Oscar Williams soaked himself into his bathtub. He leaned his head backwards and closed his eyes, reminiscing over so many things. Slowly, his mind wondered off to the night Katie Roland was murdered and it felt like it was just yesterday. *** He drove into Katie's penthouse, however, he wasn't so sure why he was there in the first place. He could have ignored her constant lamentations and just move on but because of the relationship they both shared in the past, he couldn't just ignore as she threatened to kill herself if he doesn't show up. Katie Roland wasn't just his Ex but they were childhood best buddies turned lovers. He genuinely loved Katie Roland and they were both the envy of others way back in high school and college. But he grew tired of her excessive demands. She was the rude and spoilt brats like every other rich person's would be. He did not like his woman being so full of pride. Several times he would speak to her about it and she would grumpily turn him off sa
Oscar's eyes fluttered open, his mind foggy and disoriented. He was met with an familiar ceiling, and his head pounded like a drum. As he struggled to sit up, a wave of nausea washed over him as a foul odour hit his nostrils. But it was the sight of his hands that made his heart race. They were covered in blood, and a knife lay clenched in his fist. Oscar's eyes widened in horror as he stared at the blade, his mind reeling with questions. What happened? And whose blood was this?Panic set in as he stood up but his legs felt jelly and he staggered backwards but managed to keep his cool, his eyes scanning the room frantically. That's when he saw her - a woman lying motionless on the floor, a pool of blood spreading from her head like a dark halo.Oscar's breath caught in his throat as he stumbled backward, the knife slipping from his grasp. He landed hard on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the gruesome scene before him.But it was the bloodstains on his shirt that made his blood run col
Dr. Sam was more than surprised to see Althea barge into his office and then, the decision she made was so sudden.Not like he wasn't expecting her to show up but showing up like this was what he least expected.He knew for sure that something must have triggered her fury and he wondered what that is."Althea you need to calm down and tell me what happened..? You know this isn't something you should be rushing into..." "I don't care! This is what I want.. I have made up my mind and there's no going back. That bastard!!.. That motherfucking asshole bastard has the nerve to want to get married to Katie once she recovers...." Althea voices out. Her lips trembling as she spoke. The hurt, the pain and the anger all evident in her eyes.He has never seen her so angry... And she looked different, not the calm Althea he saw few days back.Dr. Sam stood up and walked up to Althea. He held her shoulder and led her to a seat, making her sit.Althea buried her head into her palm.. weeping.She
Althea was so sure that the decision she took was for the best. She honestly cannot endure it any longer.As she walked back to her Ward, she couldn't help but reflect back to when Dr. Sam had made it known that he's willing to help her. Then again, she'd say that she's really very lucky to have Dr. Sam and that friend of his, who wants to help her out.At first she thought he was only just pulling her legs but seeing how dead serious he looked, she knew she just has to give it a try.She could only just imagine the day she'd finally be released and heck, she just cannot wait for it to come.As she entered her Ward, she moved straight to her bunk bed without sparing anyone a glance.Unknown to her, Lynx has been staring but being deep in thoughts, Althea did not notice.Lynx knew that something was definitely up with Althea and she was worried. She needed to know what was going on...What is eating Althea so much.She didn't want to make the first move of asking but she really can't h
As usual, Oscar woke up in a really bad mood. Just as always, his days are always ruined just before anything or anyone ruins it for him.He left Katie's Ward as he was done spending sometime with her. She was still the same. Unable to move any part of her body.He went to the doctor and inquired about the update on Katie's condition but there wasn't any improvement and he was more than disappointed when the doctors said they can't predict when she'd be out of her vegetative state.Oscar drove to his company afterwards and straight to the elevator without reacting or responding to the greetings from his employees.He and Mayra were the only ones in the elevator and for some unknown reasons today, he used the general elevator and not his private one.leaning against the wall, he tucked his hands into his pant pockets.The elevator stopped at the 13th floor and some employees walked in but they had their minds clouded in the files they had with them that they barely noticed Oscar behi
Rachel Kim could barely keep her eyes open. She felt exhausted and stressed out from the torture she has been going through for days now. Her body was in a bloody state with bruises all over. Her eyes and cheeks all swollen.Living in hell was far better than being tortured by Oscar Williams or his men. She'd never for a split second think that the Charming CEO everyone knows him off could be this ruthless. She managed to pull her eyes open when the sound of the door creaking open caught her attention. She knew she was in for another round of torture when Oscar walked in. He grabbed a stool by the side and sat in front of her. Rachel shot him a deadly look. If only looks could kill, then he'd have been six feet under. "How is my little prey doing?" Oscar asked, a deadly glare running on his lips."Why don't you just kill me instead? Just kill me you jerk!!!" "No.. " Oscar moved his index finger sideways. "Did you forget what I said about giving you a slow death? until you are r
