...Atkins had been tailing Thurlow's car, and as soon as the man stepped out of his car, he followed suit, discreetly. What he was confused about was the reason why a businessman like him would prefer to do business in such an isolated, creepy joint. A place where someone could easily go missing. Thurlow sighted Mr. Blackbell from afar and smiled, inwardly."Mr. Blackwell, please have a seat." Thurlow offered. Blackwell drew back a chair and sat down. He signalled his men to wait outside for privacy purposes. Thurlow did the same and when they were all gone only the guard holding onto his briefcase remained. Atkins was already disappointed since the atmosphere seemed promising. He almost wanted to back down but he'd already come so far. He found a good location and started videoing them. "Mr. Thurlow. You never told me the reason for this meeting. However, I've got to point out to you that if it's still about my old site then you should know it's all history. I haven't changed
... Lorenzo was lying on the bed, my head was on his bare chest as my hand caressed his toned abs. "Sweetheart." He said."I'm here. What's wrong?" I asked, raising my head, I locked eyes with him, waiting for a response.He entangled his fingers around my hair, rubbing it back and forth against my curled locks. "Something seems off for some reason," he said."Why do you say so?" I asked."It's regarding Atkins. I mean the supposed days he gave to hear from me have run out but still no word from him. That's unlike my brother. Why hasn't he retaliated? I'm anxious. It's been apparently three days since he told me to abdicate my position in the company... So why is he so calm?" He asked.I understood his concerns. "It's nothing to worry about. If you ask me, I'd say it means that everything is under control. Perhaps, he'd finally come to understand that fighting his own blood over some company rights wasn't worth the hassle and had given up. Isn't that good news if you ask me?" I sai
SOPHIE. I sat alone in my bedroom, staring out the window into the dark night sky. The room was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of a streetlamp shining through the window, casting a soft light over my face. I sat there for what felt like hours, lost in thought and staring up at the stars. Three days ago, my ex-boyfriend Parker had come to beg for forgiveness, but I couldn't bring myself to forgive him, not after he had cheated on me for the second time. The memory of catching him in the act was still fresh in my mind. I had come home early from work to surprise him, only to find him in bed with another woman. Turns out that he has a wife and a child that I never knew about, and he had been using me. Playing me. The betrayal was devastating, and I knew that our two-year relationship was officially over. I was left to raise our child on my own. Tears threatened to spill over as I thought about my current situation. I was 23 years old, pregnant and alone. The weight of my future
SOPHIE More than a year later….I walked into the production company, my heart heavy with uncertainty. I had been working in the R&B department for the past year, trying to save enough money to relocate to Holland and start a new life for myself and my son, Miguel. I had a special talent for discovering new talents and my boss, Alex, had recently promoted me to a supervisor position.But the time had come for me to leave and I wasn't sure how Alex would take the news. I also had another reason for relocating, to find my father who I had recently found out was alive and not dead like my mother had made me believe all these years.I found Alex sitting at his desk, staring at his computer screen with a frown. He didn't seem to notice me enter, so I waited patiently for him to finish his phone call. As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Alex had been a good boss to me, always understanding and supportive of my situation.The office was dimly lit, with a few fluor
SOPHIE I stepped out of the taxi and paid the driver, tightening my wrap over my shoulders and smiling at my son, Miguel, as I began walking, using my Google Maps app to navigate my way to the right place. Rotterdam was a unique and appealing city, situated on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river. The port was well-equipped and connected, with a long history of maritime activity. The city had the most modern skyline in the Netherlands, with its architectural designs and lively cultural life.As I walked, I noticed my phone battery was almost dead and decided to ask for directions before I got stranded. "Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where Valentina Foster's family home is?" I asked softly. The way the old man looked at me sent shivers down my spine, but he simply pointed to the left side of the road without speaking. "Thank you," I said, and watched him walk away before following his directions.A few meters ahead, I saw someone waving at me. It was Valentina. She ran up to me and to
I was jolted awake by a gentle tap on my shoulder. "Wake up. Breakfast is served," said Valentina, her voice soft and quiet so as not to disturb Miguel who was still sleeping soundly next to me.I stretched my arms and let out a yawn, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "Good morning Valentina. When did you come in?" I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep."Good morning Sophie. I just arrived. Come on, let's start the day. The weather is beautiful for a Monday morning," she said, her voice cheerful as she held my shoulders and guided me out of the room.As we made our way downstairs, I could see that Cassino was already seated at the dining table. He stood up and pulled out a chair for me as I approached."Good morning Cassino," I greeted him as I took my seat next to him."Morning pretty. I hope you and our little boy slept well?" he asked, his voice full of concern.I nodded. "Yeah, I think so."But something felt off about the couple, and I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was
SOPHIE The man narrowed down his head as he waited for his turn. For me to round up whatever I was serving and notice his presence.His prayer seems to have been heard as I leaned over the wooden surface, green eyes boring into his."What'll ya have?", I asked with a smile. If the man standing before me even listened to my question I can't say. He was far too interested in allowing his gaze fall through my breasts. Eventhough I was covered with three layers of clothing, he obviously found the sight of me titillating.I snapped my fingers twice in the air, trying to call back any left-over attention in him. "Excuse me. I asked you a question", I blurted out.The sudden movement seems to have made an effect on him. He brought his hands to his chest, crossing his legs arrogantly for me to see.The man has to think again if he thinks I'm here to play games. I ignored him and grabbed a towel as I started wiping the top of the bar.His eyes never leaving mine as I continued slapping the te
SOPHIE I had just finished closing up the bar when I noticed the mysterious man sitting alone in the corner. The guy who said his name was Lorenzo. The bar was nearly empty, with only a few patrons remaining."He can't possibly be waiting for me," I muttered to myself as I checked the clock. It was already late and he seemed to be alone. I assumed his friends had left him.I was eager to go home, as my son Miguel had been crying nonstop despite my attempts to calm him down. "Hey, shh. Mama's here for you. I'll never leave you," I whispered to him. Even though he couldn't yet speak, I knew he could understand my words as he gradually quieted down.I watched as the remaining patrons stood up and left, leaving the mysterious man as the only one left in the bar. I grabbed Miguel's things and walked over to him. He appeared to be deeply asleep, his head nodding forward.I gently tapped his shoulder. "Hello, wake up sleepyhead," I said.He didn't stir, so I picked up the jug of water on th