DERRICK The room was a mess. A half-empty bottle of whiskey dangled from my hand, its contents splashing with the unsteady movement of my hand. The dim light from the flickering lamp drew shadows across the walls, making the space feel even more suffocating. The air was thick with the stench of alcohol and regret, a toxic combination that mirrored the storm that's raging inside me. I slumped into the couch, my body heavy, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of anger, guilt, and despair.I tilted my head back, letting the burning liquid slide down my throat. It didn’t help. Not really. The whiskey only dulled the edges of my pain, but it couldn’t erase it. Nothing could.Vera had taken everything from me—everything I had worked so damn hard for, everything I had built. The house, the car, the property I bought—all of it was gone, divided up like spoils of war. Leaving me with nothing but scraps. A hollow shell of the life I once had.There’s a saying that during heartbreak, your wealth and p
The ReturnBRIDGETThe Holiday had been a time of relaxation and reflection, but now it was over. My off day had come to an end, and it was time to return to the grind. Only this time, it wasn’t just any ordinary day at work. I was walking back into the office as the newly promoted Marketing Director. The weight of the title still felt strange, like a dream I hadn’t fully woken up from. The memory of the celebration with my friends at the company replayed in my mind—the cheers, the laughter, and Davis’s exaggerated scream of astonishment when she heard the news. It was a moment I’d cherish for a long time to be honest.As I stepped into the company building, my head held high, I could feel the shift in the air. Confidence radiated from every step I took. but this morning something was different. The stares from the staff who had arrived earlier than me were impossible to ignore. Their eyes followed me as I walked through the lobby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and admiration
*The Confession*DERRICK The silence in the room could be felt, almost suffocating. My mother stood in the kitchen, her back to me as she fixed us something to eat. The clinking of utensils against the plate was the only sound breaking the quiet. I could feel her gaze flickering toward me every few seconds, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and curiosity. It was obvious she was dying to ask what had happened, why she hadn’t seen Vera or any of her belongings in the apartment. The space where Vera’s things once were was empty, and my mother knew something was definitely wrong.I sat on the couch, my hands clasped tightly together, my mind racing. Frank, my best friend and the only person I had called after Vera’s betrayal, sat across from me. His presence was a small comfort, but even he couldn’t shield me from the storm that was about to come. My mother’s questions were inevitable, and I knew I couldn’t avoid them forever.Finally, she broke the silence. Her voice was calm but f
The Dark Side of PowerSMITH SPENCER “Yo, Boss, we got eyes on the gang responsible for the hit at the Club a few months ago. We have intel that they’ll be having a meeting tonight at the Granville Hotel by 8 PM. The boys are ready. We’re coordinating a hit on them tonight. Just waiting on your word, Boss.” Niko’s voice crackled through the phone, steady but urgent.I leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest. The room was dimly lit, the shadows stretching across the walls as I processed the information. My voice was calm, but there was a cold edge to it as I gave the order. “Do what you’re supposed to do, Niko. Get the boys there and rain hell on that party. Execute every last one of them. Show no mercy. I repeat, show no mercy. Make sure no one survives to see daylight. It’s time to show those dogs that no one messes with this gang and walks away untouched.”The line went silent for a moment before Niko responded, “Understood, Boss. Consider it done.”I ended
BREAKING NEWS BRIDGETThe soft light from the TV flickered on the living room walls as I sat on the floor, gently bouncing my baby on my lap. His tiny hands reached up, grabbing at my necklace, and I couldn’t help but smile. He was my world, my everything. The warmth of his little body against mine was comforting, a reminder that even in tough times, I still had something good in my life.Davis was lying on the couch next to me, flipping through a magazine she had picked up earlier. She glanced at the TV now and then but seemed lost in her own thoughts. The news was on in the background, talking about the usual stuff—traffic, politics, and the weather. Nothing out of the ordinary.I lifted my baby’s hand and shook his tiny fingers. He giggled softly, his eyes full of joy. I smiled, feeling my heart swell. In moments like this, everything else seemed to fade away.Then, the tone of the news changed.A breaking news banner flashed across the screen in big red letters."LIVE: SHOOTOUT A
LUNCH WITH LISALisa and I sat in our usual spot at the cozy little restaurant we frequently go to for our lunch break. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft, serene music playing in the background. The restaurant was filled with beautiful faces, their smiles glowing as they enjoyed their meals and conversations. It was the kind of place that made you forget about the chaos of the outside world, even if just for a little while. I sat quietly, trying to shake off the weight of the work I had just finished. My new role at the company had been exciting at first—a promotion I had worked hard for and dreamed about for months. But now, the reality of the responsibilities that came with it was starting to sink in. “With great power comes great responsibility,” I thought to myself, letting out a small smirk. It was a phrase I’d heard countless times, but only now did I truly understand what it meant. “So, are you going to talk to me about him or what?” Lisa’s voice cut through
A Meeting with the PastBRIDGET After work, Lisa drove me to the agreed location—a small coffee shop tucked away in a quiet part of town. The address had been sent to my phone by the mysterious woman who had called earlier. At first I was hesitant about going, unsure of what to expect, but Lisa had insisted on coming with me. Her presence was comforting, and I was grateful for her support. The ride felt longer than it should have, my nerves growing with every passing mile. My mind raced with questions. Who was this woman? What did she want? And why did she sound so urgent? When we finally arrived, I sat in the car for a moment, scanning the area through the window. The coffee shop was nice, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. But my eyes were drawn to the people inside—mostly older women, their faces unfamiliar. It was impossible to pick out the woman I had spoken to on the phone. “We should get a little closer and maybe give her a call,” Lisa suggested, noticing my hesitation.
