DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW As I sifted through documents, my tie loose, hair disheveled, and suit jacket off, with papers scattered across my table, James walked in, a friendly smile on his face."Dude, have you heard from Troy?" he asked, taking a seat in front of me.I ran my hand through my hair, frustration etched on my brows. "Who's Troy?" I replied, genuinely oblivious.James looked puzzled. "Troy Macbeth working with Madame A? Ring a bell?"Suddenly, it hit me, and I realized I knew him. James noticed my distraction and asked gently, "What's going on, Daniel? You've been zoning out lately. Are you okay?"I dropped the pen and leaned back in my seat. "How can I be okay? I recently found out Darla was pregnant with my child, and… and my family..."James's expression turned frantic. "No, no, no! That can't be true! Tell me it's a joke! Your family wouldn't murder your own heir!"I wiped my face, exhausted. "Forgive me, James, but I don't have the strength to lie. It's the truth. My f
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW "No! No! No! Don't shoot! Daniel, Madame A is…." Troy's desperate voice trailed off.Fifteen times. For the fiftieth time I've listened to the voicemail. I canceled all my meetings to focus on it, hoping to uncover a hidden truth I might have missed. But the more I listened, the deeper the mystery grew."This is getting serious, Daniel. Should we get the police involved?" James asked, his tone growing serious.I had called him over to help me with my dilemma. The banging headache growing in my head made it hard for me to reason.I replied breathlessly, "No, no police. Just us." I can't explain why I didn't want the police involved. They would be able to help me clear the situation and provide me with the maximum security I need. Maybe it's the risk of Madame A finding out I am onto her, or the potential loss of shares if the world knew I was in a dilemma on the eve of my company's anniversary.I took a deep breath and rested my back into my seat, eyes closed,
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW My eyes fluttered open, and slowly I stood up, taking in my surroundings. This is not an hospital where I had expected myself to be in after my fall from the staircase. Instead, I was in my room and it seemed to be a new day. How long have I been out for?The fall down the staircase was still a blur, but I remembered the pain and fear. Yet, as I stood up, I realized there was no pain, no discomfort. It was as if I had slept off the injury. I thought I may have sustained a head injury or some light concussion. Rather, I have none.As I made my way out the door and down the stairs, something felt off. The whole house was eerily silent. Where is everyone? Amaya, my mother, the maids?I called out, but there was no response. I made my way downstairs, my heart racing with every step.As I entered the living room, I heard laughter and the clinking of utensils from the kitchen. Someone is home. I made my way to the kitchen and as I pushed open the kitchen door, my wor
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEWI watched, mesmerized, as Darla made breakfast with a flourish, flipping pancakes and humming a happy tune. Her body radiated joy as she did a little dance of excitement for each perfectly flipped pancake. This is everything I ever wanted.A smile spread across my lips as I watched her for a few minutes, then I stood up and walked to her side. "Here, let me help you out," I said politely, taking the spatula from her hand."Oh, thank you," Darla replied warmly. "As you make the pancakes, I'll make the scrambled eggs and bacon."She planned to move to the fridge to get the ingredients, but I held her back, wanting to take care of her. "You know what? I'll handle everything. You just sit and look pretty," I said with a smile, lifting her onto the kitchen counter.I gazed at her, taking in her beauty. She wore my oversize t-shirt and a pair of bum shorts, her hair tied up in a messy bun. Even in the morning, she was ethereal.I gave her a light kiss on the forehead
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW After an intense breakfast, Darla and I cleaned up the kitchen while I took a bath first. As she took hers, I picked up a photo of us that lay by the bedside drawer. The picture showed me, Darla, and Raya, who was a striking blend of both Darla and me. She inherited my blue eyes, Darla's brown hair, and our shared smile. She also got my slightly furry brows and medium-toned skin.As I delved deeper into my thoughts, a strange sound echoed in my mind - like a monitor beeping and someone inhaling through an oxygen mask. My chest heaved, and a headache formed. Am I in a hospital? What's real? Is it this life or the strange flashes in my head? I feel confused.I put down the picture and ran my hands through my hair as Darla walked out of the bathroom, wearing a stunning blue mini-length satin nightgown. It had thin straps and a net design that started below her bust and ended at her waist. Her perfume was intoxicating, and I felt my hormones surge. Darla stood bef
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW Darla whimpered, her hips rocking against my hand as a breathless gasp escaped her lips. “The way you make me feel is out of this world. I don’t ever want this to stop.” I groaned, curling my fingers inside her, feeling her clench around me as I swallowed her moans with a deep kiss. “You’re pulling me under, Darla… and I don’t ever want to come up for air.” She shuddered as I added another finger, her body trembling. My lips brushed against her ear, my voice rough with need. “Let me hear you, sweetheart. Don’t hold back. Say my name.” Darla whimpered, her hips rocking against my hand as she begged, “Daniel… oh God… yes. More—don’t stop.” A slow smirk tugged at my lips. “That’s it,” I murmured, my fingers working her over with unrelenting precision. “You’re so damn beautiful like this… falling apart for me. Beg for me, Darla.” She arched into my touch, her body quivering with pleasure. “I never knew… I could feel like this. I don’t want it to end.” I growl
