The car sped through the dark streets, the tension thick in the air. Victoria clutched the seatbelt, her pulse refusing to settle. Gerald drove like a man possessed, weaving through traffic, his gaze flicking between the rearview mirror and the road ahead.“He won’t stop,” Victoria murmured, more to herself than anyone else.“He won’t get the chance,” Nelson countered, his grip tightening on the wheel. “I made sure of that.”Victoria turned to her, eyes narrowing. “What do you mean?”Gerald smirked, glancing at Victoria briefly. “Mildred has handed over the documents to the police, Victoria. We gave them everything—names, locations, proof of every dirty deal he’s ever made. The police were just waiting for a reason to move in. And after what he pulled tonight?” He shook her head. “He’s done.”Bianca let out a low whistle. “Damn, Gerald. That's the best news I have heard in along time.”Gerald chuckled but kept his eyes on the road. “Just doing what needed to be done.”Victoria exhaled
The atmosphere in the warehouse was thick with unspoken words and exhaustion. Victoria sat at the edge of the couch, her mind replaying her argument with Gerald over and over. He hadn’t returned since storming out, and though she knew he wouldn’t go far, his absence weighed heavily on her.In the next room, Becca had finally managed to get Cherish to sleep, while Bianca sat on the floor, absently spinning an empty glass bottle between her fingers. The silence was deafening, only interrupted by the occasional creak of the old wooden floorboards.Then, the sound of a car pulling up outside shattered the stillness.Bianca was the first to her feet, her posture tense until a familiar knock echoed through the door. Mildred.Victoria exhaled in relief as Bianca rushed to let her in. Mildred stepped inside, shaking off the cold, her sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on Victoria.“It’s done,” she announced, her voice firm but tinged with exhaustion. “Nelson is officially in police c
Victoria lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her body still tingling from Gerald’s touch. The warmth of their passion still clung to her skin, yet an unsettling feeling gnawed at her insides.She turned her head slowly, her gaze landing on Gerald beside her. His breathing was deep and steady, his face peaceful in sleep. He looked so content—so sure of what they had, of what they had just shared.But Victoria wasn’t.A sharp pang of guilt twisted in her stomach.Because as she closed her eyes during their lovemaking… it wasn’t Gerald she had imagined.It was Nelson.Her heart clenched as the truth settled in, suffocating and undeniable.She had wanted Nelson.She had pictured his hands on her, his lips on her skin, his voice whispering things only meant for her ears. And as much as she tried to push the thoughts away, they haunted her, creeping into her mind like a relentless ghost.Why?Why couldn’t she get him out of her head?Victoria curled her fingers into the sheets, frustrati
Monday morning came all too soon. Victoria Morgan contemplated whether to get up and go to work or stay back in bed. The truth she really had no option, if she didn't go to work she could lose her job. She stole a glance at her fiance who was stretched out beside her on the bed. He was still asleep and she took a moment to admire his body in the light. They had spent the weekend together in his apartment, that was after he had asked her to marry him. Nelson Brown was the right man for her, she thought as she smiled at herself contentedly. They've been dating for four years now, but despite so many problems they've had in the relationship she was assured of his love for her and she loved him as well. Victoria braced one hand against the blanket, about to get to her feet when Nelson's hand closed around her wrist. "Where are you going? " he murmured, sounding still half asleep. "It's a Monday morning my love, I have a job to go to. " Toria gave a little shrug, "though I reall
Victoria Morgan walked into the restaurant where her friends were waiting to have dinner together and quickly spotted them at their usual table. "Finally. " said Becca, Victoria's best friend who had helped her when she newly relocated eight months ago far away from Nelson. "I'm sorry I am late. " Victoria said as she drew out a seat to join them. "Aren't you always? " Bianca hissed out. Victoria eyed her, she knew Bianca didn't like her much, she wasn't really fond of her either but she was Becca's friend. "I said I am sorry. " Victoria said angrily. "It's okay, let's order already I am hungry." Becca cuts in. "But Mildred isn't here yet. " Bianca says, "I thought us meeting today is because of the big news she has for us. ""Yes, receiving the news with filled stomach seems better. " Becca scoffed and goes ahead to wave down a waiter. "Hello sweethearts, sorry I kept you waiting. " Mildred greets her friends with a peck each on their cheek before taking a seat with them. "So
Victoria was set aback by the expression on the faces of her friends who had come to take her out that weekend. They had succeeded in cajoling her to leave the work she had brought home and go out with them, and she had took her time to dress up only for them to wear a disappointed look. "What are you wearing? " Bianca asked disgustedly "What's wrong with what I am wearing? " Victoria asked confused. Becca shook her head in disapproval. "No way! You are not coming with us looking like this". "How do I look? " Victoria asked perplexed. "Do you have to ask, wearing such a dress that does nothing but conceals your beautiful shape". Bianca answered instead.Victoria takes a good look at herself. She was wearing a loose-fitting flower print dress with the length below her knee. She also had no jewelry on. "Well, I feel comfortable and really like what I am wearing". "What?! " Becca exclaimed, "what happened to your sense of fashion? ""That's if she had any. Ever since I met her, sh
