Micheal POV:It was becoming so unbearably uncomfortable sitting on the concrete floor, I could pull my hair out. I was tired, hungry and felt miserable on the floor. It was unbearably hot and I was sweating profusely, my throat was dry as the Sahara, a drop of water would be a bliss right now. The only thing keeping me from loosing my mind and going berserk was the thought they can't keep me here forever, I was bound to be released at a point and I will make them all pay severely. I shut my eyes my tightly hoping I could escape to the land of sleep.After a few minutes of shut eye, I felt the change in atmosphere. I opened an eye to check my surroundings and to my utmost surprise I saw Leo Fucking Jordan staring down on me. I stood up at once and rose up to his level to see eye to eye. He was staring at me like a bug sitting on his favorite food."The fuck are you looking at" I snapped "I see they finally put you where you truly deserve" "Why don't you come in here and I would sh
Michael POV:I got more miserable with every minute. I had enough time to think about my involvement in her death. Leo was right, it was all my fault, I shouldn't have allowed her to leave my side. I was at my lowest, tired, hungry and distraught. I had no idea what to do or say, I just simply lay on the cold concrete floor and waited for whatever was coming. I knew the feeling will only get worse, I couldn't see myself escaping from the guilt anytime soon. It would weigh me down for a very long time. I took a peak at the clock hanging on the wall, it read a quarter of an hour before 7 pm. I couldn't see outside world, but I knew the sun would be hiding it's last rays of light by now. I couldn't believe I would be spending another day at the police station, sleeping on the hard cold concrete.Just like the fading rays of light outside, my hope dwindled. I finally gave up and tried to get some shut eye, perhaps it would reduce the hunger I was feeling. I was finally drifting awa
Aurora POV:I recounted my lie over before knocking the door, Mr. Jordan had insisted on escorting me in, I was only glad to allow him.I knocked on the door twice and waited to hear some movements inside. Finally i heard sounds of footsteps approaching the door "Aurora is that you?"She opened the door before I could think of a reply. Relief spread across her face at the sight of me, but her facials turned at once at the sight of Mr. Jordan. I realized I might have set up Mr. Jordan for some cold chiding and didn't give him a chance to avoid it by forewarning him. "Is this how you treat your workers with utter disrespect" He looks so confused and stared at me for help. "Didn't you consider you were with a grown woman that needed to be driven home before drinking to stupor." "I'm sorry ma'am" He said. I could still see the confusion on his Face."You barely consider the fact that she had someone waiting at home, do you know how worried I was.""I'm sorry ma'am" He addedThe look
Micheal POV:I got more miserable with every minute, I had enough time to think about my involvement in her death. Leo was right, it was all my fault, I shouldn't have allowed her to leave my side. I was at my lowest, tired, hungry and distraught. I had no idea what to do or say, I just simply lay on the concrete floor and waited for whatever I was waiting. I knew the feeling will only get worse, I couldn't see myself escaping from the guilt anytime soon, it would surely weigh me down for a very long time. I took a peak at the clock hanging on the wall, it read a quarter of an hour till 7 pm. I couldn't see outside world, but I knew the sun would be hiding it's last rays of light by now. I couldn't believe I would be spending another day at the police station, sleeping on the hard cold concrete, I couldn't have seen myself here in my wildest thoughts.Just like the fading rays of light outside, my hope dwindled. I finally gave up and tried to get some shut eye, perhaps it would reduce
Micheal POV:I felt the rush of wind against my face while he sped towards the hospital, I was so tired but the miniscule hope of seeing Aurora again hale and hearty was enough to keep me on my feet. But I was nervous, shakily nervous.He pulled up in the hospital parking, I got out and walked while he trailed behind me. He caught up in no time.He patted my shoulder gently "She's alive I can feel it in my gut" "So could I Cal, so could I" "Then trust it "I wish I could Cal, I wish I could...I nodded at him and watched him walked in front of me, now it was I who trailed behind him. Slowly we walked into the hospital and directly at the medical receptionist sitting behind a large desk; a chubby woman probably in her early 30 s. I couldn't remember seeing her here yesterday, but how could I when my head was in another space with Aurora on the verge of dying. I allowed Cal to do the talking..."Good evening, ma'am" He said"Mr. Calhoun Ballenge, Evening sir, how may I help you" "The
Micheal POV: We pulled up in the front of the little apartment, it says much about their financial status. The weather-beaten slat cottage sat at the far end of a mostly brown lawn. Wood silvered by the sun. Roof shingles warped. Small stands of plantain and giant bird-of-paradise for privacy. The whole house was barely up to the porch of the laurel House. But it took nothing away from how beautiful house and neat the house was. "This house looks odd" Cal said "There is a strange beauty about it" Yeah I guess, so"The sight is quite evocative" He emphasized "I am heading out" I announced, before opening the car."Should I wait in the car?" He asked "Of course you stay in the car, You don't know her nor do you have any busines you wish to discuss with her" "Not really, we had an encounter, but I doubt she would recognize me" I got out of the car and headed to the door.I knocked on the door gently. I didn't have to knock the door twice before I heard movements and her small reco
