Whispers After Midnight: The Promise

Whispers After Midnight: The Promise

Joy Samson Agnes

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She thought he was her dream-until he became her wrecking ball. Mia believed in fairy tales because her parents lived one. Raised in love, she dreamed of a man like her father: gentle, loyal, and kind. So when Noah Bradford walked in with a charming smile and stormy eyes, she thought she had found forever. But Noah wasn't a dream. He was every warning wrapped in temptation. At twenty-five, he used love like a weapon. Haunted by a past where love meant betrayal, he vowed never to feel again. Mia wasn't special-just another target. She should have walked away. But Mia stayed. Even when it hurt, even when he tried to break her, she held on-believing love could fix him. Then came Christian Turner. Assigned as Mia's bodyguard, he quickly became more than a shadow. Calm, protective, and quietly intense, Christian vowed to keep her safe-because in his eyes, Mia's tears weren't just pain. They were danger. And Noah had done nothing but make her cry. Christian's mission is clear: protect Mia, even if it means standing between her and the man she still loves. Even if Noah dares to return. But Mia's heart isn't the only thing at risk. Ava, the woman who discarded Noah, wants him back. Hannah, the only woman he ever loved, has unfinished business. And Isabella-Mia's younger sister-is hungry for Noah, and the family fortune, too. Trapped between her past and a man who would burn the world to protect her, Mia must face the truth: sometimes love doesn't heal. It destroys. Will she walk away with her heart intact or lose herself trying to save someone who never wanted to be saved?

Chapter 1 Home and Heartbeats

I zipped the last compartment of my suitcase, heart fluttering with excitement. My final paper was over just two days ago, and I was done with Year Two of my Mass Communications and Media Studies degree at Arizona State University.

Next semester, Year Three will begin. But for now, I was flying home to Times Square, New York City. Nobody knew I was coming. That was the thrill of it.

Raven, my best friend and partner-in-crime, helped me plan the surprise. Our parents would be shocked, and I could already imagine my baby sister Isabella's screams of excitement when she saw me.

At the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, I texted Nana, our housekeeper, asking her to make something special for dinner. She was the only one in on the plan. She replied with an enthusiastic yes and emojis that made me smile.

Soon, I boarded the flight and leaned back in my seat. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

When we landed at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the sun was mild but golden. I inhaled the city's familiar air like it was medicine.

I booked a ride immediately, and thirty minutes later, we pulled up in front of our mansion. The tall iron gate, the trimmed hedges, and the fountains dancing in the front yard all screamed home.

Dragging my suitcase along the paved path, I assumed no one was around except Nana. But as I got closer, I saw her head pop out through the window.

Her eyes widened, and she ran out, apron flapping behind her.

"Mia! Oh my goodness, child!" Nana rushed to hug me, arms wide like angel wings.

"Hey, Nana! Don't tell me you've missed me more than I've missed you!"

She kissed my cheeks and said, "You grew skinny. What have you been eating? Grass?"

I laughed and wheeled my bag inside. "You'll feed me back to size in no time."

The house smelled like vanilla and pinewood. The cream-colored tiles shimmered under the chandelier light, and the scent of cinnamon drifted from the kitchen. "Nana, I've missed this house, your food, the air. I could cry!"

She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with a loud squeal. "I'm finally home!"

"Mia-" she tried again.

"Later, Nana! Let me go upstairs and-"

Then I froze. I heard giggles. Grown-up giggles. My brain stalled for a second.

I took a few steps back toward Nana, eyes narrowed. "Who's laughing in the kitchen?"

She looked at the ceiling like she hadn't heard a thing. I tiptoed to the slightly open door and peeped. My mouth parted.

There they were. My parents. Allison and Frederick. Acting like high schoolers on prom night. Mom had flour on her nose. Dad was behind her, arms around her waist, swaying as she stirred something in a pot. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. She slapped his hand playfully, but her giggle gave her away.

My heart melted. They didn't notice me watching. They were too busy whispering and stealing kisses.

Growing up, our home had always been like this. My parents weren't just in love; they were addicted to each other. My dad often left work early just to watch mom nap. She always made silly excuses to sit on his lap while watching TV. They danced in the hallway, shared ice cream, and told each other things like it was their first week dating.

Watching them now, I made a silent promise. I would find a man like my father. Or no one at all.

Just as Dad leaned in to kiss Mom again, she spun around with a laugh-and bumped into me. She screamed.

"Mia!" she gasped. "How long have you been standing there?"

I bit my lip. "I just got here."

Nana giggled from behind me, covering her mouth. My dad looked over Mom's shoulder and his eyes widened.

"Pumpkin!"

They pulled me into a group hug. I hadn't realized how much I needed that. I cried.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Mom asked, wiping my tears.

"I wanted to surprise you, but instead, Nana surprised me."

"And I'm guessing she tried to warn you?" Mum said, playfully rolling her eyes at Nana.

