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CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR: Court Hearing
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2023-10-17 13:40:11Related chapters
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVENTY-FIVE: Unexpected Witness
Everyone looked towards the entrance out of curiosity. Scott walked in with the sleeves of his purple shirt rolled up. Zara's eyes widened at him. What was he doing here? Why did he barge in when the hearing was in session? Didn't he know that he could be held for contempt of court? I thought he already abandoned me?Just as several questions were running through Zara's mind, she saw someone walking behind Scott. What in God's green earth was this woman doing here?Scott glanced at her and winked while nodding his head slightly. Zara knew that look. He always gave her that look when they were kids. It was an indication he was either about to pull a stunt or play a trick on her. Now, she didn't know which it was!At the sight of the woman that came in with Scott, Cora sprang to her feet. "Brenda! What are you doing here?"Brenda flinched at that shout. She stopped dead in her tracks. Scott halted too. He then turned around. Once he got to Brenda, he put his hand on her shoulder and whi
Last Updated : 2023-10-18Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX: The Verdict
Cora's legs turned to jelly as she stood in the witness box. She broke out in cold sweat as cameras flashed in front of her. In horror, she watched as the reporters moved closer to her."Daddy!" she cried while holding the wooden structure tightly. In the blind of an eye, the bodyguards who came with her, rushed over. They carried her out through a side door before the reporters or anyone else could get to her.Zara watched as the judge and clerk disappeared through an inner door. She looked to the other side, only to see Portia and Steven go through a side door after the bodyguards. The noise sounded distant in her ears.Her brain was still stringing what had just happened. She held her head and rested her elbows on the table. The voice recording was irrefutable proof that she was innocent. Cora had hired the assassin herself. And Scott was the one who provided that recording! How did he come about it? Did Brenda give it to him? How did he convince Brenda to testify against her only
Last Updated : 2023-10-19Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN: Long-awaited Apology
Scott smiled faintly. "It was pretty easy actually. You are Cora's greatest enemy. And if I have learned anything from being close to her for almost three decades, it's that she would stop at nothing to get what she wants.""So, you are saying that you just suspected she was trying to frame me because of how obsessed she is with you?" Zara asked with a frown."Yeah," Scott replied. "I mean, I had my doubts because I couldn't imagine anyone doing such a thing to themselves. But then again, it's Cora we are talking about here. She can be very crazy.""How did you find that recording?" she asked, glancing at her son who was now sleeping sounding in her bosom.Scott walked over to the window and looked out with distant eyes. "Well, because of the recent threats I have been receiving, I decided to install a few hidden security cameras in and outside of my home. Something kept telling me that the person behind it knew who I was. That was why I made sure the cameras were hidden. I didn't wan
Last Updated : 2023-10-20Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVENTY-EIGHT: Not His Child
The earth seemed to stop rotating as Scott sat in the pediatrician's office an hour after leaving Zara's house. The doctor's words kept echoing in his head as he stared at him."I'm afraid Tommy's good kidney has failed. And his liver is not doing well too. For now, he can survive on dialysis, but a transplant needs to be done."Scott had thought Tommy fainted due to stomach pain since they had spent the morning binging on different foods and snacks. On the way, he beat himself up for that. Little did he know that the problem was bigger than he had imagined. "When can you do the transplant?" he finally asked, holding chunks of his hair tightly.The pediatrician sighed. "About three months.""Three months? That's too long!""I hate to break it to you, Mr. Brown. But there's a waiting list. Tommy has to be placed on that waiting list. Until it's his turn, there's nothing I can do. The only way the transplant can be done early is if he gets a direct donor, as in, someone who is willing
Last Updated : 2023-10-21Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE: Goodbye Daddy
Scott's mind was blank as he stepped on the gas. He almost crashed into several vehicles as he drove straight to the children's hospital. When he pulled up in front of the hospital, he jumped out of the car and darted into the building without locking his car.The corridor that led to the intensive care unit was a little crowded. Knocking off a caretaker's trolley of food, he made his way to the last door in the ICU unit. He was greeted with the sight of a few doctors and two nurses hovering around the bed. The heart monitor was beeping to no end."Doc, what's going on here? What's happening to my son!"Tommy's attending doctor turned his head to glance at Scott. "He went into shock about fifteen minutes ago. We were able to resuscitate him, but now, his heart rate is spiking. Please stand back and allow us to do our jobs."Scott staggered back weakly. He could barely see Tommy's face. But when he tilted his head to the side, he saw that the little boy's mouth was wide open and his ch