Micheal POV:I turned to see Cal walking towards us, waving Aurora's purse.My eye widened. 'oh shit' I muttered under my breath I walked to meet him halfway."I thought I told you to stay in the car" I muttered "You were taking too long. Besides, I am not your driver nor one of your employees. I can do whatever I want" He repliedHe placed the purse in my hand and walked past me and headed towards Aurora. Aurora stared at Cal in disbelief. "Miss Hardy, I believe you own that" He said announcing his arrival."Mr. Calhoun, What are you doing here?" She exclaimed "I had to make sure the guest at my house was okay, I'm glad to see you are." "I meant what are you doing with him" she nodded at me."Mike? He is my best friend" "Best Friend is a bit of a stretch." I mused. "I had lauded your taste in art, but I'm quite disappointed in your taste in friends" I knew by the radiant smile, she was taking a piss. "I know dear, I've been trying to cut him off, but he clings to me like a
Micheal POV:"Hey, what's wrong with you?" "Nothing""What do you mean nothing, clearly something is wrong""Did I say something wrong again?" I asked nervously "No, you didn't Mr. Angelo" She replied "Then what's wrong with you Aurora, talk to me" "I'm fine" She replied, she tried to walk away from me but I caught her again. She yanked her hand off and walked away from me. "here is the restroom. You can come back when you are done." I held her for the third time, this time I held both hands, firmly enough not to be rebuffed but softly not to hurt her hands. "What are you doing?" She asked furiously "I won't let go, unless I'm sure I did nothing wrong" "You did nothing wrong sir" "I will be the judge of that. Surely, there must be a reason for the sudden change in your mood""It's nothing Mr. Angelo" "I'm not letting go till you tell me. unless you plan to stay here all night, you better talking" It seemed like I made her angrier, she gave me a cold stare hoping I would be
Epilogue Aurora POV:The warm sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow on the bedroom walls. I lay in bed, feeling the gentle rhythm of my husband's breathing beside me. It had been a long and arduous journey for us, but today was a day of happiness—a day to cherish the love and resilience that had brought us together.I watched him for a long time, I enjoyed watching him sleep. there was something particularly soothing about watching him sleep.As I stretched my arms above my head, my eyes fell upon the photograph on the nightstand. It captured a moment frozen in time, our wedding day. We got married on a beach in Oregon. It was the most beautiful day of my life. Michael's eyes were filled with unwavering devotion, and I couldn't help but smile at the memory. The vows we exchanged that day held the promise of a lifetime of shared dreams and unbreakable bonds.We had toured the world like he had promised leaving with beautiful memories everywhere we we
Michael POV:As I stood before the graves of my parents and Beatrice, a mix of emotions washed over me. It was the first time I had brought anyone to this sacred place. I watched as she knelt down, her face solemn and filled with respect, paying her respects to the departed souls who had unwilling been absent to shape my life."Who are they?" She askedI was yet to tell her whom they are and name on the graves gave no clues to whom they were. "The first two are my parents and the third is my elder sister" She looked taken aback"I thought you never knew them""I was lucky to find out, with some help of some friends. I wanted you to meet them too"She nodded, her eyes filled with awe. Aurora's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her words carrying a weight of sincerity and determination. "I promise you, dear parents and sister, that I will take care of Michael. I will be there for him, just as you were. I will cherish him, support him, and love him with all my heart. You have left
Michael POV: The town recieve the news about Calhoun with mixed feelings. The next few days was spent uprooting every corrupt official on Calhoun payroll and his drug warehouse was ruthlessly shut down. It was finally Mark's funeral, I had dreaded this day because of the effects I knew it would have on me.I stood there, my heart heavy with sorrow, as I gazed upon the somber scene before me. The room was filled with mournful whispers and tear-streaked faces, each one reflecting the immense loss we all felt. "Today, we gathered to bid farewell to a dear friend, a courageous soul who had given his life in the line of duty. He was a cop, a protector of the innocent, and his untimely death"The eulogies began, each one a testament to his character and the impact he had made on countless lives. His family, friends, and fellow officers all shared their stories, their voices trembling with a mix of grief and admiration. They spoke of his courage, his selflessness, and his unwavering deter
