**SOMEWHERE IN AUSTRALIA The sound of her heels resonated through the half-empty bar. The dimmed lights concealed her face, preventing her from being recognized. It wasn't good for her to be in the public eye, that was why she chose this particular bar, a place where no one comes to.She stopped and looked around, her eyes searched for the person she was to meet and the lights weren't being of help to her.Her eyes finally landed on the grey-headed man, his composure made him stand out.She walked over to him with a smile on her face. Today, she was getting what she had always wanted, an investment.“Drinking alone?” She took her seat beside him and hollered at the barman to give her a drink.“You are early.” The man acknowledged her presence as he took the last of the cup’s contents. He would rather be anywhere but there“I can't keep you waiting now can I?”She would try her best to use all her charm and make sure he gave in. She wasn't leaving empty-handed.“So what is it that yo
MANNY Manny stared at her mother, she didn't blink a wink. She was too confused, her mother was the last person she expected to see. If not for the look of surprise on both Andrews's and Josie's faces, she would have thought that one of them had contacted and told her about her condition. “Hello dear.” Her mother had a sincere smile on her face, one that Manny hadn't seen in a long time but that didn't mean she’d accept her with open arms. She was skeptical. Anything her mother did was always for her benefit. “Mother, what are you doing here.” Manny failed to mask her surprise as it protected through her voice. “What sort of question is that? I came to see, of course, I heard about your little accident.” Kari snared the last three words. She had to maintain composure to look motherly. She smiled and sauntered towards Manny who jerked back unconsciously. Eyes were glued on Kari like she was a foreign thing that had just fallen from the sky right before their eyes. “K
ANDREW “I think you've been here long enough." Andrew dashed into the room, tired of staying outside. “You should leave." Kari looked at Andrew in contempt. He was like his father, placing his claim on something he didn't even merit. She pulled a lot of strings for everything to go well. “I was just leaving.” Kari said and placed the basket of food by Manny's side. She wasn't going to leave her daughter to have the horrible hospital food. “Make sure you take your drugs dear, if you want to leave here on time.” she cautioned, said goodbye to the other three and left. Her mother's words may have sounded normal to everyone, but only she knew the meaning behind it. “Are you okay? I heard a loud sound earlier, did she hit you? “No, she didn't, I'm fine.” Manny laughed it off as she tried to hide her face with her hair. She hoped her mother's palm hadn't left a mark on her sensitive skin. “Is it just me or did she get scarier?” Josie entered, her mouth and hands filled wi
**THE NEXT DAYAndrew sat in his office the next day, staring into space. His mind was occupied with so many things and he couldn't tell anyone.He didn't think his father would understand Jason? He couldn't trust him either, he was acting suspicious. And who knows, he might be working with Kate.The only person he could talk to was Tristan and he didn't trust him enough to keep his mouth shut but what was the harm in trying? So he called him.“Yes?” Tristan's tired voice echoed in Andrew’s office.“How fast can you get to my office?” Tristan sensed the urgency in his voice, “I will be right there.” The call ended.He dropped his phone and leaned back in his chair to think some more. The way Kate confessed, it was like she wanted him to know, she wasn't scared of him or what he could do. So saving Manny at all costs was his priority.A thought crossed his mind, he slowly stood up from the chair and sat on the table. ‘Did she try to kill Liam too?’ It didn't make sense to him, Liam
MANNY Manny spent three weeks in the hospital and she was getting tired of the place. She complained and nagged Andrew to allow her to be discharged but he was adamant, he insisted that she stay for a month to know if everything, including the baby, was alright. Manny kept whining. Unable to listen to any more complaints, Andrew agreed but only on the condition that she would get treatment at home. Two days after that, Manny was back home with Josie safe and sound. Andrew had people clean it up before their arrival. He helped Manny get to her room while Josie and Tristan remained with each other downstairs. “Do you want me to sleep over?” Andrew asked as he helped her gently to the chair. “No, no, that will not be necessary. You have to go to work.” Manny dissuaded Andrew from his stupid idea. It would be too weird having him at the house, she doubted Josie would be comfortable with that. “I should stay, then I can watch over you.” Andrew said as his hand went to his l
ANDREW Despite all of Manny's objections, Andrew packed a little of his belongings and was on his way to her house. Now that he had all the information he needed, he wasn't going to take any chances. He had installed cameras around her house and even if Manny had refused to be with guards, when she stepped out Andrew made sure they followed her. She couldn't see them, but they were there, lurking in the shadows. He was still on the road when he decided against his action and made a detour. If he couldn't be by her side, he would at least be a few meters closer to her. In minutes, he found himself in front of a luxurious hotel—The Palace. “Here we go." He muttered, took his bag, and walked into the building. Heads bowed as he made his way to the reception. “Sir, that room is taken." The receptionist informed him, but Andrew didn't seem to care. "The spare key.” Andrew dictated, his hands stretched out to receive the key. After being settled, he went to the elevator and he
**AT THE HOSPITAL WEEKS AGOThe loud sound of someone being hit made Andrew rush to the door.“Manny? Are you okay?” He asked, almost entering.“I'm fine, something fell.” She responded but her response didn't sound fine to him. So he hovered around the door, pacing to and fro till his ears picked up something.“I can't help you with that.” He heard Manny say.Help with what? The two had been in there forever.He went closer to the door and leaned in just enough to hear whatever it was they were talking about.“Do I need to remind you who puts us in this situation? Ask him for a donation.”‘A donation?’ Andrew whispered the fashion house must be crumbling badly.“You'll be free afterward. Just make sure he pays.” The room became silent. Andrew waited patiently for Manny's response, he could feel her nervousness and hesitation.“Fine, I'll do it.” Hearing her response, he backed away from the door and brought out his phone. Kari was willing to give Manny her freedom for a donation an
ANDREW Kate smiled at her brother as he helped carry her bags inside. Scheming and planning have kept them away from one another for a long time.The two were inseparable.“Next time you want to come over, please call early.” Damon said as he dropped her heavy bags with a huff, they were as heavy as bricks.“You should always have a room prepared for me, you know that.”Kate balanced herself on the one-sitter couch. Her brother had to hide out in a small town because of what they had to do, It felt like ages since they last saw themselves, and she was happy to be back with him.“Couldn't you find a bigger house?” “A bigger house means attention and that's something that we are trying to avoid.” Damon reminded her, his voice sounded with a matter of fact.“Still.” she sneered as her eyes roamed around the small living room.The two spoke and asked about each other's welfare, the work was lonely and wasn't new to them but in the end, it was all worth it. After lots of talking, it was