But she shook her head firmly. Listen, dear, she said, pushing the envelope back toward me, this isn’t payment for taking care of Joey. Your hospitality cannot be paid with some currency notes.It’s just my way of trying to help. Daniel told me you’ve been struggling to find a job, so I spoke with Mr. Antonio. I gave him your contact information. He’ll be in touch soon.Tears welled up in my eyes. Oh, Grandma,” I said, hugging her tightly, “I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.You’ve already done more than enough, Luna,she replied, wiping her tears. Then her voice broke as she continued, As for Joey, we’ll be leaving the country soon. He needs to be surrounded by family, and it’ll be too hard for both of us to stay here with all the memories. I don’t know when we’ll return, but when we do, you’re always welcome to visit.I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. The thought of leaving them weighed heavily on me.Later that day, I packed my things, getting ready
I turned around, startled, only to see Stacy running toward me. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she threw her arms around me.Stacy I exclaimed, hugging her tightly. How have you been?.“I’ve missed you so much, Luna," she said, holding on as if she’d never let go.Behind her, Nanny walked in, smiling warmly. Mom and I exchanged surprised looks before Mom asked, “What happened? Where have you been?”Well, Nanny began, “we left the country for a while. That’s why we haven’t been coming to the store.I told Nanny I wanted to buy some accessories,” Stacy chimed in excitedly, but I mostly just wanted to see you, Luna!”I couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. You’ve grown so much, Stacy, I said, kneeling to her level.Do you think so? she asked, twirling around.Absolutely! So, what kind of accessories are we shopping for today?Everything Stacy declared with a giggle.Nanny chuckled. “She’s been talking about this visit ever since we got back five days ago. I think she missed yo
This was my mistake, thinking it was Minho orchestrating some grand romantic gesture.My excitement took over, and I quickly rose from the table, clutching the flower. I stepped outside into the cool evening air, scanning for him.But he wasn’t there.The parking area was quiet except for a few cars and the distant hum of traffic. Confused, I looked around, wondering if this was a prank. My mind raced with possibilities, an admirer, maybe? Then, a few meters away, I noticed a shadowy figure holding a similar red rose and a small girl by the hand. He waved at me.Curiosity set in, I decided to approach, my heels clicking against the pavement. As I drew closer, I felt a strange unease, but I shook it off, blaming my overactive imagination. Just as I was about to call out to him, everything went dark.A hand covered my nose and mouth from behind, muffling my scream. The faint scent of chemicals overwhelmed me, and the world blurred before fading into nothingness.I woke up in a dimly lit
I fought desperately to stay awake, my mind racing with questions and my body trembling with fear and exhaustion. But whatever the man had administered to me earlier, the vapors still lingering in my system, took their toll. My limbs grew heavy, my vision fading as I struggled to hold on.The masked man’s familiar eyes were the last thing I saw before the darkness claimed me. My thoughts slipped away,my eyes closing as the world around me dissolved into nothingness.I woke up slowly, my head pounding and my body weak, lying on what felt like a soft mattress. The air smelled faintly of antiseptic, mixed with the clean scent of linen. I blinked, my vision adjusting to the dim light of the room. It was small but tidy, with beige walls, a single window covered by heavy curtains, and a wooden chair placed by the bed.I tried to move, but my body felt sluggish. Panic started to rise again as I remembered the events from earlier,the men, the girl, the masked stranger. My heart raced. Where a
Curious and restless, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and managed to stand. Slowly, I made my way to the door and stepped outside. The scene before me took my breath away. The small cottage was surrounded by sprawling green fields. The air was fresh and carried the faint scent of wildflowers. Trees lined the horizon, and a nearby brook glistened under the golden sunlight.In the garden a few yards away, I spotted Mrs. Robert tending to her plants. She was bent over a patch of soil, carefully weeding with a small tool in hand."Mrs. Robert," I called out, my voice a little stronger than before.She straightened and turned to me with a warm smile. "Oh, how are you, dear? You’re awake.I feel a bit better now, I said as I walked toward her. Let me help you.She waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, not at all. You’re not well enough to be doing this kind of work.But I insisted, reaching for the small gardening fork she was holding. Please. I need to do something to keep my min
Then I saw her. Mom was seated outside, her face buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Mrs. Laura, our kind neighbor, sat beside her, a comforting hand resting on Mom's shoulder as she murmured words of consolation."Mom!" I called out, my voice breaking.Her head snapped up, her tear-streaked face full of disbelief. "Luna?" she whispered, standing up slowly."Mom!" I cried again, running toward her.She broke into a run, meeting me halfway as we crashed into each other's arms. She held me so tightly I could barely breathe, her body trembling against mine."My baby! My baby! You're alive!" she sobbed, pulling back to cup my face, as if to confirm I was really there. Her fingers brushed against my cheeks, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. "Where have you been? What happened to you? I thought,I thought I'd lost you forever."I'm here, Mom. I'm safe now," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to come home sooner, but.She hugged me again,
