Night of the incident

Miley's POV

I'm feeling unwell; I knew I should not have trusted her so-called peace offering, even if she's my sister; I've always known that woman never cared for me. Moreover, I need to get out of here.

Today is my 19th birthday, my boyfriend and I had other plans, but my sister suggested that I attend this event hosted the Pierce family, one of the most powerful families we deal with, and also the family of Julian, my boyfriend.

I'm now trying in vain to leave this room full of people, I've got an inkling of Audrey's ploy. She handed me a drink with more liquor than she claimed, knowing that I couldn't handle it well, expecting me to cause a scene for her and her friend's amusement — that's always been her way.

The only thing I could think of was heading to the courtyard, but it turned out to be the worst decision.

"Why are you still with that idiot? You lost the bet! My parents do nothing but say that you two will soon get engaged," that is Audrey's voice; she sounded really upset; I thought about going over there and confronting her, but...

"Darling, Calm down even if I lost the bet, I still want to have fun with that fool! And didn't you say you wanted to see her humiliated? What better opportunity than this?" That's Julian, my boyfriend—are he and my sister lovers? The liquor is playing tricks on me.

" So you swear you don't like her? Swear that you will follow through with the plan, use her, and then throw her away, swear it".

This was their plan all along, for me to fall for him?...they have been mocking me!

"I swear it's just another bet; this week will be epic; we'll get payback on my bastard uncle, and by this time tomorrow, which so happens to be our anniversary, Miley is going to suffer the ultimate disappointment — their triumphal laughter fills me with rage.

"you filthy rat, Julian Pierce" — they both start, likely not anticipating getting caught.

Logan: " Miley what are you doing here?"

" What am I doing here? Finding out what kind of scum you two are." He tried to touch me, claiming confusion— does he really think I'm that dimwitted? I kicked him where it hurts most, I've never trusted guys, and I never should have believed in him.

"Go to hell, you damn liar, the both of you go to hell!"— I left there immediately, my head was bursting, and now I feel even worse, all because of that treacherous pair.

"Audrey and I are not really siblings; I'm just her cousin; my aunt and uncle took pity on my mother and me when my father left us, that's all.

I don't want to stay a second longer, but I can't seem to find the exit; lots of thoughts come flooding my mind, and I end up throwing up in the corner.

"Hey, are you okay? what's wrong with you?"— I can't make out who's speaking to me now, let alone see their face; my head pounds desperately; I need rest.

"Oh dear, you must have drunk a lot, come lie down in one of the bedrooms",— I tried to break free from this person, to tell them I would go home, but I couldn't stop them from dragging me along what seems to be one of the long corridors of this enormous mansion.

I managed to break free and enter the first room I found; I can't trust anyone now; it's possible that they are in league with that pair.

I collapsed onto the floor; my head was about to explode, my hands trembling, and I felt the room becoming increasingly stifling for me, I hastily loosened the zipper of my dress a bit, not removing it, just needing to breathe.

I wiped away the tears starting to form, trash like that doesn't deserve anything.

" I hate you, you wretched bastard!".

Logan's POV

I'm trying to sleep after some tart threw herself at me by the door. I'm fed up with these types of women and men who don't get that I just want to be left alone.

I'll kill anyone who dares to bother me again, they disgust me. I'm so furious, and the worst part is that I can't think straight; I'm still itching to strangle that wretch. I loathe these easy and opportunistic ladies, trying to use any excuse to get what they want.

What is this damned unease? My body feels strange as if it's not my own; this reaction is uncommon, similar to when...

impossible! Has someone dared to drug me? But when? At this party, I touched nothing, only drank water from my room.

If I factor in the body's troubles with the scent engulfing the room, damn it!

" I hate you, you wretched bastard!" Whose voice is that? I turn in bed and what a surprise — there's someone here, a lady? How dare she, the audacity!

She must be responsible for drugging me, saying she hates me? I'll show her her place, I'll kill her with my own hands.

l get up with the intent of snapping her neck.

