"Wait," he murmured. "Listen to me."I stepped back to get his hands off my waist. "I don't know what you are thinking..."I do not want to hear that!"You know what, just answer my questions. I don't need your explanation. I might look crazy to you but..."I swallowed. "Why do you have my high school picture framed in your studio?"" Cause I know Paige Kam. Obviously, she's a star." He stopped. I would have laughed in his face if I hadn't been so serious. He only annoyed me more."You're not going to tell me who Henry really is, huh? Are you Damien Smith?!" I yelled. He smiled. "Yes I am."I blinked, felt like a dream or another hallucination. I really need a therapist.He laughed. "Stop staring like you've just seen a ghost. I'm Damien!"I jumped on him in a tight embrace."Oh my God, this must be a dream. Crazy punk! That ugly pretence wasn't so good."I whispered. He held me so tight like he was never going to let go. I was happy. Yes, I'm not crazy. I know Damien when I see him. B
"You broke your guitar. are you okay, Damien?"I asked as soon as I got the chance to.He smiled. "It's nothing to worry about. I'll get another. I'm okay, now that I have you back by side."I blushed. "You know, I never told you how much I loved you. I love you so much, Damien, and it was really hard to live without you," I said."You know I love you more."He winked."Let's get out of here."Holding on to my waist, he led me back to the sitting room."This house is really big, Damien. And it works on AI system, like a presidential Villa.""It's not mine. I was given the house. I can't be this extravagant."He hissed."Tell me more about the man who saved you. I'd like to meet him. He saved my life too.""I'll go get drinks first."He disappeared into a corner and arrived with a fruit juice and two glass cups. I remembered immediately that he wouldn't be the type to drink alcohol. Little wonder hemanaged to maintain his perfect physique three years after high school. Well, I drink a l
I rolled back and forth on the bed throughout the night. I was overwhelmed by the sudden transition in my life. I didn't have to think too much about it but I couldn't help it. I get scared when life becomes too good for me because I know it might turn upside down anytime. I was busy comparing my past life with the present. I thought about my mother too. I've failed her too much. All because I was too scared to go on with my investigations about her. Just like Damien, she was announced dead. He's alive. That was enough hope that I needed to find her. I needed to find my mother.Ria walked into my room and kissed my cheek."Daydreaming?"She giggled. "Come on, it's past nine already."I opened my eyes. "I'm usually this late. I love my bed."She was dressed up already."I have a rehearsal today with the band at school. We are performing in the capital tomorrow. I might not be home for the rest of the day, I have quite a lot to do today. My projects and all...""Understood, babe.""I ord
"You are late!"He yelled as I walked into the house. I was pissed that he had destroyed my plans for the day. My flight was due and I would not make it to Albany even if I left his house early enough. Why do I have to obey him?That's a question I keep asking myself. It's a question even my subconscious gets silent about. There's simply no more reasonable answer than "fear". I can't help it. No one can.He was at the dining table, busy at his laptop. I slumped onto the couch and put on the TV. That was a reflex action, to distract my mind from getting unnecessarily sad."Are you here to watch TV?"He said. I ignored him."I called you for a reason.""I know,"I finally said. "I see you're pissed."He joined me on the couch."Do you...want to talk about it?"What the hell?! You never know this man. I was quiet."Okay. I'll get straight to the point then."He said. "The TSI group is our biggest competitor. I have a plan. And I need your help."I was surprised. He never talked about the com
I was wearing black leather double-pleat trousers, a black FW 1992 Yohji double-breasted blazer, and black Margiela Tabissheer black polka-dot tights, Doc Marten monkey boots, a gold chain necklace, lilac hoops, and blue eyeshadow, all too extravagant. Jude had forced me to wear them, not like I had a choice. I was going to see Mister Magnificent, so I should be dressed as extravagant as possible.I've been set up.Not for a crime, but for a date. I walked over to the seat reserved for me. A young man dressed in a golden poplin suit sat, two body guards stood behind him. I was late, my nature. He's Tristian Tsee, the strange guy that got to my dad's heart. Or no? Jude Kam surely has a plan. His game, I wish I could fully play."Tristian Tsee?"I asked. He stood up immediately and shook hands with me. "Paige Kam. Nice to meet you."He smiled.He was the perfect definition of cute. His smile, the flicker of light across a blade. His face is like a knife, and a flicker of light: it is deli
Ria managed to get my car back to the house, but she wasn't home until three days after. She traveled to the capital for their concert. I struggled to make up for my absent days at school while ignoring both Tristan' and my dad's call. Whatever Jude Kam is up to, I would rather not be part of it. That man is too handsome or rather too innocent to be played. Too innocent? I can't say, businessmen are usually desperate. I just can't be a part. Not only that, but I craved so much to see Damien, we only spent a day together, then all these. I didn't see myself traveling to Albany sooner anymore, I'm being watched. Things fall apart…Nothing breaks like my heart.*“Big baby, honey pie.” Ria pressed a full kiss on my lips. That was enough to wake me. I realized how much I have missed her usual morning ritual. Just three days and I was almost near to being depressed. She holds the energy of my life.“When did you come back? Tell me you didn't sleep in this house.” I said.“I came back last
