"Last Night"

SERIES FINALE

"Hearts Unbound Pt. 2"

As the tension between Victor and Evelyn reached its zenith, they couldn't escape the specter of Hugo Coaltrain, the vindictive rival who had plotted to bring Victor's empire to its knees. The seeds of this conflict had been sown during a fateful dinner at "Elliots" restaurant on the east side, where emotions had run high, and drinks had flowed. Coaltrain had long been aware of Victor's relentless pursuit of success, but what had truly ignited his vindictive spirit was witnessing Victor's rise to prominence in the world of finance. It was as if Victor's very existence challenged Coaltrain's belief that he was the undisputed king of New York City's financial elite.

Seeing Victor as his ultimate rival, Coaltrain devised a sinister plan. He knew that to bring Victor down, he needed someone who could match his cunning, his ambition, and his ruthlessness. Enter Evelyn, the woman Victor had come to love. Coaltrain recognized Evelyn's potential to be just as deceptive and smooth as Victor himself, all while maintaining her cover and concealing the truth about her mission. He nurtured her abilities, molding her into a formidable force that would strike at the heart of Victor Wardford's empire.

As the romance between Victor and Evelyn deepened, their relationship evolved into something complex and multifaceted. It was a love marked by passion and intensity, yet tinged with aggression and domestic turmoil. Evelyn was torn between her growing affection for Victor and the loyalty she felt to Coaltrain's mission.

For Victor, the internal struggle raged on. The voices in his head were a constant reminder of the choices he faced: to continue down the path of ambition and isolation or to choose love and vulnerability. It was a battle that waged within him, threatening to consume his very soul.

Then, two months down the road after many newspaper articles and lives being taken in weight of this feud…one evening at "Elliots," Victor returned home to a note left by his loyal butler, Basal. The message was cryptic and foreboding, sending shivers down his spine. It was a dire message, informing him that Basal had been rushed to the ER in critical condition. Panic and dread washed over Victor as he raced to the hospital, fearing the worst. The streets were filled with locals and lights and music. All blinding to Wardford as he made his way toward the Hospital. He yelled at the top of his lungs! Screaming in agony….disbelief….and upon arrival, his world crumbled before his eyes. Coaltrain had managed to get there first, and Basal's lifeless body lay in a cold hospital room. The sight of his faithful butler, his confidant, taken from him was a devastating blow.

In the depths of despair, Victor received a message that felt like a divine intervention from the heavens. It was as if a higher power guided him to reach out to Evelyn, to meet her at a desolate dock on the harbor. In that moment, he knew he couldn't face Coaltrain alone. In route to the doc, Victor spoke with God. Trying to make sense of all of this. Why was he being pulled to this location, and what’s this going to look like upon arrival. Victor pulls into the dock with the night as silent as death. The air thick, and his breath cold. The encounter between Victor Wardford and Hugo Coaltrain crackled with tension, mirroring the sharp wit of two billionaire minds locked in a deadly dance. They stood on opposite ends of a dimly lit dock, their eyes locked in a battle of words and wills. Evelyn by Victors side as she stood in wait terrified of what the outcome would be.

Victor Wardford, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, broke the silence with a sardonic smile. "Hugo, I must say, meeting at a place like this is a bit dramatic, even for you."

Coaltrain, his dark eyes gleaming with malice, replied with a smirk, "Oh, Victor, you always did have a flair for the dramatic. I thought we could use a little atmosphere for our final showdown.” He smirks while adjusting his footing.

Victor chuckled softly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Final showdown? You do have a penchant for the theatrics.  But let's not waste any more time. What's the game you're playing?"

Coaltrain's smile widened as he leaned in, his tone conspiratorial. "The game, Victor, is simple. It's survival. You see, I've always admired your tenacity. You climbed your way to the top with such determination, and it's been quite entertaining to watch. even on my best days I still feel a bit of envy….but let me save you the bullshit. I don’t like you Victor….” He rattles off as he lights a cigarette and takes a puff.

Victor's eyes narrowed, suspicion tainting his amusement. "I'm flattered by your admiration, Hugo. Id like to think there are things about all of us high rollers that strike us differently…but hearing it with your outside voice?” victor snickers “little strange, don’t you think?”

Coaltrain's laughter was as cold as ice. "Ah, Victor, always poking the bear….there can only be one king of New York, and I intend to take that crown. You, my dear friend, are in my way…. And the only thing standing in the way of you now is this here RED” Coaltrain ashes his stogie.

Victor's smile didn't waver as he responded, "Well, Hugo, if you wanted friendly competition, you should've just challenged me to a game of chess. I'm afraid you've underestimated me.”