She seemed shocked to see me rise—did she think she could knock me out with something like that?

"S... Sir Pierce!" her voice shaky and nervous, apparently this whore is in my employ

Miley's POV

seeing this man here snaps me back to reality, is this room prepared for Julian's uncle, Mr Logan Pierce? I need to leave.

This man is the most fearsome and terrifying CEO I've ever seen. To offend him is a death sentence, and if by some fluke you survive, you will never show your face in society again.

I tried to leave but failed, his grip on my wrist was too strong.

"How dare you try to drug me and provoke me with a filthy mindset?"— what is he talking about? he's been drugged and he thinks it's me? what filthy intentions? he's furious, I can see it. he's going to kill me.

it's ... it's a misunderstanding...sir, I didn't do anything...I didn't drug you"— I can barely speak, as he attempts to strangle me.

"Please... let go."

< Logan's POV >

Does She think I'm a fool? I can recognize a whore when I see one!

Damn it, I thought I could fight this off, but I've hit breaking point; I can't believe I, Logan Pierce, am being dragged down like this.

My eyes started wandering over her body and abdomen without realizing it, the sharp rises and falls off her chest as she struggled to breathe, her eyes glistening and her mouth slightly open.

Hearing her last plea, my hands draw back from her neck. She coughs a couple of times, and in a swift movement, I tear off her annoying dress — it's just the drugs but this lady is incredibly sexy.

<Miley's POV>

I was released, but he wrecked my dress. I had to get out of there, but I didn't make it— I was pushed hard against the door, and my back ached, but what confused me next was his kiss. it felt like being engulfed, consumed by all his savageness. I fought as hard as I could, rapidly losing strength; at this rate, the drugs were at work.

I begged Him to let me go, his hands roaming my body. I didn't want my first experience to be this way, but he was resolute in his disregard. He tossed me onto the bed.

No matter how much I struggled or pleaded he didn't listen. my whole body ached; I couldn't stop crying or move beneath him. I gave up trying to escape or ask for release— it meant nothing to him, even if he ended up killing me in his pursuit of pleasure. I can't remember the moment I lost consciousness, only that upon waking up, my hell began a new.

Present Day

Miley POV

I awoke in a hospital room, a man seated before me the same man that had picked me up from the alleyway.

" How do you feel?" his voice was Kind, yet I couldn't even respond to his question before I had to sit up and vomit.

He patted my back while calling for the doctors.

" considering her situation, we can say she's progressing quite well. However, in her condition, both her physical and mental state are quite poor." I don't grasp what the doctor is talking about; I don't feel any different than a few moments ago.

" what do you suggest, doctor? surely something can be done." I don't understand why this person cares so much for me; he doesn't even know me.

" My advice is an abortion. that way the young lady might survive. otherwise both she and her baby risk dying."

" what did he just say? I'm pregnant? but it was only a few hours ago when..." I felt a pat on my shoulder.

" It's been almost a month since I found you in the alley, and you are almost a month pregnant. it's tough for a woman without a husband or any form of support to withstand a pregnancy, but the choice is yours, do you want to abort?" All I could do was burst into tears as the man embraced me, listening without a word.

I hadn't wanted any of this; I'm sure I didn't deserve it. they took everything from me, my dreams, ambitions, my will to live. what point was there in continuing this wretched life? there was nothing left for me.

And now it's my decision to make another life? Why is life so cruel to me? what did do to deserve this?

" if you choose to live and abort, you have my support, and these doctors will ensure that you lead a trouble-free life. if you decide to keep it, I'll find the best specialists to ensure no harm comes to you both."

" Who are you? What do you want from me?".

" I want nothing more than for you to be able to live."

" you're right, I'll be frank. I'm doing this because it's what I couldn't do for my own daughter. like you, she was a young lady who lost her husband and died of grief without me being able to do anything. it's been four years, and I still can't get over it. you remind me very much of her.

"I'm just reopening the same wounds in your heart. I can't be saved."

" You're wrong. Everyone can be saved. you have something my daughter did not."

" And what's that?"

