They got to the mansion, and Clara already made some preparations for their return. She hid herself behind the curtains, waiting for them to come in so she could surprise them."Where's my mother? I thought she would be here waiting for us to arrive, she even said she had prepared some food for us to eat." Fred said immediately he came into the house and couldn't find his mother."Surprise!" Clara came out from behind the curtains and yelled out. They all burst into laughter and hugged each other."Mom, you didn't have to do that. You are starting to behave like you are some young lad." Fred said and hugged his mother tightly, Clara could not help but feel happy that she was able to surprise them like that."Of course, I have to, I'm the happiest woman on earth right now. Where is Zara? Does she need help coming down from the car? How come you are here without her? What if she's unable to get here on her own?" She scolded him."Mom, there's something that we need to tell you. Please,
It's been a week since Zara arrived home, and she has been doing well. Bella also made sure to lay low in the house even though she had been thinking of the many ways she could get back at Zara for everything she had been through. She decided to go outside the house for some fresh air, she was about to step down the stairs when she heard them talking about something."Do you have to be gone for that long?" Zara asked, and Fred nodded as he kissed her on the lips. He didn't want to leave as well, but he didn't have a choice but to leave to be able to get some work done."You know I have to work so I can be able to provide for the babies that are on the way. So I have to go and meet with the investor over there, I didn't want to go, but the situation requires that I go over there and sort things out for myself." He said, and Zara hugged him."I'm going to miss you, you will be gone for a whole week. I'm not so bothered about this anyway. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Clara. We wil
Fred arrived at his destination and made his way to the hotel where he would be staying, the man who would be assisting him there was already waiting for him at the hotel."Good evening boss, it's a pleasure to be able to meet you. I'm really glad, thank you for allowing me to serve you while you work here at our branch." The man said and Fred seemed quite impressed with him. He alighted from the car and made his way with his briefcase carried for him by the driver."What's your name?" He asked and he was really happy to hear the president of the company asking him such a question. He started working here right after he divorced his wife. So he can build his career, he wants to be a better person and then find a way to get back the love of his life."My name is Justin, sir," he said to him and Fred walked into the hotel room with Justin taking his briefcase from the driver and tagging along with him."So how long have you been working at the company?" Fred asked and Justin's eyes lit
Justin picked the photograph up and was shocked by what he had just seen. At first, he thought it might be someone else, but then he thought of it as a mistake. He must have been thinking about Zara so much that he now thinks she's the same person. Only for the boss to say now that she's his wife, there's no way that is possible. The woman in this photograph is pregnant, that is not Zara. "Uhmm so sorry to say boss but this woman here is not your boss. She possibly can't be your wife, I'm sure you have it all mistaken somehow. This woman is the same as the one you saw yesterday, or maybe they just look alike." Justin said and Fred stood up from the bed. He took the photograph and kissed it.Last night after he finished having dinner and Justin left, he called Zara and asked that she send a picture of herself early this morning in the garden. She had asked him the reason why, but he told her he misses her so much which is the truth. He can't possibly let her know her ex-fiance is here,
After the day's work was done, Justin waited till he was permitted to get off work by Fred so he could do what he had been intending to do since the morning that he found out about Zara."Is there something you would like for me to do, boss?" He asked, and Fred looked up from the document he was reviewing. He can see the attitude and look on his face. He must hate him. Too bad for him, because there's nothing he can do about this."What's the problem, Justin? Are you that eager to go home? Is there something you are busy with?" Fred asked him, wanting to pull his legs, each time he remembered the things that Zara told him. How she was mistreated and he contributed greatly to that, it breaks his heart and he wants to do something to avenge his wife.But he has decided not to do that. Teasing him like this is enough to make him lose his mind. And he looks like he's still very much in love with Zara. Well, his loss is his gain. "I'm sorry, sir, it's just that I have a place to be. But i
Bella has no idea who these two are, but the minute one mentioned the name Zara. She became interested, and she also knows of one Zara, whom she wishes to die."I should be asking you that question. You and your mother had her kidnapped and taken away from me. Do you mind explaining that to me? So how come all of a sudden, you have no idea she's married.?" Justin asked, waiting for an answer."So what if she's married? What has that got to do with me? Are you planning to go back to that bitch? What is it about her? What is it she has that I don't have? You know you are pathetic, I've done everything for you. Just to show you how much I love you, so what if I was the one who set her up? I did it for you, Justin, please stop this nonsense and come back to me already." Hailey said, and Justin slammed his fist on the table, drawing everyone's attention. He didn't care. He's losing his mind at the moment. "How can you both do this to me? I had a perfect life with Zara, but you took that f
