She looked into my eyes, trying to gauge my honesty, and it seemed to work because her expression relaxed. She glanced at the wine, then back at me, nodding in dismissal.
"Fredrico, don’t you think you're being very cheap right now, trying to instill fear of the unknown in me just because you want me to take this drink? If you think I will fall for this cheap trick, then you do not know me."
"This girl is just as stubborn as a cow. What will it cost her to just take the drink from me? Does she find me so untrusting?" I muttered to myself, pouring some more for myself and downing it again, loosening the tie that seemed to be suffocating me.
Rolling up my sleeves, I faced Rita once more. "Rita, would you consider switching schools?" I began, but she was about to berate me again when I held my hand up to stop her. "Listen to me before you start nagging. It will be in your best interest to leave this country entirely.
If you want, I can send you to the US, Canada, or any other country. You name it, just say it, and I will grant it."
To my surprise, Rita burst out laughing, catching me off guard. "What's so funny?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious. She paused before resuming her laughter, holding her chest as if it might fall off from laughing too hard.
After what felt like an eternity, Rita finally spoke, still chuckling. "You must think I would accept your request, and it's sickening that you think you can throw some money around and get me to do your bidding. Look, I was aware of those countries before I came here.
I'm equally aware of scholarship opportunities there. If I wanted to leave the country, I would have sought sponsorship from people and organizations that wouldn't require me to pay with my life at the end of the day. Moreover, I don't want to be too far from my father. So, if you're done with your drama, I'd like to leave, sir."
Realizing her resolve, I stood up, attempting to reason with her. "Okay, I understand you. If you want to stay at Picaremore University, you can do that. Can you just take this week off? Don't go to work. I'll give you money for the days you stay off, without asking for anything in return.
Just please cooperate with me this once. I can't tell you the details, but it's the only way I can think of to protect you."
"Fredrico, would you stop speaking in parables already? What exactly are you protecting me from? I at least deserve to know so I can weigh my options and know if it's worth it," Rita interrupted.
Frustrated, I couldn't help but yell at her. "Why are you so annoying? I already said I can't tell you the details. I've tried my best for you already. If your life means nothing to you, risk it. That's your choice. Fen, go and drop her at home."
Rita’s POV:
This guy has got to be crazy or at least suffer from multiple personality disorder because there is no other explanation for his inconsistent actions. One minute he's acting nice, the next he's like an angry lion. I picked up my bag and headed straight for the door.
I can’t stand this jerk anymore, and I would be a bastard to listen to him. Fen opened the door, and we quietly drove out of the compound.
"You can just drop me at the nearest bus station; I will find my way back to school on my own," I finally said, breaking the long silence that had preceded the atmosphere since we left the apartment.
"I’m sorry, I can’t do that, ma. I was instructed to drop you at your apartment," he said, sounding mechanical like a robot. I decided to try something else, "Okay, how about you drop me at school instead?" I muttered.
I do not want Fredrico to know my address, so I really need to try my best to make sure he doesn’t drop me at home.
"I’m sorry, I can’t do that either. Alright, no problem then, do you," I said, determined not to tell him my address. When he's tired, he will drop me off where I want, I thought to myself and reached for my phone in the bag to call my dad.
