and dimly lit home loomed before him hauntingly.


    It was a ce devoid of the lively chatter of children. The absence of someone waiting for him at home


    gnawed at him, leaving a hollowness that was hard to ignore.


    Unable to bear the weight of these thoughts any longer, he turned away from the direction. of Hazel¡¯s


    t heading to his office. The familiar drive led him through the gates of the impressive corporate


    headquarters that bore his name. The security guard, a middle-aged man who had seen Nathan¡¯s


    ¡°Good evening, sir, the security guard began, his eyes filled with a quiet curiosity. ¡°Would you be


    spending the night here again?¡±


    Nathan¡¯s expression betrayed a mixture of resignation and determination as he sighed. The question


    touched upon a choice he had been making more frequentlytely. His office, with its polished exterior


    and vast spaces, offered him a refuge from the solitude of his home. It was a ce where he could lose


    himself in work, momentarily pushing aside his thoughts. and demons.


    He met the security guard¡¯s inquisitive gaze and replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be here for the night Timothy, Nathan


    replied quietly.


    Timothy nodded in acknowledgment.


    ¡°Goodnight, Nathan said as he turned to leave.


    Timothy inquired, ¡°Should I order the usual from that store?¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t bother,¡± he replied. ¡°I already ate.¡±


    Timothy, keenly aware of Nathan¡¯s habits and knowing his boss most times ski p p e d dinner, pressed


    gently, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Nathan sighed and hesitated for a moment.


    Yes, Timothy. I ate with¡­ a friend.¡± The slight pause was telling, revealing that this ¡°friend¡± held a


    special ce in his thoughts.


    With that, Nathan took his leave, heading towards the solitude of his evening at the office.


    As Nathan¡¯s retreating figure disappeared from view, Timothy stood there for a few moments, a


    thoughtful and somewhat mncholic expression on his face. He couldn¡¯t help. but wonder about his


    boss¡¯s life. Nathan seemed to have everything wealth, power, and


    sess and even good looks. Yet, he was unhappy and lonely.


    He shrugged off his contemtive mood, reminding himself that at least Nathan had eaten this night


    and even eaten withpany this time around, a small victory. With a resigned. sigh, Timothy returned


    to his duties.


    Nathan set foot on the familiar grounds of his corporation, embarking on another night of work and


    solitude. The contrast between the vibrant moments he had shared with Hazel and her children and the


    quiet solitude of his office was disturbing.


    As the night wore on, Nathan found himself lying in bed, unable to sleep and staring up at the ceiling in


    the dimly lit room. Restlessness clung to him like an unweepanion, and he reached for his


    phone on the bedside table, he dialed a number he already knew by heart due to how often he called.


    On the other end, the phone rang several times before it was finally answered. ¡°Jasmine,¡± Nathan said


    softly, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. ¡®I hope I didn¡¯t wake you.¡±


    In response, Jasmine, still groggy from sleep, sat up in her bed, instantly alert. ¡°No,¡± she replied, her


    voice clear despite thete hour. I was just finishing up some work.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good,¡± Nathan acknowledged, his tone reflecting his exhaustion. ¡°I need you to find. Dr. Gomez


    first thing tomorrow morning. He¡¯s a retired heart specialist.¡± He paused, his voice sounded low and


    exhausted.


    Jasmine, well-trained and ustomed to her boss¡¯s instructions, responded promptly with a firm,


    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±


    The line fell silent for a moment before Jasmine bid him goodnight, her voice filled with a mix of respect


    and empathy. ¡°Good night, Sir.¡±


    Nathan, however, remained restless and unable to find sce in sleep. Nighttime was a torment for


    him, a time when the world was hushed, and his inner demons found their voice. Frustrated by his


    inability to find rest, he rose from the bed and crossed the room to hisptop, the soft glow of the


    screen casting an ethereal light on his face. There, he threw himself into his work, engrossed in


    creating new codes for hispany, the only sce he could find in the depths of the night.


    Meanwhile, Jasminey awake in her own bed, her mind racing with thoughts and concerns. She had


    been awakened by the unexpected call from her boss, and her instincts told her that it had something


    to do with one of the twins. She had seen Nathan that evening at the mall while shopping for her


    personal needs, with those children, and he had appeared genuinely happy and fulfilled. However, the


    tone of the man on the phone had been starkly different empty, sad, drained of energy.


    Worry gnawed at her as she considered the enigmatic man she served. Unable to find rest herself, she


    reached for her phone, determined to research Dr. Gomez. She knew that the only way she could truly


    be there for Nathan and assist him was by executing her work with precision and timeliness, ensuring


    that his orders were carried out wlessly.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Hazel¡¯s morning was off to a hectic start as she rushed to drop off her energetic twins at kindergarten


    before heading to work. Today held a significant event for Starlight as they were scheduled to meet with


    the shareholders of the corporation, Gentle Monster, in the morning.


    Settling into a taxi as she embarked on hermute, Hazel¡¯s phone rang, and Chloe¡¯s voice. pierced


    through the background noise. ¡°Hazel, where are you?¡± Chloe¡¯s tone held a hint of


    urgency.


    I¡¯m on my way. I¡¯m very sorry, I¡¯ll be there soon,¡± Hazel replied, a tinge of apology in her voice. Her


    colleagues were already gathered, awaiting her arrival. They had coordinated to travel to Gentle


    Monster as a team, needing to finalize arrangements and rehear s e their presentations.


    Yawning tiredly, Hazel recounted the chaotic morning she had experienced. The twins had awakened


    earlier than usual, demanding their morning sustenance. Coaxing them back to sleep had been a


    challenge, especially since Daisy had clung to her more than usual. Consequently, the morning routine


    had been a battle of wills, leaving the children drowsy and irritable. Getting them ready for school had


    taken twice the effort.


    As the taxi carried her through the bustling city, Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of the ticking


    clock. ¡°Step on the gas, please,¡± she urged the driver, who promptlyplied, increasing the vehicle¡¯s


    speed. It was rush hour, and Hazel knew she needed to make up for


    lost time.


    Just when it seemed like they might catch up, they encountered an abrupt roadblock, a frustrating halt


    in the otherwise congested traffic. Hazel¡¯s impatience grew as she scanned the surroundings. ¡°What¡¯s


    going on?¡± she wondered aloud. ¡°The road¡¯s free. Why won¡¯t they drive?¡± she questioned the taxi


    driver.


    The driver exined the situation with a respectful tone. ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am. It seems an important person


    is making their way through these roads. It¡¯s one of the demands that we leave the roads clear for


    them, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Hazel sighed in irritation, her frustrations mounting. She had heard of such situations before, where a


    VIP¡¯s entourage passed through, and all other drivers were expected to slow down or halt entirely.


    Refusing to let her precious time go to waste, Hazel decided to make the most of the situation. She


    reached into her bag and retrieved herptop, determined to stay productive. As the taxi remained


    halted in traffic, she immersed herself in her work, seizing the opportunity to make adjustments, her


    presentation had to be perfect


    Ethan exuded an air of wealth and power as he sat in his sleek car, the road around him conspicuously


    devoid of traffic-amon sight whenever he traversed these streets. It was a crisp, autumn day, and


    the scenery outside momentarily captured his attention. The


    int leaves carpeting the pathway in hues of red and gold evoked memories of his teenage years, a time


    when he had walked these very streets on his way home from school. The sudden sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu


    was palpable.


    they drove past, Ethan¡¯s thoughts drifted back to those days, the ones he had spent here


    Hazel by his side. She had been a wide-eyed teenage girl, seemingly always in his orbit, ally stalking


    him until he Sually took notice. Hazel was the daughter of one of his


    sential pekociates, fact he had initially disregarded. It was only when her fathe


    had sacrificed his life to save Ethan¡¯s own father that things had changed. Heartbroken by the loss,


    Hazel¡¯s mother had soon followed.


    Ethan¡¯s father had insisted that he take care of Hazel, and so, begrudgingly, he had made a conscious


    effort to be kinder to her. Over time, they had grown closer, forged by the shared experiences of their


    youth. As Ethan drove, the memories became more vivid, and he found himself approaching a


    particr spot that stirred powerful emotions within him.


    ¡°Pull over,¡± hemanded abruptly, his entire entourageing to a halt as his car stopped. With


    determined steps, he exited the vehicle and headed toward a small eatery. Standing in front of it, he


    was overwhelmed by a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu so strong it was almost suffocating. This was the very ce


    where he and Hazel had shared countless meals during their school years. Back then, he had regarded


    her as a younger sister and would often treat. her to lunch.


    Ethan peered through therge windows of the eatery, the memories flooding back to him. He


    visualized a younger version of himself and Hazel, d in their sweaty school uniforms, enjoying dinner


    there on their way home from school. The familiar scent of mushroom soup wafted toward him,


    triggering memories of meals shared over fifteen years ago. It was a ce he hadn¡¯t visited in years,


    and the sudden rush of nostalgia was overwhelming.


    ¡°Boss, would you like some soup?¡± Ethan¡¯s driver inquired, his voice breaking the businessman¡¯s


    reverie.


    Ethan shook his head lightly, acknowledging the offer with a faint smile. ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    Realizing that he had already taken up enough time, causing dys for other drivers and


    businesspeople, Ethan reluctantly tore himself away from the eatery¡¯s window. He knew it


    was time to move on.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Axel, his loyal assistant, urged.


    Ethan nodded, his mind still lingering in the past for a moment. ¡°Right,¡± he mused, before decisively


    dering, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With his brief but powerful trip down memoryneplete, Ethan returned to his car, ready to resume


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    his journey and the demands of his present-day life, leaving behind the echoes of his youthful


    camaraderie with Hazel.


    Moments after Ethan¡¯s departure, the previously halted traffic was finally allowed to resume its journey.


    Hazel, feeling a wave of relief wash over her, muttered to herself, ¡°Finally,¡± as the cars around her


    began to move once more.


    Her taxi pulled up to the Starlight building, and she hurriedly stepped out, practically sprinting into the


    bustling entrance. ¡°I am so sorry,¡± she apologized as she caught up with Chloe, her colleague who had


    been waiting.


    Chloe waved off Hazel¡¯s apology, understanding the hectic morning she had endured. Without wasting


    a moment, they immersed themselves in work. Minutester, their preparations wereplete, and the


    team was ready to depart. Thepany vehicle awaited them just outside the building, ready to


    transport Chloe, Hazel, and five other colleagues to G.G.


    The journey passed in a blur, and the car eventually pulled up in front of an imposing building. The


    group of coworkers scurried to the front desk, where Hazel took the lead in greeting the receptionist.


    The woman provided directions to the floor where the crucial meeting was scheduled to take ce.


    The stakes were high; this meeting with G.G could seal the deal for Starlight, paving the way for a


    lucrative contract. Their mission was clear: impress the representatives from Gentle Giants. As they


    made their way to the conference room, anticipation hung in the air.


    Upon entering, they found themselves among a group of about eight individuals, with a conspicuously


    empty seat at the head of the table-the customary position for the chairman of the deliberations. With


    confidence, Hazel stepped forward, prepared to lead the presentation following a brief introduction.


    She delved into the details with gusto, making use of slides, prototypes, and images showcasing


    Starlight¡¯s sessful track record with past design contracts. Her presentation. culminated with a


    grand vision of what thepany nned to offer to G.G. Uponpletion, the team was ushered


    out, leaving the G.G representatives to deliberate.


    Unbeknownst to Hazel and her team, Ethan observed everything from behind the scenes. He watched


    her intently, captivated by her presence, even though she had no inkling that her presentation was


    being streamed into another room. Ethan was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.


    After the presentation concluded. Ethan summoned his loyal assistant. Axel, into the room. Axel,


    somewhat taken aback by his boss¡¯s increasingly peculiar requests, couldn¡¯t help but voice his


    curiosity. ¡°I have a question,¡± he began hesitantly.


    Ethan, a man whose decisions were rarely questioned, gazed at Axel with an air of restrained. intensity.


    ¡°Starlight didn¡¯t get a chance to make a presentation or impress me, so I decided to buy shares there to


    see what they had to offer. And I was impressed, so now I want Starlight,¡± Ethan exined, his voice


    carrying a subtle note of warning.


    Axel, recognizing the unspoken boundaries, offered a firm. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The situation remained perplexing to Axel. His boss had purchased shares in apany simply to


    witness a presentation? Ethan was proving to be increasingly unpredictable, but Axel had learned that


    it was unwise to probe further.


    With a resigned sigh. Axel set out to carry out his boss¡¯s directive.


    The next morning, an email was dispatched to Starlight, arriving directly at the head office. It was a


    formal request for Starlight to be Tesco¡¯s exclusive designer for a period of six months. While


    Hazel¡¯s colleagues rejoiced at the prospect of partnering with such a prominent corporation, Hazel


    herself couldn¡¯t shake her doubts. After all, they hadn¡¯t made any formal presentation during their


    previous encounter. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder how this opportunity hade about.


    Hazel decided to voice her concerns, heading to her director¡¯s office.


    Her superior, however, dismissed her apprehensions. ¡°They must have noticed our prowess and


    decided to give us a chance, the woman replied confidently. ¡°We won the first bid, after all. That¡¯s what


    the email stated. They would be going back to the original and first contract renewing their offer with


    Starlight. Hazel read the message with mixed feelings.


    ¡°So, what happens with G.G.?¡± she inquired, seeking rity.


    ¡°We¡¯ll still proceed with G.G./ her superior assured her, her enthusiasm undiminished. ¡°We have a full


    year ahead of us. She was excited at the prospects, they had their hands really full this year. Two


    DOC.


    Can I head that GG one?¡± Hazel asked. She would willing do anything to avoid meeting


    Ethan and bumping into him at his ownpany would be almost impossible. How could she work for


    her ex-husband she wondered desperately.


    ¡°Let me head G.G.¡± she pleaded


    ¡°The J.T. Starlight project will be your primary responsibility. That¡¯s why you and Chloe. were


    transferred here in the first ce. Stick to your assigned duties.¡±


    Feeling her heart sink, Hazel left her superior¡¯s office, the weight of her dilemma pressing heavily upon


    her. ¡°Why did Ethan decide to go back to the original contract, even after knowing I was heading it?¡±


    she pondered, grappling with the uncertainty of how she would navigate the next six months working


    under her ex-husband¡¯s watchful eye.


    How she was going to survive the next six months under her ex-husband was something she couldn¡¯t


    fathom. And her kids! She had to make sure he never met them.


    Her children and their well-being remained her paramount concern. She was determined to ensure that


    her personal and professional lives remained separate, uncertain about how. she would handle the


    <pplex dynamic of working for her former spouse.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    ¡°Hazel, Chloe,¡± their superior called, her voice interrupting their thoughts.


    Both women turned their attention to her, ready to receive their next set of instructions.


    ¡°You will be working with Tesco¡¯s design team starting next week,¡± the woman exined, her tone


    carrying an air of finality. ¡°You can go over there to meet them and familiarize yourself with how they


    work.¡±


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel perplexed by this sudden change in their work arrangement. She


    approached their superior, trying to gain some rity. ¡°Wait, ma¡¯am,¡± she began, her brows furrowing in


    confusion. ¡°We already have a team here at Starlight. Why do we need to be part of Tesco¡¯s


    design team?¡±


    The superior offered a sinct response, leaving no room for further questioning. ¡°Well, that¡¯s part


    of the offer. Listen, Tesco isn¡¯t like otherpanies we¡¯ve worked with. We¡¯ll amodate their


    demands. Understand?¡±


    Hazel reluctantly sank back into her seat, her face paling as the implications of this change. began to


    sink in. Working at Tesco meant bumping into her husband, Ethan, practically every day. The thought


    filled her with a mix of anxiety and apprehension.


    Chloe walked into the room, dropping some files on Hazel¡¯s desk. ¡°We need to review these designs


    and styles. They were sent by Tesco.¡±


    Hazel, still processing the news, looked up in disbelief. ¡°I thought we were supposed to handle the


    designs ourselves. Why are they sending us their choices? What was the point of winning the bid?¡±


    She fumed inwardly.


    Chloe tried to calm her colleague down. ¡°Let¡¯s just check them out first. Examining Tesco¡¯s choices


    might inspire us toe up with a better design that suits their needs.¡±


    Hazel reluctantly agreed with a sigh, and the two of them delved into their work. The rest of the day


    passed uneventfully, with Chloe working overtime while Hazel had to leave early to pick up her twins


    from school.


    As Hazel left thepany building, she decided to take a stroll to clear her mind. She walked through


    a pedestrian walkway, the gentle breeze rustling through her hair, and flower petals sca t t e r e d


    around her, creating a serene atmosphere. She paused for a moment, reflecting on the past.


    Hazel remembered walking along a simr path during her teenage years, with Ethan by her side. She


    had been deeply in love, convinced that the intense attraction she felt toward him was their destined


    mate bond. Back then, she had hoped that they would discover their bond when she came of age. But


    Ethan¡¯s demeanor had changed drastically. His once warm gaze now appeared cold and emotionless.


    He had transformed from the Ethan Wild she had known into a powerful and feared figure in the city.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but wonder about his intentions in offering them the contract, especially given her


    connection to Starlight. When she had seen him that day, she had already epted the likelihood that


    they wouldn¡¯t secure the contract, making the Midden offer a shock.


    Her trip down memoryne was interrupted by the vibrating of her phone. She answered the call with a


    somewhat distracted tone.


    Hello!¡± she greeted.


    ¡°Good day, ma¡¯am. Calling from Tiny Tots,¡± the voice on the other end responded. ¡°The kids¡¯ school


    closed a while ago, but you haven¡¯t shown up. It¡¯s very unlike you.¡±


    Hazel immediately felt a pang of guilt. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m very sorry. I got caught up at work,¡± she admitted,


    facepalming herself for losing track of time.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. If you¡¯re busy, we could drop the kids off at home for you or something,¡± the kind voice on the


    line offered.


    Hazel appreciated the gesture but declined politely. ¡°Oh no, please don¡¯t bother. I¡¯m on my way there


    already.¡±


    With that, she quickly hailed a cab and settled into it, realizing how much time she had unintentionally


    spent standing on that pathway, lost in thought. As the car approached her kids¡¯ school, she pushed


    thoughts of Ethan and hispany from her mind, mustering a smile. But one thing was sure, she


    would meet with and talk to Ethan, her time at his


    would be strictly business; there was no need to dredge uppany


    theirplicated history and rtionship. It wouldn¡¯t be easy but she would try.


    Hazel reached the school, where her twins were waiting by the slide, looking a bit bored. ¡°Mommy!¡±


    Liam squealed with excitement, running toward her immediately.


    After apologizing to the school staff for the dy and time wasted, Hazel led her cubs back to the taxi,


    and they headed home.


    Ethan¡¯s car glided smoothly into the driveway, but as he stepped out, an overwhelming restlessness


    coursed through him, urging his inner wolf to break free from its dormant state. It had been a while


    since he¡¯d allowed his wolf to take control.


    Shedding his jacket and suit, he surrendered to the transformation, and within moments, a magnificent


    grey wolf stood where Ethan had been. With a surge of energy, he sprinted into the woods surrounding


    their pack¡¯s vast estate. This secluded haven was nestled on the outskirts, cocooned by nature¡¯s


    embrace-a sanctuary free from intruders and prying eyes.


    The wind whistled through his fur as he raced across the grassy expanse, his powerful paws devouring


    the terrain. Suddenly, a foreign scent wafted into his nostrils, intruding upon his territory. It was a smell


    unfamiliar, one that did not belong to any of his pack members. Instinctively, he emitted a low growl and


    elerated toward the lingering scent.


    His keen senses guided him to a sight that puzzled him-an unfamiliar brown wolf up ahead. Determined


    to confront the potential threat, he elerated, closing the gap swiftly. Yet, before he could apprehend


    the intruder, Be, appeared seemingly out of thin air. The suddenness of her presence nearly caused


    a collision between them.


    ¡°Be?¡± Ethan questioned, shifting back into human form. Confusion etched across his face, mingling


    with concern. ¡°Why are you out here?¡±


    The stranger wolf had vanished from his sight, its scent growing fainter by the second. Be looked


    flustered and perspiring, an uncharacteristic state for her.


    ¡°I was just taking a stroll,¡± she replied with an uneasy demeanor.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze scrutinized her, and her clothing appeared undisturbed. ¡°In this form?¡± he inquired


    skeptically, raising an eyebrow,


    She nodded hesitantly, her actions contradicting her words. Something was amiss, but he couldn¡¯t


    pinpoint what she was hiding.


    You must be tired. Be suggested, eager to change the topic. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.


    Ethan hesitated but finally consented. ¡°You go on ahead. There¡¯s something I must check.¡± With that,


    he shifted back into his wolf form and dashed off, determined to trace the origin of the lingering scent.


    Be proceeded alone to their opulent mansion, her heart racing. Ethan had nearly caught her today,


    and that was a risk she couldn¡¯t afford. He rarely traversed these woods, hadn¡¯t shifted in years, yet he


    had an uncanny knack for appearing wherever he pleased. She kept ncing over her shoulder as she


    approached the house.


    You¡¯d better not get caught,¡± she muttered to herself irritably. Once inside, she breathed a sigh of relief


    but remained anxious.


    ¡°Get the Alpha some clothes to change into,¡± she instructed a pack member, her voiceposed


    despite her inner turmoil. She then headed upstairs, desperately needing a shower to wash away not


    just the scent of the forest but the smell of that man as well


    Ethan halted his pursuit at the very spot where the unfamiliar scent had inexplicably dissipated into


    nothingness. He couldn¡¯t fathom how it could have vanished so abruptly. After a moment of frustration,


    he decided to return home. Shifting back into his human. form, he stood stark n*ked, seemingly


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    unconcerned about his nudity as the butler promptly provided him with clothing.


    Ignoring the offered attire, Ethan ascended the stairs, his purpose clear in his determined. stride. His


    wife, Be, stood apprehensively at the bedroom door, awaiting his return. The doors mmed shut


    behind him as he advanced toward her, a palpable tension in the air.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± she inquired with feigned innocence, her voice trembling slightly.


    Ethan didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he loomed over her, scrutinizing her intently, as if trying to


    extract the truth from her very skin and hair.


    ¡°Did you meet anyone in the woods?¡± he finally questioned, his voice a low rumble.


    Be vehemently denied having encountered anyone or anything unusual, her eyes wide and guileless.


    However, Ethan remained unconvinced, a persistent suspicion lingering in his


    gaze.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he conceded atst, breaking the intense scrutiny. He turned away, leaving Be to sink onto


    the bed, her b*dy trembling with fear and relief. The encounter had left her shaken to the core.


    In the aftermath, Be reached for her phone andposed a terse text message, her fingers


    trembling as she typed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t evere to my home. If you need anything, meet me at the office.¡±


    It was a stark warning, a measure she couldn¡¯t afford to overlook. The walls were closing in, and Be


    knew she could take no more chances, next time she may not be that lucky.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Ethan summoned Axel to his study that night.


    ¡°A rogue made its way into our territory. How did it manage to sl*p past the guards?¡± he inquired.


    Axel stared at him nkly, wondering why his boss and Alpha were discussing pack security with him.


    Ethan¡¯s perplexed look didn¡¯t escape him. This was the kind of discussion he¡¯d expect to have with his


    and dealing with human rtions.


    ¡°You may go,¡± Ethan said with a sigh. He had decided to summon the security team the next day and


    have them questioned.


    His thoughts then turned to Chris. It had been over five months since his murder, and Ethan missed his


    Hazel came to mind as well. Starting tomorrow, he would have a meeting with her the next day.


    Christian would have criticized and questioned his choices, reminding him that he was a married man


    and his ex-wife had moved on.


    He was resolved that his interaction with Hazel would be strictly professional. He had no intention of


    making her ufortable. Herpany needed the contract with his Empire, which would elevate her


    reputation as a designer and propel her into the business world.


    ¡°Why am I helping my ex-wife?¡± he quizzed himself. In recent weeks, he had made many choices


    without adequate consideration. Looking back, he acknowledged that he had been thoughtless.


    Perhaps he still harbored regrets about letting Hazel go.


    In any case, he concluded that the die was cast. It was toote for regrets. With a sigh, Ethan left his


    study and headed for his bedroom, where his wife, Be, awaited him.


    Ethan gazed at Be¡¯s peaceful sleeping form, his mind clouded with doubts. Had she been. truthful


    when she imed not to have seen anyone else? She was jumpy and he found the lingering unfamiliar


    scent on her at that time. Trying to shake off these unsettling thoughts, he quietly exited the bedroom,


    making his way back to his study.


    As he reached his sanctuary of solitude, his phone emitted a subtle buzz, notifying him of a message


    from Axel.


    Intrigued, he unlocked his phone and began reading the text: ¡°I had my doubts about your ex-wife¡¯s


    children not being yours, so I did a little research. I hope this resolves the doubts I know you have.¡±


    Attached to the message was a document that disyed the birthdates of Hazel¡¯s kids. Their uing


    sixth birthday was a few months away, and it struck Ethan that Hazel had given birth to them more than


    ten months after their divorce.


    Ethan wasn¡¯t surprised by this revtion. He remembered clearly the days leading up to their


    separation, when Hazel had taken multiple pregnancy tests, all of which had yielded negative results.


    He knew, even then, that those children weren¡¯t his biologically. Yet, despite this knowledge, he couldn¡¯t


    help but feel a deep affection for the sharp-tongued talented little boy with a fiery temper and the little


    girl with bright eyes that mirrored her mother¡¯s. Why did he have these emotions for them? He found


    himself grappling with this perplexing question, wondering if it was because he had once been married


    to Hazel.


    11491


    The message from Axel, his assistant who had dared to broach such a sensitive topic, and the tone it


    came with confirmed the irrationality of his recent actions and decisions. Feeling a surge of sadness


    and loneliness, Ethan sank into his chair, his phone still clutched in his hand. He contemted the


    notion, if it weren¡¯t for his past carelessness and thoughtlessness, he might now have a child around


    Liam and Daisy¡¯s age, filling the void he couldn¡¯t help but feel. The thought tugged at his heartstrings,


    nearly bringing tears to his


    eyes.


    Just as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him, Be¡¯s voice suddenly echoed through.


    the room.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± She stood before him, a concerned and bewildered expression on her face. Startled by the


    sight that met her eyes, she rushed to his side.


    ¡°Ethan, are you okay? What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked with genuine concern and a hint of panic. Without


    hesitation, he reached out and drew her into hisp, burying his head in her hair. His voice quivered


    with sorrow as he spoke into her fragrant tresses.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry that I wasn¡¯t a better father, that I didn¡¯t care about you enough, and


    that my negligence led to the loss of our pup,¡± he confessed, his words barely audible 2


    choked with emotion.


    Be froze, her heart aching for her husband. Ethan was still profoundly affected by the lie she had


    woven over five years ago. His emotional turmoil was undeniable, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel a


    fragile state.


    Slowly, she extended her hand to his back, her fingers tenderly stroking his head in a soothing,


    affectionate gesture. Her thoughts were busy at work, and she realized that she needed to keep Ethan


    just like this, vulnerable and dependent on her. A shadow of darkness passed over her features as she


    made a solemn vow within herself: she would go to any lengths to ensure he never discovered the


    truth, even if it meant resorting to killing that


    man.


    Hazel was in deep slumber,pletely drained and exhausted from her day. Her bedroom door


    creaked open, and the soft patter of tiny footsteps filled the room. It was Daisy, her little daughter,


    clutching her cherished stuffed bear, who was on a mission to reach her mother¡¯s bedside.


    Determined yet struggling, Daisy attempted to climb onto the tall bed. Frustration got the better of her,


    and she soon dissolved into tears.


    Hazel stirred from her sleep, sensing her little girl¡¯s distress. She opened her eyes to find. Daisy, sleepy


    and teary-eyed, standing beside her bed. Concern filled Hazel¡¯s voice as she sat up immediately,


    reaching out her arms to take Daisy into her embrace.


    ¡°Aww, baby, is something wrong?¡± Hazel¡¯s soothing words tried to calm her daughter¡¯s tears as she


    settled Daisy onto herp. Daisy nestled closer to her mother, the warmth and familiarity of her


    mother¡¯s embrace offering sce. Hazel hummed softly, her hand gently rubbing Daisy¡¯s back in a


    As Hazel peered down into her daughter¡¯s face, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of worry wash over


    her. Daisy had been more disgruntled and restless than usual in recent days, and thiste-night visit


    was a cause for concem. Listening closely to the steady rhythm of her. daughter¡¯s heart, Hazel made a


    decision. Tomorrow, she resolved, she would schedule a visit to the hospital for a thorough check-up to


    ensure Daisy¡¯s well-being.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    11:291


    The next morning brought with it a surprising change in Daisy¡¯s demeanor. She woke up with a brighter


    disposition, her energy levels seemingly replenished. Hazel, her mother, observed her closely as she


    ate her breakfast with an unusual gusto. The little family of three went about their usual morning


    routine, but today, there was a slight deviation from the norm only Liam would be attending


    kindergarten.


    Liam, always observant, couldn¡¯t help but notice the difference in Daisy¡¯s attire. Hazel had dressed her


    children for the day, with Liam infortable pants and a cheerful


    cartoon-themed t-shirt. However, Daisy sported a formal-looking dress, different from her typical school


    attire.


    ¡°Why¡¯s Daisy dressed differently?¡± Liam inquired, his curiosity piqued. He wanted to understand the


    reason behind his mother¡¯s choice of clothing for his sister.


    Hazel smiled warmly at Liam¡¯s inquiry. ¡°Well, that¡¯s because I¡¯ll be dropping you off at school today, and


    then Daisy and I have some ces to go,¡± she exined, her voice tender. She intended to call Chloe,


    her colleague, to cover for her at work.


    Liam, however, wasn¡¯t particrly thrilled with this arrangement. Holding his sister¡¯s hand, he


    expressed his desire, ¡°No! Daisy,e with me to kindergarren¡± He said holding hist sister¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Put on your shoes, Liam.¡± Hazel instructed.


    ¡°But, Mommy, I wanna go to kinder¡± Daisy pleaded not ready to spend the day at the hospital or part


    ways with her brother


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Liam supported with a determined look on his face.


    ¡°Today¡¯s Molly¡¯s birthday,¡± Daisy added, hoping to sway her mother¡¯s decision.


    With gentle understanding, Hazel tried to reason with her children, ¡°Honey, we really need.


    to go.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna,¡± Daisy replied, her eyes welling up with tears.


    Hazel sighed. In the midst of this, her phone rang, disying Chloe¡¯s name on the screen.


    ¡°Hey, there¡¯s a meeting at 10 a.m. this morning. You need to be there,¡± Chloe informed her.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t informed,¡± Hazel replied, a hint of frustration in her voice.


    Chloe rified, ¡°A memo was sent very early this morning. I can¡¯t cover for you on this. You¡¯re heading


    the project, you have to be there in person.¡±


    Understanding the urgency, Hazel reluctantly agreed, ¡°I understand.¡± She ended the call and returned


    her attention to her children.


    ¡°Let me go to school today, tomorrow we go to the hospital? Okay, Momma?¡± Daisy bargained joining


    her hands together in a pleading motion her little voice filled with hope.


    Hazel sighed deeply. She wasn¡¯t entirelyfortable with the revised n, but she felt somewhat


    cornered. ¡°Okay,¡± she relented with a sigh.


    With that agreement settled, Hazel led Daisy back into their room to change her into suitable attire for


    school. As she worked on getting Daisy ready, Hazel couldn¡¯t help but feel


    pang of guilt


    Molly¡¯s birthday is today? Why didn¡¯t you guys mention it so we could get her a present?¡± Hazel


    quizzed her twins as she hoisted Daisy up to a table to rebrush her hair.


    ¡°We did, Momma. We told you,¡± Liam replied.


    ¡°Yes, we did.¡± Daisy confirmed.


    Hazel, realizing her oversight, sighed. She must have been so preupied with other thoughts that


    she hadn¡¯t registered her children¡¯s earlierments. ¡°Well, we¡¯ll stop briefly by a store to get her a


    toy,¡± she promised.


    Liam nodded in agreement, but his mother added a firm condition, ¡®Only for Molly, Got that?¡± She


    wanted to ensure they understood the purpose of their shopping.


    Both children nodded in agreement. Hazel almost done with Daisy hovered about her while. Daisy


    struggled to get her mom to stay Still.


    ¡°Mommy wait.¡± Hazel paused.


    Daisy cupped her mother¡¯s face with her small hands and nted a big, loving k*ss on Hazel¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Energy boost,¡± Daisy exined with a heartwarming smile.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but smile back, deeply touched by her daughter¡¯s thoughtfulness. Daisy had


    noticed the stress and worry on her mom¡¯s face and offered her an energy boost.


    ¡°Thank you, cupcakes. Now let¡¯s go,¡± Hazel said, giving her baby a heartfelt hug.


    With that, they headed downstairs, taking the elevator, and began their stroll to a nearby toy store to


    pick out a birthday gift for Molly.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    The family of three made their way down the elevator and strolled into a nearby store. The kids


    excitedly roamed around searching for the perfect birthday gift.


    Finally they settled for some hair ribbons and bows, stuffed animals and dolls with a dollhouse.


    Satisfied they moved to the wrapping area where they were assisted by the store


    owner.


    ¡°I miss Nathan and his special pudding,¡± Daisy mused with a wistful expression. Her voice. held a hint


    of nostalgia, and she fingered the ribbon adorning the neatly wrapped present.


    Hazel, her heart warmed by her daughter¡¯s sentiment, knelt beside her, her hand gently ruffling Daisy¡¯s


    hair. ¡°I miss him too. He¡¯s been quite busy, my dear. We¡¯ll call him soon, and maybe he can share his


    secret pudding recipe with us.¡±


    The gratitude that Liam and Daisy felt toward Mr. Richard, the kind store owner, was evident as they


    both chorused a heartfelt, ¡°Thank you.¡± He had sweetened their shopping experience with a delightful


    assortment of sweets which they munched happily as they headed out of the store.


    Hazel hailed a taxi, and afterwards she ensured her children were safely dropped off at school before


    heading to her office. As she stepped into the bustling corporate world, the anticipation of the day¡¯s


    events mingled with her thoughts.


    The meeting at her office was purely an informative session, focusing on the details of the Starlight-JT


    cooperation. They delved into the intricacies of the coboration and what each party could expect in


    theing weeks. It was a productive and insightful discussion. that helped set the stage for the


    project.


    After the meeting, Hazel, along with her team members and Chloe, set out for Tesco Empire. They had


    been graciously provided with transportation by Tesco Empire.


    The moment the bus pulled into the Tescopany¡¯s driveway, a well-dressed woman greeted them


    with warmth and professionalism. She introduced herself as Gigi, and she held a significant role in the


    Empire, overseeing external rtions and business, including interpany deals.


    Gigi¡¯s keen eyes scanned the group, and she inquired, ¡°Who¡¯s heading this project?¡±


    Hazel, stepped forward as the leader of the project.


    Gigi guided them into the building, and the elevator swiftly carried them to their destination, a vast


    office space. The expansive office space left them in awe. The room wast tastefully designed, with


    attention to every detail, providing a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.


    This is where you¡¯ll be working.¡± Gigi exined, her smile infectious. ¡°We¡¯ve taken the liberty to design


    it with your needs in mind, but feel free to make any adjustments to match your impable designer


    taste.¡±


    With a yful glint in her eye, she added, ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to make this space your own. And don¡¯t worry


    about inconveniencing anyone; this office is usually used by other business associates coborating


    with the Empire during their term with us. Make yourselvesfortable. Your briefing is scheduled for


    eleven.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    With those encouraging words, Gigi left them to settle into their new workspace.


    Thank you. The team usioned gratitude in unison, their voices filled with genuine appreciation.


    Chloe, with a keen eye for detail, noticed that Hazel appeared a bit paler than usual. She leaned in and


    whispered, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Hazel nodded and replied softly, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine.¡± Despite herposed response, a whirlwind of


    emotions and expectations churned within her.


    She took a deep breath in, determined to face Ethan and whatever challenges she would be facing.


    Hazel¡¯s


    An unsettling sense of unease clung to me like a stubborn shadow. My palms kept getting sweaty and


    moist with nervousness and I continuously wiped it off making it difficult to maintainposure. The


    prospect of meeting Ethan, who would now be my superior, loomed over me with a shroud of


    uncertainty. I wondered about his demeanor and attitude. toward me in this new superior and


    subordinate setting. Ethan, my ex-husband.


    The unease was unrelenting, a persistent feeling that wouldn¡¯t dissipate. Desperate to quell my nerves,


    I reached for a bottle of water and took a few hurried swigs. News of Ethan¡¯s recent marriage to Be


    had reached gotten to me. They were a prominent couple, widely recognized throughout the city.


    Surprisingly, this knowledge brought me a sense of relief. During our marriage, Ethan had not yet


    attained the level of wealth and influence he now possessed. As his ex-wife, I remainedfortably


    anonymous, living my life without the prying eyes of the public.


    Amid my thoughts, Chloe¡¯s gentle touch snapped me back to the present. ¡°Hazel,¡± she said. softly,


    concern evident in her voice.


    I blinked and refocused on her. ¡°Huh?¡± I mumbled, momentarily disoriented.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been spa c i n g out, Chloe remarked. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


    I offered her a reassuring smile. ¡°Oh, yes, I¡¯m fine. Just a bit nervous, that¡¯s all,¡± I added with a chuckle.


    Chloe nodded understandingly. ¡°Well, okay then. We should head to the briefing; it¡¯s almost


    time.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I replied, determined to gather myposure. ¡°Let¡¯s go, team.¡±


    We made our way to the elevator, following the map that Gigi had handed to us earlier. Navigating the


    vast expanse of Tesco¡¯s facilities was no small feat, and we didn¡¯t want to risk getting lost.


    Upon entering the office, it became apparent that others had already taken their seats, suggesting that


    we had arrivedter than expected.


    ¡°Apologies for our tar d i n e s s,¡± I quickly offered, my tone apologetic.


    A woman at the head of the table, whom we assumed to be the meeting facilitator, responded, ¡°It¡¯s not


    a problem. We had informed you of the adjusted meeting time. We initiated some preliminary


    discussions while waiting for your arrival.¡±


    Gigi, ever gracious and weing, exined further, ¡°Yes, we intended to start a bit earlier


    to allow you time to settle in and address some business matters.¡±


    We took our seats as everyone at the table began introducing themselves. They were all key


    individuals responsible for various departments within the Empire.


    As I began to deliver a prepared speech, the door swung open, and to my astonishment, Ethan walked


    into the room. The moment was filled with aplex mix of emotions as our paths crossed once more.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Ethan made his way into the boardroom. Amanding figure, followed closely behind by another


    man. He was impably dressed in a sharp grey suit,plete with a matching tie and a meticulously


    pressed shirt. His neatly trimmed hair exuded an air of professionalism It was the kind of appearance


    that demanded respect, and a shiver seemed to run through the room, a collective hush that enveloped


    everyone in the presence of the CEO and Boss.


    The silence that overcame the room was eerie, a stillness that even humans, not privy to the subtleties


    of an Alpha¡¯s aura, could sense. There was an intangible but undeniable force around certain


    individuals, an unspoken presence that left a lingering sense of foreboding. Ethan for one had such


    aura. With great effort, I inhaled deeply, determined not to sumb to the influence of this Intimidating


    aura. Instead, I fixated my attention on the screen before me, hoping to maintain myposure.


    Ethan assumed his seat at the top of the table and signaled for the meeting to continue. Throughout


    the presentation, his unwavering gaze remained fixed upon me, a focused intensity that felt almost


    unnerving. I pressed on, delivering the presentation with precision, despite the subtle pressure of his


    attention.


    After what seemed like an eternity, we finally concluded the meeting. Ethan rose from his seat and


    departed, followed by a retinue of employees. It was my colleagues and the man who had entered with


    Ethan, presumably his assistant, who had done most of the talking. A sigh of relief escaped my l*ps as


    I leaned back in my chair, grateful that the first briefing had proceeded without a hitch. But still, I


    needed to speak with Ethan, this anonymous air and suspense was bothersome. Gathering my


    belongings, I made my way out of the boardroom.


    As I stepped out of the room, a man called my name, his voice arresting my steps. It was the same


    man who had entered and exited the room with Ethan, and now I was certain he was Ethan¡¯s assistant.


    ¡°The boss requests your presence in his office,¡± he said. The words hung in the air. With a subtle nod, I


    fell into step behind him, curiosity and a touch of apprehension guiding my steps. We approached


    Ethan¡¯s office, and his assistant, Axel, courteously opened the door, ushering me inside, before closing


    it behind me.


    I sucked in a deep breath before stepping into the cold and exquisite office.


    Ethan was seated behind his office table. He had taken off his Suit The contours of his physique


    entuated by a well-fitted shirt. Even in a seated position, his presence loomedrge, emanating an


    aura that exuded authority and intimidation


    For a brief, intense moment, we merely locked eyes, an unspoken conversation ying out


    between us.


    ¡°Hazel, he uttered, the sound of my name rolling off his tongue with an inexplicable


    resonance.


    At that very instant, I felt a stirring within, the unmistakable connection with my wolf, Dove. Her


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    excitement at being in close proximity to him again was undeniable. It was a remarkable turn of events


    since Dove had withdrawn after our painful rejection and divorce. In the years that followed, I had been


    preupied with the care of my children, ensuring their well-being, and eventually, I allowed Dove to


    fade into the background. It


    eemed safer that way, However, now she was back, eager and ted.


    ¡°Stop it, Dove,¡± I mumbled inwardly, unable to contain the turmoil within me. ¡°He rejected us, and we¡¯re


    divorced. He¡¯s not our mate, he never was.¡± Still I wondered why he had such effect on us.


    But being this close to him, in the same room, I couldn¡¯t deny that something significant had changed


    about him. Dove was practicallypping about within me in excitement. ¡°He¡¯s not our mate, Dove,¡± I


    reminded her silently. ¡°He¡¯s married now. You¡¯re not very bright are you?¡± I scolded. In response, she


    whimpered and retreated to her hidden ce. I took a deep breath, regaining control over my


    emotions, and pressed forward.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he called my name again. The way he said it sent shivers racing down my spine; there was


    something about the way he uttered it.


    ¡°Come on in,¡± he encouraged, breaking the temporary standoff. It was then that I snapped out of my


    stupor, realizing that I was still near the door, as if ready to bolt at any moment. ¡°Hello, Ethan,¡± I


    greeted, finally making my way closer and settling into one of the seats. A sudden chill enveloped me,


    but I couldn¡¯t discern if it was due to the coldness of the chair or the effect of Ethan¡¯s intense gaze. My


    nerves made me tremble slightly, abination of his presence and the surprising reconnection with


    my wolf after years of silence. However, I maintained aposed exterior, unwilling to let him see how


    much he still affected me after almost six


    year


    Once again, we found ourselves locked in a prolonged gaze, the unspoken words passing between us


    more eloquent than anything spoken aloud.


    ¡°Does your team require anything further?¡± Ethan inquired, his eyes never leaving mine.


    ¡°No, Gigi has provided us with all the necessary information,¡± I replied. ¡°I believe everything has been


    well-prepared, Mr. Wild. The shift in our rtionship was palpable; he was now my employer and


    superior.


    ¡°I do have a question, you went ahead to reward the contract even after knowing¡­¡± ¡°I began, but Ethan


    swiftly interrupted.


    ¡°Hazel, please understand,¡± he interjected gently. ¡°We¡¯re both adults. We¡¯ve moved on from our past.


    You and I are history. I¡¯m not trying to make you ufortable, nor am I jeopardizing mypany.


    Starlight¡¯s ideas were genuinely worth investing in, and that¡¯s why I chose them. So please, don¡¯t think


    that I did this to cause you pain or for any other sinister motives. I would never do something like that.¡±


    His words carried a reassuring sincerity, and his gaze met mine with a sense of earnestness.


    His eyes, as mesmerizing as ever, had the uncanny ability to draw me into his world, and I found


    myself lost for a moment in the depths of those breathtaking orbs.


    ¡°I understand,¡± I said, forcing a smile to ease the tension.


    This would bepletely business. Let¡¯s keep our personal lives aside,pletely aside. Here, you¡¯re


    the employer and I¡¯m your contracted worker which is perfect. I forced at smile. Ethan visibly rxed at


    my response.


    Good,¡± he said with a soft nod.


    We sat in silence once more. Ethan words had made me feel at ease. I¡¯d wondered why he¡¯d epted


    and contracted us but now I was cleared.


    How have you been, Ethan?¡± I heard myself ask


    The question sl*pped out, a genuine curiosity about the profound changes in him. He cruded a different


    aura, a brooding one, like he had been through alot. It was almost¡­. Sad.


    Ethan appeared taken aback by the question, and I quickly corrected myself, realizing I had stepped


    out of line.


    ¡°Sorry, sir, that was out of ce,¡± I apologized, getting up, intending to leave.


    Wait. It¡¯s fine.¡± He urged gently meeting my eyes once more.


    The kids. The kids I saw you with at the airport the other day.¡±


    1 froze at the mention of my kid.


    ¡°They¡¯re twins, right?¡± he asked. I felt my muscles tense. Did he suspect something?


    ¡°Yes, I replied cautiously.


    They are adorable, Hazel Ethan said with a small smile. Although It looked rather like a sad smile with


    his head bent to the side. It felt surreal to be discussing our children. I was ufortable and really


    wanted to change the topic.


    ¡°How¡¯s Be?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask. They were now married, after all.


    Ethan¡¯s response was a small shrug, a detached manner in his words. ¡°She¡¯s well, happy as can be, as


    Luna and the wife of Mr. Wild. He spoke stiffly, in an almost detached manner. Our conversation was


    taking a peculiar turn, but it wasn¡¯t over yet. Ethan broke the ice further, ensuring that I didn¡¯t have to


    tread carefully around him.


    Thope you don¡¯t feel the need to walk on eggshells,¡± he stated, his gaze steady.


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Wild.¡± I replied, reverting to the professional demeanor that this situation demanded.


    With that, I turned to exit the office


    A sigh of relief escaped my l*ps as I stepped out of Ethan¡¯s office, and with it came a sharp inhtion


    of air, a breath I hadn¡¯t even realized I¡¯d been holding. The tension that had enveloped me slowly


    began to dissipate as I processed our conversation. Ethan¡¯s reassurance that there were no ulterior


    motives behind his business decisions had put some of my concerns to rest. It seemed that we were on


    the same page,this was strictly about work.


    As I stood waiting for the elevator, my thoughts churned. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he reacted the


    way he did when I asked about his well-being. His demeanor had shifted, het seemed detached. The


    brooding aura that surrounded him hinted at experiences and changes that had shaped him during our


    time apart. I couldn¡¯t help but be curious about what had transpired in his life, what had changed him so


    greatly.


    The elevator finally arrived, the doors slid open and I stepped inside, taking a moment to collect my


    thoughts. The ride down gave me a chance to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that Ethan¡¯s


    presence had stirred within me. Our history couldn¡¯t simply be swept. under the rug, and the mere sight


    of him had revived old memories and emotions I thought were buried. But things were better left this


    way. Untouched. There¡¯s no need digging up old sores, It¡¯s was best this way. Ethan as my Boss, only


    my boss, nothing more. As the elevator reached the ground floor, I emerged into the bustling


    atmosphere of the office building.


    Reminding myself that this arrangement is only temporary, once the project was over, we¡¯d be out of


    each others lives for good. Just a few more months Hazel.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    Ethan


    My day had begun in the usual whirlwind of activity, a chaotic and blurry start that was far from rxing.


    The never-ending to-do list was already loomingrge, and it seemed like there was always so much to


    handle.


    Axel¡¯s voice broke through, interrupting my thoughts. ¡°You have a meeting with Ryan Corporation today


    at eleven, he informed me.


    ¡°Can you see if the meeting can be rescheduled for tomorrow? I need to attend the Starlight briefing, I


    suggested.


    There was a moment of hesitation in Axel¡¯s response, but he finally spoke. ¡°Gigi is handling the


    Starlight briefing. It¡¯s not something you have to attend.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but quizzically raise an eyebrow. Axel, as my assistant and a close friend, often


    questioned my decisions. ¡°So?¡± I countered, curious about his reasoning.


    ¡°You don¡¯t usually attend meetings like that, he pointed out, a hint of concern in his voice. ¡°I have a


    special interest in the JT ¡®project, and I want to be present at the briefing, I asserted firmly. I knew it


    was time to put the matter to rest.


    ¡°Case closed. I added, effectively silencing my assistant before he could make further


    Momentster, we made our way to the boardroom. As I stepped into the room, a noticeable hush


    settled over the space, much like the stillness before a storm. It wasn¡¯t just because of my dominant


    personality; I suspected that my employees were genuinely surprised to see me in person. I didn¡¯t


    usually attend such minimal meetings.


    For some reason, I couldn¡¯t resist the urge to witness Hazel in action for myself, to see her at work


    Taking my seat. I signaled the meeting tomence. It was Hazel who was heading the presentation,


    and I couldn¡¯t help but notice the significant changes in her. She had more confident over the years,


    radiating a newfound self-assuredness. Her beauty had only


    grown intensified, with long, flowing hair and a healthier appearance that made her look and more


    vibrant. Yet, her eyes, those expressive windows to her soul, remained


    younger unchanged. Throughout the presentation, she never once nced in my direction, a sign of


    her difort in the situation.


    I could sense her unease, and it was entirely understandable. She must have felt ufortable


    working as a subordinate to her ex-husband, wondering what my motives were for employing her.


    Knowing Hazel, she probably thought I had some ulterior motive. I decided that after the meeting, we


    needed to have a conversation to break the ice.


    In the boardroom, I found myself lost in thought, my focus drawn solely to Hazel. The words of the


    presentation and the voices in the room faded into the background.


    Sir, Axel¡¯s soft tap on my arm brought me back to reality.


    ¡°Hmm I mumbled, momentarily confused by the sudden shift in focus. Everyone¡¯s eyes were now on


    me, as if they were awaiting my verdict.


    The presentation has just concluded. Is there anything you¡¯d like to say, perhaps some criticisms?¡±


    Axel whispered mindful:f the watchful eyes on me.


    I couldn¡¯t make a statement about the presentation. I hadn¡¯t been fully present, and I


    couldn¡¯t possibly criticize ormend something I hadn¡¯t paid attention to.


    ¡°No, I have noments for now,¡± I replied. It was unusual, as I typically found something to critique in


    every presentation


    The board members appeared surprised by my response, as I was known for scrutinizing every detail


    of any work presented to me. This is the first briefing, and I¡¯m quite satisfied. for now,¡± I continued,


    deciding to conclude the meeting. That will be all,¡± I stated, standing


    up.


    I stood up and left the room, making my way back to my office.


    Back in my office, I loosened my tie and cranked up the air conditioning to its highest setting. Axel was


    quick to recognize that my mind had been elsewhere during the presentation, and he ced a folder on


    my desk detailing what had been discussed.


    ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡± I inquired. ¡°About not staying in the pack estate any longer?¡±


    Axel nodded in response. ¡°Td prefer to live somewhere else. The pack vi is too far from work. I need


    a ce that offers easier ess to the city, where I can ess everything.¡±


    I understood his reasoning. Living with the pack wasn¡¯t something he was ustomed to, and he


    expressed a desire to live independently among others. ¡°Have you found a ce yet?¡± I asked.


    He shook his head. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t decided. I¡¯m still searching.


    With a sense of finality, I requested, ¡°Send for Hazel. We need to talk.¡±


    Hazel entered my office, and her familiar scent filled the air, just as I remembered it. The subtle hint of


    orange and cinn a m o n lingered, tickling my senses, even as she left the room. Being in the same


    space as her, I could sense her uncase, the guarded stance she had. adopted. It was clear that she


    didn¡¯t trust me, and I couldn¡¯t me her. Our parting hadn¡¯t been exactly pleasant, and while we


    weren¡¯t enemies, our history was far from rosy.


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Hazel looked me in the eyes and asked how I was. Her question caught me off guard. ¡°Ethan, how are


    you?¡±


    It was a question no one had ever posed to me and for a moment, I was unsure of how to respond.


    ¡°Empty,¡± I nearly found myself saying, and it was true. I had felt empty and lost for a long time, carrying


    around a persistent hollowness within. The void was big and unrelenting, and despite themon


    belief that finding one¡¯s mate would fill it, mine remained unfilled. It was an emptiness that had lingered,


    a constant presence, and it refused to be vanquished. If I¡¯d be honest with myself, it worsened after


    Hazel left.


    My gaze drifted to a framed photo of my mate and wife hanging on the wall. Be. I had to tell her


    about Hazel working with thepany I had contracted, which meant she worked with me. I wondered


    how Be would react, but I couldn¡¯t find it in me to care or be bothered by it. I had enough on my te,


    and Be was busy being a socialite, entangled in her own world.


    Besides, I had a lot to deal with regarding Be, and it seemed like another tiring evening awaited me


    at home. Hazel, on the other hand, got to go home to those adorable round faces, and adorable eyed


    pups.


    Six years had passed, and I couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge her triumph. I chuckled lightly to myself,


    conceding that Hazel had, in a way, won. She had it all ¨C a loving family, a fulfilling career, and


    happiness, I couldn¡¯t help butugh at the irony. I had amas s e d great wealth, but


    it all seemed meaningless.


    My phone buzzed, and I knew without checking that it was Be calling. Only a handful of people had


    my phone number. ¡°Hey, love. I was wondering if we could have dinner together,¡± she said, her tone


    filled with excitement.


    I¡¯m really busy, Be. I can¡¯t sparc an hour right now,¡± I replied with a sigh, feeling suddenly exhausted


    and drained.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, her tone shifting to concern. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder her concern was


    genuine or just another statement to getting what she wanted.


    ¡°There¡¯s a g tomorrow night¡­¡± She started but I cut her off.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡± I said finally hanging up.


    The contrast between Hazel and Be was stark. Did I have regrets? Perhaps. But I had made my


    choices, and I had to live with them.


    Besides with what had happened with Be, I owed her. A whole lot.


    With a sigh I picked up my phone dialing her number. She picked at the first ring


    ¡°Be, Let¡¯s have lunch together¡±

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Jasmine sat in her dimly lit office frustration mounting in as she skimmed throught websites.


    In her anxious state, an old habit resurfaced the nervous nibbling of her nails, a clear manifestation of


    the mounting pressure that had taken hold of her.


    Nathan would be returning soon and she still hadn¡¯t found out the location or whereabouts of Dr.


    Gomez. Spections about his whereabouts swirled, with some suggesting he might be on a vacation


    to a private ind.


    Who would have thought finding a doctor was this difficult, except he was no ordinary doctor.


    Scrolling through the inte she had discovered some details about his life. He was no ordinary


    person, he was well connected with influential figures, his presence documented at exclusive charity


    events and high-society gs. What¡¯s more, he had held a significant role in government affairs and


    was undeniably wealthy, having inherited most his fortune from being born into old money.


    Jasmine let out a heavy sigh of resignation as she minimized the numerous browser tabs on herptop


    screen. It had be abundantly clear that dealing with Dr. Gomez would be no ordinary task,


    especially now that he had retired. Reaching out to a person of his stature seemed an impossible


    challenge. She thought to herself with a sigh.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find him first Jasmine. Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves.¡± She scolded inwardly.


    Finding his location came first. Afterwards every other thing, meeting him and consulting him over


    Hazel¡¯s daughters surgery, would fall into ce.


    In the days that followed Hazel¡¯s meeting with Ethan, life took on the frenzied pace of a whirlwind,


    swirling her into a maelstrom of a hetic routine.


    On a particr morning, the weekday began as it often did, with a cacophony of chores and demands


    echoing through the modest walls of her home. Hazel moved through the rooms with a precision and


    swiftness. She had her entire day nned and she set out to work immediately, there was no time to


    waste.


    Addressing her daughter, she spoke with a blend of firmness and affection, ¡°Daisy, sweetheart, it¡¯s time


    to gather your sca t t e r e d toys and return them to their proper ces Turning her gaze to her son,


    she continued with a reminder, ¡°Liam, please remember to ce your shoes where they belong


    Yet, Daisy appeared uncharacteristically uncooperative and sluggish that particr morning. It had


    taken her an eternity to stir from her cozy bed, and even after donning her attire for the day, she


    managed to spill her cereal liberally over her freshly changed outfit. Hazel¡¯s patience, stretched to its


    limits, and she was poised to snap, but at the sight of her daughter¡¯s forlorn expression, her tone


    softened as she reached for a fresh dress. ¡°Come here, sweetheart,¡± she sighed, and Daisy¡¯s outfit was


    reced in aforting gesture of motherly


    reassurance.


    After what seemed like an eternity ofmotion, they were atst prepared to begin their day.


    Hazel gathered her phones andptops, expertly shepherding her children out the door with a sense of


    urgency that matched her frequent nces at her wristwatch. Time was the


    master she had to serve, and in her meticulously nned day, there was no room for dys


    Clutching her children¡¯s hands firmly, she hustled them into the building¡¯s elevator, her foot tapping


    impatiently as her watch became a constantpanion. The clock¡¯s digits read. 7:15, and that morning


    she was already ten minutes behind her nned schedule courtesy of her children¡¯s carlier tantrums


    and sluggishness.


    Upon sessfully delivering her children to their destinations, kindergarten, Hazel boarded a taxi, its


    destination set for the corporate realm of ] T Corporation. There awaited pivotal meetings with


    surveyors and construction experts.


    Meetings, site inspections, and more meetings consumed several hours, as Hazel and her team


    grappled with the demanding intricacies of their ongoing project.


    Hourster, Hazel found herself once again in a taxi, this time charting a course back to Tesco for the


    was submerged in the ceaseless tide of work, and so far, Hazel hadn¡¯t crossed paths with Ethan or


    even caught a nce of him at work.


    Ethan, the enigmatic figure who presided at the helm of their endeavors, remained elusive. He was a


    near-phantom, with some employers having spent years within thepany without even glimpsing


    him. Hazel¡¯s project was progressing satisfactorily, but it was a taxing and demanding endeavor. Her


    team was tasked with a daily shuttle between the grand expanse of Tesco Empire and the bustling


    corridors of the JT Company building, a constant back-and-forth between procurement missions and


    meticulous research


    As the day neared its end, it was time for the indispensable weekly project update and feedback


    session. Hazel made her way to the fifth floor, where a modest boardroom awaited, its space carefully


    prepared for the ritual of the weekly briefing.


    Just then. Hazel¡¯s phone suddenly came to life with an urgent ring, pulling her attention away from the


    demanding tasks at hand. Half-distracted, she


    Searched for her


    phone amidst the clutter of her desk, all the while trying to maintain a semnce of focus on herptop


    screen. With a distracted and somewhat nonmittal ¡°hello,¡± she answered the call, unaware of the


    shattering news that awaited her.


    As the words from the other end of the line reached her ears, Hazel¡¯s entire world seemed toe


    crashing down around her. She went from being absorbed in her work to a state of profound rm in


    an instant. ¡°No, no, no,¡± she whispered with trembling l*ps, her heart pounding in her chest. Herptop


    was hastily abandoned, and she left everything behind as she sprinted through the halls of the office


    building.


    Chloe followed her with deep worry etched across her features. Catching up to Hazel in the midst of


    her frantic dash, Chloe inquired, ¡°Hazel, what¡¯s wrong? Is everything all right?¡± The call had brought


    devastating news, a parent¡¯s worst nightmare. It was the school on the other end of the line, and what


    they had to convey was nothing short of heart-wrenching. Hazel¡¯s beloved daughter, Daisy, had


    This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    suffered a seizure. The very mention of her daughter¡¯s name had sent a jolt of raw fear through Hazel¡¯s


    entire being


    It¡¯s Daisy Hazel choked out, her voice quivering with emotion. Her eyes, once focused and determined,


    were now filled with tears that welled up and threatened to overflow. The overwhelming dread that


    gripped her heart was almost too much to bear.


    ¡°Go on, Hazel. I¡¯ll cover for you.¡± She said gendy in understanding.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    ¡°Can you go faster, please?¡± Hazel urgently implored the driver, the tension in her voice reflecting the


    urgency of the situation. She had bolted out of thepany¡¯s building in a frenzy, frantically gging


    down a taxi as if she were a woman possessed.


    Seated In the cab, she was restless, her mind was filled with self-me, and feeling helpless. she


    gripped her wrist tightly, thinking. ¡°This was all my fault; I should have been more. sensitive.¡± Daisy had


    been acting clingier than usual that morning. Instead of listening to her maternal instincts, Hazel had


    allowed impatience to get the better of her. She had beenpletely engrossed in work, barely paying


    attention to her daughter. The weight of her perceived negligence crushed her, and she buried her face


    in her palms.


    The demands of her work at Tesco had been all-consuming, requiring her to shuttle back and forth


    between twopanies. She offered a desperate plea to the goddess, ¡°Dear goddess, please let my


    baby be okay. Daisy, please be alright.¡±


    ¡°Drive faster, please!¡± she urged the cab driver once more, her impatience evident in her tone. The


    driver responded, ¡°I¡¯m driving over the speed limit, ma¡¯am. Any faster, and I¡¯ll be pulled over.¡±


    Nervously, she grabbed her phone, dialing the number that had called her earlier, though her calls went


    unanswered, fueling her anxiety even further.


    Finally, the cab pulled up at the hospital, and Hazel practically leaped out of the vehicle, paying the fare


    in haste before sprinting into the medical facility. Inside, her anxious voice rang out, ¡°Excuse mel¡±


    The receptionist turned her way, and Hazel inquired with a voice breaking with anxiety, ¡°A little girl was


    brought in?¡± After providing the nurse with her details, Hazel couldn¡¯t wait for the elevator, so she


    mounted the stairs in twos, following the given directions.


    Entering the brightly painted children¡¯s ward, Hazel¡¯s b*dy sank into a chair next to the frail form of her


    daughter. A staff member from Tiny Tots, the school Daisy attended, greeted her. This woman had


    been the one to call and inform Hazel about her daughter¡¯s health emergency. She had even called for


    an ambnce and waited at the hospital for Hazel to


    arrive.


    In a concerned tone, the staff member asked, ¡°Does she have any pending health issues? I noticed


    she was quite dull at school today, and then she suddenly started hyperventting. Hazel nodded in


    understanding and sighed deeply. ¡°Yes, I know, that¡¯s how it usually is,¡± she admitted. ¡°She has a heart


    condition.¡±


    Hazel expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt ¡°Thank you very much,¡± all the while holding onto her


    daughter¡¯s small palm. Daisyy asleep, connected to medical equipment for breathing.


    Meanwhile, at Tesco, the board members and Starlight workers filed into the office, the tension


    palpable as they settled down in anticipation of the briefing. A few momentster, Ethan, entered the


    room, and his mere presence signaled themencement of the meeting.


    Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed as he scanned the room, unable to spot Hazel anywhere. A growing sense of


    concern nagged at him. Where could she be? His frown deepened even further when he noticed Chloe,


    Hazel¡¯s co-worker and assistant, stepping forward to take the lead in Hazel¡¯s absence.


    Chloe was about tomence the briefing when Ethan interrupted abruptly, his voice carrying a sense


    of urgency and a little hint of annoyance ¡°Where¡¯s the leader of this


    project? He thundered. His question hung heavy in the room.


    Chloe stammered as she tried to exin. ¡°She had an emergency. There was something really


    important. Her voice trembled as she spoke under the intensity of Ethan¡¯s disapproving re. In the


    midst of her exnation, Ethan¡¯s phone buzzed with a notification, throwing him momentarily off


    bnce.


    The message he received was shocking and disruptive: ¡°Daisy was rushed to the hospital.¡° The words


    he read seemed to freeze time for a moment. Without a second thought, he stood up abruptly, as if in a


    daze, and started making his way robotically out of the boardroom, leaving the other members


    bewildered and even leaving Axel, taken aback as he followed him


    Chloe, still trembling from the intense encounter, remained in the room, and her relief was palpable as


    she sank into a chair after hearing the female assistant, Gigi, announce. ¡°Meeting adjourned¡± In the


    wake of Ethan¡¯s sudden departure, questions and confusion buzzed throughout the room as the


    participants attempted toprehend what could have provoked the CEO¡¯s unexpected and unsettling


    reaction. The man was always cold and collected.


    Ethan rushed swiftly to his exclusive elevator, heading down to his reserved parking lot. As he hurriedly


    opened the car door and settled inside. Axel arrived offering to take the wheel. He exited the vehicle


    then settled into the passenger seat


    As Axel carefully pulled out of the driveway and onto the expressway. Ethan urged him, ¡°Clevnd.


    Step on the gas¡± Axel nodded and elerated, making their way through the familiar route with a


    heightened sense of urgenty


    Having purchased Tiny Tots Ethan could be updated of everything happening there. Although he had


    restrained himself severally from visiting the school, trying not to get too attached to them


    ¡°I have no business there. He¡¯d said to him self several times whenever he had the urge to see them.


    So he had avoided updates about the school and Daisy and Liam. The sooner he got those adorable


    faces off his mind the better for him. But still he made sure he was updated if there was an emergency.


    He sighed with relief. At least he¡¯d know whenever something was wrong. Despite his efforts to detach


    himself, Ethan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in concern as he wondered what could be ailing the little munchkin.


    The anxiety and uncertainty weighed heavily on his mind during the drive. Axel, from his position


    behind the wheel, kept ncing at his boss through the rearview mirror as they sped toward the


    hospital


    Axel kept his focus on Ethan through the rearview mirror as the car sped toward the hospital. He had


    witnessed when Hazel hastily exited minutes before the briefing. She was on the verge of a breakdown


    after receiving a call. And now with Ethan suddenly exiting the boardroom after receiving a text he put


    the events together concluding further that something must have happened to the twins.


    However, he felt concerned. Axel considered the potential consequences of Hazel


    encountering Ethan at the hospital. Ethan had no business being there, and it might lead to an


    awkward situation. He sighed, realizing that things could indeed get messy. She might discover he


    Ethan owned her kids school and if she dug deeper things would get even worse. He repositioned his


    sses with the rim ncing once at Ethan¡¯s worried expression.


    Fortunately, it was Clevnd, one of Ethan¡¯s affiliated hospitals, which provided an


    opportunity to craft a usible excuse for their presence.


    ¡°We¡¯ll simply act as if we came for some other business and happened to find her there,¡± Ethan


    mumbled, clearly deep in thought. He gazed out of the window, his hands asionally clenching and


    unclenching. Now he was calmer, he sat there questioning his unerratic behavior, the way he¡¯d


    suddenly rushed to the hospital, wondering, ¡°What was I thinking?¡±


    ¡°Except I wasn¡¯t thinking.¡± He mused further inwardly. The moment he saw that Message he lost all


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    sense of reasoning.


    Axel sensing Ethan¡¯s uncase adjusted his thoughts to other matters trying to profer a believable


    solution saying, ¡°Clevnd got the new equipment, and the dialysis machines. were reced as per


    your instructions. He continued, ¡°So, it¡¯s just a routine check to see if everything is working fine with the


    new equipment. Perfectly normal. Although Ethan had at several times sponsored new machineries


    and equipments for Cleavnd, he never went in person to examine or check. So even though it was


    out of character, it still wouldn¡¯t rouse suspicion.


    Ethan nodded in agreement and gratitude, relieved that they could use the new equipment and their


    scheduled check as a cover for being at the hospital. ¡°Thank you, Axel,¡± he


    muttered, appreciating his Assistant¡¯s quick thinking.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Momentster, Ethan¡¯s car pulled into the hospital¡¯s driveway. Axel had made a call just before they


    arrived, and the hospital manager and director were eagerly waiting for them. It was a rare sight to see


    Ethan in person at the hospital, given his status as a major patron, and the staff were eager to


    amodate his wishes


    The hospital manager stepped forward and opened the car door with a wide smile, ready to wee


    Ethan. Axel seized this opportunity to step away discreetly to find out about Daisy¡¯s condition.


    Ethan quickly transitioned into business mode, pretending that he hade to inspect his contributions


    and projects at the hospital as part of his public involvement. The hospital director eagerly answered


    his questions and led the way, although Ethan¡¯s mind was preupied with thoughts of Daisy.


    Ethan, however, was barely paying attention, appearing bored by the Director¡¯s detailed exnations.


    His mind was focused on Daisy and her condition. He was itching to go to the children¡¯s ward, but he


    couldn¡¯t do so without arousing questions and suspicions. The hospital environment was devoid-of


    distinct smells or sensations, all masked by the overpowering scent of antiseptic..


    Axel rejoined the group just as Ethan¡¯s patience began to wane. He proposed, ¡°Let¡¯s tour the children¡¯s


    wards. You may recall we promised to create a recreational center there during ourst visit. Since we


    are here, it¡¯s an excellent opportunity to evaluate how else we can


    contribute.¡±


    The director enthusiastically concurred, feeling honored to lead the tour for someone as prestigious as


    Ethan Wild. As they headed to the elevator, Axel sent a text message to Ethan, indicating that they


    were head to Ward Twenty-Two.


    Upon reaching the children¡¯s ward, the elevator doors opened to reveal a vibrant, color-sshed


    environment. Adorning one end of the floor was a mural created by the young patients. It was a stark


    contrast to the somber atmosphere of the adult ward. At the same moment, Hazel emerged from a


    conversation with a friendly nurse. Her demeanor conveyed an air of rtive calm, which eased


    Ethan¡¯s anxieties. At the sight of Hazel, he heaved a sigh of relief, grateful for the assurance that Daisy


    wasn¡¯t in immediate danger.


    Hazel¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as she spotted Ethan and his entourage. She questioned, ¡°Ethan¡­


    uh, Mr. Wild?¡± She corrected.


    She was taken aback by his presence at the hospital and couldn¡¯t fathom how he had found her there.


    Quickly, Ethan offered his ready-made excuse, stating, ¡°I¡¯m a major shareholder here, just conducting


    some routine inspections.¡± He lied smoothly.


    The hospital staff exchanged nces, while the Director inquired, ¡°Mr. Wild, do you know her?¡±


    Ethan maintained the ruse, responding. ¡°She is an acquaintance,¡± he said finally. He¡¯d paused for a


    moment initially unsure of what to address Hazel as.


    Hazel was puzzled. From what she knew he was supposed to be at thepany, there was no way


    the briefing would have ended my this time and Ethan was supposed to be present at that meeting.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± He asked peeking into the ward, his gaze softening on the sight of the little girl.


    His heart melted immediately, she looked so small and frail he had the urge to


    scoop


    her kn his arms and protect her, seeing her lying there made his heart hurt. He didn¡¯t like the room she


    was in


    He turned to the people apanying him.


    ¡°Hazel here is an acquaintance.¡± He entuated the words once more at the Director. The man caught


    on immediately in understanding.


    In that case, they¡¯ll be well taken care of. I can assure you that. The Director said eagerly. ¡°Have them


    moved to the VIP ward this instance. They¡¯re VVIP.¡± He instructed his staff. ¡°Wait¡­ What are you?¡±


    Hazel asked puzzled by his reaction. The manager passed down the message and the nurses and HR


    began to make arrangements to move to the VIP ward. ¡°Ethan, look I appreciate what you¡¯re doing but


    She started feeling overwhelmed.


    ¡°But nothing Hazel. This is nothing¡± He insisted firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back.¡± Hazel finished off weakly. She didn¡¯t have anything else to say to him.


    Now her daughter had full and rapt attention and was being hovered constantly by doctors.


    Momentster Daisy was well strapped in and wheeled away.


    Stepping into the VIP section Hazel gasped in shock.


    It was like a luxurious hotel room.


    ¡°This is a hospital room?¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Yes. Ethan assume standing by the door.


    ¡°We can¡¯t¡­.¡± Hazel started to say.


    ¡°You will stay here. I insist. Ethan said decisively and stubbornly.


    ¡°Make it more conducive. Add some bright wallpapers and so stuffed animals and


    decorations to brighten this ce up. It looks gloomy. Ethan instructed.


    ¡°And bring in another bed. She has a twin brother who I¡¯m sure would insist on staying here with is


    sister some times and also so the mom doesn¡¯t get worn out.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure that would be very urm.¡± The Director started awkwardly, he was going to say ¡®not very


    proper¡¯


    ¡°Did you say something?¡±Ethan thundered.


    ¡°No no.¡± The man chuckled nervously. ¡°One extra bed.¡± He said to his assistant who was jotting


    everything in a notepad.


    Daisy had already been moved into the room and from the small bed to therger and more


    The room screamed luxury. It had its air conditioning and heating system, and the wall opposite the bed


    had arge-screen television. Ethan tested it to ensure it worked and said, ¡°You know, so she doesn¡¯t


    get bored.¡±


    There was a door inside the room and she went of exploring expecting it to be another ward but


    Instead saw it was the toilet and bathroom.


    A private one.


    It has its own restroom? She eximed.


    More so it was updated with thetest technology although functional and minimalistic.


    While she stood there Ethan was still giving orders and instructions, she stared at his back, he looked


    so serious as he barked out instructions.


    It¡¯s fine. Thank you, I think that¡¯s enough now.¡± She said feeling overwhelmed.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Ethan said calmly. Finally free the Director left with his Assistant to carry Ethan¡¯s


    instructions for things the room needed


    Hazel ventured to express her gratitude, saying, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wild,¡± as she held back. tears. She


    felt overwhelmed and saddened. While the


    might have to be confined there for years. Sensing om was nice and luxurious, Daisy


    moved closer and inquired gently.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    that something was still wrong, Ethan


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You can tell me. What¡¯s the disease she has. Is it deadly?¡± Ethan urged gently sitting


    next to Hazel


    Hazel bit her l*ps, this man was her ex-husband, she didn¡¯t want him getting too involved. But she


    wanted to talk to someone, to just let the burden out.


    Hazel, trying to remainposed, exined, Daisy needs surgery, but no doctor is daring enough to


    perform it on her at her age. The only doctor I know who is specialized in this with a low mortality rate is


    retired.


    What¡¯s his name? The name of this doctor?¡± Ethan asked, and Hazel replied, ¡°Dr. James Gomez


    senior.¡±


    ¡°So we¡¯ve been managing her illness. She¡¯s a happy energetic child, I couldn¡¯t just bind her to the


    hospital, I want her to have a normal happy childhood not one cooped up in a hospital. Hazel¡¯s voice


    broke and tears ran down her face. Ethan passed a handkerchief to her with which she wiped her face,


    she hated feeling feeble and breaking down in front of him like this.


    ¡°I can imagine what you mean,¡± Ethan said, empathizing with her situation. Hazel, however, asked


    defensively, ¡°Why are you so concerned about your ex-wife¡¯s kids?¡± when she noticed his soft and


    loving gaze on her daughter.


    Ethan tried to sound detached, saying. ¡°You work for mypany, and I have to ensure my workers


    are fit in all areas to maximize their effectiveness. The head¡­..of designs, bothered. with issues like


    this, would slow down work and progress. We don¡¯t want that, do we?¡± Hazel, still speechless, was


    relieved that he was doing this for selfish reasons, and she chuckled lightly.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes went back to the little girl on the bed.


    ¡°She¡¯s adorable.¡± He said with a chuckle.


    Hazel gave a small smile.


    ¡°She clung to my leg that day at the airport like a bothersome rabbit.¡± Ethan recalled lightening the


    atmosphere. Hazel released a bark ofughter.


    Try not to worry too much. Everything would be fine. Ethan added before standing.


    Thank you Mr Wild. Hazel said mustering a smile.


    Ethan nodded.


    With a nod, he turned and walked out of the room.


    ¡°Mr Wild, I¡¯ve handed your instructions to the staff the room would be ungraded to your taste. So can


    we continue with the tour?¡± The general manager asked hurrying up to keep with Ethan¡¯s pace.


    Ethan paused mid way and turned abruptly.


    ¡°Make sure all of the little girls needs are met and update me regrly.¡± He instructed instead ignoring


    the question.


    ¡°And as for the sponsorship, forward your demand to Axel.¡± He finished


    ¡°Is she some what rted to you?¡± The manager asked curiously.


    Ethan ignored the question heading for his car where Axel waited for him.


    He opened the car and Ethan settled into it.


    Through the ride back Axel kept ncing back through the rear view mirror. Ethan sighed.


    He had done it once more, acted irrationally again. Still he felt relieved. Daisy would be okay. He would


    make sure of that.


    For some reason, Hazel¡¯s kids mattered to him.


    ¡°Find Dr. James Gomez. Ethan instructed.


    Axel gave a small nod

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Minutester as they drove out back towards the office, Ethan¡¯s phone vibrated, causing an annoyed


    grunt from him as he reached for it.


    ¡°Be,¡± he answered, his voice softening.


    ¡°Hey, honey,¡± she replied sweetly. ¡°You remember Mr. Houston¡¯s exhibition, right? It¡¯s happening


    tomorrow night. He¡¯s someone I want to do business with, and we should both. attend, please.¡± she


    requested hopefully.


    Ethan sighed. He disliked events like that, but as a prominent and influential figure, he often attended


    them. Tomorrow night, however, he was in no mood to be around other wealthy socialites. The thought


    of socializing was unappealing.


    ¡°My schedule is packed for tomorrow night. I¡¯m sorry,¡± he exined.


    Be let out a disappointedugh on the other end of the line. ¡°I¡¯m really getting used to this,¡± she said,


    sounding sad.


    Hearing the disappointment in her voice, Ethan¡¯s tone softened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll make it up to you,¡± he


    promised.


    But Be didn¡¯t seem satisfied. She fumed around her office, upset by Ethan¡¯s frequent absences.


    ¡°Fine then. I won¡¯t attend as well,¡± she said before hanging up.


    Be hoped to connect with the prominent Houston family, and having Ethan by her side would make it


    easier. Now, however, her entire mood was spoiled.


    Axel, who was driving, asked, ¡°Should I summon the workers back to continue the briefing?¡± Ethan,


    focused on his own thoughts, replied, ¡°There¡¯ll be no need for that. Inform the design team about the


    changes. We¡¯ll slow down on innovations and reduce the workload. on the interior team for now, at


    least temporarily.¡±


    After pulling into thepany¡¯s driveway, Axel left Ethan to retire to his office, where he sank heavily


    into his chair. He wasn¡¯t in the mood for a presentation. The image of the little girl, Daisy, lingered in his


    mind, and a part of him still longed to be by her side, to hold her and protect her. However, it was


    patience grew thin. He needed to know if Dr. Gomez had been located


    yet.


    ¡°Found him yet?¡± he asked Axel momentster, his voice filled with impatience. Axel reported, ¡°Not yet,


    boss.¡± Dr. Gomez wasn¡¯t just a skilled doctor; he was also a prominent shareholder in multiple


    his retirement, was proving to be a challenging task. Still, Ethan was determined to move mountains to


    ensure little Daisy received her surgery and could live a normal childhood.


    After hours of tireless effort. Axel walked back into Ethan¡¯s office with promising news. ¡°Dr. Gomez is


    back in the country. He will be attending the Houston¡¯s exhibition tomorrow night, he informed.


    Ethan pondered this new information. The same exhibition that his wife had just invited him to attend,


    the one he had initially decided to ski p?


    Hazel


    Today had been another day filled with worry, especially regarding Daisy. Now, as I gazed at


    1


    her while she slept, she seemed peaceful and calin.


    I couldn¡¯t help but appreciate the transformation that had urred in the room after Ethan¡¯s departure.


    It was like stepping into a different world. A refrigerator had been brought in, the curtains reced with


    brighter ones, and toys and plushies were now sc a t t e r e d around the room.As if that wasn¡¯t enough


    while I was still taking in the huge changes Ethan¡¯s thoughtfulness hadn¡¯t stopped there; he even


    arranged for afortable bed to be wheeled into the room. It was as if he had gone above and


    beyond to make this ce perfect for Daisy.


    As I took in these remarkable changes, one of the workers asked if we needed anything else. I couldn¡¯t


    help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. ¡°No, everything¡¯s perfect. Thank assured them.


    you,¡± I


    The room had transformed into an adorable, cozy space. While it had looked luxurious before, it now


    had a child-friendly atmosphere. This was a stark contrast to the typical sterile and unhappy hospital


    wards Daisy had been in. The sweet scent of roses filled the air, courtesy of a humidifier that had


    reced the usual overpowering smell of drugs and antiseptics.


    The Director himself came to check on Daisy, ensuring we had everything we needed.


    I contemted how these changes could truly benefit us. With the extra bed, Liam could stay over


    sometimes, Summer was closing in anyway and with the break Liam would be happy to spend most


    time here with his sister. Imagining that made me chuckle. ¡°Thank you so much, Ethan,¡¯ I whispered,


    appreciating thefort and luxury he had brought to this room. We could sit in here and pretend like


    we were on holiday in a high-end hotel.


    Recalling the moment I first saw Ethan with those people, I was initially stunned, my breath catching in


    my throat. Then he had swiftly taken control, practically insisting on moving us to this room. Mixed


    feelings overwhelmed me; the situation was overwhelming, but it was also undeniably good. When he


    looked at Daisy, I could see the deep emotion in his eyes. was clear that he felt a connection to the


    twins. It was this connection that drove his actions,


    My gaze returned to my daughter¡¯s peaceful face, and I whispered, ¡°Your life would have been so much


    easier with your father present, right, baby?¡± Tears welled up, and I couldn¡¯t hold them back. They were


    still Ethan¡¯s children, and the thought of losing them was unbearable.


    It


    Let¡¯s be selfish for now Daisy and take whatever kindness Ethan gave. The truth couldn¡¯t be hidden


    forever, I knew that but I couldn¡¯t imagine loosing my kids. If Ethan found out their paternity, I was sure


    he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to demand custody. I could tell it from the loving gaze at Daisy. If it wasn¡¯t


    confirmed before I left, if we hadn¡¯t manipted the results toe out negative, Ethan would have


    marched over and demanded for his kids by now. Ethan felt a connection to her.


    Dove¡¯s gentle question broke through my thoughts, ¡°And what about you, Hazel?¡±


    I-replied, ¡°What about me?¡± Ethan and I were history. If the truth were toe out one day, we would


    find a way to navigate it and co-parent. It was a n that seemed feasible, at least for now.


    Daisy continued to slumber peacefully, and I knew I needed to retrieve Liam and some essential items


    from home. As I stepped out of Daisy¡¯s room, I noticed what looked like a receptionist at a nearby table.


    I¡¯ll be stepping out for a while,¡± I informed her


    ¡°Okay, Just go do whatever you need to. She¡¯s in good care, ma¡¯am, thedy encouraged


    with a warm smile. I genuinely felt better, knowing that they were diligently watching over and


    monitoring Daisy.


    Right VVIP.¡± I muttered to myself.


    Thank you again Ethan.


    Arriving at the school, I found him seated outside near the slides, munching on snacks. The area was


    nearly deserted, and it seemed he had been well taken care of. An open tablet was ying a show,


    and he was engrossed in his snacks.


    ¡°Hey, honey, I called out.


    Liam looked up and immediately ran toward me. A familiar young woman joined him.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here finally,¡± she said, looking relieved.


    ¡°I¡¯m so¡­ I began to apologize, but she interrupted.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, ma¡¯am. We understandpletely. And we¡¯re d it wasn¡¯t serious,¡± she said gently. I was


    moved by her kindness and consideration.


    ¡°Thank you for taking such good care of Liam and for the snacks too,¡± I thanked her wholeheartedly,


    while Liam cleaned up trash.


    his snack wrappers and tossed them in the Tiny Tots had turned out to be a great choice; the staff here


    truly cared for the children in their charge. The woman¡¯s words made me feel less guilty about the time


    I had wasted. After answering all of Liam¡¯s questions about his sister, I headed back home to gather


    essential items. The ward already had a functional wardrobe for clothes and other belongings. I began


    by running a bath for Liam and then proceeded to pack two duffel bags-one for Liam and the other for


    Daisy. My personal belongings were few and packed in between.


    Luckily, tomorrow was a Friday, and Ethan had given me permission to be absent event before I asked.


    With the packing done, we headed downstairs and left for the hospital.


    Liam stood outside the door to Daisy¡¯s new ward, a curious expression on his face.


    ¡°Mom?¡± he questioned, his frown deepening.


    ¡°Come on in. Daisy¡¯s here,¡± I assured him.


    He nced around and then broke into a smile. ¡°I like it here,¡± he said.


    I couldn¡¯t help but return his smile; Liam had never been fond of hospitals. He scrunched his nose and


    sniffed the air. ¡°And it smells really nice too,¡± he added, beaming at me.


    He reached out to hold Daisy¡¯s sleeping hand. ¡°Hi, Daisy¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Liam¡¯s eyes then widened with excitement as he noticed the TV. He hopped over to it and asked,


    ¡°Woah! Mom, look! Turn it on, please?¡±


    ¡°Okay, but we¡¯ll keep it turned really low, okay? I agreed.


    He eagerly nodded, and the TV came to life, already tuned to a kids¡¯ channel. I recalled how Ethan had


    meticulously checked through kids¡¯ channels in his suit to ensure they were all avable so Daisy


    wouldn¡¯t get bored. Liam settled on the sofa in front of the TV and insisted he wasn¡¯t hungry yet. I


    nced around, realizing I hadn¡¯t seen my phone in hours. I had been consumed by the events of the


    day. When I finally located my phone, I noticed over ten missed calls, the majority from Chloe and the


    others. It seemed the briefing had likely been rescheduled to a different date.


    As I rxed into the couch next to Liam, I returned Chloe¡¯s call. Daisy had beenpletely knocked


    out by the medications and still hadn¡¯t woken up. The friendly nurse assured me,


    ¡°She¡¯ll wake up tomorrow as strong as a fiddle.¡±


    As night fell. Liam and I strolled to the hospital¡¯s shopping mart, located a few feet away from the


    hospital. We purchased some foodstuffs and then returned to the ward.


    ways


    I loaded the items into the refrigerator, appreciating another aspect of the room that Ethan had made


    morefortable. A sinile crossed my face, thinking about all the Ethan had made a difference in


    Daisy¡¯s life. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what he was doing right


    now.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Ethan sat bent over his desk in his study. He¡¯d d dinner that night and had spent hours researching


    Daisy¡¯s health condition. The truth of it saddened him; even with an


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    expert, Chapter


    it would still be risky. For now, there was nothing else he could do but wait until the next day and get Dr.


    Gomez on board to work with him. The sooner Daisy could recover and leave, the better. She hated


    hospitals.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again, his mind scolded him. Getting involved and getting wrapped up in this. Helping


    his ex-wife wasn¡¯t a big deal. Besides, with what her father did for his, it would only make sense that he


    step in to help. Yes, that exins it. He reasoned within himself. He couldn¡¯t quite ce the reason why


    he was so bothered and concerned about Hazel¡¯s kids, but that had to be the reason. He knew their


    mom anyway, and there was no way he¡¯d let something bad happen to Hazel¡¯s kids.


    The door was flung open, and Be walked in with a small smile. He looked up, returning her smile.


    The study was dimly lit, the light from his openptop casting a warm glow. Be¡¯s sweet smell wafted


    to his nose.


    ¡°Hey, whatcha doing?¡± she inquired. ¡°Just finishing up some work,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°You seem really


    busy. You came right in here the moment you returned from work. The s said you didn¡¯t eat dinner as


    well,¡± Bemented. Ethan sighed. The feeling of hunger gnawed at his stomach.


    ¡°Are the maids still in?¡± he questioned. The and maids lived in a detached building from the main


    mansion; they retired back there at night after work


    ¡°Yes, Monica¡¯s still here.¡± ¡°You know I think I¡¯ll have ate dinner,¡± Ethan said, standing up. ¡°Okay,¡±


    Be replied. ¡°I¡¯ll have the maids whip up something for you.¡± ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll just have a cold shower first.¡±


    Soon he sauntered out of the room.


    Be was about to follow him out of the study, but she nced over at theptop in curiosity. With the


    conflicting emotions on Ethan¡¯s face earlier, she could tell that he was busy with more than just work.


    Theptop was still left open and turned on. She moved. closer to check; it looked like he was reading


    a business contract or proposal. Still, upon closer examination, her suspicion was confirmed. Ethan


    was not working. The page he was reading was filled with medical terminologies, things Ethan would


    have no business with. It seemed he was checking and making research concerning a health situation.


    The thesis was filled with words like congenital heart condition. But who? She wondered in puzzlement


    Why on earth would Ethan want to find out the risk a heart disease entailed and the risks for the


    surgery of something like that? It didn¡¯t make any sense. She resolved to ask him questions about it


    Turning off theptop she made her way out of the room.


    Ethan headed back downstairs minutester, his hair a little damp from the shower, clung to his head.


    The dinner table had beenid, although it consisted of only one serving, which was his. He seated


    down to have his dinner. Be sat next to him, a ss of wine next to her.


    ¡°Would you like a ss? I could pour you one,¡± she offered.


    A ss of that would do.


    Okay She poured him a ss and then moved over to his seat, slightly running her fingers through his


    shoulder, then made to massage his neck.


    ¡°You¡¯re really stiff, shemented. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Ethan replied with a grunt. He removed her hands,


    holding them in his for a moment, then dropping them.


    Just then Be¡¯s phone vibrated; the screen lit up with a notification. Ethan nced at the phone and


    made to pick it up. Be reached for it first instead. Her face instantly paled as she stared at the


    screen. ¡°I need to go take this, she mumbled, walking out of the room. Ethan stared at her back as she


    exited hurriedly. That was odd.


    Jasmine hovered over herptop, typing furiously, trying toplete the day¡¯s work. The frustration


    mounted as she couldn¡¯t figure out the whereabouts of the man her boss needed to find. Her boss¡¯s


    urgent request had her on edge, biting her l*ps in concentration. Suddenly, her phone dinged with a


    notification, and she shot up from her seat. ¡°Finally,¡± she muttered breathing a sigh of relief.


    She¡¯d just got an information from one of the people she hired that Dr Gomez would be present at the


    Houston Exhibition tomorrow evening.


    ¡°Houston Exhibition,¡± she mumbled to herself with a sigh. Getting into the exhibition wouldn¡¯t be


    difficult, but the challenge now was how to approach the clusive man. With Nathan out of the country,


    she had to meet him herself. If she didn¡¯t seize the opportunity at this event, she might lose track of him


    only one left at work, having worked overtime. Deciding to stop by a store near her house for some


    grocery shopping, she bid the security man goodnight as she left.


    ¡°You worked overtime again today?¡± the man questioned.


    ¡°Yes, I did, she replied with a sigh, knowing she was going to receive an earful.


    ¡°And you leftte yesterday as well didn¡¯t you?¡± He quizzed further.


    The boss already warned you about this, hasn¡¯t he?¡± the old man asked in concern.


    ¡°Yes, yes. I know,¡± she said defeatedly. ¡°It won¡¯t happen again. Well, see you tomorrow.¡± With that, she


    left.


    Stepping out of the bus, she entered the store. Minutester, she exited the store, heading to her


    apartment with groceries in one hand and her handbag in the other. Walking slowly, an eerie feeling


    crept upon her. ncing back over her shoulder, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that someone was


    trailing her. Trying to dismiss it, she walked a bit farther, then stopped, ncing back again. There was


    no one there. Visibly shaking, she clenched her fingers, clutching the bag closer to her chest.


    ¡°Hello?¡± she called into the darkness. ¡°There¡¯s no one there, Jas; you¡¯re just being paranoid,¡± she


    scolded herself, determined to move on. Just as she took a step forward, she collided with a person,


    her heart palpated with the sight in front of her, a sharp, frightened shrill escaped her l*ps.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Hazel


    ¡°Hey babygirl,¡± I cooed as Daisy gradually came around.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    ¡°Yay, Daisy, Liam cheered, seeing his sister finally open her eyes. She gave him a weak smile, her b*dy


    having been strained in the previous days, and the drugs had knocked her outpletely.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get a nurse. I pressed the transmitter that would summon a nurse or whoever was on duty to the


    room. The Director himself had shown it to me. Among other benefits of the exclusive ward were such


    treatments. The first-ss patients could easily summon help whenever something was wrong with


    their bodies. A nurse walked in momentster. Gently, she pried off the tubes and drips connected to


    her. Then, she adjusted the bed with the remote, raising the head part so Daisy could sit up a little. I


    propped the pillows behind her head forfort.


    ¡°Well, there you go, princess,¡± the nurse said with a smile. Then, turning to me, she added. ¡°She should


    be fine for now; a doctor woulde real soon to check everything else.¡±


    She assured as she left, her steps echoing slightly through the quiet room.


    ¡°Are you thirsty?¡± I asked her, stroking her little face, my fingers lightly tracing the outline of her


    features.


    She nodded slowly. Liam rushed off to the dispenser, getting a cup and filling it with warm water. ¡°Here


    you go, Daisy.¡± I helped her gulp it gradually. Color began to return to her face gradually as she gave


    me a smile reflecting some relief she felt.


    ¡°Mommy,¡± she grinned, showing off her two missing front teeth.


    ¡°Yes!¡± I pinched her checks. I couldn¡¯t help it; Daisy was just too adorable, with herrge doe eyes,


    chubby round face, and cheeks, and her pouty small l*ps and those curls that around her small face.


    wrapped


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, honey,¡± I stroked her hair gradually. For everything, for not being sensitive enough. For


    getting mad at you yesterday instead of sensing something was wrong. You¡¯re important to me, no


    matter what; you and your brother should alwayse first, should be a priority. I mused inside myself,


    stroking her soft curls.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± She questioned, reaching out her hand and cleaning my face. It felt wet, and I didn¡¯t even


    realize I was crying.


    ¡®Come here. I pulled her into my embrace, reaching out and bringing Liam too into my tight hug. I held


    them like that for a moment, my nose buried in their hair. It smelt fragrant and sweet, like it did when


    they were still little. It took me back and still it reminded me these were just babies. They could talk and


    walk, but still my babies.


    Come on. Let¡¯s get you a bath, I said, finally breaking the hug.


    ¡°Both of you, I tickled Liam¡¯s tummy, and he giggled out loud. Daisy, for the first time, looked around the


    room. She reached immediately for a Mic k e y Mouse stuffed animal, then looked at me with joy in her


    eyes. I could tell she liked the room,


    TV She looked at me again, her eyes big and round.


    just like that time when you and I and Lian and Nathan went on that Ind,¡± she said


    observing the room. I chuckled at her reaction. She was right; I did notice that the hospital room looked


    like a suite, except with those medical equipment and drips.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Ethan,¡± I mumbled. Seeing Daisy happily dash to sit with her brother at the TV, it


    wasn¡¯t even like being in a hospital. I watched as she carefully arranged three other toys around her


    then sat next to her brother.


    ¡°After your baths, we¡¯d take a stroll and go eat,¡± I informed them, knowing they would be hungry by


    now. Liam had only eaten some leftover snacks. He was always so understanding and hadn¡¯t minded


    ski pp i n g school today at all; instead, he was d he got to stay with his sister and got to sleep in


    today.


    About an hourter, we were set and ready to go. The elevator doors opened, and as we stepped out,


    Daisy and Liam scrunched up their noses, reacting to the familiar hospital smell. They walked faster,


    eager to leave the clinical atmosphere behind. We strolled to arge store just within the hospital


    premises, and to my surprise, it was quite stocked with daily essentials, food, toys, and games.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat first, and then we¡¯lle back, I suggested, guiding them further. A Diner caught our


    attention, just past the cafe where Liam and I had eaten the previous night. We headed to the Diner for


    brunch, exploring the menu filled with healthy foods. The kids ate to their hearts¡¯ content, while I settled


    for a burger and coke. After the satisfying meal, we decided to visit the cafe.


    We chilled there for hours, taking advantage of a small book collection tucked away in a corner. Daisy


    and Liam found kids¡¯ picture books, and they stared at them for hours, their imaginationsing to life


    within the pages. Lastly, we stopped by the store for a few items. before heading back to the ward. The


    satisfied expressions on my kids¡¯ faces indicated that they were content with how their day had


    unfolded. I also felt grateful that Ethan had given me a day off from work, allowing me to focus on my


    family.


    Minutes after settling back in the ward, the doctor arrived. Daisy sat on the bed while he checked her


    heart rate and asked her questions. Ma¡¯am, can I talk to you, please?¡± the man asked, straightening up


    after finishing the check-ups on Daisy.


    ¡°Okay,¡± I replied, ensuring Daisy was settled in front of the TV with a cup of juice before walking over to


    where the doctor stood. ¡°Shall we?¡± he asked, leading the way. ¡°Liam, Daisy, I¡¯ll be back in a few


    minutes, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Daisy answered, while Liam only nodded with his mouth full. We walked out, briefly standing


    close to the doorway-I wanted to be nearby if my kids needed me.


    ¡°Well, ma¡¯am, with Daisy¡¯s heart palpitations, she was only lucky she was brought here in time. A


    minuteter than the other time, and she may have died,¡± the doctor spoke, the severity of the situation


    hanging in the air. ¡®Look, I know you want what¡¯s best for her, but with the rate at which her condition is


    degenerating, it¡¯d be best to have her kept in the hospital,¡± he continued.


    Indefinitely?¡± I asked slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but yes. We can¡¯t predict when next this would happen. It¡¯s not like it was before; her heart¡¯s


    growing weaker. She needs to be carefully monitored at all times.


    Tunderstand, Doctor. But for how long?¡± I asked quietly, my voice cracking with the emotional weight of


    the conversation.


    For months or years? We¡¯ll just keep her here while we wait for time. I¡¯m sorry, I just feel so frustrated


    that I cannot do more for her. She¡¯ll live years here, within the confines of the hospital, getting poked by


    injections day after day after day until..


    ¡°Until we believe she¡¯s ready, ma¡¯am. Now, with constant treatment and medication, she has a good


    chance. But if we¡¯re to operate now, that chance dwindles greatly to less than thirty percent. It¡¯s a hard


    choice, I know, but it¡¯s best Daisy remains here.¡±


    ¡°I really wish we could do more. It¡¯s not going to be easy for her to live here-no school, no ydates


    with friends, spending Christmas and holidays here. It¡¯s going to be real tough for her,¡± the doctor


    shared, and I nodded, understanding the challenges thaty ahead. That¡¯s why I had tried to dy, and


    I had done that for as long as was possible, knowing the impact it would have on Daisy¡¯s life.


    The doctor continued exining the gravity of the situation, painting vivid instances and scenarios of


    what could unfold. Each word weighed heavily on me, and a sense of helplessness engulfed my


    thoughts. It became more apparent as he spoke, and I found myself grappling with the reality of Daisy¡¯s


    condition.


    Not long ago, at the cafe, Daisy had innocently asked when we would return home, and I had assured


    her it would be soon. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± the doctor said once more, turning to leave. The weight of his words


    intensified, causing my legs to feel like jelly, and I crumpled to the floor. Silent escaped as I grappled


    with the overwhelming emotions.


    After some moments of sobbing, a realization struck me-crying would solve nothing. We had to find a


    way through this challenging situation. I made a silent vow to make it work. somehow. This was never


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    the life I envisioned for my daughter, but with Dr. Gomez untraceable, we seemed to have no other


    choice. Determined, I decided to do everything possible to ensure Daisy could still experience


    moments of happiness, even within the confines of the hospital. While the journey ahead would be


    saddening and exhausting, wc would face it day after day.


    I made up my mind not to dwell on the length of time; thinking of staying for years left a bitter taste in


    my mouth. Bracing myself, I mustered a smile after cleaning up my face, ready to face my kids. The


    challenges were immense, but our love and resilience would see us through each day.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Ethan went to the hospital the next day. He had struggled to concentrate throughout the day; his mind


    filled with worry. He left after his meeting, canceling hisst engagements and heading to the hospital


    in the guise of taking care of other concerns there. He had to meet.


    with the Director.


    As he read more about Daisy¡¯s condition, the more restless he became. What if Dr. Gomez also


    couldn¡¯t perform the surgery, and what would happen next? Even if they were to have the surgery, with


    the risks, Daisy¡¯s life might change permanently, and if they didn¡¯t, she would have to live her life in the


    hospital on support for years toe. The two choices were unptable. He mmed hisptop shut


    and left his office. He needed to seek professional consultation on the issue. Also, he would see if it


    was possible to take a peek at the little girl.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Arriving at the hospital, he went straight to the VIP ward. Getting closer to the room Daisy was in, he


    heard Hazel¡¯s voice. He spotted her talking with a doctor, but she hadn¡¯t noticed him; her back was


    turned to him. Listening to the discussion, the doctor confirmed the very things he had feared. He stood


    there transfixed and heartbroken. Hazel¡¯s quiet so b s made him nearly lose his mind; he had the urge


    to wrap his arms around her andfort her. He had already taken a few steps before he realized


    himself, and he stepped back immediately. He had no right. Even though he had none, he promised


    within himself that Hazel would not lose her daughter, no matter what. Even if he had to move


    mountains, travel around the world to bring the best specialist, he would. Ethan swore to himself


    silently. The Director looking for Ethan took a bend and spotted him.


    ¡°Mr. Wild, I¡¯m so sorry for keeping you waiting. This way, please. Let¡¯s go to my office.¡± The man said,


    leading the way. Ethan followed after him; he nced back several times as Hazel¡¯s hunched frame


    became even smaller. ¡°Sorry I kept you waiting,¡± the man apologized as Ethan settled into a seat.


    Ethan went down straight to business.


    ¡°I need answers. With all the technological advancement in the world now, has any country gotten a


    breakthrough in a simr situation?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°Is this concerning the little girl¡¯s condition?¡± The


    man probed. ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve visited her issue and read through her medical


    history. It is quite serious. Well, there have been few; some doctors bold enough to take the risk. But


    even with an older child, the sess rate is usually very low. A smaller child at that age, it could be


    rather deadly,¡± the man exined further. ¡°It¡¯s a lot riskier at such age. Early age like two to ten is too


    early for such surgery. Daisy, unfortunately, falls into that category; it would be almost impossible for


    her to recover, another vital part may be missed,¡± the man finished gruffly. ¡°And if we decide to wait,


    what are the chances that she would love and function, like a normal child would?¡± Ethan had to ask.


    ¡°Slim. She could have a seizure at any time. She needs to be watched every minute so in case if that,


    there¡¯re medical staff to swoop in and revive.¡± Ethan sighed. ¡°And Dr. Gomez?¡± He asked; Hazel had


    mentioned looking for him the previous day. ¡°He¡¯s retired. Hees with some risky practices,


    although I would say he¡¯s the best in things like that. He conducted a heart bypas s on a really young


    child; he¡¯s hale and hearty. He¡¯s done some medical miracles severally. If he was still in practice, I


    would have brought him in by now, but sadly he isn¡¯t, the man mused. ¡°What if he was? What would


    happen then?¡± Ethan quizzed. ¡°I couldn¡¯t say for sure. Surgeries and health aren¡¯t like mathematical


    equations that always have a specific answer with the use and application of forms. Life is fragile;


    things happen; we could predict but a whole lot of unforeseen things could happen even during surgery


    Ethan listened gravely. All the money in the world still couldn¡¯t buy or secure a life


    If it could, he would use every resource he ever had.


    Since either way, Daisy would be spending time in the hospital; she would be needing some kind of


    recreation he pondered within himself already thinking of ways to make sure the little girl would still be


    happy. ¡°The next fundraising event. Tesco would be a patron,¡± Ethan said, standing to leave. The


    hospital director smiled in contemtion of what he meant. ¡°Thank you. You seem really concerned


    about the little girl¡¯s welfare,¡± the older man stated, his eyes shining with a knowing glimmer.


    For years Ethan had pumped cash steadily into the hospital and had never visited, and suddenly he


    was visiting twice in two days. Even the way he had suddenly appeared yesterday was strange and out


    of character. He observed Ethan¡¯s expression. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand; she¡¯s of no rtion,¡± Ethan


    snapped, feeling the need to clear the air so the older man didn¡¯t mistake her to be his child outside


    marriage or something like that. ¡°It¡¯s not my ce nor my concern but for some reason I can¡¯t help it.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s voice and eyes softened. ¡°It¡¯s like that little girl charmed me or something.¡± He said with a small


    sad chuckle. ¡°I want her to be ok. Never care for anyone as much as this before,¡± Ethan said with a


    sigh sitting back down. ¡°You know, a child does not have to be yours before you fall in love with them.


    The moment Iid eyes on my first son, I knew I couldn¡¯t Walk away after that The man spoke with a


    glint in his eyes as he stared at a framed picture on his table. ¡°Even though he wasn¡¯t my blood. I just


    knew he had to be mine. So I very much understand the dedication to her well-being even though it¡¯s


    not your responsibility. You¡¯d find yourself questioning and wondering why you¡¯re so concerned, but


    listen, Family isn¡¯t only by blood. rtion; love whoever you love without limiting yourself.¡¯ Ethan stared


    at the elderly man for moments as he spoke; he felt better and his resolve strengthened. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ethan said calmly walking out.


    Chloe, finally done with work, rushed off to the hospital to pay a visit. First, she stopped at a restaurant


    to procure freshly cooked meals along with a small bag of fruits she had carefully selected at the


    market. As she exited the cab, struggling to bnce the things she held, she spotted a familiar b*dy


    frame sliding into a sleek car. He looked remarkably like her superior, Ethan Wild.


    ¡°Mr. Wild?¡± she wondered.


    No, it couldn¡¯t be. Why would he be at the hospital? Shrugging it off, she continued walking. She had


    already taken the room number from Hazel, so she headed straight for the elevator. When the elevator


    opened, she paused for a moment.


    ¡°Woah, she muttered to herself.


    This floor of the hospital waspletely different from the others. She walked through the halls,


    searching for room number seven.


    ¡°Finally,¡± she sighed, sliding the door open.


    She was taken aback for a moment as she stared around the room, nearly stepping back. Liam poked


    his head through at that moment, seeing the familiar face, she rxed.


    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s Aunty Chloe,¡± Liam announced, running to give her a hug.


    Dropping the things she held, she grabbed him up in her arms. She had been so wrapped up in work


    that she hadn¡¯t seen the kids for a week.


    I missed you. You didn¡¯te see us, Liam used with a pout as he yed with her button.


    Ti so sorry, honey


    Daisy walked into the room from the bathroom followed by her mom.


    Hey Chloe greeted softly, scooping Daisy up and breathing in her baby scent.


    Ive missed you How are you?¡± Chloe asked in concern, seeing Hazel¡¯s face. She managed at small


    smile in the direction of her friend.


    Chloe sighed, understanding her unspoken words.


    ¡°Woah,¡± she muttered, looking around.


    ¡°Is this ce a hospital ward or a suite?¡± Chloe questioned in awe. Hazel giggled at her


    reaction


    ¡°How¡¯d you manage?¡± she asked.


    Hazel didn¡¯t want to lie to her, yet she felt she didn¡¯t have to reveal Ethan¡¯s involvement. ¡°We just got


    lucky. One of the hospital patrons insisted we stay here,¡± Hazel exined brietly.


    ¡°Uhhh. nice. It¡¯s really nice¡±


    ¡°I brought some documents for you, your unfinished works to help keep you distracted. And you¡¯re


    wee, Chloe added, taking the thanks out of Hazel¡¯s l*ps.


    She also unwrapped all of the food and fruits they had gotten.


    ¡°Hey, Chloe called softly minutester. The kids had settled in front of the TV, eating apples.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Chloe asked, her facial expression turning grim.


    Hazel, with a sigh, rted all that the doctor had shared with her.


    The two women sat in silence, the quiet hum of the AC and the sounds from the TV filling


    the room.


    ¡°I feel so helpless. I¡¯d have to just sit and wait,¡± Hazel said softly, burying her face in her hands.


    ¡°Hey, You¡¯re not alone.¡± Chloe said, reaching out to hold one of Hazel¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hazel muttered softly.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Driving back home, Ethan made a call across to Axel to ensure the arranged meeting with Dr Gomez


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    was still in ce


    Pulling into the driveway way the butler walked to him.


    ¡°Be. Has she gone to the exhibition already?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No. You returned home early¡± The man stated.


    Ethan in his usual manner gave a nonmittal sound heading inside. He headed straight up to his


    shared bedroom


    Ascending the staircase, he headed directly to his shared bedroom, where he found Be in the midst


    of preparing for the evening¡¯s exhibition. There she stood in a gracefully flowing dress, a mixture of


    beauty but a sad and thoughtful look was evident as she stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror


    Ethan¡¯s entrance, different from his usualte night returns, caught her by surprise. ¡°Ethan!¡± she


    eximed with girlish excitement. It was indeed a rare sight for him to be home before nightfall.


    The invite to the exhibition still open?¡± Ethan asked with a small smirk. Knowing fully well he could get


    into anyce as long as he wanted he still asked. She nodded eagerlyughing from happiness.


    She was relieved he would being with her.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll go freshen up.¡± Ethan said walking past her into the bathroom. Be¡¯s entire demure had


    changedpletely, she was radiating with pure joy. Minutester Ethan exited the dressing room his


    expensive perfume filled the room. He looked up midway as he buttoned his shirt, Be stood in his


    view her eyes full of hopeful glimmer as she stared at him.


