YEARS AGO The dimly lit room rumbled with laughter as the two men clung their glasses together and took a drink. The smell of scotch filled the room as they both bathed in their victory. It was all theirs. They'd won, though nationally, a win was a win. “You've done well my friend." One of the men commended, as he took another glass of victory. “We've done well.". The second person present corrected. It was their doing, now they were on top, all-powerful, with everyone's bowing at their feet. “We’ve taken over nationally. Next, the world.” The two let out another round of laughter. The month had been good for them. "So Allen, you said you wanted to see me?” “Ah, yes." Allen adjusted in his seat as he thought of the words to use. “I'm here about the money Fransisco." He finally said. Fransisco looked at him exasperated, it wasn't something he wanted to discuss, again. Especially not now that he was too drunk. “But we've settled the matter. We share it equally, wh
MANNY Manny refrained from seeing anyone since that day at Andrew's house. She managed to survive through the week with nothing but her tears. She refused to put anything down her throat. There was no comforting her as all she did was cry, sleep then cry again. To see that she was going through a hard time and not be there for her was torment for Josie. She'd leave food at her door every day, in hopes that she'd take it. But she always came back disappointed, meeting the food exactly the way she'd left it. She was worried that if Manny didn't take something, she wouldn't be able to push out her child. As usual, Josie went upstairs to get the tray of food she'd left for Manny and like always, it was untouched. She knocked at the door, waiting for any sign of response to know if her friend was still alive. “Manny? Are you okay?" Josie stayed a long time waiting. She heard murmurs of incoherent words and she breathed out, relieved. She carried the tray back to the kitchen
MANNYFor the first time In weeks, Manny ate. However, it took a lot of persuasion from her mother and it took even more convictions to get Andrew out of the house.Her mum decided to stay with her till the day of delivery. It didn't mean she forgave her, she just felt pity.The one person her husband trusted after her was the one who caused her so much pain. Whilst her mother had hurt her, it was unbearable to see her cry every day.Her mother claimed to have done what she did to protect her, but that wasn't even up to half of the reason. There was always an ulterior motive to all her mother's actions.“I don't have time for this mother. You came here to take care of me but it's been the other way around." Manny complained as her mother played with the food she brought upstairs.“You can leave, I'll eat it when I'm ready.” She sniffed and stood up from where she sat."Whatever. I'll come get the plate later.”"Manny.” Kari called as her daughter was about to leave.“I'm sorry.” Mann
MANNY Andrew paced to and fro as Manny's screams filled the corridor. He had booked a private room for her and no other medical personnel was permitted to be there. If she was going to give birth to a dead child, he needed it to be a secret. Worry and anxiety overwhelmed him as Manny's painful screams became louder. If the child was already dead as the doctor claimed, why was the delivery painful? “Push." The Doctor instructed Manny let out a scream as her hands tightly gripped the nurses beside her and she pushed with every strength she had in her. “You're almost there Mrs. Cooper, just a little more.” "I don't think I can go on.” Manny replied, her breathing ragged. She wasn't sure if she could continue, she had used up every strength left in her. “Just a little more for the baby to be out completely. Gather the littlest of strength you have and push when I tell you to." She peered at him, sweat ran down her face as she breathed heavily, exhaling and inhaling thro
ANDREW “Sir, the buyer just left. He said something important came up, he'll be back tomorrow.” The call cut and Andrew let out a furious sigh and quickly did a reverse. He caused multiple times as the cars in front kept making him step on the brake on several occasions. “Your wife is resting sir." A nurse walked up to him and said. He nodded and went down to Manny's ward, grateful she was asleep. Walking down the corridor, Andrew couldn't shake off the eerie feeling he felt. Manny's side of the ward was quiet, too quiet. There were no chatters or laughs from the guards. If he didn't know any better, he'd think they were taking their jobs seriously. He was on high alert straight away. As he got closer, he noticed trails of blood on the floor. He walked a little bit further and there they were, the bodyguards he'd hired, all lying dead on the floor with their throat slit. Without thinking, he brought out his gun and ran to Manny's wards. Doctor Harry and a nurse sto
ANDREW “It's going to be alright, Andrew will bring her back safely." Tristan tried assuring the two worried women who stared at him with red eyes. He knew telling them was a bad idea, it was all a slip of the tongue. “You mean Manny's life has been in danger for a long time? How do I not know about this?" Josie yammered, worry written all over her face. "Because I didn't want you to know.” "So you kept all of it away from me?” "Yes.” Tristan nodded and stood perfectly still as his wife launched at him, her hands balled into fists as she gave him her most hurtful punch. “You should have said something." Her hands gripped her hair as she looked around like she'd gone crazy. “I'm such a bad friend. I went on every day happy and clueless." “No, you're not. There's no way you would have known. Andrew made sure the information never got out, even Manny had no idea." “So Manny didn't know?" “Well not right away." Josie bawled as she collapsed on the chair, her m
