Chapter SixteenIsabella got to work earlier than usual, she was leaving for New Jersey the next day. She could barely sleep a win as what could be up with David clouded her mind.About an hour later David stepped into the gallery. "Good morning," he greeted."Morning," Isabella didn't spare him a glance, she had her gaze fixed on her drawing book. Though she was dying to see his face all she could do was devote her attention to the image she was trying to create.She was finally getting the hang of drawing, once she learns to paint it will all be perfect hopefully David will be in love with her then."I will be painting the room," he walked away, Isabella exhaled deeply as she raised her head, ignoring him was hard. She fears she has hurt him.David could not concentrate in the painting room, he was holding the brush but all he could think of was Isabella's happy face. However, he has not seen that since they left Chris's place.He let his jealousy control him, he hated how free Isab
INSECURITYChris chuckled trying to clear the awkwardness, he was not pleased with David's question but he had to be patient."I have a dinner meeting, I will be driving myself," Chris replied calmly."Oh, we didn't know," Isabella said with a smile which Chris returned."David didn't want us to be a bother to you," she added."I understand," Chris said leading the way. Isabella turned to David the instant he was gone."Seriously?" He shrugged starting away, Isabella shook her head slightly before following him.The ride was fun for Chris and Isabella, though Isabella was sited at the rear-sit Chris glanced at her through the rearview mirror as they chatted.David felt out of place as he listened to them, Isabella laughed at his jokes. David furrowed his brows, she had never laughed that way with him."Stop," Isabella blurted, they were at David's place, he was not ready to leave. He did not trust Chris alone with Isabella."David is getting down here," Isabella said while he furrowed
Chapter EighteenLOVESICKKim pulled over in front of Isabella's apartment. "Hey," Kim smiled through the window."You are late," Isabella frowned as she got into the car."I apologize," Kim muttered while Isabella picked up the magazine lying on the seat."You should read this instead," She passed her the proposal and a file containing all there is to know about the company. "Afterward you can tell me about handsome Chris and jealous David.""There is nothing much to talk about," Isabella took the proposal and began to scan through it."Did something happen? I think something did happen and I want to know about it," She said taking the files from her."Kim," Isabella turned to her with a displeased expression."Spill it," Kim muttered dramatically."David hates rich people, he says they take advantage of the poor," Isabella heaved a sigh."That's it?" Kim didn't seem bothered."What do you mean that's it? I am rich, what if he hates me when he finds out?"Kim pulled her closer pattin
MOVIEIsabella could hardly concentrate on what the presenter was saying, so she decided to visit the company before heading to the hotel. She missed David and could hardly get him out of her thought, the best way she knew to distract herself was to have her head buried in work."Hey," Kim tapped her gently. "Isabella," she whispered tapping her harderSlightly dazed she turned to her. "Yes." Kim nudged at the board staring at her."What's going on?" She mumbled with her brows creased. Kim inscribed something on a sheet and passed it to her, she smiled lightly after reading the context."I am sorry about that, umm... the presentation was awesome, the plan is equally brilliant," she commended and everyone clapped."However..." the room went silent as she started. "I will need some time to go through it more," she completed with a smile and the board heaved a sigh."Sure, take all the time you need," a lady replied while she smiled."Yes, I will. See you guys tomorrow," she stood up wit
OLD FRIENDKim unaware of who the lady was prevented her from hugging Isabella, Isabella who was equally confused stood there staring at her. She could not remember knowing her, and the lady was dressed in a cleaners' uniform. She was not sure she was acquainted with anyone of such status."Isabella it's me, Erin," the lady said touching her chest, Isabella still found it hard to remember who she was but she forced a smile not to make her feel awkward. Lots of people were staring."Erin, Hi," she smiled making Kim furrow her brows in confusion."Yeah, you remember me," Erin laughed happily, she would have been buried in embarrassment if she pushed her away, by now people had attention on their business.Seeing there was less attention on them Isabella suggested they go outside. "Let's talk better outside, you are not busy are you?""No, I am free. You look good," Erin giggled while Isabella scoffed mentally, she has always looked good.Kim followed silently, she could read through Isa
MEETING YVONNE★MONDAY★Yvonne was sitting at Isabella's sit, and David was in his painting room trying to get a painting right but he had been distracted lately by reasons known to him alone.Yvonne tried to reach out to him but he shut her off. "We can talk later but rightnow I have to work, sit over there and scroll on your phone or something." His words rang in her head, it hurt her feelings. She had a crush on him and the best he could do was keep pushing her away."I wish a customer would just walk in here and get rid of my boredom," Yvonne muttered and just then a figure walked in.With a smile she turned to Isabella, Isabella didn't notice her presence. She had her gaze on her phone she was chatting with the lawyer she got for Erin."You here to get a painting?" Yvonne asked with a smile, all she wanted was to get David's attention. Without a response from Isabella, she dashed into the painting room, like a thief caught David covering the painting with a piece of clothing."A
