No one's POV.

Sicily, Italy, TWO YEARS BACK.

"They're here." Someone shouted, giving a signal and an army of men assembled with guns and bullets.

"Mark, don't fuck it up this time." Someone said.

"I wasn't the one who shot them, Aaron. They came in between-" Mark tried to defend but they were all distracted by a loud noise from their back.

They looked back and saw their first warehouse was blown in fire. Flames were kissing the air, making it through people's lungs.

"Shit, they took it down." Aaron muttered angrily.

"Ora Ragazzi." Aaron shouted.

{Translation: Now, guys!}

They all got up and started shooting the men before them. The opposition started shooting them back but they all couldn't stand up against the army of men on this side. Finally the gun fire stopped and everyone from that side were dead.

"Buono, ora andiamo." Aaron said and everyone got in 45 black SUVs which were parked.
{Good, now let's go.}

Aaron got inside and called someone.

"....Capo, essi distrutto esso." Aaron murmured on call.
{Boss, they destroyed it.}

".......Bene, Capo." He hung up.
{Okay, boss}

They all leave to an isolated bridge. All the 45 cars stop behind the back of other cars and the troop came out of the cars, in front of a guy, who was wearing vintage black, three piece suit. Aaron came forward with a helpless and guilty look.

"I'm sorry sir, I tried my best but-" Aaron was interrupted.

"But what? You couldn't do it? Do you even know what that deal meant to our business? You took the initiative to lead today, yet the warehouse is now completely destroyed." An angry, young man shouted viciously.

"I'm sorry sir...." That's all Aaron could say.

"No sorry is accepted in our business." The man dangerously said, gritting his teeth.

He was about to shoot the helpless guy when he was interrupted by a voice.

"We have more important things to deal with. Leave him and let's go." Steven Denver, came from behind.

"But-"

"I said what I said. I don't like wasting time and you know that. Leave all this and let's go. We'll see what to do about the warehouse." Steven said and sat in his car. The driver starts driving and the car soon vanishes.

The angry guy looked at his workers and employees and then looked at Aaron who was sitting on his knees.

He stares at the guy and points the gun at him.

"I'm not allowed to refuse the orders of Steven Denver." He said.

"But... " A gun is shot and the helpless guy falls in pool of blood.

"But no one messes with Jason Michaelson"

Jason puts his goggles back and leaves, leaving his workers taking the dead body. His car soon stopped near a big, dark mansion. It's each brick screamed secrets and mystery.

Jason got out of the car, correcting his coat and entered the mansion. Steven was sitting there with a guy who looked Italian.

"Noi non lo farà deludere voi." Steven said.
{We won't disappoint you.}

"Thank you so much, Mr. Genovese." The Italian man got up and shook hand with Steven and left.

"Wow, he's one of the trusted ones?" Jason sounded astonished.

"What do you mean?"

"He knew your real surname." He stated.

"Oh yes. His family is Sicilian, who supported my clan." Steven said, while Jason nodded.

"When are we shifting to Louisiana?" Jason asked.

"Next week. How is Veronica coping up?"

Jason chuckled, "What do you think?"

"Yeah, I know." He sighed. "She hates change and this is the fifth time in her school life where we keep shifting to other countries."

"It's okay, it's for her safety only." He said and Steven nodded.

"So, where were you yesterday?" Steven asked and Jason looked pale hearing the question.

"Um, I had some business work." He said avoiding eye contact. He looked tensed and disturbed.

"Jason, I know you're a responsible man at such a young age, but you need to understand when to handle what. Yesterday, your presence in the trade was important. We lost the drug deal and the money went for the charity. If you were there, we wouldn't have faced such a loss." He said in a strict voice.

"Yeah, I understand Steven." Jason nodded and looked lost. His thoughts travelled to yesterday when he was somewhere else, rather than being in the trade.

Flash Back (Yesterday) :

"Mom, just get over it and give me the damn papers." Jason struggled in controlling his anger as he stood in front of Vanessa.

"Jason, stop being a child and let me do what I'm doing." Vanessa spoke as she folded her arms.

