Retiring back to the office, even when Xander knew that it's already work close hour,but still assured that the office was the only place he can find total tranquility and be more useful to himself. His jaws groaned. He clenched his palms, feeling so disappointed and disheartened,walking down the dimly lit hallway, his thoughts heavy with the weight of his recent failure. He had been working tirelessly to bring the kidnappers of his sister, Ketty, to justice, but so far he has come up empty handed."Have a nice day sir." Susan bursts out of her office."Ooh.. Susan, I wasn't expecting you'll still be at the office till now.""Yeah, I actually had quite alot on my desk." She shots the door. "And needed to be done with it before heading home.""Ooh..I see, have a nice day then." Xander replies still walking to his office.She could sense that something wasn't just right seeing Mr Xander all alone back to the office at this time. 'why not I tell him about the paper company now.'she tho
"She didn't call to check up on me for some days even when I was admitted, unlike her. ThankGod you were just right in time at the office when I had collapsed. I'm sorry if I got you scared, that day, I'm usually not like that.""Naa. It's okay." Susan waves her hand of the talk. "I could see it in your eyes that you were already pissed. We all have our bad days.""I guess so too." Xander continues "so I tried reaching out to her several times but she didn't pick up and just when she did, a man spoke furiously, demanding for a ransom for ketty's release.""Wow...but why miss Ketty? Susan murmured"Same question, that pondered within me up on till now." "Mm-hmm.""And just When I got a private investigator with the idea of setting a minute track chip device attached to the money mixed up with papers, they got away with the money even before we could get to their hide out and still threatened with a bigger ransom over the phone.""Wow.. that was indeed a smart move. They know their gam
(Three days after ketty's rescue)A light knock on Susan's door. The door handle moves down indicating an entrance. "Thank you so much. I mean, I didn't think confiding in a total stranger would be of any help." Xander says as he strolls in slow pace into her office."That was nothing. Anything for you sir." She giggle and roll her eyes back to her computer.Just then Xander walks even more closer. His fingers tapping her desk, simultaneously, looking subtly at her. "#We both know you didn't just do this for charity. What's the catch? Young lady!""Sorry I didn't get you properly?" Susan asks with looks of astonishment."Don't be sily, you heard me clearly."Hearing this, she chuckles blinking her eyes. "Are you for real?" Her jaws groaning as she stares at Xander in irritation. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Her head hungs backward. Is my mind playing tricks on me right now? she thought. "I did hear you, but not sure if that was for me. If you don't mind sir, with all du
Few hours later...Her hands still stuck on the desk, her fingers stiffened in same position as the feeling of unease raced unresistantly through her spine. She just wants to go home, nothing else.She tries to focus on her work but her mind keeps drifting. Her hands feeling clammy and her stomach, in knots. Feeling like she is suffocating, trapped in her cubicle. She longs to be outside, to feel the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.Susan grabs her hand bag on her way out of the office wearing a focused and formal face. She normally waited for like an extra hour after scheduled work hours to atleast make sure that she worked out with Ava on their way home but today was definitely not as cheerful as anticipated, considering the fact that Ketty just got rescued from some set of hired hoodlums and the Kidnappers in question did get apprehended by the COPs, still undergoing further investigations.She was expecting some sought of joy atmosphere around the office as Mr Xander prac
"WHuuuu, that was close. ThankGod I was just in time."Ava talks to herself as she closes on a distance to her office door. She calmly pushes the door, then slamms it behind her, the moment she stepped in. Exhaling and inhaling breathes of relief. Her hands still cleched to the door handle. She is glad, she got to the office before her annoying boss, despite her lateness.She flicks her hand bag to the desk as she says her usual short prayers before any other work routine. Patting her head gently, she pulls the seat to her ass. "Mmmmm. WHuuuu," she let out her breathe when she perceives the freshly brewed coffee, about to take a sip, her phone beeps.Just then, she realises that her data connection has been active since last night and she had slept off without turning it off. "Ugh! Why now? Who is this, that doesn't care about my sanity?" In curiosity, she picks up her phone and behold, a message from none other than Mr Xander, her boss. She hesitates for a moment before finally openin
"Offcourse, dinner date." Xander responds with his eyes all sterned. "Any problems?""Well... Not really a problem... but in my own opinion, I think we'll have to visit the saloon to have you cleaned up and later check into an exquisite suite store for a new pair of suite. Yes, that will be good to go.""Really? All this–""Yes boss." Mr Dum adds, smiling. "You're a public figure and can't afford looking all sweaty sticky and bushy for his first dinner date.""I don't see what" –xander rubs his hand over his stubble– "the big deal is.""You're right boss, it isn't really a big deal at all but that's the vibe. Except, my opinion doesn't count on this." Mr Dum fixes his eyes in the air avoiding his bosses eye contact"Okay you see that right there, is a NO! NO! emotional blackmail and I'm definitely not playing that game." Xander smiles at Mr Dum, winging his fingers."Hahahaha! Hahahaha!" They bursts in laugh, hopping into the car as Mr Dum drives off. Walking into the saloon, he is g
