"What?" Her father gasped, momentarily taken aback by the boldness in her voice."Daddy, please tell me you can do it," Betty's voice softened, filled with desperation, as she leaned closer to him, gripping his arm tightly. "I need to get rid of that woman. I can't stand her anymore,""Who are you talking about?" Her father asked cautiously, his voice calm but probing. "Is it James' ex-wife,"Betty wanted to lie but decided to tell the truth. There was no need to conceal her pains anymore, she needed an intervention from her father."Daddy, James can never love me if she's around him," Betty said, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I need her dead. I know this might be too much, but I don't know what to do anymore,"Her father could have easily told her to forget about James, but he believed that whatever his daughter wanted should be hers. He was so obsessed with satisfying his daughter's wants that he would go to any limit."They are both looking for their daughter, it won't take too l
"Amanda, I didn't bring up that birthday party for my selfish intentions. I was only concerned about your well being and—"Amanda placed her hand gently on her shoulder, cutting her off with a soft but firm gesture. "It doesn't matter what her intentions were. You had no right to treat her like everything was her fault," Amanda said, her voice steady as she defended her. "I made the decision to leave with my daughter, and you couldn't have stopped me even if you tried." "It might have seemed insensitive at that moment, but you shouldn't have treated her like that. Lizzy is my friend, and I know she wants the best for me. Your intentions are good too,Charles...but you can't force your ideas on others," Amanda continued, her eyes softening as she tried to ease the tension. Charles hadn't expected Amanda to stand up for Lizzy, especially after everything that had happened, but he let out a deep breath and agreed."You're right," He said. "I think I went overboard. I'm sorry." "Don't
The next morning, Amanda dialed Lizzy's number. She had been thinking about their interactions yesterday. When Lizzy answered, Amanda immediately sensed that something was different. "Lizzy...are you okay?" Amanda asked, her voice laced with concern. "You're not still upset about yesterday, are you?" Lizzy wasn't upset at all. Her thoughts were consumed by the kiss she shared with Charles. "Lizzy," Amanda called, bringing her back to the present. "Yes!" Lizzy replied quickly, her voice higher than intended. "I am fine. I'm not upset about what happened yesterday. That's in the past now." She added, trying to sound casual. Amanda exhaled in relief, glad that her friend didn't hold a grudge. "I'm happy to hear that," Amanda said softly, her lips curling into a small smile. Despite the relief, she was still unhappy about a lot of things. But she had to get used to swallowing her pain. She couldn't make everyone worried about her all the time."How are you feeling, babe? You seem
Lizzy noticed that Amanda wasn't following her, so she turned back in concern."Amanda?" A gasp escaped her lips as she saw her friend stumbling, struggling to keep her balance. She rushed to her friend and grabbed onto her."Amanda, are you okay?" Lizzy asked, her voice laced with worry. "What's happening? Do you feel dizzy?"I just received a text from another unknown...number," Amanda lifted her reddened eyes, whispering with a shaky voice. "They said that my daughter is with them, and she's not doing well. Lizzy, my daughter might be in danger." Lizzy felt extremely shocked, but she put her emotions aside. Right now, Amanda needed her. "Let's go into the car, so you can explain things more clearly," Lizzy urged, slowly helping Amanda to her feet. "Just take deep breaths,"Amanda did as she was told, and they walked slowly to the car. As they got in, Lizzy handed Amanda a bottle of water from the car.Amanda gulped it down and took a few more deep breaths."Do you feel better n
Amanda's hands began trembling and her face flooded with tears. Slowly, she brought her shaky hands to her face, crying in her palms. She should be glad that someone had her daughter, but the thought of her daughter being hurt somewhere terrified her. What would happen if she didn't reach her in time? What if this person simply wanted to trick her for the reward? "Lizzy, I don't know what to do anymore. I'm so confused..." Amanda sobbed, uncovering her face and turning to Lizzy, her eyes glistening with desperation. Lizzy, who was still feeling the sting of Amanda's earlier attitude, kept silent. Realizing how much she had offended her friend, Amanda apologized. "I'm sorry for yelling at you. I'm just in a disheartening position right now..." Lizzy sighed and looked at her with concern, "I understand, but we've got to think wisely about this," She muttered, thoughtfully taking her hand to her chin. "Why is this person suddenly texting when we're on the verge of uncovering th
"Dangerous," Amanda gasped, her heart pounding more intensely than before. "What do you mean?" "Is he a dangerous criminal or an ex-convict? Please do not keep us in suspense," Lizzy leaned forward, asking. Jack rolled his eyes, leaning back in his seat. "This is why I don't like entertaining female clients. But they are the ones willing to pay thousands of dollars to have someone traced out of jealousy or something stupid," Jack mouthed, glancing between them. "What does that have to do with this?" Lizzy glared at him. "Well, I can't talk if both of you keep questioning me consistently. You women are never patient," He scoffed. "Well, maybe we've paid for your services and expect to deliver more effectively!"Amanda spat, her face scrunched in anger. Curiosity was getting the better of her and was slowly transforming into anger. "Fine!" He huffed again, his tone nonchalant. "The person is neither a convict nor criminal. They are smart." "They? Smart? What are
Amanda's hands trembled as she clutched the steering wheel, her eyes fixed on the winding road ahead, her mind was racing and she couldn’t explain how she was feeling at that moment. She had lied to Charles, promising him that she wouldn't go searching for Kendall, but the urge to find her daughter had become so unbearable that it made her go back on her promise. Getting such information, she couldn’t just overlook it by staying calm. There has been a feeling nagging in her heart, she had missed her daughter and wanted to take her in her arms again.The previous night's revelation of where her daughter had left her reeling – was a possible lead on Kendall's whereabouts, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was running out of time. That she needed to find Kendall as soon as she could.As she drove, the scenery outside blurred into a haze of green and brown as it started raining lightly. Her mind replayed the conversation with Charles, his warning to her to stay safe, to let
Charles had returned to the mansion and didn't meet Amanda. This made him worried, causing him to call Lizzy. "I went out shortly, and didn't meet my car or Amanda at home," Charles said, his voice laced with worry. "Is she with you?" "Yes," Lizzy replied, lying smoothly. "Why didn't she just answer my calls and tell me that she's with you?" Charles asked over the phone, his tone more suspicious. "Lizzy, are you lying to me?" "No, I'm not..."Lizzy replied, her voice almost faltering. "You don't want our relationship to be built on lies, do you?" Charles asked, trying to manipulate her. "Please tell me the truth, I'm worried about her." "She's with me. We are going around town today. I'm trying to take her mind off everything that has been happening. She's been having breakdowns and I just wanted to help her," Lizzy explained, her voice a bit strained. Charles still didn't believe her. He had stopped Amanda from going on a crazy adventure, but he shouldn't have believed her when
"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