    His eyes roaming over his wife, she looked beautiful standing there in an exquisite nude dress that


    matched her skin.


    ¡°You look beautiful Be.¡± He said quietly.


    She smiled brightly.


    Walking up to him slowly,she reached out on her tiptoes grabbing his tie and helping him


    into it


    Done she turned her back to Ethan with her head bent, he reached over swooping her hair over to the


    side and helping her put on her emerald ne.


    The two looked good together, the affluent and influential couple. The Alpha and Luna perfectly suited.


    Caught in the moment, Ethan nted a k*ss on Be¡¯s back bone. ¡°Ready?¡± Ethan asked.


    Yes. Be replied with a smile.


    Seeing her genuinely happy with his presence, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty. He was going for a


    While Be felt fulfilled. Rumors had been going round in their socialite circle of she and Ethan having


    issues in their marriage, they hadn¡¯t been seen together in public in a while This should keep Mirabe


    and her cohorts shut. She muttered to herself


    Hand in hand they headed down the stairs entering their customized Rolls Royce.


    Jasmine headed home very early that evening. She¡¯d left before other co workers. The security man at


    the gate looked relieved to see her leave early for the first time since their employer, Nathan travelled.


    Jasmine walked briskly home feeling a mixture of excitement


    and nervousness.


    It


    Making her way home swifty, she took her bath and had her makeup done. Her long hair which was


    always tied up in a functional Ponytail was let down cascading around her shoulders which swirled


    around her waist as she walked. The dress she¡¯d picked was a a simple re short white dress which


    she paired along with a ck chunky tform shoes and white striped stocking. She stared nervously


    at her reflection, she looked so young. would be hard to believe she was in her twenty four already


    while she looked eighteen. That look had gotten her into several situations where she was thought to


    be underaged. She had settled for heavier makeup so as to look her age but her baby face still refused


    to give in. Nervously tucking a loose strand of hair back in ce she took a deep breath heading out of


    her apartment. Stepping out she noticed some changes in the apartment next to hers.


    Someone finally moved in. She muttered to herself. The t had been empty for months after the


    previous upants moved out. The moment she stepped out of the elevator and out of the building


    she was immediately filled with regrets when the chilly evening air hit her. She considered turning back


    to retrieve her jacket but as she stared at her apartment on the eleventh floor she was hit with a wave


    ofziness. We¡¯ll just have to brave through this.¡± she said walking on and beside she waste already.


    She walked on our of her street. She sensed she was being followed again.


    Walking briskly, the cery feeling of being watched resurfaced, but she dismissed it, muttering. ¡°You¡¯re


    just imagining it, Jas.¡±


    Justst night, her overactive imagination had gotten the better of her and she had frightened an


    elderlydy taking an evening stroll along with her cats.


    Even with that she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease.


    She walked fastering out to the road and hailed a taxi. When she settled in she breathed a sigh of


    relief then mustering courage nced back and the car drove away. There was no one there. ¡°See?!¡±


    She scolded herself inwardly hating how easily she got startled and frightened.


    The car Jasmine¡¯s was in halted to a stop in front of the huge building. She made the payments to the


    driver and gracefully stepped out the evening breeze lightly toussled her hair She made her way


    through the small crowd looking around and ooglin therge and exquisite building After showing her


    ticket she was given a pass and allowed inside. The floors were white and spa c i o u s


    ¡°Wonder how much was spent on this¡± she wondered silently to herself as she stared at a huge


    chandelier


    deanwhile Outside the exhibition hall there was rukus as a luxurious car pulled into the driveway


    Guards stepped out immediately opening the doors for them. The power couple Ethan and Be Wild


    stepped out, the media went wild taking several pictures of the two. He siniled brighdy, an epitome of


    ss and grace while Ethan stood tall and radiantly handsome with al look. His eyes however were


    watchful and cold. Be had been frequent in several event but it had been a while since they two had


    attended an even together in public. As they made their way to the building some female socialites cast


    nces their way Exha tid ring her say in envy Bells clutched him a ughter and


    stared at them till they made their way to the front.


    Jasmine stood for a moment staring at the couple and other socialites as they made their way past her.


    It took her some moments before she snapped out setting her n in motion, she had to meet with and


    talk to Dr. Gomez, she walked about looking for him. After walking around for about an hour she got


    exhausted and Still there was no sign of the man. Finally she decided to stand close to where the


    ushers worked, close to the table filled with wine, water and all other refreshments. She reasoned that


    Dr Gomez would surely get thirstyter on ande this way she thought to herself. She would wait


    here seizing an opportunity if she found one. He didn¡¯t reside in the country anymore and once he left


    he would gopletely off grid, she couldn¡¯t let that happen. She stood there partially hidden feeling


    she felt odd in this particr one.


    An art piece grabbed her attention and she walked towards it striken by its look


    Engrossed in what she had in mind she was bumped into by a guy, loosing bnce she bumped into a


    waiter handing out drinks. The sound of shattering sses as she shrieked in fright with cold wine


    dounced on her dinner dress.


    ¡°Oh no no.¡± She whimpered. ¡°The dress was really expensive. She uttered sadly.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Engrossed in the stunning art piece, Jasmine walked, eager to take a closer look. The gallery¡¯s


    atmosphere was filled with a symphony of colors and textures, each stroke on the canvas telling a


    story. The soft hum of conversations from the sophisticated crowd added to the ambiance.


    In that moment, she collided with a man briskly walking by. The ss she held sl*pped from her hand,


    and losing her bnce, she bumped into a waiter, creating a cacophony of shattering sses. The


    delicate notes of a piano ying in the background seemed to freeze. momentarily.


    ¡°Oh no no,¡± she cried out in horror, her voice a soft melody in the gallery¡¯s space.


    Im so sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± the waiter apologized with genuine concern, but people barely paid her any


    attention. The gallery patrons, engrossed in the exquisite artwork, were oblivious to the small


    disruption.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Axel asked guiltily. Hurrying to carry out Ethan¡¯s instructions of arranging a private


    space for him and an important man to discuss, Axel had bumped into Jasmine, they had both been


    distracted. The air was filled with the scent of the red wine. ¡°No!¡± She yelled, her voice carrying a hint of


    frustration and embarrassment, turning red from the demeaning and pitiful nces.l she got from the


    servers positioned there and some other gallery patrons passing by. The gallery¡¯s lighting entuated


    the hues of her flushed checks. She turned around and left immediately, leaving behind a lingering trail


    of her favorite floral perfume.


    Axel adjusted his sses, watching her retreating back as she made her way through the crowd. The


    gallery walls adorned with masterpieces created an artistic backdrop to this unexpected encounter.


    Something about her struck at him. She was so familiar, and when his arms had brushed her, he¡¯d felt


    a tingling sensation he couldn¡¯t understand-a burst of heat against his cold skin. The air-conditioned


    gallery seemed to have a calming effect on the patrons, creating afortable space to appreciate art


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He blinked, taking off his sses that now had spots of wine, cleaning them, and putting them back on.


    As he took a step, he felt the impression of something underneath his feet. Shifting his leg, the sight of


    a ne came into vicw-a female ne. It looked cheap. He¡¯d stepped on it and broken it. With a


    sigh, he picked it up, discarding it in the trash as he walked by. The gallery¡¯s pristine environment, with


    its immacte white walls, emphasized Axel¡¯s obsession and need for orderliness.


    Then he walked off, having important things to do. The echo of his footsteps reverberated in the gallery,


    adding a rhythmic undertone to the ambient sounds.


    Sighting Dr. Gomez making his entrance, Axel walked up to him.


    This way, sir, he directed the older man to the room where Ethan waited. Unknown to Jasmine, she had


    just missed him, the very reason she had camped close to the servers had made his way passed there


    the moment she left.


    Few minutester. Jasmine exited the bathroom in a frenzy. The bathroom, adorned with minimalist


    decor, provided a stark contrast to the vibrant artworks outside. While scrubbing at her clothes, she had


    nced at her reflection, spotting her bare neck, She instantly became rmed touching her neck and


    searching the floor in panic. Still, she couldn¡¯t find her ne, and she was nearly losing her mind in


    fear and panic. The reflection of her distressed expression reflected in the sleek mirrors.


    She rushed back to the main hall, which was almost empty as the guests had moved into the inner


    room for the exhibition. The dimming lights and the soft hum of conversations. created an intimate


    atmosphere. Jasmine¡¯s hurried footsteps added a stato beat to the background music.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she called the attention of a server, her voice resonating in the spa c i o u s hall. ¡°Did you


    happen to see a ne?¡± she asked anxiously, her eyes searching the faces of the few remaining


    ushers. The gallery¡¯s grandeur now felt somewhat haunting in its emptiness. ¡°It fell. I believe that man


    picked it, the one you bumped into,¡± an usher observed, his voice echoing in the now-hushed


    surroundings. Jasmine heaved a sigh of relief; she just had to find him and retrieve it.


    She walked around finally spotting him standing at the door of an exclusive room. ¡°Hello, excuse me,


    she called out to Axel, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and desperation. I believe you have my


    ne. She was breathing heavily.


    ¡°What ne?¡± Axel asked in a low voice, his response blending into the subdued murmurs of the


    few remaining guests that walked past.


    Jasmine gave a hurried description of it, her voice cutting through, carrying the hint of anxiety she felt


    ¡°Oh, that. That was yours? It¡¯s in the trash,¡± Axel said carelessly. Her face fell instantly, a moment


    frozen in time within the gallery¡¯s walls.


    ¡°What?!¡± She yelled, her voice breaking the quiet elegance that lingered in the air.


    ¡°Which one?¡± She yelled once more, her voice filling the now-vacant hall. Axel watched in shock as she


    dug her hand into the almost-empty trash, the sounds of her desperation echoing through the gallery¡¯s


    vast space..


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He asked in disdain, his voice shing with the previous tranquility. ¡°It was old


    and cheap anyway,¡± he uttered taken aback with her reaction. Jasmine only red at him then turned


    away, still concentrating on her search. Axel watched in astonishment at the strange behavior of the


    woman. It was an extremely cheap ne, one he was sure she could easily rece. That part of


    the hall was now almost empty, so there were no weird looks, and even if there were onlookers, she


    still wouldn¡¯t have cared.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± She shrieked in pain, her cry shattering the stillness of the gallery. Bringing out her hand, her


    finger was now bloodied from being cut by a champagne ss that had been thrown in. She braced


    herself, ready to plunge into it once more when Axel snapped. ¡°Stop it this instant!¡± Axel yelled, his


    reached out and yanked her to her feet when she was about to continue her search. The sudden


    tension in the air was palpable, adding a dramatic element to the gallery¡¯s atmosphere. Jasmine


    yanked her hand out of his immediately ignoring the wave of warmth his palm brought.


    ¡°Here, just get a new one, he offered calmly pulling out his wallet, the crinkling sound of bills curting


    through the lingering echoes.


    ¡°You won¡¯t find it anyway; the trash can might have been emptied,¡± he informed, his words a stark


    contrast to the refined surroundings. Her face fell once more, bing cloudy.


    Don¡¯t bother. I don¡¯t need your money!¡± She spat, her words a sharp contrast to the sophisticated


    ambiance. Sniffing back tears.


    Axel stared at her sorry state, her makeup and hair now messy, with a small patch where a ss of


    wine had been spilled on her along with her bloodied finger dripping blood all over the floor. Jasmine


    knew she looked pathetic and she felt like she would break down into tears. She held it in, sniffing, her


    nose had turned red. The gallery¡¯s pristine beauty now bore witness to her transient moment of chaos


    and vulnerability. She felt as miserable as she looked, her night had just taken a turn for the worst


    thanks to this proper and serene looking man in front of her.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    together, the affluent and influential couple. The Alpha and Luna perfectly suited. Caught in the


    moment, Ethan nted a k*ss on Be¡¯s back bone. ¡°Ready?¡± Ethan asked.


    Yes. Be replied with a smile.


    Seeing her genuinely happy with his presence, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty. He was going for a


    While Be felt fulfilled. Rumors had been going round in their socialite circle of she and Ethan having


    issues in their marriage, they hadn¡¯t been seen together in public in a while This should keep Mirabe


    and her cohorts shut. She muttered to herself


    Hand in hand they headed down the stairs entering their customized Rolls Royce.


    Jasmine headed home very early that evening. She¡¯d left before other co workers. The security man at


    the gate looked relieved to see her leave early for the first time since their employer, Nathan travelled.


    Jasmine walked briskly home feeling a mixture of excitement


    and nervousness.


    It


    Making her way home swifty, she took her bath and had her makeup done. Her long hair which was


    always tied up in a functional Ponytail was let down cascading around her shoulders which swirled


    around her waist as she walked. The dress she¡¯d picked was a a simple re short white dress which


    she paired along with a ck chunky tform shoes and white striped stocking. She stared nervously


    at her reflection, she looked so young. would be hard to believe she was in her twenty four already


    while she looked eighteen. That look had gotten her into several situations where she was thought to


    be underaged. She had settled for heavier makeup so as to look her age but her baby face still refused


    to give in. Nervously tucking a loose strand of hair back in ce she took a deep breath heading out of


    her apartment. Stepping out she noticed some changes in the apartment next to hers.


    Someone finally moved in. She muttered to herself. The t had been empty for months after the


    previous upants moved out. The moment she stepped out of the elevator and out of the building


    she was immediately filled with regrets when the chilly evening air hit her. She considered turning back


    to retrieve her jacket but as she stared at her apartment on the eleventh floor she was hit with a wave


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ofziness. We¡¯ll just have to brave through this.¡± she said walking on and beside she waste already.


    She walked on our of her street. She sensed she was being followed again.


    Walking briskly, the cery feeling of being watched resurfaced, but she dismissed it, muttering. ¡°You¡¯re


    just imagining it, Jas.¡±


    Justst night, her overactive imagination had gotten the better of her and she had frightened an


    elderlydy taking an evening stroll along with her cats.


    Even with that she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of unease.


    She walked fastering out to the road and hailed a taxi. When she settled in she breathed a sigh of


    relief then mustering courage nced back and the car drove away. There was no one there. ¡°See?!¡±


    She scolded herself inwardly hating how easily she got startled and frightened.


    The car Jasmine¡¯s was in halted to a stop in front of the huge building. She made the payments to the


    driver and gracefully stepped out the evening breeze lightly toussled her hair She made her way


    through the small crowd looking around and ooglin therge and exquisite building After showing her


    ticket she was given a pass and allowed inside. The floors were white and spacious


    ¡°Wonder how much was spent on this¡± she wondered silently to herself as she stared at a huge


    chandelier


    deanwhile Outside the exhibition hall there was rukus as a luxurious car pulled into the driveway


    Guards stepped out immediately opening the doors for them. The power couple Ethan and Be Wild


    stepped out, the media went wild taking several pictures of the two. He siniled brighdy, an epitome of


    ss and grace while Ethan stood tall and radiantly handsome with al look. His eyes however were


    watchful and cold. Be had been frequent in several event but it had been a while since they two had


    attended an even together in public. As they made their way to the building some female socialites cast


    nces their way Exha tid ring her say in envy Bells clutched him a ughter and


    stared at them till they made their way to the front.


    Jasmine stood for a moment staring at the couple and other socialites as they made their way past her.


    It took her some moments before she snapped out setting her n in motion, she had to meet with and


    talk to Dr. Gomez, she walked about looking for him. After walking around for about an hour she got


    exhausted and Still there was no sign of the man. Finally she decided to stand close to where the


    ushers worked, close to the table filled with wine, water and all other refreshments. She reasoned that


    Dr Gomez would surely get thirstyter on ande this way she thought to herself. She would wait


    here seizing an opportunity if she found one. He didn¡¯t reside in the country anymore and once he left


    he would gopletely off grid, she couldn¡¯t let that happen. She stood there partially hidden feeling


    she felt odd in this particr one.


    An art piece grabbed her attention and she walked towards it striken by its look


    Engrossed in what she had in mind she was bumped into by a guy, loosing bnce she bumped into a


    waiter handing out drinks. The sound of shattering sses as she shrieked in fright with cold wine


    dounced on her dinner dress.


    ¡°Oh no no.¡± She whimpered. ¡°The dress was really expensive. She uttered sadly.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Axel stood at a distance, observing the young woman as she walked towards a waiting taxi The


    tumultuous encounter still fresh in his mind. First, she had bumped into him, yelling in frustration, and


    then impulsively plunged her hand into the trash to retrieve a seemingly worthless ornament, resulting


    in an injury. He found himself strangely affected by her actions, going so far as to dig through the trash


    to retrieve her seemingly insignificant ne.


    Even after that he was still restless and had returned this time, with bandages in hand, he had even


    prevented her from almost falling, the clutched bandages still a visible reminder of the encounter, which


    he nced down at with irritation.


    He scrutinized her small, defeated figure, resembling a wet and bullied puppy.


    Ufortable, Axel adjusted his sses, then ripped them off in a moment of annoyance. With a sigh


    that mirrored his irritation, he turned away from the vulnerable yet doe¨Ceyed woman who had exposed


    herself to harm. Clumsy women weren¡¯t his usual preference, and he was unsure why he felt


    as he walked by


    She¡¯s a grown woman; she¡¯ll take care of herself Axel mused to himself.


    With a determined stride, he made his way back to the bustling hall where Ethan lingered. The


    exhibition continued into the night, yet Axel¡¯s thoughts lingered on the woman who had rummaged


    through the garbage.


    In his contemtion. Axel pondered the significance of that seemingly cheap and damaged ornament


    to her. What hidden story did thoserge eyes, drawing him in with their intrigue, hold? Despite his


    resistance to being swayed by such encounters, Axel found himself genuinely intrigued by the


    mysterious woman. Axel couldn¡¯t shake the image of her, helpless and small, sitting on the floor in that


    vulnerable manner.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out of it, absent¨Cminded, Ethan remarked, his brow furrowed in curiosity. Axel had driven


    Ethan and Be home after they finished at the exhibition. As Ethan. studied scrutinized Axel;his


    usually reliable assistant had made mistakes for the first time. He had disappeared from his side


    multiple times that evening, seemingly lost in thoughts. throughout the night. His attention was clearly


    divided, and he appeared preupied. Even when Ethan handed him a document, Axel took several


    minutes to register and move collect it.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably just exhausted. Tomorrow¡¯s a weekend. Take the weekend off. I won¡¯t be needing


    you,¡± Ethan said, a calm dismissal of Axel¡¯s services.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Axel countered, though there was a hint of tension in his voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re moving into a new apartment, right?¡± Ethan inquired, seeking rification.


    ¡°Yes, Axel affirmed, a slight nod apanying his response.


    ¡°Okay. You¡¯ll get this weekend to get yourself together. I expect you back fully by Monday¡± With those


    words, Ethan made his way toward the stairs, effectively dismissing Axel Axel felt a wave of relief; the


    weekend would grant him the opportunity to settle into his new apartment and address other personal


    matters. Given the unique nature of his work, he had chosen not to live as a member of the pack,


    opting instead for a residence in a high¨Crise building in the heart of the city. By Monday, he hoped to


    regain his usualposure: The dpe¨Ceyed female who had upied his thought would have left him


    mindpletely. Or


    BOLTE


    so he thought.


    Drained from a week of activities, Axel pulled into his driveway. The sound of a whimpering dog


    reached his ears, and a puppy, about three weeks old, walked by. Spotting Axel, it sat wagging its tail.


    Axel stared at the dog, wondering where it came from. He had never seen a dog like that on that street,


    and there was no one in sight either.


    Axel didn¡¯t like dogs, haunted by a childhood memory concerning them. Ignoring the yful puppy, he


    headed inside his house. Sighing, he stopped mid¨Cway, ncing back at the dog. It now sat still,


    looking sad, its ears dropping and its back slouched. It looked miserable, much like she did. ¡°Hopefully,


    she doesn¡¯t trip over her own legs,¡± he thought with a snicker. But now, he found himself thinking about


    her again, and it annoyed him.


    With an irritated sigh, he walked back to where the puppy sat and took it in his arms. The dog, already


    drenched in the rain, shivered, hovering closer to him for warmth. He headed inside, puppy in one arm,


    his tablet phone and car car keys in the other. Turning on the lights of his house revealed a well¨C


    furnished and spacious living room. The apartment was sparse; most of his things had already been


    moved to the new apartment.


    ¡°Okay, buddy. Listen, I¡¯ll only amodate you for tonight. Afterward, I¡¯ll go drop you at a shelter or


    we¡¯ll find your owners. I don¡¯t have the time nor the energy to take care of you.¡± Grabbing a towel, he


    dried off the wet puppy. Taking a bowl, he put some milk in it and dropped a bowl of water alongside.


    The puppy hungrilypped at the water in excitement, raising one of its feet, then tripping right into the


    bowl, sshing water everywhere and now stuck awkwardly in it. ¡°Oh,e on, Axel groaned. His


    floors now had wet paw prints. This was one of the reasons why he didn¡¯t have pets; he hated being


    disorganized. Things like this would catch him unaware, and he had no space in his life for something


    like that. Holding the dog up, he cleaned the mess up and set up another bowl. This time around, he


    assisted the puppy in drinking. ¡°You¡¯re helpless too, just like that woman,¡¯ he thought spitefully.


    Annoyed, his thoughts once more drifted to her as he turned on the TV to focus on other things. Then


    afterward, he hit the showers.


    Coming back, he found the dog carefully wrapped on his sofa. Picking it up gently, he ced it back on


    the nket he had set up. Then, dimming the lights, he headed to his bedroom.


    Axel woke upter in the middle of the night, disoriented from cries. He got up groggily to check what


    the noise was. The sight of the hairy puppy scratching at his bedroom door made him jump from shock.


    It took him some moments to recall that he had brought the dog in himself the previous night. Bending


    to the level of the dog, he scolded it. ¡°Look, Buddy. It¡¯s past two am in the morning. I haven¡¯t slept all


    week, and tomorrow I¡¯ve got moving to do. Can you not cry this night?he pleaded desperately, needing


    sleep. ¡°Please you can cry tomorrow, at your shelter or when we find your family,¡± he bargained with


    the puppy.


    But the puppy continued whimpering, its baby yelling getting louder. Axel groaned out loud. Picking the


    dog up, it snuggled close and finally stopped crying. Sighing, Axel returned back to the living room with


    the dog in his arms; he couldn¡¯t trust the dog anywhere around his bedroom. Settling on the couch, he


    drifted off to sleep with the dog cradled in his arms.


    And so, a man obsessed with his well detalled and nned life with a strange dislike for animals, dogs


    especially took one in because it reminded him of a certain person. Although Asel would rather eat


    rocks than adimir it. Teehee


    Ethan retired to bed that night with a sense of satisfaction and contenument. The sessful


    persuasion of Dr. Gomez to visit the hospital and assess Daisy¡¯s case had provided him with a feeling


    of aplishment that had been absent for quite some time.


    ¡°You seemed quite pleased tonight.¡± Be observed as she sat at the vanity, removing her makeup.


    Ethan was settled on the bed, phone in hand.


    ¡°Did something good happen?¡± Be quizzed, intrigued by Ethan¡¯s demeanor.


    ¡°I noticed you werent at the exhibition. Right from when it started to almost the end of it. then wee


    back home, and you¡¯re looking all pleased, she remarked, studying his reflection in the mirror.


    ¡°It¡¯s business,¡± Ethan replied with fluid nonchnce.


    ¡°Business, Be repeated, her eyebrows cocked. The eagerness and hopefulness emanating from


    Ethan intrigued her. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the nature of the business that had him so


    eager and anticipatory. Be continued to observe her husband¡¯s expression through the mirror, a


    silent inquiry in her gaze


    Ethan, sensing her scrutiny, felt bouts of relief. He had harbored doubts about the Doctor. but after their


    meeting, he felt a renewed hope concerning Daisy¡¯s case.


    ¡°So some business deal could have you this hopeful and excited, Be stated, seeking rification.


    ¡°You seem pleased with your purchase. Ethan said, deftly redirecting the conversation. He gestured


    toward the exquisite paintings and vase Be had acquired during the exhibition. She scoffed at his


    words. They¡¯re just randoms The true value, to her,y not in the art itself but in showcasing her


    husband and her wealth. Tonight, she had aplished that goal, which reflected in her pleased


    demeanor.


    Just then, Be¡¯s phone beeped. As she reached for it, her excitement turned to horror §á§â§à§á reading


    the message.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    *Hello sister. Did you miss me?¡± The words sent a shiver down her spine, and she nearly dropped her


    phone in fright. Disbelief and anger mingled as she considered the possibility of a malicious prank.


    There was no way it could be him; he had died over five years ago.


    Checking the number, the familiar digits confirmed the sender¡¯s identity, sending tremors through her


    entire being.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m Dr. Gomez Sr.,¡± the man greeted warmly, extending his hand. for a handshake.


    As the clock ticked past ten in the morning, I found myself standing in disbelief. Had I possibly sl*pped


    back into a dream? I questioned my reality, having already tended to the children¡¯s breakfast and


    settling them.


    Staring at Dr. Gomez, I chuckled nervously, entertaining the thought that I might be weaving this


    encounter in my dreams. ¡°I¡¯ve searched for you everywhere, desperately summoning you in my


    dreams,¡± Iughed, attempting to rationalize the surreal moment.


    Suddenly, Ethan walked in, a presence too vivid to be conjured in a dream. ¡°Ethan? There¡¯s no way I


    could have dreamt of or summoned him in my mind. Except, you¡¯re really here,¡± I uttered slowly, the


    astonishment lingering in my voice.


    ¡°Hey, Hazel,¡± Ethan greeted gently, guiding me away while Dr. Gomez and the other doctors attended


    to Daisy. Overwhelmed with questions, I managed to ask, ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°You found him?¡± I questioned Ethan, emotions welling up, threatening to spill


    over.


    ¡°Yes, Hazel,¡± he replied calmly, offering gratitude. In response, I crashed into him, embracing him


    tightly. For a moment, he hesitated, caught off guard by the intensity of the hug. However, he soon


    reciprocated, his arms enveloping me.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Hazel,¡± his voice echoed through the embrace.


    ¡°Why?¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ask, seeking an exnation. Ethan sighed, responding, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Hazel.


    I just couldn¡¯t leave with her not being okay. It¡¯s what I would have done for any one of my friends,


    much more my ex¨Cwife,¡± he stated lightly.


    ¡°Oh, Ethan. How could I ever repay you?¡± I asked, my eyes clouding with gratitude. and relief.


    ¡°You feel that way because she¡¯s your daughter, Ethan,¡± my inner voice chimed in judgment. How could


    I articte these sentiments? It seemed impossible. ¡°Well, you can repay me by getting to work and


    making mypany¡¯s building exquisite after Daisy¡¯s recovered,¡± Ethan suggested with a hint of


    humor. Iughed, appreciating the levity he brought, his cocky grin reminiscent of the past. ¡°Ma¡¯am,


    pleasee with me to my office,¡± Dr. Gomez invited, breaking the moment. As we followed him,


    Ethan lingered in the room, casting a soft smile. towards Daisy.


    ¡°Hey, Bunny,¡± he greeted her tenderly. Turning to Ethan, I asked, ¡°Youing?¡± He looked taken


    aback. ¡°You want me toe with?¡± he asked hopefully. I


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Lama


    +5 vouchers


    nodded, and he followed after me. Settling into the office, I pondered my words, momentarily regretting


    inviting him. Yet, seeing Ethan¡¯s hopeful expression, I couldn¡¯t retract the invitation. With that, I eased


    into the unfolding consultation.


    Be drove to the isted ce. After the unsettling message from the familiar number the previous


    night, she hadn¡¯t slept a wink the rest of the night. The next morning she had set out very early,she was


    eager, but a part of her still weighed by doubt. Wearing casual clothes and donning dark sses that


    shielded most. parts of her face, she borrowed her assistant¡¯s less shy car to avoid attracting


    attention. Walking through the isted ce, she kept ncing over her shoulders to ensure she


    hadn¡¯t been followed. She was also skeptical and anxious. What if this was a plot to abduct her?


    She looked down at her phone once more, checking the address. Standing there, she started feeling


    stupid. ¡°It had to be a prank, Some stupid prank I fell for!¡± she said annoyed through gritted teeth. The


    person she was waiting for hadn¡¯t showed up.


    She turned to leave. Just then, she spotted a familiar figure walking towards her. ¡°Still as impatient as


    before, aren¡¯t we?¡± the familiar voice echoed through the isted alleyway. ¡°Richard!¡± Be called out


    in happiness and disbelief. ¡°Sebastian. Sebastian!¡± She called, hugging him tight to her b*dy. She


    couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Is this really you?¡± Her face touched his face, outlining his features. The man


    much.¡± She looked at his face once more. Emotions seemed to overflow.


    ¡°When you were gone, I didn¡¯t know what to do. I thought you were dead! Dead! I


    are, alive and


    lived almost six years believing that Sebastian. And here you were dead! Dead! I


    breathing. In the flesh.¡± She said softly gripping his arm.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The man said with a sigh leaning down to stroke her hair. ¡°You dyed your hair I see.¡± He


    mused thoughtfully stroking it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you my little Annabe.¡± He hugged her once more. ¡°What happened?¡± She asked a


    momentter after she had calmed down. ¡°I was caught Be. Then after that I had to work and repay


    the big boss for all the damages. One of the conditions was no one must know I was alive and I


    couldn¡¯t risk. endangering you.¡± He said with a sigh. ¡°And now?¡± She asked him, her eyes. scanning


    the entire area.


    ¡°I repaid the boss. And now, I earn with the mob now.¡± He said to her proudly. ¡°I¡¯m now my own boss.¡±


    Be looked rmed. ¡°What?!!. Get out of it right this moment.¡± She ordered, her tone bing icy.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sebastian asked, his voice tinged with surprise and annoyance.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to anymore. You can leave the life of crime behind.¡± Be said, clutching her brother¡¯s


    arm.


    ¡°Anna.¡± Sebastian called with a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s Be now.¡± She corrected. ¡°You must


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    D+5 vouchers


    always remember to call me Be.¡± She warned him sternly. ¡°I can¡¯t risk this. Everything I¡¯ve built on,


    being connected to a criminal would ruin me. Be mused thoughtfully, being rted to one? What


    would Ethan say!


    ¡°Be. So you love your life now right. Living as the rich wife of the influential Ethan Wild, who


    happened to your target. What happened Be? You¡¯ve forgotten where you started from how it all


    begun.¡± Sebastian said sourly.


    That¡¯s all in the past now Sebastian.¡± Be said coldly. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve got money. Lots of it, I can have


    Ethan fit you into some job, something that wouldn¡¯t stress or strain you. You can just head a hotel or


    something, just y around, bossing people about It would all be just for show and at the end of


    everything you get paid sry.¡± She said trying to convince him.


    ¡°Anna. Be. Sebastian called with a sigh. ¡°Of course we would do all of that under a different name.


    Ethan must never find out who you actually are. Or you could live in a foreign country abroad, how


    about Italy?¡± ¡°Be. Be.¡± Sebastian called continuously while she wrapped up in her nning went


    on talking. ¡°Anna!¡± He yelled grabbing her arm. ¡°You¡¯ve changed so much. I get it, you¡¯re too important


    to be seen or have any involvement with a street thug and mobster. Too refined for any of that shit now.


    Aren¡¯t you? But if you think I¡¯ll suck up to your worthless husband sticking around like a faithful puppy


    you¡¯re sadly mistaking!¡± Sebastianshed bitterly then stormed off.


    ¡°Think this through brother.¡± Be offered once more. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you call.¡± She said turning to


    leave. Sebastian watched as she got into her car and started the engine ready to drive off ¡°Be.¡± He


    called softly walking back to her parked vehicle.


    She wound the ss of the car down. ¡°You¡¯re not so clean you know. First of October, at three pm.


    Sebastian stated


    Be froze at his words. That night!


    ¡°Sebastian.¡± She called slowly. ¡°You killed them Be. It was you wasn¡¯t it?¡± He asked calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve


    been cleaning up your trash for years. Now you¡¯ve made some money you wanna act like you¡¯re clean.


    Like you¡¯re some proper dignified woman. But you and I know what you really are.¡± ¡°In as much as I¡¯m


    d you escaped from them, It¡¯s not really a cold case, the police are still working on finding the killer.¡±


    ¡°It was an ident!¡± She yelled in a wild manner. ¡°You¡¯re not gonna blow my cover. Sebastian you and


    I know that.¡± Be said with a nervous smile. ¡°What you don¡¯t know is that there was a witness.


    Someone else saw you that night.¡± ¡°What?¡± Be asked in rm getting out of the car immediately.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She asked pulling Sebastian¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching. I don¡¯t think she recalls.


    anything yet. Don¡¯t worry Anna, I won¡¯t let anything bad happen to you.¡±


    Sebastian said with a sigh. ¡°I promise.¡± He red her hair gently. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry


    about the way I reacted. You were acting all high and mighty it got me really pissed. I shouldn¡¯t have


    frightened you in that manner. I just wanted you to be at alert and watch your back at all times.


    Sebastian apologized.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Axel woke to the sensation of a furry thing on his face. In panic, he grabbed it and had nearly flung it far


    away when it yelped from the shock. He halted. immediately. The creature was the small dog from the


    previous night. The dog scurried to the floor, looking up at Axel and wagging its tail continuously. Then,


    after a moment, it suddenly stopped. Axel had walked away to get breakfast. started. Upon returning,


    the smell of the room had changed, a weird stench was now in ce.


    Seeing the puppy at the other end now chewing his inside house sl*ppers, Axel marched towards it.


    The moment he stepped forward, he stepped into a pile that had a weird texture. Poop! He let out a


    painful groan while standing there. The poop had stered to the floor, staining his pristine carpet.


    ¡°Darn it!¡± He cursed at the dog furiously. ¡°I¡¯ve had it. Immediately after breakfast, I¡¯m dumping you


    somewhere.¡± He swore, fuming. Immediately, he went into full clean mode, donning a pair of gloves


    and a mask. He grabbed and threw the sl*ppers and the stockings into the trash, then threw out the


    carpet as well. Then also went ahead spraying disinfectant everywhere in the house. After almost


    retching while cleaning the dog¡¯s mess, he finally seeded. Finally satisfied, he washed his hands


    and then tossed everything in the trash. Then he headed to the bathroom immediately. Through all of


    this, he had forgotten the bacon he left on the gas. His automatic air fryer and most kitchen equipment


    had already been moved. The scent of burning meat wafted to him in the bathroom. Running out with a


    towel around his waist, he bumped into and almost stepped on the dog. While avoiding the dog, he slid


    and fell right on his butt. With a painful groan, he got up, turning off the already burnt and darkened


    food.


    He gave an exasperated sigh. That was thest food he has at home. The only thing left in the fridge


    was water.


    After putting on clothes, he sat on a chair, browsing for restaurants close by, one that had options and a


    menu for a dog as well. ¡°Might as well give you a treat for thest time,¡± he mused to himself. Wearing


    casual clothes, Axel headed out. After breakfast at a cafe that could cater to pets as well, they both


    headed off to the animal shelter.


    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry. But we can¡¯t take any more dogs at this time,¡± the woman at the front desk pleaded.


    ¡°What?! But this is a shelter. Axel sighed in frustration. ¡°Just take the darn dog!¡± Axel almost yelled.


    A woman came out from inside the other room. She was round with a lovely smile, her sses perched


    on her nose. Her clothes, however, were poorlybined. Although neat, they were mismatched. ¡°Is


    something the matter?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Listen. This isn¡¯t my dog. I found it outsidest night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. Lots of abandoned animals have been abandoned recently. Or he could


    Alpha¡¯s Regret. Pregnant Rejected Luna


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    have gotten lost. The little baby,¡± the woman cooed while scratching the puppy¡¯s head.


    ¡°Well, this is an animal shelter; I came here to drop this dog off here,¡± Axel stated. ¡°Where did you find


    this darling?¡± The woman asked, clearly distracted by the puppy.


    ¡°Right outside my door,¡± Axel gritted, losing his patience.


    ¡°Did the dog walk up to you?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°Something like that¡­ What does it matter?!¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s how I found all of my six pets. Right outside my front door. It clearly shows this little guy


    here liked and trusted you. Dogs sometimes find their owners. The woman smiled widely.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the dog,¡± Axel emphasized each word through gritted teeth, his annoyance and patience


    running thin. The woman was so bubbly and happy. She had six pets?! Axel wondered. Her image fit in


    with it; she looked like the typical neighborhood catdy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see here.¡± The woman stretched out, holding the dog. It wagged its tail but still kept ncing


    back to Axel like a baby looking for its mom. The woman sighed thoughtfully.


    ¡°Look. I¡¯ll pay you.¡± Axel offered, bringing out his wallet. His gold tinum card stuck out as he made


    those movements.


    ¡°Listen, sir. We have no space right now for an extra dog. If you don¡¯t mind, could you wait for two


    weeks? We¡¯ll be able to find a home for this dog immediately.¡± She offered.


    ¡°What?!¡± Axel asked, fuming. ¡°Just have someone take him right now.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t just give this to just anyb*dy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please how hard could it be?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°What if they¡¯re abusive? We¡¯ve gotten dogs here in serious situations. That dog over there suffered


    trauma from its previous owners; he was used as a stone throw target. The other one there; the woman


    said, pointing. ¡°Was hurled outside in the snow. These dogs have gone through several horrifying


    things in the hands of humans. There¡¯re so many of them here like that. This puppy needs a home, one


    we have to carefully search for.¡± The woman stated firmly.


    Axel had aplex look on his face as he stared at the puppy. Although it was annoying, the thought


    of the dog being abused and kicked around or starved. didn¡¯t sit well with him. Some dogs there just sat


    quietly, their eyes hollowed and sad. It dawned on him; animals suffer trauma and abuses too. He gave


    a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯m extremely busy and rarely at home. Even on most weekends, you said it yourself, this


    dog needs a home. I don¡¯t have that. All I have is a building and my


    work.¡±


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


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    ¡°That will have to do for now. At least until we find someone who really needs a puppy,¡± the woman


    said hopefully. ¡°In the meantime, you¡¯ll need to get a cor, for when you go out in walks, some pillows


    or nkets for him to sleep on. And shop for some dog food. He doesn¡¯t need much. Just your time


    and attention.¡± As the woman spoke, she was leading


    him outside of the shelter and back to his car with the dog in his arms. ¡°I don¡¯t have time,¡± Axel said


    with a sigh. ¡°You¡¯ll do just fine. You¡¯ll see. The woman encouraged. ¡°I¡¯ll get back to you when we¡¯ve


    found a home for him.¡± She assured. Axel deposited the dog in the back of the car then brought out his


    contact card passing it to the woman. ¡°Have you thought of a name yet?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No. I won¡¯t be having it for long anyway.¡± With that, he got into his car and drove off. The woman stood


    there with a satisfied look on her face. ¡°Miss Cherry. Why did you ask me to tell him we couldn¡¯t


    amodate more pets. Surely we could have taken that one. Her assistant inquired.


    ¡°We¡¯ll save that spot for dogs that need rescuing. I could tell that little puppy is in safe hands. The dog


    chose him himself,¡± she said chuckling lightly. ¡°He seems cold. and aloof, but that¡¯s a man who needs


    something to channel his attention and love. He¡¯s rich but empty, in need ofpany. They need each


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    other those two. We just need to give him time to see it. Still, we¡¯ll find a well¨Cfitting home for the


    puppy. Hopefully, we won¡¯t be needing it.¡± The woman added with a sigh. Driving off, Axel kept ncing


    at the mirror towards the backseat. The dog had settled into the nket and was now sleeping


    peacefully. At the shelter, it had seemed anxious, almost frightened, as if it could tell it was about to be


    dumped off there.


    ¡°A dog, I don¡¯t have time in my life for a pet, Axel mused to himself. The thought of going to another


    shelter crossed his mind, but after checking the address and discovering it was a two¨Chour drive, he


    gave up. No wonder the animal shelter here was overfilled. He made a mental note to stop by a pet


    store to get whatever would be necessary for the dog.


    Still, a small part of him was relieved. His strict and rigorously structured lifestyle, ustomed to for


    years, had now changed suddenly. The dog had somehow brought in a strange twist, sparking


    something within him he never knew existed, much like that woman at the Exhibition had. Concern,


    care, pity those emotions used to be strange to him. His thoughts were interrupted by the vibrating of


    his phone.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered calmly. The voice at the other end informed him that his apartment was now


    out. Changing course, he headed straight to the heart of the city where his new apartment was. Dog in


    arm, he made his way through the elevator. Outside his apartment, he inserted his key code, the door


    beeped, and then opened, giving him ess.


    The sight he was greeted with, however, made him question his sanity. A b*dy.


    19-18


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    O


    +5 vouchers


    outliney on his sofa. Eyebrows raised in question, he stealthily made his way to the intruding figure,


    ready to rouse him in. His thoughts went to one of theborers; they might have worked and fallen


    asleep there. As he got closer, the b*dy frame became clearer. The outline of a woman? He studied her


    quietly, irritation tilling his entire being. He grabbed his phone ready to call the building security; in that


    moment, thedy tossed in her sleep. Her long hair was tousled to the other side of her face, revealing


    a small captivating face with delicate features. Axel froze. She was familiar, so familiar. Thedy from


    the exhibition. He nearlyughed out loud. Since that morning, his thoughts had been trailing off


    towards her, and now it was so bad that he had summoned her in his mind. Calmly he took off his


    sses, expecting the illusion in front of him to vanish. Just then she groaned softly, the sound


    reverberated through the quiet house. The woman he¡¯d seen the previous night was right in his new


    apartment!

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    +5 vouchers


    Axel¡¯s gaze remained fixated on the enigmatic figure a silent que his mind¨Chow had the woman from


    the exhibition found her way int apartment? Puzzled, he stood rooted to the spot, absorbing the


    ander h new home illuminated by the soft glow of dim lighting. With kesem observed her features¨Ca


    delicate pair of pouty l*ps, eyelids gently sensing thi doe eyes etched in his memory, andshes that


    gracefully adored bar in running shoes and gym attire, she appeared strangely tranquil in lin creating a


    hesitancy within Axel to disturb her peaceful repose Opting to let her be. Axel ambled towards his


    control room,pelled the de need to unravel the mystery through the lens of his security cameras:


    Phelmet impression of her was right, she was indeed careless and ssless What kind of woman


    would brazenly asleep that deep in a stranger¡¯s Tone Beside jus bo- puppy, exhausted from the day¡¯s


    activities, yawned and sought refuge in Nex arms, settling into afortable sleep.


    Contemting the idea of awakening her. Axel hesitated as he beheld her s countenance, an


    innocence that contradicted his mual judgment. A udtricicijel him, and with a conflicted heart, he


    abandoned the nomon of disruption her slumber. Turning away, he decided to leave her undisturbed,


    Tecolitur Femme himself to rouse her awake a gentle aura enveloped her repose


    Calmly. Axel reached for his phone and dialed the person overoper Themom renovations. ¡°There¡¯s


    someone in my apartment, he ryed with coupons ¡°No, she¡¯s asleep. She¡¯s harmless; just get her out


    whenever she wakescope Chile conversation concluded with a decisive hang up, leaving Axelte gruppir


    win the strangeness of the situation.


    Oddly, Axel, known for his aversion to intruders and guarded personal spores found a peculiar


    eptance in her presence on his couch. Come on buddy Bels go,¡± he murmured to his dog in a low


    voice, a subtle signal of the departure. Elie final remnants of his belongings still waited to be relocated


    and Axel, turning around, left the door slightly ajar, a silent acknowledgment that the mysterious woman


    could exit whenever she awakened. He stepped our leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.


    Still he was dazed, somehow he had unexpectedly mer and found her once again. After the previous


    night he was sure he would never cross paths with he again. But there she was. lying on his couch he


    thought to himself with a sigh.


    That morning


    Jasmine awoke to the persistent symphony of whirring machines and industrial noises, a discordant


    melody that filled the air for an extended period. The relentless nailing, hammering, and banging


    seemed to echo endlessly, creating a soundscape that enveloped her morning in a unique, almost


    surreal atmosphere. Given that it was a weekend, Jasmine luxuriated in the freedom to sleep in.


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


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    emerging from her slumberter than usual. A surge of industrious energy led her to embark on a


    before indulging in a leisurely breakfast. Energized and ready for more, she descended to the


    apartment¡¯s gym for a satisfying workout session.


    As she stepped outside, There were people all over working there.


    She peeped through the doors of the house marvelling on how exquisite and different it looked from


    hers. The vibrant activity within the construction site showcased a scene of men in uniform assembling


    and crafting the interior, prompting Jasmine to marvel at the apparent opulence unfolding before her


    eyes. ¡°The man must have some really high taste,¡± she spected to herself, captivated by the glimpse


    of expensive¨Clooking lighting adorning the foyer even in its iplete state.


    After dedicating considerable time to her fitness routine in the basement gym of the neighboring house,


    Jasmine returned to her apartment floor. Jasmine¡¯s curiositypelled her to cast another nce at


    the neighboring t. The balcony¡¯s sliding door stood open, The sliding door of the balcony stood open,


    a silent invitation into the seeminglypleted space. An uneasy feeling crept over her as she


    contemted the deserted scene, the doors ajar, including those. leading to the grand foyer.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be good,¡± she muttered to herself, a sense of foreboding clouding her thoughts. ¡°Hello,¡± she


    called out, peering into the house, confirming her suspicion that the workers had left the doors wide


    open. Resisting the temptation to touch the exquisite interiors, Jasmine crossed therge living room


    and reached the balcony. A sense of responsibility led her to close the transparent doors, just as one of


    the foremen returned, lost in the world of his headphones.


    ¡°Hey, wait up!¡± she called, but her voice went unheard as the door closed, sealing her fate inside. Panic


    set in as she rushed to the automatic doors, futilely struggling with the locked handle. ¡°No, no, no!¡± she


    mumbled in desperation, realizing her phone was stranded upstairs.


    Knocking persistently, her attempts to attract attention yielded no response. A sigh of dejection


    escaped her as she acknowledged the futility of her situation. Resigned to wait for the apartment owner


    or the returning workers, her stomach. growled in hunger, introducing an unweepanion to her


    istion. Boredom became her unwee ally as she roamed the living room, unable to resist the


    allure of the meticulously designed pent suite. The dangling lights and chandeliers beckoned her touch,


    and she couldn¡¯t help but explore their luminous potential.


    Turning on the lights, Jasmine discovered the versatility of the system,plete with various filters that


    added an extrayer of enchantment. As the lights. illuminated the room, the curtains drew close


    automatically, further enhancing the ambiance. Excitement filled her as she experimented with different


    settings, culminating in a celestial disy¨Ca 3D realistic image of astronomical bodies,


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    under the moonlight.


    Staring in awe at the captivating scene above, Jasmine marveled at the authenticity. of the falling star,


    basking in the illusion of an outdoor field beneath the night sky. She sat quietly on the sofa for a while,


    theny down, gazing up at the celestial ceiling, gradually sumbing to the soothing embrace of


    sleep. Momentster, she awoke to find the door slightly ajar, a glimmer of hope. signaling her


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    imminent release. Stealthily making her way outside, she


    encountered one of the renovations workers, a chance meeting that prompted her to exin her


    unintentional trespass.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, ma¡¯am. We didn¡¯t realize,¡± reassured the worker, ¡°the owner found your and called us. There


    was an issue with the door, so we had to change it here and repaint it. We left them open to dry while


    we went to grab lunch.¡± Jasmine¡¯s anxiety abated with this exnation, but a new realization struck


    her. ¡°The owner of this t was here?¡± she asked nervously. ¡°Yes,¡± the man affirmed. Overwhelmed


    with embarrassment, Jasmine bid a hasty farewell, covering her face with her hair as she rushed to her


    t. Once inside, she opened the doors and buried herself beneath the covers,. The lingering mental


    image of being seen on the neighbor¡¯s couch left her cringing at thought and impression impression


    she had unwittingly forged. The less¨Cthan¨Cideal first impression weighed heavily on her thoughts, and


    in a moment of self¨Creflection, she muttered sarcastically; ¡°what a great start.¡±

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    +5 vouchers


    After concluding their discussion with Dr. Gomez, Ethan and Hazel made their way back to Daisy¡¯s


    ward. The weight of the doctor¡¯s words lingered in the air, and Hazel couldn¡¯t help but sigh as she


    reflected on the situation. ¡°I¡¯m no miracle worker. I may be a specialist, but there is still a chance and


    rate of mortality. I would suggest we wait for a few months,¡± Dr. Gomez had conveyed, and Ethan cast


    a nce at Hazel, who sat there calmly, absorbing every word.


    Dr. Gomez continued, sharing insights into his experiences, mentioning the youngest age he had


    operated on a simr case¨Ca child aged six. He expressed his preference for waiting a few more


    weeks, allowing time for preparation, both in terms of Daisy¡¯s physical condition and her overall well¨C


    being. Hazel nodded in understanding. ¡°In the meantime, she¡¯ll remain here at the hospital until the


    time of surgery. I and my new team will work to ensure little Daisy is well recovered,¡± the doctor


    assured, offering a small butforting smile. Another sigh escaped Hazel¡¯s l*ps.


    Ethan, sensing Hazel¡¯s emotional state, gently called out to her. ¡°Hey,¡± he said, offering a reassuring


    presence. ¡°She¡¯ll be just fine,¡± he added, his words meant to provide sce. Hazel nodded,


    appreciating the support she found in Ethan¡¯s presence.


    The conversation shifted, and Hazel couldn¡¯t help but express her curiosity about how Ethan managed


    to locate the doctor and, more impressively, convinced him not just to act as a consultant but to


    conduct the surgery himself. Hazel¡¯s eyes glimmered with admiration as they stood together in the


    elevator. Ethan downyed his efforts, stating, ¡°It was nothing, really. I just used my connections a little


    bit, though his modesty couldn¡¯t mask the considerable efforts they had undertaken. Tracking down the


    doctor all the way to the exhibition and convincing him toe out of retirement, and ensuring his


    handling the surgery himself.


    As they reached the front of Daisy¡¯s ward, Hazel conveyed her gratitude once more. ¡°Thank you,


    Ethan. Honestly,¡± she sighed, appreciating the lengths he had gone to for Daisy¡¯s sake. ¡°I¡¯m d I


    could be of help. You¡¯re wee,¡± Ethan replied. The two of them stood there lingering in a


    contemtive silence. ¡°Well, take care then,¡± Ethan said softly, preparing to leave. ¡°Thank you,¡± she


    responded. However, before Ethan could fully depart, Hazel called out to him halting him in his steps.


    ¡°Ethan¡­ Mr. Wild,¡± she addressed him through the quiet hospital halls. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. about the project¡¯s


    dy. I¡¯ll oversee it from next week,¡± Hazel apologized, burdened by the sense of responsibility for the


    dys affecting Tesco¡¯s development and her colleagues at Starlight.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Hazel. Take care of Daisy, and yourself too. You haven¡¯t been


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    sleeping well, have you?¡± Ethan inquired, disying genuine concern. He sighed, recognizing the toll


    this situation had taken on Hazel. ¡°Listen, the project would manage fine without you,¡± Ethan


    reassured, meeting Hazel¡¯s eyes. ¡°Just take care.¡± With those parting words, he turned and walked


    away, carrying a sense of unspoken mncholy at having to leave.


    Within Ethan, there was an unvoiced sadness. A part of him yearned to spend. more time with Daisy,


    that adorable munchkin whose presence had brought him a different kind of joy. Liam, who had been


    napping during Ethan¡¯s earlier visit, with the team of doctors was now awake, having heard his mom¡¯s


    voice outside the door. He opened the door and peered out curiously when he recognized Ethan¡¯s


    voice earlier. ¡°Hey, honey,¡± Hazel called out, but Liam, in his excitement, ran right past her. ¡°Liam?¡± she


    called, her voice echoing down the hallway as her son headed toward the familiar figure ahead.


    As Ethan stepped into the elevator, about to press the down button, he spotted the small figure of Liam


    rushing toward him eagerly. Ethan paused for a moment, a smile tugging at the corners of his l*ps, and


    allowed Liam to dash into the elevator just before the doors closed. Liam, having recognized Ethan¡¯s


    back, had acted on pure instinct, an rushed after Ethan, his Mr Woods, forgetting every other thing. ¡°Mr


    Wood!¡± The exuberant sound of Liam¡¯s voice reverberated through the elevator walls as Liam flung


    himself at Ethan, embracing his legs with unabashed. joy.


    Surprised for a moment, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel happy and chuckle at the unexpected warmth of


    the greeting. ¡°Liam,¡± he called softly, still processing the delightful reunion.


    ¡°Mr. Woods!¡± Liam eximed again, hisughter echoing with genuine happiness. ¡°I thought it was


    you!¡± The infectious joy radiating from the little boy made. Ethan¡¯s heart swell, prompting him to scoop


    Liam up, relishing in the warmth of the small, energetic bundle in his arms. Liam¡¯s scent, a delightful


    blend of Hazel¡¯s fragrance and the lingering sweetness of treats, enveloped Ethan like aforting


    cocoon.


    ¡°Where have you been, Mr. Woods?¡± Liam inquired, a yful pout forming on hist expressive face. ¡°I


    looked for you all over the other time.¡± It was a rare disy of attachment from a child who usually kept


    his distance. Ethan, caught off guard by the genuine warmth of Liam¡¯s wee, couldn¡¯t help but feel a


    surge of affection for the little one.


    Meanwhile, Hazel, perturbed by her son¡¯s sudden sprint down the hallway and into the elevator,


    entered another one with the intention of finding him. Although not overly worried about his safety


    within the confines of the hospital, she couldn¡¯t help but disapprove of his impromptu escapade.


    Determined to give. him a stern scolding once she located him, Hazel headed to the down floor,


    suspecting that Liam had apanied Ethan in the elevator.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been really busy,¡± Ethan exined gently, squatting to Liam¡¯s height. Concern etched on


    his face, Liam cupped Ethan¡¯s face with his small


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    hands, asking, ¡°Are you okay?¡± Touched by the genuine care, Ethan lifted Liam into his arms, ready to


    address the impending questions.


    2


    ¡°Shall I introduce myself to you?¡± Ethan inquired, smiling at the clever boy who would undoubtedly


    have inquiries. ¡°My name is Ethan Wild,¡± he stated, adding with a sigh, ¡°Ethan Wild Wood,¡± anticipating


    confusion over the name change. ¡°So people may call me Mr. Wild, but don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m also Mr. Wood,


    he smoothly exined, recognizing the potential difficulty in rifying the matter to a child. Liam, deep


    in thought, stared at Ethan. ¡°Your name is Mr. Wild. Not Mr. Woods, right?¡± he asked gently. Liam¡¯s


    probing continued as he questioned, ¡°You¡¯re the same man from the airport too, aren¡¯t you?¡± Liam had


    thought hard at the resemnce between the two men for a long while and concluded they had to be


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    the same people.


    Ethan, surprised by the astuteness of the child, widened his eyes in shock. ¡°Mummy says I¡¯m a genius.


    I¡¯m very smart, so you can¡¯t fool me,¡± Liam dered, a small frown forming.


    Ethan, feeling defeated, sighed and admitted, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The disappointment in Liam¡¯s eyes was


    palpable. ¡°Is that why you didn¡¯te visit me again?¡± Liam¡¯s voice trembled with a mix of sadness


    and confusion. He sought an exnation ¡°I waited for you at school everyday.¡± Liam rubbed his palms


    together, expressing the void Ethan¡¯s absence had left.


    Ethan¡¯s felt a pang in his heart, a oneness with the boy. He had also missed him. greatly and it had


    taken great effort not to match down to his school everyday. ¡°Was it because you know I don¡¯t like the


    guy at the airport, and it was you, and you thought I don¡¯t like you?¡± Liam sought an exnation, his


    innocent understanding shining through.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied simply, recalling the incident at the airport where Liam had. thought he was picking


    on his younger sister Daisy. Theplexity of the situation was beyond what a child¡¯s ears could


    school. Liam pursed his l*ps at Ethan¡¯s admission. ¡°Do you forgive me?¡± Ethan asked, hoping for


    reconciliation with him.


    Liam sighed deeply


    ¡°I missed you.¡± He muttered hugging Ethan once more. Ethan¡¯s heart nearly melted. He k*ssed the little


    boy¡¯s forehead and adorable chubby cheeks.


    To have the boy love him that much felt like he had won a in life. Nothing else. mattered at that time.


    Then Liam responded a resounding ¡°Yes,¡± while lightly touching Ethan¡¯s face..


    ¡°Can it be our little secret?¡± Ethan proposed; Hazel would raise hell if she found out he had visited her


    kids school. Liam after a moment of contemtion, his finger on his Chin with a contemtive serious


    look agreed.


    ing


    kes me wo w taps, chimed Bathing up bow poly for a promine. In


    em Van abielluc in the blu ho noorwing Bun ww pinky with Buna, waling dos ouw band whmuting at


    would have been very


    we buy red wo that expresive with a new whis thould be a


    should

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    The duo stood In a quiet and secluded corner of the hospital.There, Ethan and Liam shared a heartfelt


    moment, an unexpected sight for those ustomed to Ethan¡¯s renowned cold and aloof demeanor.


    The transformation of this once feared man into a gentle figure in the presence of a child would have


    undoubtedly surprised onlookers.


    Meanwhile, Hazel meticulouslybed through the hospital¡¯s first floor, fervently searching for her


    usually reserved and introverted son, Liam, who usually kept to himself. It was a shock to her when he


    suddenly charged toward Ethan.


    Suddenly, Liam and Ethan spotted Hazel, who was still frantically scanning the area in search of her


    son. Spotting the two of them, Ethan hoisted Liam in his arms and approached Hazel with an awkward


    yet warm greeting. ¡°Hey,¡± Ethan began, while Hazel, relieved to find her son, scolded Liam for running


    off.


    ¡°Liam. You shouldn¡¯t run off on me like that.¡± Hazel scolded.


    ¡°Sorry mama.¡± Liam apologized still being clingy on Ethan.


    ¡°Why did you run off like that?¡± She questioned.


    Liam didn¡¯t give an answer rather hey his head back down of Ethan resting his head on Ethan¡¯s


    shoulder.


    ¡°Liam, do you know him?¡± Hazel asked trailing off slowly. The transparent wall of a hall reflecting their


    image caught the attention of Hazel. The sight of Liam being held in Ethan¡¯s arms looked almost


    natural. Standing there they looked like a family.


    ¡°Well, you can say we¡¯re acquainted. Won¡¯t you, buddy?¡± Ethan asked lightly. Liam. nodded firmly.


    ¡°Well, here you go.¡± Ethan passed Liam back to Hazel, who observed her son¡¯s reluctance and


    questioning gaze, which soon turned sad.


    Hazel understood what was going on. No matter what she couldn¡¯t hide it, Liam was Ethan¡¯s son, the


    son of an Alpha. Although Liam couldn¡¯tprehend it, he felt a certain ease andfort in the arms


    of Ethan. Even though he was too little to have a wolf, something inside of his was drawn to Ethan.


    Liam was alot smarter and sensitive than other kids his age. She decided not to pry or ask questions


    knowing fully well that the two men could not understand why being together was natural to them


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, baby,¡± Hazel whispered, taking Liam from Ethan and cing him on his own feet. ¡°Bye,


    Liam,¡± Ethan said with a sad smile, expressing a desire to spend more time with him. As they walked


    away, Liam took a few steps forward and then ran back to give Ethan¡¯s legs a hug. Chuckling, Ethan


    picked up the child and walked back to Hazel while Liam whispered words into his ears.


    I see you¡¯ve made a friend.¡± Hazel stated staring at Liam¡¯s head. She couldn¡¯t look


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    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    either of the men in the eyes.


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    Ethanughed. ¡°I guess so. This is one special little guy.¡± He ruffled Liam¡¯s hair while Liam looked up at


    him with a smile.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like¡­¡± Hazel was about saying when her words died on her l*ps.


    Another strange sight, Liam wasn¡¯t mad someone was ruilling his perfect hair. Another strange sight,


    Liam wasn¡¯t


    She was about warning Ethan Liam hated people ruffling his hair but looking at the two, it was clear the


    boy liked Ethan¡¯s head rubs. Hazel¡¯s throat felt clogged and choked up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, dragging Liam¡¯s small palm. ¡°Would youe to visit tomorrow?¡± Liam asked,


    looking up at Ethan. ¡°No!¡± Hazel shirked in panic. ¡°Ermm. I mean, Mr. Wild is very busy, and he¡¯s


    already done so much with helping Daisy. He won¡¯t have time for a visit tomorrow,¡± she rushed out.


    Liam¡¯s face fell.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Wild. And I¡¯m sorry for the inconveniences, Hazel muttered with a sigh. Liam


    pouted sadly, looking at the two adults. ¡°Actually, tomorrow¡¯s a weekend. I¡¯ll make sure toe, Ethan


    said, smiling down at Liam. The little boy¡¯s face lit up instantly. ¡°Really?¡± He asked happily. ¡°Yes. Then


    maybe you can show me some of your other paintings you mentioned the other time?¡± Ethan asked,


    pleadingly. ¡°Yes!¡± Liam said, nodding more eagerly this time. Paintings? Hazel stared at her son. Liam


    was sensitive about them, drawing and hiding them. But he was willing to share them with Ethan,


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    whom he had just met? Blood was indeed stronger. She mumbled to herself with a sigh. ¡°Come on.


    Let¡¯s go; Daisy would be waiting.¡± Hazel said, pulling a happier Liam away.


    ¡°Bye,¡± Liam waved happily. ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± Liam squealed, walking while being tugged by his


    mother.


    Ethan smiled wider. When Liam and Hazel went out of sight, his smile died at the realization that


    suddenly hit him; he loved those kids. And he would kill for them. Nothing else mattered, not even their


    biological father. Settling in his car, he wondered in a daze, love indeed does transfer. The love he once


    had for Hazel while being married to her had passed on to her children.


    As Axel pulled into the driveway of his old house, cradling the dog, he essed the security code to


    enter. Once inside, he settled his caninepanion, meticulously packing thest remnants of his


    belongings. He felt relieved to be finally leaving. He had never actually fit into pack dynamic. Being only


    part werewolf, he didn¡¯t have a wolf neither could he shift. He¡¯s practically human but with some


    abilities. Now he wanted to separate himselfpletely from such lifestyle living as a human even


    though he would still work with an Alpha. Amidst the flurry of moving, a long¨Cawaited notification


    buzzed on his phone¨Cthe details of the security camera in his new apartment. Intrigued by the bizarre


    encounter with the mysterious woman who had somehow found her way


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    into his living space, he wanted to discover how and why she had gotten there in the first ce.


    His Previous attempts to review the videos had been thwarted by inadequate setup, but now, armed


    with theplete details, he could check the recorded scene of the security cameras.


    A voice crackled over the phone as the foreman of his renovation project informed him, ¡°The woman


    lives next door. She wasn¡¯t drunk either.¡±


    Still, Axel was curious. He wanted to see for himself the peculiar actions of the woman in his


    apartment. He yearned toprehend her motives, assess if any of his possessions had been


    mishandled, so he could have them reced and ascertain the extent of her weirdnesses. As the high¨C


    quality video unfolded, Axel studied the screen intently, observing the woman¡¯s every move.


    Her eyes had surveyed his apartment, revealing a mix of admiration and fascination. Then the moment


    she had stepped farther to close the balcony slides and had gotten locked inside. She looked like an


    entrapped bunny. The image of her being bored was even more hrious. She talks to herself alot he


    observed. She had spent over thirty minutes groaning and scolding herself for not minding her own


    business.


    Axel chuckled lightly. Then she had gotten enraptured with the lights settings. Her excitement innocent


    and almost childlike. Her smile andughter as the serenes changed. Then the star and moon image¡¯s


    which she had settled on. ¡®she loves moonlight as well. Axel silently noted.


    Contrary to Axel¡¯s expectations, the woman¡¯s actions appeared rtively normal. Her impulsive and


    erratic behavior from the previous night seemed to vanish. Axel found himself contemting. ¡°Maybe


    she isn¡¯t as bad or weird as I thought.¡± A tinge of sympathy arose as he realized she had genuinely


    believed his door was left open, only to find herself identally trapped. As the video concluded, a


    prompt appeared: ¡°Would you like to delete to create more space?¡± Since no suspicious activities were


    found to create space for more recording. With a sigh, he pressed the save option to save the video


    instead.


    She lived right next door. Anyway he could tell, she was like him. He could confirm she was part


    werewolf without any ability like himself who was part werewolf with only heightened sense of smell.


    Ethan arrived home that evening, brimming with joy. His upbeat mood. manifested in his lively ascent


    up the stairs, punctuated by asional whistles. Be, might have noticed these changes, but she was


    engrossed in her own concerns. What her brother told her that day left her unsettled. Someone had


    witnessed that event from years ago. The mere thought of its revtion threatened to shatter her life.


    Anxious, she bit her l*ps nervously. Even her brother, unwilling to disclose the suspected witness¡¯s


    identity. He couldn¡¯t even recall who he had been that night. Be spent the night pondering,


    desperately


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    trying to piece together the fragments of her past.


    D +5 vouchers


    While Ethan peacefully slept, eagerly anticipating the next day to reunite with Liam and Daisy. Bey


    there unsettled and anxious.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


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    Hazel found herself ovee with a sense of weariness as she contemted. Ethan¡¯s impending visit


    the following day. Gratitude filled her for the connection he had with her and her children, yet a growing


    unease gnawed at her. Liam, seemed to be forming a bond with him. And even Daisy, it was clear she


    liked him. Hazel could tell from her eyes on Ethan. She was in awe of his persone. But The fear of


    separation loomed over her like a storm cloud, threatening to disrupt the fragile bnce she had


    maintained.


    She massaged her temples, feeling a headache creeping in. The facade she had meticulously crafted,


    the illusion that these were not Ethan¡¯s children, weighed heavily on her conscience. Despite Ethan¡¯s


    understanding, his love for them was palpable. He had epted they weren¡¯t his but he still loved them


    anyway. The guilt she felt was a heavy burden, one that she struggled to bear.


    As she gazed upon her children¡¯s peaceful sleeping faces, Hazel questioned the choices she had


    made. ¡°Am I doing the right thing? Would they be better off with their own dad?¡± The room was silent


    except for her somber thoughts, echoing in the darkness of the night.


    Ethan¡¯s affectionate gestures toward her kids added anotheryer to her internal conflict. His love was


    evident, and it bothforted and troubled her. The uing day¡¯s visit felt like a ticking time bomb,


    threatening to expose the truth. beneath the delicate web of deception she had woven.


    The night wore on, Hazel sitting awake, wrestling with her emotions. Ethan, though genuinely caring,


    was a busy individual. Ethan was a really busy person. Liam was getting attached, what would happen


    if Ethan suddenly couldn¡¯t make it or stopped visiting? Her little boy¡¯s heart would be broken. Liam was


    busy setting up his paintings that he would show Ethan the next day. Liam¡¯s attachment and excitement


    was clear. He was looking forward to it. It was evident as even during dinner, all Liam could talk about


    was Ethan.


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    The following day, Ethan embarked on a special mission, heading to the toy store with a purpose in


    mind. He had enlisted the services of a high¨Css chef to whip up light snacks for the kids, and for


    Liam, a personalized painting set to fuel his artistic endeavors. Taking charge personally, Ethan


    navigated through the aisles, carefully selecting items¨Ca task that brought back memories of his


    previous shopping spree for Hazel¡¯s kids at the same mall. Arriving a


    at the hospital¡¯s driveway, Ethan,den with toys and a thoughtfully assembled fruit basket, made his


    way inside. However, the ward appeared empty, and a sense of unease washed over him as he gazed


    at the vacant bed.


    ¡°Where are they?¡± he inquired, directing the question to a nurse at the reception. ¡°They left a few hours


    ago, came the reply.


    A wave of panic swept over Ethan. Had Hazel fled with her kids? The unsettling


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


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    thought lingered, No, it couldn¡¯t be, it didn¡¯t make any sense. Maybe she had gotten ufortable with


    him being close to her son and had decided to leave? He wondered his mind reeling in panic recalling


    she had looked very ufortable the previous night he felt even worse. His actions may her


    overwhelmed her and she feeling suffocated might have prompted her to leave, what kind of man


    would be that interested in his ex¨Cwife¡¯s children. He was weird. Realizing he had stepped out of line


    several times. He decided he was going to apologize, for making Hazel ufortable. For intruding in


    their lives when he had no right to.


    With a heavy sigh, he dropped the items he held to the floor.


    Mr Woods?!¡± A familiar voice called breaking through his thoughts. Liam, breaking into a run, collided


    with Ethan¡¯s legs. Relief washed over him as he stared at Hazel, realizing they hadn¡¯t left after all.


    ¡°Ethan? Are you okay?¡± Hazel inquired, and Liam¡¯s gaze mirrored the concern.


    Ufortably clearing his throat, Ethan responded.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± Hazel¡¯s soft voice beckoned him once more.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine. Where did you go? I came, and there was no sign of you guys. The nurse said you left,¡±


    Ethan said, his voice tinged with relief as he stroked Liam¡¯s head.


    I¡¯ll go set up my paints,¡± Liam said as he darted into the room, Daisy followed close behind.


    ¡°We went home for a little while. The kids hadn¡¯t really eaten a home¨Ccooked meal for some time now.


    And Dr. Gomez said it was okay to go and return,¡± Hazel exined. Ethan¡¯s relief was visible.


    ¡°When I came, I was told you guys left. I thought I¡¯d made you ufortable, and that you got scared


    and left,¡± Ethan confessed sincerely.


    Ethan admitted his wrongdoing and expressed remorse for intruding into their lives. ¡°Reflecting back on


    past actions. I was wrong, I hadpletely no rights to intrude into your lives like that. I¡¯m sorry if I ever


    made you ufortable or put you in a difficult spot. Even worse I invited myself here today, i was


    intruding without stopping to think how ufortable it would make you feel¡±


    Ethan.¡± Hazel called putting an arm on his. She gave him a small smile. She was genuinely touched.


    Ethan had changed so much, his words had touched her deeply. ¡°You¡¯ve helped us. You found Dr.


    Gomez, and you got that room that¡¯s sofortable we can all sleep in it. Thank you, Ethan. Although


    Liam¡¯s closeness to you took me off guard yesterday, I understand everything you ever did was try to


    help us. Not impose. And for that, I¡¯m grateful.¡±


    Ethan sighed audibly, his shoulders visibly rxing as they locked eyes for a poignant moment. Their


    connection deepened.


    ¡°Mommy!¡± Daisy¡¯s call snapped them out of their reverie. Standing at the door, Daisy cast a curious


    nce at Ethan, her bright smile revealing her fondness for


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    him.


    ¡°Hey, Mr. Wild,¡± she greeted shyly, fiddling with her dress shyly.


    ¡°Hey, Fluffy,¡± Ethan responded with a small smile.


    ¡°Would you like to watch Peppa Pig with me?¡± she asked, her head bowed.


    Hazel, observing the interaction, shrugged,


    Ethan nced at Hazel his eyes beaming with longing but he needed to get her confirmation that she


    was okay with him there.


    Hazel shrugged, now it wasn¡¯t only Liam but Daisy had also fallen for Ethan¡¯s charm. She couldn¡¯t do


    anything about it. realizing that Daisy, too, had fallen under Ethan¡¯s charm.


    Chuckling, Ethan squatted to Daisy¡¯s level. ¡°I¡¯ll love to, bunny,¡± he said, prompting delighted ps from


    Daisy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to everyone!¡± she dered before running off.


    ¡°Mr. Wild? I¡¯m all set,¡± Liam called out impatiently, casting an using look at his mom, who seemed to


    have kept Ethan away from him for too long.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna show you my painting.¡± Liam dered, holding Ethan¡¯s hand and leading him into the room.


    Hazel¡¯s smile faded slowly, a thoughtful expression settling on her face.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    As the vibrant colors from twopleted paintings and theughter from three episodes of Peppa Pig


    filled the room, the kids eagerly settled down to indulge in the delightful snacks that Ethan had


    thoughtfully brought. Their attention, however, was entirely captivated by Ethan, almost as if Hazel


    were an invisible presence in the room. Observing the unique bond forming between Ethan and her


    children, a realization dawned on Hazel ¨C she was witnessing a side of her kids. she hadn¡¯t seen


    before, an aspect previously unknown to her. Liam, in particr, was unusually talkative, making it


    evident that they yearned for both parental figures. No matter how hard Hazel tried, the presence of a


    father figure seemed indispensable.


    ¡°Hazel, I left something in the car. I¡¯ll just head downstairs for a few minutes to retrieve them,¡± Ethan


    announcedter, his hands had been upied with the basket and snacks, leaving him unable to bring


    along the additional items. ¡°Can I go with?¡± Liam inquired.


    ¡°Ok, Hazel replied calmly.


    Returning upstairs, Liam tightly clutched a paint set, his eyes lighting up with joy as Ethan presented it


    to him. The excitement escted as Liam leaped around, expressing gratitude with a big hug. On the


    other hand, Daisy who had been. content with being an observer, giggled and pped upon receiving


    the princess set Ethan had chosen for her.


    Hazel found herself baffled. Ethan had instinctively selected toys that perfectly aligned with each child¡¯s


    interests. Daisy, however, seemed utterly captivated by Ethan, kept staring at him in fascination. She


    observed him with her arms under her chin as Liam drew a picture of him.


    ¡°You¡¯re so pretty,¡± Daisy remarkedter holding Ethan¡¯s face in her small palms. Ethan burst into hearty


    squeezing her cheeks and eliciting moreughter from Daisy.


    Daisy, still amused, chimed in, ¡°You called me bunny.¡± She said admistughter. ¡°Yes, because you¡¯re


    cute, soft, and round,¡± Ethan exined, squeezing her cheeks. yfully. Daisy erupted into even louder


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll call you Mr. Princess,¡± Daisy dered, ¡°because you¡¯re beautiful. Like a princess.¡±


    ¡°Daisy, boys can¡¯t be beautiful,¡± Liam corrected.


    ¡°Yes, they are. He looks like Princess Natalie from Sunny Whiskers,¡± Daisy argued back.


    Their yful bickering continued, providing a hrious and entertaining. spectacle that left Ethan in fits


    ofughter.


    1


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


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    ¡°What do you do on weekends?¡± Daisy inquired, genuinely curious. Ethan shrugged. ¡°Work.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s boring.¡± Daisy remarked, scrunching her nose in distaste.


    Ethan chuckled. ¡°I guess it is.¡±


    Observing that her presence wasn¡¯t needed at the moment, Hazel decided to seize the opportunity to


    head to the cafe and work on her designs. ncing back before leaving, she realized her kids were so


    engrossed in their y that they hadn¡¯t even registered her announcement of departure. Liam gave a


    nonmittal farewell, while Daisy busied herself fixing a tiara on Ethan¡¯s head. Rolling her eyes at


    their antics, Hazel stepped out, leaving the lively trio behind. Excitement filled the room as Liam,


    proudly brandishing his new paint set and toys, dered, ¡°I¡¯ll show my friends this when I go to school


    tomorrow.¡± The vibrant energy, however, abruptly shifted as Daisy¡¯s expression transformed into one of


    sadness, her eyes reflecting a profound mncholy.


    Noticing Daisy¡¯s sudden change, Ethan called out to her, gently holding her small hands. ¡°Hey, why do


    you look so sad?¡± he asked, his tone soft andforting. As he looked into herrge, round eyes now


    brimming with tears, Ethan felt a pang in his heart at the sight of her teary eyed. At that moment he was


    willing to do anything to make her happy, he never wanted to see that expression ever again on her


    face.


    Without hesitation, Ethan tenderly picked Daisy up. In a barely audible voice, she confided, ¡°I don¡¯t get


    to go to school.¡± The weight of her words lingered, and Liam, sensing his sister¡¯s distress, approached


    solemnly.


    ¡°She¡¯s sad because she can¡¯t go to school anymore. She has to stay at the hospital. She likes school.


    Our Daisy stays alone all day,¡± Liam exined, his tone reflecting shared sorrow. ¡°Mommy won¡¯t let me


    stay back tomorrow. I already skipped school on Friday,¡± he added, a sigh betraying his own


    disappointment.


    With genuine concern, Liam reached out, holding Daisy¡¯s tiny foot, and pleaded, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Daisy. He


    pleaded sadly


    ¡®So, you want to go to school?¡± Ethan asked Daisy, encouraging her to share her feelings. In response,


    she slowly raised her head, meeting his gaze, and nodded. The sadness in the room resonated,


    providing insight into why Hazel was determined to expedite Daisy¡¯s release from the hospital. While


    the ward necessary for her health and was now made to afortable room, to Daisy, it remained a


    restrictive space, simr to a prison preventing her from going to ces she loved.


    As night fell, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the hospital grounds, Hazel


    sought refuge in a covered area. The evening breeze gently yed with her hair, providing a much¨C


    needed respite from the emotional whirlwind that had enveloped her.


    Watching Ethan¡¯s natural camaraderie with her children had stirred a mix of


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    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Lunat


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    emotions within Hazel. It was as if a cinematic reel of ¡°what if¡¯s¡± unfolded in her mind, weaving a


    tapestry of scenarios that could never be real. Not even in at million years.


    Unbeknownst to Hazel, time had sl*pped away as she lost herself in contemtion. When she finally


    nced at her phone, theteness of the hour brought a realization that jolted her back to the present.


    Instead if heading to the cafe as nned, she had unwittingly wandered around the hospital grounds,


    finding temporary sce in the waiting area as her thoughts danced through intricate mazes of


    possibility.


    With a sigh that carried the weight of her musings, Hazel decided it was time to return to the room. The


    sh between dreams and the stark reality lingered, casting a subtle shadow over her as she retraced


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    her steps to the space where Ethan and her children awaited her presence.


    Stepping into the room, the sight she was greeted with left her stunned.

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    As Hazel stepped into the room, the sight she was greeted with waspletely. unexpected. The


    space, once defined by the practicality of a sofa and television, had been transformed into a makeshift


    tent. A bedspread, artfully erected, stood. as the centerpiece, adorned with scattered toys that hinted at


    an impromptu camping adventure or some imaginative game that had unfolded in her absence. Despite


    the vibrant chaos of scattered toys, an unexpected tranquility enveloped the room. The trio; Ethan,


    Daisy, and Liam,y sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the world around them. Ethan, sprawled on


    the sofa, served as an inadvertent camp counselor and bed, with Daisy sprawled across his chest and


    Liam, the little adventurer, curled up on his legs, Liam was hugging Ethan¡¯s legs in his sleep, for little


    boy just loved the man¡¯s legs.


    The scene was undeniably adorable, a revtion that caught Hazel off guard and prompted a genuine


    burst ofughter. It was a side of Ethan Wild she hadn¡¯t anticipated the man who could turn a room into


    a yground and, more significantly, share moments of joy with children. These aren¡¯t just any children


    Hazel, they were his children, a part of her mind told her.


    As she carefully stepped through the delightful chaos of toys, minding her footing. not to step on any


    toys. Daisy stirred in her sleep, a slight twitch that would have disced her. However, even in his


    slumber, Ethan¡¯s instincts kicked in. With an almost instinctive movement, he grabbed unto and


    secured Daisy, to himself preventing her from tumbling to the floor. The silent tableau spoke volumes.


    about the unexpected tenderness within Ethan, a scene that left Hazel both amused and


    contemtive.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Hazel called out softly, and his eyes snapped open almost immediately.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he muttered, blinking in the soft light filtering through the room.


    ¡°Pretty wild party you guys had,¡± Hazel remarked, a light tease in her tone. Ethan chuckled, ncing at


    the still¨Csleeping kids.


    ¡°Come on, papa bear,¡± Hazel called lightly, attempting to pry Liam off Ethan¡¯s legs. Liam grumbled and


    clung tighter.


    ¡°Liam, wake up,¡± she coaxed gently.


    ¡°Mama,¡± Liam mumbled, still deeply immersed in his dreams.


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    ¡°Yes, baby. Come to bed now,¡± she whispered, managing to lift him gently and carry him to his bed.


    Ethan stood carefully with a still¨Csleeping Daisy, cradling her in his arms with evident affection. The


    tugged at Hazel¡¯s emotions¨Ca sleepy


    Ethan with ruffled hair, holding a peacefully slumbering child.


    He moved Daisy to the bed slowly, tucking her in with a tenderness that echoed through the room. /


    1


    ¡°That¡¯s thest of them,¡± Ethan said lightly, his gaze soft on the sleeping child.


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    Hazel burst intoughter, quickly muffling the sound.


    ? +5 vouchers


    ¡°What? Is there still something on my face?¡± Ethan asked in confusion. He sighed, running a hand


    across his face.


    ¡°I thought i got it all out.¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡± Hazel asked, stillughing.


    ¡°Daisy got creative. She said I¡¯d look good with a mustache, so she borrowed. Liam¡¯s paint and drew


    one for me. See?¡± Ethan showcased his makeshift


    mustache, flexing it with pride. Hazel continued tough.


    ¡°I thought it would have cleaned off by now. I guess Jack¡¯s painting kit is a little bit. more reliable than I


    thought,¡± he said lightly.


    ¡°Here, let me help you,¡± Hazel said, grabbing some wipes. Walking over to Ethan, she began to wipe


    off the artistic addition.


    Ethan, up close, couldn¡¯t help but focus on Hazel¡¯s features. His senses were attuned to her her


    wless skin, her l*ps. Hazel concentrated on the task at hand.


    ¡°There, all done,¡± Hazel said with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Ethan replied.


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± she said lightly.


    ¡°No, Hazel. Thank you,¡± he expressed, his gratitude sincere. ¡°You know normally I would spend the


    weekends at work. At the office or other things, but for the first time in a really long time, I spent the


    weekend in a different way. For letting me visit and spend time with your kids, bringing a change to my


    horrid routine, thank you.¡± Ethan said.


    Hazel felt her throat tighten, nodding in acknowledgment. She managed a small smile.


    ¡°I realized I don¡¯t have your contact. Getting the kids¡® snacks, I wanted to ask if they¡¯re allergic to


    anything, but I couldn¡¯t reach you,¡± Ethan exined, pulling out his phone. Hazel entered her phone


    number, and he dialed it immediately, her phone vibrating on the table.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes fell on Daisy¡¯s sleeping form. ¡°She¡¯ll be stuck here a couple of months,¡± he stated.


    Hazel sighed, taking a seat on Daisy¡¯s bed.


    ¡°She really loves school, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Ethan chuckled lightly as Daisy tossed, clutching her stuffed


    tortoise tightly. Hazel gave a small smile, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in his observation.


    ¡°Well, so goodnight then, Ethan said.


    ¡°Yes, good night, Ethan. And thank you again for everything,¡± Hazel expressed her gratitude.


    Ethan nodded firmly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to see me off,¡± Hazel nodded in


    acknowledgment.


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    Aiphor¡¯s Regret ¨C Pregnant Rejected Tama


    ¡°Mr. Princess,¡± Daisy called from her sleep.


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    ¡°He¡¯s gone, baby,¡± Hazel replied gently, stroking her daughter¡¯s hair. Daisy settled. back, sleeping


    peacefully. The room was quiet, and the world seemed to have gone to sleep. Hazel sat there alone


    with her thoughts.


    Ethan stopped at the first floor of the hospital. There were things he needed to check. Unsatisfied with


    his discovery on the first floor, he headed back to the elevator and went to the second. Finally, he found


    it¨Carge, spacious area. He looked around, already making ns for what and how it would look.


    Satisfied, he turned to leave, and as he stepped outside, rain greeted him. He ran to his car, settling in,


    intending to call the hospital director when something caught his


    attention.


    It was a picture. Ethan smiled at the sight¨CLiam had taken a selfie with his phone. Ethan slid to the next


    one; there were more! Heughed at the silly poses and styles the boy had taken. Settling on thest


    one, Ethan stroked the picture slowly. There were a total of four pictures. They had really made his day.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky, Hazel. Very lucky.¡±


    Starting the engine of his car, he drove off.


    Ethan found himself smiling on his drive back home, recalling how the kids were the first time he met


    them¨Cthey hadn¡¯t liked him, but it was different now. Maybe it was because he had changed. Meeting


    them had changed him; they liked him now, the same way he liked them.


    Making the decision to put his n in motion, he dialed Axel¡¯s number. Axel answered on the third ring.


    ¡°Mr. Wild,¡± Axel acknowledged through the phone, but at that very moment, chaos erupted in the


    background, drowning out their conversation.


    ¡°Axel!¡± Ethan urgently called out, but all he could hear was a cacophony of noise, apanied by


    Axel¡¯s


    ¡°Axel!¡± Ethan urgentlyroaning in the mix. Then, abruptly, static buzzed,


    and the line went dead, leaving Ethan in suspense and concern about what might be happening on the


    other end of the call.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Jasmine had spent the entire day immersed in thefortable cocoon of her home, surrounded by the


    familiarfort of her living space. The muffled sounds of her new neighbor¡¯s movements next door


    had piqued her curiosity, creating a backdrop to her day as she toggled between work and the


    monotony of television.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of warm orange and pink across the sky, Jasmine


    decided to treat herself to a meal ordered from her favorite local restaurant. The aroma of the delivered


    food filled her kitchen, teasing her taste buds and sparking an unexpected craving for a cold, fizzy c


    toplement the vors.


    To her dismay, a thorough search of her refrigerator revealed an empty space where her beloved c


    bottles should have been. The realization was apanied by another, more pressing shortage, she


    was out of tissue, an essentialmodity she couldn¡¯t do without that night.


    Jasmine, normally hated venturing out into the night, found herself caught in a dilemma. The feeling of


    being followed and watched bing more frequent recently. However, thee craving for c and the


    necessity of tissue forced her to confront the inevitable journey to the store. She sighed, resigning


    herself to the fact that she had no other option but to brave the nocturnal streets.


    Before venturing out, she nced through the peephole in her front door, ensuring her new neighbor


    wasn¡¯t lingering outside. The memory of her embarrassing encounter from the previous day when she


    had intrude into his home, gotten locked in and fallen asleep in his home added an extrayer of


    hesitation due to the awkwardness of the situation. Jasmine took a deep breath, steeling herself for the


    encounter ahead, unsure of how to face the neighbor she had unwittingly intruded upon but determined


    to avoid him for as long as possible


    Stepping into the well¨Clit mart, Jasmine meticulously selected the items she needed, carefully cing


    each one in her basket. As she approached the cashier, she efficiently paid for her purchases and


    made her way towards the exit, a sense of anxiousness and eagerness to return to her warm home.


    However, the instant she stepped out, the weather took an unexpected turn. What had started as a


    gentle drizzle intensified into a heavier downpour. The raindrops, Realizing the impossibility of braving


    the rain, Jasmine hurriedly retraced her steps, seeking refuge back inside warm store.


    Standing near the entrance, she scanned the store for umbres and quickly grabbed one. Just as she


    secured the umbre, her attention shifted. Through the periphery of her vision, she caught sight of a


    mysterious figure, a tall, lean man cloaked in a dark hoodie that veiled his face in shadow. Intrigued


    and mildly unnerved, Jasmine felt an unspoken gaze upon her, causing a subtle shiver to


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


    dance down her spine.


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    She stole a nce at the enigmatic stranger, only to find him apparently engrossed in his own


    activities, and seemingly oblivious to her presence. Dismissing her unease as paranoia, she decided to


    proceed with her purchase. Yet, an inexplicable suspicion lingered, particrly as she observed the


    man selecting just a single bottle from the shelf.


    Unable to shake off her wariness, Jasmine¡¯s instincts guided her to the safety section. She added a


    small but potent bottle of pepper spray to her acquisitions, at subtleyer of caution in response to the


    mysterious encounter. Completing her additional purchase, she paid for the items, her eyes periodically


    darting towards the hooded figure who still maintained an air of intrigue and seemed oblivious to her.


    With a calcted stride, Jasmine headed back into the rainy night, her umbre shielding her from both


    the downpour and the lingering uncertainty sparked by the enigmatic man in the hoodie.


    Jasmine walked the rain¨Csoaked streets in near silence, the rhythmic tapping of raindrops on her


    umbre the only sound through the still cold night. The world around her seemed to exist in a muted


    palette, the dim glow of streetlights casting elongated shadows on the wet pavement. A subtle unease


    crept over Jasmine, as if the raindrops themselves carried whispers of an impending encounter.


    A chill ran down her spine, not solely induced by the cold rain, but by an unsettling awareness. Turning


    her head ever so slightly, she confirmed her suspicions someone was indeed trailing her through the


    she had noticed from the store whose presence had unsettled her. A knot tightened in her stomach as


    she quickened her pace, the muted echoes of her footsteps apanying the distant hum of rainfall.


    Choosing a turn that led towards the street preceding her apartment, Jasmine hoped to shake off her


    hooded pursuer. To her dismay, the echo of footsteps persisted, a relentless reminder that she was not


    alone. The istion of the dimly. lit streets magnified the palpable fear that gripped her.


    Her palms, clutching the umbre, began to moisten with nervous sweat. The cold rain, once a mere


    inconvenience, now intensified the sense of vulnerability that enveloped her. Streetlights, once guiding


    beacons, flickered and turned off throwing the whole street into darkness.


    In a desperate attempt to distance herself, Jasmine quickened her pace, each step a manifestation of


    her escting panic. Behind her, the hooded figure maintained a deliberate, almost leisurely pursuit.


    Gripping the small but potent bottle of pepper spray in her hand, she silently thanked herself for the


    impulsive purchase. Taking the next bend, she dared a furtive nce over her shoulder, hoping against


    hope that the hooded stalker had relented. The chilling realization struck when her eyes met his


    obscured gaze. His unhurried gait, a stark contrast to her hastened steps, painted an unsettling picture


    of a predator relishing the pursuit


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    Every step seemed to echo the pounding rhythm of her elerated heartbeat. The stalker, undeterred,


    strolled with an eerie nonchnce, amplifying the psychological torment. In the symphony of rain and


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    footsteps, fear crescendoed within Jasmine, a dissonant chord in the otherwise serene night.


    In the shadowy dance of the night, the man in the ominous hoodie persisted in his pursuit, an


    unwee specter tailing Jasmine through the damp streets. As the sense of unease tightened around


    her, she drew a deep breath, feeling the surge of adrenaline preparing her for an unexpected


    confrontation. A subtle tension hung in the air, the anticipation of a sh between prey and predator.


    The eerie quiet was abruptly shattered by the intrusive ring of the stalker¡¯s phone, its vibration


    resonating through the light drizzle like a discordant melody. Caught off guard, he paused to answer


    the call, unwittingly providing Jasmine with a fleeting window of opportunity. Positioned strategically at


    a bend, she embraced the rush of adrenaline, ready to turn the tables.


    As the hooded figure pivoted to resume his pursuit, Jasmine charged forward with an unyielding force,


    her umbre bing an impromptu weapon in her hands. The impact reverberated with a groan from


    the stalker, he hadn¡¯t anticipated it and was caughtpletely off guard. But the man was Agile and


    resilient, he swiftly recovered, grabbing at the umbre in a bid to regain control. Jasmine¡¯s involuntary


    shriek echoed through the night.


    Undeterred, Jasmine¡¯s resourcefulness kicked in. In a swift and decisive move, she reached for the


    pepper spray, unleashing its potent stream directly into the stalker¡¯s face. Her yell apanied the


    stinging mist, a visceral expression of defiance. The man groaned loudly, momentarily incapacitated as


    he grappled with the painful assault on his senses.


    Seizing the opportune moment, Jasmine continued her counterattack. A resolute kick found its mark,


    momentarily throwing the stalker off bnce. With a quick recovery, she retrieved her umbre,


    transforming it into a relentless instrument of self¨Cdefense. Each swing and thrust became a cathartic


    release, a physical. manifestation of her will to resist.


    Amidst the chaos, her voice echoed through the lonely street, a defiant. promation in the face of


    danger. ¡°You crazy stalker! Stop following me!¡± Each word carried the weight of her fear, the echoes of


    her courage reverberating in the night. The rain, no longer a mere backdrop, became a symbol of


    resilience, bearing witness to the struggle of a frightened woman.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Axel¡¯s day kicked off on a terrible note. The relentless yelps of a distressed puppy invaded his peaceful


    sleep, disrupting the tranquility of the night. The persistent cries echoed through his dreams, creating a


    dissonant symphony that refused to end. He stayed awake tossing and turning in bed. The dog finally


    took a short nap then woke again yelping even louder than before seemingly energized from the


    nap.


    Feeling a pang of concern for the canine, and needing to cease the dogs constant disturbance, Axel


    reluctantly abandoned his half¨Cfinished work and embarked on a journey to the local vet. The puppy,


    seemingly possessed by an incessant need to vocalize its difort, continued its relentless yelling all


    through the drive till they got to the clinic. Axel who was used to the solitude and calmness of morning


    drives now had an uncooperative and loudpanion.


    Upon arrival at the vet¡¯s clinic, Axel deposited the agitated pup onto the counter, its cries escting to


    new heights.


    Axel, visibly frustrated, expressed his exasperation to the vet, ¡°This creature won¡¯t stop crying.¡±


    The friendly vet approached the distressed furball. With a gentle demeanor, she engaged in a yful


    interaction while conducting a thorough examination. Although she had a hunch about the root cause of


    the pup¡¯s distress, she diligently performed a routine check to ensure aprehensive understanding.


    After a considerable amount of time, the vet sighed, her smile revealing a mix of empathy and


    amusement. There was nothing wrong with the dog. She approached Axel, who had be


    engrossed in his phone during the wait.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with the dog. The woman said with a small smile. Upon learning that the dog


    was in perfect health, Axel felt a sense of relief, audibly expressing.


    ¡°Oh, good.¡± However, the mystery behind the incessant yelping still loomed,


    tranquility, the puppy had disrupted Axel¡¯s carefully orchestrated routine, introducing an unexpected


    symphony of bawling into his once serene. environment.


    casting a shadow over Axel¡¯s peace of mind. Aed to solitude and


    ¡°You¡¯re sure it isn¡¯t broken?¡± Axel quizzed.


    ¡°I mean if nothing is wrong with it then why won¡¯t it stop yelping? I¡¯m about to lose my mind,¡± Axel


    groaned, his voice tinged with genuine distress. The puppy¡¯s presence had brought about an


    unwee shift, in just two days it had turned Axel¡¯s life to something else. It was very demanding


    asking for attention in ways. he hadn¡¯t anticipated, from having to care for something; from nurturing


    and feeding then to enduring the constant chorus of yells and whimpers. The adorable yet demanding


    creature seemed to have a knack for interrupting his


    12:19 D


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    solitude. Axel¡¯s eyes showed sincere weariness. He was drained.


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    ¡°He wakes up, he cries. After eating, the same bouts of yelling and whimpering. Once I put it down, the


    very same thing! It only goes silent sometimes when I pick it up. I can¡¯t be holding a puppy every single


    minute¡­¡± Axel poured out his frustration, searching for answers to the enigma that had be his


    daily struggle.


    Amid Axel¡¯s exasperation, the vet calmly interrupted, ¡°It¡¯s a husky.¡± The words. hung in the air, leaving


    Axel with a puzzled expression. Sensing his confusion, the woman borated, shedding light on the


    peculiarities of the husky breed. ¡°They are really expressive and really loud. That¡¯s just how it is.¡±


    Axel, frustrated sought rification, his voice echoing his exasperation..


    ¡°So, its yelling is normal? Not that it¡¯s broken, or hurt or something?¡±


    The vet, adopting a reassuring tone, replied, ¡°Pretty much. Although when he grows up, he would get


    better. Now, it¡¯s just an adorable little baby. Aren¡¯t you a little buddy? Yes, you are. The puppy


    responded with enthusiasm, wagging its tail and yfully sticking out its tiny tongue, emb*dying the


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    epitome of canine charm.


    This was going to be a problem an expressive and vocal husky, a stark contrast to his ustomed


    quietude.


    Curiosity sparked, the vet inquired, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    Axel¡¯s gaze lingered on the happily ying puppy. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have one.¡±


    |


    The puppy, engrossed in its newfound toy, disyed a charming distraction. As it frolicked about, the


    toy seemed to hold an enchanting allure, momentarily quieting the energetic husky. Then it hit him, the


    puppy was practically a baby. but it didn¡¯t have any toys.


    The woman, taken aback by Axel¡¯s response, expressed a mix of surprise and curiosity. Axel, with a


    calm yet earnest demeanor, leaned in slightly and lowered his voice. ¡°Listen, do you happen to know


    anyone who desperately wants a puppy?¡±


    ¡°Ah, a rescue?¡± the woman inquired.


    ¡°I found it on my porch,¡± Axel revealed.


    ¡°So you found each other, she stated, almost dreamily.


    Axel went on exining why he still had the puppy even though he didn¡¯t want it ¡°The shelters are full.


    They couldn¡¯t take him in. So I¡¯m keeping him for now.¡± The woman¡¯s expression softened with


    understanding. ¡°That¡¯s really nice.¡± Axel sighed


    The puppy, now thoroughly exhausted, yawned and stretched, its little pink tongue peeking out in an


    adorable disy. Axel couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the cute sight, momentarily forgetting the chaos the


    little canine had introduced into his life over the past two days.


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    ¡°Sure you don¡¯t know anyone who wants an adorable, bawling dog?¡± Axel questioned, a hint of


    desperation coloring his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but no,¡± the woman responded sympathetically. Axel nodded in understanding, letting out


    another sigh.


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    ¡°I should probably stop by a store to get earplugs,¡± Axel mumbled, expressing his defeat in dealing with


    the incessant puppy cries.


    The woman chuckled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. ¡°But I know how I can help you,¡± she dered,


    offering a potential solution to Axel¡¯s predicament. ¡°Oh good, you¡¯ve got earplugs? That would be


    saving me a trip to the store,¡± Axel quipped, hopeful for a quick fix to the canine¨Cinduced noise


    pollution.


    The womanughed. ¡°You are going to need earplugs. But huskies are a handful,¡± she warned,


    acknowledging the challenges of dealing with this particr breed. ¡°Oh really? I never knew that,¡± Axel


    replied with a touch of sarcasm, realizing that his hasty adoption decision hade with unforeseen


    ¡°What do you feed him?¡± she inquired, shifting the conversation to the practical aspects of puppy care.


    ¡°The regr,¡± Axel replied nonchntly, giving a shrug as if to suggest it was a simple matter.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give you a list of dog foods and medications you¡¯ll be needing,¡± the woman said, fetching a


    piece of paper to provide Axel with the essentials of responsible puppy parenting. ¡°And you¡¯ll need to


    bring him back in a couple of weeks, a month actually, to get him a vine,¡± she added, emphasizing


    the importance of routine veterinary care.


    ¡°Oh no, I won¡¯t be keeping him that long.¡± Axel responded.


    The woman regarded him with a thoughtful expression. ¡°Here, just hold onto it in case,¡± she suggested,


    handing him the piece of paper. ¡°I¡¯ll keep it, for whoever takes and decides to keep him.¡±


    Picking up the small dog, Axel headed back to his car, mentally preparing for the ongoing adventure


    and challenges that apanied his unexpected role as a puppy parent.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Gently cradling the now peacefully sleeping small dog in his arms, Axel made his way back to his car,


    determined to ensure afortable journey for his newfoundpanion. As he carefully ced the


    slumbering pup on the car seat and began reversing, an unforeseen disruption urred the sudden


    movement jostled the puppy, causing it to tumble onto the car floor.


    Axel swiftly hit the brakes, a look of concern crossing his face. He stepped out of the car, lifting the


    drowsy dog back into his arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. That must have. hurt,¡± Axel apologized, his empathy evident


    in his voice. ¡°But at least you know what it feels like to have your sleep interrupted, so I guess we¡¯re


    even,¡± he added with a hint of humor, acknowledging the shared experience of disrupted slumber


    between they had both suffered.


    this in


    Making a mental note to invest in a dog car seat for future journeys, Axel secured the puppy more


    effectively this time, ensuring its safety before resuming the drive.


    with


    ¡°Puppy!¡± echoed a little girl¡¯s delighted squeal as she caught sight of the dog nestled in Axel¡¯s arms.


    When he pulled in at a shopping mall. Her eyes lit up anticipation. ¡°Can I hold him?¡± she pleaded, her


    excitement palpable. Axel, momentarily taken aback by the fervor the small canine had generated,


    wondering:¡® all this excitement for a dog?; eventually obliged. Lowering the puppy gently into the eager


    girl¡¯s arms, the once¨Csleeping creature transformed into a yful ball of fur. It wagged it¡¯s


    enthusiastically, and with equal enthusiasm, it showered the girl with affectionate licks, eliciting joyous


    After concluding their shopping adventure, Axel retraced his steps back to the pack house, already the


    not to leave the housepletely bare.


    Upon arriving at his newly acquired apartment suite, Axel meticulously unloaded. the multitude of items


    he had amassed throughout the day. Engaging in an extensive shopping spree, he procured groceries


    and toiletries not only for himself but also for histest addition, the dog. The apartment¡¯s ambiance


    underwent a noticeable transformation, departing from the usual minimalist appearance of Axel¡¯s


    previous dwellings.


    Intriguingly, Axel¡¯s living space now boasted an eclectic array of dog essentials, from specialized


    equipment to an assortment of yful toys and afortable bed.


    This meticulous nning manifested in a thoughtful selection of items, bncing practicality with a


    touch of aesthetic appeal. Axel had spared no expenses. He had no ns of keeping the dog for long


    but figured he had to get. everything well in ce. When sending the puppy back to the shelter he


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    would send all of the purchases along with it. With such thoughts he didn¡¯t spare


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    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


    anything and bought as he saw fit.


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    With household chorespleted, Axel opted for the convenience of ordering takeout, a wee


    break from culinary responsibilities. Settling down for dinner, he ced the dog¡¯s food nearby.


    However, to his surprise, the small canine.panion chose a more contemtive approach, fixating


    its gaze on the untouched te before it. Then started it¡¯s whimpering once more.


    It reminded Axel of the special dietary requirements suggested by the vet, particrly tailored to


    amodate the distinctive needs of the puppy¡¯s breed when it came to sustenance.


    Unfortunately, Axel¡¯s ns had hit a snag when he discovered that the grocery store he had initially


    visited waspletely out of stock of the prescribed food brand and he andpletely forgotten about


    it. A resigned sigh escaped him as he reluctantly abandoned his half¨Ceaten dinner, faced with the


    challenge of finding a suitable alternative that evening.


    Stepping outside, the cold air embraced Axel, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of impending rain.


    Undeterred, he retraced his steps to the elevator, making his way back to his t to fetch a hoodie in


    preparation for the weather change. Amid his search, his hands happened upon arger one with a


    zipper extending to cover part of the face.


    With an annoyed grunt he headed back downstairs ming the dog for how his life had turned, what


    kind of dog select¡¯s food he wondered in annoyance.


    Axel ventured into a store nestled among the neighboring buildings, a beacon of hope in his


    determined search. After scanning the shelves he finallyid his eyes on the coveted item¨Cthest can,


    standing alone on the shelf. With careful consideration.


    Axel, armed with the singr can of dog meal, embarked on the journey back to his apartment. Rain


    begun to fall as he had suspected. It started with a gentle drizzle, which soon evolved into a rhythmic


    downpour. Unfazed by the rainfall, Axel was coveredpletely within the sheltering folds of his


    hoodie, the rhythmic beat of the raindrops providing an oddlyforting soundtrack to his solitary


    stroll.


    In the midst of this atmospheric tranquility, Axel¡¯s serene stroll was abruptly interrupted by the insistent


    buzz of his phone. Pausing momentarily, he retrieved. the device, his attention shifting from the


    soothing cadence of raindrops to the impending call.


    ¡°¡°Mr. Wild,¡± Axel intoned solemnly into the phone, expecting a routine business. exchange to unfold.


    However, fate had other ns as, in an unexpected twist, he was suddenly thrust into a chaotic scene.


    He was suddenly hit and assaulted. The phone sl*pped from his grasp, ttering to the floor, as an


    onught of blows rained down upon him.


    As he grappled to shield himself and regain his bnce, grabbing the umbre, the assaulter released


    it momentarily and additional assault ensued, this time in


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    the form of pepper spray. A searing difort enveloped him, momentarily disorienting his senses.


    Seizing the opportunity created by Axel¡¯s momentary vulnerability, the assant, relentless and


    determined, retrieved the umbre. Amidst the tumult, a voice. shattered through the chaos.


    A realization struck him, he was being attack by a woman, her words cutting through the rain¨Csoaked


    air.


    Exercising restraint, Axel refrained from retaliating, aware that a single defensive move on his part


    could have dire consequences for the assant. Irritation surged within him as the umbre struck his


    head once more, but he held back, understanding the potential repercussions of his actions.


    ¡°Leave me alone, you stalker!¡± the woman¡¯s voice echoed. Axel, now standing in a defensive stance,


    felt a mix of frustration and confusion. The umbre¡¯s impact persisted, prompting Axel to assertively


    seize it midair, preventing further blows. fromnding on his person.


    ¡°Enough!¡± he yelled, a fusion of anger and exasperation coloring his tone. As the rain continued to fall,


    the woman¡¯s features gradually became distinguishable through the haze of the encounter. Recognition


    dawned on Axel as he discerned. the familiar face, it was the same woman from the exhibitio the one


    who had intruded into his house and now she had attacked him branding him a stalker. without cause.


    The perplexing and confrontational encounter hade full circle, leaving Axel panting, both from


    physical exertion and the surreal nature of the situation.


    Her irrational acts solidified his suspicion, she was deranged or mentally unstable.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    ¡°Enough!¡±


    Axel¡¯s exasperated voice echoed through the relentless downpour, a blend of frustration and confusion


    melding with the gentle beat of the raindrops. Feeling the need to breathe, Axel hastily freed himself


    from the confining embrace of his hoodie, the drenched fabric clinging to his skin like a secondyer.


    ¡°You?!¡± They chorused in disbelief, the shared surprise cutting through the pouring rain.


    Jasmine, her voice barely audible over the rain, whispered a shocked inquiry, ¡°You¡¯re the stalker?¡±


    Axel, irritated by the usation, responded with a growl, rising to his full height.


    His imposing figure, standing at a lofty six¨Cfoot¨Cfive,pletely towered above Jasmine¡¯s diminutive


    five¨Cfoot¨Csix frame, prompting her to instinctively retreat a step.


    The air thickened with tension as Jasmine asked, her voiceced with a blend of incredulity and fear:


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    ¡°Why were you following me?¡±


    Axel, devoid of his sses, allowed her a clear view of his beautiful eyes.


    However, the realization that someone with such gentle features could potentially be a stalker left


    Jasmine genuinely frightened.


    Determined to seize control of the situation, Jasmine tightened her grip on the umbre, eyeing Axel


    suspiciously.


    Axel, holding the umbre lightly to avoid being beaten further and to only to avoid conflict found


    himself unprepared for the force Jasmine exerted. As he released the umbre, she seized it with all


    her might, anticipating a triumphant yank. The sudden resistance sent her toppling backward, her


    footing lost to the sl*ppery dance on the wet ground and shended unceremoniously on the ground


    with her butt. She groaned out in pain from the impact.


    Axel¡¯s frustration boiled over as he vehemently defended himself, ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what your issue


    is with me, but I am not a stalker. I wasn¡¯t following you!¡± His words echoed with anger, and his ears,


    tinged with embarrassment, betrayed. the intensity of his emotions flushing an angry shade of red as


    he stared down at her.


    The woman¡¯s usation grated on Axel, her innocent gaze irritating him even more. The vulnerability


    in her eyes as she stared up at him as though on the brink of tears and utterly terrified, irked him in a


    way he couldn¡¯t quiteprehend. Her flinch when he yelled, a subtle withdrawal, seemed to pierce


    through his anger, and gradually, a reluctant calm settled within him.


    Her drenched form,the relentless rain had left her utterly soaked, shivering in the cold, a pitiful sight


    that momentarily softened Axel¡¯s hardened demeanor.


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    A sigh escaped Axel as he stooped to gather the dog food he had purchased, swift and efficient.


    Beside ity his phone, almost within her reach. Without a second thought, he retrieved it, the woman


    flinching and covering her face,as if anticipating an impending blow.


    Her reaction made him ufortable,he wasn¡¯t a violent man, and he certainly wasn¡¯t about to inflict


    harm on a woman even in the midst of a heated argument.


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡­¡± Axel began in a tone that still carried the remnants of his anger but abruptly trailed off.


    Another sigh followed, marking a shift in his tone


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what your issue is, but I wasn¡¯t following you.¡± His words, now delivered in a calmer tone,


    hung in the air like the raindrops that drenched them both.


    Leaving her behind, Axel turned away.


    Jasmine stood up slowly, her senses gradually returning after the frightful encounter. Adrenaline


    coursed through her veins, and the close call of almost being struck by the man left her in a daze. The


    stic bags containing her purchasesy forgotten in a corner, the tissue within likely soaked by the


    relentless rain. Her light pajamas clung ufortably to her b*dy, dampened by the downpour. The


    embarrassment, fear, and bitter cold settled into her bones, each step entuating the pain from her


    fall.