A FRIEND IN NEEDIsabella was sitting on the couch with Kim while Erin sat on a chair, Isabella tried to wash her face off earlier. She had heard rumors of women covering their wounds with heavy makeup.Erin was poor, not too poor to afford makeup but putting on that much while at work was not necessary."Tell us the truth we are here to help," Isabella assured, Erin fidgeting with her sweaty palm. She was not sure of the best thing to do, should she come out clean?However, this is life not school how can Isabella possibly make her husband stop?Isabella could tell something was going on, and last would be delighted to show off her ring but Erin simply didn't want others to see it. She didn't seem proud of it."Hey," Kim touched her, she was startled by her action. She had spaced out, she turned fearfully with her teary eyes to look at Kim."You should calm your nerves," Kim suggested.Erin exhaled and inhaled a few times before speaking again. "Can you get me a bowl with water and a
JEALOUSYThough her palm was scratched Yvonne was still pleased the guys were coming to save her, she slapped Isabella's hand making her stagger. With a smirk, she stylishly hit her leg making her fall on her butt."Isa," David squats beside her. "Are you hurt?" He sounded concerned."Isabella!" Chris stopped beside her too, Yvonne bit her lip sadly realizing no one was helping her."I am fine, Yvonne is hurt though," Isabella replied as Chris helped her get back on her feet, they turned to find Yvonne staring at her peeled palm.David moved to her. "Hey," he helped her get up, though Yvonne should be pleased she pushed him away."I will get the doctor to treat you," Chris said."It is not necessary, I will just go to a pharmacy," Yvonne replied politely, all she wanted was to leave that spot she didn't want to be anywhere near Isabella."No, it is a live-in doctor. Come with me," he led the way while Yvonne reluctantly followed.Isabella stared at the spot where she had fallen and ho
A second chance, forgiveness and love prevailsTears began to come out of Yvonne's eyes and she began to shake her hand. "Doctor," Isabella called out.The doctor rushed into the room, quickly assessing the situation. He checked Yvonne's vital signs and nodded to Isabella with a reassuring smile. "She's coming around," he said. "You did the right thing by coming here."Isabella exhaled deeply, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She looked at Yvonne, who was beginning to stir. The doctor signaled for a nurse to assist and then gently asked Isabella to step outside for a moment while they attended to Yvonne.Outside the ward, Isabella leaned against the wall, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. David and Kiera, who had been waiting anxiously, approached her."How is she?" David asked, concern etched on his face."She's waking up," Isabella replied, her voice soft. "I think... I think she'll be okay."David wrapped an arm around Isabella, pulling her close. "You did a brave thing, g
Captured"Yvonne, stop this madness!" Isabella shouted. "This isn’t what Chris would have wanted. Think of your daughter. Think of what you’re teaching her."Yvonne’s resistance wavered, and for a moment, it seemed as though she might relent. But then, with a surge of strength, she threw Isabella off and scrambled to her feet. Before Yvonne could do anything more, a voice rang out from the entrance of the garden."Freeze! Police!"A group of officers stormed into the garden, guns drawn. Yvonne's face fell as she realized her plan had been thwarted. The masked man tried to flee but was quickly apprehended by the officers.Isabella rushed to her daughter, enveloping her in a tight hug. Tears streamed down her face as she held her close, relief washing over her in waves. David, freed by one of the officers, joined them, wrapping his arms around both of them.Yvonne was restrained by the police, her face a mask of defeat and sorrow. She looked at Isabella, a mix of hatred and grief in her
Tension Isabella arrived at the garden. She saw Yvonne there. "Excuse me. You were speaking to me? It felt abrupt all of a sudden," Isabella said, looking at Yvonne, whose back was turned to her. Yvonne slowly turned to face her. "Surprise," she said and laughed. "Thought you got rid of me?" "Yvonne? What are you doing here?" Isabella asked, nervously. "I'm here to surprise you, my dear. You guys succeeded in killing my husband and making me a widow and my daughter, fatherless. Guess, you forgot, an eye for an eye. Look over there," she said, pointing. Isabella followed her finger. She saw David tied up, down the garden. "How did you get my husband? Release my husband now, before I call the police on you.""Don't be stupid, Isabella. Did you think I came without a plan? They are bringing your daughter, now. The deal is, you can only save one person. There will be a timer. If the time runs out, one of them will die. Oh, that's her over there.""How dare you involve my child in th