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW I whispered against her skin, my voice low and full of promise. "I want to see all of you, Darla. I want to feel every inch of you."She nodded, her breath still uneven as I slowly slid her clothes off, revealing her glistening skin in the dim light. My gaze never left hers as I guided her trembling hands to my shirt. Her fingers worked the buttons, sliding the fabric from my shoulders with deliberate slowness.A shiver ran through me as her hands caressed my chest, fingertips tracing along the hard lines of my abs. I unbuttoned my jeans, letting them fall to the floor, standing bare before her. She bit her lip, her eyes dark with anticipation.I growled softly, my hands exploring the curves of her body as I pulled her against me. My lips brushed against her neck as I murmured, "I’m going to make you crave my touch. Your body is my treasure map, and I plan to explore every inch."Teasing her lips with my tongue, I guided her backward toward the bed, laying her
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW After an intense lovemaking session, Darla and I lay cuddled together on the bed. I asked gently, "When is Raya coming back?" Darla's mood suddenly turned solemn, and tears began streaming down her face."What's going on?" I inquired, concern etched in my voice."You have to go back," she muttered, her voice shaky."Go back where?" I asked, puzzled.Darla whispered, "I'm sorry, but this isn't real."I voiced my confusion, "What do you mean? This is as real as it gets. You told me we've been married for three years."Darla asked, "Remember your fall down the stairs after what happened to Sophia?" I nodded softly."Well, it led you here. This is all a figment of your imagination. You have to go back. You have to come find me, Daniel. Come find us."I asked, "You're not dead?"Darla replied, "What do you believe?"After a long moment of silence, lost in my thoughts, I asked, "How do I go back?"Darla said, "Focus on the noise. Just close your eyes and focus on it.
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW As soon as I dropped Monica off at home, I headed out to my car, despite the late hour. I called James as I walked, and he answered on the first ring."Hey, are you there?" I asked."We've got his location, and we're waiting outside his house," James replied. "Mister Brandford and I are here, and I've also got the police force ready to take him down. Brandford dug up some dirt on him, and it turns out Malik wasn't mentally unstable at all. He lied to get into rehab and lay low for the crimes he committed."I stopped dead in my tracks. "What kind of crimes did he commit?""Human trafficking," James revealed. "The FBI raided their operation once and caught most of them, but Malik escaped by pretending to be mentally unstable. The court believed him because he was a victim of abuse. With what we know now, he's going away for life."I let out a frustrated expletive. "Alright, I'll be there soon. Make sure he doesn't escape."I quickly got into my car and started th
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW When we arrived, the staff greeted us warmly, and we were led to a private room.The room was privately reserved as I had told Monica. The place belonged to James' friend, so it would be easy to get our plan done.As we sat down, Monica couldn't help but notice the champagne chilling in the bucket. "You're really going all out, aren't you?" she said, raising an eyebrow.I smiled, pouring her a glass. "I want to make tonight special."We toasted and sipped our champagne, the conversation flowing easily. Monica laughed and smiled, her guard dropping with each passing minute.The evening wore on, and we laughed and talked like we used to. I made sure to keep the champagne flowing, and Monica's inhibitions began to fade.As the main course arrived, I reached across the table and took her hand. "I'm really glad we're doing this, Monica. I feel like we're reconnecting."Monica's eyes sparkled, and she squeezed my hand. "Me too, Daniel. Me too."I could smell the cham
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW "James, I can't keep pretending to be in love with Monica anymore. I need her out of my house soon," I lamented to James, who sat across from me in my office."I know, but it's only for a little while longer. The blackmail has been working perfectly, and I think she's going to fall for it," James consoled me.Ever since we put our blackmail plan into action, Monica had been on edge, always looking over her shoulder, scared that someone was lurking in the shadows. One touch and she would jolt in shock. She has become secretive, always hiding, but amidst all that, I have managed to gain her trust, making her think I was the good guy. She doesn't suspect a thing, and even if she did, there is no evidence on my devices."Monica is getting more clingy and tight-lipped. This whole love thing isn't working. We need another approach," I blurted out."I've called Mister Brandford. He'll be here soon, and then we can devise another plan," James explained."He better be h
