The Gangster's wife (When love crosses boundaries)

3

As he made his way through the corridors of the mansion, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that there was more to the situation than met the eye. Deep down, he knew Siddharth would never betray him, but Phoenix's actions had clouded his judgment.

His mind raced with thoughts of Phoenix's vengeance, and he couldn't help but wonder how much of her involvement Siddharth was aware of. Andrew needed answers, and he needed them now.

He found Siddharth in the study, standing near the large bookshelf that held memories of their shared childhood. The room was filled with an air of tension as Andrew's presence loomed over Siddharth.

Andrew gazed at the pictures of their younger selves, The photographs captured moments of joy, laughter, and brotherly affection, serving as a stark contrast to the heaviness that now weighed upon them.

A faint smile playing on his lips as he recalled their mischievous adventures. But behind the smile, a question burned within him, a question that had haunted him since Phoenix's sudden appearance in their lives once again.

"Do you remember, Sid, when Mom tried to sow seeds of grudges between us?" Andrew's voice was laced with a hint of sadness, his eyes searching for answers.

Siddharth's face softened, and he nodded. "Yes, I remember. But no matter what she tried, she could never succeed in tearing us apart. Our bond was always stronger than her manipulations."

Andrew's gaze turned intense, locking with Siddharth's. "Then how did Phoenix succeed in her very first attempt? How did she manage to create such chaos and confusion between us?"

Siddharth took a deep breath, his eyes filled with empathy. "Drew, Phoenix isn't what you think she is. There's a deeper pain that drives her actions. And it's time you knew the truth."

Andrew's brows furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Siddharth? Who is Phoenix, if not the woman I once knew?"

Siddharth's voice trembled with emotion as he spoke, recounting a heartbreaking incident from Phoenix's past. "After you and Phoenix separated, she faced unimaginable pain and loss. Our enemies, the very ones we fought together, sought to break her spirit. Even Liam Ambrosia took advantage of her vulnerability, stripping away everything she held."

Siddharth reached out and placed a hand on Andrew's shoulder, his voice filled with compassion. "I know, brother. It was a dark time for Phoenix, and she had no one to turn to. That's when I came into her life, determined to protect her, to save her from the abyss of despair."

Andrew's chest tightened, the realization dawning upon him. "You... you saved her?"

Siddharth nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, Drew. I did everything in my power to shield her from further harm. I became her anchor, her protector when she had no one else. In the process, our bond grew stronger, and our love for each other blossomed."

A mix of emotions swirled within Andrew's heart—regret, jealousy, and a profound sense of loss. He had underestimated the depths of Phoenix's pain and the resilience of Siddharth's love.

Siddharth continued, his voice filled with conviction. "Drew, I understand your confusion and hurt. But Phoenix's actions, as misguided as they may seem, stem from a place of deep-seated pain and a burning desire for justice. She wants to reclaim what was taken from her, to ensure that no one else suffers as she did."

Andrew's gaze fell to the floor, grappling with the complex web of emotions entwined within him. The love he felt for both Phoenix and Siddharth collided with his own wounded pride, leaving him torn between his loyalties and his desire for understanding.

As the silence stretched between them, Siddharth reached out, his voice filled with earnestness. "Drew, I know this is difficult for you. But we need to find a way to bridge the divide, to understand Phoenix's motives which aren't meant to hurt you but to heal herself, and to heal the wounds that have festered for too long. Our bond, as brothers, is stronger than any obstacle. We can't let Phoenix's vengeance towards you tear us apart."

Andrew looked up, meeting Siddharth's gaze, and nodded. "You're right, Siddharth. We can't let our love and loyalty be overshadow

Andrew and Siddharth's conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a loyal servant, Stephan, who appeared visibly worried. Their attention immediately shifted towards him, their expressions filled with concern.

"What happened, Stephan?" Andrew asked urgently, his voice laced with worry.

Stephan struggled to catch his breath, his words tumbling out in a hurried manner. "Phoenix... she fainted, sir! I found her unconscious on the floor."

Andrew's heart raced with worry as Stephen's word echoed in his ears.

A surge of panic coursed through Andrew's veins, and he exchanged a quick glance with Siddharth. Without wasting another moment, they raced towards Phoenix, their footsteps echoing through the corridors.

