*.*.*.*.*.Betty struggled against the ropes that bound her wrists and ankles, her heart pounding with desperation. The small, dimly lit room where she was held captive smelled of mildew and fear. Her mind raced, trying to find a way out. She couldn't afford to lose hope, not now. She had to think of her unborn child, the tiny life she had been protecting with every ounce of strength she had.She had overheard her captors discussing Marcelo and their plans, which had only heightened her anxiety. After her separation from Marcelo, she learnt she was pregnant and it has been only him, because she wasn't the type to mess around.She was going to tell him when he came back from his trip, since she couldn't just call, knowing he would avoid her calls.She was on her way to him when a car with a tinted glass drove in straight in front of her, blocking her. Seeing who it was as the glass went down, she turned to run, but she was caught before she could run 5 steps away from the car.“You h
Stacy’s POVThe sun shone through the large windows of the Wilton mansion, casting a warm glow over the cozy living room where Ella and I were seated. I had just finished preparing a batch of her favorite cookies, and the sweet aroma filled the air, making the space feel even more inviting.In the past, I had struggled with getting good clients for my little business. But working for Marcelo and spending time with Elle, has given me the opportunity to explore a lot more with the resources he made available.“I thought Elle was exaggerating like she always does, but now I can see why she loves your cookies so much,” I recall him saying.As I watched him take a bit from the cookies I made on my first day. I was praying for composure so I wouldn't jump on the man who sat in front of me. Watching his lips come in contact with the cookie suddenly made me uneasy, as I bit onto my lips trying to hold myself together.It was a struggle, but thankfully Elle walked in and I could breathe aga
Marcelo’s povI watched from the top of the stairs as she walked out of the house. I saw her lingering for a while around Ella and I'm very sure Ella wanted something from her. Sighing loudly, I walked down the stairs slowly but loud enough for Ella to turn around and stare at me.Her bright eyes cascaded over my full length as if assessing me for a movie role. “Can you tell her?” She asked and I creased my brows. It's funny how she thinks I know what everyone is talking about.“You do realize I don't know what you're talking about right?” I asked as she puffed out air from her mouth. “I wanted her to stay the night and__”“She isn't paid to spend the night here Ella, she's our cook and nothing more.” I replied, ignoring the look of hurt on her face as she opened and closed her mouth.“You should be in bed now Ella, come on let's get you tucked in.” I said and lifted her into my arms as she giggled and threw her arms in the air, screaming at the top of her lungs as I ran up the stairs
Stacy’s povAs I walked out on him, I had several thoughts running through my mind as I wondered why he had that mentality of paying for every service rendered to him. “Are you okay Stacy?” Ella asked as I sighed and placed my palm on her forehead, trying to check her temperature because of what Marcelo said inside. “I'm good, I was just wondering how you were going to make the cookies.” I lied, hoping she would not detect I was lying. “Are you sure Stacy? You are fine right, your mood has changed and I don’t really like it. What happened there?” She has this question. I wondered how a little girl like her could muster such courage and ask an adult such a question. Yet I love how courageous she is and so outspoken. “I wish I was like you when I was younger, my mom always told me I was the shy type and try to always hide when people are around.” I said, looking at her thoughtfully. “Let's get on with the cookies. I believe you're so eager to prepare them.” I said trying to divert
Marcelo’s Pov“Thanks for your time Marcelo, it was really nice having you here.” Mrs Stephenson said, passing the files to her husband as I chuckled. They've been good friends with my parents since when I was little and it was always nice having them around.Few days back I received a call from them asking about the deal my parents were talking to them about. They wanted to sell a piece of land and I thought why not take it up and probably build a little house for Ella on it.“The pleasure is all mine, how's Fiona and your granddaughter?” I asked, picking up my bag as I got to my feet.“They are both fine in Canada and they want us to come over for the holidays but I refuse, it's too soon since we just arrived from Maldives.” She said as I saw her husband frowning in his face.“I don't think Mr Stephenson likes staying here, I think he likes going on holidays you should have a rethink.” I said hoping she'd have a change of mind but she remained adamant.Poor man I thought, as I looke
Marcelo’s povMy heart skipped but before I could say anything , I was already driving recklessly on the highway, sometimes breaking the traffic rules but I didn't care. I only heard the word fire and immediately the hairs on my skin stood up erect.I hated this feeling, this was exactly how I felt on those faithful days. The day Ella was kidnapped and now I’m having a similar feeling to someone I barely know. Finally the gate of my house came into view and immediately I got in front of it, it opened automatically and I drove through the driveway. Guards were stationed everywhere, safe guarding the house but I knew they were not to be trusted. Who knows who the traitor is?“What happened there Chris? What's wrong?” I asked as he frowned, shaking his head. “I don't understand what you're saying boss, what happened where?” He asked and immediately I knew he wasn't aware of what had happened inside.I jogged up the porch and pushed the door opened. “Ella, Ella.” I called but a deafenin
Stacy's povI walked up the stairs heading to Marcelo's office. It was already late and I needed to get back home. Jennifer was keeping an eye on my mom and so I needed to relieve her of that duty. As I walked up the stairs I smiled as I remembered how Ella held my hand tightly muttering gibberish in her sleep. It made me wonder what she must have been thinking about in her sleep.As I got to the door of Marcelo's office I knocked on it softly and allowed myself in. He was on his phone so I let my eyes dance over his features from his sharp cheekbones and the way his lips moved . “Cathy, we will talk later. I need to go right now.” He said and turned to look at me.I heard him cough and that's when I realized I had been dazed all these while and he must have noticed me looking lustfully at him. Gosh, so embarrassing, I thought.“I'll be leaving now Ella is asleep and I need to get back to my mom.” I said, thanking my stars that I didn't stutter. He nodded his head and stood on his fee
Stacy's pov“Thanks a bunch Jennifer I really appreciate it.” I said walking into the hospital room as she picked her bag and got to her feet. “You don't look okay, what's wrong?” She asked as a sigh escaped my lips.“Can we just talk about it over the phone? I'm glad you stayed over. Thanks for watching over my mom.” She smiled and waved me off as I smiled bittersweetly.“Meaning there's something wrong you should talk to me I'm willing to listen.” She replied holding my hands softly as I closed my eyes.“Can we talk about this later?” I asked and she nodded her head. I watched as Jennifer walked out of the room just then a nurse walked in with a smile on her face and a stethoscope around her neck.“The doctor would like to see you, he is in his office and he would like to see you.” She said as I furrowed my brows.“Is something wrong?" I asked, thinking of the possible reasons why the doctor would request for my presence. I saw him this morning before leaving for Marcelo's house, s
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