All of a sudden, a loud noise came from not too far away. Portia and Cora looked in the direction of the exit."What was that?" they uttered at the same time.A gunshot came from a distance above. It was followed by several thuds, louder than the first one."It's the police! You are surrounded. Surrender right now!" a shout came from above.Portia immediately swung into action. "Stay here! I don't think they have found this place. I'll go handle them. Don't let these two get away, okay?"Being instructed, Cora nodded her head even though she was shaking. She sat on the ground while still holding Jayden's hands together. Portia quickly headed for the entrance with the knife still in her hand.Outside, several policemen broke down the door of the house with multiple battering ram. They took several positions while the best of them matched into the kitchen with guns.The door of the pantry was kicked down in the blink of an eye. They broke into twos, looking around in the pantry. A duo s
Time seemed to stop as Zara let out a scream that reached the ears of the policemen outside the gate. She lost the sense of her surroundings as she looked at Scott's face. Even the gunshots from nearby and the thud that came moments later didn't draw her attention.Her tears fell on his face. He stretched his bloodstained lips again, flashing his red teeth at her. Coughing, he muttered, "Take care of Jayden. I love you two… So so much."Zara nodded her head. "I will. I'll take care of him. But don't leave me. Let's take care of him together, okay? I can't live without you. Stay with me, okay? I love you, Scott. Always have."Still smiling, Scott raised his hand and touched her face. He held her gaze for seconds which seemed like minutes. His hand slowly dropped. Zara held on to it and continued to tell him to stay with her.But at this moment, his eyes slowly closed. Zara's cry increased in tempo alongside Jayden's. The little boy was just as horrified as his mother. Zara shook Scott'
Ten months later."Wake up, Daddy, Mommy! It's morning already!"Scott and Zara, who were snuggled up in bed, woke up to the excited squeal of their son. Zara opened her eyes and yawned. She nudged her husband as he was already drifting to sleep again."Wake up or he will come jumping on the bed again," she whispered to him.Scott stirred and rubbed his eyes. "But I am so tired. You wore me out last night.""It's not my fault. The baby wanted to eat a lot last night and she refused to let me sleep until I satisfied the cravings.""You know that's not what I'm talking about," Scott chuckled. "How can a pregnant woman have so much energy?"Hearing this, Zara slapped his arm while blushing. "Shush! Don't let Jayden hear you or he will start asking questions again. Help me up, will you?"Scott pulled her closer and gave her a kiss. Looking at her slightly swollen face, he said, "Good morning, beautiful.""Me too! I want a kiss!" Jayden shouted, running into the room without shutting the do
The speakers were blaring the latest hip-hop song of the month. Colored neon lights flickered as the clubbers cheered and tore up the dance floor in their skimpy, flashy, and expensive clothes.Everyone dancing was booed up. The ladies rocked their partners like there was no tomorrow. At the bar, drinks flowed like water. There were bottles of booze and tequila shots lined up on the counter. The bartenders did their magic as the DJ did his.On the balcony was a VIP lounge that gave a clear view of the dance floor. Three men in well-ironed shirts and pants sat around a table. In the middle was a man who had his sleeves rolled up. He picked up a glass and gulped down its contents. As he poured himself another glass of bourbon on the rocks, his hand was grabbed."That's enough, dude. You have had three glasses already," his friend said, reaching out to grab the bottle.Scott Brown gave him a stink eye and said, "Get your hands off me." With that, he yanked his hand away and downed another
"Honey, I made your favorite. There's bacon, eggs, oats, and pancakes just as you like it," Zara announced as soon as she heard her husband coming down the stairs.Scott strode down the stairs, adjusting his knotted tie with one hand. He ignored her words as he always did.Out of desperation, Zara blocked his way and said with sad eyes, "It's only gonna take a few minutes, Scott. Just eat with me. I woke up at the crack of dawn to prepare breakfast for you.""And who asked you to do that?" His moss-colored eyes turned hard. When she didn't respond, he added, "I thought as much. Now, get the hell out of my way!"Although shaken up by his shout, Zara didn't move an inch. She cupped her hands over her chest and pleaded. "Please, Scott. Remember that we promised our respective grandmothers to make this marriage work. Let's not entertain outsiders anymore. Marriage should be exclusive. We can do this.""Ha-ha-ha!" Scott suddenly threw his head back and laughed out loud. He then dropped his
One year later.Karen Hall had been sitting on the front porch of her mansion for an hour when the heavy steel gate finally opened. She stood up and walked over slowly. When the backseat door of the Bentley opened, she opened her arms wide with teary eyes."Grandma!" A thin and beautiful young lady ran into her arms."Oh, Zara. You have grown so big," Karen commented, pulling her granddaughter back to get a better look at her pretty face."Come on, Grandma. I have only been away for a year." Zara laughed and planted kisses all over the old woman's face. "I missed you so so much.""I missed you too. Come on in. It's cold outside."The next day, Zara and her grandmother sat at the dining table to have lunch after spending the whole morning chatting to no end."Gosh, I so missed your cooking, Granny," Zara uttered with a mouthful.Karen couldn't help smiling. She spooned more of the chicken soup into her granddaughter's bowl dotingly. "Tell you what, I'll make you whatever you want to ea
Zara's face fell for a second. A glint of hurt flashed in her rheumy eyes. Under Mia's intense gaze, she coughed and shrugged again. "What has that got to do with me? He's free to buy any kind of clothes."After sighing deeply, Mia said in a low tone, "He was actually in the company of Cora. When she saw me, she rubbed her belly. I think she's pregnant for Scott."This bombshell was even heavier than the first. Zara's lashes fluttered uncontrollably this time. A pang of pain traveled from her heart to her head. When her eyes met Mia's, she looked away and stared at the flower vase nearby. "Ermm..." She stood up abruptly. "I have many important things to do. Actually, I'll be resuming work at my family's firm in two days. I have to shop for clothes and also get my hair and nails done. Wanna come?"Mia sighed again and then nodded, deciding not to talk about Scott anymore since the topic wasn't welcome. "Go get changed. I know of the best store in town for professional and casual wear.
A burning sensation suffused Zara's chest. It traveled to her stomach and soon caused it to ache badly. Her face twisted in a frown as she processed what she had just heard.Relishing the sad look on Zara's face, Cora rubbed her slightly bulged belly and added, "It has been a long time coming. Scott and I are meant for each other. We have been in love since we were kids. Soon, we will be together against all odds."Those words added salt to Zara's injury. She was at a loss for a few seconds. But once she got back herself, she pulled Mia's arm and dragged her out. "Let's go!""Zara, let's catch up some other time. I'll send you an invitation to the wedding. Ciao!" Cora called out from behind.Tears had clouded Zara's vision by the time she was out of the store. She swallowed hard and blinked while repeating an admonishment in her head. Don't cry over a man, Zara! "You okay, Zee?" Mia asked with worry after they got into her car. She read her expression and then gave her shoulder a squ