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
"Of course, I'm more than in on it. I have nothing to lose but I would advise that you don't waste your time with this Hailey. I'm really in love with your sister and you know that." Justin said, and Hailey smiled, even though deep down she was dying and couldn't wait for all of this charade to end."Oh, you are such a gentleman, but you don't have to worry so much. This is a risk that I have to take for the sake of love, I'm willing to do anything for you, Justin." She said, and Justin nodded his head."Alright then, I appreciate you fighting for me. And it's like they always say, never say never. We don't know what will happen, so I don't want to jump to any conclusion yet. I just don't want you getting hurt," he said, and she stood up from her seat. He walked towards him and kissed him on the lips."You are still my husband, so I have all the right in the world to still do this to you, right?" She asked, and he nodded his head."Now that we are on the same page, here is my card. Pl
"Come on, my friend, don't tell me you don't remember the girl that you had sex with the other night." The guy said, and Fred wondered what it was that he was talking about."Okay, so right now I have no idea what you are saying. I didn't sleep with any girl, I don't know what you are talking about." He said, and his friend shook his head as he also tried to remember everything that happened that night so he would be able to tell him what happened. "I think you must have forgotten, but let me tell you how it happened. We were here that night to have a nice time, I convinced you to let me add something to your drink even though you refused several times at first. But you gave your permission later on, and then you took it." His friend began to explain.A few hours later, you were so drunk that the manager of the club refused to sell any other drink to us. He was the one serving us, especially that night if you don't believe what I have just said. We can go there, and ask him, I'm sure
"What are you doing here, Bella? Have you gone mad and lost your head? What nonsense is this? You are supposed to be home for goodness sake. What are you doing here, and how did you even get my hotel address or even know where I am?" He asked, and she felt really sad that was the reaction he gave her."Aren't you happy to see me? No one is here to watch us, not even Zara. You can do with me whatever it is that you want now, Fred, there's no need to be so civil with me. I want and miss you, Fred, and I know it's the same for you as well." She said and stood up from the bed. She walked down the bed and walked majestically to where he was standing. She hugged him and tried to kiss him, but he removed his head, stopping her from touching him, he didn't want anything to do with her. She tried to seduce him by luring him with her body, but he didn't seem to be falling for that as well."Wear something and get out of this place right now, I will be waiting for you at the reception so I can
"So you are asking me to leave?" She asked him, and he nodded his head. "I'm sorry but you have to go, I'm not comfortable with you being here like this. We can always talk when I get back home, I'm here for work, and that is the only thing that I care about right now." He said, and she moved closer to him."But I'm here to help you calm down and make you feel better, which is something that Zara can't do. She doesn't know you as I do, I can give you everything Fred. Why in the world will you choose her over me? This is absurd, and I really can't take this," she said, and Fred didn't know how else to deal with her. As soon as he gets back home, he will have to find a way to speak to his mother. They are going to have to tell her about the baby and the real truth. So that way, she doesn't have anything to threaten them with. Bella, however, took his silence for approval. She walked seductively towards him and kissed him. Fred could no longer take it, so he pushed her away, and she la
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