Thank you once again for reading another chapter. I'd love to hear your thoughts and how you're feeling about the book so far. In this chapter, Natalie returns to town and Tina discovers the secret. A special thank you to my new voters, Mohobi Shaik, Shabnam Zuber, and Paula Saunders. Your support means a lot to me, and I appreciate each of you! Love Love Love.
''Sure I will help you see the CCTV''. "Pause it, pause it," Tina said as she leaned closer to watch the video at the moment when she was entering the building. "Can you replay it to 0.04?" she asked. "Wow, that was a great tactic over there," she said, smiling slightly. "She knew who I was... That was a fast move she played, whoever she is she is damn smart" Tina said, with her hands on her waist while nodding. She slowly looked down at the dress and gloves she held in her hands, shocked and frozen still, vividly recalling that day in the security room checking the CCTV... "This is the same dress," she murmured slowly, shock and disbelief washing over her, draining her energy as she grappled with the coincidence. She scanned around and spotted a red wig hanging loosely from a drawer. Walking closely to it, she took the red wig... Her heart raced with fear; this was the exact same wig the person wore in the footage. "She's the one all this while? How can this be possible?" Tina
"I just hope she doesn't come back to Canada ever again, at least not until I find out who was after her life," Rose said to herself as she moved around her room, arranging things and talking aloud. Suddenly, a knock on her door echoed through the room. ''Coming'' she shouted and walked towards the door. "Ahhhhh!" Rose screamed in fear, and the knocker also screamed, "Ahhhhhhh!" in response, equally startled. Rose quickly slammed her door closed, then opened it again, screaming once more, "Ahhhhh!" as she closed it again. Still in disbelief, Rose reopened the door cautiously and still saw Natalie standing there, she touched her "You scared me," Rose said, as she scanned around her surroundings before swiftly tagging her in the room. "What are you doing here in Canada, Natalie?" Rose asked, her voice breaking a bit. "Why are you acting like you're not happy to see me again?" Natalie replied with a slight chuckle. "Girl, come on, you know I'm always happy to see you," Rose said,
"And why do I have to move there, Director?" he demanded furiously, yet he breathed in the anger without trying to show it."Because there is a patient there who I think you can help," the chief doctor said as he signed. "I wanted to email you about it, but I thought, why don't I wait till you return so we can talk about it one on one," he added."What about the other doctors over there? There are great doctors in Canada and over here in this hospital who can help that patient too," he said, running his hand through his hair."I understand, but I believe in you, Doctor Liam. You've done it before, and I know you can help this patient recover quick, She needs the expertise only you possess," the Chief Director said, his shoulders sagging under the weight of responsibilities.Liam looked at him for a while. "What about my life here? I have to look for someone. I can't keep going away, else I might end up living the rest of my life without her," he protested, his voice breaking slightly a
Her voice took on a falsely sweet tone as she breathed out. "Hey, sorry I didn't tell you about my business trip. I got a call immediately after you left for your flight to the UK, and you know it's a big opportunity for me, so I didn't want to lose it," she said.After Richard spoke for some time, a mixture of grief evident in his voice, he told her what had happened."What?! You mean Tina is dead and gone?" she said, her lips curling with a cold smile. "How can this happen to her? Such a determined and hardworking young lady, what a cruel world we live in" Brindle said on the phone.Richard's voice trembled over the line. "I can't believe she is gone. She was more than a worker to me, she was family," he said."I can imagine what you're going through right now, and I'm sorry for not being around to support you," Brindle said."Thank you, I know you will, Brindle," he replied, his voice oddly calm. "And don't worry, I won't rest until I find out whoever is behind this. Justice will be
"I won't rest until I find out who was behind this, even if I have to fight everything to make sure justice is served. This is my promise to you," he said with a clear, trembling voice as he stood beside her grave."Thank you, thank you for everything, Tina," he muttered slowly. With his final goodbye, he gently dropped his flowers........ Quickly running into the room, Awwish she cried out in pain, clutching her stomach where her wound seeped open. Struggling to remain composed as she bent her head down, with a sharp intake of painful breath, she sank to her knees.Marko burst into the room shortly after she had entered, hastily rushing to her side. His eyes widened in alarm as he saw the condition she was in. Without a word, he disappeared and came back with a first aid box, beginning to clean and treat Brindle's wound with gentle but firm hands. She winced in pain as he tended to her injury. Standing up, he looked angry after treating the wound."When are you going to put a stop