I was shocked by the notification that popped up on my phone. My boss confirmed the leave I applied for.I was dumbfounded. When and how did I apply for leave without being aware? I called him, trying to make sense of everything going on right now.He picked up on the second ring, and I quickly asked, "Tim, what do you mean by you will find someone to replace me pending the time that I'm able to resume work? Nothing is wrong with me, and I’m perfectly fine. I can even come to work right away.""I’m sorry, I can’t allow that," he said, and I could sense fear in his apology. "The café is the only business that my entire family depends on for survival. I can’t bear to risk it for just a week of your absence, but I promise you that you would always have a place here whenever you're ready to return," he said, sounding very apologetic."Alright, Tim, but can you at least tell me what is going on?" There was a long pause before he finally answered. "I got a call from someone in Fidelis Group
Adam Fidelis reclined in his opulent office, surrounded by mahogany furnishings and adorned with exquisite works of art. Sunlight filtered through the grand windows, casting warm hues upon the plush carpeting.With an air of authority, he sat behind his expansive desk, meticulously flipping through files with practiced ease.As he perused the documents, his countenance exuded confidence and authority, every movement deliberate and calculated. His presence commanded attention, a testament to his stature in the business world.Suddenly, the tranquility of his sanctuary was interrupted by the arrival of his secretary, a poised and efficient woman whose every gesture bespoke professionalism. She stood at the threshold, her expression betraying a hint of apprehension."Sir," she began, her voice measured but tinged with urgency, "there's something I need to bring to your attention."The man raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued by her tone. "Go on," he prompted, setting aside the files to
Adam was very displeased, but he knows Fred to be very stubborn; he would not discuss the issue further. He slapped his phone to the wall in annoyance before reaching for the landline sitting on his table and pressing a key.The phone got picked at the second ring. "Hello, sir," the voice at the other end of the phone said.Adam tugged at the ties to loosen it before responding. "Get me the full information of what happened in Picaremore University today and fetch me the girl. Dead or alive, I want to meet her.Also, get me every information that you can find about her family, take her to the warehouse; I need this to be done before the close of the day.""Alright, sir, on it," he responded before hanging up.Adam sank back in his chair before muttering, "Looks like no one is scared of me anymore. I will be sure to make an example of that classless bitch."He pressed another number on the telephone, and the secretary came in. "Fetch me another phone from the store and clean up this me
Rita opened her window and peeped to check if there was anyone guarding the window-side, and true to her fear, there they were: three guards standing firm like rooted poles. They noticed her and looked up."It's nothing," she said, waving her hand as if surrendering to them. The guards returned their gazes forward, and she recoiled back into the room.She paced aimlessly in the room, biting her nails. "I need to get out of here," she muttered, and an idea seemed to have popped into her head as her eyes lit up. She rushed to her mini studying chair, pulling it away from the table with which it was perfectly synced.She quietly dragged it to the bathroom, trying not to make any noise to arouse their suspicion. She sat on the chair and turned on the recorder on her phone, recording herself singing. After about thirty minutes, she saved the recording and quietly returned the chair to the room.She smiled sheepishly, as if giving herself a pat on the back for coming up with such a brillian
Her body was already getting tired, but she could not afford to stop running now. She kept running down the quiet street, and just when she thought of slowing down to catch her breath, she missed her steps and fell, rolling down the slope.She grunted in pain as she looked at her bruised hands and legs.Her whole body was now very dirty, and she looked like she was just fished out of the dirt. She pulled her weak body up and started raining insults on Fred for putting her in this situation for something so trivial as tears pricked down her face.She heard the honking of a car that made her look up in anticipation, hoping the person might be able to help her to the nearest hospital. "At least I will be safe there for a while before he discovers my whereabouts," she thought. She flagged down the car, and it stopped in front of her."Can you please help me to Picarmore Health Centre if you are headed that way?" she hurriedly shouted the moment the car stopped in front of her. The driver,
"Will you not come out?" he shouted, and before she could bring herself to make sense of his words, the door adjacent to her opened, and the frail figure of a lady came out. As she moved closer, she could finally see her beauty that was hidden behind the sadness that enveloped her eyes."Welcome," she said to him before drifting her gaze to her.She nodded as if saying hello, and she waved back. She seemed harmless, and her eyes seemed to be full of tales. She thought to herself, "Could she have been kidnapped as well?" Fear gripped her at the thought of that when she finally noticed her protruding belly."He will come around later, so take care of her bruises and have her clean up," he said, breaking her chain of thought. "Wait, does that mean he is leaving already? How do I escape if he leaves with the key?"The lady exchanged looks with her, and as if she could read her mind, she said, "You took the first aid kit the last time; there is nothing for me to use for her."He grumbled b