Aurora POV: It's been days since my search and rescue. I never imagined that freedom could feel so overwhelming. After enduring the horrors of being kidnapped and held captive, the sweet taste of liberation should have been pure bliss. Yet, as I cautiously navigate this newfound freedom, it feels as though the world around me is still holding its breath, afraid to disturb the fragile existence I've fought so hard to regain.The news of my rescue spread like wildfire, and people showered me with words of relief and gratitude. They embraced me with tender hugs, their eyes brimming with tears of joy. But beneath their smiles, I sensed a subtle unease, an unspoken fear of shattering my fragile state of recovery. It's as if they see me as a porcelain doll, easily broken with a single misplaced step.Every interaction now feels calculated, as if everyone around me is walking on tiptoes, afraid to say or do anything that might trigger painful memories or send me spiraling back into the dark
Aurora POV:I stepped into the familiar warmth of Michael's house. He came back to pick me up the next morning after spending considerable time with my mother. He had insisted on staying with him for the time being and my mother was only happy to agree. It is a mix of relief and apprehension flooding my senses. The events of the past few days had been a nightmare, one that had finally released its grip on me. I glanced around, taking in the comforting sights of our living room, but the shadows of the ordeal still lingered in every corner.Michael stood beside me, his eyes filled with a mix of worry, love, and a determination to keep me safe. I understood his concerns; after all, I had been taken away from him against my will. But as much as I craved his protective presence, I also longed for a sense of normalcy and the freedom to heal at my own pace.Michael furry companions who seems to have been waiting anxiously for my return, approached cautiously, sniffing the air with curiosity
Michael POV:As I walked Mr. Eyre and Jane to the airport, the weight of sadness enveloped us, casting a somber atmosphere over our conversation. The news of Calhoun, being responsible for his daughter's death had left us both of them speechless and devastated.Jane walked in front while Mr. Eyre and I walked behind her."I can't believe it, Michael," Mr. Eyre whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief and pain. "How could someone commit such a heinous act? I can't wrap my mind around it."His words echoed the thoughts that swirled in my own mind. I struggled to find an answer, my voice choked with emotions. "I don't know, Mr. Eyre," I managed to say, my voice laced with sorrow. "We continued walking through the airport, the surroundings a blur as our conversation grew heavier with regret and guilt."I blame myself, Mr. Eyre " I confessed, "I can't help but wonder if there were signs I missed, if I could have protected her somehow. And to think I have wined and dined with her kill
Aurora POV:I stood there, watching the flames dance and devour the remnants of the cloth I had worn during my unimaginable ordeal. The crackling fire illuminated the night, casting a warm glow upon my face as i gathered around its flickering embrace. The crackling of the flames seemed to echo the tumultuous journey I had endured, a journey that had tested my spirit to its very limits."Aurora" My mother called, I turned to see her creeping on me. I saw glint of sadness in her eyes, when she saw what I was burning. What was suppose to represent a joyous day, now represents a traumatizing experience, it's existence needed to be erased."Libby and Mabel are here to see you. Should they wait for you in the Living room""Let them join me in the backyard" I replied softly "Ok dear" I heard their footsteps few seconds later, before Libby reached out and gently touched my shoulder. "We came as soon as your mother called you are back" Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "We miss
Michael POV:"Are you okay, Aurora? I'm here now, everything is fine now" I held her tightly like someone would try to steal her from my hand againHer tear glands finally gave in to the waterworks. "I was so scared" she said choking on her own words. "I thought I was not going to see you again""Then I had Mark died in my arms, I watched him died, life sucking out of him slowly. Then I had to stare at his dead body for hours""You are fine now"I patted and rocked her body like one would a baby. It felt soothing to have her in my arms again. My heart races in my chest, adrenaline still coursing through my veins as I hold her tightly in my arms. We've just escaped from the clutches of danger, and the relief surges through me like a tidal wave. I can feel her trembling against me, her breath coming in short gasps, and I know she's just as shaken as I am. As I look into her eyes, gratitude and love swirl in the depths of my being. The thought of losing her, of never seeing that radian
Aurora POV: I sat resting on the wall while staring into the oblivion. I sit here, trapped in this cold, desolate room, my spirit drained and my body weary. The flickering overhead light casts eerie shadows on the peeling walls, reflecting the dismal state of my existence. My mind is numb, and my once fiery gaze has dulled into a vacant stare.Hope, once a flickering flame within me, has been extinguished. Not the long for my mother's smile and Michael touch could rekindle the hope. It has been replaced by a resignation, a surrender to the cruel fate that has befallen me. The days and nights blend together, a blur of monotony and fear. I have lost track of time, as each passing moment feels like an eternity.Calhoun intentions are unclear, his motives shrouded in darkness. If he wanted to kill me he should have already. All I know is that he holds complete control over my life, and I am at his mercy. The uncertainty gnaws at me, devouring any remnants of strength I have left. I wonde