Coaltrain's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "Underestimated you? Never, Victor. I've always known what you were capable of. That's why I had to level the playing field with that lovely blue eyed soul in your presence now… she is as sweet as candy isn’t she?” He takes a long drag of his cigarette.

Evelyn shakes in fear…..not knowing how Victor would react to Hugos remarks…

Victor's hand subtly drifted toward his concealed firearm as he retorted, "Leveling the playing field, you say? I have a feeling you're about to reveal your trump card….and Hugo” Victor points directly at him. “you watch your mouth when talking about my lady”

Coaltrain's grin widened, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "You're a perceptive one”

The air grew thick with tension as the standoff continued. Victor and Coaltrain locked eyes, each refusing to back down. 

"Enough of this, Hugo. We can end this now or watch our legacies crumble. Your choice”

Coaltrain's smile faltered for a split second before he finally nodded in reluctant agreement. In that moment, they both understood that their ambitions had brought them to the brink of destruction, and it was time to decide the course of their destinies.

Hugo responses “Lets dance Wardford”

The meeting at the harbor unfolded in a whirlwind of violence and chaos. Coaltrain, driven by his relentless vendetta, engaged Victor and Evelyn in a violent shootout. Bullets flew, and pain seared through them, but in the end, it was Victor who stood victorious. Coaltrain's reign of terror had come to an end, but the price was high.

Evelyn was hurt in the confrontation, and Victor rushed to her side, his love for her stronger than ever. As they tended to each other's wounds, they realized that their love had endured the ultimate test of survival.

In the aftermath of that fatal evening, Victor and Evelyn's relationship transformed into a partnership of strength and resilience. They channeled their shared experiences, both the joys and the traumas, into running the money game in the bustling heart of New York City. Together, they proved that love and determination could conquer even the darkest of challenges.

But life had one more twist in store for them. Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer in her later years, a cruel reminder of the fragility of life. Victor stood by her side, unwavering in his support, as they faced this new battle together.

As they gazed at the tomb of Basal, Victor's loyal butler, they found solace in the midst of life's turmoil. Victor came to a profound understanding that their story was not just one of ambition and deception but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

Their love story was a beacon of hope, a reminder that in the bustling heart of New York City, amidst the chaos and ambition, love could triumph over adversity. And as they watched the sun set over the iconic New York City skyline, they knew that their love, their enduring legacy, would continue to shine brightly in the face of life's challenges.

“Last Night” A series written by John MF Ward 

"Last Night"

SERIES FINALE

"Hearts Unbound Pt. 1"

In the bustling heart of New York City, Victor Wardford was a man driven by insatiable ambition. He was a money-hungry tycoon who had clawed his way to the top of the financial food chain. With no family to guide him and a circle of trust consisting only of his loyal butler, Basal, Victor's life was a relentless pursuit of wealth and power. Victor's journey to the summit of the business world had been a long and treacherous one. He had grown up in the gritty streets of Brooklyn, the son of hardworking immigrants who had instilled in him the value of a strong work ethic. But when tragedy struck and he lost his parents at a young age, Victor was thrust into a world of uncertainty and despair.

With no one to turn to, Victor had to fend for himself. He dropped out of school and took on whatever odd jobs he could find, working long hours just to make ends meet. It was during these years that he developed a fierce determination to escape the cycle of poverty that had ensnared his family. Victor's relentless drive led him to the world of finance, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He had a knack for numbers and an uncanny ability to read the markets. His reputation as a ruthless dealmaker earned him both respect and fear in equal measure. Success came at a price. Victor's single-minded pursuit of wealth left no room for personal connections. He had no time for friends, and his romantic relationships were little to non existent. His family was a distant memory, a painful reminder of a past he had long since buried. The days were cold no matter the season, and he only had more thing on his mind. Money.

His only confidant was Basal, his loyal butler who had served him faithfully for years. Basal had watched Victor's ascent to the top with a mixture of pride and concern. He saw the toll that Victor's ambition was taking on his soul, and he longed to see his employer find some semblance of happiness. By day, Victor wore the facade of a calm and collected businessman. He drove the finest cars, dined at exclusive restaurants, and partied at the most glamorous spots in the city. His life was a whirlwind of luxury and extravagance, but no matter how much he acquired, it was never enough. Alone in the quiet of his penthouse, Victor's façade crumbled. He pushed himself to the limit in the gym, his body a battleground where he could channel his frustrations. The substance-fueled nights were a desperate attempt to fill the void left by the absence of his family. Memories of happier times haunted him, but he couldn't bear to look back, as the pain was too overwhelming.

