“For goodness sake, I asked her to trust me!” Rhett said with a groan as he palmed his face.Clara still couldn’t stop her constant fretful movement out of fear and when the doorbell rang again, she gasped in shock.“I’ll get that,” Mr.Fred said as he walked over to check the system while Rhett went upstairs hoping to find a hint of finding Ashley.Mr.Fred’s face brightened with hope as he stared at the two people standing outside the house.“The Gu brothers are here finally” He spun around and immediately made the announcement.Rhett heard a familiar name and this brought him back downstairs in surprise.When the brothers arrived inside, they were welcomed politely and they reciprocated the respect until they were informed about Ashley’s disappearance from the house before they woke up.“Ashley is just too brave than how she’s built” James shut his eyes in annoyance.“We shouldn’t have been late, she called us because she trusts us enough” George countered in defense of James's accus
Ashley’s eyes widened in shock when she saw one of the bad men about to raise a gun at her son and she let out a terrifying scream at the flash thought of it; also to caution Kristian but it was already too late to stop his escape.At the sound of the gunshot, Ashley was dead inside as everything around her, including her heartbeat was in slow motion.Her senses came back only when her son got to her with heavy breathing and started calling out to her. Then she realized that the bullet had missed her baby but grazed her arm instead.As blood trickled down from the bruise, it stings and Ashley gasped in horror. “Oh God! My baby” She immediately lifted Kristian off the ground and dashed into the woods behind with tears in her eyes.Her fear increased because she could hear the sounds of branches snapping and some fast-approaching footsteps. The bad men had followed them into the woods.She knows that if they continued running and making noise, they would find them quickly and unfortuna
Kristian’s treatment lasted for an hour in the theater and after that, he was transferred to the same room as Rhett based on the Gu brother’s request. Rhett had passed out again and was receiving extra treatment.When Optimist saw that Rhett was fine he left the hospital to take care of business for him.The Gu brothers on the other hand were busy on Skype with their mother the entire time to ask some questions and update her on everything that happened. They were surprised to hear the truth behind Rhett’s actions few years ago and his biggest effort in finding Ashley for her after many years.“This is unbelievable” James shook his head as he dropped his phone on the table.“Now I remember where I had seen him before. He had come looking for Mum five years ago but I didn’t know who he was and why he came.” George explained to his brother.“I wonder how Ashley would feel if she found out about this” he added with a deep sigh and glanced at Ashley who was still lying unconscious on the
Rachel Roland, a fallen thread from her mother’s robe of evil. A ticking bomb that only needs a pull and that’s how she’s been living her life for years. Confused and easily influenced.“What do you mean this man can give us everything we want? Who’s richer than the McCalls in this city?” Mr.Roland inquisitively asked his daughter.“I can’t disclose much information unless you’re ready to side with us,” Rachel said with a roguish smile.“The question is how much do you know about him? And who’s this man? We can’t abandon such a good card and follow you both blindly!” Mrs.Roland countered with her hands akimbo.Rachel squeezed her eyes in frustration and then let out a tired sigh “Just tell me about this great card you’ve been chanting about for a while now. What’s that thing you have on the old man that made him accept me back then?”The couple exchanged a mischievous look before looking back at their daughter.“It won’t be that great anymore if everyone knows it. Just know that even
The thought of pulling off Rhett’s oxygen mask has crossed Rachel’s mind severely but she didn’t dare to do so. She let out an exasperated sigh as she walked away from the bed “Can’t believe I’m having a rethink about this”Then her phone started ringing and the caller ID displayed a familiar name “Xander”. She immediately brightens up at the sight of the name and she picked up with a smile.“Yes love, do you need me out there?” she asked softly as she headed for the door.“Why did you stop? you’ve been glaring at him murderously for minutes and you can’t even do it” A male voice said from the other end of the line.“Uh? I…” “This is the perfect time to take him out. Finish it off before his surgery tomorrow” the voice said and the call ended with a beep.Rachel slowly removed the phone from her ear with eyes widened in shock. She rubs her neck nervously and bites her dry lips. Rachel suddenly felt parched.“Yes he’s right, now is the time,” Rachel said to herself convincingly. She w
Two weeks laterIt’s been two weeks since the incident and Rachel’s case hasn’t been taken to court yet because of Rhett and the little boy. Since they are both the victims, everyone has to wait until they have fully recovered.The Roland on the other hand has been restless and rageful for they haven’t seen their daughter for days. Ever since she got arrested and all evidence pointed to her, she wa denied bail and kept locked up without allowing anyone to see her.According to the police, they were able to track down the fourth kidnapper and he opened up with concrete evidence that showed his dealings with Rachel. Starting from her number saved on his phone, her business card, transaction details, and many more. All these took Rachel by surprise when she heard of it because sincerely she never did any of such and she can’t help but wonder who could have so much access to her and frame her this way.THE OLD McCALL’s VILLA>>“Mr.McCall, Miss Rachel’s parents have been waiting downstairs