"Why not use my car to the airport? You don't need to rent a truck, you know.” I suggested.“I do not intend to take much of my belongings, Paige. Plus, I already submitted an application for a job, hopefully I'll get a job and start a new life. I'm leaving all those in my apartment.”“Rich babe!” Ria shrieked. We laughed. She stopped a taxi and got in. We waved her goodbyes and walked back into the house, Ria behind me. She held on to my waist slyly. That awful scene came back, my stomach churned. I still didn't understand what happened to me. Why was I so hurt when they kissed? How crazy? Ria is just a friend!“What again, Ria?”“I have a question.” We were moving, to the kitchen, wherever her hands led me. “Go ahead.”“You were jealous, right? You want an explanation, don't you?”I sighed, feeling hot. She pinned me to the kitchen table, I turned to argue, but she was faster. She raised me and placed me on the table. Wow, am I that weightless? No, she's older…and prettier.Those p
I wanted to go to his house, but I couldn't. What would I say? That he saw a mistake? Or…I felt ashamed and there was no way I was going to be able to look on his face again. I felt guilty, I felt dirty and empty. Not only that, but I found my only comfort in sucking up the salty tears from my cheek. I finally made up my mind where to go, the church. I need to pray… To God. I walked into the empty church, a black tunic scarf around my hair and neck. The rain began while I was driving. I usually have them in my car, for situations like this. I knelt by the altar, my bible in hand, and cried.“Dear LordI'm sorry.I did something awful. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou might be justified when thou speak, and be clear when thou judge. I'm so scared…It's a sin yet I stayed. I enjoyed…No.I'm sorry….Please forgive me, Lord.My life, everything about me… I need you now more than ever. And I'm scared of your judgement.”I cried.“Create
”Are you sure Hope sent you to me?“???”Who else would send me to you if not her?“ He replied with a question, intentionally questioning her insecurities.”Are you sure she's okay? Or are you…lying to me?“ she asked.”She is fine. “ he forced on a smile. ”i'm curious though, why do you care so much?“”i might be hidden in this dark place but I still priorities and Hope is one of them.“Kyle pondered on that statement. It sounded strange coming from a stranger who obviously isn't a stranger anymore. How come? She even calls her by her most cherished name.”That's great.“ he smiled and she nodded.Kamila really did a good job.He thought. But where the hell is she now to complete it?!”Jude Kam was a successful business man so yeah, he had a lot of enemies. Just like you you guys, the cops, do.“She answered willingly.”we do?“ Kyle smirked.”i hate policemen. All of them!“ she spat.Kyle swallowed. ”Why, if I may ask?“Conspiracy. They're failed in a lot of ways. They always have a pr
He woke up with a kick, made by his legs. Another nightmare!He sniffed soberly and dragged himself to the bathroom to wash off the dream not only from his face but from his life. She might be missing now, but she'll be back. He told himself.He was on a compulsory leave and when he checked the time, he saw that he really needed the leave. At first when his boss asked him to stay off work until she is found he argued. To him, it was better that he was at work. He will be more miserable if he's alone without her. He and his team has worked so hard for the past two days, even at night. He settled in late the night before because he had visited a dead trail.It's always been a dead trail. He dragged himself down the stairs to the kitchen, but could not enter. Everywhere smells of her.He kicked a pillow on the rug and sat by the couch. The same way they sit every night. They prefer to sit on the rug than the couch. He sucked on a tear.“Shit…” he hissed, throwing away another pillow. He
“You're not going to say anything?” I said. “I saw a picture in her room. You both were in it. That's why you looked so familiar when I saw you. Or am I…”“You are right.” I gasped. “I should have told you earlier. I was just too… shocked.And hurt. I could tell“ She killed her uncle.I was silent waiting for his reply, maybe he also knew that he wasn't her uncle but her dad“Jude Kam.” He said, as if reading my mind. “She didn't.I winced. The truth gets so hard to believe. “Who are you to her?“ I can't say.” He gasped. “I don't know if I'm worthy anymore to be called by any title to her. She's not going to forgive me. I won't forgive myself, either. It's all my fault.“I'm lost, “I declared“Since we're here together, and we have all day, I'll explain to you.I sat by his side, putting on my only asset, the tape recorder“Jude Kam use to think he was a powerful man. Perhaps he was. His best friend, Brianne Hooke, killed him. He is the same person who have us here. And he's going t