Hailey looked at Bella and didn't know what to say, she had no idea who she was and what she was doing here, standing with them as though she was invited. "Please have your seat miss, are you sure about what you said? You are friends with Mr Fred, and you are going to be helping me separate them? I want Zara back, I know I have done some horrible things in the past. But I'm ready to make up for all of my mistakes, I didn't think she would get married so soon." Justin said, and Hailey rolled her eyes. She can't believe she's here while they have this conversation. "So you want to help my husband get his ex-fiancee who happens to be my sister back? What then is in it for you? You can't just be here offering to help people if you don't have any ulterior motives." She said, and Bella was quite impressed with her. She looks and talks smart, and she was able to get Justin and Zara separated. That is something she has been trying for ages, but it's not working at all."You are really smart
Hailey turned around, and just like she suspected, it was Bella. She doesn't feel like talking to her because she knows what she's about to say to her. Probably advise her to let things be and let Justin go. But she's never going to do that. She loves Justin so much. She has always admired him but was too shy to approach him. But when her sister introduced him as her fiance, she accepted at first. But it got to a point where she could no longer hide her feelings for him, so she did what she had to do. And she will do it again, anything to keep Justin by her side. "I'm not interested in anything you have to say, Bella, so leave me alone already. You came here and ruined the marriage I'm trying so hard to save, so what can you possibly have for me now? Nothing but cheap advice that I won't be needing at any point in my life, so go ahead and make your plans. While I do the same, I will be very careful. I sting so bad, especially if you are in a bad book just like you." She said, and Be
Fred was laughing when his phone rang, but the moment he answered, his face turned serious."Fred, this is Detective James. I've got some news. We have Hailey, her mother, and Bella. They're all in custody."Fred's eyes grew wide with shock. "What? How in the world did you guys find them?"The detective chuckled. "Let's just say we had some good leads. They're in the process of being booked now."A wave of relief washed over Fred. "Thank God. Thank you, Detective.""We're not done yet, Fred. We still need to question them and get to the bottom of this. But for now, you can rest easy knowing they're off the streets."Fred nodded, even though the detective couldn't see him. "I appreciate it. Please keep me updated."As he hung up, Fred turned to Zara and Clara. "It's all over. Hailey, her mother, and Bella are behind bars."Tears brimmed over in Zara's eyes. "Oh, thank God. Our kids are safe."Clara smiled, her face carved with relief. "This is the best news we could have asked for."Fr
The booms of the police sirens in the warehouse were getting closer now. Clara was holding her daughter-in-law Zara's hand very tightly to soothe her."Help is here, Zara, just hang in there." These words repeated for a while produced from the lips of Clara, firm but quaking with emotion.Zara's eyes fluttered closed, her face going white and sweaty. Clara missed one heartbeat, not even daring to go to the worst place in her mind.But then Zara's eyes flickered open again, and she fixed them onto Clara. "Clara. Lo siento. I didn't mean to put you in danger."Clara was crying now, blubbering, the tears cascading down her face. "Don't say that, Zara. You're going to be fine. You're going to pull through."The medics burst past Clara, utterly focused on Zara. Clara stood, staring, while they dropped down to her level and pinned the wound on Zara's neck, then pulled her up onto the gurney.She gripped Zara's hand tightly in her own, behind her back in the ambulance, praying that with ever
"I have to go in there, Clara, for I have to find out what's happening to my girl. The silence—it just kills me."Clara's face set in a stubborn cast. "No, Zara, I cannot let you in there on your own; it's dangerous."Zara was indecisive. Her mind knew Clara was right, yet on the other hand, she simply could not do this. "Clara, please, I gotta do this. I'll be okay."Clara just shook her head. "But I'm not going to let you go in there alone. What if Bella is dangerous? What if she unmans you?"Zara let out a melodramatic sigh at that one, knowing against all her credibilities that Clara wouldn't."Okay. But you have got to promise me one thing. You have to stay way back and let me handle it. I don't want you under attack because of me."Clara's expression had softened, but her voice did not relent. "I'll stay behind, but just because you promise me one thing- you're going to be careful, and if things get out of hand, you get out of there, period."Zara nodded. Clara, she knew was o