As they reached Phoenix's side, Andrew's heart pounded in his chest. Kneeling down beside her, he gently cupped her cheeks in his trembling hands, desperately trying to rouse her. Siddharth stood nearby, his eyes filled with concern, his gaze shifting between Andrew and the woman they both loved.

"Phoenix, wake up," Andrew pleaded, his voice laced with worry. "Please, open your eyes."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the silence weighing heavily upon them. Andrew's fingers brushed against Phoenix's skin, his touch filled with both tenderness and urgency.

Siddharth watched the scene unfold, his heart torn between his love for Phoenix and his concern for Andrew. He understood the depth of their connection, the bond they had forged over the years. But he also knew that Phoenix's presence had ignited a different kind of love within him—a love that he had kept hidden, buried deep within his heart.

As the scene shifted, Andrew and Siddharth found themselves in a different room, standing at the bedside where Phoenix lay motionless. Doctor Alizah, a skilled and compassionate physician, worked diligently to assess Phoenix's condition. Her brow furrowed with concentration as she examined Phoenix's vitals, her eyes betraying a mix of concern and determination.

Andrew's gaze remained fixed on Phoenix, his mind flooded with a flurry of emotions. The guilt of his past actions and the revelation of Phoenix's pain weighed heavily on him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, not after all they had been through.

Siddharth stood beside Andrew, his presence offering a sense of solidarity. They shared a silent understanding, knowing that their love for Phoenix bound them together in a complex web of emotions. They were both invested in her well-being, their desires and aspirations intertwined.

Doctor Alizah finally turned towards Andrew and Siddharth, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern. "She's stable for now, but she needs rest and proper care. The fainting episode could be due to stress or exhaustion. We'll need to monitor her closely and run some tests to determine the exact cause."

A wave of relief washed over Andrew, accompanied by a renewed determination to protect Phoenix and ensure her recovery. Siddharth's eyes reflected a similar resolve, his love for her shining through in that moment.

Andrew and Siddharth stood by Phoenix's bedside, their worry etched on their faces as they listened to Doctor Alizah's instructions. Her professional demeanor was softened by empathy as she addressed the delicate situation at hand.

"Phoenix needs to change into dry clothes immediately," Doctor Alizah said, her voice gentle yet firm. "She's wet, and it's crucial that she doesn't catch a cold, especially considering her pregnancy."

Andrew was about to step forward, eager to attend to Phoenix's needs, when Siddharth's voice interrupted his movement. "I'll take care of it, Doctor. As her husband, it's my responsibility."

The words hit Andrew like a blow, reminding him once again of the profound change that had taken place in Phoenix's life. He couldn't deny the truth of Siddharth's claim. Phoenix had chosen Siddharth as her life partner, and Andrew had no right to interfere.

A mix of emotions swirled within Andrew—a sense of loss, regret, and an overwhelming desire to protect Phoenix. He felt a pang of jealousy, knowing that Siddharth now held the position in Phoenix's life that used to belong to him.

Doctor Alizah smiled kindly at Siddharth's willingness to take on the responsibility. "That would be greatly appreciated, Mr. Siddharth. It's essential to ensure Phoenix's comfort and well-being during her pregnancy."

As Siddharth prepared to attend to Phoenix's needs, Doctor Alizah turned her attention to Andrew, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "By the way, have you found out the gender of the baby yet?"

Andrew's heart sank, realizing that he had missed out on such significant moments in Phoenix's life. He silently cursed himself for the distance he had allowed to grow between them.

Siddharth's smile remained warm and genuine as he responded, "No, Doctor. We're still in the third month of her pregnancy. However, we plan to find out soon and celebrate the news with great joy."

Andrew's pain intensified, the weight of his regrets bearing down upon him. He yearned to be a part of Phoenix's life, to share in the joys and sorrows of their unborn child. But the path they had chosen had led them down separate roads, and he had to accept the consequences of his actions.

As Siddharth left to change Phoenix's clothes, Andrew stood rooted to the spot, his mind filled with a tumult of emotions. Regret gnawed at his heart, fueling a determination to make amends and be there for Phoenix in whatever way he could.