The next day dawned bright and clear, my husband and I had already made some plans for the day before a deceptive storm hit our lives. Henry and I were in our bedroom, enjoying a rare quiet moment together. The kids were in their room, and we were catching up on the little things we often missed in the hustle and bustle of daily life.As we chatted, Henry’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. He glanced at the caller ID, and I saw a flicker of surprise, concern, maybe even fear that crossed his face. "I think I need to take this," he said, his voice tight. Without another word, he walked out of the room with his phone in hand. I watched him leave without looking back. This was unusual for him, a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach. His reaction was strange, and it left me feeling uneasy. Who could be calling him that would cause such a reaction?I tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing on tidying up the room before he returned. But I couldn’t ignore the gnawing feeling that somethi
After a few minutes, Henry turned to me with a look that made my heart sink. "Nina," he called calmly.I turned to look at him, but he didn't say anything. “Henry, you called me. What is it?’ I asked him after staring at him for a few seconds He took my hands in his. I turned to look at Clarissa and those around. This was unusual of him. “Can you give us a moment? I need to talk to Clarissa alone."I stared at him. I was both shocked and hurt. "What? Why?" I asked as I almost stood up in anger. I looked at Henry, and it seemed that I should express my emotions in a slap on his face.“Henry, what is that supposed to mean?” I asked him as I grabbed my bag."Please, Nina," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I understand how you feel about this but I promise I'll explain everything later."I sat down again and turned to look at Clarissa who was trying to smile. I looked at Henry and bowed my head in my hand.“I just want to talk to Clarissa in private. Nothing more.” He said again.The
The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. Henry had left the house early without waking me. What was really going on? We had a conversation last night but he didn't mention that he would be leaving early. I rushed to the kids room to get them prepared for school. “Has Daddy gone already? Sophie asked as she carried her bag.“Yes sweetie.” I responded without looking at her face.“But he promised to take us to school today, so why did he leave without letting us know? James asked but before I could respond, Sophie said something that struck me.“Maybe daddy and mummy are fighting again.” “No dear, we aren't. Daddy had an early start, that's why he left without disturbing you. That's enough sweethearts, we'd get to chat with Daddy when you return from school. The driver is waiting for you, don't keep him waiting for long.” I said to end the conversationI watched them shut the door and a wave of unease washed over me. He usually let me know if he had to leave early, but today was d
The next day, Olivia decided to take matters into her own hands. She called Clarissa and invited her over, suggesting they have a casual chat to clear the air. Clarissa hesitated but eventually agreed, perhaps thinking that Olivia’s intentions were genuine.As soon as Clarissa arrived, Olivia greeted her warmly, trying to put her at ease. They settled in the living room, and Olivia offered her a drink.“It's been a long time, Olivia.” Clarissa said with a soft tone."Yeah, it is. How have you been, Clarissa?" Olivia asked in a friendly tone.Clarissa took a sip of her drink, eyeing Olivia suspiciously. "I've been fine. Just trying to figure things out and become the best version of myself.""I understand, that's an important thing to do," Olivia said with a sympathetic smile. "Especially now that this whole situation has been hard on everyone. I thought maybe we could talk and clear some things up, and then start all over again without bringing the past into our lives."Clarissa nodde
The next morning, I sat at the kitchen table, my mind whirling with thoughts of Clarissa’s unborn child and the mysterious man she was working with to manipulate my husband. Her last statement the previous day has left me to have a lot of thoughts.My resolve hardened. I needed to find out if the baby was truly Henry’s and who this secret master planner was. I needed to end these troubles once and for all so that my family could enjoy peace. Just as I began to form a plan, my phone buzzed. It was my boss, Mr. Johnson.Since I took permission from him some weeks ago, I haven't created time to inform that I wanted to resign. I took a deep breath and swiped my screen to read his message."Nina, I haven’t heard from you in a while. Hope you're fine? Can we meet up and talk?" his text read.A surge of irritation mixed with curiosity hit me. I agreed, thinking it might be good to get everything out in the open. He suggested a different café, one that was quieter and more hidden. Although I