" A reason to live. Do I truly have one? And if so what? Should I feel happy expecting the child of a bastard who raped me and left me to die?".

" Think about it. perhaps life isn't taking everything from you. But Tell me, what do you think?"

" Miley, my name is Miley." I whispered

" It's a pleasure, Miley. I'm Jasper Hales." that name rings a bell but I can't remember where from.

"You don't have to answer now. Take some time to think about it." Mr Jasper assured me

" No, I have made my decision, but I have to ask you for a favor."

"whatever you need." Mr.Jasper said looking at me intently

" Help me, get far away from here, I promise that..."

"You don't need to promise anything. I told you, just living is reward enough." Jasper said while looking at with me all the care In the world as she patted my hair

" Thank you."

"I will the doctor."

...

Several years later

Miley sat reviewing documents on her laptop, her life having taken a turn for the better. Now named Miley Hales, Jasper had no issues giving her his surname, treating her just like his two other children, who also cherished her as a sister.

Every so often, Miley would glance away from her work and smile at a pair of beautiful children with black hair and gray eyes playing in the playground Jasper had set up in his garden for them.

The lovely little girl approached, bearing a rose for her mother.

" Mummy, take this." It was a custom of little Kiara's every day to gift her mother three roses, one for each surprise of the day, her way of saying thanks.

" Thank you, my princess. I have a gift for you too."

" what is it today, Mummy?" Each day she had a sweet surprise for her little ones, knowing how much they loved them. she would wrap the treats herself, saving them to give later.

Her daughter's smile upon receiving the gift filled her heart with joy.

“And you, Jaden, do you have something for me?”

Her son had been observing quietly. Unlike Kiara, Jaden was more reserved—serious in demeanor, though deeply protective and indulgent with his sister. He was the one who cut a rose for her every day, making sure Kiara never got hurt.

“Nothing,” Jaden said flatly.

“Not even a hug?” Miley teased her little one.

“Only one.” He gave his mother a firm embrace, which she happily returned.

“One more.”

“You always say that,” he protested, though he still leaned in and gave her another hug.

“I want one too!” Kiara suddenly blurted.

“Come here, my dear.” Miley gathered both her babies in her arms, holding them close.

“May I join as well?”

“Uncle Aiden!” Kiara squealed, running straight into his arms.

Aiden crouched to catch her, then looked over at Jaden. “Aren’t you going to greet me, Jaden?”

The boy hesitated, glancing at his mother. Only after Miley gave him a small nod did he step forward to greet his uncle.

“How big you’ve grown!” Aiden ruffled the boy’s hair with a smile. “Go on now, play with your sister. I need to talk to your mummy.”

Before leaving, Jaden paused. “Why hasn’t Grandpa come?”

The two adults exchanged a heavy look.

“Your grandfather Jasper is busy,” Miley said softly. “But he’ll surely come.”

The children ran off, leaving the air heavy with silence.

“Your return isn’t a good sign,” Miley whispered, turning to her brother. “Is Dad’s situation serious?”

Aiden’s eyes softened with grief. “Miley… Dad passed away this morning.”

Her world stopped. “That can’t be true! He said he was fine, just tired… Why so sudden?”

“Calm down,” Aiden urged gently. “I know it’s hard, but the kids are here. You must be strong for them.”

She pressed a trembling hand to her chest. He was right, but it was unbearable. That man had been more than a father to her, he had supported and cared for her like no one else ever had. How could she accept he was gone?

“When is the funeral?” she asked, her voice breaking.

“Tomorrow. Breaking the news to Kiara and Jaden will be hard, so I’ll be here for you.”

“Thank you… We’ll leave today. I want to attend the wake as well.”

“As you wish. Nathan is handling everything.”

Revealing the truth to her children was the hardest thing she’d ever faced. How could they possibly understand death?

“So… Grandpa’s not coming back?” Jaden asked quietly.

Miley forced herself to meet his gaze. “No, sweetheart. He can’t come back to us.”

“But he promised he would,” Kiara said tearfully. “And you said promises should never be broken!”

