KATIE’S POVThe threats kept coming, even after I called Blaze to plead with him to tell them to stop. It was as though I hadn't spoken, or he didn't care that I was not in a relationship with Zuhra. Maybe he just wanted to punish me; this was his plan.Well, at least no one has shown up at my doorstep to threaten me. But I could feel it coming, so I couldn't relax.Over the week, the threats became more threatening. I couldn't get over the picture sent with the letter two days ago. It was a picture of me, but the person had used some object to mar the surface. Jagged lines scraped from my eyelids to my chin, busted lips illustrated by red paint... it was like some child who hated me decided to demonstrate how he'd like me to look. And yet, it filled me with chills. The suspense was killing me. Threats and threats, and nothing had happened yet. It seemed like the person was giving me sufficient warning, and I didn't know how to stop it.I wished Blaze just listened to me and called o
AUTHOR’S POVBlaze scrolled down to the bottom of the page, his eyes scanning the document once more like he had done five times already. He grunted in annoyance. If he couldn't even focus at home, then why had he brought the work home? He had just gotten tired of the work environment, so he asked his manager to send him the file. He'd work on it at home.As it turned out, that was a bad idea. His mind kept drifting midway through the file, drifting to none other than Katie.She was so far away from him, making her way to Raleigh alone. Of course, there was that Zuhra girlfriend of hers. That still made him smile when he remembered the look of shock on her face when he asked Katie's real name.At least she had a friend to care for her during the time it took him to realise she was innocent. And if there was anything romantic between them, even better. He wondered how strong they were, though.He thought back to the call yesterday, and his brows furrowed in confusion. He was even surpr
KATIE’S POVI sighed, leaning my head back on the headrest of the chair. What wouldn't I give to disappear right now?The only thing worse than the person giving me a request to leave Raleigh was telling Zuhra all that had been going on. She'd think it was all happening because of her, and I didn't want her to feel wrong about anything.Maybe it would be best if I left. Then I'd be safe, and so would she since it was because of me she was mistakenly targeted. But still, two days?I had things to do here. A job filled with lovable people, a house given by my nemesis, but a house either way..."You know I'm waiting for an explanation, right? Seriously, a dead rat?" Zuhra asked, gesturing to the way the nurse had gone out through.The pungent odor had cleared up, but I still felt like it was here. When I get home, I'd have to wash the smell off my nose."It's complicated... I don't want you to worry...""Stop that, Tessa. I'm your friend; I have to worry about you. Even when you're safe,
KATIE’S POVI watched Brooklyn for the remaining time she stayed, observing how easily she bonded with Zuhra and Larry. I wondered if they had any idea of her dark side, and I also wondered why that was directed at me. There was no reason for her to show such hatred towards me.Even if I thought of telling her friends about what she did, would they even believe me? Zuhra was one to always stand up for her friends; I knew that firsthand. So, laying such accusations on Brooklyn might make her angry.I got that thought out of my head and decided to let it go. As much as I wished she was giving empty threats, I had a feeling she was for real, and I couldn't take any chances, not in the state I was in. She'd already come close to killing me and my baby, and I wasn't going to wait till she made another attack. Finally, she and Larry stood to go."I'll come over to see you tomorrow," Brooklyn said, patting Zuhra's head like she was a little girl. Zuhra swatted her hand away. "Please, just s
KATIE’S POV"You really don't have to do this," I said, walking slowly to keep pace with her as she stormed into the building. Or rather, she tried to storm in even with the limp in her gait. A few people in the hallways looked up as we passed and waved, but she ignored them all and me, too. She had a determined look in her eyes, and I could also see anger there. This would certainly be a dramatic confrontation.I gave up on trying to talk her out of it and just followed her. She burst the door open, and we were met with a room full of people. Some were working out, and others were in small groups talking. But that was not what caught my attention.I had never been in a dance practice room in real life before, and it was much like what I had seen in movies but looked even better upfront. The front and back walls were literally made into mirrors, and bars and stands were lined in front of them at intervals. It was enthralling to see people move so elegantly with every step, but that w
Author's povKaite splashed water on her face, trying to get what happened earlier off her mind. Well, this method wasn't working. She wanted to act happy that the threats from Brooklyn would end, but she couldn't. How could she when she was the reason Zuhra was throwing her role at the dance school away? She was a whole team leader, and she wanted out of her team. That sounded like a rash decision to her.She'd stopped talking to Zuhra about it when they returned, but now she was done doing that. Maybe Zuhra had to be reminded of her goals, and Broadway dreams that she was throwing out the window because of a silly friend.She left the bathroom to find Zuhra still in the position she had left her. Tapping her phone with a scowl on her face."What are you doing?" Katie asked, climbing up beside her."Blocking and unfollowing Brooklyn and every other person who sends a message to tell me to come back," Zuhra stated. She didn't feel bad about what she did in any way. It was only a matt
