"Amanda," He muttered her name, but there was no response. He caressed her cheek with his thumb, noticing how pale her skin had become. Panic surged through him. Hastily, he positioned her back against the seat and strapped the seat belt on her. He leaned back and started the car, his hands trembling on the steering wheel as he sped to the nearest hospital. Upon arriving, he scooped her out of the car, his heart racing. "Someone help," he called desperately as he rushed into the hospital building, cradling her body. A nurse immediately called for help, and soon Amanda was whisked away on a stretcher. The moment she disappeared from James's arms, more fear settled in. "God, please let her be okay," He muttered, running his hands through his hair. He paced back and forth with his thoughts jumbled in guilt and worry. The door of the ward suddenly swung open, and James' heart almost leaped from his chest, but it wasn't the doctor he expected. "Why did I drive the car so fast?" He
"Mom, I'm thirty," James reminded her, as if she had forgotten. "You can't dictate how I live my life. I'll work with Amanda if it helps me in finding my daughter. I don't care what you say or think about that!" "You are still my child!" She insisted, stepping closer to him. "I'll not watch you ruin your life again. I made that mistake the first time, and it's not going to happen again," "I didnt make a mistake meeting Amanda. I know that things haven't been good between us, but nothing will change the fact that I was once happy with her," James blurted, memories of Amanda flooding into his mind. His heart fluttered for a second; she still had a place in it. "You don't know what you're saying," Agnes shook her head. "I won't let you get back with her. I will do everything to stop you!" At that point, James realized arguing with her was pointless, so he attempted leaving. "Where do you think you're going?" Agnes demanded, blocking his path. "You aren't leaving!" "Mom, get out o
Amanda tapped on the message box, and the text popped up on her screen. "I warned you to stay away from James, but you didn't listen. Losing your daughter is a repercussion for your actions. But if you avoid James totally, then I might consider helping you," Amanda read, staring at the first paragraph of the message. Her grip tightened on her phone. She lowered her gaze from the phone and a shiver ran through her body. She began trembling uncontrollably. The idea that this person knew where her daughter was terrified her. She glanced at the message again and continued reading, "I think I know where Kendall is. But I won't disclose anything till you leave James alone," The word "ALONE" screamed at her in capital letters, revealing how desperate this person was to keep her away from James. Amanda let out a sharp gasp and slowly sat up. She stared at her phone for a few more seconds, her heart racing. Fortunately, the number wasn't private, and she was able to take a screenshot of i
Amanda tapped on the message box, and the text popped up on her screen. "I warned you to stay away from James, but you didn't listen. Losing your daughter is a repercussion for your actions. But if you avoid James totally, then I might consider helping you," Amanda read, staring at the first paragraph of the message. Her grip tightened on her phone. She lowered her gaze from the phone and a shiver ran through her body. She began trembling uncontrollably. The idea that this person knew where her daughter was terrified her. She glanced at the message again and continued reading, "I think I know where Kendall is. But I won't disclose anything till you leave James alone," The word "ALONE" screamed at her in capital letters, revealing how desperate this person was to keep her away from James. Amanda let out a sharp gasp and slowly sat up. She stared at her phone for a few more seconds, her heart racing. Fortunately, the number wasn't private, and she was able to take a screenshot of i
Charles felt that he needed to show more appreciation for her effort, so he leaned in and pressed his lips on her cheek. Amanda's eyes widened, and her body froze at that moment."Thanks," He whispered, his breath warm on her cheek as he pulled away. Amanda remained motionless, her eyes locked on him, surprise etched across her face. For a moment, Charles wondered if he had crossed a line and ruined everything. "Amanda, are you okay?" He asked, slowly, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry for doing that," He quickly added, his tone filled with regret. Amanda lowered her gaze, and her cheeks turned a little red. She felt a a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. "You…don't…" She trailed off, struggling to find the right words. She knew it wasn't appropriate for him to get that close, but Charles wasn't just her lawyer anymore. He had supported her through so much. He was a friend, a confidant, a lifeline in her dark moments. "I'm sorry for pecking you. Please don't be ang
Amanda continued distributing the flyers, even as the sun climbed higher and hotter in the sky. She didn't stop. Meanwhile, James was sitting under a tree, trying to catch his breath. He'd been with her just a few minutes ago, but he started feeling unwell and decided to rest. Skipping breakfast that morning wasn't helping either. "Fuck," He cussed, running his fingers through his hair. He tiredly glanced over at Amanda and felt bad for her. If he was feeling so awful about their child's disappearance, then she must be feeling a hundred times worse. He wasn't trying to dismiss his pain, but she had carried their child for nine months. That kind of bond was different. Slowly, he got to his feet and strode to a nearby shop to buy some water and snacks. Once he had what he needed, he went back to her. "Hey," He said softly as he approached her. She turned to him and eyed the things he was holding. "What is it?" She asked, her tone a bit sharp."I think you've been out in the sun