Seeing the sad look on Xander's face the moment she talked about mom's food, she smirks, "I"m so sorry I didn't mean for it to come out that way.""No... It's fine. I'm good now, atleast I've lived fifteen years of my life as an independent young man. What more could break me?"Susan chuckles in surprise. "Wow...fifiten years all by yourself, that must have being a really difficult time for you out there alone." "You don't wanna know about it." He giggles and roll his eyes. " But that's all past tense now.""Yeah... Cheers to the present and a better future." They both toast their glass tumbler cups of soft drinks in the air with beams of excitement.Few minutes later...Still drinking, Xander finds himself completely captivated by Susan that as he glances at his wrist watch, he couldn't believe how much he enjoyed her company and her sparkling conversation, surprised that they had already spent hours and it's looks like they are just getting started. "It's getting late, I guess you
As Susan pours the last of the red wine into her glass cup. She feels a sense of nervousness and excitement wash over her. " Cheers to life and more." Susan utters loudly, clapping both cups.While they went on drinking, Xander can't help but notice the way Susan's face lit up with pleasure. She closes her eyes and takes a sip, savoring the taste. Xander watchs as she let out a contented sigh, and he knows that she was as impressed as he is. " Mmmm, this taste good." She mutters so intentional "Exactly! That feeling over there,You read my mind, I must say.""So if you weren't working at the EMPIRE, what would you be doing?" Xander asks whilst his eyes turned to his phone."Hmmm, what I will be doing?" She ponders for a while glancing at the ceiling fans"I will be working else where, or probably still be looking for a job to raise capitals as time goes on for other stable income. Yes that's what I will be doing." He nods his head with a smile. "Independent woman, I see.""Yeah... Th
"Meehhn... That was hectic but cool, though." John bounces on the couch. They just got back from the hospital. The two elbow bodied lover men, sits across from each other, excitement radiating from their faces with Susan in the living room. They already decided to get married on the same date, a year ago, as a symbol of their love and commitment. While ketty hastens her way upstairs to clean up Susan's room up as to make it conducive for her. As a patient coming back from the hospital doing this isn't right. Coming down stairs, Susan stands up to join Ketty go upstairs to her room but Ketty stops her. "Susi, you just have to pick up a few important things you'll needing because you're not staying here alone.""Er...–""No, no, no." Ketty waves her finger. "It's not an option and if I remember vividly, I didn't ask for your opinion."Susan's jaw drops."Then where do I go? If I don't stay here." "You're staying with your man in his apartment."Susan shakes her head in disagreement. "No
An hour since the blood transfusion and the machines read loudly. Susan slowly opens her eyes, her vision blurry at first. As her surroundings come into focus, her first sight gazes at Xander, sleeping on a small couch nearby. She tries to sit up, feeling groggy and disoriented, but she still holds up persistent to wake up but she falls back asleep. As soon as ketty hears some sounds, she stands to observe Susan. Just then, Xander wakes up, feeling so tired. He rubs his eyes, looking around the room, seeing John Ketty, who appears to be staring. "What..." He chuckles, surprised. "What happened? Why is everyone staring at me and is she okay?" He takes a fast glance at Susan.John relieved, smiles back at Xander's facial expression. "Bro, you're awake. Susan had a moment of distress after the blood transfusion, but she's stable now. We're still trying to figure out what caused it. There is surely nothing to worry about.""She is showing signs of waking up. Let's stay by her side and mon
With the insistence in his tone, ketty asks the nurse to stand behind her. "We need immediate medical help here! She has lost consciousness, and we need to examine her condition thoroughly. Please call for another doctor to stand by."Both Xander and John exchange worried glances and quickly leave the room to find another doctor while Ketty focuses on examining Susan. As they step out, they sight a doctor coming out from the ward near to that of Susans. He stops him, explaining the matter. "Ooh, that's what the scream earlier on was about?" "Yes, doctor." "Let's get going then." He follows them."Come on, Susan, wake up." Ketty keeps muttering to herself. "I shouldn't have let you walk out on your own, regardless of your insistence. What have I done?" She pats her forehead, blaming herself.---Several moments pass as Ketty carefully checks Susan's vital signs, monitors her breathing, and performs various neurological tests. When the other doctor steps in again after a while, he loo