"I should have listened." I grinned, then looked at them suspiciously. "But what are you both doing at home on a Wednesday? I chose today because I knew you'd be at work."

Dad kissed Mom's temple. "We decided to take the day off. Just to be together."

"Aww! That's it. I'm getting myself a man like Dad or I'm staying single forever!"

I ran upstairs laughing. My room was still the same-sky-blue curtains, soft white bed, photographs of our family along the shelves. I collapsed on my bed, hugged my pillow, and repeated the promise. A man like Dad. Or no one.

Later that afternoon, we had lunch. We talked about school, exams, and my plans for the break. Isabella wasn't home yet. She was in college too, studying at The City College of New York, and would return by the weekend. I couldn't wait to see her.

That night, I had a call with Raven.

"Noah's back too," she said.

I paused. "Noah Bradford?"

"My brother. Yes. He got in this evening."

I groaned. "Good thing he didn't fly with us," I said. "I would have refused to board the same flight."

"You're so dramatic."

"Dramatic? That boy thinks the whole world revolves around him!"

I ended the call and stared at the ceiling. The image of my parents played in my head again. Their love was beautiful, pure, and rare. I whispered once more, "A man like my father. Or nothing."

By the weekend, Isabella returned. The house felt complete again. We laughed, watched movies, and made pancakes at midnight.

Days passed, and I started following my parents to the Production studio. I learned to handle cameras, sit in on interviews, and even edit scripts. It was refreshing.

Soon, the holidays ended. Year three was here.

Raven arrived to pick me up. I dashed out, only to freeze mid-step.

"Noah?" I scowled. "You didn't say your brother was coming!"

"We'll miss our flight if we don't go now," she said.

I got in reluctantly. Noah didn't say a word. He was texting Ava, his girlfriend. I looked away.

I hated him. Not just for being arrogant but for how he treated women like toys.

At the airport, I almost screamed when I saw his seat was between mine and Raven's.

"Really, Raven?" I whispered.

She shrugged.

As the plane took off, I glanced at Noah's screen. Messages from girls flooded his WhatsApp. I sighed and muttered under my breath.

"If Noah was the last man alive, I'd stay single forever."

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Chapters
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Whispers After Midnight: The Promise
1

Chapter 1 Home and Heartbeats

27/06/2025

2

Chapter 2 Walking Red Flag Dipped in Good Cologne!

27/06/2025

3

Chapter 3 Why Does it Hurt

27/06/2025

4

Chapter 4 Tears in Whispers

27/06/2025

5

Chapter 5 Baby Bump

27/06/2025

6

Chapter 6 4:43 p

27/06/2025

7

Chapter 7 Loud Whispers

27/06/2025

8

Chapter 8 A Glimpse and a Memory

27/06/2025

9

Chapter 9 That Familiar Frame

27/06/2025

10

Chapter 10 Dots and Disrespect

27/06/2025

11

Chapter 11 The Message

27/06/2025

12

Chapter 12 HELP. A phone number. LIE

13/07/2025

13

Chapter 13 Damn You Noah!!

13/07/2025

14

Chapter 14 Behind the Gate

14/07/2025

15

Chapter 15 Mask

14/07/2025

16

Chapter 16 Sleeping with the Enemy

15/07/2025

17

Chapter 17 Mind Game

15/07/2025

18

Chapter 18 Kevin got Greedy!

16/07/2025

19

Chapter 19 Bank Heist

16/07/2025

20

Chapter 20 Am I the Bad Guy !

17/07/2025

21

Chapter 21 He Had to Disappear

17/07/2025

22

Chapter 22 Her Crime Was Falling in Love!!

19/07/2025

23

Chapter 23 It's Over!!!

19/07/2025

24

Chapter 24 No Babies... No Kevin

20/07/2025

25

Chapter 25 Red Alert

20/07/2025

26

Chapter 26 Charles is Gone Now...

21/07/2025

27

Chapter 27 Is Noah in London or Not

21/07/2025

28

Chapter 28 Assigned Bodyguard

22/07/2025

29

Chapter 29 I Don't Need A Bodyguard!!!

22/07/2025

30

Chapter 30 You Snored Like a Dragon Choked on Lava!

23/07/2025

31

Chapter 31 Now I'm Stuck with this Bodyguard

23/07/2025

32

Chapter 32 I'm his Wife!

24/07/2025

33

Chapter 33 Wives don't Flinch

24/07/2025

34

Chapter 34 You Only Care When I'm Dying

26/07/2025

35

Chapter 35 You Called me Fat!

26/07/2025

36

Chapter 36 Raven

28/07/2025

37

Chapter 37 Shadows

28/07/2025

38

Chapter 38 Lady in Black

29/07/2025

39

Chapter 39 A New Home

29/07/2025

40

Chapter 40 All You Do Is Talk!

31/07/2025