Her heart beat faster as she found nowhere safe to run. The blaring horns sent a jolt of anxiety through her, while drivers urged her to leave the road so they could pass through. Flashes of their headlights pierced her face as she squinted against the brightness, her hands raised to shield her eyes from the piercing light.As people rush past her, jolting into her without pause or concern..."Madam, if you're not going to run for your life, leave the road so we, the people who value our lives more, can pass this way and run for our lives to safety!" one woman shouted out in anger at her as she carried her things on her head, trying to pass.Natalie stood up and quickened her pace, the chaos of the protest surrounding her as she weaved her way through the maze of cars and people."Richard glanced up, startled by the urgency in the man's voice.'Sir, you need to leave here before things get worse. It's not safe to stay,' one driver in his car said to him as he tried to turn his car and
"Unfortunately, we don't have any footage like that," a man said to the policemen."How is that possible?" the policeman said as he leaned closer to have a clear look, his brow furrowed in suspicion. " This doesn't make sense", he muttered aloud. "It's highly unusual for the cameras to stop working during that critical time. It's too obvious, and the gap in the footage looks like something has been deliberately deleted." he siad looking with confused expression drawn on his face. "The CCTV cameras on the streets' footage has also been deleted around that time," he added."Sir, we just got a call from the hospital. The timber driver has regained consciousness," one police inspector said as he entered the security room."Great! We will take our leave," the police officer said as he followed the other police inspectors out.After some timeSorrounding his hospital bed, they leaned in with serious expressions as they looked at him."Mr. Jackwack, can you tell us what happened? How come yo
In the morning "Is she the one we went to China looking for?" Aditi asked, without blinking, as she confronted Liam, who sat drained in the hospital chair.Liam said nothing as he kept his gaze fixed on the hospital room door."Huh, tell me something, is she the one?" Aditi asked, her voice clear but laced with fury. "Are you stalking me around? How did you know I was here?" Liam said as he stood up to face her."Well, okay fine, I followed you yesterday. I wanted to see if you were actually going for the rental car," Aditi said."Wait, what? Are you for real? Are you my mother or father or my wife?" he asked."Soon-to-be wife. Tell me, is she the one I have to compete with?" she said firmly, pointing to the room where Natalie lay.Liam's reaction was a mix of bewilderment and silence."Haha, that was a joke, don't mind me. I now understand why we had to rush to China. She looks stunning even on a dying bed," Aditi said, laughing. "I mean, even on a hospital bed," she said smiling."
He stood at the grave's edge, his eyes fixed on the name etched into the stone...In loving memory of Brindle Gonzalez. Born 28th July 1994 to 2023...He bent slightly, still feeling the ache from the shot he'd taken days ago. In his hands, he loosely grasped a bouquet, their petals beginning to wilt like his own memories...As he gazed at the grave, a memory began to surface...As they hit the ground, Marko's arm wrapped tightly around her. He held her close, feeling her warm blood seep into his clothes, mixing with his own. Brindle's eyes, cloudy with pain, locked onto Marko's teary gaze.I... I... am sorry," he whispered. "I am sorry," he said as he gently touched her face.Brindle slowly shook her head. "No... no," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I am sorry for... for us not living our dream. Please... forgive me," she said weakly.Marko's tears dropped down as he looked at her, his heart breaking."Thank you for being the one who actually cared for me," she said, her voi
“How did you know I was here? I heard you’ve escaped from the cell,” Brindle said, aggressively pulling herself away from his touch. Marko stepped forward, but Brindle quickly backed away. “Don’t even try to make any move on me. You know just one call, and you’ll be back in the cell,” Brindle warned, pulling her phone from her pocket. “You need to stop this. You’ve done enough. Hurting more people won’t bring you peace or the dream you’re chasing after,” Marko pleaded. “What makes you think you can stop me, huh?” Brindle shouted, looking up at him with anger in her eyes. “I’m not trying to stop you, Brindle. I’m trying to save you from all this madness you’ve gotten yourself into. This path you’re on… It’s destroying you. Can’t you see that?” Marko said, his voice filled with concern. Brindle slammed her fists on the table, rattling the items on it. “You think I need saving?” she snarled. “You think I need you to tell me what to do? Hell no!” Her voice rose as she shouted. “You ha
"When is the groom going to show up? The sun is going down, and he still hasn't arrived," the priest said as he approached Grandma Leta, who was already stressed about Liam not showing up."He's going to be here soon. There must be traffic on the way," Grandma Leta replied with a shaky voice, her eyes scanning the surroundings anxiously.Just then, Aditi ran to her. "I still haven't gotten hold of him. His phone isn't going through," Aditi said with worry on her face."Oh my. What is going on?" Grandma Leta said, her voice trembling as she looked around helplessly.The guests began murmuring among themselves as the wedding was supposed to start at 2, and it was almost 4.….…………………………Natalie sat nervously in her room, her hands shaking as she stared at her phone.Both Rose and Alliah walked in, and she stood up to meet them. "Is he in?" she asked."No," Miss Rose said and paused, staring at Natalie. "He's still not here yet," she added, trying to keep her voice calm.Natalie's breath c
