CHAPTER HUNDRED -TWENTY-EIGHT*Would telling someone actually save her though?*Her heart slammed against her ribcage violently as she fought silently to keep her breathing manageably normal to hold the conversation and avoid rousing any suspicion from Mrs Hope.Mrs Hope swept a calculating gaze over her silently.Shit! What gives now?She balled her hands into a fist to hide the swollen finger which resulted in far much worse pain than before.She grunted softly and puffed out deep breaths."I assumed you should be at Mr Abel's office currently. Why aren't you there yet?" She quizzedOf course! She was already headed there when these monstrous domineering Big trio decided to get in the way. As always.But if she had said that to Mrs Hope in presence of her bone of contention, the big trio, she would be toast!Instead, she bit her bottom lip furiously and forced a lump down her throat.She inhaled sharply as she strived to fix the words in her head.Damn! What would she say that would
CHAPTER HUNDRED-TWENTY-NINE*The appointment of suffering and mystery.*Damn you damn you damn you!!!!Someday I will pulverize you!You will pay for everything you have done!Someday huh....?Will that ever come through?Hey now. Now is not the time to think about that.Mrs Hope cleared her throat loudly."Alright if you say so, girls. Now hurry along for your biology class. I'm sure Mrs Harper is already in class. While Hannah can be excused to see Mr Abel. Now hurry along Hannah so you can rejoin the class. Understood?"She said with authority."Yes, Mrs Hope!" They said in unison.But I'm sure amber was just mouthing the words not like she was actually saying it.Amber can be so full of yourself. She has this condescending aura surrounding her, making her believe that no human being on earth could measure up to her standards."Hurry up, what are you waiting for?!" Snapped Mrs Hope.Amber smirked at Hannah pointedly and mouthed 4.30 pm. Then turned to force a wide smile at Mrs Hope
CHAPTER HUNDRED -THIRTY*For the first time, she meant it*Janice's face fell."Why? " her brows furrowed in confusion and worry."Is something wrong?"Hannah laughed nervously and waved her hand frantically in the air."Of course not! I am more than thrilled to have you teach me, Janice but unfortunately I just suddenly remembered that I have an early appointment with my parents around 4.30 pm. I got to go. I'm sorry. Maybe next time.". Hannah said ruefully as she scratched her arm nervously. "Oh, well in that case you can get the notes tomorrow I guess..." Janice said hesitantly as she rubbed the back of her neck gently. Her hazel eyes narrowed in a steady stare at Hannah suspiciously.Hannah forced a tight-lipped smile at her."Thank you for your help. When is the assignment due?""Um... Next week, Wednesday.""Great! I've got plenty of time to copy down the notes and you can teach me tomorrow I don't mind." Hannah said grinning widely.Janice didn't seem pleased. Her brows knitte
CHAPTER HUNDRED -THIRTY-ONE*Maybe this is a bad idea*The once sunny and colourful afternoon suddenly transformed into a dark and gloomy late afternoon.The firey ball was shrouded in the dreary clouds and blackbirds dotted the sky as their hoarse cries echoed across the sky, tracing chills down her spine: the Caw! Caw! Caw! The birds made her nervous and anxious as she scurried down a deserted forest.Good lord! This place gives me the chills!The dark clouds are ominous and creepy making her shudder in anxiety.She hugged herself closely.This is the worst time to have forgotten her thick sweater at home. Oh well!A strong breeze whistled with so much force that she nearly tripped and tumbled down.Thankfully, she caught a truck of trees for support and staggered to regain her balance and continued her journey into the deserted forest. The more she went, the more she feels like running back home and calling it quits.Maybe she could lie that Mr Abel saw her and insisted on dropp
CHAPTER HUNDRED-THIRTY-TWO *A meeting point of suffering and misery*The creepy warehouse came into view as she approached the depth of the forest. The tall eerily canopy trees swayed in the gentle chilly breeze. The hair on the back of her neck suddenly stand on end in anxiety and fear of the unknown as frantic eyes flickered to the entrance metal door.The warehouse was a dilapidated building with trees encircling the building like a nest safeguarding an egg."It has a strange aura to it that I can't quite grasp. I'm not sure this was where I came to the last time. It is just so different and weird. I can feel it in my bones." Hannah muttered to herself as she hugged her body closely, shivering with cold and apprehension.She glanced over her shoulder to see where she came from but she couldn't tell at all. It was as if she was lost in the woods.What if that's the case and she can't make her way back?!No way!!And even if she decides to turn on her heels and scamper off for her
CHAPTER HUNDRED-THIRTY-THREE *What the hell is going on here?!*Welcome?Just welcome? Welcome to what exactly? To pain, suffering, and misery?Are they mocking her right now?Those hideous monsters! She can never forgive them, in this life or the next, for all humiliation, pain, and suffering they have caused her since she stepped foot on Brighton College.If only she could turn back the hands of time and retract her decision to go to Brighton College. However, the truth was that she had the opportunity to opt-out of Brighton College but she refused to open up to her parents about what she had been going through when she crossed paths with the monstrous big trio. She was told scared and timid to say No. She was scared of bringing disappointment and shame to her parents. Besides, Brighton College was the most excellent school in the United Kingdom and it was her father's imposing decision for her to go the Brighton College According to him, he had always wanted the best and he expec