They turned to each other, showing their hands. Camella rushed to him, injecting the contents of the syringe she just fished out into him."What is that?" Rita asked. "Are you killing him?" she snapped again before she could answer. "Just calm down already and get the door, take his phone too. It's a sleeping drug; he is as strong as an elephant. We need to do this to buy us time."After emptying the contents into his body, she locked the door from outside and followed after Rita. She got into the driver’s seat before starting the car. The engine came to life, and they sped away from the forest.She kept going at a very high speed that Rita had to hold on tightly despite using the seat belt, as the car kept tossing them while climbing over stones and through the woods.Camella continued speeding before she came to a crossroad, she faced Rita and asked for which one they took when they were coming but the later was confused. I’m sorry I did not really pay attention so I don’t know whic
They spotted another car coming in front of them, and before they could make out the face of the driver, he rushed at them, swerving their car in the opposite direction. The push wasn't hard enough to cause an accident when it collided into them, so the car only managed to push their car to the other side of the road, blocking the path behind them with its body.Camella quickly recovered from the shock and put the car in free, making them trail down the slope. Rita said with her tear-soaked face but hurriedly wiped it when she noticed that Camella's hands were off the steering."Why are you not controlling it? Are you really going to give up now, even after whoever that was sacrificed himself for us?" Camella was stunned by her statement and looked back at the car that pushed them earlier, blocking the cars that had been chasing them.With tears running down her face, she held onto the steering again, hoping that before the car completely ran out of gas, luck would probably shine on t
Rita's POV I asked the question that had been bugging on my mind that day when he left the room. Debby was shocked when I asked her if her boss kidnaps people for a living and if he had kidnapped her as well. I was beyond shocked when she told me I was in the Charlie mansion and that the boss is the only surviving child of his parent. Although she does not know the details of what happened to his twin sister, knowing his identity made me feel guilty for being rude to him earlier when he was just being a good Samaritan. I tried approaching him a couple of times to talk to him, but he is always in a hurry to go somewhere, thereby making him inaccessible. She has been taking great care of me, ensuring that I did not stand up from the bed until the nurse confirmed it after a week of my bed confinement. She also kept me company, reading me stories like a baby and talking to me. I am being treated, and I know I do not deserve this. Moreover, I like Debby a lot, and I know if I am to s
King's POV ContinuedI have already told Dad and Mum about Camella and Rita, so there wasn't much to say when she got home. They simply greeted her, and Mum drew her in for a hug before telling her to come to her apartment whenever she is free.I was puzzled by that as I did not know what she wants to discuss with her, and even Rita had a confused look on her face. So when we entered her apartment and it was just myself and Mum, I asked her."Mum, why did you ask her to see you? If you don't want them here, I can just move them to my house. They don't have to stay in the Charlie mansion."She chuckled and said, "Do you love her?"The question caught me by surprise because even I am yet to figure out what I'm feeling."No, Mum, why would you say that? I already told you I am just helping them out of concern.""Why are you avoiding her gaze then?" she said squinting her eyes in a mocking manner. She does this whenever she is teasing us. It used to be worse with Alysia around as her unco
**King's POV Continued**"Son, calm down, even if anything happens to her, don't blame yourself for it. We have been told to prepare for the worst already, so just pull yourself together," Dad kept saying to me while holding my shoulder, but half of all he was saying fell on deaf ears.I started pacing the hallway when I could no longer stay comfortably seated. I can no longer keep track of the number of times that I have peeped through the door, even if I cannot see anything from outside since they closed the door already.Dad's words kept rummaging through my head. No, I don't want to prepare for the worst. I cannot lose her too. I kept muttering to myself, and I could feel my tears building up already. I had to keep blinking to prevent them from pouring out.After what seemed like a decade, the door was finally opened, and her doctor came to us. "Congratulations, she pulled through," he said, and I was so happy that I did not even listen to the rest of his words before dashing into
King's POV Continued I saw the pained expression on her face, and I was pissed at myself for asking her that question. I had just said I would wait until she is ready to talk, and here I am, questioning her already. "I am sorry," I said to her and left the room. I walked into Alysia's room, and it was the same way we left it, almost like we were waiting for her to miraculously reappear and claim her room. Memories of how we used to play hide and seek in our rooms came flooding back, and the way her scent lingered in her room made me feel like she was there. I smiled when I noticed the keyring I had gifted her on the dressing table. It had her initials on it, and she had insulted me for getting such a childish gift, but I knew she still cherished it because she attached it to her phone immediately. Her eyes squinting told me she was just being Alysia, and not that she did not like the gift. I passed by my parents' building, and seeing my mom's pictures on the wall made me remember