KATIE’S POVI stayed agitated for three days, wondering what would happen next. It seemed like everything was at a standstill, and I wouldn't say I liked the suspense much.Zuhra didn't take back her declaration like I asked her to. Well, even if she did, she still would not be able to practice with the team. Sure, she was healing, but it was a slow process of easing her back into the dance routine. She had her instructor give her workouts and practice moves. I knew because whenever I came to visit in the evenings, she told me what happened when I was away.She also told me she was bored with staying home alone. I wouldn't have minded staying with her all day, but that would have been too much to ask of Vivian. She was kind enough already.Blaze didn't call again. I did receive some money from him, but when I called to thank him, he didn't pick up. I tried not to overthink why he didn't, but my mind kept telling me he was mad at me for some reason.That didn't make sense, though. If
Katie's pov"Remind me again why I'm helping you," I said, stopping at our table with a tray in hand. I set it on the table and retook my seat.I was glad I'd picked this place; there was nothing that could compare to taking in the cool evening breeze over a snack. Or, in this case, a drink.Brooklyn offered me a grateful smile. "Maybe because I asked nicely?""Oh please," I scoffed. I could have just left her to figure out a way to make her peace with Zuhra, and no one would judge me for it. Yet still, I had decided to help. Maybe it was that part of me that was willing to accept Blaze that she spoke to.Speaking of Blaze, I still haven't heard from him. I didn't know if he still planned to come over or not. Well, if he did, he'd meet an empty house, which serves him right for ignoring me."Thanks again," Brooklyn muttered. She picked up a glass and filled her cup."You know you're paying for that, right?" I reminded her, and she nodded. I sighed in relief. I definitely didn't intend
Axel followed the man who came to take him out of the cell. He wasn't sure how long he spent here, but long enough to be really glad to be out. The smell of soap lingered on his skin, a bit too strong, but he welcomed it. It had been a long time since he used soap."There's your ride," the man said, pointing at the sleek red Camry parked in the parking lot of the station. In front of it stood Katie, arms crossed around her protruding middle.Axel felt a sad smile tug at the corners of his lips. Even in jail, he heard of the marriage between Katie and Blaze when Cicely came to visit.His smile disappeared as he remembered her expression when she spoke. The wistfulness in her eyes... It was obvious that she wished for her wedding, and she couldn't even have it soon.He had long made up his mind to marry her immediately after he got out of jail. He was able to beg her forgiveness, and she must really love him for actually letting all he did go. She assured him she'd wait; that was the onl
Author's pov Axel sat on Cicely's bed after several minutes of pacing the area and waiting for her to show up. Where the hell has she gone? He was considering going out to search for her when the door opened.But it was not Cicely who stepped through; and it was Lily with a painted expression on her face. "Axel," she began.He already knew what she wanted. Now that their plans had flopped, she probably wanted them to come up with a bigger plan."Save it, Lily, we're through." He shook his head in regret. "I was so foolish ever to think that this would actually work.""What do you mean by we're through?" Lily asked. "We're in this together, right?"Axel sighed. "Let it go, Lily. Find a way to get a new life...""A new life?" She looked devastated. "But I'm pregnant... I have nowhere to go, and you can't just leave me alone.""I have to," Axel replied. "I have to make things up with Blaze, and I know I'll be able to do that if I try.""And what about me, Axel?" Lily said, raising her v
Author's pov Blaze grinned as Tristan made his way to the dining room, where he and Katie were seated. It was a miracle how he could track his location with his phone number and then check all the buildings around for them. He never would have asked for a better friend; Tristan had already proven himself in more ways than he could count.Katie looked up from her phone. "Is that the man going to give us updates?" she asked.Blaze nodded. He was surprised Katie wasn't running from him by now. She even let him stay in her house without him asking. It made him wonder if the past few days' events had softened her towards him instead of making her hate him. He tried not to get his hopes up, though; her niceness didn't mean she'd like to end up with him, as he started to hope for. He couldn't help hoping, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.He wanted Katie back in his life despite all that had happened. As far as he was concerned, he was done with Lily. Katie should have been the one fro
