Alessa pov:

The knock came again, very intensely and hastily. I was frightened by it.

I wiped my tears off. And put on glasses to cover my swollen eyes. The door barged open before I could stand up.

Nurse Mary's face pale like she saw a ghost.. “Doctor Allessa! The…th..the..baby one of them is bleeding from the stomach!”

My heart broke in pieces. Without a second thought, I sprinted toward the delivery room. fear ran through my veins, I was exhausted, even the ache in my chest was killing me.

I pushed the door open and froze.

Adrian My husband was standing there. His eyes met mine but he immediately looked away. So I forced a smile and walked forward. My chest and inside of me was burning so much that it hurt my cheek when I smiled.

The mother of the twins, Hana , is his so-called cousin.…she was crying, clinging to his arm. “She has killed my child! She cut my baby on purpose! That evil woman!! she’s evil!” she pointed at me.

I felt my throat tighten. My eyes brimmed, but I swallowed the tears. I couldn’t let them see me break, not now, not ever!!

“Um..I..I..need to check the baby!” I said, moving toward the incubator, hands shaking, every instinct screaming to save this tiny life first.

The mother shoved my hands away. “Don’t touch my baby! If you wanted to kill her, just admit it! You monster! Are you this jealous because I had a baby for Adrain. You married him three years ago and couldn't have a baby. Now I have one!! you want to push all your hatred on an innocent life!!. ”

“Adrian! Call the police! Arrest her!” She screamed, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Sir,” Nurse Mary said firmly, stepping between Hana and me. “Control your wife. What is she saying? I think she is depressed as a first time mother.. Let Doctor Alessa examine the baby first. ”

“I need a new doctor!” Hana shrieked, thrashing against Adrian’s hold.

I barely had time to breathe before another Doctor barged in

His eyes were full of venom as he stared at me.“How stupid of you!” he snapped. “You actually hurt a baby? You have been acting like you know everything, and now you have caused a huge problem!”

Every word he said felt like a knife. I opened my mouth to explain, to defend myself, but the chaos swallowed me whole.

He walked up to the baby and checked her. Then he turned to us. “Allessa, you should be ashamed of yourself. You allowed your jealousy to cloud your judgement as a Doctor. How could you be so confused as to hurt a baby while operating? Even though she just had a baby for your husband you shouldn't hurt the baby? This is clearly a rookie mistake. I think you purposely did this.” He shook his head.

Nurse Mary looked horrified as she moved backward from me. “You mean she is Dr Allesa's husband's mistress?. And she had a child for him? Why isn't she ashamed? What is going on here?” Mary points at her.

Hana lays her head on Adrain's shoulder sobbing.. “Adrain, how could she do this? We all agreed I will be the surrogate mother. How could she hurt your baby? Now she is telling everyone that I am your mistress? Does she want to ruin my life?”

“Adrain, what is she saying? What surrogacy!!?” I asked, in a loud voice.

He rushed to me and whispered to my ears. “Allessa, we can forget about what happened today. Just accept whatever she says. You wouldn't want to sleep in a cell tonight? I promise I will make it up to you. Just trust me and accept what she wants.” He said, and shifted away from me. He walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. I was left behind while feeling like I was poured cold water.

Then I spoke. “I have evidence to prove my innocence. I believe that alone will show how meticulous I was in that surgery.

Adrain rushed to me and grabbed my arm. He half yelled in my ears. “Dont you understand me? I say you should accept whatever she says. That I will console her. What are you doing?”

I yanked his hands off. “Don’t fucking touch me. You dirty pig!!”

He stared at me with venom in his eyes. Like I was the villain that caused every misfortune in his life.”

“Allessa. Don't be ungrateful!!" He said pointing at me.

Dr Hanik moved away from the baby. He said with a smile. “Well we also have evidence of your crime towards the poor baby.”

I sneered. “Evidence? Call in my OR Assistant. He will verify the baby was okay when we left. I had no idea where the injury was coming from. And the OR has CCTV that alone can prove my innocence.”

He turned to the door. “Come in Lucas.” He smirked at me and I knew something had gone wrong.

Lucas walked in, he was avoiding my gaze. Then he said, “Before I left the OR, Dr Alessa was checking the baby and she still held her scalpel. I was the first that left the OR to inform the father of the children's birth. Later outside the OR I saw Dr Alessa holding a bloody scalpel.” My OR Assistant said, his eyes fixed on Hanik.

“You heard that? She cut the baby when she found out it was her husband. She is just a vicious woman!!” Hanik sighs. While Hana broke into tears, placing her head on my husband's shoulders.