Victor's relentless pursuit of wealth had left him isolated and empty. He longed for something more, something that money couldn't buy. His extravagant lifestyle was a prison, and he couldn't see a way out. 

Then, one fateful day, a beautiful blond woman with piercing blue eyes entered his company. Her name was Evelyn, and her presence was like a breath of fresh air in Victor's suffocating world. She exuded an aura of kindness and authenticity that Victor had long forgotten. Evelyn had grown up in a close-knit family, where love and connection were valued above all else. She had a passion for helping others and believed in the power of genuine human connections. Her arrival at Victor's company was a serendipitous twist of fate.

From their first encounter, Evelyn was unlike anyone Victor had ever met. She saw through his veneer of wealth and power, and for the first time, someone dared to challenge him on a personal level. She spoke of the importance of family and the value of genuine connections, concepts Victor had pushed aside in his ruthless pursuit of success. She never spoke in “what ifs” she had an unquestionable confidence.

At first, Victor was resistant to Evelyn's influence. He saw her as a distraction from his goals, an obstacle in his path to greater wealth. But as they spent more time together in the rough waters of finance, something began to change within him. He found himself drawn to her warmth and authenticity, and he couldn't help but be captivated by her beautiful blue eyes.

Evelyn's presence challenged Victor to confront the emptiness of his life. After long hours, Victor would ponder his ethics on his way home. Trying to make sense of this feeling he was under. He went harder on the gym, the alcohol, the money. With each passing day it never worked, as his mind would still steer toward these emotions he couldn’t explain. He started to question the relentless pursuit of wealth that had consumed him for so long. He began to reevaluate his priorities, realizing that there was more to life than money and power. 

As Victor and Evelyn spent more time together, a genuine connection began to blossom between them. Their shared moments were filled with laughter, deep conversations, and a growing sense of affection after Business hours. Victor's icy exterior began to thaw, and he allowed himself to open up to the possibility of transparency.

“Why are you so cold?” Evelyn asked in a whisper one chilling evening.

Victor staring at her with darkness in his heart. The silence grew thick as Evelyn would hold him closer without a word leaving Victors lips. 

But just as Victor started to embrace the change with time passing, a series of unexpected events threw their budding romance into chaos. His business empire faced a hostile takeover bid from a rival billionaire Hugo Coaltrain, threatening to undo everything he had worked so hard to achieve. Evelyn, too, had her own secrets and vulnerabilities. She had been hiding a painful truth about her past, one that could shatter the fragile connection they had built. As their worlds collided and their individual challenges mounted, Victor and Evelyn found themselves at a crossroads.

The nights became shallow as the energy between them both seem to be off, and unrecognizable.. Both laying in bed separately wondering where this all goes next with the gravity of the businesses being on their shoulders… In a heart-wrenching moment of honesty one morning looking over the NYC skyline, Victor confessed his love for Evelyn, baring his soul and revealing the depths of his feelings. But Evelyn, burdened by her own secrets and the weight of her past, hesitated to reciprocate.

Their relationship hung in the balance, a delicate dance of emotions and revelations. The story reached its climax as Victor faced the most important decision of his life: to choose love or to cling to the empty pursuit of wealth that had defined him for so long.

And then, Evelyn made a confession of her own, one that would change everything. She revealed her true identity as an undercover investigator for Coaltrain sent to uncover the secrets of Victor's business empire… 

As the revelation sunk in, Victor was faced with a choice he never saw coming. 

The office grew colder with every passing second paining victor to even look at her again….

Could he forgive Evelyn for her deception and embrace the chance for a new beginning? Or would he let his pride and anger drive them apart, returning to his old life of isolation and ambition?

"Last Night"

Owen & Chloe

"Love is a Gamble"

In a world of high-stakes gambling and underground casinos, Owen and Chloe were legends. Their names whispered in hushed tones among the elite players, they were known for their audacity, their cunning strategies, and their knack for walking away from the tables with fortunes that left others in awe.

Their story began at the magnificent Royal Vista Resort, a vintage gem hidden in a remote corner of the world. This opulent establishment had stood for decades, a testament to a bygone era of glamour and extravagance. Its marbled halls were adorned with crystal chandeliers, and the air was thick with the scent of money and luxury. The resort was the epitome of old-world charm, a place where the rich and the daring gathered to test their luck. Money, sex, drugs, and alcohol ran these walls from the moment you arrived to the moment you left.