Two days earlier"Richard? What are you doing here?" Natalie was startled and stepped back as she saw him coming from the dark."Natalie, please. Don't go through with this. Don't get married," he said as he rushed to her, pleading."Richard, we've been through this. It's over between us. You were the one who ended everything, remember?" Natalie said as she looked away."You don't understand. There's so much you don't know. I never stopped loving you, even after you left. I can't just stand by and watch you marry someone else, please don’t do this to me""Let me know when you are done," Natalie said, her voice steady as she pulled back."I just...wish things could have been different. I was trapped by her...you know I owe her my life for saving me years ago, and I couldn't...""This has nothing to do with me, Mr. Wood," Natalie said as she cut him off.Richard fell to his knees as he held Natalie. "Please, Nate...please. You can't marry him. Don't do this to me, you're going to break
As Brindle walked into the hall, the TV mounted on the wall was playing a news segment, and the voice of the host caught her attention, causing her to stop in her tracks.In a dramatic turn of events, famous actress Natalie, who is popularly known for her role in Until I Die, was saved from the clutches of the notorious business tycoon and dark movie founder Mr. Whimper at his 25B residence after she was reported kidnapped. She is now safe and in good hands, the host announced.Brindle's eyes narrowed as she listened, her fingers gripping the arms of the chair nearby. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her eyes were glued to the screen as another host cheerfully chimed in. "And we have just learned that her wedding is soon.""Wow, another wedding. What a happy ending for her," the first host said."I know, right? She deserves all the happiness. I hope I get invited," the second host replied."Haha, me too," the first host said.A strangled cry escaped Brindle's lips as she took a step clo
"Haha, he's such a great guy, and I know he's going to make me the happiest girl on earth," Miss Rose said with a giggle as she shuffled on the sofa next to Natalie, sipping her beer.Natalie nodded with a smile, taking a slow sip of her beer before turning to Rose. "When are you going to give love a try, Miss Rose?"Rose sighed heavily and leaned back on the sofa. "I guess I'm just too beautiful. They all probably think I'm too good for them," she said dramatically, shoving a handful of potato chips into her mouth.Natalie chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I see," she said, looking at Rose out of the corner of her eye. "So your beauty is a curse, huh?"Rose nodded, trying to look serious despite the crumbs around her mouth. "Absolutely. It's a burden I must bear," she said, striking a mock-heroic pose.Natalie burst out laughing. "Well, maybe you need to find someone who appreciates your beauty and your love for potato chips!"Rose giggled, almost choking on her chips. "Ye
Natalie went to her knees. As she trembled with fear, her body shook uncontrollably. Liam quickly rushed to her side, knelt beside her, and wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. "You're safe now," he murmured, his voice filled with concern.Richard stood beside them, his eyes still fixed on the sky where the jet had disappeared. He clenched his fists, frustration, and anger evident on his face. He then turned and walked briskly towards the police."Make sure you find him," he said."We will make sure to trace him now. It's going to be difficult, but we will do everything we can," Officer So said while the other police officers secured the area, ensuring no further threats remained."I will keep a follow-up on this matter, I know Whimper," Richard said as he fixed his gaze back on the sky."We will keep a close watch and coordinate with international authorities. He won't get far," the officer assured.….……………………………………….Dressed in prison garb, he runs breathlessly throug
Sitting at a small metal table in the psychiatric hospital's dining room, Brindle poked at the unappetizing breakfast on her tray. The room was filled with the murmur of other patients, some lost in their own worlds, others engaging in muted conversations of nothingness.A group of three women, notorious for causing trouble, approached Brindle's table. One of them, a tall woman with unkempt hair, sneered down at her."Look at the little princess," she taunted, nudging Brindle's tray so the milk spilled over. "Too good for hospital food, huh?"Brindle stared at her face and clenched her fists, trying to compose herself. But the second woman, short and stout, grabbed a piece of toast off Brindle's tray, stuffed it into her mouth, and laughed hysterically."Leave me alone," Brindle said, her voice low and trembling with anger.The third woman, with a wild look in her eyes, leaned in close. "Or what? You'll cry for your mama?" she said with a laugh.Brindle's patience snapped and she stood
I was so scared," she whispered, her voice shaking as she flung her arms around Liam's neck."I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered back, his arms tightening around her as he stroked her hair.Natalie pulled away from his embrace, tears streaming down her face as she gazed at him with sorrowful eyes. "I'm sorry, Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry for not telling you everything you needed to know about me."He slowly raised his hand, his fingers brushing against her lips to silence her. "Shh," he whispered gently. "It's okay. I'm here for you. All that matters is that you're fine," he said with a slight smile, his hand cradling her face as he spoke, his thumb stroking away her tears. He leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek in a soft, comforting kiss, then pulled her back into a tight hug."It's all going to be okay," he murmured into her hair.….…………………………"Let me in!" he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation. "You're going to lose your jobs