MANNYBoth Damon and Avery sniggered as they emptied another can of fuel inside the warehouse. Manny along with Andrew's precious cargo were all going to burn to ashes.“Pl…please…” Manny mumbled she had no strength at all now. She had lost too much blood.Kate eyed her and lit a cigarette. The thrill of burning someone alive again was getting to her. It had been a long time since they had to use the method of killing.“Don't worry, I'll take care of your mother and the company and I'll make sure Andrew finds a lovely woman to remarry." Avery volunteered as she poured the remaining petrol close to Manny.“Let's call Andrew one more time. You need to say your goodbyes.” Kate said and dialed Andrew's number.“Andrew…” "Manny? Hold on. I'm coming to get you.”“Hurry, they're going to set me on fire." She wept. “Hurry…please…" “Say your goodbyes. We're setting this place on fire." Damon hollered, the sound of a lighter opening and closing told Andrew they'd do it anytime soon.“Isn't it
Josie wailed as Andrew dropped the unexpected news and Kari looked like she was about to pass out.Andrew had waited a day to break the news to them. Tristan had offered to tell them but Andrew disagreed, it was his duty to tell them.After all, he was to be blamed. He was supposed to protect her and bring her back safely but he didn't. Instead, he put the company first and his wife died, he thought he could save them both.“Can I see her? I won't believe it until I see her." Sprawled on the floor Josie sobbed. “Take it easy." Tristan cautioned but that only heightened her tears. Her sister and best friend just died, there was no taking it easy.“Why didn't you save her?" Kari suddenly got up and walked towards Andrew, her eyes filled with tears and her heart heavy.“You said…you said you'd bring her back safely. You promised.” Kari mourned as she held Andrew by his shirt."You promised.” She whispered, tears pouring as she slipped to the floor. They were just starting to get along.
In a bright, sunlit kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air. Amelia sat at the kitchen table, her hands gently resting on her pregnant belly. Her long, brunette hair cascades over her shoulders, and her eyes, filled with a blend of excitement and nostalgia, look lovingly at her two children. Aiden and Adelaide, four, sat eagerly beside her, their wide eyes full of curiosity. “Woah!” The little boy exclaimed with so much excitement. “Was that how you gave birth to us?” Amelia nodded, her smile wide. The children were waiting for their father when they pushed her to tell them a story about how she fell in love with their dad. Now that she was done, they looked at her, more curious than before. "You know, when I was a little girl, not much older than you two, I used to dream about the day I'd have my own family," she began. “And now I do.” She beamed at them. “But why was Daddy so mean to you? He even threatened to take away Angel?!” Adelaide asked,
The night was eerily quiet when Amelia's labor began. She had felt sporadic contractions throughout the day, but they were manageable. Now, though, as the pain intensified and the contractions came closer together, she knew it was time. But her husband seemed to be lost on what to do. "Hang in there Manny. I'm calling Josie and Tristan to come over." Andrew said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Call the fucking driver Andrew. I need to go to the hospital." Amelia yelled as the pain intensified. “Right, the driver." Andrew scurried out of the house and later came back in to get his wife. "Get the bags!” Amelia commanded and he complied, afraid she would tear him off with her eyes. On their way to the hospital, Andrew informed Tristan what was happening and he promised to show up at the hospital with Josie. Amelia's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, and pain intertwined. She had done thousands of checkups and only ate the food Andrew cooked for h
The grand cathedral was adorned with cascading white roses, shimmering crystals, and soft candlelight, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the gathering. The air buzzed with the murmur of anticipation and the gentle strains of a string quartet playing in the background. Down the hallway where she was getting set, Amelia felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she prepared to walk down the aisle. Her dress was a masterpiece of silk and lace, custom-designed to fit her perfectly. She had designed the dress herself, she might have wielded a gun for ten years but her hands could still hold a needle. Tristan wore a proud smile as he stretched his hands out for her. She took his arm, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest, her heart pounding with each step. The doors swung open, and a collective gasp echoed through the hall. Amelia took in deep breaths, and with joy, she took her first step onto the rose-petal-strewn aisle. Her eyes locked with Andrew’s wh