"He's being a child or you are? We're just asking you to give us the papers and we'll be gone for good." Veronica said straight, looking at Jason who was almost loosing his cool.

"I said, I won't give you. Just leave." Her attitude was the top most thing which irritated Jason to no level. And that was it, he threw his phone aside and pinned Vanessa to the wall by chocking her.

"I said give me the fucking papers." He shouted and chocked her.

This was the thing Veronica was scared of the most. He forgets everything in anger. Therefore, she ran towards them as she saw Vanessa coughing.

"Jason, leave her." She said holding his hand, trying to loosen his grip.

"Back off, Veronica." He shouted and pushed me.

"What type of a fucking mother are you if you're praying for the downfall of your children? What's the use of having a mother like you? I am better without you, mom." He said and chocked her more.

Veronica finally pushed Jason away knowing that he would kill her if he wanted. Vanessa kept coughing and her eyes soon started to gather boiling anger.

"There's no use of this now, Jason. Maybe you are better without me but now what can you do about it?" She chuckled. They both looked at her and knew where she was going.

"Your's and your little girlfriend's life is in my hands now, let's see if you can save your lives or you decide to leave each other. I want the order till tomorrow Jason, or else you know what I'm capable of." She said with poison.

"Jason? Jason?" Steven's voice brought him back from his thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Tomorrow, we're going for the trade with the Lucianos. The Thodores will definitely attack again. I want you to do the trade while the other guys will be prepared for the war."

Jason got tensed hearing that.

"Tomorrow? Uh- I can't-"

"Your business can wait." Steven interrupted. "No excuse."

I want the order till tomorrow Jason, or else you know what I'm capable of.

Steven left the room, leaving Jason in deep thoughts of Vanessa and her words.

***
Present; Veronica's POV

I was tired as hell and my complete body was aching. As soon as Logan removed the tie from my hands, I felt much better. He picked me up gently and moved to the bathroom making me lay in the bath tub, filling it with warm water. My body instantly relaxed when the water flirted with my skin. I looked at Logan who kept a stool beside the bath tub and sat beside me. He held my wrist and started to caress it. I smiled seeing his concern for me even when he was pissed at me.

"Logan..."

"Don't talk." He said, not looking at me and still massaging my hands.

"We have to." I muttered.

"Not now." He said and got inside the bath tub behind me, making me rest my head on his chest. I closed my eyes feeling much more better. His hands roamed around my stomach and my breast softly, giving me the best soothing feeling.

He didn't speak a word and neither did I. Soon we got up and he wrapped me in a bathrobe and himself in a towel. He took me in his arms again and laid me on the bed. He wore a trouser and a T and tucked me in the comforter. Without saying anything he was about to leave when I stopped him.

"Logan, where are you going?" I asked.

"I've some work." He said without looking at me.

"Please stay." I uttered.

"Veronica-" He turned around to say something but looked right in my eyes straight and sighed. He came back and sat beside me, he put his hand on my hair and started to caress them.

"Logan-"

"Sleep." He pecked my lips and took me in his arms. I smiled feeling overwhelmed as I could see the concern and care he had for me, even when he was angry on me.

I closed my eyes and slept. I was soundly sleeping when the next thing I felt was a hard grip on my hand. I looked at my side and saw Logan, all sweaty, murmuring something in his sleep. It looked like he was in some pain. It was 3 in the morning.

Nightmare.

I panicked and got up. I kept one hand on his chest and the my other hand cupped his face.

"Logan, listen to me. Calm down please."
He opened his eyes in a flick and looked at me with an unknown expression.

"Hey it's okay, it's me. Calm down." I said and hugged him. I felt his muscles relaxing as he hugged me back, burying his head in the crook of my neck. I kept caressing his hair to calm him down.

This was so new, I never saw Logan having nightmares. It was the first time when I saw him so helpless. I sighed and snuggled more into him.