"Hmmm. Susan, I need to tell you something, something that will be hard to say and even harder to believe. But I need you to listen, please. Growing up living with my aunt, whom I loved so much. She was like a second mother to me. But little did I know that the woman I adore is," he breathes heavily. "In fact, the devil herself." Susan, knowing nothing is wowed, "What do you mean, Xander? How could your aunt be...?"Interrupting her, Xander continues. "Just listen, Susan. It's important you understand as it might help you remember some things alright. My aunt recently confessed everything to me. This week, she finally got to pay for her crimes and is now in prison. She is charged with murder, kidnapping, and manipulation. It's unimaginable what she has done." He hisses.With an unbelievable look on her face, she adjusts to ask him. "Murder? kidnapping? I can't believe it. Who did she...?" "She killed her only sister because she was obsessed with a man. That man was my father. My aun
A bustling morning outside the courthouse as Xander and his sister, Ketty, strides purposefully towards the entrance, leaving John to watch over Susan until their return with good news. While walking down to the courtroom, Xander whispers, "finally sis, we're here. The day we've all wished and worked for and those responsible will finally face the consequences.""Absolutely, bro. Susan deserves closure, and we owe it to her to fight for the truth. After what has happened to our family, the separation and the ordeals, things like this should be put out as an example to warn evil people of what the consequence of their actions will be," Ketty replies in an angry tone.Inside the courtroom, the session begins. The police inspector presents the evidence, meticulously laying out the case against the suspects, which are Miss Ava, Mrs. Tina Godfred, and her husband, Mr. Godfred. The instigator and her accomplices."Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we have substantial evidence th
"How are you feeling?" John gives her a warm hug. "We rushed here as soon as we received Xander's call." Seeing John, Susan's eyes light up with recognition and relief."I was wondering when you'd come. I'm so glad to see you." She looks at Ketty, her expression confuses. She drags John much closer to whisper into his ears. "But who are these two people with you?" John and Ketty exchanges puzzle glances, their minds racing to understand the situation.John is so lost. What is happening here?" He questions in his mind. "Susan, don't you remember? This is Ketty, your sister-in-law to be, and my sweetheart. And the man beside her is Xander, your boyfriend.""Boyfriend?!" She chuckles for a while and breathes down when she sees it wasn't funny and no one else was laughing, obviously herself. "Wait a minute, you're serious?" "Of course. I am,"Her brows furrow with confusion clear in her eyes. "Miss Ketty? Mr. Xander? I'm sorry, but I don't remember any of you. According to the doctor, I
"Doc... Doctor! Doctor! Please come quickly!" Xander howls out of the door and the Doctor on duty for the night shift rushes into the room, noticing the urgency in the voice. "Oh, it's you, Mr Xander when did you step in?" The Doctor asks him out of curiosity. "She's awake!" Xander cuts in, pointing to Susan's bed, paying dumb ears to how he entered the hospital premises without a sight.The doctor hastens to Susan. "Wow. Just stay aside. Let me pay attention to her." "But why is she asking me who am I? And why is she in the hospital? Doctor, what's happening?"The Doctor examines her while trying to calm both Xander and Susan. "ma'am, how are you feeling and can you recall the last incident before the hospital?" He observes her expression and lamentations."Am feeling okay, but sore on my body, it's feels like I rolled from a hill down. For the last thing that happened, I can't recall anything, and why am I at the hospital?"The doctor, after listening to her, turns to Xander his s
"Wait... Wait a minute." Xander stops for a second, stunned and shocked. "You were the doctor who delivered me and ketty at the hospital?" "Wow... Ketty? Is that her name?""Yeah. Dr Godfred or whatever you bear, but you sold my sister under my aunt's influence? Is that what you want to tell me?" Fast running tears run down Xander's eyes as he rethinks everything.Mr. Godfred with a heavy sigh, "Yes, Xander, it pains me to admit it. I was weak, and under the influence of your aunt, I made a terrible decision. I sold your sister to ensure her safety, or so I thought at that time. So did your aunty think, but I couldn't sell her as my heart will not sleep. I gave her away to my elder sister, who was married and didn't have a child back then. So instead of selling, I gave her over. I know that nothing I say here can make you forgive me and my act, and I take full responsibilities for my actions."Xander's emotions surge with anger and sadness coursing through him. "How could you do such
"Whoops." Xander exhales lightly, standing outside the police station, his heart pounding in his chest. The air feels heavy, suffocating almost, as he contemplates the upcoming divulgence. He knows he has to embrace the truth, no matter how painful it might be. If Susan's parents were responsible for the death of his own parents, fine. But he can't hold it against Susan. He's already undoubtfully in love with her and she is the one for him and he can't let vengeance cloud his judgment. As he steps in, the heavy oak doors swung open, revealing the bustling police station within. Detectives hurriedly moving from one room to another, their voices muffles by the thick walls. He takes another deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead while he closes on a distance to the front desk. "Excuse me," he calls out to the officer behind the counter. "I'm here to see Detective Reynolds. Is he in?""Yeah.""And do you mind pointing in the direction where he is?"Just as he conversed with the