Three days ago(Flashback)Rose had been darting around searching frantically for Ella's medications when Naomi barged in. “Hey, you will not lay a finger on —" she was silenced by a huge smack. Rose recollected what Ella had said about Naomi, and she knew just what Naomi was planning to do.“The girl is shivering!" Rose cried, “let her be!”Naomi wasn't listening, because she was already scooping, shaking Ella from the bed, flinging her over her shoulder so carelessly. “I'm not blind to see that now, am I?” Miami answered her not caring about what she has to say.“The girl needs urgent medical care, I personally got her drugs today!” Rose yelled back, but a wave of realization hit her. “You took those drugs out of here didn’t you?” Rose spat, her anger growing. “What do you want with the girl? Have you lost your mind?”Naomi could tell Rose had seen through her facade. She cocked her gun, still clinging on tight to Ella.“Do as little as whisper a word to the boss, and I will — R
Marcelo's POVI was in my office working, my mind still preoccupied with everything that has been happening.I opened my laptop to check the mail and I saw one mail in particular that caught my attention.The sender’s name was Stacy William and she was applying for the cook position in my restaurant here in Chicago.Is it truly her, I guess Ellie’s wish is really going to be granted and damn I can’t wait to see her again. I stood up lost in thought, heading towards the door as I needed something to distract myself with.“Meet me up at my personal study, Ken.” "Yessir!"The frown on Ella's face suggested otherwise. “And why would you leave now?” She said, oblivious to the pain she had been wailing non-stop about. The one the chubby nurse had inflicted on her with a smile on her face. “You just mentioned that dad was coming over."“Yes, but —""Chris, I think you are free to leave. My brother is waiting behind."I stare at Chris, pleading with my eyes. He had his eyes fixed on Ella on
“Take it easy with the gun, babe," Mr Jones chuckled, but his smile faded when he noticed she wasn't backing off. “Marcelo was there to watch, and I'm sure if Ella wanted me to know anything, she would have told me."“Or Marcelo," the lady added.“There's nothing that gets to Marcelo without my knowledge. Chris and Ryan make sure of that. Now, I don't want to smell you or any one of your minions close to my daughter.”“You should be thankful that a kind angel out there discovered Ella.” Mr Jones raised a brow, "You were behind this?!” “Listen. We needed to know more. We needed to proceed. Time was against us, and we couldn't just sit, lying around.”“You allowed your emotions to get in the way the last time. We need that code, and these minions aren't helping us out.”“They are my children, and I decide what to do with them. Now, I don't want to know if you sent Naomi to do this, but just know that Ella hides nothing from me. She never had and she won't start now. Stay away from her
Marcelo's POV“Oh, hi!" She chirped, her fingers intertwined. I noticed how red her fingertips had gotten, and I could tell she was nervous. “I mean, good day sir. I'm sorry.”“Hey, take it easy,” I fought back the urge to smile.“You can call me by my name.”“But that's not proper —"“I insist,” I said, turning for the cabinets. “Ella had told me something about you being a wonderful chef. She wouldn't let me breathe in peace unless I brought you here.”Her cheeks flushed red in an instant, “Well, it's not like I’m that good, but I do offer catering services to people from time to time.”“How long have you been doing this?"“Six years," she said, turning away from me. “I mean, there was nothing else for me to do.” I felt a hint of sadness in her voice, and somehow, it struck me.“You don't have to do that anymore, I guess. If you pass today's test, we will be tripling the offer we originally gave you to work in our restaurant. Do you think that's okay?”I couldn't tell if she had
Stacy's POVWhen I got to the front gate, I was so nervous but then Ryan came up to me as my guide.The mansion was so big, the building looked like an ancient palace from the outside but the inside was grand.I wondered if I got lost in this kinda place, maybe I will be found.Then when I got inside, Ryan told me Marcelo was coming and I was suddenly restless, my stomach fluttered.He offered me a job here in the mansion. It is still my work as a chef but just to cook in the mansion.I can’t believe he still remembered my pancake, he asked me to make it for him, when i finished and walked inside his office. He was making a phone call when I entered, I couldn’t pick up what he was saying as I was distracted looking at him. Gosh he looks so hot. I thought while still holding the tray of the pancake in my hand. And then he started a conversation with me and offered me a present. My heart skipped a beat when he leaned in closer.“Give me the honor to put this on for you." He said, and
Stacy's PovElle burst into the kitchen, her face beaming with excitement.“Stacy, come on!" she exclaimed, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me towards the stairs.“Elle, what’s going on?” I laughed, trying to keep up with her infectious enthusiasm.“Just come with me!” She said, her eyes sparkling. “I have the best news ever!”We rushed up the stairs and down the hall to her room, where she finally let go of my hand and turned around, her joy barely contained.“My brother finally hired you as the cook!” she announced, clapping her hands together. “Can you believe it? You are officially the chef of the house!”“You told him to hire me?”“I gave him an ear full of disturbance and he didn’t listen.” She calms herself. “I never knew he would eventually give in to my request.” she exclaimed, giggling.“I’m really glad to see you, Elle,” I said, trying to take the conversation in a different direction, but the little time I have spent with her has shown me just how smart she is.