Last Updated : 2023-10-23Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY: Meet Your Father
Scott rolled out of bed and dragged his feet into the bathroom. As he peed, he didn't even mind that some dripped on the tiled floor. He walked back out of the bathroom after easing himself.He collapsed back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. This was his position since the last two days. When he got back from the children's hospital, he had spent hours in Tommy's room. There, he cried his eyes out until they were so sore that even blinking hurt a lot. He also had one too many drinks.Ever since he walked into his bedroom, he hadn't left. The ceiling was like a whiteboard of nothingness to him now. His mind felt so blank. All he could think of was his son, Tommy.Although he had discovered last minute that Tommy wasn't really his, his love for the boy couldn't be changed. That child had brought light to his life. Tommy was the only thing that kept him sane whenever Cora was driving him nuts.He worked his ass off at work just to give Tommy a better life. This didn't affect the tim
Last Updated : 2023-10-25Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE: The Reunion
Jayden frowned immediately. He glanced at Scott and then returned his gaze to his mother. "My father? But he's Tommy's daddy!"Zara nodded. "Yes, he's Tommy's daddy, but he's your daddy too. Everything I have told you about your father before is all a lie. You see, Scott and I had a fight years back, so we couldn't be together. I know you already like him, but I want you to know he's really your father. So, don't call him Mr. Brown or Uncle Scott anymore. Call him—""Hey, buddy, if you like, you can continue calling me that," Scott interrupted, squatting to the boy's level. "Call me anything you like. I will answer you. No pressure, okay?"Jayden nodded and stared at the man with a wary expression. Suddenly, he tilted his head and narrowed his eyes, "Why did you guys fight?"The two adults looked at each other and scratched the back of their heads at the same time. None of them said a word for a long time."Why did you guys fight, Mr. Brown?" Jayden folded his arms and stared at Scot
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO: The Kidnap
"What… what are you doing?" Zara stammered. Instead of responding to her question, Scott took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. His arms were still wrapped around her as he said, "I have missed you, Zara. I miss you every day." Half of Zara's defense melted as soon as she heard those words. Her heart began to race as she felt his breath against her cheek. And then, it stopped. Just when she thought he was about to let her go, she felt his warm lips against her neck. She froze again. This time, after raising her shoulders. Scott planted kisses upwards until he got to the back of her ear. "I have been doing a lot of thinking for weeks. I want you in my life for real, Zara. There's no woman for me except you. We don't have to co-parent. How about we become a family again? I know you are still in love with me." Hearing the word "love", Zara flinched. She grabbed his arms and tried to pull them apart. "Let go of me! What do you think you are doing?" When he didn't let go, she hit
Last Updated : 2023-10-29
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Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango Epilogue
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
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: Love You More Than Life
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'
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER NINETY: The Rescue
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
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE: Time For Slaughter
"That shoe!" Scott's eyes widened as he leaned forward. He zoomed in on the live footage to have a better look. The other men also opened their eyes wide. Their eyes were on Portia's pair of blue and white trainers."I have seen that shoe somewhere before," Scott mumbled as he began typing on the keyboard again. Another tab opened. He clicked on the surveillance video Portia had given to them. Without wasting time, he looked at the footwear Zara had on when she arrived at the Andersons' home. It was a pair of pink and black sneakers. Quickly, he fast-forwarded the video to when she was leaving. Strangely, her footwear was no longer pink and black. It was blue and white!Scott increased the brightness level of the screen and zoomed in more just to make sure he wasn't mistaken. The footwear had indeed changed."Holy smokes!" Anthony exclaimed at the mystery that was unfolding before him.In silence, Scott scrolled up the body of "Zara". It was at this moment he noticed that the body s
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT: Liars