"I'm sorry about her behavior," James apologized, feeling guilty. He knew he shouldn't have let Betty get close to him in the first place. Knowing her personality should have been a warning, but he had been devastated and probably too desperate for comfort. "You don't need to apologize," Amanda chuckled, trying to brush it off. "She wasn't entirely wrong, though. I did bring this upon myself."James saw the sadness in her eyes, so he quickly changed the subject. It would be pointless to press on something that would only bring pain. "Are you hungry?" James asked, grabbing the plastic bag beside him. "I bought some snacks," With a faint smile, Amanda replied, "I haven't been too hungry these days, but I'm trying to eat. So, yeah… a few snacks won't hurt," James grinned and sat down beside her. He pulled out a burger from the bag and gave it to her. "I didn't buy any drinks, but if you want one…" "No, this is fine. Thank you," Amanda said as she took a bite of the burger. She ha
"You can drop me now," Amanda muttered close to his ear. They were standing in front of the gate to Charles' house, and she didn't want Charles to make a fuss about her getting hurt. "Okay," James agreed, but instead of letting her down, he leaned back. "Ah!" Amanda screamed, clinging desperately to his shoulders.James laughed, straightening himself."Are you crazy?" Amanda chuckled, smacking his back and wrapping his hands around his neck. "Don't do that again,""Sorry, not sorry," He snickered.He rang the door bell, and the security guard asked for his identity. After he provided it, they waited a few more minutes outside before the gate automatically opened.Just as James was about to step in, Charles emerged. James stepped back, wondering why he there."Why is she on your back?" Charles asked, his eyes widening in surprise. "Did you let her drink?""I am not drunk," Amanda replied, resting her chin on James' shoulder. "I sprained my ankle, so I can't walk,"Charles gasped and
"Why do you seem so surprised?" Mrs. Shawn asked, noticing the shocked look on her face. "Is there a problem I don't know about? Do you know Micheal from somewhere?""I wish I never knew this scoundrel. He is making life miserable in this place," Amanda thought, gritting her teeth."No, Ma'am," Amanda shook her head. "I don't know him. I was just surprised that another person was joining us here, and I wondered how I was going to please him with my services." "You don't have to worry about pleasing anyone," Mrs. Shawn replied softly. "Just do your job right, and attend to our needs within your capacity. That's all.""Okay, Ma'am," Amanda replied, nodding."Good," Mrs. Shawn beamed. "You should do with the laundry, I have some dirty clothes.""Okay," Amanda muttered."My room is at the end of the hallway, particularly on the right side," she instructed.Amanda quickly went upstairs to avoid Micheal's annoying gaze. As she got to the room and began grabbing the dirty clothes, she wishe
Micheal spotted Amanda staring at him and a sick smile formed on his face. He was relishing the fear he could see in her eyes. He pocketed his hands and walked smugly to her.As Amanda noticed him coming close, she began backing away. She felt so uncomfortable and threatened. Her mind raced, wondering why he was here to ruin things for her.She felt so happy about the success of the interview, she didn't want him to sabotage what she had gained.Micheal hastened his footsteps, and Amanda continued backing away until her back slammed against the main door."Good morning, cupcake," Micheal said, a smirk forming on his lips. "You look quite shocked to see me. I thought you already knew everything I was capable of.""Why are you doing this?" Amanda asked, her voice rising. "Can't you just leave me alone? If you want me to repay you for the bills you covered, then I'll do so when I work for enough time, or contact my family." "I don't care about the money, all I want is you," Micheal mutt
"I see," Micheal replied with a smirk on his lips."Boss, can I ask you something?" the man asked, his voice laced with caution.Micheal looked at him, his expression cold. "What is it?""Sir, why are you so interested in this woman?" he dared to ask. "I don't mean to be intrusive because your actions aren't my business, but it's a bit shocking that you would make such inquiries about her.""She means nothing to me," Micheal replied with a smirk. "There's just something special about her. I mean, a lot of women would throw themselves at me when I make an offer to them, but she resisted.""No one had ever resisted me," he muttered, his expression turning to one of displeasure.He felt a bit insulted when she first rejected his help, but then he got intrigued—or rather fascinated—with her constant rejection. He suddenly felt like he should have her for himself."So, you're obsessed with her?" the man said aloud but regretted his words instantly. "I'm sorry for saying that. I didn't—""N
