I was like: should I make the last chapter long, or split it into two short ones. Well, I decided to split it into two parts.
The next part will be up soon, I already have half of it done. It will start with a three month's time jump :)

Happy reading!

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Lilly's POV

"So, when do you plan on getting better?"

Conner's out-of-the-blue question pulled my attention away from my phone, my lost gaze landing on him as he raised an eyebrow, "You know we have jobs, right? We need to go back home," he added, ever nonchalantly.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "You can go. It's not like I'm begging you to stay," I said. He rolled his eyes dramatically, "Tell that to your friend," He whined, pointing at Sally, who was taking the spot beside me on the bed, not planning on leaving my side anytime soon, "She doesn't want to leave yet," He added, "And wherever she goes, I go."

I didn't know whether I should awe at him or throw the pillow at his face, "We are waiting for the doctor to clear me out, so I can be able to travel and go back home. I'll resume my treatments from there," It's not like I was dying to stay here either. Dad was right; this country is cursed. There isn't a thing that hasn't happened to me in it. So, I don't plan to test my luck any further.

God, no way will I ever send my future kids here.

Wow, I sound like Dad...

Conner's eyes flickered to Chase, who was leaning against the wall by the bed's side, his hand tucked in his pocket. "What about you?" he asked, "When are you coming back?"

"When Lilly gets back," He said, ever so casually.

I tilted my head to look at him. Our eyes met, and an immediate smile broke over my face. His lips curled up in response, and he gave me a wink. My heart fluttered uncontrollably. Conner rolled his eyes, persistent as ever. "Do you want them to kick you out of your job?" he asked.

Chase grumbled, "Why is everyone so damn interested in my career?" He shot back in annoyance, addressing how also Dad keeps pushing him to leave already.

"Whatever," Conner mumbled, leaning back in his chair. His head turned around when a chattering noise came from nearby as someone approached my room.

Conner seemed to spot the person before I did. He suddenly straightened in his seat, fidgeting with his collar and running a hand through his hair, as if attempting to fix it. My eyebrows pulled closer at his sudden interest.

He got up to his feet, coming closer to my bed, "Here comes the woman of my dreams," he said just as Emma appeared at the doorway, engrossed in a conversation with Uncle Roman.

I shot him a hard glare, "She could be your mother's age," I scolded.

He looked at me, and a sneaky smile crept up his face, "I'd gladly call her mommy," He said.

Sally's eyes widened, "The hell?" She shot out incredulously.

He turned to her and threw her a kiss, "I love you still, but this is different."

She facepalmed and Emma moved further into the room, her eyes finding mine and an immediate smile lifted her lips. She walked closer, her eyes taking notice of the other presences in the room. Her eyes fell on Conner, and he gave her a nod, "Hey Ma'am," He said, ever so respectfully and I rolled my eyes at him.

Sally got up from beside me, giving Emma space and attempted to nudge Conner away but he persistently stayed glued next to us. Emma settled on the spot Sally previously occupied, her arm going around my shoulders before she leaned and kissed my temple, "How've you been?" She asked, her voice a tone softer than usual.

I smiled and relaxed into her embrace, "Better, much better," I said.

Chase, being the most considerate one in the room, tried to drag Conner and Sally away from us, attempting to give us privacy but I could see Conner whine as Chase pushed him to the other end of the room.

Emma's gaze flickered from them and back to me. She brought her hand up and tucked my hair behind my ear, "I am sorry I couldn't be around as much," She said, a few distressed lines etching between her brows, "But with everything that happened, I had to go and put things back in order," She added, the muscle of her jaw twitching slightly at the mere mention of it.

I shook my head, "You had much more important things to take care of—"

"Nothing is more important than family," She said, a wave of melancholy flashed in her eyes but she hid it almost immediately.

I nodded my head, my hand resting on top of hers, "And you've done everything in your power to keep this family safe," I said.

My words only brought that pained sadness back to her eyes, it darkened them and she averted her gaze away, looking down into her lap as she fought to keep herself intact.

"But it still wasn't enough," Her voice was a mere whisper that made me tighten my hand over hers.

"When I wasn't awake, I don't know if it was real, or maybe just a hallucination or a dream, I am not sure, but—I saw him," My words had her eyes shoot back to mine. A somber smile curved my lips, "I was with him, I saw him, and I talked to him," I mumbled, "And do you know what he told me?"

The red lines in her eyes became more prominent, the muscle in her jaw twitching as she fought to take control over her inner pain, "He said that you shouldn't ever blame yourself for what happened, that it wasn't your fault, that you've given him so much and he loved you more than anyone," I added, my throat closing up as I saw a few tears gather in her eyes, "He said that the job you do is so hard, so exhausting and consuming yet still despite all of that, you never fail to be there for the people you care about."

The first tear trickled down her cheek as she listened to me, tightening her grip over my hand, clinging to the littlest tiniest connection she had to him through me, "He said that the crown is so heavy, but only you can wear it, that only you know how to."

"But the crown comes with a big price to pay," She shook her head, "One little lapse in judgment, one wrong order and you could lose a hell of a lot," She said, hinting at how she lost, "And I am not sure if I am willing to risk it again."

Before I could say more, our little conversation had to take a pause when Uncle Roman approached us, his eyes taking notice of his wife's expression and distress. Gently, he rested his hand over her shoulder from the back before he bent down and left a kiss on her temple. His hand lingered on her cheek, and his lips murmured words meant only for her to hear.

Whatever they were, they managed to break the spell and a soft smile began to form on her lips. With a low sigh, she leaned back into him, channeling her strength through him, her hand clasping his in a tight assuring grip.

His eyes flickered to mine and he flashed me a warm smile that I returned. I drew into a low breath, my erratic heart trying to take on a calmer beat, trying to push away the swirling negativity as I tried to focus on the important things.

