While the city streets were bursting with activity, I was left standing still, as if I were caught in an ocean of hopelessness and were suffocating in the harsh currents of existence. My fingers shook as they brushed against the crumpled job applications inside the old bag, and I gripped it even more tightly. My responsibilities appeared to weigh too heavily, crushing my hopes under their relentless strain.The interviewer's voice reverberated, "I'm sorry, Miss Anderson, but the position has been filled,"Each word conveying an echo of sadness. I had gotten used to hearing stories about doors shutting one after another. My goals of becoming a well-known doctor were vanishing into the night, sliding through my fingers like sand.I kept walking through the packed streets while a jumble of emotions swirled inside of me. Not only were my goals at stake, but also the welfare of my family. We were trapped in the devastating eye of my brother's deteriorating health, which had turned into
With a trace of amusement flickering in them, Ethan's gaze locked into mine. "Miss Anderson, do we have a deal?"I inhaled deeply as my voice shook. Mr. Stone: "Yes. We have a deal."I had no idea that I was about to enter a web of treachery and power that was far more complicated than I could have ever imagined.I said to myself, "I can't believe this is happening," as I stared intently at the elaborate decorations that adorned the large ballroom. The aroma of expensive flowers and the quiet chatter of elegant visitors filled the air. I was alone and standing at the door of the room when I felt my heart grasp at me.When I questioned him as to why my father wasn't there, he said, "Ethan insisted that only dignitaries and people of status should attend." I scanned the hall, trying to find a familiar face among the sea of strangers, while the words resounded in my head. However, my father, who had always been there for me, was nowhere to be found.There had been just a couple of gues
"Tenacious?" I choked on a reply. It was obvious that he had a very negative impression of me. We constantly clashed, like oil and water.However, something unexpected started to stir within me among the conflicts. There was an unmistakable magnetism that pulled me in behind the layers of his stern persona. His ability to dominate a space and his intense stare was both offensive and enticing.Our encounters evolved into a delicate ballet of tension and reluctant respect as the days stretched into weeks. It seemed as if two hostile groups were striving for control of the situation. However, there were short, silent times when I saw vulnerability in his eyes.One evening, he stopped me with a single word as I was ready to leave his office. "Wait."I whirled while posing a doubtful brow.He paused, looking at me intently as if he were looking for something. Then, in the quietest voice I'd ever heard, he murmured, "Thank you."His genuineness threw me off guard, and I blinked in shock. H
In pain, I withdrew my hand as my chest ached. "You... you made me think it was a mistake all these years? You made me think that my mother was taken from me without cause?"He couldn't look up at me, so he glanced down. "Elah, I believed it was best."I was torn apart inside by anger and confusion as well as the misery I was experiencing. "So, Dad, what do we do now? How do we handle Ethan and all of this?"His shoulders sagged as he moaned. "I'm not sure, Elah. But we must stop this cycle of retaliation. We cannot allow more lives to be lost as a result of this."Ethan had to meet me at home before he returned, so I left. "What are you doing here, Elah?" I was sitting on Ethan's bed when a voice from behind me drew my attention away from my thoughts.Thomas was staring at me with worried eyes as I turned around. Thomas, who at one point seemed to be a buddy, suddenly held the key to something more significant and risky.He is an aura of peace in my life, always ready to provide
I was consumed with thoughts of my father's passing when I abruptly heard Ethan's Father.As soon as I caught sight of Mr. Jakes, Ethan's father, my heart raced. It was clear how shocked and surprised Ethan was as his eyes widened."What are you doing here?" Ethan's voice trembled, a mixture of uncertainty and perplexity.Mr. Jakes looked his kid in the eye, his face cold. "I came to complete what I began,"Ethan spoke with a mix of doubt and urgency in his words. "You killed Elah's father, did you?"With a menacing glimmer in his eyes, Mr. Jakes grinned. "The father of your beloved Elah was at a loose end. Just like your own father, he knew too much."I was stuck in place as I crouched down in the vehicle, the revelation coming over me like a tsunami. My father was shot by his father, not Ethan.While speaking, Ethan's voice quivered and was tinged with rage and uncertainty."Why did you kill him, though?"Mr. Jakes raised the pistol and stared emotionlessly into Ethan's eyes. He w
A few years backI walked into the Academic advisor's office and clenched my fingers together as I walked slowly towards his desk. A feeling of fear and worry wrapped around my face as I tried to compose myself. Seated with both legs on the table, a large newspaper covering his face was the dramatic Academic advisor. As much as I tried to avoid meeting him in a private place, I just couldn't ignore his meeting this time around.Stood in front of him as I came to a stop."You asked to see me, sir,"Quickly flapped the papers he was holding, and gave an outrageous look. Bent his face slightly trying to get a clearer look without his glasses. "Miss Anderson." He sounded as official and polite as he could ever be. "Have a seat." He said stretching his hand to the seat in front of me. Dropping the papers he held and leaning forward on his chair.He snorted, "Is there anything you'd like to talk to me about?" I was confused, "I don't understand."He stared at me abruptly. "Your grades ar
