Bella made her way down the stairs to go into the kitchen, she had not been in a good mood since she woke up this morning. She even yelled at the maid who came in the clean her room this morning. She still can't stop thinking about what happened last night with everyone, how Fred decided to choose sides with Zara is something she's yet to come to terms with. She made her way into the kitchen but paused at the door the moment she heard what the maids were talking about. She was sure she heard Fred and Zara in the conversation and she immediately became curious to know what they were discussing. "Are you serious about what you are saying?" One of the maids asked."I'm more than serious and sure of what I'm saying, they seem to have had one hell of a passionate night. The entire room was all scattered and Mrs Zara wasn't putting on anything. She only had the blanket covering her body, I even checked and saw her nightgown on the floor. As well as Mr Fred's clothes as well." The maid th
"And where is your wife?" Clara asked and Fred smiled. He likes the sound of that question. "She's in the room taking her bath, she should be joining us soon." He said and Clara nodded her head. It's understandable, the women of these families must always look their best at any time."You are the only person here?" He asked her and she nodded her head with a frown on her face. She very well knows what and who he's trying to ask her. Fred saw the way his mother looked at him and raised his hand in surrender. He can already tell what is going through her mind at the moment."Mom, you know someone is innocent until proven guilty right?" Fred asked and Clara was forced to look at him with irritation written all over her face. She can't help but be angry on behalf of her daughter-in-law anytime she listens to Fred defend her like this."I know that honey, I'm very well-learned. You don't have to remind me and I know exactly what I'm saying. That's the more reason why you need to believe m
After breakfast, Zara and Clara followed Fred to the car to escort him to work. Zara felt a type of way seeing him leave for work and couldn't even place the kind of emotions she was feeling at the moment. It was as though she didn't want him gone."Uhmm can I have a word with you in the car Zara?" He asked her and she nodded her head. Zara followed Fred into the car and they had some minutes to themselves while the driver waited outside Clara was also outside waiting for the two lovebirds to finish their discussions.Bella however stood outside the corridor of her room with so much anger rising in her. She can't believe that this girl is taking Fred away from her, as much as she hates to admit this. It's the reality of what is happening already and she doesn't like it one bit. This is the worst thing that can ever happen to her and she's not going to allow this to continue. Not under her watch, at first, Fred allowed his mother to harass her this morning. He didn't even follow after
"Zara darling, it's time to go shopping. Will you please get dressed so we can be on our way already?" Clara said as she entered the room. She met Zara on the bed sleeping, she moved closer to her and she could swear that she looked so pale and exhausted. "Zara, are you feeling okay? Do we need to visit the hospital?" She asked her and Zara quickly shook her head. There's no way she's visiting the hospital with anyone. They will find out that she's pregnant, she's sure the pregnancy is the reason why she has been feeling tired and sick all morning. When Fred left for the company this morning, she came to the room so she could begin making plans for tonight as she had discussed with Fred before he left. But she came in here and suddenly felt weak, that's why she had been lying in bed all day. She should have known Clara would come looking, she would have locked the door. She can't afford for her to continue seeing her like this, she will become suspicious and that's the last thing sh
Bella walked back to her room, she had been lurking around for a while now waiting to hear anything. She couldn't just walk up to Clara and ask her about where she was going or where she would be. But now that she has the information she has, she needs to talk to the man and let him get to work. She picked up her phone and called him."It is time!" She said with her lips smacked together and her eyes squinted with so much hatred laced in them. She honestly can't wait to get a hold of that girl and teach her a bitter lesson. But first, she will have to deal with Clara who seems to be her backbone. If she can get Clara out of the way, she will be able to get Zara too."I don't understand what you are saying, it's time for what?" The guy asked, he has become so confident ever since Bella promised to give him her body right after the deal has been done with. Bella noticed the arrogance in her voice so she frowned. But now is not the time to scold him, she needs him to do the job she wants
Zara froze on the spot as she heard what he said and didn't know how to react to him. He sounded so sincere as though he missed her or could that be the case? She didn't know what to say because frankly she missed him too. She had been thinking about him for the whole of today but she was too sick to even acknowledge that now that she thinks about it. She does miss him too."Uhmm what about the flowers? Aren't they supposed to have arrived by now?" She asked him to change the topic, and Fred immediately felt embarrassed. That took him a lot of courage to say and she watered down his feelings just like that. She didn't even appreciate the fact that he missed her. This is the last time he's doing this, he thought they were good. He wasn't expecting her to do that to him. "The guy should be there anytime soon, the plan will proceed. I have to go now," he said and ended the call before Zara could say anything more. She felt sad, she heard his voice and she noticed how sad he sounded and
Bella was so happy that she couldn't stop giggling and smirking till she got to the restaurant where she would be meeting up with Fred. She knows deep down in her heart that he loves her, the only thing holding him back is that mother of his. And that is the exact reason why he will be taking her out that night. She needs to let them be and concentrate on her own life. She picked up her phone to call the guy so she could check up on the operation one last time before she went in there and enjoyed herself with Fred. "Hey, how is it going over there? I want to believe the job will soon be done." She said to the guy."We have been following her since this afternoon, she went shopping and now she's with her friends and they are having dinner at a high-end restaurant, the security in there is so tight and there's no way we will be able to get in so don't worry we will get the job done soon. We will attack her as soon as she goes into the parking lot." The guy said giving her some explanat
"Eat? The food hasn't even been served yet, is there something going on that you need to tell me?" She asked and Fred shook his head, he couldn't possibly tell her that he was busy thinking about his wife Zara. Damn, he can't wait to get home and be with her even though he's mad at her for not acknowledging his feelings like that."But they are going to bring the food anyways, that's what I'm trying to say. But there's nothing wrong, I was just thinking about some work stuff. I want us both to put our differences aside and just enjoy the night." Fred said and she smiled happily at what she just heard him say."Aww!! That's sweet to hear, I'm going to have the best night in a long while. Finally, we are going to be together for once without the interruption of that pest called your wife." She said and Fred frowned, he didn't like the fact that she was talking about his wife like that."Let's not think or talk about anyone," Fred said as he took her hand into his just to distract her. H
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