I turned my head to the right, my eyes searching before they found him, at the end of the room, arms crossed over his chest, annoyance colored his eyes as he rolled them at whatever Conner was saying.

Sensing my unwavering gaze, he turned his head, his eyes instantly capturing my gaze.

His lips twitched and his annoyance cleared out almost immediately, his eyes held mine with a calm intensity that seemed to quiet the cacophony in my mind. Helpless against the pull he had over me, I felt my own lips curve into a soft smile, my cheeks warming with a rush of emotion that left me feeling...everything. For the first time in a long while, I felt certain of things I had once doubted.

Uncle Roman and Emma stayed for a while, chatting and mainly checking on me. When they left, Chase took it upon himself to kick Conner and Sally out as well, finally giving us a moment alone—something that had become all too rare.

"Finally," I mumbled with a relieved sigh, letting my head sink into the pillow. "Conner gave me a headache."

"It's one of his many talents," Chase muttered in annoyance as he busied himself with something.

I turned to look at him, curiosity piqued, "What are you doing?" I asked, watching him shuffle through a small bag. "Come here, lay down next to me before more people come and take you away," I added with a pout, trying to straighten myself in the bed and adjusting the buttons to elevate it.

"I checked with your doctor first," Chase started to say as he turned around, and that's when I noticed what he was holding in his hand as he approached me, "And he said you can have a very small piece," He added.

My eyes widened in delight, "You got me a cake!" I said in astonishment.

Chase chuckled lowly at my enthusiasm, taking a seat next to me on the bed as he handed me the plate, "It's vanilla flavored with fruits and strawberries," He commented, his brow lifting slightly, a subtle nod to a conversation we once had—one where I was super drunk.

My smile brightened, a childlike happiness bubbling up as I looked up at him. "Just like I asked for!"

He nodded, his hand moving gently to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. A different look lingered in his eyes, something that made my heart tighten just a bit, "Yeah, just like you wanted," he murmured, his voice carrying a faint trace of melancholy, and his smile wavered, just enough for me to notice.

And then I remembered, our little conversation on that day, when he held me in his arms, as Dad drove us to the hospital.

You still have to get me my cake.

My words and his mingled in my head, his tears, his pain, the way he looked at me back then like he knew somewhere deep inside that he was about to lose me and he almost did. The doctor never fails to mention how he thought I wasn't going to make it, but somehow—I did.

Careful not to squish the cake resting on my lap, I leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "You're the best," I said, injecting a bit of excitement into my tone and trying to kick the bad memories out of his head.

When that sad look cleared out, replaced with a smile, I returned to my cake. I dug the fork in and took my first bite. I hummed loudly in satisfaction, "God, it tastes so good," I said with a happy moan as the flavors melted on my tongue, "I am so sick of the hospital's flavorless food."

I cut a small piece and lifted the fork to his mouth, a playful smile curving my lips. "Open up," I urged.

Lines etched between his brows as he leaned back, shaking his head with a small smile, "I don't want any."

A frown tugged at my lips, "Come on," I insisted, inching the fork closer. He wrapped his fingers gently around my wrist, trying to guide it away. "You know I don't like cake."

I gave him a mock-displeased look, sighing dramatically. "Who doesn't like cake?" I grumbled, before popping the piece into my own mouth. "Your loss, more for me," I said in delight.

As I chewed on my treat, I couldn't help but ask, "So, after my legs start working again, where do you plan to take me?" My gaze flicked to Chase, "You know, our vacation and all," I added, recalling our previous plans to escape everything and everyone. My eyes narrowed at him with a teasing edge. "Or did you change your mind and plan to leave me now that I'm decapitated?"

His eyebrows pulled closer, "You do know that decapitated means your head is cut off, right?"

"Oh true, I mean now that I am bedridden and disabled?" I joked but my joke didn't settle well with him because his eyes hardened just enough to tighten my chest.

"Don't say that," He pointed out, strictly.

"I'm kidding," I murmured, setting my empty plate on the nightstand beside the bed. But as the words left my mouth, a darker thought took root, making my hands fidget restlessly.

"But what if...what if my physical therapy doesn't work out," I whispered, the fear spilling over despite my efforts to contain it, "What if I never walk again without someone's help?" I looked at him, the weight of my uncertainty pressing down on me. "We need to consider everything, right?"

The dark shadows in my head hadn't left me yet, and I associated them with the trauma of everything I've been subjected to.

Kidnapped?

Check.

Shot at and almost died?

Double check.

Lost someone very close to me?

Check and check...

Chase's fingers gently curled under my chin, lifting my head so I had no choice but to meet his steady gaze. "Lilly, that's not gonna happen, and even if it did," he said, a hint of playful defiance creeping into his voice, "I'd just have to carry you around with me."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "You'd carry me in your pocket?"

His lips curved upward, the corners of his eyes crinkling with warmth as he nodded. "Yeah, I'd carry you in my pocket everywhere I go."

I nodded my head, a low sigh parting my lips, "I am sorry I am always so pessimistic," I mumbled.

He shook his head, "You don't have to apologize for anything, you've been through hell a lot in this past year," He said, his hand moving and curling over mine, "But it's over now, that's the important thing. And together we'll find a way out of it, I promise."

I tightened my grip over his, clinging to that hope, "Yeah, yeah, we will."

He brought his other hand to my face, his thumb gently brushing the corner of my mouth, mostly probably removing the mess I created. My cheeks warmed up again, "Whipped cream?" I asked and he nodded, smiling knowingly at my clumsiness.

My eyes grew a bit wide when he brought his thumb to his lips, tasting the cream he'd just wiped away from my lips. The simple, almost casual act sent my thoughts scattering in every direction, each one more intoxicating than the last. Suddenly, I became more aware of the way this man could unravel me with the smallest of gestures.