The two men, Rhett and Optimist remained rooted in a spot, awaiting Ashley’s arrival.As the door opened, Rhett’s Icy face melted and it turned crimson as soon as a knock came on the door.Rhett glanced at his friend briefly as if to pass his defeat across but Optimist understood the assignment. “Come in” he uttered on behalf of his now speechless friend.Ashley pushed the door open and entered the room with the brightest light ever. She’s dressed in a free designer Kimono with a good quality leather belt but the incredible boss-like aura on her could not be dimmed even by the dull colors she’s wearing.When Ashley saw Rhett standing up and well, if not healthier than before. A flush crept up her face in astonishment, she couldn’t close the door behind her and stood rooted halfway through the door.As they stood with little distance between them, unable to speak a word or make a move, Optimist’s phone buzzed and this put an end to their dramatic moment of silence.“Sorry, I have to ta
Ashley planned to go home to her son after the meeting because she didn’t expect to run into Rhett. She was in the elevator when it suddenly stopped and a group of employees rushed inside with loud gossip and murmurs.She’s not the type to be nosy about people’s affairs but their topic of discussion piqued her interest which made her relax her mind for registration.They were all talking about the CEO and his sudden appearance. Also about breaking his engagement with their teamleader, Rachel Roland.Ashley could not believe her ears, hence when the elevator stopped and everyone started to leave, she followed them out of curiosity.What she didn’t expect was being caught unexpectedly, like a deer in headlights. The entire news didn’t shock her as much and when Rhett called everyone’s attention on her, she felt naked.As if that wasn’t enough, his bold declaration made her shudder. The butterflies she thought had been long dead in her stomach came to life and her face flushed crimson r
Ashley pulled into the driveway of her home, and Rachel gazed out the window at the cozy house. It’s the same house she had lived in with Rhett but it’s now so different."Let's fix you a good bath first, for the baby," Ashley said with a warm smile.Rachel gulped down her saliva, heavy loads of guilt eating her up.Her eyes widened as they stepped inside, it’s the same house Ashley was living in but it’s so much different now. The interior was tastefully decorated, with plush furniture and elegant artwork.From the colors to the ambient lighting, everything screams fresh renovations."Wow, Ash, this is beautiful," Rachel said, her voice laced with sincerity.“Thank you, Rachel, Rhett and I are moving In here after our wedding. So we are touching it up again” she said.Ashley then led Rachel to the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting chicken filled the air."Coincidentally, I made your favorite," Ashley said, pulling out a chair for Rachel.She stood frozen in place for a while, hesi
Ashley Gu cried a river after sending Kristian off without a proper goodbye. Clara and Mr.Fred were there to console her.“You don’t have to worry ma, You can trust the unaccompanied minor service. They’ll take care of him” Clara said.“Madam Gu would surely be on time to pick him up too” Mr.Fred added.Ashley nodded her head and sniffed in her tears.“Don’t you think you should stop working for now too? I don’t want to put you in danger” She said to them.“If I wanted to run, I would have suggested going with Kristian. I’m not leaving ma’am” Her assistant said assuredly.“I can’t leave you to your troubles again!” Clara insisted.“I have to inform Rhett about all these. Let’s go to the police station” CITY POLICE STATIONThey’ve been holding Rhett for over two hours and yet none of his lawyers have shown up. At first, Rhett thought there might be a delay because of the mess on ground but then as time passed, he realized something must have happened.He wondered if his grandfather wa
Peering at the file holder safely tucked in between Mr.Catterman’s grip, Optimist called him to stop.“Sorry Mr.Catterman, I didn’t mean to delay you. I was wondering if it’s a simple errand I can help with on my way back” he asked them.“Uh, that’s right! Since you want to stay behind so bad, we can ask him to pass it to…” The old man was saying this when Mr.Catterman said an outright no.After his refusal, he bowed respectfully before leaving the house.“This one has always been so diligent” Optimist muttered, disgruntled by the butler’s attitude.He watched him disappear before returning his gaze to the old man.“How is your health? grandfather” “I can say I could still manage to be arrested” The old man joked.Rhett laughed shortly before he stood up with a smile plastered on his face.“I brought you a medicinal juice, good for preventing heart attack” he announced and then waved the small package in his hand.“The only one that cares so much about me” The old man commended and O