    Her gaze fixed on the retreating figure of the man. A barrage of questions flooded. her mind, finding an


    outlet in a muttered inquiry, ¡°How did you find me? You¡¯re the same man from the exhibition. It couldn¡¯t


    be a coincidence, could it?¡± The words sl*pped from her l*ps in a low voice, carrying a mix of confusion


    and. suspicion. She was being watched, she could sense it every single day. The feeling unsettled her.


    Axel lingered at the entrance of the suite, a silent guardian ensuring the lone woman¡¯s safe arrival to


    the building. His concern for her well¨Cbeing fueled a sense of responsibility, and only when he was


    assured of her security, when he sighted her from the building, did he turn to leave.


    As he reached the elevator, the doors about to close, he caught sight of her, prompting him to wait.


    Standing outside the elevator, Jasmine regarded him with a mix of confusion and curiosity. An impatient


    query escaped Axel¡¯s l*ps, ¡°Youing?¡± She joined him int the confined space, and he pressed the


    button for the eighteenth floor. A question. echoed in her mind; how did he know her residence was on


    the eighteenth floor? The seed of panic sprouted anew.


    Awkward silence enveloped them as they ascended. The woman stole a side. nce at Axel,


    contemting the unusual circumstance of sharing an elevator with the man she had assaulted only


    moments ago. Clearing her throat, she prepared to speak, but before any words escaped, the elevator


    arrived at the


    swiftly exited, leaving her bewildered in his wake


    eighteenth floor. Axelfore:


    The revtion hit her like a tidal wave, the man from the exhibition, was her


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    neighbor residing in t 321, while she upied t 322. The coincidence was staggering, and her


    disbelief almost brought her to the brink of copse. She watched in silent astonishment as Axel


    effortlessly entered the password for his apartment, the door closing behind him without a backward


    nce.


    The weight of embarrassment pressed upon her as she retreated to her own. apartment. Shame filled


    her, turning her face crimson. The man from the exhibition was the same man who had discovered her


    unwee intrusion into his home and had found her asleep on his couch, her new next¨Cdoor


    neighbor. Topound her embarrassment, she had also physically attacked him earlier in the evening


    using him of being a stalker, meanwhile his was heading home! The building they both shared.


    As she closed the door behind her, the memory of the broken phone resurfaced. Axel had grabbed it off


    the floor, revealing a shattered screen with multiple cracks. The physical damage mirrored the


    emotional turmoil she now experienced. Overwhelmed by the chain of events, she buried her face into


    her pillow, the fabric absorbing her muffled sobs. In the midst of the humiliation, she wondered; Could


    my life possibly get any worse?


    The man must think she was mentally unstable.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Karl¡¯s pent¨Cups frustration propelled him into an agitated pacing around the regianer and has living


    room, his hand weaving through his disheveled hair like a


    per age to untangle the chaos within. The maddening swirl of emotions thesored to push him to the


    brink of madness.


    Atrl redirected his course towards theundry. Swiftly shedding the damp clothes that chung to him like


    remnants of the recent altercation, he couldn¡¯t shake off the Ingering annoyance caused by the woman


    who had unexpectedly attacked him. His eyes still stung from the encounter with her pepper spray, and


    the numerous little scratches and bumps served as a painful testament to the physical attacks


    th her umbre and her wild scratching


    Instead of getting mad and angry at her, Instead he had gotten concerned when he witnessed her


    miserablending to the floor


    With a resigned sigh, he moved into the living room.


    Axel¡¯s footsteps echoed with a sense of urgency as he sought to check on the well¨Cbeing of the dog. A


    creature that still hadn¡¯t eaten as far as his understanding went. Approaching the bowlhe was met with


    a surprising revtion, it was now


    stark contrast to its previous untouched state


    Recalling the dog¡¯s initial rejection of the regr food. Axel had ventured into the relentless rain to


    procure the prescribed special meal. However, much to his bewildered chagrin, the dog had apparently


    finished it in his absence. The irony of the utuation struck him, his well¨Cintentioned effort to cater to the


    dog¡¯s presumed preferences had resulted in an unnecessary escapade through the


    rain¨Csoaked streets.


    His gaze fixated on the peacefully slumbering dog, nestledfortably on his couch. The sight was a


    stark juxtaposition to the tumultuous events that had unfolded just moments ago. The frustrating


    realization dawned upon him he had endured both the unrelenting rain and an unexpected attack for a


    cause that in the end. proved to be unnecessary. Rendering Axel¡¯s efforts somewhat futile.


    With a resigned sigh. Axel reached for his phone, only to find the screen irreparably damaged a


    frustrating aftermath of the unexpected encounter with that woman. She had struck him just the


    moment he was distracted and had An involuntary scowl crept onto his face as he ruminated on the


    absurdity of the situation used of being a stalker, ambushed on his way home, and subjected to an


    unwarranted assault. Just who does she think she is?¡± He wondered with a scowl First she had barged


    into his apartment, then slept on his couch like a lifeless cat and then having the audacity to hit him


    continuously and douce him in pepper?!


    The stings from her attack still lingered.


    Yet, in a confounding twist, Axel found himself unable to harbor genuine anger towards her. The


    woman had managed to cast herself as the victim, invoking an


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    unexpected sense of concern within him.


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    When she tumbled backward, Axel¡¯s instinctive reaction was to reach out and grab her, a reflex driven


    by genuine worry rather than retaliation. Her wide doe eyes, seemingly innocent and vulnerable when


    she stared up at him, contradicted the aggressive actions she had disyed mere moments ago. The


    stark contrast left Axel bewildered, a victim turned aggressor, then swiftly back to the role of a damsel


    in distress..


    When Observing her sprawled on the floor, cold and exposed, Axel had felt a strange mix of frustration


    and concern. Then Her flinch at his approach for the dog food and his phone like he was the bad guy.


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    The dog food! He nced at the now sleeping husky. Everything came down to that girl. First meeting


    her at the exhibition, the puppy at his door reminded him of her and he had taken it in. And now going


    out to get the supposed food that the dog could eat he had gotten the beating of his life. In all of his


    twenty five years of existence, no one had ever beaten him: And he felt worse, the one who did the


    seem like she had been bullied by him.


    He was the victim! Ever since he met her two days ago, his life had seemed to take a turn for the worst.


    Darn that dark¨Chaired woman and her beguilinglyrge eyes, Axel muttered to himself as he ambled


    wearily towards the shower. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the audacity of someone venturing out


    into the night rain so scantily dressed? She had shivered, her wet clothes clinging to her b*dy. Hope


    she doesn¡¯t catch a cold, he thought to himself with a sigh.


    The concern for her well¨Cbeing tugged at him, even as irritation festered at the unwee intrusion;


    his thoughts.


    As he stood beneath the soothing cascade of water, his mind reyed the scenes from the unexpected


    encounter. And the way she had flinched and reacted in that truly frightened manner, like she had some


    history of abuse. Her reaction at the exhibition also, it gave of signs of someone with a deep trauma.


    ¡°Why am I even bothered?¡± he grumbled, struggling toprehend the emotional turmoil her presence


    stirred. Resolute in breaking free from this perplexing concern, Axel made a firm decision to distance


    himself from her, convinced that she harbored nothing but bad luck.


    Returning from the shower, his hair still damp, Axel encountered the remnants of


    his neglected meal With a dismissive sweep, he cleared the table, discarding the


    ¨C


    now-cold food into the trash.


    ****


    In the obscurity of the night, enveloped by a concealing hoodie and the warmth


    of a lit cigarette, the man watched intently as Jasmine picked herself from the floor and headed on her


    way home.


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    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna.


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    He derived perverse satisfaction from witnessing his prey unravel emotionally and unleash an


    unwarranted attack on an unsuspecting victim. The


    cat¨Cand¨Cmouse game intensified as Jasmine, seemingly aware of being followed became unhinged


    and attacked someone else


    A contemtive sigh escaped him, acknowledging the necessity for heightened. stealth to elude


    Jasmine¡¯s notice. Observing her, he couldn¡¯t help but savor the provocative allure of her wet clothes


    clinging sensuously to her figure.


    Walking behind her hidden by the darkness he watched her enter the building. He stood at the down


    floor of her apartment, his predatory gaze lingered on the eighteenth floor where her home was.


    Intrusive thoughts, tinged with a sinister longing, yed out in his mind as he imagined scenario¡¯s


    ¡°I wonder what she¡¯s doing now,¡± he pondered, sumbing to a dark fascination.


    He stayed there for a long time then turned heading home blending in the darkness. Entering his home


    he added yet another picture of her to the wall. Then turned on the light. The room became lit with


    several pictures of Jasmine, it was like a temple dedicated to her.


    ¡°Someday I would finally have you in my arms.¡± The man giggled gleefully, his hand stroking her


    picture.


    Maybe, he thought to himself.


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll pay her a visit tomorrow.¡± She used to jog every morning before and then be would watch


    her, how her work out clothes clung to her b*dy, but it seemed she had sensed someone watching her


    and she had stopped. Working out in her apartments gym instead. The man gave an annoyed grunt.


    The only time he ever got to watch was on her way to work and when she returned. Or rare evening¡¯s


    like this one when she came out.


    Tomorrow was a Monday, which meant she would leave for work at about eight am and return by


    seven. He believed he was so in love with her that be had even mastered her schedule. He would wait


    for her tomorrow when she got off work and they woulde home together.


    He smiled at the thought of being up close to her and even touching her.


    ¡°One day Jasmine would be mine.¡±

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


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    Ethan strolled into the office with an air of light¨Cheartedness, exuding an almost cheerful demeanor. His


    rxed and happy countenance stood in stark contrast to Axel¡¯s dreary and gloomy presence.


    An inquisitive arch of Ethan¡¯s eyebrow betrayed his curiosity as he observed his assistant. Axel¡¯s


    drained appearance was an anomaly, considering the usual energetic manner in which he resumed


    work after the weekend. Axel, known for his proper and almost robotic demeanor, seemed unusually


    fatigued. Noticing Axel¡¯s perpetually unavable phone, Ethan couldn¡¯t resist probing, ¡°What happened


    to youst night?¡± The question hung in the air,ced with genuine concern for his right¨Chand man.


    ¡°And your phone. It¡¯s been unavable the whole night.¡±


    ¡°Your private life is none of my business, but it¡¯s unlike you. So what¡¯s going on?¡± Ethan inquired


    further, eager to understand the cause of Axel¡¯s unusual state. Thetter, with a resigned sigh,


    produced his broken phone.


    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Ethan pressed on, sensing there was more to the story than Axel was letting


    on.


    ¡°I was attacked,¡± Axel stated tly, leaving Ethan both surprised and perplexed. ¡°Is that what happened


    when I called youst night? And I guess that exins the scratches as well. What mob gang was it?¡±


    Ethan asked sternly. For months, Ethan had been striving to distance himself from such affairs, but the


    intrusion into his right¨Chand man¡¯s life was an unwee development.


    Ethan promptly grabbed his phone, ready to track down the assants with whatever details Axel could


    provide. The office atmosphere crackled with tension and unanswered questions.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a mob,¡± Axel uttered, the wordsced with difficulty, as if each syble carried weight.


    Ethan, usuallyposed, found himself caught off guard. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t a mob, then what?¡± he prodded,


    his curiosity intensifying.


    ¡°By a woman, okay?!¡± Axel¡¯s frustration erupted in a sudden yell, the intensity of his emotions palpable.


    He sighed, clenching his jaws in an attempt to regainposure, while Ethan stared at him with a mix


    of amusement and disbelief.


    ¡°Okay. I am not interested in whatever kinky shit you do or have a preference for. That is messed up,¡±


    Ethan chuckled in amusement, initially thinking Axel was divulging some peculiar personal details. The


    tension momentarily diffused into a lightugh.


    ¡°What? That¡¯s not it,¡± Axel rified, a hint of exasperation in his voice, realizing Ethan had


    misunderstood.


    ¡°Okay, I guess so,¡± Ethan said, still chuckling in disbelief, but sensing there was


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    more to Axel¡¯s story than met the eye.


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    ¡°I have a psycho for a neighbor¡± Axel dropped the bombshell, his wordsnding like a heavy truth,


    abruptly halting the lighthearted banter. The room was now filled with an uneasy silence.


    ¡°Last night I was attacked by my crazy neighbor,¡± Axel stated, the weight of the encounter evident in his


    voice. Axel¡¯s revtion hung in the air, a startling confession that disrupted the tranquility of Ethan¡¯s


    office. The pen in Ethan¡¯s hand dropped to the table as he processed Axel¡¯s words, a mix of incredulity


    and amusement ying on his features. Ethan¡¯s initial response was disbelief, which quickly


    transformed intoughter, a reaction Axel found infuriating.


    ¡°What?!¡± Ethan eximed, hisughter persisting. Between chuckles, he managed to squeeze in a


    teasing remark, ¡°What perverted shit did you do? I mean, you just moved in.¡± Theughter continued,


    echoing in the office. He concluded and thought Axel had done something acting like a pervert that


    trigger the woman. ¡°She¡¯s crazy! She attacked me with an umbre, then doused me in pepper spray!¡±


    Axel¡¯s frustration simmered beneath the surface, exacerbated by Ethan¡¯s amusement. Theughter


    seemed to amplify, Ethan finding humor in the irony of Axel, theposed and proper individual,


    grappling with such a bizarre situation.


    ¡°It seems this one¡¯s a handful,¡± Ethan remarked betweenughs, the amusement unabated. Axel,


    feeling the weight of the situation, sighed and took a seat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get your schedule done with so I can go get a new phone,¡± Axel stated, attempting to steer the


    conversation away from the events of the previous night. The room fell into a contemtive silence, a


    palpable tension lingering between the two.


    Ethan, unable to contain his curiosity, breached the uneasy quiet, ¡°How did it happen?¡± He probed,


    struggling to reconcile theposed Axel with the mental. image of him being beaten by a woman


    wielding an umbre. The absurdity of the situation hung in the air.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask mel¡± Axel snapped, a flush of embarrassment coloring his ears. The retort was swift and


    defensive, revealing the vulnerability beneath his usually stoic exterior.


    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna talk about it¡­ Okay,¡± Ethan conceded, though his persistent nces at Axel


    caught between a desire for privacy and the inevitability of his story.


    ¡°But I¡¯m really curious. I mean, youe to work with small cuts all over and a busted phone. And next


    thing you were beaten up by a woman all in one night,¡± Ethan probed further, his words tinged with both


    concern and amusement. ¡°You seem to be in high spirits,¡± Axel observed, his attempt at deflecting the


    conversation and diverting it back to Ethan.


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    ¡°Does this have anything to do with the twins?¡± Axel probed. Ethan rxed back into his seat, a smile


    ying on his l*ps. Axel¡¯s keen observation had caught the connection between Ethan¡¯s sudden call


    the previous night and the uncharacteristic happiness he now exuded.


    Ethan¡¯s evident delight stood in stark contrast to Axel¡¯s lingering gloom, intensifying Axel¡¯s irritation.


    ¡°You share. I¡¯m dying to know,¡± Ethan pressed on eagerly, his smirk fueling Axel¡¯s sense of annoyance.


    Axel sighed, the room filled with an air of anticipation, with Ethan eagerly awaiting the details.


    ¡°I went out to get food for the dog, he didn¡¯t eat the regr dog food, and it was raining, and some¡­.¡±


    ¡°Hold on¡­ You have a dog?¡± Ethan interrupted, his eyebrows shooting up int surprise.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Axel replied with a sigh, anticipating the barrage of questions that would follow.


    ¡°How did¡­.¡± Ethan started asking.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me how I ended up with one!¡± Axel yelled, cutting off the question. before it fully formed.


    ¡°Okay. Okay,¡± Ethan said, throwing his hands up in surrender.


    ¡°Anyway, I went out to get dog food, and ady assaulted me. She thought I was a stalker. No, she


    used me of being one.¡± Axel finished.


    ¡°Wow,¡± was all Ethan could muster, the unexpected turn of events still sinking in. ¡°How did you end up


    with a dog, though?¡± Ethan asked, unable to contain his curiosity. ¡°After what happened when we were


    kids, I thought you hated them,¡± he added, recalling past conversations about Axel¡¯s aversion to pets.


    ¡°I never said I hated them. I just don¡¯t like them,¡± Axel corrected, his tone carrying. a hint of irritation.


    ¡°And now you have one?¡± Ethan inquired, confusion evident on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s temporal,¡± Axel snapped once more, emphasizing the temporary nature of the situation. ¡°So while


    going to get dog food for your puppy¡­¡± Ethan began, prompting Axel to shoot him a re. ¡°¡­For THE


    puppy, when your neighbor attacked you. Okay,¡± Ethan corrected himself, sensing Axel¡¯s annoyance.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t really exin the eye bags,¡± Ethan observed, concern coloring his tone. The man in


    front of him didn¡¯t look like he had slept well in a while.


    For someone so health¨Cconscious, with a strict sleep, workout, and diet routine, it was out of character


    for Axel. The sudden deviation from his usual habits intrigued Ethan, and he was determined to


    uncover the underlying story.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t exin the eye bags,¡± Ethan remarked, his curiosity unabated. Axel had provided an


    exnation for the cuts and scratches, but the reason for Axel¡¯s apparent sleeplessness remained a


    mystery.


    ¡°It¡¯s a husky,¡± Axel replied, his tone carrying a hint of irritation as if the dog itself was a


    source of vexation.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Ethan queried, still grappling with the pieces of the puzzle.


    ¡°The breed is known for its very expressive nature,¡± Axel exined, though Ethan¡¯s puzzled expression


    persisted.


    Ethan, with minimal knowledge about dogs, remained lost in the conversation. Axel decided to


    borate further, attempting to provide context to the challenge he faced. ¡°The dog basically talks.


    Loud wailing and howling and whimpering, like it¡¯s trying tomunicate, Axel rified, the frustration


    evident in his voice.


    ¡°Okay Ethan said, nodding as he tried toprehend the situation.


    ¡°When I¡¯m trying to sleep.¡± Axel finished throwing a re at Ethan.


    Axel¡¯s re intensified, sensing Ethan¡¯s amusement at the predicament. A snicker escaped Ethan,


    transforming quickly into a cough when he realized Axel¡¯s disapproval.


    ¡°So, you got a new puppy this weekend. That¡¯s nice,¡± Ethan remarked, trying to steer the conversation


    away from the dog predicament.


    ¡°A temporal PUPPY Axel corrected again, his frustration with the caninepanion evident. There is


    no way I¡¯m keeping it, he asserted firmly, emphasizing hisck of intention to turn dog owner.


    ¡°And from your obvious joy, I imagine you met with Hazel¡¯s twins, Axel said, taking a seat and inviting


    Ethan to share more about his seemingly delightful encounter.


    Ethan sighed, his demeanor shifting to seriousness.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say, Axel, that I should probably stop, but I can¡¯t,¡± Ethan stated with a


    sense of determination.


    ¡°I looked into it, they¡¯re not yours. I told you that, right?¡± Axel asked, seeking rification. ¡°I know,¡±


    Ethan interrupted, acknowledging Axel¡¯s previous disclosure and stand on the


    matter.


    ¡°I guess you can¡¯t just help doing certain things. You see something¡¯s out of ce and you can¡¯t just


    help but want to reach out, even if you can turn a blind eye to it. You just can¡¯t help but feel this sense


    of helplessness and need to do something. Axel said with a sigh, his words carrying the weight of


    personal reflection.


    As he spoke, Axel vividly recalled the helpless feeling of having to go back to help the woman at the


    exhibition and picking up the puppy he found outside, even though he didn¡¯t particrly like dogs. In


    those moments, he began to understand Ethan¡¯s actions a little better, recognizing the intricate


    intery ofpassion and helplessness that often apanied certain situations. Human emotions


    and feelings wereplicated and uncontroble.


    Jahan scrminized Axel, concem etched across his face as he took in the visible changes in This usually


    Alphas Regret Pregnant Rejected Luma.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Ethan inquired, his tone reflecting genuine worry. Axel responded with a


    nonchnt shrug. ¡°Been asking myself the same thing.¡± Observing Axel¡¯s altered appearance, Ethan


    couldn¡¯t help but remark, ¡°Youe back from a weekend lookingpletely different. You¡¯ve


    changed somehow. You¡¯re not as prim and proper and cutthroat¨Clooking as you used to be mean,


    you¡¯ve got a bandage on your nose and chin. You¡¯ve got bags around your eyes. You look terrible.


    Pausing for a moment, Ethan continued, ¡°For the first time since I¡¯ve known you in years, you look


    human and not robotic as you used to be. The subtle shift in Axel¡¯s demeanor hadn¡¯t escaped Ethan¡¯s


    keen observation.


    ¡°Hell, you even adopted a dog. Ethan eximed, still in shock.


    ¡°Rescued. It¡¯s temporary until they find it a home,¡± Axel corrected with a touch of weariness. Ethan


    shrugged dismissively, ¡°Same thing¡±


    As Axel found himself entangled in theplexities of emotions and the newfound responsibility of


    caring for a dog, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but notice the subtle transformation. Axel, who had always been


    reserved and seemingly devoid of sentiments and emotions was now navigating the terrain of


    ¡°Let¡¯s just leave it be,¡± Axel suggested wearily, the weight of his recent experiences evident in his tired


    tone. The surge of his emotions had left him drained, and Axel sought respite in the silence that


    followed.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze bore into Axel with a profound understanding. It seemed like more changes were on the


    horizon for Axel, and the decision to move out of the pack estate appeared to / be the start of this


    evolution.


    It seemed moving out of the pack estate was a good thing. Ethan mused. Besides, Axel had never


    really fit into pack life. Also, with not having a wolf¡­


    ¡°From the callst night, I assume you¡¯ve devised a n for the twins?¡± Axel inquired, his curiosity


    piqued. Ethan affirmed his suspicion with a nod and then proceeded to borate on his strategies,


    articting a sense of purpose in his words.


    ¡°And what about the JT project?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°Hazel will be returning to work soon. There¡¯s not much we can do at the moment. Daisy has to remain


    at the hospital for a few more months,¡± Ethan revealed, a tinge of mncholy woven into his words.


    ¡°We located Dr. Gomez, but it still didn¡¯t eliminate the risks, you know,


    ¡°Sorry, man,¡± Axel responded with a shared sense of understanding, a subtle shift from the stoic


    professionalism of his previous demeanor,


    In times past. Axel would have maintained a rigid expression, faithfully executing Ethan¡¯s orders to the


    But now, this Assistant was bing more than a detached figure.


    Since she¡¯ll be there for a while, she¡¯s sad she doesn¡¯t get to go to school. Ethan exined. Hence the


    school idea, Axel remarked, aligning his understanding with Ethan¡¯s vision. Exactly Ethan affirmed.


    Most hospitals have schools¨Cbasic sses like Kindergarten and first grade. But Clevnd doesn¡¯t


    There are a lot of kids there too, Ethan stated further.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The realization spurred his desire to create a space where Daisy and other children could


    ess education. Make friends with one another and alleviating the dullness and boredom of their


    hospital stays


    ¡°So you want to supervise the project yourself?¡± Axel inquired, seeking rity on Ethan¡¯s


    intentions.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied definitively.


    ¡°I took the initiative and contacted the hospital director when you didn¡¯t answer my call during your


    neighbor¨Cdog predicament.¡± Ethan exined, prompting an audible groan from Axel


    ¡°The director is on board with the idea. It seems they¡¯ve been contemting a simr initiative. Now,


    it¡¯s our turn to join forces and assist in bringing their ns to fruition,¡± Ethan concluded, his tone


    carrying a mix of satisfaction and anticipation.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the n now?¡± Axel asked seeking rification. ¡°Where would this project take ce? What


    part of the hospital would be most suitable?¡± he inquired.


    Ethan provided a concise n. The ninth floor of the hospital. While we could construct a separate


    building on the hospital grounds, that would be a lengthier process. The ninth floor was previously


    dedicated to administration, but most of the rooms are currently filled with files and documents. We can


    have those relocated to create space for the school.


    Axel nodded in understanding, acknowledging that Ethan had meticulously thought through the details.


    It became evident that Ethan had been consumed by the idea the previous night, his eagerness was


    palpable.


    Axel, seemingly satisfied with the proposed n, expressed. ¡°Seems you¡¯ve got everything figured out.


    He made a move to leave, intending to attend to some tasks before their visit to the hospital.


    However, Ethan called out to him just as he was about to depart. ¡°Axel,¡± he said, ¡°It was nice. Just


    sitting and talking like old times.¡±


    A faint smile graced Axel¡¯s face as he responded. ¡°I guess.¡±

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Soon they embarked on the journey to inspect the hospital¡¯s progress, Ethan proposed, ¡°Let¡¯s take your


    car.


    Ethan, didn¡¯t wanting the attention his shy car might draw, preferred Axel¡¯s vehicle.


    Heading to the parking lot, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but express his surprise at the sight of a dog seat and a


    dog toy in Axel¡¯s car. ¡°Oh wow. This seems pretty serious,¡± he remarked.


    Axel, attempting to maintain a sense of detachment, exined, ¡®It¡¯s a puppy. It was


    necessary.


    Tve got to leave early as well, to get a new phone and to make sure it doesn¡¯t ruin my house,¡± Axel


    added, revealing a new side to his responsibilities. Ethan, acknowledging this, nodded in response.


    ¡°Wow,¡± was all he could muster


    The emotionlesls man he knew now had a dog he obviously cared about.


    It was quite obvious to Ethan even if Axel tried to hide it.


    As they arrived at the hospital, the preparations for the school clinic were already underway. The


    location was the ninth floor as nned and the hospital director had efficiently mobilized a team to


    relocate the files, clearing the space for the uing educational


    venture.


    Calling out to Axel, Ethan conveyed the unspoken directives, and Axel, with a nod of understanding,


    assumed responsibility for executing the assigned tasks.


    Ethan, on the other hand, entered the elevator with set for the VIP rooms where Daisy¡¯s ward was


    Upon arrival, however, a surprising emptiness greeted him, prompting a moment of bewilderment.


    Puzzled, he stood at the door contemting the unexpected absence of the spirited little girl.


    A passing nurse, recognizing Ethan¡¯s query, offered an exnation. Daisy hadpleted her daily


    meditation and examination, and she had engaged herself in a stroll afterward. While Hazel had


    ventured out to retrieve Liam from school.


    ¡°She¡¯s somewhere within the premises.¡± He was informed. It was normal for kids to walk around.


    Ethan, left standing at the door, felt a twinge of disappointment, he was really looking forward to seeing


    the bunny. He turned heading back to the ninth floor to see the of things making a mental note to drop


    by before he left the hospital.


    Daisy did go on a stroll.


    progress


    Feeling a restless and bored amidst the hospital routine, Daisy decided to embark on a spontaneous


    stroll while waiting for her mom and brother. Eager to add a little bit of excitement into her day, she


    carefully selected a variety of toys, meticulously packing them into her backpack before confidently


    donning it


    As she made her way through the hospital corridors, Daisy¡¯s small, determined steps led her to the


    elevator.


    Here, an unwitting cleaner found himself the focus of her unwavering attention, standing awkwardly as


    the young adventurer observed him with a mixture of curiosity and


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Lu


    The cleaner, uncertain about how to navigate this unexpected interaction, finally broke the silence. ¡°Do


    you want to go in the elevator?¡± he asked tentatively. Daisy responded with an enthusiastic nod, her


    eyes shining with anticipation.


    With a friendly smile, the cleaner continued, ¡°Well, I¡¯m headed to the eighth floor. What floor are you


    headed to?¡± Daisy, however, met this question with a nk stare.


    As the elevator doors closed, the cleaner found himself in an unexpected scenario. Not wanting to


    upset the young VIP guest, he couldn¡¯t send her back and risk her crying getting the wrath of her


    obviously wealthy parents so he justplied. He hesitated but ultimately pressed the button for the


    eighth floor, where he was headed.


    While wandering around the eighth floor, Daisy¡¯s small frame inadvertently collided with someone¡¯s


    legs. The man who happened to be Alex, turned around, revealing a surprised expression as he met


    the familiar face of the little girl with pigtail.


    Daisy looked up, immediately rubbing her nose that had bumped into Axel.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized with sincerity, her innocent eyes looking up at him.


    Axel couldn¡¯t help but smile; this was Hazel¡¯s daughter.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Axel asked gently, curious about the unexpected encounter.


    Daisy shrugged and sighed heavily. ¡°I dunno,¡± she replied, her pout conveying a mix of boredom and


    curiosity.


    ¡°So you just strolled off?¡± Axel inquired, trying to understand the little adventurer¡¯s motives.


    ¡°I got bored because Liam¡¯s not there. Do you know where other kids are?¡± she asked, Axel


    noticing her effo see him, she had to throw her head far back to look up at him so he


    squatted down to her level.


    ¡°You want to go where other kids are?¡± Axel questioned, intrigued by Daisy¡¯s spontaneous decision.


    With her pigtails bobbling, she nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go.¡± The mismatched duo


    embarked on their journey, heading for the elevator.


    The confined space of the elevator made the atmosphere awkward as the two stood side by side.


    Seeking to break the silence, Axel asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s in the bag?¡± It was big but didn¡¯t look like it


    weighed much.


    Daisy, disying the eloquence of a seasoned storyteller, began listing her treasures, ¡°My doll and


    carrot plushie, duckie plushie, and the egg that looks like a tomato. A burst of unbridled joy


    apanied her next revtion, And my puppy plushie!¡± She giggled with infectious happiness.


    ¡°You love puppies?¡± Axel inquired, drawing a parallel with a simr encounter, the little girl at the mall


    had acted the same way when she sighted his dog.


    Daisy¡¯s dreamy eyes sparkled, and she eximed, ¡°Yes! They¡¯re so adorable, I just wanna hug one,


    squeezing herself in an excited disy of affection. And my banana too,¡± she added with a finishing


    touch.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of toys, Axel remarked, acknowledging the impressive inventory. Daisy continued to open


    up, sharing, ¡°I have a brother. But he has to go to school. Axel nodded, sensing a hint of sadness in her


    words. The topic of school seemed to cast a temporary shadow on her otherwise vibrant spirit.


    She must really hate being in the hospital while her brother was at school.


    Really? Axel prompted, encouraging her to share more.


    Yes Daisy affirmed, showcasing her remarkablemunication skills. Throughout the


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    elevator ride, she chattered animatedly, creating an atmosphere of whimsy. Axel found himself


    chuckling, appreciating the infectious charm of Hazel¡¯s daughter and understanding why Ethan was so


    captivated by her bright and adorable personality. She was just so lovable. The elevator¡¯s cheerful ding


    marked their arrival on another floor. As the doors slid open. Axel and Daisy stepped out into a bustling


    hospital corridor. It didn¡¯t take long for Daisy¡¯s excitement to reach a crescendo.


    Suddenly, a burst of joy erupted from her as she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. ¡°Mr. Princess!¡±


    she eximed, her face lighting up with delight. Ethan, engrossed in discussions with the men on the


    floor, remained oblivious to her ecstatic arrival.


    Without hesitation, Daisy dashed towards Ethan, her small figure moving swiftly through the busy


    scene. However, before she could reach him, one of the men on the floor intercepted her, grabbing her


    by the arm. Ethan still immersed in his conversation, remained unaware of the unfolding scenario. The


    hospital staff, attempting to maintain order, sought to prevent the child from interrupting their work.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Daisy¡¯s excited sprint towards where Ethan stood came to an abrupt halt as a man swiftly grabbed her


    tiny arm, disrupting her joyous pursuit. A disappointed whine escaped her, but Ethan, with his back


    turned, remained oblivious to the unfolding drama. The man who had intercepted Daisy wore an


    expression of stern disapproval.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± the man scolded, noting that the floor had been cordoned off for ongoing work.


    Axel, observing the situation, immediately intervened. ¡°Let her go,¡± he warned the man. Sensing Axel¡¯s


    assertiveness, the man promptly released Daisy¡¯s arm and her little backpack ¡°She was heading for the


    boss. I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t like seeing kids running around, interrupting his work, the man exined


    defensively.


    Axel¡¯s response was sharp and quick, ¡°He won¡¯t mind.¡± His protective stance indicated that Daisy¡¯s


    presence was not only tolerated but perhaps even appreciated.


    This very child was the reason he found himself standing there, involved in a project that gave him a


    sense of purpose¨Cthe development of the school was happening because of Daisy.


    ¡°Mr. Princess!¡± Daisy¡¯s joyful squeal echoed as she hugged Ethan¡¯s legs. Caught off guard, Ethan


    looked down, meeting the familiar sight of her little head and adorable pigtails. ¡°Where have you


    been?¡± he asked with a chuckle, squatting down to her level. The surrounding onlookers witnessed a


    striking transformation in Ethan¡¯s demeanor, from the cold, unapproachable man to someone else


    entirely.


    Lifting her up, Ethan walked away with Axel in tow. ¡°I¡¯m looking for Loulou,¡± Daisy confided.


    ¡°I found her headed to the pediatric ward. She was looking for a friend, so I brought her to you instead,


    Axel informed them.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan replied.


    Enveloped in theforting embrace of Daisy¡¯s fragrant baby scent, everything else seemed to fade


    away, leaving only the delightful presence of the little girl in his arms.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Ethan inquired, receiving a delightful hum in response. Recognizing that kids seldom


    refuse snacks, even if they recently ate, he made his way to the hospital¡¯s store. with Daisy still cradled


    in his arms.


    Seated there, Ethan watched as Daisy nibbled her snacks with the enthusiasm of a little bunny.


    Chocte adorned her face like a yful painting, evidence of her enjoyment. A hearty chuckle


    escaped Ethan as he admired her cute, messy appearance.


    You¡¯ve got it all over your face, Ethan gently teased, prompting Daisy to attempt wiping it off. Instead,


    she inadvertently spread more chocte across her face then she gave him a wide toothy smile that


    showed off her chocte stained teeth.


    Taking a tissue, he gently assisted in wiping her face and arms clean.


    After spending some time there, Ethan and Daisy ventured back to the kids¡® ward. Daisy extended her


    tiny arms, a silent request to be carried once again. Chuckling at her endearing demand, Ethan happily


    lifted her into his arms.


    Upon reaching Loulou¡¯s ward, the scene was one of tranquility, with her little friend peacefully asleep.


    Daisy, still cradled in Ethan¡¯s arms, surveyed the room with a sense of


    childlike curiosity. A decision was made as she dropped down from Ethan¡¯s arms, unzipped her


    backpack, revealing an array of cherished toys. In a tender gesture, she carefully ced


    of her treasures beside Loulou, a silent offering of friendship andfort.


    one


    Afterwards, Daisy returned to the secure haven of Ethan¡¯s arms.


    They journeyed back to Daisy¡¯s ward. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but be intrigued by the thoughtful gesture


    she had made, leaving one of her cherished toys for Loulou.


    ¡°Why did you drop your toy there?¡± Ethan asked.


    s around In the confined space of the elevator, Daisy, still nestled in Ethan¡¯s arms her arms his neck


    ¡°Loulou doesn¡¯t have any. Just one teddy bear. Daisy exined, her voice carrying the innocence of a


    child¡¯spassion. Ethan nodded in understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the kindness that


    Daisy had extended to her friend.


    ¡°And I¡¯ve got so many, she continued. The elevator door opened, revealing the familiar surroundings of


    Daisy¡¯s ward


    As they reached the entrance of Daisy¡¯s ward, she clung tightly to Ethan, her small arms wrapped


    securely around his neck. Her head nestled against him, creating a small cocoon of warmth. Despite


    Ethan¡¯s attempts to gently disentangle himself, Daisy made it difficult for him to pry her off him.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he called softly, seeking to capture her attention.


    ¡°Well, Bunny. I need to get back to work.¡± Ethan sighed, acknowledging the responsibilities that awaited


    him beyond the walls of the hospital room.


    ¡°Mr. princess,¡± she called out raising her head to meet his eyes.


    av next.


    ¡°Hum?¡± Ethan responded, curious about what she might say


    ¡°Would youe tomorrow?¡± Daisy asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.


    Ethan hesitated, He didn¡¯t want Hazel to know what he was up to yet or that he had met with Daisy, she


    might get ufortable.


    ¡°I would if you keep a secret,¡± he replied with a conspiratorial smile.


    ¡°I can keep a secret,¡± Daisy assured him, her smile widening with excitement. ¡°So you¡¯lle?¡± she


    pressed, eager for hismitment. Ethan nodded, signaling his agreement.


    With great


    reluctance, Daisy unwrapped her arms from around his neck, and Ethan lowered her gently to the


    ground. ¡°Bye, Mr. princess,¡± she said, waving her small palm in farewell. ¡°Bye, Bunny.¡± Ethan replied,


    his own departure as he sl*pped out of the doors.


    Hazel and Liam entered a few minutes after Ethan¡¯s departure. Hazel couldn¡¯t help but notice the


    happy and dreamy smile adorning Daisy¡¯s face. Expecting her daughter to be bored and unhappy as


    usual, she was pleasantly surprised by the newfound joy radiating from Daisy.


    ¡°What did you do, Daisy?¡± Hazel inquired, curious about the source of her daughter¡¯s tion.


    Daisy simply shrugged. ¡°I met a friend,¡± she replied with a gleam in her eyes.


    ¡°So you went out?¡± Hazel questioned, wanting to understand the nature of Daisy¡¯s adventure.


    Daisy nodded. ¡°Sorry, Mama


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You got bored; I understand. Did you go to where the other children are?¡± Hazel asked,


    referring to the pediatric ward. Daisy nodded, that and Mr princess.


    Hazel found herself more at ease with the thought. The prospect of leaving Daisy at the pediatric ward


    for a few hours each day while she attended to work seemed increasingly usible. Cleavnd proved


    to be a child¨Cfriendly hospital alleviating any concerns she might have had. The nurses and other staff


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    members were always supportive of the children there, contributing to aforting atmosphere.


    Moreover, Hazel had confidence that Daisy wouldn¡¯t venture outside the hospital building. The


    premises were well¨Cguarded to prevent kids from aimlessly strolling out, adding an extrayer of


    assurance to Hazel¡¯s decision.


    ¡°Daisy, I missed you at school today,¡± Liam expressed, giving his sister a hug. Hazel observed the


    interaction, cherishing the bond between her two children, a testament to their unwavering support for


    each other.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Daisy will get better and will be able to go back to school with you very soon,¡± Hazel


    understanding of the situation evident in their shared nces. Daisy, eager to share her day¡¯s


    adventures, began unpacking her backpack. ¡°Mommy, I gave Loulou one plushie,¡± she announced with


    a gleeful smile, her eyes shining with the joy of making someone else happy. Hazel¡¯s face lit up,


    genuinely delighted by Daisy¡¯s kindness. ¡°Really? That¡¯s really sweet, honey; she praised, recognizing


    the generosity in her daughter¡¯s


    small act.


    Continuing her animated narration, Daisy exined, ¡°But she was asleep, so I didn¡¯t get to y with


    her. I tucked it right next to her. As she carefully ced her toys back in their designated spots, Hazel


    new toy, and she¡¯ll know you came by. Loulou, a little friend they had encountered at the hospital


    cafeteria during one of their trips for a meal, now held a piece offort thanks to Daisy¡¯s considerate


    gesture.


    ime het alienope that had been foose or sung maling at her The winrived her concern for


    Gay die gered her eyes


    by Mr. Hences Hazel


    20izing that this


    dito contime to take her


    od thing the paration


    #fror of mmmatic rvm within


    and the pleat¡¯s sterile


    Wenge porking for


    BECOME Revin in Ethan¡¯s dememor


    this progomit cornon of contemtive the fonde of imperwork scattered


    viting through the possibilities


    pany¡¯s building The deck ss ind dem Axel however had mother fmm the pervinns night¡¯s ecotinter


    from die


    3. J¨®ni cm retrieve it on your trip in the of impending casks Bell¡¯s office. nient for Axel to aplish


    this errand and prefid demeanor, he drove off


    Fully acepired a new phone, the document him by Bells himself. He has


    wing a friend there and told him to wait for


    himself at the center of a bustling crowd: In


    from the opposite direction, her hurried


    , she bumped headfirst into Axel


    the Neel with tili umalment

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    As they sat down for a mealter that day, Hazel gently broached the topic that had been lingering in


    her thoughts. ¡°Baby, you won¡¯t mind staying alone or visiting Loulou at her ward while I go to work, and


    Liam goes to school, right?¡± she inquired, her concern for Daisy¡¯s well¨Cbeing evident in her eyes.


    Daisy, with her innocent pout, contemted the proposal ¡®Okay¡± she agreed, her eyes lighting up with


    hope at the prospect of her anticipated visit from Mr. Princess. Hazel acknowledged her daughter¡¯s


    response with a relieved sigh, recognizing that this arrangement would be beneficial for both of them. It


    was a decision made out of necessity. she had been absent from work for several days already. She


    couldn¡¯t continue to take her colleagues for granted, she had a responsibility to them as well.


    ¡°Good,¡± Hazel affirmed, relieved Daisy didn¡¯t mind the arrangement. Though the separation tugged at


    her instincts, she understood that maintaining a sense of normalcy, even within. the confines of the


    hospital, was crucial for Daisy¡¯s well¨Cbeing. Hazel couldn¡¯t suppress a twinge of worry, but she


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    reassured herself that this was a step towards resuming their routines and bringing a touch of normality


    to their lives amid the hospital¡¯s sterile environment.


    After gently settling Daisy in her ward. Ethan made his way to the hospital parking lot, where Axel


    patiently awaited his return. There was a subtle satisfaction in Ethan¡¯s demeanor, a silent


    acknowledgment of the positive turn of events. Axel, perceptive as ever, couldn¡¯t help but sense that


    their visits to the hospital were poised to be more regr.


    As they embarked on the drive back to the office, the car became a cocoon of contemtive silence.


    The hum of the engine was apanied by the soft rustle of paperwork scattered across the back


    seat. Ethan¡¯s mind, undoubtedly, was navigating through the possibilities and challenges of the newly


    proposed school clinic, a venture that had seamlessly integrated itself into his responsibilities.


    Ethan stepped out of the car as they arrived at thepany¡¯s building. The sleek ss facade of the


    building reflected the bustling city around them. Axel, however, had another destination in mind, the


    mall. His damaged phone from the previous night¡¯s encounter necessitated a swift recement.


    ¡°Get the copies of the Chevron deed. It¡¯s with Be; you can retrieve it on your trip to the mall, Ethan


    instructed, his tone carrying the weight of impending tasks. Be¡¯s office, strategically located near the


    mall, made it convenient for Axel to aplish this errand. Axel nodded in acknowledgment. With a


    calm and purposeful demeanor, he drove off towards the mall.


    Axel exited the electronics store, having sessfully acquired a new phone, the document was very


    important and it was to be delivered to him by Be himself. He has


    her.


    Strolling towards the mall entrance, Axel found himself at the center of a bustling crowd. In the midst of


    the human flow, a woman emerged from the opposite direction, her hurried pace suggesting urgency.


    In an unexpected collision, she bumped headfirst into Axel. The encounter halted both of them


    momentarily. Axel, with his usualposed demeanor, extended a hand to steady her. ¡°Are you


    alright?¡± he inquired, concern flickering in his eyes. The woman, slightly flustered, mumbled an


    apology.


    As Jasmine groaned and looked up, Axel¡¯s features contorted from annoyance to shock. then settled


    into a puzzled expression. ¡°You again?!¡± he muttered, his displeasure evident. ¡°Hi, Jasmine replied


    awkwardly also in shock. Of all people at the mall she just happened to bump into him.


    The mall, owned by Ethan, was strategically located in the heart of the city, surrounded by towering


    corporate buildings. Among these structures was thepany where Jasmine worked.


    The two familiar strangers stood there in a momentary pause. Jasmine¡¯s l*ps parted several times,


    attempting to convey words, but each time she hesitated, unable to vocalize her thoughts. Finally, she


    closed her l*ps, her gaze fixed on Axel¡¯s face. She noticed the small cuts, covered with bandages, and


    a twinge of guilt flickered in her eyes. Apologizing felt necessary, yet she was overwhelmed by where


    to begin..


    With the conversation at a standstill, Axel decided to move off, heading toward the mall entrance to


    retrieve the deed Ethan had instructed him to collect. Jasmine, still lingering, observed him,


    contemting the significance of their unexpected meeting.


    ¡°You¡¯re at the mall,¡± she stated, breaking the silence and trying to initiate a conversation. Axel, without


    turning back, replied coldly. ¡°I came to change my phone. After someone ruined it. The tone in his voice


    made Jasmine flinch; the weight of responsibility for the damaged phone weighed heavily on her.


    ¡°It was an ident. I really didn¡¯t mean¡­ Jasmine began her apology, but before she could finish, a


    cool voice interrupted. A woman sauntered over to where Axel stood.


    Jasmine felt a sudden freeze coursing through her as she recognized the woman approaching Axel. It


    couldn¡¯t be, she thought, attempting to reconcile the present with a figure from her past. It had been


    years, but she could swear she knew the person walking toward Axel.


    Her eyes widened in a mix of familiarity and doubt. Could it truly be her?


    The woman walked past Jasmine, seemingly oblivious to her presence, and headed straight for


    Axel.Doubt crept in, and Jasmine began to question herself. Maybe it was just a striking resemnce.


    Jasmine staggered away, her mind grappling with the possibility of a mistaken identity. There was no


    flicker of recognition from Be¡¯s side, no acknowledgment. The encounter left Jasmine shaken.


    Be, engrossed in her own thoughts and tasks, remained oblivious to Jasmine¡¯s presence. As she


    exited the store after passing the documents to Axel, she idly watched Jasmine¡¯s departing figure. A


    flicker of recognition tugged at the edges of her consciousness. Where had she seen that girl before?


    Be furrowed her brows, attempting to ce the familiarity of Jasmine¡¯s features, especially from the


    back.


    Where have I seen that girl before?¡± Be wondered, trying to ce the face. The nagging feeling of


    familiarity lingered as she attempted to recall the context in which she might have encountered


    Jasmine. However, the bustling mall environment and her own busy schedule made it challenging to


    pinpoint the connection.


    Axel, having sessfully collected the deed, turned around to find the girl who had bumped into him


    earlier. Scanning the area, he couldn¡¯t locate her, leaving only a bunch of keys on the floor as a trace of


    her presence. Connecting the dots, Axel surmised that these keys must have sl*pped from her


    possession during their unexpected collision.


    Releasing a heavy sigh, Axel couldn¡¯t shake off the irritation caused by her apparentck of


    awareness. Not only did she exhibit an entric demeanor, but she was also clumsy


    Determined to return the keys and perhaps gain some rity about the bizarre situation. Axel strode


    purposefully towards the exit of the mall doors.


    As he stepped into the open air. his eyes scanned the surroundings, and there, he spotted her¨Cher


    back turned, walking away at a slow pace. Axel, with a sense of exasperation. quickened his steps to


    catch up with her and return the misced keys


    Axel called out to her multiple times, but she remained unresponsive, lost in her own thoughts.


    Reacting on instinct, he gently seized her wrist, breaking through the trance that seemed to have


    enveloped her. Her eyes, wide with shock and daze, met his concerned


    gaze.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he inquired, his brows furrowed with genuine concern. Her sudden departure after


    encountering Be had been peculiar, and Axel couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the source of her


    apparent distress. The encounter with Be had clearly unsettled her way she with the way she had


    reacted, freezing in ce as if confronted by an unexpected ghost from the past.


    Jasmine¡¯s gaze flickered with a mix of fear and disbelief as she uttered. That woman,¡± Axel. perceptive


    to her unease, recognized she was referring to Be.


    ¡°What about her? Do you know her?¡± Axel questioned, observing the evident distress in Jasmine¡¯s


    demeanor. There was something unsettling about the recognition that had dawned upon her.


    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± Jasmine replied, her voiceced with confusion. The woman seemed both familiar and


    elusive, leaving her in a state of bewilderment.


    Suddenly, she clutched Axel¡¯s arm, her fingers digging into his wrist. ¡°She¡¯s evil Dangerous. Do you


    have any business with her?¡± she urgently inquired, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and urgency.

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    The two stood by the sidewalk, Jasmine still with a dazed expression, clutching Axel¡¯s armi


    desperately. ¡°She¡¯s dangerous,¡± she urged, her voice filled with urgency.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Axel asked, yanking his arm free from her grip. There was a distinct air


    of craziness about her; the faraway look in her eyes only intensified the Crazy look.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, that woman, she¨Cshe¡­ Jasmine struggled to articte her thoughts. Axel,


    growing impatient, snapped, ¡°She what?!¡±


    Jasmine snapped out of her initial shock, blinking rapidly as if trying to regain herposure. Her


    words hung in the air.


    Sheported herself, her demeanor shifting as if a switch had been fl*pped.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she said, her eyes turning cold and detached.


    ¡°You dropped this,¡± Axel stated, shoving her keys back into her arms.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied slowly, her tone devoid of emotion. She walked away, each step. measured


    and deliberate.


    Axel stood there for some time, watching her retreating figure. There was an air of mystery surrounding


    her, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was more to her story than she let on.


    Sebastian leaned back in his car seat, observing as Jasmine walked slowly back to her office. On the


    phone, Be¡¯s voice came through sternly, ¡°You should be careful next time. We¡¯ll meet in somece


    private, an alley or somewhere, not a mall close to my office.¡±


    The hum of people, the distant chatter, and the asional car passing by created a backdrop to the


    intense conversation with Be.


    Sebastian shifted in his seat, his gaze still fixed on her ¡°You met with someone just now after you left,¡±


    he stated. Be¡¯s response was elusive, a nonmittal sound, she had met with Axel, her husband¡¯s


    assistant not anyone of importance to be noted.


    ¡°The girl I told you aboutst time,¡± he continued, referencing the mysterious Jasmine. ¡°The one I said I


    was watching closely. I think she knows. She recognized you.¡±


    His watchful eyes had caught the subtle yet telling reaction from Jasmine as she passed by Be at the


    mall


    ¡°I believe she is one of the girls from that pack, Sebastian asserted.


    Be, eager for information, questioned, ¡°Who? Who is she?¡± Her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity


    and anxiousness.


    Listen, Seb, get rid of her if you have to¡­,¡± Sebastian instructed, his words carrying a sense of


    urgency.¡°¡­Of Anyone from there who might recognize me.¡± She pleaded.


    I¡¯ll take care of it¡± He assured her.


    Sebastian remained seated in his car, quietly observing Jasmine as she walked at a leisurely pace.


    Soon, his attention was drawn to another man trailing directly behind her. At first nce, the man


    appeared to be an ordinary passerby, but Sebastian had observed and noticed him on multiple


    asions, that same b*dy frame concealed with heavy clothing and a face mask.


    If became evident that this man was following Jasmine, much like Sebastian himself.


    The mysterious man¡¯s actions raised suspicions, hinting at motives that were far from innocent, he


    seemed to be stalking her.


    Sebastian let out a heavy sigh as he leaned back in his chair, contemting the unfolding events. It


    appeared that he might not need to directly intervene; the situation with Jasmine seemed to be


    resolving itself. However, he decided to maintain his vignt watch to ensure she wouldn¡¯t be a


    futureplication. While he strongly disliked the idea of resorting to murder, he acknowledged that it


    could be ast resort if absolutely necessary.


    Jasmine reflected on the necessity of her walk. It had been a needed escape, a moment to distance


    herself from the embarrassment of her recent encounter with Mrs. Wild, her neighbor. The irrationality


    of her actions lingered in her mind, and she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being perceived as a crazy


    person.


    As she strolled through the familiar streets, Jasmine attempted to rationalize her earlier assumptions.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way Mrs. Wild was the woman from that time. They just look a little alike, she reasoned


    within herself. However, her impulsive deration of Mrs. Wild¡¯s alleged evil nature to Axel, her


    associate, haunted her. She cringed at the thought of how he might perceive her now. From the


    incident at the art exhibition to sleeping on his couch, to outright attacking him, and finally,beling the


    wife of a prominent man as evil¨Cit was a series of events that painted an erratic picture of her


    character.


    Heading home, these thoughts consumed her. The weight of her actions and the potential


    repercussions loomedrge. Jasmine grappled with the consequences of her words and behavior,


    unsure of how her rtionship with Axel would be, it was clear him and Be were acquainted.


    Jasmine stood at the ground floor of the building, patiently waiting for the elevator. The weight of recent


    events lingered in the air.


    Feeling a mix of frustration and shame, Jasmine let out a sigh, momentarily releasing the tension that


    had built up within her. In a moment of emotional release, she found herself gently banging her head


    against the wall adjacent to the elevator. The rhythmic sound echoed her inner turmoil.


    As she raised her head, she was met with Axel¡¯s gaze, his expression seemingly inscrutable. His nk


    stare left Jasmine wondering about the thoughts that upied his mind. It was evident that he, too, had


    just returned from work, and an unspoken acknowledgment. passed between them. They were


    destined for yet another elevator ride together, an urrence that had be increasingly awkward.


    The elevator doors slid open, revealing the confined space that would once again serve as the


    backdrop for their silent proximity. Jasmine hesitated for a moment before stepping in, bracing herself.


    The air between Jasmine and Axel hung heavy with unspoken words, creating an atmosphere fraught


    with tensi


    As they stepped inside, silence enveloped them like an


    entity drowning out any potential conversation


    Jasmine cast a hopeful nce in Axel¡¯s direction, secretly yearning for him to break the silence, to


    acknowledge the peculiar incident that had unfolded earlier, so she could have a chance to exin.


    However, Axel remained an enigma, his stoic demeanor unchanged. It was as if she wasn¡¯t there as if


    she were an invisible object. He was obviously ignoring her presence and it Made her feel worse. He


    wasn¡¯t even making anyint about her weird situations. She wanted to exin, they were all


    misunderstandings, that she wasn¡¯t like that. that she wasn¡¯t crazy.


    The mechanical hum of the elevator¡¯s ascent seemed to magnify the silence, amplifying the


    awkwardness that lingered between them.


    Axel however remained with a nk and calm expression.


    Although Axel was curious by Jasmine¡¯s earlier behavior, as he encountered her again in the evening,


    she appeared to have returned to normal, although with a hint of embarrassment lingering. Choosing a


    path of discretion. Axel made a deliberate decision to refrain from probing into the matter, allowing the


    metaphorical elephant in the room to linger undisturbed


    Axel decided to adopt an attitude of indifference he chose to act as if the peculiar incident hadn¡¯t


    urred. He had resolved to have nothing to do with her.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Axel, in the midst of his morning routine, had just taken a refreshing sip of water when the doorbell


    echoed through his apartment. Holding the ss in hand, he made his way to the door, curious about


    the unexpected interruption.


    Upon swinging the door open, he found his neighbor standing there. Her presence at his doorstep was


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    an unexpected surprise that drew a sigh from him. The early morning visit left Axel wondering about the


    purpose of her visit. She was clutching something in her arms.


    Feeling troubled by the events of the previous day. Jasmine was determined to rify her actions and


    make amends. Understanding the gravity of her first impression, which was far from ideal, and the fact


    that she had inadvertently damaged his phone, she resolved to meet with Axel that morning before


    work.


    Carrying a te of cookies. Jasmine approached his door with a mixture of nervousness and


    determination. She had read online that offering cookies was a traditional way to wee new


    neighbors, as she stood there her thoughts swirled with the desire to exin herself and make amends


    for the less¨Cthan¨Cideal first impression she had left.


    ¡°Hi. I just came to apologize. Jasmine uttered nervously, feeling the weight of his piercing gaze upon


    her. His face held a captivating beauty that heightened her anxiety, especially under the intensity of his


    prating eyes


    Bncing arge te of store¨Cbought cookies in her arms, she had piled it generously, a humble


    offering to apany her apology. Axel, with a questioning expression, continued. to observe her.


    Gathering courage, she then asked. ¡°May Ie in?¡± her toneced with hopefulness.


    He gracefully stepped aside, allowing her entry into his home. Her eyes wandered around the living


    room, and despite having been there a few days earlier, the sheer luxury of the ce struck her anew.


    Axel proceeded to the kitchen, and she followed him, still tightly holding the te of cookies. The air in


    the kitchen felt different, a mix of tension and curiosity lingering between them.


    Taking a deep breath she started. Im sorry about your broken phone, for attacking you as well. I didn¡¯t


    get a chance to apologize¡­¡­ Jasmine began, her voice filled with sincerity, but just as she spoke,


    Axel¡¯s dog¡¯s toy, a small mouse¨Cshaped ything, darted past her.


    ¡°What?! Mice!¡± Jasmine shrieked, leaping in surprise and identally sending the te of cookies


    flying through the air.


    Axel swiftly bnced the ss in his hand at the edge of the kitchen counter, spilling some water on


    the floor. He struggled to grab the te, seeding at thest minute by snatching it out of the air. In


    the midst of this chaotic maneuver, Jasmine, unfortunately, sl*pped on the pool of water, careening into


    Axel.


    Already off bnce from catching the flying te, Axel lost his footing, resulting in a heavy thud as he


    hit the floor. Jasmine, unable to stop her momentum,nded right on top of him


    Amidst the shards of the shattered te and the spilled water, Axel groaned from the


    mpact, feeling the sting on his cheek where the broken te had grazed him. Jasmine, wide¨Ceyed and


    on the verge of tears, mumbled apologies repeatedly.


    As Axel tried to sit up, he noticed the broken pieces of the te near his head, and Jasmine;


    Axel, in the midst of his morning routine, had just taken a refreshing sip of water when the doorbell


    echoed through his apartment. Holding the ss in hand, he made his way to the door, curious about


    the unexpected interruption


    Upon swinging the door open, he found his neighbor standing there. Her presence at his doorstep was


    an unexpected surprise that drew a sigh from him. The early morning visit left Axel wondering about the


    purpose of her visit. She was clutching something in her arms. Feeling troubled by the events of the


    previous day, Jasmine was determined to rify her actions and make amends. Understanding the


    gravity of her first impression, which was far from ideal, and the fact that she had inadvertently


    damaged his phone, she resolved to meet with Axel that morning before work.


    Carrying a te of cookies, Jasmine approached his door with a mixture of nervousness and


    determination. She had read online that offering cookies was a traditional way to wee new


    neighbors, as she stood there her thoughts swirled with the desire to exin herself and make amends


    for the less¨Cthan¨Cideal first impression she had left.


    ¡°Hi. Ijust came to apologize,¡± Jasmine uttered nervously, feeling the weight of his piercing gaze upon


    her. His face held a captivating beauty that heightened her anxiety, especially under the intensity of his


    prating eyes


    Bncing arge te of store¨Cbought cookies in her arms, she had piled it generously, a humble


    offering to apany her apology. Axel, with a questioning expression, continued. to observe her.


    Gathering courage, she then asked, ¡°May Ie in?¡± her toneced with hopefulness.


    He gracefully stepped aside, allowing her entry into his home. Her eyes wandered around the living


    room, and despite having been there a few days earlier, the sheer luxury of the ce struck her anew.


    Axel proceeded to the kitchen, and she followed him, still tightly holding the te of cookies. The air in


    the kitchen felt different, a mix of tension and curiosity lingering between them.


    Taking a deep breath she started. ¡®T¡¯m sorry about your broken phone, for attacking you as well. I didn¡¯t


    get a chance to apologize¡­¡­ Jasmine began, her voice filled with sincerity, but just as she spoke,


    Axel¡¯s dog¡¯s toy, a small mouse¨Cshaped ything, darted past her,


    ¡°What?! Mice!¡± Jasmine shrieked, leaping in surprise and identally sending the te of cookies


    flying through the air.


    Axel swiftly bnced the ss in his hand at the edge of the kitchen counter, spilling some water on


    the floor. He struggled to grab the te, seeding at thest minute by snatching it out of the air. In


    the midst of this chaotic maneuver, Jasmine, unfortunately, sl*pped on the pool of water, careening into


    Axel.


    Already off bnce from catching the flying te, Axel lost his footing, resulting in a heavy thud as he


    hit the floor. Jasmine, unable to stop her momentum,nded right on top of him.


    Amidst the shards of the shattered te and the spilled water, Axel groaned from the


    pact, feeling the wing on his cheek where the broken te had grazed him, Jasmine


    eyell and on the verge of tears, mumbled apologies repeatedly.


    lied to sit up, he noticed the broken pieces of the ce near his head, and Jasmine


    still attempting to stand, identally knocked a ss off the counter. With swift reflexes, Axel shielded


    his face from the falling ss, but in the process, water from the ss rushed. into his nostrils, leaving


    him momentarily breathless.


    Jasmine gasped in horror, her hands covering her mouth as she witnessed the unintentional chaos


    unfolding. Axel, now sitting up, managed to regain his breath, coughing slightly as he wiped water from


    his face.


    In the aftermath of the chaotic incident, Jasmine, eager to make amends, offered, ¡°I cant help clean up,


    as she frantically seized a shard of ss from the floor in her panic.


    Axel¡¯s reflexes kicked in, and he swiftly intervened, grabbing the ss out of her hand to prevent her


    from getting hurt. However, the situation took an unexpected turn as Axel himself winced in pain- the


    ss had cut him.


    Oh my God, you¡¯re hurt,¡± she eximed, genuine concern etched across her face.


    Realizing Axel was hurt, Jasmine hurriedly and clumsily approached him, almost sl*pping in her haste.


    In an unfortunate twist, she identally stepped on Axel¡¯s toe, prompting another pained groan from


    him.


    I¡¯m sorry sorry¡°. She apologized feeling horrible.


    Axel, overwhelmed and frustrated, urged, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Please, just leave,¡± his tone a mix of exasperation


    and weariness.


    Attempting to exin herself, Jasmine stammered, ¡°I thought there was a mice, and I just¡­ I just¡­


    t¡­her words trailing off in a mixture of embarrassment and anxiety.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve done enough!¡± Axel interrupted, his patience worn thin. Fueled by a surge of frustration,


    he grabbed her arm, leading her away and mming the door shut behind her, fighting the urge to


    release a scream of frustration.


    As Axel stood alone, he felt a sting on his face and instinctively reached to touch it. His suspicion was


    confirmed he was bleeding. His back ached, and even his head throbbed; he had collided with the back


    of his head on the counter during the chaotic incident. Staring at the closed door, Axel sighed heavily.


    His day had taken an unexpected turn for the worst with Jasmine¡¯s visit. Turning his attention to the


    disarray in his kitchen scattered cookies, water¨Csoaked shards of broken ss


    ¡°Just great,¡± he muttered sourly, contemting the mess that now awaited him to clean up. The once


    serene morning had transformed into a scene of chaos, leaving Axel to grapple with the aftermath of an


    encounter he hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    Jasmine stood on the other side of the closed door, the weight of humiliation¨Csettling heavily upon her.


    Axel had mmed the door in her face, a justified response to the chaos. she had unintentionally


    caused. She squatted down, grappling with the reality of the situation. She couldn¡¯t me him¨Cfirst,


    she assaulted him, then damaged his phone, and now she had hurt him in his own home.


    The echoes of her sincere apologies reverberated in her mind, but they couldn¡¯t undo the physical and


    emotional aftermath of her clumsiness.


    was an ident, she whispered, her back pressed against his door. Fighting back tears. he fell


    felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and sadness. Axel had done nothing to the misfortune she


    seemed to bring upon him. The meniory of how he gently tied open her palun, carefully cing her


    ne within, only intensified her feelings of


    With heavy heart, she picked herself up and entered her apartment, sliding down her own


    door to sit on the floor. The weight of humiliation bore down on her, and she couldn¡¯t shake the deep


    regret for the unintentional havoc she had caused in Axel¡¯s life.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Hazel took great care in arranging Daisy¡¯s lunch, carefully packing a bag filled with


    nutritious snacks. A kind nurse from the VIP floor had volunteered to keep an eye on her to ensure she


    ate well.


    As Hazel prepared to leave for work, she shared her instructions with Daisy. ¡°You can visit Loulou if you


    get bored, and make sure toe back here if


    Du feel sleepy,¡± she said. Daisy nodded with determination, ready to embark on another day in the


    hospital Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in shock and bewilderment as Axel walked in that morning. Concern


    etched on his face, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    Axel, sporting a bandaid on his face and another wrapped around his hand, appeared a few minutes


    up that morningte, disoriented and sporting bandaids.


    The aftermath of the unexpected and unwanted visit had led to a scries of mishaps, had required extra


    time for cleanup and a quick detour to the store for band¨Caids.


    Axel¡¯s sigh echoed the weariness he felt from the morning¡¯s ordeal. He gingerly lowered himself into his


    chair, the difort from his injuries evident in his every movement. He had bumped his head on the


    counter wall as well leaving a throbbing headache. He massaged his temples, attempting to alleviate


    the lingering headache.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not talk about it,¡± Axel dered, his voice carrying a trace of fatigue. The events of the


    morning had left him physically and emotionally drained. The dog, once a source of irritation, now


    seemed like a minor inconveniencepared to the unpredictable neighbor, sharing the same


    proximity.


    Ethan leaned in, intrigued and concerned, his curiosity piqued.


    This has something to do with your neighbor? Ethan probed, observing Axel¡¯s demeanor for clues.


    Axel¡¯s silence spoke volumes, confirming Ethan¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Ethan mused, processing the information. ¡°Seems she¡¯s out to get you. What happened this


    time? She attacked you in the parking lot this time?¡± he questioned, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°My house,¡± Axel stated bluntly, prompting a surprised reaction from Ethan.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan eximed incredulously. ¡°She attacked you in your own house? She must really have a


    few screws loose,¡± he remarked, his tone shifting to a more serious note Axel, feeling the need to


    rify, asserted, ¡°It¡¯s not that!¡± defensively. He then proceeded to provide a hushed summary of the


    morning¡¯s idental chaos, shedding light on the unexpected visit and its disastrous aftermath.


    ¡°You¡¯re defending her?¡± Ethan quizzed, narrowing his eyes in skepticism.


    Axel, maintaining a sense of empathy despite the inconvenience, replied, ¡°She¡¯s clumsy and with a


    whole lot of bad luck. She¡¯s not actually a bad person¨Cjust someone I would rather avoidpletely,¡±


    he admitted with a sigh.


    Ethan absorbed the information, recognizing theplexity of Axel¡¯s predicament with his entric


    neighbor. The notion of defending someone who had unintentionally caused so much trouble seemed


    puzzling to him.


    Right Axel continued, steering the conversation in a different direction. ¡°Hazel came in to work this


    morning. I saw her on my way in.


    The mention of Hazel immediately triggered Axel¡¯s realization that Daisy was likely alone at the


    hospital, waiting for him toe keep herpany.


    ¡°You¡¯re heading to the hospital today, right?¡± Axel inquired, addressing the shift in his priorities and the


    responsibility awaiting him beyond the intricacies of his neighborly troubles.


    Ethan observed Daisy from the doorway, noting the weariness in her eyes. As the nurse concluded her


    checkup and left. Daisy sighed, her small frame seeming even more delicate against the sterile hospital


    surroundings.


    Wanting to lift her spirits, Ethan decided to introduce a touch of yfulness. He reached into the bag he


    was carrying, revealing a stuffed pigeon. With a mischievous grin, he stretched it through the door,


    making it ¡°speak.


    ¡°Hello. Bunny,¡± he said in an animated voice, making the pigeon move as if engaged in conversation.


    ¡°How do you do?¡±


    Daisy¡¯s tired expression transformed into pure delight, and she burst intoughter. The sound echoed


    through the hospital room, momentarily chasing away the heaviness that clung to her.


    ¡°Mr. Princess, you¡¯re funny!¡± she eximed between giggles.


    Ethan continued the puppetry with the stuffed toy, mimicking a deep, exaggerated voice, ¡°You¡¯re a


    strong girl, taking all your medications. So, I¡¯ll give you a big hugggg!¡± Daisy erupted into even louder


    As Ethan walked in, still hiding behind the plush toy, he asked with yful concern, ¡°Are you tired?¡± Her


    response was a joyful giggle, and between fits ofughter, she affectionately


    called him


    ¡°Oh Mr. Princess, with a wide smile.


    In response, she stood on her bed, her small figure reaching out for him, and Ethan, still ying the


    part, leaned in for a hug.


    Daisy¡¯s small arms wrapped around Ethan¡¯s neck, her embrace sincere and filled with innocence. He


    sighed, returning the hug with a tenderness that revealed the depth of his care for her. As he held her,


    he couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of the situation¨Cthis fragile, small b*dy having to endure the burden


    of pain and illness.


    Gently, Ethan nted a soft k*ss on the top of Daisy¡¯s head,


    Ethan remained by Daisy¡¯s side.


    The initial ns to visit Loulou were set aside as Daisy, exhausted from the trials of illness, found


    sce in Ethan¡¯spany. Together, they created aforting


    atmosphere¨Creading stories, engaging in yful activities, and providing a distraction from the harsh


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    reality of the hospital.


    As Daisy sumbed to the embrace of a much¨Cneeded nap, Ethan took the opportunity to ensure her


    fatigued. Worry etched across his face, he couldn¡¯t help but express


    concern to the nurse.


    The mare, administering Daisy¡¯s medication, offered reassurance. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. We


    und a new medication, It¡¯s a bit strong. Her b*dy¡¯s adapting to it


    absorbing the exnation, and horded in understanding Seated bear


    Daisy, he held her hand while she peacefully slept.


    Hours passed, and as the sunlight cast a warm glow in the room, Ethan reluctantly stood to leave. With


    a final nce filled with affection, he left the room.


    Ethan sank into the backseat of the car, his expression marked by a distant and contemtive


    demeanor. The weight of concem and sadness hung on his face, visible even in the reflection in the


    rearview mirror. Axel couldn¡¯t ignore, prompting him to inquire.


    ¡°Daisy¡¯s case severe?¡± Axel questioned, recognizing the telltale signs of distress in Ethan¡¯s


    countenance. He was in a chripy mood when he went to visit but now he came back disturbed and


    distress.


    ¡°The little girl is in pain, and I couldn¡¯t even do anything for her,¡± Ethan admitted, his voice tinged with


    frustration and sorrow.


    Ethan¡¯s voice carried a heavy burden of emotion as he muttered, ¡°All the money in the world, and I


    can¡¯t take all her pain away.¡± There was an inexplicable love he felt for the child, a sense of


    helplessness despite his vast resources. He grappled with the desire to do everything within his power


    for her.


    ¡°Pretty sure your visit cheered her up and made her happy. Axel encouraged. He also felt sad, he had


    met Daisy and adorable little girl.


    Leaning back into his seat, he closed his eyes. Hazel had only spent a brief time at the office, and once


    he was informed she had left, he knew her destination would be back to the hospital so he had to


    leave.


    The rhythmic hum of Ethan¡¯s phone vibrating disrupted the stillness. With Axel managing most aspects


    of his phone calls, it was unusual for Ethan¡¯s phone to ring directly. Assuming it might be Be, he


    initially dismissed the call, but its persistence ringing urged him to check the caller ID. The casualness


    in his posture dissipated as he sat up abruptly.


    With a sense of urgency, he answered the call, words exchanged in terse and rapid session. ¡°Axel,


    drive back to the hospital now.¡± Ethan ordered, his tone carrying a weight that demanded immediate


    attention.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Hazel sat beside Daisy, gently running her fingers through her daughter¡¯s hair. The room was hushed,


    filled only with the soft hum of medical equipment. Daisy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and in a feeble voice,


    she called out, ¡°Mr. Princess?¡±


    Hazel¡¯s heart sank at the innocence in her daughter¡¯s voice. She whispered soothingly, ¡®Hey,


    sweetheart. Mr. Princess isn¡¯t here right now.¡± The vulnerability in Daisy¡¯s eyes tugged at Hazel¡¯s


    emotions, and she couldn¡¯t help but stroke her daughter¡¯s cheek with a gentle touch. As Daisy tried to


    sit up, Hazel couldn¡¯t ignore the weariness in her movements. It was a stark reminder of the battles


    Daisy was facing.


    Hazel felt bad wishing she could take all of the pain instead.


    Noticing the new toy, the pigeon, in Daisy¡¯s grasp, Hazel¡¯s curiosity mingled with a touch of suspicion.


    She hadn¡¯t seen this toy before, and its sudden appearance puzzled her. Hazel¡¯s motherly instincts


    went on alert. She gently inquired, ¡°Sweetie, where did you get that pigeon?¡±


    Daisy still looking frail, managed a faint smile. Hazel¡¯s concern deepened, and her thoughts. turned to


    Ethan. Had he visited while she was away?


    He couldn¡¯t have; he was at thepany today. She tried to shake it off.


    Just then her phone ringing cut through the quietness of the room.


    She moved to pick it.


    ¡°Hello.¡± She said into the phone, she recognized the caller id as Tiny tots contact.


    Her heart raced as she listened to the unsettling noises at the other end of the phone. The sound of


    ambnce and people talking loudly.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Hazel called once more, loudly this time, her voice alreadyced with concern.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, your child had to be taken to the hospital,¡± the staff from Tiny Tots informed her. ¡°Yes, I know.


    Daisy¡¯s hospitalized; that¡¯s why she hasn¡¯t been in school,¡± Hazel responded, her mind preupied


    with thoughts of her daughter¡¯s well¨Cbeing.


    ¡°No, ma¡¯am, not Daisy. It¡¯s Liam. He¡¯s been rushed to the hospital right now,¡± the voice. exined,


    injecting a newyer of urgency into the conversation.


    Hazel¡¯s world seemed to spin. ¡°Wait, what?! How?! What happened?!¡± she eximed, her voice filled


    with a mix of fear and desperation.


    Tim so sorry, ma¡¯am, the voice apologized, but the words offered littlefort. Panic surged through


    Hazel as her thoughts raced,


    The news had Hazel¡¯s mind racing. He was fine this morning; why was Liam suddenly being nhed to


    the hospital?


    ¡°What hospital?¡± she asked anxiously, a knot tightening in her stomach.


    Clevnd. We¡¯re headed for Clevnd right now, the voice on the phone replied.


    Haz heart pounded in her chest as she rushed out, leaving Daisy momentarily. The urgency in her


    movements betrayed the fear that gripped her.


    Imaiy?¡± Daisy called from the other room.


    lly run back in, desperately trying to maintainposure. ¡°Daisy, honey. I need mething for a moment,


    the spake hurriedly, turning on the TV to keep


    e¡¯s heartstrings, but she had to her upied. The worried glint in Daisy¡¯s eyes tugged at Hazel¡¯s


    heartstrings, but she had to focus on finding out what happened to Liam.


    The elevator doors opened, and Hazel hurriedly stepped in, her impatience evident in her tapping foot.


    As it descended, she mentally prepared herself for what she might see on the first floor.


    Exiting the elevator, she practically sprinted towards the entrance where the doors to the ident and


    Emergency area were being swung open to allow the arrival of a new case. Her eyes darted around


    anxiously, searching for any sign of Liam.


    Momentster, the wailing sirens of the ambnce pierced the air, and the vehicle came to a swift stop.


    The back doors flung open, revealing paramedics surrounding a stretcher. Liam, her precious son, was


    being wheeled in. Hazel¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she rushed towards them.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she questioned the paramedics, desperately seeking answers in their


    eyes.


    ¡°Liam, honey,¡± she called out to him, trying to reach him, but she was prevented by the swift


    movements of the medical team. The sense of helplessness overwhelmed her as she watched her son


    being wheeled into the emergency room.


    Hazel felt a surge of panic as the paramedics addressed the doctor, mentioning signs of an allergy. Her


    mind raced toprehend the situation.


    ¡°Allergy, what?!¡± she thundered, her voice a mix of fear and frustration. How was it possible? She had


    meticulously listed all of her children¡¯s allergies and provided it to the school. authorities. How then did


    Liam end up in this situation?


    As her thoughts spiraled, she turned to the Tiny Tots staff standing by, seeking an exnation. The


    staff member spoke anxiously ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, ma¡¯am. I honestly didn¡¯t know. One of the kids


    celebrated his birthday. The parents sent a cake and drinks, and unfortunately, the drinks happened to


    have soy properties.¡±


    ¡°Liam¡¯s allergic! I already informed you guys about that!¡± Hazel stated angrily, her worry her son evident


    in her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t check properly,¡± the woman pleaded.


    for


    Hazel sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern etched on her face. ¡°Nothing had better happen to


    my baby,¡± she warned sternly.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± another staff member walked over, attempting to exin. ¡°Thisst one actually


    just started working with us. She¡¯s still new, and I believe she got carried away by the kids¡® party and


    excitement.


    ¡°It took us a while to understand what was going on. He suddenly copsed,¡± the middle¨Caged woman


    added.


    Hazel, trying to maintainposure, took a deep breath. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± she asked calmly now,


    Roseline, the teacher replied.


    Harel sighed. ¡°I am talks about you all day. He says you¡¯re his favorite.¡± She sighed again.


    You should be careful next time!


    anger momentarily gave way to a deep sigh as she processed the information. The anintentional


    oversight had led to this rming situation. She couldn¡¯t me the staff


    the weight of the consequences prested heavily on her. The doctor continued ation, leaving Hazel


    grappling with mix of emotions in the chaotic atmosphere


    of the emergency room.


    Just then, the doctors exited the ward. ¡°How is he?¡± Hazel intercepted them.


    ¡°Anaphxis,¡± the man stated. ¡°Life¨Cthreatening. It seemed some first aid was applied before he got


    here.¡± He added.


    ¡°Yes. Weid him on his side, supported by his arm and legs since he was unconscious,¡± Roseline


    exined, feeling terrible.


    The man nodded.


    ¡°Good. He¡¯ll wake up soon, don¡¯t worry about it too much,¡± the doctor reassured before leaving,


    Hazel sunk to the floor in relief.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± they apologized once more.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hazel said with a small smile. ¡°It was an ident, but please do be careful next time. Hazel¡¯s


    relief was apparent.


    The other teacher and Roseline hung around for some time; soon, they left.


    ¡°Can you step on the gas?!¡± Ethan bellowed in impatience.


    To go through where?¡± Axel retorted.


    Cause the road is free, and I just happen to be driving slowly, right?¡± He asked sarcastically The roads


    were congested, and there was mild traffic. Ethan sat impatiently.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on anyway?¡± Axel inquired. Ethan had gotten a call and order him to drive back to the


    hospital after that phone call without giving him any details


    ¡°Liam was rushed to the hospital.¡±


    That was all he needed to say. Momentster, they finally pulled into the hospital.


    Ethan lept out of the car before it came to ¨¤plete stop leaving Axel to find a parking


    spot.


    Ethan¡¯s urgent voice echoed through the hospital corridor, ¡°Hazel! Hazel!¡± He hurried until he finally


    spotted her, relief washing over him.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± Hazel responded with surprise in her voice.


    ¡°How¡¯s Liam? Heard he was rushed here,¡± Ethan inquired hastily.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine now. It was an allergic reaction,¡± Hazel replied calmly, though the worry lingered. in her eyes.


    Ethan visibly rxed, a weight lifted from his shoulders.


    Just then, Liam was wheeled past them. The hospital staff was taking him to Daisy¡¯s ward. Hazel¡¯s


    voice was calm as she exined, ¡°They¡¯ll have him moved to Daisy¡¯s ward; it¡¯s best they stay together.


    Her eyes were fixed on Ethan, noticing the way his eyes filled with emotions was trained on Liam as


    her was wheeled away. she felt her throat tighten noting the beads of sweat on his face and the


    loosened tie, it seemed he had run to get there.


    Axel entered the scene just then. ¡°Allergic reaction. He¡¯ll be fine,¡± Ethan informed him briefly


    headed to the elevator, a heavy silence hung in the air, each of them wrapped in thoughts, the shared


    concern for the two kids,


    Prosddn¡¯t help but steal nces at Ethan. Typically cool and collected, this was the first had witnessed


    him so visibly ansious panicky. The concern etched on his face


    didn¡¯t go unnoticed, he must really care about Liam. She thought to herself.


    ¡°But Ethan¡­. How did you know Liam was hospitalized?¡± Hazel finally asked, curiositycing her


    words. It puzzled her ¨C Liam had been taken to the hospital directly from school, and she hadn¡¯t


    informed anyone yet somehow Ethan had discovered the situation and rushed there.


    ¡°Ermm. Ethan cleared his throat ufortably, pondering a convincing reason. The truth. that he had


    purchased ess to information about Hazel¡¯s kids¡® school and had someone keep him informed, was


    something he couldn¡¯t reveal.


    The hospital did,¡± he lied with a calm demeanor.


    ¡°The hospital?¡± Hazel repeated slowly, seeking rification.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied smoothly. ¡°I have connections here, especially after getting involved with Daisy¡¯s


    health. The hospital management thought it best to keep me informed about Liam¡¯s situation as well.¡±


    Just then, the elevator dinged to signify their arrival.


    ¡°Oh,¡± was all she could say, her mind racing with questions about how Ethan had reached the hospital


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    so quickly.


    Seeing her contemtive and confused look, he continued, ¡°I was actually close by. So we drove down


    quickly.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s features rxed, understanding the reason for his swift arrival. They trudged silently to the


    ward.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± Ethan called, pausing in his steps. ¡°What allergy does Liam have?¡± He asked, curious about


    what had caused the severe reaction requiring hospitalization.


    ¡°Soy,¡± she said casually. Ethan¡¯s head snapped up immediately, an incredulous look on his face. Hazel


    regretted the revtion the moment she said it ¨C Ethan was also allergic to soy.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    ¡°Hazel,¡± Ethan called, his voice cutting through the air, halting her mid¨Cstep. The corridor seemed to


    narrow as his concerned eyes locked onto hers.


    ¡°What allergy does Liam have?¡± he asked, his brows furrowing in a mix of worry and curiosity.


    soy


    ¡°Soy,¡± she replied lightly, almost too casually. A sudden regret engulfed her as she realized the


    implications of her choice of words. Why did she mention soy? Ethan had battled. allergy in his own


    childhood, and now, the revtion hung in the air like an unspoken connection.


    She froze, biting her l*p anxiously. Act oblivious, Hazel, she instructed herself, but the unspoken truth


    lingered in the atmosphere, a subtle tension between them.


    Attempting to regainposure, Hazel cleared her throat and questioned, ¡°Why?¡± Her eyes met


    Ethan¡¯s, searching for any sign of recognition or realization.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze intensified as he stared at her, his eyes prating. ¡°I had soy allergies as a child too,¡±


    he revealed, the gravity of his words sinking in. The air grew thicker with tension ¡°Oh, no way. Really?¡±


    Hazel asked, attempting to sound casual. She avoided his piercing gaze, focusing on the task of


    unlocking the door, her hands fumbling nervously in the


    process.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he called, his voice drawing her back. Closing the distance between them with a step forward,


    he entered her personal space.


    Suddenly, he was very close. Hazel caught a whiff of his perfume, a fragrant and masculine scent that


    enveloped her. His expression seemed troubled, a silent turmoil evident in his eyes as if internal


    questions were swirling within him. The unspoken realization of hereditary allergies lingered in the air,


    creating a palpable tension. Why else would Liam share the same allergy as Ethan? It was enough to


    stir suspicion.


    Hazel¡¯s breathing became faster andbored, the weight of the unspoken truth hanging heavily


    between them. The proximity intensified the swirling emotions, leaving them both caught in a tense


    moment


    ¡°Liam¡¯s fine now. Don¡¯t worry,¡± she reassured him, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness that she


    hoped went unnoticed.


    ¡°Soy allergy is quitemon. Most kids grow out of it. It¡¯s one of the mostmon allergies after all,


    she continued, adding a lightugh to suppress the tension that lingered in the atmosphere.


    ¡°Right. I guess,¡± Ethan replied, his features gradually rxing. Hazel could sense his. thoughts at that


    moment from his demeanor, the unburdening thought that Soy allergy didn¡¯t necessarily imply a shared


    gic connection. She breathed a sigh of relief, Ethan seemed convinced; simr allergy didn¡¯t


    actually mean they were rted, it was just


    They both stepped into the ward, Daisy had fallen asleep. Sighing, Hazel looked at the two of them;


    she would have to wake them upter for dinner. Ethan stood over Liam, then sighed, his eyes filled


    with love and worry. He stroked Liam¡¯s hair softly.


    He¡¯ll be fine. It isn¡¯t the first time, she said with a chuckle, trying to make it sound light.


    Exban stood, staring at their sleeping faces. He gave a small smille when Daisy muntered and


    chewed in her sleep. Chuckling lightly, he said, ¡°She¡¯s probably dreaming about treats.¡± Knowing Daisy,


    it was actually possible.


    They both stepped into the ward. They were greeted by a hushed atmosphere. Daisy had fallen asleep,


    shey peacefully covered up.


    Hazel, looking at her two sleeping kids sighed; she¡¯d have to wake them upter to have their dinner.


    Ethan stood by Liam¡¯s bedside, he exhaled audibly, his eyes a blend of affection and concern. His


    gentle fingers ran through Liam¡¯s hair, a tender touchden with care.


    ¡°He¡¯ll pull through. It¡¯s not the first time,¡± Hazel remarked. He straightened up gazing at the two


    sleeping children. A faint smile yed on his l*ps as Daisy stirred, murmured in her sleep and chewed.


    A soft chuckle escaped him, and he mused, ¡°She¡¯s


    Must be dreaming about treats. Knowing Daisy, it was actually usible.


    ¡°I heard you were at thepany today,¡® Ethan remarked casually, settling onto the edge of Daisy¡¯s


    bed, the soft creak of the mattress beneath him.


    ¡°Yes, had to oversee the project,¡± Hazel responded in a hushed whisper, acutely aware of the need for


    discretion. Their conversation, however, appeared to disturb Daisy¡¯s slumber, prompting a subtle


    stirring as she shifted in her sleep.


    Leaning in slightly, Ethan¡¯s expression softened with genuine concern. ¡°How have you been, Hazel?


    Coping with Daisy and everything else?¡± His eyes held a mixture of empathy and a yearning for


    connection.


    She sighed, taking a seat next to him on Daisy¡¯s bed.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I mean, how have you been holding up?¡± He asked geniuely curious.


    She shrugged. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been easy, but I guess the love for my kids keeps me going. She gave an


    honest smile.


    Her babies. Hazel loved them both with her life. The day she had given birth, she was told Daisy died.


    She was barely breathing when she had her. Hazel looked at her now and couldn¡¯t help but smile. She


    hade a long way.


    Daisy¡¯s heartbeats had been so faint they had barely heard it.


    Born over a month past their due date, the twins had been frail. Hazel, however, felt gratitude. Back


    then, she couldn¡¯t fathom returning to this city, yet here she was. Thete arrival of the twins had


    be a deceptive shield, falsely suggesting they couldn¡¯t be Ethan¡¯s, even though they were. With


    that, she felt a sense of guarded assurance


    They sat in silence, the machines and ambient sounds filling the room with their rhythmic


    noises.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been here for days now; I¡¯ve kinda gotten used to the machines beeping,¡± she said, Haughing


    lightly. ¡°It actually lulls me to sleep now, you know.¡±


    Ethan chuckled lightly.


    The hospital room was one of the reasons she was most grateful.


    Daisy likes it. Not that she likes staying at the hospital, but she¡¯s happier here than at other hospitals.


    She has me and her brother to keep herpany.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Hazel smiled at Ethan, grateful for his unexpected involvement, which turned out to be one of the best


    things that had happened to them so far. His intervention had brought them Dr. Gomez and this


    spacious hospital ward, resembling more of a hotel than a medical facility. The doctors and nurses


    provided special attention, creating an environment where she felt


    at ease.


    The hospital had be a second home, and Hazel had grown ustomed to the rhythmic sounds of


    the machines. Yet, the mostforting aspect of it all was that they could be together, navigating


    through the challenges and being able to be with and support


    Daisy.


    The room, in particr, had cast a positive light on Daisy¡¯s spirits.


    ¡°Daisy enjoys being here. Not that she enjoys staying in the hospital, but this ce makes her happier


    emphasizing the difference.


    ¡°At the other hospitals, we couldn¡¯t stay with her she concluded, offering a warm Ethan¡¯s direction.


    smile in


    ¡°And we get to stay in such afortable room thanks to you,¡± Hazel added, appreciating the


    tranquility the environment provided. Ethan, though was quiet, his gaze serious and contemtive.


    ¡°She had to stay at hospitals a lot?¡± he asked, the concern evident in his voice. Hazel nodded, then


    gave a small shrug. Ethan¡¯s features softened, reacting as if the revtion affected him deeply. The


    mention of Daisy health seemed to stir a genuine sympathy within him. ¡°She¡¯s so small. She has to go


    through all of that. I wish there was something I could do,¡± Ethan said, hi


    face buried in his palm, revealing a sense of helplessness and sorrow. The realization of Daisy¡¯s


    challenges weighed on him, and it was clear he wished he could spare her from any pain.


    ¡°You know, I was worried when I got the call,¡± he admitted, releasing a sigh that carried the weight of


    concern and relief.


    ¡°I know I don¡¯t have a ce nor the right, but I just¡­¡± he began, his words trailing with a hint of


    vulnerability.


    ¡°Hey, she called lightly, reaching out and cing aforting palm on his arm.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she interjected, her words cutting through the heavy atmosphere. She couldn¡¯t bear to hear


    him deny his ce in her kids lives, a ce that, in reality, if she was to be honest with herself, he


    rightfully upied.


    ¡°I understand, Hazel expressed with a sigh. The atmosphere hung heavy with unvoiced emotions as


    their eyes locked and time seemed to stop for a moment. They sat there in silence lost in each other¡¯s


    eyes.


    Hazel Ethan called touching her palm ced on his arm.


    ¡°After the divorce. Where did you go?¡± he asked, his question cutting through the air with unexpected


    weight.


    Hazel froze, her pan which was resting on his arm now when between his. The unexpected inquiry


    hung in the room, casting a sudden shadow over their conversation. Her features, once rxed, now


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    tightened, a subtle shift in her demeanor:


    ¡°You basically disappeared. Then you return yearster, all different,¡± he continued, offering a small,


    almost nostalgic smile.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t disappear,¡± she denied, her response carrying a note of defensiveness, a shield against a past


    she was not ready to revisit. She sat up slowly, retracting her palm from Ethan¡¯s hold. The tension in


    the room was palpable


    ¡°Yes, you


    did. You vanished, Hazel,¡± he asserted, ncing at her with a mixture of acknowledgment and a subtle


    look of sadness. His eyes locked onto hers, holding her in a


    daze.


    His eyes at that moment carried so much emotion, It looked like he was revisiting moments he


    preferred to forget, like that was a time of his life things turned bad for him. Hazel couldn¡¯t help but


    question the emotions reflected in his eyes.


    Why did he sound like he had looked for her. Was it possible that her absence had affected him? Her


    mind raced with conflicting thoughts as she continued to hold his gaze, her eyes searching his for


    answers.


    No, it couldn¡¯t be, Hazel reminded herself sternly. He had rejected her, insisted she leave, and made it


    clear he wanted nothing to do with her. She strengthened her resolve.; she wouldn¡¯t sumb to any


    remorseful or sorrowful look he might cast her way.


    She never meant anything to him. Whatever he felt right now was because of the children they shared.


    He was sitting in the room right now not because of her, but because of the children he had an


    unexinable affection for, nothing else.


    ¡°Why do you sound like you care?¡± She asked, a mixture of pain and disbelief in her eyes. ¡°Like I ever


    mattered?¡± She probed, her voice breaking, each word carrying the weight of past hurts.


    ¡°Hazel¡­ Ethan called, a hint of regret in his eyes as he tried to reach for her hand. She withdrew


    immediately, creating a visible distance between them.


    ¡°I needed some space. So I left the country,¡® she stated, her voice taking on a detached and void


    quality. The memories of her abandonment became palpable, and ending the discussion quickly


    became her goal, a desperate attempt to shield herself from the emotional turmoil.


    ¡°Hazel, you¡­¡± He began saying, concern etched on his face.


    ¡°I was fine. I and my kids have been fine!¡± she dered, her voice bing even more. tensed, a


    defensive wall rising around her. She was determined to close off the topic, shutting the door on a


    painful chapter she¡¯d rather forget.


    ¡°You and your kids?¡± Ethan probed, his questions prating the carefully constructed defenses


    ¡°And the father?¡± He asked.


    She sounded like she had gone through everything all alone. Her mention of her and her kids made


    him suspicious that there wasn¡¯t a man present. He had checked as well, the man he saw her with at


    the airport wasn¡¯t her husband neither did he seem like the father of her children, so who then was the


    father of her kids


    The question lingered in the air between them.


    Who is the father of Liam and Daisy, Hazel?¡± He probed.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    ¡°Who¡¯s the father of your kid¡¯s, Hazel?¡± Ethan asked softl


    Hazel was visibly take aback.


    His question lingered in the air.


    Hazel felt a surge of emotions, a mixture of surprise, anxiety, and a flicker of something deeper that she


    struggled to name.


    The father of my kids,¡± Hazel echoed slowly, the weight of the unanticipated question settling in the air.


    The idea of Ethan finding his way back into their lives hadn¡¯t crossed her mind. She certainly hadn¡¯t


    imagined having to address this question from him one day. ¡°Hazel?¡± He called snapping her out of her


    trail of thoughts. She met the searching look in his eyes, he was waiting intently for an answer.


    The father of my kids, he¡¯s staring at me right now. You¡¯re the father, Ethan. But the words. remained


    locked within her. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to say it.


    ¡°Why are you so curious about him, Ethan?¡± she finally responded in a low tone, her voice carrying a


    touch of defensiveness.


    Taking a deep sigh, he continued, ¡°It sounded like you were alone, you and your kids. Like they were all


    you have. Also, I¡¯ve never heard the kids mention a dad.¡±


    A heavy silence enveloped them, as if the room held its breath, witnessing the unearthing of long¨C


    buried questions.


    ¡°The man at the airport, he isn¡¯t their father, I know that,¡± Ethan stated firmly, his unwavering.


    gaze


    ¡°What man?¡± Hazel asked, her expression partly confused, a tinge of surprise coloring her features.


    ¡°That day I met you at the airport,¡± he responded, prompting Hazel to revisit a particr memory. ¡°The


    man you were with. Nathan.¡± He jogged her memory with a touch of hesitancy.


    You investigated me?!¡± Hazel¡¯s voice raised a notch, a mix of shock and indignation coloring


    her words


    ¡°Hazel.¡± Ethan muttered, his tone tinged with guilt. The admission hung in the air, acknowledging that


    he had indeed delved into her life.


    The man Hazel met upon her return to the country wasn¡¯t her husband, nor did he to be the father of


    her kids. So who was?


    appear


    ¡°Why would you do such a thing?! My kids have nothing to do with you. They¡¯re no business of yours,


    Ethan. How could you go behind me, poking around my life?!¡± Hazel¡¯s words, fueled by abination


    of frustration and a fierce protectiveness over her family, reverberated through the charged


    atmosphere. That was why she had felt watched the first few days upon retuning to the city. She could


    feel someone watching her and her kids. That was Fihan! The thought infuriated her.


    She had no idea but Ethan had done even much worse.


    Im sorry. I needed to be sure. I shouldn¡¯t have Hazel. I¡¯m really sorry, Ethan admitted, his apology


    hanging in the air.


    Hazel sighed, the weight of Ethan¡¯s admission settling around them. Discovering that


    Nathan wasn¡¯t their father wouldn¡¯t have taken much research anyway, it wasn¡¯t a guarded. secret.


    However, Ethan¡¯s intrusion into her life unsettled her


    ¡°It¡¯s not like it was a secret, but you have no right to look into me and my kids, she retorted. her words


    drawing a clear line. She was grateful to him and all, but that was one thing she wasn¡¯t going to take,


    digging up things about her


    ¡°You returned to the country suddenly, years after being hidden. I couldn¡¯t help but be curious. I initially


    thought the man with you was your husband and your kids father, but then I found out he isn¡¯t. It didn¡¯t


    matter, but when you mentioned being alone. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder. That¡¯s why. He admitted.


    The kids, Hazel, who is he? where is their father


    ¡°He¡¯s not part of our lives,¡± she stated, a deration that resonated with both finality and a tinge of


    lingering emotion.


    ¡°Howe? He didn¡¯t know you were pregnant Ethan inquired, his silent frustration palpable,


    simmering beneath the surface.


    ¨C No. He didn¡¯t know, and you still don¡¯t know, she mumbled inwardly, a silent admission echoing in the


    recesses of her thoughts.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want them. Hazel disclosed, her words revealing ayer of pain and eptance, Yet, within


    the confines of her mind, she couldn¡¯t escape the echo: you didn¡¯t want them.


    What?!¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in genuine surprise.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he mumbled softly.his tone sympathetic. The realization settling in. Hazel had indeed been


    alone. It left a bitter taste on his tongue


    ¡°How couldn¡¯t he? A massive jerk he is!¡± Ethan stated angrily, his frustration finding a voice. ¡°He¡¯s


    married,¡± she revealed further, the admission hanging in the air.


    -You¡¯re married, Ethan,her thoughts echoed.


    ¡°Married?¡± Ethan questioned quietly


    ¡°Yes. So they¡¯re all mine. My responsibility. I¡¯m their mom and their dad as well,¡± she dered, her


    voice carrying the weight of both pride and vulnerability.


    ¡°So have I been alone? Yes. I¡¯ve been alone,¡± she added, drawing in a shaky breath.


    ncing at Ethan, she rified; ¡°I don¡¯t need sympathy. They¡¯re the greatest things I¡¯ve ever had,¡± she


    asserted, a smile gracing her l*ps even as her eyes betrayed the depth of emotion, tears brimming on


    the precipice.


    ¡°Before


    my kids. I¡¯ve never had anyone or anything to really call my own.


    She couldn¡¯t even find her mate. He husband rejected and didn¡¯t want her. But she had her own kids


    now.


    ¡°For that, I¡¯m grateful. And if I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯m grateful their dad¡¯s not in the picture. Yes, I¡¯m selfish,¡±


    she asserted.


    I know,¡± she finished, the weight of her journey carried in those two simple words.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be selfish sometimes. You did a great job, Hazel, all on your own,¡± Ethan reassured her, his


    wordsced with genuine admiration for the resilience she disyed.


    He has no idea what he¡¯s missed out on, Hazel. Your kids are lovely,¡± Ethan stated honestly.


    Hazel turned away, blinking back tears that threatened to betray the emotional depth of the


    conversation. Ethan¡¯s praise, her lies became overwhelming threatening to break her resolve


    Nathan wasn¡¯t their father wouldn¡¯t have taken much research anyway; it wasn¡¯t a guarded secret.


    However, Ethan¡¯s intrusion into her life unsettled her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like it was a secret, but you have no right to look into me and my kids,¡± she retorted, her words


    drawing a clear line. She was grateful to him and all, but that was one thing she wasn¡¯t going to take,


    digging up things about her.


    ¡°You returned to the country suddenly, years after being hidden. I couldn¡¯t help but be curious. I initially


    thought the man with you was your husband and your kids¡® father, but then I found out he isn¡¯t. It didn¡¯t


    matter, but when you mentioned being alone, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder. That¡¯s why.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°The kids, Hazel, who is he? where is their father?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not part of our lives,¡± she stated, a deration that resonated with both finality and at tinge of


    lingering emotion.


    ¡°Howe? He didn¡¯t know you were pregnant?! Ethan inquired, his silent frustration palpable,


    simmering beneath the surface.


    ¨C No. He didn¡¯t know, and you still don¡¯t know, she mumbled inwardly, a silent admission echoing in the


    recesses of her thoughts.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want them,¡± Hazel disclosed, her words revealing ayer of pain and eptance. Yet, within


    the confines of her mind, she couldn¡¯t escape the echo: you didn¡¯t want them.


    What?!¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in genuine surprise,


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he mumbled softly, his tone sympathetic. The realization settling in, Hazel had indeed been


    alone. It left a bitter taste on his tongue


    ¡°How couldn¡¯t he? A massive jerk he is!¡± Ethan stated angrily, his frustration finding a voice.


    ¡°He¡¯s married,¡± she revealed further, the admission hanging in the air.


    -You¡¯re married, Ethan,her thoughts echoed.


    ¡°Married?¡± Ethan questioned quietly


    ¡°Yes. So they¡¯re all mine. My responsibility. I¡¯m their mom and their dad as well,¡± she dered, her


    voice carrying the weight of both pride and vulnerability.


    ¡°So have I been alone? Yes. I¡¯ve been alone,¡± she added, drawing in a shaky breath.


    ncing at Ethan, she rified; ¡°I don¡¯t need sympathy. They¡¯re the greatest things I¡¯ve ever had,¡± she


    asserted, a smile gracing her l*ps even as her eyes betrayed the depth of emotion, tears brimming on


    the precipice.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Before my kids, I¡¯ve never had anyone or anything to really call my own.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t even find her mate. He husband rejected and didn¡¯t want her. But she had her own kids


    now.


    ¡°For that, I¡¯m grateful. And if I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯m grateful their dad¡¯s not in the picture. Yes, I¡¯m selfish,¡±


    she asserted.


    I know,¡± she finished, the weight of her journey carried in those two simple words. It¡¯s okay to be selfish


    sometimes. You did a great job, Hazel, all on your own,¡± Ethan reassured her, his wordsced with


    genuine admiration for the resilience she disyed. He has no idea what he¡¯s missed out on, Hazel.


    Your kids are lovely,¡± Ethan stated honestly. Hazel turned away, blinking back tears that threatened to


    betray the emotional depth of the conversation. Ethan¡¯s praise, her lies became overwhelming


    threatening to break her


    resolve

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Your kids are lovely, Hazel. You did a really great job all on your own,¡® Ethan expressed sincerely. His


    words,den with admiration.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t raise her head; she couldn¡¯t look him in the eyes right now. A lump formed painfully in


    her throat, making it hard to breathe as she held back tears.


    Tears threatened, held back by a determined resolve, and breathing became an arduous task under the


    weight of unshed emotions.


    Ethan¡¯s words although intended as a genuinepliment, had hit Hazel in a different way. His honest


    praises, though well¨Cintentioned, stirred an undercurrent of guilt within her.


    Afterwards, they just sat in silence.


    Each minute seemed to stretch


    ¡°I should get going,¡± Ethan stated, a sense of hesitancy underlying his words as he contemted the


    delicate bnce of the moment.


    ¡°And Hazel, you can take the day off tomorrow, he offered.


    ¡°Liam would need you.¡± He stated.


    Thank you,¡± she replied quietly, her voice carrying a blend of gratitude and weariness.


    Still, Hazel avoided meeting his eyes, her head turned away.


    Ethan sighed, sensing there were things left unsaid, but he wasn¡¯t sure how to express them. Hazel¡¯s


    reluctance to meet his gaze left the words suspended in the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If my intruding and questioning made you ufortable,¡± he said, the admissionced with


    sincerity thinking he had made her ufortable with those personal questions.


    What? No. It¡¯s not that,¡± Hazel denied strongly.


    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to meet his eyes for an entirely different set of reasons. Ethan¡¯s questions


    and his admission of prying into her life had initially taken her off guard, unravelingyers of her past


    she hadn¡¯t anticipated revisiting.


    The father of her kids stood right there in front of her. Yet, admitting it felt like unraveling a tightly wound


    secret that left her bitterly frightened.


    It wasn¡¯t merely Ethan¡¯s questions that had caught her off guard; it was the stark realization of how her


    life truly was that had struck her with an unexpected force.


    ¡°Ethan you¡¯re Daisy and Liam¡¯s Father! She couldn¡¯t find the courage to say those words to him.


    Instead, she had taken the cowardly approach, spinning half¨Ctruths instead.


    Ethan has listened attentively, his expression reflecting genuine empathy for her situation. His reaction


    and response left Hazel feeling a heavy weight of guilt settled in her chest. It was evident that Ethan


    harbored sincere affection for her children ¨C he truly cared about them.


    She desperately wanted to blurt out the truth Her l*ps trembled under the weight of her anxiety and the


    unspoken words as a surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Instead, she bit her l*ps trying to


    Taking a final, lingering nce at the peacefully sleeping kids, Ethan prepared to leave the ward.


    Slowly, he made his way toward the door, the quiet shuffle of his footsteps filling the mom Hazel


    followed silently, trailing in his wake


    Hazel, Ethan called, his voice a gentle summons that halted him in his tracks. Turning back, he


    retraced his steps towards her. As he approached, she blinked, suddenly meeting his face just inches


    away from hers. Lost in her thoughts, she hadn¡¯t realized when he had. moved, and now, he stood


    directly in front of her, his gaze fixed down on her with an intensity that held her captive.


    Why couldn¡¯t you just stay with me? She wondered, her eyes locked with his, captivated by the


    maic pull of his presence. Couldn¡¯t I have been enough? If you hadn¡¯t let me go, we could have


    been together now¨Call of us. Instead, he turned her away. The unspoken echoes of her thoughts


    reverberated in the charged silence.


    Please, call me if you need anything. If the kids are in trouble or you need help. I¡¯ll always be there for


    you and the kids. You¡¯re not alone, Hazel,¡± Ethan assured her, his words. carrying a sincerity that


    resonated with a promise of unwavering support.


    Yet, in the fragile quietude of the moment, Hazel couldn¡¯t shake the haunting doubts that lingered in the


    kids, not because of you.The harsh internal voice echoed relentlessly, casting shadows of uncertainty


    on the reassurances she desperately longed to believe. The ominous thought that the moment he


    discovers the truth about their parentage, he might take them away, loomed over her like an impending


    storm.


    It¡¯s hopeless,¡± she reminded herself, feeling the weight of her resolve shatter. A solitary tear escaped


    her eye, a silent testament to the internal struggle waging within her. rmed, Ethan gently cupped her


    face, wiping the tear away gently. Her face cradled in his palms, his expression contorted in worry.


    ¡°Is something bothering you? Are you okay?¡± he asked, his brows furrowing and his eyes. searching


    hers, genuine concern etched across his features.


    Yes, yes, Ethan. I¡¯m fine. I just felt a little mncholic from the trip down memoryne. We¡¯vee a


    long way,¡± Hazel assured. Summoning a smile, she tried to mask the vulnerability that lingered beneath


    the surface.


    Ethan sighed, his eyes softening.


    ¡°You¡¯ve really been through a lot. You did good, Hazel. You¡¯ve been so strong,¡± hemended.


    His arm found its way to her head, aforting gesture as he lightly stroked her hair.


    Hazel¡¯s eyes,


    filled with tears that threatened to spill over, blinked rapidly as she grappled with the surge of emotions.


    Thank you, Ethan,¡± her voice trembled lightly, the words carrying the weight of gratitude and a


    vulnerability she couldn¡¯t fully conceal.


    He nodded, acknowledging her gratitude, then slowly retracted his hand, and with a silent. tum, he left


    the room.


    She watched his retreating figure, his silhouette gradually diminishing, feeling a surge of conflicting


    emotions welling within her. Why did you have toe back into my life? she wondered, her l*ps


    trembling with the unshed tears of unanswered questions. A small sniff escaped her.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Mommy? Daisy¡¯s innocent voice called suddenly. Hazel froze for a moment, hastily wiping away the


    traces of unshed tears, then mustered a bright smile before turning to meet her daughter¡¯s gaze.


    Daisy emerged from her bed, still clutching a stuffed toy, a vision of adorable dishevelment


    with her messy hair and sleepy face. Hazel couldn¡¯t help butugh at the sight.


    Daisy,¡± she called, walking toward her, needing to hug her.


    Daisy, sensing the unspoken need, pried her arms open expectantly. Hazel sighed and


    enveloped her daughter in a tight embrace, then lifted her off the ground. She k*ssed Daisy¡¯s


    hair and face several times, the gesture a silent promise of love and protection.


    She then buried her face in her daughter¡¯s neck.


    Are you okay, mommy?¡± Daisy¡¯s concern echoed in her innocent question.


    ¡°Yes, baby. Mommy¡¯s just tired,¡± Hazel reassured.


    ¡°I won¡¯t lose you or your brother,¡± she vowed silently.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    Ethan navigated the bustling hospital corridors, heading to thest floor, despite the need to leave, he


    felt reluctant.


    He headed for the parking lot where Axel waited for him.


    As he stepped into the parking lot, he spotted Axel awaiting him with the car. The sun, in its descent,


    painted the sky with hues of amber and rose. Ethan, standing beside the car, couldn¡¯t help but cast his


    eyes upwards, staring up at the floor Hazel was


    ¡°To the office or¡­?¡± Axel queried, breaking the silence that hung in the air.


    Ethan stood there for a moment, casting a lingering gaze back at the hospital building. ¡°Drive home,¡±


    Ethan finally said, his eyes reluctantly detaching from the building as he settled into the backseat of the


    car, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. The rearview mirror captured a reflection of his contemtive


    expression as Axel steered them away from the hospital.


    Ethan¡¯s mind clung to the image of Hazel¡¯s tear¨Cfilled eyes, their haunting expression. lingering like an


    unanswered question. Her tears spoke volumes, revealing a vulnerability that resonated deeply within


    him. She had cried when he assured her she wasn¡¯t alone, and the weight of her emotional journey


    became palpable.


