Alice's hands wouldn't stop shaking. She sat in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel, a blanket draped over her shoulders, staring blankly at the ornate carpet. The events of the past hour played on repeat in her mind, each recollection making her feel sick to her stomach.Mr. Jenkins' forceful grip on her arm,he had tried to force himself on her with the collaboration of the hotel staffs. The panic as she realized his men were trying to force her into the elevator. The relief when the young man - Maxwell, she now knew - had stepped in."Miss? Miss, are you alright?"Alice looked up to see a concerned police officer standing in front of her. She blinked, trying to focus."I... I think so," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.The officer nodded sympathetically. "I know this is difficult, but we need to take your statement. Are you feeling up to answering some questions?"Alice nodded slowly. As she recounted the events of the evening, her voice grew stronger. She described how
Alice stared at the "Closed" sign hanging on the hotel's grand entrance, her heart sinking. It had been three days since the incident with Mr. Jenkins, and the Ritz Hotel remained shuttered. She clutched Charlie closer to her chest, feeling lost."What are we going to do now, sweetie?" she whispered to her son, who babbled happily, oblivious to his mother's worries.As if on cue, her phone buzzed. It was a text from Max: "Hope you're doing okay. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call."Alice felt a mix of gratitude and unease. Max had been nothing but kind and supportive, but his power and influence scared her a little. Could she really trust someone she barely knew?She was pulled from her thoughts by another buzz. This time, it was Emma."Hey sis, saw the news. Are you okay? Do you need me to watch Charlie while you job hunt?"Alice sighed, grateful for her sister's support,she really need another job as she cannot shake off the feeling of shame and guilt and how she wo
Alice stood in front of her closet, frowning at her reflection in the mirror. She had agreed to have dinner with Max tonight, and now she was second-guessing everything. What should she wear? Was this even a good idea?"Mama!" Charlie's voice called from the living room, where Emma was watching him.Alice sighed, pushing her worries aside for a moment. She walked out to find Charlie grinning up at her, a toy car clutched in his chubby hand."Hey, sweetie," Alice said, kneeling down to kiss his forehead. "Are you being good for Aunt Emma?"Emma laughed from her spot on the couch. "He's an angel, as always. Now, are you going to tell me why you're so nervous about this dinner?"Alice bit her lip, sitting down next to her sister. "I don't know, Em. Max is... he's been so kind, so helpful. But I barely know him. And with everything that's happened..."Emma nodded understandingly. "You're worried about getting hurt again.""It's not just that," Alice said, watching Charlie play. "It's Char
It's a sunny Saturday morning. Alice sat on a bench, her eyes scanning the area nervously. Charlie played happily at her feet, babbling to his stuffed elephant. Today was the day Carson would see Charlie again, and Alice's stomach was in knots."It's going to be okay," she whispered to herself, as much for her own reassurance as for Charlie's.She spotted Carson before he saw them. He was walking briskly, his face a mix of excitement and apprehension. When his eyes landed on Charlie, his whole face lit up."Alice," he said as he approached, his voice soft. "Thank you for this."Alice nodded, managing a small smile. "Carson. It's... it's good to see you."Carson knelt down to Charlie's level, his eyes shining. "Hey, buddy. Remember me?"To Alice's surprise, Charlie looked up at Carson and grinned. "Da-da!" he exclaimed, reaching out his little arms.Carson's eyes filled with tears as he carried Charlie up. "That's right, Charlie. I'm your dad. I've missed you so much."Alice felt her o
Alice woke up to Charlie's soft cries. She quickly got out of bed and picked up her baby boy from his crib. "Shh, it's okay, sweetie," she whispered, rocking him gently.As she changed Charlie's diaper and got him ready for the day, Alice couldn't shake off the worry that had settled in her chest. The threatening text from last night kept playing in her mind.She looked at Charlie, now happily babbling in his high chair as she prepared his bottle. He was so small, so innocent. At just eight months old, he had no idea of the fears that kept his mother up at night.Alice's phone buzzed. Her heart raced, thinking it might be another threat. But it was just Max."Good morning. Hope you and Charlie had a good night. See you at work?"Alice smiled, feeling some of her worry ease. She quickly texted back a "Yes, see you soon" before finishing Charlie's morning routine.At the daycare, Alice hugged Charlie extra tight before handing him over to Miss Laura. "Please," Alice said, her voice shak
Alice woke up with a start, her heart racing. It took her a moment to remember where she was - in Max's guest room. She looked over at Charlie, still sleeping peacefully in his portable crib, and felt a wave of relief wash over her.As she got Charlie ready for the day, Alice couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. The photo Margaret had sent kept flashing in her mind, making her hold Charlie a little tighter than usual."We're going to be okay, sweetie," she whispered to Charlie as she strapped him into his car seat. "Mommy's going to keep you safe."At work, Alice found it hard to concentrate. She kept checking her phone, half expecting another threatening message from Margaret. Max noticed her distraction during their morning meeting."Alice," he said gently as the others filed out of the room, "are you sure you're okay? You seem really worried."Alice sighed, frowning her face. "I'm just scared, Max. What if Margaret tries something? What if she tries