Victoria Morgan was brought back to reality from the knock on her door in her office. Kate opens and walks in with a scowl on her face. "Didn't you hear me knock? "Actually, Victoria didn't. She was busy replaying in her head everything that has happened during the weekend. "I'm sorry". She said simply, "what can I do for you Kate". Kate hesitated to speak as she took her seat. "How did you spend your weekend Toria?"Victoria looks at her amazed by her question. Her and Kate weren't friends, so why was she interested in knowing that her weekend was far from what she expected. That she had met a fine man but was still not sure she wanted to see where that leads to because her past still haunts her. "Don't look so surprised, "Kate says, "I just couldn't help but notice how early you came to work today. It's very unlike you". "Well, I... " Ring Ring Ring... Victoria's phone interrupts. "That's your ringtone? " Kate says more to herself than to Victoria. Victoria swallows hard, coul
"I will get us drinks". Gerald said once they were in his apartment."Don't bother, I don't feel like drinking anything yet". Victoria replied as her eyes hovered around his apartment. "Alright, at least make yourself comfortable". He said as he beckoned her to a seat in his living room. "Thanks". She said and took the seat, and he settled himself in the same seat. "You have a lovely apartment ". She said. "Thanks". He replied and then took her hands in his, "you've no idea how happy you've made me tonight Toria. I love you so much and only wish I could kiss you right now". He said looking into her eyes softly. Victoria blushes before meeting his gaze again, "What are you waiting for?" She whispered huskily. Gerald smiles as he places her hands on his shoulders and slid his arm around her waist scooping her against his body. Then his lips where on hers, gently grazing, not forcing, allowing her a choice of accepting his kiss or evading it. Victoria's lips parted in surrender as
Victoria lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her body still tingling from Gerald’s touch. The warmth of their passion still clung to her skin, yet an unsettling feeling gnawed at her insides.She turned her head slowly, her gaze landing on Gerald beside her. His breathing was deep and steady, his face peaceful in sleep. He looked so content—so sure of what they had, of what they had just shared.But Victoria wasn’t.A sharp pang of guilt twisted in her stomach.Because as she closed her eyes during their lovemaking… it wasn’t Gerald she had imagined.It was Nelson.Her heart clenched as the truth settled in, suffocating and undeniable.She had wanted Nelson.She had pictured his hands on her, his lips on her skin, his voice whispering things only meant for her ears. And as much as she tried to push the thoughts away, they haunted her, creeping into her mind like a relentless ghost.Why?Why couldn’t she get him out of her head?Victoria curled her fingers into the sheets, frustrati
The atmosphere in the warehouse was thick with unspoken words and exhaustion. Victoria sat at the edge of the couch, her mind replaying her argument with Gerald over and over. He hadn’t returned since storming out, and though she knew he wouldn’t go far, his absence weighed heavily on her.In the next room, Becca had finally managed to get Cherish to sleep, while Bianca sat on the floor, absently spinning an empty glass bottle between her fingers. The silence was deafening, only interrupted by the occasional creak of the old wooden floorboards.Then, the sound of a car pulling up outside shattered the stillness.Bianca was the first to her feet, her posture tense until a familiar knock echoed through the door. Mildred.Victoria exhaled in relief as Bianca rushed to let her in. Mildred stepped inside, shaking off the cold, her sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on Victoria.“It’s done,” she announced, her voice firm but tinged with exhaustion. “Nelson is officially in police c
The car sped through the dark streets, the tension thick in the air. Victoria clutched the seatbelt, her pulse refusing to settle. Gerald drove like a man possessed, weaving through traffic, his gaze flicking between the rearview mirror and the road ahead.“He won’t stop,” Victoria murmured, more to herself than anyone else.“He won’t get the chance,” Nelson countered, his grip tightening on the wheel. “I made sure of that.”Victoria turned to her, eyes narrowing. “What do you mean?”Gerald smirked, glancing at Victoria briefly. “Mildred has handed over the documents to the police, Victoria. We gave them everything—names, locations, proof of every dirty deal he’s ever made. The police were just waiting for a reason to move in. And after what he pulled tonight?” He shook her head. “He’s done.”Bianca let out a low whistle. “Damn, Gerald. That's the best news I have heard in along time.”Gerald chuckled but kept his eyes on the road. “Just doing what needed to be done.”Victoria exhaled
Victoria pulled on her clothes with swift, practiced movements, her heart hammering in her chest. Cherish. The thought of her daughter being anywhere near danger made her stomach twist violently. She had endured a lot, played this sick game with Nelson longer than she wanted, but when it came to Cherish—she would burn this whole place down if she had to.Nelson tucked his gun into his waistband, eyeing her warily. “You should stay out of this.”She shot him a withering glare. “Try and stop me.”His jaw twitched, but he didn’t waste time arguing. Instead, he turned to his man at the door. “Who else knows?”“Just us,” the man answered. “But if Carlos is compromised, it won’t stay quiet for long.”Nelson muttered a curse under his breath. He grabbed a black jacket from a chair and threw it on before motioning for Victoria to follow.They moved quickly through the dimly lit hallways, the heavy scent of old wood and smoke filling Victoria’s nostrils. The tension in the air was suffocating.