I chuckled. “Everyone in this hospital knows I have the habit of holding my scalpel after surgery. Who doesn't know that in this hospital? How can you claim I use it on the baby!!? When none of you saw it!!!” I turned to Lucas.

“Why are you doing this Lucas!!? We are partners!!” I screamed out, and everyone moved away from me like I was going crazy.

Dr Hanik points at me terrified..“Just look at her? Alessa, are you sure you are mentally okay? I believe you don't fit to be a Doctor.” Hanik shook his head.

Hana wipes her tears. “Dr Hanik, you shouldn't say that about Alessa. She must have gone crazy and did that. I am sure she doesn't mean to hurt my baby? I am not angry about this. But I am worried for Adrain. Adrain wanted this baby so bad. Now she has hurt one of them.”

I looked at them suspiciously.. “So you even know his name? Did you guys plan all this show?” I asked, my eyes on her blazing fire. I was trying my best, restraining myself from attacking them.

She turned to Adrain. “No..no..I don't know him. T..The..um....." she points at the nurse. "she..called his name. So I recalled.”

The door barged open and everyone turned. I saw lots of people outside. They were all watching the commotion. The door was opened wider by a policeman and followed suit by Kai- Adrian's younger brother. He was notoriously known as the delinquent of the family. He was much taller than the policeman and every man in this room. His blue hair and his dandy dressing gives off a thug vibe.

He looked around until his eyes got to me. He showed no expression in his gaze.

Kai walked to his brother. “Brother Adrian. I called the police as you requested." He said with a huge smirk.

KAI's POV

"She was always trouble, Adrian."

My voice was low, cutting through the noisy police station corridor. "You shouldn't have married Allessa in the first place. You should've followed your heart and married Hana like you wanted to. I warned you back then that you will regret later. Now see she nearly killed your twins. Such a woman doesn't deserve you."

Adrian stopped walking and turned to me, his face hard. "Kai, you know I couldn't say no to my grandfather. What if he decides to threaten my inheritance? You know I am not like you, that is useless to the family." He arrogantly sneered. "I have responsibilities for the whole family. I can't say no because she is a country side barefoot doctor."

"You know she doesn't deserve someone like you. You deserve someone like you that acts like you." I said, tapping his shoulders with a worried look."Brother, I feel so bad you ended up with such a woman that harmed your kids. Such an uncultured and bitter woman. Back then I knew why I warned you that she wasn't a good match."

He replied in a sad tone. "If not, you are useless to the family and don't contribute anything. You are a good brother to me so I won't treat you badly." he touched my shoulders. "Don't worry brother, I will buy you the latest motorbike. My mum blocked your card right?" he asked and I nodded. "Dont worry, I will unlock it right now, you can use some to gamble a bit. You know I am the only one that knows you best and cares for you."

So I hugged him, patting his back. "Ohhh, sweet brother, you are so good to me. I love you."

"I am going to check on Hana and my twins. They need me right now. Such a poor girl suffered all this because of me."

"Of course," I muttered. "Go play with your family. Hana must be sad without you. As for Alessa, I think I should bail her."

He stared at me with a frowned face. "Why? She must sleep here for a month before I release her. Do you know how she disrespected me at the hospital? Or are you siding with her?" His tone changed.

I smiled. "Haa..brother no..You know how much I dislike that woman." I shook my head, showing my disgust. "I am only thinking about you. Won't grandfather get angry at you for that? You know he will hate your Hana more if you keep Alessa locked up."

He smirked, and hit my arm. "I know you always think about my well being. Just do whatever you want to her. I told the police men to tame her a bit for me. A few slaps that will give her a red face for a week. Make sure they do that. Don't try to pity her, make sure they do that."

Adrian shot me one last warning look before turning and walking away, his expensive shoes clicking against the tiled floor like nothing in the world was wrong.

I stood there, fists clenched, chest heaving with rage I didn't know where to put.

Jace-my best friend and assistant stepped beside me, lowering his voice. "This your elder brother is so stupid. He thinks you are a little kid that he wants to spoil rotten. Imagine he is telling a 26 year old to gamble. Does he think you are a little kid that doesn't know right and wrong?" He shook his head. "But Kai, did you really have to talk about your brother's wife like that?" he asked quietly. "You know that was harsh. You always badmouth his wife in his pretense but nice to her when he isn't there. What is your gain doing that?"

I turned on him instantly. "Shut up, Jace. Mind your business."

He raised both hands. "I'm just saying...But you...."

I turned to him. "I said shut up." I turned and headed toward the waiting room.

And that's when I saw Allessa walking in. Her face was red and swollen.