All the thoughts started to gather in my mind. How he's the one who always supports me in each and every situation, how he defends me in front of others but makes me understand in private. How he's the only one who doesn't judge me and accepts me the way I am. How his affection can be seen even when he's angry. How he's always been there for me everytime. I smiled like a fool, thinking about him. Now it was my time to stay beside him and support him. He was surely something more for me, much more than whatever we are.

And by now, I was sure that I was definitely falling for this guy.

***

The sun was peeping inside the room, splashing the sunlight on my face making me shift my face to the other side when I saw that Logan wasn't there anymore. I got up and looked around and sighed. I went to the washroom to freshen up myself and got ready. I wore a black jeans and a white crop top, with boots. Today, we were going back to Logan's house which was almost 1 hour away as the course was clear plus it was risky being here as they knew I lived somewhere near the Silver City hospital.

I was about to leave the room when I got a message. It was from an unknown number. I instantly recognised the number as it was the one which Vanessa gave me, saying I'll be unfolded with secrets from this.

"He's lying."

I narrowed my eyes reading that. What is that supposed to mean now?

"Who's lying?" I messaged back.

After a minute or two, I got the reply.

"He."

"Wow, great. Helped me a lot" I rolled my eyes.

Even though they didn't tell the name but somewhere I knew they were talking about Logan. I'm not sure but maybe. I sighed and left the room. I descended the stairs and saw Andrew sitting there. He looked at me and gave a tensed smile.

"Veronica, I'm sorry. I wanted everything to go better for you but it's just-"

"Hey, it's okay. Not your fault." I smiled and he gave it back.

Logan came out from his study in a call, all dressed up looking handsomely good. My mind went to the message I got before. I was inquisitive, but patient too.

"Let's go." Logan muttered looking at us. We nodded and followed him. Logan sat behind the wheels and Andrew beside him. I sat behind them.

I was itching to talk to him about what happened last night, but I didn't wanted him to be awkward around Andrew even if he was his best friend. I sighed and watched out of the window. I saw how he missed the turn to his house.

"Logan, you missed the turn."

"I know. We're not going back to my house." He said.

"What? Then where are we going?"

"Louisiana." He murmured.

"What? But no one told-"

"It was a last minute decision. Your dad is calling you and your college will have online classes so we'll be there for a while."

"What about my clothes from your house?" I asked being confused.

"They're already packed and on the way to Louisiana. No need to worry." He spoke giving close ended replies. I sighed and sat back. Not that I didn't wanted to go, I did. But there were many things which I didn't like about Louisiana as those stuffs slaps my face everytime.

We soon reached the airport, leaving Andrew in his town. Melissa and Andrew were in the town because of their vacation and it was time for them to go back. We bid each other bye sadly and left for the airport.

There was a private jet waiting for us and we got inside it. I remembered the last time we both sat here, while coming to Mexico.

"Don't you think you're being too frank with me? Do not forget, I'm your ma'am." I said being impertinent.

"Oh, yeah of course ma'am." He said, while his smirk didn't leave his lips.

I chuckled thinking about those days. So much has changed from then. I have changed a lot too. I heard the door opening in the jet and saw Logan bringing two glasses of wine. He gave me one and I took it.

"Can we talk now?" I asked as he sat in front of me.

He looked at me and sighed, "Yeah, what is it that you wanna say." He looked at bit lost and uncomfortable about something.

"Apologise? The thousandth time. For what I did and I really am sorry." I spoke.

"Okay, I accept it." He mumbled.

"You're acting weird, Logan." I said dryly.

"No I'm not-"

"Yes you are." I was quick. "And stop denying it. If you're still pissed about my meeting with Max-"

"Do not take his name." He said in a threatening voice.

"Fine. But if you're still angry then what can I do?"

"I'm not angry about it anymore, Veronica. Just drop it, my behaviour has nothing to do with you." He looked a bit irritated.

"Then what is it?" I asked, holding his hands which were almost sweaty. Something was really wrong with him.

"Veronica, leave it." He said in an affirmative voice.

"I won't." I did the same. "Not until you tell me what's going on. I wanna help you, Logan. Please, tell me what is it?" I plead. He sighed and took a sip of the wine.