Althea was stunned by the words of the warden. Did he just say that she has been granted bail? She's leaving? She pinched her arm to be sure she wasn't dreaming but it was true... She's being released. She listened to the words from the other inmates... They kept whispering amongst themselves and asking why she's being released before any of them. While some grumbled that they have have spent years in prison and haven't been released she she is being granted bail without completing her years? "Come out Althea... We're running out of time" The warden said aloud, pulling her out of the trance she was in.Althea began to walk out proudly... grinning from ear to ear. She really just can't believe it."Althea..." She turned when a hand held hers, it was Lynx."You're got a bail? How so? Why didn't you tell me? It isn't your time of release right?" The smile on Althea's face didn't falter."Well... I guess I deserve to be released. I've been on my best behaviors right? " She responded
Lynx wasn't so sure if her thoughts were right or not. She really can't place it. Althea's sudden release came as a shocker to her. She wasn't expecting Althea to be bailed on a day like this, when her jail terms hasn't been completed. It was just yesterday since Althea left and she really can't imagine that she is now out in the open now! She kept picking her food as she was lost in thoughts, trying to fix puzzles together as her mind was in total chaos. What must have happened? Why the sudden bail? It's impossible for an inmate to get out of prison without serving the jail terms complete. And granted bail based on good behavior... It's ridiculous and impossible. She recalled the excitement on Althea's face as she walked out of the prison the previous day. It wasn't a look of surprise but a happy one.And the way she had responded to her before leaving... It was certainly obvious that Althea had expected being released and she wasn't at all surprised about it.Loosing the appe
Feeling the sensation of someone caressing her cheeks, Althea jerked up with full force, snapping her eyes open and join seeing Phoenix, her eyes widened and she moved back in fear.Phoenix on the other hand was startled by her reaction. This was new as she would always feel relaxed around him and even snuggle closer to his touch.Althea swallowed, knowing fully well that her sudden reaction might raise suspicions from Phoenix. She moved closer but not too close and thought it was better to say something."Phoenix.... You're home? I wasn't expecting you back so soon!" " Yes, I decided to come back early and surprise you, but I guess I ended up getting surprised instead"Althea chuckled nervously but trying so hard not to make her emotions known." I'm sorry, I got scared for no reason. I thought it was a thief or something but now that I know it's you, I feel relieved.." She said.Phoenix stared at her briefly, he could help but think that she's acting kinda weird. Or maybe he's just
Phoenix just rounded up his business meeting with some top government officials in California who are willing to partner with him in order to have some of his drugs and firearms shipped into the country. And as soon as he got into his hotel room, he has a quick bath and stepped out, then changed into something casual and began to operate on his laptop. A knock came through his door and he ushered whoever that is in. It was Nova Snow. She walked in, looking like she got something to report. "Sir, something huge just happened!!" Phoenix looked at him, his left brows raised up as curiosity filled him. "And?..." "Oscar Williams is hosting a press conference right now and he's announcing the death of Katie Roland.." Phoenix was taken aback as well as surprised by the sudden info. "What?" "It's true boss... You can have a look..." She gave him his phone. He took it and began to watch Oscar's live conference, listening attentively. Right there stood Oscar looking pitiable and talk
As Althea walked behind him, she felt pretty nervous. She kept rubbing her palms together and thinking of what to say to him.He stopped walking when he got to the poolside, then turned to face her and tucked his hands into his pant pocket."Yes, you wanted to speak with me privately!" He spoke up first."Yes, Uhm..." Althea swallowed, her head blank of what she's going to say.Why won't she be nervous when she has actually thought of him as the first person ever. No doubt, she's really ashamed of herself.She looked at him but quickly averted her gaze "Well, I just want to apologize for everything. I know I shouldn't have hated you but you really can't blame me.... You left me in there with no word and you even sent your lawyer with some money. I felt bittered and thought you actually used me and that's why I teamed up with Phoenix when I had the chance.I felt he was the only ray of light amidst all darkness. But I'm really sorry. If I had the slightest clue that is were only trying