I acted on impulse after, because well, it's who I am, who I'll always be. My fingers curled into the soft fabric of his sweatshirt, and I tugged him closer, pressing my lips into the sweet heaven of his.

He was taken aback at first but in a mere second, he leaned in closer. His hand traced a path up the side of my neck, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down my spine, before it slipped into my hair. I could feel the strands twisting around his fingers as he gripped me, holding me close to him.

The warmth of his lips, the familiar taste of him, it all washed over me like a soothing balm, quieting every other sound. I felt his other hand rest on my waist, pulling me closer to him, or attempting to anchor himself to me.

My hand moved, my arm curling around his neck. My nails dug into the back of his neck, just enough to elicit a soft groan from him that vibrated against my lips. The sound sent a thrill through me, a pulse of heat that seemed to echo in the very core of my aching being.

He deepened the kiss, and the pressure intensified, almost like he was savoring me, every bit of me, and I savored him back.

Chase's body shifted, nearly engulfing mine as he took control, his presence overwhelming, his mouth fully claiming mine. The back of my head sank deeper into the pillow, his chest pressing into me with a force that made my heart race, my arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders, pulling him closer, desperate to keep him near.

My ears suddenly registered the sound of footsteps echoing near, which instantly shook me out of my ecstasy. Panic jolted through me like ice water and I pressed my palm over Chase's chest, abruptly breaking the kiss and pushing him away.

My eyes widened in absolute horror when they fell into my dad, halting to a sudden stop by the room's entrance, startled as he just caught Chase and me literally making out in my hospital bed.

Awesome. Just awesome...

I scrambled to sit up, my throat dry as I tried to piece together some semblance of a coherent explanation, but my brain was short-circuiting, every word and phrase slipping away like sand through my fingers.

Dad's expression was unreadable, a mix of shock and something else I didn't dare try to decipher. But instead of shouting at me or storming over to rip Chase apart, he simply turned on his heel and slammed the door behind him, the harsh force of it rattling the entire room.

A loud groan rumbled from me and I buried my face into my hands, "Oh my god," I grumbled, "Just when I fixed things between us, this happens!" I added with a fake cry, but I was more than ready to break into real tears and sobs now.

I peeked through my fingers at Chase, who, to my utter disbelief, didn't seem fazed in the slightest. His gaze drifted lazily from the door back to me, and he had the nerve to look amused.

"Well," he said casually, a glint in his eyes, "at least we know he's not coming back anytime soon." His tone was light, almost inviting, like he was suggesting we pick up right where we left off.

My eyes widened in disbelief, and I clenched my fist before landing a solid punch on his arm. "What is wrong with you?" I grumbled, hitting him again, "Why aren't you freaking out?"

"Lilly, Lil—" He tried to say as he managed to take hold of both my hands and stop my attacks.

I glared at him, absolutely fuming, while he just looked at me with that infuriatingly calm casual expression, as if Dad wasn't already plotting his funeral at this moment.

"I'm just saying," he continued, his eyebrow quirking up in that playful way that made me want to throttle him, "this could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for us to stay alone for a while."

I let out a low groan as I pulled my hands away from his grip, "You depraved!" I grumbled. His eyebrow raised at my anger, "You are the one who started this," he muttered under his breath but I heard him nevertheless.

That was it. I launched another attack, shoving at his arms and pushing at his chest. "Get out, get out!" I hissed, kicking him off the bed with more force than necessary. He still tried to calm me down and reason with me, but I was determined to kick him out before Dad came back to murder him in cold blood.

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Alex's POV

The anger and frustration bellowed in my chest, an inferno of emotion threatening to erupt and explode. Every muscle in my body tensed with the effort of holding back a primal scream, one that could shatter the walls of this damned hospital. It took every little willpower left in me to not turn around and beat him senseless.

Fuck!

Unbelievable.

I shook my head, shaking that tainted image the fuck away from my head before I kill someone or kill myself.

My fingers fidgeted uncontrollably, the urge to unleash my pent-up fury barely contained. I raked a hand over my face, my fingers gripping my hair in sheer frustration. I paused in my aimless walk, my gaze drifting around, searching for anything, anyone, any type of distraction.

As if I didn't have enough on my plate as it did, my eyes fell on Nikolas, at the end of the hall, his gaze already trained on me, a bit of hesitation in his steps as he moved forward and closer toward me.

My jaw tightened and he paused when he was right across, his eyes carefully taking notice of my expression, measuring his words before he said, "Alex, we should talk—"

Before he could resume his words, my hand moved and curled over his arm, pulling him along with me toward the end of the hall, "What the—" he mumbled in bewilderment, "Alex," He tried to pry his arm away, probably thinking I am about to kick him out or something.

I paused by one of the empty hospital rooms and walked inside. I let go of Nikolas and slammed the door shut. His eyes, confused and a bit horrified, flickered all over me. They drifted to the closed door before they flickered around the room, searching for another exit in case he needed it.

I paced around, the nerves prodding my feet, "Unbelievable," I grumbled and roughed a hand over my face, "You see the fucked up thing is that I care for that kid," I added, suppressing the groan that raced up my throat, "I mean I practically raised him and now this—"

I kept pacing around, my agitated nerves taking the best of me. I felt like I was about to boil and explode all over. Nikolas's confused eyes stayed focused on me and on every move I made, trying to make sense of what was happening but clearly failing.

I looked at him, "I mean I know she is an adult now, and she..." A groan parted my throat at the mere thought of it, "But no, fuck no, it's unacceptable!"

"I want to hit someone, I really need to hit and punch someone," I added, my frustration hitting the roof, my agitation boiling over. I paused in my pacing and looked at Nikoals, who looked extra horrified at this moment, especially when I asked, "Can I punch you?"