    The revtion that Liam and Daisy¡¯s father had abandoned them, not wanting anything to do with them


    stoked a fiery indignation within Ethan. He couldn¡¯t fathom how anyone could turn away from such


    wonderful children. The absent father seemed oblivious to the joy,ughter, and innocence he was


    missing out on. Ethan smiled a little recalling the times. spent with the kids.


    He was a massive jerk, Ethan concluded inwardly, his thoughts swirling in a maelstrom of empathy and


    frustration.


    But how did Hazel find herself entangled with a married man?¡± Ethan pondered aloud. ¡°Huh?¡± Axel


    responded, his confusion evident in the abrupt interruption of the reflective silence that had settled in


    the car.


    It felt incongruent, out of character with the Hazel he knew. The notion of her having an affair appeared


    as a stark contrast to the woman he had known for years. The very idea of her willingly indulging in the


    act of infidelity, having an affair with a married man, seemed imusible.


    ¡°The man must have deceived her,¡± Ethan concluded with a heavy sigh, refusing to entertain the notion


    that Hazel could willingly be part of such.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way Hazel knew and cheated with a married man. She isn¡¯t that kind of woman.¡± he


    affirmed, his conviction unwavering. The image of the deceptive man fueled a surge of protective anger


    within him, and had him clenching his fist,


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Axel probed, the concern evident in his voice as he nced at Ethan through


    the rearview mirror.


    What Ethan replied, still lost in his thoughts, the weight of Hazel¡¯s revtion upying his mind.


    You said Hazel got entangled with a married man?¡± Axel inquired.


    Yes Ethan admitted with a conflicted sigh: ¡°She admitted that Nathan, the man from the airport, in


    Liam¡¯s and Daisy¡¯s father. The actual father is some man who wants nothing to


    do with them. And, toplicate matters, he happens to be married.¡±


    Axel fell into a contemtive silence, his gaze fixed on the road ahead.


    That¡¯s still not enough, being married and acting like your kids don¡¯t exist,¡± Ethan sighed in


    exasperation.


    ¡°He wants nothing to do with them?¡± Axel probed.


    ¡°Yes. Ethan replied


    ¡°She¡¯s been alone. Just her and her kids.¡± He stated with a sigh.


    ¡°And with Daisy so sick, it must have been hard for her.¡±


    ¡°You want me to look into him? Axel offered


    No,¡± Ethan said, reclining back and closing his eyes.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t like that. I admitted looking into Nathan she wasn¡¯t pleased. If she ever finds out, she


    wouldn¡¯t forgive me. Besides, he wants nothing to do with them, so ¡®it¡¯s no use,¡± Ethan stated, his voice


    carrying the weight of a decision forged by respect for Hazel¡¯s boundaries.


    ¡°What now?¡± Axel asked, his curiosity echoing the uncharted territory thaty ahead. Ethan fell silent


    for some moments, his gaze lost in the recesses of his own thoughts. The truth was, Hazel¡¯s revtion


    changed nothing about how he felt for them. If anything, it fueled a determination to ensure they never


    felt alone.


    ¡°It changes nothing, actually. It doesn¡¯t change how I feel about them. Instead, it made me want to get


    even closer to her, to be someone she can rely on when she needs. And her kids,¡± Ethan


    chuckled lightly, the warmth of affection evident in his voice. ¡°They¡¯vepletely taken over a ce in


    my heart, you know? So, I will just let things be, doing whatever I can to make them happy.¡±


    ¡°Is that appropriate?¡± Axel asked as they pulled into the driveway, the practicality of the situation


    settling in.


    ¡°She¡¯s your ex¨Cwife. How would Be react to it Axel questioned realistically, his voice carrying the


    weight of potentialplications that lingered. Ethan hadn¡¯t even considered. or thought thought


    through.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. When ites to those kids, I lose all rationality. I¡¯ve never loved anyone as much as


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    those two little creatures. I can¡¯t just step out and act like they don¡¯t exist, or like they don¡¯t have an


    impact,¡± Ethan stated honestly, the sincerity in his voice echoing the profound connection he felt with


    Liam and Daisy.


    ¡°And Be?¡± Axel probed once more, turning off the engines.


    Ethan had delved into his feelings for Hazel and her children, but the mention of his spouse introduced


    aplexyer to the narrative.


    Ethan exited the car, sidestepping Axel¡¯s probing questions about his wife. His silence, a deliberate


    evasion, spoke volumes, a tacit acknowledgment that he hadn¡¯t considered Be. or thought of Be,


    and, truthfully, he didn¡¯t care


    ¡°How¡¯s the progress with the school?¡± Ethan asked instead.


    It¡¯sing along well. By next month, it should be ready for use,¡± Axel replied.


    ¡°Okay, Ethan nodded, a sense of satisfaction settling in.


    For the meantime, while waiting,we need to get teachers or volunteers that would work there Ethan


    stated, his mind already strategizing for the next phase.


    ¡°That¡¯s really easy. I¡¯m already on it. Getting kindergarten teachers or volunteers is the easiest part of


    this so far,¡± Axel reassured. Ethan was really involved in this project.


    With a nod, Ethan turned and headed inside. The familiar sounds of home enveloped him, but amidst


    the tranquility, the echo of Be¡¯s yelling voice reached his ears. Initially inclined to dismiss it, assuming


    she was yelling at one of the maids as usual, but something in her tone caught his attention. He


    paused, the air thickening with a sense of tension, and then he stalked off with purpose toward the door


    of her study.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Be paced around her study, her frustration palpable in every step. The heated exchange with the


    person on the other end of the line reverberated through the room.


    ¡®No, no, no! I already sent you money justst week. I won¡¯t be sending any more!¡± Be barked into


    the phone, her voice echoing with a mix of anger and exasperation. The weight. of financial strain and


    emotional exhaustion marked her words.


    ¡°Listen, you drunk,¡± she seethed,


    For weeks, Gabriel had been a persistent drain on Be¡¯s resources. His unwanted visit to her office


    weeks ago had marked the beginning of a troubling pattern, a cycle of incessant demands that grated


    on Be¡¯s nerves.


    Be, who reluctantly agreed, had been providing him with a fixed sum to maintain his silence, but the


    situation was escting. His demands grew more incessant.


    It wasn¡¯t that Becked the means to amodate his requests, but Gabriel¡¯s incessant requests


    were beginning to wear on her patience. Each demand seemed to exceed thest, be would call her


    randomly demanding money before the agreed time.


    ¡°Money he would waste on booze and drugs,¡± Be mused. bitterly.


    That evening, Be had returned home earlier hoping to unwind and rx. Having just finished a


    shower, Be, still drying her hair, retreated to her study as the notifications from him shed on her


    phone screen. She hesitated, contemting whether to respond or ignore, the decision hanging in the


    air like a weighty dilemma. As the phone buzzed persistently, she felt the tension rise, the impending


    call from Gabriel serving as a sign of a turbulent storm she would rather avoid


    ¡°Be Wild,¡± the man at the other end slurred mockingly. He had ced an emphasis on the surname


    ¡®Wild¡®


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    An annoyed sigh escaped Be¡¯s l*ps; his persistent antics were testing the limits of her patience. The


    unmistakable sound of heavy breathing reached her ears, he was definitely drunk. This wasn¡¯t the first


    time he would call her in that manner.


    Took you long enough to pick my calls,¡± he stated between hups, the audacity of his words adding


    anotheryer of irritation. ¡°Seems like you took your time.¡±


    Be resisted the urge to retort immediately, a deliberate pause that masked the simmering frustration


    within her.


    ¡°What do you want?!¡± She hissed, her patience waning thin.


    ¡°That¡¯s no way to talk to your benefactor,¡± he chuckled, his annoyingughter grating on her nerves.


    The room seemed to constrict around her as she struggled to maintainposure. You can keep your


    facade as Mrs. Wild, thanks to me. You should be a little more polite speaking to me, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    he slurred, each word exacerbating her irritation. What is it?¡± She asked, calmer this time, a veneer of


    restraint masking the seething frustration beneath.


    ¡°Well, I need money,¡± he stated, his demands echoing through the phone.


    I sent you hundreds of thousands justst week she hissed, keeping her tone checked, mindful of the


    need for discretion.


    ¡°You did?¡± he asked, feigning surprise


    To cover the financial transactions from prying eyes, Be orchestrated a sophisticated concealment


    strategy. Multiple ounts served as discreet conduits, creating a convoluted trail that defied easy


    detection. In a bold move, she even enrolled his name as an artist in her exhibition ¨C a clever


    masquerade designed to divert attention from the covert exchange


    of funds.


    ¡°Of course, I sent you money,¡± she almost yelled again.


    ¡°You did, didn¡¯t you? Yes, you did,¡± he chuckled, his mocking amusement grating on her


    nerves


    The money¡¯s gone,¡± he stated, his voice turning hard and cold.


    money, you know?¡±


    ¡°I have to stay hidden, right? No one should see me. That costs a lot of money. he asked, attempting to


    justify the rapid depletion of funds.


    ¡°A hundred and eighty thousand blown off in a week?!¡± she thundered, the revtion igniting a spark of


    anger.


    ¡°What exactly do you do with so much money? she almost yelled, frustration evident in her voice.


    ¡°Hey!¡± The man suddenly yelled from the other end.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Don¡¯t sound so haughty: you¡¯re a nob*dy like me. You need me to keep my


    mouth shut, right? What I do with the money sent is none of your business.¡± he


    stated angrily.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing you a favor here. Giving you a chance to protect yourself. Word is, a whole lot of women


    would pay a pretty penny to have you kicked out and be Mrs. Wild, you know. Plus, you¡¯ve got so


    many enemies, itching to tear you apart. Think of what would happen if I sold this information to¡­ Miss


    Johnson, for instance?¡± he insinuated, his voice carrying a veiled threat that hung heavy in the air.


    ¡°Miss Johnson!¡® Be seethed, the mere mention of the woman sending a shiver down her spine. The


    two were entangled in a web of longstanding animosity, and Miss Johnson had proven to be a


    persistent thorn in Be¡¯s flesh.


    ¡°Or Maverick or Mrs. Crawford?¡± he chuckled, his tone suggesting a malevolent delight in stirring the


    pot.


    ¡°Have you been keeping tabs on me?¡± she thundered, a surge of anger coursing through her. How did


    he know so much about her business, about her enemies andpetitors?


    ¡°it¡¯s your fault for having so many enemies, anyway,¡± he sighed. ¡°guess it isn¡¯t your fault; ites with


    having so much money,¡± he stated callously, hisughter echoing through the


    conversation.


    ¡°shut up!¡± she yelled, a sharp retort that sliced through his wildughter, momentarily reiming control


    over the escting issue.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re the one who wanted to keep me shut with money when all I wanted was to rip Ethan to


    pieces. You offered me money instead, he stated seriously resentment lingering in his voice.


    Listen, send fifty thousand right now,¡± he instructed coldly with deadly seriousness. The amusement in


    his voice nowpletely gone.


    already sent the money. It isn¡¯t even the end of the month yet!¡± she stated angrily, her frustration


    mounting, the fatigue of dealing with his relentless demands evident in her


    ¡°Listen¡­¡± he was about to continue when Ethan suddenly mmed the door open, taking Be by


    surprise. The sudden intrusion left Be startled and almost exposed.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Be could feel her irritation rise as she continued listening to the man..


    ¡°Listen¡­¡± he was about to continue when, at that very moment, the door swung open and Ethan stood


    there. Be ripped the phone from her ear immediately, her head snapping to the open door where


    Ethan stood, a questioning look etched on his face.


    He stepped into the room, and Be stood, attempting to appearposed, the phone clutched tightly


    in her hands.


    ¡°You¡¯re home early,¡± she stated almost breathlessly, her words carrying a hint of surprise attempting to


    deflect any suspicion that might arise from the abrupt end to her secretive conversation.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, his eyes searching her features with a discerning intensity.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± he asked, his brows furrowing suspiciously, as if sensing a disturbance in the


    atmosphere.


    ¡°Huh?¡± she asked, looking up with wide, innocent eyes, a practiced guise of normalcy.


    ¡°No nothing,¡± she denied immediately, attempting to deflect any scrutiny.


    You sure? You sounded like you were having an issue.¡± he queried, his gaze briefly flickering towards


    her phone, catching the subtle unease in her demeanor as her grip around it tightened even more.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just one of the artists. He¡¯s demanding to be paid more for the exhibition where we¡¯re


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    disying his paintings,¡± she exined,her attempt at casualness at odds with the tight grip on the


    phone, casting shadows of secrecy in the room.


    Ethan¡¯s features rxed as he processed her exnation.


    ¡°You should arrive at a decision before starting; that¡¯s not legal. Do you need my help? Need me to


    step in?¡± he offered, disying a genuine concern for her predicament.


    ¡°It sounds serious,¡± he observed, his attention fully on her.


    ¡°No!¡± she replied immediately, her denial quick and almost defensive.


    ¡°What¡¯s his name, the name of this artist?¡± Ethan probed, seeking more information to assess the


    situation.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it myself. It¡¯s nothing,¡± sheughed anxiously, attempting to downy the


    severity of the issue. Ethan, however, continued to stare at her, a lingering doubt apparent in his


    in his gaze.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, really,¡± she assured, maintaining her stance, knowing she had to sound.


    convincing to dissuade Ethan from delving further into the matter.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t handle. I¡¯ll take care of this myself,¡± she insisted, her wordsced with determination


    as she tried to redirect Ethan¡¯s attention away from the potentially troublesome situation.


    She shifted ufortably under his piercing gaze, the room hanging heavy with unspoken tension, as


    he studied her for what felt like an eternity.


    ¡°Okay, he replied finally, breaking the silence, his lingering gaze leaving a trail of unanswered


    questions. With that, he turned and headed towards their bedroom, the atmosphere still carrying the


    weight of his scrutinizing stare.


    Be walked across the room, shutting the door he had left ajar. The click of the closing


    door resonated, sealing the room off from prying eyes and curious ears. The call remained connected,


    a lingering thread connecting her to the shadows of her ndestine dealings. ¡°Oh, was that Mr. Wild?¡±


    Gabriel sneered through the phone, his malicious tone cutting through the silence as he cackled,


    reveling in Be¡¯s difort and dilemma.


    ¡°He does sound like a dutiful husband, too bad.¡± he added, his words dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Stop it,


    Be said, her patience waning as she struggled to endure his mocking tone.


    ¡°Why did you lie? I thought you said you were done?¡± he sneered, reveling in the apparent


    contradiction of her actions.


    ¡°You should have just told him, he continued, breaking intoughter that echoed through the phone.


    ¡°Enough!¡± she yelled angrily, the frustration evident in her voice as she tried to silence his


    taunts.


    He chuckled, seemingly finding amusement in her difort.


    ¡°I really thought for a moment, you were done with all the lies and tired of our little transactions and


    wanted toe clean,¡± he chuckled more then broke into fullughter. Suddenly, he stoppedughing,


    his tone turning cold and serious.


    ¡°Fifty thousand,¡± he ordered, his demand cutting through the remnants of their previous exchange.


    ¡°I can¡¯t right now. I can¡¯t use my regr ounts; I¡¯ll use thepany¡¯s own, so it doesn¡¯t arouse


    suspicion. But it has to be tomorrow,¡± she exined, attempting to reach an agreement and


    ¡°Fine, due to the dy, seventy thousand by tomorrow. Nothing less than that,¡± he ordered, his words


    carrying an upromising weight. With that, he abruptly hung up, leaving Be to deal with the


    thoughts of how to have the amount wired to his ount. She flung her phone away in frustration,


    releasing an angry hiss. Then the realization dawned on her, she swiftly grabbed her phone and dialed


    his number.


    ¡°Why seventy? You said fifty before!¡± she thundered the moment he picked up, her irritation evident in


    every word.


    ¡°Well, you couldn¡¯t give me the money today, so I borrowed it to you today, with an interest, of course,


    twenty thousand,¡± he stated gleefully, his tone indicating a twisted satisfaction at theplications of


    their arrangement.


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± she asked, struggling toprehend the audacity of his demands.


    ¡°Well, this is how business works. I need the money you owe me, so what else do I do? I borrow. So


    now you¡¯ve got to pay me with interest,¡± he exined.


    She didn¡¯t even have the energy to argue. With a frustrated sigh, she hung up the phone, tossing it


    away as if trying to distance herself from the infuriating conversation.


    Stupid mutt, she muttered under her breath. The anger simmered within her, a turbulent brew


    threatening to spill over. She felt an overwhelming urge to rip out her hair, to release the pent¨Cup


    frustration that coiled within.


    Be bir her l*ps, her pacing around the room mirroring the turmoil in her mind.


    This cannot continue.¡± She breathed angrily.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to deal with this thing once and for all. She stated.


    Ethan stood for a moment, deep in thought. Be¡¯s recent discussions didn¡¯t carry the usual air of


    business; instead, they hinted at a sense of coercion, like she was being forced to


    The anxious way she had abruptly ended the call upon his entrance raised suspicion. He realized he


    hadn¡¯t been paying enough attention, but now it seemed Be was bing increasingly sneaky.


    This behavior had begun the previous night when the pack was intruded upon.


    He sat in his study, lost in contemtion. Beyond the fact that she was his mate and wife, Ethan


    realized he knew remarkably little about Be.


    She said she had been orphaned, with every other family member deceased. His inquiries about her


    past were met with vague responses. She imed to have scant recollection of events after an


    ident she was involved in shortly before he found her. This exined,


    The she said, why some of the details she shared had loopholes and didn¡¯t quite add up. shroud of


    mystery around her past:


    to deepen with every conversation they had on the topic now he thought about it.


    He had never thought of delving into Be¡¯s past until Chris, his beta, raised suspicions. about her


    promising to look into her. However, the night before their nned discussion, tragedy struck, and


    Chris was murdered.


    Ethan sighed. It seemed Be held secrets. He he had ignored it long enough, maybe it was time to


    look into her past. Who was Be before she became Mrs Wild?¡±

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief as she finally finished her workday. Navigating the bustling streets,


    she walked towards the bus stop. She sighted a pharmacy just along the streets. her mind consumed


    by the events of that morning. The morning¡¯s awkward incident haunted her thoughts, and she cringed


    at the memory of her attempt to apologize which had ended. up in a disaster.


    ¡°His impression of me must be even worse now, she thought, reying the Incident in her mind.


    As Jasmine stared at the pharmacy, her thoughts dwelled on the aftermath of the morning incident.


    Sympathy filled her as she imagined the extent of his injuries caused by the ss shards. The image of


    his wounded fingers was one she couldn¡¯t get out of her mind Deciding to do something thoughtful, she


    entered the store. Emerging momentster, she made her way home.


    Upon reaching her apartment, Jasmine¡¯s first thought was to check the parking lot to Know if he was


    back already, but his car was nowhere in sight. He hadn¡¯t returned home yet ¡°Good¡± She thought to


    herself. I¡¯ll wait for him here.


    Settling down to wait, Jasmine upied herself with her phone, determined to be there so as to know


    when he returned. The chill in the air began to seep through, but she resisted the temptation to go


    upstairs, fearing she might miss him. She didn¡¯t have the confidence to walk up to his door and knock


    there. She wanted to meet him outside.


    Time went by and she engrossed in her phone almost missed him when he drove by.


    She spotted his car in the driveway, he had exited and was already standing in the clevator. She


    hurried towards the elevator, only to see its doors close before her. Undeterred, she quickly entered the


    next one, hoping to catch up with him.


    Reaching the floor, she stepped out, ncing around to spot him. He was already walking towards his


    apartment, engrossed in a phone call. Determined not to let this chance sl*p away, Jasmine quickened


    her pace the medicine bag clutched in her grip.


    ¡°Wait, excuse me.¡± Jasmine called, running up to him.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she greeted nervously, offering a small smile. The man shifted backward, an ufortable look


    on his face as he hung up the call.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He asked stiffly. The distance he created spoke volumes ¨C he didn¡¯t want her


    anywhere near him. Not that she could me him; thest couple of times she approached him, it


    ended with him getting hurt badly.


    Jasmine swallowed nervously, sensing the tension. ¡°I just wanted to apologize for this morning. I didn¡¯t


    mean to cause any trouble. I brought something for your injuries. I¡¯m really sorry about what


    happened,¡± she exined, her voice genuine. She held out the small bag with the first aid kit.


    He eyed the bag cautiously, skepticism etched across his face.


    Urm, I just wanted to apologize about this morning.¡± Jasmine was saying when her


    attention was drawn to a red spot close to the cor of his shirt. Upon closer inspection, she noticed it


    was blood.


    Blood?!


    Oh no! She gasped in shock, her palms instinctively covering her mouth.


    ¡°Did I do that? I¡¯m so sorry. I didn¡¯t realize it was that bad, I swear I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you. I thought


    there was a mouse, and I was jumpy, and 1¡­ Jasmine was still talking.


    Axel touched his neck lightly, feeling the stickiness of blood. He hadn¡¯t even realized he was bleeding.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t caused by you,¡± he exined, interrupting her rambling.


    ¡°I got some treatments,¡± she waved the package in front of him. ¡°I can help you treat it?¡± She offered


    eagerly.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t caused by you,¡± he stated once more.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t an injury I got this morning. That incident happened over ten hours ago; you think an injury like


    that would look this fresh?¡± Axel asked.


    Jasmine bit her l*ps, feeling a little stupid; he was right. Still, she wanted to make it right, after all, she


    had hurt him earlier She could see the sters from his earlier injuries she had caused.


    ¡°Still, let me help you,¡± she offered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Axel said, turning to go into his house.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she called, running ahead and standing in front of him.


    ¡°Let me,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°I hurt you several times, and besides that, treating that yourself would be quite difficult,¡± she stated


    thoughtfully. He would have to strain his neck to treat it. Rather than go through that, he could just let


    her help him. Her sincerity and remorse were evident in her eyes.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he agreed finally.


    She smiled, feeling a little victorious.


    ¡°Great!¡±


    gave


    her way,


    She stood behind him as he unlocked the door with his security code. Axel leading her in. Jasmine


    followed him inside his condo¨Cstyled apartment, noticing some things she hadn¡¯t seen earlier.


    ¡°He has a dog?¡± she wondered to herself, spotting all the dog toys and things around. Then, she nearly


    squealed from delight when she saw a puppy.


    It must have been sleeping when I came earlier, she mused thoughtfully.


    The dog hovered over its owner, wagging its tail excitedly.


    Jasmine stood there awkwardly, watching the sight.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem like a dog person. He seemed cold and aloof, not like someone who would like a pet


    or have the time to take care of one,¡± she thought so she was rather surprised. Still. you know nothing


    about his Jasmine, she reminded herself.


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    He had taken off his suit, and was now unbuttoning his shirt and ripping off the tie. She couldn¡¯t help


    but stare at him, captivated by the mesmerizing way he undressed. It was as if she was witnessing a


    supermodel preparing for a photoshoot. His almost shirtless figure. revealed a b*dy that was not only fit


    but well¨Ctoned, a perfect contrast to the crisp white shirt he had just discarded. The allure of his well¨C


    sculpted physique left her in awe. He was perfection.


    He removed his sses, revealing a gaze that seemed to pierce through her. ¡°Well¡­¡± be called, and


    she snapped out of her daze, realizing she had almost been caught in the moment of admiring his


    perfect b*dy


    ¡°How about the kitchen?¡± he suggested, knowing the stools would make it easier for her to apply the


    treatment. She nodded in agreement and he moved to the kitchen settling on a stool. She followed him


    hovering over him.


    Despite her nervousness, she leaned in, realizing that him sitting down had brought them to almost the


    same height.


    Her hands shook slightly as she leaned down, and he turned to offer the side of his neck that was


    injured. She couldn¡¯t help but notice his striking features up close, and a soft ¡°Woah¡± escaped her


    thoughts.


    In the hushed atmosphere, she Donned a pair of gloves and started cleaning the wound, the only


    sound being the soft movements and the ticking of the clock, her hands trembling slightly with a mix of


    apprehension and concentration.


    Here they were, seated in the same kitchen where chaos had unfolded earlier. The vivid image


    reyed in her mind, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Determinedly, she pushed the unsettling


    thoughts away, focusing on the task at hand.


    As she continued applying the treatment, Jasmine couldn¡¯t help but marvel at his good. looks. His aloof


    demeanor only added to his appeal, creating an enigmatic charm. While attending to him, she noticed


    his pulse quicken at some point.


    ¡°Td like to apologize for what happened this morning and the other night,¡± she stated, attempting to


    break the awkwardness. Suddenly, he flinched, catching her off guard. ¡°Did it hurt?¡± she asked,


    concern evident in her voice. No,¡± he replied sinctly, leaving an. unspoken tension lingering in the


    air.


    As she leaned in to continue, he abruptly stood up, asserting, ¡°It¡¯s okay now. I can manage on my


    own.¡± His difort was palpable, a slight reddening of his ears revealing more than words could


    convey. ¡®It¡¯s just the bandage that¡¯s left, right?¡± he asked, hastily arranging his shirt.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied softly, picking up on his subtle cues. A sense of mncholy washed over her; it


    seemed evident that he wanted her gone immediately from his space. Jasmine gathered her bag as he


    handed it to her, and he guided her towards the door with a noticeable urgency.


    He spoke in a hurried manner, ¡°I can take care of the rest. As he ushered her out, she couldn¡¯t shake


    off the feeling of being an unwanted guest.


    Thank you,¡± he stated as she stepped out. The door mmed shut immediately, leaving her standing in


    the corridor.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± she replied slowly, staring at the closed door. A lingering hurt tugged at her


    emotions, and she trudged slowly to her own apartment next door.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± she wondered, the uncertainty gnawing at her. The moment had taken a


    strange turn, from his calm eptance of her help to a sudden need to send her away. She felt sad


    and unwanted.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Axel stood behind the door he had just shut, his hand slowly reaching up to touch the injury on his


    neck. His other hand instinctively went to his chest, feeling the erratic beat of his heart. The rhythmic


    thud echoed in his ears, and he couldn¡¯t shake the unsettling feeling that lingered from the unexpected


    closeness with Jasmine.


    ¡°Why is my heart beating so hard?¡± he wondered aloud, the question hanging in the silence of his


    closed apartment.


    While overseeing the renovations at the hospital earlier, the chaotic rearrangement of equipment


    inadvertently led to an unfortunate incident. Amidst the rearrangement, adder had been shifted, and


    its movement had identally scratched Axel¡¯s neck. Engrossed in the hospital matters, he hadn¡¯t


    even noticed the minor injury until Jasmine pointed it out just moments ago.


    After ensuring Ethan¡¯s safe arrival home, Axel left for his own residence pulling into the driveway.


    While driving into the apartmentplex¡¯s parking lot, Axel noticed a figure seated near the entrance


    which he subtly ignored.


    Parking his car, he headed toward the connecting elevators.


    However, his attempt to continue uninterrupted was thwarted when a voice called out to him.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Turning around, Axel saw the same girl from that morning approaching him. He had paused briefly,


    responding to a phone call before exiting the elevator and walking towards his home. An undeniable


    sense of difort and irritation crept over him at the sight of her.


    With a sigh, he hung up the phone, and as she stood in front of him, Axel¡¯s expression remained a mix


    of questioning and suspicion. He instinctively took a step back, creating a subtle distance between


    them. The girl seemed momentarily tongue¨Ctied, her gaze fixed on him. The question lingered in Axel¡¯s


    mind: What could she possibly want now?


    Thedy¡¯s voice trembled as she attempted to apologize. ¡°I just wanted to apologize for what happened


    earlier andst night,¡± she began. However, her words were cut short by a sharp intake of breath. Her


    eyes widened, and horror overtook her features.


    ¡°Did I do this?¡± she cried, her hands flying to cover her mouth, she looked genuinely horrified.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she expressed with a mixture of guilt and concern.


    Axel, momentarily puzzled by her sudden actions, allowed his hand to hover over his neck, discovering


    the bloodied injury. A sigh escaped him as he recalled the incident at the hospital, realizing the extent


    of the injury. What he initially thought was a mere scratch turned out to be more severe.


    Jasmine, visibly distressed, continued to me herself and exin the events of that morning.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t caused by you, Axel stated passively, attempting to convey that her apologies


    were unnecessary.


    His desire to conclude the discussion was evident; he simply wanted to head home.


    Axel sighed feeling exasperated, she still unconvinced. He sighed, realizing she wasn¡¯t


    thinking clearly. That incident happened over ten hours ago; you think an injury like that would look this


    fresh?¡± he stated.


    Moreover, why she would assume he¡¯d go to work without taking care of his injuries? He wondered.


    She definitely wasn¡¯t thinking.he concluded.


    ¡°Oh. She stated.


    ¡°Let me help you. I¡¯ve got some treatments; I can help treat you¡± She suddenly offered, waving her


    stic bag in front of him. The pharmacy packaging indicated she had purchased something for first


    aid.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t an injury you caused,¡± he repeated, believing she hadn¡¯t heard him clearly the first time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± he stated firmly, attempting to move past her and enter his house. Nevertheless,


    Jasmine ran to block his way, surprising him by extending her arms. seemingly determined to provide


    assistance. The persistence was beginning to wear on his patience.


    Axel couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of frustration and confusion. ¡°Stop, he uttered, trying to convey his


    desire for her to cease her attempts. Despite hisrger frame against her smaller one, she persistently


    stood in his way


    ¡°I hurt you, several times,¡± she said, her face flushing with embarrassment. Axel¡¯s patience. was


    wearing thin. This wasn¡¯t one of the injuries you caused me. He stated through gritted teeth, he was


    trying not to yell now.


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    ¡°I know. But I still feel responsible, and besides, the injury is close to your neck; you wouldn¡¯t be able to


    take care of it yourself,¡± she insisted, her determination was evident. Axel sighed, realizing that


    convincing her to back down might be more challenging than he initially thought..


    ¡°So let me?¡± She pleaded gazing up at him


    Axel couldn¡¯t deny the charm in her pleading eyes. He hesitated, his internal warning signals going off,


    he couldn¡¯t imagine her touching him with a ten inch pole, but under the influence of her hopeful gaze,


    he found himself giving in


    ¡°No, bad idea,¡± his rational side warned him. Yet,he reluctantly uttered, ¡°Fine.¡± He couldn¡¯t bring himself


    to say no to her, not with her persistent pleading, not with those eyes. Her face immediately lit up with


    joy, and despite the reservations lingering in his mind, het allowed her to follow him into his apartment.


    Axel unlocked his door, allowing her in.


    This was the third time she would be stepping into his space. The first visit was unimpressive, and the


    second ended in disaster. He couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡°Let¡¯s get this done with so she can go, hoping to


    swiftly conclude the interaction.


    Still, she was a first, he never had or entertained visitors,he didn¡¯t like people in his space. But she was


    entering his home once more.


    Axel calmly unbuttoned his shirt and settled on the kitchen stools. The high stools provided a suitable


    surface for Jasmine to apply the treatment without obstructions. He opted to keep one sleeve on, a


    small attempt to maintain a semnce of decency while being almost bare chested.


    Axel sighed feeling exasperated, she still unconvinced. He sighed, realizing she wasn¡¯t


    thinking clearly. ¡°That incident happened over ten hours ago; you think an injury like that would look this


    fresh?¡± he stated.


    Moreover, why she would assume he¡¯d go to work without taking care of his injuries? He wondered.


    She definitely wasn¡¯t thinking, he concluded.


    ¡°Oh. She stated.


    ¡°Let me help you. I¡¯ve got some treatments; I can help treat you.¡± She suddenly offered, waving her


    stic bag in front of him. The pharmacy packaging indicated she had purchased something for first


    aid.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t an injury you caused,¡± he repeated, believing she hadn¡¯t heard him clearly the first time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± he stated firmly, attempting to move past her and enter his house. Nevertheless,


    Jasmine ran to block his way, surprising him by extending her arms, seemingly determined to provide


    assistance. The persistence was beginning to wear on his patience.


    Axel couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of frustration and confusion. ¡°Stop,¡± he uttered, trying to convey his


    desire for her to cease her attempts. Despite hisrger frame against her smaller one, she persistently


    stood in his way.


    ¡°I hurt you, several times,¡± she


    was wearing thin.¡± This wasn¡¯d, her face flushing with embarrassment. Axel¡¯s patience


    one of the injuries you caused me.¡± He stated through gritted.


    teeth, he was trying not to yell now.


    ¡°I know. But I still feel responsible, and besides, the injury is close to your neck; you wouldn¡¯t be able to


    take care of it yourself,¡± she insisted, her determination was evident. Axel sighed, realizing that


    convincing her to back down might be more challenging than he initially thought.


    ¡°So let me?¡± She pleaded gazing up at him.


    Axel couldn¡¯t deny the charm in her pleading eyes. He hesitated, his internal warning signals going off,


    he couldn¡¯t imagine her touching him with a ten inch pole, but under the influence of her hopeful gaze,


    he found himself giving in.


    ¡°No, bad idea,¡± his rational side warned him. Yet,he reluctantly uttered, ¡°Fine.¡± He couldn¡¯t bring himself


    to say no to her, not with her persistent pleading, not with those eyes.


    Her face immediately lit up with joy, and despite the reservations lingering in his mind, he allowed her


    to follow him into his apartment.


    Axel unlocked his door, allowing her in.


    This was the third time she would be stepping into his space. The first visit was unimpressive, and the


    second ended in disaster. He couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡°Let¡¯s get this done with so she can go, hoping to


    swiftly conclude the interaction.


    Still, she was a first, he never had or entertained visitors, he didn¡¯t like people in hist But she was


    entering his home once more.


    space.


    Axel calmly unbuttoned his shirt and settled on the kitchen stools. The high stools provided suitable


    surface for Jasmine to apply the treatment without obstructions. He opted to keep one sleeve on, a


    small attempt to maintain a semnce of decency while being almost bare¨Cchested.


    Axel felt a chill as Jasmine¡¯s bare palm touched him. The unexpected cold sensation jolted through


    him, prompting a moment of realization. Looking at her outfit, he began to connect the dots. Wasn¡¯t this


    the same figure he had seen sitting outside when he drove in? Just then something struck him, was


    she waiting for him? Outside, in the cold? The realization left him puzzled. Could she have been sitting


    there, patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of his car pulling into the driveway just to ensure she didn¡¯t


    miss him? The thought furrowed his brows in confusi


    The idea that she might have sat there, in the cold, just to catch a glimpse of him stirred a strange


    reaction.


    She stopped suddenly, retracting her palm from his neck.


    ¡°I forgot the gloves,¡± she admitted, turning swiftly to grab and don one.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Axel¡¯s skin crawled with difort as he regretted allowing her toe so close. Every inch of him


    seemed to react, a collection of bumps surfacing. Her proximity was unnerving, and he couldn¡¯t escape


    the sensation of being too exposed. Her fingers, delicately cleaning away the dried blood, only


    intensified the unease. Leaning to the side, he silently observed her, realizing it had been a while since


    someone hade so close, touching him in such an intimate manner. It felt strange.


    She¡¯s so close, he mused, allowing himself to study her features up close. Her concentration was


    evident, with her brows scrunched seriously. She has long curly eyshes, he observed, and ssy


    smooth skin, it looked incredibly soft.


    t


    His gaze descended lower to her l*ps ¨C soft and alluring. The lower l*p was fuller than the upper one,


    boasting a plump, attractive allure. A sudden, intrusive thought crossed his mind: What would it be like


    to take a bite? Caught off guard by the lewd turn of his thoughts, Axel wondered, rmed, where did


    that evene from?!


    She moved in even closer, her l*ps now near his face, and he could feel her breath against his neck, a


    cooling sensation that carried the scent of peppermint. Axel gulped involuntarily. Sensing his quickened


    pulse beneath her palm, she paused for a moment then continued.


    She smells so good.¡¯ he mused.


    Despite his general aversion to the overpowering scents that apanied most women, her subtle


    fragrance proved to be a


    captivating exception. It wrapped around him. He could feel his heartbeat quicken. She was so close to


    him her touch was doing things to him.


    Axel, unable to endure the overwhelming sensations, rose abruptly, startling Jasmine. Surprise


    flickered in her eyes as they locked onto his.


    ¡°Did it hurt?¡± she inquired, genuine concern etched on her face.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Her innocent probing brought a furrow to her brows.


    ¡°Yes. No!¡± Axel found himself fumbling over his words, a peculiar mix of tension and confusion clouding


    his response. ¡°I mean no, nothing¡¯s wrong,¡± he corrected hastily.


    As Jasmine attempted to touch him again, he avoided her touch,


    ting ¡°It¡¯s fine now. A subtle plea for her departure lingered in his words. You¡¯ve done enough,¡± he


    added, ushering her out of his house.


    Once she was gone, Axel leaned against the door, seeking sce in the solitude. His heart raced, and


    he took a moment to quell the unsettling turbulence within.


    Despite his usual indifference towards women, found himself strangely affected by Jasmine¡¯s innocent


    touches. Puzzled by this uncharacteristic reaction, he reasoned that a cold shower might clear his


    mind. After a brisk shower, he felt a sense of calm returning, reflected in the steadiness of his pulse.


    ¨C


    Heading to the kitchen, he attended to the needs of his dog, only to be interrupted by a discovery on


    the counter a cellphone that clearly did not belong to him. Realization dawned; it must be Jasmine¡¯s,


    left behind in her hasty exit. A mixture of emotions washed over Axel as he sighed and groaned, he


    wasn¡¯t looking forward to meeting her again.


    Axel hesitated before mustering the courage to go next door. The persistent ringing of the cellphone


    stirred a sense of urgency within him; perhaps it was an emergency. Sighing, he picked up the phone


    and decided to confront the situation head¨Con.


    After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a surprised Jasmine on the other side. Caught off


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    guard, she mumbled a hesitant ¡°Oh,¡± attempting to shield her face and averting her gaze. The air


    seemed charged with a lingering awkwardness resulting from earlier.


    ¡°You left your phone,¡± Axel stated, handing it to her. She mumbled a quiet ¡°thank you,¡± taking it slowly,


    her eyes avoiding his gaze. He couldn¡¯t help but notice the hint of wetness in her eyes.


    ¡°Good night,¡± she mumbled as she shut the door. Axel lingered, a gnawing feeling in his gut. Something


    was off; she seemed upset.


    He walked away from the door then walked back, acting on impulse he rang the doorbell again.


    She opened the door almost instantly. Silence hung in the air as they exchanged intense gazes. He


    studied her silently while she still looked away. Her nose was red and her eyes damp.


    ¡°I just wanted to say thank you,¡± Axel stated sincerely. Reflecting on their recent interaction, he realized


    his abruptness might havee across as insensitive. As he looked into her innocent eyes, a pang of


    guilt tugged at


    him; he had ushered her out almost dismissively, like he couldn¡¯t wait to get rid of her


    Her glossy eyes sparkled, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. It was a small, hopeful


    expression that stirred something within Axel, a response he hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    Axel found himself captivated by her beautiful smile. ¡°Ermm, what¡¯s your name?¡± she asked suddenly


    in a low voice.


    ¡°What?¡± he replied, not catching her initial mumble.


    ¡°Well, you live next door, and I¡¯ve attacked you several times, but I don¡¯t know your name,¡± she stated.


    It struck him ¨C she didn¡¯t know his name.


    But unknown to her, he knew hers, he had done his research the other time after her found her in his


    house.


    ¡°Axel,¡± he said, still gazing into her eyes, which seemed to have a maic pull. ¡°Axel,¡± she repeated,


    and he liked the way it resonated with her smooth voice. Perhaps it was her ent, but his name


    sounded delightful on her l*ps.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jasmine,¡± she introduced herself, offering another small, innocent smile. ¡°Jasmine,¡± he echoed.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about those times. The first time when I attacked you on your way home. I really


    thought you were the stalker.¡± She exined.


    ¡°And earlier today, everything spiralled out of control.¡±


    Axel only nodded.


    As they stood in a brief but loaded silence, her smile gradually faded. ¡°Well, goodnight,¡± she repeated,


    slowly closing the door. Axel remained rooted in ce, running his hand through his hair.


    What just happened?¡® he pondered.

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    The ward was enveloped in a serene silence, and Hazel had sumbed to sleep on thefortable


    sofa. The only audible presence in the room was the gentle hum of the air conditioning unit, creating a


    rhythmic ambiance.


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    Amidst this peaceful stillness, her phone broke the quietude with a sudden ring, its sound slicing


    through the room. Hazel stirred on the sofa, eyes still closed, as she fumbled blindly to locate her


    phone. Finally seizing it, she answered the call.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep. It was just past five in the morning, and the


    world outside was still wrapped in the calmness of dawn


    Hazel recognized Chloe¡¯s soft voice as it permeated through the phone, cutting through the stillness of


    the early morning.


    ¡°Did I wake you?¡± Chloe inquired, her tone carrying a subtle tension and genuine concern.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Did something happen?¡± Hazel responded, her senses gradually awakening to the


    urgency in Chloe¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry; I shouldn¡¯t be calling but something happened with our project,¡± Chloe exined her


    words carrying anxiety.


    The gravity of the situation seemed to seep through the phone, leaving Hazel anxious for more details.


    Chloe¡¯s voice trembled slightly as she continued, ¡°I just got a call from the project supervisor, the first


    floor of the building, our designs there fell through.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s eyes widened, the sleep fully dissipating from her as she sat up. ¡°We worked on that floor just


    yesterday,¡± she remarked, a hint of disbelief in her voice. The sudden turn of events was unsettling.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Hazel questioned, her mind racing to grasp the cause of the situation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Chloe admitted with a heavy sigh. ¡°The security of the building called just now.¡±


    What¡¯s the extent of the damage?¡± Hazel inquired, her mind already


    racing through potential scenarios.


    ¡°Did he tell you?¡± she probed, seeking more details to piece together the


    situation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Chloe admitted with a sigh, frustration evident in her


    voice.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to check it out today,¡± she stated firmly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m calling right now,¡± Chloe


    exined, the urgency of the matter reflected in her tone.


    Hazel nodded in understanding. She was already wide awake and walked across the room.


    ¡°Would you be able toe to work?¡± Chloe asked hopefully.


    Hazel hovered over her kids. She touched Liam¡¯s face. He stirred and tossed, then opened his eyes


    slightly. She breathed a sigh of relief. Liam was fine now,pletely out of danger and conscious, just


    asleep. The chaos of the previous night seemed to be settling, but the new challenge at work


    demanded her immediate attention.


    Ethan had suggested that she take the day off, but Hazel felt it wasn¡¯t necessary. With Liam staying


    home from school, he and Daisy could spend the day together.


    Despite Chloe¡¯s evident devastation, she subtly conveyed the importance of Hazel¡¯s presence without


    imposing undue pressure. As the head of the project, Hazel recognized her professional responsibilities


    and knew she had to bnce her roles effectively.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯lle,¡± Hazel responded without hesitation.


    ¡°Oh, thank God,¡± Chloe eximed, her relief palpable in her voice. Hazel chuckled, understanding the


    weight of the situation,


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know what I would have done. See you in a few hours then,¡± Chloe said before hanging


    up. Hazel stretched, preparing herself for the day ahead.


    ¡°Mommy?¡± Liam called, sitting up. Hazel smiled.


    ¡°Yes, Bear?¡± she answered, sitting on his bed and stroking his small, round face.


    Are you okay?¡± she asked, concern etched in her eyes. He nodded,


    rubbing his eyes.


    She sighed, ¡°You really scared mest night.¡±


    ¡°You had an allergy reaction, from the drinks you took,¡± Hazel exined


    gently. ¡°But you¡¯re okay now.¡± She smiled, red to see him well.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mama,¡± Liam apologized, his eyes filled with sincerity.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, sweetheart. You didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Hazel reassured him, pulling him into a


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t careful enough. I made Mommy worried,¡± he added, his small face showing a hint of sadness.


    Hazel continued to embrace him, softly k*ssing the top of his head. ¡°No, baby, it¡¯s not your fault.


    Mommy knows you¡¯re a good boy.¡±


    Liam snuggled into her embrace, then looked up with a thoughtful expression. ¡°You didn¡¯t yell at her,


    did you?¡± he asked, a slight frown creasing his forehead.


    ¡°At the teacher?¡± Hazel rified. He nodded, his expression serious.


    Waking up, Liam was worried about the teacher who had given him the soy drink, not wanting his mom


    to be upset with his favorite teacher.


    ¡°Mommy, you¡¯re quite scary sometimes,¡± he expressed his concern.


    Hazel smiled gently, ¡°Honestly, I did raise my voice a little. But it was just because I was worried about


    you. She apologized, and she was deeply sorry. I know she¡¯s your favorite, Liam. She was also


    concerned and promised to be more careful next time.¡±


    Liam nodded, feeling reassured that his favorite teacher didn¡¯t receive a serious scolding from his


    mom.


    Liam, I¡¯ve got to go to work today. You won¡¯t go to school, so you and Daisy get to stay together,¡± she


    exined.


    ¡°Really?¡± He asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement.


    ¡°Yes. It would be best if you don¡¯t go to school today, so the doctors can check on you properly,¡± she


    borated.


    ¡°Yay! Daisy and I can y,¡± he cheered, his enthusiasm contagious.


    Hazelughed, ¡°Sure, why not?¡±


    11:29


    He ran to Daisy¡¯s bed, bursting with excitement and eager to share the


    news.


    ¡°Daisy, wake up! I don¡¯t go to school today,¡± he joyfully announced.


    The little girl turned, rubbing her eyes and sitting up. Her small face was covered with herrge curls.


    She smiled brightly at her brother.


    ¡°Liam,e close,¡± Daisy called.


    Liam sat on her bed, eagerly awaiting what Daisy had to say. Daisy nced at her mom, whose back


    was turned to them. Hazel was putting the ward in order a bit before she set out.


    Daisy leaned over to whisper something into her twin brother¡¯s ears. Liam¡¯s eyes lit up immediately as


    he absorbed the secret information from his sister.


    Hazel turned to meet her two kids, whispering things to themselves and visibly excited. Sheughed


    but decided not to probe them; they were no doubt nning how their day would go. Still, she was a


    little curious about what exactly they were whispering about.


    Leaving the room, Hazel stepped out into the hospital corridor to talk to


    some nurses.


    ¡°Really?¡± Liam asked the moment Hazel was gone his eyes widening with excitement.


    ¡°Mr. Princess reallyes every day?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Daisy nodded happily.


    ¡°He visits and he ys with me.¡± She asserted.


    Just then, their mother walked in.


    ¡°But let¡¯s keep it a secret.¡± She said, holding her small finger over her l*ps in a sealing gesture.


    Liam nodded eagerly.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be our little secret.¡± He giggled.


    Hazel stood for some time, observing her kids and their secret conversation.


    ¡°What¡¯s got them smiling like that?¡± She wondered.


    Although intrigued by the mystery of their whispered exchange, Hazel


    decided not to press further. The sparkle in their eyes and the shared joy between the siblings made


    her heart swell with love.


    Smiling to herself, she left the room with a mix of curiosity and contentment, ready to face the day¡¯s


    demands.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    ¡°Hazel¡¯s at work,¡± Axel announced, walking into Ethan¡¯s office.


    Ethan looked up in surprise. He had initially told Hazel not to bother, to take the day off.


    ¡°There was an incident, one of the designs they were working on yesterday had an issue and came


    crashing down,¡± Axel exined.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Ethan frowned, absorbing Axel¡¯s words, Concern etched across his face, he asked, ¡°Is she okay? Was


    anyone hurt?¡±


    Axel shook his head. ¡°No one was hurt, but it¡¯s a mess they need to sort out. I thought you should


    know.¡±


    Ethan sighed, realizing the severity of the situation. The project was crucial, and any setback could


    have serious consequences. He had offered Hazel the day off, not anticipating such a turn of events.


    And that had to be why she had headed off to work.


    ¡°That would mean Liam would be at the hospital also, Daisy,¡± Ethan thought out loud with a smile. He


    could visit and spend time with the twins. One positive thing hade out from the disaster.


    Axel sighed. ¡°So we¡¯re heading to the hospital, I guess?¡± He questioned, already knowing what Ethan¡¯s


    answer would be.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan affirmed.


    Axel sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the renovations while you go y with kids,¡± Axel stated sourly.


    Ethan ignored himpletely. ¡°You should have mentioned it earlier. Let¡¯s go now,¡± Ethan said,


    standing up immediately to leave. The hospital visit seemed to brighten Ethan¡¯s mood despite the


    challenges they were facing at work.


    Liam couldn¡¯t contain his restlessness, pacing around the room, eagerly waiting for the anticipated visit


    from ¡°Mr. Princess¡±


    The absence of their mom, Hazel, had left the atmosphere slightly different, and Daisy found herself


    trying to manage her brother¡¯s impatience.


    ¡°Liam, go


    sit still. I can¡¯t see,¡± Daisy finally said, her annoyance evident in her tone. Liam¡¯s constant movement


    was blocking her view of the


    cartoon on TV.


    ¡°But Daisy,¡± Liam whined, ¡°you said Mr. Princesses every day. Where is he?¡± His impatience was


    palpable, and the anticipation of meeting him was getting to him.


    ¡°He wille,¡± Daisy reassured him, a hopeful tone in her voice.


    Daisy¡¯s worry lingered as she wondered why Mr princess still hadn¡¯t arrived. The idea that their mom


    and Mr. Princess might have had a disagreement weighed heavily on her mind. The memory of their


    mom¡¯s upset voice the night before left her with an uneasy feeling.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think mom and Mr. Princess had a fight, and he wouldn¡¯te see us anymore, right?¡±


    Daisy expressed her concern, her voice carrying a tinge of worry.


    Liam, now equally concerned, asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Princess was here yesterday, and Mom sounded upset,¡± Daisy


    exined


    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Liam inquired, his concern mirroring Daisy¡¯s.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Daisy replied with a small shrug. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ she didn¡¯t sound happy. I couldn¡¯t understand,


    and then I fell asleep.¡± Daisy sighed, the worry evident in her young eyes.


    The room fell into a somber silence as Liam and Daisy sat contemting the absence of Mr. Princess.


    Liam, with a sense of defeat, finally stopped his restless pacing and sank into the cushions, propping


    his arms to support his neck.


    ¡°Hope hees,¡± Liam murmured, his words carrying a mixture of longing and uncertainty. Daisy


    looked at her brother with empathy, understanding the shared sentiment. The anticipation of Mr.


    Princess¡¯s visit had brought excitement and joy to their routine, and his sudden absence left a void in


    their young hearts.


    Daisy reached out and ced aforting hand on Liam¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He¡¯lle. Maybe he¡¯s just busy


    today,¡± she offered, trying to inject a sense of hope into the situation.


    ¡°Hey. Ethan called from the door few minutester.


    Mr princess! They two squealed happily.


    Ethan¡¯s entrance brought an immediate wave of joy into the room. Liam, seeing his beloved Mr.


    Princess, rushed to him hugging his legs.


    Ethan chuckled warmly, lifting the little boy off the ground. The room was filled with the sound of Liam¡¯s


    giggles, echoing the relief and happiness at Mr. Princess¡¯s visit.


    Ethan approached Daisy, who still sat on the chair, her expression a mix of sadness and relief. ¡°Hey,¡±


    he greeted with a small smile. Daisy looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the worry that had consumed


    her moments


    ago.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯ting anymore,¡± she confessed, her voice carrying a hint of sadness that


    tugged at Ethan¡¯s heart:


    ¡°Hey,¡± Ethan repeated, crouching down to be at eye level with Daisy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he sighed, bending to her height. ¡°I should have been here earlier; something¨Ccame up.¡± He


    exined, realizing he had wasted more time than usual toe visit them. Initially, he hadn¡¯t nned


    to visit, thinking Hazel would be at the hospital, but upon finding out she wasn¡¯t, he was relieved he


    came. His absence, he observed, would have made them very sad.


    ¡°Is that why you looked upset when I came in?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯ting anymore,¡± she exined with a sad look.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here now, aren¡¯t I?¡± he asked. Daisy gave him a small smile, nodding her head. He ruffled


    her hair a little bit, staring at the adorable little girl. Turns out, not only had he gotten attached to visiting


    daily, but she had too.


    She still looked a little worried.


    ¡°I thought you and mom had a fight and you didn¡¯t like us anymore.¡± She exined her eyes getting


    filled with tears.


    ¡°Dasiy.¡± He called softly then held her small hands


    ¡°I and your mummy didn¡¯t fight, even if we did, I wouldn¡¯t stoping, Daisy. I promise,¡± Ethan said,


    sincerly and he meant it, he had absolutely fallen in love with these kids, he reached out to gently wipe


    away the forming tears on her cheeks. Daisy¡¯s eyes widened at the warmth of his


    reassurance.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked, her voice a mix of hope and uncertainty.


    11.201


    ¡°Absolutely. I¡¯ll alwayse to see you and Liam,¡± Ethan affirmed pinching her Chubby cheeks.


    Daisy¡¯s eyes brightened as a smile slowly returned to her face. She nodded then hugged him.


    ¡°So, what do you want us to do today?¡± Ethan asked the twins.


    ¡°First, snacks,¡± Daisy corrected, giggling.


    ¡°Right,¡± Ethan replied, chuckling.


    ¡°I want cookies,¡± Daisy dered.


    ¡°And I want ice cream,¡± Liam added.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go,¡± Ethan said, hoisting Daisy into his arms and holding Liam with his other arm. The three


    headed straight for the elevator, the anticipation of a fun day evident in the children¡¯s excited


    expressions.

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    Be walked down the stairs slowly. Ethan was seated in the car waiting for her impatiently. She


    trudged slowly getting to the car. It was almost time for the meeting.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    After her previous nights refusal and today¡¯s attempt, Ethan was bent on attending with her. Her


    constant refusal was futile.


    She had gotten ready slowly.


    She was already dreading the event. The choice of the various packs to remainpletely


    independent and isted ruling in their own territory had made it easy for her to semlessely blend into


    a new one and she had had no issues for years. But now suddenly, they decided to meet!


    Muchter, she finally reached the car. She looked different, almost unrecognizable. A blonde wig


    adorned her head, apanied by heavy makeup¨Cnone of which was unusual for her. However, what


    caught Ethan¡¯s attention was the sunsses she wore.


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The sses?¡± she questioned, lightly touching them.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I would rather wear this for tonight¡¯s meeting,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°It¡¯s evening, besides the meeting would be held indoors,¡± Ethan further quizzed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a summer gathering,¡± he stated.


    Be pursed her l*ps; she preferred keeping the sses on, shielding most of her features.


    ¡°I hurt myself this morning; there¡¯s an unsightly injury close to my eyes,¡± she lied instead. ¡°I¡¯ll just wear


    this. The bump makes me really self¨Cconscious,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Ethan finally agreed. They hopped into the car, and together they left for the event. The


    atmosphere was tense.


    The meeting was being held at a private resort, hosted by one of the other pack Alphas. After driving


    for several hours, they finally arrived. Their car pulled into the lot where other cars had been parked.


    Walking


    11:301


    together, they could hear the sound of ssical music andughter, along with sses clinking.


    It was evident they were runningte. As they were ushered in, they stepped into the room, where the


    music intensified. Be scanned the room eagerly, trying to assess the atmosphere and identify the


    various pack leaders present.


    She had been on edge since the previous night when Ethan announced they would being here.


    There weren¡¯t many people in the room, perhaps not more than seventy, but she couldn¡¯t identify which


    pack they came from, and it made her slightly anxious.


    Linking arms together, they made their way in. The two seemed to blend into the crowd seamlessly.


    Normally, Be loved social events like these, but this one was different; she couldn¡¯t freely socialize.


    The air was thick with tension, and she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of being watched by someone.


    The feeling made her anxious and oppressed.


    ¡°Alpha Ethan.¡± A voice greeted, and a man walked over, a ss in hand, gripping Ethan¡¯s arm with his


    other free hand.


    ¡°Callum.¡± Ethan greeted back with a small smile, shaking his arm.


    ¡°Man, it¡¯s been so long, what has it been, eight years?¡± Callum asked, chuckling lightly.


    Ethan only nodded, exchanging pleasantries with others passing by.


    ¡°I assume this is your mate, Hazel, I believe.¡± Callum stated, looking at Be.


    Ethan¡¯s smile froze; Be swallowed, seething inwardly and almost snapping at the man.


    Ethan immediately grabbed her arm, holding her in check.


    Hearing about Hazel always triggered her.


    Ethan looked down to Be introducing briefly.


    ¡°Actually, this is my mate, Be. Be, Alpha Callum, of Nightingale pack.¡± He introduced.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry.¡± The man apologized immediately as realization dawned on him. Although he was


    confused, he decided not to probe or ask questions,st he heard from Ethan was a sent invitation to


    his wedding.


    11:30


    Chapter 85.


    The name on the invite was Hazel so he had concluded the woman in front of him was Hazel.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen or met in years now, I didn¡¯t know you found your mate. He stated throwing am


    apologetic nce towards Be.


    Ethan was quiet an uneased smile on his face.


    After quietly excusing themselves, someone else met with and stopped Ethan the two stopped


    exchanging please ties.


    The main purpose of the meeting was to socialize with other pack leaders after years of istion and


    also a fundraiser for one of the packs.


    Ethan excused himself walking off to talk to other people.


    Be stood alone walking past a table she grabbed a ss of champagne, she purposely tried to stay


    out of the way and sight of people.


    The conversation going on at a nearby table however, attracted her -attention.


    ¡°Well, we should have meetings like these more often, I mean after that discovery over six years over


    ago lot of things have got to change.¡± A man stated.


    Be paused. ¡°That incident.


    ¡°The incident at ck axe pack right?¡± Another man asked.


    Be¡¯s grip on the ss of champagne tightened at the mention of ck Axe.


    ¡°Yes, it was just terrible.¡± another one agreed.


    She stalked closer standing within a listening distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a pack.¡± Another countered.


    ¡°That was no pack. I mean, what pack would be involved in trafficking young women instead of


    protecting it¡¯s n as it ought to!.¡± The man stated fiercely.


    ¡°There should be checks on things like that.¡± Another Alpha agreed.


    By now the people there at the table were mumbling and discussing on how everything had gone down


    Where are youngdies now?¡± Another asked.


    11:301


    ¡°Only one of those unfortunate girl survived.¡± Another stated.


    ¡°And she does not live amongst packs anymore. She lives Alone, in the human world.¡± Another added.


    ¡°That¡¯s so sad, I don¡¯t me her. I would trust or want to live in a pack after such an experience.¡± One


    more stated.


    Be had visibly paled. She felt ufortable and suffocated.


    She excused herself immediately. Walking outside to the balcony to clear her head.


    Feeling clustered she ripped the sses from her face.


    ¡°Annabelle?¡± A female voice called from behind.


    Be froze, she felt goosebumps rise and scatter over her skin.


    The woman behind squinted her eyes to see through the dark.


    ¡°It¡¯s you right?¡± She probed further stepping closer.


    Be breathed in her features turning icy.


    She donned her sses calmly then turned to meet the woman¡¯s gaze.


    The woman in front of her was middle aged, most of her hair greyed with age. She looked like an


    influential and powerful woman.


    The woman studied Be longer.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Be finally asked.


    The other woman looked conflicted, Be had looked very familiar. But upon closer look she became


    doubtful.


    Be became more confident with her conflicted look.


    ¡°What did you call me?¡± Be asked raising her head arrogantly and trying to sound brave.


    The woman was taken aback by her attitude.


    She studied Be, she had some simr features but there was no way she was the same person.


    ¡°I believe you have the wrong person. Be said.


    *Yes. I see that now. The woman replied.


    11:30


    ¡°My apologies.¡± She apologized.


    Ethan walked in on them at that moment.


    ¡°Be.¡± He called softly with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± he asked the two women facing off.


    ¡°No.¡± Be replied then walked away immediately.


    ¡°Alpha Ethan.¡± The woman greeted politely.


    Ethan turned his attention back to her.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you since you were a little boy.¡± She chuckled lightly.


    Ethan smiled in a fond manner.


    ¡°Are you with her?¡± She asked him gesturing to Be as she walked away.


    ¡°That¡¯s my mate, Be.¡± He replied.


    The woman¡¯s features rxed,


    ¡°Is there an issue?¡± Ethan asked.


    The atmosphere had seemed tense when he walked in and the way Be walked out was odd.


    ¡°No no, I mistook her for someone.¡± The woman said chuckling lightly.


    Ethan wanted to probed more just then there was an announcement over the microphone, people left


    their small groups focusing on the podium. The final part of the meeting had started, the fundraiser.


    They made their way back to the hall.


    Be breathed a sigh of relief, finally gotten rid of that woman.


    Her disguise was practically wless, how had she recognized her?! She wondered.


    She couldn¡¯t wait for the night to be over. That old woman had almost recognized her. She sighed.


    But she had gained a piece of information.


    There was one survivor, she had confirmed it tonight, that girl whoever she was had to be the one who


    had seen and witnessed everything that happened that night. That also had to be the person Sebastian


    mentioned


    11:30


    the other time. The girl, whoever she was wasn¡¯t just someone who had seen what happened by


    chance.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    Be walked down the stairs slowly. Ethan was seated in the car waiting for her impatiently. She


    trudged slowly getting to the car. It was almost time for the meeting.


    After her previous nights refusal and today¡¯s attempt, Ethan was bent on attending with her. Her


    constant refusal was futile.


    She had gotten ready slowly.


    She was already dreading the event. The choice of the various packs to remainpletely


    independent and isted ruling in their own territory had made it easy for her to semlessely blend into


    a new one and she had had no issues for years. But now suddenly, they decided to meet!


    Muchter, she finally reached the car. She looked different, almost unrecognizable. A blonde wig


    adorned her head, apanied by heavy makeup¨Cnone of which was unusual for her. However, what


    caught Ethan¡¯s attention was the sunsses she wore.


    ¡°What¡¯s that for?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The sses?¡± she questioned, lightly touching them.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I would rather wear this for tonight¡¯s meeting,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°It¡¯s evening, besides the meeting would be held indoors,¡± Ethan further quizzed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a summer gathering,¡± he stated.


    Be pursed her l*ps; she preferred keeping the sses on, shielding most of her features.


    ¡°I hurt myself this morning; there¡¯s an unsightly injury close to my eyes,¡± she lied instead. ¡°I¡¯ll just wear


    this. The bump makes me really self¨Cconscious,¡± she whined.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Ethan finally agreed. They hopped into the car, and together they left for the event. The


    atmosphere was tense.


    The meeting was being held at a private resort, hosted by one of the other pack Alphas. After driving


    for several hours, they finally arrived. Their car pulled into the lot where other cars had been parked.


    Walking


    together, they could hear the sound of ssical music andughter, along with sses clinking.


    It was evident they were runningte. As they were ushered in, they stepped into the room, where the


    music intensified. Be scanned the room eagerly, trying to assess the atmosphere and identify the


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    various pack leaders present.


    She had been on edge since the previous night when Ethan announced they would being here.


    There weren¡¯t many people in the room, perhaps not more than seventy, but she couldn¡¯t identify which


    pack they came from, and it made her slightly anxious.


    Linking arms together, they made their way in. The two seemed to blend into the crowd seamlessly.


    Normally, Be loved social events like these, but this one was different; she couldn¡¯t freely socialize.


    The air was thick with tension, and she couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of being watched by someone.


    The feeling made her anxious and oppressed.


    ¡°Alpha Ethan.¡± A voice greeted, and a man walked over, a ss in hand, gripping Ethan¡¯s arm with his


    other free hand.


    ¡°Callum.¡± Ethan greeted back with a small smile, shaking his arm.


    ¡°Man, it¡¯s been so long, what has it been, eight years?¡± Callum asked, chuckling lightly.


    Ethan only nodded, exchanging pleasantries with others passing by.


    ¡°I assume this is your mate, Hazel, I believe.¡± Callum stated, looking at Be.


    Ethan¡¯s smile froze; Be swallowed, seething inwardly and almost snapping at the man.


    Ethan immediately grabbed her arm, holding her in check.


    Hearing about Hazel always triggered her.


    Ethan looked down to Be introducing briefly.


    ¡°Actually, this is my mate, Be. Be, Alpha Callum, of Nightingale pack.¡± He introduced.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry.¡± The man apologized immediately as realization dawned on him. Although he was


    confused, he decided not to probe or ask questions,st he heard from Ethan was a sent invitation to


    his wedding.


    The name on the invite was Hazel so he had concluded the woman in front of him was Hazel.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen or met in years now, I didn¡¯t know you found your mate. He stated throwing am


    apologetic nce towards Be.


    Ethan was quiet an uneased smile on his face.


    After quietly excusing themselves, someone else met with and stopped Ethan the two stopped


    exchanging please ties.


    The main purpose of the meeting was to socialize with other pack leaders after years of istion and


    also a fundraiser for one of the packs.


    Ethan excused himself walking off to talk to other people.


    Be stood alone walking past a table she grabbed a ss of champagne, she purposely tried to stay


    out of the way and sight of people.


    The conversation going on at a nearby table however, attracted her -attention.


    ¡°Well, we should have meetings like these more often, I mean after that discovery over six years over


    ago lot of things have got to change.¡± A man stated.


    Be paused. ¡°That incident.


    ¡°The incident at ck axe pack right?¡± Another man asked.


    Be¡¯s grip on the ss of champagne tightened at the mention of ck Axe.


    ¡°Yes, it was just terrible.¡± another one agreed.


    She stalked closer standing within a listening distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a pack.¡± Another countered.


    ¡°That was no pack. I mean, what pack would be involved in trafficking young women instead of


    protecting it¡¯s n as it ought to!.¡± The man stated fiercely.


    ¡°There should be checks on things like that.¡± Another Alpha agreed.


    By now the people there at the table were mumbling and discussing on how everything had gone down


    Where are youngdies now?¡± Another asked.


    ¡°Only one of those unfortunate girl survived.¡± Another stated.


    ¡°And she does not live amongst packs anymore. She lives Alone, in the human world.¡± Another added.


    ¡°That¡¯s so sad, I don¡¯t me her. I would trust or want to live in a pack after such an experience.¡± One


    more stated.


    Be had visibly paled. She felt ufortable and suffocated.


    She excused herself immediately. Walking outside to the balcony to clear her head.


    Feeling clustered she ripped the sses from her face.


    ¡°Annabelle?¡± A female voice called from behind.


    Be froze, she felt goosebumps rise and scatter over her skin.


    The woman behind squinted her eyes to see through the dark.


    ¡°It¡¯s you right?¡± She probed further stepping closer.


    Be breathed in her features turning icy.


    She donned her sses calmly then turned to meet the woman¡¯s gaze.


    The woman in front of her was middle aged, most of her hair greyed with age. She looked like an


    influential and powerful woman.


    The woman studied Be longer.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Be finally asked.


    The other woman looked conflicted, Be had looked very familiar. But upon closer look she became


    doubtful.


    Be became more confident with her conflicted look.


    ¡°What did you call me?¡± Be asked raising her head arrogantly and trying to sound brave.


    The woman was taken aback by her attitude.


    She studied Be, she had some simr features but there was no way she was the same person.


    ¡°I believe you have the wrong person. Be said.


    *Yes. I see that now. The woman replied.


    ¡°My apologies.¡± She apologized.


    Ethan walked in on them at that moment.


    ¡°Be.¡± He called softly with a puzzled expression.


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± he asked the two women facing off.


    ¡°No.¡± Be replied then walked away immediately.


    ¡°Alpha Ethan.¡± The woman greeted politely.


    Ethan turned his attention back to her.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you since you were a little boy.¡± She chuckled lightly.


    Ethan smiled in a fond manner.


    ¡°Are you with her?¡± She asked him gesturing to Be as she walked away.


    ¡°That¡¯s my mate, Be.¡± He replied.


    The woman¡¯s features rxed,


    ¡°Is there an issue?¡± Ethan asked.


    The atmosphere had seemed tense when he walked in and the way Be walked out was odd.


    ¡°No no, I mistook her for someone.¡± The woman said chuckling lightly.


    Ethan wanted to probed more just then there was an announcement over the microphone, people left


    their small groups focusing on the podium. The final part of the meeting had started, the fundraiser.


    They made their way back to the hall.


    Be breathed a sigh of relief, finally gotten rid of that woman.


    Her disguise was practically wless, how had she recognized her?! She wondered.


    She couldn¡¯t wait for the night to be over. That old woman had almost recognized her. She sighed.


    But she had gained a piece of information.


    There was one survivor, she had confirmed it tonight, that girl whoever she was had to be the one who


    had seen and witnessed everything that happened that night. That also had to be the person Sebastian


    mentioned


    the other time. The girl, whoever she was wasn¡¯t just someone who had seen what happened by


    chance.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    ¡°Naomi¡¯s dead,¡± the voice on the other end solemnly pronounced, catching Ethan off guard with the


    sudden and unwee news. The weight of the revtion lingered heavily in the air.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with?¡± the man inquired, sensing Ethan¡¯s hesitancy from the other


    end.


    Ethan, still processing the shock, replied curtly, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°ept my condolences,¡± he offered, his words carrying a note of surprise that resonated through the


    phone.


    ¡°This is just really shocking,¡± Ethan admitted with a heavy sigh, the unexpected news settling into the


    fabric of his thoughts.


    As the exchange continued, a somber atmosphere enveloped the conversation until, eventually, the


    man at the other end concluded the call. Ethan slowly lowered the phone from his ear.


    Restlessness gripped him,pelling an immediate journey homeward. As a slight drizzle began to


    grace the surroundings, he navigated through the rain¨Csoaked streets his mind racing with questions.


    Be would be home, he had confirmed it from the butler.


    Entering their bedroom silently he saw her seated in lost in her familiar routine at the vanity, seemed


    unaware of his watchful gaze. His observations were silent but thoughtful,


    After a prolonged silence, he finally uttered the heavy words, ¡°Naomi¡¯s dead.¡± Be queried, ¡°What?¡±


    Having not heard him clearly.


    ¡°Who¡¯s dead?¡± she asked still concentrating on wiping her face.


    ¡°That pack elder you were talking to, the one from the previous night,¡± A weighty pause lingered in the


    air before he continued, ¡°What were you guys talking about?¡± He asked instead.


    ¡°I already told you,¡± Be replied, the edges of her voice tinged with annoyance. Defensively crossing


    her arms, she continued, ¡°She mistook me to be someone,¡± concluding with a frown that etched across


    her face.


    ¡°Did she?¡± Ethan questioned, his features etched with incredulity, probing the depths of the revtion.


    Be, met with his skepticism, retorted


    11:30


    sharply, standing up.


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± she demanded, the tension palpable in the room as their confrontation


    unfolded.


    ¡°Did she really misce who you are?¡± Ethan sought rification.


    ¡°Someone from somewhere seemed to have recognized you, and suddenly she turned up dead!¡±


    Ethan¡¯s voice rose in a fervent usation, the weight of the revtion echoing through the room. Be,


    blindsided by the abrupt disclosure, could only manage a stunned ¡°What?!¡± Her eyes widened,


    reflecting a mixture of shock and disbelief, as they stood facing each other in the silence that followed.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Be queried, her steps purposeful as she closed the distance, standing directly in


    front of him. Ethan, observing her reaction with a discerning gaze, studying the intricate y of


    emotions on her face.


    ¡°You heard me,¡± he repeated.


    Be, grappling with the sudden gravity of the situation, reached out, grabbing his arm.


    ¡°Ethan, what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± she asked her face contorted in panic and rm.


    Ethan countered with a probing question, ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me? What exactly are you hiding?¡±


    ¡°Where is this evening from?!¡± Be¡¯s voice echoed through the room, a crescendo of frustration.


    Ethan, faced with the storm of emotions, watched her closely.


    ¡°I am your wife, your mate,¡± she asserted defensively.


    ¡°Some sick, almost senile old woman mistook me to be someone I wasn¡¯t. I corrected the impression


    she had, and that was all,¡± Be dered, nearly yelling at this point.


    ¡°Suddenly she¡¯s dead, and you believe I¡¯ve got something to do with it?!¡± Be¡¯s voice, now tinged with


    disbelief, hung in the charged air. ¡°Really, Ethan?¡± she challenged, her vocal tone cracking with a raw


    vulnerability when met with his silent stare.


    ¡°That¡¯s hurtful.¡± She said almost breaking into a sob. She watched his face. contort withplex


    emotions.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    11:30 1


    Ethan felt a wave of suspicion, his thoughts swirling not just around her, but around the intricacies of


    everything.


    ¡°You won¡¯t talk?¡± he questioned with rigid resolve.


    Be looked up meeting his determination in surprise, he really didn¡¯t believe her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± She pleaded her eyes glittery with unshed tears.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll find out myself,¡± he dered, turning to leave.


    ¡°Ethan, Ethan!¡± she shrieked, the urgency in her voice cutting through the air like a plea. ¡°We need to


    talk, let¡¯s talk!¡± she yelled, desperationcing her words.


    Yet, he ignored her, striding purposefully outside into the rain, he made his way to where his car was


    parked, leaving her standing in the doorway.


    Be stood watching his car drive away slowly bing drenched in the unrelenting rain, her


    silhouette was blurred through the car¡¯s rearview mirror as Ethan drove away. He couldn¡¯t shake the


    image of her standing there dejectedly.


    Compelled by an unsettling need for answers, Ethan retrieved his phone, Dialing a familiar number, he


    issued a directive with a steely resolve, ¡°I want you to trail Be, find out who she meets, who she talks


    to, what she does.¡±


    As the call ended, Ethan couldn¡¯t dismiss the nagging thought: it couldn¡¯t it all be a coincidence, could


    it?


    Seeing his car Drive out of sight Be panicked. Ethan was made up, she rushed back into the house,


    grabbing her phone she made an urgent call.


    ¡°Naomi was quite ill; she was to retirepletely as a pack elder. She was quite old, you know,¡± the


    man exined to Ethan.


    Driven by the need for answers about Naomi¡¯s death and whether she held any knowledge about his


    wife, Ethan arranged a meeting and had gone to pay a visit.


    The air hummed with questions as he met with a rtive, a man who introduced himself as Naomi¡¯s


    nephew.


    11:30


    Was there anything suspicious about her death?¡± Ethan asked, the words leaving his l*ps in felt surreal,


    he was questioning the circumstances surrounding Naomi¡¯s sudden passing, but thinking of what


    happened to Chris, he pressed on.


    The other man appeared taken aback by the probing question. He had previously mentioned that she


    died in her sleep, but it seemed Ethan was probing for specific details that eluded the initial


    exnation.

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    She had Alzheimer¡¯s,¡± the man admitted his words apanied with a heavy sigh.


    The weight of the words settled over Ethan, and he felt a mixture of relief and sorrow. Naomi had died


    giving to the natural course of her illness; there was no sinister undercurrent to her passing.


    ¡°As it progressed, we tried to manage it, but it got even worse,¡± the man continued, a pause


    entuating the gravity of the situation.


    ¡°Is there an issue?¡± he inquired, his gaze scrutinizing and searching Ethan.


    ¡°I met her some days ago, she said something that left me puzzled.¡± Ethan stated leaving out some


    details.


    The man, sighed as he delved into theplexities of Naomi¡¯s condition. ¡°Knowing her, with how her


    health was, I don¡¯t think you should take anything she said seriously,¡± he admitted, a small chuckle


    escaping him.


    ¡°She was such a bright and loving person, but as she aged, she tended to have difficulties continuing


    with conversations and mixed up details,¡±


    As he spoke, the man¡¯s eyes held a poignant mixture of fondness and sorrow.


    Recalling the conversation Ethan had had with her the previous night, he grappled with the realization


    that the man wasn¡¯t wrong. It had indeed been a little difficult to engage in aplete conversation


    with Naomi. Her thoughts were all over the ce, she kept trailing off and getting distracted.


    ¡°She even had difficulty recognizing people, sometimes she mixed up her grandkids as well,¡± the man


    added, chuckling lightly.


    Ethan¡¯s expression changed. The man noticing his expression asked; ¡°Did she say something really


    wrong?¡± the man inquired, concern etched in the lines of his face.


    ¡°I said it was a bad idea letting her go to the pack¡¯s reunion, representing our pack that someone else


    should. But the pack insisted she goes; she loved meeting other packs, and it was a form ofst


    respect before she retiredpletely,¡± the man exined.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Alpha, if she has said something odd,¡± he added apologetically.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Ethan replied with a sigh, aplex mix of relief and guilt settling over him. The weight of


    realization pressed upon him ¨C he couldn¡¯t believe he had outrightly used his wife. A sense of


    incredulity washed over him, and he began to feel the weight of his own irrational suspicions. ¡®What


    was I even thinking?¡® he wondered


    Naomi had clearly mistaken Be for someone else, and he had called her out in that manner. The


    vivid image of Be standing in the rain, watching him drive away, shed through his mind like an


    unwee rey. The tendrils of guilt tightened.


    He had wronged and hurt Be badly. He rushed home immediately.


    It was hightfall when Ethan arrived home.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Ethan found Be in her bedroom, sitting on the bed.


    ¡°Be,¡± he called gently, the words punctuating the room¡¯s quietude. She turned away from him. ¡°I¡¯m


    sorry. I didn¡¯t believe you. I was wrong,¡± he admitted, the weight of remorse tinging his voice. She


    shook her head, a small sad smile ying on her l*ps,


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you, Ethan. What if she had died in an ident? Would you have used ine of it?!¡±


    she thundered, her words echoing through the room like a tempest.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I really am. I lost my mind for a while. I couldn¡¯t figure out some things about you. It seemed


    like you were hiding something, and after what happened, I just¡­¡± Ethan trailed off, the admission


    hanging in the air like.


    ¡°You just what?¡± Be asked, her frown deepening as she sat up, anxiousness shed through her


    eyes but she concealed it well.


    She had meticulously covered her tracks, hadn¡¯t she? Why was he being this suspicious, what had he


    heard, what does he know?¡® she wondered her frown deepening.


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me, you never have,¡± Be stated, her words resonating with a hint of resignation.


    The gap of his suspicion between them loomedrge, and it was evident to Be that Ethan was


    beginning to see through her facade, she knew she had to put on a convincing act, one that would


    divert his attention entirely.


    Ethan sighed in a resigned manner.


    ¡°I had questions. I barely know anything about your past,¡± Ethan stated defensively, a hint of frustration


    creeping into his voice.


    ¡°Then I met someone who seemed to know about you. It just seemed like you were hiding something,¡±


    he exined.


    ¡°Just what do you see me as?¡± Be asked, a bitter chuckle punctuating her words with a painful


    undertone.


    She needed to end this conversation now, taking a dramatic turn she yelled; ¡°Maybe this was all a


    mistake, you finding me. I should have just let you be with your ex¨Cwife!¡± she yelled.


    In the aftermath of her outburst, she stood up abruptly, leaving the room.


    As Be paced around the hall, a swirl of thoughts enveloped her. This was bad, really bad. Calming


    herself she clung to the hope that, with time, everything would be resolved, Ethan¡¯s suspicion would


    died down naturally after now.


    Ethan would no doubt be feeling guilty about what had happened, and she could use it to her


    advantage for a while.


    Ethan sat in his office dayster partially distracted.


    ¡°There¡¯s been nothing out of the ordinary about Mrs Be.¡± The report came to him. After what had


    happened he was expecting that report. He was only being paranoid.


    He sighed rxing back into his chair.


    That had to exin it.


    It had been a while since he visited the hospital, unable to concentrate at work he stood up deciding to


    head there instead.


    Alone and unapanied by his assistant, Ethan made his way to the hospital ward. As he


    approached the entrance of the ward the door opened, and Hazel emerged, also on her way out. The


    unexpected encounter caught her by surprise.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± Hazel¡¯s gaze met his, a mix of curiosity and unease etched across her face. ¡°Hi,¡± he greeted


    her with a small smile, though the atmosphere remained tinged with an unspoken tension.


    ¡°Ethan, why are you here?¡± she asked, she looked ufortable with his presence.


    Ethan¡¯s brows furrowed.


    haven¡¯t seen the kids in a while now, and I was wondering how Daisy was¡­ Etlian exined, his words


    trailing off. A murmur drew his attention


    There was someone else inside. A male voice echoed, weaving through the hushed atmosphere. Is


    someone there?¡± Ethan asked stepping in.


    Midway into the room, his steps faltered. A man stood there, holding a giggling Liam. Ethan felt a chill


    run down his spine. His grip on the things in his arms tightened unconsciously, his frown deepening as


    he recognized the man.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Hazel asked, staring at the man in front of her. Nathan chuckled lightly. After


    weeks of absence, Nathan had suddenly returned, immediately finding his way to the hospital.


    ¡°I had to go clear my head,¡± he answered. A couple of days ago was the death anniversary of his mate


    and pup. Needing space and answers, he had left. Hazel looked at him thoughtfully. He was smiling,


    but his eyes looked rather sad.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I vanishedpletely; a lot was going on,¡± he admitted with a sigh. ¡°Have you been okay?¡±


    Hazel asked. Nathan only stared at her for a while, giving her a sad smile.


    The past few weeks had been quite hectic for him. He gave a small shrug. Hazel studied the man in


    front of her silently; it was clear he was hiding and keeping things to himself. He looked like he hadn¡¯t


    had a decent sleep in a long while. But she decided not to pry, filling him instead with details of things


    that had happened during his absence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hazel. I tried to find Dr. Gomez, but I failed. How¡¯s she now?¡± he asked. Since he got there,


    Daisy and Liam weren¡¯t at the ward; he had met only Hazel. Hazel smiled.


    ¡°We found him, or rather, he found us,¡± Hazel beamed with a smile at him. She then went on narrating


    how Dr. Gomez walked into the hospital himself one morning. Although she left out many details of who


    Ethan was and her rtionship with him, she described him as her boss. She also filled him in on how


    they had gotten such a luxurious-looking hospital ward. Nathan smiled, watching how Hazel¡¯s eyes


    beamed as she narrated all that had happened so far.


    Liam burst into the ward a whileter, spotting Nathan and goingpletely wild as he jumped into his


    arms. The energetic little boy started chattering off excitedly. Meanwhile, Hazel stepped out of the


    ward, unintentionally colliding with Ethan, who was on the verge of entering.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± she called in surprise, her smile fading. Questions filled her mind ¨C why was he here? Ethan


    proceeded into the room, carrying treats in his arms. Nathan and Liam, engrossed in their own world,


    remained oblivious to his entrance.


    ¡°Hi Ethan!¡± Liam greeted with a smile, hanging upside down from


    Nathan¡¯s arm when he finally noticed him. Ethan¡¯s small smile faded, transforming into a frown. He cast


    a questioning gaze toward Hazel.


    ¡°Ethan, this is Nathan. Nathan, Ethan,¡± Hazel introduced the two men. Nathan nodded with a small


    acknowledgment, while Ethan only continued to stare at him.


    ¡°Daisy was moved to the Echocardiography for an ultrasound. We were just heading there right now,¡±


    Hazel exined awkwardly, the atmosphere tensing with Ethan¡¯s presence. He was practically ring


    at Nathan. Ethan¡¯s unexpected visit had caught everyone off guard.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her in a while. How is she?¡± Ethan asked, finally tearing his gaze away from Nathan. An


    undercurrent of irritation surged within Ethan as he observed the other man, deciding in that moment


    that he didn¡¯t like this Nathan.


    Hazel gave a small shrug. ¡°She¡¯s okay, I guess,¡± she stated. ¡°Nathan, this is the man I told you; he was


    able to find Dr. Gomez for us,¡± Hazel exined to Nathan, throwing a smile in Nathan¡¯s direction. Ethan


    observed her features, the way she smiled at the other man and his brows furrowed slightly. Why was


    she smiling at him like that? And she had introduced him as ¡°that man,¡± not as her ex-husband or


    anyone she had actually known but he was addressed like some random man. Seeing Hazel that close


    with the man made him feel a surge of irritation.


    ¡°Oh, really,¡± Nathan asked lightly. ¡°Thank you,¡± he added. ¡°Hazel told me all about what you did,¡±


    Nathan continued.


    ¡°I should go see to Daisy now,¡± Hazel said, heading out the door. ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Liam offered,


    following his mother. ¡°It¡¯s amazing you were able to bring Dr. Gomez out of retirement, thank you,¡±


    Nathan said sincerely.


    He had tried on his part but wasn¡¯t able to, finding Dr Gomez alone was even so difficult, so he was


    really impressed by Ethan. Hazel was yet to fill him in that Ethan was actually her ex-husband, so to


    him, Ethan was just a nice superior of Hazel.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it for you,¡± Ethan stated icily. Why would you thank me? Who is this man anyway? Ethan


    wondered, irritated.


    Nathan looked taken aback by Ethan¡¯s coldness. Ethan¡¯s mood to visit had been ruined suddenly from


    watching Hazel and this man¡¯s interaction. Even Liam seemed to love him and was attached to him a


    lot. Ethan dropped off the things he came with, then left immediately.


    Hazel returned to the room a momentter, she looked around the room seeing on Nathan standing


    there and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Ethan?¡± Nathan


    exined casually, ¡°He just left.¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Nathan inquired. To which Hazel replied, ¡°The CEO of Tesco.¡±


    Nathan persisted, ¡°No Hazel¡­ Who is he? ¡°I mean, getting Dr. Gomez for you and all of that,¡± Nathan


    stated. He had observed Ethan¡¯s weird manner, the way he had looked at and spoken to him, like he


    seriously disliked him, then the fond way he looked at Liam. He was clearly attached to the kids from


    what he had heard, it was clear the man cared.


    They had some kind of rtion past the usual boss and contracted employee.


    ¡°You two have history, don¡¯t you?¡± Nathan probed further. ¡°Is he, by chance, the father of your twins?¡±


    Hazel took a deep breath, sitting down. ¡°Was it that obvious?¡± she asked, a mix of emotions ying on


    her face.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Nathan replied. ¡°I mean, from what you told me, he really cares about Daisy and Liam. Such


    attraction and love.¡±


    Also, the way he looks at you¡­ he added inwardly. Hazel sighed once


    more.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know they¡¯re his?¡± Nathan questioned. Hazel nodded.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Nathan said. ¡°Is he dumb or something?¡± He asked incredulously.


    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s so crystal clear, and he can¡¯t even figure that out? And you said he¡¯s an Alpha?¡± Nathan


    continued, his toneced with disbelief. ¡°How¡¯d he manage to run his pack and business all this while?¡±


    he asked.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Hazel stopped him, releasing an exhausted sigh.


    ¡°I underwent some tests before I left; I and my maid faked the results. He had no idea I was pregnant


    when I left so far as he¡¯s concerned, they can¡¯t be his. Also, I had ate delivery, remember?¡± She


    asked.


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re right,¡± Nathan replied with a sigh. All of those would mix up whatever it was he felt.


    ¡°Still, he must be confused, feeling all kinds of emotions.¡± Nathan mused thoughtfully.


    ¡°Your kids are lovely, and he must have fallen for thempletely without knowing why. All of those


    pieces of evidence just happened to


    10:141


    work in your favor, don¡¯t they?¡± Nathan asked with a chuckle. Hazel nodded,ughing as well.


    Nathan stood from a distance, observing Jasmine engrossed in her work. After Leaving the hospital, he


    headed to hispany. Jasmine had worked hard during the time he was gone, and he felt a pang of


    guilt. He hadn¡¯t beenpletely honest with her; to her, he was some kind of helper and friend, but in


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    reality, he had only been using her, keeping her around to get the information he desperately needed.


    ¡°When would you remember? When?¡± He mused sadly his gaze fixed on her. Jasmine looked up,


    meeting his eyes. She geniue and wide smile broke out across her face, exited her seat, and ran up to


    him.


    ¡°Nathan!¡± She squealed. ¡°Where have you been? I¡¯ve called, I¡¯ve texted¡­ I was so worried something


    had happened to you,¡± she stated, a small frown on her face. ¡°I thought at some point that you gave up


    on


    everything.¡± Knowing it was close to the anniversary of his wife¡¯s passing, it had crossed her mind that


    Nathan might have taken drastic measures. She was relieved he was okay.


    In reality, he had gone to investigate the ce where his wife died. Frustration was eating at him. Till


    date, they hadn¡¯t found the perpetrators, and there was no clue how to. The only witness that day was


    Jasmine, and she had lost almost all memories of what she had witnessed.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Nathan studied Jasmine intently, her clear eyes reflecting pure adoration as she gazed up at him. A


    pang of guilt gnawed at him, overshadowing his demeanor.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he called out to her, breaking the moment. Suddenly, he posed a question that cut through


    the air with an unexpected weight. ¡°Do you still have those nightmares? The Inquiry lingered, causing


    her to pause, her brows furrowing in response.


    ¡°No,¡± she replied, shaking her head.


    No memory of your family either?¡± He probed. Again, she shook her head, and Nathan sighed, looking


    away. Deciding not to press further at that moment.


    She held the key to the elusive memories from that night eight years ago, that tragic night. If only she


    could recall the events, he might finally uncover the truth behind the deaths of his wife and child.


    Frustration simmered within him, the inability to make progress in recent weeks weighing heavily on his


    shoulders made him feel a sense of weariness.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Jasmine¡¯s voice cut through his contemtion. Theplexity of emotions


    reflected on his face was evident, but he merely replied with a curt ¡°No.¡± Turning away, he headed to


    his office, leaving Jasmine to watch his retreating form. A sense of unease lingered in the air as she


    sensed that something. indeed, was amiss.


    Meanwhile, Ethan stormed back into his office, a maelstrom of frustration and disturbance swirling


    within him. The sight of the other man with Hazel had ignited a spark of annoyance, an emotion he¡¯d


    rather chew rocks than admit. Despite his efforts to maintainposure, a restless energy consumed


    him.


    I¡¯m leaving, and I¡¯m taking your car, Ethan announced abruptly, after hours of trying to work, he had


    given up. He strode past Axel. Axel had chaffeured him to the office that morning, so Ethan¡¯s


    impromptu decision to -leave suddenly meant Axel would be left without a vehicle.


    Axel sighed, recognizing the stormy mood Ethan was in. The unpredictable nature of Ethan¡¯s


    departures often left Axel to find his own way home, typically involving the use of public transport.


    Today would be no exception, and Axel resigned himself to the inconvenience that awaited him.


    Axel had actually settled into a routine that amodated the newfound caninepanion in his life.


    Adapting to the changes was bing lessplex. Also as days went by, the initial awkwardness


    between him and the next-door neighbor, Jasmine, was barely existence.


    They could now exchange greetings without the tension that once lingered.


    Even the dog. Axel concluded, wasn¡¯t as troublesome as he had initially thought. However, when it


    came to the doe-eyed woman, Jasmine, residing next door, he still had reservations. He noticed she


    remained jumpy and easily startled, and there seemed to be a lingering figure that shadowed her. He


    had initially dismissed it, but over time he could sense someone¡¯s eyes trained on him whenever they


    met outside of the building.


    As Jasminepleted her tasks for the day, she meticulously cleared the table. Nathan remained in


    hist office chair, the door to his office was slightly ajar. She watched him. His eyes were closed, back


    turned to the door. The office was dimly lit. Hesitating, she knocked softly to make him aware she was


    standing there.


    With the sun long gone, darkness had settled outside. Nathan¡¯s voice cut through the silence, ¡°It¡¯ste.


    You should go home now.¡± Concern etched on her face, Jasmine entered the office, offering. ¡°Are you


    okay? Would you be needing anything?¡±


    Nathan, responded with a curt, ¡°No. It¡¯ste, just go home.¡± Jasmine lingered by the door, torn between


    leaving. him to his thoughts. He was back to his regr routine, sitting in a dark room. Knowing him,


    the picture of his wife was probably clutched in his grasp.


    ¡°Do you want me to have you kicked out?¡± Nathan¡¯s stern voice echoed through the silent halls.


    ¡°Go home, Jasmine,¡± he instructed, cutting off her attempt to speak. Just go, I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m not suicidal


    or anything,¡± he added with a light chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte,¡± he said softly, finally turning to face her.


    ¡°Okay. Goodnight,¡± she replied, moving towards the door. As she turned to leave, he called, ¡°Jasmine,


    thank


    Alpha¡¯s Regret Pregnant Rejected Luna


    +5 vouchers


    you.¡±


    Stepping out of thepany building, the cool evening breeze hit her. She walked briskly, boarding the


    bust heading homeward. As the bus approached her stop, the feeling of dread intensified. Stepping off,


    the isted walk to the apartments awaited her, and tonight would be worse-she was returning even


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    Jasmine shivered from the cold wind, pulling her jacket closer around her b*dy. Walking briskly. She


    was returning hometer than usual tonight, with Nathan¡¯s sudden return she had worked overtime,


    filling and updating him. She had also sensed something was amiss and had been reluctant to leave


    him there at thepany.


    Sighing, she braced herself, starting to walk faster. The streetlights flickered intermittently, casting an


    eerie glow. The night was dark, and the cold wind added to her difort. Footsteps echoed behind


    her, a routine she had noticed, the feeling of being followed most times after exiting the bus. Tonight


    was no exception; someone was trailing her.


    Her fingers became mmy, and she quickened her pace, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air.


    Her pulse raced faster, and she finally broke into a run, colliding headfirst into someone¡¯s back.


    Stumbling backward, she almost fell when strong arms reached out and steadied her. Gasping for


    breath, she looked up. meeting familiar orbs hidden behind a pair of sses. She gasped, Axell Relief


    washed over her as his eyes searched hers, and he helped stabilize her footing.


    The man trailing her faltered, stepping behind a pole and watching from a distance. Jasmine turned,


    ncing back several times.


    ¡°Are you being followed?¡± Axel asked, concern etched on his face as he furrowed his brows. She


    nodded, tears streaming down her face, still shaken and frightened. Axel sensed someone¡¯s eyes on


    him, watching them from the darkness.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± he instructed her, then walked a few steps back to check who it was. Terrified of being


    alone, she grabbed the tail of his suit. Axel halted midway; she didn¡¯t want to be alone. He sighed.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t walk home thiste; the streets are isted as well,¡± he sighed, looking at her. She


    gazed up at him with teary eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, pulling her gently by the hand as they walked home together. She finally opened up,


    admitting, ¡°Someone¡¯s watching me. Every day when I get off work, someone¡¯s there. I¡¯m not crazy,¡±


    she


    trembled.


    ¡°I swear¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°I know,¡± he replied. Her eyes widened. ¡°You believe me?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied in a single word, his grip on her palm tightening.

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    ¡°I believe you,¡± Axel replied in a single word, gripping her palm ever tighter. The realization hit him-this


    exined why she was so jumpy. He had noticed it himself. Whenever he encountered her-or walked


    across the street from her, there seemed to be someone trailing after her. She wasn¡¯t being frightened


    or jumpy for nothing. And she wasn¡¯t making it up: neither was she crazy. She clearly had a stalker.


    ¡°What time do you go to work?¡± he asked. She met his eyes, surprise evident in hers, clearly taken


    aback by the sudden question.


    ¡°What time do you go to work?¡± he asked. She met his eyes, surprise evident in hers, clearly taken


    aback by the sudden question.


    ¡°By eight am most days, she replied as they stopped at the front entrance of the building. ¡°Why?¡± she


    asked


    him.


    They went into the elevator, still holding arms. ¡°Nothing,¡± he replied. Ethan taking his car tonight and


    him. having to take this route happened to be a stroke of luck. He thought to himself, he had a feeling


    that something really bad could have happened tonight. Whoever was following her clearly had sinister


    ns.


    Finally, they arrived at the floor of their apartment. ¡°Goodnight,¡± Axel muttered. The two stood in silence


    for a few heartbeats. Finally, her eyes faltered down to their adjoined arms. Realizing he was still


    holding her palm in his, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to him. Her small palm fit snugly


    into hisrger one, and he reluctantly released her hand. His palm suddenly felt cold, Josing the


    warmth of hers. He shoved it into his pocket immediately and turned to leave.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she called just as he walked into his home. He nodded without turning back. She couldn¡¯t


    help but smile, feeling a huge sense of relief and gratitude. The night had taken an unexpected turn,


    and Axel¡¯s protective presence had made all the difference.


    She made a me ntal note to never again return homete and also to purchase pepper spray and a


    taser.


    Those streetlights made things worse; they had to get changed, Axel thought to himself as he stepped


    into. his home. He would see to it that the streetlights got changed first thing tomorrow morning.


    The puppy, sensing its owner¡¯s return, bounded over, wagging its tail in sheer excitement, seeking


    attention and affection. Axel obliged, squatting down to stroke the furrypanion. That wouldn¡¯t do,


    he concluded. For some reasons, he still felt a sense of restlessness thinking of just how terrible the


    night might have turned if he hadn¡¯t been there. That thought alone made him panic.


    With a determined sigh, Axel retrieved his phone, dialing Ethan¡¯s number, ¡°Have my car sent back; I


    need it,¡± he stated, the urgency evident in his voice. ¡°Fine,¡± Ethan curtly replied.


    ¡°I have the butler drop it offter tonight,¡± Ethan added.


    Axel, sensing Ethan¡¯s evasiveness, inquired further, ¡°Where are you?¡± A brief pause followed before


    Ethan cryptically responded ignoring the question, ¡°You¡¯ll get your car before tomorrow morning,¡± with


    that he hung


    up.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze lingered on the top floors of the hospital, his mind filled with a tumultuous mix of


    emotions. The twins, Daisy¡¯ and Liam, upied his thoughts like a persistent echo. Despite having


    arrived at the hospital. some time ago, he remained seated in his car, grappling with the conflicting


    feelings that surged within him. Earlier that afternoon, instead of spending precious moments with the


    twins, he had abruptly left, leaving a trail of unresolved tension in his wake. Now, a sense of regret


    gnawed at him as he pondered over his actions. He needed to talk to Hazel, to unravel theplexities


    that seemed to entwine their lives.


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    Nathan, the man loomed in Ethan¡¯s thoughts. The uncertainty about their rtionship gnawed at him.


    Hazel had Stated he wasn¡¯t the father of her kids. Was Nathan merely a friend? The mere possibility


    that he might be more ignited an unsettling sensation within Ethan. Hazel appearedfortable around


    Nathan, and even Liam seemed to had taken a liking to him. Envy surged through Ethan; a desire for


    that warm connection he parceived between Hazel, Nathan, and the twins. Most times he had to sneak


    behind Hazel¡¯s back to meet with her kids and even with that, she had never smiled at him like that.


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    He was tired of having to hide to visit her twins when she wasn¡¯t there. And now be felt a pressing urge


    to be with them. It had been days since he had seen them or yed with them.


    With a determined breath, Ethan finally extricated himself from the confines of the car. He decided it


    was time to be honest, to confront the emotions that had festered for too long. The yearning to be with


    Daisy and Liam. had be insistent, and he couldn¡¯t bear the distance any longer.


    Ethan?¡± Hazel¡¯s voice echoed with surprise as she encountered him minutester at the entrance of


    their


    room.


    ¡°Hey.¡± He replied, a subtle nervousness lingering in his demeanor.


    ¡°Hi.¡± She replied, but he noticed the curiosity in her gaze. Ethan¡¯s presence at thatte hour seemed


    unusual, especially after his abrupt departure earlier in the day.


    ¡°It¡¯s prettyte, why are you here thiste?¡± She probed, her eyes searching for an exnation. Ethan,


    caught off guard, could not conjure a usible reason for his unexpected return.


    Ethan only stared at her, his mind grappling with the absence of a coherent excuse for being there.


    Finally, he cleared his throat.


    ¡°Tm sorry about how I left and my attitude earlier,¡± he started, the admission hanging between them.


    ¡°You suddenly disappeared,¡± she remarked lightly, a hint of confusion in her expression. ¡°You were


    busy, I guess,¡± she shrugged, unable toprehend the necessity of his apology or his second


    unanticipated visit that same day.


    ¡°Listen, Hazel.¡± Ethan shoved his hands into his back pockets; a telltale sign of his anxiety.


    ¡°Ethan Wild, nervous?¡¯ she wondered


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a reason or an excuse for being here. I just drove for hours and found my way here,¡± he


    confessed, leaving Hazel further confused.

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    ¡°I don¡¯t have a reason or an excuse being here by this time,¡± Ethan admitted, his words hanging in the


    air like a confession. Hazel, with a skeptical expression, crossed her arms over her chest.


    ¡°What does that mean? Hazel asked, her curiosity and a hint of caution evident in her tone.


    ¡°I just needed to see how the¡­¡± Ethan began exining, his sentence trailing off when Liam¡¯s face


    popped through the doorway. The little boy had gotten impatient and wondered why his mom was


    stalling had gone to check on her himself.


    ¡°Mommy, I need more water,¡± he demanded groggily. His face lit up the moment he saw Ethan and he


    ran out of the door, hugging his legs.


    ¡°Mr. Princess!¡± he squealed, and Ethan greeted him fondly, rubbing his head.


    ¡°I missed you,¡± Liam admitted, still hugging Ethan¡¯s legs. He had been puzzled when Ethan


    disappeared suddenly, and he had asked for him multiple times that day.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you visit more often? You promised,¡± he stated usingly. Liam felt love and attraction


    toward Ethan. There was just something about him that he adored whenever Ethan was around.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m trying to get your mommy here to let me visit more often,¡± Ethan stated lightly. Hazel¡¯s brows


    furrowed.


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± she thundered.


    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, I would love to keep visiting. I really enjoy spending time with your kids, Hazel,¡±


    Ethan admitted, ncing down at Liam¡¯s adorable head hugging his legs. Hazel felt a tightening and


    suffocating feeling within her. For a moment, she was speechless, looking away from the two, taking


    deep breaths.


    ¡°Please, mommy,¡± Liam pleaded, turning to look at her while holding Ethan¡¯s arm. Seeing the look on


    her son¡¯s face, eagerly pleading to spend more time with his father, created a helpless feeling within


    her.


    The two were looking at her with hopeful expressions. ¡°Can you give us a minute?¡± Hazel finally spoke,


    turning to her son. ¡°Mummy, but¡­¡± Liam tried to persuade her, still holding Ethan¡¯s palm.


    ¡°But nothing, Liam!¡± she ordered. ¡°Go back inside, Liam! Now!¡± she yelled. Liam¡¯s eyes widened. His


    mom had never yelled at him before. Liam turned to Ethan with a helpless look.


    Ethan felt a pain in his chest and knelt in front of the little boy. ¡°Mommy wants you inside, go,¡± he


    urged. Liam released Ethan¡¯s finger from his grip, turned finally, and slowly trudged back inside. The


    door closed, leaving Hazel and Ethan standing in the corridor in an awkward silence.


    Hazel took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. ¡°Why are you here, Ethan?¡± she asked, her voice a


    mix of pain and confusion.


    ¡°Hazel, I don¡¯t think¡­¡± Ethan was saying.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think what?!¡± Hazel interrupted, exasperation evident in her voice. She was almost yelling


    now. ¡°Liam¡¯s my


    son!¡± she dered. ¡°I get to scold him when necessary as his mom. You don¡¯t get to tell me how to


    bring up my kids,¡± she stated, defensive and assertive, trying to put Ethan in his ce.


    Ethan sighed, realizing he had stepped into a delicate territory. ¡°Hazel, I just wanted to spend more


    time with them. I missed them, and I thought they missed me too,¡± he admitted attempting to ease the


    tension.


    She was upset, Liam was ready to unt her instructions for the very first time, and all because of this


    man who had rejected them without a second thought. She was simmering inside of her, trying to keep


    herposule. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself down.


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    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± she stated, the unsaid words 1 don¡¯t want you here¡® echoing in her mind.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan stated with a sigh. ¡°I felt restless. I hadn¡¯t seen Daisy in days now,¡± Ethan added, a


    pleading tone in his voice. The vulnerability in his expression softened Hazel¡¯s stance, but she was


    determined to keep her guard up.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he stepped closer. ¡°I know we¡¯ve got history. But I really do love your kids.¡± Hazel looked up


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    immediately, meeting Ethan¡¯s eyes. She noticed his eyes were brimming with sincerity.


    ¡°Would you let me be friends?¡± Ethan asked, running his hands through his hair. Hazel stared at him.


    The cold, elusive Ethan Wild was asking if he could be friends with some five¨Cyear¨Colds. He looked so


    different. The cool, calm, collected m?n she once knew appeared very anxious, like he was about to be


    sentenced to death, as if a word from her l*ps could be his undoing.


    ¡°Those kids really light up my life. I can¡¯t exin it,¡± Ethan stated, his voice cracking with a small smile.


    Meeting them had, in lots of ways, changed him.


    ¡°Let me visit more? We have a bad history, but I swear I mean no harm. I just want to be someone you


    and your


    kids can rely on. Like your friend, or an older brother,¡± he pleaded. Like your family, that was what he


    wanted to say.


    Hazel felt her resolve breaking. No, no, no, Hazel cried within herself, no! Getting closer would only


    She fisted her palm in determination.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for all your help, but this should end now,¡± she stated,


    ¡°What?¡± [than asked in rm.


    ¡°I would like you to keep your distance,¡± she added.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± Ethan called, his voice cracking softly


    ¡°Til repay you for everything, the ward, and even Dr. Gomez,¡± she added.


    ¡°Hazel, what nonsense are you spewing?!¡± Ethan asked, surprised at the sudden turn Hazel had taken.


    ¡°Goodnight, Ethan,¡± she said instead, turning to leave.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have pressed on, he said, grabbing her arm.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do all of that for reasons like this, Hazel. I¡¯m not imposing or demanding you let me into your


    life, but rather, I¡¯m pleading, Hazel,¡± he begged.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do any of that for selfish reasons Hazel.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯ve changed since I met those kids. They¡¯re the most wonderful things


    I¡¯ve ever encountered; don¡¯t push me away,¡± he begged.


    Hazel bit her l*ps, willing herself not to cry. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to meet his eyes.


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± she repeated, entering the ward and leaving Ethan there closing the door behind her,


    As she stepped inside, the weight of her decisions pressed upon her. She leaned on the door. She


    could feel Ethan¡¯s desperation, his sincerity. Feeling weak she stumbled inside and slid into a chair


    heart beating rapidly against her chest.


    Meanwhile, Ethan stood outside, the cool night breeze doing little to calm the storm within him. The


    connection he felt with Hazel¡¯s kids had brought unexpected changes into his life and he wasn¡¯t ready


    to let


    1. go.


    Lost in his thoughts, he slowly walked away from the ward, his back slouched in defeat. Hazel didn¡¯t


    want him anywhere her kids. Slowly he made his way down stairs to the car.


    Thinking back to the way he had treated her, he had not right. Would things have been different? he


    wondered. If he hasn¡¯t met, Be that night, would he and Hazel still be together? Would her kids be


    his now? The thoughts brought about swirling emotions that left a lump in his chest making it hard to


    breathe.

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    ¡°How long would you hide it? Liam recognizes him,¡± Dove spoke in Hazel¡¯s mind, a gentle yet insistent


    whisper. The room was quiet, her kids were asleep. The soft hum of medical equipment and the distant


    hush of night echoed in the silent ward. Unable to sleep Hazel paced around the room restlessly.


    The room felt too small, the walls closing in on her. It had been a while since Dove had spoken to her.


    But when it came to Ethan and her kids she always chimed in.


    A flicker of vulnerability crossed Hazel¡¯s face. Dove¡¯s presence provided aforting yet challenging.


    perspective, urging her to confront the inevitable.


    Ethan¡¯s sudden expression of his desire to spend time with Liam and Daisy had stirred a tumult of


    emotions within Haze¡®. The revtion had caught herpletely off guard. Ethan had waltzed back


    into her life before she even noticed.


    ¡°What would happen to Liam? Dove¡¯s questioning voice resonated in Hazel¡¯s mind. The little boy had


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    already grown attached.


    ¡°What would happen when Liam grows older and has his wolf senses? Dove pressed, emphasizing the


    potentialplexities that would surely arise.


    All of your lies would blow over,¡± Dove cautioned


    ¡°We would have left by then!¡± Hazel defiantly countered, determination radiating in her voice. The


    decision was made. ¡°Once Daisy is recovered, we would leave this city to a far way ce! Somewhere


    Ethan would. never find us.¡± She decided.


    Hazel was trembling. The force of attraction between Liam and Ethan was not something she had


    expected. It was clear the two would continue trying to find themselves. Liam had asked for Ethan four


    times that day after he had abruptly left.


    When she had returned to the room this evening, Liam was unhappy and hadn¡¯t spoken to her. He had


    gone to bed almost immediately after.


    Looking at her son, she felt a surge of anxiety.


    Dove¡¯s presence in Hazel¡¯s mind intensified the internal struggle. ¡°I can¡¯t lose my babies, Dove!¡± she


    pleaded, the desperation in her voice echoing through the silent room.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen the way he looks at them¡± she stated.


    The image of Ethan looking down at her children, his eyes with love and adoration reyed in Hazel¡¯s


    mind like a haunting melody. It scared her, not just because of his affection for them but the potential


    consequences of his wealth and influence. The stark reality of Ethan being capable of taking them


    away. backed by resources that could outmatch her, instilled a deep¨Crooted fear. If he found out he


    would take them away from her.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t shake the sense of helplessness.