"There are few people in Louisiana, whom I hate."

"Jason?" I cut him through.

"Daniel, Daniel Michaelson." He mumbled.

"Jason's dad? But why do you hat-" I realised immediately. "Oh wait, right."

We both were silent. I didn't know what to say to that, I knew Daniel since I was a kid and he never did anything wrong to me. But now that Daniel and Logan have a connection as Vanessa is Jason's and Logan's mom, I'm sure there's something going on.

"About that, you do know that you did a mistake by hiding that Vanessa was your mother, right? So you owe me one." I said.

He looked at me with confusion and nodded.

"How is she your mother? Jason is three years older than you, but after three years of Jason's birth, Vanessa was still with Daniel. How's it possible that she's your mom?" I asked with complete inquisition.

I looked at the discomfort Logan had when I asked this.

"It is possible, Veronica." He mumbled in a low voice.

"But how? It is impossible as-" At that exact moment, something hit me and I looked at Logan with wide eyes.

"No no no, don't tell me that she-" I was shocked, realising it.

"Yeah, she screwed my dad while still being married to Daniel." He said in a flat tone.

I blinked twice to digest the fact. I wasn't too shocked because she was never a good person, but she would stoop so low? That was something which I never imagined.

"Oh my god, that's disgus-" I stopped myself realising it wasn't a good timing to say that, especially in front of Logan.

"It's fine, I get that a lot." He whispered without any emotions.

"I'm sorry. I know it might be so difficult for you." I genuinely apologised, to which he nodded.

"Um, what about your dad?" I hesitated a bit asking that, I thought it wasn't a good idea asking him about his father. And my point was proved when I saw his face completely being hard, stern and emotionless.

"He's no more." He said in a hard voice.

Oh.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." I closed my eyes in regret, he didn't say anything. "It's okay, we don't have to talk about-"

"He killed himself. Mom never told him about Daniel and Jason. Dad was madly in love with her and they got together. She used to somehow manage both families and used to sleep in the Michaelson mansion. Whenever dad asked the reason that why she wouldn't sleep in house, she would give excuses saying that her family won't allow. Dad being crazy for her, believed her each and every lies. She hid the truth for eight years, eight fucking years. And when dad got to know about it, he couldn't handle it and slit his wrist right in front of my eight year old self."

I froze hearing him. I couldn't believe that he had to go through all of that just due to that bitch.

"And you forgave her?" I asked in disbelief.

"My eight year old self did." He mumbled.

"And what about this 21 year old self? Did he forgive Vanessa?" I asked looking at him. He looked at me back.

"I'll never forgive her for what she did to me and dad." He said in a low tone. I nodded in agreement. She obviously doesn't deserve his forgiveness.

"How did....um the Michaelson family react to all this?" I asked.

"You can imagine how Daniel might have reacted." He spoke and I sighed. Daniel might have lost his complete temper.

"Did he do anything to you?" I asked being a bit scared. I knew Daniel had anger issues which was transferred to Jason too. When he might have known that Vanessa has a son from someone else, he might've really lost it.

"No, he couldn't." He mumbled.

"But how?"

"I was kept as a secret. For a very very long time." He said with some darkness in his eyes.

He looked at me and made out that I was completely confused.

"Your dad, he helped my mom in keeping me a secret in Mexico when I was eight years old. Everyone knew that Daniel would've killed me at that time if I wouldn't have gotten away from Louisiana." He told me.

"Is that why you're so grateful to my dad?" I asked and he nodded.

"He helped me in handling the shit I was going through. Of course, an eight year old had to see his father's death right in front of his eyes, it wasn't easy." He gave a hollow chuckle and I instantly became sad hearing that.

I couldn't help but feel extremely upset about the fact that an eight year old kid had to see such a traumatic incident. The fact that he had such a rough past without his any mistake.

"Don't pity me." He said a bit sternly.

"I'm not pitying you. I'm just feeling sad about the whole situation. I would never pity you, Logan. Never." I said looking in his eyes.