His eyebrows pulled closer, "Uh—"

"Just one punch?" I suggested, "Or else I will commit a murder today."

He seemed utterly clueless and after a little thought, he gave me a small, very hesitant nod, "Okay."

I edged closer and he took an involuntary step backward, "You promise you won't punch me back?" I asked. I had to check first, "Because your punches hurt."

His frown deepened, his throat bobbed slightly and he nodded, "I promise I won't," he said, still oblivious.

"Okay, cool," I said, taking a deep breath as I rolled up my sleeves.

"Can I just know why?" Nikolas asked, his eyes locked on my hands as I prepared for the punch.

"I'll tell you later," I said and without giving it much thought, I charged forward and delivered a solid punch to his jaw.

The impact was sharp, and Nikolas's head snapped to the other side. A grimace crossed his face as I saw the cut starting to form at the corner of his mouth, a trickle of blood seeping from the wound. My knuckles throbbed from the force of the punch, pain radiating through my hand. I looked down as I flexed and unflexed it.

"This felt good," I said, a bit breathless under this aggression, "But it isn't enough."

Nikolas's eyes widened slightly and he took another step backward. He wiped the blood gathering at the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, "Hold on," He grated out, understanding how I was more than willing to punch him again, "What the hell happened?"

I heaved for my lost breath, "They were...." I winced, the bitterness in my throat intensifying, "You know, they were—kis...ing," I couldn't coherently say the word without passing out or having a heart attack, "And if I start with him, he might not come out of my hands alive, so I need to punch you again, okay?"

Nikolas's expression flipped from confused to bewildered in mere seconds as he made sense of the reason behind my anger. His jaw worked and that monstrous look took over his eyes, "Now, I feel like I need to punch someone," He grated out, his jaw ticking.

"Join the club," I grumbled, roughing a hand over my face.

"I told you to let me kidnap him but you never approved," He shot back in frustration.

I glared at him, "Well, you have my blessings now."

A short moment of silence passed us, "You sure of that?" Nikolas said, checking again. My eyes fell on him, a plan already cooking up in his devilish eyes as he added, "Because I could easily make that happen."

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Lilly's POV

"Finally, I've found you alone," Uncle Ashton's voice had me avert my gaze from the window and look at him as he walked into my room.

My lips formed a smile at his sight and I nodded, "Yeah, it's always way too crowded in here," I said with a sigh, the weight of the hospital's stifling atmosphere pressing in on me.

He paused by the bed's edge and I scooted to the left. I tapped my hand over the empty space next to me, "Don't stay standing, sit down beside me," I urged him.

He pulled his hand from his pant's front pocket and took the spot next to me, his arm going around my shoulders before he pressed a soft kiss to my hair. I let out a low breath, trying to ease my stressed nerves. I haven't seen Dad since he caught me and Chase and that's stressing me out beyond measure.

I lifted my gaze up, looking at him, and noticing the slightly different look in his eyes, "Why does it feel like you are going to give me really bad news, or a really wonderful one?" I said, my eyes narrowing slightly in a playful manner.

He smiled and nodded, "Well, I think it's good news but it depends on how you perceive it."

I let out a shaky breath and straightened myself, "And now, you are scaring me."

He shook his head, his hand squeezing my shoulder gently, "Calm down, it's good, really," he said and I almost understood what it was.

"They made their decision, right?" I mumbled, referring to the hiring team, "For the Paris project?"

He nodded his head, "Yeah, they did," he said.

I gulped down, because a lot had changed since I last applied.

"And?" I mumbled.

His lips turned up into a soft smile, "And they want you."

My eyebrow raised, trying to be playful to shake the uneasiness that prickled beneath my skin, "And their decision had nothing to do with the fact that you are the big boss and I am your favorite god-daughter slash future daughter-in-law?"

He chuckled lowly and shook his head, "You know how I had no hand in this project as a whole, and the decision was fully up to the committee in France," He explained, "They were amazed by the project you were lastly working on, they said that you have so much potential and they want you on the team."

Uncertainty coiled my stomach and I silently stared at Uncle Ashton, my gaze reflecting my inner turmoil, "You don't have to make a decision now," He assured me, "Take all the time you want, okay?"

"But if I am not going to take it, they should know immediately, they'll need to look for someone else before the project starts," I mumbled.

He nodded, "Don't worry about that, I'll take care of it," He said, giving me a knowing look, "You know, just the perks of being my favorite god-daughter and," His eyebrow raised playfully, "future daughter-in-law?"

I chuckled lowly, "I was kidding, no one is getting married anytime soon," I mumbled.

"Not that I was complaining or anything," He said, talking about it ever so casually, "I'd pretty much like to have some grandkids," His eyebrows pulled closer, "Although it scares me that I would have to share them with Alex."

My smile widened and his words managed to do their intended purpose, which was to calm me down slightly as I think of this through.

"They had to make a decision now to start with the basics, you know," He explained, "But the real project starts in three months," He added.

I nodded my head. If things go smoothly, like the doctor said, in three months, I'd be in the final stages of my recovery, which means I'd be able to travel and settle in a whole new country...

"At first, I was so excited about this," I started to say, "I mean, I still am, it's like a dream," Who doesn't want to go to Paris and become a project manager in the first year of their career, "But, I don't know if I will be able to do it."

"Why not?" Uncle Ashton asked, "And I am not asking this as your boss, just as someone who really cares about you," he added with a warm tone.

My heart softened and I looked at him as he listened intently to my never-ending troubles, "I am not sure that I can just leave everyone behind and move away again," I mumbled.

"Well, as starters, I am pretty sure that Alex will forcefully push himself into this project, and for the first time in his life would actually do some work," He said with a playful tone, "and you will find him there every other week."