The Return to ATLAS CORP. DERRICK The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the ATLAS CORP building, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. I adjusted my tie nervously as I stood outside the Director’s office, my heart pounding in my chest. It had been weeks since I last stepped foot in this building, and the weight of anticipation was almost unbearable. Today was the day I had been praying for, the day I would reclaim my place at the company that had given me purpose since I got employed. I knocked gently on the door, and a familiar voice called out, “Come in.” Pushing the door open, I was greeted by the sight of the Director, seated behind his large mahogany desk, his eyes focused on the computer screen in front of him. He looked up as I entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Mr. Derrick. How have you been?” he greeted, standing up and stretching his hand toward me for a firm handshake. “I’m doing just great, sir,” I replied, retu
The Return to ATLAS CORP. DERRICK The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the ATLAS CORP building, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. I adjusted my tie nervously as I stood outside the Director’s office, my heart pounding in my chest. It had been weeks since I last stepped foot in this building, and the weight of anticipation was almost unbearable. Today was the day I had been praying for, the day I would reclaim my place at the company that had given me purpose since I got employed. I knocked gently on the door, and a familiar voice called out, “Come in.” Pushing the door open, I was greeted by the sight of the Director, seated behind his large mahogany desk, his eyes focused on the computer screen in front of him. He looked up as I entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Mr. Derrick. How have you been?” he greeted, standing up and stretching his hand toward me for a firm handshake. “I’m doing just great, sir,” I replied, retu
A Meeting with the PastBRIDGET After work, Lisa drove me to the agreed location—a small coffee shop tucked away in a quiet part of town. The address had been sent to my phone by the mysterious woman who had called earlier. At first I was hesitant about going, unsure of what to expect, but Lisa had insisted on coming with me. Her presence was comforting, and I was grateful for her support. The ride felt longer than it should have, my nerves growing with every passing mile. My mind raced with questions. Who was this woman? What did she want? And why did she sound so urgent? When we finally arrived, I sat in the car for a moment, scanning the area through the window. The coffee shop was nice, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. But my eyes were drawn to the people inside—mostly older women, their faces unfamiliar. It was impossible to pick out the woman I had spoken to on the phone. “We should get a little closer and maybe give her a call,” Lisa suggested, noticing my hesitation.
