CHAPTER 109. You were born for thisZack and Andrea had never been together in their own world... ever. Until that moment, they had been two people under the scrutiny of others, and now that it was finally over and they no longer felt judged, life seemed simply wonderful.They had already decided to go to Switzerland for a while.“Well... where are we going to live in the meantime?”“How about we stay at my apartment? I love your new house, but it's not very close to work,” he said, and Andrea nodded.“Sure, plus it’s only for fifteen days, one last chance to enjoy ourselves before facing the harsh reality.”“What harsh reality?” Zack was startled.“That we can’t scream while... you know... at your parents’ house.”Zack burst into laughter, knowing that wouldn’t last long either because they’d find their own home in Switzerland immediately. But they finally packed up what they needed and moved it to Zack’s apartment.Loan and Milo didn’t leave immediately. With the danger a bit furthe
CHAPTER 110. A Proud Man—$200,000... $200,000 a year...? You got a $200,000 annual sponsorship for the kid? —Zack exclaimed, unable to believe it.—Is that too little?—No, it’s a lot for someone who’s still two years away from the professional league! —Zack exclaimed. —The first sponsorship I ever got was for $60,000.Andrea’s eyes widened.—Really? You swear? —she exclaimed, jumping on her tiptoes like a child.—I swear, love, I swear! —Zack said, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her. —You’re amazing! You’re spectacular!After the game, Zack and Andrea headed to the parking lot to go home. As they walked, Andrea couldn’t help but think about how nice the outing had been and felt she had much to be thankful for despite everything.—What would I do if you hadn’t come into my life? —she asked quietly.—You would have found a way to move forward because that’s just who you are, —Zack replied without hesitation. —I, on the other hand, would have spent the rest of my life being
CHAPTER 111. The Perfect MomentMason drummed his fingers on the kitchen counter. He had been waiting for hours for the man he was told could handle the job. He was furious, anxious to hear what his contact had to say. Finally, there was a knock at the door, and a short, scrawny, utterly insignificant-looking man with a suitcase greeted him.“I’m not buying anything,” Mason growled, but before he could close the door, the man stopped him.“But I am for sale, for a good price, of course.”Mason frowned.“You’re the one they call 'Rat'?” he asked incredulously.“The one and only,” the man smiled.Mason tensed, his heart racing as he let him in.“Tell me you’re good for something.”“What I can do will cost you double what you offered. Zack Keller is a complicated target. His apartment is a fortress, his building is full of cameras, and his parking lot is completely private,” the man replied. “He’s always on the move, and his office is no longer easily accessible. The building is very wel
CHAPTER 112. You have to be quiet..."You're an incredible man," she said, setting the suitcase aside and hugging him.He held her tightly and promised he would never let anyone separate them. Andrea kissed him in response, her tears slowly rolling down her face. Once again, Zack had saved her in ways he couldn’t even imagine. She knew their lives would change forever, but she felt like she already had everything she wanted in the world.They couldn’t resist the impulse to cling to each other. The kiss was passionate, their lips meeting in a perfect melody only they could understand.“I want to take it slow,” Zack murmured as his mouth traveled down her neck to her breasts, and Andrea gasped, tilting her head back.“Liar! You’re going to lose control just like always,” she accused, feeling her body start to tense and vibrate.“Maybe, but at least this time I have the intention.”Zack undressed her completely and kissed her desperately. Every part of her skin was a delight to his sense
CHAPTER 113. We have a problemAs they began their little road trip, Zack and Andrea headed north, and the landscape changed quickly. The air smelled of pine, and the sky was brighter. They drove with the windows down, the wind in their faces, while Zack sang along with the radio and Adriana laughed in her car seat in the back.After an hour, they left the highway for a gravel road and drove a few more miles until they reached Mrs. Wilson's residence. It was a small, picturesque villa surrounded by grass and trees. As they approached, they saw numerous elderly people exercising in the garden, while others relaxed in rocking chairs and patio seats.Mrs. Wilson greeted them with open arms and a huge smile on her face.“But how big the princess has grown!” she exclaimed upon seeing Adriana, and the baby must have recognized her immediately because she refused to leave her lap the entire time they were there.She talked about her life at the residence and the new friends she had made.“Th
CHAPTER 114. A Trap—What happened? Is Andrea alright? —he asked, his heart in his throat.—Health-wise, yes, but the police stopped her truck at a roadblock and are arresting her right now —the bodyguard told him—. It doesn’t look like a simple ticket... it seems more serious.—Follow the patrol and tell me which station they’re taking her to! —exclaimed Zack, and then everything around him became urgent calls and haste.Andrea, on her part, had no idea what it was about until one of the police officers instructed her to pull over to the side of the road. The truth was, everyone sped past until they reached her. She frowned when she saw them releasing dogs around the car and rolled down the window to hear an officer ask her to get out of the vehicle.That’s when the nightmare began.The police searched the truck thoroughly. Andrea didn’t understand; it was as if they knew there was something illegal there. In what seemed like an eternity, they started moving things around and pulled
CHAPTER 115. I want my call and my lawyerAndrea was furious when she saw Mason enter the interrogation room. She knew he was out for revenge, and now she knew where it was coming from.—Bastard! It was you! —she exclaimed, standing up because she had no doubt that this was Mason’s doing.He gestured to the police officers, who immediately left the room, leaving them alone.—You’re not the only one with good contacts in the police —he said, turning off the small camera inside the room—. Turns out if you pay enough, you can get a lot of help from the honorable Police Department of this city.Andrea clenched her fists in helplessness.—You’re a criminal, and you’re going to pay for this! Zack won’t sit quietly while you frame me! —she spat with hatred. Mason had set a trap for his own benefit; what Andrea didn’t know was that she was just the bait.Mason looked at her with disdain, daring her to do something, and smiled cynically.—Well, the truth is, the evidence is irrefutable. Two ki
CHAPTER 116. The Hardest Decision"Don't let me go," she said in the most controlled voice she could manage."I'm not going to, love, we're going to fix this, I promise...""Zack!" she interrupted him, hiding her face in the crook of his neck and speaking very low so only he could hear her. "Listen to me... you have to take Adriana."Zack tried to pull back to look her in the eyes, but she didn't let him."Listen to me! They're going to take her... I can't explain now, but they're going to take her. Mason will hurt her. You have to take her..." she sobbed in desperation. "The suitcase at the house... Plan B in case things didn't go well... you have to do it.""Andrea...!""You have to do it! You have to keep her safe. Promise me..."When Zack pulled back, his eyes were filled with tears."I can't leave you alone...""Yes, you can! You can because she comes first!" Andrea replied, looking him in the eyes. "Our daughter comes first! Promise me!"Zack felt as if the ground was opening up