As Carlos opened the door, Bianca pressed the gun against his lower back, urging him forward. The hallway was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old wood and stale cigar smoke. Every creak beneath their feet sent Bianca’s pulse racing. She wasn’t free yet—one wrong move and this could all go sideways. Carlos kept glancing at her from the corner of his eye, but he didn’t dare make a move. He knew she wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger. As they approached the staircase, a sudden noise stopped them both in their tracks. The muffled sound of hurried footsteps. Someone else was trying to escape. Bianca’s grip tightened on the gun as she turned the corner—and nearly collided with a woman carrying a small child. Becca. Her eyes were wild with fear, her blonde hair disheveled, and in her arms, clutching tightly to her neck, was Cherish. The little girl was trembling, her tiny fingers digging into Becca’s shoulder as she buried her face against her. Becca gasped when she
Upstairs, Bianca sat on the cold wooden chair, her wrists bound tightly behind her back. The dim glow of a single overhead bulb flickered, casting eerie shadows across the room. The air was thick with the scent of dust and faint traces of cigar smoke—Nelson’s house still carried the stench of power and corruption.Her muscles ached from being tied up for hours, but her mind was sharp, calculating. She had been watching Carlos closely—the way his eyes lingered on her, the way he hesitated before roughening his grip, the way his breath hitched just slightly when she looked at him a certain way.Weakness.And she would use it.Carlos sat by the door, his chair tilted back slightly, a cigarette hanging between his fingers. His job was simple—keep watch, make sure she didn’t escape. But Bianca knew men like him. Men who wanted power but were desperate for something softer.Something tempting.She shifted slightly, her dress riding up just enough to expose more of her thigh. “Carlos…” she m
GVictoria followed Nelson up the winding staircase, her heart slamming against her ribs with each step. She knew she was walking straight into a trap, but she had no choice. She had to see Cherish. She had to get her out of here.Nelson led her down a dimly lit hallway, stopping in front of a door. He turned the knob and gestured for her to enter.Victoria hesitated. Something felt off."Go on," Nelson murmured. "Your daughter's waiting."Her breath hitched as she stepped inside, but the moment she did, a cold realization gripped her.The room was empty.No Cherish. No bed. Just four walls, a large, lavish bed in the center, and Nelson standing behind her, locking the door with a soft click.Victoria spun around, fury flashing in her eyes. "Where is she?"Nelson’s lips curled into a smirk as he stalked toward her. “Safe. For now.”Her pulse pounded. “You lied to me.”Nelson shrugged, his gaze dark and unreadable. “I told you that you’d see her soon. And you will—once I’m sure you’re s
Victoria clenched her fists, her heart hammering against her ribs as the weight of the plan settled on her shoulders. She had to be careful—one wrong move, and Nelson would see right through her.Gerald and Mildred exchanged another glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. They were worried about her. About how much she was risking. But there was no time for hesitation.Mildred winced as she stood, pain flickering across her face. “We don’t have much time. If Nelson suspects anything, he’ll disappear, and we may never find Cherish again.”Victoria’s throat tightened. She couldn’t let that happen.She exhaled sharply and reached for her phone. “I’ll call him.”Gerald’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. “Are you sure?”No.But she had no choice.She nodded, pulling away and dialing Nelson’s number. The line rang once before he answered.“Well, well,” Nelson’s voice dripped with amusement. “I was beginning to think you didn’t care about your daughter, Victoria.”Her stomach
Becca’s nails dug into her palms as she stood in Nelson’s study, her heart pounding against her ribs. Cherish clung to her side, her small fingers trembling in Becca’s grasp. The little girl had been brave—silent, obedient—but Becca could feel the fear rolling off her in waves.She had just listened to Nelson’s conversation with Victoria. The threats, the manipulation, the sick amusement in his voice as he dangled Cherish’s safety like a prize.It made her stomach turn.“Nelson, you need to stop this,” she said, keeping her voice steady.Nelson turned from his desk, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand, his expression unreadable. “Stop what, Becca?”“Let her go,” she said, glancing down at Cherish. “She’s a child, Nelson. This isn’t a game.”His lips curled into a smirk. “Everything is a game, sweetheart. And right now, I’m winning.”Becca took a step forward, lowering her voice. “Victoria won’t just hand herself over. She’s not the same woman you controlled before.”Nelson’s jaw t