"Dad!" I stood trying to compose myself. "How long have you been standing here?"He looked pale and full of sorrow. With each passing day gradually drew life and hope away from him. Looking at how he gets to fight each day, struggling to stay alive for me and my brother, gives me determination to keep pushing. "I was contacted by your advisor." He said trying to maintain steady eye contact as if there was something he was looking forward to hearing from me. My heart froze. "Why would he…" immediately I noticed the change in his countenance, I knew I had failed him. I knelt immediately. "I'm sorry, Dad. I was only worried about David. But I'm promising to…." He suddenly placed his hands on my shoulders, inflicting shock on me."What are you talking about Elah?" Immediately, I stood up, looking like I had seen a ghost. "You said my academic advisor contacted you?""Yes. He did." He said and sat down on the floor of the basketball court. "And what did he say?" "Is there somethin
"Oh, Mitchell!" Quickly dropped my hand, trying to act normal."You were going to hit me right?" "Not at all.""I was only joking." She said and a little smile played around her cheek."Everyone's gone, why are you still in class?" "Nothing. I just want to do something reading before I leave." "Elah, I know it's them." She pointed to the guys outside and I sighed. "Come, I'll drop you off." I looked at her with surprise, I couldn't have asked for more. I hurriedly threw my books into my small bag and followed her. "My driver is outside the class, I'll have him come into the school so he can walk us to the car. At least, that way they wouldn't dare to come close to you."I shook my head in appreciation as we walked majestically to where her car was parked. The boys gave me an angry look but all that mattered to me was the freedom I got. We got to her car and I hopped in. Words couldn't describe how comfortable and expensive the car was. Mitchell is from a wealthy family, she is th
He held out Thomas' diary, his eyes contending.“Elah, I read this. I discovered the truth, the whole truth. Thomas manipulated everything. I believed the lies he said about you, and I am so sorry.” I took the diary, flipping through its pages. The lies goggled back at me, the crooked web of dishonesty, the treason, and the woeful words of distrust. “How could you believe these, I never once made you doubt my loyalty to you even as your contracted wife, Ethan.” “I know Elah, I allowed my jealousy to get the better side of me.” “Ethan, how do I know this is not just another of your games?” I asked, skeptical. He shook his head, despair in his eyes.“I lost everything, Elah. I lost you. I lost myself. I can not change the past, but I want to make amends.” “If I was joking, I wouldn't be here kneeling in public and telling you how much I want you Elah. You have shown me what true love really is. I had not experienced the kind of love you showed me during those times we were to
I took a deep breath, turning down from the window and walking into his ward. The discomfort in my stomach grew with each step I took towards David's bedside. His eyes met mine, and he shouted causing him to burst into tears. I wished I could shield him from the pain that awaited.But the truth had a cruel way of revealing itself anyways. “Why did you leave me Elah, I thought you and Dad abandoned me?” David wept bitterly as he spoke.“I would never leave you David. I am so sorry, please forgive me?”“Where's Daddy, why isn't he here? Is he tired of my illness?”. I wept profusely.I knew I needed to let him know and so I gathered all the strength I needed to talk and said, “David,” I began, my voice catching in my throat.“We need to talk.” He mustered a weak smile, his pale face contorted in a blend of expectation and fear.“What is it, Elah? Talk to me, where is Daddy?” I took a seat beside him, holding his hand in mine. The weight of the words I was about to utter felt like
Immediately Prisca and Anna burst into tears, causing me to weep also.Mr. Joe with a teary-eyed reply, “Elah, we will not abandon you. We will find a way, I promise.” With a forced smile I said, “You've done enough, Mr. Joe. Please, take care of David and let him know I love him.” As they left the station, their steps faded, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I could not bear the thought of dragging them into my web despair. The tears that welled up in my eyes betrayed the strength I had tried so hard to maintain. The battle for justice had taken an unanticipated turn, leaving me to grapple with the consequences of my acts. The air in the courtroom was thick with pressure as we waited for the Judge to deliver the verdict on my case.Mr. Joe, the twins, Gabriel, and I stood there, a dimmed tableau of anxiety. Lima, my colleague from Ethan's company, was also present, but her countenance was different from the rest of us. She seems to carry a heavy burden, her eyes swolle