Minho,one of them said firmly. “You’ll need to come with us to the station for questioning.Minho stood there, frozen for a moment. His eyes found mine, and for a fleeting moment, I saw something in them,pain, regret, and maybe even love.Luna,” he said, his voice soft and pleading. I would never hurt you. Please believe me.I swallowed hard, my throat tightening as emotions welled up inside me. I wanted to say something, anything, but the words wouldn’t come. I just stood there, torn between pity and doubt, as the officers led him away.You'll have to join us at the station as well.one of the officers said to Mom and me.Mom turned to me. “Luna, are you coming?”“I’ll join you later,” I said quietly, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.Mom gave me a long, searching look before nodding and following the officers out. I watched as their vehicle disappeared down the street, leaving me standing there, my heart heavy with unanswered questions and conflicted emotions.“Luna, I
Mom sighed, her shoulders tense. “They’re investigators, Laura. They came to ask questions about Mr. Daniels’ death.” Remember the man i told you about weeks ago.“Mr. Daniels?” Mrs. Laura’s brows knitted together. “Oh my,You two okay?”We’re fine, Mom assured her.Mrs. Laura looked at me, her concern evident. Luna, if you need anything, just let me know.“Thank you, Mrs. Laura,” I said softly, though my mind was racing with thoughts.Mom, I called out softly as I walked into her room. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall, so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice me enter.I gently placed my hand on her shoulder. She flinched, startled, as if I had woken her from a nightmare.Are you okay? I asked, concern etched in my voice.“Yes, dear,” she replied quickly, her tone unconvincing. “I was just thinking about something.What is it? I asked.Nothing important, she said, avoiding my gaze.I frowned but decided not to push further. Well, one of our ne
Damien nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Sometimes, not having a plan is the best plan. Just go with the flow, till you figure something out.“Wise words,” I said with a smile. And he chuckled.We continued talking about everything and nothing, laughter filling the car as we made our way to Silver Hills, and enjoying each other's company. Before I knew it, we had arrived. The place was breathtaking, its grand exterior buzzing with excitement. Elegantly dressed people filled the area, each one a walking masterpiece of style. Fashion was at its peak, selfies were being snapped, photographers darted around capturing moments, and flashes illuminated the vibrant scene.I stepped out of the car, awestruck by the glamorous chaos. My eyes wandered from one dazzling display to another, taking in the colorful gowns, tailored suits, and radiant smiles. It was as if I’d stepped into a world where art and elegance collided. For a moment, I got lost in it all.“Looks like someone’s a little ench
“Well,” I muttered to myself, “whoever moves in there next better be a truly good neighbor.With a sigh, I turned and walked into my house. The quiet hit me immediately. Mom isn't home yet. I wandered into the living room and noticed the small, enlarged photo of me I had taken at Aurora Innovations. Picking it up, I stared at my younger, happier self, frozen in that moment.As I gazed at the picture, thoughts of Romano began flooding my mind again. Memories of everything he had done, both good and bad, came rushing in like a tide I couldn’t control. I shook my head, setting the photo down.“No,” I whispered to myself firmly. “I’m not ready. I can’t go back.”Placing the photo back in its spot, I retreated to my room, trying to push the thoughts away. But what I didn’t know was that the following months would bring mysteries unraveling, wounds reopened, and revelations I wasn’t prepared for.A future so uncertain.A nightmare in the daylight was dawning.The city was alive with noise a
As I opened the door, my eyes widened in surprise. Standing there were Mrs. Harrington and Joey. They looked healthy and happy, their smiles lighting up the doorstep.Joey I exclaimed, and before I could say anything else, he rushed forward, wrapping his little arms around me. His warmth filled me with joy . Mom We have visitors I called over my shoulder, still hugging Joey.As I stepped back to let them in, I caught sight of another figure approaching. Antonio. He was walking toward us with his usual confident stride, a small smile playing on his lips. The sight of him filled me with a sense of relief and gratitude.When he reached me, I didn’t hesitate. I threw my arms around him in a warm embrace. ''Mr Antonio,” I said softly, pulling back just enough to look at him. He smiled down at me.Just then, Mom walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She paused, her face lighting up with recognition. “Joey, my then little customer, she exclaimed, her voice filled with exci