Clarissa promised to return again because she wasn't emotionally stable enough to reveal what the blackmail was. Early the next day, she planned to run away because she was scared of being caught in the middle of it all.She pulled her coat tighter around her, looking nervously over her shoulder as she walked through the busy city streets. The morning rush hour was in full swing, with people hurrying to and fro, oblivious to her presence. She had chosen this time deliberately, hoping to blend in with the crowd and avoid being seen by anyone who might recognize her. Her heart pounded with every step, with the weight of her secrets pressing down on her like a heavy shroud.She boarded the next cab and off she went. She instructed the driver to stop a few blocks away from her destination. She waited for him to drive off before she continued with her journey. When she arrived, Clarissa scanned the room, until her eyes landed on a man seated at a corner table. He was tall and huge with a r
Clarissa walked into the small, dimly lit café where she and Olivia had agreed to meet. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she looked around the room trying to search for Olivia, her eyes finally landed on Olivia, who sat in a corner booth, her face was pale, it was evident that she was eager to hear what Olivia wanted to say. Clarissa took a deep breath and approached her, feeling a mixture of fear and uncertainty of what might happen next."Olivia," she called softly as she slid into the seat across from her. "Thank you so much, I’m glad you came." Clarissa nodded and bent her head and then she looked up again, her eyes were red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. "Olivia," she began, her voice cracking. "I’m so sorry. I’ve been hiding something from you for so long, and it’s time you knew the truth. I can't continue with this again, Olivia…"Olivia reached across the table and took Clarissa's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It’s okay. Just tell me what happened. I
Clarissa stood in her small apartment, pacing back and forth, she was both confused and frustrated. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled within her since her meeting with Jay. The revelations about Marcus were troubling enough, but the knowledge that he wasn’t working alone added a new layer of danger to the situation. “How did I get myself into this mess? Why didn't I realize that I was going too far to return?” Clarissa asked as she sat on a chair.She paused and took a deep breath, then dialed Olivia’s number. The phone rang several times before Olivia answered.“Hi dear,” she said in a weary voice."Clarissa, what’s going on?" Olivia asked."We need to talk. Can you come over?" Clarissa replied, her voice urgent."Sure, I’ll be there in a bit," Olivia said, hanging up. Olivia hurriedly got dressed and walked out.Meanwhile, Clarissa continued pacing as she waited for Olivia to arrive. Her mind raced with thoughts of how to approach Nina and get information ab
Marcus lay on the cold, concrete floor, in the ocean of his blood, his breath came in ragged gasps. His once confident, domineering presence was now reduced to a pitiful, broken man struggling to fight for his life. Kelly stood over him, with the gun still trembling in her hand. The shock of what she had just done was written all over her.Marcus’s eyes, once filled with cold calculation, now held a flicker of disappointment, anger, and perhaps even a trace of betrayal. He coughed, and the movement sent a fresh wave of pain through his body, he stretched his hand out toward Kelly, but his fingers wavered as if trying to grasp something just out of reach.“Kelly,” Marcus whispered. “Why…why did you do this? I thought…we were on the same side. I thought we agreed… to get revenge.”Kelly’s lips shook as she looked down at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. The man lying before her was a shadow of the person she had once known, the man who had manipulated her, twisted her emotions,
The door finally creaked open, and the sound echoed through the warehouse like a gunshot. Nina’s breath caught in her throat as Marcus walked in with Nurse Kelly. The sight of her sent a wave of shock through the room, the collective gasps of everyone echoed in the silence. Kelly’s presence was unexpected, and for a brief moment, everyone seemed frozen in place, as their minds struggled to process this new development.Nina’s eyes locked onto Kelly’s, searching for some sign of what was going to happen next. On the other hand, Kelly’s expression was unreadable. But there was a look in her eyes that sent a chill down Nina’s spine.Marcus stopped in the middle of the room, studying the faces around him with a predatory gaze. He seems to enjoy the fear he saw in their faces. He moved closer to Nina. “I told you, but you wouldn't listen. You wanted to see what I could do. Right?” He asked her as he wiped a tear from her eyes.“See what you’ve caused. Everyone is in a mess because of you.