“Your Honor, these documents detail the elaborate scheme orchestrated by Mr. Jakes. From the falsification of Ethan’s death to that of my parents. This evidence is genuine.” The court registrar asserted a strong resoluteness in his look. The Judge, in his authority, gazed at Mr. Jakes.“Mr. Jakes, do you have anything to say in your defense?” Mr. Jakes stammered, putatively caught off guard by the weight of the evidence presented against him.“This is absurd! I have done nothing of this kind. Those documents are fabricated, Your Honor.” Ethan was ready for this. With a calm address, he turned to the judge.“Your Honor, I expected this response. That is why I've brought more evidence and also used myself as one to support my claims.” Ethan unbuttoned his shirt and showed the Judge exactly where Mr. Jakes shot at him the night he killed my father. A series of witnesses were called to the stage, each attesting to the shady dealings and manipulative tactics employed by Mr. Jake
I ran like I never did before, fueled by a blend of fear, determination, and the burning desire to reunite with Ethan. I immediately made my way to Mr. Joe's sister's house to change my clothes, gather my things, and restrategize before facing the challenges that lay ahead. The familiar scent of the house offered a evanescent respite, and with a quick change and a heist of my bag, I was ready to leave for Mr. Joe's place before the search for me began.As soon as I arrived at the hospital where Ethan was, relief washed over me like a gentle drift. To my surprise, Ethan was awake. The joy that swelled within me was overwhelming, and I could not stay to embrace him, to hold him in my arms after what felt like an eternity. With the documents in hand, I eagerly handed them over to Mr. Joe, our silent passing understanding to each other. The fact that Ethan was conscious and on the path to recovery overshadowed every fear and consequences of my act.After all, I wouldn't stay in
"This is a blow, Elah. But we can not give up. We will find a way. We always do, “he assured, though the weight of the situation lingered in his tone. Seven months had passed since Ethan fell into a coma, and the lack of progress in his condition counted heavily on my spirit. The little income from my cleaning job slightly covered his bills. Mr. Jakes's hatred for me remained unvarying, and Thomas's incuriosity persisted. The following day, as I diligently went about my cleaning duties, the unanticipated sight of Thomas standing before me jolted me out of place.James called me to his desk and said, “Elah, I need you to take over the cleaning of Mr. Jake's office for this week.” My eyes widened as I looked at him.“I understand you don't want to face what happened the last time but you are the only person that can do this.”“What about Lima, she has been the one handling his office even before I came here to work.”“Lima is sick. And she has been admitted to the hospital
Without a second thought, she locked herself inside, seeking consolation from whatever had happened within the confines of Thomas's office. The sound of her muffled heartbreaks echoed through the whole room, creating an atmosphere of pressure. I dithered for a moment, torn between esteeming her buried body and offering a comforting presence. The weight of the knowledge that I carried, the scene that occurred behind the doors of Mr. Jakes and Thomas’ office, prompted me to take action. Swallowing my apprehension, I gently knocked on the door. “Lima, it's me, Elah. Can I come in? I just want to make sure you are okay,” I said calmly. For a brief moment, there was silence on the other side. With a loud shriek, Lima spoke, her voice cracking with the weight of her feelings.“Leave me alone, Elah. I do not need your pity or help.” I ignored her words and stepped forward, leaning against the bathroom door. The seconds ticked by as Lima wept in solitariness. I could not shake
Prisca, always the open one, raised their collaborative sentiment, “A cleanser? Why not a better job, Elah? Did you not finish your education?” I sighed, realizing that explaining the complications of my life was no simple task.“It's a long story, girls. But trust me, there is a reason for everything. You will understand soon.” Despite their original reservations, the twins mustered a semblance of enthusiasm for my job. Gabriel, always the probative family son, decided to lighten the mood by promising me a makeover. His plan was to disguise my identity, icing that no one recognized me while I navigated my plan. The night passed, a mixture of happiness and expectation. Gabriel worked his magic, transforming my appearance to ensure that I blended seamlessly into a different person entirely.The morning sun brought with it a new morning, and I felt a swell of determination as I prepared for my first day on the job. Arriving at the office beforehand, I met James, who wasted
“I will.” As James walked down, I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. The first step into Ethan's company had proven more grueling than I expected, but I was determined to navigate the complications ahead. The hassle with Stella served as a stark memorial that the path to justice was full with challenges, and Elah, fueled by determination.I decided to take a walk around the company, feeding my eyes and taking memories of each part of the company. As soon as I got tired I decided to go to the hospital where David was. I knew it was not going to be possible to see him but I just wanted to see how he was faring. So I left the company and boarded a taxi.Firstly I sat in a coffee shop not far from the hospital thinking of how I was going to break the news of father's death to David.I didn't know I had stayed at the coffee shop for hours thinking.I shook myself off and left for the hospital.The evening sky cast a soft gleam as I arrived, my heart heavy with the weight of the