Aiden knelt down, his voice soft but firm. “Sometimes, circumstances force us to break promises. But I assure you that your grandfather will always be with you, here.” He touched his chest.

The next day, seeing Jasper in his casket broke Miley’s heart. Only days ago, he had been laughing with her and the children. She had thought she would have many more years with him. If only she had known time was short.

Approaching his still body, she kissed his forehead. “I know I didn’t say it enough, but thank you… Thank you for giving me hope and a home when I had lost the will to live. You were, and will always be, my angel. Thank you, Dad.”

“Mummy, why doesn’t Grandpa get up?” Kiara asked innocently, tugging her sleeve. “Isn’t he tired? You said too much sleep isn’t good.”

“He can’t get up, my love,” Miley whispered.

“Why not? Is he sick?”

Jaden spoke with grim certainty. “He’s dead, right, Mummy?”

Her son’s blunt words left her shaken.

“What does it mean to be dead, Mummy?” Kiara asked softly.

“It means he’s gone to heaven, princess.”

“Can we go see him?”

“We can’t, can we, Mummy?” Jaden added.

“No, son,” she said gently, tears burning her eyes.

“I didn’t want Grandpa to leave,” Kiara cried. “I loved him so much.”

“We all did,” Miley said, pulling them close. “But sometimes… it’s unavoidable.”

Aiden placed a hand on her shoulder. “Miley, come. Mr. Pierce and his two sons are here to offer condolences. Nathan is with them now.”

Miley lifted her head and froze. Across the room, she spotted Logan speaking with her brother—her former father-in-law, flanked by his two sons. Panic seized her. Quickly, she gathered her children and stood.

“Where are you going?” Aiden asked.

“I’m sorry… I’m not feeling well" I can’t let that man see me or my children.

She hurried to her room, grateful that those people did not attend the funeral the next day. She wanted nothing to do with them. Jasper had always shielded her from those dealings, but now that he was gone, she knew… everything was about to change.

After the funeral, Miley sat with her two brothers and the children. It had been so long since they were all together that even casual conversation felt rare and precious.

For years, Nathan and Aiden had barely spoken, but now old grudges seemed to fade.

“It’s been ages since I last saw you,” Nathan said with a faint smile. “How long have you been growing out your hair?”

Miley laughed lightly. “I only did it because Kiara tried to cut hers the same length as mine.”

“What? She wanted to chop it off?” Nathan asked in disbelief.

“She did,” Aiden interjected. “I’ll never forget the look on Miley’s face and Dad’s laughter when Kiara stood there holding piles of her own hair. That was a year ago, wasn’t it?”

“Please don’t remind me.” Miley shook her head. “Kiara thought if Jaden and I had short hair, then she should too.”

“So you grew your hair out for her?” Nathan asked gently.

“Yes,” Miley admitted. “I promised her that neither of us would cut our hair again.”

She smiled at the memory. It was amusing now, but at the time she had been worried sick. Kiara had cut it so short that Dad kept teasing her, calling her a handsome knight. He had been the one to suggest someone in the family grow their hair longer, and she had drawn the short straw. Even now, she wasn’t used to it after years of keeping it short.

“You look beautiful,” Nathan said softly. “It suits you.”

Flustered, Miley rose to her feet. “I’ll go tuck Kiara in. Excuse me.” She hurried away, memories stirring memories of the last time Nathan confessed his feelings. She had made it clear she could never see him as more than a brother, but his affection still weighed on her. Her heart and mind were with her children.

---

Miley’s POV

Months passed after our father’s death, yet his absence remained sharp, like a wound that refused to heal. As he wished, we his children took over the family businesses. I continued to oversee the national branches, just as I had when he was alive. But something unexpected arose.

“ Aiden? What a surprise!” I said when he walked into my office.

His face was grim. “I wish I came with better news .”

“What’s wrong?”

“Our American liaison sent this over. ” He handed me several documents.