Owen, with his sharp mind and impeccable poker face, was a force to be reckoned with at the poker tables. Chloe, on the other hand, was known for her uncanny ability to read her opponents and outwit them in high-stakes games of chance. Together, they were a formidable duo, always on the lookout for their next adrenaline rush.

Their first encounter at the Royal Vista Resort was like a meeting of kindred spirits. They locked eyes across the roulette table, echos of The Bee Gees “You should be dancing” playin in the background and there was an instant connection. A silent understanding that they were cut from the same cloth. As the wheel spun, they exchanged witty banter, and with every click of the wheel in rotation their hearts would beat in sequence. Their shared laughter a testament to the chemistry that crackled between them. Chloe smirking while chewing her gum and Owen laughing big while grabbing players shoulders next to him. In what felt like an even play at the tables there was an unspoken agreement between the two. One that wrote “I know you, and you know me” on the walls.

The nights that followed were a whirlwind of high-stakes poker, blackjack, and roulette. Owen and Chloe became inseparable, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment as they reveled in the intoxicating atmosphere of the casino. They moved through the crowds with an air of invincibility, their laughter ringing out like music in the bustling halls.

As the chips piled up and the cards fell in their favor, they felt the rush of victory course through their veins, igniting a fire within them that burned brighter with each win. And when the tables closed and the casino emptied, they retreated to their presidential suites, where they indulged in the spoils of their triumphs.

The marble floors echoed with the sound of their laughter as they danced together in the moonlight, champagne bottles popping in celebration of their love. They lost themselves in each other's arms, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they surrendered to the ecstasy of their passion. Their love was tempest, fierce and wild, tearing through the barriers they had built around their hearts with an unstoppable force. In each other's embrace, they found refuge from the chaos of their world, a sanctuary where they could be free to love without fear or reservation.

And as the first light of dawn filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over their entwined bodies, they knew that they had found something rare and precious in each other – a love that transcended the confines of the casino walls and illuminated their lives with a brilliance that could not be dimmed.

“You know, I trust no one” Chloe whispered and winked as she kissed Owen.

“I know…” Owen said as he picked her up off the kitchen counter and and held her in his arms moving toward the bed.

“Do you believe there will ever be a better feeling than this Chloe?”

“The money? Or this?” she says blinking slowly as she gazes at him with golden sun rays on his skin.

Owen looks off into the sunrise and with soft voice looks back at her and cresses her face “both”

Chloe smiles and says “I guess we will see how the cards fall my love..” they kiss passionately and the sun rises in their world of paradise…..

Days pass and they seemed unstoppable, and their reputation as fearless gamblers grew with each passing day. But as the days turned into nights, they began to notice something amiss. Subtle glances exchanged among the casino staff, whispers in the shadows, and an air of tension that hung over the resort like a storm cloud. It was as if the very walls of the Royal Vista were closing in on them.

One evening, as they prepared to leave the casino, they were ambushed by a group of burly security guards . As Owen and Chloe made their daring escape through the labyrinthine halls of the Royal Vista Resort, adrenaline coursed through their veins, fueling their determination to outwit their pursuers. As they reached the grand entrance, their freedom seemed within reach, until a sudden hail of bullets shattered the calm night air. Instinctively, Owen pushed Chloe behind him, shielding her from the onslaught as he returned fire. The sound of gunfire echoed off the marble walls, mingling with Chloe's panicked breaths as she watched Owen's desperate struggle to keep them both alive.

With every shot fired, Owen's resolve hardened, his determination unwavering even in the face of overwhelming odds. But as the chaos raged around them, a stray bullet found its mark, piercing through Owen's chest with a sickening thud. Time seemed to slow as Chloe watched in horror, her heart shattering with each agonizing moment. She reached out to Owen, her fingers trembling as she pressed against the wound, trying in vain to stem the flow of blood.

But as Owen's strength began to fade, his gaze locked with Chloe's, a silent exchange passing between them that spoke volumes of the love they shared. In that fleeting moment, they both knew the truth: their time together was running out.

With a final surge of determination, Owen whispered “Chloe…” Chloe weeping in disbelief “..I…..I….I guess this was the hand that was dealt….” Chloe with her world shattering whispers “..im sorry, my love…” his voice barely above a whisper fighting for breath as he urged her to escape “..go….GO!!!!..” Tears blurred Chloe's vision as she clung to his fading presence, her heart breaking with each passing second she ran.

And then, with a last, agonized gasp, Owen's eyes fluttered closed, his life slipping away in those halls….. In that moment, Chloe was cold.. her grief consuming her as she held herself wishing it was Owen… She boarded the helicopter with bullets flying, managing to get away….

