Madison carter moved to a new city to leave her complicated family background behind, to focus on a new beginning, but when her car breaks down, her life takes a new turn she never expected. Aaron Thompson, a brooding mechanic with a past that intertwines with Mr Denzel Carter's connection with the Oron syndicate, comes to her aid. What begins as a chance encounter spirals into a world of hidden truths, danger, deception and unending romance. When Madison becomes the sole target of a dangerous group chasing her due to her father's shady deals, Aaron steps in as her protector, but the revelation of his plot for redemption makes her question whether to truly trust him or if he's part of the conspiracy. In her world filled with lies, love might be their only way out as their chemistry ignites. With their enemies closing in and time running out, Madison must uncover the truth and decide if Aaron Thompson is her salvation or greatest risk.
"Madison! Madison!" Aaron in tears kneeling as he held her in his arms.
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Hold up! That's not where we begin.
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Chapter One
New York City buzzed with pulsing life, tireless rhythm of noise and energy. The air carried the scent of rain blended with relentless ambition, one that Madison carter wasn't sure she could keep up with. But here she was, trying as she stood at the edge of her tiny balcony, her hands gripping the rusted railings as she gazed at the city.
She lifted up her face to the sky, letting the gentle drizzle of rain poured over her skin. The rain felt symbolic, like washing away of her past she was determined to leave behind. Her past wasn't a place she often visited, not if she could help it. There were many shades of black and darkness that stung like open wounds, and as if to punctuate the moment, her phone vibrated on the wooden table behind her, an immediate interruption from the calm she was trying to have. She sighed and stepped back into her studio apartment.
Her apartment was an evidence of survival, barely furnished, with a couch that served as both a bed and a silent witness to sleepless nights, a makeshift desk by the window, and a single pot on the stove, worn and scarred.
Madison swiped open her phone, A new message from Rachel, her boss at the gallery, lit up the screen.
"Remember your meeting with the donor tomorrow, its crucial. And for heaven's sake, wear something that screams professional. Make an impression!"
She groaned, tossing the phone onto her couch.
Rachel meant well, but she wasn't sure she could scream anything other than "walking catastrophe." She pressed her fingers to her head, longing to skip to the time when she felt grounded and settled. Maybe even happy. But happiness felt like a luxury she couldn't afford.
The gallery had been a way to rebuild in a city that didn't remind her of her past. It was a modest role, assisting with exhibits and managing donors, but it was hers. After years spent behind the domineering presence of her father, where every decision and choice had been dictated by him, she craved for freedom.
When she heard about the job opening in New York, she grabbed the opportunity desperate for something of her own. Her father was infuriated and his words were sharp.
"You think you can just run away and start afresh? What else do you need? New York will break you, and when it does you will be crawling back to a better life here."
His voice felt like a weapon with each passing syllable meant to wound.
"Madison, you are nothing without me. Nothing!"
His words still tarried in her mind, haunting her. But she wasn't going to let that define her. She was far from being the little girl who cowered beneath his harsh words. She clenched her fists at the memory, forcing herself to focus on here and now.
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"Morning, Maddie!" Rachel's voice reverberated as Madison walked into the gallery the following day. Her boss, a burst of enthusiasm, had her blonde hair swept into a messy bun that screamed effortless chic.
"You are meeting with Mr. Richard in an hour. Ready to work your magic on our biggest donor?"
Madison forced a smile. "I'll do my best."
Rachel stared for a moment, a tinge of concern crossing her sharp features. "You've been...distant. Is everything okay?"
Madison froze for a moment, caught off guard. People didn't usually ask her about her feelings. Most of her life had been spent perfecting the art of being fine, no matter how badly she crumbled beneath the surface.
"Just getting used to the city," she said, her voice carefully even. "It's been...overwhelming."
Rachel didn't look convinced, but she nodded, her stare remained for a while as she breezed off, leaving Madison with her thoughts and the weight of everything she wasn't saying.
The day flew by in a haze of meetings, emails and polite smiles, leaving Madison drained by the time she stepped out of the gallery. The sun dipping below the skyline, washing the city in it's hue. She pulled her coat tighter, the autumn chill biting at her skin, a reminder that winter was just around the corner.
