Axel's PovI kept on looking at my watch impatiently, Leah was supposed to be here by now. "President...are you sure this is a great idea?" Derek asked, but I ignored him, walking to and fro impatiently in front of the emergency room."Where is he?" I heard Leah cried out nervously, she was limping while walking, her beautiful palm-sized face flushed. It looked like she had gone through a lot of trouble getting here. She went straight to the doctor standing nearby, "Doctor, what happened to my son? Where is he?" she asked nervously."Erm..Ms Leah, Jasper suddenly fainted in the hallway and we found out that he was short of blood after a series of tests," the doctor explained."Then give him blood, please, don't let anything happen to my son," Leah pleaded. She was almost on the verge of tears, her tears threatening to spill."Ma'am, your son has a rare blood gene, and we don't have it in our blood bank," the doctor said."Oh no, oh no," Leah held her cheek in despair, "Then what can
A month LaterLeah's povIn the conference room"What?! That's not possible," Mia exclaimed, her wide eyes reflecting her disbelief.As the youngest designer on the team, she had a boundless imagination and was tasked with designing dreamy gowns for kids. "I agreed with Mia," Jason chimed in, adjusting his glasses and adding, "The International Fashion Gala competition is not just an ordinary event, Leah. It's a big deal."I could see the doubt in their eyes, but I remained determined. "I know you all won't agree, but this international fashion gala competition has the potential to elevate our brand internationally," I gently tapped my nose, trying to convey my conviction.Lilian, who had been focused on sketching, looked up and replied, "As much as it might have the potential to make us international, it's not meant for local brands like ours, Leah. This fashion gala is only for well-known and established brands.""I think Lilian is right. Besides, getting a slot for this competitio
Axel's povAt the hospital "Are you happy getting discharged today, are you? Are you?" I heard Leah's playful voice as soon as I stepped into the children's VIP ward. After discovering that Jasper was my son, I had changed his ward to the VIP section, giving him a large room only to himself.The room was filled with toys, resembling an amusement park. Jasper was sitting on the bed with his tablet in hand, while Leah was tickling him, trying to make the little man laugh."Aiya!, mommy, stop tickling me," Jasper said, scowling in frustration. "I am no longer a baby."Leah looked at him surprised. "Who told you that you are no longer a baby? You will forever be mommy's baby," she said with a smile tugging his cheek.Jasper retorted, "I am already a big boy, mommy. I am now five years old, and I will be starting kindergarten soon," raising five fingers to show Leah.Leah scoffs and walked over to the luggage by the side, indicating that it was time to leave. Jasper looked up from his t
Leah's PovI gently wiped my mouth and stood up, "Axel we need to talk," I said, leading him to the balcony. "Here" I said, as I stretched my hand, giving him a file. Axel looked at me with raised eyebrows as he flipped it open."These are some ground rules," I began, a firmness evident in my voice. "You need to visit Jasper once a week, and you are not allowed to let him know you are his father. Also, you can't introduce him to any of your family members," I announced to him.Axel waggled his eyebrow in disbelief. "Why am I allowed to see my son just once a week?" he asked, puzzled by the limitations I was imposing. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my resolve. "That's the time frame we've agreed on. If you know you are not interested in signing the agreement, please hand them back to me," I replied, my tone firm and unwavering.I made a move to collect the agreement file from him, but Axel swiftly dodged it and quickly signed the document. I handed him his copy, and as his fro
Axel's PovThe Russo Empire, Axel's office"They sent the letter again? Is this person actually a ghost that bro Axel couldn't catch?" Tony's frustration punctuated the air in the room.Marvin sighed and added, "This mysterious person sent the letter five years ago, and now they sent it again. I think this person is actually watching you even in the dark."I stood up and walked to the ceiling-to-floor window in my office, staring at the cityscape below as I clenched the crumpled letter in my hands.I received this same letter of threat five years ago when Louisiana just woke up from a coma, I was torn between my love for Leah and Louisiana. I wanted to break my engagement with Louisiana because I found myself falling for Leah, but I got this threat stating that if I should break the engagement, my mom will be killed, and Leah will also be in danger. A mom I have never known in all my life.This person is hidden in the dark. I can't risk my mom's life because there are some questions
Leah's PovI stood up suddenly, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks as I observed Axel's smirking presence and Jasper's innocent doe-like gaze fixed on me. It was an uncomfortable silence that seemed to stretch on, making me fidget as I tried to avoid their piercing stares. Finally, I mustered the courage to speak up, "It's getting late. Jasper and I need to go to bed. You should get going."As Axel gently rubbed his hands together, a sad expression enveloped his face, and he gazed at me with a pair of puppy-dog eyes. My resolve wavered for a moment as I found his antics endearing. Young master Axel, how can you act so cute?! I thought to myself, momentarily reminded of Jasper's similar charm and innocence. Shaking off the distraction, I quickly composed myself and put on a nonchalant facade as I challenged Axel, "What?! Do you want to lie that your house got burnt?"To my surprise, Axel's shamelessness knew no bounds as he slowly nodded and confessed, "I wouldn't say you are wrong
Axel's Pov"Better than when I was with you," Leah stated nonchalantly, and I felt my grip tighten on the glass cup. Watching her lower her head as if I didn't matter made my smile alter. "Doesn't she miss me even for a second during these five years?" I pondered. "I'm sorry, Leah," I said, pausing to meet her eyes, which widened in shock. "For all the pain I caused you..."There was a profound silence as Leah lowered her head and said, "What's the use when the deed has been done?"I could sense the pain in her voice, despite her nonchalant demeanor. Gently rubbing the cup of coffee before me, I pleaded, "Give me the chance, Leah, to make up for all the wrongs I've done."Leah looked at me and uttered, "Axel Russo, I only allowed you to stay here because of Jasper. Do not ask for more than the limit I've given you.""Leah, please listen to me. I know I wronged you, but please give me the chance," I implored gently.Leah slammed her hands on the table in anger. "Do you think coming her
Leah's PovAxel, Are you my father? Jasper asked. I felt my throat tighten at his question. I had been at the kitchen door, listening to their conversation. I couldn't deny that Jasper truly needed a father figure in his life.Axel smiled at Jasper and tugged at his cheek. "Jasper, I..." he began."He is not your father," I interjected, cutting off whatever Axel was about to say. "I don't care, I don't want to know, and I don't wish to know.""Mummy!" Jasper called out to me. I smiled and ruffled his short hair. "Good morning, Jasper," I said, trying to push aside the tension in the room. I dragged a dining chair and sat on it, pouring myself a glass of water, all the while ignoring Axel's gaze. After some time, Axel greeted me. "Good morning, Leah," he said.I ignored his greeting and said, "I will be going to work early today, so pack up early and leave." I couldn't let Axel stay here, not at all. If I did, it might lead to me quickly forgiving him, as I know I am soft-hearted. Sil