DARLA'S POINT OF VIEW As soon as it was morning, and at an appropriate time, I dialed the phone number on the card and called Miss Vanessa Chen. I was nervous, pacing back and forth. Would she even answer? Would she still remember me? It has been a long time since she gave me her card, and I never called her. Would there even be a vacant position available anymore?After the third ring with no reply, my hope began to dwindle. I should have known this was pointless. But I didn't want to give up so soon, so I tried calling her again for the fourth time. And then, it connected."Yes, this is Vanessa Chen from DG AdVibe Bali. How may we be of service to you?" Vanessa said in a professional tone."Hi, Miss Vanessa, this is... um... Darla. The girl you met at a café some time ago. You said my voice was unique and gave me your card to consider a job. Do you still remember?" I asked nervously."Of course, how could I forget you? You were on the news recently," Miss Vanessa said with a hint o
DARLA'S POINT OF VIEW I stood in the courtroom, my heart racing with anticipation, as Judge Thompson entered and took his seat. It had been three long weeks since Sebastian's arrest, and I had been waiting for this moment, for what felt like an eternity."Sebastian Smith, you have been found guilty of Attempted Murder of an Unborn Child, Attempted Murder in the First Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree," Judge Thompson began. "The severity of your crimes is unparalleled, and the court has taken into consideration the harm you caused to Darla Matthew and her unborn child."I felt a lump form in my throat as the judge continued. "For the charge of Attempted Murder of an Unborn Child, I hereby sentence you to twenty-five years to life in prison. For the charge of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, I sentence you to thirty years to life in prison, to be served consecutively with the first sentence. And for the charge of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, I se
DARLA'S POINT OF VIEW Cecelia, Myra, and I waited a week before meeting up, careful not to arouse suspicion. During that time, I scoured the internet for information about the shooting incident at Daniel's company. What I found broke my heart and left me conflicted. Despite my hatred for Daniel, reading about his company's downfall tore me apart. Maybe I still loved him, even after he tried to kill me.A week later, we met at the potato farm where Grandma Amelia and my mother worked. Amelia brought her uncle, the police chief, as promised. As we surveyed the vast crop land, I handed him the evidence I had gathered on Sebastian. "Will this be enough to put him in prison?" I asked.The police chief took the documents and said, "I'll need to review these and do some additional research before we can make an arrest.""How long will that take?" I asked, concern etched in my voice."With the witness records, hospital statements, and concrete proof you've provided, it should only take me th
DARLA'S POINT OF VIEW After my conversation with Sebastian on the road that day, a series of mysterious events unfolded. My mother was released from custody without explanation, and the Hillary incident was dropped as if it never happened. My doubts about Sebastian's involvement grew exponentially.Meanwhile, Sebastian's harassment intensified. He progressed from pushing me to orchestrating more sinister "accidents": slippery floors, oncoming vehicles, and even stalking me. The final straw was when he appeared at my house dressed in a horror costume, holding a knife. But I refused to be intimidated.Determined to expose the truth, I collaborated with a hospital doctor to uncover the identity of the woman Sebastian had paid to induce my miscarriage. With this new information, I reached out to Myra, and arranged a secret meeting.I chose a discreet café, ensuring Sebastian wouldn't follow me. He thinks I'm still at the hospital for my ante-natal check-up, unbeknownst to him, I had exit
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEW "How did you know it was Malik who murdered Troy?" James asked, his curiosity piqued.I recalled the chilling voicemail. "I recognized his voice in the background, speaking in an Arabic tone right before the shot was fired. I can't forget the distinctive sound of his accent."James raised an eyebrow. "And that makes him the murderer?"I connected the dots. "Both Monica and Malik escaped from rehab. I think she might have hired him to do her a favor, like killing Troy. Did the email give any further information?"“Yes, there are a lot of files. Let me just download them.” James replied.After a few minutes, his expression turned horrified. "You may be right, Daniel. Malik and Monica tortured a fellow inmate to death, making it look like a suicide. They were caught trying to delete the evidence and fled. They're currently wanted."I felt a chill run down my spine. "God, who is Monica? How could they have tortured someone to death?"James' eyes locked onto mine, h
DANIEL'S POINT OF VIEWJames and I departed from the Huangs' residence as soon as we obtained the desired information. I had previously told Monica that I would be spending my time in the office, and she didn't suspect otherwise, unaware that I had arranged for a team to escort the Huangs to a secure location.Upon our return, James and I swiftly began searching for Anthony's boyfriend's family. Within a few hours, we successfully located their address and headed there. Once we arrived, we got straight to the point."We're looking for the truth," I said firmly. "We want to know what happened to your son, Mrs. Miller."Mrs. Miller, the mother of Patrick Miller, Anthony's deceased boyfriend, broke down in tears. "That brutal woman killed my son," she sobbed, overcome with grief.I handed her a box of tissues, and James and I exchanged a somber glance. We knew that uncovering the truth wouldn't be easy, but we were determined to see justice served."Monica?" I asked, and she nodded in re