    Compared to Ethan, she was a nob*dy. She wouldn¡¯t even be able to fight to get custody of he


    kids.


    The thought of losing her children in a legal battle under the pack rules haunted her, and the imagined


    scenario yed out vividly in her mind; a pack tribunal, judgment passed, and her children taken away.


    The words echoed in her mind, ¡°You deceived the pack and made away with the Alpha¡¯s cubs, you


    have no right to them.¡±


    She closed her eyes and phook her head trying to remove the image from her head.


    The thought of her kids sent to live with Ethan and his scheming mate was dreadful.


    ¡°It would be best Ethan stays away from us.¡± She stated decisively.


    ¡°That¡¯s selfish. You know he loves those kids, Dove chided.


    Hazel, fueled by a mix of fear and determination, snapped back, ¡°What would you rather have me do?!¡±


    The weight of the impending threat she sensed, the uncertainty of Ethan¡¯s actions, and the potential


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    involvement of Be as a stepmother weighed heavily on her.


    ¡°He¡¯s married. He has a wife,¡± she continued, her voice tinged with both frustration and anxiety. ¡°What


    kind of life do you think they¡¯ll live with Be as a stepmom and me being denied ess to the¡±


    The horror of her children exposed to a conniving and scheming stepmother and the possibility of being


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of my kids. Nothing else matters.¡± Her mind made up, she wiped away traces of the


    emotional turmoil from her face as she exited the bathroom, she grabbed a pillow as she made her way


    to the couch.


    Liam, sensing his mother¡¯s distress, softly called out, ¡°Mommy?¡± Turning on the bedsidemp, he sat


    up and rubbed his eyes, his small features contorted in concern. Hazel turned her attention to him and


    mustered a small smile but Liam, sensing something amiss with his mother climbed out of bed and


    walked over to her.


    ¡°Liam,¡± she whispered.


    Overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions, Hazel picked him up, cradling him in her arms and


    burying her face in his neck. In that tender moment, she sought sce in theforting scent of her


    child.


    Amidst the shadows of the dimly lit room, Hazel¡¯s tearful confession reverberated, each word heavy


    with the weight of her self¨Cimposed guilt. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡± she wailed.


    I¡¯m sorry because I¡¯m weak and pathetic. Because I¡¯m selfish. Because I don¡¯t have enough money to


    fight off Ethan. Because I¡¯m denying you the wealthy life living with your father. I¡¯m sorry because the


    man you met earlier, who you love so much without understanding why, is your father!¡± The words hung


    on her l*ps, she could not bring herself to admit it.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine a life without her kids in her life. Yes, she was probably being selfish.


    Liam, sensing the depth of his mother¡¯s distress,y quietly on her chest, his small frame offering a


    haunting melody. ¡°Mommy¡¯s sorry. So sorry,¡± she repeated continually.

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    Jasmine, still feeling the lingering unease from the previous night¡¯s encounter, got ready for work the


    next morning. She grabbed a can of pepper spray andser tag as well.


    As she stepped out of the building, her senses on high alert, she scanned the surroundings, half-


    expecting the mysterious person from the night before to be watching. A car was parked just a few feet


    away, and her apprehension heightened. She walked away but the h onking of the car drew her


    attention.


    She turned to just as thee windows rolled down, it was Axel. ¡°Get in, I¡¯ll drop you off.¡± He stated.


    She hesitated, taken aback by the unexpected gesture.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked, seeking rification.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off at work,¡± he repeated, determination in his voice. Before she could argue further, he


    insisted, ¡°Just get in, leaving no room argument.


    Feeling the weight of the stalker¡¯s watchful eyes on her, Jasmine decided that going with Axel might


    indeed be the safer option. With a mix of curiosity and caution, she walked back towards the car and


    entered.


    Axel¡¯s offer to drop her off was oddlyforting.


    As the car journeyed towards her workce, silence settled between Jasmine and Axel. The two of


    them lost in their own thoughts. Axel, focused on the road, drove directly to her workce, surprising


    Jasmine with his knowledge of her destination.


    ¡°How did you¡­?¡± she started to ask, curiosity evident in her voice.


    ¡°The other time when we met, you were wearing yourpany¡¯s ID, Axel exined, offering a


    usible excuse. In reality, he had actually taken some the time to thoroughly research details about


    her.


    Jasmine, a bit taken aback, appreciated the gesture and stepped out of the vehicle. ¡°Thank you,¡± she


    said, her voice expressing both gratitude and relief.


    Axel watched her walk away, there was more to this, more to her.


    He had gone out of his way researching on her but could barely make any discoveries about her. She


    could actually be in danger.


    Ethan arrived at work that morning, his usual authoritative demeanor reced by a quiet and


    contemtive one. Deep in thought, he canceled all his meetings and headed straight to his office,


    where the weight of something unspoken seemed to linger in the air, casting a mncholic shadow


    over him.


    Later in the day, Axel, approached him with an announcement.


    ¡°You would be needing a driver, Axel dered, cutting straight to the point. Ethan didn¡¯t show any


    immediate reaction, merely looking at Axel with an unreadable expression.


    As Ethan¡¯s assistant, driving him around was part of Axel¡¯s responsibilities, but today marked a shift.


    Axel had decided to take Jasmine to work, ensuring her safety from the mysterious stalker, Making it


    clear that he wouldn¡¯t be avable to drive Ethan home.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be avable to drive you home,¡± Axel added, a firmness in his tone.


    Ethan gave no reaction only looking away.


    ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Axel probed


    Axel¡¯s question echoed in the air unanswered Ethan¡¯s gave a half-hearted grunt in response revealing


    ack of interest in the conversation, but Axel wasn¡¯t deterred. The decision had been made, and Axel


    left without offering any further exnation, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.


    Frustrated and restless, Ethan contemted reaching out to Hazel. Several times he would grab his


    phone, poised to dial her number, only to halt the process midway. After almost an hour of this back-


    and-forth, he finally gave up, tossing the phone aside with a heavy sigh.


    Picking up


    the phone again, he considered sending a text. However, the nk screen stared back at him, a


    reflection of the uncertainty and confusion clouding his mind. He grappled with the words, unsure of


    where to


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    12:32


    Alpha¡¯s Regret: Pregnant Rejected Luna


    start or how to convey theplexity of his feelings,


    I¡¯ll be heading to the hospital, to check on the project.¡± Axel informed him momentster.


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    It was almostpletely done, what was left was some mural painting to brighten the ce and few


    other touches to be made. It¡¯s opening and the hospital fundraiser was a few days away.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ethan replied.


    Axel stared wondering at Ethan questioningly wondering why the man wasn¡¯t eager to go with him as


    he normally was.


    Knowing Hazel was at work Ethan would usually grab any excuse to go visit at the hospital.


    But now, Ethan only sat there a distant expression on his face. Though a strong desire to visit Hazel¡¯s


    kids tugged at him, he understood Hazel¡¯s reluctance, she didn¡¯t want him visiting her kids or getting


    too close. He didn¡¯t want her doing anything drastic like taking them out of the hospital just because of


    him. For now, knowing they were safe where he had people all over looking after them would have to


    suffice. Thest thing. he wanted was to disrupt their lives or jeopardize their safety and Daisy¡¯s health.


    TII be leaving in a few minutes. Axel informed him then turned to leave. Axel¡¯s departure marked the


    silent acknowledgment of this decision


    Ethan went back to the pattern of grabbing and staring at his Phone screen. Just then it lit up and


    vibrated Ethan nced at it and an immediate sense of rm struck him. It was a message from


    Devin, the person he left in charge of the kindergarten.


    Ethan¡¯s mind raced with concern had something happened to Liam?


    The memories of the previous emergency call, where Liam was rushed to the hospital, still haunted


    him. The fear of history repeating itself gnawed at his insides.


    ¡°Did something happen to Liam? Where is he?¡¯ Ethan¡¯s tone carried a mixture of concern and urgency,


    his worry evident in every word he uttered.


    ¡°Liam¡¯s here, he¡¯s fine,¡± Devin calmly responded, attempting to soothe Ethan¡¯s heightened anxiety. ¡°He


    walked in a while ago and demanded to speak with you,¡± the man continued, his voice steady, offering


    a glimmer of relief.


    Ethan wasted no time. He sat up abruptly, his grip tightening on the phone and with urgency in his


    voice, he instructed, ¡°Give him the phone.¡±

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    Chapter 95


    Give him the phone right now.¡± Ethan instructed.


    The secindds that passed while the phonw was being passed to Liam felt like long minutes to Ethan.


    Finally the phone got to him.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Liam,¡± Ethan called with a mixture of relief and joy, his face breaking into a full smile as he listened to


    the innocent voice on the other end of the phone, if was aforting balm to the worry that had


    gripped him just moments ago.


    ¡°How are you, champ?¡± Ethan inquired, the genuine affection in his voice evident. He imagined the


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    scene at the kindergarten, picturing Liam¡¯s small figure holding the phone, and it warmed his heart.


    Liam had asked for him and demanded to talk to him on phone.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Liam? Is everything okay?¡± Ethan asked, a lingering concern still evident in his tone,


    despite the relief of hearing Liam¡¯s voice.


    Liam was quiet only his breathing cold be heard at the other end.


    It seemed he was hesitating.


    ¡°Liam?¡± Ethan called softly urging him to say what was on his mind.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you visit anymore?¡± He asked.


    Ethan¡¯s features softened as he heard Liam¡¯s question, the innocence in the little boy¡¯s voice tugging at


    his heartstrings. It was a question Ethan hadn¡¯t expected, it weighed heavily on him. He took a moment


    before. responding, choosing his words carefully.


    ¡°Liam, I do want to visit, more than anything. But sometimes, people make decisions that I can¡¯t


    control,¡± Ethan exined, trying to convey theplexity of the situation without burdening Liam with


    unnecessary details.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like us anymore?¡± The boy asked his voice tinged with sadness.


    Ethan sighed deeply. Not like you? I love you guys.


    ¡°I really love spending time with you and your sister, you know that, right?¡± Ethan stated,


    ¡°Sometimes, grown-ups have challenges and disagreements that they need to work out. It doesn¡¯t


    mean I don¡¯t want to visit of spend time with you; it just means things are a bitplicated right now.¡±


    There was a moment of silence, and then Liam¡¯s small voice came through again. ¡°Can¡¯t you make it


    notplicated?¡± He asked hopefully.


    You promised you¡¯ll always visit,¡± the little boy added reminding Ethan of his promise.


    You¡¯ll visit no matter what.


    Ethan¡¯s features softened, his resolve breakingpletely. How could he stay away? It was practically


    impossible, it was like moth drawn to me.


    ¡°I did, didn¡¯t I?¡± Ethan asked chuckling lightly at the boy¡¯s adorableness.


    ¡°Daisy¡¯s at the hospital, she¡¯ll get shots, I can¡¯t be there with her. I¡¯ve got school today.¡± Liam exined


    filling


    Ethan on all his worries.


    ¡°She misses you, and she¡¯s been sad, she waited for you all day yesterday but you didn¡¯te back.¡±


    Liam added a subtle pout forming on his face.


    Ethan got the message loud and clear. Daisy needed him..


    Hazel didn¡¯t want him, but the kids did. He would just have to be careful, what Hazel didn¡¯t know


    wouldn¡¯t


    harm her.


    Ethan¡¯s face lit up with a genuine smile. ¡°You know what?¡± he eximed, capturing Liam¡¯s attention


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    ¡°What?¡± Liam asked eagerly, sensing excitement in Ethan¡¯s voice.


    Till go see Daisy right now,¡± Ethan dered.


    ¡°Really?¡± Liam squealed with joy, his excitement palpable even over the phone. Ethan couldn¡¯t see him


    but fie could sense the smile from the little boy¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan affirmed, knowing all too well that the kids had a special way of tugging at his heart. There


    was no chance he could resist them. They had him wrapped securely around their fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go right now,¡± Ethan added, a sense of urgency propelling him to his feet. He was determined to


    reach the hospital before Daisy¡¯s injections.


    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. Princess,¡± Liam chimed heartily, his affectionate nickname for Ethan evident in his voice.


    ¡°See you soon,¡± Liam added, expressing the anticipation of their next meeting. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but


    smile softly.


    ¡°See you soon,¡± Ethan replied warmly.


    Ethan rushed out of his office, urgency etched on his face. ¡°Where is Axel?¡± he asked, seeking the


    fastest way to reach the hospital.


    ¡°He just left,¡± the female assistant replied. Axel had departed mere minutes ago, unaware of Ethan¡¯s


    newfound sense of urgency.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s almost time for the meeting,¡± the other assistant reminded him, bewildered by her boss¡¯s


    uncharacteristic haste. Having worked with him for years, she had never witnessed him rushing out like


    this. In their world, time typically bowed to Ethan¡¯smand.


    As Ethan practically tore through the halls, other staff exchanged surprised nces. The sight of their


    Outside, Axel was about to drive away when Ethan caught up with him. ¡°Wait for me, Daisy. I¡¯m


    It seems your husband has been frequenting a hospital,¡± one of the city¡¯s influential women within


    Be¡¯s social circle informed her over the phone. Be¡¯s steps faltered as the weight of those words


    sank in.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t be my husband,¡± Be retorted, her tone dismissive.


    ¡°But it was,¡± Amelia persisted, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. 7 was at the hospital because my


    mother-inw had an important check-up. It was him; he has a way he stands out with that height and


    those mesmerizing eyes one could get lost in,¡± she continued, providing an overly detailed and dreamy


    description of Ethan¡¯s presence at the hospital.


    ¡°Ugh, enough,¡± Be groaned audibly, her irritation palpable through the phone. Amelia¡¯s obliviousness


    to the fact that she was indulging in vivid descriptions of a married man while on a phone call with his


    wife only added to Be¡¯s annoyance.


    Ethan, with his chiseled features andpelling aura, was undeniably one of the most handsome men


    in the city, possessing a lethal S** appeal that left women swooning. His hardened and unyielding


    nature only intensified the air of mystery surrounding him. It was an open secret that many women


    coveted her position as his wife/


    ¡°Anyway, it was Ethan I saw, I couldn¡¯t have been mistaken,¡± the woman stated with a careless note.


    ¡°And when I asked, I was told he was quite frequent there,¡± the woman added, her words hanging in


    the air with a weight that Be couldn¡¯t easily dismiss.


    Be¡¯s elegant stride slowed down as she absorbed the weight of the revtion.


    Be¡¯s mind buzzed with thoughts as she processed the revtion about Ethan¡¯s frequent visits to the


    hospital. Ethan, visiting a hospital? It seemed inconceivable. He wasn¡¯t sick, but in recent days, he


    returned home with a lighter and happier demeanor. The source of his newfound happiness however,


    remained a mystery to Be, and it irked her.


    Annoyance surged within her as she grappled with the realization that, once again, she was in the dark


    about


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    Ethan¡¯s activities. Unraveling the enigma that was Ethan proved to be an impossible task. He disclosed


    only the smallest details to her, keeping her in the dark about the broader picture of his life. Her


    attempts to gather information through others had failed miserably. Anyone she approached to spy on


    Ethan quickly declined whatever offer. she had understanding the futility and consequences of


    meddling in Ethan¡¯s affairs. His reputation was too formidable to be trifled with..


    Frustrated, she resolved to uncover Ethan¡¯s on her own.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    Ethan entered Daisy¡¯s ward to find her seated quietly, a nurse preparing to administer an injection. The


    little girl clung tightly to her stuffed bear, her gaze averted from the impending needle. Ethan¡¯s


    expression softened as he observed the scene. He had managed to arrive just in time for her injection.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll hold your hand,¡± he assured her in a soothing tone. Daisy turned towards him, her eyes


    widening at his surprise visit.


    ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± she called out, a bright smile gracing her face.


    Ethan, maintaining his calm demeanor, addressed Daisy with a soothing tone. ¡°Yes, bunny?¡±


    The nurse, preparing for the injection, directed her attention to Dalsy. ¡°Are you ready, Daisy?¡± she


    inquired.


    Ethan stepped closer, his tall frame casting a protective shadow over Daisy¡¯s small form. He gently


    took a seat beside her.


    Daisy¡¯s eyes darted between Ethan and the nurse, and she extended her little hand towards him. Ethan


    reached out, allowing her to hold onto his fingers tightly. Her small fingers gripped his with trust, and he


    reciprocated with aforting squeeze.


    As the nurse administered the shot, Ethan engaged Daisy in a conversation about her stuffed bear and


    her favorite things, diverting her attention from the medical procedure. He spoke with a gentle tone,


    creating a distraction that eased the difort of the moment.


    The nurse swiftlypleted the task, and Daisy, having conquered the moment, managed a brave


    smile, her eyes reflecting both relief and gratitude towards Ethan.


    ¡°Did it hurt?¡± he asked her, his gentle touchforting as he rubbed the spot where the needle had


    been. Daisy nodded, her honesty evident in her expression. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt much, she reassured him,


    disying a resilience beyond her years. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness at the


    realization that she had be ustomed to such medical procedures.


    His tender touch transitioned to gently rubbing her face, a silent vow forming in his mind.


    As time passed, Daisy¡¯s spirits lifted, and she expressed her desire to y. They made their way to the


    construction site where the school was taking shape. The ce was being painted.


    Daisy was excited and demanded that she be allowed to paint.


    The school, once nd and lifeless, slowly underwent a transformation as vibrant handprints adorned


    the walls, turning the space into a child-friendly and educational haven.


    Daisy, armed with her tiny paintbrush, worked alongside Ethan. A unique bond formed as Ethan lightly


    traced shapes on the walls, providing a canvas for Daisy to paint over with an array of bright colors.


    The foremen overseeing the painting project couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the scene ¨C a man of


    significant influence willingly bossed around by an adorable little girl with rosy cheeks.


    As the painting progressed, the room came to life, echoing withughter and the clinking of


    paintbrushes. When the duo finallypleted their masterpiece, Ethan¡¯s once pristine, expensive shirt


    bore the colorful stains of their coborative effort. Daisy, too, sported paint on her face, a testament to


    the delightful chaos they had created together. Both of them giggled, reveling in the joy of the mess


    they had made.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Daisy ruttered, scrubbing at the hem of her dress where a yellow paint stain had made its


    mark. The realization struck her that Hazel would undoubtedly discover what she had been up to, and


    the consequences were likely to be less thap pleasant. Even Ellian¡¯s clothes bore the evidence of their


    creative escapade, Amused by the little girl¡¯s panic, Ethanughed gently. However, he had already


    anticipated such a predicament, despite their use of protective gear over their clothes. Always one step


    ahead, he had instructed Axel to procure the exact same clothes Daisy was wearing, effectively


    eliminating any incriminating evidence of their day¡¯s adventures.


    Ethan presented the matching set of clothes to Daisy, and her giggles filled the room. With the


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    assistance of a nurse, Daisy eagerly changed into the identical outfit, erasing any trace of the artistic


    chaos they had


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    joyfully created earlier.


    ¡°Can you give us a little time? A month at most,¡± the woman pleaded, her tears evident in the cr ackling


    desperation of her voice. Ethan brows furrowed curiositypelling him to move closer. It wasn¡¯t his


    intention to eavesdrop, but the cries had caught his attention as he stepped out to make a call during


    Daisy¡¯s potty break.


    The woman, now visibly struggling topose herself, continued to s ob. Ethan couldn¡¯t help but be


    drawn in, his concern growing as he observed her distress. Wondering about the circumstances that


    led to such emotional turmoil, he hesitated


    ¡°We¡¯ve exhausted all our money. We have nothing left. Please, just do the surgery,¡± she pleaded,


    desperation evident in her grip on the doctor¡¯s arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ve tried our best already. We¡¯ve started treatments even without a deposit. We


    can¡¯t do more than this,¡± the sympathetic doctor replied, sighing. ¡°She needs surgery, but you have to


    pay at least twenty percent, which is two hundred thousand. That¡¯s the best we can do, ma¡¯am. Most


    hospitals would even treat until you can afford a fifty percent payment.¡± With those words, the doctor


    walked away, leaving the woman devastated.


    She sank down to the floor, her emotionsid bare. A child, about twelve years old, approached and sat


    next to her, asking. ¡°Mummy, what¡¯s going to happen now? What if we can¡¯t pay for Olivia¡¯s surgery?¡±


    The fear in her voice mirrored the uncertainty of their situation. The woman, now on the floor, struggled


    topose herself. Tears streamed down her face as she held her child close. The weight of the


    situation pressed heavily on her shoulders, and the uncertainty about Olivia¡¯s future loomedrge.


    As the child sought reassurance, the mother hugged her tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll find a way, sweetheart. We¡¯ll find


    a way.¡± she whispered, though her own doubts lingered.


    Ethan, who had unintentionally overheard the heartbreaking conversation, stood at a distance, his


    usually stoic expression softened


    Ethan turned away walking the opposite direction.


    ¡°A million.¡± He muttered to himself.


    Was that all she needed? Just that, And she could save her daughter¡¯s life?


    To him it was a measley amount, it had never urred to him that such amount was what could save a


    person¡¯s life.


    Daisy stepped put with the nurse in tow. She gave Ethan a bright smile. Hand in hand they headed to


    floor of Loulou¡¯s ward to pay her a visit.


    Daisy¡¯s happiness propelled her forward, and once they reached Loulou¡¯s floor, she eagerly released


    Ethan¡¯s arm and dashed into her friend¡¯s ward.


    As Daisy immersed herself in animated conversation with Loulou, Ethan¡¯s attention shifted to Loulou¡¯s


    mother. He noticed her engaged in a conversation with a nurse, the lines of worry etched on her face. It


    didn¡¯t take long for Ethan to discern the nature of their discussion, the pending hospital bills.


    Ethan observed the woman¡¯s valiant attempt to mask her distress, she wiped away tears then put on a


    brave smile before entering her daughter¡¯s ward.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    Be still couldn¡¯t focus on her work at her art center. Why would Ethan be frequenting a hospital? she


    wondered.


    There was only one thing left to do, go visit Ethan himself and ask him himself.


    She hadn¡¯t visited him at work for sometime now, Ethan had told her not to. But this one, she


    concluded just couldn¡¯t wait till he arrived back hometer tonight. And knowing him, there was a good


    chance he would arrive when she was already asleep in bed. She decided that she would go to Ethan¡¯s


    office right now.


    Her car glided into the driveway of thepany, the engine purring to a halt. As Be stepped out, the


    crisp air tousled her


    hair a little.


    She hesitated for a moment. Ethan and told her not toe to hispany, but her here was.


    Sucking a breath she walked on.


    Be¡¯s steps


    faltered on the pavement as she caught sight of a familiar silhouette emerging from thepany¡¯s


    entrance. Ady with long flowing hair held up in a ponytail, shrouded in a business¨Clike aura,


    gracefully entered a waiting taxi, clutching documents adorned with the unmistakable symbols of the


    Tesco Empire. A frown etched itself on Be¡¯s face as her gaze lingered on the departing taxi.


    The outline seemed vaguely recognizable. Hazel? Be¡¯s mind flirted with the possibility, only to


    dismiss it promptly. No, it couldn¡¯t be Hazel; she had left years ago. Besides, what business would


    Hazel have in Ethan¡¯spany? She pushed the thought to the back of her mind and pressed forward.


    As Be approached the entrance, the warm greeting from thedy at the front desk broke through her


    contemtion. ¡°Good afternoon Mrs. Wild,¡± the receptionist weed with a genuine smile. Be


    nodded in acknowledgment, her focus already shifting towards the elevator that would carry her to


    Ethan¡¯s domain.


    Navigating the familiar corridors, Be moved with purpose, her presence recognized and


    acknowledged by the passing staff. She approached the elevator with the ease of familiarity, the soft


    chime signaling her ascent to the upper floors.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she murmured to herself readying herself to face Ethan as the elevator doors opened,


    revealing the corridor leading to Ethan¡¯s office. Her steps carried a subtle urgency as she nearly


    bumped into Axel who was on his way out.


    Axel, having just returned from the hospital and was about returning back with a handful of items Ethan


    had requested, found himself intercepted by Be as he was about to leave the office.


    ¡°Axel, where is Ethan?¡± Be inquired, her eyes scanning Ethan¡¯s opulent office.


    ¡°He¡¯s out,¡± Axel replied. Be scrutinized him for any hints, from his stance she could tell he was about


    leaving the office, he seemed to be in a hurry.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°I needed to ask him something.¡± She said her toneced with disappointment.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll just ask you,¡± she dered, her gaze holding a determined intensity. With a nonchnt


    gesture, she indicated a seat,pelling Axel to sit with her on one of the plush sofas within the office.


    ¡°Sit, she instructed, her tone carrying a mix of authority and familiarity as she settled onto the sofa


    crossing her legs gracefully.


    ¡°Where did Ethan go without his trusty assistant, or were you heading there to meet him?¡± Be


    questioned, her eyes narrowing with a discerning gaze that sought answers in Axel¡¯s demeanor.


    Axel chose silence, an enigmatic shield he wielded effortlessly, taking off his sses with a calm


    deliberation, and meticulously cleaning them.


    Be scoffed, a blend of frustration and intrigue coloring her expression. The only person who


    happened to be her husband¡¯s confidant appeared unyielding and rigid.


    III


    O


    <


    ¡°I heard my husband has been frequenting a hospital,¡± she dered, throwing the observation into the


    open, a subtle challenge in her tone. Axel¡¯s hands, mid¨Ccleaning, halted, his narrowed eyes betraying a


    hint of suspicion.


    Ufortably clearing her throat, Be proceeded cautiously. ¡°A friend mentioned seeing him at the


    hospital,¡± she rified, seeking to dispel any notion that she was keeping tabs on Ethan, as Axel might


    was currently suspecting. The air in the room hung heavy with unspoken questions.


    Who would actually dare monitor or jeep tabs on Ethan? No one she had tried to employ previously


    took the job. Her she was begging his assistant for scraps of information from gossips and hearsays.


    The room hung in a tense silence as the two locked eyes, a silent duel of curiosity and guarded


    secrets. Be, caught in Axel¡¯s scrutinizing gaze, felt an uneasy tension settle around her. There was


    something unsettling about the way Axel looked at her, as if he knew something. Whatever it was, it


    was clear. Axel didn¡¯t like nor trust her.


    Axel, the epitome of calm andposure, maintained his silence, carefully crafting a response that


    would satiate Be¡¯s curiosity while diverting her attention to something else more believable that


    would interest her.


    ¡°Tesco is currently undergoing some projects there, and Ethan is overseeing them,¡± Axel finally replied,


    his words carefully chosen to deflect Be¡¯s probing inquiries. The tension momentarily lifted as Be¡¯s


    suspicion changed immediately to that


    of interest.


    ¡°Really?¡± Be inquired, her tone piqued as Axel continued to navigate the delicate dance of half¨C


    truths.


    ¡°Along with the fundraisering on,¡± he added, seamlessly steering the conversation toward a more


    socially eptable topic. Be¡¯s intrigue deepened, her thoughts now upied with the prospect of the


    uing event.


    ¡°There¡¯ll be a fundraiser?¡± she asked, a spark of anticipation in her eyes. The revtion meant Ethan¡¯s


    attendance, a prospect that pleased Be. Months had passed since theirst event together, and now


    she found herself looking forward to this. opportunity to apany him.


    ¡°If that¡¯s everything, I would be leaving now. I have lots of things to do,¡± Axel stated. With that he stood


    up and left the office without wasting another second.


    Be was pissed, his departure was swift and he hadn¡¯t even lingered for a moment to see of she


    needed anything, it was stark contrast to other assistants who sought to tter and win favor. Axel,


    however, left without waiting for her dismissal, like she didn¡¯t matter.


    Axel strolled swifty through the corridors. Minutes of his time had been taken by Be¡¯s sudden visit


    and probing.


    Someone had seen Ethan, she said.


    He would have to warn him. It seemed Ethan had momentarily forgotten the extent of his influence and


    just how renowned he was especially among their social circle. If people found out he was visiting a


    little girl which happened to be the daughter of his ex¨Cwife, that could escte to something else.


    Be and Hazel meeting was a scenario they had to avert at all costs. Ethan had gone to great lengths


    to keep the two women apart. He had practically instituted a ban, restricting Be from his visiting his


    was a recipe for disaster.


    Axel understood that it would be in the best interest of everyone involved to keep Be blissfully


    unaware.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    Time was far spent and soon Ethan reluctantly said his goodbyes to Daisy acknowledging that it was


    time to return to the demands of his office¡­


    Besides that, the thought that Hazel would be arriving soon added urgency to his step.


    He had spent the day ying with Daisy so he had a mounting pile of work awaiting him back at the


    There was the prospect of workingte through the night to make up for time wasted, but the weariness


    was met with a genuine sense of fulfillment. He had been there for Daisy when she needed him, that


    was all that mattered. The prospect of a night with little sleep seemed a small sacrifice he was willing to


    pay.


    However, as Ethan adjusted from theforting world of the hospital to the impending tasks awaiting


    him at the office, his satisfied countenance morphed into one of contemtion and concern. The


    weight of his thoughts manifested in the furrowed lines on his forehead.


    His mind drifted back to those families at the hospital. The desperation of those people, he could see


    and feel it. Money was all they need to save the life of their loved ones. Money which to him happened


    to be measley sums.


    There and then he made up his mind. Hispanies money could be put to better uses.


    ¡°This year, let¡¯s direct our corporate social events toward the hospital,¡± Ethan proposed.


    The corporate social event was something they did every year. It was actually an event used to aid the


    However, a transformative shift was now underway.


    ¡°We can take care of the hospital bills and surgery for children in needs,¡± Ethan suggested, his gaze


    reflecting a newfoundmitment.


    Previously, the customary routes of sponsorship and charity events, had previously been funneled


    resources into what now seemed to be worthless endeavors. Being at the hospital it dawned on him,


    those other things that had seemed to be important were actually useless.


    ¡°You mean like a medical sponsorship?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Ethan affirmed.


    ¡°This year¡¯s event was supposed to be¡­¡± Axel began, the project of the year had already been


    decided.


    ¡°Cancel it,¡± Ethan responded, interrupting him. He knew fully well that the proposed event, was likely


    involving mundane projects like remodeling or reconstructing a bridge, which was nothingpared to


    the pressing needs he had witnessed during his time at the hospital. Life was primary to all those


    things.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Axel affirmed, acknowledging the shift in priorities.


    The hospital stay had been an eye-opener for Ethan. Witnessing the struggles of numerous families


    who could barely afford basic healthcare for their children weighed heavily on him. He had met parents


    grappling with the fear and anxiety stemming from their inability to secure proper medical attention for


    their kids, it was very sad, he could sense the feeling of helplessness they felt.


    The thought of losing a child simply because of ack of financial resources was heart-wrenching.


    Today¡¯s hospital experience had stirred a deep sense of empathy within Ethan.


    ¡°When is the social event?¡± Ethan inquired.


    ¡°Not until a couple of months from now,¡± Axel replied.


    Ethan sighed, that was too far off. There were kids In need of surgery urgently. They couldn¡¯t wait for


    months.


    |||


    O


    Wed,


    ¡°While we wait for that, arrange a routine check at the hospital for me. Compile a list of kids awaiting


    surgery, starting with the most pressing and urgent cases, and include the estimated bills. I¡¯ll take care


    of it,¡± he dered.


    Axel, caught off guard, nearly stepped on the brake from the shock of Ethan¡¯s unexpected directive.


    The notion that Ethan wanted to personally oversee the medical care of children was stag gering, there


    were so many kids but It wasn¡¯t merely about having the financial means; Ethan obviously had it, but


    was the sheer humanity and selflessness embedded in Ethan¡¯s request that left Axel in a state of


    disbelief. The fact that Ethan could think of something so selfless came as a shock to Axel.


    Born into wealth, both Ethan and Axel had lived lives untouched by want orck.


    The concept of doing anything out of sympathy was foreign to them, an aspect of life that had never


    crossed their minds. However, as they delved into the realm of hospitals, their eyes were opened to the


    struggles and needs of ordinary people.


    The trips to the hospital had opened not just Ethan¡¯s but Axel¡¯s eyes as well.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Axel replied in understanding.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll inform the public rtions team¡­¡± Axel began stating, phnthropic acts like this usually got


    publicized.


    ¡°No, no. Let¡¯s keep the media out of this,¡± Ethan interrupted. His desire for discretion was evident. ¡°Just


    take care of the bills, those kids in need of surgery and pending health issues. Like Loulou,¡± he


    emphasized.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Axel affirmed, recognizing the personal nature of Ethan¡¯s directive. The decision to do this


    without the public knowing ormending him confirmed his suspicion, Ethan was really doing it for


    personal reasons.


    ¡°Have that done tomorrow. The kids with pressing surgery needs should get prepped for surgery as


    soon as possible,¡± Ethan instructed.


    ¡°And bring your puppy tomorrow,¡± Ethan suddenly added.


    ¡°What?¡± Axel asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice as he tried to make sense of Ethan¡¯s unexpected


    request. ¡® I probably misheard him.¡¯ he concluded.


    ¡°Your dog.¡± Ethan repeated, his gaze steady on Axel. Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Or did you already get rid of it?¡± Ethan probed, a frown forming on his brow as he scrutinized Axel¡¯s


    reaction.


    ¡°No,¡± Axel replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring it tomorrow, then,¡± he assured, though confusion lingered in his expression.


    Back at the hospital ward, the little girls had been discussing about puppies. One girl had mentioned


    having a dog that recently had lots of puppies and immediately puppies fast became the focal point of


    discussions through the rest of day.


    Ethan sat watching the kids with their little discussions. The mere mention of puppies set Daisy into a


    frenzy, she was excited describing how she would hug and cuddle one and give it lots of k*sses if she


    ever saw one.


    Recalling her infectious excitement, Ethan¡¯couldn¡¯t help but smile. While he would have loved to get her


    a puppy, the circumstances prevented it. He sighed, sinking back into his seat with a mixture of


    frustration and resignation.


    He hated the hide and seek games he had to y, always having to visit Hazel¡¯s kids discreetly without


    her knowing. Although he hated doing all of that behind Hazel¡¯s back, his mind was made up, if that


    was what he had to do to continue spending time with her kids, so be it. He wouldn¡¯t stop now.


    Still he found himself wanting and yearning more.


    ¡°Be was at thepany,¡± Axel informed him.


    ¡°Be?¡± Ethan questioned, his initially smiling face contorting into seriousness. He had explicitly


    instructed her not to make random appearances at the office.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, a note of concern coloring his voice.


    ¡°Apparently, she went to see you. She asked why you have been frequently visiting the hospital,¡± Axel


    exined, detailing the sequence of events. ¡°Someone saw you and informed her,¡± he added.


    ¡°You should be more careful,¡± Axel suggested, his advice resonating with the weight of prudence.


    Ethan sighed, acknowledging the validity of Axel¡¯s point. He couldn¡¯t afford the risk of people


    discovering his regr meetings with his ex-wife and her children. While there was no deceit in his


    actions, the delicate nature of his rtionships demanded discretion.


    Concerns about Be lingered in his thoughts. He needed to ensure she wouldn¡¯t show up


    unannounced at hispany. It wasn¡¯t about hiding anything, but rather preventing any potential


    shes, especially with Hazel being present most time at thepany.


    Knowing Be was prone to causing a scene, it would be best she stayed away, he couldn¡¯t afford any


    confrontations.


    ¡°Axel,¡± Ethan called, a firm resolve in his voice. ¡°Look into someone for me.¡±


    unwarranted

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    ¡°Daisy,¡± Hazel called excitedly as she stepped into the ward.


    ¡°You can go to school now,¡± she announced with enthusiasm. ¡°The nurses just told me the hospital


    management has a new school.¡± Hazel had overheard excited conversations about it when she


    returned from work. A school within the hospital was a weed development, especially given


    Clevnd¡¯s high percentage of inpatient children.


    Daisy, however, only nodded and continued ying with her dolls. Hazel was taken aback by her


    uninterested demeanor. She had expected Daisy to be thrilled, to inquire about the details eagerly.


    Hazel had imagined her daughter¡¯s eyes lighting up with joy as she rushed to share the news with her.


    Instead, Daisy¡¯s reaction was unexpectedly¡¯cool, leaving Hazel puzzled by the subdued response.


    Unbeknownst to Hazel, her daughter was already well¨Cacquainted with the news of the school. In fact,


    it was Daisy who had actively participated to the project, she had known from onset. She was also


    involved in the renovations, from selecting what paint colors to be used to adding her handprints to the


    mural. So the news about the school wasn¡¯t a surprise to Daisy; it carried her creation, her artistic touch


    adorned various corners of the space. Hazel, however, remained blissfully unaware of Daisy¡¯s


    involvement.


    Hazel studied her daughter, curiosity etched on her face as she pondered the peculiar expression on


    Daisy¡¯s face. Despite Hazel¡¯s enthusiastic announcement about the new school, Daisy¡¯s response was


    noticeably bored. A wave of relief washed over Hazel, however, as she noted that Daisy hadn¡¯t brought


    up Ethan in recent times. Even Liam, who tended to express his discontent more openly, appeared


    content and hadn¡¯t been whining as usual. Little did Hazel know that her children were rendezvousing


    and meeting with Ethan himself, which exined their satisfaction and apparentck of yearning for his


    presence.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Jasmine greeted, a softugh escaping her l*ps as she scooped up the puppy. The two of them


    had seamlessly settled. into a daily routine,muting to work together and returning home in each


    other¡¯spany. With Axel consistently by her side, Jasmine found herself less frightened and jumpy


    than before. His reassuring presence had be a constant in


    her life.


    One morning, to Jasmine¡¯s surprise, she discovered the adorable puppy securely strapped into the car


    seat as she settled into. the car. ¡°You¡¯re taking him to work?¡± she asked, giving the puppy affectionate


    scratches.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Axel replied with a casual smile.


    ¡°Howe?¡± she inquired, a yful chuckle apanying her question.


    Axel merely shrugged lightly.


    That day marked the beginning of a routine. The children at the hospital were excited meeting the


    puppy. And Ethan insisted that Axel bring the puppy along every day.


    Soon enough, it became a familiar sight¨Cevery morning, Axel, Jasmine, and the puppy embarked on


    their journey to work, returning home together at night. The trio settled into afortable routine.


    Driving together everyday they would have small talks and had short stops at shops sometimes.


    That morning, as Jasmine was being dropped off, they encountered Nathan at the entrance of the


    dropping her off and picking her up.


    ¡°You always go home with someone,¡± Nathan observed, directing his attention to Jasmine.


    ¡°Ohh, that¡¯s my neighbor, Axel,¡± she exined casually, absorbed in her activities, oblivious to the


    difort that flickered across Nathan¡¯s face.


    Later that evening, when Axel arrived to pick her up, Nathan found himself right next to her. Axel


    stepped out of the car and approached where she stood.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± he asked calmly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, giving him a warm smile. Unbeknownst to her, Nathan stood there, still lingering,


    throwing questioning looks in Axel¡¯s direction. The unspoken tension hung in the air, creating an


    undercurrent of curiosity and unease.


    ¡°Ermm, Axel, this is Nathan. Nathan, Axel,¡± Jasmine introduced the two men. Axel acknowledged the


    introduction with a nod; he was familiar with Nathan, having crossed paths briefly before. However,


    Nathan¡¯s gaze lingered on Axel, a silent intensity marking his scrutiny.


    ¡°Well, goodnight.¡± Jasmine finally said, breaking the momentary silence. She then walked with Axel


    toward the car, leaving Nathan standing there, still fixated on Axel.


    As they made their way to the car, Axel asked quietly, his watchful eyes ncing back at Nathan,


    ¡°Would you be stopping by the store?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she replied lightly, a sense of ease evident in her demeanor. Jasmine had adapted well to Axel¡¯s


    presence. Despite his quiet and reserved nature, she wasn¡¯t anxious being around Axel like she was


    with other males. He made her feel safe.


    In the dim evening light, they embarked on their journey home. The car¡¯s engine hummed softly as


    Axel navigated the streets, and Jasmine found sce in the familiarpanionship. Meanwhile,


    Nathan stood there watching as they drove off.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re quite close with your employer,¡± Axel observed, noting the dynamic between Jasmine


    and Nathan. Their rtionship transcended the typical boundaries of boss and employee, revealing a


    closeness that piqued Axel¡¯s curiosity.


    ¡°Oh, yes, I guess,¡± she acknowledged. ¡°I¡¯ve known him for some years now. I suppose it¡¯s because of


    how we met,¡± she added, and with that, they arrived home. Jasmine tenderly brought out the sleeping


    puppy, exhausted from a day of y with the kids at the hospital.


    Axel¡¯s intrigue deepened. ¡°How did you meet?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°College, Jasmine replied with a single word, leaving a pause that lingered in the air. Axel found himself


    momentarily puzzled by this revtion. College? That couldn¡¯t be right.


    ¡°College?¡± he questioned, seeking rification.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jasmine affirmed. ¡°He was a year ahead of me at college,¡¯ she exined, apanied by a


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    smile. ¡°Histe wife as well. Although I don¡¯t really remember her,¡± she added, trailing off with a sigh.


    ¡°You see, I suck at remembering some things,¡± she admitted with a small smile.


    Axel¡¯s face furrowed in thought. Something didn¡¯t add up. He had conducted some background


    research on Nathan, as Ethan had requested. Axel watched Jasmine walk away, contemting the


    inconsistencies. ¡°Youing?¡± she asked, already standing in the elevator waiting for him.


    As Axel stepped into the elevator with her, his mind raced. She wasn¡¯t lying to him. Her bright eyes met


    his, genuine and open. She truly believed she had met Nathan while at school? Axel blinked, then


    looked away. Slowly, he acknowledged that he needed to delve deeper into Nathan¡¯s background.


    Perhaps he had missed crucial details, either that or that man Nathan was lying.


    ¡°You¡¯re here early,¡± Nathan noted when he saw Axel the next day. Axel had arrived earlier than usual, a


    deliberate deviation. from his routine of picking up Jasmine.


    ¡°I came to talk with you,¡± Axel stated.


    ¡°With me? About?¡± Nathan asked, visibly surprised.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe we have anything to talk about,¡± Nathan dismissed, his puzzlement evident at Axel¡¯s


    unexpected visit.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Jasmine,¡± Axel rified, his tone serious.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes narrowed a little. ¡°What about her?¡± he asked.


    <


    ¡°She¡¯s been watched, Axel revealed, a gravity underscoring his words. Despite being around her, Axel


    could sense an unexined presence, a watchful gaze lingering most times when they pulled into the


    driveway of their apartment.


    ¡°Is it you?¡± Axel asked, his expression stern.


    ¡°What?¡± Nathan replied, taken aback.


    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± Nathan countered.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past you, considering the fact you¡¯ve been manipting and lying to her,¡± Axel replied,


    his gaze unwavering. Nathan¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Nathan demanded in a low, defensive tone.

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


    ¡°You know quite well what I¡¯m talking about,¡± Axel replied sternly.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes darted around the surroundings as if searching for prying cars.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my office; we can haveplete privacy there,¡± Nathan suggested. The atmosphere hung


    heavy with tension as the two of them stood in the elevator, the air thick with unspoken usations.¡±


    ¡°You looked into Jasmine?¡± Nathan inquired once they were in the privacy of his office.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Axel stated, his gaze unwavering. ¡°You lied to Jasmine, several times,¡± Axel used, his voice


    cutting through the room.


    ¡°You finished college years ago before her, but she actually thinks you met her in college,¡± Axel


    continued, unraveling the fabric of Nathan¡¯s deceit. Nathan¡¯sposure wavered, his eyes betraying


    the weight of Axel¡¯s revtions.


    ¡°You dug about me too?¡± Nathan asked, a defensive edge in his tone.


    ¡°That and also other things. What she told me and the facts about you don¡¯t match up in any way,¡± Axel


    dered, exposing the contradictions that surrounded Nathan.


    ¡°You¡¯re taking advantage of her because she doesn¡¯t recall some things!¡± Axel¡¯s voice rose, a blend of


    anger and concern echoing through the room.


    In their short conversations during car rides, Axel had detected numerous discrepancies in Jasmine¡¯s


    recollections. Whenever he probed for more insight, she seemed lost, even experiencing sudden


    headaches. His attempts to research about and dig information about Jasmine¡¯s past had yielded little


    information, uncovering only details from thest eight years, as if she had emerged into existence at


    that point.


    ¡°It¡¯s more like she came out of nowhere,¡± Axel concluded. ¡°Like she hadn¡¯t been existing before that


    time¡± he added.


    ¡°Where is she from? You know things about her, and it¡¯s clear you¡¯ve been keeping her in the dark,


    feeding her lies.¡± Axel dered.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t actually try to harm her,¡± Nathan retorted fiercely. ¡°I¡¯m just keeping an eye on her,¡± he


    admitted, his wordsced with a sense of protectiveness.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t there any records of Jasmine for over the past ten years or more now? It¡¯s more like she


    never existed until eight years ago,¡± Axel questioned, pressing for answers.


    ¡°I had nothing to do with that,¡± Nathan replied with a sigh, his response carrying an air of frustration at


    the mysterious gaps in Jasmine¡¯s history.


    ¡°Or the reason why she has no wolf.¡± Nathan added,


    ¡°What pack is she from?¡± Axel probed further, his attempts to find answers had taken him searching


    through neighbouring packs to have a little knowledge of who she was, but all hade out futile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± came Nathan¡¯s reply exasperated reply.


    ¡°What then do you know?¡± Axel asked, irritation evident in his tone.


    ¡°Jasmine¡¯s linked to my wife¡¯s death!¡± Nathan thundered, his wordsnding like a heavy blow, Axel


    halted, staring at the man with a mix of shock and defense.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Axel probed, stepping forward defensively.


    ¡°Jasmine saw my wifest before she died, Nathan revealed, his tone faltering under the weight of the


    revtion.


    ¡°Exin,¡± Axel demanded, the urgency cutting through the air.


    Nathan sighed, the burden of the past heavy on his shoulders. ¡°We went on a trip one day, to an ind


    off the coast, Nathan began with a heavy breath.


    ¡°She took a stroll one morning, and that was it. She never came back. Jasmine was there at that time,


    she saw everything,¡± Nathan confessed, his hands burying his face as he unraveled the haunting


    details of his wife¡¯s mysterious demise.


    Axel stood frozen at a spot listening to him


    ¡°What?¡± Axel asked, finally finding his voice.


    Nathan sighed then continued.


    ¡°My wife met Jasmine. The night they met, there was an ident. No, someone had tried to kill them.


    They seeded although Jasmine came out badly injured, my wife and cub were gone,¡± Nathan


    answered, the words heavy with grief and pain.


    With a heavy sigh, he sank into a seat, the weight of the past bearing down on him.


    ¡°Jasmine was the only witness that day. When they found her, she was clutching my wife¡¯s ne in


    a death grip.¡± Nathan¡¯s voice quivered lightly.


    ¡°I needed to understand what was happening; there were no leads. The only person who knew


    something was unconscious for months. When she woke up, she had no recollection of anything,


    nothing at all. The police also couldn¡¯t be of much help. A whole lot of things were left to boil over-no


    clues, no nothing! We couldn¡¯t do much,¡± Nathan exined, his voice tinged with frustration and


    sorrow.


    His eyes had be misty, haunted by the unresolved pain of the past.


    ¡°You think if I wanted to harm her, I didn¡¯t have several chances already?!¡± Nathan yelled, his


    frustration erupting in a torrent of emotion.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been around her since then?¡± Axel asked slowly, his gaze fixed on Nathan.


    ¡°Yes, she was just a child at that time. Eight years! I¡¯ve waited eight years, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll ever


    remember,¡± Nathan exined, the weight of time and unspoken truths hanging heavily in the air.


    ¡°Not with the lies you¡¯ve given her, she won¡¯t,¡± Axel stated bluntly.


    ¡°There¡¯s more to it,¡± Nathan admitted, standing up with a solemn expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± Axel muttered, his attention fully captured by the unfolding revtions.


    ¡°When they brought Jasmine to the hospital, she was badly bruised, covered in scars,¡± Nathan began,


    the gravity of his words sinking in.


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    ¡°Lines of scars around her back, they never healed. I doubt if they have even till now,¡± he continued,


    each word heavy with the burden of untold pain.


    ¡°When she woke up, she was frightened and jumpy. She was no doubt traumatized by something. I


    watched her fidget and get frightened at everything and everyone? Nathan revealed, painting a vivid


    picture of the lingering effects of a harrowing


    past.


    ¡°It seemed she was being heavily abused. That way she never actually grew, she didn¡¯t have a wolf.


    She woke up with no memories, frightened of everyone and everything. What else was I to do?¡±


    Nathan questioned, the desperation in his voice echoing theplexities of the situation.


    ¡°Fill in some lies while I waited around for her to remember something. For eight years,¡± Nathan said


    with a pained look, the weight of time bearing down on him.


    ¡°Eight good years!¡± he eximed, his frustration palpable.

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    ¡°I watched her, became a friend to her. That was the only way I could get ess to her, get her to trust


    me, to see if she could finally recall something, anything. Besides that, she had nob*dy. So, I went back


    to college, and that was it,¡± Nathan exined, theyers of his own deception unveiled.


    ¡°I created a new identity for her,¡± he admitted, the revtion hanging in the air like a heavy secret.


    Axel¡¯s mind was reeling, connecting the dots of Jasmine¡¯s life styles. It all made sense, and his eyes


    widened at the magnitude of what he¡¯d heard.


    ¡°So just so you know, I have never and would never try to harm her. The lies I told her¡­¡± Nathan


    sighed, the admission weighed heavy in the air.


    ¡°Although selfish, had to be said,¡± he finished, the vulnerability in his voice revealing the internal conflict


    he had harbored for years.


    ¡°Even though I stayed around her and became a friend, it was all for this,¡± Nathan admitted, the


    revtion echoing in the space between them.


    Axel stumbled backward slowly, his head and mind reeling as theyers of deception unraveled before


    him. The scars, the abuse she endured, filled him with a surge of rage that threatened to consume him.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t push her. Her forgetting was her mind trying to escape from what she had been through. She


    was a child at that time, been through so much. The ident gave her a means of escape, a ce to


    hide,¡± Nathan exined.


    ¡°She desperately wanted to forget all she had been through,¡± he stated, the weight of her pain settling


    heavily in Axel¡¯s chest. The room seemed to contract around them, and be suffocatingly small.


    Axel¡¯s chest heaved heavily, his fists clenched in an outburst of rage.


    ¡°Who was it? Who had hurt her in that manner?!¡± he bellowed, the intensity of his voice reverberating


    through the room.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. We never found out. They were miles away from nothing,¡± Nathan said through gritted


    teeth, frustration etched across his face.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what I think. My wife found Jasmine and she had probably trying to escape with her. That must


    have happened,¡± Nathan exined.


    After months and months of pondering, that was what he could finallye up with.


    ¡°You me her?¡± Axel asked softly referring to Jasmine, a note of understanding in his tone.


    Nathan turned away guiltily, a heavy silence hanging in the air.


    ¡°My wife,¡± he muttered with a sad smile, ¡°Would never be able to look away from a person in need of


    help, even if it means endangering her own life. She must have seen Jasmine and tried to help her.


    She was that way, nosy,¡± Nathan said, a bittersweet chuckle escaping him, carrying the weight of


    memories and regret.


    ¡°She tried to help everyone,¡± he stated with a pained sigh. ¡°And now, because of that, she¡¯s gone. I


    don¡¯t know how that makes me feel, Nathan admitted, the weight of loss evident in his words.


    ¡°Watching her every day, live her life. Life given in exchange for my wife¡¯s, I don¡¯t know how to feel


    about that.¡±


    ¡°And the perpetrators are still atrge,¡± Nathan said, frustration boiling over as he threw a fist in the air.


    ¡°Not that it would bring her back, but..¡± he trailed off, his arms dropping to his sides defeatedly, the


    lingering sense of justice denied echoing in the room. The pain and helplessness etched across


    Nathan¡¯s face created an atmosphere heavy with the unspoken struggles of a man haunted by the


    consequences of a past that couldn¡¯t be rewritten.


    ¡°You said she¡¯s been followed?¡± Nathan inquired, his voice tinged with concern.


    12:45 Thu, 28 Dec M


    ¡°Like she¡¯s been stalked?¡± he asked in a quiet voice, locking eyes with Axel, seeking answers.


    ¡°Yes. Any idea who it might be or what he wants?¡± Axel probed, his gaze unwavering.


    Nathan shook his head, weariness etched on his face. ¡°Jasmine hasn¡¯t harmed anyone. She barely has


    any friends, neither. does she socialize with anyone. I don¡¯t have the slightest idea who would be


    watching her. But it¡¯s not me. I wouldn¡¯t do something like that,¡± Nathan said, sounding exhausted and


    thoroughly drained.


    ¡°Jasmine, she¡¯s a lovely girl. Who would try to harm her?¡± he mused with a sigh..


    Axel watched Nathan. ¡°Would you tell her the truth?¡± he probed.


    45


    Nathan sighed, grappling with the internal turmoil. ¡°It¡¯s best we leave things the way they are,¡± he


    replied, the weight of the secret pressing on him.


    ¡°I just hope she doesn¡¯t end up too hurt when everythinges boiling over.¡± He added.


    Keeping this from Jasmine did feel like a huge betrayal, it weighed on Nathan¡¯s mind and made him


    feel Terrible whenever he looked at her.


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    But Jasmine innocently looked up to him, a man who harboured anger towards her over the fate that


    had befallen his family.


    Her eyes lit up whenever she talked about him. To her Nathan had done everything for her. But she had


    no idea what kind of secrets it was that he h oarded. The truth would no doubt crush herpletely.


    There was nothing left to be said.


    Axel stood there in silence. The air seemed heavy. Just then, Axel¡¯s phone buzzed with a notification,


    the sound slicing through the silent atmosphere. It was a text from Jasmine..


    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± The text read.


    ¡°Is it her?¡± Nathan asked, his eyes seeking confirmation. Axel grunted in affirmation, then turned to


    leave.


    ¡°Take care of her,¡± Nathan called out just as Axel reached the door and pulled it open.


    ¡°Do you actually have the right to ask me that?¡± Axel asked, his tone frigidly cold.


    ¡°No.¡± Nathan replied gently. ¡°I might have to leave soon. I¡¯m kinda the only one she has left. I¡¯ve been


    at this long enough.¡± He stated with a sigh.


    ¡°And you¡­.¡± he continued, his gaze fixed on and boring into Axel¡¯s.


    ¡°You care about her,¡± Nathan finished, his words hanging in the air. Axel froze, his fingers wrapped


    around the door kn ob.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the way you look at her,¡± Nathan continued, his voice carrying a knowing tone.


    Axel pulled the door open then stepped out, leaving the room and its heavy revtions behind.


    He stepped out of the building, his gaze scanning the surroundings until he spotted Jasmine standing


    next to where his car was parked.


    ¡°Axel?¡± Jasmine called, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile when she spotted him walking towards


    her.


    ¡°You¡¯re here. I was wondering where you went; your car was here but you weren¡¯t,¡± she stated, her


    voice carrying a touch of curiosity. Axel was quietly studying her, a thoughtful expression on his face.


    Her brows furrowed in confusion¡¯as Axel continued to stare at her, aplicated look lingering in his


    eyes. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± she muttered, picking up on the unusual intensity of his gaze.


    12:45 Thu, 28 Dec M


    ¡°No,¡± Axel replied finally, the thoughtful expression giving way to a moreposed demeanor as he


    continued watching her. ¡°You ready?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded.


    Nathan remained sitting in his office. Perhaps it was time to unburden himself from the weight of


    unresolved questions that had haunted him for almost ten years. He sighed.


    Hazel, Liam, and Daisy-a faint smile crossed his l*ps as he thought of them. He couldn¡¯t alter the


    course of history, neither could he rewind time to bring back his wife and child. But maybe, just maybe,


    he could shape a happier future for himself and those still present in his life.


    ¡°I hope I¡¯m doing the right thing,¡± he whispered, his gaze resting on the photograph of his wife.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    The day of the highly anticipated fundraiser finally dawned. Be found herself standing in front of a


    full-length mirror, adorned in a breathtaking white designer gown that beautifully hugged her curves.


    The fabric flowed gracefully as she turned, checking all angles of her reflection ensuring every angle


    reflected sheer elegance and sophistication. Satisfied with her appearance, she took a deep breath,


    ready to make a striking entrance at the event.


    Finally set she headed out to her awaiting vehicle.


    After a short drive, she finally arrived at the venue. Gracefully exiting the vehicle, she entered the


    transformed hospital hall, a reserved part of the hospital for events like that one.


    The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation as esteemed guests, including socialites and


    influential figures, mingled and engaged in animated conversations. The hall, adorned with tasteful


    decorations, set the stage for an evening of both mour and phnthropy.


    Be, with her radiant smile and personality effortlessly became the center of attention. Greetings and


    faces and establishing connections with ke individuals in attendance. Her head held high, Be felt a


    satisfaction like never before, the satisfaction she could only derive from being the center of attention.


    ¡°I heard Mr. Wild single-handedly created the school,¡± one of the women stated, her tone filled with


    admiration, as she shared the impressive news with Be.


    Be¡¯s smile, already radiant, seemed to brighten even more. ¡°We are genuinely passionate about


    people, especially children,¡± she responded with warmth her arms clutched in her front in pretense of


    having done a good will.


    ¡°Creating this school aligns with ourmitment to making a positive impact.¡± She replied. Hearing her


    speak, one would think she had actively participated in the school while in reality she knew nothing


    about what had been done.


    Thepliments continued to flow from the gathering crowd, each one acknowledging the kindness


    and generosity behin the creation of the school. Be gracefully epted themendations enjoying


    every moment of attention she was bein given.


    ¡°It¡¯s rumored that the surgeries for the kids here were also paid for,¡± another eximed, catching Be


    off guard. Her smile faltered momentarily, but she quickly recovered, offering a seemingly genuine


    smile.


    Ethan sponsoring surgeries? When had he decided to take such a significant step, and what motivated


    this unexpected act generosity? The news had caught her off guard, leaving her curious and somewhat


    uneasy.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know about it?¡± someone in the gathering queried, sensing the subtle shift in Be¡¯s


    expression.


    In response, she conjured a smile that appeared sincere but failed to reach her eyes, attempting to


    maintain an air ofposedposure.¡±Of course, I did. As I said before, It¡¯s our contribution back to


    society,¡± Be exined, gracefully steering the conversation away from further scrutiny. With that, she


    gracefully walked away.


    As she gracefully glided through the hall, the allure of her dress captured the attention of some women


    around her. The delicate fabric and exquisite design sparked admiration, prompting one woman to


    inquire breathlessly, ¡°Is that from Alejandro¡¯s collection?¡±


    An arrogant smile graced Be¡¯s l*ps as she replied, ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Secretly pleased that someone had


    noticed and mentioned:


    The other women, now drawn into the orbit of this fashion statement, cast appreciative nces over


    Be¡¯s attire.


    Eager to showcase the exclusivity of her dress, stylishly brushed her hair aside in order to allow them


    see it to give them better view so they could gawk over her properly.


    ¡°There are only three of these designs in the world.¡± she dered proudly, adding, ¡°It was really hard to


    get.¡±


    The impressed murmurs intensified among the gathering. ¡°How did you manage?¡± asked another, the


    tone carrying a hin admiration. Be, reveling in the spotlight, grinned as she revealed, ¡°My loving


    husband got it for me.¡±


    As thepliments continued to flow, Be savored the attention, relishing her role as the esteemed


    Mrs. Wild.


    The two siblings stood at a balcony watching cars drive into the ce.


    ¡°There¡¯s gonna be a party downstairs,¡± Liam exined to his sister. Daisy¡¯s eyes lit up at the mere


    mention of a party.


    ¡°For the opening of the school. That¡¯s where it would be held,¡± he continued, providing more details.


    The excitement grew in Daisy¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Should we go see?¡± Liam asked, gauging his sister¡¯s interest. Daisy¡¯s imagination sparked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to a party like that. I¡¯m sure the women are very pretty,¡± Daisy mused, envisioning the


    festivities.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go see,¡± Liam suggested, and Daisy cagerly nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Where is Ethan?¡± Be mused to herself.


    He had left early that morning for work but still hadn¡¯t shown up at the event.


    With a ss in one hand, she excused herself when her phone rang. ncing at the caller ID, she


    decided it couldn¡¯t be ignored. She gracefully maneuvered through the crowd, searching for a secluded


    spot where she could take the call in private.


    Once she found a quiet hidden corner, she answered the call with anticipation. ¡°Did you find anything?¡±


    she inquired eagerly, hoping for Sebastian¡¯s findings on the information she had requested.


    ¡°Barely, just the normal routine of her going to work and back. Honestly, she¡¯s quite boring, if you ask


    me.¡± Sebastian¡¯s nonchnt response filtered through. Be sighed, a hint of frustration evident in her


    voice. ¡°I don¡¯t think she knows anything,¡± he added.


    ¡°But she was there that night, wasn¡¯t she?¡± Be questioned, in exasperation.


    Be¡¯s impatience was evident as she pressed Sebastian for more information. ¡°You said you saw her,


    didn¡¯t you?¡± she questioned, irritation coloring her tone.


    Sebastian hesitated slightly before responding, ¡°I might have been mistaken.¡± Trying to downy the


    significance.


    ¡°If she actually knew something, she would have taken some steps by now,¡± he reasoned calmly. ¡°Like


    contracting you to ckmail or something else, don¡¯t you think?¡± he added, trying to bring a logical


    perspective to the situation.


    Be sighed, acknowledging the rationale behind Sebastian¡¯s words. ¡°Who is she exactly?¡± Be


    inquired.


    ¡°You¡¯ve refused to tell me her name, but I think I deserve the right to know. What¡¯s her name?¡± Be


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    had asked him about the mystery woman several times, but Sebastian remained tight-l*pped,


    seemingly protective of the girl. ¡°What is her name?¡± she probed once again.


    Jasmine Knowles, Sebastian replied from the other end.


    ¡°Jasmine Knowles,¡± Be repeated, contemting. ¡°I don¡¯t know any Knowles,¡± she stated, struggling


    to recall.


    ¡°This is dragging on too long, what does she know?!¡± Be demanded, her impatience resurfacing.


    ¡°Calm down, would you?¡± Sebastian urged, attempting to pacify her. ¡°I believe she was there that


    night,¡± he finally admitted.


    ¡°But?¡± Be queried, sensing there what happened that night.¡±


    more to the story that Sebastian hadn¡¯t disclosed. ¡°It seems she has no recollection of


    ¡°But nothing,¡± he replied, signaling his own reservations. He hadn¡¯t seen Jasmine as a threat to Be,


    and he didn¡¯t want to give her that impression. Be could go ballistic and demand that she be dealt


    with. Sebastian observed Jasmine as a simple young woman who seemed to have endured a


    challenging life. Whyplicate her life even more?


    12:40


    28 Dec


    As Be listened to Sebastian, she heard a sound in the background. She stopped for a moment,


    taking the phone off her ear. She had detected someone else¡¯s phone vibrating at a blind spot. Was


    someone there? Concerned about a potential eavesdropper, she hung up immediately and slowly


    made her way to the ce she heard the noise.


    She sighed in relief; there was no one there. ¡°I was probably imagining it,¡± she concluded, brushing off


    the unease. She quickly texted Sensation, informing him that he hadpleted her task. With that


    done, she picked up her ss from where she had set it down and gracefully made her way out of the


    balcony.


    ¡°Daisy, Daisy, slow down,¡± Liam called, chasing after his enthusiastic sister. Daisy, however, continued


    running and identally collided with someone. The ss in Be¡¯s hand jolted, causing the wine to


    spill onto her dress.


    ¡°Ugggh!¡± Be eximed in annoyance, her frustration evident. ¡°You brat!¡± she yelled, her gaze now


    fixed on the young girl responsible for the mishap. Be¡¯s expensive dress was now stained and


    ruined.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    ¡°Daisy, Liam.¡± Hazel called, walking to where her kids had been sitting moments ago. The balcony was


    now empty. They were gone.


    ¡°Nathan, have you seen the kids?¡± Hazel asked, turning to him.


    They were here just now, watching people arrive,¡± he replied. He had left them there for a moment to


    get water, and now they were nowhere to be seen. The two stood looking around.


    ¡°Where could they have gone?¡± Hazel asked, feeling confused.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think they headed to the venue, right?¡± Nathan asked.


    The venue?¡± Hazel questioned.


    ¡°Today¡¯s the hospital fundraiser; they¡¯ve been perched here for some time now, watching guests


    arrive,¡± Nathan replied. Hazel sighed.


    ¡°They could be downstairs,¡± Nathan mused thoughtfully.


    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t be there,¡± Hazel stated worriedly.


    The event would be teeming with people, it was no ce for children.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go find them.¡± Nathan offered.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied with a smile.


    Be¡¯s calm moment was interrupted suddenly. A little girl ran into her tousling her ss of wine all


    over her white dress.


    Be¡¯s anger erupted into a fiery disy as she shouted in frustration, ¡°You cheeky little brat!¡± Her fury


    transformed into a physical manifestation as she fiercely grabbed Daisy by the cheek, grabbing and


    twisting it tightly, earning a sharp cry from the young girl. The atmosphere cr ackled with tension.


    ¡°Oww, that hurts!¡± Daisy¡¯s painful cry echoed through the narrow space.


    Be¡¯s rage


    intensified, and she berated her, ¡°Look at what you did!¡± The little girl whimpered in pain, unable to


    escape Be¡¯s harsh grip.


    Just as the tension reached its peak, Liam swiftly emerged on the scene, demanding, ¡°Let her go!¡± He


    bravely shook her other hand to release his sister¡¯s chin. Be, however, was unyielding, her fingers


    digging even deeper into Daisy¡¯s tender


    skin.


    Liam¡¯s frustration escted, and in a bold move, he sank his teeth into Be¡¯s arm. The sudden attack


    caught her off guard, and she went ballistic. Red-hot anger consumed Be, and in a desperate


    attempt to free her arm from the painful bite, she shoved Liam away forcefully.


    The shove threw the little boy off bnce. As Liam stumbled backward, propelled by Be¡¯s force, he


    lost his bnce andnded on the ground, bruising his arm in the process.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    Nathan¡¯s voice, filled with thunderous/rage, cut through the air. After searching for some moments he


    had finally found the twins, only to be met with a sight that fueled a burning anger within him. The


    scene unfolding before him was beyond his expectations, and an overwhelming desire to protect the


    children surged through him.


    Be, still holding Daisy¡¯s cheeks In a cruel grip, was met with the silent tears of the frightened girl.


    Nathan¡¯s anger intensified. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he charged forward, hands clenched into


    fists, his eyes aze with fury.


    ¡°Let her go this moment!¡± he bellowed, the intensity of hismand cutting through the tension. With a


    swift and forceful


    motion, Nathan grabbed Be¡¯s arm, tearing her away from Daisy and shoving her away.


    Be was enraged. She had almost lost her bnce from the way Nathan had shoved her.


    ¡°How dare you?!¡± She yelled. Her furious usation echoed in the air. Nathan, equally enraged,


    confronted her with a pointed question, ¡°How could you hurt a child this much?¡± His voice carried a


    mixture of disbelief and fury as he gently lifted Daisy into his arms.


    Daisy, sobbing, sought sce by burying her face in Nathan¡¯s neck, finding reassurance in his


    protective embrace. Liam, nursing his injured arm, slowly rose to his feet. Anger welled up in Nathan as


    he red at Be, ¡°They are kids! What were you thinking?¡±


    In response, Be callously retorted, ¡°You should bring up your kids properly.¡± Nathan, concerned for


    Liam and seeking rity, turned to him. ¡°What happened?¡± he inquired softly, only to learn about the


    incident involving Daisy bumping into Be.


    Nathan¡¯s calm demeanor turned stormy as he confronted Be with what he had been told.


    ¡°Is that why you hurt her? Over some cheap piece of outfit?!¡± His usation hung in the air, demanding


    an answer.


    Be, unmoved and indignant, scoffed, ¡°A cheap piece of outfit?! It¡¯s something one would never be


    able to afford even if


    and your worthless kids were sold!¡±


    you


    Nathan¡¯s gaze narrowed registering a mix of disbelief and frustration at Be¡¯s callous actions and


    words.


    ¡°You had no right to hurt kids that way,¡± he asserted firmly, his irritation palpable.


    In the midst of their confrontation, a team of security personnel entered the scene, drawn by the


    unfolding situation.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That thing even bit me, throw them out this moment!¡± Be barked out orders to the security team, her


    voice resonating with a demand.


    Ethan entered at that moment with Axel in tow, drawing attention as his piercing gaze fell upon Daisy,


    whose tearful eyes met his. The icy demeanor that usually apanied Ethan¡¯s presence shifted to


    genuine concern. Suppressing the instinct. to rush forward, he turned to Nathan, demanding an


    exnation.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ethan probed.


    ¡°Your wife,¡± Nathan replied, and Daisy lifted her head slightly to look at him properly, revealing a mark


    on her face. Nathan, sensing the tension, consoled Daisy with a reassuring touch, uttering, ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice cut through the air, his eyes narrowing as he directed his attention to Be. ¡°You


    hurt her?¡± His tine low and foreboding.


    Be, caught off guard, swallowed nervously. ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± she denied, attempting to justify herself. ¡°I didn¡¯t


    mean to,¡± she retorted.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze fell on Liam standing close to Nathan his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice softened as he crouched down to Liam¡¯s eye level, his attention fully


    on the child.


    ¡°She spilled my¡­¡±


    As Be began to exin, attempting to shift the me, Ethan abruptly cut her off. ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking


    you,¡± he snapped, surprising Be with the intensity of his reaction. Her eyes widened, puzzled by the


    unexpected protective stance he seemed to be taking for these strange kids.


    Turning his attention back to Liam, Ethan¡¯s demeanor shifted to a calm yet persistent curiosity.


    ¡°Tell me what happened,¡± he urged.


    ¡°Did she hurt Daisy?¡± He asked him.


    ¡°Daisy was running, and then she bumped into her, spilling wine all over her dress. She grabbed


    Daisy¡¯s cheeks really hard and wouldn¡¯t let go,¡± Liam narrated,


    ¡°And then?¡± he inquired, seeing there was more.


    Liam admitted, ¡°And then I bit her.¡±


    Liam head was bowed as he admitted feeling remorse.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, buddy. You don¡¯t have to apologize,¡± Ethan reassured, ruffling Liam¡¯s little head gently.


    ¡°You were protecting your sister,¡± he stated.


    Ethan having heard everything was visibly enraged. He stood then turned his attention back to Be.


    ¡°That was why you hurt her?¡± He demanded. The gentle probing voice he had used for Liam took a


    Complete switch.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hit them, Be replied, fear evident in her voice as Ethan¡¯s piercing gaze bore into her, a storm


    brewing in his eyes, threatening to unleash at any moment.


    ¡°Liam, let¡¯s go,¡± Nathan urged, sensing the escting tension in the room he tried to lead them out.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Nathan asked, his concern evident as he examined Liam¡¯s arm, noticing the boy


    clutching his elbow in pain.


    Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the realization struck him. ¡°Did she do this?¡± he demanded, the


    tension in the room. thickening. Liam nodded in acknowledgment, admitting. ¡°She pushed me.¡± The


    vivid redness on Liam¡¯s arm triggering at sharp pang of pain in Ethan¡¯s chest. Anger erupted within


    him.


    Ethan¡¯s aura was frightening before but now it was purely dangerous.


    Be stuttered stepping backward instinctively and disying her ruined dress to Ethan. ¡°I was mad;


    it¡¯s very expensive!¡± she yelled defensively.


    ¡°And had to hurt them?! Why would you hurt kids?!¡± Ethan¡¯s voice thundered as he walked toward her,


    gripping her


    you hard, his fingers digging deep into it.


    arm


    Around them, curious guests poked their heads through, drawn by themotion. The security


    promptly ushered them away, granting the unfolding drama some privacy.


    ¡°Why are you even here?¡± Ethan demanded, the pressure on her arm intensifying. ¡°You¡¯re not


    supposed to be here, and then you show up and get kids hurt over some useless piece of cr ap!¡± he


    continued, his anger escting.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Be eximed, her eyes widening in shock. His rage was beyond her expectation, she was


    ¡°Ethan, you¡¯re hurting me,¡± she cried, fingers would surely leave a mark.


    Daisy¡¯s cheeks was bright red, it seemed she had pulled on it long and hard she had seemed oblivious


    to it so why should he release her arm?


    ¡°Ethan, let go,¡± she pleaded.


    He was mere seconds now from doing serious damage to her.


    Taking a calming breath, he released her arm;


    ¡°You should leave. He said decisively.


    Her eyes widened in shock, and disbelief etched across her face.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious,¡± she eximed, a mixture of astonishment and fear in her voice.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± she called, her voice quivering with uncertainty.


    ¡°Axel,¡± he called, turning to his assistant instead.


    ¡°Have someone drive her home,¡± he ordered, his tone unwavering. ¡°Right now.¡±


    Be stared at Ethan, tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill. She felt betrayed and mistreated,


    her voice trembled as she asked, ¡°Why are you hurting me over those nobodies?¡±


    Ignoring her, walked over to where Daisy was, still hugging Nathan¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ethan apologized to Daisy, his voice filled with remorse. The sight of her bruised cheeks


    made him sad, his eyes lingering on the spot for some time.


    Ethan stared at them for a while, realizing that with Nathan being here, Hazel was also close by. He


    knew he had to keep and maintain his distance.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Nathan said finally, leading Daisy and Liam away while and Ethan watched as they were


    escorted out from his sight.


    This way, ma¡¯am,¡± the driver said politely, directing Be away.


    Without another nce, Ethan turned back into the hall as a stunned Be was led away.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    Be sat in the car, still reeling from Ethan¡¯s unexpected actions. He had seemingly chosen some


    random strangers over her leaving her humiliated in public.


    She was fast loosing control, Ethan¡¯s feelings were dying out. Frustrated, she dug into her purse, her


    hands vibrating with anger, until she retrieved her second phone and dialed the only number stored


    there.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be needing¡­ that,¡± she stated decisively, her chest heaving with resentment.


    ¡°Are you sure? You need another package already?¡± the man on the other end inquired.


    ¡°Just how much are you drugging him?¡± he pressed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask questions, just do what I asked,¡± she snapped, abruptly ending the call. As she reflected on


    the incident, her gaze shifted to her arm where Ethan¡¯s grip had left a mark.


    Hazel was waiting, she begun anxiously pacing the room, she couldn¡¯t help but feel something had


    happened to her kids


    Soon Nathan made his way into the room with Daisy in his arm and Liam following closely.


    ¡°What took you guys so long? Where did you?¡­¡±


    Hazel¡¯s questions trailed off her eyes widening in shock and concern at the sight of Daisy¡¯s bruised


    cheeks and Liam clutching his arm. ¡°Oh my goodness! What happened?!¡± she eximed, her motherly


    instincts kicking in.


    ¡°Momma,¡± Daisy sniffed, spreading her arms so her mom could hold her. Hazel grabbed her from


    Nathan¡¯s arm, her searching gaze shifting to Liam¡¯s injured arm.


    ¡°Nathan? What happened?¡± Hazel demanded, her initial concern morphing swiftly into anger as she


    now held her children in her arms clutching them tightly to her b*dy.


    ¡°Look at Liam¡¯s arm!¡± She yelled.


    Hazel¡¯s anger intensified, a fierce protectiveness over her children emerging. The thought that


    someone could dare to hurt them in such a way engraged her.


    ¡°What happened?! Exin!¡± She thundered.


    Nathan sighed and sat down, he exined what had happened although he hadn¡¯t mentioned Ethan.


    Hazel¡¯s fury boiled over. ¡°Be!¡± The name escaped her l*ps with a mix of disbelief and anger.


    ¡°Take care of them; I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Blinded by rage, she attempted to walk away. ¡°Calm down,


    Hazel,¡± Nathan pleaded, grabbing her. He knew she needed topose herself to avoid causing a


    scene.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, let me go.¡± She shoved Nathan away from herself, her determination clear. Seeing her


    resolve, Nathan reluctantly let her go. She then instructed a nurse to tend to their wounds before


    storming out, heading for the elevator.


    Before she could step into it, the elevator doors opened, revealing Ethan. ¡°Where is she?¡± Hazel


    demanded the moment she saw him. ¡°Hazel, calm down,¡± Ethan pleaded, attempting to hold her arm.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± She snapped, forcefully hitting his


    arm away.


    ¡°They¡¯re just kids! Why would she hurt them like that?¡± Hazel¡¯s voice echoed through the corridor,ced


    with anger and despair. The red marks on her children¡¯s b*dy enraged her. In that moment, she wanted


    nothing more than to rip all of


    Be¡¯s hair out of her head.


    ¡°Where is she? Are you hiding her?¡± Hazel¡¯s voice intensified, the desperation evident in her tone.


    Ethan, recognizing the need for privacy, managed to guide her away from prying eyes to an isted


    corner of the corridor.


    ¡°Calm down, I sent Be home immediately,¡± he exined, attempting to quell the storm raging within


    Hazel.


    But his words only stoked the mes of betrayal in her eyes. Was he trying to protect Be?


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see what she did?¡± She asked in disbelief. Tears were streaming down Hazel¡¯s face freely


    now. Her fists was clenched tightly and begining to ache. She badly wanted to punch and hit someone,


    that someone was Be.


    ¡°I know, I saw,¡± Ethan responded, a simmering anger mirrored in his eyes.


    ¡°Why did you send her home? I badly want to punch her in the face,¡± Hazel¡¯s frustration spilled over,


    fueled by a sense of powerlessness. Her kids had suffered so much and the fact that Ethan had


    protected Be only intensified her anguish.


    First Be had stolen her husband, her pack and her position, none of that mattered, but now she had


    hurt her kids! That one shattered her. But what made everything worse was knowing Ethan had sent


    her home and was protecting her. She was so angry she almost passed out.


    ¡°Why always Be,¡± she sobbed, the pain of the past and present converging. Ethan, holding her arm


    in a calm yet firm grip, felt the tremors coursing through her b*dy.


    I know,¡± Ethan said, holding her arm in an attempt to provide some grounding. Hazel¡¯s entire b*dy


    vibrated with restrained anger, her frustration reaching a breaking point.


    ¡°I so badly want to hit her! To rip her head out!¡± Hazel¡¯s words resonated with the suffocating feeling of


    helplessness, unable to unleash the fury building up inside her. The unfairness of it all left her sobbing


    loudly.


    ¡°Hit me,¡± Ethan spoke abruptly.


    ¡°You¡¯re angry, and you need a punching bag, so hit me,¡± he urged, offering himself as an outlet for


    Hazel¡¯s pent-up frustration.


    Hazel needed no other persuasion. Without hesitation, she unleashed all her fury on him. The first


    punchnded sharply, a sudden pain coursing through Ethan¡¯s gut. Blow after blow followed, a


    relentless assault as Hazel channeled her anger into


    each strike.


    Finally, she stood, her breath ragged, and Ethan could sense a certain satisfaction in her demeanor.


    She wiped her face, pushing damp strands of hair away from her eyes, her chest heaving from the


    exertion.


    Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    As the storm within Hazel seemed to calm, she stumbled backward, Ethan reached out steadying her,


    finding support against the wall she slid down gradually. Ethan lowered himself beside her, his arms


    offering a steadying embrace.


    They sat together on the floor, Hazel¡¯s back against the wall, her chest rising and falling with each


    heavy breath.


    Her l*ps trembled parting slowly. The two sat in their own moment staring into each other¡¯s eyes. Teary


    misted eyed Hazel and calm Ethan.


    Ethan¡¯s hand moved instinctively, gently brushing Hazel¡¯s hair away from her face, his touch lingering


    on her skin, stroking it lightly.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± a voice interrupted, shattering the delicate atmosphere. Ethan shot a re at the intruder, his


    moment with Hazel abruptly ended.


    Nathan stood there, unnoticed until then. Ethan stood immediately offering his hand to help Hazel to


    her feet. The aftermath of Hazel¡¯s venting and physical release had left her physically drained, sitting


    there in a state of numb exhaustion.


    Nathan approached her, his voice soft as he suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡± also extending his arm towards


    her.


    Ethan frowned lightly, who¡¯s arm would she take?


    Hazel, seemingly oblivious to the unspoken tension, slowly raised her arm, reaching for Nathan¡¯s. He


    helped her stand, and together, they walked towards the entrance of the ward.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for the opening; we need to head down right now for your speech,¡± Axel informed Ethan,


    striding to where he stood. Ethan nodded, a heavy, sigh escaping him as he retrieved his arm from its


    outstretched position.


    13:


    Fri, 29


    He cast onest lingering gaze at Hazel¡¯s back before turning away, leaving the corridor.


    The weight of the uing event hung in the air as he m entally prepared for the public appearance


    awaiting him.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, a package came in for you,¡± Be¡¯s ser vant announced the moment she stepped in from the


    fundraiser.


    She halted in her steps.


    What package? She wondered.


    The only package she was expecting was from Gabriel, he wouldn¡¯t have sent it so soon.


    Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her.


    It was that package.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± she thundered, unable to believe Gabriel could be so careless as to send it directly to her


    house.


    ¡°With the kitchen staff, mydy,¡± came the reply.


    ¡°What?!¡± Be tore through the hall, determined to reach the kitchen swiftly. The urgency in her steps


    reflected her anxiety.


    The small box was resting on the kitchen counter, about to be pried open by a maid


    In a swift motion, Be rushed forward, her eyes fixated on the box. She grabbed it with an intensity


    that made the atmosphere tense.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± she thundered, her voice cutting through the kitchen. The startled woman


    attempting to open the package was taken aback.


    ¡°We received the package, and I was going to open it and get it ready for you,¡± she exined


    innocently.


    ¡°Back off. Don¡¯t touch what isn¡¯t yours,¡± Be hissed, her possessive stance leaving no room for


    arguments. She clutched the package tightly and turned to leave, leaving the staff members


    exchanging surprised nces at each other unsure of what had just happened.


    Clutching the tightly wrapped package to her chest, Be made a beeline for her study. Luckily, the


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    parcel was still sealed shut, and a sigh of relief escaped her.


    Gabriel had pulled a stunt, sending it straight to her doorstep just to rile her up.


    The thought of Gabriel sending it directly to her home seemed like a deliberate attempt to provoke her,


    and thest thing. she needed was household staff stumbling upon its contents.


    Had those workers caught a glimpse, she¡¯d surely be in for questioning. The contents of the box were


    considered toxic even for the strongest of werewolves.


    If the workers had hadid eyes on it, they would surely have notified Ethan.


    Gabriel was ying a dangerous game with her, she was seriously pis sed.


    With cautious fingers, she peeled back theyers of the package, her hand gliding over the smooth


    white nylon. Just then, her second phone, exclusively reserved for dealings with Gabriel, buzzed


    annoyingly. She picked it up, irritation evident in her tone, ¡°what were you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Received it?¡± he inquired ignoring her question.


    ¡°You sent this to my house?!¡± Be¡¯s voice reverberated with disbelief and frustration. She had


    anticipated Gabriel would choose a more discreet delivery method sending it to her office as an


    innocuous packagebeled as clothing or food. However, he had taken a risky and dangerous route,


    seemingly for his own amusement.


    Gabriel chuckled over the phone, thoroughly enjoying the chaos he had caused. ¡°Well, you got it, didn¡¯t


    you? And as a bonus, I might even keep quiet about it,¡± he teased.


    Be¡¯s patience waned. ¡°Don¡¯t be st upid,¡± she snapped, her tone cutting through the air like a de.


    ¡°You¡¯d better stop messing with me,¡± she threatened, a clear warning in her voice.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t things going well as Mrs. Wild? That you would need more of that substance for Ethan?¡± he


    asked with a sly smirk.


    ¡°Or is your control sl*pping?¡± he inquired, a mocking tone dripping from his voice.


    ¡°Mind your business,¡± she snarled in response.


    ¡°Your control is indeed sl*pping,¡± he muttered, reveling in her evident frustration.


    Be bit her l*p in annoyance, acknowledging the truth in his words. One of the reasons she couldn¡¯t


    substance to administer to Ethan. It dulled his wolf¡¯s senses, keeping him oblivious to the changes


    happening within him.


    Although she had paused this using it for a while, recent events, like Ethan¡¯s aggressive behavior,


    indicated a shift. It was bing apparent that Ethan was changing rapidly into something else.


    Today¡¯s incident was proof,he had grabbed her roughly and nearly assaulted her.


    The drug was very difficult to find and given Ethan¡¯s connection and her high-profile position. Obtaining


    it elsewhere proved practically impossible, leaving her dependent on Gabriel.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t try such useless stunts like sending it to my home next time,¡± she snapped, frustration


    evident in her voice.


    Gabriel chuckled, thoroughly relishing her difort. ¡°How much do I owe you?¡± she asked, trying to


    move the conversation forward.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, take it as an added bonus,¡± he stated, his voice taking a serious turn.


    ¡°I mean, I need you, and you desperately need that to continually be Mrs. Wild, so it¡¯s a win-win,¡± he


    finished, a sly undertone in his voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t desperately need this,¡± she tried to deny, her defiance evident.


    ¡°A little quantity,¡± he warned sternly, cautioning her about the potential dangers of excessive usage. ¡°A


    lot of that would be lethal even to an Alpha; it could kill his wolfpletely,¡± he added, emphasizing the


    risks involved.


    ¡°I know,¡± she snapped, ending the call abruptly.


    Her eyes glowing with a mixture of determination and mischief.


    A little dose of this every day would do the trick.


    She moved some of it into a small vial, she held it up.


    Now, she needed the perfect hiding spot for the rest of it. Moving to the bookshelf, amidst the


    numerous books, there was something else that wasn¡¯t quite a book. She carefully ced the


    substance inside the hidden space.


    Satisfied with her concealment, she turned to leave, a devious smile ying on her l*ps. She had


    gotten rid of Hazel from their lives, she would do whatever it took to retain the name Mrs Wild..


    Gabriel loungedfortably in his seat, his gaze fixed on the dancing tendrils of smoke from his


    cigarette. Just a few hours ago, he had been at the fundraiser and yed the role of an unseen


    observer, strategically positioned at a blind spot during the event watching Be¡¯s every move.


    He was curious of something about her and decided to watch her today.


    Be, oblivious to his presence went about basking in the attention and love that came with her name.


    He found it amusing and ironic, a nob*dy they had practically found and picked from the gutters.


    O


    Then he watched her phone ring, how she exited immediately looking for a private spot piqued his


    interest so he followed her.


    In the shadows, he overheard snippets of her conversation, catching the name ¡°Jasmine Knowles¡± and


    something about Nex Corporation.


    As he took another drag from his cigarette, he muttered the name to himself. There was an air of


    mystery surrounding this Jasmine Knowles, and it seemed she knew something about Be.


    The eavesdropping had been going smoothly until his phone vibrated, threatening to give away his


    covert position. Nheless, he had gathered valuable information. Be appeared deeply unsettled


    by this Jasmine Knowles, suggesting that the mysterious girl held a considerable influence over her.


    Asly smile yed on Gabriel¡¯s l*ps as he contemted the situation. It was evident that this Jasmine


    character Unsettled Be greatly.


    The girl held secrets, perhaps something even more significant than the leverage he currently had


    against Be.


    Whatever knowledge Jasmine Knowles possessed, he would uncover it first before Be got to her.


    For now, he felt secure. Be would continue to rely on him for a steady supply of something only he


    could provide. For now, he was safe. Gabriel was content in the knowledge that, at least for the time


    being, he held the upper hand.


    ¡°Sec


    you soon Jasmine.¡± He muttered darkly

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Nathan¡¯s voice sliced through the air as he confronted Ethan on the other side of


    the ward door.


    An hour had psed since Ethan¡¯s initial departure, he had gone to wrap up his role at the event. But


    he felt restless, an insistent need propelled him to return and check on the well-being of the twins.


    A frown etched itself on Ethan¡¯s features upon meeting Nathan at the door.


    The frown deepened with the questions he was being asked.


    Tension between them thickened.


    Why¡¯s this man still here, and with that attitude. Ethan wondered feeling pis sed with the other man¡¯s


    probing.


    Ethan¡¯s irritation seeped through his words as he retorted, ¡°Step out of the way, I¡¯m not here for you.¡±


    Nathan, undeterred, maintained his defensive posture, suggesting Ethan should head home.


    ¡°Go home, Ethan,¡± Nathan persisted, arms crossed defiantly, as if guarding an invisible boundary.


    Ethan¡¯s frustration simmered, teeth gritted, and he issued a tersemand, ¡°Out of my way.¡±


    ¡°Nathan, who¡¯s that?¡±


    From inside, Hazel¡¯s voice cut through the tension, grabbing Ethan¡¯s attention.


    Nathan, attempting to handle the situation, offered, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, Hazel.¡±


    However, she approached the door. The noise had piqued her curiosity, and she ventured out to check.


    Ethan¡¯s demeanor shifted when he saw Hazel, his gaze softening. ¡°Hazel,¡± he called softly, a note of


    remorse in his voice.


    As Ethan began exining, ¡°Hazel, I¡¯m really sorry about earlier. I put Be in her ce and told her to


    go home, and then¡­¡± Hazel, worn out and drained, interjected, ¡°Why are you here, Ethan?¡±


    Nathan assured her, ¡°He was about leaving.¡±


    ¡°I needed to be sure they¡¯re okay,¡± Ethan exined, his plea evident in his eyes. ¡°Can I see them?¡± he


    implored.


    A firm ¡°No¡± echoed from Nathan, maintaining his protective stance.


    ¡°Step out of the way, would you?¡± Ethan¡¯s frustrationced his words, the tension palpable. Nathan,


    unwavering, stepped forward, delivering a firm suggestion, ¡°It¡¯s best you leave.¡±


    Hazel, stepping in to defuse the escting confrontation, intervened, ¡°Nathan, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll take care of


    it.¡± Her request to Nathan was a subtle attempt to usher him away. ¡°Can you get us some yogurt from


    the drink dispenser downstairs?¡± Hazel pleaded, her eyes signaling her desire for Nathan to leave.


    Nathan, torn between protecting Hazel and confronting Ethan, looked at Ethan with a firm resolve,


    dering, ¡°No, I won¡¯t leave


    you here with him.¡± Despite Hazel¡¯s plea, Nathan was hesitant to abandon her side.


    I¡¯ll be fine, just go,¡± Hazel urged, her voice a mixture of persuasion and assurance. Nathan sighed,


    finallyplying with her request. As he passed by the door, a deliberate shoulder brush with Ethan


    attempted to convey his disapproval.


    ¡°I was really surprised when I saw what Be had done. Hazel, I¡¯m so sorry, Ethan pleaded, his regret


    audible. ¡°I didn¡¯t know she had hurt them; when I came in, it was already toote. He exined,


    seeking understanding from Hazel, who remained contemtive and silent.


    ¡°How are they? Can I see them?¡± Ethan inquired, a genuine concern etched on his face. All he wanted


    was to be with them, he desperately wanted to hug andfort their little bodies.


    Hazel, however, remained firm. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to. You shouldn¡¯t be here; it¡¯ste.¡±


    ¡°Hazel, please, are they okay?¡± Ethan persisted, his worry deepening.


    ¡°They¡¯re fine, they¡¯re just asleep,¡± she assured, but her gaze avoided meeting his.


    Ethan tried to meet her eyes but she kept looking elsewhere avoiding eye contact


    ¡°Look at me, please,¡± he pleaded within, desperately seeking connection. Hazel¡¯s gaze finally shifted,


    but it wasn¡¯t towards his face. Instead, she noticed something by the side, the ce where she had


    scratched Ethan earlier. To her surprise, the small injury hadn¡¯t healed as expected.


    The sight puzzled her. It was a minor scratch from their earlier confrontation, something that should


    have healed within minutes. Yet, the mark lingered, barely covered.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Hazel inquired, her brows furrowing with concern. Instinctively, her hand reached


    toward his arm to check the wound, but midway, she pulled back, holding her arm in ce.


    ¡°Thurt you earlier. Are you okay?¡± she asked, avoiding direct


    eye contact.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied, a sense of relief washing over him. Hazel¡¯s emotions were a mix of upset and


    anger, but beneath it, a lingering care still existed. seizing the opportunity, he decided to take a step


    further.


    ¡°Could 1 maybe get some water?¡± he asked, purposely making his voice h oa rse and then clearing his


    throat dramatically.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied, turning around and walking inside.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Ethan quietly stepped inside the ward. As Hazel fetched the ss of


    water from the fridge, Ethan made his way directly to where the twins were peacefully sleeping.


    When Hazel returned she found Ethan standing over the kids.


    His gaze particrly fixed on Daisy¡¯s bruised cheek. His hand reached out, stroking it tenderly, and she


    observed as he swallowed hard. The sight of the kids in pain clearly affected him deeply, his fists


    clenching and then unclenching. He threw his head back, running his hand through his hair, she


    watched him, knowing him well, it was a tell-tale sign he felt frustrated and helpless.


    Her expression softened as she watched him. His attention then shifted to Liam, a small, tender smile


    forming on his face as he gazed at the sleeping boy.


    ¡°Brave boy,¡± Ethan mumbled, his admiration evident as he observed Liam. Memories flooded back to


    their first meeting at the airport, where the young boy had bravely confronted him in defense of his


    sister.


    A smile yed on Ethan¡¯s l*ps, recognizing the incredible journey they had shared since that day.


    Reflecting on the unexpected impact these children had on his life, his gaze softened even further.


    Just as Ethan immersed himself in these thoughts, Hazel unintentionally announced her presence by


    dropping the ss, drawing both of their attention.


    That¡¯s one brave little guy you got there.¡± He stated with a small smile.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Earlier when Liam¡¯s bruise was being looked after,


    She had asked him if it hurt but he had similed and said if was his bruise of honor from protecting his


    sister.


    ¡°I¡¯m the man of the family.¡± He stated,


    Hazelughed, tears streaming from her eyes.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect you too mom.¡± He said proudly stroking her face and cleaning her eyes.


    Liam was indeed brave.


    Hazel¡¯s smile held a warmth that hadn¡¯t been there before.


    ¡°I watched the security footage. I felt really proud, the way heunched himself right at Be¡¯s arm.¡±


    Ethan chuckled.


    ¡°Then he took a huge bite of it.¡±


    Now they were bothughing now


    ¡°That was really something,¡± he added, theughter fading but leaving behind a sense of togetherness


    between them.


    30%B


    The dim light in the room highlighted the shadows on Ethan¡¯s face, casting an intriguing y of


    emotions as he shared this unexpected bonding moment with Hazel.


    Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, unspoken words hung in the air. The heaviness of the earlier


    events seemed to disperse.


    ¡°She ok?¡± Hazel asked.


    ¡°Be?¡± he quizzed with a raised eyebrow, his expression betraying a hint of disdain.


    ¡°She deserved it,¡± he added firmly, as though discussing the actions of a stranger rather than his own


    wife and mate. Hazel, momentarily taken aback, sensed a detachment in his tone it was as if he were


    addressing someone else entirely.


    ¡°I really am sorry,¡± he repeated, his eyes holding sincerity.


    Hazel¡¯s concern shifted, pondering on reasons why Be would unleash such cruelty on such little


    children.


    ¡°Does Be happen to know they¡¯re mine?¡± she inquired, trying to fathom the motive behind the attack


    on her kids. His response, a simple ¡°No,¡± hung in the air.


    She sighed, Be was just generally a mean person.


    ¡°Five-year-olds are literally babies,¡± Hazel muttered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t happen to have kids, right?¡± she ventured, her conviction growing that a mother wouldn¡¯t


    inflict harm on a child, any child, she felt this in her bones.


    Ethan¡¯s demeanor shifted to a mncholic one, revealing a profound sorrow.


    ¡°We had one; she died,¡± he disclosed, a heavy sadness in his voice. Hazel gasped, her hands


    instinctively covering her mouth.


    in shock.


    ¡°Before he or she came into this world,¡± he concluded, his words hanging with the weight of an


    unresolved grief.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Hazel whispered, her sympathy genuine andpassionate.


    A distant and faraway look settled on Ethan¡¯s face, as though he was caught in the haunting memories


    of the worst day of his life. The weight of regret seemed to linger in the room, casting a solemn


    atmosphere.


    ¡°It was all my fault,¡± he mumbled softly, the words barely audible, carrying the burden of a past mistake.


    Hazel could sense the pain etched into his expression.


    ¡°I should go now,¡± Ethan said, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped them.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she called out before realizing what she was doing. He turned back to look at her, his eyes


    searching hers for an exnation.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    ¡°We need to talk,¡± a voice reached out to Ethan as he stepped into the corridor. He turned to find


    Nathan there.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have any business together,¡± Ethan replied curtly, his voice had an unhidden tinge of


    irritation.


    Nathan¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Why do you keeping around?¡± he asked, frustration evident in his


    tone.


    Ethan moved forward, closing the distance between them. ¡°The only person who I have something with


    is Hazel and her kids. You¡­,¡± Ethan pointed at Nathan emphasizing his point,


    ¡­..are a third party,¡± he stated firmly.


    Nathan scoffed in annoyance. ¡°Only if you knew,¡± he mumbled under his breath. ¡®what names were on


    the kids¡® birth certificates.¡¯


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Ethan asked, having missed Nathan¡¯s mumbled words.


    ¡°You have no idea,¡± Nathan chuckled lightly, a hint of triumph in his tone. He had sighed that certificate


    that night as the father of Hazel¡¯s kids, now who had the upper hand? he gloated inwardly.


    ¡°If that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got to say, have a goodnight rest¡± Ethan stated drily.


    Undeterred, Nathan pressed on, irritationcing his tone.


    ¡°Why do you keeping around? Even the kids are getting attached to you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± Ethan retorted, his tone challenging, unapologetic for the connections forming


    between him and Hazel¡¯s children.


    ¡°You have a wife,¡± Nathan stated bluntly, his frustration simmering.


    ¡°Oh really, I do?¡± Ethan feigned surprise, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Thanks for pointing that out, I didn¡¯t realize I was married,¡± he added, dismissively turning away.


    Ethan¡¯s arrogant demeanor grated on Nathan¡¯s nerves. ¡°You should stop now,¡± Nathan warned, his


    tone serious, but Ethan, maintaining his arrogance, continued walking away, unfazed by the man¡¯s


    warning,


    ¡°It¡¯s best you stayed away,¡± Nathan dered fiercely, his words cutting through the air. Ethan halted, his


    steps abruptly arrested by the intensity of Nathan¡¯s statement.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Ethan demanded his tone bing cold as he walked back to here Nathan stood.


    ¡°Stay away from Hazel and her kids,¡± Nathan repeated, his tone louder and more resolute this time.


    The confrontation between the two men had reached a critical point.


    ¡°What exactly do you want?¡± Nathan yelled, his frustration clearly seen.


    ¡°You two are divorced, you¡¯re remarried, you have a wife!¡± He emphasized strongly.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay out of what doesn¡¯t concern you?¡± Ethan retorted, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    ¡°It concerns me,¡± Nathan stated. Ethan was the one Intruding here.


    It was he who had been there from the first day till now, right from the kids birth. Ethan? who was he


    anyway, this man hade out from nowhere! His only contribution was his sperm!


    7


    ¡°You have history with her; she¡¯s your ex. Why are you stilling around? Have a little decency and


    stay away from them, would you?¡± Nathan stated firinly.


    Before someone gets badly hurt.¡± Nathan finished then walked away.


    Someone could get hurt.


    That person would be Hazel.


    Ethan sighed and stood there for sometime.


    Thest ce he felt like being at the moment was his home. His home now felt like a cold building and


    he wasn¡¯t sure he was willing to see Be. He might just end up doing something he would regret.


    Heading down to his car, he found Axel still standing there waiting for him.


    ¡°You waited?¡± Ethan questioned, surprised by Axel¡¯s patience.


    Axel nodded.


    ¡°You drank,¡± he stated


    ¡°Just sipped a ss,¡± Ethan replied casually.


    Thought you said you¡¯d be too busy driving your girlfriend around to chauffeur me,¡± Ethan teased, a


    yful smirk on his


    face.


    Axel¡¯s eyes widened at the mention of ¡°girlfriend.¡± A blush colored his ears as he stammered, ¡°She¡¯s


    not my girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°I was right, it was a female that started keeping you upied,¡± Ethan dered with a knowing grin.


    ¡°Shut


    up and get in the car, or I¡¯ll leave you here,¡± Axel threatened, his ears turning an even deeper shade of


    red.


    Ethan chuckled lightly.


    Axel had changed significantly, he was a lot moree human now.


    He had other purpose other than work. Axel of before, his life only revolved around work. But now he


    took more personal breaks and excuses for himself. He even camete to work a couple of times.


    Moving out for the pack and staying at that apartment was the best thing that had happened to his


    friend.


    ¡°This girl, she doesn¡¯t happen to be that neighbor you mentioned the other time, is she?¡± Ethan probed


    with a knowing.


    smirk.


    Axel¡¯s silence answered the question.


    Ethan smiled.


    At least, one of his friends was alive and happy.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    The car enveloped in a contemtive silence, the two deep in thoughts.


    Axel spoke softly, breaking the stillness. ¡°Next week would have been Christopher¡¯s birthday.¡±


    Ethan acknowledged the statement with a solemn ¡°Yes,¡± his mind wandering into memories.


    ¡°It¡¯s just us two left, Ethan muttered, a weight of contemtion in his words. Axel understood Ethan¡¯s


    words.


    Their close knit friend group had suffered a huge blow. They had lost Derrick when they were still


    young boys in their teen. years. A short while afterwards, Axel¡¯s father banished him out of the country


    sending him to a foreign one. Only Ethan and Christopher had remained.


    Ethan¡¯s thoughts lingered on the friends they had lost. ¡°First, we lost Derrick,¡± he sighed, his gaze fixed


    on the passing night


    time scenery. ¡°Then Christopher¡¯s passing came as a huge shock,¡± he added, his words carrying the


    weight of memories.


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Axel. You¡¯re the only friend I¡¯ve got left, Ethan stated quietly, a sense of


    vulnerability seeping into his usuallyposed demeanor.


    Ethan¡¯s contemtion shifted to a suggestion. ¡°We should meet on that day, have a drink or


    something.¡± He gazed at the streetlights, the dim glow illuminating the subtle emotions etched on his


    face.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed,¡± Axel remarked. ¡°I mean, you¡¯re bing sentimental. What happened to you?¡± he


    asked, a hint of amusement in his voice at witnessing this unexpected side of Ethan.


    It wasn¡¯t just this time, but other times as well.


    ¡°I should be asking you the same thing.¡± Ethan replied, a light chuckle escaping him..


    ¡°Right, we¡¯ve both changed,¡± Axel concurred.


    ¡°Drive to the office,¡± Ethan ordered with an exhausted sigh. He would not be heading home tonight.


    Ethan¡¯s exhaustion took its toll as he closed his eyes for a brief moment, only to find the car pulling into


    the driveway of his mansion when he opened them again.


    ¡°Axel, what is this?¡± Ethan muttered, his instructions seemingly disregarded.


    ¡°I specifically told you to drive to the office,¡± he reminded Axel.


    ¡°Go home, Ethan,¡± Axel urged, concerned about his friend spending the night in the cold, empty


    ¡°If I identally murder Be tonight, would you take responsibility?¡± Ethan asked darkly with a frown.


    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± Nathan replied with a chuckle attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    Ethan exited the car, weariness etched across his face. The mansion, stood tall, proud and erily silent.


    He walked through the door then foyer heading for his bedroom.


    He found Be sitting there in the dimly lit room. It seemed she had been waiting for him.


    Her eyes looked up expectantly when she heard him walk in.


    When he looked at her, her eyes were wet with tears and misty like she had been crying for a long


    time.


    Choosing to ignore her he headed to the dress room.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± her voice called after him.


    Seated as he removed his shoes, he felt the weight of her gaze, a presence that clung to the air.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. What I did was wrong. I didn¡¯t realize what I was doing. I swear, maybe it¡¯s because I never


    had a chance to have one,¡± she confessed,her voice cracking lightly.


    ¡°What were you thinking Be?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m Sorry I wasn¡¯t. I really hurt those little kids, are they okay did I badly hurt them?¡± She asked


    feigning concern. She was acting remorseful so Ethan wouldn¡¯t give her the cold shoulder.


    To her surprise however, Ethan stood abruptly.


    ¡°You should sleep in the guest room,¡± his tone carried a finality that brooked no argument.


    The guest room?!


    ¡°Ethan!,¡± she implored, desperation evident in the grasp of her hand on his arm, her eyes misting


    Why was he this angry?


    ¡°Let go, Be,¡± he demanded through gritted teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this right now, so I don¡¯t


    do something I¡¯ll regret,¡± he asserted, his resolve unwavering.


    ¡°I can¡¯t exin it, but when I saw those kids, I just got so angry. Ours would have been around that age


    by now,¡± she confessed, a deliberate reopening of wounds to see if it would get him to mellow down a


    little.


    A defeated sigh escaped Ethan as waves of rage and anger surged within him.


    I¡¯ll sleep in the guest room,¡± he dered with finality, leaving the room without a backward nce. Left


    alone, Be sank into a chair, ¡°Why¡¯s he overreacting? It¡¯s not like they¡¯re his kids,¡± she fumed silently.


    She was at the loosing end here!


    Her limited edition dress had been ruined! While she had only disciplined those kids without even


    asking them or their miserable father to pay for it. Now Ethan was furious after seeing what she did.


    ¡®I should have pinched that brat¡¯s cheeks even harder¡®, she hissed in annoyance.


    Axel!¡± Jasinine called out, running up to meet him as he emerged from the elevator. Axel was


    momentarily taken aback, his steps faltering for a minute, puzzled by the unexpected eagerness that


    greeted him.


    ¡°You returnedte today,¡± she stated, her tone a mix of curiosity and relief


    For several days, they had beenmuting together, going to work and back, forming a routine that


    Jasmine had grown ustomed to. Today, however, marked a departure from that routine. It was the


    first time in a while that Axel had left work alone. Unbeknownst to him, Jasmine had found herself


    thinking about him all day, unable to contain the excitement that bubbled within her at the prospect of


    finally seeing him.


    ¡°Why are you out here?¡± Axel asked, his words measured and deliberate.


    ¡°I was waiting for you,¡± she admitted, ncing down at her feet. She had been checking several times


    and had finally spotted


    his car.


    Today she worked from home, she hadn¡¯t seen him all day and she found herself missing him. Feeling


    grateful for how he had helped her, she decided to do something.


    Axel however was taken aback by her candid admission, a moment of surprise flickering across his


    face.


    Waiting for me? Axel wondered, a warm feeling spreading within him. When was thest time someone


    had been that excited to see him or waited specifically for him?


    ¡°I made you dinner,¡± Jasmine said, looking away shyly and biting her l*ps.


    ¡°Dinner,¡± he repeated slowly the idea sinking in. Someone had taken the time to think of him, when was


    thest time someone thought of him and cooked for him, it seemed like a life time ago.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she affirmed, her eyes reflecting her warmth and sincerity.


    He looked at her in question, and she exined,


    ¡°I just wanted to thank you for the everyday rides. It really made me feel safe.¡± She admitted with a


    smile.


    However, her smile faded as she remembered that he wasn¡¯t justing from work; he had attended a


    social event. ¡°Or did you already eat?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t eat at work,¡± Axel replied.


    His work ethics, food and drinks were prohibited, he only indulged when it waspulsory.


    Jasmine¡¯s smile returned, her eyes liting up


    ¡°Well,e on,¡± she urged grabbing his arm and pulling him along.


    Leading him by the arm, she ushered him to her house where a table had been meticulously set. Axel


    took off his suit slowly, then settled into the chair, taking off his sses they were ced next to the


    side of the table.


    She opened a dish, presenting a te of soup she had heated up. The visual presentation was less


    than impressive, making it evident that shecked culinary expertise. ¡°It should taste better than it


    looks,¡± she assured him, her eyes hopeful.


    Axel took a spoon. Jasmine watched him closely, her eyes filled with anticipation. ¡°How is it?¡± she


    asked hopefully. He slowly dropped the spoon: ¡°Salt,¡± he stated calmly.


    Her smile and hopefully expression faded.


    She sat down dejectedly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I saw online that a way to appreciate people was to make


    homemade food for them. I tried it, followed the recipe and everything. How did it turn out so bad?¡± she


    said sulkily, burying her face in her hand.


    His eyes fell on another covered dish on the table. ¡°This is mine, isn¡¯t it?¡± he asked, reaching for the


    te.


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled, quickly grabbing it from his reach. If the soup tasted awful, the brownies probably did


    too.


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled, hastily grabbing the dish away from his reach. If the soup tasted awful, the brownies


    probably did too. As she held onto the te, he stood up, leaning toward her. His proximity, coupled


    with his tantalizing mint scent, left her momentarily distracted, and he defily pried the te from her


    grip. She swallowed nervously.


