"If I had sent her to the hospital and came back to the hall. None of this would have happened to Zara, and everyone would have been fine and we wouldn't be here like this." Fred said and Clara was shocked. "You see what I'm saying to you, connect the dots son and you will see this has all been planned by Bella. She's behind this and when Zara wakes up, we will confirm the truth and I swear she will pay for this." Clara said."You don't have to worry about anything mom, I will make sure I get to the root of this whole thing I promise." He said and Clara kissed him on the cheek. "Of course you will, I believe in you and I know you will do the right thing irrespective of who might be involved." She said and he nodded his head."I will be on my way out of here now, I'm sure you will need to rest as well. Let me know if you need anything, I will come running." She said and Fred kissed her on the forehead, he didn't know what he would have done without her. Clara glanced at Zara who was
"Urghhhh! That fool, how dare he think he can do this to me and go scot-free? I'm so going to teach him a very terrible lesson." She said as she lay on the bed with her legs crossed thinking of a solution to her problems, she had no idea what she should do right now. She can't believe this is happening to her, she had it all planned out until that fool came and ruined everything for her."Now I'm being suspected by Fred, I just hope he doesn't take this whole thing out of proportion," Bella said as she turned restlessly on the bed. She would have to find a way to expel his thoughts and make him believe someone else was behind this.And she needs to get that old hag off her back as soon as possible, if not it will so impossible for her to get the man she wants and she's never relenting.It was already past midnight and Fred was awakened by the noise coming from the bed. After he took his bath, he came and slept on the couch in the room. He didn't want to be too comfortable and forget a
"Good morning Mr Fred, how are you doing this morning and how is your wife?" The doctor asked over the phone and Fred looked over at the mention of his wife. He can see Zara nestled and sleeping peacefully on his chest. He could hear her light snoring and he couldn't help but smile as he looked at her."Uhmmm Mr Fred!" The doctor called and he jolted back to the reality. He can't believe this is happening, Zara is here on his chest like this. Who would have thought?"Sorry about that, Zara is doing okay. Thanks for checking up the injection you administered yesterday did work but she had a fever and began acting up again in the middle of the night." Fred explained to the doctor as he listened attentively. He also made sure not to talk too loudly, he didn't want to make any noise."Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry about that. You should have reached out to me. I would have made my way to the mansion." The doctor said and Fred smiled."Well I didn't think that was necessary, I thought it wo
"Mom what's so funny and why are you even laughing?" Fred asked her feeling irritated by his mother's attitude towards his kind gesture. "Oh baby, don't get like that with your mother. You know I'm only being nice, it's just that...." Clara said and began laughing again. Fred raised a brow with his hand on his waist waiting for what her reason was."Alright fine, I'm sorry okay? It's just that you have never cooked in your life. Just what magic are you planning to do right now?" She asked and he stopped pondering on what his mother said. "Uhmm actually, I'm going to use the internet Mom. You can do anything with the internet these days so there's nothing to worry about. Besides Zara is sick and I want to take care of her." He said and Clara placed her hand on her chest as she made her way to her son and kissed him on the cheek. Fred wondered what his mother did that for, she can be so weird at times. "I'm so proud of you sweetheart, you are taking good care of your wife. You must l
Zara opened her eyes and she immensely felt thirsty her throat was burning up and she had no idea where she was at the moment. She tried remembering all that happened as she lay on the bed weak and tired. It feels as though her body was run over by a truck or something. She looked around with her eyes half open and she could see she was in the room where she shared with Fred. At the mention of Fred, she quickly jerked up and sat down, she couldn't believe what was happening to her right now. The memories of last night came rushing down her memory, and she covered her mouth with her hand as though she was in shock."Oh no! No!" She said as she closed her eyes, she looked at her body and she could see she was not putting on anything. She's as good as naked and there's nothing on her except for the blanket. She held the blanket tightly on her body as she sat there not knowing what to do about the matter. She remembers everything so well, she was the one who even asked him to. Gosh! She
Fred was really upset with the way things just turned out for both of them in a matter of minutes. They were cool with each other some moments ago and now this. She won't even eat the food that he brought her, he took time to prepare the food himself.Fred made their way out of the room and headed to Bella's room, she had some explanation to do. He got there and he found her in her towel and was rubbing some lotion on her skin. She just finished taking her bath and is dressing up already. "Hey Fred, you miss me already," Bella said the minute she noticed him by the door. She has been thinking of the best way to handle the matter at hand. But she can't seem to do anything at all, now that Fred is here. It gives her a sense of relief, she heard everything that was said between him and his mother this morning. And how he defended her, means he doesn't believe any of the things they have been saying to him and that makes her feel good. It's all that she needs, for Fred to believe her. A
Clara made their way to Zara and Fred's room and when she got there, she found the door to be slightly open and that got her curious as she didn't know what was going on. She thought she was seeing wrong but she wasn't, she pushed the door open and made her way inside the room. She looked around and there was no one in the room. She can see a tray on the bed and she smiles because she knows that must be the food that was given to Zara prepared by Fred. She thought about where they might be but nothing came to her mind. She was confused because she didn't know what to think and she was clueless."Could she be doing something in the bathroom? She's probably taking her bath and I'm here overthinking, well I should go over and see for myself that she's okay. I can't just stand here and jump to the conclusion." Clara said to herself and walked to the bathroom door. She knocked on the door and she didn't hear any response the first time, then she knocked again. "What part of I don't want
Bella made her way out of the house and headed to the underground place where she met with the guy who gave her the drugs the other day. It's becoming too dangerous in that house and she won't be able to make any phone conversations. So the best thing she can do right now is to come out here. But damn she needs to find a way to get out of this situation. She simply can't allow herself to get caught, what if she gets thrown in jail? What the hell is going to happen to her then?"This can't be happening to me, I'm just this close to getting Fred for myself. I'm not going to allow that low-life girl to bully me, it's never going to happen. And as for that old witch Clara, I need to do something fast about her, or she's going to be the end of me." She said and put a call through to one of the other men she sends on errands to do her dirty work for her. The call got connected and Bella walked to the other side of the alley which she thinks is more silent. She doubts if anyone will be able
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