Yvonne returns. "Just stay safe, Yvonne. And take care of that little girl.""I will," Yvonne promised, hugging her friend before leaving.With the passports in hand, Yvonne booked the next flight out of the country. She used a series of cash transactions to avoid any digital trails. She knew it was only a matter of time before the police caught up with her, and she couldn’t afford any mistakes.On the day of their flight, Yvonne felt a mix of fear and determination. She dressed Emily in simple clothes, making sure they looked as inconspicuous as possible. As they boarded the plane, she couldn’t help but glance around nervously, expecting to see police officers at any moment.But the flight went smoothly. As the plane took off, Yvonne held Emily’s hand, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in days. They were leaving behind a life of fear and uncertainty, heading towards a future where they could finally be free. Yvonne bursted out in laughter, in a loud evil laugh. Hours lat
Away for a while.Yvonne stepped out of the hospital, while the cool night air hit her like a wave, momentarily shocking her out of her grief. But it was quickly replaced by a seething rage that coursed through her veins. She pulled the hood of her sweatshirt over her head, determined to stay hidden as she walked through the city streets. She needed to think, to plan. She needed to make them pay.Her first stop was to collect their daughter, Emily, from her sister’s house. Emily had been staying there for the past few weeks while Chris was on the run. Yvonne’s sister, Melissa, was supportive but wary of Chris’s lifestyle, and Yvonne knew she’d have to be careful about how much she told her.Melissa answered the door, her face etched with concern. "Yvonne, what’s going on? I heard about Chris on the news. Are you okay?""No, I’m not," Yvonne said, her voice steady but cold. "Chris is dead. The police shot him."Melissa gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God, I’m so sorry.""I
Lurking in the dark. "We have informations of Chris's whereabout. The Police officers are getting ready to invade, Chris's hideout. When we have a leak, we will let you know," Detective Martinez informed Isabella. "Thank you so much," Isabella said. "But, Chris is very cunny. What if he outsmarts the Police and escape, just like Yvonne did?""Well, all we plan is to arrest him and bring him into custody. When we catch him, we will hold him at gunpoint. If he tries to outsmart us, they will release fire at him," Detective Martinez explained. "Oh, alright. All I want is for him to be caught. He is a threat to our lives," Isabella said, eagerly. Detective Martinez nodded, his face serious but understanding. "We will do everything in our power to ensure he is apprehended and no longer a threat."Isabella watched as the detective left her home, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on her shoulders. Chris had been a constant menace, always one step ahead, and his cunning nature
Unexpected They eventually reached David's line and told him everything. He said he was calling the police station, immediately. David suggested they returned to the building before the police officers arrive and rescue, Elvis's mum, Felicia. Isabella and Elvis went back to the building and***“We have to go Felicia. Your son is a strong and good man. At least he did the right thing,” Isabella said. Elvis couldn't escape with us. He was captured by Yvonne's men. But, the police officers had arrived and they were sending messages through their speakers, that the other men should drop their weapons and come out, before the invade the building. Isabella was worried about Elvis, but he had told her to get his family to safety and didn't care if he himself, died. Immediately, a gunshot went off. Isabella and Felicia panicked. “I heard a gunshot. What if it was him they shot?” Felicia asked, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Elvis has been nothing but a good and caring son. He cared
UnitedIsabella and Elvis hurried to the building where Isabella’s child was being held hostage. They arrived at the building. “Give me my child, Isabella said as she opened the door and rushed in.“Who are you? I can’t give you this child. This child has been put under my care by Yvonne.”Elvis got into the room at once. “Mom, please hand over the child to her. It’s her child.”“But this was never the plan,” mom said in awe.“I know mom, but you have to trust me. I want to do the right thing, mum.”“Yvonne will hurt us, if she finds out.”“Think mum. What if it was your child, mum? You are a mother. You should understand her pain,” Elvis said. “Let’s do the right thing. Trust me, I’ll protect you and our family. I won’t allow Yvonne to hurt us. Once we get them to safety. We will leave this state. I already made arrangements. And if anything happens to me, you and our family will still leave the states. Don’t worry mum. We have everything in control.”Isabella held her breath as she
OutsmartedIsabella was able to free herself from the rope they had tied her up with. She waited for the right time to strike at Yvonne. “Don’t try to hurt my child. Don’t forget you have a child.”“Where is that toughness coming from?” Yvonne asked, as she walked close to me. What do you think you can do? Who is going to come for your rescue? No one. You are all alone in this. So stop acting like you got some back up. David won’t even save you. He has a lot on his mind. He doesn’t suspect I kidnapped you and your child. How then, do you think he would find you guys and rescue you? How do you think you’ll find my own child and get revenge? In your weird dreams.” She let out a mocking laugh.“Well, if anything happens to my daughter, I won’t rest till I get my revenge. An eye for an eye.”Yvonne laughed again. “You really have some guts, don’t you?”Isabella gave Elvis a sign, at once.Elvis understood the signal and subtly moved closer to Yvonne, ready to intervene if needed. Isabella