Althea walked in with Mayra to see the full team. Katie Roland was there too and she smiled upon seeing her. Althea returned the smile back. Oscar sat on the sofa, with his left leg crossed over the other. They were all silent as if waiting for her to say something. It felt awkward because never ever did she think of joining forces with the man she once hated. But it's all good, it's better safe than being sorry. "Uhm... I know this must come as a shock for everyone that I'm here, but I know the truth now. I overheard Phoenix talking with his gang members and he plans on killing me once this is over..." "That rascal..." Oscar groaned underneath his breath, folding his hands into a tight fist. Althea continued anyways. "You must all consider me as selfish or stupid, but we must do everything possible to bring Phoenix down as soon as possible..." "Tell us everything you found out Althea!!" Oscar demanded. "He plans on doing something to you when he returns and he said that woul
Phoenix's men at the psychiatric hospital were all vigilant but Oscar and his team kept their cool. Good thing the uniform worn by the foreign doctors was something that covered their faces as well so there was nothing to worry about. They were shown the Ward The senator's wife was in as as they made their way in, Oscar was taken aback by the condition she was in. Senator James Grayson was someone that he respected a lot. Way back when he was still a teenager, Senator James used to work as a Gardener and also attended the same Collete with him. He was more like an older brother to Oscar and their relationship was still that way until he died a year ago. At first Oscar thought that his wife indeed killed him but after everything Rachel told him, the least he could do for the senator was to get his wife out of the cruel hands of Phoenix and his Men. He has always had doubts regarding Senator James death, because he loved his wife too much and she also loves him so much making the c
Althea didn't sleep a wink throughout the night as she laid wide awake with fear that she might get killed anytime soon. She doesn't feel safe around here anymore! Her life is in danger just because of the foolish mistake she made trusting Phoenix.Lynx had told her not to trust people easily but she was blinded and thought of Lynx as someone who doesn't want anything good for her.She turned to Nova and thought Nova was the most supportive.Little did she know that she was slowly walking into the devil's cage. Maybe she wasn't even depressed at all, it could be just a made up story.Thinking about everything she had done with Phoenix filled her with lots of regrets. She thought she had finally met a good Man... The kisses they shared and the romantic moments, it all disgusts her now.How did she end up loving such a despicable man? How, for goodness sake!!!She finds it hard to believe she actually did sleep with a man who's out to kill her real soon.She got off the bed and raced t
That night, Althea laid wide awake on her bed. Sleep was far away from her while her gaze were fixed directly at the wall clock. She kept following the the rhythm of the clock ticking, counting every second that passes. To her, it seemed like it's moving too slow, increasing her anxiety. With each passing second, she keeps getting nervous. Some point, she questions herself what she's about to do? But yet again, she feels the need to do something since this whole thing is basically about her. She's the center to the games either of them is playing and she needs to get to the bottom of this before it gets too late. As soon as the clock stricked 12, her heart did a huge leap. She rubbed her sweaty palm together as Rachel's words resounded in her head.A door by the stairs, opens at midnight and that's when Phoenix holds a brief meeting with his gang members.She lifted herself off the bed and wore her flip-flops. She moved to her door, reached out for the door knob but suddenly flinc
"Good morning Boss!" Mayra greeted as Oscar descended down the stairs.He nodded at her and walked towards the dining where his meal was already served."C'mon, have breakfast with me" He said to her. She refused at first but when he insisted, she joined him."It's Saturday Mayra and I told you to take today off. Why are you here so early?" He asked scooping some quantity of Rice. "I find off days boring boss. I'm used to carrying out orders and I'm here just in case you need anything!" She said. " You work so hard Mayra, Once all this is over, I'd repay you for your hardwork so far, that's a promise "" I appreciate your generosity Boss!"" No, it's not generosity, it's the right thing to do. As a woman, you need time for yourself. Don't worry Mayra, I'd surely repay you handsomely once thus is all over!"She nodded." By the way, we'll commence plans on how to take Senator James wife from the psychiatric hospital. We can't help her if she's in there..."" Got it Boss. I'll discuss
"Boss, Ma'am Althea is back !!!" A maid rushed to Phoenix's room and announced.Phoenix stepped out in a rush, heading downstairs. He didn't stop until he stood right beside her. He grabbed her, his eyes searching all over her."Where have you been Althea? I was so worried sick!!!" He said.Althea looked at him, the look in his eyes which evidently betrayed his words.Was he really worried sick about her or he's just making things up. She couldn't help but have doubts after everything she was told." Althea?" He called, pulling her back to reality."I'm.. I'm sorry for the inconvenience phoenix. I know you must have been worried but I knew you wouldn't let me even if I asked. That's why going with Nanny Patal was the only best option. I wanted to visit my home. There was something precious that I had to take...." "And what is that?" He asked, his gaze was riveted on her like he was trying to seek the truth from her himself.As a matter of fact, Althea was more than confused. What is