November 24, 2023. Chapter 1-2.
"We spotted a black van speeding north of Braeton. They broke traffic lights and evaded police officers. Clearly, they had something to hide. Our officers are already chasing them, Sergeant," a local police officer updated Lily upon arrival at Braeton International Airport. "Our brothers, Levin, Kristoff, and Kayden, are also pursuing that van. They drove with the police officers that left an hour ago," Liam said. He immediately got the call the moment they landed on Braeton. Lily's colleagues from Black Hawk also arrived at the same time as them. Gunner, who led the team, said their company hacker had a lead on the black van. Major Patton was also there. He was speaking to Lucas and his men. From where Lily stood, she could tell the major was upset about Lucas' decision to fly into Braeton. "Mister Thompson, my direct order is to send you back to Rose Hills. Braeton is not prepared for your arrival. We can't risk you getting attacked here," Lily heard the major said. "If you g
Lily was relieved to see Lucas. He quickly put her down and turned to Lewis, "Keep Aiden safe!" Lewis swiftly secured Aiden to the side. Meanwhile, Lucas advanced at the two men standing there, stunned by his arrival. The kidnappers clearly knew Lucas, for one said, "Get him! He is the real target!" Lucas engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the two and managed to kick one to the ground. Of course, Lily could not just leave Lucas alone! Just as Lucas tried to immobilize one adversary with his arms, she ran and thrust her knee into the opponent's stomach! Then, Lucas used all his strength to throw the man to the ground, and the latter rolled uncontrollably. "Duck!" Lucas ordered, and Lily followed. An opponent was about to hit Lily from behind, but instead, the unknown man faced Lucas' sturdy kick. To Lily's dismay, some of the kidnappers from inside the warehouse managed to get out and launch an assault. Lily and Lucas fought together, their movements in synch. When Lily would
Lucas was blown away. He chuckled at the boy's request and approached him. He asked, "What? You want me to marry your mom?" "I'm serious, Mister!" Aiden said. "I think you'll be a better husband for my mom!" "You fight well. When you and Mommy were fighting earlier, it was like a synchronized dance, like you knew her well enough to predict her moves!" Aiden complimented. "Plus, you are smart and -" Aiden's grin grew wider as he described, "You are half as handsome as I am, so you'll do." Lucas, "..." "Half as handsome?" Lucas clarified. He was about ready to burst into laughter at his son's suggestion. He mused, 'Couldn't he see that we looked very much alike?' "Yeah," Aiden said. "Jake thought he was more handsome than me. Are you going to be the same? Choose your reply wisely, Mister." Lucas, "..." "You certainly are... more handsome than me," Lucas confirmed. Tears welled in his eyes, but he chuckled, thoroughly amused. He was amazed by his son's character. "You - you hav
"Now, how about marrying my mommy this time?" Lucas did not know whether to laugh or cry at his son's actions. 'Did he just handcuff me?' His son was sure possessive! Aiden did not need to cuff him. Lucas meant to stay for good. However, Lucas would do anything to give his son assurance. Finally, Lucas chuckled and replied, "Fine by me. It makes me happier that you will stay by my side." "Good," Aiden answered. "But, to make all those claims legal, you must marry my Mommy. Words don't mean a thing." Another laugh escaped Lucas' lips. He gasped and said, "Aiden, can you keep a secret? Because your uncles cannot know of this for now. They are still mad at me." Aiden contemplated and then nodded. He answered, "Yeah. I can keep a secret." "What if I told you that I already married your mommy," Lucas revealed. "What?" Aiden asked, utterly bemused. "Your mom and I got legally married two days ago," Lucas admitted. Silence fell upon them. Aiden's eyes panned from left to right
Lily entered Aiden's room, holding a key to the handcuffs. She slowly walked over to Lucas' side and was about to insert the key, but the man grabbed her wrist violently. "Lucas," she said, nearly raising her voice. "Let go of me." She saw Lucas' lethal gaze as if he were ready to attack. Thankfully, his expression turned gentle upon recognizing her. He said, "Lily, don't startle me like that. I - I -" "What?" Lily asked. "Why were you reacting that way?" "Sorry, I - it's a long story," Lucas said, making Lily frown. "I guess I have to allocate one month for that very long story to come out," Lily muttered before unlocking the handcuffs. She glanced at her son, and seeing how Aiden held Lucas tightly made her almost want to cry. Earlier, Aiden insisted that Lucas sleep in his room. He would not tell anyone where he hid the keys to the handcuffs. It was evident to Lily that her son was afraid of losing his father. Fortunately, Lily found the key under the dresser in her pare
"I want to start by saying I did not expect it to be this big," Lucas said. He leaned closer and stared into Lily's eyes. "Okay," Lily said. She sucked in a deep breath and braced herself. "Spill." She watched as Lucas gulped air down his throat. His adams apple bobbed. He purposely ran his fingers through his hair and disheveled it. He took off his coat and began to fold up his sleeves. Everything about him now made him look dangerously and ruggedly handsome. If this was Lucas' way of trying to stall things, it probably worked just a bit. However, Lily was determined to get some facts out. Lucas slumped in his seat and heaved a sigh. Then, he slowly began to explain, "What I am about to tell you is confidential. These are cases that are still pending in court or are still under investigation. Lily, I trust you enough not to say a word to others. What I tell you must stay only in this room." "And to set the record straight, I can't tell you everything. You have to understand t
Lily's eyes rounded. She felt like she was transported to another place, perhaps a mountain resort, because the room's interior was very nature-like! It was precisely how she would have loved her room to be if she had bought her own house. The room Lucas assigned to her was massive. She thought it was even bigger than Lucas' room. She had a gigantic glass window with access to a small, enclosed garden. Her private space was painted in earthly colors, which was very much to Lily's liking. Lily took a big whiff of her room and could not help but smile at the scent of orange zest from the humidifier. She tried to hold it back, but her true feelings betrayed her. She muttered, "Dammit! Lucas really knows me. When did he have this room customized? We have only been married for three days!" There were indoor plants, rosewood furniture, a large portrait of her younger self on the wall, and a few mounted pictures of her and Lucas in the years before he left. Lily walked up to one picture
Because Lucas had many things to do at the company, they all first drove to the Thompson Group of Companies to drop him off. Lily, Aiden, and Lucas were all in the car's backseat. The two bodyguards were in the front seat, waiting for Lucas to leave the vehicle. Upon their arrival, Aiden's eyes grew wide. If he could peek his head through the car's window, he would. Aiden remarked, "That's a really tall building. It reminds me of my uncle's office." Lily understood her son was referring to their family's main business. The Wright family had a mother company, The Wright Diamond Corporation. However, the hotel side of the business grew too big to handle, and management was divided. Now, Lily's older brother, Liam, was running the hotel while her cousin ran the umbrella corporation. The Thompsons used to own shares of their company, and Lily's family used to have shares with the Thompson Group of Companies, but that changed when Lucas disappeared. "Do you like it, Aiden?" Lucas ask