“Elizabeth Stone, it's been decided that you're going to be sent to the largest prison in the city.” Chief Dallas informed me as he escorted me out of my prison cell.Detective Cavanaugh, who was waiting outside, asked, “Are you ready?" I nodded. "Before I leave, though, could I speak with Chief Dallas in private?"The man let out a tired sigh but ultimately relented. "Alright, but make it quick."Chief Dallas and I walked to his office where we could talk out of earshot. "Is there anything you need, Elizabeth?"“I… I have a favor to ask.”“Tell me,” he answered with a deep, puzzled frown.I felt a lump form in my throat and swallowed it hard. "Will you please keep an eye on my grandfather while I'm away? I worry about him. He’s the type to climb up to the roof to make repairs, carry heavy objects, and do things that aren't suitable for his age. Apart from that, he lives alone. It would be a great relief to me if you could check on him occasionally.”"Elizabeth, you truly are a goo
I never saw the divorce coming. It had been a perfect night. I watched my husband, Crimson Phoenix, dance with the birthday celebrant—my friend Celestine—while enjoying a glass of champagne. His arm was wrapped around her waist, and they moved effortlessly to the rhythm of the music. I was enjoying the moment until an unsettling feeling settled in my chest as I realized they were dancing a little too close. “Are you okay?” a voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned and saw Mia, another close friend. I forced a smile, nodding, but inside, I felt a bit troubled. “You sure?” She tilted her head and crossed her arms underneath her breasts. “You’ve been a bit quiet.” I reasoned I was a bit tipsy from drinking Champagne. She bought the alibi and left to mingle with the guests. Once I'm alone, I sat down on the table and refilled my glass. A short while later, my husband joined me. "I think it's time we talked." He began. I set the glass down, preparing myself for what was comin
I left the hotel in a hurry. Once I arrived at home, the headlines of the newspaper greeted me. PHOENIX CORPORATION's HEIR'S WIFE SPOTTED WITH MYSTERY LOVER"No!"I grasped the newspaper, my hands shaking uncontrollably.There, taking up nearly the entire front page, was a photo of me leaning intimately with a man. The image would be burned into the minds of everyone who saw it.I had never thought — not even in my worst nightmare — I would see myself in such a negative light, let alone on the front page of a newspaper.As I peered out of the window, I could see a swarm of paparazzi eagerly waiting outside the door, like a pack of hungry wolves ready to pounce at me. The mere thought of facing them sent shivers down my spine, as I knew they were just waiting to snap a picture and tear me apart in the headlines.I'm not sure if Crimson had read the newspaper but if the whole Flintstone City had read it, it is likely that he has and I couldn't couldn't imagine how he must be feeling
"Miss?" The driver snapped me back to reality. A beat passed before he asked my destination.I pulled myself together and told him where I wanted to go. He nodded and said not a word for the rest of the trip.Minutes passed by in a blur. But then the silence was shattered when the driver spoke. “We arrived.”The cab skidded into a stop to the place I had promised myself never to step foot ever again. But promises are always meant to be broken, much like Crimson broke his promises and threw them away like a pile of trash.I handed the fee and hastened out of the car, before I changed my mind and fled. I've been fleeing all my life — fleeing from things that pains me, and I'm getting tired of it. Time has come for me to face my fears and this might be a good start.The family ancestral house looked exactly the same as I stored it in my memory and although a long time had passed, the memories of what took place the day I left played in my memory in clear, vivid details."Elizabeth, he wi
I've always dreamed of having children, always wondering what it would be like to have a child of my own, to feel their tiny fingers curl around mine as they drift off to sleep.But my husband didn't want a child. The first time I broached the subject, he grew quiet and distant. I couldn't blame him for it. His father had abandoned him before he was even born, leaving him to grow up with a single mother. Perhaps he feared repeating the same pattern, becoming a terrible father—much worse than his own.However, Crimson got Celestine pregnant. He must have been so in love with her to have broken his promise of not wanting a baby."Move on, Elizabeth. Leave yourself a bit of self-respect and stop chasing a man. Had he truly loved you, he wouldn't have fallen for me!"My friend's words stung, but it's still not an excuse for her to snatch another woman's husband. “Crimson is still my husband,” I spat firmly. She wasn't in a position to be proud in front of me since she's not even the legal
The nurse was gone, but I was still shaken by the news.“Do you want me to call a family member?” the man offered. He introduced himself as Grey Cameron.I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. My grandfather wouldn't be pleased with the news, especially when he learned that the father had already abandoned me. He would undoubtedly come looking for my husband with a shotgun in hand. To avoid the worst-case scenario, I replied, “No, thank you… I'm fine anyway.”Grey's mouth opened. He looked as though he wanted to argue or ask questions, but in the end, he closed it, realizing he wasn't in a position to pry.“I’m going to go back to the bar,” Grey said as he rose from his seat. “I won’t be coming back. However, in case you might need my help, I'll leave you my number.” After scribbling his number on a piece of paper, he left.—The next day, I was discharged from the hospital and went back to work. I couldn't afford to slack off since I had bills to pay.It was a busy day, a