Ashley hurried to her bedroom, her breath shaky as she rummaged through her closet to find a change of clothes. The sound of her phone buzzing was driving her crazy so she ended up picking the next dress in sight.While putting on her dress, she would swipe up for new updates. When she was done, she put on her loafers and started walking down the stairs.A message came in from a familiar number that she hadn’t added to contact before.“Oh! It was this same number that texted me a few days ago” she said with her eyes on the phone as she jogged down the stairs.She almost missed her steps but fortunately, Mr.Fred was around to grasp her hand.“Miss please be careful” he stated his worry.“Uh, Mr.Fred! I’m glad you’re here. Have you read the news?” She asked uneasily.“Yes Miss, please calm down and do not concern yourself with it for now” he advised.Ashley arrived at the base of the stairs and frowned upon her assistant.“Take me to him. I need to see Rhett before they’ll arrest him” s
An hour later>>Rachel agreed to see her visitors after a long time of waiting. She walked into the room smiling, trying to hide her feelings and pale face but unfortunately, she could only put on an act for there was no makeup to conceal her dark under eyes, and pale and flaky skin.“To what do I owe this intrusion into my peaceful lonely day?” She said with a throaty laugh as she took a seat in front of Ashley and Rhett.Rhett leaned back on the chair with his arms crossed against his chest. Watching her up and down, waiting for the drama to unfold.“Hi Rachel… I don’t need to ask how you’re doing when it’s so glaring to the eyes” Ashley said, her face crinkled with sympathy for Rachel.Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes at Ashley with great contempt.“What do you want? After pushing me to my death, you both must be here to put a nail in the coffin to celebrate your reunion, isn’t that right?” She glowered.“You must be happy that your biggest Villainess is gone” She laughed out lou
Rhet was about to approach the checkpoint when he saw Ashley there as well. And when their eyes met, Ashley quickly turned away from him out of embarrassment. Rhett paused his steps, his initial reaction from the house fading off.“I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would come here sooner,” Rhett said behind her.Ashley slowly turned but was unable to meet his gaze. “Same here” she replied, “I figured it’s better to act fast than waiting around to wallow in my pain. I need answers too”“I can leave and come back later if you want. You told me a few hours back that you would like your space” he reminded and Ashley sighed. Her eyes flickered.“No, it’s fine. You don’t have to do that” she said.“I’ll just come back later. I bet we are seeing different people anyway” Rhett said as he turned to leave.Ashley made a swift turn “Don’t go please!” she pleaded.Rhett stopped in his tracks.“Maybe I’m kinda relieved to see you here, I don’t think I can go in alone… I can’t face them alone. I’m scar
Stunned by her response, Rhett stares at her dumbfounded. “What is the problem, Ashley?” He asked hesitantly. Looking lost and confused.Ashley was staring right back at him with her hardened eyes.“Oh… I must have said that out loud” She said with a crazed laugh.“You’re scaring me…” He said, his heartbeat increasing every second. Never in a million years did Rhett think he would say something like that but indeed, Ashley looks terrifying at the moment. “I read about something Rhett, it’s about what happened back when we were young. About the accident!” She said.Rhett’s lips parted slightly in shock. His face flushed and he looked away in guilt. “Oh… I guess you knew about it already” Ashley said, her face crinkled with a smile.“Ashley I can explain if you calm down…” Rhett stuttered painfully. He tried to hold her but Ashley stepped back from him, shaking her head in refusal.“Do you know the craziest part? I read the lies with evidence. Many wrote about my father and what he d
Ashley tensed up on the bed as she read through the messages sent to her. She could feel the cold air penetrating through her flimsy nightwear.She didn’t want to believe her eyes. Frantically, she scrolled down to the end of the messages where several links were attached. Links to the news from many years ago, news about her father being a criminal.Ashley stood up slowly with the phone in hand. She glanced at her son teary-eyed, struggling to fight back her tears from dropping right there on the spot.Her hands shot up to her mouth instinctively; Pressing down on it before escaping to the bathroom.Ashley closed the toilet lid before sitting on it. Then she returned to the beginning of the text message.“The McCalls ruined your life! They killed your family” She shuddered in fright.“Here’s a little advice from a well-wisher, I pray that by the time you finish this wonderfully written piece, you’ll make the right decision and get justice for your father.You’re about to read the mos
Rachel paced back and forth in her cell, biting on her thumbnail which was already way lower than the rest. A habit she’d been enjoying for a while.Her mind raced with thoughts of injustice. She had been locked up in this detention center for what felt like an eternity, awaiting her court hearing. The walls seemed to close in on her, suffocating her with every passing day.She couldn't shake off the feeling of being wronged because she never got Kristian kidnapped but no one believed her. The police and everyone seemed convinced of her guilt except for her parents but now they are gone too.When she saw it on the news, it was like they’d removed the longest bone in her body.Her back hits the wall and she slides down helplessly.“I know I’ve always been painted the villain but Ashley, you have gone too far!” She cried out.For hours, she cried after learning of her parents' downfall.And as she lay on her cot to sleep, Rachel's discomfort turned to anger. She hated this place, the co