He didn't say anything when something clicked me suddenly.

"Oh my god, is that why you get nightmares?" I asked, being a bit shocked. He froze and looked taken aback.

"What?"

"Um, you don't remember what happened yesterday night?" I asked being a bit dubious.

He looked at me and realised what I was talking about. He closed his eyes and sighed.

"I don't wanna talk about it." He uttered.

"I was so scared, Logan. That was the first time I saw you like that."

"That's because I don't get them frequently." He said, avoiding his gaze.

"But still you do, right? That's a serious issue."

"I said I don't wanna talk about it." He affirmed again. I sighed and nodded. I didn't wanted to pressure him into something which he's not comfortable with.

Looking at him, flashed that eight year old kid in front of me, who looked terrified and cried for his father's death. I could see the pain he had behind his facade. The message I got today, if it's really Logan who's lying, then I won't ever believe them. They don't know my trust in Logan, they never would.

***

The brown Range Rover of my dad's driver stopped at the main gate of the mansion which I really hated. The humongous gate opened for us and the car got in. The other bodyguards who came with us got themselves checked except of Logan. He really was a trusted man and why wouldn't he be? Dad knows him since he was a kid.

I stepped out of the car and inhaled the fresh air which felt too relaxing and known.

"Good afternoon, ma'am." A guard wished me. I smiled and wished him back.

Other men took our bags and Logan and I entered the house. Dad was waiting for us in the main hall. He got up and smiled looking at me. He came towards me and gave me a hug. I smiled and hugged him back. Whatever the type of person he is, he was my only parent and he definitely has done a lot for me.

"I'm so happy to see you safe." He said and patted my back and I nodded.

"How are you, dad?"

"I'm really good. I just want you to be safe and sound." He said and looked at Logan.

"Here's my man, I bet you're tired Logan. You did so much in the past months. Thank you so much." Dad smiled, genuinely.

Which was the rarest thing I've ever seen.

"My pleasure, Mr. Denver, it was my duty." Logan spoke professionally.

Dad smiled and nodded. He looked at our back and smiled more.

"There he is, Daniel. They're here." Dad said. I looked at Logan, who had a look which was hard to read.

We looked back and saw Daniel coming inside the mansion wearing a grey three piece suit. I couldn't imagine what he did when he got to know that his wife, Vanessa was cheating on him. He was a dangerous man, everyone are scared of him, more than they are scared of my dad. That's because dad is a silent, calm and patient person. He doesn't talk for no reason, he opens his mouth only for the necessary conversation. On total, he is a clever man. Whereas Daniel, he is a short tempered person who snaps at everything and everyone.

"Hey, Veronica. Good to see you back." He came towards me and hugged me, completely ignoring Logan.

I looked at Logan again, who was staring at Daniel with again, something in his mind which was unreadable.

"Likewise." I gave a small smile, hugging him back.

"Okay now, you both go and get freshed up, we'll have lunch together." Dad said and I nodded.

A guy took my bag to my room and I gave Logan a last look and went towards the stairs and started to go up.

"No, Logan stay here." Daniel said to Logan who was leaving too.

Logan turned back and looked at him, giving a flat look. I stopped in my tracks and looked back at them. They probably thought I left, but I didn't.

"Daniel, don't-" Dad tried to say something.

"No, Steven. It's fine. I just want to talk to him about something really important."

My mind immediately went to Logan's words where he said he would've killed him thirteen years back. I didn't like the idea of Logan being alone with Daniel.

"I've work." He said in a rough tone.

"Which can wait, I'm sure. It's time for some family talk, step son."

Hey guys!!! Happy new year🎉
Hope your new year is going great because I wasted the 12 days of 2022 very perfectly :")

And it's Zaddy Zayn's birthdayyyy! Ideky I'm so excited but I always am. Man deserves so much, a lot better than the shit he's going through. I hope he gets happiness at least this year. Anyways, here's the next update.
From here, there'll be a lot of flashbacks because the main story has started now. I hope you're liking it so far.

Love y'all. Stay safe <3
Amelia.