A female officer was gripping her arm, dragging her forward like she was some kind of criminal. Her wrists were cuffed, red and already bruised.

"Move faster," the officer snapped and shoved her into the room.

That was it. I exploded out of my seat. "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

The officer turned sharply. "Sir, sit down...Are you not the victim's brother? Who are you siding with?"

"Don't touch her like that!" I barked, stepping between them. My fists were clenched so tight my knuckles burned.

Allessa lifted her head then, her eyes meeting mine. They were glassy... tired... but still looked pretty and enticing that it melts my heart.

"Kai," she said softly but firmly. "Stop. Please."

Her calling my name so softly melted me. I froze, my ears standing.

"Don't make this worse," she whispered. "Just... let it go."

Let it go? How the hell was I supposed to let this go? My mind was beating so fast I was so eager to bounce on the woman and beat her black and blue.

I turned away, breathing hard. If I didn't step back, I was going to lose control. And that wouldn't help her.

I waited until the officer left, then went back to her slowly.

She was sitting now, small and fragile on the hard plastic chair. Nothing like the strong, confident surgeon everyone feared and admired. Just... Allessa. I never knew everyone she was nice to will turn their back on her.

I knelt in front of her and gently lifted her hands. The cuffs were too tight. Red marks circled her wrists.

My chest tightened.

I reached into my pocket, pulled out the small key I had stolen from the officer earlier, and unlocked the cuffs.

They fell to the floor with a soft clink.

She didn't pull away when I touched her hands. I held them carefully, like they were made of glass.

"Are you okay?" I asked quietly.

She laughed, not a happy laugh but a mocking one. "Okay?" she repeated.

Then she looked up at me, eyes sharp despite the wet eyes.

"Didn't you call the police on me?" she whispered. "Why are you acting all concerned now? You are just like your brother. The only difference is that you are handsome."

The words came suddenly and my cheeks burned red. "Handsome?" then the other words kicked in. I swallowed. "I am not like my brother. I will never be as stupid as him. Like I said he deserves someone as foolish as him. You deserve someone better. Remember, I sent you a letter on your engagement day. That he wasn't a good person or a good match. But you ignored it and went ahead so you can't blame me."

Her lips parted. "Why are you two faced Kai? When your brother is here you treat me like trash. When he is gone you..."

"N..noo..." I shook my head fiercely. "I just don't like foolishly in love women. I just wanted you to know his true colors. He never defended you when I said those things. Isn't that a sign that he isn't a good person? "

She pulled her hands back slowly, then raised one hand to caress my cheek. I placed my hand on her hand that was on my cheek.

"Kai, why say all this? Do you like me? The way you look at me isn't innocent at all? You know I am your brother's wife?" she brought her face closer to my face. Her lip an inch from mine. Her minty breath poured on my face.

Someone barged in, kicking the iron gate. "You little witch!!"

I flinched, flying away from her and I almost fell on my mouth. My step mom Lydia rushed to Alessa and slapped her once as she raised her hand again to slap her.

I instinctively held her hand without thinking. When I realized what I did it was too late.

KAI Wolfe's POV

Her hand lifted before I could even think.

I caught it midair.

"Don't," I said sharply, defending her.

Lydia froze, her eyes blazing as she stared at me, her fingers trembling in my grip. "Let go of me, Kai. Who gave you the guts to stop me?"

I released her immediately and stepped back, fear flashing through me before I could hide it.

"M...M..Mother... I'm sorry," I said quickly.

Her eyes narrowed, she stared at me surprised by my sudden outburst.

Before I could react, her hand flew again- this time landing hard against my face.

"Who is your mother?" she snapped, but suddenly softened her face.

The sting burned, but I didn't move. I did it to protect Alessa. In Lydia's eyes I was worthless and should remain a worthless stepson.

Then Allessa stood up.

"Mother... what do you want?" her voice was soft, but there was strength in it.

Lydia ignored her completely, pointing at me instead. "Why did you stop me from slapping her? Didn't you see what she did to your brother and his children? Or are you siding with her now?"

My fists clenched. "Grandfather is coming," I said quietly. "It won't look good if you hit her face. You know he protects her a lot. "

That was the only thing that made her pull away. Not because she felt wrong... but because she feared Grandfather. Her face changes when grandfather is around.

She turned to Allessa then, her lips curling in disgust.

"Allessa, we kindly brought you in despite your countryside background. We accepted you into this family. Is this how you repay me?"

Allessa's hands trembled, but she lifted her chin. "I never forced you to marry a countryside woman to your son. You should be happy I..."

The door opened suddenly.

"Grandfather Wolfe is on his way in," the officer announced.