Amelia spent a month and some days in the hospital getting better but mostly cuddling up with Andrew. Their love continued like she never left. There were times that she would cry while explaining everything she had been through and Andrew would console her, promising to do everything in his power to protect her. Andrew had come to pick her up from the hospital that morning and Josie insisted that Amelia come to her place first. It was her house regardless. “I can't believe this." Josie squealed, unable to contain her joy. All this while, her friend was alive and was right under her nose. She knew the first time she set her eyes on Amelia that there was something familiar about her. “You're alive." She spread her arms wide and Amelia wasted no time in jumping into her embrace. She had missed her so much. "I'm so happy.” "Me too Josie…me too.” The two women cried till they could cry no more. Their cheeks were red, their eyes puffy and their clothes were stained wi
The sound of something shattering jerked Amelia back into consciousness. She tried getting up and groaned as she fell back down. She looked at what was happening around her, her swollen eyes making it almost impossible to see who was who. She was kept hidden in a corner, away from the disaster that was happening. “Fuck.” She heard Sebastian's voice and quickly turned in his direction. She saw him tangled up with the man she had seen so many times. Her captor. “Sebastian.” She croaked, but he couldn't hear. Just then he received a bullet to the end. Amelia froze but then breathed out in relief as he saw Sebastian get up. She looked up to see who had shot the gun and saw Tristan helping him up. ‘Andrew.’ a voice screamed at her. Her eyes scanned the room, her heart pounding, praying something hadn't happened to Andrew as she searched for him. The firing of a gun caught her attention. Tilting her head out of curiosity, she found Andrew, firing his father's both legs. “
Andrew and his men moved out. The roaring engines of the cars filled the air as they drove deep into the outskirts of town. Andrew drove Tristan and Sebastian with him as he continued running the plan over in his mind. ‘nothing could go wrong.’ He thought, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Dude, slow down. You're going to get us killed before we even get there." Tristan cautioned, feeling the increasing speed of the car. This was his first ever mission and his anxiety got the better of him. "I should have just stayed behind the scenes like always.” He muttered, regretting his decision the closer they got to their destination. “I didn't force you." Andrew reminded and Sebastian chuckled at the back. "Whatever. I just want to come back alive.” The car became quiet again and after a while, they got to the place. Allen and Lorenzo had done a good job hiding the place. At first, it was pretty hard to locate. Andrew stepped out of his car, the cool air sweeping
“I kept her under your care.” Andrew bellowed, his eyes blazed with anger as he punched Tristan. Tristan staggered back and massaged his jaw. Andrew had just arrived from Mexico and the first thing on his mind was to punch him. “How the fuck did she get kidnapped!” He roared, hitting him again before he could regain his stance. Couldn't something go right in his absence for once? “I tried to warn her, it's not my fault. She's a grown woman!” Tristan argued, dodging the next punch that Andrew threw at him. Andrew kept charging at him, and Tristan constantly missed it. He tried his best not to hit back, he knew Andrew wasn't himself at the moment. “Andrew!” Josie snapped, her sharp voice pierced through the hallway as her eyes blazed with fury and her lips curled up in anger. “She left on her own. Don't hold my husband responsible.” She hissed coming forward to stand between them. “You should have tried to talk sense into her.” “Who said we didn't?” Josie took a step
“What do you mean kidnapped?” Andrew barked, his teeth gritting. He left her right there for protection. How was it possible to get kidnapped? “She went out for a walk and never came back. We've been searching for her.” Tristan explained he could tell Andrew wasn't having any of it. “And then?” He hissed. “We got a note yesterday, saying if you want to see your wife, you have to bring the cash.” Andrew fumed at his statement, his hand clenched in a fist. Would his father go this far? Or was it someone else? “Did it say who it's from?” “Lorenzo.” He paled. His blood ran cold at what he would have done to Amelia. Then he felt immersed in Anger. He wasn't going to win this time. Without allowing Tristan to continue, he ended the call, picked up the documents from the table, and headed toward the door. He wasn't losing her for the second time. Getting closer to the exit, he saw Sebastian by the door, a duffel bag in his hand. “I'm going with you.” He said, h
“Why can't you just listen? Don't go out at night, it's a very simple instruction.” Tristan complained as he drove Amelia back to the house. She had gone out of the house again for her ‘evening walks.’ “You can't tell me what to do.” She whined, folding her hands like a child that had been scolded. “Andrew isn't here at the moment so as of right now, I get to tell you what to do.” Amelia just scoffed as she looked out her window, the night cool air, hitting her as Tristan drove. They got home to see Josie by the entrance, pacing. “Amelia.” She rushed over to her and hugged her. “You got me so worried, don't just leave the house like that ever again.” “Andrew said your life might be in danger, that's why you have to stay with us.” “I'm sorry for making you worry but I'm here now. Why don't we go inside?” Josie nodded and Amelia led her into the house by the hand. Everyone had retired to bed and was now sleeping, except her. So she decided to go again. Making su