she stood in her doorway, Margaret on one side and Max approaching from the other. Charlie's cries from inside the apartment grew louder, adding to the tension."Alice?" Max called again, concern clear in his voice. "What's going on?"Before Alice could respond, Margaret stepped forward, a cold smile on her face. "Oh, don't mind me. I'm just here to have a little chat with Alice about her son. Our son, I should say."Max reached them, his eyes darting between Alice and Margaret. "Who are you?" he asked Margaret, moving protectively closer to Alice."I'm Margaret," she said sweetly. "Carson's fiancée. Or I was, until Alice here stole him away."Alice felt her temper flare. "I didn't steal anyone, Margaret. You need to leave, now."Just then, Alice's phone buzzed. It was Carson. "Don't answer that," Margaret said sharply. "We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, would we?"Max looked confused and worried. "Alice, what's she talking about? What's going on?"Alice felt torn. She needed to
In the days following Margaret's confrontation, Alice felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The constant fear that had been her companion for weeks was finally gone. As she watched Charlie play on his baby mat, giggling at the colorful toys dangling above him, she felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time.A knock at the door made her look up. It was Carson, right on time for his daily visit. Ever since the incident with Margaret, he had been coming by every day, sometimes just for a few minutes, other times staying for hours."Hey," he said softly as she let him in. His eyes immediately went to Charlie, a smile spreading across his face. "How's our little guy doing today?"Alice felt a warmth in her chest at his words. Our little guy. It felt right somehow. "He's great. Just had his afternoon nap, so he's full of energy."Carson knelt down next to Charlie, who immediately reached for him with chubby hands. "Hey buddy," Carson cooed, picking him up. "Did you miss yo
Nine months seemed to fly by for Alice and Carson. They spent the time getting ready for their new baby, turning the guest room into a pretty nursery with soft yellow walls and cute animal pictures. Charlie was excited to be a big brother and would often talk to Alice's growing tummy.On a warm spring day, Alice felt the first signs that the baby was coming. Carson rushed her to the hospital, his heart beating fast with excitement and worry. After many hours of waiting and Alice being very brave, they finally heard the sound they had been waiting for - the cry of their new baby."It's a girl!" the doctor said, holding up the tiny, pink bundle.Alice and Carson looked at each other with tears in their eyes. Their baby girl was here, and she was perfect."What should we name her?" Carson asked softly, as he held his daughter for the first time.Alice smiled, remembering a name they had talked about. "How about Hope? Because she brings us so much hope and joy."Carson nodded, his eyes sh
After their wonderful honeymoon, Alice and Carson came back home feeling happy and relaxed. They were excited to start their new life together in their new house in London. It was a pretty house with white walls and a red door. The best part was the big garden in the back, perfect for their little son Charlie to play in.On their first day in the new house, Alice and Carson walked through each room, holding hands and smiling. Charlie toddled along behind them, his little eyes wide as he looked at his new home."What do you think, buddy?" Carson asked, picking Charlie up. "Do you like our new house?"Charlie giggled and pointed at the big windows. "Big!" he said, one of the few words he knew.Alice laughed. "That's right, sweetie. The windows are big. And look at the garden!" She carried Charlie to the back door to show him the green grass and colorful flowers.For the next few weeks, Alice and Carson were busy making the house feel like home. They painted the walls in pretty colors, h
After a long flight, Alice and Carson finally arrived at their honeymoon destination. It was a beautiful island with white sandy beaches and clear blue water. As they stepped out of the airport, they felt the warm sun on their faces and smelled the salty sea air."We're here!" Alice said excitedly, squeezing Carson's hand.Carson grinned at her. "Let the honeymoon begin, Mrs. MacPherson!"They took a taxi to their hotel, which was right on the beach. When they walked into their room, they gasped. It was gorgeous, with a big bed, a balcony overlooking the ocean, and even a little hot tub."Oh, Carson, it's perfect!" Alice said, rushing to the balcony to look at the view.Carson came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Not as perfect as you," he said, kissing her cheek.They spent the rest of that day relaxing by the hotel pool, sipping fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them. They were both tired from the long trip, but too excited to sleep.The next morning, they