KATIE’S POVNo way, I thought, staring at him and searching for any resemblance to Maverick. I could see none, but then again, I could barely see Maverick's face clearly in my mind. It had been so long ago, like another lifetime."You're lying," Blaze accused. With how he looked at Dylan, I was almost glad he was restricted from doing anything to him. Almost, though, in truth, I wished Blaze was free."Am I now?" Dylan said quietly, coming closer to Blaze. "When my mother got pregnant for your father, he left her, all because he saw a richer woman. You see, Maverick was a coward. His only way to survive was to milk off others' profits, and that's really who you're defending," he asked, turning to me.I stared at him, taking each word with a pinch of salt. I didn't want to believe him since he was the reason I was trapped here, and he even tried to kill me at the end of all this.But then, there was no other explanation for the absolute hate in his eyes as he spoke of Maverick. And why
Katie's povI gasped, staring at the limp bodies of Lily and Axel. "Oh my gosh, are they dead?" I exclaimed."Not dead, darling," the woman said. "These are stun guns," she waved the gun in her hand for emphasis."What kind of stun gun allows the victims to talk to?" Lily muttered against the floor. It was a comical sight seeing her lying there helpless when a moment ago she was gloating over us."The type we use, obviously," the woman replied. I squinted at her, unable to bear my curiosity anymore."Who are you?" I was trying to decide if she was a hero or a villain. She teetered on the edge of both, and I wouldn't say I liked that.She turned to me with a sigh and took off her mask. I gasped, eyes widening as I stared into the face of my former savior. The one person who believed me when I said I didn't kill Maverick and who helped me escape.Right on time again to get me out of this situation. "Doris?" I asked."Not just her." The man beside her said, taking off his mask too. I gas
Chapter 133Author's pov Blaze raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised." The answer was clear: if their places were switched, he would eliminate Axel before he could ruin the big plan."Surprised?" Axel asked. "You didn't think I'd be able to kill you if necessary?""No, I'm surprised we might think the same way," Blaze clarified. He saw the twitch in Axel's jaw, showing that he was irritated by that statement, which made him smile."Not the same way, brother. I'm way ahead of you.""Correct me if I'm wrong, but are both of you arguing about who thinks better right now?" Katie asked, turning to Blaze.Blaze nodded. "I'm trying to make sure there isn't a bigger brain behind this plot of his. Hard to believe it's just you, Axel."And not only that, he was stalling for time. Anything to keep Axel from rounding off his plan soon because if that happened, he would kill both of them so quickly.He wasn't afraid for himself, but Katie concerned him. She was already broken, and having no hope of s
Author's pov Katie gasped, staring at Axel. Of all the people she would have suspected, he wasn't even near her suspect list. Tears blurred her vision as she remembered what he said about her daughter."You beast!" she screamed, lunging forward. Curse these ropes; she would have been able to do something terrible to him. She wanted to hurt him just as he hurt her."How could you? All this while, after how close I was to your family, this is how you treat me? Why?" It was pointless straining to reach him; she slumped against the wall in defeat."I'm sorry about the child. That was not my intention. But it is what it is," Axel began, shrugging as he spoke. He had been shocked to hear."Fuck you, Axel!" Blaze thundered. How could he say he was sorry now? For killing his child, someone he hadn't even met in person.Blaze took a deep breath to calm himself down. The level of anger he was feeling was overwhelming, and the fact that he had no means to channel it out was the worst thing abou
Author's pov No, Katie gasped as Blaze fell to the ground. All that came out, though, was a frantic intake of breath, as she could not speak through the gag she hated so much. After all she had tried to tell Blaze, this stupid piece of cloth prevented her from saying anything.She wished she could rip it off, but her hands were bound, too. They had been since the first day. She glared at the man who knocked Blaze out, wishing she could wipe that smug grin off his face.He turned to her. "Don't look at me that way; he was foolish to come alone."He crouched to her level. "And if he did alert the police, then I'm afraid we'll have to kill you immediately. Either way, our mission will be accomplished."If looks could kill, he would be burned to smithereens by now. First, he wouldn't tell her anything about her child, and now he was threatening to kill her. After keeping her here for days, he did not even have a clue what to do to get him to free her."Just tell me what you want. Why do
Katie's povI blinked, confused. I could have sworn that my eyes were open, but surely, if they were, I would be able to see something. As it was, there was just nothing—pitch-black darkness, the oppressive kind that seemed to close in on you.I shut my eyes again and opened the—same thing. Now I was getting worried. In a rush, it all came back. I was in the car, just discharged from the hospital. There was music, and there was my baby in my arms.A baby that was no longer there since my hands were bound in front of me. I could barely feel my hands, and they were bound so tightly. I shifted, noting that there was a wall behind me, which I was leaning on.My feet were bound, too, most likely with the same material. I hated being tied up. It reminded me of the time when I was sold to the Griffins, a time I never wish to remember anymore.But at the moment, that was the least of my problems. Where was my child? Whoever had taken me couldn't have taken her away, too.It only became hard t