King changed into proper attire to suit his position as the heir of the Charlie family before leaving to address the workers. He stopped by Rita's room to check up on her, and she was still sleeping soundly.Majority of the workers there have been working for the Charlie family for years, so they were happy to see him as their faces lit up."Good day, Master," they chorused."Hello, everyone," he responded."Alright, I can see some new faces here. I will trust Peter to put you through on how I want things to be done around me. Also, I need two ladies that could be trusted and are very diligent to be in charge of the ladies," he said, facing Peter."Alright, sir," Peter responded.Shortly after, Roberts arrived with Camella and some machines that were attached to her body since she is still unconscious. He gave King strict instructions on how to take care of her, and a nurse was also appointed to take care of her with the maid.**Rita's POV**I woke up in an unfamiliar environment, my
"Have the security lock everywhere. No one leaves this place. No coming in and no going out. Have a call placed to the necessary sector informing them not to bring any emergency patients here for now as we will not be accepting them.""Okay, Doctor," Debby responded before leaving to carry out his instruction.Roberts dispersed all the security to comb the entire hospital, leaving no stone unturned. Everyone should be checked, and if there is any unfamiliar face, they should inform him immediately.At the room adjacent to the entrance of the hospital, a man wearing a doctor's uniform and a face mask to conceal his face pulled out his phone and called."Hello, sir, there is a little problem, sir. I was about to leave with her, but the hospital has been placed on lockdown, so there is no way to leave with her. If she doesn't get good medical attention soon, I'm scared she might die or her brain will suffer irreparable damage.""What do you mean by that?" David yelled back at the other e
We rushed to the room, and she was grunting in pain, but her eyes were still tightly shut. I moved closer to her while Roberts examined her vitals from the various machines that are still attached to her."I did not expect it to wear off so soon," he said before reaching into his bag and injecting the fluid into her drip. "What happened to her? Is she in a bad state?" I asked with a worried look on my face."She is fine. Her anesthesia just wore off, and she is still sleeping because of the sedative, which is why she is grunting," Roberts reassured me. She became calm after some seconds, and he checked everything once more before we left the room."King, as I was saying..." a call from his phone interrupted him. "Hello," he said into the phone before his expression became troubled. "Alright, go ahead," he said before facing me. "King, you know I would not question you on a normal day, but I really have to right now, so try and understand.""Okay," I said, getting worried. "Roberts, ju
I carried the pregnant lady, and Zack joined me in carrying the other lady. We made our way back to the house, and I laid the other lady on the nursing bed while the pregnant lady was taken to the adjoining room. I tried taking off her blood-soaked clothes when I noticed that she wasn't just bleeding from the bruises sustained from the accident alone but was fully dilated. "Tell Roberts to come with a nurse as well. I think she's about to give birth," I said. "Okay, sir," Zack responded before calling Roberts, who said a nurse was with him already. Shortly after, we heard the sound of the landing gear of the jet whirring outside. The plane landed, and Roberts and a nurse rushed out with their equipment, a thermometer dangling on his neck as he sped inside the house. "Where is King? What happened to him? I wasn't really hearing you on the phone," Roberts asked. He entered the house and saw the bleeding Camella, rushed to her before saying anything to King. "How many months gone is s
King's POVI was having dinner when we started hearing the screeching of car tires. Zack had wanted to head out to check what was going on, afraid that we might be under attack again, but I advised him otherwise."Just let it be. If they are really coming for me, let them. Even if they are a thousand, I swear on my sister's grave that I would waste them all." Every time I remember what Alysia went through in her last moments, I cannot help but feel anger mixed with sadness all at once.I still have nightmares, dreaming of how she was brutally raped by all of them before finally being shot in the head. I still remember vividly how the bullet sounded against the air and how the echo made my heart jump before I noticed the bullet that was lodged in the bridge of her nose.Her beautiful face had already become hideous due to the constant torture, and as she lay lifeless in a pool of her blood, I was too stunned to move. Memories of our time together before the kidnapping started playing o