The next day, Agnes could be seen pacing back and forth in her sitting room. She had been calling James' number but he wasn't answering."How long is he going to avoid me?" Agnes asked herself, frowning. "I'm his mother for goodness sake, can't he respect me anymore? Everything I'm doing is for his good, why can't he see that and appreciate me?"She lowered the phone from her ear and stared at it for a few moments."Has he blocked me or what?" she asked, dialing his number again.The number went to voicemail again, making her heart wrench in disappointment."Why do I feel like this isn't normal?" Agnes said, worriedly. "I knew he had told me to go to hell, but he should at least answer my calls or send a text message that he's fine.""Why is he being so selfish?" Agnes asked, her frown deepening. "Maybe I should call Betty, and ask her how he is."She called Betty, but her number didn't go through either."What the hell is wrong with both of them? Agnes said, feeling displeased by the
The woman looked a bit stunned by her question, her shock evident."Why are you staring at me like that?" Amanda asked, confused. "Did I ask anything absurd?"Amanda wanted to know the house owners because she didn't want to risk falling into another trap with Michael. She didn't understand what that man suddenly saw in her, but she didn't want to keep getting in contact with him again.Besides, the mysterious family that owned the house on the flier seemed to be rich."No, your question isn't ridiculous," the woman muttered, shaking her head. "It's just shocking that you are unaware of the owners. Are you new to the village?"Amanda didn't know if it would be the right decision to tell the truth. She didn't want more people to take advantage of her because of her naivety."It's okay if you don't want to answer that," the woman said with a smile. "To answer your question, the house is owned by the Shawn family."Amanda thought of Michael's last name and was quite relieved to know it w
Amanda quickly squeezed the note with her trembling hands. Why couldn't that bastard leave her alone? What was the meaning of all this? Couldn't she just have some peace?"Why is he after me? It's not like I'm the most beautiful woman in the village," Amanda muttered, her voice shaky. "Why am I always attracting garbage?"Gritting her teeth, she tossed the wrinkled note angrily into the trash can in a corner."This man seems more dangerous than I thought," she said, fear creeping into her voice. "What if he suddenly sees James as an obstacle and harms him?""James isn't in a state to defend himself or receive another attack," Amanda muttered, her voice dripping with worry. "I can't let any harm come to him, but I can't defend him if anyone tries to hurt him.""What am I going to do now?" she cried. "Is there a cop that I can make a report to? But Micheal ruled this place. If I were to report to the police, they wouldn't take me seriously.""Should I ask for a transfer?" she asked, her
Charles paced back and forth in his London hotel room, his anger simmering. He had been forced to stay longer than expected, and his frustration grew with each passing minute. He had thought he would be done by now so he could go after Amanda already because he didn't trust her. Seeing how desperate she is to find her daughter, she might go to the remote village which wasn't good at all.He knew how dangerous that place was and she might get robbed and stuck since she looked wealthy. He wished in his heart that she didn't go and listen to him but he knew he was just wishing because he knew how determined and adamant she could be.Having unsettling thoughts run thousands in his head, he knew he had to contact her to make sure she didn't go there. He grabbed his phone and dialed her contact but the call won't connect as he was told she wasn't available.He tried calling her, but it was worse because the call won't connect and immediately he grew apprehensive as he guessed she had gone t
“Please who are you? Why are you after me?” Amanda asked as fear gripped her.“Well don't be scared. I'm just a rich man who wants to help you. My father is the head of this village and I'm his heir and eldest son. So you definitely need my help,” Micheal replied as a mischievous grin appeared on his face.“But I don't need your help? You don't know me, why do you want to help me?” Amanda asked, still scared.“That's because you are beautiful and I want to sleep with you,” Micheal replied boldly.“I just need your body and whatever you want, I will give it to you,” He added and Amanda almost spat at him on how bold and courageous he was.“You must be out of your mind. Do you think I'm some whore?” Amanda almost yelled at him.“Whatever you are, I don't care. Give it some thought. I will be back,” he flashed her a smile before he left.Amanda’s legs weakened and she was almost falling when she grabbed something nearby to help herself. She couldn't deny she had been caught up in the fea
"Betty, this is making no sense," Her father retorted, his tone hesitant."How?" Betty shot back. "She's the one we intended to kill. Why should she continue living? Why don't you just end her and give me some joy?""I had initially agreed to do that because you deserve everything you desire, but I guess some things are unattainable,"he replied stiffly, rising to his feet. "I can't do what you're asking.""Why?" Betty cried out."I'll only make things more complicated," He retorted, his voice sharp. "Attempting to kill her has already brought enough tragedy. Just let her live. There's no point in her dying anymore!""The point of her death would be my relief," Betty insisted. "If I see her dead, I'll be happy that she doesn't get the chance to find any happiness while I wallow in sorrow for the rest of my life.""Can you stop exaggerating?" He snapped, glaring at her. "You're just obsessed with him. I'm sure that if you had ended up with him, you would soon get bored and go on a new c