    Sitting back down, Axel realized there were no utensils nearby. Not one to be deterred, he grabbed the


    brownie with his hands, taking a daring, huge bite. A secondter, he uttered a quiet ¡°Water,¡±


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    attempting to force the dry substance down his throat. Jasmine promptly passed him a ss.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she apologized sincerely.


    ¡°I told you not to eat them,¡± she said sadly.


    ¡°I¡¯m terrible at everything,¡± she wailed, a wave of disappointment washing over her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll clear it up,¡± she dered, reaching for the tes. However, Axel intercepted once more grabbing


    the dish out of her


    reach.


    ¡°They¡¯re mine, aren¡¯t they?¡± he inquired, then proceeded to take another bite, leaving her watching in


    horror.


    Surprisingly, he grinned, ¡°It doesn¡¯t taste bad,¡± and took another bite.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked, her beautiful eyes lighting up hopefully.


    He nodded.


    Homemade brownies, it had been ages since hest ate one.


    The truth was, it was horrible. But witnessing her excitement and happiness, he couldn¡¯t bring himself


    to disappoint her. Besides that he appreciated what she did. Thest person who had cooked for him


    was his mom, she cooked him a meal for thest time shortly before he turned ten.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Axel asked, pointing to a discarded dish on the sink; it was burnt.


    She had tried soaking it to soften it a little bit.


    ¡°I was trying to make chicken noodle, and I failed. Woefully,¡± shemented, raising the badly burnt


    pot. There was no redemption for it. She sat back down.


    ¡°All those darn tutorials make it seem so easy!¡± she fumed.


    ¡°And three attemptster, I end up almost burning down my house,¡± she thundered


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t have been that bad,¡± Axel remarked with a chuckle. The image of her struggling with pans


    sifted through his head and he couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°It was¡± she countered.


    Then went in narrating all that had happened to her that day in the kitchen. She had tried several


    recipes only those two she served him hade out a little presentable.


    As she narrated her kitchen escapade, detailing the failed attempts dramatically, Axel¡¯s initial chuckle


    escted into hearty.ughter.


    Jasmine, captivated by the sight of Axel¡¯sughter, paused mid¨Csentence, how could someone look so


    beautiful? She wondered staring at him entrailed.


    This was the first time she had actually seen himugh. Or even smile. It was beautiful. In that moment,


    she found herself wishing he would smile more. Axel appeared so captivating to her that she felt


    tempted to take a picture.


    ¡°You look so beautiful when youugh,¡± Jasmine admitted, her words sl*pping out before she could


    filter them. The unexpectedpliment hung in the air, causing Axel¡¯s smile to fade gradually. They sat


    there, eyes locked, a charged silence settling between them.


    ¡°Thanks for everything, Axel, for helping me all this while even though you didn¡¯t have to, Jasmine


    expressed genuinely, breaking the moment of tensj¨®n.


    ¡°Thank you too, for this semi¨Cburnt brownie,¡± Axel responded with a chuckle, his smile returning.


    Jasmine joined in, theirughter intertwining in the quiet room.


    ¡°Maybe next time, I could show you how to make one?¡±


    Axel suggested, and herughter continued as she pped gleefully. He smiled once more watching


    her girlish excitement.


    However, her joy faltered when she noticed something different about his beautiful eyes.


    ¡°Your eyes, they glowed,¡± she observed, her smile fading. ¡°You¡¯re a wolf too?¡± she asked, her eyes


    widening in surprise.


    Axel froze immediately, his smile vanishing in an instant as he processed what Jasmine had just said


    about his eyes glowing. It had been years since that ever happened.


    He had never shifted or anything like that, all he had had were little features amongst those were his


    eye¡¯s changing when he was happy.


    He was happy? Happiness? When was thest time he felt that.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± He denied then stood up rapidly to leave.


    He had never had a wolf, never shifted. A disappointment and waste of space ording to his father.


    ¡°Thanks for the dinner. He muttered then turned to head out.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Jasmine called and tried to go after him but he was gone.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    Hazel¡¯s kids were bubbly the next morning, and Daisy¡¯s swollen cheek, though still red, had gone


    down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll


    snap her fingers when next I see her,¡± Silently swearing to herself, Hazel applied soothing ointment.


    As she tended to them, Liam spoke up suddenly. ¡°Was Mr. Princess herest night?¡±


    Hazel continued her gentle application, asking, ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°No reason,¡± Liam replied casually, but there was a spark of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°Was he?¡± he probed again, unable to contain his curiosity.


    Hazel sighed, realizing there was no evading Liam¡¯s questions. ¡°He was,¡± she admitted, watching as


    Liam nodded in satisfaction. She looked away turning her focus back to Daisy. Liam reached out


    picking up a colorful ss ball bead from the potted nt nearby.


    The beads were a subtlemunication method between Liam and Ethan. Liam had given Ethan


    several colorful beads with a specific pattern. ¡°Drop one in the nts whenever you stop by,¡± they had


    decided. It


    for Liam to know if Ethan had visited, just in case their mom didn¡¯t let him see them. The simple yet


    effectivemunication system allowed Liam to confirm Ethan¡¯s visit even when he had been asleep.


    was a way


    Hazel, now done with the soothing balm application, shifted her focus to brushing Daisy¡¯s hair. ¡°I don¡¯t


    think Mr. Princess likes his wife very much,¡± Daisy dered her observation innocently.


    ¡°He does like her; people only get married to people they like,¡± Liam interjected, his exnation.


    reflecting the uplicated understanding of rtionships that children often hold. Hazel couldn¡¯t help


    but smile at the simplicity of Liam¡¯s perspective, where marriage was based on and equated to love.


    Daisy confidently asserted, ¡°Well, that means he loves us more than her.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Liam agreed with a from nod and wide smiles at the thought that they were Ethan¡¯s favorites.


    Hazel sighed suddenly feeling drained. Ethan was all the twins could talk about most times. She


    couldn¡¯t wait for Daisy¡¯s surgery so they could go home finally.


    ¡®After that, we would leave, we¡¯d go somewhere far away. Hazel murmured to herself. In the meantime,


    she would just have to endure everything.


    She listened to her kids talk more about Ethan.


    She¡¯s his wife, remember,¡± attempting to temper their growing enthusiasm.


    ¡°Wife means she¡¯s part of his family,¡± Hazel reminded them, guarding against the budding optimism


    that Ethan might choose them over Be. However, Daisy, with her honest simplicity, countered, ¡°But


    she¡¯s


    mean.¡±


    ¡°And Mr. Princess protected us. He yelled at her, and he even grabbed her arm. He was so angry,


    Momma,¡± Liam recounted, his eyes earnest defending his Mr princess.


    Daisy chimed in with a resolute, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then he told her she shouldn¡¯t be there. He told her to go home,¡± Liam added, a hint of defensiveness


    in his tone.


    Hazel was taken aback, hearing this revtion for the first time. She hadn¡¯t expected Ethan to resort to


    violence, especially against a woman. It was unlike him. It however confirmed that his distressed state


    As the kids recounted the scene with vivid storytelling, Liam animatedly described the confrontation,


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    attempting to mirror Ethan¡¯s sternness.


    ¡°Mr. Princess walked in, you know, and he was like, ¡®What happened to those kids? Be, exin


    yourself,¡± Liam retorted with seriousness. Hazel couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the theatrical delivery. But


    Liam wasn¡¯t finished. With a determined expression, he continued, ¡°Then he said, ¡®Why are you here?


    You should stay at home. Go home now.¡°¡± Liam said then added physical gestures, grabbing Daisy¡¯s


    arm as he had seen Ethan do.


    Daisy in response swung into her role as Be stood with her half made hair and pleaded with dramatic


    intensity, ¡°No, Ethan, no! Let me stay at the party.¡±


    Liam, in character as the protective Mr. Princess, stood firm, ¡°I said no! Look at his arm; you hurt him?


    Oh, you¡¯ve done it this time. You need a time out,dy. Go home!¡±


    Daisy gasped. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna go home.¡± She cried.


    ¡°It¡¯s toote for that. Guards, take her away.¡± Liammanded.


    ¡°No, no, Ethannn,¡± Daisy shrieked dramatically, copsing onto the floor in feigned distress.


    Hazel found herself caught in a fit ofughter. She knew they were exaggerating but she got the


    message. She felt a tinge of relief, Ethan had stood up for them.


    Soon they settled back down after the disy.


    ¡°Mr. Princess is nice. Even though he has a witch for a wife, I still love him,¡± Daisy dered stubbornly,


    her determination evident in her young eyes. ¡°One day, I¡¯ll get rid of her and marry Mr. Princess,¡± she


    added seriously.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°What to you mean?¡± she asked, intrigued by her daughter¡¯s imaginative deration.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you get rid of her,¡± Liam chimed in, hismitment matching his sister¡¯s. ¡°Then we can have


    him all to ourselves. It would be just you and me and mommy and Mr. Princess.¡± Liam smiled at his


    sister, sharing in the dream of a family unburdened by the presence of Be.


    Tears welled up in Hazel¡¯s eyes as she considered the simplicity of their dream. If there was no Be,


    perhaps that¡¯s how their family could have been, undisturbed and harmonious. The reality was


    different, everything had changed since Be entered their lives. She acknowledged that her kids


    weren¡¯t entirely


    wrong.


    Liam and Daisy exchanged a knowing smile, their shared vision forging a silentmunication


    between them. Hazel could tell they were up to some kind of mischief.


    ¡°Liam, what are you guys discussing?¡± Hazel asked.


    ¡°What?!¡± Hazel eximed.


    ¡°He has a soft spot for us; we could get her in trouble when next we see her. He would definitely take


    our side,¡± Liam strategized, plotting mischief with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Where is that from?¡±


    Hazel questioned them with a furrowed brow, disapproving of the notion.


    ¡°That would be mean; you shouldn¡¯t deceive people or y with their affection for you. It¡¯s called


    maniption, and it¡¯s not very nice,¡± Hazel corrected sternly, drawing a clear line against such tactics. i


    Be¡¯s conniving ways were not something she wanted to see replicated in her children. She was


    determined to raise her kids with integrity and kindness, avoiding the means of manipting people.


    ¡°Do you understand me?¡± she asked, looking at them with a serious gaze. She wouldn¡¯t teach her kids


    to be bullies, they wouldn¡¯t stoop so low.


    ¡°Yes, mommy,¡± the two replied in unison, their expressions slightly subdued.


    ¡°Good,¡± Hazel nodded, satisfied with their response.


    The two looked a little disappointed and unhappy. Their heads were bowed and they stood sulkingly.


    ¡°You guys want cookies?¡± she asked, instantly brightening the atmosphere. Their eyes lit up with


    excitement.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The two yelled excitedly.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    ¡°Hey,¡± Ethan called out, his gaze fixed on Axel as he emerged from the toilet for the third time that day.


    Concern etched his features as he approached.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Ethan inquired, a note of genuine worry in his voice. Axel wearily slumped into a seat, his


    difort evident.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Axel replied, exhaling with a sigh. ¡°Just feel a bit bloated,¡± he confessed, the aftermath of


    Jasmine¡¯s br ownies taking a toll on him. Despite the digestive distress, Axel found himself unable to


    hesitation.


    The car ride to work that morning with Jasmine carried a lingering awkwardness due the way he had


    left her house the previous night. Fortunately, she made noments about how he left. She didn¡¯t say


    a word.


    He felt bad, she had invested time and effort, spending hours cooking for him, and he had left in such a


    manner.


    He sighed.


    The absence of a wolf was a sensitive topic for him but what had truly scared him shitless however,


    was the unexpected happiness he feltst night he felt happy and contended for the first time in a long


    time. It had been so long it felt strange.


    Jasmine¡¯s thoughtful gestures, from waiting for him to cooking and sharing dinner, created a moment of


    genuine happiness. In that instance, he had been so happy and entertained by her tales, heughed,


    and an even rarer thing happened, his eyes glowed.


    ¡°Do I deserve to feel this happy?¡± he wondered, the question lingering in his mind.


    A resounding ¡°No.¡± Echoed from the back of his thoughts. He didn¡¯t deserve to be happy, not after what


    he had done.


    He had shattered his family, transforming his once-loving father into something unrecognizable due to


    the mistakes he had made. He believed he deserved to be alone, epting his solitude, but then


    suddenly, Jasmine entered his life like a sledgehammer, breaking through his barriers with her wide


    eyes, innocence, and disarming smile. He found himself rapidly losing control to her charm.


    His hunting echo of his father¡¯s harsh words reverberated in his ears: ¡°Are you hurt? Good. You


    deserve to feel hurt and pain. For the rest of your life, you should live miserably.¡±


    That night, he was sitting on the floor amidst broken sses, a young child at the time. Many years had


    passed, but the memory lingered without fading. He felt he had no right to experience happiness. He


    couldn¡¯t afford to be entangled with someone or lose himself. With that thought in mind, he


    decisively grabbed his phone. Though he couldn¡¯t admit it, he was falling rapidly for her. It seemed best


    to put a stop to it.


    After the first ring, she eagerly picked up.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Jasmine¡¯s voice, usually vibrant, carried a hint of excitement. She always sounded genuinely


    happy to hear from him.


    He struggled to find the right words.


    N


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t take you to work and back anymore.¡± He finally mustered the courage to say.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Are you workingte?¡± She asked lightly.


    ¡°No.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Traveling?¡± She probed again.


    ¡°No.¡± He responded. The conversation turned into single-word exchanges.


    Jasmine¡¯s smile evaporated instantly.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± She inquired, concern evident in her voice.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Another brief reply.,


    ¡°Did I do something?¡± She asked quietly, her voice trembling lightly.


    ¡°No.¡± Another short response. Jasmine felt the distance growing, and disappointment settled in.


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    ¡®We¡¯ve gone past this,¡¯ she thought inwardly. ¡°We¡¯re back to one-word answers?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but


    ask. ¡°It would be best we went back to how things were,¡± he stated.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She whispered.


    Silence lingered on his end, delivering an unspoken message which she understood.


    ¡°I understand,¡± she said slowly, sensing there was more to this. Axel was purposely putting up barriers


    and walls between them. Walls she¡¯d tried really hard to break, he¡¯d erected them once more.


    ¡°Why do you always do this, Axel?¡¯ she wanted to ask. Justst night, it felt like they were getting


    closer until he left abruptly.


    ¡°Thank you for all the rides those days, Axel.¡± She expressed gratitude, her voice tinged with a hint of


    mncholy.


    The line went dead as he hung up, leaving her with a pang in her chest.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s just car rides, why are you so upset?¡± She questioned herself, attempting tough off the pain. Yet,


    it felt like she had just received a break-up message.


    ¡®Cause you won¡¯t be seeing him again.


    They lived in the same building, yes, but it wouldn¡¯t be the same. Just car rides? It was more than just


    car rides.


    Sitting in the car with him every day had be aforting routine she had grown ustomed to,


    one she would undoubtedly miss. Axel¡¯s quiet, reassuring scent enveloping her, and his protective


    presence making her feel secure.


    Those short conversations they had held a depth she cherished, and those quiet evening rides spent.


    together, she seated in his car with his puppy in her arms, created a sense of warmth.


    Then those unexpected stops at the store, moments that felt like sudden dates. And the times he lent


    her his jacket whenever it became cold, it was twice her size and she would nestle into it enwrapped in


    his scent and loving every moment of it. As she thought about it, her eyes welled up with tears.


    They were making progress. Despite Axel¡¯s seemingly cold exterior and numerous barriers, they were


    gradually spending more time together he became a lot warmer person. What had changed now?


    She had alot of questions and she felt badly hurt, but she would respect his decision. He didn¡¯t want


    her around. She couldn¡¯t help but smile sadly. It seemed like nob*dy ever wanted her and now Axel had


    joined the ranks of those pushing her away.


    Afterpleting her pile of work, Jasmine finally left thepany building. A stranger approached,


    calling out to her.


    ¡°Miss Jasmine,¡± he said as he walked toward her.


    ¡°Yes?¡± She turned to face him.


    ¡°Mr. Axel sent me toe get you,¡± the man exined.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I was sent to give you a ride home.¡± He exined.


    ¡°There¡¯ll be no need for that,¡± she replied, feeling a twinge of annoyance. Why was he sending


    someone to fetch her after clearly pushing her away? It felt like she was being treated as if she needed


    charity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need his help; I¡¯ll be fine,¡± she muttered, then began walking away.


    ¡°I can get rides myself,¡± she added under her breath.


    ¡°Moving back to the pack house?¡± Ethan asked, his voice raised in surprise.


    ¡°Why? I don¡¯t think you should; the ce where you are now is what¡¯s best for you¡± Ethan said, his


    honesty carrying a weight of concern. ¡°I mean, you were bing happy,¡± he stated.


    ¡°I was bing happy,¡± Axel repeated with a touch of bitterness.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t deserve it,¡± he added, the shadow of his past casting a gloom over his recent moments of


    contentment.


    Ethan sighed understanding Axel.


    ¡°What happened that day wasn¡¯t your fault, Axel. You were a child,¡± Ethan whispered, trying to break


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    through the heavy guilt Axel still carried.


    ¡°I caused the death of two people, my sister and my mother. How isn¡¯t it my fault?¡± Axel whispered


    back, his voiceden with the burden of remorse. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve any kind of happiness,¡± he added,


    the weight of self-condemnation evident in every word.


    ¡°You never actually got to forgive yourself,¡± Ethan stated.


    Axel only looked away.


    ¡°Have someone help me clean the ce up, would you?¡± Axel asked, abruptly changing the subject


    then walking away.


    At the age of nine, fueled by childish tantrums, he ran away from home. Little did he know that this


    impulsive act would unravel a tragic fate. His frantic mother, overwhelmed with worry, had embarked on


    a search with his older sister. They drove out through the rain soaked and almost flooded streets.


    There was am ident and they both died.


    Someone had found him and taken him back home. There the news was broken to him, his mother and


    sister were dead.


    The worse part of it, he never knew they had been on their way to find him when it happened.


    The aftermath of the ident left a drastic change on his father. The man who was a loving father


    became a hopeless drunk that couldn¡¯t stand the sight of his younger child. The death of his wife an


    daughter pushing him to the brink of madness.


    His father was cold to and abused him.


    For years, Axel had grappled with the torment of his father¡¯s relentless abuse, unable to understand


    why he was subjected to such cruelty. But with all of that, he tried to live a semnce of a normal life,


    attempting to be happy as he imagined his mother would have wanted. She wouldn¡¯t have wished


    for him to drown in continuous sorrow over their deaths.


    However, the illusion shattered on a fateful day when his father, pushed beyond the brink of sanity,


    erupted in a fit of rage. He hurtled a bottle through the air, striking the wall next to Axel with a sickening


    thud, shards of ss flew across his face and in that moment, the painful truth wasid bare.


    Stunned and bloodied, Axel listened as his father unleashed a torrent of pain and rage revealed what


    she actually happened that night. How his mom had headed out through the rain. How his worried


    sister ran out with her mom and into the car searching for him. They died all because of him. The


    revtion hit him like a sledgehammer, and he stood there eyes wide open, his forehead seeping


    blood.


    ¡°How could you live normally? Live freely, y, and smile after what you¡¯ve done, you monster!¡± His


    enraged father bellowed. ¡°You had the audacity to forget! After taking two lives!¡±


    That haunting day marked the death of Axel¡¯sughter. He had killed his family, that was all he could.


    think of.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    How could he be happy? He hadpletely no right. The fact he had lived a couple of years Baskin in


    ignorance only fueled his guilt even more. As a child it was all he could think of. It haunted him. One of


    the days he asked his father it would make him feel better if he died. ¡°You¡¯re your mother¡¯s only child


    left alive since you killed the other one. You need to stay alive. Being miserable should do.¡± The man


    had said gruffly.


    He locked everyone out. While his father¡¯s words moulded and broke him a thousand times over. And


    after that he never let in afterwards. He deserved to en alone. He begun to build bridges and


    barricades sealing himself shut.


    Seeing him that way, sober and quiet seems to appease his Father. The abuse reduced drastically. The


    house, a mansion was big enough for the two of them to live without having to see each other if the


    other so pleased.


    The days after that, Axel and his father existed as mere strangers sharing space, an ufortable


    silence echoing between them.


    The situation worsened when Axel reached the age to shift but discovered an unsettling reality, he


    you¡¯re useless, you don¡¯t even have a wolf. Pathetic,¡± his father¡¯s cruel remarks reverberated through


    therge house.


    That night, his father¡¯s assistant, witnessing the heart-wrenching scene, questioned.


    ¡°Where do you want to send him?¡± he asked, casting apassionate nce at the teenage Axel, who


    stood huddled in a corner.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. He¡¯s practically human anyway, Send him somewhere cold, where it snows all year long,¡±


    his father¡¯s response was cold and uncaring.


    ¡°Get him out of this house by tomorrow,¡± sealing Axel¡¯s fate.


    And that was it, the next thing he was pulled out of his home country, sent far away from everyone and


    everything he ever knew. He couldn¡¯t cry or so b or feel bad for himself, he deserved it.


    Until that doe eyed woman had shown up, making him feel things he should not.


    The sickening screech of metal and the abrupt m of brakes jolted Axel out of his trip down memory


    skull. He had collided with another car, lost in his thoughts, he felt the force of the impact, like his head;


    had been split in two. Fortunately, the other driver had reacted swiftly, reducing the seriousness of the


    crash


    Axel sighed, removing his sses as a burgeoning headache pulsed through him.


    He stepped out of the car slowly, feeling the burn at the back of his head intensify. He promptly


    apologized, acknowledging the faulty with him. Making a call, he arranged for his team to handle the


    aftermath. Weary, he sta gg ered back into his car, setting it to drive autonomously. As the vehicle


    glided homeward, Axel¡¯s mind drifted aimlessly.


    The car smoothly slid into the driveway, a notification snapping him back to the present. Exiting the car


    he sta ggered. Feeling a pain at the back of his head he massaged it.


    His phone vibrated, and Axel¡¯s released a groan.


    The voice on the other end ryed the unsettling news.


    ¡°Sir, about the youngdy you asked me to pick up and drive home. She refused the ride and headed


    home herself.¡±


    He still felt responsible for her, knowing she was in danger he¡¯d made arrangements. Someone was to


    take her to work and back everyday in his ce.


    ¡°What?!¡± He yelled.


    Axel¡¯s eyes widened in sudden panic. A surge of worry flooded him ¨C Jasmine was out alone? Walking


    through the dark streets by herself a deep sense of concern gripped him. Ignoring any semnce of


    exhaustion, he darted towards the elevator that would take him to the floor they both


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    shared while simultaneously dialing her number.


    The call was unanswered The feeling of anxiety increased, she was always with her phone, she always


    readily picked up before the first couple of rings.


    The constant rejection of his calls fueled his anxiety, each beep amplifying the tightening in his chest.


    His feet tapped impatiently standing in the elevator. He wanted to check, she had to be home.


    He sprinted out of the elevator the moment he reached the floor, while still dialing the number. It still


    went unanswered.


    He got to the front of the door and Impatiently pressed the doorbell, hoping against hope that she was


    safely home, that her head would pop out from the other side and ask him why he was at her door step.


    But he received no response. Frustration mounted as he pounded on her door, calling out Jasmine¡¯s


    name with increasing urgency. Stepping back, realization struck, she really wasn¡¯t home. She should


    have been home by now, something had definitely happened.


    A sense of foreboding settled over him. Nathan¡¯s ominous words reyed in his mind, the haunting


    echoes of Jasmine¡¯s fear, how she had been terrified and told him she was being watched. Axel¡¯s heart


    raced as he continued to dial her number, only to find it switched off. Panic intensified; he couldn¡¯t


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    reach her.


    Regret surged as he rushed back to the elevator, he shouldn¡¯t have let her out of his sight. He should


    have brought her home safely himself.


    Outside the building, Axel scanned the surroundings for any sign of her silhouette, hoping to find her


    walking towards the building. But he saw nothing, she wasn¡¯ting.


    Fear tightened its grip as he reckoned with the possibility of Jasmine being in danger. Breaking into a


    sprint, he went through the streets she would have taken, urgently calling out her name.


    The dimming street lights cast elongated shadows as Axel ventured further into the darkness.


    ¡°Jasmine!¡± He called one more time anxiously. Suddenly, a muf fled s ob reached his ears, momentarily


    freezing him in his tracks.


    ¡°Jasmine!¡± Axel¡¯s voice echoed with anxiety and fear as he sprinted towards the source of the sound,


    desperately hoping to find her unharmed.

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    Jasmine trudged off wearily, her steps echoing in the dimly lit streets after disembarking the public ride.


    She gulped nervously as she saw the almost pitch ck streets. She was almost beginning to feel


    regret for rejecting the ride Axel had sent her. But she was so hurt and blinded by anger at that time


    she stalked off. It was all false bravado but She didn¡¯t want Axel treating her that way and it being


    obvious she relied on him.


    As she pressed forward, the deste streets seemed to tighten their grip on her, and a shiver ran down


    her spine. Gripping her phone tightly, she activated its shlight feature, casting feeble rays that barely


    illuminated the path ahead. She missed the warm presence andpany of Axel.


    A sudden sound interrupted the quiet-footsteps, unmistakably approaching her location. Her heart


    raced as the echoes of the steps reverberated through the stillness.


    ¡°Christine¡± a voice called out, the excitement evident in its tone. Startled, she took a cautious step


    back, her hand instinctively reaching for the pepper spray nestled in her bag.


    The stranger continued towards her, his voice carrying an oddly affectionate cadence. ¡°Christine, my


    girl,¡± he dered, the words sending a chill down her spine. Suspicion etched across her face, she


    questioned him with a nervous swallow, ¡°Who¡¯s Christine? She wondered.


    As the man drew nearer, an unpleasant smell apanied his presence. She found it both sickening


    and eerily familiar.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she inquired cautiously, her heart pounding in her throat as she nervously swallowed.


    The man drew closer, emanating a sickening smell that stung.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, you know me,¡± he insisted, his eyes widened with familiarity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± she stated firmly. A sudden realization widened her eyes-he was the man who had been


    stalking her for months.


    ¡°It had been so hard to find you after all those years. But I did. I finally did,¡± he eximed in excitement.


    ¡°Sorry I took so long to find you,¡± the man


    apologized.


    Jasmine took another step back, uneasy as the man¡¯s excitement became palpable. ¡°I found you some


    months ago, so I just watched. We would walk home together every day,¡± he added. ¡°We had happy


    walks, but suddenly, I couldn¡¯t see you anymore,¡± he said with a touch of sadness. ¡°Because of that


    guy,¡± he gritted out, his anger directed towards Axel.


    Axel! Jasmine tightened her grip on her phone. ¡°I don¡¯t know you, stay away from me!¡± she yelled,


    attempting to sound brave and keep her voice steady. His steps faltered.


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t know me? How could you forget? Is it because of that guy?¡± he asked, his confusion


    and frustration evident.


    ¡°We used to have so much fun together.¡± He stated angrily.


    The way he said the word fun made goosebumps break all over her skin.


    The man was oddly familiar in a Terrifying way. Being this close to him filled her with terror.


    Eager to escape, she scanned her surroundings and took another step


    backward. ¡°It¡¯s because of him, right!¡± the man yelled angrily. ¡°Who is he?¡± he demanded. ¡°Stay back!¡±


    she shouted, brandishing the pepper spray in front of him, further fueling his anger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you!¡± she cried, releasing the spray into his face. He yelled in agony, prompting her to turn


    and run the other way. ¡°Help!¡± she screamed into the dark night, attempting to dial Axel with tears of


    fright in her eyes.


    ¡°Stop there!¡± he yelled, grabbing her arm and knocking the phone from her grip. ¡°Let go! Let me go!¡±


    she pleaded anxiously. ¡°My Christine, I¡¯ve missed you so much,¡± he said passionately, pinning her


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    against the wall and pressing his l*ps against hers. For a moment, she went numb.


    The familiar sickening feeling overwhelmed her. It wasn¡¯t the first time this had happened, and fear and


    helplessness crashed down on her. No, she wouldn¡¯t let it happen again.


    She struggled relentlessly, a burst of adrenaline coursing through her. Sheshed out, wing madly,


    kicking at his feet, and thrashing loudly. The impact had him howling in pain. As she tried to run, he


    grabbed her by the


    13:19 Tue,


    hair, dragging her backward. She stumbled and fell to the ground, the air


    knocked out of her.


    ¡°My Christine,¡± he chuckled loudly. ¡°It took me this long to have you in my arms once more.¡± The


    memories of the basement, being locked up, and abused flooded her mind. Her dress was raised


    above her waist, and she sobbed as she struggled.


    ¡°Stop! Help!¡± she cried inwardly, feeling real terror and pain. Her life had been nk for years, waking


    up at the hospital without memories. The sickening, familiar feeling of assault made her question if it


    was the past she was desperately trying to forget.


    Her mind went to Axel, hisforting smell, and calming presence. Tears streamed down her face.


    The man buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply. ¡°You smell good, as always,¡± he


    purred while groping her continuously.


    ¡°You¡¯reing back home with me,¡± he stated sinisterly, pushing a smelly fabric into her mouth. The


    smell made her head feel woozy, more tears falling from her eyes. Gradually, her eyes closed, and she


    stopped struggling.


    ¡°Jasmine!¡± she heard a voice call out. She recognized the voice-Axel! He wasing to get her.


    In her struggle against the gag, Jasmine fought to call out, desperation evident in her mu ffled attempts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± the man urged, his anxiety palpable as he helped her to her feet, attempting to


    hastily lead her away. Despite her struggle, Jasmine persistently sought to catch Axel¡¯s attention, her


    muf fled cries echoing in the night.


    ¡°Jasmine?!¡± Axel¡¯s hopeful and determined call rang through the dimly lit streets, guiding him toward


    the source of the noise. Running towards her, his eyes widened at the sight that unfolded. She


    managed to pull the gag out of her mouth just in time.


    The man turned towards/Axel, anger etched across his face as he brandished a pocket knife. Eager to


    strike, Axel, who had been on his way for weeks, lunged at him, skillfully kicking the knife out of his


    hand. Axel¡¯s speed and physical agility prevailed, swiftly bringing the man down to the ground.


    With the assant pinned beneath him, Axel turned his attention to Jasmine.


    ¡°Are you okay?!¡± he called, concern evident in his voice as he assessed her well- being. Terrified and


    relieved, Jasmine nodded, stumbling and falling to the ground, where she released tears of fear and


    relief.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± The man struggled.


    Jasmine grabbed her phone immediately shakily dialing the emergency number.


    Soon the once quiet streets now with the cacophony of police cars, their shing lights casting an eerie


    glow. As officers loaded the man into the car, he frantically called out, ¡°Christine! Christine!¡± A


    desperate plea echoed in the night, ¡°She¡¯s mine! Christine, tell them. Tell them right now!¡± His voice


    carried a mix of hysteria and possessiveness.


    Axel observed the chaotic scene, ensuring the man was securely confined, then turned his attention to


    Jasmine. Covered with a nket, she remained crouched on the floor, visibly shaken.


    ¡°Sir,¡± the driver who had initially offered to chaffeur Jasmine spoke up he had arrived with a car.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Axel asked Jasmine gently, concern etched on his face.


    ¡°Would you like to go to the hospital?¡± he inquired, his demeanor empathetic. She shook her head, her


    gaze vacant, staring into the distance. Deathly pale, she seemed lost in her thoughts. Slowly, he took


    her arm and guided her towards the waiting car.


    ¡°That man, it seemed like he knew me,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    ¡°He called me Christine¡± her voice cracked slightly as she talked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it,¡± Axel assured her, absorbing her words.


    ¡°Could it be?¡± Axel pondered, contemting the unsettling connection.


    Jasmine¡¯s mind was reeling with questions. The name ¡°Christine¡± resonated with the mysterious


    memories and nightmares haunting her for a long time


    now.


    ¡°I need answers,¡± she dered with determination. ¡°I want to go right now,¡± she stated, locking eyes


    with Axel. ¡°To the station?¡± he questioned, gauging her


    resolve. ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, the fire of curiosity burning within her. Inside her, a storm of questions


    raged, convinced that this man held the key to unraveling the enigma surrounding her past and nk


    memories. She had the feeling that she was and had forgotten something very important. Something


    that filled her with dread whenever she tried to remember.


    Soon they got there.


    ¡°Can I talk to him? Privately,¡± Jasmine requested, determined to uncover more. As she entered the


    room, the man called out, ¡°Christine!¡± struggling with the cuffs under the table. ¡°You really don¡¯t


    remember?!¡± he yelled, asserting their supposed connection. ¡°You were mine, you always have been.


    Do you have any idea how long it took to find you?!¡± Jasmine flinched, the weight of his words. sinking


    in.¡±We thought you were dead!¡± he shouted, revealing a shocking revtion. Jasmine¡¯s mind raced


    back to the hospital, waking up with no memories. ¡°Do you know me?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Of course I do! Christine, Christine!¡± he kept calling, his face triggering deeply buried memories that


    seemed painful.Her head throbbed, echoes of voices and images overwhelming her. She grabbed her


    head, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She stood abruptly then rushed out of the room.


    Are you okay?¡± Axel asked her.


    She nodded slowly then shook her head.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Take me home.¡± She pleaded with tears filled eyes.


    Axel stared back at the man. It was clear, he actually knew Jasmine from years back. He might have


    clues to what had happened.


    Somehow he was linked to those memories Jasmine would rather forget.


    She was at most sixteen when everything had happened. He had an inkling this man was the person


    she had been trying to run away from. She was just a child at that time.


    Hsi fingers clenched in anger staring at the man. Suddenly he felt pure regret for involving the police,


    he would have handled it himself.


    The man handcuffed stared directly at Axel.


    13:19 Tue, 2


    Finding out where this man came from would be discovering more about Jasmine¡¯s past and most


    probably what had happened to Nathan¡¯s wife that night.


    He would get him out of jail first. He would be paying the man a visitter on, he decided walking to his


    car.


    Authors Note: Hey guys, Thank you for sticking with me till now, stick with me please. Everything


    happening would begin to make sense very soon.

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    Late at night, Ethan wearily found his way home, the silence enveloping the house in its usual stillness.


    Carefully shedding his suit and tie, he ventured further inside, where the quiet darkness was abruptly


    shattered by the sudden flicker of light, revealing Be.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she purred, her voice hanging in the air. He, in turn, questioned, ¡°It¡¯ste, why are you still


    up?¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for you,¡± she exined, her eyes betraying a hint of longing. Ethan released a sigh and


    continued toward the foyer, intending to Just ignore her and retreat for the night.


    ¡°Ethan, wait,¡± she called, following him.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Be not now, I¡¯m exhausted, I need sleep.¡± He stated.


    She sighed. I¡¯m sorry. I really am¡± she pleaded.


    ¡°How long will we continue like this? I apologize; I didn¡¯t know what came over me,¡± she said, her misty


    eyes locking onto his.


    ¡°You remember, right? We could have had kids, like that age,¡± she whispered, closing the distance


    between them. Her fingers expertly trailed through his neckline, a subtle touch that spoke volumes.


    She sighed, resting her head on his chest, creating an innocent yet intimate moment between them.


    Ethan inhaled a shaky, heavy breath. Despite the concealed face, Be¡¯s demeanor


    held a small smile.


    ¡°I made dinner, all by myself,¡± she proudly announced, leading the way to the dining hall. There, she


    switched on the lights, unveiling the carefully set table with a practiced smile that masked her true


    intentions.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re mad. I don¡¯t like how our rtionship has been the past few days, weeks rather,¡± she


    cun ningly admitted, her eyes feigning sincerity as she awaited a response. Ethan remained silent


    watching her quietly.


    She bit her l*ps. She imagined this might have happened, she had however prepared ahead.


    Her hand moved to her wrist delicately, a calcted move to evoke concern.


    16:06 Wed, 3


    Ethan¡¯s worry heightened, furrowing his brow as he noticed her wrist was bandaged. ¡°What


    happened?¡± he questioned, his genuine concern ying right into her hands.


    ¡°Erm, it¡¯s nothing,¡± she dismissed with a carefully crafted nonchnce.


    ¡°I just hurt myself lightly while trying to make food,¡± she exined.


    ¡°It¡¯s too bad I¡¯m weak. I don¡¯t heal fast enough,¡± she added with a fabricated sad smile, manipting


    the situation to garner his sympathy.


    ¡°Please,e eat with me,¡± she implored, stretching her arm out. Ethan, caught in a web of conflicting


    emotions, hesitated. Despite what had happened, she was still his wife, and the effort she had put into


    the dinner weighed on him. With a resigned sigh, he made his way to the table, settling into the chair.


    She watched him eat and after some minutes she spoke up.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Be called, reaching out to hold his hand on the table. ¡°Can we do this more? Have dinner


    together as we used to?¡± she pleaded, her eyes filled with anticipation. His gaze was hazy.


    ¡°Sure,¡± he finally answered. She passed him a ss of wine, and he took it, his thoughts still veiled.


    ¡°So, you¡¯lle home early from now so we can eat together,¡± she stated with a hopeful smile,


    watching him closely. A yawn escaped Ethan, signaling his exhaustion.


    He nodded tiredly.


    ¡°Goodnight,¡± he said lightly, giving her a k*ss on top of her head. She smiled, bidding him goodnight as


    he ascended the stairs, heading to their room. She watched him a small smile creeping it¡¯s way to her


    face.


    Be sat in the room long after Ethan left. Her mind and thoughts were reeling. She stood after some


    time, walking around her home, touching the exquisite and expensive furniture with a thoughtful look on


    her face. That poor omega girl hade a long way, from nothing, and she wasn¡¯t about to go back to


    being a nob*dy ever again. She swore with tears in her eyes.


    Orphaned at an early age, she and her brother were pushed to do certain things she wasn¡¯t proud of.


    At twelve, she could already pick pockets and steal from people. She had light fingers. Before she


    turned sixteen, she graduated from that to something else that could earn her even more money; she


    left her packpletely with her older brother.


    0


    16:06 Wed, 3


    There, she met someone from ck Axe. He had a business offer for her. It was lucrative, and she


    jumped right into it. Until an incident almost eight years ago now. She killed three people. Then she


    fled. Luckily for her, when she worked for that pack cult, she kept her face partly hidden. There was a


    big misunderstanding one day she ended up ending the life of the boss there, and two other people.


    Afterwards, she fled, relieved no one knew what had happened. Things were covered hurriedly


    because there was a fire that day, a fire she had caused to clear off the evidence of what she did.


    She¡¯d taken off her hoodie and everything she had on because of the heat, and she had thrown it into


    the mes as well as she watched the warehouse burn.


    ¨C


    But what she didn¡¯t know was that someone had actually seen her at the scene of what happened,


    seen her face. Someone who could it be? she wondered. After she fled, she engaged in petty activities


    and worked at a bar. Acting weak and docile came easily to her; she was a skilled maniptor. She


    had no idea that someone had been watching her.


    One day, a stranger approached her, acknowledging her proficiency in


    manipting people. He mentioned knowing someone interested in hiring her for an important job. The


    person she met that night was Gabriel. He left a contact card for her at the bar and departed. Be at


    that time was feeling exhausted andpletely burnt out from the kind of work she was doing. From


    working three shifts a day, desperately needed opportunity, so she grabbed it calling the number on the


    card. However, the card waspletely nk, with only a number written on it.


    She was contracted and given a job over the phone.


    That job, was Ethan. She had no idea who the person was that hired her; the only time she ever


    discussed with him was over the phone. The only thing she knew about him was his name: Derrick. His


    instruction was simple ¨C all she had to do was be Ethan¡¯s new mate, to get Hazel to leave Ethan.


    She seeded in running Hazel off, but the moment she achieved that, Derrick never contacted her


    again. She was paid a massive sum of money, enough to set her off for life. However, she couldn¡¯t


    leave. But she couldn¡¯t leave, She had experienced for a moment what it was like to be the woman of


    someone prominent. And when she tasted it first hand, having money, such control and people


    underneath her, she couldn¡¯t turn back to the streets. It would never happen to her ever again. She was


    done being that orphaned omega that had to scramble for every single thing. Gabriel on the other hand


    said he had never met with the main man ever in his life as well. He knew nothing about him. Gabriel


    too have vanished he However suddenly pooped back into her life again few months


    ago.


    At that time, her mind was made up; there was no use clinging to nothing. The best thing she could do


    was make use of whatever opportunities she could find. And that was precisely what she did. She had


    no regrets; she would do it time and time again. To remain where she was, she was ready to die in the


    position as Mrs. Wild. She would rather die than return to the streets, she swore inwardly.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    (Important note at end of chapter)


    ¡°I found something,¡± Sebastian informed Be. ¡°Not about the girl, but your husband,¡± he stated.


    ¡°About Ethan?¡± Be asked, her tone piqued with interest.


    ¡°Yes,¡± came the reply.


    ¡°Hurry up and say it!¡± she semi-yelled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching and following his assistant for some time; they seem to frequent Clevnd


    Hospital,¡± he stated.


    An exasperated sigh escaped Be¡¯s l*ps. ¡°I¡¯m already aware of that,¡± she admitted with irritation. ¡°I


    was hoping for something more substantial,¡± she mused aloud. ¡°That incident was weeks ago; why


    does he still frequent the hospital?¡± she questioned, a perplexed furrow creasing her brow.Sebastian


    wasn¡¯t finished yet, adding anotheryer to the unfolding mystery. ¡°He¡¯s definitely been visiting


    someone there.¡±Sensing the gravity of the situation, he suggested, ¡°I think you should find out for


    yourself.¡±


    Determined to get to the bottom of things, Be decided to take matters into her own hands. Instead of


    confronting Ethan directly, she resolved to head to the hospital herself. Despite her aversion to


    hospitals and the sickening feelings they stirred within her, the need for rity propelled her forward,


    she wanted to know who it was Ethan was always visiting.


    Before she exited the car, her eyes scanned the surroundings. To her surprise and disbelief, she


    spotted a family face walking out of the hospital along with two kids.


    ¡°Hazel?!¡± she eximed, questioning the reality of what she was witnessing.


    A torrent of questions flooded Be¡¯s mind. Why Hazel? When did she return? Whose children were


    they? Recognition struck like lightning. The children were the same ones that had ruined her dress on


    that fateful night.


    Frustration and suspicion clouded her mind as she entered the hospital, determined to unravel the


    mystery.


    Minutester, she stormed out, a storm of emotions brewing within her.


    Ethan had indeed been a frequent visitor to the hospital. She had inquired from the cleaning staff.


    Armed with money she could find out what she wanted.


    Hazel¡¯s kid was being hospitalized and Ethan had been visiting. He had actually beening to see


    his ex-wife¡¯s kids. Hazel¡¯s kids weren¡¯t his right? The thought had her head and mind spinning. That


    couldn¡¯t have been why he¡¯d reacted that way that night, could it? They couldn¡¯t actually be Ethan¡¯s


    kids. She shook her head incredulously.No! They couldn¡¯t be


    |||


    O


    Ethan¡¯s. If they were, she would end them herself.


    ****


    The report you asked for the other time came in.¡± Axel said passing a document to Ethan. His face was


    tensed in seriousness.


    1


    ¡°Just give me a summary¡± Ethan demanded, he didn¡¯t like the guy and wanted to be done quickly with


    him.


    ¡°He has his ownpany, his mate died About eight years ago.¡± Axel took a difficult breath.


    ¡°On record¡­¡± Axel paused.


    ¡°It is said he has two kids.¡± He exined.


    ¡°Two kids?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°I never knew he had two kids.¡± Ethan stated that piece of news had made him curious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you would take this.¡± Axel hesitated. When he had done the digging he hadn¡¯t


    believed it himself, until he had rectified.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Liam and Daisy are Nathan¡¯s kids.¡± Axel broke it to him.


    The pen in Ethan¡¯s hands dropped.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be, Hazel said he was someone she barely knew, that he didn¡¯t want them. That he was


    married.¡± Ethan said standing up. The new he had just heard was just unbelievable.


    ¡°I found the hospital where they were born, and the city as well. Nathan is their father.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s arms fisted. He couldn¡¯t believe this, Hazel had lied, she had told him several lies. She had


    been fooling him all along. He was dumb to have thought he stood a chance, how Hazel and Nathan


    must haveughed at his st upidity and generosity.


    ¡°Where is She?¡± He asked quietly.


    There had to be an exnation, a reason why she had lied to him brutally in that manner.


    He had no idea how he had driven, but the next moment he was at the lobby of the hospital.


    Hazel was alone in the ward room. Nathan had taken them Downstairs to have lunch.


    Ethan stormed the room breathing heavily.


    ¡°Ethan?!¡± She called in surprise.


    ¡°Hazel, when I asked you about the father of your kids, what did you tell me?!¡± He asked quietly.


    |||


    Hazel was quiet.


    Why was he asking her that all of a sudden.


    Seeing her panicked look he felt a deep pain in his chest. She looked like someone who had been


    caught lying.


    ¡°What you told me that night, they were lies?¡± He asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Nathan is actually the father! But you lied, you said something else!¡± He yelled.


    Hazel blinked severally and rapidly. The relief she felt was enormous. She thought for a while there,


    Ethan had found out.


    ¡°You checked details of my kids? What gives you the right?¡± She asked taking a defensive.


    stance.


    ¡°Who do you think you are? Huh Ethan?¡±


    Ethan waspletely taken aback by how cold she sounded.


    ¡°How could you have lied like that Hazel? That night, we say here, baring out emotions. I thought I was


    connecting with you but you were lying?!¡± He yelled. Ethan asked his expression that if pain.


    ¡°For a sec there, I thought we were through all of that.¡± He was badly hurt. He and Hazel¡¯s rtionship


    had been getting better, hearing of this deceit was a big blow to him. One that left him feeling drained


    and weak.


    ¡°Well we were not!¡± Hazel countered with a smallugh.


    She would take advantage of this, to get Ethan out her life permanently.


    ¡°You¡¯re my ex-husband,why should I fill you in about details of my life?!¡± She thundered


    back.


    ¡°You lied!¡± He yelled.


    ¡°Yes I lied to you, so?¡± She asked defensively.


    She chuckled lightly.


    ¡°I did it to take advantage of your kindness and I guess it worked.¡± She smiled bitterly.


    Her heart was shattering to pieces.


    Lies, all lies. Stop it Hazel. But she couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± She¡¯continued seeing his hurt expression left her feeling suffocated but she


    pressed on.


    |||


    O


    13:03


    ¡°I mean,¡± she stated.


    ¡°You got married, was there a rule that said I shouldn¡¯t move on? You were thinking I¡¯d still be hung up


    on you waiting on you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Or what were you thinking?¡± She asked with an incredulous scoff.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t actually think there was hope left between us, that with their father gone you could take that


    ce and maybe I would take you back, that somehow on some illusion they could be yours?¡±


    Ethan¡¯s visibly flinched. She has struck a nerve there.


    What had he been thinking?


    A part of his a small part of him had visualize them being part of his life and future. Be didn¡¯t matter


    to him as much as they did. If she¡¯d given him another chance, asked him to pick once more. He would


    have chosen her, her kids didn¡¯t have to be his own. It didn¡¯t matter. That didn¡¯t matter to him at all.


    Hearing it from her l*ps, she had only been using him.


    How much had theyughed at his ring st a upidity? It made his blood boil in rage and pain.


    He really had no ce here. Liam and Daisy¡¯s father was there, present in their lives.


    Hazel stood there watching Ethan¡¯s expression. Her heart breaking. Every single thing that had


    escaped her l*ps had been lies. The pain Ethan was feeling was clear to see on his face. He was


    staring at her wide eyed and in disbelief.


    spun.


    He


    He looked around in a daze His breathing be rapt and short his head stumbled backwards


    bumping into a vase it fell crashing to the floor. Broken shards, just like his rtionship with Hazel.


    Just then Nathan walked in along with the twins, Daisy held in his arms.


    Ethan stared at them.


    This was a family, he had only been an outsider wishfully thinking. He released a bark of painful


    He quietly walked out of the room


    ¡°Mr princess?.¡± Liam softly,


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± He called trying to go after him.


    Authors Note


    Hello, everyone. There was a mix up in names earlier on. NOAH is NATHAN, Please.


    |||


    O


    I¡¯m really sorry about the mix up, I was caught up in a whole lot of things, and this happens to be my


    very first novel, I would work even harder and make improvements in the future. Thank you


    you for sticking with me. Updates would be more frequent from now on, I promise. And no, I won¡¯t drag


    on or dump this novel, I n to bring it to an end this month. Thank


    you.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    Hazel eased herself into a chair, still in a daze. Her breaths were shallow and ragged. She didn¡¯t want


    her kids to see her like that, she really wanted them to leave.


    Nathan extended an offer, ¡°Do you want to grab some snacks from the vending machine at the


    reception? They¡¯ve got games there,¡± he suggested, gently cing Daisy on her own feet and


    squatting beside them.


    ¡°But Ethan,¡± Liam interjected, ncing backward. The yful address of ¡°Mr. Princess¡± was noticeably


    absent, reced by a somber and serious demeanor.


    His eyes darted between his mom, Nathan, and the door, in a silent contemtion.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he finally agreed with a resigned sigh. ¡°Come on, Daisy,¡± he stated, taking her hand and


    leading her out of the room.


    Nathan took a seat beside Hazel, the air heavy with tension of the confrontation that had just


    transpired.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What happened?¡± He asked her calmly.


    ¡°Ethan¡¯s found out,¡± Hazel murmured, her voice carrying the weight of regret and sadness.


    ¡°He thinks you¡¯re the twins father.¡±


    you


    ¡°Nathan, do you remember the day I gave birth? I had a medical emergency, and filled in Liam¡¯s and


    Daisy¡¯s details as their father. Ethan found out. He went digging into the dates, time, and ce,¡± she


    exined.


    ¡°Thank goodness,¡± Nathan muttered, surprising Hazel. ¡°I lied to him, again,¡± she mumbled, wondering


    why he seemed pleased about it.


    ¡°To protect your kids, Hazel,¡± Nathan rified. ¡°Now, he¡¯ll get off your backpletely.¡±


    Hazel stood up and paced around. The conflicting emotions overwhelming her. This was what she


    wanted, to have Ethan fooled totally so he never returned, she should be happy, but at the same time,


    her heart was breaking. The image of Ethan¡¯s face haunted her, the disbelief in his eyes. He looked like


    he was In pain. Her words had been sharp and brutal. None of that was true.


    ¡°It¡¯s all for the best,¡± Nathan calmly affirmed, meeting Hazel¡¯s conflicted gaze. She bit her l*p, wrestling


    with her emotions, and turned away.


    ¡°We can make it real, Hazel/I don¡¯t have to be their dad in records only,¡± Nathan proposed, closing the


    distance between them and gently holding her hands. Hazel¡¯s face contorted in surprise.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± she questioned, her eyes searching for rity.


    13:03 Fri, 5 Jan


    Nathan took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m saying, Hazel, we could be a real family. I don¡¯t have to be their dad in


    records only, I could be a real one.¡±


    ¡°Nathan,¡± Hazel interrupted, her voice hushed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not finished,¡± he said tenderly, holding her arms again. ¡°I love your kids, Hazel. From the moment I


    brought into this world.¡± Nathan¡¯s words carried sincerity, his eyes brimming with genuine emotion.


    ¡°And slowly, I began to fall for you,¡± Nathan admitted,ying his feelings bare.


    ¡°Your wife,¡± Hazel whispered, still bewildered by the revtion.


    Nathan sighed. ¡°She would have wanted this, for me to move on. There¡¯s no closure if that never


    happens. I can¡¯t continue living like that, running around in circles. She would have wanted this for me


    too,¡± he added, referencing histe wife.


    Hazel was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise. She struggled to process the weight of Nathan¡¯s


    words. He was actually proposing to her?


    ¡°Nathan, I¡­¡± she began, her thoughts sc attered and uncertain.


    ¡°Marry me, Hazel,¡± he interrupted passionately, his conviction clear in his gaze. ¡°I¡¯ll treat you as you


    deserve to be treated, not as a second option, but the very first. And your kids,¡± he chuckled lightly, ¡°are


    already my kids,¡± he finished with a small, fond smile.


    ¡°Nathan, I can¡¯t¡­¡± she hesitated, her internal turmoil evident.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you think it through, no pressure,¡± he assured her, offering a small, reassuring squeeze. ¡°Don¡¯t


    worry too much, Hazel,¡± he continued, cupping her face gently and stroking it lightly. ¡°With what just


    happened and us being a family, Ethan would never bother us ever again,¡± he asserted confidently,


    Instead of reassurance, those words made her stomach tighten.


    ¡°We would leave, go to a country far away once Daisy¡¯s surgery isplete,¡± Nathan continued, his


    eyes bing bright and hopeful.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the right time for this, I know,¡± he sighed. ¡°But I just have to let you know, you¡¯re not alone in


    this. Okay?¡± he asked gently.


    Hazel nodded, her gratitude evident. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, slowly withdrawing her hand and


    walking away. ¡°Ethan probably hates me now,¡± she couldn¡¯t help but murmur.


    Hourster, Nathan departed for hispany, his spirits soaring with hope. He held a strong conviction


    that Hazel would ept his proposal.


    In his office, immersed in optimistic thoughts, Nathan was interrupted by Jasmine¡¯s sudden entrance.


    ¡°Nathan,¡± she called, drawing his attention.


    13:03 Fri,


    Looking up, he observed Jasmine closely. She appeared exhausted, as if deprived of decent sleep for


    days. Her restlessness didn¡¯t go unnoticed. She was fidgety and unsure of what she was about to say.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he responded with a frown. ¡°Are you okay? Have you been sleeping well?¡± he inquired,


    genuine concern etched on his face.


    ¡°Adeline,¡± she began, nervously licking her l*ps. The mention of histe wife¡¯s name tightened Nathan¡¯s


    features.


    ¡°Were we friends?¡± she asked, her eyes searching Nathan¡¯s face for answers. His frown deepened in


    response.


    ¡°When I woke up, you were there. You slowly helped me get back on track, my life and every other


    thing. I never met Adeline; I never knew you back then, right?¡± she inquired, looking up at him with a


    mix of curiosity and uncertainty.


    Nathan nodded slowly and reluctantly. He had told her so many lies, different ones intertwined. Most of


    them didn¡¯t even add up or make sense, but she¡¯d never noticed. Shepletely trusted him.


    Everything he said was the truth.


    ¡°But why does it feel like I know her?¡± she pondered. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nathan asked, still studying


    her intently.


    Did she remember something? What did she recall?


    ¡°Did I know her? Did I ever meet her? Whenever I look at her pictures, she seems really familiar,


    almost unreal, like an angel. But I have no real memories of her, only the things you told me about her,¡±


    she stated, a questioning uncertainty lingering in the air.


    ¡°But why does it feel like I know her?¡± She asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nathan inquired, studying her closely. Did she remember something? He


    wondered anxiously.


    ¡°Did I know her? Did I ever meet her? Whenever I look at her pictures, she seems really familiar,


    almost unreal, like an angel. But I have no real memories of her, only the things you told me about her.¡±


    She stated.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know her; you never met her,¡± he assured her quietly, lying through his teeth. Something


    was amiss, very wrong with her. She had forgotten something crucial.


    Adeline, whenever she gazed at her pictures, a slight smile would grace her l*ps, a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu


    lingering. It felt like she knew that woman, but she couldn¡¯t quite ce it. Now, the nightmares had


    begun.


    Ever Since the attack that night, questions gued her mind ¨C what if her name was Christine?


    The cops dismissed it just actions of deranged stalker, but Jasmine sensed there was more.


    13:03 Fri,


    An eerie, familiar painful feeling enveloped her, as if she had experienced it herself, she would have


    nightmares through the nights and wake up covered in cold sweats.


    ¡°Jasmine, Jasmine,¡± Nathan called, noticing her distant


    gaze and apparent


    daze.


    She wasn¡¯t responding, he touched her lightly.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he called again. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    (+5


    Her eyes gradually met his.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered after a few seconds.


    For a moment the two only looked at themselves.


    Nathan sighed, he might have approached her the first time with ulterior motives, but now, all he


    wanted was for her to be happy and safe. He would move on, with Hazel and her dumplings, the


    thought made him smile a little.


    ¡°Nathan,¡± Jasmine called again, punctuating the quietude that enveloped them.


    Anxiety etched her face as she whispered, ¡°She didn¡¯t die because of me, right?¡± Fear gripped her,


    terrorizing her thoughts.


    ¡°No. No, she didn¡¯t,¡± Nathan reassured her, offering aforting touch.


    Jasmine visibly rxed, the weight of imagined guilt lifted from her shoulders. ¡°I need to get back to


    work,¡± she mumbled, pivoting away and exiting the room.


    Nathan watched her retreating figure, a sigh escaping his l*ps. The old version of him would have


    eagerly probed, pushing her to unveil any knowledge she might possess. He might have sought to


    extract information, encouraging her to recollect and, perhaps, even assign me. But now, he had


    moved beyond that; she, too, was a victim. Perhaps, they could all carve out a life, maybe even find


    happiness. After all, life was for the living.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    Jasmine met waiting car outside her workce again, Axel¡¯s persistent gesture. With a resigned sigh,


    she chose to walk, dismissing the driver he had sent. Upon reaching home, she was met with the sight


    of Axel¡¯s belongings being packed.


    Confused, she questioned, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Axel, are you moving away?¡± she asked quietly, the distance between them pronounced since that


    fateful night.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he confirmed, leaving her heart sinking. He was physically distancing himself, going to the


    lengths of moving away. The realization hit her hard.


    If he didn¡¯t want her, while did be keep acting concerned and sending rides to ensure her safety. She


    was tired of the push and pull game.


    Feeling the weight of his decision, she pleaded, ¡°Axel, stop sending the rides. I don¡¯t need them. I¡¯m


    fine now; you caught the stalker.¡± Her voice wavered with a hint of emotion. ¡°So please stop. Thank you


    for everything and Goodnight.¡±


    With that, she retreated into her own space, copsing onto her bed, releasing the pent- up emotions In


    small s obs.


    Be finally returned home instead of the usual silence on the first floor, she met Ethan. Slouched over


    a stool at the wet bar of their home. She was surprised. Ethan was never home this early. His head


    was downwards, be didn¡¯t seem to have noticed her.


    Her fist tightened.


    Hazel his ex-wife was back, he had been meeting with her and her kids. She had found out by herself.


    The thought made her blood boil.


    But she still felt a little optimistic, she might just be imagining it. Hazel¡¯s kids could actually be Ethan¡¯s.


    Over five years ago, she could recall, just before Hazel and Ethan¡¯s rejection, she had asked him to


    promise her be wouldn¡¯t leave her.


    Ethan had assured her he would divorce Hazel. But it hade with a condition that had made him


    really nervous. He wouldn¡¯t be able to divorce Hazel, if she was pregnant. At that time she had be


    anxious. But then, Hazel¡¯s pregnancy tests hade out negative, that very day she had moved into


    Ethan¡¯s house. Ethan was thorough, four test strips had been used, Hazel was definitely not pregnant


    when she Left. There had to be some other reasons as to why he was seeing them.


    The thoughts still didn¡¯t make her pleased nor happy.


    JII


    O


    ¡°Be, I didn¡¯t see you there.¡± Ethan said suddenly raising his head.


    She stered a smile on her face.


    He stretched out his hand for her.


    ¡°Come.¡± He cajoled.


    She walked to him then took his hand. Ethan pulled her down to his b*dy. The sudden movements


    shocked her.


    Be¡¯s surprise grew as Ethan¡¯s behavior became increasingly erratic.


    Uncharacteristically disoriented, he was acting out of character, even disying


    unsteady movements.


    ¡°Ethan are you drunk?¡± She asked in surprise a frown forming on her face.


    In their over five years of being together, Ethan had never been drunk, he barely drank despite his


    ability to handle alcohol.


    The thought crossed Be¡¯s mind ¨C was he trying to avoid a repetition of the day he imed her as his


    mate? On that day, he Had also been drunk.


    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk, I only had a little.¡± Ethan denied with a slur.


    That little seemed to be more than enough, Ethan¡¯s tolerance of alcohol was apparently


    low now.


    Her frown deepened. Did it have something to do with the drug? She wondered.


    Her trail of thoughts was interrupted by Ethan pressing a k*ss against her neck. His arms grip tightened


    pulling hee closer to himself. Be felt herself melt in his arms.


    His trail of k*ss¡¯s were sc attered trailing up her neck to her face. His hot breath against hers left her


    feeling breathless. She squirmed against him.


    She closed her eyes to the sensation.


    Suddenly he stopped then pulled away.


    She opened her eyes to him staring down at her.


    ¡°Be.¡± He muttered.


    Her heart went soaring wild. This was all she wanted, Ethan¡¯s attention and love.


    Ethan stroked her hair gently.


    She¡¯s not Hazel. He sighed


    12:57 Sat, 6 Jan


    Be frowned noticing the sudden change again.


    ¡®But, she¡¯s always been here. Hazel was a liar and maniptor. Her little s ob stories were to get his


    pity. She had admitted it herself.


    ¡°Ethan.¡± Be whined staring up at him with want.


    Ethan¡¯s l*ps came crashing down against Be¡¯s.


    In an instant he picked her up leading her the way through the stairs to their bedroom.


    Be was excited, she could feel her heart racing madly. She wanted this, she wanted him. Ethan


    however had always been too busy for her.


    They seperated for a moment as heid her down gently on the bed. Then Undressed her slowly. His


    own clothes came off and then he joined her.


    About an hour of their slow tortuous S**, the twoy well satiated. Ethan¡¯s arms reached out for Be


    grabbing her and pulling her to himself. He was mumbling words she couldn¡¯t understand.


    When she finally heard what he was saying she frozepletely.


    ¡°Hazel.¡± Ethan whispered onst time then wentpletely quiet.


    Be¡¯s initial shock gave way to rage.


    She exited the bed immediately pulling a robe around her b*dy as she stared at him in disbelief.


    She couldn¡¯t believe her ears. He had made love to her, held her and then muttered his ex-wife¡¯s name!


    She paced round the room, it was simply unbelievable.


    ¡°Why did you have toe back?¡± She questioned angrily still pacing.


    Everything was going fine.


    ¡°Hazel, I won¡¯t let you off.¡± She swore.


    Restless she couldn¡¯t sleep anymore.


    She had to find out more about Hazel. For now the only thing she knew was that they frequently stayed


    at the hospital.


    At that moment it hit her. Be scoffed angrily.


    That had to be why, Ethan¡¯s continuous visits to the cleavnd hospital, the sudden


    O


    12:57 Sat, 6 Jan


    fundraiser, the new projects and donations! They had to have been done because of Hazel¡¯s influence.


    Be was so furious she nearly pulled her hair out. And even worse, he had picked Hazel¡¯s brats over


    her.


    She would need to find out everything.


    Where Hazel worked, what she was up to, where her kids went to school. Every single thing. And as for


    Ethan, she would but an end to this madness.


    The night was long and uneasy for Be, filled with restless tossing and turning, her mind consumed by


    the mysteries surrounding Ethan¡¯s behavior.As dawn broke, she wasted no time and hurried to the


    address Sebastian had shared with her. The vibrant signboard of ¡°Tiny Tots Day Care¡± greeted her at


    the designated location. Sebastian had mentioned that it was the daycare attended by Hazel¡¯s kids.


    Observing the building intently, Be¡¯s focus shifted abruptly as she recognized another familiar face:


    Devin. A trusted confidant of Ethan, now apparently managing the daycare. The realization struck her,


    she knew Ethan¡¯s way of securing his properties was nting people he trusted to manage. Seeing


    Devin there could only mean one thing, Ethan had purchased the day care.


    Puzzled, Be retreated quietly to her car. The pieces of the puzzle weren¡¯t fitting together. Why would


    Ethan go to such lengths, even buying the school attended by his ex-wife¡¯s children? The situation


    seemed more convoluted than ever. Her mind raced with questions. Why was Ethan still entangled with


    Hazel? What kind of man would be so obsessed and possessive over his ex-wife¡¯s kids?


    Then a light bulb went off, could it be that those kids were his, and Hazel had sessfully deceived


    everyone five years ago? The mere thought of Ethan having a child outside their marriage, especially


    with Hazel, revolted her.


    In her car, gripping the steering wheel tightly, Be grappled with a maelstrom of emotions.


    She begun breathing deeply to quail the anxiety that was about overwhelming her.


    ¡°Calm down, Be,¡± she murmured to herself, desperately trying to dispel the unsettling possibilities.


    ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions; you might be overthinking this.¡± Yet, the nagging doubt of what if¡¯s


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    persisted.


    She was here now, she would take the sample of Hazel¡¯s brat and have it tested out herself.

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    ¡°Sir.¡± A maid rushed towards Axel just as he was on the verge of entering his car. Ethan had sent him


    home abruptly in the middle of the day to retrieve something. Impatience etched on Axel¡¯s face, he


    looked at the maid expectantly.


    She was a middle aged woman.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he inquired with aposed yet impatient demeanor. The maid, seemingly nervous,


    hesitated, rubbing her palms on her dress and nervously licking her l*ps. Axel, feeling rushed, teetered


    on the edge of impatience.


    ¡°Speak, woman!¡± hemanded.


    ¡°The Luna¡­¡± she began, Axel¡¯s frown deepening at the mention of Be. ¡°She, she


    seems¡­


    11


    Axel sighed, losing patience rapidly. The maid grappled with the internal conflict of articting her


    suspicions.


    ¡°What about Be?¡± Axel urged, leaning in.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she replied.


    , Axel stepped closer. ¡°Just say it. Whatever you saw,¡± he insisted.


    After a deep breath, she divulged, ¡°Ma¡¯am Be received a package, and she reacted in a really


    strange way.¡±


    Axel¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°And then? What was in the package?¡± he pressed.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know; I never got to check. She ran into the room and sna**hed it right out of my hands. I¡¯ve


    never seen her react that way. It was weird. She¡¯s always cool and collected, but that day she acted


    like it was a really big deal,¡± the woman exined.


    ¡°When was this?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°A few days ago,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll look into it,¡± Axel conceded with a sigh.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As he moved to leave, the woman lingered, as if harboring more on her mind.


    ¡°Is there something else?¡± Axel inquired.


    Caperin


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should be saying this, but¡­


    ¡°Go on, Axel urged.


    ¡°The Alpha, is he sick?¡± she questioned.


    ¡°What do you meant Axel asked, his tone raised a bit. She instinctively stepped back


    He just doesn¡¯t seem how he used to. He and Ma¡¯am Be have been having dinner ever since,


    something just feels out of ce with her. I can¡¯t exin it. She makes secret phone calls as well, she


    rushed on.


    ¡°Are you sure of what you¡¯re telling me? Axel asked her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the nodded


    ¡°She¡¯s stopped letting us make dinner, she makes them herself most times. And even when we make


    them, she serves him dinner herself, she finished. A couple having dinner together wasn¡¯t out of the


    ordinary. Their marriage had been rocky for a few weeks now.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been having issues in their rtionship, maybe she¡¯s trying to get closer to her husband, Axel


    pacified the woman, putting an arm on her shoulder.


    ¡°Yes, I understand, she muttered.


    ¡°It¡¯s just, the Alpha¡¯s changed a lot. Not just recently but for a long time now, after his former Luna left,


    he handed everything to his Beta, then Chris died and everything just fell on the Delta and pack elders.


    He hasn¡¯t always been like this,¡± the woman stated.


    ¡°Things changed since Mm Be walked in,¡¯ she sighed deeply, cing her arms together


    The Alpha¡¯s changed a lot after that, like he became weak, she muttered.


    Axel sighed, but she wasn¡¯t done yet.


    ¡°It hasa¡¯t been long since you returned, but honestly, you should have seen Ethan those years, one of


    the finest leaders we ever had with his Luna by his side. The Luna at that time. Things were going well;


    the pack was happy. Now we barely have pack meetings, there are no unions, or even monthly hunts,


    all of those things that make us werewolves were brought to a halt, she stated.


    Be would get furious whenever they shifted; she was smaller and more


    15:11 Tue, 9 Jan G


    insignificant. She didn¡¯t fit Luna status, and she felt inferior whenever it happened. So they stopped


    rituals like that so as not to offend their Luna.


    ¡°I know times have changed, we need to blend in with the humans and all of that, but we¡¯re no longer


    how we used to be. It¡¯s more like an estate of people living together, not a pack,¡± she stated.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking out of ce now,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°A lowly se**ant like myself.¡±


    ¡°I know a rejection and divorce make a person significantly weaker; the Alpha doesn¡¯t seem to have


    recovered. I¡¯m worried about him.¡± Her eyes became misty as she spoke.


    Axel was silent, listening to her bare her thoughts and emotions. Some of what she said, he had


    observed by himself.


    ¡°And an heir, don¡¯t get me started on this, but the Luna doesn¡¯t show any signs of an heir to¡­¡± she was


    still talking when Axel interrupted.


    ¡°Everything will be alright; your Alpha is fine. The pack will get better. The Alpha is going through some


    difficulties right now, but things will get better, you¡¯ll see.¡±


    /


    The woman breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, clutching Axel¡¯s hands.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, just let me know if you notice anything else, maybe about the mysterious package,¡± Axel


    calmly assured the maid. She nodded eagerly, her sense of duty heightened by the gravity of the


    situation. With that, she retraced her steps back to the house, determined to keep a vignt eye on any


    unusual urrences.


    Axel, meanwhile, contemted on the discussions, he would need to discuss with Ethan. The Alpha¡¯s


    recent demeanor had taken a noticeable downturn following the revtion about Hazel. Heartbroken or


    not, Axel understood that Ethan¡¯s responsibilities to the pack had been overlooked for far too long.


    Axel got to thepany, upon heading to the elevator he sighted Haxel. He looked away ignoring her.


    Hazel herself was ufortable as had avoideding to thepanypletely, but she had a


    project toplete while he tried to move on his way she called him.


    ¡°Axel, do


    you


    have a minute?¡± Her voice held a mix of hesitation and urgency. In her hands, she clutched a folder


    containing documents that required Ethan¡¯s


    15:11 Tue, 9 Jan G


    signature by the next day.


    E


    ¡°These are the documents. Ethan needs to sign them by tomorrow,¡± she exined, extending the folder


    toward him. ¡°Please pass them to Chloe once they¡¯ve been signed,¡± she added, her tone a blend of


    formality and underlying tension.


    Axel nodded in acknowledgment, his movements crisp and efficient as he retrieved the folder, Intent on


    moving away, he was halted by Hazel¡¯s voice calling out once more, ¡°Axel.¡±


    He turned to face her, his expression guarded but attentive, waiting for her to continue.


    ¡°Is something wrong with Ethan?¡± she asked, her voiceced with worry.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Axel retorted, his own expression guarded/


    ¡°Is he okay? Is Ethan sick?¡± Hazel pressed, a hint of urgency in her tone as she stepped forward.


    Is he okay? Is Ethan sick?¡± She asked. Axel was quiet his questioning gaze running over Hazel¡¯s. This


    was the second person asking him that today. Something was wrong with Ethan, her mind went back to


    that injury from the night of that fundraiser when Be had hit Daisy, that scratch that hadn¡¯t healed.


    Then that night when he had found out about Nathan, Ethan had suddenly running out of breathe, he


    had stumbled and nearly fallen.


    Something was definitely wrong with him.


    ¡°Is he healthy?¡± she questioned Axel, her worry growing more palpable.


    ¡°Do you actually care?¡± Axel snapped, the chill in his words causing Hazel to flinch.


    Attempting to regainposure, Axel took a deep breath before responding, ¡°He¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my ce nor my business, but your lies were unnecessary, you know,¡± he stated, his words


    carrying a subtle reproach.


    She being a single struggling mother was a story Ethan had bought, it had moved himpletely.


    Ethan would have still done all he did for Daisy whether or not her father was


    present.


    Axel was wasting no efforts, expressing his displeasure with Hazel and just how


    15:11 Tue, 9 Jan


    much he disliked what she had done.


    D


    82%)


    Ethan for the first time had changed, wanting and desiring to do things to make people feel better, even


    what he¡¯d done for Hazel trying to mend their rtionship. Then it turned out to be lies, Hazel being


    nothing more than a gold digger. He couldn¡¯t help but feel disappointed in her.


    He didn¡¯t like Be, but Hazel, he decided was worse. She was a maniptor, she had acted weak for


    Ethan¡¯s sympathy. And worse, when he found out she wasn¡¯t remorseful. She hadughed in his face


    and tried to y the victim.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t counter what he said, they were the truth anyway, she only walked away with her head


    bowed.


    Her lies hadn¡¯t just started now, she had been lying for years and she wasn¡¯t about


    to stop now.


    ?

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    Liam was perched, disying a seriousness that mirrored a little man hard at work on his artistic


    endeavor.


    ¡°What¡¯s that you¡¯re drawing?¡± Hazel inquired, walking up to her son and gently rubbing his hair. Liam


    grunted in disapproval, adjusting his hair back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized, recognizing his aversion to


    head rubs the gesture was reserved only for Ethan.


    ¡°You¡¯re just so adorable,¡± she remarked, squishing his cheeks, eliciting giggles from the young artist.


    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty picture,¡± Hazelplimented, peeping over to catch a glimpse.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you see it when I¡¯m done,¡± he dered suddenly. Hazel was pleasantly surprised. ¡°You will?¡± she


    asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he assured her.


    ¡°I would love that very much, thank you,¡± she replied with a smile, observing her son. Liam¡¯s willingness


    to share his paintings was a rare urrence.


    Curiosity sparked, Hazel couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Howe you want to show Mommy today?¡±


    Liam, still engrossed in his paintings, answered confidently, ¡°Because they¡¯re really good. I¡¯m so


    talented.¡± He spoke confidently with a toothy grin.


    ¡°Yes, you are!¡± Hazel eximed joyfully. Liam had grown more confident about his drawings, he used


    to be really conscious and avoided people looking at his drawings but today he was willing to share.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always told you that you were. Took you this long to realize it, huh?¡± she teased, cherishing this


    precious moment of her son¡¯s budding artistic confidence.


    ¡°Mr. Princess said I¡¯ve got so much talent. That my paintings are wonderful gifts, wonderful artworks


    like there¡¯s should be shared, as a gift to the world,¡± he proudly recited, recalling Ethan¡¯s encouraging


    words. Hazel blinked, her smile faltering. Was this all because of Ethan? It felt so unfair. She had spent


    years trying to instill confidence in Liam, and Ethan had seemingly achieved it overnight.


    ¡°He said that?¡± she asked slowly. Liam nodded. His newfound confidence was a result of Ethan¡¯s pep


    talks, not hers. She sighed, a mixture of pride and frustration.


    ¡°He even showed me how to draw a nice eye,¡± he stated happily.


    15:11 Tue, 9 Jan A


    ¡°You really like him, don¡¯t you?¡± Hazel muttered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he nodded firmly. ¡°I just wish you wouldn¡¯t fight with him anymore,¡± Liam added, his innocent


    plea tugging at Hazel¡¯s heart.


    This was going to be really hard.


    She was about to probe more when he interrupted. ¡°It¡¯s ready!¡± he eximed, turning the painting to


    show his mom. Her breath hitched.


    ¡°This is so good, baby!¡± she eximed. ¡°Can I take a picture?¡± she asked, seeking permission. He


    nodded, then got busy with more paintings.


    ¡°Baby¡± Hazel cooed gently after a moment of silence, breaking the concentration in the room filled with


    the soft strokes of Liam¡¯s paintings.


    ¡°What do you think about Nathan?¡± she asked him, curious to know his perspective. Liam paused for a


    moment, his young eyes staring contemtively downwards.


    ¡°Do you wanna marry him, mummy?¡± Liam asked after a few thoughtful minutes. Hazel couldn¡¯t help


    but smile; Liam¡¯s perceptiveness had always been impressive.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Liam,¡± she replied honestly, releasing a sigh. Liam, seemingly unfazed, shrugged.


    ¡°If he makes you happy,¡± he dered matter-of-factly before standing up to retrieve more colors for his


    paintings. Hazel pondered his words, contemting her own feelings.


    ¡°Does it make me happy?¡± she mused quietly to herself.


    She was conflicted.


    The world was so big, that had to be why she never got to find her mate, still was Nathan the right


    choice? She sighed wearily.


    As she continued to grapple with her emotions, Hazel decided to delve into a topic that had remained


    untouched for a while.


    ¡°Howe you¡¯ve never asked about your dad, Liam?¡± she gently inquired as she stroked his cheek


    when he returned with fresh colors. Liam paused his painting, his head falling slightly, his long hair


    dancing around his face.


    ¡°Why not?¡± she continued.


    15:12 Tue, 9 Jan


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t have one?¡± Liam responded, his tone more like a question. After a moment, he sighed


    and turned to face his mom.


    ¡°Look, mama, I know you¡¯re not Mother Mary, and I know how babies work,¡± he began, surprising Hazel


    with his mature understanding.


    ¡°Okay,¡± she nodded slowly, intrigued by his insights.


    ¡°But, you never mentioned him. I and Daisy don¡¯t want you to be sad, so we never asked,¡± Liam


    exined with a nonchnt shrug.


    ¡°It means he doesn¡¯t want us, right?¡± he inquired, looking at her with innocence. Hazel felt a pang in her


    chest. Ethan wanted them, but her own fears and selfishness were keeping them apart.


    A sigh escaped Hazel¡¯s l*ps.


    Daisy scooted over going to sit on her mom¡¯sps.


    ¡°I hope you and Mr. Princess make up soon, Mama,¡± Daisy chimed in, touching Hazel¡¯s hair lightly.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Liam agreed immediately


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you guys fight.¡±


    ¡°Why do you and Ethan always fight?¡± Liam asked turning to face his mom.


    Hazel sighed deeply.


    Because mom¡¯s a liar.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know baby.¡± She said quietly.


    Liam sat deep in thoughts and in a world of his own, Ethan hadn¡¯te visiting them for several days


    now, ever since that day they walked in on his mom and him having a fight. Thr little boy was missing


    him badly. When Hazel wasn¡¯t looking, he quietly sl*pped away to the reception.


    ¡°Hello, miss, can I please use your phone?¡± he pleaded with the woman at the reception desk. She


    chuckled, looking down at the adorable round-faced little boy. ¡°Why do you need my phone?¡± she


    asked.


    ¡°I want to call my friend,¡± Liam asserted. ¡°May I use your phone?¡± he requested


    once more.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    app and


    ¡°Of course.¡± She handed it over to him. Liam went straight to the call entered Ethan¡¯s number, having


    memorized it by heart. The first ring went unanswered.


    Ethan, just returned from the bathroom, nced at his phone to see a call from an unknown number.


    Usually calls from unknown numbers would be filtered from his phone, but he has set it to general and


    had Liam memorize his number so he could always reached him in case of any emergencies.


    He stared at the phone as it rang for the third time, only few people had his phone number, it would be


    Liam. He has a dad, Ethan argued with himself. It took an inward struggle not to pick. Then it rang


    again and he grabbed it picking instantly.


    He would just pick to hear his voice and make sure he was okay so he picked.


    Liam¡¯s breathy voice went through the phone. The tense look on Ethan¡¯s face softened instantly.


    Liam¡¯s eyes lit up when the call connected. ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± he called happily. ¡°Where have you been?


    Why wouldn¡¯t youe to see us anymore?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± he called again, but silence greeted him. ¡°Are you there? Say something,¡± Liam


    sobbed, upset. Sniffing, he continued, ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± he called again, his voice cracking.


    ¡°Mr. Princess? It¡¯s me, Liam.¡± Liam said once more, but he was greeted with a haunting silence that


    resonated through the phone. ¡°Are you there? Say something.¡± He sobbed, his voice breaking under


    the weight of his emotions. ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± He called again desperation evident in his small voice.


    ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± Undeterred, he continued, pouring his innocent heart out. ¡°Can you forgive my


    mommy? Today I made a painting of all of us, and I didn¡¯t hide it this time; I showed it to everyone. You


    said my paintings are wonderful gifts, so I stopped hoarding them. I drew several pictures of you; I wish


    you¡¯de see it.¡° Liam started conversing, unaware of the pr****nd impact his words were having on


    Ethan.


    Ethan held back his tears, inhaling a sharp breath. The emotional turmoil within him was palpable, torn


    between his longing to respond and the painful reality he needed to enforce. ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± Liam


    called again, a sense of hope in his voice. ¡°Sorry, little one,¡± the woman who had borrowed him the


    phone sighed, seeing the raw distress in the child¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Liam?¡± Daisy called as she walked up to her brother, who still had the phone pressed to his ears. The


    sound of her soft voice met Ethan¡¯s ears, intensifying the


    heartache within him. At that moment, he badly wanted to talk back to them, tomunicate with


    them. To hug them and inhale their baby scent. Yet, he reminded himself; he didn¡¯t have any right to.


    He had to stop getting attacked immediately, the sooner he got detached from Hazel¡¯s kids, the better


    for him.


    ¡°Did he pick up? What did he say?¡± Daisy asked curiously, disying a mix of concern and curiosity.


    ¡°He won¡¯t talk to us,¡± Liam said sadly, his young heart grappling with the confusion of rejection. ¡°But


    why?¡± Daisy asked, her voice filled with innocence. ¡°He doesn¡¯t like us anymore?¡± ¡°Mr. Princess? I miss


    you.¡± Daisy said softly, expressing the longing for a presence they held dear.


    ¡°Thank you, miss,¡± Liam said returning the phone back to thedy and with that, the phone line went


    dead. Ethan put the phone down from his ear, his heart breaking into shards.


    ¡°I miss you too, Liam, Daisy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± It was for the best. He sank down into his chair, wrestling with the internal conflict. It had


    taken a serious battle before he picked the phone, and another war with determination and discipline to


    not reply to them. At that moment, he hated Hazel passionately.


    Ethan¡¯s arm went to the wallet on his table; he brought out the painting he kept there. Liam¡¯s painting,


    neatly folded. He never threw it away. At that moment, he felt a searing pain, as if his heart was being


    stabbed continuously. He clutched at his chest as the pain intensified bing almost suffocating.


    0

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    Be clutched the test results in her trembling hands. After sessfully obtaining Liam¡¯s hair sample


    from the daycare cleaner. She had set out and anxiously submitted them for testing at a clinic miles


    away from town where no one could recognize her silently praying they wouldn¡¯t be a match.


    The results has just been given to her, she walked back to her car anxiously.


    As she tore open the envelope with lightning speed, she swore softly, hoping for a mismatch. Her eyes


    widened in disbelief as the words stared back at her: 99.9 percent match! Hazel. A guttural scream of


    agony and rage escaped her, echoing in her car. Ethan and Hazel had kids together.


    Desperation set in. ¡°No, no, no! Where does this leave me now?¡± she muttered to herself. The fear of


    Ethan abandoning her flooded her mind. Biting her l*p, she banged her head against the car seat,


    aching for an escape from the reality of what was facing her.


    Driven by rage, she stumbled out of her car upon reaching home, her emotions a chaotic whirlwind.


    Heading straight to her study, she paced around restlessly.


    ¡°What would happen to me now?¡± she questioned herself still pacing around.


    . The insurmountable fury propelled her into a whirlwind of emotions. In a fit of blinding rage, she


    unleashed her wrath upon her study, swiping everything off her table, it all came crashing down.


    Phones, gadgets, documents, and everythingnded on the floor but She wasn¡¯t done her rage was


    still far from satiated, she began thrashing around wildly flinging things at the door and wall.


    After several minutes, she stood breathing heavily amidst the wreckage, dangerously bncing in her


    heels. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she wiped her tear-streaked face.


    ¡°Ethan doesn¡¯t know yet,¡± she murmured to herself, the wordsced with a mixture of dread and


    desperation. ¡°If he knew, he¡¯d have pushed her even farther now.¡± Her thoughts raced as she begun


    pacing around again.


    away by


    ¡°I just have to make sure he never finds out,¡± she whispered, a vow echoing in the hollow of her study.


    Hazel was keeping it secret from him, she would get rid of them before he even finds out.


    But how? This was beyond her; she would be needing help, someone who had


    15:12 Tue, 9 Jan


    E


    every reason to ruin Ethan: Derrick. She¡¯d never met him before, but she was determined to find him


    now, no matter how hard it was-even if she had to beat it out of Gabriel. Flinging her study door open,


    she headed to her room.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, is there an issue?¡± a maid asked gently. She only red at the girl. ¡°My study¡¯s a mess, clean


    it up,¡± she ordered. ¡°Hazel,¡± she seethed as she stormed up the stairs.


    ¡°Where is Derrick?¡± she asked Gabriel calmly over the phone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± came the reply.


    ¡°How do I find him?¡± she persisted.


    ¡°You can¡¯t find him; he finds you. It¡¯s been over five years, why do you need to find him now?¡± Gabriel


    asked back.


    ¡°I need to find him,¡± she retorted angrily. ¡°Give him a message for me, will you? Everything he worked


    for would be useless if he and I don¡¯t meet. Hazel and Ethan would being back together.¡±


    With that, she hung up.


    She passed the s**rse details of what she knew about Derrick to Sebastian, asking him to find the man.


    He called her hourster. ¡°You found him?¡± she asked the moment the phone was picked up. ¡°The man


    you¡¯re looking for, Derrick, he died over ten years ago, almost fifteen years now,¡± Sebastian replied.


    Be¡¯s steps faltered. How was that even possible? The man she talked with the other time, who told


    her about Ethan, was Derrick. Then she recalled, Ethan once told her about a friend he lost in his mid-


    teen years-Derrick Hale. Could it be the same one? Was that why he was so mysterious? Derrick had


    been in this pack along with Ethan. Or Could he be a different one? Why would someone who was


    dead have contacted


    her?


    ¡°Keep an eye on Hazel and her kids for me,¡± she requested her brother, filling him in on all that had


    happened while she waited eagerly and anxiously for news from Derrick.


    ¡°The moment Ethanes close to them, let me know.¡±


    Be behaved normally for the rest of the day, even though she teetered on the brink of madness


    within. She dismissed the workers early, following her usual routine of making dinner, and anxiously


    waited for Ethan to return. Due to the heightened anxiety, she added a slightlyrger dose than usual.


    15:12 Tum, 9 Jan


    Chapely 119


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she called the moment he walked in, stering a smile across her face as she weed him.


    Axel grappled with how to approach the topic of Be with Ethan. The usation of Ethan being


    poisoned was serious, and Axel wasn¡¯t certain about it; hecked concrete proof. How? What kind of


    poison? What were its effects? He couldn¡¯t base everything on what a maid had told him, but he found


    Be suspicious. Despite Ethan seeming different for the past few days, a considerable part of it could


    be attributed to missing Hazel¡¯s twins.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner together from now on,¡± Axel suddenly proposed. Ethan shot him an incredulous look,


    then chuckled lightly. ¡°Where is this from, Axel?¡± Ethan asked. Axel shrugged, exining, ¡°I¡¯m kinda


    alone now, and it would be nice to have dinner once in a while.¡± Axel needed to investigate whether the


    poisoning could be through food.


    ¡°So you want us to have dinner together?¡± Ethan asked. ¡°Be¡¯s been making dinner these days; she¡¯s


    a pretty decent cook,¡± Ethan stated, not wanting to disappoint her. After some persuasion, Ethan finally


    agreed, and he and Axel would have dinner together on some nights.


    Meanwhile, Nathan was visiting more often. Trying to get the kids to adjust to him once more was a


    little difficult, whenever they yed they would mention Ethan and it was slowly beginning to get on his


    nerves


    Do you guys want chocte, a toy, or something else?¡± Hazel offered with a hopeful smile. Their


    However, the twins shook their heads, seemingly uninterested in the array of choices. Recognizing


    their persisting gloominess, Hazel decided to take them out for a fun outing, hoping to alleviate their


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    moods. She had picked up Liam from school and thought a visit to the park might do the trick, but even


    that had failed to brighten their spirits. Undeterred, she took them to a newly opened mall, anticipating


    that shopping for toys could be the solution.


    As they strolled through the bustling mall, the twins remained unresponsive to Hazel¡¯s attempts to


    engage them with various disys. Eventually, they found a ce to sit, the lively atmosphere of the


    mall failing to captivate them.


    The two sat quietly and sulkingly.


    Chapie 189


    ¡°What do you guys want?¡± Hazel questioned, puzzled by the persisting moodiness of her twins. Liam,


    breaking the silence, replied, ¡°Nothing. I just don¡¯t wanna y.¡±


    ¡°Can I get a burrito with corn dogs, Mummy?¡± Liam asked suddenly his eyes lighting up.


    Hazel, eager to fulfill his request, asked, ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Liam nodded.


    She nced at the bustling section where the burritos with corn dogs were being sold.


    ¡°There¡¯s a really long line there, Liam. And I would have to wait for my order to be made,¡± she said with


    a sigh, recognizing the eagerness of people to explore the newly opened mall.


    Liam, seemingly indifferent to the food, muttered, ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± and looked away. He wasn¡¯t interested in


    the burrito; rather, he simply wanted her to leave.


    But Hazel was eager to make them happy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go stand in line right now, you guys don¡¯t go anywhere ok?¡± She told the two.


    The mall was crowded. It was thergest mall in the city. She couldn¡¯t even imagine them getting lost


    here.


    The moment Hazel left, Liam sprang to his feet, prompting Daisy¡¯s inquiry, ¡°Where are you going?¡± His


    vague response, ¡°I dunno,¡± elicited an eye roll from Daisy


    ¡°What do you mean by you don¡¯t know?¡± She asked incredulously.


    ¡°I just¡­ I just wanna go over there,¡± Liam replied, his gaze averted as if beckoned by an unseen force.


    Daisy, concerned about their safety, suggested, ¡°Why not wait till Momma gets


    back?¡±


    Attempting to justify his urgency, Liam muttered, ¡°I¡¯ve gotta go now. I can¡¯t hold it in, and started


    walking away.


    Daisy eximed, ¡°Liam, you¡¯ll get lost!¡±


    Unperturbed, he replied, ¡°I won¡¯t,¡±


    ¡°Liam, this ce is crowded.¡± She pleaded.


    1512 Tue 9 Jan


    Chaptry 119


    His unexpected revtion caught her off guard as he shared, ¡°Ethan¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Daisy¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Mr. Princess?¡± she asked.


    Liam nodded firmly.


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± She asked him in disbelief.


    ¡°I just know it.¡± Liam answered, he seemed really sure of himself and his gaze remained fixed on the


    exit of the store where they were seated.


    Daisy, caught up in the excitement, urged, ¡°Well, go bring him here then.¡± With a nod, Liam eagerly


    headed out.


    He didn¡¯t know why but he could sense and feel that Ethan was here.


    The mall buzzed with people, creating a lively atmosphere. Liam¡¯s curious eyes darted around,


    searching for the familiar figure of Ethan. To get a better view, he climbed a chair, and there, amidst the


    crowd, he spotted Ethan¡¯s familiar tall silhouette. Excitement lit up Liam¡¯s face, and he eagerly sprinted


    towards him.


    Unaware of the little boy trailing him, Ethan was immersed in his rounds, inspecting his newlyunched


    shopping mall.


    ¡°Mr. princess!¡± Liam yelled trailing after Ethan,, his tiny voice lost in the crowd


    Liam¡¯s little legs went as fast as they could his eyes trained on Ethan trying to reach him.

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    Amidst a sudden surge of people, Liam found himself enveloped in the crowd, struggling to break free.


    He frantically looked around but couldn¡¯t spot Ethan anymore. The bustling crowd bumped into him,


    oblivious to his presence, and he nearly stumbled.


    Meanwhile, Ethan, who had turned around sensing something, dismissed it, thinking he was imagining


    things. However, Liam¡¯s small voice cut through the mor of the mall, reaching Ethan¡¯s ears. Was that


    Liam he heard? Ethan froze.


    His sudden change left the people walking with him confused.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± He asked Axel.


    ¡°Liam.¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Go on ahead, Axel finish this up.¡± Ethan instructed then turned away going back.


    Liam had gotten lost, he couldn¡¯t find Ethan or his way back to his mom, he sat down and begun to cry.


    Ethan was looking round therge space, Liam was definitely here. He felt his heart race fast, Liam


    was sad, he was crying somewhere, somehow he could sense and feel it. The anxiety Ethan was


    feeling doubled thinking Liam was in danger.


    Liam had called out to him, that connection wasn¡¯t ordinary. Every instinct inside of him was pulling him


    towards a direction, so he just went it. Finally he saw the little boy squatting at a corner crying.


    Liam looked up, his eyes widening as he saw Ethan. ¡°Mr. princess!¡± he yelled, rushing to his feet. His


    small feet carried him fast, and he clutched at Ethan¡¯s legs. Ethan, overwhelmed by a fierce


    protectiveness, stared at the little boy¡¯s head, realizing the undeniable connection. How hadn¡¯t he


    noticed it before?


    Bending down, Ethan scooped Liam into his arms. Every instinct told him that this boy was his, and he


    had missed him dearly. ¡°Mr. princess,¡± Liam called, holding Ethan¡¯s face and nuzzling against him.


    Ethanughed happily, equally thrilled to be reunited with the little guy. While still cuddling Liam to his


    chest, Ethan gently pulled a some strand of his soft hair, unnoticed by the boy. Carefully wrapping it in


    his handkerchief, Ethan tucked it into his pocket.


    Ethan knew his actions were ridiculous, given all the evidence against the possibility of Liam being his


    son. Yet, the profound connection he felt in that moment, hearing Liam cry amidst the crowd, pushed


    him to confirm it.


    ¡°Where is your mummy? How are you here alone?¡± Ethan inquired, concern etched across his face.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°I dunno where she is,¡± came Liam¡¯s reply.


    ¡°You got lost?¡± Ethan asked, gently scolding. Liam nodded, exining, ¡°She¡¯s somewhere here with


    Daisy.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here? Why didn¡¯t you stay with her, Liam? It¡¯s not safe to run around that way,¡± Ethan


    chided softly.


    ¡°I was looking for you,¡± Liam exined.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan retorted in surprise


    ¡°I knew you were here, so I came to find you. I went looking for you,¡± Liam rified.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Ethan asked in awe.


    badly, and the


    ¡°I dunno, I was just missing you I felt it, right here in my chest,¡± Liam pointed to his heart, expressing a


    connection he couldn¡¯t quite exin.


    Ethan stared at Liam¡¯s small face, realizing that what he had felt wasn¡¯t a figment of his imagination.


    Liam, too, had sensed it. A warm smile spread across Ethan¡¯s face as he ruffled Liam¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go see Daisy,¡± he said, lifting Liam up. ¡°What store were you at?¡± he asked, attempting to locate


    the rest of the family. Liam provided a description of the stores he had passed by.


    ¡°Liam, aren¡¯t you mad at me?¡± Ethan asked curiously.


    Liam nodded. ¡°Not mad, sad,¡± he muttered. ¡°I called you the other day; you didn¡¯t wanna talk to me, I


    missed you. Daisy too.¡± Liam sighed, resting his face on Ethan¡¯s head.


    Ethan sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, buddy,¡± he muttered. ¡°You didn¡¯t wanna talk to us?¡± Liam used with a


    frown. ¡°Sometimes I really don¡¯t get you. Sometimes you act like you like us, then sometimes you act


    like you don¡¯t,¡± Liam folded his arms.


    ¡°It won¡¯t happen ever again,¡± Ethan promised fiercely.


    ¡°You promise?¡± Liam asked, seeking reassurance.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be like other times?¡± he questioned further.


    ¡°No,¡± Ethan replied with conviction. It was like a


    his senses seemed to have opened up.


    ¡°Mr princess!¡± Daisy squealed, jumping up at him. Ethan chuckled, holding her close.


    ¡°Ethan?¡± Hazel called, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw him walk in with


    her son.


    ¡°Liam found me,¡± Ethan said, his gaze piercing Hazel¡¯s.


    ¡°He did?¡± Hazel nced nervously at Liam.


    ¡°Yes, the mall¡¯s crowded, but somehow he happened to know I was here, and we found each other,¡±


    Ethan exined, his gaze hard and prating on her. Hazel panicked inwardly, realizing that as Liam


    grew, his senses were beginning to make connections with Ethan.


    ¡°Ethan, we need to talk,¡± Hazel muttered.


    ¡°Later,¡± he replied coldly, turning his attention back to the kids. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen them in a while,¡± he said,


    looking down at them affectionately. The happiness and love in their eyes made Hazel¡¯s heart ache,


    realizing they hadn¡¯t been this happy in a while..


    ¡°Send for Kane,¡± Ethan dered decisively, gazing out of the car window as it rolled through the city on


    the way home.


    ¡°Which Kane? Clinical gic Kane?¡± Axel inquired, seeking rity.


    ¡°Yes,¡± replied Ethan, holding Liam¡¯s hair in a handkerchief clutched tightly in his palms. He needed this


    handled by someone confidential, someone loyal and trustworthy. Kane fit the bill, and Ethan required


    the results before determining his next course of action. If they were his kids, Hazel had been deceiving


    him all this while.


    Axel sighed, sensing the gravity of the situation. ¡°Is it Liam?¡± he asked, reading Ethan¡¯s emotions from


    his silence.


    Ethan¡¯s silence answered the question. ¡°I checked, they¡¯re not yours. The dates don¡¯t match. Nothing


    matches,¡± Axel stated matter-of-factly.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°I just felt¡­ something.¡± He trailed off, struggling to articte the unspoken


    connection he sensed.


    Axel sighed again, understanding theplexities. ¡°Is iting back?¡± he asked,


    referring to Ethan¡¯s connection with his wolf.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan retorted defensively, attempting to deny the observable truth.


    ¡°You know what,¡± Axel calmly replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a secret, you¡¯ve been out of it. The pack members have also noticed. You¡¯re not okay, Ethan.


    You haven¡¯t been for a long while. Something¡¯s wrong somewhere,¡± Axel pointed out, expressing his


    concerns.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re sick; you haven¡¯t shifted in a while. Your pack is in disarray, being handled by elders and


    others. You don¡¯t even heal properly,¡± Axel stated, highlighting his observations.


    ¡°What do you know about how my pack works?! You haven¡¯t even been here for years. You just tucked


    your tail between your legs and ran off years ago. What do you know about wolves, about healing? You


    don¡¯t even have one!¡± Ethan snapped defensively, his frustration evident.


    Axel¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he conceded. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything. Kane will arriveter tonight.


    Get out of my car so I can head home,¡± he said calmly, acknowledging the tension.


    Deep down, Ethan knew Axel was right. He had grown weaker. It had started gradually until his


    connection with his wolf was now very faint.


    ¡°Keep it confidential,¡± Ethan instructed as he passed the sample to Kane in his study.


    He nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll notify you within a couple of days.¡± paced around his study silently.


    With that, the man left. Ethan


    Two days passed in a whirlwind of anticipation. ¡°The results aren¡¯t a match,¡± Kane¡¯s voice broke


    through the phone, delivering news that sent Ethan reeling.


    ¡°What? Are you sure? Run it once more,¡± Ethan insisted, his disbelief evident.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. I checked several times; they don¡¯t match with yours,¡± Kane affirmed. The phone slowly


    dropped from Ethan¡¯s ear as he absorbed the shocking revtion. Stunned and surprised, he felt a


    wave of disappointment wash over him, sighing deeply.


    Meanwhile, two nights ago, Be had watched and monitored Ethan closely when he returned home.


    Aware that he had met Hazel¡¯s kids again, she had grown increasingly anxious,


    1512 Tue, 9 Jan


    unsure of what to expect. Sebastian, keeping a watchful eye, witnessed Ethan collecting a sample of


    Liam¡¯s hair and had informed her. She knew what was next


    This news threw Be into a panic. She waited for the right moment and Swiftly seizing an opportunity,


    she picked up Ethan¡¯s discarded suit, retrieving the hair sample, and craftily swapped it with one from a


    ser**nt. The timing had to be impable, and she seeded just before Ethan walked in seconds


    For now, Be had managed to deceive Eth¨¤n, but she knew it was a fleeting respite. She had bought


    herself some time, but the looming threat remained. The urgency to rid herself of Hazel and her kids


    persisted.


    ¡°Derrick has decided to meet you. Today, at 5 pm,¡± a message arrived, filling Be with joy. Derrick¡¯s


    involvement promised to make the task of separating Hazel and Ethan permanently much easier. He


    was someone she knew wasmitted to


    achieving that goal.


    0

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    That evening, Be ventured to the address she had received, discovering a run- down house isted


    in the middle of nowhere. Despite the early hour, an eerie darkness enveloped the dwelling ¡°Hello?¡±


    she called tentatively, her voice echoing in the dim surroundings.


    ¡°What do you want, Be?¡± A voice asked suddenly startling her.


    ¡°Derrick?¡± she confirined. In the dimness, a figure moved.


    ¡°I was satisfied watching you ruin Ethan¡¯s pack and entire life just being yourself.¡± He chuckled lightly,


    as if finding it all very amusing.


    ¡°You¡¯re that man,¡± she muttered. ¡°Why is this ce so dark? Turn on the light, please,¡± she requested.


    A light flickered, revealing the bare room.


    ¡°Why did youe here, Be?¡± he asked. She felt a bit conscious; he could see her, but she could


    barely see him.


    ¡°I need your help; I¡¯m about to be kicked out of everything,¡± she exined anxiously.


    ¡°What does that have to do with me? I mean, after you did what I instructed, I let you y Luna. Now


    you need my help again?¡± he muttered.


    ¡°All of those efforts would be useless if we don¡¯t do something fast,¡± she said, her voice raising a


    little.


    She walked deeper into the dim room. ¡°Are you aware Hazel¡¯s returned?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I know, I know everything, Be,¡± he replied.


    ¡°How do you think Ethan hasn¡¯t found out your lies yet? I always cleaned up your messes and


    loopholes,¡± he said. ¡°Because I need you to remain with Ethan.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked him, confused.


    ¡°Naomi, the man who suddenly returned from that pack you used to work with, among many others,¡± he


    said casually. ¡°And Chris,¡± he added, his features falling slightly.


    ¡°That was you?¡± she asked, stepping forward.


    ¡°Chris went poking around too much, but it was an ident. I didn¡¯t mean to have him killed. The other


    man was easily taken care of in jail. And as for Naomi, you


    were recognized. Ethan would go back to ask her questions, so I had her taken care of,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°Her sudden death would arouse suspicion, so I had someone intercept him on his way to find out.


    Thus the Alzheimer story.¡±


    She was stunned and in awe. All those times, she thought it was just luck.


    ¡°You know why I¡¯ve been covering you up? I want to see how Ethan ends. Slow, painfully, and ignorant.


    Really entertaining,¡± he muttered, an amused tone ying at his voice.


    ¡°And I¡¯m thinking Axel might be next on that hit list,¡± he muttered, staring down.


    ¡°A shame, isn¡¯t it? We used to be friends,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He was trailing after you on your way here. He¡¯s wary of you, isn¡¯t he?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°How did you¡­?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got money, lots of it,¡± he replied easily.


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been cleaning up your messes, and now you want to back out because you can¡¯t handle


    Ethan?¡± He asked incredulously.


    ¡°I can! It¡¯s just tricky now,¡± she answered.


    ¡°The n was simple enough: get Hazel to leave. You improvised, you stayed, and I let you cause I


    thought it was entertaining. I let you keep Ethan. That was me being generous. But now Hazel¡¯s back,


    you want to give up?¡± He said with a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving up. Ethan was clearly made up to go after Hazel. She wouldn¡¯t be the woman cast aside,


    she had sworn to herself.


    ¡°That n changed; Ethan would definitely be reunited with Hazel,¡± she said sourly.


    ¡°You want him to be miserable, right?¡± Be asked, her eyes shining with anger.


    in curiosity.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s about to get a happily ever after.¡± Derrick¡¯s eyes


    shot up


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Ethan has kids,¡± she broke the news to him..


    Derrick¡¯s eyes narrowed through the darkness.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Ethan had kids?


    ¡°Yes, with Hazel. I confirmed it,¡± she finished.


    Derrick drew a sharp intake of breath. And in a split second, Be found herself mmed into a wall,


    pinned down by Derrick.


    ¡°What are you ying at?¡± He barked into her face.


    ¡°What did you say?!¡± He yelled, holding her in a choke grip.


    Be fell silent, her eyes fixed on the man before her. Emerging from the concealed spot, his features


    became discernible in the dim lights. She wore a mixture of fear and repulsion on her face as she


    observed him.


    His skin bore the gruesome evidence of severe burns, as if melting off; a ghastly and horrifying sight


    that extended to other parts of his b*dy that the eyes could see Derrick noticed Be¡¯s reaction and


    slowly released her.


    ¡°Why do I hate Ethan?¡± the man spoke gently, dropping Be before turning away. Be¡¯s eyes


    widened.


    ¡°Ethan and I were friends. I¡¯m like this because of him,¡± he exined, revealing the scars that marred


    his b*dy. ¡°Ethan and his father ruined my family, and what do we get in return? A stu pid memorial


    every da mn year!¡± he eximed,ughing bitterly.


    ¡°You¡¯re Derrick? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be dead?¡± Be queried, a slight tremor in her voice.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± he gestured to himself. ¡°I did die. What¡¯s left of me? Is this a person living?¡± he


    questioned.


    ¡°Take a good look. And as if that wasn¡¯t enough, Ethan took my mate and married her,¡± he continued


    through gritted teeth. Be¡¯s head snapped up in shock.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± she gasped.


    Hazel was, in fact, this man¡¯s mate? That revtion exined his relentless pursuit to destroy Ethan


    and keep them apart.


    ¡°Ethan had a family, something I¡¯ll never have. I lost my wolf, my family,


    everything,¡± he spoke calmly. ¡°He took my mate. And now, he has kids with her?!¡± he yelled, his anger


    escting.


    .¡±I didn¡¯t actually care what he did, what you did, as long as what was mine was far away from him, and


    now they¡¯re bonded for life?¡± he questioned, eyes widened in fury.


    ¡°We still have time; he doesn¡¯t know they¡¯re his yet,¡± Be spoke hurriedly, focusing on extracting


    herself from this entangled mess.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t?¡± The man chuckled bitterly. ¡°What kind of Alpha doesn¡¯t recognize his


    own cubs?¡±


    He advanced towards Be with a sudden realization. ¡°You¡¯re brilliant,¡± he dered, patting her head.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been poisoning him faithfully, haven¡¯t you?¡± he asked,ughing. Be observed him,


    recognizing the madness in his eyes and erratic b*dynguage. Dealing with this man felt like striking a


    deal with the devil, yet Be was plotting her own strategy inwardly.


    Her n was straightforward ¨C bring everything to a halt once Hazel¡¯s kids were eliminated. This erratic


    man would be dealt with afterward. Undeterred, she pressed forward. ¡°We can make him miserable for


    life, since he doesn¡¯t even know they¡¯re his yet,¡± she exined, mischief gleaming in her eyes.


    ¡°For a second there, one could have thought you were in love with Ethan. Your obsession was slowly


    killing him, so I let you have your fun,¡± Derrick muttered. Be was d the lights were dimmed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a problem killing your mates kids?¡± Be asked him doubtfully.


    ¡°They¡¯re Ethan¡¯s. He shouldn¡¯t have had kids. A continuation of his bloodline, his father¡¯s bloodline; I


    would rather die than see that happen,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Good. Then we have the same enemy,¡± she said with a sinister smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make him even more miserable. If Ethan finds out they¡¯re his just after the kids die, it would make


    him even more miserable, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± He would definitely hate Hazel afterwards. Then with Hazel and


    her kids out of the way, she would have him all to herself.


    ¡°The little boy poses a big problem; he seems to be connecting to Ethan.¡±


    ¡°Howe? Are you sure he still doesn¡¯t know?¡± Derrick asked, a little skeptical. ¡°He should surely


    suspect something by now,¡± he added with a frown.


    ¡°He does, he nearly found out. Ethan had gotten suspicious and took samples; I had the samples


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    switched just in time,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°They¡¯re twins, a girl and a boy,¡± she continued, passing their pictures to him. His eyes lingered on


    them for a long time, softening a little. Kids, one thing he¡¯d never have.


    ¡°I have one question, though. How were we able to fool Ethan that first night?¡± she asked, genuinely


    curious. She was just following instructions that night and didn¡¯t actually know anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely not his mate,¡± she muttered with a scowl. The way everything had yed out shocked


    even her. It had happened so fast.


    ¡°It was easy; you¡¯re definitely not, but the substance we used was from his mate,¡± Derrick replied


    simply.


    ¡°His mate?¡± she questioned, deep in thought. ¡°So that¡¯s why Ethan lost his head,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Ethan¡¯s mate, where is she?¡± Be asked curiously. ¡°Gone,¡± came his curt reply.


    ¡°What do you mean gone?¡± she asked. Ignoring her question, he turned and began walking away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send for you when it¡¯s time,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°The kid should be gone in an unsuspecting manner,¡± she warned cautiously. But Derrick wasn¡¯t


    listening; his eyes were trained on the pictures in front of him. Ethan¡¯s kids.