LUNCH WITH LISALisa and I sat in our usual spot at the cozy little restaurant we frequently go to for our lunch break. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft, serene music playing in the background. The restaurant was filled with beautiful faces, their smiles glowing as they enjoyed their meals and conversations. It was the kind of place that made you forget about the chaos of the outside world, even if just for a little while. I sat quietly, trying to shake off the weight of the work I had just finished. My new role at the company had been exciting at first—a promotion I had worked hard for and dreamed about for months. But now, the reality of the responsibilities that came with it was starting to sink in. “With great power comes great responsibility,” I thought to myself, letting out a small smirk. It was a phrase I’d heard countless times, but only now did I truly understand what it meant. “So, are you going to talk to me about him or what?” Lisa’s voice cut through
BREAKING NEWS BRIDGETThe soft light from the TV flickered on the living room walls as I sat on the floor, gently bouncing my baby on my lap. His tiny hands reached up, grabbing at my necklace, and I couldn’t help but smile. He was my world, my everything. The warmth of his little body against mine was comforting, a reminder that even in tough times, I still had something good in my life.Davis was lying on the couch next to me, flipping through a magazine she had picked up earlier. She glanced at the TV now and then but seemed lost in her own thoughts. The news was on in the background, talking about the usual stuff—traffic, politics, and the weather. Nothing out of the ordinary.I lifted my baby’s hand and shook his tiny fingers. He giggled softly, his eyes full of joy. I smiled, feeling my heart swell. In moments like this, everything else seemed to fade away.Then, the tone of the news changed.A breaking news banner flashed across the screen in big red letters."LIVE: SHOOTOUT A
The Dark Side of PowerSMITH SPENCER “Yo, Boss, we got eyes on the gang responsible for the hit at the Club a few months ago. We have intel that they’ll be having a meeting tonight at the Granville Hotel by 8 PM. The boys are ready. We’re coordinating a hit on them tonight. Just waiting on your word, Boss.” Niko’s voice crackled through the phone, steady but urgent.I leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest. The room was dimly lit, the shadows stretching across the walls as I processed the information. My voice was calm, but there was a cold edge to it as I gave the order. “Do what you’re supposed to do, Niko. Get the boys there and rain hell on that party. Execute every last one of them. Show no mercy. I repeat, show no mercy. Make sure no one survives to see daylight. It’s time to show those dogs that no one messes with this gang and walks away untouched.”The line went silent for a moment before Niko responded, “Understood, Boss. Consider it done.”I ended
*The Confession*DERRICK The silence in the room could be felt, almost suffocating. My mother stood in the kitchen, her back to me as she fixed us something to eat. The clinking of utensils against the plate was the only sound breaking the quiet. I could feel her gaze flickering toward me every few seconds, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and curiosity. It was obvious she was dying to ask what had happened, why she hadn’t seen Vera or any of her belongings in the apartment. The space where Vera’s things once were was empty, and my mother knew something was definitely wrong.I sat on the couch, my hands clasped tightly together, my mind racing. Frank, my best friend and the only person I had called after Vera’s betrayal, sat across from me. His presence was a small comfort, but even he couldn’t shield me from the storm that was about to come. My mother’s questions were inevitable, and I knew I couldn’t avoid them forever.Finally, she broke the silence. Her voice was calm but f
The ReturnBRIDGETThe Holiday had been a time of relaxation and reflection, but now it was over. My off day had come to an end, and it was time to return to the grind. Only this time, it wasn’t just any ordinary day at work. I was walking back into the office as the newly promoted Marketing Director. The weight of the title still felt strange, like a dream I hadn’t fully woken up from. The memory of the celebration with my friends at the company replayed in my mind—the cheers, the laughter, and Davis’s exaggerated scream of astonishment when she heard the news. It was a moment I’d cherish for a long time to be honest.As I stepped into the company building, my head held high, I could feel the shift in the air. Confidence radiated from every step I took. but this morning something was different. The stares from the staff who had arrived earlier than me were impossible to ignore. Their eyes followed me as I walked through the lobby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and admiration
DERRICK The room was a mess. A half-empty bottle of whiskey dangled from my hand, its contents splashing with the unsteady movement of my hand. The dim light from the flickering lamp drew shadows across the walls, making the space feel even more suffocating. The air was thick with the stench of alcohol and regret, a toxic combination that mirrored the storm that's raging inside me. I slumped into the couch, my body heavy, my mind a chaotic whirlwind of anger, guilt, and despair.I tilted my head back, letting the burning liquid slide down my throat. It didn’t help. Not really. The whiskey only dulled the edges of my pain, but it couldn’t erase it. Nothing could.Vera had taken everything from me—everything I had worked so damn hard for, everything I had built. The house, the car, the property I bought—all of it was gone, divided up like spoils of war. Leaving me with nothing but scraps. A hollow shell of the life I once had.There’s a saying that during heartbreak, your wealth and p
ROMANTICBRIDGETIt’s been a year since Derrick shattered my heart and chose my best friend, Vera, over me. A year of pain, of rebuilding, of trying to find myself again. But tonight, for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel alive. Smith has a way of making me feel seen, cherished, like I matter in a way I haven’t in years. He’s wealthy, yes, and undeniably handsome, but it’s his kindness, his warmth, that draws me in. He’s not just a man with power; he’s a man with depth, and being around him feels like stepping into the sunlight after a long, cold winter.We’ve spent the evening laughing, talking, and drinking wine in his penthouse, the city lights twinkling like stars below us. The air between us is electric, charged with something I haven’t felt in a long time—desire, yes, but also a sense of connection, of being truly understood. Smith’s gaze never wavers when he looks at me, and it’s intoxicating. He makes me feel like I’m the only person in the room, in the worl