I chuckled lowly, "I have no doubts about that."

"But that's not the thing that scares you, right?" Uncle Ashton said, his tone full of understanding.

I nodded my head, "I don't want to lose Chase over this," I confessed my actual doubt, "We couldn't make it work that first time, what if we can't do it now? I just can't risk it," I shook my head, "I am not willing to risk it."

He seemed to be thinking my words through before he said, "But what if he just decided to follow you and join you there?"

I shook my head, "I could never ask that from him," I said, "I can't, god, no," I shook my head again, "His whole life is here, his family, his career, I would never ask him to leave all of that behind and come with me, never."

"But that's the thing, Lilly," Uncle Ashton said, "If he feels toward you what you feel toward him, then you wouldn't even have to ask."

My heart lurched at the little possibility, and before I could start building dreams in my head, I stopped myself, scared to get disappointed later on.

I looked back at him, and my head tilted slightly, "What would've you done?" I asked, my eyes locking into his. They were so blue, so similar to Chase's in almost every aspect, but his were deeper, more mature, more experienced, and had seen so much, "If Auntie Katherine had to leave like this, what would've you done?"

"I would've gone after her," He answered in a heartbeat, without an ounce of hesitation, "I would follow her to the ends of the earth."

"And leave everything behind?" I asked.

He nodded, "Without a doubt, I'd leave everything and everyone for her."

His words seeped into my heart, warming it up. A soft, tender smile curled my lips, "She is so lucky," I murmured.

Uncle Ashton's lips curved into a warm smile, "I am the lucky one."

Like my parents, they had that connection that's so outstanding, almost ethereal, and just out of this world.

My chest tightened slightly, "But maybe Chase doesn't think like you do," Although he is a carbon copy of him in almost every aspect.

"If I raised him right, then yeah, he would probably think just like I did," He said.

I looked down at my fingers as they fidgeted with the blanket, a low breath pushed off my lungs before I turned back to him, "Can this stay between us till I make a decision?" I asked.

He nodded his head, smiling softly, "Definitely."

His gaze flickered around, "Speaking of my son, where is he?" He asked, "He is rarely ever not in here with you."

"He went to get me a charger..." I paused, and my eyebrows pulled closer, "But it's been a while since he left," I mumbled before I picked up my phone to find it dead, "Uh, can you call him?" I asked, the panic already taking over.

Uncle Ashton sensed my sudden nervousness, "I am sure he just had something to do," He said in assurance before he pulled his phone out and dialed Chase.

Lines tightened over his forehead and he pulled his phone from over his ear almost too soon. He confusingly stared at the screen, "It's turned off."

My eyes widened and I gulped down, the worst scenarios playing in my head, "Woah, calm down, I am sure it's nothing," Uncle Ashton said, reading my very panicked state.

I shook my head, "You don't get it," I mumbled, "Dad...he kind of caught us kissing and now Chase is missing—" Oh my god.

He smiled, as if I was being so silly, "Your father would never hurt Chase," he said.

I shook my head, horrified, "Yeah, I wouldn't be too sure if I were you."

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Chase's POV

A pounding headache assaulted my brain, its rhythmic throbbing sending waves of pain crashing against my skull.

I forced my eyes open, only for them to slam shut again as a dull ache settled deep behind my temples. Every movement felt like a monumental effort, and my thoughts were shrouded in a thick fog of confusion.

A low groan rumbled from my throat and I tried to shift my body around but I failed, a strange weight and tightness held me in place.

Wait—

Where am I?

The last clear memory I had was walking through the parking lot, heading to my car to retrieve a phone charger for Lilly. The memory fragmented, and...

And, that's it.

That's all I remember.

My eyes shot open, and they first fell down into my hands, all tied up to the chair. What the actual fuck?

My eyes widened and they flickered around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The place was stark and barren—an abandoned room with peeling paint and a dim, flickering light bulb casting eerie shadows across the walls.

"Well, well, look who finally woke up," the mocking voice made me snap my head in his direction. My eyes locked onto Nikolas's as he walked closer, approaching me.

"You have lost your fucking mind," I grated out, my jaw ticking as the whole situation sunk in.

He smiled, "Well," He leaned closer, pressing his hands on the armrests of the chair as if to assert control, amusement flickered in his eyes, "I was never the sane one in this family."

"Untie me," I demanded, the edge in my voice sharp with irritation. The urge to lunge at him was almost overwhelming. He had always had a knack for getting under my skin, and this was no exception.

"Not yet," he replied with a smirk, his tone light and teasing. He took a step back, adding with a mischievous wink, "We need to have some fun first."

I watched him as he pulled something from his side. The blade caught the dim light, sending a flash of cold reflection across the room. I was almost too sure this man had gone utterly crazy.

"Hey, hey, I said no knives!" Alex's voice came from behind me. I tried to twist my head to catch a glimpse of him, but the constraints of the chair made it a struggle.

He paused right behind me. I shot him an incredulous look. "You're in on this too?" I demanded, my voice a mix of outrage and confusion.

He shot me a glare, "Shut up, you kissed my daughter," he grumbled, as if that was enough excuse for this.

"How am I gonna have fun without a knife?" Nikolas whined, talking with Alex.

Alex pointed his finger forward, "Put it away, now," He ordered, "Don't make me change my mind," He said as he rounded his way and came next to his brother.

"Okay, this is a fun reunion and all," I grated out, glaring at them both as I tried to move my arms, "Now, untie me."

Nikolas gave me a very unbothered look and turned to Alex, "You're taking the fun out of this, I am not satisfied," He said, whining still.

Alex punched his arm, pushing him away, "We are not doing this for fun," He shot out, his eyes settling back on me, "Consider this your first warning, you know, a glimpse of what would happen if you do one thing wrong."