    ¡°What do you have nned? Say it; I¡¯ve got money,¡± he said.


    ¡°For the little boy, we can arrange an ident,¡± she stated.


    ¡°And the girl?¡± he asked. ¡°She¡¯s ted for a life-threatening surgery soon. Let¡¯s say an ident¡­ a<pplication urs,¡± she finished with a smile.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Derrick observed the little girl from a distance as she rode and pushed a small pink bike. He had


    discovered their schedule, knowing that kids at the hospital could y in the small garden on certain


    days. Curious, he hade to see for himself. Ever since Be shared the news with him, he had felt


    restless; mere pictures weren¡¯t enough.


    He watched her with the gaze of a predator fixated on its prey-Ethan¡¯s kid. His hands clenched into a


    tight grip, so tight that his scars began to burn.


    Daisy rode carefreely under the vignt eye of a nurse, using the bicycle Ethan had provided. As she


    turned her innocent gaze met Derrick¡¯s gaze staring right at her. The man was looking right at her.


    Naturally curious, she strolled off her bike and walked to where he stood, standing right in front of him


    and staring up with innocent curiosity.


    The duo, one towering and scarred, the other petite and curious, engaged in a silent study.


    Daisy pointed out, ¡°You have a lot of boo-boos.¡± Derrick, feeling exposed, adjusted his hoodie,


    attempting to conceal more of his face. Derrick stared at her-she wasn¡¯t scared? Rather she was


    curious, her neck was stretched all the way backward as she tried to see him better.


    She motioned for him to crouch down to her eye level. ¡°What¡¯s she doing? Why isn¡¯t she scared and


    running, calling for her mother?¡± he wondered. His face and b*dy were hideous; adults couldn¡¯t stand


    the look of him, let alone kids. Normally, children would cry at the sight of him, but this little one was


    gazing at him with genuine interest and fascination.


    He found himself beside himself, feeling all of his rage melt under her gaze. She was undeniably


    adorable, her face round and plump, irresistibly pinchable. Unable to resist, he leaned down and


    pinched her cheeks a little. She giggled out loud, and Derrick couldn¡¯t help but smile. Even herughter


    sounded hearty and beautiful.


    Squatting down to her height, he decided to take off the hoodie, fully expecting her to be frightened by


    the sight. His head waspletely bald, fragments of what used to be skin scat tered around, now


    burnt remnants. Daisy now saw him up close, and a small gasp escaped her lips. Her eyes transitioned


    from surprise to pity and sadness.


    ¡°Do your boo-boos hurt?¡± she asked him gently, patting his face like it was an interesting object. She


    began tracing her fingers around the scars. Still not scared? He was genuinely surprised now.


    ¡°Does it?¡± she asked, looking up at him and into his eyes.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered in a hoa rse voice. They hurt. Every second of the day. His existence


    alone was painful. The only thing that kept him going was fulfilling the promise he¡¯d made.


    Daisy looked very sad, her gaze falling upon hearing he was in pain. He reached out and held her


    cheeks once more. She giggled lightly¡ªsuch innocence and adorableness. The girl in front of him was


    a lovable child.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she apologized. That your father and grandfather did this? His mind echoed.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared?¡± he asked her instead.


    Daisy looked confused. She had seen him and just assumed he was one of the patients being treated


    at the hospital. Why should she be scared?


    ¡°Are you a monster?¡± she quizzed back.


    A monster? A chuckle escaped his lips. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why should I be scared? You¡¯ve only got lots of hurts around you. But that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re


    scary,¡± she said in her baby voice. Derrick¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got boo-boos too, you know. Right here.¡± She pointed at her heart where she had been operated


    and checked on continually for years now.


    ¡°Mine hurts really bad. Most times I cry. And you¡¯ve got so many, you must hurt really bad, Mr.,¡± she


    muttered sadly. It was almost like she felt the pain he did. Such an emotional child. He was sure she


    got it from Hazel.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got scars too, huh,¡± he muttered.


    She nodded, her curls bobbling around her small face.


    She sighed, then moved to his palm, gently holding it. nting a small k*ss on his palm, her


    unexpected action surprised him. She grabbed a small band-aid from her dress pocket and ced it on


    his arm.


    ¡°Feel better?¡± she asked him, her eyes filled with hope. His gaze fell to the small, colorful band-aid,


    barely covering anything. But to her, she had offered help.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he muttered. She smiled brightly, her entire face lighting up,


    ¡°Daisy, Daisy, where are you? Time to head back,¡± a voice called for her.


    ¡°Coming,¡± she yelled back.


    ¡°It¡¯s the nurse. I was allowed toe y here for a while. I¡¯ve got to go now,¡± she exined to him a


    touch of disappointment in her voice.


    III


    O


    ¡°Boo-boos get better with time. You¡¯ll see,¡± she encouraged with a small,forting smile. Then, she


    turned, walked, and hopped on her bike, pedaling away.


    Derrick stood there, watching her leave, a mix of emotions swirling within.


    Unnoticed by him, a tear escaped from his eyes, catching him by surprise.


    He didn¡¯t notice till he felt the liquid on his face.


    Tears? He hastily, he wiped it away, refusing to acknowledge the unexpected disy of vulnerability.


    Why was he even here? Learning about Hazel¡¯s child had prompted pushing him to see for himself.


    This was the first time in years that he ventured out into the open during the daytime.


    His


    gaze returned to the colorful bandaid on his arm. ¡°My kind of hurts don¡¯t heal; they never heal,¡± he


    muttered, a somber acknowledgment of his life. ¡°Scars don¡¯t heal.¡± With that realization, he turned and


    headed towards where his car was parked.


    ***


    **


    ¡°Where has your mind been, Hazel?¡± Nathan asked, gently shaking her. She snapped out of her


    thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Nathan was expressing his hopes, detailing the things they would do together once out of


    the hospital, but her mind had wandered.


    ¡°Nowhere and everywhere,¡± she replied with a sigh. ¡°Daisy¡¯s surgery is this month, I¡¯m a little worried,


    Nathan,¡± she admitted her voice tinged heavily with worry and concern.


    ¡°Technically, it¡¯s next month,¡± he said lightly. ¡°This month is just the first intense pre- surgery checkup,¡±


    he corrected her gently.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing great, Hazel; she¡¯s really happy,¡± Nathan assured her. The two looked back at Daisy


    ying happily with her brother. Hospital stays weren¡¯t as depressing as before -Daisy was a much


    happier child, all thanks to a certain someone.


    ¡°And I¡¯ve been thinking, about the proposal¡­¡± Hazel started.


    ¡°I know, no pressure. Let¡¯s talk after Daisy¡¯s surgery,¡± Nathan interrupted her gently, offering an


    understanding smile.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she muttered, expressing her gratitude. The two sat quietly for a few minutes, Hazel lost


    in thought, a distant look on her face.


    They hade such a long way, and through it all, Ethan had consistently proven his love for them.


    Daisy¡¯s improved condition was also thanks to him. Despite Hazel¡¯s


    3


    reluctance to admit it, Ethan had yed a significant role time and time again.


    ¡°I think I should tell Ethan the truth, about Liam and Daisy,¡± she said thoughtfully watching her kids.


    Nathan¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at her incredulously. ¡°What? Why? Are you crazy, Hazel?¡± he


    asked.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, releasing a sigh, recognizing he had overstepped. ¡°But that¡¯s a really bad idea. Do you


    want to lose your kids?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t, Nathan, but¡­¡±


    ¡°But nothing. There, it ends there. Nothing more, Hazel. In a month¡¯s time, we¡¯ll be gone from this


    ce, far away.¡±


    ¡°I think Ethan¡¯s sick,¡± Hazel blurted out.


    ¡°Do you care about him?¡± Nathan asked, ncing at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hazel admitted with a sigh. While she should feel anger towards Ethan, she found


    herself devoid of any resentment. His love and dedication to her kids seemed genuine.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t looked at it really well. After you tell him, he would want a ce in their lives. He could


    sue you, take one of the twins, or even both, then ban you from seeing them ever again. Is that what


    you want?¡±


    ¡°Ethan wouldn¡¯t,¡± Hazel replied.


    ¡°You sound so sure,¡± he muttered with irritation. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve forgotten pack dynamics,¡± he


    reminded her.


    Hazel sighed defeatedly.


    Just as the door opened, someone walked in.


    ¡°Ethan sent us gifts!¡± Liam eximed in excitement, performing a backflip as Axel entered the room.


    Though Nathan and he had brought gifts earlier, Liam¡¯s reaction was distinctly more enthusiastic about


    Ethan¡¯s gifts; supplements, fruits, and snacks, a thoughtful gesture to ensure they were well-stocked.


    Be couldn¡¯t help but smile at the familiar generosity of Ethan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk,¡± Axel suggested to Nathan as they ced the items down, instructing the cleaners to set


    them up.


    Nathanplied, and they moved to one of the quiet spaces of the hospital.


    16:58 Thu,


    ¡°How¡¯s Jasmine been?¡± Axel asked gently, genuinely curious.


    ¡°She¡¯s on work leave, I insisted. She needed it,¡± Nathan muttered.


    ¡°Is she okay?¡± Axel inquired quietly.


    Nathan sighed, ¡°She asked questions the other time about her past.¡±


    3


    2+67%


    ¡°The stalker from the other time, were you able to find out anything?¡± Nathan asked curiously.


    ¡°No,¡± Axel replied, shaking his head. ¡°By the time I visited again, he was dead; apparently, he killed


    himself.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s from a pack called ck Axe, but it went underground. A lot of things were unraveled about that


    ce,¡± Axel added with a sigh.


    ¡°And apparently, that¡¯s where she¡¯s from. I can only imagine the kind of hardship and abuse she went


    through while she was there,¡± Axel muttered.


    ¡°Does she remember anything?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°Not yet. She¡¯s struggling with her memories. It would be best if she forgets those things; they must


    have been horrifying.¡± Nathan stated.


    ¡°That¡¯s probably where she got those scars,¡± Axel muttered.


    ¡°Scars?¡± He asked a frown forming on his face.


    ¡°She has several, on her back and inner thighs,¡± he replied. Leaving things be would be best. Nathan


    stated resignedly.


    ¡°But your wife,¡± Axel pointed out.


    Nathan shrugged sadly. ¡°She risked her life so a young girl could be happy and safe. She¡¯s gone now.


    What¡¯s the use of digging up old wounds? The truth would hurt Jasmine very badly. She should be


    happy if possible,¡± he muttered, a small smile forming on his face. ¡°And besides, I have a future.¡±


    ¡°Are they really your kids?¡± Axel asked him doubtfully.


    ¡°What¡¯s that question supposed to mean?¡± Nathan retorted.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± came Axel¡¯s reply. It wasn¡¯t his business. But Ethan¡¯s DNA report was clear, and yet the


    doubt lingered, Ethan still didn¡¯t want to ept it. In fact, that was the real reason why he was here. He


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    intended to end this matter once and for all.


    Readers Appreciation post : I just want to say a really big thank you! For all the


    E


    feedbacks,ments, giftings and criticism. For a first time author it means so much. I¡¯ll keep working


    on improving. You guys are the real MVPs. Thank you!


    GIFT


    0

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    ¡°What happened? You still haven¡¯t exined how you got that injury,¡± I inquired, my gaze fixed on Axel.


    The bandage on his wrist, noticeable when he removed his jacket, hinted at a recent incident.


    ¡°I¡¯m not badly hurt, don¡¯t worry,¡± he said, his tone light. ¡°I crashed my car. I was driving, and some car


    ¡°You had those things delivered?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Yes. Liam threw backflips. I mean, they were vegetables in the package, but okay,¡± Axel said with a


    casual shrug, prompting a chuckle from me. Liam would anything as long as they were from me.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    get excited ove


    ¡°You should go home, get some rest. We¡¯ll talkter,¡± I suggested, urging him to leave early and take


    care of himself.


    ¡°So the results were negative?¡± Axel stated more as a confirmation than a question. ¡°Yes,¡± I replied,


    and Axel¡¯s expression held a hint of an ¡®I told you so¡¯ look. ¡°I told you, I did all the research. Very


    thoroughly,¡± he added, emphasizing the validity of his previous insights.


    He wouldn¡¯t understand it even if I exined it. I don¡¯t think he ever could. All of the signs were ring,


    telling me they couldn¡¯t and weren¡¯t mine. But something else was drawing me, some connection I


    couldn¡¯t understand. The results were clear and baring. But I still didn¡¯t want to believe it. Maybe I was


    loosing it, holding onto my ex-wife¡¯s kids. It didn¡¯t really matter. My kids or not, I still loved them.


    ¡°I can assure you, I headed straight to theb and started working on it. It was well secured,¡± Kane


    assured me when I asked him about the DNA test results.


    ¡°If you think it was corrupted or switched, it definitely didn¡¯te from me.¡±


    I could understand Hazel having a kid and wanting to keep them far away from me. Even if I discovered


    they were mine, I wouldn¡¯t have barged in on her and demanded custody.


    The DNA could never lie. Either that or it was swapped. But by who? My mind immediately went to


    Be. She seemed normal, always acting like nothing was out of ce.


    ¡°What do you think of Be?¡± I asked Gaby, one of the serv ants after calling her to my study. She


    looked surprised and taken aback by the question.


    Gaby hesitated, ncing around nervously before speaking.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Be?¡± she inquired, her voiceced with fear. ¡°Yes, my wife Be,¡± I rified, sensing an


    unusual tension in the air. She began to stutter, clearly frightened of offending me. Was this normal? A


    Luna¡¯s subject being scared to discuss her? Respect and dedication were expected, but fear?


    ¡°Go on,¡± I urged gently, trying to unravel the unease. ¡°Well, sometimes she yells at us, and she could


    push or throw things. Sharp things.¡± Her voice was feeble, and my concern deepened.


    ¡°Is that where you got that from?¡± I asked, pointing at a bandaid close to her cheek. She nodded slowly.


    Conversations with other maids echoed simr stories. I had been so engrossed in my business that I


    had abandoned my home, my pack. I had left everything to her, unknowingly allowing her to wreak


    havoc.


    Calling the serva nts one by one to question them, I got simr replies. All in all, Be was a total b itch


    and I, aplete fool. Wrapped up and believing her.


    ¡°Alpha,¡± Anna called as she walked back into my study.


    She had just left a few moments ago.


    ¡°May I say something?¡± she requested. ¡°Of course, feel free.¡± I told her eagerly.


    She disclosed, ¡°She practically banned us from talking to you, whatever we needed, we had to ask her


    directly.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Well, no one should meet the Alpha, he¡¯s busy. That¡¯s what she would say. Whenever we had issues,


    we must ry them to her first.¡± She exined.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone say something?¡± I questioned, slowly rising from my chair.


    ¡°We tried. You were wrapped up in your mate. It was like you abandoned us. It was almost like we


    didn¡¯t have an Alpha anymore,¡± she said, her toneden with sadness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I apologized with a sigh, regret weighing heavily. It took me too long to realize the extent of


    my foolishness.


    Anna¡¯s next question hit me hard, ¡°Sir, are you okay? You don¡¯t seem much like how you used to.


    You¡¯re rather sickly.¡± She stated peering at me. She was right.


    I was unwell, disconnected from my wolf, andpletely blocked off. It took me this long to grasp the


    reality of the situation. Numerous things had gone wrong, and they were still going wrong. Everything


    had changed since I met Be. Some how I was so blinded and in love with her, I left everything to her


    care, left her in charge.


    +6


    :72%


    But Be had stopped pack events, practically bullying members, leading to the


    s catt ering of the pack. All her ws hit me at once. Previously, she could do no wrong in my eyes.


    Things worsened after Chris¡¯s death, and if he were alive, it wouldn¡¯t have escted to this extent.


    All of my time had been dedicated to building my empire and it had paid off. In a couple of years it was


    one of the biggest in the country. Mypany¡¯s sess, and expansion hade at a price, costing


    me something even more important, my pack.


    Most Alphas focused on building their empires, leaving the Luna to nurture and care for the pack. She


    was supposed to fill in for my ws. A Luna was to make sure everything in the pack went well, that


    they were no loopholes. To fix things not destroy them. Be had done the exact opposite.


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t talk to you. You were always busy. Whenever you were seated,, she would be close by


    and we wouldn¡¯t be able to say anything.¡± She muttered with a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Anna, I really am.¡± I apologized.


    ¡°Things would change.¡± I promised.


    Anna hesitated before divulging, ¡°The other night, she received a package. Not sure what it was, but


    she acted really suspicious about it.¡± My curiosity piqued, and I asked, ¡°A package?¡± as I repeated the


    word slowly. ¡°Yes,¡± Anna confirmed.


    ¡°What was in it?¡± I probed further. She shrugged, ¡°I didn¡¯t get to see it before she arrived and snat ched


    it right out of my hands, sir.¡± Grateful for her honesty, I acknowledged, ¡°Okay. Thank you very much,


    Anna.¡±


    ¡°Sir, can we get full payments this time?¡± she asked, changing the subject. I was caught off guard,


    nearly yelling, ¡°What do you mean?!¡± She flinched.


    ¡°Be hasn¡¯t been paying you in full?¡± I ask a little calmer this time. She shook her head, and I couldn¡¯t


    fathom why they hadn¡¯t voiced orined.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something, or quit?!¡± I raised my voice. With the money I had made, the least


    anyone working with or for me should worry about is payment or allowances. I had more than enough,


    it was justmon sense to make sure people who worked for you were wellpensated. Common


    sense it appeared was not actuallymon.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say something?¡± I asked in a calmer voice.


    Anna responded with honesty, her eyes shining with unshed tears, ¡°You¡¯re our Alpha; this is our pack.


    We would work for free if you told us to. It¡¯s our home.¡± Her words hit me hard. Home. One I had


    neglected for far too long.


    Overwhelmed, I sank back into my chair. The revtions didn¡¯t stop there. I had discovered


    anonymous letters from pack members who had left to join other packs. These letters never reached


    me due to my mate and wife.


    As I exited my study, Be¡¯s car pulled into the driveway. I observed the air bing tense, the serv


    ants visibly ufortable, and some even scrambling away. Goddess! Be strutted in like she owned


    the ce.


    The worst part was her facade. Whenever I was present, she treated the serv ants well, feigning care


    for them and the pack. The reality was different. I stared at her, questioning how I had fallen for her.


    Was she truly my mate? The initial attraction I felt for her had evaporated.


    Maybe it had been gone years ago. What kept me by her side was probably guilt. The loss of our child


    and then those times when I would get suspicious and get mad then find out she was actually innocent.


    Moments like that would make me feel bad for mistreating her. I didn¡¯t want to make the same mistakes


    I had done with Hazel. Hazel, in all of this, she was my biggest regret.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± I inquired, keeping my voice calm and neutral. She threw a sweet smile at me, but


    it appeared fake. It was fake. The attraction I once felt for her was rapidly fading by seconds.


    ¡°My art center, and then I went to my boutiques. It was exhausting,¡± she replied with a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make us dinner,¡± she purred.


    ¡°I already ate,¡± I responded. Her face fell, and a hint of disappointment shed in her eyes. Something


    about her reaction seemed off.


    ¡°Ohh,¡± she muttered, seemingly lost in thought.


    ¡°Is there a problem, Ethan?¡± she asked, moving closer to me.


    ¡°No,¡± I replied passively, studying her intently. She whined, ¡°But you are acting cold and withdrawn.¡±


    ¡°Just had a really stressful day,¡± I muttered lightly.


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± she said, turning to head upstairs. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was amiss.


    ¡°Can you serve me a ss of wine?¡± I asked her. She turned immediately, her eyes meeting mine as a


    smile spread across her face.


    ¡°Bring itter to my study.¡± I requested.


    She looked overly pleased to hear that,too pleased.


    She walked in momentster


    ¡°Just leave it there,¡± I instructed her with a small smile. She dropped it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in the bedroom,¡± she muttered suggestively.


    ¡°Sure,¡± I replied with a smile.


    ¡°Hell no.¡± My mind echoed.


    The smile on my lips died the moment she stepped out. I reach for the ss, picking it up, I stared at it


    for a moment, then had it turned into a disposable can instead of drinking it. Something was not right,


    and I would have it analyzedter. I was definitely not okay.¡±

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    Hazel


    My mind has been all over the ce recently. I¡¯ve been having this anxious, like something serious is


    about to happen.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably just overthinking it Hazel. Everything will be just fine.¡± Dove whispers


    to me.


    Yes.


    It¡¯s just Daisy approaching surgery that has me feel rattled.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s about time Ethan knows the truth Hazel.¡± Dove whispers to me.


    Yes, Ipletely agree to this. Although Nathan sees differently. Nathan¡¯s n is that we just get up


    and leave immediately after the surgery, but would that actually be fair? Ethan loves these kids. He


    loves them but what about Be? A nagging voice crept up inside of me.


    Be was obviously up to no good. What if she harmed them?


    I sighed. Ethan wasn¡¯t really an issue again, what scared me more was the fear of his reaction, how his


    reaction would be. Would he demand custody? Would he be angry I fooled his all this while? Would he


    take my kids? I didn¡¯t see this ending well for me. Be as a step mother? That image gave me


    nightmares. That woman had no paternal warmth or bone in her. Her badly harming my kids randomly


    without knowing they were mine, how much worse would she be when she finds out they¡¯re Ethan¡¯s


    and my


    kids.


    It would be terrible. If there was no Be I would definitely take the risk. I can¡¯t help but think of Nathan,


    he had done everything he could for us. But would it be right? My kids Father was alive, and eager to


    have a ce in their lives. Having someone y that role seemed too cruel to not just my kids but


    Ethan as well.


    ¡°Liam, don¡¯t wander too far, okay?¡± I call out to my son.We are currently sitting at the hospital park, a


    vast expanse of greenery that adds a friendly touch to the medical environment. This was one of the


    reasons I love cleavnd hospital, they have everything This open space proves beneficial for the


    inpatients, offering a refreshing and uncluttered atmosphere, aplete change of scenery. Not only


    were the management catering for it¡¯s patients health, but also other aspects as well.


    Daisy is busy happily riding a bike.


    ¡°One Ethan bought for her.¡± Dove says in a singsong way.


    Ethan¡¯s assistant had just showed up randomly one morning with a pink bicycle after Daisy mentioned


    it just once. The man spoilt them to the heavens!


    More reason why I felt terrible. Ethan¡¯s interaction with them was pure, that connection was there.


    Kids deserve having both parents in their lives. Ethan was there, anxious and eager to


    present in their lives even though he thinks they aren¡¯t his.


    be


    ¡°No Be, no problems.¡± I can¡¯t help but sigh once more.


    The woman hade out from nowhere all of a sudden. The fact she could frame me and tell lies was


    clear, my kids would not be safe around her.


    And their marriage, Ethan didn¡¯t seem happy.


    For now, I¡¯ll just let things go with the flow.


    I wasn¡¯t as stiff with Ethan any longer. He could visit whenever he wanted. And gifts from him? Liam


    would kill me if I ever have them returned. Those small things, I would let them indulge.


    Liam¡¯s ying running around ying fetch with a dog.


    A dog I don¡¯t know or remember having.


    Axel suddenly materialized with one a while ago.


    The puppy was actually very cute. That dog couldn¡¯t be Ethan¡¯s? Could Ethan have a pet puppy? I


    wondered. It didn¡¯t seem fitting though.


    But I was sure it Couldn¡¯t be Axel¡¯s. I can¡¯t imagine Axel owning a pet, the guy seems just too, what¡¯s


    the word ¡­?


    ¡°Like an AI? A robot?¡± Dove asked and I snickered. That was it. He seemed too proper and overly


    dignified in a serious kind of way, plus he barely smiled. He had a nd face that was most times


    expressionless. A handsome face though, just rather a sad looking


    one.


    My eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for Liam, who had slipped out of my sight.


    I had seen him in a while now.


    Then, in the distance, I spotted him ¨C attempting to retrieve his ball. Almost


    instinctively, I was about to look away when my heart s kip ped a beat, and time seemed to freeze.


    08 07 Mon, 15 Jan


    A white van came hurtling towards him, and a surge of anxiety gripped me.


    ¡°Liam! Look out!¡± I yelled, my voice echoing my panic as I sprinted toward him.The world around me


    blurred, the air became heavy, and the ordinary park setting morphed into a stage of impending danger.


    Each step I took felt like a monumental effort, my heart pounding in my chest. Sweat formed on my


    forehead, and every breath was a struggle.The sound of my own warning lingered in the air, charged


    with urgency. As I closed the distance, the gravity of the situation intensified. Emotions swirled within


    me ¨C fear, helplessness. No goddess no!


    I was too far away.


    A mere moment ago, the ambiance was one of joy, painted in the vibrant hues of green. Everything


    was the epitome of normality until the abrupt shift unfolded. Hazel¡¯s feet pounded the ground, carrying


    her urgently to the other side, where a white van nowy crumpled against a tree. Panic surged


    through her as her eyes desperately scanned for Liam, her heart half-expecting the worst.


    ?


    ¡°Liam!¡± she screamed, spotting him huddled safely away from the van¡¯s destructive path. ¡°Liam! Liam!


    Are you okay?¡± she called feverishly, her hands running over his little b*dy anxiously. He was


    untouched, unharmed by the chaos that had just unfolded. A wave of relief swept over Hazel, and she


    clutched him tightly, nearly brought to tears by the intensity of her emotions.


    As the crowd gathered, murmurs rippled through;


    ¡°Did you see what happened? Some guy grabbed that little boy out of the way.¡± People talked amongst


    themselves.


    ¡°Liam!¡± She looked at his face. ¡°Mummy.¡± He called her softly burying his face into her chest. ¡°Where


    did thate from?!¡± Someone yelled. It was a white van on high speed that had suddenly run out of


    control almost hitting Liam.


    Amidst the chaos, someone yelled about the van almost hitting Liam. Hazel, still holding him close,


    checked him over, her heart racing with concern. ¡°My baby! My baby, you¡¯re okay! Oh, thank


    goodness,¡± Hazel cried in a mixture of relief and gratitude.


    While people discussed the mysterious savior, a ck-jacketed figure who had acted just in time,


    Hazel¡¯s attention wavered. The van, now emptied of upants, left a trail of unanswered questions


    lingering in the air.


    ¡°Oww, mummy, my arm,¡± Liam cried as Hazel attempted to stand.


    She checked him immediately searching for broken bones.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small wound; you¡¯ll be fine,¡± she assured him relief evident in her voice then lifting him up


    and heading towards the hospital.


    ¡°Daisy!¡± Hazel yelled looking around for her daughter.


    ¡°Daisy!¡±


    ¡°Mummy.¡± Daisy called walking to her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring her in,¡± an elderly woman offered holding Daisy¡¯s small arm. The twins were known and


    beloved in the hospital.


    ¡°There was an ident,¡± Axel urgently announced, interrupting Ethan¡¯s meeting. Panic etched across


    Ethan¡¯s face as Axel delivered the news. ¡°It¡¯s Liam.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Ethan bolted out of his office, Axel following closely. With determination, Axel took the lead.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive, get out,¡± he ordered, recognizing that Ethan¡¯s distraught state could jeopardize their safety


    and other road users.


    ¡°Liam! Liam!¡± Ethan¡¯s desperate calls echoed through the corridors as they rushed towards the wards.


    Upon entering the ward, relief and anxiety collided in Ethan¡¯s eyes as he saw a nurse tending to Liam¡¯s


    injuries.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Hazel¡¯s tear-filled eyes met his, her voice a soft whisper.


    Ethan¡¯s gaze zeroed in on Liam. ¡°Are you okay?!¡± he asked, his eyes hovering over him anxiously.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam nodded quietly, and Ethan enveloped him in a tight hug. ¡°You¡¯re okay,¡± Ethan murmured,


    his hands tracing over Liam¡¯s head gently, a heavy breath escaping him in relief.


    ¡°What happened? Axel just informed me. A bus ran out of control and nearly hit Liam?¡± He asked


    gently.


    ¡°How¡¯s that even possible?!¡± Ethan fumed, his frustration evident and directed to the hospital director


    and manager as they entered the ward. ¡°We¡¯re trying to understand it, sir.¡± The man said apologetically.


    ¡°Can you hear yourself?!¡± Ethan yelled in frustration. Their exnations fell short, leaving a bitter taste


    of confusion.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Hazel¡¯s tearful voice pulled his attention. ¡°Someone grabbed him just in the nick of time. I can¡¯t


    even imagine what would have happened.¡± Her voice trembled with the weight of the near-tragedy


    ¡°He¡¯s fine now,¡± Ethan reassured, crossing the room to embrace Hazel.


    Chimpery 124


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine, right in front of my eyes, Ethan. I almost lost Liam!¡± She sobbed.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine now,¡± Ethan repeated, gently rubbing her back as she sobbed. Nathan entered at that


    moment, shooting usatory nces at Ethan.


    ¡°Everything okay in here?¡± he inquired sharply.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hazel separated from Ethan, wiping her tear-streaked face.


    After spending some time ensuring Liam and his sister were fine, Ethan finally left. Axel reported during


    their ride home, ¡°The van was empty, it¡¯s from a neighboring mall.¡± While Ethan had hurried off to tend


    to check on the kids, Axel had taken it upon himself to investigate the peculiar incident. ¡°There was no


    one driving it, no camera footage either. I looked into it,¡± Axel exined.


    Ethan sighed, realizing the situation was moreplex than a mere ident. ¡°I don¡¯t think that was an


    ident,¡± Axel concluded, mirroring Ethan¡¯s suspicions. ¡°It couldn¡¯t possibly be. The hospital thinks the


    bus ran out of control, but I think there¡¯s more to it,¡± Ethan added thoughtfully.


    ¡°Any reports on the man that saved Liam?¡± Ethan inquired, hoping for some lead in unraveling the


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    mysterious circumstances.


    ¡°None, onlookers didn¡¯t see his face. All they said is that he was in ck overalls, and that was it.¡±


    ¡°Whoever he is, I owe him,¡± Ethan muttered with a sigh. He then instructed Axel, ¡°Try to find him. The


    driver of the bus, the person who had stolen it as well.¡±


    ¡°Already on it,¡± Axel responded promptly.


    ¡°Did you do what I asked?¡± Ethan questioned, referring to a matter that seemed to weigh heavily on his


    mind. ¡°I¡¯m on it,¡± came Axel¡¯s reply.


    ¡°Although I don¡¯t understand why you insist on running another one,¡± Axelmented, expressing his


    confusion.


    ¡°I just have a feeling. You wouldn¡¯t understand it, Axel. I don¡¯t understand it either. Those kids, they¡¯re


    mine. I just know it,¡± Ethan confessed, grappling with conflicting


    emotions.


    ¡°The first results said they weren¡¯t,¡± Axel reminded him.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan snapped, frustrated. ¡°Maybe there was a mistake, a mix up with the samples. Those


    kids have to be mine!¡± He growled with determination.


    ¡°They aren¡¯t,¡± Axel sighed, aware of the emotional turmoil his friend was experiencing.


    KIR


    IVION, T Jan


    ¡°My head tells me they¡¯re not mine, my senses tell me otherwise, my heart tells me otherwise,¡± Ethan


    reflected. ¡°I just need onest confirmation. Something might have happened with the first sample,¡± he


    pleaded for understanding.


    Axel sighed, seeing Ethan¡¯s conviction, ¡°Just do it, would you.¡± Ethan insisted.


    Axel sighed expressing his concern, ¡°Fine. I just hope you don¡¯t get hurt, Ethan.¡± He was worried and


    convinced the second test report would end up disappointing him.


    ¡°The other reports are out though, the ones from the drink,¡± Axel informed him, providing a shift in the


    conversation.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    ¡°What was in it?¡± Ethan asked, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Nothing unusual,¡± Axel answered, and Ethan


    sighed, rxing back into his s cat.


    However, his wolf remained numb, senses dulled; there was no way it was ordinary,


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s in the drink. Still, keep an eye out, though,¡± Axel warned warned.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me twice,¡± Ethan responded.


    ¡°I already took some samples of both kids; I¡¯ll have them tested out.¡± Axel asserted with a sigh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t breathe a word about this out,¡± Ethan cautioned.


    After a moment of silence, Ethan broached a question that had been on his mind for some days now.


    ¡°Did you know, Axel, that Be¡¯s been mistreating serva nts?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°You found out, huh? It¡¯s about time, don¡¯t you think?¡± Axel muttered instead.


    ¡°So you knew?¡± Ethan inquired.


    ¡°Not really, there were signs,¡± Axel answered.


    ¡°Signs I didn¡¯t and somehow couldn¡¯t see,¡± Ethan sighed again.


    ¡°Where did Bee from? How did you meet her?¡± Axel asked thoughtfully.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. There are a whole lot of nk spaces when ites to her,¡± Ethan sighed defeatedly.


    ¡°Did I ever tell you about that? No one seemed to identify Be. The one person who did, at a meeting


    one day. Be, she imed it was a mistake. That the woman misidentified her, and a dayter she¡¯s


    dead,¡± Ethan mumbled thoughtfully.


    ¡°Who?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°Pack elder Naomi. I thought it was suspicious, but when I tried looking into it, I was told she had died


    in her sleep, and that it might actually have been a mistake.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s suspicious,¡± Axel mused thoughtfully.


    ¡°Now that I think of it, it really is. Although her family member said she was sick and mixed up details.


    That she had Alzheimer.¡± Ethan frowned sitting up as he mulled over what he had heard.


    ¡°That seems convenient,¡± Axel said with a frown.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan said, thinking now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look into this some more. Into Naomi, maybe pay her family another visit soon. Some other person


    apart from Naomi might have known Be or can give me more information on how she passed,¡± Ethan


    thought out loud.


    ¡°What is Be hiding?¡± Ethan asked quietly.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best we just let everything lie low for now,¡± Axel suggested.


    Ethan nodded. ¡°Yes, just have the new samples tested out. I need the results as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°It would take about three days,¡± Axel informed him.


    ¡°I know,¡± Ethan responded. ¡°Don¡¯t breathe a word about it to anyone. Just have the samples tested,


    under different names if possible,¡± he warned in a serious tone.


    ¡°I know,¡± Axel responded.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t my first road trip.¡±


    When Ethan got home, he found Be waiting for him.


    When Be saw Ethan, her eyes searched his features for an answer, an expression to give her a lead


    on what had happened. Ethan, she observed, looked rather calm, too calm for someone who just lost a


    loved one. Be hid the look of anxiousness on her face.


    ¡°Ethan, is everything okay?¡± she asked, seeing his tired but serene look.


    ¡°Yes, why?¡± he answered.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she replied slowly, feeling a little disappointed. Could it be that they had failed? If they had


    seeded, Ethan wouldn¡¯t have been home that early.


    ¡°Join me to eat,¡± she tried convincing him.


    ¡°Not hungry,¡± he replied strongly. Her face fell immediately. It had been a while since they dined


    together. At this rate, he might actually recover. And what did Ethan mean?


    She watched as Ethan headed up the stairs, a frown deepening on her face. She hurriedly grabbed her


    hidden phone and made her way to the bathroom in her study.


    ¡°Did


    you fail?¡± she growled out at Sebastian the moment he picked up.


    ¡°I was going to call you, but then I remembered you said I shouldn¡¯t contact you first,¡± Sebastian


    muttered.


    ¡°Ethan just got home, he looks too calm for someone who just lost someone, so that means you failed


    me!¡± she gritted out angrily.


    ¡°We weren¡¯t supposed to; the boy was right there.¡±


    ¡°So you failed!¡± she cried.


    ¡°You¡¯re useless!¡± she yelled in anger.


    ¡°Not my fault, we watched for the right opportunity. Some man grabbed him right out of the way,¡± came


    the exasperated reply.


    ¡°What nonsense are you on about?¡±


    ¡°I saw someone grab the child right out of the way. I was there to watch the scene to make sure it was


    carried out as ordered and clear any loopholes, but then the boy was in ce, someone grabbed him


    out in the nick of time,¡± Sebastian replied.


    ¡°Was it Ethan?¡± she asked, a deep frown gracing her face.


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t. He and his assistant arrived minutester; it was someone else entirely.¡±


    ¡°This man dove in risking his life; I couldn¡¯t stay to check. I left immediately.¡±


    Who could it be?!


    Be bit her lips and fingers anxiously pacing around.


    ¡°You want us to try again?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll definitely fail; Ethan¡¯s not stup id. You can¡¯t try the same tricks twice on him.¡± And besides, he


    had been keeping her at arm¡¯s length. He even insisted on handling things she used to take care of


    there in the pack himself. He was bing immune to her.


    She sighed, feeling a headacheing on. ¡°Just onto the next one. Make sure you don¡¯t fail me this


    time!¡± she ordered.


    ¡°We won¡¯t fail you,¡± came the response, assuring her of executing it to thetter this time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t contact me; I¡¯ll be the one to reach out to you. Understood?¡± she reminded him.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You know what, hold on for a few days, just so as not to arouse suspicion.¡±


    Derrick sat in the dimly lit room, swallowing more pain relief pills as his broken flesh protested against


    each movement. His broken flesh and injuries on his b*dy had split open, a testament to the recent


    ordeal of rolling on the unforgiving ground.


    Few hours ago he been sitting just watching Liam y with his dog and ball when he saw that white


    van heading to where he stood. Derrick was really close by, without thinking he had dived immediately


    into the ce.


    Sitting and watching the small family silently was slowly bing his routine.


    Sometimes he would just sit and wonder, did he have a ce there? Would that have been his life if


    that incident hadn¡¯t happened? Watching them was bing a small part of his day.


    Then he noticed Liam standing innocently there, he had rushed out instinctively without even thinking,


    his mind wentpletely numb and before he knew it, he had reached out grabbing the b*dy and


    rolling off with him.


    He saved him.


    ¡°Why did I do that?¡± He questioned himself. Risking his life to save Ethan¡¯s kids when he was


    supposed to plot how to get rid of them.


    They were currently Ethan¡¯s source of joy.


    The best way to hurt a person was taking the people or the person who they loved the most. To torture


    Ethan to the end as he had nned, he should have just let the van hit the child. That would put Ethan


    in enough agony. But he didn¡¯t even realize when he had thrown himself into danger for the sake of the


    child.


    Liam only raised his frightened head meeting his eyes with his tears filled one. His eyes were so much


    like Ethan¡¯s. And then he had just released the boy then hobbled away from the scene.


    His b*dy was still in pain. His semi healed skin had started to develop puss from being rolled on the


    floor. Everything hurt badly


    He was about loosing his mind. Grabbing another case of drugs he shoved it down his throat hurriedly.


    Enough of this madness already Derrick! He scolded himself.


    ¡°Hey, mister, you¡¯re the man who saved me, right?¡± Liam called out with curiosity in his eyes. Derrick


    turned to meet the gaze of the adorable faced Liam.


    08:07 Mon, 15 Jan.


    Liam¡¯s inquisitive eyes scanned Derrick. ¡°Why are youpletely covered? Are you a superhero? Is


    that why your face is covered? To keep your identity secret?¡± Liam bombarded him with innocent


    questions, taking cautious steps closer.


    Derrick remained silent, his gaze running over the boy. He wasn¡¯t badly hurt, just a few sca tches in


    different ces. Liam, not deterred, approached him further. ¡°I know you¡¯re the one who saved me.


    You¡¯ve been watching for some days now, haven¡¯t you?¡± Liam probed. ¡°Are you a guardian or


    something?¡± he added innocently.


    The name ¡®Liam¡¯ rang out,


    My Hazel¡¯s voice called for her son.


    ¡°Coming Mummy.¡± Liam turned away momentarily, expecting Derrick to still be there, but Derrick had


    vanished.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone?¡± Liam mumbled to himself.


    ¡°Who?¡± Hazel asked half-heartedly walking to her son.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Liam blinked, feigning innocence. ¡°Nob*dy,¡± he replied rapidly.


    Curious to check if the little boy he saved was unharmed, Derrick had returned to the hospital the next


    morning. However, Liam had caught on and was actually waiting for him. nning to take a quick look


    at the family and then leave, Derrick found himself exposed when he heard Hazel¡¯s voice. Instead of


    waiting, he fled.


    ¡°Get a grip, Derrick,¡± he muttered to himself. Liam had asked if he was a guardian. Derrick scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m


    the man who¡¯s going to be your worst nightmare, kid,¡± he mumbled under his breath, a dark


    promise lingering in the air.

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    Two days swiftly passed, and as night fell, Ethan returned home to find Be eagerly waiting for him.


    The table was set, and Be exuded beauty with a radiant smile.


    ¡°Ethan, you didn¡¯t forget tonight was our anniversary, right?¡± she asked, her smile. unwavering. Ethan,


    caught off guard, realized he had indeed forgotten.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget, did you?¡± Be inquired again, a slight frown forming on her face. Ethan silently


    studied her, his expression unreadable.


    Be, undeterred, maintained her smile. ¡°I understand; you¡¯ve been busytely,¡± she remarked, walking


    up to him and assisting him out of his suit. That night held a special significance for her, anticipating


    that Ethan would indulge her on their anniversary despite his recent avoidance.


    The atmosphere was set for romance, but Ethan¡¯s-watchful eyes bore into Be with quiet intensity.


    ¡°Come, sit,¡± she invited, pulling out a chair for him. Ethan lowered himself, determined not to partake in


    whatever had been arranged.


    As they were about to start dining, Ethan¡¯s phone disrupted the ambiance. ¡°Don¡¯t pick; we haven¡¯t


    spent time together recently,¡± Be pleaded. Ethan, however, retrieved his phone, revealing Hazel¡¯s


    name on the caller ID. Be¡¯s expression shifted instantly.


    Don¡¯t answer, Ethan,¡± Be urged, her arm reaching out to shield him from the impending


    intrusionb.Ethan, unmoved by her touch, briskly swatted away her hand, clutching the phone tightly.


    ¡°Ethan, it¡¯s Daisy.¡± Hazel¡¯s anguished voice,ced with tears, pierced through the phone, summoning


    Ethan into immediate action. He sprung to his feet, leaving Be behind. She chased after him, her


    desperate cries echoing in the air.


    ¡°On our anniversary? You¡¯re abandoning me?¡± Be¡¯s usatory words reverberated as Ethan slipped


    into his car, but Ethan didn¡¯t even spare her a nce. All of his focus was on getting to Hazel.


    Be, bereft and scorned, clutched the fabric of her dress in a tight fist. Tears welled in her eyes as she


    watched Ethan speed away.


    The night, meticulously prepared for their anniversary,y in ruins. Today she had dolled up to get his


    attention but he had shoved her to the side like she didn¡¯t even matter all because of Hazel. The


    sadness that enveloped her morphed into an unbridled rage.


    Storming towards the table, she vented her fury, overturning it in a tempest of anger.


    ¡°Hazel! I¡¯ll make you¡¯regret this!¡± she seethed, venom dripping from her words. A sharp


    gasp escaped a nearby se rvant, bearing witness to the destruction.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Be, you¡¯re injured!¡± the concerned serv ant eximed trying to reach Be and offer


    assistance.


    ¡°Let me be!¡± Be roared, pushing aside a young girl who became an unwitting target of her wrath. A


    resounding p left an imprint on the girl¡¯s face, shock and tears streaming down her reddened check.


    Having unleashed her anger, Be stood in eerie calmness, taking deep breaths. In that moment, the


    depth of her hatred to Hazel reached it¡¯s peak. She had never hated Hazel as much as she desperately


    did at that moment.


    Ethan sped madly to the hospital, his phone incessantly buzzing with Axel¡¯s urgent calls. The road


    blurred as he pushed his car to its limits.


    ¡°What?!¡± Ethan bellowed, the tension palpable in his voice, as Axel¡¯s excited tone echoed through the


    phone. ¡°Where are you? We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°Meet me at Clevnd,¡± Ethan instructed, abruptly ending the call.


    Upon reaching the hospital, Ethan sprinted inside, desperation etched across his face. He found Hazel


    in tears sitting outside Daisy¡¯s ward.


    ¡°What happened Hazel?¡± Ethan asked anxiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hazel sobbed, her anguish echoing through the hospital corridors.


    An apologetic man bowed deeply before Ethan. ¡°The youngdy was injected with the wrong dose,¡± he


    muttered, fear clouding his eyes.


    Ethan erupted, seizing the man by his cor. ¡°What did you say?!¡± he thundered, hands tightening


    around the offender¡¯s shirt.


    A distressed young nurse ran in interjected, ¡°I didn¡¯t know! I swear it¡¯s the normal dose I gave her!¡±


    Tears streamed down her face as she trembled with fear.


    ¡°How could you be that careless?!¡± Hazel yelled.


    ¡°If anything happens to her, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Ethan¡¯s threat resonated with a chilling


    calmness.


    Axel arrived, providing a semnce of order. Daisy¡¯s regr drip had been swapped with a different


    one.


    How did that even happen?! In a hospital?!¡± Ethan yelled turning to the Director. The man had been


    summoned from home immediately when he heard the news. He met Ethan pacing wildly around the


    ward corridor where Daisy was being attended to.


    ¡°We¡¯re flushing it out of her system, sir,¡± the Director stammered, his anxiety matching the escting


    chaos.


    ¡°Is it fatal?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice held a quiver of dread.


    ¡°What was injected, is it poisonous?¡± The urgency in his inquiry pierced the air.


    ¡°No, the drug was swapped with Corticosteroids. Although not lethal, it isn¡¯t used for administration in


    her case. She¡¯ll be fine.¡± The Director¡¯s reassurance offered a momentary reprieve.


    As Ethan sank down, a weight lifted from his shoulders, though the tension lingered. Hazel, too,


    copsed, her breathsbored.


    Hazel found herself thrown into confusion when Daisy abruptly went into shock, and the medical team


    began a chaotic and frantic response. Filled with panic and uncertainty, she instinctively reached for


    her phone, urgently dialing Ethan for help.


    In a secluded corner, Axel and Ethan engaged in a tense conversation.


    ¡°Do you think these are merely coincidences?¡± he pondered. ¡°I don¡¯t think so; it¡¯s more like purposeful


    attacks. First Liam, now Daisy,¡± Ethan muttered, visibly defeated.


    ¡°It¡¯s as if someone is trying to send me a message. What if the next attempt is more dangerous?¡± Ethan


    contemted thoughtfully. Axel, with a deep sigh, added, ¡°Ethan, there¡¯s more.¡±


    Axel dropped a bombshell, revealing, ¡°The DNA of the kids matches with yours.¡± Ethan, despite the


    confirmation he longed for, sighed and buried his face in his hands. ¡°I knew it! But I can¡¯t even feel


    excited or happy about this. Someone knows something and is targeting the kids, Axel.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to confront Hazel?¡± Axel inquired, recognizing this revtion as the moment Ethan had


    been waiting for. Despite the confirmation of paternity, Ethan found himself trapped in an unsettling


    unease.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not the right time. It¡¯s clear meing into their life would harm them,¡± Ethan hesitated, his


    thoughts weighing heavily on his shoulders.


    ¡°Listen Ethan. ¡°Axel attempted to interject, but Ethan cut him off, frustration evident in his voice.


    ¡°A lot of things don¡¯t make sense! First Be, now these attempts on the kids¡¯ lives. The first DNA


    sample not being a match. What if I hadn¡¯t insisted on another check? Someone¡¯s purposely trying to


    keep me in the dark, and the same person is attempting to harm those kids,¡± he muttered, the pieces of


    the puzzle eluding him.


    21*Could it be Be?¡± Axel spected, only to dismiss the idea. ¡°Be wouldn¡¯t know they were your


    kids and remain this calm. She would have raised the roof to the high heavens by now, you know,¡±


    ¡°I know, she¡¯s not a nice person. But there¡¯s no way she would hurt kids in this manner,¡± Ethan sighed


    in exasperation.


    ¡°You have a whole lot of enemies. People who want to hurt you,¡± Axel pointed out, acknowledging the


    shadowy threats that lingered from Ethan¡¯s past.


    ¡°Yes¡±, Ethan knew that very well. And frankly, most weren¡¯t his; some were his father¡¯s. His dad had


    made so many mistakes in his lifetime,


    ¡°But still, whoever it is, the fact is, this was a message. The person who did that could have swapped


    that fluid with something really lethal that would kill Daisy instantly. It¡¯s a warning,¡± Ethan mumbled, his


    frown deepening in contemtion.


    ¡°I have a whole lot of questions I want to ask Hazel, and the kids. I¡¯m so happy; I want to announce to


    the world they¡¯re mine. But, I can¡¯t just make a im on them, not with the dangers they¡¯re being


    exposed to,¡± Ethan exined, torn between his newfound joy and the lurking threats.


    ¡°Would you talk to Hazel?¡± Axel asked once more.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I don¡¯t me Hazel for lying all these while. I¡¯ve been pretty stupi d. I mean, my mate might be a fake;


    she¡¯s been abusing my pack members and serv ants for years now. I rejected Hazel without thinking;


    I¡¯ve been pretty blind,¡± Ethan confessed, his frustration turning into self-reflection. His palms contorted


    into fists.


    ¡°Stup idly blind, Axel. I didn¡¯t realize my kids were right in front of me,¡± Ethan chuckled in disbelief.


    ¡°Liam¡¯s my son, Daisy¡¯s mine too.¡± He looked up, meeting Axel, his eyes shining brightly. His


    excitement was palpable. Axel chuckled lightly.


    ¡°I wonder why the first one was all muddled up, but I guess these things happen,¡± Axel sighed,


    acknowledging theplexity of such situations.


    ¡°They¡¯re mine.¡± He said excitedly.


    Hazel¡¯s been lying,¡± Ethan Muttered his features falling instantly, the weight of the truth settling upon


    him.


    ¡°I understand she doesn¡¯t trust me; she feels threatened by my presence alone. So I won¡¯t step in. I¡¯ll


    earn her trust, show her that I can be a good dad to them. Confronting her would send her into panic;


    she¡¯ll start thinking I want toy im on the kids, take them away from her. That¡¯s most probably why


    she has been reluctant all these while, why she¡¯s kept the truth hidden and lied to my face several


    times our kids,¡± Ethan expressed thoughtfully.


    ¨C


    to protect her kids,


    ¡°Hazel. She¡¯s been through a lot. It¡¯s best she doesn¡¯t know I know yet, Ethan concluded.


    ¡°And Be, make sure this doesn¡¯te out to her, Ethan said decisively. ¡°I¡¯ll break it to her myself.¡±


    ¡°When would you confront Hazel?¡± Axel inquired.


    ¡°Soon, when Hazel gets to trust me enough to tell me the truth. That¡¯s when I know she trusts me, and


    I¡¯ll be worthy to be Liam and Daisy¡¯s dad.¡±


    ¡°What if that time neveres?¡± Axel probed. ¡°I get you¡¯re being optimistic, but what if she never


    father to your kids, Ethan. What if she never forgives you?¡±


    ¡°She will. Look around, Nathan¡¯s not here. Hazel called me first. She¡¯s beginning to trust me. I know


    she¡¯lle to trust me enough to tell me the truth.¡±


    ¡°In the meantime, I want security guards mounted around them twenty-four seven. They shouldn¡¯t be


    out of sight, ever. Even for once. Daisy¡¯s food, drugs, and everything else should be well-checked.


    Three times if possible,¡± Ethan instructed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a hospital, Ethan; you can¡¯tpletely cover all areas. Anything can happen,¡± Axel expressed


    worryingly.


    ¡°The permanent solution is to find the culprit,¡± Axel suggested.


    ¡°What if there¡¯s no culprit? What if the nurse made a mistake swapping the drugs while being distracted


    or absent-minded?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°What did the nurse say?¡± Ethan inquired with a frown.


    ¡°The bag was mibeled or swapped. That was the same item she injected Daisy with most nights, her


    usual drugs. So she didn¡¯t know until a few hourster when Daisy started reacting,¡± Axel rified.


    The two walked back, determined to unravel more details.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m so sorry. We had the nurse fired immediately,¡± the director apologized profusely, approaching


    Axel and Ethan.


    ¡°No,¡± Ethan responded calmly. ¡°Give her back her job, but she should be nowhere near Daisy,¡± he


    muttered.


    ¡°Thank


    you. Thank you,


    sir. I¡¯m grateful you won¡¯t press charges,¡± she cried out happily.


    ¡°What did you see?¡± Ethan asked seriously.


    ¡°I prepared everything as usual. Then I left it for a minute. That was the mistake I made.


    07:28 Wed, 17 Jan Be


    I didn¡¯t realize I was going to her ward with the wrong dose, sir.¡±


    ¡°Check the cameras,¡± Ethan instructed.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    661


    ¡°Where did you go, Ethan?¡± Be¡¯s voice echoed in the grand foyer, her eyes piercing with a mix of


    frustration and hurt.


    ¡°Out,¡± I replied in a single, stoic word, walking past her without a nce.


    ¡°First, you forget our anniversary, and then you walk out on me during dinner?!¡± Her voice escted, a


    crescendo of anger.


    It doesn¡¯t bother me.


    I didn¡¯t feel remorseful. Daisy mattered. When I had received the call from Hazel, my heart practically


    stopped. I even forgotpletely about Be.


    I turned to face Be, and my gaze met hers.


    Wife. Mate. The titles echoed hollowly, drowning in the vast expanse of unresolved emotions. All I


    seemed to do was get irritated with her, our connection strained and worn thin. I didn¡¯t even feel a


    twinge of guilt for forgetting the anniversary. An anniversary that marked the length of the years I


    callously tossed Hazel and our kids


    away.


    ¡°Not now,¡± I warned her, my tone cold, but she defiantly blocked my path, challenging the detachment I


    sought.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± she called gently, her voice softening, as if reaching out for the man she once knew, hoisting


    her smaller frame up to meet my eyes.


    I felt the scowl on my face deepen. The next moment, her eyes were filled with tears. Tears ¨C a sight


    that once moved me,pelled me toply with her wishes. But now, it only intensified the


    frustration and anger that simmered within me.


    I inhaled a deep breath, attempting to anchor my emotions.


    ¡°Out of my way, Be. I¡¯m exhausted, not tonight,¡± I muttered.


    I had a lot on my mind. Daisy and Liam, I didn¡¯t want to leave them at the hospital. I yearned to stay by


    Hazel¡¯s side, to offer support, but I had toe back home, to this wife of mine.


    Liam and Daisy, my kids, Hazel still didn¡¯t trust me enough to tell me and worse, a threat looms over


    their lives, and my wife, the woman I once thought I knew, was something else.


    What was frustrating was not knowing anything. We had checked the hospital cameras,


    07.28 Wed, 17 Jan G


    The security cameras yielded nothing unusual, their blind spot conveniently covering the area where


    the drugs were stored.


    Could it be Be? I searched her features for a clue.


    No. There was no way she knew they were mine and she hadn¡¯t exploded by now, Axel was right.


    But still, Be was a mystery, she seemed to be hiding a whole lot.


    ¡°What are you hiding, Be?¡± The words escaped my lips involuntarily, catching me off guard.


    Her expression shifted to one of rm, struggling topose herself. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    she stuttered.


    I didn¡¯t mean to quiz her this way.


    ¡°What are you up to?¡± I pressed, my suspicion growing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Ethan, I don¡¯t understand you. Tonight¡¯s our anniversary, and¡­¡± she started to say.


    ¡°And what? So what?!¡± I thundered, my irritation boiling over. I felt diminished and iplete, I had


    made so many mistakes. Without my wolf, I didn¡¯t even know what I was doing anymore. Nothing was


    clear.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been ruining my pack, everything rted to me, Be. You entered my life, and suddenly I¡¯m


    no longer the person I used to be,¡± I used, my anger unabated. I had missed years with my kids


    because of her and my stup id actions.


    ¡°What are you talking about? Did those servan ts¡­¡± she began, attempting to deflect.


    ¡°Leave my members out of it. They¡¯ve got nothing to do with this. You¡­¡± I stopped short, resisting the


    urge to yell, mindful of the n Axel and I had devised. It wouldn¡¯t be wise to let her know I was


    suspicious. Allowing her to think everything was normal in our rtionship was the best way to gather


    evidence.


    Her eyes were searching mine, expectantly to finish my sentence


    I calm myself down immediately. Releasing deep breaths then walk up to her cupping her face gently.


    First things first, fix the mess of my pack. I needed Be to steps out and pull outpletely from pack


    affair.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I apologized and she rxes immediately. Good.


    ¡°Be, I would appreciate it if you don¡¯t get involved with things concerning the packs


    07:28 Wed, 17 Jan B


    welfare any longer. ¡°I told gently.


    ¡°Why?¡± A frown graced her face.


    ¡°You would need help you haven¡¯t been running things properly.¡± I break it to her.


    Not running things properly is an understatement. She¡¯s been outrightly ripping things


    apart.


    ¡°Ethan about that you were busy and I didn¡¯t¡­¡± She tries to exin.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know how to handle anything, I understand. And I¡¯ve been too busy to help you out as well.¡±


    My exnation seems to pacify her.


    ¡°The gam ma would take over your roles. Step back and focus on your businesses. Okay?¡± I mumble


    then turn around and headed to my study.


    I didn¡¯t have time for Be right now.


    My worry was my kids. Daisy and Liam


    I already had Axel draw up and check through my potential suspects who could try to


    harm them.


    I sat there in my study for hours thinking. Over the years I had made so many enemies. But no one


    actually knew my rtion with them to try to hurt them, I had only found out myself.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I decided to narrow down our suspicions to individuals who had discovered I was frequently visiting and


    had found out I was Liam and Daisy¡¯s father. Nathan emerged as one of my main suspects. However,


    observing him interact with the kids cast serious doubts on his involvement. It couldn¡¯t be him; I might


    not like him, but there was no way he would harm them.


    Although Be remained a mystery, I know she had no knowledge that Hazel¡¯s kids were mine. Hazel


    had deceived all of us years ago, and Be knew quite well that if Hazel was pregnant, I wouldn¡¯t have


    married her.


    The feeling of uncertainty and not knowing was agitating.


    Unable to sit still, my thoughts lingered on Be¡¯s role in all of this. I was still ufortable with my


    her. It seemed just too convenient that the one person who recognized her managed to end up that


    way.


    I decided to visit Naomi¡¯s pack, hoping to find someone who knew more about Be.


    After a restless night, dawn came finally. I left clear instructions for Axel to ensure the


    kids were well taken care of. Hazel, still frightened, insisted that Liam shouldn¡¯t leave her sight, so he


    would be schooled at the hospital clinic.


    The drive to Naomi¡¯s pack was long, hours away. I wasn¡¯t sure what I expected to find there, but I


    needed someone to ease the suspicions haunting my mind.


    ¡°Aunt Naomi?¡± A young man of about neen inquires when I ask for information. He introduces


    himself as Andrew,


    ¡°Are you rted to her?¡± I quiz back.


    ¡°Yes, she passed away some months ago,¡± he affirms.


    ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯d like to ask some questions about her.¡± Momentster, I¡¯m speeding back home.


    ¡°Axel! Naomi never had Alzheimer,¡± I break the news to him over the phone. The man I encountered


    the first time is nowhere to be found. Coincidence? I think not. Naomi did die in her sleep, but she was


    sick, not with Alzheimer¡¯s.


    Be imed Naomi¡¯s recognition of her to be a mistake. I don¡¯t think so; it¡¯s far from a mistake. That


    means Naomi did recognize her the other time. She knew what she was talking about, and that¡¯s why


    Be was fidgety when she met her. The man who imed not to know any such person during my visit


    is nowhere to be found.


    Recalling my visit to pay respects, I realize he seemed to be expecting me. My head is reeling with


    thoughts. ¡°When Naomi came that night, she mentioned something about the ck Axe pack. I don¡¯t


    know what that was about; she was discussing it with her assistant,¡± Andrew had told me.


    Could Naomi¡¯s mention of the ck Axe have something to do with Be? What is Be hiding? What


    does she know, and what has she done? The man who lied to me about Naomi¡¯s health is undoubtedly


    rted to Be.


    ¡°ck Axe. What do you know about it?¡± I ask Axel. I have to stop the car for a moment before


    crashing into something or someone.


    ¡°ck Axe?¡± Axel repeats. I had to consult him first because he mentioned something about the pack,


    a research project he was undertaking. Something rted to that neighbor of his he clearly likes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this, Ethan,¡± he mumbles over the phone.


    ¡°I know. Neither do I.¡±


    Be was home, for some reasons she had arrived back home early today so I drive straight there. I


    have questions that need answering.


    I storm into the house, taking two steps at a time. There, I find Be. I don¡¯t say anything; I can¡¯t say


    anything. I only watch her closely. Her face breaks into a smile when she sees me.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± She runs up to me, her eyes lighting up.


    ¡°Ethan, I¡¯m pregnant!¡± She announces.


    eyes


    ¡°What?!¡± I yell, looking down at her instinctively to her belly. She nods eagerly her wide and round in


    excitement. I take a step back instinctively trying to wrap my head around what she just told me. How is


    that even possible? When was thest time I touched her? Then it hits me, that night! That night I was


    so frustrated and upset with Hazel.


    Be¡¯s eyes are looking into mine hopefully.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    Be, feeling hopeful and excited, headed to the clinic for a test that morning.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am, you¡¯re not pregnant,¡± the female doctor broke the news to her.


    Be could feel the frown on her face deepen. She walked slowly to her car. Ethan was slipping


    through her fingers fast! No matter how she tried, she couldn¡¯t get pregnant for Ethan. She felt agitated.


    If she had kids, maybe she could get Ethan¡¯s emotions back. So, even after she got rid of Hazel¡¯s


    brats, Ethan wouldn¡¯t have to miss them so much. He would have her kids as


    well.


    She heads home and just lies on her bed, too upset to go to work. Her phone vibrated, her hidden


    phone. She thought of ignoring it absolutely not in the mood for her brother or Gabriel¡¯s antics.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She snapped


    ¡°I strictly told you not to contact me, didn¡¯t I?!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°Ethan¡¯s onto you, Naomi,¡± is all the person says, then hangs up.


    She stood immediately, pacing around. If Ethan suspects her, it¡¯s something she narrowly escaped


    from the other time. She bites her lips anxiously. She couldn¡¯t face Ethan¡¯s confrontation right now. She


    didn¡¯t know what he knows.


    And he was being so cold and withdrawn now.


    ¡°If only I was pregnant, he wouldn¡¯t treat me this way.¡± She whined to herself.


    Ethan badly wanted kids. He has mentioned it several times to her, that was before everything started


    falling apart in their rtionship. It was also how she was able to keep him tightened on her leech after


    her first ¡®Miscarriage.¡¯


    Then a light bulb goes off. She wasn¡¯t, but Ethan didn¡¯t have to know.


    Ethan walked in momentster, she could feel him watching her, his gaze hard on her. She musters a


    smile, turning to him.


    ¡°Ethan, I¡¯m pregnant.¡± She says catching himpletely off guard. Keep going, she mutters to herself.


    She could always fake another miscarriage.


    She watched as his face and features falter.


    Then his five shows didbelled how w wark, his eyes moving to her stomach.


    Surprise! She fored another, Wiggey owe


    ¡°What?¡± The whisper hour hike wow she wondered, feeling slightly annoyed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do happy boy? She woke him, walking up to him.


    ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re pregrown? He yells. It¡¯s unexpected, and she flinches, genuinely feeling


    hun. So even if she truly was, this would be his reaction?


    Hazel¡¯ She seethed angrily ¡®all her fault.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be pregnant, Be,¡± he said. He sought a way to uncover her motives, but the prospect of a


    child made him hesitate. It would mean doing the same to Hazel. No, no, no. He urgently stepped


    extende, needing air.


    Be finally breathed Ethan rushed back inside. ¡°Naomi,¡± he mumbled. Though caught off guard by


    Be¡¯s revtion, he hadn¡¯t forgotten the primary issue at hand. ¡°What do you know about her he


    asked her. He was still on this, she seethed inwardly. He didn¡¯t srupt in joy the way she had imagined


    he would.


    I don¡¯t know, what about her she anxiously replied. She genuinely had no clue; it was all Derrick¡¯s doing


    Naomi had recognized her, true, but she hadn¡¯t anticipated Ethan going back to check. Derrick, that


    ugly bas ta rd, was behind it all. Ethan observed her closely, noticing her Tear and teary eyer


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you¡± He growled grabbing her wrist and pining her when she tried to


    Leave


    Las go of me¡± She yelled, trying to shove him away. ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± She continued yelling, and thus mar


    she wasn¡¯t lying Ethan¡¯s usations only fueled her anger. ¡°What¡¯s with all that womanations?! I really


    don¡¯t know! I don¡¯t!¡± she vibrated and shouted them hoping


    ¡°Taugh¡± dan yelled, sagharing his grip ¡®Ouch!¡± she cried, her face contorting in pain 3 Barts by belly¡±


    she caused, and Kihan released her immediately. She fell


    to the tot


    ¡°Was wrong with grow. En? Why does this always happen? Whenever I have your bad on boom


    geognant, you turn into so she she sobbed. ¡°Remember what Supponed thest cuoc¡± she spat.


    2 ., 51%¡é


    Ethan froze at the mention of thest incident. Frustration mounting, he punched the wall in anger.


    ¡°ck Axe,¡± he muttered forcing himself to calm down. She had to know something about it.


    ¡°What do you know about ck Axe?¡± he calmly asked her.


    Be looked up at him, her reaction intense.


    ¡°What¡¯s this reaction?!¡± Ethan thundered. ¡°Enough!¡± Axel yelled, entering and grabbing Ethan away


    from Be. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be hurting a pregnant woman,¡± he muttered. Ethan shot him a look.


    ¡°I know, I¡¯ve been here for a while now,¡± Axel said calmly.


    ¡°ck Axe, you have some connection don¡¯t you!¡± Ethan asked turning his attention back to her.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for now ¡°Axel said calmly.


    Be stood up immediately. ¡°Whatever you think you Know, it¡¯s not true and you¡¯ll be sorry.¡± Be


    fumed then walked away. She didn¡¯t like Axel but she felt grateful to him for now


    ¡°ck Axe has some dreadful history. Be might actually have been a victim,¡± Axel mumbled


    thoughtfully.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Ethan asked with a frown. ¡°I looked into ck Axe; the stories are


    dreadful. The girls there went through a lot. They were practically abused, Ethan,¡± Axel exined.


    Ethan¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet for sure but Be might have something to do with that.¡±


    The two sat there quietly for long minutes. ¡°I need to go somewhere,¡± Axel said suddenly, grabbing his


    things to leave. ¡°I think it¡¯s best you avoid Be for now, until we know for sure, and I¡¯m pretty sure you


    don¡¯t want a repeat of what happened before,¡± he warned, reminding Ethan of the ident Be had


    the first time.


    Ethan sighed deeply. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Axel drove with a fixed destination in mind, his thoughts and head all over the ce.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he mused thoughtfully. When she saw Be the other time at the mall, she had reacted in a


    weird and frightened manner. She visibly paled. He needed to see her first and ask her some things.


    3  3 51%6


    He drove through the familiar streets that once housed his home. This apartment, he stepped out with


    a deep sigh. This was the ce where he had felt real and true happiness in a very long time. From


    looking up, the lights of her apartment were turned off, but he was sure she was in. She had to be in.


    He felt guilty returning back here in this manner, after the way he ditched her the other time. He¡¯d hurt


    her.


    He stepped into the elevator, lingered at the front of her doorstep for a while before finally pressing the


    doorbell. ¡°Jasmine!¡± He yelled, banging on the door. ¡°Thatdy, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s in. I haven¡¯t seen her


    out in almost a month now,¡± someone came out and informed him when the noise became too much.


    Jasmine was in. She was hiding under her bed. The nightmares had started again, only this time they


    were realer. She sat there on the floor, sobbing.


    Axel, growing more anxious, continued his fervent attempts to reach Jasmine. ¡°Jasmine!¡± he yelled, the


    intensity of his voice seeping through the door. In the shadows, she heard him, whispering her name


    like a lifeline.¡±Axel?¡± she whispered back, her voice a fragile echo. Slowly, she approached the door, a


    mixture of trepidation and curiosity in her eyes. After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open.


    The sight that met Axel¡¯s eyes left him breathless. ¡°Jasmine,¡± he uttered softly.


    Jasmine stood there, her gaze averted, unable to meet Axel¡¯s eyes. Her frail form spoke volumes ¨C she


    was skinny, too skinny and hollow-eyed. It was clear she was struggling. Her lips were parched, fear


    etched across her face, she seemed like a mere semnce of the girl Axel had once known.


    ¡°Axel,¡± she whispered, her voiceden with tears. ¡°It¡¯s really you,¡± she murmured, a fragile smile


    attempting to breach the destion etched on her face. Axel¡¯s heart clenched at the sight ¨C he


    shouldn¡¯t have left her.


    ¡°How have you been?¡± he inquired, concern furrowing his brow as she averted her gaze. ¡°Jasmine?¡± he


    pressed, attempting to bridge the emotional chasm. When he moved to touch her, she flinched,


    stepping back with an rmed expression


    ¡°You remembered?¡± Axel questioned, sensing the deep scars etched into her memory.


    ¡°Why are you here, Axel?¡± Jasmine¡¯s voice, though trying to sound brave, betrayed a hidden anguish.


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Jasmine, can we talk?¡± Axel implored gently, a surge of protective instinct coursing through him. She


    had lost the innocence and clumsiness he once knew, reced by weariness and despair.


    07:50 Fri, 19 Jane B¡¤


    ¡°My name is Christine,¡± she stated slowly, tears streaming down her face. Axel sighed.


    ¡°The man from the other time was right; it wasn¡¯t an ordinary stalker. I belonged to him,¡± she confessed,


    her words carrying a haunting weight.


    ¡°No! You don¡¯t, Jasmine.¡± Axel protested vehemently, vividly recalling the unsettling conversations he


    had had with that man.


    ¡°He¡¯lle back for me, take me there,¡± she whispered, trapped in the nightmarish echoes of her past.


    Axel was quiet watching her talk, he could only imagine the agony she was reliving. He could


    remember, after that stranger stalker guy hade, he had looked into it before the man diedter on


    in prison.


    He had where the man stayed. The man was said to be from a ck Axe.


    The man had lived in a basement. There he found several pictures of Jasmine sc at tered about the


    small room. His suspicion was right, the man wasn¡¯t just an ordinary stalker.


    Then something else caught had caught his attention a locked drawer. He picked at it quite easily


    unraveling something that made him freeze. It was a picture of Jasmine, but she looked very young in


    it. She wasn¡¯t any more than fourteen in that picture he held.


    The pictures however made him feel heavily nauseous, there were shots taken of her small and barely


    developed b*dy. Axel¡¯s hands had shook as he held it in his arm. Her b*dy was being abused and used,


    there were several horrifying picture of that type. His fingers tightened fiercely in anger. Rage


    reverberated through his entire being.


    This was it, Jasmine had lived there on that Ind. They had broken herpletely, used her. The


    man had found out she was still alive and hade looking for her.


    Somehow the deranged psychopath was convinced they were in love. That those things weren¡¯t being


    done against her will.


    The nk memories, there were things she never wanted to remember ever again. Things those men


    had done to her.


    He didn¡¯t know how to face her with knowing all those things, he didn¡¯t want her to remember so he¡¯d


    let her be. But now all of the memories were crashing over her.


    He had gone back to the cell to find the man, but was told he had killed himself there in prison.


    He wished she would forget it permanently, but it seemed she hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°He won¡¯te back, Jasmine. You¡¯ll never go back there. I promise.¡± Axel¡¯s words were


    07:50 Fri, 19 Jan & B


    a gentle reassurance as he pulled her into his arms, offering sce to a soul ravaged by past horrors.


    She crumpled in his embrace, tears flowing freely.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Axel¡¯s muttered apologies mingled with guilt for abandoning her when she needed


    him the most.


    Minutester she sat curled up in her sofa rocking back and forward.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he called, attempting to breach the walls she had erected.


    ¡°Why did you leave?¡± Her whispered inquiry wasden with vulnerability, and Axel sighed, settling


    beside her. ¡°Because I was afraid. I changed so much I didn¡¯t even realize it,¡± he confessed.


    ¡°Then when I did, it scared me.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°I thought it was because you didn¡¯t like me, because I was worthless,¡± Jasmine said sadly.


    ¡°No. No. I more than liked you,¡± Axel affirmed, peeling backyers of his emotions. ¡°I was falling


    time he was going to be real and honest with what he was feeling.


    Axel¡¯s gaze traced the scars on her b*dy, she instinctively tried to conceal them, under her hoodie but


    he gently seized her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t hide yourself from me,¡± he pleaded.


    ¡°I¡¯m hideous,¡± she muttered, wrestling with his arm. He held her smaller palm in his


    own.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± Axel said honestly, a genuine smile apanying his words. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful,


    Jasmine,¡± he affirmed, expressing a sentiment that had taken root since the moment she entered his


    life. She looked up at him a genuine smile spreading on her face.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± he called, capturing her attention. ¡°I knew remembering things are hard for you. But do you


    remember that woman, the one we met at the mall the other day after you broke my phone, and I had


    to fix it?¡± he teased lightly, eliciting a smallugh from her at the memory of her attacking him that night.


    ¡°You saw someone that day, this woman.¡± Axel produced his phone, disying a picture of Be.


    Jasmine took it slowly, examining the image. ¡°Do you know her? Was she there as well?¡± Axel asked


    her.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    Jasmine collected the phone, peering at the image, her brows furrowed in seriousness.


    ¡°Do you know her?¡± He urged gently, studying her features.


    ¡°Is this why you came to meet me?¡± She whispered, disappointment seeping into her voice and


    standing up.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. I was going toe anyway, by the end of the week,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°Was she there?¡± He asked her.


    ¡°I was one of the few ones they didn¡¯t sell out; lots of girls came and left, but I was kinda stuck there.¡±


    Her voice quivered lightly.


    ¡°There were so many girls, I don¡¯t know.¡± Seeing his hopeful expression, Jasmine really wanted to help


    him. She raked her head but couldn¡¯t ce where she found her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Axel. I don¡¯t remember everything. I don¡¯t even remember the ident of how I ended up in


    this city,¡± she said apologetically.


    ¡°My memory is in bits and pieces. And honestly, I¡¯d rather forget it all.¡± She said calmly, standing up.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to push yourself anymore.¡± Axel sighed.


    ¡°I understand,¡± he muttered, pulling her into his arms. ¡°It¡¯s over now, okay?¡± He mumbled into her hair.


    She nodded slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost so much weight,¡± he said sadly.


    They stayed that way for some time.


    ¡°Try to take care of yourself; you¡¯re not alone, Jasmine,¡± he assured, pulling away from the hug.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± She asked him, her voice breaking slightly. She looked sad to watch him go.


    ¡°I need to; I¡¯ll be back tomorrow,¡± he told her gently.


    ¡°Wait for me?¡± He questioned her.


    She smiled, then nodded her head. ¡°I¡¯ll be right here when you get back,¡± then she


    07:51 Fri, 19 Jane B


    9 3 51%


    smiled at him. He nted a small k*ss on her forehead and moved to step out of the door. Her eyes


    were fixed on him as he left. He had a nagging feeling to stay, to spend the night there with her. She


    looked so small and lonely standing there in her small living room.


    ¡°When Ie tomorrow, how about I cook you a nice dinner?¡± He offered. Her face lit up immediately.


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± She nodded eagerly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon. Don¡¯t go anywhere. I¡¯ll be here tomorrow,¡± he told her, then mustered a small smile.


    He didn¡¯t want to leave, but he had to.


    Turning, he left finally.


    Stepping into his car at the down floor of the apartment, it seemed like someone was lurking in the


    dark.


    He pushed the unsettling feeling to the back of his mind, entered his car, and drove off. Jasmine sat


    quietly for a while. She had felt hopeless, but now, she had Axel. Her life wouldn¡¯t be as bleak


    anymore. Hisforting words lingered in her mind, giving her a newfound motivation.


    ¡°First, a bath,¡± she muttered, then walked off. Staring at the mes on the TV screen, a sudden wave of


    d¨¦j¨¤ vu hit her. Gripping her head, she cried out; it felt like her head was about to split open. Shey


    there crumpled on the floor for some minutes.


    ¡°She was there! Axel¡¯s in danger.¡±


    Everything came rushing back to her. She ran out immediately, barefooted, images clear and running


    through her head. The other woman, Nathan¡¯s wife, Amelia Fox. She saw her. Stumbling, she nearly


    fell. She waspletely irrational and sc attered.


    ¡°That woman is dangerous,¡± she cried as she got downstairs. ¡°Axel! Axel!¡± she called, running. A figure


    moved slightly, responding to her call.


    ¡°Thank Goodness you haven¡¯t left yet.¡± She was bawling her eyes out. ¡°That woman, Be, she was


    there. She killed those people, Nathan¡¯s Amelia as well. Amelia died because of me; Amelia was trying


    to help me.¡± She was cryingpletely now.


    ¡°Axel?¡± she whispered. A man stepped out in front of her. She instinctively stepped back.


    ¡°You¡¯re not Axel,¡± she whispered, taking another step backward, her teary eyes shining.


    D


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, doll. I can¡¯t have you spilling all that you just remembered. It¡¯s too sad, really. It would have


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    been best if you didn¡¯t remember anything,¡± the man said. She turned to run but was held in ce. The


    man grabbed her, holding a handkerchief over her face.


    ¡°Wow, this would have actually caused a whole lot of trouble. I was actually going to give up on you


    today.¡± She struggled for a while, then gradually went numb, slumping weakly in his arms.


    Be snapped into the phone, her mood sour after the confrontation with Ethan.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money to give to you,¡± she retorted sharply.


    ¡°Your husband¡¯s assistant just left here,¡± he said, tossing the girl to the back of the car.


    ¡°Axel? He just left who?¡± Be asked anxiously.


    ¡°The girl who knows everything about you, of course,¡± he replied lightly. ¡°Your carefully crafted empire


    coulde crumbling down with one word from her mouth,¡± he added smugly.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Be whispered.


    Gabriel chuckled lightly. After the incident and overhearing Be that day, he had be curious and


    started watching Jasmine. Now his efforts had paid off, and the girl truly had some serious dirt on Be.


    Be¡¯s voice suddenly became calmer. ¡°You have her?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Yep,¡± he replied lightly.


    ¡°Help me get rid of her,¡± she said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Why should I? What do I stand to gain?¡± he asked smugly.


    ¡°Listen!¡± she snapped. ¡°If I get caught, we all get caught,¡± she threatened. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing on me.


    I¡¯ll do you this favor anyway. And I¡¯ll do it in a demure and quiet way as well. Just send me fifty million,


    then I¡¯m out of your hair,¡± he told her calmly.


    She nearly vomited blood. ¡°That¡¯s too much; I can¡¯t move that much money! Ethan checks my


    transactions,¡± she exined. Ethan had be suspicioustely and was scrutinizing everything


    about her.


    ¡°I used mypany¡¯s exhibition, but it would rouse his suspicion if such a huge amount leaves


    suddenly!¡±


    07:51 Fri, 19 Jan le B


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk, Gabriel,¡± she said anxiously.


    4


    Sebastian was practically useless. He had let the girl slip through her fingers, and she was currently


    caught by Gabriel! Of all people.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered in desperation.


    She needed to make sure that girl never returned.


    It was all too much, she liked her life now, anything that would try to disrupt it would have to go. Hazel¡¯s


    brats and this other girl.


    Done with striking a deal with Gabriel, she contacted Sebastian, ¡°Have it done today.¡±


    ¡°Did you find anything?¡± Ethan asked Anna the next morning, having given her instructions tob


    through Be¡¯s study and keep an eye out for any suspicious parcels.


    ¡°No, sir,¡± she replied.


    He sighed. ¡°Okay, just keep searching.¡± She nodded and turned to leave. So far, he hadn¡¯t been able to


    uncover any facts about his wife. Even bugging her phone had proven useless.


    ¡°I heard you mention checking Ma¡¯am Be¡¯s calls,¡± Anna muttered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he probed.


    ¡°There was a time I went to her study to call her for dinner; she was in the bathroom. Her phone was


    right there on the table, but it seemed she was making calls inside the bathroom.¡±


    That¡¯s it. She had a different phone. That was why, even though he had bugged her phone for months,


    he couldn¡¯t actually find out anything! He only nodded calmly; that exined it.


    ¡°What exactly do you mean?!¡± Be thundered into her phone from the confines of her soundproof


    office. She had been patiently awaiting good news, but her brother¡¯s ipetence had be


    apparent.


    ¡°You¡¯re thoroughly useless! First, you let that girl slip through your fingers; Gabriel found her right on


    time, else I¡¯d have been ruined. And now you can¡¯t even dispose of a sick little brat?!¡± She continued


    her tirade.


    ¡°Listen!¡± He yelled into the phone. ¡°It¡¯s not as easy anymore. There¡¯s a lot of security


    07:51 Fri, 19 Jane G.


    E


    #


    here at the hospital. What we tried to do is practically impossible; someone changed her drugs the


    other time,¡± he informed her.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°A few days ago, the girl¡¯s medication was swapped to something she had a reaction to.¡±


    ¡°Who could have done that? Didn¡¯t she die?¡± She asked angrily.


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t potent enough to kill her. Now the hospital is full of people, and all the drugs and


    medications she¡¯s given are constantly checked. Swapping it to something deadly won¡¯t be possible,¡±


    he exined.


    ¡°Why would someone be dumb enough to miss a first chance slip through their fingers like that?¡± Be


    paced around the room.


    First, someone had saved Liam from danger. Then another person had swapped the girl¡¯s drugs. The


    person clearly had no n to harm her; they only seeded in raising everyone¡¯s consciousness,


    signaling that the girl was in danger.


    ¡°Derrick!¡± She bit her lips in frustration. ¡°It has to be him. Why would he ruin my n in that manner?!¡±


    She fumed.


    ¡°What were you thinking?!¡± She yelled into the phone the instant she dialed for him.


    ¡°That was you, right? The guy who grabbed Liam out of the road and signaled Ethan. Why would you


    do something like that?! We were one step closer to achieving our goal!¡± She yelled angrily.


    ¡°Now you¡¯ve made everything even more difficult.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle up with something else you just¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough Be.¡± The voice said with an exhausted sigh.


    ¡°We agreed to dispose¡­¡± She started saying.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it,¡± he said suddenly, shocking her.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    07:48 Sat, 20 Jan le


    3


    Derrick had spent days watching and monitoring Ethan¡¯s kids. He wanted to muster enough hate, but


    he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. He hated Ethan and everything associated with him, but his kids were


    innocent-just harmless babies. Be was even worse than he could imagine, and he had done a good


    job covering her up.


    His move to swap Daisy¡¯s medication wasn¡¯t carried out carelessly; he could have easily chosen a


    lethal drug to stop her small, fragile heart in an instant. Instead, he opted for a more subtle approach,


    giving the man he hated most a heads-up about what wasing his way simply because he was


    developing a soft spot for those kids.


    Not a monster, not scary.


    He sighed, rubbing his arm over his scarred and ugly face. Seeing Ethan happy had infuriated him. He


    carried on with his life like nothing had happened.


    Meeting Be made everything fall into ce, and for a while, everything was perfect.


    He had sworn to make sure Ethan died a slow, painful, and isted death, wiping out the entire


    bloodline of the Wilds, just as his own family had been eradicated.


    That was until they came along. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t hurt them. There were


    several times he sneaked in and peered at their sleeping faces, unable to muster enough hatred to


    harm them, no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°They¡¯re kids, Be. I can¡¯t hurt kids,¡± his voice was a h o a rse whisper.


    ¡°What do


    you mean?!¡± she yelled, agitated.


    ¡°They¡¯re children; I am not a monster,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°What did you say? Not a monster?¡± Be cackled into the phone in a mocking tone, as if she had just


    heard a very hrious joke.


    ¡°Not a monster?! Did you take a good look at yourself in a mirror? You look very much like one!¡± She


    yelled. She could not believe this man was actually saying this, someone who had lost a whole lot


    because of Ethan.


    ¡°Ethan did this to you; did you forget?!¡± She yelled. All she cared about was achieving her aim of


    getting rid of Hazel. If she had to trigger him, so be it.


    ¡°It¡¯s his fault you look like that!¡± She thundered. Where was the heartless person driven by revenge she


    had met? The same one who had other people killed without batting an


    eyelid? Be kept yelling on the phone angrily.


    ¡°Ethan ruined you.¡±


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that?!¡± He interrupted, his voiceced with pain and agony.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been miserable for years; you think I don¡¯t realize that?!¡± He thundered.


    ¡°I lost everything, my family, my life!¡± He yelled through the anguish.


    ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous; at this rate, Hazel would go back to Ethan, don¡¯t you see?!¡± She yelled.


    Everything should have ended a long while ago. Be made everything even moreplex. Now he


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    was tired.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough, Be. You¡¯ve done enough; stop now,¡± he muttered with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°What?! No! What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Your stunts and lies are getting much, Ethan¡¯s not a fool, Be. You don¡¯t get it; your cover-ups and


    loopholes, you¡¯ll get caught at this rate. We were close to achieving our aim, so close.¡± She muttered.


    Give up, Be,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°Your goals, selfish goals.¡± It¡¯s disgusting to think she would bat an eyelid to kill two innocent kids, who


    happened to be from the man she imed she loved.


    ¡°You¡¯re at crossroads. Your cover-ups can onlyst so long,¡± he warned her.


    ¡°What nonsense are you on about? We¡¯re close now. After Hazel¡¯s brats are gone, everything will fall


    into ce.¡± Hazel¡¯s reappearance kept distracting Ethan.


    ¡°You know what the problem is with you? You¡¯re greedy. You want what is never yours, what can never


    be yours. Ethan,¡± Derrick said calmly.


    Be hissed in annoyance.


    ¡°He¡¯s mine; he will be mine,¡± she said with determination.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± came the calm response.


    ¡°You already lost, Be,¡± he told her calmly.


    ¡°It¡¯s one thing to secure money and leave, but you stayed-one cover-up after another, then another, to


    prop up your crumbling castle with faulty foundations.


    07:48 Sat, 20 Jane S


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have gotten to this extent if you had stopped earlier. You don¡¯t seem to realize, the higher


    you go, the harder you fall. You had so much to lose. Then I started covering and cleaning your


    messes. You can¡¯t continue that way, Be; there¡¯s an end, there¡¯s always an end,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked, a frown deepening on her face.


    ¡°Ethan can only overlook so many lies. Your cover-ups are like putting sters over a leaking wall.


    They¡¯ll hold up for a while, then you¡¯ve got to add more and more, and a whole lot more to keep that


    one in stack, lie after lie,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Bandages over a rotting wound. At the end, little ster still


    gives way, alles crashing down,¡± his voice was calm and h oa rse.


    ¡°Give up and run now, while you still can,¡± his voice came down rough and hard.


    ¡°No! Why?! I won¡¯t do that. Ethan would never find out. I¡¯ll get rid of everyone in my way!¡±


    ¡°How many people would you kill?¡± his calm voice interrupted her. ¡°How many more to bury what


    you¡¯ve done?¡± Be blinked. From the tone of his voice, he knew what had just gone down with the girl


    from that pack she¡¯d gotten rid of.


    ¡°You can¡¯t give up; what would you do now?¡± she asked anxiously. She wanted Hazel out of her life


    permanently-the only hope she had was backing out.


    ¡°None of your business,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Ethan would end up with your mate!¡± she yelled in frustration.


    ¡°He won¡¯t. Take care of yourself; you¡¯re going to need all the help you can get.¡±


    With that, he hung up. Be flung the phone away and let out a scream of frustration.


    ¡°I won¡¯t lose,¡± she swore to herself.¡±


    ****


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Nathan¡¯s voice was calm, talking to Axel. Axel thought it was weird, Nathan calling


    him out of the blue.


    ¡°On my way to see Jasmine,¡± came his calm reply.


    ¡°You can¡¯t, Jasmine¡¯s gone. She¡¯s noting back,¡± Nathan¡¯s voice was full of emotions.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I was with her yesterday, she¡¯ll be just fine,¡± Axel¡¯s face


    deepened into a frown.


    ¡°She¡¯s gone. She¡¯s noting back, Axel,¡± Nathan shuddered. ¡°She remembered everything, Amelia,


    my wife. She said she feels guilty about everything and doesn¡¯t deserve to live.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Axel drawled, running out of the car and heading for her apartment. ¡°Jasmine!¡± He yelled,


    mming the door wildly and madly. He broke the door, desperately searching and hoping he would


    see her safe, huddled in her pajamas, waiting for him toe cook her dinner.


    ¡°Nathan, are you okay?¡± Hazel asked looking at Nathan in concern. He walked slowly, then slumped


    against her.


    ¡°Let me just stay like this for a moment, please,¡± he sighed into her warm embrace, the note clutched in


    his hands. It was undoubtedly Jasmine¡¯s handwriting. He had people go out to try to look for her, but it


    was confirmed, she was gone. Jumped off a bridge. Amelia was gone, Jasmine too.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± he called, holding her hands. ¡°You won¡¯t leave me too, right?¡± He had finally gotten a little bit of


    closure, but the truth made him feel even much worse. And with Jasmine gone, he felt an


    overwhelming feeling of hopelessness; it was suffocating. Hazel¡¯s hand moved up and down his back


    in aforting manner.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked him calmly, breaking the hug. Nathan exhaled a deep breath, then began


    exining, telling her everything, things he had kept to himself about his wife Amelia and how Jasmine


    hade in ce. The reason he disappeared a lot of times, his struggles trying to unravel the death


    of his wife, and every other thing. And Jasmine recently remembering all that had happened and her


    sudden disappearance after sending that note.


    ¡°Did you try to find her?¡± Hazel asked anxiously. She had met Jasmine on several asions, and she


    was a sweet youngdy.


    ¡°I already did,¡± he had received a letter; Jasmine exined all that had happened and that she felt


    guilty and overwhelmed with everything she couldn¡¯t live with herself


    anymore.


    ¡°I never wished for this to happen, Hazel. I never wanted this for her. I wanted her to be happy; I gave


    up on finding and pressing about my wife. It¡¯s all my fault; I never should have lied to her.¡± He buried


    his face in his palm, his b*dy shuddering and shaking from his heavy s obs. ¡°It¡¯s all my fault,¡± he cried.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Hazel held his head and tried consoling him.


    ¡°Where is Jasmine?!¡± Axel yelled, running into the hospital ward and grabbing Nathan. He had been to


    her house, knocked several times, and then even broken down the door; she was gone. No sight of


    her.


    ¡°What did you do to Jasmine?!¡± He was shaking all over; his fist tightened in a hardened grip on


    Nathan.


    ¡°Stop it, Axel,¡± Hazel said anxiously, trying to separate the two men.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Nathan whispered, his eyes shifting to the handwritten note in his arm.


    ¡°I received this this morning,¡± he muttered, giving it to Axel, who grabbed it out of his arm. Axel


    hurriedly read through it. Axel crumpled it in his arms.


    ¡°Lies! All lies! She was going to wait for me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not taking this cr ap!¡± He yelled angrily, tears flowing from his eyes. He breathed a calm breath.


    ¡°This, it¡¯s a fake note,¡± he mumbled.


    ¡°It¡¯s her writing, Axel,¡± Nathan confirmed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! I¡¯ll find her. She couldn¡¯t end herself. She was getting better; we would meet tonight, and


    I¡¯ll make her dinner!¡± He sobbed, crumpling to the floor. How could she? How could she decide to end


    herself in that manner?! Axel let out a painful shout then rammed his arm into the wall continuously.


    ¡°I¡¯m not buying it! I¡¯m not buying this sh it!¡± He yelled.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Nathan tried to hold him off in ce. He shoved them aside, then stormed


    out.


    ¡°Be!¡± He growled. He wasn¡¯t about buying the cr ap of this one being yet another coincidence.


    Ethan paced quietly around Be¡¯s study. Instinctively, his hand reached for the concealed


    hidden camera he nted. Finally, his fingers brushed against it, and with a sense of anticipation, he


    opened it.


    Within ity the vial, a small but significant discovery. This had to be it.


    07:49


    ¡°What lie would she tell this time to get out of this one?¡± He wondered heading to his study and cing


    the vial on his table right next to Be¡¯s hospital test result. Then he waited for her.


    He had bidded his time, waited enough she had crossed the line now

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Be called, walking into the study to find him pleasantly surprised to see him home early.


    ¡°You¡¯re home early,¡± she muttered happily. However, her smile faded the moment she saw the item on


    the table the small vial and its contents looked familiar. It couldn¡¯t be what she was thinking. She


    moved closer to examine it, confirming that it was indeed hers. She bit her lips, looking around


    anxiously, wondering how he managed to find it. Resolving to act oblivious until the end, sheposed


    herself.


    ¡°Ethan, what¡¯s that?¡± she asked, gesturing to the vial as if she didn¡¯t know what it contained and hadn¡¯t


    seen it before.


    ¡°That?¡± Ethan questioned, looking away. ¡°It¡¯s a strange little substance, don¡¯t you think?¡± he asked her


    lightly.


    ¡°Yes, I wonder what it is,¡± she answered, her heart pounding loudly. ¡°What¡¯s in the bottle?¡± she asked,


    feigning curiosity.


    Ethan spun around in his seat and faced her, his face expressionless. ¡°Strange thing is, I found it


    amongst your things, hidden inly out of sight,¡± he said, picking it up and examining it. ¡°I should be


    asking you, Be, what is that?¡± he asked, still not looking at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what that is. I wonder who put that there,¡± she chuckled nervously, convinced she had


    hidden it well. How did he find it?


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what it is?¡± Ethan asked, his eyes boring into hers with quiet intensity. He calmly


    walked to where she stood, his demeanor calming, but a simmering anger underneath made him look


    dangerous.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t. Maybe one of the maids put it there,¡± she attested.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he nodded, and visibly relieved, she made to turn around and leave. His next words stopped


    her in her tracks.


    ¡°How long have you known?¡± he asked suddenly.


    ¡°Known what?¡± she asked, her heart practically in her mouth at that moment. Ethan watched her


    intently.


    ¡°That Hazel¡¯s kids are mine,¡± he muttered. Completely caught off guard and momentarily speechless,


    Be didn¡¯t know he had found out. Hesitating for a moment, unsure of how to react, she asked,


    ¡°What?¡± feigning surprise. ¡°What did you say, Ethan? Hazel¡¯s kids, those kids are yours?¡± she asked,


    walking up to him, her tone raised in disbelief. ¡°How, Ethan?¡± she asked.


    Ethan watched her closely, and she was acting like she didn¡¯t know. Could he be making a mistake?


    No, it had to be her. She had been sneaking around; no one else would try to hurt those kids.


    ¡°You see, I just got a call,¡± he muttered, walking around her. Be kept her expression guarded to one


    of surprise and hurt.


    ¡°A disturbing one,¡± he said again. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. You haven¡¯t answered my question, Ethan,¡± she


    demanded.


    ¡°You¡¯re still keeping the act up?¡± he asked her with a frown.


    ¡°That was you, wasn¡¯t it, Be? You who sent those people,¡± he pressed. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Be whispered, real fear washing all over her. She¡¯d been caught? How? How did Ethan know it was


    her? Sebastian wasn¡¯t caught.


    Ethan chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve tolerated you for long, let you y and have fun to your fill. But you crossed


    the line, Be. You hired people to try to hurt my kids!¡± he drawled. ¡°And with that, you¡¯ve been slowly


    poisoning me as well,¡± he leaned in, towering directly over her. ¡°Ethan!¡± she yelled, tears almost


    springing from her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s not true. What kids? What are you talking about, Ethan?¡± she denied


    strongly.


    ¡°You¡¯re still denying it,¡± he muttered, chuckling in disbelief. Ethan was almost bing convinced by


    her acting. Someone¡¯s weak attempt to hurt Daisy again; he didn¡¯t have proof Be sent them. He was


    merely acting on his hunch and instincts. But she was putting on a very convincing act.


    ¡°You really have kids?¡± she asked, turning to meet his eyes, looking shocked and betrayed. ¡°You¡¯re


    unrepentant,¡± he muttered in slight amusement. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what that item is, and I don¡¯t


    understand what you¡¯re talking about, Ethan. I really don¡¯t!¡± she cried out desperately.


    ¡°You won¡¯t actually hurt me. Me and your unborn child?¡± she cried out, frightened. ¡°You¡¯re right, what


    was I thinking,¡± he muttered. Just as she was about to inhale a breath of relief, she felt a stinging,


    powerful hit on the side of her face. She stumbled and fell to the ground, looking up immediately, her


    eyes wide in disbelief. Ethan had hit her.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± she whispered. She could feel her face swell almost immediately. He stalked closely and


    squatted to where she was lying. ¡°What child?¡± he asked her almost gently. Be slid back, trying to get


    out of his reach. There was a maniacal look in his face and eyes. He looked like he was on the verge of


    exploding, his eyes were glowing in a light manner, his beast struggling for release. How was that


    possible? She was surprised. ¡°What child are you talking about, Be? You¡¯re not pregnant,¡± he


    whispered to her ear. She looked at him immediately, her roun d eyes bingrger from shock.


    He moved to the desk, grabbed the test results, and threw it down at her. ¡°That¡¯s yours, isn¡¯t it?¡± he


    asked her. Her lips parted, and she began to stammer.


    <


    ¡°Ethan, look, I did it all because I love you. I wanted your time and attention. I was going to tell you the


    truth¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not fooling anybody, Be.¡±


    ¡°I should have done this sooner,¡± he said with a sigh. ¡°Then you brought up that story. I don¡¯t hit


    women, Be; I won¡¯t hit you. But I know some people who would dly repay the favor and debt for a


    long time,¡± he muttered. ¡°Anna, Grace,e inside,¡± he summoned them.


    Be became even more frightened at the sight of her maids. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she whispered.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t admit it, they¡¯ll just have to beat it out of you. A high dose of Venomixadone was found in


    my blood as well. Coincidence?¡± he asked, his gaze boring


    into her.


    Be felt a strong wave of fear. ¡°Ethan! Ethan! What¡¯s this? I¡¯m being framed. I don¡¯t know what that is!¡±


    She yelled as the three women advanced towards her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt Hazel¡¯s kids; I didn¡¯t even know they were yours, Ethan.¡±


    ¡°Ethan, you¡¯re making a mistake. You¡¯re going to torture me for something I know nothing about?!¡± she


    yelled in disbelief. Ignoring her, Ethan headed out the door in an unbothered manner.


    ¡°Alpha, are you sure about this?¡± Anna whispered.


    ¡°Get it out of her lips, even if it takes all night,¡± Ethan said, walking out.


    ¡°Just give it up, Be,¡± he told her.


    Ethan had been covertly monitoring Be for days, hoping to catch her in the act. However, despite


    bugging her phone, he found no evidence. His ns took a detour


    when someone attempted to harm Daisy for the second time, intensifying his


    I


    suspicions towards Be. The revtion of her false pregnancy added anotheryer of confusion.


    He stood at the balcony while the screams of Be rent the air for several hours. She was screaming


    for him but he blocked her outpletely. A very high dose of Venomixadone was found mixed with his


    blood. That substance was rare highly toxic, it all made sense. Heughed painfully, he had been a fool


    all this while. It was all clear now. ¡°Some Alpha I am.¡± He muttered sarcastically.


    Axel walked in at that moment. ¡°I need you to have this checked out, what it contains.¡± He started to


    pass the vial to Axel but stopped when he saw the state he was in.Ethan frowned looking over his


    friends unhinged and bl oody arm.


    ^


    19% #


    ¡°We need to talk, the girl from the previous time, she¡¯s missing.¡± He said his chest heaving heavily. ¡°I


    need to look for her. I shouldn¡¯t have left her alone.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Ethan asked him genuinely confused. Axel sniffed cleaning his eyes. ¡°I


    quit.¡± He stated.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan yelled in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t work, I need to find Jasmine. She can¡¯t be gene.¡± He wasn¡¯t


    going toe to terms with it, there was nk way she killed herself. Everything of hers was still in ce.


    Her bunny slippers was still by the door, even her regr hoodies she used whenever she stepped out.


    There was no way she would vanish like that and without telling him something? Anything? No.


    Jasmine wouldn¡¯t. He was sure, so painfully sure


    ¡°Now I no longer work for you, where¡¯s your wife Ethan?¡± He questioned his entire attitude frigid.


    ¡°Sir.¡± Came a timid voice interrupting them on the balcony.


    ¡°I may have hit her too hard.¡± The young maid whispered. ¡°She fainted.¡±


    ¡°Who fainted?¡± Axel asked


    ¡°Be.¡± Ethan said in one word.


    ¡°I¡¯m not buying it, wake her up. She¡¯s


    gonna talk.¡±


    ¡°What are you on about?¡± Ethan asked trying to understand his agitated state. ¡°Be must have


    something to do with Jasmine, she¡¯s gone, I can¡¯t find her anywhere. I need to ask he something,


    maybe she knows her, she could find her? I don¡¯t know Ethan!¡± He yelled in frustration.


    ¡°I have Be in ce right now Axel.¡± Ethan said calmly.


    ¡°Be¡¯s been lying, she¡¯s not pregnant and she¡¯s probably the one who tried to harm Daisy today.¡± ¡±


    You¡¯re torturing her?¡± Axel asked in disbelief. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s her? You¡¯re not making a mistake?¡± He


    asked ¡°The first mistake was marrying her.¡± Ethan looked away not responding to the question.


    ¡°I had to resolve to this, she wouldn¡¯t talk, whatever leaves her mouth are lies and she¡¯s too smart.


    Always with one cover up or another.¡± Ethan said with a sigh.


    ¡°Be wouldn¡¯t be working alone, she most definitely has help of some kind but who?¡± He thought out


    loud.


    ¡°She knows they¡¯re yours?¡± Axel asked in surprise.


    |||


    <


    ¡°Probably.¡± Came Ethan¡¯s short reply.


    ¡°What do you know for sure Ethan? This is reckless.¡± He muttered. He couldn¡¯t imagine him dealing


    with someone who happened to be innocent.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Nothing, I know nothing. But I¡¯ll find out everything. Bit by bit Axel.¡± He stated. ¡°Everything began with


    Be. Someone tried to hurt Daisy! It¡¯s got to her, Be!¡±


    ¡°Did you find proof of some kind?¡± Axel asked


    ¡°No.¡± Ethan replied.


    ¡°Her phone, did you check?¡± He probed.


    ¡°I had it bugged, for weeks now, nothing. I found her other phone, there¡¯s nothing in it.¡± Ethan sighed in


    frustration.


    ¡°Which of them?¡± came Grace¡¯s small voice.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Be had about three phones.¡± She broke to them.


    ¡°Not two? Are you sure?¡± Ethan asked her.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She affirmed. That had to be it, the second burner phone she had had nothing on


    it.


    ¡°Find it, turn her study inside out if you have to ¡°he instructed. ¡°Axel, check her office. It just might be


    there.¡±


    Q

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    Chapter 1 32


    The room was cloaked in shadows as Gabriel entered, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting.


    ¡°Be, what¡¯s this supposed to mean? You explicitly said you don¡¯t want to and wouldn¡¯t meet with me


    any longer, didn¡¯t you?¡± Gabriel questioned. His question was met with silence.


    Be who was usually against him visiting her or meeting him had suddenly asked to meet with him


    there. In the dimness, he squinted, attempting to make out Be¡¯s figure.


    ¡°Did you bring the money?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Oh yes, I brought the money,¡± a male voice replied, walking out from the shadows.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± Gabriel hissed, attempting to back out of the room, but he was roughly


    shoved back inside.


    ¡°You,¡± he spat when he saw Ethan, receiving a sudden blow to the guts that sent him sprawling to the


    ground.


    ¡°Boss, is this him?¡± Ethan¡¯s subordinate asked, stepping over Gabriel.


    ¡°Yes, he was definitely here to meet with Be,¡± Ethan confirmed.


    After searching through Be¡¯s drawers at her office, they¡¯d found a broken phone tossed into the


    trash, the number they were able to retrieve was Gabriel.


    So they¡¯d lured him out.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Gabriel scoffed through his bleeding lips. ¡°You lured me out?¡± heughed lightly.


    ¡°You¡¯ll talk, what¡¯s your business with Be?¡± Ethan interrogated.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Gabriel retorted carelessly, seemingly unfazed.


    ¡°She¡¯s been making transactions to your ount for several days, months now, under some fake


    It wasn¡¯t ordinary. Gabriel looked away with an irritated expression, clearly harboring disdain for the


    man in front of him.


    ¡°You won¡¯t talk?¡± Ethan pressed.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Ethan said with a sigh, anticipating that he would soon reveal everything under the mounting


    pressure.


    Chapter 13 2


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Gabriel called, halting him in his tracks. ¡°How¡¯s your health?¡± he asked with a knowing smirk.


    Ethan, his features transforming into a deep scowl, stopped.


    ¡°I know about it, she was buying it from me,¡± Gabriel admitted. He sought to save his own neck,


    showing indifference toward Be.


    ¡°I only supplied her the vial! That¡¯s all I did. I don¡¯t know anything,¡± he denied eagerly.


    ¡°And she¡¯s been sending money continually? Millions,¡± Ethan stated incredulously, suspecting there


    was more to the story.


    ¡°The fact is, you know the truth about Be, and you are going to tell me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything!¡± the man yelled defensively. ¡°I only sold her the potions; that¡¯s the truth!¡± Gabriel


    insisted.


    ********


    ¡°Where is Ethan?¡± Be inquired upon waking up, having been knocked out by a sudden blow to the


    head. Those women had proven to be ruthless.


    ¡°Get him here; I need to talk to him,¡± she ordered the maid attending to her wounds. Although she was


    being treated, the person tending to her was harsh.


    Anna tightened her grip on Be¡¯s wrist, causing her to hiss in pain.


    ¡°How dare you?¡± Be snapped at Anna. ¡°I am your Luna!¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Anna yelled, pping her face, making Be go numb and ballistic.


    ¡°It felt good all those times you hit us, right?¡± she sneered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time for this. What have you been giving my Alpha?¡± Anna interrogated angrily.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ve been poisoning him. You always acted sneakily; you¡¯ve been poisoning him all this


    while, haven¡¯t you?¡± she used.


    ¡°Ethan! Ethan!¡± Be yelled, backing off into a corner in fright. ¡°She¡¯s trying to kill me! Help!¡± she cried


    in fear. The door opened, and Ethan walked in.


    ¡°We need to talk, Ethan,¡± she pleaded, her entire body in pain, her head throbbing as if split in two.


    Ethan, seemingly oblivious to what he knew for sure, was torturing her. The thought left her feeling sad


    and furious. She vowed not to talk, no matter what.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you awake, Be?¡± Ethan asked, staring down at her with a face hardened and


    Chapter 13 2


    imprable. ¡°Ethan, why are you doing this?¡± Be started crying. ¡°I hurt all over; I didn¡¯t do anything.


    I didn¡¯t even know Hazel¡¯s kids are yours. I don¡¯t even¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough with your lies, Be!¡± Ethan interrupted angrily. ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± he demanded,


    frustration evident. ¡°Your mate!¡± she yelled, groaning from the pain of her injuries.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t. You¡¯ve fooled me all this while, but you aren¡¯t Be. If you really were, you wouldn¡¯t have


    been poisoning my wolf. You¡¯re a fake Be,¡± he used outrightly. ¡°That¡¯s if Be is actually your


    name. It¡¯s Annabelle, isn¡¯t it?¡± he asked, referencing Naomi¡¯s revtion.


    ¡°Naomi recognized you, didn¡¯t she?¡± he questioned, stepping closer. Amidst carefully orchestrated


    ns, Ethan struggled toprehend the motive behind everything.


    ¡°The bottle I found in your room contained Silvershade Elixir. It¡¯s extremely rare, almost impossible to


    find. But somehow, you got your hands on it. You have help, some kind, some partners, and this is all


    some carefully orchestrated plot, isn¡¯t it? You suddenly showing up as my mate and everything till now,¡±


    he stated in disbelief.


    ¡°I¡¯ve actually been so stu pid,¡± he muttered. ¡°It¡¯s a lie, Ethan; I¡¯m being framed!¡± she cried out in pain. ¡°I


    don¡¯t know how that vial got there, Ethan, I swear,¡± she yelled. She was- still standing on her lies and


    being difficult. Ethan sighed; at this rate, he wouldn¡¯t be able to figure anything out from her.


    ¡°It seems you weren¡¯t tortured enough,¡± Ethan muttered with a sigh. Gabriel had asked him how his


    health was; they were both connected with it in some way.


    ¡°Gabriel,¡± he said the word calmly. Acting impulsively for the first time turned out to be the best


    decision. He was uncovering more things about her.


    ¡°I met with your partner, Gabriel,¡± he broke to her. ¡°Gabriel is your supplier of the Elixir, right?¡± he asked


    her. ¡°What are you talking about, Ethan?¡± Be asked,pletely scared now. He watched how her


    denial slowly morphed into rm and fear.


    ¡°I tracked your transactions; those fakepanies trailed to him, and I found your old phone,¡± he


    drawled out lightly. Be¡¯s eyes widened as realization dawned on her. Ethan had caught her.


