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CHAPTER FIVE
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2025-02-09 12:02:40Flora’s POV
ON THE WEDDING DAY; AT THE RECEPTION It's finally the long-awaited day, and I'm so excited. The wedding at the church went well, and we're presently at the reception venue. "You're very lucky to have Stanley as your husband Lora", Jessica, my maid of honor said to me "Yeah, you're right baby. He's really a god sent to my life", I replied to her, having a shy smile on my face It's now time to exchange gifts The guests were bringing in their gifts, while Stanley and I accepted them with smiles on our faces. We were doing so until one particular handsome-looking man in a black suit came in with his gift "Congratulations on your marriage. I pray it lasts long and bear fruits", the man said, handing us his gift "Thank you very much", I appreciated him, smiling at him I turned to look at Stanley because he hadn't said anything since the man gave us his gift. Normally, he was supposed to accept and appreciate him, but he didn't do any of that. Instead, it seemed like he had frozen up "Hey, say something", I whispered, tapping him to snap from his trance and do the right thing, but the man had gone by then "What's the matter with you? Why did you freeze up like that?", I asked him, feeling worried "He's my future disaster", he said, his voice sounding so distant and trembling. Future disaster? What does he mean by that? I ignored him and the ceremony continued even though Stanley was a little bit lost. THREE MONTHS LATER It's been three months since my wedding with Stanley. Three months of having the title 'Mrs Davis'. I must say, it feels so good to be called that. I feel special being addressed as such. Around two weeks ago, I was having some morning sickness and some symptoms of pregnancy. I really wanted and wished to be pregnant, so I took a pregnancy test, and it was confirmed that I was indeed pregnant. This news came as a source of blessing, happiness, and strength to the relationship between Stanley and I. Our family members were elated to hear the news too including my mother-in-law who came to visit. I'm very sure this baby is my gift from God. I really needed another bundle of joy other than Stanley, and God granted me one. The pregnancy stages weren’t easy since it was my first time, but thank God I have Stanley and my family to take care of me MONTHS LATER… The day that we have all been waiting for finally arrived. Our little bundle of joy was born. It's a baby girl, just like Stanley had predicted. He had always wanted a daughter first, and I had always prayed to God to grant him his heart's desire because he is truly a good husband, and I'm sure he will even be a great father, so he deserves it. "Aww she looks just like you sweetie", Stanley said for the hundredth time today. He has been calling baby Aurora since today and has refused to let anyone touch her. Yes, we decided to name her Aurora, after Stanley's grandmother's name because Stanley thinks baby Aurora looks like her Well, who am I to object? As long as the baby's name is a fine one, then I'm good with it. Aurora is a wonderful name anyways "Stanley, please let us carry her for once, please. We will hand her over to you soon", I heard my mom pleading with Stanley to let her carry baby Aurora, and I was on the bed just smiling because I was very sure Stanley would refuse "Alright, you'll carry her soon. I'm coming", he replied, still not giving the baby out He has been like that since today. I really don't have any issues with that for now As long as they would let me have my baby once I recover, then it's fine. After some days we were discharged from the hospital and we went home with our baby girl Baby Aurora is surely a source of joy to people around her. She doesn't disturb me and she smiles a lot. She's very obedient. She only cries when she's hungry or when her diaper is full and she needs to change I must say that Stanley has really been a supportive system for me "She's also my daughter, so I must take care of her as well", that's what he keeps telling me anytime I thank him for his assistance. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. It's been four months since baby Aurora was born, and I must say, things have been going smoothly Or so I thought? Our happiness was short-lived as Michael chose to resurface from nowhere like a lost lamb that just found its way home I don't know how he found where we were living, but he came to my home, where Stanley, I, and our baby Aurora lived This time around, he wasn’t here for me. Instead, he came for my baby, baby Aurora!!! "I want my baby with me", he said, his voice sounding confident "What baby are you talking about?", I asked him, my voice laced with worry as I stood up and faced him angrily. "You know the baby I'm talking about. Baby Aurora of course", he began. "I'm surely going to change that silly name you gave her, once I claim custody of her" "And what gave you the right to claim my baby as yours?", I asked him, feeling so upset. Stanley kept quiet throughout while Micheal was making all his ridiculous claims. "If you think I'm lying or crazy, then let's do a DNA test", he later said, trying to sound so sure of what he was saying What if he's actually correct? What if his claims are right? I was worried sick of why this devil in human form had come back