"Daddy!"The cheerful call immediately dispelled all the fog and storm in Ed's head, turning it into a sunny day with a rainbow."Hi!" Ed lifted his phone level with his face and saw that AJ was already lying down—ready. Ed was, too, but he had just woken up from a restless sleep. The time difference put them in opposite states."Daddy, when are you coming back? It's been a long time." AJ whined."Unfortunately, I still don't know. As far as I remember, this is only the fifth day I've been away. Didn't you pose the same question yesterday?" Ed smiled because he'd heard that question yesterday and the day before."Yes, but how much longer?" AJ grumbled in disappointment."As soon as possible, AJ. I've already promised, haven't I?" Ed coaxed."Now you go to sleep and don't trouble your mother." Ed gestured for AJ to lie down."Do you want me to read you a story today?" Ed asked."Yes! I want that!" AJ nodded enthusia
Ed immediately ended the call. He was momentarily panicked but then relieved. Liz asked who it was, but she didn't know the answer. Ed also remembered that he didn't mention Ruby's name much during the conversation."Who were you talking to?! Why did you ask her to take off her clothes?!" Liz stepped in, repeating her shout with a higher tone."Who let you in?" Ed asked. There were guards outside; Liz shouldn't have been able to enter so freely."I AM YOUR WIFE!" Liz screamed."Ck!" Ed was annoyed. The guard must have known who Liz was and let her in. He forgot to list Liz as someone who wasn't allowed in without permission."You still haven't answered me! Who was that woman?! Who did you ask to take off her clothes?" Liz tried to grab Ed's phone, but he easily deflected her, being highly alert."Whoever it was is none of your business." Ed replied flatly, walking past Liz. He chose to avoid her. He would never admit it, even if caught red-h
Esli pushed back the blanket, got out of bed, and patted the thigh of the person next to him. "I'm going," he said.A very blonde, closely cropped head appeared from under the blanket, rubbing his eyes. The purple eye shadow, still smeared from the night before, was now even more smudged by his touch."Hey, but I still want to stay here." The voice was deep and raspy—yet soft and coaxing, coming from lips painted the same shade of purple."You can stay, but you absolutely can't leave until I leave the hotel. Once I'm out of here, you can leave. At least by noon," Esli said, putting his clothes back on.He wore a suit and more, as he had come straight to the room last night after having dinner with some of his supporters: local businessmen and a prominent pastor from San Jose Del Castillo. He was solidifying his support for Guadalajara's southern region.The southern region had so far remained untouched by Esli, as his votes there were minimal
"Thank you for your presence. I won't give a lengthy speech, as I don't want to waste your valuable time."Esli began his speech with empathy. It was his trademark. He presented his vision and mission without holding back. He gave examples of the results he would deliver once elected.The attendees seated before him were a group of association heads, entrepreneurs, and pastors. They were not interested in the intricate details of his plans. As long as he could win their hearts, the southern area would be his. They held significant influence in the community.Esli emphasized renewal, especially in the southern areas with many slums. Development to transform the city's landscape sounded refreshing. But it wasn't just that; Esli also discussed economic progress and improving living standards, as is typical in campaigns.A short session ended with applause. Then he opened the floor for questions, not only from participants but also from journalists covering t
[A number of emerging pieces of evidence already suggest that the rumors circulating now are true. Several witnesses have come forward to reveal the fraud perpetrated by the company to seize the land. They clearly state that Esli Ramos, mayor of Gualadajara, is involved.Esli Ramos, who is currently favored in the upcoming mayoral election, is expected to face a slew of damaging scandals. So far, Señor Ramos has denied the allegations, but given the overwhelming evidence, we’ll wait to see if his statement changes.]Esli’s hand resting on his knee trembled, not out of fear but out of anger. His eyes remained fixed on the small screen mounted on the steering wheel. The news he had heard throughout the journey only highlighted how dire his situation had become.Since that day, when Rafael raised the question, the rumors have only spiraled out of control. Esli had already instructed Mendez to approach Rafael, but to no avail. Rafael steadfastly continued to voice the news.Suddenly, othe
Ed was at the garden. The area was the same as where he once held his wedding party.Not much had changed, apart from the replacement of a few dead plants and the bench that now serves as his seat. Directly beneath a tree, a long wooden bench faces the beach.Ed was waiting, and the person he was waiting for had arrived. Otiz approached and whispered to him.“Just tell them to come here,” said Ed as he crossed his legs. He didn’t stand to greet, instead tapping his fingers on the surface of the wooden bench.He was trying to calm himself and keep his emotions in check. Ed didn’t want his anger to escalate, as it would fuel his desire to kill. He must not kill, as Ruby had instructed.“Don Rosas.” Esli approached, his face filled with panic. His appearance was also disheveled; his tie was askew while his jacket hung open.“What do you want?” Ed asked with his gaze fixed on Esli, who was standing in front of him. He didn’t offer him a seat, deliberately making him uncomfortable.“Sorry.
Liz unwrapped her wet hair while her eyes stayed glued to her phone. She felt something strange, but it took a moment before she could figure out what made her phone feel off.Liz sat on the bed and grabbed her phone as soon as she realized what was wrong. Her phone was too quiet. It felt odd because, during her late shower and breakfast, no messages had come in. This wasn't normal.Liz's phone was rarely silent unless it was off. There was always some message from her friends or a call just to ask what was up or where she planned to go that day.Liz pulled down the notification screen and only saw messages piling up from her father and Mendez—messages she deliberately ignored, of course.She was avoiding her father because she knew he'd lecture her. Liz wasn't sure if Ed had reported to her father or not, but it was better to steer clear.Seeing the persistent messages and missed calls from her father and Mendez, Liz could guess that Ed migh
Liz shouted, "I'm having a terrible day, and you choose to do this now?! Do you even know who I am?!""I'm sorry, but it's the rule." The receptionist firmly held her ground."What rule?! I've stayed here countless times, and this has never happened before! You're just being disrespectful!" Liz put her hands on her hips, refusing to accept the situation.The receptionist remained steadfast. "We understand, Señora. But rules are rules. We're just doing our job. You can't stay here without proper payment...""YOU BASTARD!" Liz cursed. She wanted to catch up with her friends, but this issue was even more frustrating."THIS!" Liz threw her credit card at the receptionist's face."Take it, and don't expect me to ever come back here! I'll leave a terrible review for this hotel, and just wait! Everyone will know how awful your service is!" Liz yelled, pointing her finger."I'm sorry." The receptionist tried to remain polite as she ben