    ¡°Ethan! I¡¯ll confess,¡± she admitted anxiously. ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± Ethan replied, signaling a shift in their tense


    interaction. Be proceeded to confess her association with Gabriel, iming he ckmailed her for


    money. However, Ethan¡¯s skepticism remained.


    ¡°Another lie,¡± Ethan sneered. ¡°Fine. You¡¯ll remain here for a few days. Some days without food or water


    would clear your head out.¡± With that, he stood up and left. Be was scared; she waspletely


    doomed now. Nothing she would say would make Ethan change his mind. The only person she could


    rely on was Derrick, but he¡¯d turned his


    Mon, 22 Ja


    Chapter 13 2


    back on her.


    ¡°What you¡¯re doing is illegal! You¡¯re keeping me hostage without any evidence or anything, Ethan! You


    have no right!¡± she yelled, and her words were silenced with a hard hit on her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear a word from you; you talk when I ask you to, and whatever you say would be


    answers to the questions I asked you. Understood?¡± he asked, holding her hair in a tight grip, pulling at


    her scalp. She nodded immediately, tears filling her eyes. Ethan was ruthless.


    ¡°Anna, make sure she doesn¡¯t get food, water, or anything for the rest of the week¡± he ordered.


    Be was smart in cleaning her tracks; if he was going to find out any answers, he would be needing


    them from her.


    Gabriel sat, heaving in his chair, observing Axel as the man walked in. Despite Axel¡¯s outward


    calmness, one could sense the underlying rage, and it was evident he was close to reaching a boiling


    point. The air was hot, and Gabriel, covered in bruises, began to break into a cold sweat just from


    Axel¡¯s presence. The fact that he, Gabriel had also killed his girlfriend intensified the fear, causing


    Gabriel¡¯s heart to palpate in terror.


    Gabriel strategized on how to leave that ce with his life intact. They hadn¡¯t discovered his connection


    to Jasmine¡¯s disappearance and death; Axel would have killed him already if he had found out.


    ¡°What do you know about Be?¡± Axel calmly asked, taking off his jacket in a slow, calcted manner


    fitting for a psychopath.


    Gabriel remained silent. Men like Axel were the worst kind, with a deceptively gentle and calm face


    concealing a lot of bottled-up anger and rage.


    In that moment, Axel was searching for a punching bag; he wasn¡¯t even supposed to be at that


    warehouse but needed to vent his anger on someone or something.


    He¡¯d failed Jasmine.


    Axel had left that night to make arrangements for her. At that moment, he wanted to take care of her for


    the rest of his life. He had dreamed of leaving the country, getting a fresh start with her. Leaving her


    that day was to round up everything with Ethan, get his things together, and then return back to her.


    When he went back, he was toote. She was gonepletely, leaving no trace. He rubbed his face


    and turned to look at the battered man tied up in the chair.


    ¡°I asked you a question, didn¡¯t I?¡± Axel asked him with a strange calmness.


    ¡°Be, I sold things to her,¡± he stammered. ¡°I need answers!¡± Axel yelled.


    ¡°What do you know about Be? I won¡¯t repeat the question I asked,¡± Axel stated, disposing of his


    sses calmly.


    ¨C


    Gabriel could see the maniac rage within his eyes. He was different from the other men who had


    tortured him; this one could be meaner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say everything I know,¡± he muttered loudly. Everything, except anything rted to Jasmine, wouldn¡¯t


    leave his lips. ¡°I had nothing to do with Be. I identally met her one day; we were friends,¡± he


    stuttered out through his teeth.


    ¡°Then suddenly she said she¡¯d found her mate, and then she asked for a supply of that poison months


    Axel looked disappointed. ¡°That¡¯s everything?¡± he asked.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be all. What do you know about ck axe?¡± He asked him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, never head of it ¡± Gabriel admitted.


    ¡°You¡¯ve not said everything you know about Be.¡± Axel pointed out.


    ¡°Have you?¡± He drawled.


    91


    ¡°No. The truth is I found out something about her, so I started ckmailing her with it,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°What did you find out?¡± Axel asked eagerly. This was what he had been waiting for. Axel left the room


    momentster; Gabriel apparently had nothing to do with the Be- Jasmine situation. If only he knew,


    Gabriel was actually the one who had gotten rid of Jasmine. At the moment, Gabriel was ready to do


    whatever it took to save his own neck. ¡°I¡¯ve got information for you, the reason why Be¡¯s been


    sending money in huge sums,¡± he revealed to Ethan. They found themselves back in the kind of


    lifestyle they¡¯d left, but it was all for a real purpose, not for their selfishness, to protect the people they


    loved. His mistake was not being honest with his feelings, not telling Jasmine he loved her earlier on


    and leaving with her. He sighed.


    ¡°Be wasn¡¯t actually pregnant the first time. It was her way of getting you to marry her,¡± Axel disclosed


    what Gabriel had admitted. ¡°He found out, then started using it to extract money. That was Gabriel¡¯s


    role. And also the supplier as well,¡± Axel exined.


    Ethan could feel his head be light and even spin. He stumbled backward in disbelief. Everything,


    all lies. She was never pregnant; she never had a miscarriage. He


    19%#


    Chapter 13 2


    had lived several years in guilt. Guilt for what exactly?! For nothing, he did nothing. When he lost


    Hazel, when he divorced her, he felt empty, like something wasn¡¯t right. He nearly went mad from


    looking for her. Then Be had that ¡®ident¡¯ and lost their supposed child; the guilt gnawing at him


    became almost overwhelming. He started doing everything Be wanted, just to try to make up for


    pushing her away from him and alleging pushing their child to death and marrying her. She had yed


    him several times. Did the lies evere to an end? Who exactly was she?


    She was aplete liar; nothing that ever left her lips was the truth. He felt furious, his blood running


    cold. He badly wanted to strangle Be.

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    ¡°Nathan, I just wanted to express my gratitude. Thank you for everything,¡± Hazel mumbled


    appreciatively.


    ¡°Hazel, you¡¯re wee,¡± he responded with a warm smile.


    ¡°But I think it¡¯s best if I tell Ethan the truth, Nathan. I can¡¯t keep it hidden forever; Liam will inevitably


    grow up and form a connection with Ethan. It¡¯s undeniable. And it doesn¡¯t feel right deceiving Ethan in


    this way,¡± Hazel confessed, her head bowed in contemtion.


    Nathan looked away, exhaling a sigh. ¡°Whatever you decide,¡± he told her in a measured


    tone.


    ¡°Do you ept my decision?¡± She inquired.


    Nathan shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s not really a bad guy, and he genuinely seems to care about them. I didn¡¯t like


    him, but it wouldn¡¯t be fair, would it?¡± he reasoned.


    Hazel smiled in relief, finding sce in the fact that she and Nathan shared amon understanding.


    ¡°Ethan¡­¡± Nathan began.


    ¡°You still have feelings for him,¡± he mumbled perceptively.


    ¡°What?¡± Hazel asked, her head snapping up to meet Nathan¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°You still do, Hazel,¡± he asserted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± she refuted, though her expression betrayed a hint of uncertainty.


    He sighed. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t, do I stand a chance?¡± Nathan asked earnestly, his eyes locking with


    hers.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on this now. We brought the kids out to have fun,¡± he suggested, injecting a


    lighthearted note into the conversation.


    ¡°Thanks, Nathan. This break was truly needed,¡± Hazel expressed her gratitude.


    ¡°So, next week, huh? Daisy¡¯s big day,¡± Nathan remarked, ncing over at Hazel.


    She sighed heavily. ¡°Yes, Daisy¡¯s big day,¡± she muttered sadly, stealing a nce at her daughter. After


    the recent incident, an air of vignce surrounded them, and it felt like they were under constant


    surveince. Ethan¡¯s security personnel kept a watchful eye on them to ensure their safety. To prepare


    Daisy for the uing challenges, Nathan had arranged this outing, knowing that the subsequent


    months would confine her to a hospital bed for recovery.


    E


    ¡°What if something goes wrong?¡± Hazel asked anxiously, her teary eyes meeting


    5 P Z ¡û


    Nathan¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Nothing bad will happen. We¡¯ve prepared Daisy for months now; we¡¯ve done everything necessary.


    She¡¯ll be fine,¡± Nathan reassured, giving her palm a reassuring


    squeeze.


    She nodded quietly. Just then his phone rang.


    ¡°I need to pick this.¡± Nathan muttered standing up and walking away.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Mummy, I need to go wee,¡± Daisy announced, running over and dancing from the urgency of her full


    dder.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Hazel replied lightly, leading her away. ¡°Liam, let¡¯s go,¡± she called to her son.


    ¡°Wait here for us,¡± she instructed him since the destination was thedies¡¯ bathroom, a ce Liam


    preferred to avoid. Soon, she finished assisting Daisy, and they emerged


    from the bathroom.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Liam?¡± Hazel muttered, scanning the surroundings.


    ¡°Liam? Liam?¡± She called, walking around.


    ¡°Your brother isn¡¯t here,¡± she said with a frown, ncing down.


    ¡°Maybe he went back to Nathan?¡± Daisy suggested. The two walked back to their original spot, but


    Liam was still nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Nathan, I can¡¯t find Liam,¡± Hazel reported to Nathan, her heart already pounding wildly in her chest.


    ¡°Calm down, maybe he went off exploring,¡± he suggested, maintaining a calm


    demeanor.


    ¡°I explicitly instructed him not to move an inch,¡± Hazel fumed, frustration evident in her voice. ¡°I¡¯ll tweak


    his ear when I get my hands on him,¡± she added, her eyes scanning the area in search of her missing


    son.


    ¡°Nathan, Liam¡¯s not here,¡± she dered, a mixture of rm and fear etched across her


    face.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nathan inquired, concern reflecting in his eyes.


    ¡°When my kids are close, I know it. I can feel it,¡± Hazel exined, her voice now cracking with worry.


    ¡°Liam¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°Mommy,¡± Daisy looked up at her in surprise and fear, sensing the tension in the air.


    13.


    Tue, 23 Jah


    Jb


    ¡°We have to find him, Nathan,¡± Hazel said, gripping his arm for


    support.


    68


    ¡°Hazel, calm down. You¡¯re scaring Daisy,¡± Nathan urged, ncing down at the frightened expression on


    Daisy¡¯s face. Hazel sighed, picking up her daughter and holding her close.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Liam, mommy?¡± Daisy asked, her innocent eyes searching for an exnation.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Hazel reassured, holding Daisy tightly against her. Despite herforting words, tears


    streamed down Hazel¡¯s face. ¡°Someone took Liam,¡± she whispered, conveying the depth of her


    concern.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find him,¡± Nathan assured, determination, in his eyes.


    Minutes passed, but they still couldn¡¯t locate the missing boy.


    ¡°Someone took him, and he¡¯s scared, Nathan,¡± Hazel murmured, her voice a mix of fear and anguish


    as the uncertainty of Liam¡¯s whereabouts loomed over them.


    ¡°You were never pregnant, Be,¡± Ethan uttered with a painedugh, his expression a mix of disbelief


    and realization. Be met his gaze calmly, then looked away, a subtle hint of defiance in her eyes.


    ¡°You kept me by your side through guilt. I¡¯ve got to hand it to you, you¡¯re good,¡± Ethan continued, his


    voice heavy with a sense of betrayal. ¡°At the same time, I feel relieved. I don¡¯t owe you anything, Be,¡±


    he concluded with a sigh. Be remained calm, studying Ethan intently as he turned and left the room.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Axel¡¯s voice broke over the end of the line anxiously. ¡°Something just happened, Liam¡¯s


    missing!¡± he yelled, urgency cutting through the air.


    ¡°What do


    you mean?¡± Ethan snapped, his disbelief turning into sudden concern. How could Liam be missing? He


    looked back at the room, holding Be, and immediately spun around, heading back inside, grabbing


    Be up in haste. She was already weak, standing limply in his arms.


    do to


    ¡°Where is he?!¡± Ethan yelled angrily, a surge of fear gripping him. ¡°What did you him?!¡± he spat


    usingly at Be. ¡°You had someone abduct him!¡± he pointed out, his anger escting.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± she muttered in fear, genuinely confused. ¡°Where is who?¡±


    at did


    ¡°Liam! You took him, you do to him?!¡± Ethan continued usingly, his frustration boiling over.


    Tue, 23 Jan


    L


    ¡°Listen to yourself, I¡¯ve been here all day, sincest night, Ethan. Do I look like any information to the


    outside world? I don¡¯t know!¡± she said calmly and weakly. Ethan released her, and she fell to the floor,


    her chest heaving heavily. Be felt a tinge of relief as she wiped the blood from her nose, concealing a


    small smile. Liam had been kidnapped, likely by Derrick. He wasn¡¯tpletely out of their agreement,


    giving her a glimmer of hope. She would lose everything, but Hazel and Ethan would go down with her.


    ¡°Too bad, Ethan, now you¡¯ll lose from both sides, from all ends. Wouldn¡¯t you rather have basked in


    ignorance?¡± she taunted him. ¡°Now, we¡¯ll all go down together,¡± she muttered, just as Ethan went out of


    earshot.


    ¡°I specifically told you not to let them out of your sight,¡± Ethan spat at the people he had hired.


    ¡°We did, but they left the hospital,¡± the man exined nervously.


    ¡°Her husband said it was fine, that they were just going out for a while,¡± another man added.


    ¡°What husband?!¡± Ethan asked angrily, his frustration mounting. They were already reviewing the


    camera footage of the ce they had been.


    Hazel called at that moment.


    ¡°Ethan, Ethan! Liam¡¯s gone. He¡¯s gone, Ethan!¡± Hazel¡¯s voice broke through the phone, her so bs


    echoing with desperation.


    ¡°Ethan, Liam!¡± she cried, gasping for breath, her distress audible. Hearing Hazel¡¯s cries only fueled


    Ethan¡¯s agitation, and he was consumed by rage.


    ¡°Axel, keep trying to find him,¡± Ethan instructed, determination in his voice, as the urgency of the


    situation escted.


    Ethan stormed back home, his footsteps echoing through the corridor as anger radiated from him like a


    tempest. The door mmed open with a thunderous force, making Be shriek and scurry away in


    fright.


    ¡°Where is Liam?!¡± Ethan¡¯s voice boomed, a torrent of rage swirling in his eyes.


    ¡°I already told you, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m couped up here. I¡¯ve been here for over two days. I don¡¯t know


    anything,¡± Be replied, her tone carrying a mixture of fear and defiance.


    ¡°You won¡¯t talk?¡± Ethan asked her coldly, his eyes aze with fury. He summoned Anna, the maid, with


    a sharp yell.


    ¡°Get wolfsbane,¡± he instructed her, determination etched on his face. He was ready to


    resort to force to extract the truth from Be.


    Be¡¯s head snapped up in rm. ¡°No! It wasn¡¯t me this time! I swear,¡± she cried anxiously, desperation


    evident in her eyes.


    ¡°Sir, that¡¯s illegal. They banned the use and production of it years ago,¡± Anna interjected, her voice


    tinged with concern. The werewolfmunity had long abandoned such archaic and brutal treatments,


    making obtaining wolfsbane nearly impossible.


    Ethan yelled in frustration. The clock was ticking, and his son¡¯s whereabouts remained a mystery.


    Fueled by impatience and anxiety, he grabbed Be and flung her towards the wall in a fit of anger. A


    sharp scream of pain echoed as her body went numb from the impact.


    ¡°Where is Liam, Be?!¡± Ethan demanded, his grip tightening as he choked the words out of her.


    ¡°I swear, it wasn¡¯t me,¡± she struggled to say, her eyes bulging and straining against Ethan¡¯s relentless


    grip. He continued applying pressure until the air was gradually knocked out of her lungs, and she


    sumbed to unconsciousness.


    ¡°She¡¯s still alive,¡± Anna reported in relief, her concern for Be evident in her voice.


    She didn¡¯t like Be, but she didn¡¯t want her Alpha to be held for her death.


    ¡°Sir, I understand your frustration. But killing her would still be illegal,¡± she muttered, trying to temper


    Ethan¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°Grab her, drop her in the car,¡± Ethan instructed Anna, a steely determination in his eyes. Be might


    not know Liam¡¯s location, but those she associated with would. And Ethan was determined to extract


    that information from her, no matter the method.


    Ethan drove a short while, carrying Be¡¯s limp body out of the car. She wouldn¡¯t talk until she was


    close to death. Soon, he finished and waited for her to wake


    up.


    Be groaned lightly as she regained consciousness. Her sight was blurry, and she felt disoriented.


    Unable to sense any part of her body, she found herself suspended in midair. The night breeze was


    strong, blowing against her as the distant cityscape twin kled beneath her. Panic gripped her as she


    opened her eyes slowly, bing aware of her precarious situation.


    ¡°Help!¡± she screamed, realizing she was dangling off a high building several feet in the air, held in ce


    by a piece of clothing secured around her. Frantically searching for Ethan, she could tell he was


    standing on the other side of the rooftop.


    ¡°Ethan! Ethan!¡± she screamed in fright, trying to see him. Panic rising, she pleaded desperately, ¡°Ethan,


    don¡¯t do this.¡±


    The strong wind crashed against her face as she hung in the air. Ethan, with an eerily calm demeanor,


    asked, ¡°Where is Liam?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she replied between so bs.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Ethan said, grabbing the huge shears he had brought with him. Fear struck Be as she


    realized he intended to cut the clothing, letting her fall to her death.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been patient enough, Be,¡± Ethan dered. ¡°No, no, wait!¡± she cried. ¡°I really don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t


    take him. I tried to hurt the girl that other time, but this time it wasn¡¯t me! I swear it!¡±


    She pleaded desperately, ¡°You don¡¯t know, but you must know who took him!¡± Ethan yelled, unable to


    fathom the ordeal his son might be going through.


    ¡°Who took him, Be? Who are you? Who sent you?¡± he shouted through the evening breeze.


    ¡°It¡¯s Derrick!¡± she cried out. ¡°It¡¯s Derrick! It¡¯s all Derrick! I swear it! I don¡¯t want to die.¡± Fear widened her


    eyes as she clung desperately to the rails, pleading Ethan not to cut the ties holding her in the air.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Ethan asked in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s Derrick! Your friend, that man called Derrick! He sent me; he hates you and Hazel. It¡¯s him who


    took Liam,¡± she sobbed loudly.


    Ethan chuckled. ¡°You expect me to believe such nonsense!¡± he yelled.


    ¡°I swear it, Ethan. I¡¯m not lying!¡± she cried, bringing his deceased friend into the usation. Enraged,


    Ethan severed one of the ties. Be screamed and grabbed onto the remaining hold for her life.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you onest chance, Be,¡± Ethan said angrily. ¡°Who did you say sent you?¡± he asked, his


    voice intense.


    She yelled and clung to the rails desperately. If Ethan cut her off, she would plummet to her death, and


    it would look like suicide.


    ¡°I swear it!¡± she cried out. ¡°It¡¯s Derrick!¡± she yelled. ¡°It¡¯s all Derrick!¡±


    She continued screaming Derrick¡¯s name, trying to hold herself up.


    up. The truth rang in her words; a person facing imminent death wouldn¡¯t fabricate such lies.


    ¡°What do you mean, Be?¡± Ethan asked her, stunned.


    ¡°Derrick is alive,¡± Be gulped. ¡°He was enraged when he heard you and Hazel had kids. He


    desperately hates you, which means he hates your son too. It¡¯s him who¡¯s been


    Tue,


    trying to kill them, not me,¡± she cried.


    ¡°Ethan, please, pull me up. I don¡¯t want to die. I¡¯ve been a bad person. I¡¯m telling the truth, Ethan,¡± she


    said, crying. Ethan moved closer, grabbed her, and pulled her from the edge of the building. Be


    crumpled to the floor, crying loudly and shaking from fright.


    Ethan felt a piercing pain in his arm suddenly. ncing at it, his sight became wobbly, and he stag


    gered, falling to the floor.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Be yelled anxiously, going to check him.


    ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s leave this ce!¡± a voice yelled to her.


    ¡°Sebastian?¡± Be muttered, looking up. Ethan¡¯s eyes closed gradually, and he fell


    unconscious.


    ¡°Sebastian!¡± Be cried, running to hug her brother. ¡°Are you okay? Look at what this b ast ard did!¡±


    Sebastian fumed.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Be cried, still frightened from the near-death experience. She had


    instructed Sebastian to look for her if she went out of contact with him for more than a day.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry; I had to watch the house closely to find an opportunity to get you out.¡±


    ¡°This is messed up, Be. I told you to end this earlier on! Let¡¯s get out of here first,¡± he said, grabbing


    her.


    ¡°Ethan,¡± Be nced back to where he was lying.


    ¡°You still care about him?¡± Sebastian asked in disbelief.


    ¡°He was going to kill you without wasting a single moment! Let¡¯s go right now,¡± Be nodded, then left


    with him immediately. Her entire body was still shaking from the harrowing experience.


    GIFT


    §°

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Axel¡¯s footsteps echoed through the silent warehouse as he returned, fueled by a mixture of


    determination and dread. Gabriel, bound to the chair, squirmed nervously.


    Axel¡¯s piercing gaze scrutinized the man before him, searching for any flicker of guilt or hidden


    knowledge.¡±I¡¯ve told you everything!¡± Gabriel yelled, desperation evident in his voice. Axel¡¯s instincts,


    however, whispered otherwise.


    ere


    Determined to unearth any possible clues.


    Using his sh light, he searched through the car. As minutes stretched, search, Axel found himself


    surrounded by nothing outstanding, just dirt. Just as he was about to abandon the fruitless endeavor, a


    glimmering object on the car floor seized his attention.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    His whole body became rigid when he recognized it. Jasmine¡¯s bracelet, the very first they had met. He


    had discarded it and dug through the trash for this very one. When he returned it, she clutched it like it


    was her lifeline. The old jewelry still had his chain wrapped around it. He would see her stroke it


    lovingly several times.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± Axel whispered, holding the bracelet close to his chest, an unsettling shudder coursing


    through him. How did Jasmine¡¯s possession end up in this car? Determined to find answers, Axel


    returned to the warehouse, the door mming open with a resounding bang.


    Gabriel, still restrained in the chair, bellowed defensively, ¡°What do you want from me? I already told


    you everything!¡±


    ¡°Where is Jasmine?¡± Axel demanded, his tone sharp and piercing.


    ¡°What? Who? I don¡¯t know who that is,¡± Gabriel stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as


    his heart rate quickened.


    ¡°You took her!¡± Axel¡¯s usation thundered through the warehouse as he forcefully rammed into the


    chair holding Gabriel.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Gabriel pleaded, bracing himself for an impact that never came. The sudden sensation of liquid


    dousing over him left him reeling. Axel, unfazed, calmly emptied a gallon of gasoline, the acrid smell


    making Gabriel¡¯s fear nearly uncontroble.


    ¡°Gasoline,¡± Axel dered, stepping back, a lighter in hand. The room teetered on the edge of a fiery


    revtion. ¡°Wait! Wait!¡± Gabriel cried in desperation. ¡°It was Be! It was all Be!¡± He erupted into a


    frenzied confession. ¡°The girl had something on Be, and she wanted her gone. Be instructed me to


    get rid of her. Please! I was only following instructions.¡±


    Axel¡¯s eyes bore into Gabriel, torn between the urge for vengeance and the need for


    answers.


    ¡°What did you do to her?¡± he demanded, grappling with the storm of emotions within him. ¡°Where is


    she?¡± The intensity of Axel¡¯s yell reverberated through the space.


    ¡°I¡­I drugged her and threw her over the main bridge. I watched her sink to death,¡± Gabriel admitted,


    his own revtion casting a grim shadow over his own fate.


    G


    ¡°She¡¯s dead?¡± Axel whispered, his senses momentarily numbed. As reality crashed back,. Axel stag


    gered back, chest tightening, each breath bing a struggle.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have left her that night,¡± he cried, the weight of guilt and sorrow settling on his shoulders. ¡°I


    should have stayed. You killed her?!¡± Axel¡¯s voice dropped to a pained whisper, his anguish etched on


    his contorted face.


    ¡°Be,¡± he groaned, cursing the source of their torment. Ethan should have ended her, he thought,


    fuming with frustration.


    With measured steps, Axel exited the room, leaving Gabriel behind. As the door swung shut, Axel


    tossed the lighter backward.


    ¡°No, wait!¡± Gabriel¡¯s desperate cries echoed into the emptiness. ¡°Wait!¡± His pleadings escted into a


    cacophony of agonized screams as mes engulfed himpletely.


    ¡°Where are Be and Ethan?¡± Axel demanded the moment he stormed back into the vi.


    ¡°They left a while ago. Sir was in a fit of rage, and he took her. I fear he might kill her,¡± Anna anxiously


    reported.


    ¡°Where did they go?¡± Axel inquired, urgency etched on his face.


    With swift determination, Axel raced towards the location, knowing all too well where the confrontation


    might unfold. Thoughts of ending Be¡¯s life consumed him, and he hoped Ethan hadn¡¯t acted on that


    impulse yet. A slow, agonizing demise seemed fitting for someone as malevolent as she turned out to


    be.


    As he approached the building, just before emerging from the car, Axel spotted Be and an


    unidentified man exiting. The man was supporting Be¡¯s weakened form. Ethan was conspicuously


    absent, adding an air of mystery to the scene. This was the woman responsible for Jasmine¡¯s death,


    and Axel¡¯s hands tightened on the steering wheel as he patiently waited for the opportune moment.


    The two figures were heading towards a parked car.


    Fueled by a surge of anger, Axel drove forward with remarkable speed, catching them off guard. With


    his headlights off, he blended into the darkness, a hidden force ready to


    12:18 Wed, 24 Jan Gu


    strike. They were oblivious to the impending danger, focused solely on reaching their vehicle.


    Unbeknownst to them, Axel¡¯s highnd jeep barreled into their path, sending their bodies sprawling.


    The impact was forceful, sending both their bodies flying. Axel emerged from the car, breathless but


    fueled by a sense of satisfaction. Bey face down, and the man¡¯s neck was contorted in an


    unnatural manner.


    Kneeling beside Be, Axel examined her. He could detect a faint pulse; she was alive but


    unconscious. Good. He wanted her alive. An easy death was thest thing he would grant her.


    Satisfied with the oue, Axel turned his attention to the building to find Ethan.


    5


    Jasmine tossed and groaned ufortably, trying to shake off the nightmares. Her eyes opened


    slowly, adjusting to the unfamiliar, dimly lit room. She sat up groggily, recalling the sensation of


    drowning before slipping into unconsciousness. Surprisingly, she was alive, her clothes dry, and her


    body wrapped in bandages.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± a calm voice interrupted her thoughts. Jasmine nced up to meet Derrick¡¯s gaze. A


    small gasp escaped her lips as she was momentarily startled. Derrick looked away


    ¡°Who are you?¡± She asked in a whisper.


    ¡°Nobody.¡± Came his reply.


    The two sat in awkward silence.


    Derrick looking away, Jasmine studying him.


    ¡°Does anywhere hurt?¡± he asked her.


    She shook her head. The bed next to her creaked, and her eyes widened in recognition.


    ¡°Liam?¡± she whispered, finding the boy peacefully sleeping.


    ¡°Why is he here?¡± she asked, looking back to the man. Derrick was silent. The two of them sat quietly


    in the dark./


    ¡°Did you lose something?¡± he asked, noticing how her fingers kept tracing around her wrist continually.


    ¡°My ne-bracelet,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t find anything like that,¡± he replied. She nodded with a sigh. The room was


    In the quietude, Jasmine observed the man before her ¨C broken skin, a scarred existence. Yet, there


    was something in his eyes, especially when he looked at Liam. Emotions ran through him, disyed


    vividly in his eyes.


    ¡°Why did you take him, Liam?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°I might kill him,¡± Derrick muttered.


    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± she replied confidently. He scoffed, questioning her certainty.


    ¡°I just know it,¡± she asserted. Derrick found her words amusing.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a bad person. Hurt doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re evil,¡± she stated.


    Derrickughed bitterly, ¡°You have no idea the number of people I¡¯ve killed.¡±


    ¡°Was it for a reason?¡± she whispered


    ¡°I¡¯m not a good person. Don¡¯t mistake the action of me saving your life,¡± he warned, his voice turning h


    o ars e. Jasmine probed further, inquiring about the people he killed.


    ¡°Were they bad people, right?¡± she asked curiously.


    ¡°I killed my friend, and I¡¯ll end another one real soon,¡± he admitted.


    ¡®Why am I telling you these things?¡¯ He wondered.


    ¡°His mom would be looking for him,¡± Jasmine pointed out, looking at the peacefully sleeping child


    Hazel¡¯s son. Derrick averted his gaze. Hazel had been dragged into all of this mess.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. They¡¯re wolves; they¡¯ll find him. His father woulde for him, very soon at that,¡± he


    muttered, ncing at the sleeping child.


    ¡°I need to go,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Axel would be looking for me. He said he would make me dinner,¡± she said.


    ¡°Axel,¡± Derrick muttered.


    ¡°So, you are Axel¡¯s little girlfriend.¡±


    Jasmine blushed,


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She said suddenly taking him aback.


    ¡°That man who took me would have killed me for sure; he tried to kill me. I would have died if you


    hadn¡¯t found me,¡± she admitted.


    Derrick stared at her wordlessly.


    ¡°It all boils down to me.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked looking up at him.


    ¡°I started everything. Now I¡¯ve gone too far to evene back.¡±


    Everything started from hating Ethan for taking his life. Then he despised him even more for taking his


    mate, he watched Ethan live a miserable life after Be came in, and for a while, it was satisfying. To


    see Ethan being blind and yed and gradually having everythinge crumpling down. Then Hazel¡¯s


    kids came along, the feeling of emptiness and dispair was bing Even more overwhelming. The life


    he could have had, if he and his family hadn¡¯t been so gullible that day.


    ¡°You can stop now.¡± Jasmine said looking at him.


    He looked away


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± He said decisively standing up to leave.


    ¡°Get some sleep.¡± He instructed her.


    Everything was Ethan. This whole thing started out with Ethan and it would end with him.


    *****


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake,¡± Axel mumbled, his eyes fixed on Ethan as consciousness returned.


    ¡°You were hit with some kind of poisonous dart,¡± Axel informed him.


    Ethan struggled to sit up, his body still reeling from the effects.


    ¡°Be¡­¡± He muttered h o ars ely.


    ¡°I caught her,¡± Axel replied.


    ¡°Did she die?¡± Ethan asked coldly


    ¡°You didn¡¯t kill her, right? I need her to suffer for a long time,¡± he added with a chilling determination.


    ¡°She¡¯s being treated at the hospital; I rammed into your wife,¡± Axel spat angrily,


    12:18 Wed, 24 Jan G


    revealing the intensity of his anger towards Be.


    ¡°I need to find Liam,¡± Ethan dered, a sense of urgency driving him to action.


    ¡°If anyone can find Liam, it¡¯s me,¡± he muttered, determination burning in his eyes.


    ¡°Derrick took him,¡± Ethan revealed.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Axel asked, a furrow forming on his brow as he processed the information.


    ¡°Derrick¡¯s dead; the whole ce blew up and burnt, didn¡¯t it?¡± Axel asked him.


    Ethan was silent, that was the same thing he thought.


    ¡°What happened that night?¡± Axel inquired, his frustration evident.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ethan sighed, a mixture of guilt and helplessness in his admission.


    ¡°How wouldn¡¯t you know? Sixteen-year-olds are hardly kids,¡± Axel fired back, frustration bubbling to the


    surface.


    ¡°All I know is, Derrick and his sister died there that night,¡± Ethan exined, revealing the haunting


    memories that lingered.


    ¡°Probably his ghost kidnapped Liam,¡± Axel muttered angrily, a tinge of bitterness in his words.


    ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡± Ethan snapped, the tension escting between the two.


    ¡°My problem is that you¡¯re so da mn stu pid!¡± Axel erupted, venting the pent-up frustration.


    ¡°Be lived with you for years, and you never found out just how evil she actually was. Some heartless


    witch without a conscience. And now, now, Jasmine¡¯s gone,¡± Axel¡¯s voice wavered, a hint of grief


    seeping through.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Ethan admitted quietly, acknowledging the harsh truth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t deserve to lead. Once this is over, I¡¯m quitting everything,¡± he dered with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°That man Gabriel would know Derrick¡¯s whereabouts,¡± Ethan suggested, shifting the focus to the next


    step.


    ¡°Too bad you can¡¯t ask him; I killed him,¡± Axel admitted coldly, a dark revtion hanging in the air.


    ¡°Burnt down your favorite warehouse as well,¡± he added, leaving the room. He couldn¡¯t stand Ethan at


    that moment and Even worse, he couldn¡¯t stand his own self.


    Hazel stood calmly outside, her gaze fixed on the stars as she sought a connection with her wolf to find


    Liam. Anxious yet surprisingly calm, she sensed that her son wasn¡¯t in immediate danger, experiencing


    a rare peace.


    Ethan approached her, determined to find their missing son. ¡°I¡¯ll find him. If there¡¯s anyone who can, it¡¯s


    me. Right?¡± he asked gently, seeking reassurance.


    Hazel met his gaze, conflicted emotions reflected in her eyes. ¡°I can connect with Liam and find him


    after all, right?¡± Ethan pressed, a mixture of hope and uncertainty in his voice.


    Her eyes widened in rm. ¡°They¡¯re my kids, Hazel, aren¡¯t they?¡± Ethan queried, his wordsden with


    a gentle plea.


    ¡°Ethan, I¡­¡± Hazel began, grappling with her own fears and hesitations.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine, Hazel. I messed up, several times. So many stup id mistakes,¡± Ethan admitted, a weight


    in his voice.


    ¡°I can find him; it shouldn¡¯t be that hard, much easier in my wolf form,¡± he asserted, recalling a time


    when Liam had connected with and found him in a crowded mall.


    Hazel¡¯s teary eyes met his gaze, and she opened up about her silent struggles. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell


    you. I was scared,¡± she confessed,ying bare her vulnerability.


    ¡°I know, I understand,¡± Ethan sighed, offering herfort as he wiped away her tears. ¡°I¡¯ve been quite


    blind.¡±


    Concern flickered in Hazel¡¯s eyes. ¡°Can you actually shift? You don¡¯t look Ethan,¡± she pointed out,


    worried about his well-being. It would be very strenuous for


    very healthy,


    him..


    ¡°I¡¯ll be just fine,¡± Ethan reassured her. A promise he wasn¡¯t sure he could keep. He¡¯d lost his wolf.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    Chapter 13 5


    The room reverberated with the rhythmic beeping of medical instruments, creating a somber ambiance.


    Ethan¡¯s intense gaze fixated on Be, lying frail on the bed, unconscious, a breathing tube delicately


    connected to her nose. Questions swirled in his mind ¨C Derrick? How and why? Was Derrick alive? Did


    Derrick actually know her and send her?


    ¡°The other man brought in with her died on the spot. I assume it¡¯s her brother; the two bear a striking


    resemnce,¡± the doctor informed Ethan, who absorbed the information with a silent nod.


    ¡°Ensure she doesn¡¯t die. If she does, I¡¯ll deal with you,¡± Ethan warned impassively, his words carrying a


    subtle threat that the doctor misinterpreted as genuine concern.


    ¡°Is she in pain?¡± Ethan inquired, seeking more details about Be¡¯s condition.


    ¡°She has a few broken bones, some concussion. We¡¯ll make sure we treat her to the best of our


    abilities for a full recovery,¡± the doctor assured, attempting to offer sce.


    ¡°Recover?¡± Ethan questioned, his tone betraying a sense of amusement.


    ¡°Yes. Once she regains consciousness, she would be in serious and almost unbearable pain. We¡¯ll


    dose her heavily with painkillers,¡± the doctor exined, trying to reassure Ethan.


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Ethan murmured, lightly cing an arm on the doctor¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re not in a hurry to


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    see her recover. The anesthesia would be a waste. Just make sure she doesn¡¯t die. Then when she¡¯ll


    regain consciousness, facing a whole painful healing process ahead of her,¡± Ethan dered, a dark


    glint flickering in his eyes, setting the tone for whaty ahead.


    ¡°You want her¡­¡± The man stammered


    ¡°To suffer.¡± Came Ethan¡¯s calm reply.


    ¡°Do you want to say something?¡± He questioned.


    The man shook his head immediately.


    After standing in contemtive silence, Ethan walked out, meeting Axel on his way in.


    ¡°You came back?¡± Ethan whispered upon seeing Axel.


    ¡°Of course, I did,¡± Axel sighed, then settled into a seat.


    ¡°We still haven¡¯t found Liam, a friend is dead, I might lose another one, and the one


    Chapter 1 35


    who has been dead for years is said to have taken this dying one¡¯s kids,¡± Axel said exasperatedly.


    ¡°Dying?¡± Ethan questioned with a frown.


    Axel sighed.


    ¡°We found the things she¡¯s beencing you with; it was basically everywhere. You were absorbing it


    slowly. It was in your nightly beverage, added to your perfume, most times your drinking water,


    probably rubbed on your clothes-it was found in a whole lot of things. Those subtle doses you were


    absorbing over some time became something else, something quite toxic. It¡¯s generally to weaken a


    wolf, but the long use had done more damage.¡±


    ¡°And I never knew,¡± Ethan mumbled h o ar sely.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have; it¡¯s colorless, scentless, almost undetectable. She was keeping your wolf subdued.


    If she hadn¡¯t done that, you would have been clear-minded and rejected her a long time ago. So she


    had to continue using it.¡±


    The two sat in silence in the corridor.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Ethan asked.


    Axel didn¡¯t reply to the question. Far from being alright, he had driven around the city all night, then


    stopped at the bridge and just stood there, contemting for a while, tempted for a moment to dive in.


    But he held it in; he hadn¡¯t seen the end of


    everything yet.


    ¡°Whenst did you hear from Rick?¡± Axel asked, gesturing to Ethan¡¯s wolf.


    Ethan shrugged.


    ¡°The day that ce copsed and Derrick died. It was like a part of him got broken, going almost numb.


    Then I met Be that other night; Rick was practically howling. So I was sure it was her.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t beingced with anything at that time; I wonder how she did that,¡± Axel said with a sigh.


    ¡°She said Derrick. All Derrick, that¡¯s what she said.¡± Ethan repeated her words. This was the second


    time Ethan was mentioning it, and it still sounded ridiculous to him.


    Axel sighed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe her, one, bit,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°How¡¯s Hazel?¡± Axel questioned.


    |||


    O


    D


    Chapter 1 35


    ¡°Calm, she knows I know, that the kids are mine,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Axel muttered.


    ¡°And I promised I¡¯ll find Liam.¡±


    ¡°How will you do that? You can¡¯t, Ethan, not in your condition. The poison you were hit withst night


    and with Rick almost beingpletely gone. We can¡¯t shift until the full moon either.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Things have changed; I wish we were like our ancestors with their raw sense and primal urges. Now


    we¡¯re basically humans with a little shifting ability, modernized Werewolves,¡± Ethan muttered.


    ¡°Derrick died that day, along with his sister and father; that¡¯s what everyone thought and heard. Then


    how? He stayed alive? All this while?¡± Axel asked with a frown, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°I mean, why would Derrick take Liam? Send Be to do all of those things and then take Liam? It


    doesn¡¯t make any sense if you ask me,¡± Axel pointed out.


    ¡°I went looking into the day they died. The factory that exploded, there were gas leaks, the building was


    said to have been poorly constructed as well,¡± Axel exined.


    It was all in the report; Ethan knew about it. But thest bit of information came as a


    shock to him.


    Ethan¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± he asked in a whisper.


    ¡°Derrick¡¯s father was in charge of that project. It was supposed to be one big job, a huge factory holding


    together the six wolfmunities in the territory. That¡¯s why it was such a big deal.¡±


    ¡°What happened that day? The day they died, what do you remember?¡± Axel asked


    him.


    Ethan took a deep breath and began.


    ¡°Derrick and his Sister, Darlene. It was a day before the new factoryunch; our families went on


    exploring, along with the leaders of those other packs.


    We got separated at some point; then I heard banging on a door on thest floor-it was Derrick. He¡¯d


    gotten stuck in there.


    III


    O


    Chapter 13 5


    20 Jan


    I couldn¡¯t


    get the door open, so I left to get help. I told someone; I can¡¯t remember who, to go get them out. Then


    there was this smell, gas or something, I don¡¯t know. I passed out; I don¡¯t know how, but the next


    moment my eyes are opening, I¡¯m lying far away from the wreck of what was the factory. The ce


    exploded before I could even get out. I don¡¯t know how I turned up unscathed. My father was badly


    hurt; there were chemicals there, you know. Mr. Hale, Derrick¡¯s dad also didn¡¯t return; his sister too,¡±


    Ethan added. A profound feeling of sadness hit him when he thought of that girl that had died as well.


    Axel sighed, taking it in.


    ¡°He probably mes you for that,¡± Axel said thoughtfully.


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t hee out? Why hide for years? Why didn¡¯t hee for me?¡± Ethan asked with a


    frown.


    ¡°Make it make sense!¡± he yelled.


    ¡°Derrick¡¯s been alive all this while, and he never thought to reach out; rather, he¡¯s bent on ruining me?¡±


    ¡°And why take Liam? Why send Be to ruin me?!¡± He had so many questions; he stood and began


    pacing around.


    ¡°Derrick won¡¯t hurt Liam,¡± Ethan said, taking a calming breath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he will. He wouldn¡¯t hurt a child.¡± Ethan said. Although he said it, he still had some doubt.


    ¡°He¡¯s killed people; you sure he¡¯s not hurting the child?¡± Axel asked with a frown.


    ¡°When a child is frightened or anxious, the parents would sense it.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t sense anything,¡± Axel pointed out.


    ¡°Yes, but Hazel can. And she¡¯s calm. Liam is fine.¡± Ethan¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°The day I met Be, I was sure she was mine. Later on, I started having doubts. Then I started looking


    into her; I always came up with nothing, no information about her.¡± He frowned.


    ¡°He was probably covering her up,¡± Axel confirmed.


    ¡°The day Chris died, he called me; he needed to talk to me urgently, and a day before that he had


    asked of Derrick, if I remember the day Derrick and his sister died. The next day he died before, we got


    to meet.


    ¡°Could it all be a coincidence?¡± Ethan asked with a pronounced frown.


    |||


    O


    Chapter 13 5


    ¡°What are the chances he¡¯s still alive? And that Be was actually right?¡± Ethan questioned.


    ¡°If your hunch is right, he probably killed Chris as well. It¡¯s been over twelve years, Ethan; you don¡¯t


    know what or who he has be,¡± Axel warned him with furrowed brows


    ¡°He hates me for reasons I don¡¯t even know, but the Derrick I know won¡¯t hurt Liam. I don¡¯t believe he


    would hurt him.¡± He looked away.


    ¡°Exactly, you don¡¯t know him,¡± Axel pointed out. ¡°This man might be the one who had Chris killed; he¡¯s


    been aiding a serial murderer, Be!¡± Axel thundered, still seething with anger whenever he thought of


    Be and all she had done. Be would have been found out if not for Axel covering her up, so he, in


    other words, indirectly caused Jasmine¡¯s death.


    ¡°What¡¯s today¡¯s date?¡± Ethan asked him.


    ¡°Twenty-fourth of September,¡± came the reply.


    That incident happened on the twenty-fifth. Ethan knew where and how to find Derrick now. ¡°Why?¡±


    Axel asked him.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°I¡¯ll find Liam, somehow.¡±


    ¡°How do you intend to do that?¡± Axel asked.


    ¡°When this is all over, I¡¯ll resign from being Alpha,¡± Ethan said determinedly. ¡°You can¡¯t resign,¡± Axel


    countered. ¡°If it¡¯s about what I saidst night, I didn¡¯t mean anything.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°I know. But it¡¯s not that; I¡¯m clearly not fit,¡± Ethan said with a sigh, standing up.


    ¡°Where is Liam?¡± Nathan asked, walking to him. ¡°You knew the kids were yours; someone else did too,


    and now that person has taken Liam,¡± Nathan said angrily. ¡°I¡¯ll find him and bring him back because


    he¡¯s my responsibility. You, on the other hand, back off,¡± Ethan said calmly. ¡°Nathan, we need to talk,¡±


    Axel interrupted the banter, then exined all that had happened with Jasmine, leaving out the details


    that it was a fire ident which he had caused. Ethan walked out silently.


    *****


    Jasmine was watching Derrick with interest, Liam was lying on her chest peacefully.


    He has asked for his mom and sister several times already.


    ¡°You¡¯re that man.¡± Liam pointed out. Derrick stared at him quietly.


    |||


    ¦£


    Chapter 13 5


    ¡°How did you get those burns?¡± Jasmine asked him.


    ¡°Do they have something to do with Ethan?¡± She probed.


    ¡°You said you¡¯re ending it soon. That¡¯s a good thing, right?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Derrick,¡± she called just as he was about leaving.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dying right?¡± She asked, peering at him. His arm froze for a moment, then he turned to look


    at her, then walked out, sealing the door shut behind him.


    He watched Hazel from a distance, the young girl he had liked in his early teen years, even before


    finding out she was his mate. She was sitting at the park, staring into space. He watched her for a long


    time before he turned and left.


    ¡°Is there any assignment left for us?¡± His underling asked him.


    ¡°Gabriel is dead, Be¡¯s hospitalized,¡± he was informed.


    Derrick nodded his head. ¡°I would have to discharge you from now,¡± he told the man. ¡°After now,


    everything would end,¡± the other man sighed. ¡°If you can retrieve my body, have it incinerated and kept


    next to my sister and father¡¯s,¡± he instructed.


    The man nodded, then took a deep, sad sigh. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do just that,¡± the man responded.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    Chapter 13 6


    ¡°Ethan woulde; he knows I have his son,¡± Derrick muttered, his voice tinged with anticipation.


    ¡°If my hunch is right, this should be the ce,¡± Ethan muttered to himself as he exited the vehicle,


    stepping into the dpidated and abandoned house. A van was parked some distance away. He walked


    in quietly, his senses alert to every sound and scent.


    His nostrils pri cked and twisted at the familiar scent. With determination, he rushed into the building,


    the moonlight slipping through the broken ceiling, illuminating the room. Ethan stood in the middle of


    the hall for a moment, memories flooding back of the times they spent in Derrick¡¯s father¡¯s old house-


    the first one they lived in before the pack¡¯s relocation.


    ¡°You came,¡± a voice said dryly from the shadows.


    ¡°I knew you would find it,¡± Derrickmended, his figure emerging at the top of the stairs.


    ¡°Derrick,¡± Ethan muttered, his hands balling into fists. ¡°Is that really you?¡± His voice tinged with


    disbelief, unable toprehend the reality before him.


    ¡°Where is Liam?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice rough and h o ar se, filled with urgency.


    Derrick remained silent, fueling Ethan¡¯s anxiety and anger. The uncertainty gnawed at him, the feeling


    of helplessness bing all too familiar in his life.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Derrick. Why? All this time?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice trailed off, a mixture of confusion and


    frustrationcing his words.


    ¡°You took my life, and for someone who ended his friend¡¯s life, you lived pretty well afterward,¡± Derrick


    muttered, descending the steps.


    ¡°What do you mean by that? You ruined my life,¡± Ethan countered, his voice heavy with usation.


    ¡°I ruined your life?¡± Derrick stepped out from the shadows, and Ethan could finally see him. The two


    men locked eyes, a silent battle of emotions passing between them.


    Realization slowly dawned on Ethan as he stared at Derrick, his eyes tracing over him. in the dimness.


    ¡°What happened that night was an ident,¡± Ethan muttered apologetically. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you did


    what you did, but know I didn¡¯t mean for it to happen. I didn¡¯t leave you there on purpose. Let Liam go,¡±


    he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.


    Chapter 1 36


    ¡°You don¡¯t actually have a reason, you only focused all of your hate on me. I tried to get you out, I really


    did,¡± Ethan stated eagerly, Derrick¡¯s continuous silence getting to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a reason?¡± Derrick muttered, his voice heavy with emotion.


    ¡°Your father locked us down there,¡± he revealed to Ethan, his words piercing through the tension.


    ¡°My father went in to look for you guys, he sustained burns as well. You know who brought him out?


    Hazel¡¯s father, Jared!¡± Ethan countered angrily, his frustration bubbling to the surface.


    ¡°It was guilt that drove him,¡± Derrick muttered, his toneced with sorrow.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan muttered, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, stepping


    forward, eager for answers.


    ¡°Ever wondered how we got stuck down there?¡± Derrick asked calmly, his demeanor unsettling.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t an ident, Ethan, it was all programmed. He knew what wasing, sent his own kid far


    away, and put on a show for the packs,¡± Derrick spat, his words cutting through the air like knives.


    ¡°And you abandoned us there, Ethan. You didn¡¯te back. Darlene was so sure you¡¯de for us.


    My life ended that day, yours went on,¡± he muttered sadly, the weight of his words hanging heavily in


    the air.


    ¡°What are you talking about?!¡± Ethan yelled, his voice echoing through the room. ¡°I heard everything!


    The discussion between Mooncrest, your pack¡¯s Alpha; your father, and another one,¡± Derrick


    continued, his voice steady and resolute.


    ¡°The factory was being used by one of the men to traffic Nexorfin. Your father caught me. He was livid,


    thought I would ruin the event, and he grabbed me. Darlene was exploring. When he saw her in that


    room, he threw me in with her and locked us up. He was going to keep us there for the rest of the day


    until he figured out a cover-up story,¡± Derrick exined seriously, each wordden with bitterness.


    Ethan stag gered backwards, his mind reeling from the revtions. ¡°What?¡± he whispered, his disbelief


    palpable.


    ¡°That couldn¡¯t be!¡± Ethan refused to ept the truth, his mind struggling toprehend.


    ¡°Making excuses for him,¡± Derrick chuckled bitterly. ¡°He tried to go back, it wasn¡¯t his intention.¡±


    Chapter 1 36


    ¡°How did you end up unscathed?¡± Derrick¡¯s question pierced through Ethan¡¯s thoughts, demanding an


    answer.


    ¡°If you were trying to get us out, if you were there, you should have some kind of scar. They did vacate


    everyone out, but you should have some kind of sign,¡± Derrick reasoned, his eyes boring into Ethan¡¯s


    soul.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t actually there, Ethan. You left without trying to help us,¡± he used, his words heavy with


    usation.


    ¡°I was,¡± Ethan protested, his voice filled with turmoil.


    ¡°No, if you were anywhere close, you¡¯d have scars,¡± Derrick asserted, his gaze unwavering.


    ¡°The person I told that day was my father. I didn¡¯t want to leave, but then¡­¡± Ethan¡¯s voice trailed off as


    memories flooded back, his realization hitting him like a ton of bricks.


    ¡°I was knocked unconscious,¡± Ethan¡¯s eyes widened as the truth dawned on him. Someone knocked


    him out then pulled him out! His father knew what the ce contained, how toxic it was, and that he


    would want to go back to find his friends, so he knocked him out and kept him safely away.


    ¡°I never knew,¡± Ethan whispered, the weight of the revtion settling heavily upon him. That exined


    his father¡¯s attitude- the man always seemed off whenever Ethan had mentioned Derrick or his family. It


    was because he had things to hide.


    ¡°The factory had issues from the roots, there were leaks, it started right there. Took a while before it


    spread to other areas. That room slowly started being filled with smoke. Guess what was right there in


    that room with us?¡± Derrick asked, his voice heavy with


    emotion.


    ¡°Sacks of Nexorfin right next door, it begun burning first, the smell got to us. Nexorfin was banned for a


    reason, it¡¯s toxic and blends in for some time until it gets concentrated. I struggled around, found a


    small air vent, and shoved Darlene there,¡± his voice quivered as memories flooded back.


    ¡°I struggled hoisting her into the small air vents. The fire didn¡¯t get her. But the substance did. She died


    there, her body wasn¡¯t burnt. She just wasn¡¯t strong enough. I heard my sister struggle to take herst


    breath,¡± he revealed, his eyes misty with tears. ¡°All because your father was a coward and handled


    what had happened in a cowardly


    manner.¡±


    ¡°Nexorfin is potent enough to kill not just the wolf but the person itself, I got burnt, she died,¡± he


    muttered with a distant look in his eyes.


    C


    Chapter 1 36


    ¡°And guess what happened next?¡± he continued, the pain evident in his voice.


    ¡°I was rescued, by my mom¡¯s brother from another pack, but my father was dead! And then, I


    discovered what your father, our Alpha did. My father took the me for everything that happened. All


    of it, the errors, the smuggling,¡± he muttered angrily.


    ¡°Trafficking Nexorfin could be considered treason, a gross misconduct of endangering the life of pack


    members. He would have been in a world of trouble if it came out that he ignored his responsibility, the


    responsibility which fell on his shoulders as an Alpha. And since my father was dead, died while trying


    to find his kids, they thought it was convenient to push all of the me on him!¡± he seethed, his voice


    ¡°Just put all the me on the dead guy, it won¡¯t matter,¡± he muttered sadly.


    ¡°At first I was worried about you, but there you were unscathed, perfectly fine. I spent years trying to


    recover a little. And the next thing I knew, you were married to my mate!¡± he ground out, his anger


    simmering beneath the surface.


    ¡°Wait, wait what did you say?¡± Ethan stuttered, his mind reeling from the revtions.


    ¡°The first betrayal that night was coborating with your father and leaving us there,¡± Derrick used,


    his voice using.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know! I swear it!¡± Ethan yelled, his words desperate.


    ¡°And the second,¡± Derrick continued, his voice trembling with rage.


    ¡°Getting married to my mate.¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Ethan interrupted, his voice shaking with disbelief.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know!¡¯ he yelled.


    ¡°That aside Ethan, you married Hazel. I told you I liked her,¡± Derrick¡¯s words cut through the air like a


    knife, his pain palpable.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to, I didn¡¯t want her. I barely knew her but you always talked about her. But then she didn¡¯t


    stop following me about, that was why I was cold to her. Because she was yours. The girl my best


    friend liked, you didn¡¯t even tell me she was your mate yet or anything like that.¡±


    Derrick had talked about Hazel whenever they spotted her at events. That he liked her, so after his


    death and Hazel made a move on him, he was ufortable. It felt wrong. This was the girl his friend


    had liked, so he was always distant and cold to her. But that incident had happened the night they got


    drunk and he had to get married to her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me she was your mate,¡± Ethan said quietly, his voice filled with regret.


    06:45


    Sat, 27


    Chapter 1 36


    ¡°You know why I really hated you? Why did you get to live happily, why did your life continue while mine


    ended in that manner? You were so happy, you had it all, and thest thing that was mine, you took


    even that!¡± Derrick spat, his words dripping with bitterness.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand it,¡± he admitted bitterly.


    ¡°Thus Be,¡± Ethan whispered, the pieces finally falling into ce.


    ¡°You sent Be to separate us,¡± Ethan used, his voice filled with betrayal.


    ¡°This is ourst night, I¡¯ll say everything. How blind you¡¯ve been.


    5


    ¡°You were so sure Be was your mate, right? I¡¯ll give it to her, she¡¯s really good,¡± Derrick muttered, his


    toneced with sarcasm.


    ¡°What did you do?!¡± Ethan yelled, his anger boiling over as he grabbed Derrick¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Ever wondered why you never got to meet your mate, Ethan?¡± Derrick asked, his voice cutting through


    the tension like a knife. ¡°It¡¯s because you abandoned her to die there,¡± he revealed, his words like a


    dagger to Ethan¡¯s heart.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan whispered, his eyes widening as the truth sank in. It was Darlene.


    ¡°It was easy fooling you with Darlene¡¯s substance,¡± Derrick admitted, unable to meet Ethan¡¯s gaze. ¡°I


    got you all excited, got what was mine far away from you. Be, I¡¯ll admit, went out of control. It was


    supposed to end after a few weeks. But she didn¡¯t let go, so I let her. Watching Be, how cruel and


    maniptive she was, it felt satisfying watching you get yed, get ruined, and slowly being poisoned.


    It was satisfying, so I let her have her fun.¡±


    ¡°It was really you, covering up for her and all of that?¡± Ethan muttered, stunned by the depth of


    Derrick¡¯s deception.


    ¡°Every single one of them. You actually have no idea who Be really was and how she¡¯s murdered


    people. I wanted to see how it would all y out, you slowly losing everything. I liked it,¡± Derrick


    admitted, his voice tinged with malice.


    ¡°Whenever I tried to pinpoint things to her, it wouldck all evidence and reason. You were messing


    with my head,¡± Ethan said, the pieces of the puzzle finallying together.


    ¡°Naomi,¡± Ethan stated, needing confirmation. It was one of the things he couldn¡¯t wrap his head around,


    no matter how hard he¡¯d tried. ¡°Did you kill her?¡± he asked, his voice trembling with anticipation.


    ¡°No,¡± Derrick replied quietly. ¡°Naomi died in her sleep. What she said about Be was


    Chapter 1 36


    quite urate, so to clear your mind of suspicions, the Alzheimer story.¡±


    ¡°Let me ask you one thing, Chris,¡± Ethan muttered, his entire demeanor bing icy and frozen. ¡°Did


    you kill him?¡± he asked, his voice filled with usation.


    ¡°Chris was an ident, my mistake led to his death. He was busy chasing me, he slipped, your


    enemies got to him. But he made everything easy, he had gathered everything about Be, so I just


    destroyed it at once,¡± Derrick admitted, his voice heavy with regret.


    Ethan paced around, the weight of Derrick¡¯s revtions pressing down on him.


    ¡°Why Liam? Why would you try to hurt the kids, Derrick?¡± Ethan demanded, his voiceced with anger.


    ¡°Because I hate you, Ethan, you and your father. You put me in this mess, married my mate, then had


    the guts to have kids! Something I can never have,¡± Derrick muttered sadly. ¡°And with my mate of all


    people,¡± his eyes filled with anger.


    ¡°Do you know the number of times I wanted to end it?¡± he seethed. ¡°I wanted to end them, not only to


    hurt you, but because they were a reminder of a life I never got to have,¡± he admitted, his voice filled


    with anguish.


    ¡°I had so many opportunities, but I couldn¡¯t do it,¡± Derrick muttered.


    ¡°I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to doing it. I wanted you to be in pain, feel real regret and agony, to lose


    something valuable without even realizing it until it became toote. But those kids waltzed in and


    everything changed,¡± Derrick said sadly.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t actually hurt them,¡± Ethan whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Where is Liam?¡± he


    probed once more.


    ¡°Probably disposed of him,¡± Derrick said coldly.


    ¡°If you still were, you would have seeded by now. Be would probably still be free, and we wouldn¡¯t


    have caught her. Where is he?¡± Ethan persisted.


    ¡°Safe,¡± was the cryptic reply.


    ¡°Was it you, those times? Be tried to hurt them, the mysterious man who saved Liam,¡± Ethan


    muttered, seeking answers.


    ¡°That was you, right?¡± he asked gently.


    Derrick sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping.


    ¡°And it wasn¡¯t Be that swapped the drugs the first time. That was also you. You had an opportunity to


    leave her with serious toxins that could kill her immediately, but you


    Chapter 13 6


    didn¡¯t,¡± Ethan observed, trying to make sense of Derrick¡¯s motives.


    3


    ¡°If you really wanted to kill them, you would have done it already,¡± he reasoned. ¡°Instead, you alerted


    me that Daisy was in danger, brought my attention to it,¡± Ethan said gently, a glimmer of understanding


    dawning upon him.


    ¡±


    He felt a little relieved. Derrick wasn¡¯t a monster in any way. He wouldn¡¯t hurt innocent kids.


    ¡°I know, I¡¯m not a monster. I couldn¡¯t kill anyone who didn¡¯t deserve it,¡± Derrick sighed, his voice heavy


    with remorse. ¡°Everything started with you and I, Ethan, and I¡¯ll end it that way,¡± he said gently.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan muttered, looking around, suddenly feeling a shift in the atmosphere.


    ¡°There,¡± Derrick muttered, his tone final. ¡°My long, sad lifees to an end.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that smell?¡± Ethan stag gered and fell, a sense of dread creeping over him.


    ¡°Burnt Nexorfin,¡± came the chilling reply, the air thick with its noxious fumes, making it difficult to


    breathe.


    ¡°What?¡± Ethan gasped, his vision blurring.


    ¡°You¡¯re really weak, you¡¯ve lost all sense. You didn¡¯t even realize it until it spread this much,¡± Derrick


    muttered, his voice tinged with regret. ¡°You feel terrible, right? The Venomixadone Be¡¯s been using


    took a toll on you, but this one is even stronger.¡±


    The realization dawned on Ethan, a repetition of what had happened that day, how the incident had


    urred.


    ¡°This would be fitting,¡± Derrick muttered, his words echoing in the dimly lit room.

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    3


    80%=


    Axel descended the stairs and was greeted by a familiar silhouette waiting for him. He halted, his eyes


    widening in disbelief, blinking repeatedly. The dark, wavy hair, the slender frame¨Cit couldn¡¯t be. With


    hesitant steps, his heart raced, and he approached cautiously.


    ¡°Jasmine,¡± Axel whispered, his voice tinged with shock as he confronted the unexpected sight.


    She turned to meet his gaze, and his lips parted, unable toprehend the reality before him.


    ¡°Jasmine?¡± He repeated, his voice h oa rse, dropping the items in his hands in astonishment.


    A smile graced her lips, tears welling in her eyes as she rushed towards him.


    ¡°It was Be. It¡¯s all Be. She was there that night, she killed those men and tried to take Nathan¡¯s


    wife as well. Nathan¡¯s wife died because of me,¡± she cried out, her anguish pouring forth trying to warn


    him.


    Axel enveloped her in his embrace, still grappling with the surreal notion of her being alive.


    ¡°I thought I lost you forever. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m sorry I left that night, Jasmine. I¡¯m sorry for what you had


    to endure,¡± he whispered, holding her close, his heart heavy with


    remorse.


    ¡°How?¡± he murmured, pulling away slightly to study her features. His eyes roaming all over her.


    ¡°I received your note. It was your handwriting and everything. I didn¡¯t want to believe it. Then that man


    imed he had disposed of you. I truly thought you were gone,¡± he admitted softly, brushing her hair


    from her face.


    ¡°But it¡¯s really you,¡± he whispered, disbelief etched across his features.


    ¡°Axel, wait. Just wait,¡± she implored, squeezing his hands and cupping his face.


    ¡°You asked if I recognized that woman the other time. And I did. She was there that night, she rammed


    into our car, driving it off a cliff. She killed people. You have to get her right now. That¡¯s why she tried to


    kill me¡­¡± she said anxiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s fine now. I got rid of them,¡± he told her gently and firmly.


    ¡°Wait, you did?¡± she questioned.


    07:50 Tue, 30 Jan Kis


    ¡°We already caught her. She was working with someone who was trying to hurt Ethan¡¯s kids.¡±


    ¡°Derrick,¡± Axel spat.


    ¡°Axel, wait. He saved me,¡± she exined to him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Jasmine,¡± he told her, brushing it off. It was personal; the man was practically


    behind all of the misfortunes that had befallen them recently.


    ¡°But he found and saved me. Thest thing I remembered was drowning. I couldn¡¯t breathe, I lost


    consciousness. When I woke up, that man was there, covered in scars, and he brought a child. That


    was Liam,¡± she exined.


    ¡°We need to find them,¡± Axel sighed, cupping her face gently. The feeling of relief and happiness was


    overwhelming. Jasmine wasn¡¯t gone; she really was here, in front of him.


    ¡°Wait,¡± she told him, her face bing grim.


    ¡°I think you should find Ethan. I don¡¯t know what Derrick is up to, but he said something about this


    being the end, Axel,¡± she told him anxiously.


    ¡°The end?¡± he repeated.


    ¡°He¡¯s dying, and he¡¯ll probably take Ethan with him,¡± she warned.


    ¡°I can¡¯t reach Ethan,¡± Hazel¡¯s voice broke through the phone her voice trembling lightly.


    ¡°Daisy had another seizure and she needs to be wheeled in for surgery right now. I don¡¯t know where


    Liam is or Ethan.¡± She took I¡¯m a deep shaky breathe. Ethan promised to bring back her son; that it


    was his


    fault, but she hadn¡¯t seen him since he left.


    Daisy¡¯s condition is critical. She wants to see her brother; she¡¯ll be wheeled in an hour¡¯s time,¡± Hazel


    said, passing the message across.


    ¡°Please tell Ethan,¡± she whispered, her voice cracking. Her two kids, Daisy and Liam, she felt like she


    was about to lose them.


    **


    ***


    ¡°Why Derrick? How was I supposed to know?¡± Ethan struggled to stand upright, his eyes beginning to


    sting.


    ¡°Darlene was mine?¡± he questioned, his voice trembling as he tried to process the revtion.


    ¡°How are you sure? How did she know and I didn¡¯t?¡± he asked, his chest heaving heavily.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Ethan muttered, his mind reeling from the bombshell. ¡°It had to be a lie. You¡¯re looking


    for justifiable excuses to have me ruined.¡±


    Darlene was always around as kids growing up, but she never liked hanging out with her twin brothers¡¯


    friends, Ethan could recall trying to make sense of it all.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be!¡± he eximed. ¡°How was she so sure? How did she find out, and I didn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Same way I knew Hazel was mine. She felt the first stage of recognition. She said she felt an


    electrification when she brushed against you and that she could scent you. She was going to tell you


    that day. That was why she began trying to spend time around you, but


    you were so oblivious,¡± Derrick exined calmly.


    Werewolves could feel a connection with their mates from adolescence. When they were eighteen, the


    two could then be officially mated.


    ¡°That was your reason for ruining people¡¯s lives? You realize you ruined not just mine but Hazel¡¯s as


    well, right?¡± Ethan yelled, his voice cracking with emotion.


    ¡°I know,¡± Derrick replied calmly, almost soberly, acknowledging the gravity of his actions.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know. She didn


    Ethan cried out, grappling with the unfairness of it all. Hazel had ended up being punished for


    something she knew nothing about.


    **


    ¡°You really had no right, Derrick! No reason!¡± Ethan shouted, his eyes turning a bright color as his


    anger red.


    ¡°And now, you took my kid! Where is Liam?¡± Ethan demanded, his grip tightening on Derrick¡¯s cor.


    ¡°Howe you aren¡¯t affected yet?¡± Derrick asked, stunned by Ethan¡¯s resilience. Ethan should have


    been incapacitated by now, writhing in pain on the floor.


    Rather than bing weaker Ethan had stag gered to his feet and now Ethan was standing to his full


    height his hand was shaking gripping Derrick¡¯s cor. His chest heaving heavily fumes exiting from his


    nostrils. Rick was on Edge raging madly, Ethan¡¯s eyes turned a light shade of yellow. He was furious.


    Everything was and had been a lie, his real mate was never Be. His mate had died and it was


    partially his fault. He¡¯d pushed Hazel away and had been manipted by this man.


    ¡°Where is Liam?¡± He bellowed again.


    His senses became open like a gush of fresh wind. Just then he caught a familiar scent. in the air


    III


    Liam.


    He could smell Liam. His son¡¯s scent and he was close by.


    I wouldn¡¯t leave if i were you.¡± derrick muttered puzzled as to why ethan wasn¡¯t reacting the way he had


    imagined. he should have been scrimimg in pain on the floor.


    For years ethan had been without a real connection without rick, after that day darlene died, rick has


    be almost quiet, he felt an ache in his chest that day, everything had be confusing. then


    be came in and even her wasn¡¯t his mate, she was a fake. now hearing the truth had infruirated his


    wolf. he waspletely out for blood


    He had an overwhelming urge to grab derrick and squeeze the life out of him.


    But liam¡¯s scent was near, he was going to find him. he would take care of derrick muchter. shoving


    the pain and inconvenience aside, he turned to move outside.


    ¡°You Don¡¯t actually know what danger the child is in and you leaving might just endanger him.¡± Derrick


    drawled his calm voice reaching Ethan and making him stop right in his tracks.


    From his tone and stance it was clear that he wasn¡¯t joking.


    Ethan forced his wolf back down, his chest heaving heavily as he approached Derrick. ¡°It¡¯s time to put


    an end to this madness now, Derrick!¡± he dered, his voice steady despite the storm raging within


    him.


    ¡°I never knew about Darlene, about Hazel. But for what it¡¯s worth, I¡¯m not sorry I married Hazel. I made


    mistakes, didn¡¯t know she was yours either, but I don¡¯t regret it. The few months together were the best


    years of my life with her, and I never even realized it,¡± Ethan confessed, his voice tinged with regret.


    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry my father took your life, but this isn¡¯t the way to go about it!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get to leave, Ethan. None of us do this time,¡± Derrick muttered, his resolve unwavering.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you done enough? You ruined me too. I never got to watch my kids grow up or hold them as


    babies. I never even got to hear them call me dad. And now, it appears I would die without any of that,¡±


    Ethan mumbled sadly, his heart heavy with the weight of his own losses.


    ¡°That¡¯s revenge enough, isn¡¯t it? But not Liam or Daisy. They have nothing to do with this. It¡¯s me you


    want, it¡¯s me you hate. I left you there, and¡­ my mate, she died too,¡± Ethan acknowledged softly, the


    pain of his past mistakes etched in his eyes. ¡°My father, he did all of that,¡± he added, his voice heavy


    with sorrow.


    ¡°But if ending me would solve it, so be it. I got to live, and you didn¡¯t, and you thought I


    |||


    O


    <


    betrayed you. Just don¡¯t harm any other person, not Liam or Daisy or Hazel. Please, they¡¯re innocent.


    This is between us and only us. Let Liam go,¡± Ethan demanded, his voice a little shaky, but resolute.


    ¡°Me dying would be enough for you, right? It should be,¡± Ethan muttered, his tone tinged with


    resignation. Derrick remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ethan.


    0


    ¡°Hazel¡¯s worried. Have Liam sent back,¡± Ethan pleaded, recognizing Derrick¡¯s leverage. Liam should go


    back, and whatever Derrick wanted to do with him didn¡¯t matter. Ethan wasn¡¯t about to risk Liam¡¯s


    safety.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end this, then their life goes on, okay?¡± he pleaded, his voice earnest.


    ¡°My kids did nothing wrong, Derrick,¡± Ethan reminded him, his voice firm with paternal concern.


    ¡°You¡¯re my Daddy?¡± A small voice interrupted the tense exchange. Both men turned immediately, their


    attention drawn to Liam, who stood there with a questioning look on his small face.


    ¡°Liam,¡± Ethan whispered in relief, his eyes running over Liam¡¯s small body. ¡°You¡¯re okay,¡± he breathed


    out, relieved to see his son unharmed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to be here,¡± Derrick seethed, rm shing in his eyes. Liam¡¯s presence had


    disrupted Derrick¡¯s ns. He had left Liam asleep in the van just a short distance away. Somehow,


    Liam had found his way to them, his innocent curiosity now in the center of their confrontation.


    ¡°Are you my uncle?¡± Liam asked, his round, curious eyes searching Derrick¡¯s for answers. Derrick took


    a step backwards, his expression softening as he looked between Ethan and Liam. He took a deep


    breath, then made a decisive choice.


    ¡°Ethan, take him and get out. Right now,¡± Derrick ordered, urgency evident in his voice. ¡°You and I are


    not done yet, Derrick,¡± Ethan muttered, his gaze unwavering.


    ¡°Leave, Ethan, right now!¡± Derrick yelled, his tone urgent andmanding. ¡°He shouldn¡¯t be here. Take


    him out, Ethan! Leave right now!¡± Derrick implored, looking at Ethan with a mixture of desperation and


    resolve.


    Without another word, Ethan grabbed Liam¡¯s small body and headed out the door. ¡°Goodbye, Ethan,¡±


    Derrick mumbled, his voice tinged with finality.


    As Ethan stepped outside, there was a sudden, deafening explosion, sending shockwaves through the


    air. Ethan instinctively shielded Liam, his heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. Turning back to look


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    at the crumbling and now burning building, Ethan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He had narrowly escaped


    being engulfed by the explosion.


    07.50 Tue, 30 Jan


    Derrick was still inside. Dropping Liam gently to safety, Ethan turned back, determined to help his friend


    escape the inferno. He wouldn¡¯t leave Derrick behind for the second


    time.

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    Chapter 1 38


    Ethan gently ced Liam at a safe distance before turning back towards the burning building, his heart


    pounding with worry. ¡°Derrick! Derrick!¡± he yelled desperately, hoping for any sign of his friend.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should,¡± a calm voice interrupted Ethan¡¯s frantic calls. He turned to see a man


    standing nearby, his expression grave.


    ¡°Derrick¡¯s still in there,¡± Ethan exined, his voice strained with emotion.


    ¡°I know. He¡¯s gone. He¡¯s dead now,¡± the man informed him with a somber tone.


    ¡°How did that happen?!¡± Ethan demanded, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief as mes engulfed


    the structure.


    ¡°That explosion was meant for both of you,¡± the man exined matter-of-factly.


    ¡°What?!¡± Ethan eximed, his mind reeling with the revtion.


    ¡°Yes. But you got out just in time,¡± the man confirmed, his gaze fixed on the burning wreckage.


    ¡°He yelled at me to leave,¡± Ethan whispered, his voice trembling with the weight of the realization. His


    old friend, whom he had just found alive, was now truly gone.


    ¡°It seems he changed his mind, probably when this child ran inside,¡± the man surmised, his tone heavy


    with sorrow.


    ¡°So, I would have been caught in the explosion?¡± Ethan whispered, still grappling with the enormity of


    the situation.


    ¡°Yes, both of you,¡± the man confirmed, his expression filled with regret.


    ¡°He did all of that and even kidnapped Liam to end it all that way?¡± Ethan asked, his anger simmering


    beneath the surface.


    ¡°Derrick was dying,¡± the man exined softly, his eyes filled with sympathy. ¡°He didn¡¯t have much time


    left, and he didn¡¯t actually want to hurt the kids. He took Liam because


    he wanted somepany during hisst days.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been alone,¡± the man added, his voice tinged with sadness.


    Ethan took a step back, his thoughts swirling amidst the chaos and destruction. ¡°Who are you?¡± he


    asked the man, his voice tinged with curiosity.


    ¡°Alfred. I work for him,¡± the man replied


    O


    b513 Inu, 1 Feb


    Chapter 13 8


    ¡°¡­. Used to.¡± He corrected himself his gaze distant as memories flooded his mind.


    As Ethan stood there, lost in thought, he felt a small tug on his sleeve. Looking down, he met Liam¡¯s


    questioning gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯re really my daddy?¡± Liam asked, his eyes wide with wonder.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethan replied, his voice filled with warmth and affection as he lifted Liam into his


    arms.


    Liam smiled brightly before turning his attention back to the burning building. ¡°Is he gonna be okay?¡± he


    asked, his concern evident in his voice.


    ¡°Everything will be fine,¡± Ethan assured him, holding him close. ¡°Let¡¯s go see Daisy.¡±


    ¡°And Mommy and Nathan,¡± Liam added eagerly, his innocence shining through despite the chaos


    around them.


    Ethan paused, struck by Liam¡¯s resilience. ¡°Weren¡¯t you scared?¡± he asked softly.


    Liam shook his head.


    His face fell and became serious suddenly his smile Fadingpletely.


    ¡°I want to see Daisy right now. She¡¯s very sick. She needs me,¡± he said earnestly.


    ¡°Hurry up,¡± he urged, his tone filled with anxiousness


    ¡°Mummy,¡± Daisy whispered weakly, her small hand reaching out to Hazel, who tenderly kissed her


    palm.


    ¡°When¡¯s Liam gonnae back?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with longing and impatience. Hazel felt


    a pang in her heart, knowing she had to maintain the facade she had crafted to shield Daisy from the


    truth about her brother¡¯s disappearance.


    ¡°Liam will be here soon, okay? I need you to be strong,¡± Hazel reassured her, her voice trembling with


    worry and uncertainty.


    ¡°But Liam said he¡¯ll be here,¡± Daisy sobbed softly, her eyes brimming with tears. Hazel¡¯s heart broke for


    her daughter, who was facing surgery without thefort of her beloved brother¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m really sorry. He¡¯ll be here when you wake up. I promise,¡± Hazel whispered, her own doubts


    and fears gnawing at her resolve. She hoped against hope that Liam would return in time to fulfill his


    promise to Daisy.


    ¡°Nathan, I don¡¯t know what to do anymore,¡± Hazel confessed her voice heavy with despair. ¡°Daisy¡¯s not


    buying the lie. She keeps asking for her brother.¡±


    ??????????


    <


    05 13 Thu 1 Feb


    Chapter 1 38


    ¡°Ethan will find him.¡± He tried encouraging, but he still felt doubtful.


    ¡°Axel, have you found them?¡± Hazel inquired anxiously as Axel entered the room, his presence offering


    a glimmer of hope amidst their despair.


    ¡°No,¡± Axel replied with a heavy sigh, his expression betraying his own apprehension.


    ¡°Listen Nathan, I have a hunch of what happened and it can¡¯t be good. I¡¯m worried Something really


    bad has happened.¡± He said quietly when he took Nathan to a corner forewarning Nathan of what was


    ¡°And there¡¯s someone who really want to talk to you.¡± He added.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Nathan asked drily


    ¡°Nathan.¡± Jasmine¡¯s small voice reached him.


    His eyes widened as he stared at her k disbelief, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    She exined, the man had made her write a false suicide note.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Nathan, Amelia would actually still be alive, she rushed I trying to save me.¡± She admitted.


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    Nathan started at her.


    Nothing else mattered other than the fact that she was fine. When he thought she remembered


    everything and ended herself, he was overwhelmed by guilt, he caused what had happened. It was


    more like Amelia¡¯s sacrifice was all in vain, that he had failed to protect the both of them,but now he


    saw her and she was fine, he was relieved.


    ¡°That¡¯s what happened,¡± he muttered slinking down the walls with a heavy sigh.


    Closure. He now knew for sure now what had happened to his wife and child. The way they had been


    killed. Feeling suffocated he turned to step out of the hospital.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Liam, mummy? Did he run away?¡± Daisy¡¯s voice trembled with worry as she sought answers.


    ¡°No, honey, he didn¡¯t,¡± Hazel reassured her gently, trying to ease her daughter¡¯s growing agitation.


    ¡°Then did that strange man take him?¡± Daisy¡¯s questions persisted, her concern evident as she sensed


    her brother¡¯s absence.


    ¡°Daisy, calm down,¡± Hazel urged, her heart heavy with concern as she tried to soothe her daughter¡¯s


    growing distress.


    O


    ?8.13 Thu, 1 Feb ae


    Chapter 1 38


    ¡°Liam wouldn¡¯t let me go to that room where they¡¯re so many needles alone, he¡¯lle with me!¡± She


    insisted stubbornly. She was bing agitated and about to throw a tantrum. She could tell her


    brother wasn¡¯t there. ¡°Daisy, calm down.¡± Hazel tried to urge her. ¡°Mummy Liam.¡± She sobbed her small


    chest heaving heavily. The nurses tried to calm her down immediately. ¡°Shhh, your brother wille.¡±


    Hazel ced her head against hers her eyes filling in her eyes.


    ¡°Shhh, your brother wille,¡± Hazel whispered, her voice filled with tears as she embraced her


    daughter, longing to ease her fears.


    ¡°Daisy!¡± A voice called out, breaking through the tension, as Liam rushed toward them with relief


    flooding Hazel¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Liam!¡± Hazel eximed, enveloping her son in a tight embrace, her eyes scanning him. anxiously for


    any signs of harm.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with emotion, her concern etched in every line of her


    face.


    ¡°Liam,¡± Daisy whispered through her breathing tubes, her eyes seeking hisfort.


    Liam moved to her side, gently taking her hand in his, offering her the reassurance she craved.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay, Daisy. I¡¯m here now,¡± he smiled, his presence bringing sce to her fragile


    heart.


    ¡°Daisy, you were right. Mr. Princess really is Daddy,¡± Liam revealed, his words lighting up Daisy¡¯s eyes


    with joy as Hazel affirmed his words.


    ¡°Be strong for us, Daisy. When youe out, we¡¯ll be waiting for you. Me, Liam, Nathan, and Mr.


    Princess¡­ Daddy,¡± Hazel whispered, her words carrying the weight of their shared hope and love.


    ¡°Daisy,¡± Ethan¡¯s voice called softly, drawing their attention as he approached.


    Hazel¡¯s eyes were on him while she still held Liam. He stroked the girl¡¯s small face. She was happy,


    although her heart rate was sp iking in excitement it was safer than when she was throwing a tantrum.


    She tried to remove the breather that had been put to calm her down.


    ¡°Mr princess.¡± She whispered. ¡°You¡¯re daddy?¡± She asked him with another smile. Ethan nodded his


    eyes bing misty. Daisy smiled broadly,


    Daisy¡¯s eyes sparkled with delight as she recognized him, her small voice filled with excitement and joy.


    ¡°When I wake up, I wanna go to Lu-Land,¡± she dered, then begun listing all of the fun ces she


    would be taken to when she recovers


    ¡°Okay, yes.¡± Ethan replied chuckled, promising to fulfill her wishes, his heart swelling with love for his


    children. They had lost so many years now, he would do whatever he took to make up for it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be okay,¡± Ethan assured her, his touch gentle as he stroked her cheek, his words a promise of


    unwavering support.


    Nathan watched from a distance, feeling a pang of longing as he witnessed their bond, the family he


    yearned for but never had. With a heavy sigh, he turned to walk away, feeling like an outsider.


    ¡°Nathan!¡± Daisy¡¯s voice called out.


    He stopped in his tracks then looked back, Daisy wanted him even though her father was there?


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to see Daisy off?¡± Liam asked with a small frown. Nathan chuckled lightly feeling a


    small light feeling. Ethan stepped out of the way while the two talked for a little while.


    ¡°It¡¯s time, we need to get started.¡± A nurse informed the family. Daisy took a nce at her family.


    Hazel smiled warmly at her ¡°You¡¯ll be fine baby.¡± She encouraged her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go to Lu- Land when Ie back!¡± She yelled then was wheeled away. Hazel stood watching


    her wheeled into the theater a small sigh escaping her lips.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯ve got the best doctors.¡± Ethan said cing an arm of hers. She nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t supposed to break it to them like this, I wanted to give your time to trust me.¡± He


    apologized.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She interrupted


    ¡°It was time for the Truth to be out already.¡± She said in relief.


    ¡°And it seemed they already suspected it.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°Have you always known?¡± Hazel asked Liam, curiosity tingeing her voice.


    Liam shrugged, his expression thoughtful as he considered her question.


    ¡°I and Daisy talked about it. I always felt a connection to Mr. Princess, I can¡¯t exin it,¡±


    O


    08 13 Thu, 1 Feb


    Chapter 13 8


    Liam admitted, his words carrying a sense of wonder.


    ¡°That¡¯s how I can always find him,¡± he exined, a hint of awe in his voice.


    ¡°Daisy once said, imagine Mr. Princess is Daddy,¡± Liam shared, a small smile ying on his lips


    ¡°You¡¯re really not smart, Ethan. Your kids happen to be even faster than you. Thankfully, they got all the


    good genes,¡± Axel remarked with a hint of jest. Ethan managed a faint smile in response.


    ¡°Derrick,¡± Ethan muttered, his mind still grappling with the recent events.


    ¡°Already on it,¡± Axel replied, indicating he was already informed about the situation. ¡°We¡¯ll make an


    announcement to the entire pack on what really happened. We¡¯d do it right this time,¡± Axel stated,


    echoing Ethan¡¯s sentiments.


    ¡°After that, I¡¯ll quit then go somece else with Jasmine,¡± Axel added with a slight smile, outlining his


    ns to depart once everything settled with Derrick¡¯s issue.


    ¡°Will


    you tell Hazel?¡± Axel inquired, acknowledging Hazel¡¯s right to know the truth about her mate¡¯s demise.


    ¡°She deserves to know the truth. She must be wondering why she never got to meet her mate, to feel


    the bond or connection. She deserves to know everything,¡± Ethan replied softly, his gaze fixed on Hazel


    as she fussed over Liam.


    ¡°He must have been so lonely,¡± Ethan murmured, his thoughts drifting back to Derrick. And to think his


    father had yed a huge role in that and had tried to cover it up,


    it was just disappointing.


    He was grateful Derrick had a change of heart at thest moment. All that remained was Daisying


    out of there.


    ¡°Still, it doesn¡¯t really justify it,¡± Axelmented.


    ¡°What should we do about Be?¡± Axel asked


    ¡°We¡¯ll get Nathan¡¯s opinion,¡± Ethan replied. Nathan too was one of the people who had suffered Be¡¯s


    action.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been living with a killer.¡± Ethan mumbled with a sigh.


    With a heavy heart, Ethan turned and began to walk away, the lingering sadness still palpable in the air.


    ¡°Ethan!¡± Axel¡¯s voice rang out, filled with concern, as he noticed Ethan slumped on the floor. Ethan had


    passed out.

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    ¡°What happened?¡± Hazel asked anxiously. Ethan had suddenly slumped at the entrance of a ward. ¡°Is


    he okay? Ethan!¡± She yelled, shaking him, but his body was numb and


    cold.


    ¡°There¡¯s a high dose of poison. It seemed to be the highly toxic drug Nexorfin. It¡¯s amazing he was able


    to withstand and survive for this long,¡± the doctormented with a sigh.


    ¡°Axel, what¡¯s going on?¡± she turned to him. Ethan was yet to exin where her son had been taken


    and how it was all his fault.


    ¡°We should let him rest a little and keep him under observation,¡± the man muttered,


    then turned to leave. Hazel watched Ethan¡¯s unconscious face.


    ¡°Nexorfin,¡± she muttered. ¡°Who did that to Ethan?¡± She asked. ¡°That¡¯s really poisonous. Did that have


    anything to do with Liam?¡± Hazel asked, looking at Axel. Her son had been exposed to such danger.


    Axel stared at Hazel, unable to answer the questions; Ethan would be more suitable to answer them.


    How was he to tell her it was her mate that had done all that and made them seemingly miserable for


    years now? With a sigh,


    he turned and left.


    Hazel lowered herself down to the seat next to Ethan, her eyes running over his calm and serene


    handsome face, the same face she had fallen in love with years ago. She reached out, holding his


    hand in hers.


    ¡°Please be okay. Recover soon. You owe your kids a whole lot of trips. When Daisy wakes up,


    we¡¯ll go to Lu-Land; she¡¯s been dying to go there,¡± she muttered with a smile. ¡°Once she recovers and


    you wake up, we can go. Okay?¡± She gripped his arm even tighter, all of her anger and reservations


    towards Ethan melting away with the sad state he was in at the present moment.


    ¡°Hazel,¡± Nathan was about to call for her, but seeing the state she was in, he turned around


    immediately and walked slowly back. What was his Faye with them now? Daisy¡¯s surgery took several


    hours and even went on till the third day. During that time, Hazel spent time at Ethan¡¯s side along with


    Liam. Soon Daisy was wheeled out. Surgerypleted and sessful, all that remained was Ethan.


    ¡°Be just woke up. Ethan wanted your opinion on what should be done with her,¡± Axel informed him.


    ¡°Be,¡± he muttered. ¡°She has a fractured rib, and her spine was badly damaged. She might never walk


    again. She¡¯ll go to jail.¡±


    ¡°Send her off to jail,¡± Nathan ordered. Such a ce would be fitting.


    ¡°Ethan, you¡¯re awake!¡± Hazel said happily.


    |||


    O


    07:25 Fri, 2 Feb BR.


    ¡°Wait, Hazel,¡± he said, halting her in her steps. ¡°There¡¯s so much I need to tell you, so much to say.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hazel. Listen, Be was¡­¡± he started.


    ¡°I know, I heard,¡± she said with a sigh. She and Jasmine had gotten talking; she knew what Be


    actually was. And for a while, she had been tempted to see her, but the urge suddenly vanished. She


    had heard Be was in a pitiful state. She wasn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t even heal either.


    ¡°I turned you away, threw you away without even knowing what I was doing. In everything, it was


    actually you who had suffered the most. The man who kidnapped Liam was your mate,¡± he broke to


    her, telling her everything gently. Hazel was stunned for a moment, staring at Ethan, her eyes widening


    in disbelief. The mate she had looked for was actually alive and had been so close by. Not just that, he


    had tried to kill


    her kids.


    ¡°He had been so close,¡± she whispered. ¡°Listen, Hazel, I¡¯m not trying to justify what I did, my actions. I


    only felt it was right that you knew everything. My father wasn¡¯t what we thought either,¡± Ethan went on,


    baring all that had happened and transpired. Days passed, and it took moments before Hazel could


    finally wrap her head around all that had happened. With Daisy recuperating at the hospital, several


    more days were spent there. Ethan worked at the pack house to put things back in order and fix the


    mess his father had made. He handed off the regtions and leadership to the pack elders to handle.


    Soon it was finally time for Daisy to be discharged. The kids had adjusted quite well and had begun


    calling Ethan dad. Hearing them address him that way was the most ting feeling in the world. The


    time Ethan spent with them, the more he began to fall for Hazel.


    ¡°We can work together, bringing up the kids,¡± she suggested in a distant manner. Ethan nodded,


    understanding what she meant. They were both over; she didn¡¯t want him. Whenever he came visiting


    the twins, she would leave them to their own devices, while Ethan spoiled the twins to no end.


    ¡°I got you guys Roblox,¡± Ethan announced as he walked in happily. Liam did a small happy dance. ¡°I¡¯ve


    got my own Roblox!¡±


    ¡°He cheered, announcing loudly. ¡°Where is it?¡± he asked Ethan.


    Ethan looked confused. ¡°Where¡¯s the toy?¡± he quizzed, looking at Ethan to see where


    the new toy was.


    ¡°Toy?¡± Ethan asked, perplexed. ¡°A toy, is that what you wanted me to get for you?¡± he asked, realizing


    they had been expressing how much they wanted to own Roblox, and he had bought it as an early


    birthday gift.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam cried. ¡°I didn¡¯t buy a toy,¡± Ethan admitted. ¡°What did you buy?¡± Liam asked


    O


    D


    with a disappointed frown. They had gotten all excited for nothing.


    ¡°Thepany,¡± he answered. The two stared at him nkly.


    ¡°Ethan, you did what?¡± Hazel asked in bewilderment.


    ¡°I bought Roblox for the twins,¡± he said slowly, wondering why they weren¡¯t as excited as he imagined.


    ¡°All they wanted was the toy!¡± she cried,ughing at him. ¡°Well, they got thepany; you can have as


    many as you want,¡± he told him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get Daisy,¡± Hazel said, exiting the room. ¡°Mummy¡¯s getting married, she and Nathan would be


    marrying,¡± Liam informed him, watching him closely.


    Ethan was surprised, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Really?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Liam affirmed. ¡°Are you happy?¡± Ethan asked.


    Liam gave a small careless shrug. ¡°I like Nathan,¡± he said with a smile.


    Ethan stood there for long moments. Hazel was actually getting married, and he thought he was


    beginning to breach through that gap with her, that they were bing close.


    ¡°Do you love my mom?¡± Liam asked suddenly.


    Ethan was quiet. He did; he had actuallye to love Hazel. In fact, he had for a long time now.


    ¡°If you love her, why did you send her away? You made her really sad,¡± he scolded.


    Ethan sighed, sitting next to the boy. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize what I was doing. But yes, Liam, I love your


    mummy,¡± he admitted. Liam took a deep, thoughtful sigh.


    ¡°The man who she loved and made her sad, or the one who¡¯s always been there,¡± he muttered


    thoughtfully, just as Hazel came out, Daisy in tow.


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting married?¡± he asked her. He couldn¡¯t help himself or the feeling of disappointment that


    surged through him.


    ¡°There, the kids are all set. Have fun,¡± Hazel said, ushering them out of the house.


    Nathan had actually proposed to her months ago, but she was yet to give him an answer. They were to


    have dinner together that day.


    ¡°Hazel, about what we talked about,¡± Nathan muttered, bringing his proposal back to


    Hazel¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Forget about it,¡± he suggested, surprising Hazel.


    ¡°What?¡± she stuttered.


    ¡°You¡¯re grateful I helped you. You don¡¯t actually love me, at least not as much as you love Ethan,¡± he


    said.


    ¡°Gratitude shouldn¡¯t be the reason you get married to me, Hazel,¡± he told her gently.


    Onest Chapter to go

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Note: Hello everyone, I¡¯m really sorry about the dy. I¡¯ve been really ill and hospitalized for over two


    weeks now, couldn¡¯t write or type, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve been absent. I¡¯m really sorry everyone and Thank you


    for sticking with us.


    Be sat on the edge of her hospital bed, surrounded by the cold embrace of solitude. The dim light in


    the room entuated the weariness in her eyes.


    She stared down at her hands, her wrist covered in bandages. The other one held in ce with a cuff


    and chained to the bed.


    Caught, she¡¯d been caught. Thest thing she remembered was escaping from Ethan with her brother


    then a car ramming into the two of them suddenly.


    Her mind raced, contemting the events that had led her to this moment. She has carefully covered


    her tracks at all time, but now, it seemed all theyers of deception had fallen apart. Ethan had actually


    held and threatened to throw her down a building.


    ¡°Well, Be, looks like your games finally caught up with you,¡± a voice echoed within her mind, making


    her cover her ears with her palms.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± She barked.


    ¡°This is the end.¡± The reflection taunted.


    No! It couldn¡¯t be. Sebastian woulde for her.


    ¡°No one would save you. You¡¯re a nobody.¡±


    ¡°Now look at you, you¡¯re useless!¡±


    She was just an ordinary orphaned omega, an ambitious one who dared to demand more than what life


    had given her.


    She did what needed to be done to achieve her goals, clearing any obstacles in the way no matter


    what it cost.


    She raised her head, locked eyes with her reflection in the windows. Her eyes were red and puffy but


    still carried an icy coldness behind them.


    She pointed at her reflection, ¡°Stop talking!¡± She hissed.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even a Luna, you have no money. You¡¯re just a peasant,¡± the voice resonated within her


    mind.


    She let out a shriek and hurled the stool towards the window shattering it immediately.


    Be stood panting heavily as the door swung open, revealing a man with a stoic and hardened


    expression. She recognized the man one of Ethan¡¯s people.


    ¡°Let me go.¡± She ordered. She would look for Sebastian.


    ¡°Your brother¡¯s gone, Be.¡± The man announced to her knowing what she was thinking.


    ¡°Wh-what? No, you¡¯re lying!¡± Be stammered, her voice cracking. The room seemed to spin around


    her. Sebastian was gone? She stumbled forward then was jerked backwards by the cuff binding her to


    the bed.


    ¡°Lies!¡± She yelled shaking her head.


    The man looked unbothered.


    Moved closer then uncuffed her, ¡°Come with me,¡± he ordered, dragging her. Her mind immediately went


    numb


    She was really caught and trapped, with no where to go. Her legs wobbled and she nearly fell, she was


    grabbed and shoved


    <


    roughly to her feet then thrown into a pitch dark room.


    ¡°Hazel and her damn kids,¡± she seethed, clenching her fists. ¡°This is all their fault. Should¡¯ve killed her


    when I had the chance,¡± she hissed, bitternesscing her words.


    She spent hours there, the long minutes stretching making her even more miserable. It was dark and


    she lost track of timepletely Soon the istion and darkness began to get to her, the feeling of


    dread creeping upon her.


    Anxiety and desperation begun to w at her.


    ¡°Ethan! Ethan, where are you?¡± she shouted then begun banging at the door.


    Nobody¡¯sing, nobody¡¯sing.¡¯ her mind began to sing and taunt her. Her arms hitting the doors


    even more rapidly.


    Finally it was thrown open and she stumbled out.


    Nathan stared down at her pitiful state. This was her, the woman who killed his wife and cub.


    Be knew who he was.


    Be grabbed at his legs desperately


    ¡°Get me out of here.¡± She cried out.


    He kicked her away from his legs.


    Staring at her he felt almost nothing. He had juste for himself to see how miserable she was.


    ¡°Throw her back in.¡± He instructed turning to walk away.


    ¡°No wait!¡± She yelled in dread.


    ¡°Kill me.¡± She pleaded. She had no doubt that whatever wasing for her would be worse than dying


    here and now.


    ¡°You deserve every ounce of suffering thates your way.¡± Nathan muttered.


    The guard at Nathan¡¯smand closed in, their expressions cold and merciless.


    ¡°Deal with her. Make sure she suffers. Make sure she regrets being born.¡±


    Be finally snapped, and she began to cackle, the remnants of her mind slipping through her fingers


    like sand.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± She yelled then begun tough. She had only struggled to secure a better life for


    herself. She lost her parents! She was desperate, a nobody with nothing!


    ¡°Your wife was an ident, she was in the wrong ce at the right time!¡± She yelled.


    ¡°This won¡¯t bring her back. She spat


    ¡°I hope every sleepless night torments you. I hope you feel the pain you caused others until the end of


    your days.¡±


    Be shot back, ¡°I¡¯m already tormented, Nathan. I should have killed them all when I had the chance!¡±


    She yelled then begun tough. Herughter went on for a long while in a deranged manner then she


    began to cry.


    Nathan walked out of the building his chest heaving part in relief and sadness.


    Meanwhile at the pack house, Ethan¡¯s footsteps echoed through the hallway towards the room where


    the pack elders convened.


    He was about making a huge decision. One he felt was best.


    .


    Taking a deep breath, he approached the gathered elders, acknowledging them with a nod before


    delving into the heart of the matter. ¡°I¡¯ve been reflecting on my role as Alpha,¡± he started.


    The elders exchanged nces, uncertainty etched across their weathered faces. And would like to step


    down, as Alpha,¡± he finished.


    One of them spoke up, ¡°Ethan, you¡¯ve proven yourself a strong leader. So why?¡±


    Ethan shook his head. ¡°I failed to see the deception of an omega I waspletely fooled and deceived


    by her endangering the life of everyone. I can¡¯t guarantee the pack¡¯s safety under my leadership.¡± He


    said soberly.


    A wise woman with silver hair, responded, ¡°Every leader faces challenges. It¡¯s how you ovee them


    that defines your legacy.¡±


    Ethan sighed, acknowledging her words but resolute in his decision. ¡°I appreciate your wisdom, but my


    mind is made. It¡¯s best I step down as Alpha.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the room, objections lingering in the air.


    He felt incapable, he had beenpletely fooled for years now, not just that he had also endangered


    the lives of people. Someone like him wasn¡¯t fit to lead. Although he¡¯d tried to fix the damages his


    father had done and made everything that had happened public, it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    An elder stepped forward, cing a hand on Ethan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Think this through, young Alpha. You


    have the potential to lead us through difficult times. And besides that, you were also a victim. Don¡¯t be


    so hard on yourself.¡± The man advised.


    Feeling burdened the went to the only ce he could feel happy, his kids.


    But the anxiety he felt got even heightened, Liam broke to him that Hazel was going to get married.


    Watching Ethan with her kids, Hazel felt a pang of sadness.


    Despite the pain, she respected the bond between father and children.


    She watched them leave then got ready for her dinner with Nathan.


    Nathan¡¯s counternance through out th dinner waspletely different form the usual him. He was deep


    in thoughts. She could understand, everything that had happened was truly overwhelming.


    ¡°I think we should end things here Hazel.¡± He said suddenly.


    ¡°The marriage proposal, forget about it.¡± He said quietly meeting her eyes.


    Hazel¡¯s brows furrowed, and she asked, ¡°End things.¡± She repeated quietly.


    Nathan looked away, a guilt crossing his face. ¡°I don¡¯t think I love you, and I don¡¯t think you love me


    either. It¡¯s just. obvious.¡±


    Hazel¡¯s eyes searched his face, ¡°Talk to me, Nathan. Please.¡±


    ¡°We met when we were both going through tough times, we were vulnerable,¡± he began. ¡°Maybe


    because you were pregnant, like my wife was, I felt this overwhelming empathy.¡±


    Confusion deepened on Hazel¡¯s face. ¡°But you¡¯ve been there for ine and the kids. Isn¡¯t that what love is


    about?¡±


    Nathan shook his head, his gaze fixed on the floor. ¡°It¡¯s more affection than pure love, Hazel. I don¡¯t


    want to build a rtionship based on that.¡± He stated.


    ¡°And you,¡± he sighed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t love me either, gratitude is what you feel towards me. That¡¯s not a reason to get married


    Hazel.¡± He told her


    gently.


    Hazel took a moment to absorb his words. He was right, she felt relieved at his words. She couldn¡¯t


    deny that she felt a huge sense of gratitude towards Nathan,


    ¡°Thank you for being here, for being a good person, and a good friend. Even if things don¡¯t work out


    between us, my kids. have experienced your love.¡± she said honestly.


    They shared a silent moment before embracing.


    ¡°Truth is, this is very hard for me,¡± he admitted, his voice a whisper against Hazel¡¯s shoulder.


    Breaking the embrace, Nathan met Hazel¡¯s eyes. ¡°Ethan, made mistakes, but he clearly loves you.¡±


    Nathan admitted


    ¡°Seems be realized it toote.¡± He muttered.


    Hazel looked away, wiping the small pool of tears gathering. ¡°I¡¯d rather not talk about him.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Thank you Hazel.¡± He said honestly


    ¡°You also helped me in a lot of ways.¡±


    She and her kids hade like a ray of light into his life and brightened his dull life.


    Later that evening, Ethan dropped off the kids at home. The children scampered upstairs, theirughter


    echoing through the quiet house, leaving Ethan and Hazel alone in the living room.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Ethan¡¯s voice carried talking.¡±


    a trace of i


    fregret as he addressed Hazel, who nonchntly responded, ¡°Sure, start


    He sighed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything you went through because of me.¡±


    Hazel waved a dismissive hand, ¡°It¡¯s in the


    past,


    Ethan.¡±


    He swallowed, then broached a delicate topic. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to step down as Alpha,¡± he confessed.


    Hazel furrowed her brows, disagreement etching her features. ¡°What? No, Ethan, you should be Alpha.


    You can¡¯t just step down.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t deserve it, Hazel,¡± he admitted, his eyes reflecting remorse.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been so stupid and blind.¡± He said with a sigh.


    ¡°And besides, to continue being an Alpha, I would be needing a Luna by my side,¡± Ethan exined.


    Hazel averted her gaze, a distant look in her eyes.


    Hazel folded her arms across her chest, unsure of what to say The room fell into silence before he


    spoke again, his voice tinged with vulnerability.


    ¡°Would you ever give me a chance?¡± He asked her.


    Her eyes shot up looking at him in surprise.


    ¡°I love you, Hazel.¡± He admitted.


    Her expression softened as she searched his face.


    Ethan Loves me? She wondered. Years ago that was all she wanted to hear from him, but now, things


    had changed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ept you back into my life,¡± Hazel finally said, her words cutting through the air. ¡°You can be a


    father to the kids,


    <


    .


    but we can¡¯t be together.¡±-


    Ethan¡¯s shoulders slumped as he absorbed the finality of her words. ¡°Hazel, I¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Ethan,¡± she interrupted. It¡¯s over. We can¡¯t go back.¡± She said decisively.


    ¡°Hazel..¡± he called softly


    ¡°No!¡± She said strongly taking a deep sharp breath.


    Ethan nodded slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯d leave now.¡± He said calmly.


    ¡°You won¡¯t tell the kids good bye?.¡±


    1


    ¡°Just tell them I left, I¡¯lle visit tomorrow.¡±


    Hazel nodded watching him leave.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you love me.¡± She whispered.


    Two months Later


    Hazel turned the doorknob, and as her door creaked open, a vibrant burst of colors caught her eye.


    Another bouquet of flowers awaited her, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she picked it


    up, delicate petals brushing against her fingers. A small note was nestled among the blooms, signed


    with Ethan¡¯s name.


    ¡°Oh, Ethan,¡± she murmured, unfolding the note. ¡°You really didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    The fragrance of the flowers enveloped her as she sniffed them, savoring the sweet aroma. The


    consistent stream of gifts from Ethan had be a routine. After that night two months ago where he


    confessed his love for her and she rejected it, he had focused all his attention on trying to win her,


    buying her flowers and always trying to keep herpany.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it, Hazel. I love you, and I¡¯ll prove it. You deserve the best,¡± his voice echoed in her


    memory.


    She stroked the flowers gently and thoughtfully, a part of her surging with happiness, but the other part


    an uncertain.


    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you and Hazel, Ethan? You¡¯ve been going all out,¡± Axel inquired, eyebrows raised


    as he Ethan¡¯s office.


    Ethan leaned against the desk, his expression earnest. ¡°I can¡¯t let her go, Axel. I messed up, and I¡¯ll do


    whatever it ta make things right, even if it takes ten years.¡±


    Ethan was bent on proving to Hazel. Years ago she had pursued him, but now, it was his turn.


    Axel regarded him with admiration, he gave Ethan a supportive shoulder squeeze.


    ¡°I respect that, my friend. But, on a different note, Jasmine and are leaving soon. She wants to travel


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    the world, and I can¡¯t say no to that. I came to say goodbye,¡± Axel exined excitedly.


    Ethan nodded. Axel and Jasmine were moving fast and it was all understandable, the two of them had


    been through a lot.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving today?¡± He asked with a sigh.


    Axel nodded. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re heading to the airport now.¡±


    They shared a hug, Ethan patted his shoulders. Ethan wished Axel luck on the journey that awaited


    him.


    As Axel left for the airport, he met Jasmine waiting at the entrance of the airport with their luggages,


    .


    ¡°Hey, you,¡± Axel greeted, embracing her tightly.


    ¡°Hey yourself,¡± Jasmine replied, her eyes sparkling.


    ¡°You ready?¡± He asked her. She gave him a smile then pressed a kiss on his lips, interlocking fingers


    they walked towards the airport entrance.


    ******


    ¡°Haven¡¯t I told you to be careful on those stairs?¡± Hazel scolded Liam as he thundered down the stairs


    hurriedly.


    ¡°Sorry mommy.¡± He apologized.


    He was only excited Ethan would be picking them up very soon.


    ¡°Dad would soon be here.¡± Liam said in a happy tone.


    Hazel couldn¡¯t help but smile a little, he would no doubte with a big bouquet of flowers this time


    again.


    Daisy was watching her closely


    ¡°Mummy, will you ever forgive Daddy?¡± She asked suddenly.


    Hazel blinked then gently stroked Daisy¡¯s face, her touch tender. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple, baby,¡± she


    replied.


    ¡°But you still love Daddy,¡± Liam asserted confidently.


    Hazel arched her brows, prompting him to exin. ¡°Why do you think so?¡±


    ¡°Because you always smiles whenever you receives a gift from Daddy,¡± Liam exined, conviction in


    his voice.


    Daisy joined in, adding, ¡°And you always keep the gifts in your room.¡±


    Hazel chuckled, realizing she might have underestimated the perceptiveness of her children.


    ¡°It¡¯s not always easy to understand, my loves,¡± Hazel mused. ¡°But let¡¯s talk about something else. Did


    you two have a good day at school?¡± She asked instead.


    The children eagerlyunched into tales of their day.


    Ethan arrivedter ¡°Hope I¡¯m not toote?¡± He asked with a smile handing Hazel the huge bouquet as


    usual.


    Hazel blushed, ¡°You really didn¡¯t have to, Ethan.¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± He insisted quietly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I get back.¡± He muttered.


    Hourster the three returned scampering upstairs with their arinsdened with new treasures. Hazel


    watched their happy and excited faces as they headed up the stairs.


    Left in the quiet aftermath, Hazel initiated the conversation. ¡°What did you get for them?¡±


    Ethan shrugged listing how they spent their day.


    Hazel chuckled, ¡°Spoiling them, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    With a mischievous grin, Ethan replied, ¡°Well, they deserve it.¡±


    ¡°I got you something too. He admitted passing her a small box. She moved closer taking it slowly.


    She opened it to reveal a delicate silver ne with a half-moon pendant. Hazel¡¯s eyes widened in


    surprise. ¡°Ethan, it¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    Standing up, he gently ced the ne around her neck his hands lingering and grazing at he neck


    slowly.


    ¡°I love you, Hazel. I don¡¯t want anything else but you.¡± She turned to him slowly seeing the sincerity in


    his gaze.


    Hazel¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°I¡­ I still love you,¡± she confessed. ¡°But it¡¯s not that easy.¡±


    Ethan¡¯s eyes softened, he grabbed her hands, giving her a gentle squeeze. ¡°I promise, I¡¯ll never make


    the mistake of not treating you right.¡±


    She searched his eyes and she could tell that he was sincere. Hazel couldn¡¯t resist any longer. Their


    lips met in a deep, passionate kiss.


    A soft click met their ears as the other half of the moon pendant which Ethan was wearing maised


    to hers.


    She chuckled. ¡°So they fit into each other?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just like youplete me,¡± he whispered against her ears, ¡°It just took me too long to see.¡± He


    admitted as they shared a kiss.


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