I scanned them and frowned. “This can’t be right. I checked last month’s reports myself. The numbers were much higher. Tell him to redo it. "

“This is the third report, Miley,” Aiden replied seriously. “Something is wrong. We need you there. This issue didn’t just appear yesterday.”

“Return to Lilyrose City?” My chest tightened. “I can’t.”

“I know it wasn’t in your plans,” he said. “But Nathan and I are overwhelmed. You’re the only one who can fix this.”

He was right. They were always traveling, handling enterprises I couldn’t. Without Dad, the businesses in Lilyrose had spiraled into chaos. Worse, corruption had crept in, especially from the Gilberts. To fix it, I would have to work through Pierce Enterprises our main partner and ally.

But going back meant facing the people who had abandoned me. The ones who had hurt me. I wasn’t ready.

“I want to help,” I whispered, “but going back there … I can’t .”

“You can, Miley,” Aiden said firmly. “And you will. But tell me how long do you plan to keep running?”

Maybe he was right. Maybe I had been hiding. Still, I found peace in letting my old family think I was dead. Peace in staying far from their cruelty.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured.

Aiden’s eyes softened. “Do you remember? Years ago, Dad saved Nathan too. He was sold as a fighter. Bitter. Aggressive. He trusted no one. But Dad broke through, little by little, until Nathan became the man who protected us all.”

My throat tightened. “He truly was an exceptional man.”

“He was.” Aiden’s voice was steady. “Miley, since Dad brought you into this family, you’ve never been alone. Nathan, me, and the Hale name we stand with you. If you ever face your old family, or that man who hurt you, don’t bow. Crush them underfoot. No one can stop you. We are the strongest family there is.”

I stared at him, stunned. His words rang with truth and carried a promise of justice I hadn’t expected. Maybe I had nothing to fear. Maybe they should fear me.

“Thank you, Aiden,” I said, drawing strength from his resolve. “Alright. I’ll go.”

“That’s the spirit. I’m counting on you, sister.”

“One thing though,” I asked quietly. “What’s going on between you and Nathan? You’ve drifted apart again. I thought—”

“Don’t worry,” he cut in. “It’s nothing serious. We’ll sort it out.”

“Alright. Then I’ll start preparing for Lilyrose.”

“You don’t need to worry,” Aiden said. “We’ve arranged everything the property, the staff, and a security team for you and the twins. You’ll be safe.”

“You’ve thought of everything,” I said with a small smile. “Were you so sure I wouldn’t refuse?”

“No,” he said simply. “But I trust you. And I trust my judgment.”

“In that way, you’re just like Dad always knowing what to say to make people follow. There’s no doubt you’re his son.”

“At least I learned well.”

“The twins are about to be dismissed from school,” I said. “Will you join me in picking them up?”

“Of course. I have a trip to Tokyo, but I want to say goodbye first.”

“So we won’t see you for a while?”

“What are you talking about?” Aiden chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss my nephew and niece’s birthday. Dad always made it the best celebration I’ll try to do the same.”

He promised to visit whenever possible. And true to his word, two weeks later, the children and I were on a private jet arranged by the Hale family, heading to Lilyrose City.

When we landed, a tall man in a black suit stepped forward.

“Good afternoon, Miss Hale. My name is Dave. I’ve been assigned to your safety and to that of the young prince and princess.”

The titles stirred something in me. In Father’s household, staff always called Kiara and Jaden prince and princess. They had fit those roles perfectly.

“Thank you, Dave,” I said sincerely. “I’ll be relying on you.”

Jaden woke up quickly, but Kiara was still asleep, so I carried her to the car. Six more guards waited by the vehicles.

“These men form your security detail,” Dave explained. “Four will protect the children, and two plus myself will guard you.”

“Please take good care of my children.”

“Of course, Miss Hale,” he replied with a respectful bow.

We arrived at the residence,a vast, palatial home built to mirror our old one. The twins’ play areas, their bedrooms, even the smallest treasures had been arranged exactly as before. Aiden had gone to great lengths to ensure we felt at home.

Truly, he was a wonderful brother.

.