Cassie George sat alone in the dimly lit study of her mother’s subtle house, a place that had always felt more like a prison than a home. The house, though tidy, was filled with an oppressive sense of lost dreams and bitter memories. Her fingers traced the edges of an old photograph, the edges worn from years of handling. It was a picture of her mother, Margaret George, and a man who had once promised her the world—Donald Wilton.The story of Donald Wilton's betrayal was one Cassie had heard countless times, each retelling fueling the fire of resentment that burned within her. Margaret, a beautiful and ambitious woman, had fallen in love with Donald when they were both young. They had dreams of building a future together, dreams that were shattered when Donald abandoned her for another woman—Marcelo’s mother.Cassie’s mother had been left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and shattered future.Meeting Robert George who loved her, and he loved him too but her heart was far f
Marcelo’s POVI stood in the vast, affluent office that had once belonged to my father, my gaze fixed on the city skyline beyond the window. The memory of that fateful day was etched deeply into my mind, haunting him with every breath he took.I had been just twenty-four when my world had come crashing down. It was supposed to be a typical day. I had left for work early, my parents and little sister Ella still at home. By the time I returned, everything had changed. My parents were dead, murdered in cold blood, and Ella had been the one to discover their lifeless bodies, a trauma that would haunt her forever.The police investigation had gone nowhere. The killers had covered their tracks well enough leaving no trace of evidence or clues behind. I had taken it upon myself to find the truth, embarking on a relentless search that took me across the globe.The pursuit had changed me, I no longer has time for petty game and unnecessary commitment because I had more pressing matters in h
Marcelo’s POVI walk back into Stacy’s hospital ward, my mind still reeling from the news about Cassie. I'm glad to be back by her side, to see her safe and recovering.I already called her friend after Ryan sent her number, she almost screamed my ears off when I told her Stacy is in the hospital. I wonder what she would do if she hears the circumstances surrounding it.As I sat down in the chair beside her bed waiting for her friend to come I did something weird that I don’t think I’ve ever done before, I sang. I sang, “stay with me,” by Sam smith.I didn’t know when the door opened, until I saw a familiar face in my peripheral vision. It's Jennifer and she was giving me a weird look.“What?” I asked.“Nothing. Don’t just ever try using singing as a career,” she says in a mocking tone. I scowled at her immediately and she turned back.“So,” Jenny says softly, as she approaches the bed. “How is she?”“She’s stable,” I said, repeating what the doctor said.“What really happened?” She a
Marcelo’s POVThe doctor comes out of the operating room, a look of relief on his face. “It's done,” he says. “The bullet is out, and she's stable.”I breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you doctor,” I said gratefully.“But there’s one more thing;” he said and my heart beat accelerated. “We can’t say when she will wake up,”“Do you mean she’s in a coma?” I asked,“I won’t put it that way, you know in a coma we aren’t sure if the patient will wake up but I can assure you your wife will wake up so literally she’s not in coma. Let’s say she’s taking a deep sleep,” he explains.I nod my head not knowing what to say. At least there’s hope that she will be up.“We will move her to the private ward as you requested,” he said. I gave him a small grateful smile.I watch as the nurses wheel her into the ward while I follow closely behind them.After they left I sat beside Stacy’s hospital bed, my heart racing with anxiety as I gaze at her pale face. Just hours ago, she was in the clutches of that
Stacy’s POVI feel myself floating, weightless, in a sea of darkness. I try to open my eyes, but they won't budge. I'm trapped in this abyss, unable to escape.I remember being shot by Cassie, it feels like I’m in the warehouse again, this time it’s just me and Cassie and she’s pointing a gun at me and threatening to shoot me and I was pleading for her not to shoot me but she didn’t listen and shot me but before I could fall to the ground. I’m suddenly transported to a vivid dream. I'm walking through a beautiful garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the warm sunshine. Marcelo by my side, holding my hand. We're laughing and smiling, without a care in the world. I didn’t see Cassie or Cathy in this dream and I didn’t see Mr Jones or the masked men here. Everywhere looks so beautiful and peaceful.But the dream shifts, and I'm back in the darkness. I hear beeping sounds and muffled voices. I try to speak, but my voice is barely a whisper. The sound of the beeps reminds me of my mo
