NEXT MORNINGThe loud ringing of the doorbell echoed through the silent walls of Leila's house. With heavy steps, she approached the door, wondering who was knocking so early in the morning.As she opened the door, her heartbeat accelerated at the sight of two uniformed police officers standing on her doorstep, their expressions grim and Cold."Leila Winston?" one of the officers asked, his voice hard and unfriendly.Leila nodded, her throat tightening with apprehension as she struggled to find her voice."That's me," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper."We're here to place you under arrest," the other officer stated bluntly, his words like a hammer blow to Leila's fragile composure.Tears stung at the corners of her eyes as she watched the officers approach, their hands reaching for the handcuffs that hung from their belts. She wanted to protest, to scream out, but the words caught in her throat, suffocated by the weight of despair that threatened to consume her.She knew
When Afternoon reached, Vanessa went with Diego to pick up her kids from school. She left them in Emily's care after calling Xavier on the phone and allowing her kids to speak with him.He didn't stay long during his last visit because he had a lot of pending shoots. He just squeezed out time to come see Vanessa and her kids that night. Which she was grateful for. Now she was on her way back to the office. She still had a lot of work to do, and it might drag on till evening or night.The following days, she had to meet with her clients. Most of the people she met at the party were willing to Partner with them. It was just three weeks since Vanessa came back and she was already making a name for herself in the Business world of America.Even Riccardo had not failed to hear about it. He had not gotten the chance to meet with her since the party, since their deal was already finalized. He didn't want to barge Into her office just to see her face without having anything important to do or
"You don't have to go, if you don't want too." Hayley whispered, holding her hands tenderly, as she stared at her."Let's go home." Leila muttered, walking ahead of Hayley.LEILA'S APARTMENTAs soon as she walked into the familiar walls of her home, her grandma pulled her into a tight hug which Leila reciprocated, snuggling closer into her embrace."My dear. I'm so happy you're back." Grandma Celine smiled, as they disengaged from the hug."I'm So Sorry, Grandma. I promise, I won't leave you again." Leila whispered, as she held her hands in hers."Come have dinner dear." Grandma Celine pulled her towards the dinning with a small smile. Hayley who had been quiet all these while followed behind them quietly.After eating, they sat on the couch in the living room.Grandma Celine turned to Leila. "A worker from the ROYALS came over." She informed, her lips stretched into a thin line."Hayley already told me." Leila replied, her gaze fixed on the wall before her."Do you want to go, dear?
Leila raced towards her burning house, with Hayley running behind her. The fire was increasing as the minutes passed by."Leila, please be careful." Hayley called out behind her.Leila stopped in front of her burning house. Just as she was about to walk into the burning fire, she heard Hayley's scream.Turning back, she saw a masked figure dragging Hayley, and trying to cover her nose with a sedated Handkerchief.Where are all their neighbors? Why wasn't anyone helping? Leila wondered. The sky was dark.She remembered her Grandma telling her to come back before nightfall.She glanced at her burning house and at Hayley who was actively struggling with the person who was dragging her. "Help!" Leila screamed, her cries echoing in the night as she watched helplessly, torn between her desire to save her grandmother and her concern for her friend.She decided to help Hayley first, who was now trying to pull herself out of the Unknown's dead grip. Just as she took a step forward, she felt a
When the time for the interview arrived, Vanessa and Riccardo found themselves inside a room at Riccardo's company, as the makeup artist put the final touches on Vanessa's face. She watched out of the corner of her eye as the assistant helped Riccardo straighten his shirt, noting that, as usual, he wasn't wearing a tie. But she refused to really look at him. Just as he glanced in her direction, she quickly diverted her gaze.Soon, the workers finished their tasks and left, leaving just Vanessa and Riccardo in the room. They sat opposite each other, with Vanessa doing everything she could to avoid his gaze.Riccardo, however, couldn't take his eyes off her. He had something on his mind, but he wasn't sure if now was the right time to bring it up. The Vanessa he was looking at now was the same Vanessa he had known years ago, not trying to act strong, just doing her best to avoid his gaze."Vanessa," he called out calmly, his brows furrowing slightly as he wondered if she would respond.
The interviewer was now solely focused on Mr. Rodriguez while Vanessa glanced at Riccardo. He looked as if he had just seen a ghost and Vanessa scoffed."Mr. Gonzalez." She waved her hands in front of his face."Are you Okay?" She asked, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.Riccardo snapped out of his thoughts. "I'm Fine." He replied, glancing at her.After the interview, Vanessa walked out with her father, who didn't bother to spare Riccardo a glance. Riccardo was left seating and staring at Vanessa's beautiful retreating figure."Mr. Gonzalez. It's time to leave." His PA said to him. Riccardo hadn't even noticed when he walked in. He stood up sluggishly and followed him out of the hall.***As Vanessa and her dad settled inside their Car, her father turned his focus towards her. "You're free for today right?" He asked."Yes. Are you going with me to see my kids?" She asked, a small smile plastered on her face."Sure." He returned the smile."Great. They'll be so excited to see y
Vanessa dropped the paper inside her drawer. Picking up her phone, she dialed Lily's number."Hello, Vanessa." Lily said, as she picked up after the second ring."Hey. Do you know any Amusement Parks around? Where I can take my kids to, without the eyes of the media around?" She asked."Yes. I heard about one. It's owned by one of the influential men in America. Reporters are not allowed there. It's highly secure." Lily informed."Are you sure about that?" Vanessa asked, scratching her forehead in thoughts."Yes, I am.""Alright. Book a reservation for three tomorrow." Vanessa instructed Calmly."Okay. I'll inform you when I do.""Thank you." Vanessa hung up and went to take her bath.When she entered to the living room, she met her kids sleeping on her Dad's lap while he patted their hair gently. She smiled at the gesture."Dad." She whispered, walking towards the couch where he sat.Her Dad turned his head slightly."You're here, Dear." He said.Vanessa nodded her head while standin
Vanessa's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to face him. For a moment, the world around her seemed to blur, leaving only the familiar, kind face of Riccardo's grandfather in focus. He looked older than she remembered, but his warm eyes and gentle smile were the same."Grandpa," Vanessa breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.He took a few steps closer, his cane tapping lightly on the ground. "Vanessa, my dear," he said, his voice filled with affection. "It’s been too long."Vanessa swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to cry. "I didn’t expect to see you here," she said, her voice wavering. "How have you been?""I could ask you the same," he replied, his eyes searching her face. "But first, come here. Let me take a good look at you."Without hesitation, Vanessa closed the distance between them, feeling a lump in her throat as he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "You’ve always been like a granddaughter to me," he said softly. "And I’ve missed you.""I’ve missed you t