CHAPTER HUNDRED -THIRTY-FOUR*Is this the end of the road for her?*"I'm-I'm sorry I just wanted to confirm" Hannah sputtered, waving her hands frantically mid-air. "I didn't mean to upset you."Anastasia arched an eyebrow at her and scoffed. "I'm guessing you followed the message," she said as she walked up to the armchair in the middle of the room and slumped into it, puffing out a deep sigh, bearing the wariness of a thousand years.Hannah watched her with slightly dilated orbs.Of course! The message. Initially, she had thought the message was from Amber but obviously, Amber as the leader of the group couldn't be bothered with such trivialities. This leaves a wide gap for the most aggressive in the group...Anastasia!Why didn't she think about that?Anastasia is a little chubby with fat cheeks and a slightly puffed neck.on hearing the name "Anastasia", one would think that she is a cute, timid girl with the most radiant smile but alas! The person is in for a huge surprise.Wha
CHAPTER HUNDRED-THIRTY-FIVE *it is over for her*"What is going on here?!". A shrill voice boomed across the room, startling the both of them.Anastasia halted in her tracks as she withdraw the knife and cursed under he breathe. "Damn it, Amber, not when I was getting to the fun part !" She cried as she pursed her lips playfully at her leader who was glaring in her direction and was even more pissed when her gaze glided towards the petrified Hannah.Amber! Thank goodness she came back right on time otherwise she would have been so done for!But then again she's still in deep shit!!!!Remember, the meeting with the big trio!Oh my God! She is not saved at all. Rather, she's in deep trouble and her life is endangered by these girls!Anastasia brandishing the knife at her may just be the tip of the iceberg. Who knows what the almighty, Amber would do?She's quite unpredictable and when she strikes, it is usually lethal.Her heart hammered in her chest, making her body vibrate. What i
*To forever and beyond…*The day of the trial had arrived, and it felt as though the world held its breath. The courtroom was filled with journalists, spectators, and photographers positioned on all corners of the courtroom doors waiting. They were all here for the same purpose: the moment the world would witness as justice decided the fate of Mr. Jordan. In other words, the downfall of the Jordans.The courtroom was so unnervingly quiet that you could hear a pin drop as every creak of a bench and every rustle of paper lingered in the tense air.Janice Jordan sat at the front with Finn beside her. Her uncle came with some family members and they sat behind the pew. Janice’s hands trembled in her lap, fingers clasped so tightly together that her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Finn beside her, his jaw set, gaze fixed on the judge as if nothing else existed. This was heavy for him especially but at last he would witness the final judgment and hopefully get the justice his late f
*He had to bear the consequences of his actions.*Janice sat in an uneasy silence, staring out the window as the news sank in, each word settling into her mind like stones dropped into water.She could hardly believe her ears. Her father has been arrested?! This was the first time such news would reach her ears. The mighty Jordan was arrested?!"Janice? This isn't the time to space out!" Finn's voice yanked her out of her reverie. She blinked repeatedly as her brain was still processing this whole unexpected turn out of events. She gulped. "What's going to happen to him, I-I don't even know what to say. He's the only family I've got, Finn," her words barely squeak out of her lips."Unfortunately, it may be nothing good, Janice. This is the moment of truth, and justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done." A cold shiver pricked against her skin like goosebumps. As much as she tried to ignore it, it was the hard truth. Her father had done horrible things in the pa
*Was this the end of the line for the mighty Jordan family?* "Janice, I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone, " Finn said, pulling her towards him for a long hug as he stroked her hair. Janice broke into tears, sobbing as her body shook with the weight of losing a child, a part of her that she wasn't fortunate to bring into the world. She sniffed and muffled against his chest, "I didn't mean to hide this from you, Finn. This is shocking news to me as well." "It's alright, sweetheart." He said gently as he continued to stroke her hair. Then he broke the embrace and cradled her wet face in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "Look at me, Janice," he wiped her tears with his thumb. His heart tightened seeing her like this. "I promise I will wipe the tears off your face. We can always make another one." She momentarily stopped crying and looked at him wide-eyed. "You didn't even ask if that child is yours, Finn." He chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty*The unexpected and Sad Revelation*Finn's (once Drake but will be called his real name henceforth)hammered as he paced the narrow room with the burner phone clutched tightly in his right hand and his left hand frantically raking through his sandy brown hair.Every creak of the floor, every rustle outside the window, seemed like it could be Fergus’s men clawing closer.They were running out of time.With the government closing in and Fergus’s rage nearly tangible, Finn knew their only chance was to reach out to someone who could help them disappear. His father’s old friend, Yamato—a man, both feared and revered, a former militant from Japan who had once pledged his loyalty to the family.Yamato listened in silence, his deep breaths echoing through the line. Then, without a word of question or reprimand, he simply said, “Be ready. I will take care of the arrangements.”A wave of relief coursed through Finn's body at once. His father had been right af
Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-Nine*My real name is Finn Orwells and not Drake Hughen.*He knew of one place Fergus wouldn't dare to look.The drive to his special hideout was unbearable, long, and tedious. It was a rocky path in the thick of the forest but close to a river bank. He usually came here when he needed some privacy from the Jordans and planned his next revenge move. But right now, the reverse was the case. How ironic did things turn out to be? He was literally bringing his arch enemy's daughter to his secret hideout, away from the hawk eyes of his evil brother-the person he was supposed to be working alongside.Well, things had changed. Maybe he had changed, too.But right now... he had a purpose.He glanced at the passenger's seat, where Janice was sitting quietly. Apparently, she was still shaken by everything that had unfolded. Poor woman... He had to protect her even from his own family.I'm so sorry, Mother....but I think I broke the rule.He gulped. I had fallen
*At any rate, he must save Janice.*The heel of his boots pounding in her stomach sent her to the floor, retching and wheezing with her heart in her throat, threatening to explode. A crushing pain seared through her chest. She sprawled on the ground, with her eyes shut tight, gasping for air desperately. The blindfold was restricting her vision, so she couldn't see who it was, but she could feel the extreme coldness exuding from his presence. "Let's try again, shall we, darling. And this time I won't go easy on you. I suggest you answer my questions if you want to leave here in one piece and see your asshole of a father!" the menacing raspy voice roared across the empty room. The man cocked his head to the two huge guys in black and at once they heaved her roughly to the chair and tied her hands and legs to the chair. The sound of the cocked gun jolted a shiver down her spine. He took long strides towards her and trailed the gun around her exposed chest, her buttons had come undon
*He must save Janice no matter what!*"What do you mean you haven't seen her?!" Mr Jordan bellowed through the phone, his hands trembling badly."You need to calm down, Mr Jordan. Remember, this is bad for your health. I will be at the shortly. " Matt spoke as calmly as possible through the phone."Calm down? What if something happened to her, Matt?! You were supposed to take care of her and now..." He paused, taking a sharp breath as he rubbed his temples frantically to ease the tension building up inside of me.Where on earth was his precious daughter? What could have happened to her?"Please, exercise some patience, Mr Jordan, while I wait for the construction team to help me remove my door. As I explained to you, Janice just stormed out of the house and locked me inside because she took the remote with her. She must have been in a hurry or something. I think maybe she's at her best friend's house, Hannah."Mr Jordan's eyes lit up.That may be true....who else will Janice be wi
She was super excited and relieved to see Drake coming to her rescue. Tears of relief etched at the corner of her eyes. He came for her! He must have sensed that I was in danger! But how did he know where to find me....? She pondered silently as she arched a brow at him curiously. "Drake! How did you know that I'm here?" She quizzed.He shrugged, winking at her."I just know, Janice. Now come one before Matt comes out!" He urged, waving her over.Her heart jumped at the mention of Matt. That monster! She never wants to be around him ever again! For now, she has been rescued, and she can safely go home and put this whole marriage behind her.Luckily, she has the videotape as evidence to nail Matt on the cross and call off the engagement. She rushed to the car and opened the passenger's door in the front seat and settled on it, jamming the shut quickly.For now, she will have to ask questions later."You good, Janice? I hope he didn't hurt you in there?" Drake asked, although his
*...if it wasn't Drake, then I would rather not love at all.* Damn it! Matt found out already? How did he even know about this? I thought he wasn't aware of it. What do you mean, Janice? Of course, Matt had been watching you non-stop! Only a fool wouldn't be aware of the deep connection that exists between you and Drake. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised if the maids knew as well. The voice in her head taunted her. She bit her bottom lip frantically, trying to rein in the turbulent thoughts writhing inside of her head. She had to act cool and unbothered. Pretend as if you didn't know what he was saying, Janice. Act cool and get the hell out of here! The voice rang inside my head again like a Belfry. She sucked in several deep breaths and looked up at Matt intently, a smirk curling up her lips. "I have no idea what's you babbling about, Matt," she snapped, feigning ignorance. Matt scoffed, shaking his head. "Stop lying, Janice. It's too obvious! I'm not a