Owen and Chloe on the precipice of their final gamble, the air crackled with tension, thick with the weight of their shared fate. They had always known that love was a gamble, but they had never imagined the stakes would be this high.

With every beat of their hearts, they danced a dangerous tango with destiny, their souls intertwined in a game of chance that neither could control. As the helicopter's blades sliced through the air, Chloe couldn't help but feel like a card player dealt a hand she never asked for. As Chloe soared into the sunset, leaving behind the wreckage of their shattered dreams, Chloe's thoughts drifted to the countless games of chance they had played together. From poker nights filled with laughter and whiskey to blackjack tables where their fortunes rose and fell like the tide, only this time it was for love.

But now, as she watched the world blur past her, Chloe realized that sometimes, even the best hand is no match for fate's cruel handiwork. With a heavy heart, she whispered a silent farewell to Owen from a far, her voice lost in the roar of the engine as they flew ever further from the life they had once known for that short time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sky, Chloe couldn't help but wonder if love was just another game of chance. And as the helicopter vanished into the night, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and shattered dreams, she knew that in the end, the house always wins.

"Last Night"

Daniel & Alexia Vol. 5

"Words Unspoken"

In a world where secrets and intrigue were the currency of existence, Daniel and Alexia crossed paths, two undercover spies living double lives. To the public, they were ordinary people: Daniel, a mild-mannered librarian, and Alexia, a captivating writer known for her thrilling novels. But beneath the surface, they harbored hidden identities, protecting their nation's secrets. Despite their dangerous lives, they felt an undeniable connection, a love that had to remain hidden. The walls they built around themselves prevented them from expressing their true feelings, but their hearts yearned to bridge the emotional gap.

Daniel, a master of disguise, explored the world of literature to find a way to convey his love. He devoured books on romance, penned heartfelt letters, and even posed as a charming novelist to get closer to Alexia. Yet, their bond remained on the surface, always at the brink of revelation. As they navigated their covert operations, their attraction grew stronger. One fateful night, under a full moon, they couldn't contain their love any longer. They revealed their true identities, knowing that their agency's code demanded a heavy price. Their love was undeniable, and as they faced the heart-wrenching decision of taking each other's lives for breaking code, they rebelled against their agency's merciless orders. Instead, they used their resources to escape to the idyllic shores of Guam, where they could finally let their love blossom without fear of persecution.

But even in paradise, danger lurked. Their agency refused to let them go so easily. Pursuing them relentlessly, their past shadows threatened to consume their newfound happiness. They lived each day in paradise, cherishing their love, but constantly watching over their shoulders. As they wandered along the pristine beaches, hand in hand, they couldn't escape the knowledge that their love had come at a cost, and their former agency would stop at nothing to bring them back. Their lives were a suspenseful love story, a dance between danger and passion, and the question remained: how long could they outrun their past before it caught up with them once more?

They knew they couldn't hide forever, and their agency's relentless pursuit had taken a toll on their once-peaceful existence. One evening, as they strolled along the beach, hand in hand, a helicopter roared overhead, casting a menacing shadow over the sand. A group of agents descended, surrounding them with an air of impending doom.

"Daniel and Alexia, you can't escape," the lead agent sneered, his voice dripping with menace.

Daniel and Alexia exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts heavy with the realization that their paradise was slipping through their fingers. With swift precision, they sprung into action to fend off the agents in a thrilling display of hand-to-hand combat. The beach became a battleground, sand flying in every direction as fists and feet clashed. Explosions erupted as they used smoke grenades to create confusion.

"We can do this all day!" Daniel quipped as he ducked a flying kick.

"Time to make our escape!" Alexia replied, her eyes gleaming with determination.

In a heart-pounding chase, they sprinted towards a speedboat they had hidden along the shore. Bullets whizzed past them, narrowly missing their heads as they made a daring leap onto the boat. With a roar of the engine, they sped away from the agents, the wind whipping through their hair as they left their pursuers in their wake. Their love was a thrilling adventure, a race against time, and they were determined to protect it at all costs.

As they watched Guam's shores recede into the distance, they knew that their journey was far from over. Their love had been tested in the crucible of danger and betrayal, and they had emerged stronger than ever.

Together, they would continue to navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and intrigue, knowing that their love was a force to be reckoned with. Their hearts beat as one, their souls intertwined, and as they looked towards the horizon, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, hand in hand, in a love story that was as thrilling and unpredictable as the world they inhabited.

"Last Night"

Brian & Rachel Vol. 4

"Melodies of Love"