Chapter 5

TWISTED HEART

SVL18

LUKE MARLEY

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I stared at the pregnancy test Olivia had handed me. How could she not tell me this herself? We always made sure to use protection. Now she was holding it up in front of me, expecting me to just accept it.

“This can’t be…” I muttered, my voice barely audible.

“Well, here it is, right in front of you,” Olivia said calmly.

“We always use condoms!” I snapped.

“Condoms aren’t 100% effective,” she replied.

“Are you sure this is my child?”

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“But we both know you weren't sleeping with me alone, remember we were / are not in a relationship, ” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I’ve always slept with you alone, Luke. Don’t pin this on me. This is your child!”

“It’s not mine. I’m leaving,” I said, stepping back.

“You’re kicking me out?” Olivia’s voice trembled.

“Don’t make me lose my temper!. Go find the father of this child and leave me out of it,” I snapped.

“Please, Luke, don’t do this,” she pleaded.

“Don’t play with me, Olivia. You’ve already destroyed my life by separating me from Hope. Now you’re telling me about a child I don’t even know? Don’t expect me to compromise myself for this.”

“I thought you loved me…”

I chuckled bitterly. “Love? You mean that? I love Hope, I told you that, but you didn’t want to listen. I will never love you. Get that through your head.”

I opened the door.

“Leave,” I said.

Tears ran down her face, but I didn’t care. She had shattered my life. I grabbed my phone and dialed the florist.

“Yes, hello? I need some roses…”

SEAN PARKER

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I found my mother, Mrs. Parker, in the garden as usual, tending her flowers. The sight of her brought a small smile to my face, even though my mind was elsewhere.

“Ah, my boy,” she greeted warmly.

“Hi, Mama. Don’t you worry—I’m careful not to destroy the plants,” I teased.

She chuckled. “You’ll always be my boy.”

We stepped into the house together.

“Where have you been all day?” she asked, concern in her eyes.

“I was caught up at work,” I said.

“Your father told me about his decision,” she said.

“Father is stubborn, Mama. Deep down, he knows I can handle the company.”

“He wants you to be responsible. Taking a wife will show that you’re a man now.”

“Old-fashioned, but I understand.”

“Is there a fiancée?”

I cleared my throat. “Yes, Mama.”

“That’s wonderful. I hope we’ll see her soon.”

“I’ll come back, I just have to take care of something first,” I said, kissing her cheek before leaving.

I drove to the club I owned, arriving to find the staff watching my every move.

“You’re quick today,” Oscar said with a grin.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“There’s someone who can help with your project,” he said.

I sat down, curious.

“Who?”

“Trust me,” he said. “She knows it’s business.”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand her crush on me. Did you see the way she looks at me?”

“You don’t have a choice. We’re on a schedule… unless you want Casette.”

I shook my head and sighed.

HOPE JONES

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Being a doctor had its perks. Once you stepped out of work, you could forget your own problems by helping others. Today, I had completed four operations and was utterly exhausted when Aunt Doli came running into my office.

“Aunt ?” I asked, startled.

“Help, Hope! Amanda!” she cried.

Fear shot through me. “What happened?”

“She was hit by a car! She’s bleeding badly!”

I rushed after her, heart pounding. Amanda had been badly injured. I barely processed anything else as I entered the room. Her body was covered in blood, and I forced myself to stay calm through tears.

Half an hour later, I stepped out, my eyes red and my head throbbing. Both Mrs. Jones , Mom and Aunt Doli looked at me, fear etched on their faces.

“How is she, Amanda?” mom asked.

“She needs surgery immediately. She suffered severe head trauma. Right now, she’s in a deep coma.”

“Why didn’t you do it sooner?” Mom cried.

“It requires funds… Three hundred thousand,” I said, biting back panic.

“Jesus!” she exclaimed, sinking into a chair.

"Even if I tried to get a loan now, it would take time. God, what do I do? I can’t lose her! It was only my first year working as a doctor, and the little money I had earned went straight into life’s demands — buying a house, fixing it up, and taking care of the home. My hand trembled before I dialed a number I hoped would answer."

“Hello?”

“Rasta, can we talk?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“I need your help…”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” I said.

“I’ll send a dress,” he said.

I stood, taking a deep breath.

“Hope!” Evelyn shouted.

“Tell them to start the operation. I’ll be back,” I said.

I got into my car, following Rasta’s instructions. Within an hour, I reached his property. I couldn’t believe what I was doing, but I had no choice.

Rasta greeted me. “Follow me.”

I followed him into a large, elegant house. He led me to a sofa and then upstairs. I swallowed hard, nervous beyond belief.

“ Hope Jones ,” Sean called as he descended the stairs. His eyes met mine, sharp and assessing. My heart raced as I took in the sight of him. Pictures could never do him justice.

A girl, dressed to impress, stepped aside to let me pass.

“Follow me,” Sean commanded.

I followed him into a study-like room and sat down. He approached, stopping just in front of me. His gaze was intense, and a smirk tugged at his lips.

“Tell me, Hope,” he said, his voice low and deliberate, “why should I take you and make you my wife?”

My heart pounded in my chest. I could feel the tension, the danger, and the thrill all at once. I had to keep it together. Keep it together, Hope. Keep it together.

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