Reaching the bottom step and hearing the 'click' of the sound of the hardwood floor beneath her boots, she entered the living room, where Clara was already seated sipping at a cup of coffee."Hey girl, you look fabulous," she told Zara, placing her cup on the table.Another added booster of her confidence made her smile. "Thanks, Clara, I am feeling rather good today."Clara nodded solemnly. "Yes, we need to find a way to talk about Bella. I was just trying to clear my thoughts and jot down in writing some thoughts on how we would start in dealing with the whole issue."Zara nodded as she got seated on a small stone beside Clara. "I am all ears. Let's hear it all."There she was, deep in conversation, when through the door in came Fred-torn, untidy in his appearance. "Hey guys, sorry to interrupt, but I was thinking of something since you're going out, would you like me to make some lunch for when you get back?"So, forthwith, a smile flitted from Zara, quite touched at Fred's caring
"Me neither. It's like she just snapped or something."Clara held her eyes, concern etched on her face. "Do you think Fred's plan for helping her is a good idea?"Zara hesitated, having known otherwise what to respond to. A part of her wanted to believe that Bella could be salvaged, that she wasn't beyond redemption. Another part of her was just plain terrified, scared of what Bella might do next."I don't know, Clara," Zara said finally. "I want to believe that Bella can change, that she's not beyond help. But at the same time, I'm scared. I don't know what she's capable of."Clara nodded with understanding. "I think so too. But do we not have to try, Zara? For Fred's sake, if nothing else."Zara nodded, her emotions oozing with an air of resolution. "You are right. We have to try."Just then, Fred came downstairs. His eyes were tired, but there was a determined look in them. "Guys, I've been thinking. I know how we can reach Bella."Zara and Clara gave each other a hopeful look. "Wh
As Fred was lost in the thought that it might be possible for Bella to change, Zara grew tense in his hand. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked softly and gently full of concern.Fred was unsure of what to say to Zara about his plan; he just felt undecided. But something in her soft voice just made everything all right. "I have been thinking," he began, his voice barely above the whisper. "I probably could help Bella. I probably could get her the help she needs."Zara's face contorted in incredulity. "Fred, we have talked about this. Bella's beyond help. Toxic, she will bring you down with her."Fred nodded, realizing Zara's concern was founded. But he couldn't help that feeling inside him, telling him he needed at least to try. "I know, but what if I can reach her? What if I could help change her?"Zara heaved a deep sigh and searched his face for an answer. "You really would risk everything, wouldn't you, for her?"Fred nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. "I have to t
Fred trudged up the walkway, his feet heavy with the weight of his conversation with the detective. He had been hoping to find some way to help Bella, but now he wasn't so sure. As he reached the front door, it swung open and Zara stood before him, a look of concern etched on her face."Hey," she said standing aside to let him in. "How did it go?"Fred sighed, rubbing his temples. He didn't know how to summarize the complicated emotions swirling inside him.A seemingly sympathetic frown was creasing Zara's face. "That bad, huh?"Fred nodded, and he felt an immense weight being lifted, just being near Zara made things better.Zara softly closed the door as he entered inside, then leaned back against it, crossing her arms. "So, did you get to speak to her?" she asked softly.Fred's eyes dropped, his mind flashing back to the conversation with Bella. He hadn't expected her to be so. unrepentant. So uncaring."Yeah," he said at last, voice barely above a whisper. "She was vile like always
Fred asked the detective, "Is there a way to protect her? I don't want anything to happen to her."Detective Mathew's eyes became wide with shock. "Protect her? Mr. Fred, she's the one who has been causing harm to others. Why would you want to protect her?"Fred's expression turned grave. "She's like a sister to me," he said. "I am responsible for her, and I don't want anything to happen to her."The surprise on the detective's face slowly gave way to comprehension. "I see," he said. "Well, Mr. Fred, I can offer her protection while she's in custody, but once she's released. I'm not sure what we can do."Fred nodded, his eyes full of concern. "I understand. Just do what you can, please."The detective nodded. He looked so contemplative. "I'll see what we can do, Mr. Fred. But I have to ask, are you sure you want to do this? She's caused a lot of harm to people you care about."Fred's jaw clamped down tightly, his eyes flashing with determination. "Positive," he said. "She's like a sis
Fred's eyes never left Bella's face and a mixture of shock and sadness was written all over his face. "Everyone, please leave us alone for a minute," he said in a whispered tone.The detective had looked indecisive but nodded, gesturing to his officers to leave the room. "We'll be right outside, Mr. Fred," he said.As the door shut behind them, Fred turned back to Bella. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice trembling. "How can you say that?"Bella laughed coldly and mirthlessly. "You don't get it, do you?" she spat. "You never have. You've always been so blind, so oblivious to everything around you."He took a step closer, his hands extending toward her. "Bella, please. just tell me what's wrong. What have I done to hurt you so?"Bella's eyes suddenly flashed with anger, and she rose to her feet, her body etched with tension. "You want to know what you have done?" she repeated. "You want to know the worst thing you've ever done to me?"Fred nodded, his heart beating in his chest in