I rolled my eyes, "So, you're claiming that this is about Lilly?" I asked in mockery.

They both nodded, "Why else," Alex said.

Usually, I am respectful but right now these two have kidnapped and restrained me to a chair, so I am going to be brutally honest, "You both are aware of the fact that I am the only one in this room who didn't hurt Lilly, right?" My eyebrow raised, my gaze on Alex, "Remember how were about to hit her right before she went in and took a bullet for you?"

I didn't wait for his answer and turned to Nikolas, "And you? Well, don't get me started with you and all you've done," I said.

His jaw ticked, "God, you're more infuriating than your father," he grumbled under his breath before he walked closer, his fingers curling over my chin, harshly yanking my head up, "When you talk to me, or to him, you measure your fucking words," he grated out, a clear threat in his voice that probably has men shaking but yeah, not me.

"You don't scare me," I grated out, glaring back at him.

"So, take your fingers off my face," I said, my voice low and measured, "Before I throw my morals out of the window and do something you won't like," I added.

The lines on Nikolas's forehead deepened, but before he could retort, I pressed on. "I don't need you to tie me up and lecture me about Lilly," I said, my voice firm and raw, "Believe me, I care about her more than you ever could."

He scoffed but I kept on talking, "You think is a fucking game, but it isn't," I grated out, my anger and frustration mixing up with every feeling that girl stirred within me, "Lilly means everything to me," I said, each syllable reflecting the gravity of my feelings for her.

"I'd face everything and everyone for her, I'd go against every fear, every obstacle just to make sure she is okay," My chest tightened, and my mind played dirty games, reminding me of how vulnerable she felt in my arms, bleeding and passed out, "If it came down to it, I'd tear the world apart and rebuild it just to make sure she's safe," She almost slipped between my fingers, I almost lost her, god, it feels like I did, and this is all just a dream, that she never woke up, that she never made it out, "She's not just a part of my life—she is my life."

Nikolas's grip on my chin loosened, the look in his eyes shifting slightly. I leaned closer, the intensity in my gaze unyielding, "I'd go to hell and back if it meant keeping her safe from harm."

"I'd sacrifice everything I have, every dream I've ever had, just to see her happy. Don't think for a second that I'm going to let anyone hurt her again. Not even you," My gaze flickered between him and Alex, "Not anyone. And definitely not me."

My heart felt as though it might spiral into the abyss, tumbling down a dark well, and crashing into unyielding depths. The encroaching darkness in my mind, the endless swirl of what-ifs, grew ever more oppressive, gnawing at my sanity. The proximity to death, having brushed against its icy fingers, left me traumatized, gripped by the terror that I might lose her any moment.

"So, save your warnings and threats," I grated out, "I don't need them."

Nikolas stepped back, his eyes fixed on mine still, as though trying to peel away at the layers. It was as if he sought to reach within, to take a look at the darkness I felt, one that he seemed to recognize, perhaps even understand all too well.

"I—" The sharp clink of metal cut through our words, pulling our attention toward the approaching footsteps.

"Oh, come on," Alex muttered under his breath in annoyance and that's when my eyes fell on Dad.

His gaze swept over me before locking onto the two men standing across from me. Without missing a beat, he stormed into the room, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "You both have officially lost your damn minds," he snapped, his voice laced with exasperation. Then, without hesitation, he turned to me, leaning down, his hands immediately working to untie the restraints that bound me.

"Thanks for showing up," I grated out sarcastically, annoyed at how he let me deal with these two people he calls his friends.

Dad's eyes met mine, and he raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my tone. "Shut up, I'm saving your ass," he said, finally freeing my arms from the tight binds.

I got up to my feet. I rubbed my fingers over the red marks that had formed on my wrists. Dad shifted his focus to them, his gaze zeroing in on Nikolas, who looked more annoyed than ever. Without warning, Dad edged closer, he pressed a firm hand against Nikolas's chest and shoved him back with surprising force. "Stay the hell away from my son," he ordered, his voice deadly serious. "And don't make me repeat myself."

Nikolas's eyes grew more bewildered as he looked at Dad's hand and how it pushed him away. He stepped forward, "I advise you to never do that again," he threatened, "Believe me, you don't want to fight me," He said, ever so confident, "Ask Alex."

Alex nodded his head, clearly trying to de-escalate the situation, "Uh yeah, you don't want him as your enemy, believe me."

Dad turned to Alex, his glare hardening, "You have no idea what I am going to do to you," Dad said, pointing at Alex, a great part of his anger reserved for him.

Alex cleared his throat, "How did you even know we were here?" he asked, aiming to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"Easy," Dad said, looking at Nikolas, "I asked his wife and she told me."

Nikolas let out a frustrated sigh, and Alex shot him a look of disbelief. "Seriously? You told her about this?" he asked, his tone a mix of irritation and incredulity.

Nikolas shook his head, clearly annoyed. "I didn't think she'd sell me out," he grumbled under his breath.

Dad wasn't having any of it. He pointed between the two of them, his expression stern. "Enough with your games, okay?" he ordered. "They're not kids—they're adults. Leave them to figure things out on their own and stop interfering in their relationship," He said, referring to me and Lilly. Finally, someone who is sensible.

Nikolas rolled his eyes, and Alex looked like a kid caught doing something he shouldn't, his eyes darting to mine. I glared right back at him, my frustration clear—I expected this kind of nonsense from Nikolas, but not from him.

Dad turned back to me, his hand gripping my arm as he started to lead me out. "Let's go."

I frowned, feeling a bit underwhelmed. "That's it?" I asked, slightly offended that this was all he was going to do.

He stopped, giving me an incredulous look. "What?" he said, as if I were the one being unreasonable. "They weren't going to hurt you," he added, his tone so casual it made my head spin.