Her stomach growled, snapping her out of her daze. She hadn't eaten since breakfast, and the thought of cooking in her tiny apartment was exhausting. Across the road stood a little diner she'd passed a dozen times but never dared to try. Tonight, it definitely beckoned.
"Cheeseburger, French fries, and a soda, please," Madison called on the waitress as she slid into the booth by the window. The diner felt like a refuge, the warmth air welcoming in contrast to the crisp chill of the evening outside.
As she took her first bite, her ears picked up on a conversation from the booth behind her, the voices low but clear enough to catch her attention.
"I'm telling you, I'm so bad at cooking, I almost burnt a salad the other day..."
She listened keenly, as she chuckled. Definitely the kind of humor she needed in her life.
Back at her apartment, the city lights seeped through the thin curtains, casting faint patterns across the walls. Madison curled up in the couch, a blanket draped loosely over her shoulders. Her eyes drifted on the blank wall, where she imagined an art portrait to be hung. The thought of decorating felt strange, almost defiant, as if she wanted permanence.
Her phone chimed on the table, shattering the quiet.
She hesitated but finally her curiosity overpowered her reluctance, and she reached out for it. The message was brief, but hit as her chest tightened.
"We need to talk. Call me."
The number was unfamiliar, but the area code made her eyes freeze. It was from her hometown.
She stared with fear, her thoughts spiraling.
"who could it be?"
The message conveyed an unspoken urgency, but for a fleeting second, she considered erasing what she felt, but she couldn't. With trembling fingers, she set the phone down, unanswered.
Chapter 1 New start
30/01/2025
Chapter 2 Unforeseen Trouble
30/01/2025
Chapter 3 Echoes of the past
30/01/2025
Chapter 4 Watching
30/01/2025
Chapter 5 The protector
30/01/2025
Chapter 6 Trust issues
30/01/2025
Chapter 7 Beginning of a new relationship
30/01/2025
Chapter 8 A snippet of Secrets
30/01/2025
Chapter 9 Between Duty and desire
30/01/2025
Chapter 10 Under the syndicate's grip
30/01/2025
Chapter 11 Secrets and scars
30/01/2025
Chapter 12 The Test of loyalty
14/02/2025
Chapter 13 Cover blown operation begins
14/02/2025
Chapter 14 Are who you claim to be
16/02/2025
Chapter 15 A little time out with fun and peace
17/02/2025
Chapter 16 Nowhere to hide: Madison and Aaron deadly escape
17/02/2025
Chapter 17 Beneath the surface: Tension unleashed
19/02/2025
Chapter 18 Can we trust him Aaron seeks Alex's help
19/02/2025
Chapter 19 The Syndicate found us! Run!
20/02/2025
Chapter 20 Plan A in motion
24/02/2025
Chapter 21 Can we really find anything here Plan A in motion II
25/02/2025
Chapter 22 The Home sweet home in an abandoned creek
26/02/2025
Chapter 23 It's a cipher! Can you crack it
27/02/2025
Chapter 24 Are we chasing ghosts or we are unto to a clue
01/03/2025
Chapter 25 What did Jarvis cocker have to do with Sophie
01/03/2025
Chapter 26 The estate: Kill or get killed
02/03/2025
Chapter 27 Jarvis cocker worked for the syndicate, but couldn't trust them.
03/03/2025
Chapter 28 If I'm gonna keep dodging bullets, I need fuel
04/03/2025
Chapter 29 Daniel might be playing us, he's not trustworthy.
06/03/2025
Chapter 30 The tunnel at the old subway, that's our best lead
10/03/2025
Chapter 31 Shadows lurking at the Belle Gallery 😬
11/03/2025
Chapter 32 Rachel has stepped into sinking sands. Will she get ou
12/03/2025
Chapter 33 Face to face with my menace
13/03/2025
Chapter 34 What did MC clair do to warrant death!!
14/03/2025
Chapter 35 McClair had a son!
17/03/2025
Chapter 36 The weight of the Past: Rachel deep into troubles
19/03/2025
Chapter 37 Back at the old subway
20/03/2025
Chapter 38 Is Jarvis cocker dead or alive
21/03/2025
Chapter 39 Dad, I have missed you!
22/03/2025
Chapter 40 Uncovering depths of deception
24/03/2025