MAX POVI puffed the smoke out of my mouth, smiling as I took in fresh air. “Feels good to smoke again, done a lot of shit for money and I guess this won't be the last shit I'll do for money.” I spoke to myself, my shades on, my black gloves aligned as I waited for the courier.I looked around the marvelous city, wondering why it was so busy but then I remembered this isn't Italy where everywhere was cool and less crowdy like in the states.I wondered how Allysa and Ariel were faring and if they missed me at all. I chuckled dryly. I hated acting like a lover boy next to Allysa, it wasn't in my blood but there was nothing I could do.When Leah's secretary brought the job, the offer was so tempting I couldn't refuse it and here I am.The courier arrived in front of me, the driver was a young boy probably in his teens. “You did a good job?” I asked and he looked around, puffing out smoke from his mouth, yeah today turned out to be chilly.“I did a pretty good job, I delivered it and I'm

LUCAS POV “You should stop drinking Lucas, this shouldn't affect your meeting tonight. That meeting is really important and trust me you wouldn't wanna let your parents down.” I sighed, smiling but picked the bottle again and was about taking it to my lips when he smashed it on the floor.“Come on, let's get you into the bathroom and you'll probably be sober after that.” He lifted me up and pulled me roughly to the bathroom and turned the shower on. Just then, his phone rang and he left me to pick his phone.“Lucas, it's the investigator, do I put it on speaker?” He asked and I closed my eyes.“Yeah sure.” I said, knowing fully well I might be shattered if I hear what the investigator has to say. “Come on let me know.”“According to the address you sent, the resident happens to be Allysa Carter Jackson.” Tears rolled down my cheeks as I sank to the bathroom floor.“What?” I heard Jack mutter, I know he must be surprised but funny enough, I wasn't surprised, not even the tiniest bit.

LUCAS POV As I walked out of the restaurant, my heart felt so heavy that I couldn't think straight. My heart clenched so tightly in my chest as I groaned. I picked my phone and dialed Jack's line.“Hey dude, come on. Come pick me up, I'm so wasted.” I said into the phone and heard him sigh.“Stay right there, I'll pick you up, do not try to drive. I can already smell the alcohol from here.” I smiled despite knowing he was just being sarcastic. Jack was truly a friend indeed.I sat down, thinking of what went down in there. Did she really think I was stupid not to know she sent those? Women!She even had the guts to pretend not to know what's happening, asking what pictures and all. Well I'm gonna sign those damn papers and she'll be a free woman since that's what she wants.I thought I could persuade her to forgive me when we eventually meet again because I didn't give up, I didn't lose hope, I always knew she'd come back but this way? It's really painful, so painful.Soon, I saw Jac

BEGINNING OF TORMENT ALLYSA'S POV Ivy slid the key into the keyhole gently, trying to ensure Ariel doesn't wake up or gets startled. “Come on, you need to have a cool bath to shake the events of tonight off.”I followed her like a ram being led to the slaughter. “He's gonna tell everyone I'm back but the main reason I'm back hasn't been attended to, my daughter is dying.” I whispered.“Come on Allysa you cannot keep on thinking about this, it's gonna give you a headache and you don't wanna fall sick, do you?” She asked as I sighed.“I cannot help thinking Ivy, I just can't.” “Let's do this, why don't you go to bed, sleep and pretend like nothing happened. Tomorrow you can call your parents or go over to see them so this issue can be sorted out once and for all.I smiled and kissed her cheek before walking into her bathroom.After bathing, she had her bath and joined me in bed while Ariel slept on the little bed close to ours. “Just don't overthink, you never know what tomorrow will

THE SEARCHALLYSA'S POV “Mum?” I called but she didn't seem to be listening, she was carried away by her anger and I couldn't blame her for that.“Allysa, we're gonna head over to the Jackson's, I don't care what business your father has with them, I don't care what he's benefiting from them but trust me we're calling this marriage off and you're keeping your daughter!” I hugged her, her chin resting on my head as I sighed.“Getting a divorce is not always the best you know,” I paused and she moved away a little to stare at me. “You still love Lucas?” She asked.“I admit I must have been really angry, I signed the divorce papers and left it for him to sign. A part of me wanted him to sign and another part wished his love for me would be greater than anything, I really hoped he won't sign it and when I didn't receive the papers, I was so happy, my attorney told me he didn't get the papers so I was really glad.”“So what do you plan on doing?” She asked.“If he wants the divorce, I'll