My eyes widened, "He had a knife," I shot out.

Dad rolled his eyes, as if I were making a big deal out of nothing. "Don't be a baby," he said as we stepped outside, the cool air hitting us. "They were just trying to scare you."

"Are you actually defending them?" I asked, stunned that he was so nonchalant about the whole thing.

He paused, looking at me with a bored expression. "Why are you being so dramatic?" he asked, as if this were just another Tuesday. "If I had a daughter, I'd probably do the same, if not more. So move on."

I shook my head, disbelief settling in. "You really make me question your taste in friends."

He sighed, clearly done with the conversation. "Just get in the car. I just rescued you, remember?" He added with a sarcastic tone.

Dear god, there isn't one normal person in this family.

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Alex's POV

Nikolas's gaze lingered on their retreating backs before he turned back to me, something unspoken flickering in his eyes. "I'm going to say something," he began, "but you can't tell anyone."

"He is a good kid," He added, finally admitting it.

"Of course he is, why else do you think I let him get close to Lilly," I said back.

Nikolas sighed, a quiet acknowledgment in his expression, "Should've just trusted your judgment from the start," he said, the layers beneath his words so heavy.

I turned fully to face him, my eyebrow arching in subtle challenge. "Well, you haven't been big on trusting me lately," I retorted back.

He gave me a look that spoke volumes, the kind of look that only comes from years of shared history, of battles fought side by side. His chest rose and fell with a deep breath, the unspoken words settling between us like a heavy anchor.

"So?" I asked, cutting through the silence, "You still haven't changed your mind about Nathan, have you?"

He shook his head slowly, slipping his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "No," he replied, his voice steady, but his eyes drifted downward for a moment, "And I won't."

He met my gaze again, resolve etched in every line of his face. "I've finally convinced him to go through with the surgery."

I tried to keep myself calm, to not get absorbed into my old rage. He saw the conflict in my eyes and pressed on, "I am sorry Alex, I really want to agree with you on this, but I can't," He said, "Nathan needs me now, just like I once needed you. If you didn't give me a chance back then, if you didn't believe in me, I would've not been here," He explained, hitting me where it hurts, "And now, he deserves the same from me. I have to do this."

My jaw clenched, but I managed to keep my voice steady. "What if he turns on us again?"

He shook his head, "He won't," He said, "I can assure you that."

My eyebrows pulled closer, "You really do trust him?" I asked in disbelief.

The corner of his lip pulled up slightly, "You trusted me once," He said, the answer so simple, so clear.

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, stop hitting me where I am soft," I grumbled and he chuckled lowly.

"Alex, I am not asking you to do this with me, or to be on my side, I just beg you not to be against me," He said, more serious now, "I don't like it when we fight, I hate it when we're at odds, more than you know."

I sighed deeply, the weight on my shoulders feeling like a leaden burden I'd carried for far too long. Over the past year, the strain had nearly broken me. Talking with Christian the other day had lifted some of that weight, but this—this could be the final piece that I needed to let go.

Maybe, just maybe, I could finally find some calmness, and catch a little break before I unravel all over the place.

My eyes went back to him and I nodded, "But this is the last time we give a chance to someone who had hurt us, understood?" I said, serious but he smiled, this unpleasant human.

He nodded his head, "Okay."

I narrowed my eyes, a hint of drama slipping into my voice. "I'm going to need that in writing—stamped and all," I added, earning an exaggerated eye roll from him.

"Anyway," I continued, exhaling a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my tone softening as I looked away. "I'm sorry too," I said, my voice lowering to a more genuine note, "For how I acted when Lilly got hurt."

The pain was still raw, still an open wound that bled every time I thought about it. It was a pain that threatened to swallow me whole, to pull me into an abyss so deep that I feared I'd never find my way out.

"But I wasn't...thinking, that was," I shook my head, "It was one of the hardest things I had to go through."

Nikolas nodded his head, his expressions shifted, understanding my inner turmoil very well, "She is my little girl, she is my whole world," The bond I shared with that girl was just different, unlike anything else, "And I really believed that I had lost her," The admission scraped against my throat, every syllable laden with the pain that had been festering inside me.

Before I could say more, Nikolas's hand found the back of my neck, his arm wrapping around my shoulders as he pulled me closer to him. "I know," he murmured, his voice low and steady, holding a similar edge, "But she's fine now, she is safe," His grip tightened, as if to anchor both of us in that truth.

When we finally pulled apart, he added, "It's hard to believe, but—it's over."

I breathed into that notion, "God, I really wish it is, because I can't take more of this."

He nodded, "Neither could I."

Both of our attentions turned to the entrance when footsteps echoed near. I frowned, my brows knitting together. "Is Ashton back?" I muttered, but the question was quickly answered as Emma stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping over everything before landing on us. In her hand, she held a gun, the barrel angled toward the floor with a tight grip.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in confusion.

She shot me a sharp look before her gaze shifted to Nikolas, still brimming with irritation. "Lilly sent me," she bit out, her tone edged with frustration. "She said something about you two kidnapping her boyfriend." Her eyes flickered around the room as she moved further inside. "Where is he?"

"Ashton came and took him," I said.

At that, her grip on the gun loosened, and she tucked it back into her pants. She turned to us, her expression filled with absolute displeasure. "You two need to stop meddling in every little detail of that girl's life," she said, her voice laced with exasperation. "Stop being overbearing jerks and let her make her own decisions, let her live her life." She shook her head in disbelief. "It's unbelievable."

With that, Emma turned on her heels, clearly ready to leave. Nikolas and I exchanged a quick, knowing glance before we both sprinted after her.

"Emma," I shot from behind her.

"Emma, wait," Nikolas said.

She paused to a stop and turned around, "What?" She shot out in boredom.