Lydia's expression changed instantly. From rage... to calculation.

She grabbed Allessa's arm and dragged her closer, lowering her voice into something cold and deadly.

"When he comes in, you will say you knew about the surrogate and you supported it. You will say the surgery failed because of your medical accident. You will quit your job to atone for that sin. And it's not my son's fault."

Allessa's eyes widened. "What...?"

"If you refuse," Lydia continued calmly, "I will send you away. You will go back to that countryside where you belong. Without money!! Without protection!! Without this family!! Do you think you can survive without our help? I heard you have a step mom? Do you think she will welcome you with open hands?"

My blood boiled. "You can't...."

She shot me a warning glare. "Stay out of this, Kai. Be a good boy and listen to your mother."

Before I could say another word, the door opened again.

Two elderly men walked in.

Grandfather Wolfe... and beside him was Allessa's grandfather. Alessa's grandfather Smith was angry, his face said it all.

"Grandfather," Lydia said, forcing a polite smile.

But his eyes were sharp and angry, "Where is Adrian?" he demanded. "My grandson stands as husband to another woman while his wife is in police custody? How dare he lock his wife up?"

Silence in the cell fell like a bomb.

Allessa's grandfather rushed to her side, his old hands trembling as he held her shoulders. "My child... are you alright?"

Allessa's lips quivered. She shook her head but said nothing.

Grandfather Wolfe turned to Lydia. "Leave us."

Lydia stiffened. "Father...You know..my son is innocent."

"I said leave," he barked.

She hesitated, then stormed out, fury burning in her eyes as she passed me.

She closed the gate hard, almost falling down the building.

Grandfather Wolfe sighed heavily and turned to Allessa. "Child... I am ashamed of my grandson. You did not deserve this humiliation. It is all my fault for the failed upbringing of my grandson. What do you want? I will make it up to you." He saw her red face. Then he asked. "What happened to your face? Who hit you?"

Tears finally slipped from her eyes. Silent and Broken, she fell on her grandfather's shoulder.

"I raised my grandson better than this," he continued angrily. "Surrogate or not, a man does not disgrace his wife publicly. This family has failed you. I will make sure I will deal with my son."

Allessa's grandfather Mr Smith pulled her into his chest, patting her hair. "You will not be bullied here, my dear. Not while I'm alive. I will take you away right now. I can't let you stay here and compromise. I will make them pay for hitting you."

My chest felt like it was tearing apart. -Then Grandfather Wolfe looked at me.

"Kai."

I straightened immediately. "Yes, sir."

"You will take Allessa home," he said firmly. "Not to that house filled with poison. I don't want to anger her more. Take her to your place or a hotel for the night. I heard Adrain took that wicked woman home. I will go there and send her away. I don't want Alessa going there to see her. She needs to stay out for a bit."

Allessa gasped. "What? No...."

"Just for tonight Alessa," he said gently. "She needs rest. Tomorrow, lawyers will handle this matter. We know you are a good doctor. You treated my lame leg. What is a child you can't deliver?"

Alessa's grandfather held her. "Listen to your grandpa Wolfe. I am sorry it was my fault, I forced you into this marriage. Grandfather won't let anyone hurt you again."

Then she smiled, going for her seat. "Grandpa, I am fine. These little things don't hurt me. I fell on my face, nobody hit me okay? What about my father? Did you call him and inform him about this? Why did you travel such a long distance alone? You know your health isn't good."

He smiled reassuring his granddaughter. I stared at them and felt the love between them.

My grandfather turned to me. "Take care of Alessa. And I will take care of my friend.(Her grandpa)"

"Yes, sir," I said.

After everything, they turned away and left to bail her.

As I helped Allessa to her feet, her hand brushed mine. She flinched slightly... but didn't pull away.

Then she said softly. "Kai, my legs are hurting. Pull off my heels for me."

"Why? Why should I?" I asked, my eyes shone. I was happy, maybe she likes me touching her. But a part of me felt like Alessa wasn't seeing me as a man. She was seeing me as a little brother. "Why should I touch your feet?" I asked, angrily.

She looked away. "Well, if you don't want to forget it." She said turning away from me like I was a plague.

But I went on my knees immediately and slowly pulled off her heels. Her feet were slender, pale white like her face and beautiful. She smiled sweetly and enticingly. I wondered why my brother would cheat on such a beautiful woman. A woman I will die to have her for a second on my bed.

She suddenly patted my hair. "Kai, you are such a good boy!."

And I knew, with terrifying certainty, that from this moment on.. I wasn't just protecting my brother's wife anymore.

I was protecting the woman who was slowly stealing my heart