Feeling safe, i turned around to reveal my saviour to Antonio, but he was nowhere to be found, i kept looking around, he was here i kept saying, yes i know tommy was here answered Antonio, no not tommy he escaped, I'm talking about the man who saved me from the house, as I turned to look at the house again, all i could see was it's ruins, and thick smoke roaring up into the sky. Go check it out, bring anyone and anything of value you can find, Antonio commanded his men.As you can see ma'am Melissa there's absolutely no one else here, with you, are you sure someone got you out, or you're just seeing things, i am certain mr Antonio, i was saved by a mask man, but i guess Antonio didn't believe me.We need to get you to the hospital, he said as he guided me away, in a helicopter.I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly. "Mom, you’re so strong. I’m so glad you’re safe now. Antonio truly is a hero.She pulled back slightly, brushing my hair from my face. You’re my strength, Lu
Antonio chuckled, crouching slightly to meet Joey’s gaze. That’s a noble goal, Joey,he said with a warm smile. You’ll be an amazing hero one day. Just remember to always protect those you love.We all shared a laugh, the tension in the air finally beginning to ease. Later, we checked on my mom, who was recovering well. She looked so much better, and to my relief, the doctor confirmed she could be discharged.With Mom cleared to leave, Melissa, Mom, and I headed home. Before Melissa left for her own house, Mom took her hands and thanked her sincerely for all her help. Melissa smiled and waved us off, leaving us at the door.As we walked inside, I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. “Home sweet home,” I murmured, sinking into the sofa and letting my body relax for the first time in what felt like forever.Mom sat beside me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. We’ve been through so much, Luna, she said softly, but we made it. I’m so proud of you.I leaned into her, grateful for her p
My heart stopped as Joey broke free from Tommy’s grasp and ran toward us, his little face pale with fear and tears streaming down his cheeks.Behind him, Tommy staggered, clutching his chest as blood blossomed across his shirt. He fell to the ground with a heavy thud.Then, like a hero , Mr. Antonio emerged, his gun still smoking in the broad daylight. Without hesitation, he ran to us as I and Joey knelt by Grandmother, frantically trying to wake her up.“Grandma! Please, wake up!” Joey cried, his small hands shaking her.The other men who were with Tommy fled the scene, chased by the officers who had arrived with Antonio. Chaos erupted as gunshots echoed in the distance, but my entire world narrowed to Grandmother lying motionless before us.Some officers apprehended and handcuffed Tommy, ignoring his injuries. He was still alive but groaning in pain as they dragged him away."We need to get her to the hospital, " I cried, my voice trembling.Without wasting a second, Antonio and I c
For a while longer, we stayed up, laughing and talking. He told me about his adventures like the time he accidentally spilled gelato on a street artist’s painting, or when he and Grandma got lost in a vineyard and ended up having the best picnic ever.As his eyelids grew heavy, I tucked him in and kissed his forehead. Goodnight, Joey. Sweet dreams.Goodnight, Luna,he murmured sleepily. I’m so glad you’re here.I’m glad, too, I whispered, watching him drift off. In that quiet moment, all my worries melted away. The following day, Joey and I decided to go grocery shopping. Grandma handed us some cash and sent us off, but I had already made up my mind to leave right after we were done. Knowing this, Grandma asked the maid to accompany us so she could take Joey back home.We had a blast at the store. Joey giggled endlessly as I placed him in the shopping cart and spun him around, his laughter echoing through the aisles. We bought everything Grandma had listed and by the time we were done
“Well, Luna,” she began, “things haven’t been easy for us since Joey’s father passed. It’s been a difficult journey grieving, trying to move forward, and, most of all, seeking justice for what happened.She paused, her gaze momentarily drifting to the window. “The loss of my son left a void that can never truly be filled. Joey adored his father, and it’s been heartbreaking to see him struggle to understand why someone would do such a terrible thing. It’s a question I ask myself every single day.Mrs. Harrington’s hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together on the table. “For the longest time, it felt like we were just shouting into the void. The authorities weren’t giving us answers. But then Mr. Antonio got involved. He’s been a beacon of hope for our family.She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. Antonio has gone above and beyond. He reopened the case when everyone else wanted to close it and forget. He’s dug deep into investigations,
The house was eerily quiet, every room turning up empty. My mind raced with questions. Had Tommy known Antonio was coming? Was he hiding them somewhere else?I finally stumbled back outside, my chest heaving as panic set in. Two of Antonio’s injured men were being loaded into an ambulance.Antonio walked up to me, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. “Luna,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern, we’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise you. But I wish you hadn’t come out here. Now he knows you’re involved. He might come after you or your mom.The weight of his words sank into me like a stone. “What do we do now?” I asked, my voice barely audible.I’ll assign some men to watch the area, Antonio replied. “You, your mom, and Melissa need to be extra careful. If you see or hear anything suspicious, call me immediately.The moment Antonio and his men left, the reality of the situation hit me like a tidal wave. I stood frozen, staring at the empty street where Tommy had disapp