I turned my gaze from her to Nikolas, a grin forming on my lips, "So, how do you want to do this?" I asked.

He shrugged, his eyebrow quirking up. "I'm not sure."

"Should we first tackle her to the ground, tie her to the chair, and force her to talk to us?" I suggested, a playful hint in my tone.

Nikolas shrugged, "Sound plausible."

Emma scoffed, clearly unamused, "You must be delusional if you think the two of you can overpower me and tie me up anywhere," She said.

I raised an eyebrow, pointing between Nikolas and myself. "I mean, there's two of us," I pointed out, "Against one," I added, motioning toward her.

She flashed us a challenging look, "Come on, then, show me your best."

We stepped closer, our movements slow and deliberate. Emma's gaze flickered between us, trying to decipher our next move. Her stance shifted, fingers twitching, ready to reach for her weapon. We paused when we were just inches away, her wary eyes darting between Nikolas and me, calculating her next move.

Nikolas gave me a subtle nod—the go-for-it look. Without hesitation, I lunged forward, pinning her arms down just as Nikolas wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a tight embrace and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Let me go!" she shouted, her voice laced with fury, hating the affectionate gesture more than anything, just like we expected.

I was next and I pinched her cheek playfully, but she was having none of it. In a flash, she kicked Nikolas with her leg, forcing him to stumble back. Before I could react, I felt the cold tip of her knife against my neck.

Her glare was intense, her anger palpable. "I hate both of you," she spat, using her rage as a shield against the hurt.

"God, I forgot that your love language is painful," I said, my gaze flickering down to the blade pressing against my throat, "Poor Roman," I added in absolute pity.

She pulled the knife away and stepped back, her expression hardening. But beneath the anger, I could see the hurt swimming in her eyes—the toll of all the recent fights, the weight of the immense loss she had endured.

"Emma," Nikolas began, his voice gentle, but she cut him off with a sharp shake of her head.

"No, just stay back," she snapped, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've been going through the shittiest period of my life, and instead of having you two there, you were just fighting—with each other, and with me," she added, her voice breaking. "If the three of us had been together from the start, if we had worked together, then—" Her voice faltered, her eyes growing red with unshed tears. "Then, Noah wouldn't have died, and Lilly wouldn't have gotten hurt."

Nikolas nodded his head, "I know that," he said, edging closer to her, aware of how she was seconds from breaking.

"No, you don't," She shot out, "You don't. Stay away from me!"

He tried to reach for her, but she fought back instantly, her fists slamming into his arms, pushing him away with all the strength she had left. I moved closer, hoping to help, but was met with a hard punch to my shoulder.

"Stay away!" she screamed, her anger mainly fixated on Nikolas, though it seemed to be more about the pain she carried than anything else. But he didn't stop. He kept trying to block her blows, to reach her, to hold her.

She pounded on his chest, first with fury, each punch landing harder than the last, but Nikolas didn't waver. He let her hit him, taking every blow. And then, as if something inside her snapped, her punches began to weaken, the force behind them dwindling.

Finally, she crumpled against him, her fists clutching the fabric of his shirt as her body shook with low tears. Nikolas wrapped his arms around her, holding her so tight it was as if he was trying to shield her from the world itself.

He cradled her head, his hand running through her hair as she buried her face in his chest, letting out the torrent of emotions she had kept bottled up.

Nikolas's eyes met mine and we both felt utterly helpless against this, because there was nothing we could do to bring her back what she lost.

She sniffled softly in Nikolas's embrace, a tremor running through her small frame, but he held her tight, refusing to let go until she was ready. When she finally edged back, she brought a hand to her face, wiping away her tears with a shaky breath, as if trying to push the pain away along with them.

I stepped closer, my voice barely above a whisper. "Emma," I murmured, wrapping an arm around her back, keeping her close, grounding her. With my other hand, I gently brushed the hair away from her tear-streaked face, tucking it behind her ear. "Hey," I said softly, "We're so sorry. You're right—if we'd stood together from the very start, then maybe Noah would still be here."

She sniffled again, her head falling against my shoulder, her body leaning into mine for support.

"Which is why we can't afford to ever fight like this again," I said, running my hand up and down her arm, "We shouldn't, we promised that we wouldn't once, do you remember?"

"The whole blood oath and all?" I added, recalling the silly thing she made us do all those years ago, "I swear my hand kept hurting me for a month after that," I added, injecting a little playful edge to my words.

"You're such a baby," She mumbled, her voice thick due to her tears.

I grinned, tightening my arm around her and playfully ruffling her hair. "I'm older than you, so if anyone's the baby, it's you," I teased.

She looked up at me, her gaze soft and vulnerable, so unlike the fierce, guarded girl she usually was. Her eyes drifted to Nikolas, and without a word, she extended her hand, beckoning him closer. He took it gently, stepping forward to press a tender kiss to her temple.

"Emma, we can't possibly give you back what you lost," Nikolas started to say, "But, we will always be here for you," He added, a promise in his words.

"We will always be here for each other," I added, my eyes drifting between them both.

"Always?" Emma asked, just like she did when we did that blood oath. The little curve in her lips made me smile as well.

I nodded my head and both Nikolas and I said, "Always."

She pulled away from me, her eyes going between us, "Since you two happened to break that promise, we need to renew the blood oath," She suggested, the devil in her eyes waking up.

My eyes widened when she pulled out her knife and gave me a teasing look. I shook my head and stumbled backward, "No, get back," I said but she kept coming at me.

"Stay away!" I shot out and tried to run outside to my car, "Nikolas, help!"

The asshole chuckled and instead of helping me, he helped her in catching me and they forced me to do the damned blood oath again.

Damn them both.

God, the sacrifices you make for your family.

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See ya soon :)