The person she was looking at was Scott. She imagined slapping him in that hard face of his for all the pain he caused her child. The nerve of him to show up here after everything!"Mrs. Anderson... Mrs. Anderson," Detective Marshall called out, snapping his fingers.Finally, Portia drew her gaze away from Scott. She looked back at the cop and said, "Can't we talk here?""I'm afraid, no. I also need to speak to your daughter."Portia turned. "I could call her out.""No, there's no need. To the best of my knowledge, she's under house arrest, I don't want to stress her more than she already is. Also, she could get into trouble with her probation officer. Just let us in. Or is there something you don't want to see in there?"Hearing this, Portia's face changed immediately. She eyed him and then turned around. She walked into the house, leaving the door open. The four men walked in immediately.As soon as they entered, Scott's eyes swept around the house. He walked around while the others
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN: Two Hostages
"Mommy!" Jayden screamed as soon as he saw Zara sitting on the chair with her head hanging low. A rope was tied tightly around her. There was a dry patch of blood on her neck. Wisps of her hair stuck to her sweaty face. Her hands were tied together in front of her pelvis. Her collarbone was visible at this time, it was deeper than it had ever been. At the sight of his mother in this state, Jayden leaped to his feet and darted to her. Before he could get through the door of the cubicle where Zara was, Cora pushed him down with a smack. He fell to the dusty floor, hurting his back yet again. He screamed, "Aaaah!""Shut it!" Cora roared at him, raising her hand to hit him again.Jayden held his lips as he looked up at Cora with fear. His pale face instantly turned red. He coughed hard but still didn't let go of his lips. Suddenly, something caught his attention. He looked away from Cora. He soon screamed again, "Mommy!"Cora turned to look in the same direction as the little boy. She
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX: Ta-da!
Cora drew her head back. Looking up at the ceiling, she let out an evil laughter that reverberated in the entire living room. There was a bloodstain on the figurine. The sight of it made her more joyful. She looked down at Zara again and smirked. "Stupid bitch!"The patter of flip-flops suddenly came from the side. It was followed by a scream-whisper, "Cora! Why did you do that?"Cora looked at her mother with a smile still on her face. "I told you she was going to come, Mom. She was about to search the whole house. I had to stop her."Holding her forehead, Portia didn't know what to say for a while. She looked upstairs to make sure Steven was nowhere in sight, then she asked, "How did she get here? Did she come in her car or taxi?""I don't know!" Cora shrugged. "Why do you ask?"Portia put two fingers on Zara's neck. After confirming that there was a pulse, she said, "Use your head, Cora! We can't just let her go. And if we keep her here, the cops are gonna come here. You could be s
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE: Mommy On A Mission
The mood in the Hall family's home was sadder than it had ever been in more than fifteen years when Zara's parents died. At the time, many people were crying, but today, it was a one-man crying marathon.Zara, who hadn't taken a shower since the day of Jayden's kidnap, dragged herself from the sofa and sat on the cold floor. Her crying increased in tempo. She dragged her greasy hair and scratched her red face. She looked like a woman who had just lost her husband.Mia moved closer and reached out. "You need to stop crying, Zara. You have been crying for more than two days.""If I don't cry, what else can I do? Eh! What else can I do? My son is missing. And the police keep telling me stories upon stories without having a single clue as the where Jayden is. Yet, I am not supposed to cry?" Zara asked sniffing hard.She suddenly slapped Mia's hand off her shoulder. "Leave me alone. Let me cry!"On the sofa opposite the two young ladies, Karen was seated in casual clothes. Her eyes were he
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR: Surveillance Footage
"Yes!" Scott punched the air as he stared at the masterpiece he had made. There was a big smile on his face at this moment. He had taken the day off work and spent the entire morning and noon painting the huge Spiderman figure on the wall of a spare room.With one of his hands on his hip, he muttered to himself, "I just have to put a child's bed here and make it more comfortable. Then, I have to convince Zara to allow him stay the night a few times."The thought of bringing up the topic made Scott shiver. He could already imagine her shooting him a deathly glare. But he was going to give it a shot anyway. "She can't kill me, can she?"Scott chuckled as he imagined her agreeing after his incessant pleas. "She can be very stubborn, but once I make her see the good in this, she will surely agree."As Scott continued to talk to himself, there was a knock on the door. The nanny's voice came from outside, "Mr. Brown, your phone has been ringing. Sorry to disturb you."Scott turned to look a