Kyle got home that night sad and distressed. It was the second night that he was going to spend without her. He had searched all the places he could think of. He had been to that address she sent to him the umpteenth time. Yet, she still was missing. He took a bottle of wine from the fridge and gulped in it. Hoping that it would ease his tension. " She's not dead. "He told himself. "It's not two days yet. I'll find her."He blamed himself severally for allowing her take up the case when he knew what danger was in it, blamed himself for ignoring his phone beep while at a rescue mission. Of course, it should have been switched off but he didn't because of his gut feeling. Yet he still failed her.The landline hung on the wall beeped and he reached for it immediately. There was an unfamiliar ID and he wouldn't have picked it if it was not for Kamila's disappearance."Hello."He rasped."Hello, Miss Dickson. I finally tried your home number today. How's everything?""It's her husband speak
I wasn't dead. My eyelids were heavy, and I was cold.it was all too dark, and I could barely see. I moved my hands, and it moved, and my legs moved too. The last I remember was that I was pushed into a vehicle, and that seemed like an eternity ago.I grunted in pain as I pushed off my bruised knees. I was an idiot. I should have waited. I should have called Kyle. He warned me not to go anywhere without him. Paige warned me too. Now I've failed her. I'm caged in here by God knows who, and I won't be able to help her out of there. What is a disaster?!Once I was on my feet, I ripped off the tape on my mouth. Did they expect me to sleep forever? Tch...I took in my surroundings. I was in a cage at one end of a closed basement, and a dim lantern on the side of the space cast just enough light to see dark walls.“Shit!” I gasped. The heat the lantern created was just too unbearable, and I thought that it was the intended torture by my captives.Someone moaned softly. I spuned and gasped w
After that short meeting with Paige, I could not control my nerves. All my being told me to get on with it with or without protection. Besides, Kyle is always busy at work and I can't afford to bother him with mine. Maybe, this is for me. I should do this myself. I wasn't hurt when I visited the villa. Why should I be so scared to visit a college student's house?And i need all the information I can get as soon as possible. There's a lot at stake here, obviously.I parked my car at the entrance of this small cottage gate. I knew immediately that the estate has assured its occupants adequate safety because almost every house has this short cottage gate. I got down from my car, my phone, a polythene bag and some gloves in hand. I was hoping to see something. I just didn't know what exactly.The gate wasn't locked and there was still a car in the lot, probably hers. In the world where tinted car windows showef wealthiness, I hoped someday I'll make enough to get mine tinted and maintaine
"She's my mum and... You don't have to believe me."She stopped and I was quiet too. Thinking."Can we..."She said. "I wanna be alone. I... Can you come tomorrow? I'll talk to you tomorrow. I don't feel alright anymore."She winced."Did I say something wrong?""No, I'm just tired of this conversation.""Okay...but!"I remembered something. "Do you... hurt yourself in there?""Do I look insane to you?"She said, then yelled. "Warder! Get me out of here!"Time to go. I told myself."Okay Paige, thank you for speaking with me."The warder appeared and unchained her. Before I was done packing up she was gone. That was... breathe taking. I needed some sleep. When I got into the car, my phone beeped. It was then I realized I have spent hours in there. It's noon already, past lunchtime. Little wonder, I'm so exhausted."Kamila."He said on the other end. Whenever he calls my name on the phone I get that he is quite serious. Actually, he rarely calls during the day."Hey."I yawned."I found some
“Good to see you today.” I said, while she just nodded. I prayed that she would be in a good mood, but her silence spoke otherwise. I took some time to observe her before talking further. Her hair was unusually packed today, and it gave me a full view of her distressed yet stunning face. She is the real definition of beauty for ashes. Though she still had some scars on her left cheek, the redness of those scars only complemented her beauty. She didn't have any blood stain today on her body, and I wondered why.She looked…good, and that gave me enough hope.“How're you doing today?”“You've only been gone for some hours.” She said, more like a whisper, and with time I realized that was the highest she could go. Life in the prison has taken her voice, and her soul, probably. I just can't imagine…“Hope,” She called me.“Yes, Paige.”“Do you…know my mother? Annabelle Steele?” She asked and I answered immediately.“Who doesn't? I do. I loved her…very much.”“Do you believe me? That she's
"Leave?" I said. "No, I won't. What is wrong with you Paige? Isn't it obvious enough that you don't belong here? You called the police on yourself. Which criminal does that...""The one who wants justice Hope!" She yelled at me."You're crazy."I sat without thinking.When I realized what I spewed out, it was already too late because she had gone immediately cold. I wanted to apologize but i changed my mind. You don't always have to talk. I told myself.This isn't the right time to pity but to speak truth. She's really crazy."Your friends are worried about you. You think everyone in this world is against you? Well, You're not the only one who thinks that. We all have been in a cloudy weather before. What about God, Paige? I heard you were a worshipper. Is this His plans for you? Did you suddenly forget him because of a single mistake?""I killed him."She muttered like a hurt bird, seeking mercy, full of regret and pain."Or did you suddenly forget that david who you represent in our a