At first, I resisted and met his gaze with a defiant glare. There were more important things to attend to than deal with him. However, I reminded myself that he was still my boss and had authority over me.I let out a deep sigh and took the seat across from him while wondering what he wanted to talk about.“Sign the divorce papers, Elizabeth.” He placed the papers on the table.“Sure,” I replied, which surprised him. I wasn't acting on impulse; I had thought long and hard about this for a few days and had come to the conclusion that divorce was the only solution for us.I took the pen and signed where needed.He stared at me in silence for what felt like an eternity.Finally, he took a deep breath and mustered the courage to speak. "Who's Grey Cameron?" he asked, his voice strained. "Is he your lover?"I rose from my chair after the signing was done."Respectfully, Sir, you don't have the right to know. It's my personal business." After saying that, I turned to leave, but he rose fr
A few months later.My morning sickness had been becoming severe, and it was particularly troublesome every morning. Today was one of those days.With my palms pressed firmly against my mouth, I rushed to the bathroom, my head spinning and my stomach churning with a ferocity that was almost unbearable.I spilled the contents of my stomach into the sink.I hated mornings like this. I hated the onslaught of morning sickness that usually lasted for hours, leaving my body drained like a plant withered by the season.“Elizabeth! Are you alright?”The old wooden panel rattled with each intense knock.My heartbeat skittered, and my face turned several shades paler with fear. I wasn't expecting Grandpa to come, and I didn’t want him to see me in this condition.I hadn't told him yet that I was pregnant because I'm afraid of how he'd react. Being abandoned by a man was one thing, but bearing his child was another. My grandfather would undoubtedly confront Crimson and demand that he take respon
“Elizabeth Stone, it's been decided that you're going to be sent to the largest prison in the city.” Chief Dallas informed me as he escorted me out of my prison cell.Detective Cavanaugh, who was waiting outside, asked, “Are you ready?" I nodded. "Before I leave, though, could I speak with Chief Dallas in private?"The man let out a tired sigh but ultimately relented. "Alright, but make it quick."Chief Dallas and I walked to his office where we could talk out of earshot. "Is there anything you need, Elizabeth?"“I… I have a favor to ask.”“Tell me,” he answered with a deep, puzzled frown.I felt a lump form in my throat and swallowed it hard. "Will you please keep an eye on my grandfather while I'm away? I worry about him. He’s the type to climb up to the roof to make repairs, carry heavy objects, and do things that aren't suitable for his age. Apart from that, he lives alone. It would be a great relief to me if you could check on him occasionally.”"Elizabeth, you truly are a goo
I sat in the interrogation room, my heart beating so loudly that I feared they could hear it through the walls. I knew what was coming but I had prepared myself for it.The door opened, and in walked Detective Cavanaugh. He was a tall man with graying sandy hair, piercing blue eyes, and a stern expression. I felt like he could tear me to pieces just by looking at me.“State your name,” he ordered, taking the seat across from me.“Elizabeth Stone.”“And for the record, are you speaking to me voluntarily?”“Y-yes.”“Are you here to confess to murdering Philip Phoenix?”I nodded, avoiding eye contact as I did so. He had the eyes of a panther, and I feared that if I looked straight into them, he would see through my veil of lies.I had come this far, and I couldn't afford to get caught."Can you tell me what your relationship is with the murder victim?”“He’s my husband's grandfather.”“Are you close to the victim?”“No.”“Tell me what happened at the Summer House on the night of Septembe
The night was simply breathtaking. The sky was a stunning canvas, adorned with twinkling stars that shone like precious gemstones. The soft and refreshing breeze carried the sweet scent of the delicious food on the table. Treating Samantha to dinner was my way of saying goodbye, even though she may not have realized it. “Liz, what are you thinking? You seem so absorbed tonight,” she asked, noticing my distant gaze. I shifted my eyes away from the sky and turned to her, offering her a smile that was as bright as the chandelier lights. But beneath the smile lay a maddening sadness I didn’t want her to notice. “The sky is so beautiful... I couldn’t resist watching it.” It crossed my mind to tell her about my plans, but I couldn’t bring myself to do so. I didn’t want to hurt her, and I knew she would be devastated if she heard the truth from me. I took a sip of my juice and pushed the negative thoughts to the back of my mind. I wanted to enjoy this moment, to cherish it beca