Inside the cold warehouse, the air was thick with tension. Nina sat bound to a chair. She watched the movement of Marcus in fear. After some time of pacing around, he stood before her with a twisted smile on his face. The sight of him made her blood boil, but she knew she had to keep her composure. Any sign of disobedience could set him off, and the last thing she wanted was to put her family in more danger. He leaned forward to kiss her, but she quickly turned her face.Marcus had been making jest of her for what felt like hours. Every now and then, he would lean in close, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered threats.“You’re so predictable, Nina,” Marcus sneered, pacing back and forth in front of her. “You’re always trying to be the hero, always thinking you can outsmart me. But look where that’s gotten you. Tied up and at my mercy. I thought you’d recognise me when I came, but No!. Can't you see that you're dumb?”Nina’s jaw clenched as she fought the urge to spit in his
Henry's heart pounded as he drove towards the east of the town. He called Olivia to ensure that they were safe while he also informed them about his movements, his thoughts were consumed with fear and anger. “Please be safe out there.” Olivia managed to say.“Sure, be more vigilant as well.” Henry said as dropped the phone.The lead he had just received from Maria felt promising, but he couldn't shake the fear that something terrible might happen to Nina before he could reach her. The idea of Marcus holding her captive, possibly harming her, made Henry's blood boil. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, as he sped down the road.The sudden ring of his phone startled him. He quickly glanced at the caller ID and felt a cold chill run down his spine. It was Marcus. “My goodness!” He exclaimed loudly as he pulled by the road.Henry hesitated for just a moment before answering, trying to prepare his mind for whatever twisted words would come through the line."Henry," Marcus’s voice came
"Doctor?" Nina said, her voice tinged with confusion. "Why didn't you inform us that you were coming? We weren’t expecting you at all."The doctor didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, his eyes fixed on her in a way that sent a chill down her spine. Before she could react, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a gun. Nina's heart stopped, and she took a step back, fear paralyzing her."Don’t be a fool, shut your mouth and get into the car," he ordered, his voice cold and unfamiliar. It was then that she noticed something else, his face wasn’t right. The more she looked at him, the more she realized this wasn’t the doctor. His eyes were different Then, with a swift movement, he ripped off what she now saw was a mask, revealing his true face.It was Marcus.Nina’s blood ran cold as she recognized him. His face looked more cruel than before, and his eyes were filled with malice. She tried to scream, but no sound came out. Instead, she found herself frozen on th
“Take it here, and drop it there.” Nina said as she held her husband closely.“We’re doing it, my darling.” Henry told his wife. “I can't wait to start life again with you.Just then, Henry’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and saw Kelly’s name flashing. He tapped the screen and put it on speaker. “Henry, listen to me,” Kelly’s voice was urgent, filled with fear. “Don’t go anywhere. Marcus is out there. I just saw him, he looked like he was heading to your house. And I'm very sure he’s planning something.”Marcus had instructed Kelly to call him so that they would be able to know their new location.Henry exchanged a look with Nina, as his heart was pounding. “We need to stay back,” he said, his voice tight with urgency.“Oh my!” What's all these? She asked as she ran outside to alert everyone.“Get inside, now,” Nina ordered, ushering everyone back into the house. They moved quickly. Inside, they locked the doors and pulled the curtains shut. Henry’s mind raced
Kelly looked around in fear as she tried to find her way out of the strange environment. Her heart pounded in her chest with every step she took. She knew Marcus’s men were around, but she had to take the chance. She moved quietly, trying to find an escape route. Just as she thought she was close to a lonely road, Marcus suddenly appeared in front of her."Where do you think you're going, Kelly?" Marcus's voice was low and demeaning.Kelly got startled. She tried to back away, but Marcus stepped closer, his eyes were cold and calculating. "Why are you trying to escape?" he asked, his tone threatening. "Don't you think you are putting yourself in more danger? Hey my darling Kelly, No one leaves under my custody."Kelly swallowed hard, trying to muster her courage but his cold laughter made her angry. She raised her hand to give him a slap but Marcus prevented it quickly and resumed laughing at her in a mocking tone.Kelly felt helpless, she fell on her knees and tears started dropping
Henry knew they were playing a more dangerous game so he decided to get started on the difficult task of processing their visas to leave the country. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was their best chance at escaping the clutches of Marcus and Kelly. He made secret calls and filled out the necessary documents, all while keeping a watchful eye on his family.Meanwhile, Marcus grew increasingly desperate and angry. He started calling Clarissa, Nina, and Henry relentlessly, hoping to instill fear and make them slip up. But Henry and Nina had already decided to ignore his calls, understanding that engaging with him would only make matters worse. Clarissa, however, answered one of his calls out of frustration and a desire to confront him."Hello?" Clarissa said, her voice trembling slightly."Clarissa, it's Marcus," came the cold, familiar voice. "You thought you could run away and hide?""I’m not hiding, Marcus," Clarissa retorted. "I’m trying to live my life without your threats."“Ar
Nina held Henry's hand firmly, not wanting him to move an inch. “Henry, please I beg you. Don't go.”“Nina just hold on.” He whispered softly. Henry gave a signal for Clarissa to take the kids to their rooms while he took the next step.Henry glanced through the peephole cautiously. When he recognized the man standing outside, he breathed a slight sigh of relief. It was their neighbor, Mr. Thompson, who lived just three houses down. Henry opened the door slowly, ensuring there were no unexpected surprises waiting behind the familiar face. He wondered what had brought him here, his family just moved here and they barely go out."Good evening, Mr. Thompson," Henry greeted, attempting to hide the unease in his voice."Evening, Henry," Mr. Thompson replied, stepping inside quickly. "I hope everything is going smoothly?”“Sure,” he responded with a nod.“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some people were asking about you and your family, they had your pictures with them too. But the