The chaos outside-the blur of police officers, reporters, and onlookers-felt distant, like a scene from a movie he wasn't a part of. His han

t. The head of his security team leaned in, his eyes scanning Johnson's face for

eally. Not while unknown forces still lurked in the shadows, targeting him. But

-

time-a time when his life had been about family dinners, laughter, and shared stories. The fl

. A massive wrought-iron gate marked its entrance, opening to reveal a long driveway lined with oak trees leading to the heart of the property. The compound boasted two imposing four-bedroom dup

the Noah family. The air was alive with energy as t

demeanor and commanding presence, he managed the chaos of his blended f

econd wife, was ten years Rich's junior. Aliya had an infectious energy and a playful nature that balanced Rich's seriousness. Despit

ears-old sister who never missed an opportunity to challenge the rules. Tailor, a twelve-year-old genius, was obsessed with gadgets and engineering. Alex, Reuben, and Aaron were the "trio of terror," mischievous boys aged twenty-three

lready dressed in a sharp suit for his internship at a law firm in town. He sipped coffee in the kitchen whil

have that meeting with your art instructor today 'I

Wendy was in a battle with Caro over the bathroom. "Wendy, yo

" In the dining room, Noah sat sipping his morning coffee, his eyes on a newspaper. Despite the noise around him, he radiated calm. "Aliya, can you remind Reuben and Aaron to pack their soccer kits? The

den table under the pergola was laden with food-pancakes, eggs, sausages, and fresh fruit. Rich supervised the meal, ensuring everyone got their share, while Ali

son replied, holding the

while, Wendy and Emily argued over who got the last pancake. 'Let her have it, Wendy," Noah said with a chuc

ir, while Reuben bragged about a goal he'd scored in soccer practice last week. Caro tu

ture of professionalism. Emily tucked her sketchbook under her arm and followed her mother to the family SUV, which would drop h

ject as though his life depended on it. Rich and Aliya stood in the driveway

kissed each wife on the cheek bef

y to tend to her garden, pruning roses and humming softly to herself. Aliy

nspoken understanding. Their world was far from perfect, but within the walls of their compound, they had built

ys. As the sun climbed higher in the Texas sky, the compound stood as a testament to the family's resilience and unity. In a