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.

.

< MILEY'S POV>

My entire body ached, and my mind was foggy. I had no idea what had happened last night, attempting to remember only intensified the throbbing in my head.

Looking around in confusion, the room was foreign to me. "Did Julian bring me here?" Flashes of betrayal from the man who until yesterday, was my boyfriend assaulted me. But he did not bring me here. I entered this room seeking refuge from him, forcing myself to stand despite the pain and exhaustion weighing me down.

It was only then that I realized that I was naked. As if that wasn’t enough, a dreadful chill raced through me, coupled with fear when I saw the person Lying naked beside me.

It was Logan Pierce.

A tall and handsome man unlike any other, every girl’s dream and some men too, upon seeing even a mere photograph. And he was the nightmare of anyone who dared approach him. His very presence was intimidating, and his temperament made him the most feared man. Moreover, he was the uncle of my now ex-boyfriend.

The night’s events crashed back to me. Tears escaped as I donned a shirt— I knew it wasn't mine, but I needed it to escape this place without waking the man beside me. otherwise, I would be dead before I could even make an attempt to defend myself. but my luck was cursed...

Flung to the ground, a hand closed around my neck. He woke up and, as feared, this man wanted to kill me.

"Who the hell paid you to do this? Speak before I do something drastic to you", He shouted angrily like he was going to tear apart— He wanted me to speak, but his grip on my neck was so tight I could barely breathe. There was no salvation for me; I was a victim, yet I would die like a criminal.

When I thought my end was near, the door burst open, and to my astonishment, the last traitors I could imagine were there.

Julian, who pretended to be my boyfriend for a bet to satisfy his ego, glared at me with fury. Wasn't he supposed to be the first?

Gasping, I struggled to catch my breath before this person contemplated killing me again.

"But what did you do, Miley? I told you to stop. Think of what will happen to our family when they find out you attacked Mr.Pierce." And yes, that voice condemning me was Audrey's, Julian's lover, and my elder sister. I looked up only to meet Mr. Pierce's furious gaze.

"Stop lying it was you two! I heard you in the hallway last night".

"Mr Pierce, Julian, and I have been looking for my sister all night. She drank too much and was ranting about avenging the humiliation done to our family ". Audrey said so innocently you could believe she would never hurt a fly

"Get out!" Logan commanded— I am going to die, and I don't even have the strength to leave this place. Is it worth saying anything anymore?

Julian remained silent, obviously supporting her. I was so foolish to still hope he would defend me.

"Uncle, father, and the other Gilbert family members are here already, Audrey told them about what she planned to do." I heard Julian say.

I wasn't even given the chance to finish dressing before being dragged out. There was my mother, my grandparents, my uncles—all looking at me as if I were the lowest of the low.

"Mom, I swear I did nothing. It was Audrey and Julian. They are lovers; they planned everything".— And as expected I was struck.

"How dare you tarnish your sister's reputation? Have you no Shame? My mother did not believe me. No one did.

" Just admit it once and for all and stop blaming others for your actions". Audrey kept on bugging me to admit to something I didn't do.

" I will not admit to something I didn't do nor had an idea of! I am the victim here, not you or this man. I was the one..."

"Enough! Mr Pierce, the Gilbert family begs your forgiveness and has decided what to do with her". Those were my uncle's words, the man I had admired and seen as a father figure all my life, and no one opposed his decision.

" I won't dirty my hands with trash like this..." Logan paused before continuing— the pain in my chest was indescribable, more agonizing than the pains racking my body or the rejection from my family. I felt my life ebbing away.

" You have two hours to get out of my city. If I see you again, I will kill you myself". Logan ordered and He left, and I wished to stop him but I couldn't. The pain in my chest was sapping my strength, and I couldn't speak.

I was thrown out of the mansion and into the street like a beggar. The cold air hit my skin like daggers and the reality of my situation crashed down on me. This man... Logan was exceedingly cruel, and my heart ached with despair.

As I lay on the pavement, staring up at the night sky, I realized the depth of my isolation. Betrayed by those I loved and threatened by the very man who should have been my protector, I was utterly alone. How had it come to this? I raced as I grappled with the implications of the betrayal. I had no one to turn to, no one to believe my truth. All I could do was pull myself up from the ground, my body trembling as I faced an uncertain future. l had to find a way to survive, to fight back against the forces conspiring against me.

At that moment, I promised myself that I wouldn't let them win. I would find a way to reclaim my life, even if it meant standing against the very one whom I thought was my family