Marcelo’s POVCassie is still pointing her gun at me, we all look helpless even Cathy, her sister can’t stop her. Seems like this Cassie lady is living in her own delusion.“Chris brings that bitch in,” Then I see Chris bring Betty in from an entrance different from the one we came in. No wonder we didn’t see anyone outside. There's another entrance that leads to the underground.Betty is gagged and bound, her eyes wide with fear. Chris stands there unable to look me in the eyes.I feel a rush of emotion as I take in the sight. Betty, the woman I once loved, now a pawn in this twisted game.How did she even get involved from the very beginning? I don’t think I can ever see her the same way anymore, the betrayal, the pain and the torture I went through because I thought she died because I couldn’t protect her not knowing she was working with them.Cassie laughs. “Surprise,” she says. “I decided to do a small reunion for you and your women,” she said, still laughing.I feel a wave of ra
Marcelo’s POV“Story time,” Cassie screamed. I’m starting to think she’s actually bipolar because of someone who was pointing a gun a few minutes ago.“There was a man and woman, they were lovers and the woman loves him and the man loves the woman so much or that’s just what the woman thinks.”“During their time together the man wants to be rich and was looking for something else but the woman loves him regardless. Then one day the man started making little money, then he decided the woman wasn't good enough for him and you know what he did?” She asked, looking around the room like the maniac she is. Waiting for someone to give her an answer.“How are we supposed to have the answer to your question,” I said with a scowl on my face. I just wanted to strangle her.“Maybe you don’t but my sister does,” she said pointing at Cathy.“Anyway moving on,” she continues. “He left her, he left the woman that loves him for another woman. The woman tried to find love again after the betrayal but s
Marcelo’s POVI keep looking at the weird lady Cassie, apparently she has been watching me for a long time then it clicked. She’s definitely the one that sent a picture of me and my private investigator.“Wait, wait, before you start your story have you been the one sending me pictures?” I asked,“Oh that is one of the many things I’ve done to you,” she laughed. I’m trying to wrap my head around all of this. Then she speaks again. “You remember when your wife was followed when she came to visit you one time? Yes I did that too in fact Chris the head of your security was behind the wheel,” she revealed.I can see Stacy’s surprised expression and Ella is just looking confused. She obviously doesn’t understand what’s going on, I need to get her out of here. I signalled Marlo who was standing close to me and whispered something to him.“Get both of them out of here safely,” I told him.But before Marlo can move, Cassie steps forward, her hand emerging from her jacket with a gun. “I don't
Stacy’s POVI see the door of the room burst open, and my heart skips a beat as I see Marcelo standing in the doorway, his gun drawn and a fierce look in his eyes. He looks scary, I haven’t ever seen him like this before but today he looks so different. And behind him is one of the men I’ve seen around the mansion, I think he’s name is Thompson or so.“Ella, Stacy,” he shouts, his voice echoing off the walls of the warehouse.I'm shocked, disbelieving. How did he find us? How did he get here so fast? I knew he was going to come for us but I didn’t think he would find us quickly especially in the middle of the night.Marcelo’s eyes scan the room, looking at everyone in the room. He rushes towards us, his face etched with worry and relief.“Are you guys okay?” He asks, his voice laced with emotion. I nod, still in shock. “Y-yes, we're fine.”He pulls us into a tight hug, holding us close. “I was so worried about you,” he whispers. “I'm so sorry I didn't protect you better.” He sounded l
Marcelo POVAs we go down the stairs, I discover the place is even wider than I thought. How can anyone think of building an underground here? I would have argued this type of place isn’t in the warehouse to even think it’s this wide.We soon got to the end of the stairs, as Thompson and I moved deeper into the darkness, I could hear noise coming from the top meaning there is chaos outside my men have attacked.I stopped immediately and I saw a room that has a door. This is probably where the voice has been coming from. The voice is getting clearer and I can make out some of the conversation.“Then why did you agree to the contract? Why didn’t you just say no? You're just a f**king gold digger.” I hear a familiar voice, I think I can tell who it is but I’m not so sure yet.“My mum was sick, I had to agree because I needed the money for her surgery, what could I have done,” That’s definitely Stacy’s voice, there’s no way I can miss that.“I really don’t care, you know, but now I’m lite
Stacy’s POVCathy, did you hate me that much?” I asked with tears in my eyes.“I f**king hates you with all the fibre in my body and yes I told her to take you because since you came and Marcelo ignores me, something he hasn't done before. He starts listening to you more while he sees me as evil, he looks at you in a way he has never looked at me when I’m the one that has been by his side from the very beginning,” she said all at once, her words dripping with disgust and her hatred for me.“But you know the whole truth, you know why he married me, you know it’s all a charade.” I said.“Of course I know but why did he choose you for that charade and not me? I’ve sacrificed my time for him, I’ve served him and protected him with all my strength yet he picked you just because you saved his sister. That doesn’t beat everything I’ve done for him,” she yelled.“I didn’t choose for this to happen, you know he came to me first.” I explained with tears in my eyes. I can’t wrap my head around a