A frown creased my forehead. Apart from Crimson, I have no other ex. He was my first and last boyfriend.He smiled, showing a pair of dimples on his cheeks. “Kidding aside, it's me, Ryle Alexander. I attended Flintstone University, we're classmates on one subject.”I still don't remember him. “I'm the man you turned down before graduation.” He supplied which made my eyes widen in recognition."You're the smart boy with large spectacles and braces?” I gasped in disbelief.“That's me.” He sheepishly grinned. “So what brings you here?"“I've come to inquire about my grandfather's condition. His name is George Stone.”The smile on his lips disappeared as quickly as it arrived“Let's discuss this further in my office," he suggested.As soon as we entered the room, he gestured for me to take a seat before settling down into his own chair in front of a mahogany desk.“I know grandfather's condition so you don't have to keep the truth from me. Tell me everything please.”When Ryle met my gaz
I wanted to hear the truth, even if it would shatter my world and break me apart.He lifted his head, and his sad eyes focused on me. They appeared hollow and unblinking, as if I was staring into the face of a man who had given up all hope of living.“Please, just this once, Grandpa,” I pleaded. Desperation seeped from my tone. “... please... tell me the truth.”"Elizabeth," his voice was tired, matching his exhausted expression. "I know you won't believe me, but I… I didn't kill Philip. I hated the man he'd become — a despicable man who never kept his promises — but I could never bring myself to harm someone who was once like a brother to me."From the depths of my heart, I knew he was telling the truth. I felt a sudden relief, as if a thorn had been pulled out from my chest. Next thing I knew, tears were streaming down my face."Then why? Why did you have to admit that you killed him?" My voice reflected the heartbreak I felt."Because I have someone to protect, Elizabeth. So please
I didn't even resist, knowing how badly I needed it right now because the room was extremely cold.“Can I sit down?” he asked, gesturing to the seat next to mine.Although I may have preferred a bit more space between us, it would not be my place to refuse.“Suit yourself,” I replied with a shrug.Silence lapsed between us until it was broken by his voice.“I'm sorry, Elizabeth.”I stared at my lap to avoid his gaze, wondering what he could possibly be apologizing for.Was he sorry that my grandfather had killed his own? Sorry that I had been unwillingly pulled into this complicated situation? Or perhaps he was merely sorry for how miserable I appeared at that moment. Regardless, his words left me with more questions than answers."You don't have to apologize. None of us wanted this to happen," I murmured under my breath, holding up a hand to stop him from touching me when he attempted to comfort me. I didn't want to be consoled, especially not by him.I stood up and returned his jack
Shaking my head, I told myself he couldn't possibly know about my pregnancy since I hadn't told anyone who could have informed him.I put on a poker face. “I don't know what's running through your head, Mr. Phoenix. Accusing me of lying when I have nothing to gain is not only pathetic but also insulting.”His eyes searched mine. In a low and measured tone he asked, "Are you pregnant?"The confident smile on my face disappeared, replaced by a mix of surprise and fear.I tried to understand why he would ask such a thing. Did he hear from someone else that I was pregnant? But even if he hit home, I was still not going to admit anything. "Of course not! Why would you even ask such a preposterous question?”"Naturally, I must ask. The last time we were intimate, the condom broke.” "No, I am not pregnant," I insisted, praying he would buy it and leave me alone.The mere thought of him discovering my secret filled me with dread. If he knew that I was carrying his child, he would stop at no
I stood frozen in place at the sound of approaching footsteps."What are you doing?" Grandfather's voice boomed through the room and I jumped at the sound. I turned around to face him, my hands shaking as I tried to come up with a lie."I'm just looking for an aspirin," I said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "My head is pounding, and I thought there might be some in here."Grandfather frowned suspiciously at me. “You know there's no need to rummage through the drawers like that. I keep the aspirin in a clearly labeled bottle on the top shelf.” “I just took the last one this morning, and I thought you might be keeping more in one of these drawers."Grandfather's expression softened, and he put a hand on my shoulder. "I apologize; I must have forgotten to refill it, but I'll buy some from the pharmacy tomorrow.”“I’ll do it, Grandpa. I’ll grab some aspirin from the pharmacy on my way to work tomorrow.”“If you insist,” he replied with a shrug. “I shall go back to my room no
Grandfather had left the house by the time I went downstairs in my work uniform. My head pounded with the onslaught of morning sickness. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to take an aspirin.Downstairs, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet. Inside, there was a transparent plastic container filled with a medley of different medicines for various ailments.I sifted through the contents with my fingers in search of a particular familiar packaging. Much to my dismay, I couldn't seem to find any aspirin.A bit frustrated, I decided to check the next cabinet. I reached for the handle and slowly pulled it open.A scream almost escaped my lips, and shivers ran down my spine upon seeing a fourteen-inch knife covered with dried blood.In my shock, I dropped the container of medicine I was still holding, and it scattered on the ground like a burst of colorful confetti.A sudden jolt of fear ran through my body, leaving me frozen in place.The question that plagued my mind was one that th