After the beautiful ceremony in the garden, everyone went to a big party to celebrate Alice and Carson's marriage. The party was at a fancy hotel nearby. When Alice and Carson arrived, they were amazed at how pretty everything looked.The room was decorated with white and pink flowers, just like at the wedding. There were twinkling lights everywhere, making the room look magical. Big round tables were set up for all the guests, with white tablecloths and shiny silverware.As Alice and Carson walked in, everyone stood up and clapped. They felt so special, like a prince and princess in a fairy tale. They couldn't stop smiling as they made their way to the main table at the front of the room.Once everyone was seated, it was time for dinner. The food was delicious, just as Alice and Carson had hoped when they picked it out. There was the yummy chicken dish they both loved, and the tasty vegetable pasta. For the guests who didn't eat meat, there was a special vegetarian meal too.Alice an
The sun was just starting to come up when Alice opened her eyes. For a moment, she wondered why she felt so excited. Then she remembered - it was her wedding day! She sat up in bed, a big smile on her face.There was a soft knock on her door. "Alice? Are you awake?" It was her mom, Sarah."Yes, Mom! Come in!" Alice called out.Sarah came in, followed by Carson's sisters - Karen, Mia, Ava, and Alexis. They were all smiling and looking very happy."It's time to get ready!" Karen said, clapping her hands. "We have a bride to make beautiful!"Alice laughed. "Okay, okay! I'm ready!"They all went downstairs to have a quick breakfast. Alice was too excited to eat much, but her mom made her have some toast and fruit."You need energy for your big day," Sarah said, patting Alice's hand.After breakfast, it was time to start getting ready. They went to Alice's room, where her beautiful white dress was hanging up."Oh, Alice," Mia sighed. "Your dress is so pretty!"Alice smiled, running her han
Alice and Carson were very busy getting ready for their big day. They had picked a pretty garden for their wedding. It had lots of green grass, colorful flowers, and big trees. When they first saw it, they both knew it was perfect.Alice's mom, Sarah, was so happy to help with the plans. She and Alice's sisters, Emma and Lily, spent many days talking about all the little details. They looked at lots of magazines and websites to get ideas."What kind of flowers do you want, Alice?" Emma asked one day. They were sitting in Alice's living room, surrounded by pictures of different flowers.Alice thought for a moment. "I like roses," she said. "But I also like daisies. They're so happy and bright.""Why not have both?" Lily suggested. "We could have roses for the fancy parts and daisies for the fun parts."Alice smiled. "That's a great idea! Carson likes both of those flowers too."They decided on white roses for the serious parts of the wedding, like the ceremony. For the party after, the
A few weeks after the trial, Alice was feeling much better. The bad memories were starting to fade, and she was looking forward to good things again. One morning, Carson came to her with a big smile on his face."Alice, my love," he said, "I think it's time we started planning our wedding again. What do you think?"Alice's face lit up. "Really? You still want to marry me after everything that's happened?"Carson hugged her tight. "Of course I do. I love you more than ever. Nothing could change that."Alice felt so happy. She had been worried that all the bad stuff might have changed things between them. But Carson's love was as strong as ever."Okay," she said, smiling. "Let's do it. Let's plan our wedding."But first, the MacPhersons wanted to talk to Alice. They asked her to come to their big house for dinner. Alice was a little nervous, but Carson held her hand and told her it would be okay.When they got to the house, Mr. and Mrs. MacPherson were waiting for them. They looked very
A few days after Alice's rescue, the police were still working hard to understand everything that had happened. They talked to many people and looked at lots of clues. One day, a police officer came to see Alice and Carson at the hospital."Miss Smit," the officer said, "we need to talk to you about something important. We found out that someone else was involved in your kidnapping."Alice sat up in her bed, holding Carson's hand tight. "Who?" she asked.The officer looked serious. "It's Margaret, Mr. MacPherson's ex-fiancée. We have proof that she helped plan your kidnapping with Maxwell."Alice and Carson were shocked. They knew Margaret didn't like Alice, but they never thought she would do something so bad."Are you sure?" Carson asked, his voice shaky.The officer nodded. "Yes, we're sure. We found messages between her and Maxwell. She told him where to find Alice and helped him plan everything."Alice felt sick. She remembered seeing Margaret at the warehouse after her rescue. N
Maxwell paced back and forth in the old warehouse, looking at his watch every few minutes. Alice sat in the corner, tied up, her once-pretty wedding dress now dirty and torn. She watched Maxwell, feeling scared and sad for him, wondering how her friend had become this scary, desperate man.There was a knock at the door. Maxwell's head jerked up, his eyes wide. "Finally," he muttered, hurrying to open it.An old man in priest clothes stood there, looking nervous and confused. "Mr. Johnson? I'm Father Thomas. I got your... strange request."Maxwell pulled the priest inside, quickly closing the door. "Yes, thank you for coming, Father. Like I said, this is a special situation."Father Thomas's eyes got big when he saw the room - the dirty warehouse, the tied-up woman in a wedding dress, the jumpy man who had called him. "Young man, what's going on here?" he asked, his voice shaky."Father, please help me!" Alice cried out. "He took me. He's trying to make me marry him!"The priest steppe