for me. "Alright then. We agree, but only if you foot the bill", I heard Stanley from behind me agree with his ridiculous claims I turned to look at Stanley with a look of betrayal and disappointment, but his gaze on me was pleading for understanding He is right though. We need to know the truth, and I just hope my truth is the only truth. Michael's statement should not be true. But he sounds so convincing. What if he's planning something underneath? "Fine then, I agree to foot whatever bill there will be", Michael agrees with Stanley's condition The test was conducted that very same day and the once happy home is on the verge of collapsing and disruption. Days later after the test was done, the result was finally ready. This is time to know if Stanley is the father or if Michael is But I was so sure that Stanley was the father of my baby girl Or so I thought… "What does the result say? Is Aurora Micheal baby?", I heard my mother-in-law ask, her voice laced with worry Everyone in the family must be feeling so tense like I am right now. "Well, Michael isn't the father of the child", the doctor said I jumped up with joy in my heart. Stanley also came to hug too "The paternity test shows that the baby has 0.00 percent gene from Michael, which makes him not the father", the doctor continued "You see, I told you that you are not the father of my baby, but you refused to believe me. Now what do you have to say for yourself?", I asked Michael, trying to mock him His face was now red from anger. He has always had anger issues. On a normal day, I'd have gone to hide so that he wouldn't beat me, but now I'm not afraid. I have Stanley and the rest of my family by my side "So now that you've gotten what you want, you should leave. You loser", Stanley shouted at Michael, his voice was full of happiness, giving Michael a wicked grin "Yes, I'll leave, not until the doctor reads out the result for Stanley's paternity test too", Michael said, he still had the nerve to talk "Since you asked for a DNA test to be conducted, it has been done. And it is confirmed that you're not the father, what more do you want?", Stanley tackles him, his voice laced with anger, and am sure any moment he could pounce on Micheal the way he saved me before. "Yes, I know, but I won't leave until I hear the results and who the child belongs to", Michael said, still persistent in staying I was getting confused and curious as to why Michael wanted to be sure of who the Father was, if it wasn’t Micheal then surely it will be Stanley I assured myself "Okay then. Please doctor, what's the result? Tell us, so that this pathetic man can leave us alone", I asked the doctor, feeling uneasy already "Hmm, Stanley isn't the father of the child either", the doctor said slowly "WHAT!!", everyone exclaimed
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Flora’s POVMy phone vibrates in my hand, and for a moment, I hesitate. I’m afraid of what I might see. With shaky fingers, I unlock the screen and open the message.A cold wave of fear crashes over me.It’s a picture.My mother and Aurora. Tied up. Their eyes wide with terror. A dark room surrounds them, shadows creeping along the walls.I gasp, a strangled sound escaping my throat. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear myself think. My breathing becomes shallow as I stare at the image, my mind scrambling for a way out of this nightmare.Then another message appears."Your move. No police. No games. You should’ve come to the party. Actions have consequences."My fingers tighten around the phone. I have to do something. I can’t lose them. I can’t let them suffer because of me.There’s only one person I know who has the power to help me.Senator Jones.I rush out of the offic
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Flora’s POV The morning air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth from last night’s rain. I’m feeding Aurora in the kitchen, watching her chubby fingers clutch at her bottle, when my mother’s voice calls out from outside. “Flora!” There’s an edge to her tone, something unsettled. I glance toward the door, then back at Aurora, who’s peacefully drinking. “What is it, Mom?” She steps inside, wiping her hands on her apron. “The guards… they’re gone.” I blink, confusion settling in. “Gone?” She nods, glancing around as if expecting someone to appear. “Not a single one in sight. They were there last night, but now… nothing.” I let out a slow breath, forcing a reassuring smile. “Maybe they were reassigned. I’ll handle it, Mom. Don’t worry.” Her face is tight with concern, but she doesn’t push further. I hand her Aurora and head upstairs to get dressed, determin
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Jessica’s POVThe night feels suffocating. The chandeliers cast their golden glow over the grand hall, laughter and chatter filling the air, but I hear none of it. I see none of it. The people around me are dressed in opulence, their masked faces barely hiding the judgment in their eyes.I force a smile as I sip my champagne, but I can still feel their whispers slicing through me like knives. She’s not Flora. She doesn’t belong here. Stanley made a mistake.No matter how much I tell myself it doesn’t matter, that they’ll all come around eventually, it still stings. They don’t know me. They don’t know what I’m capable of.I glance around the room, searching for Stanley. I need him by my side. If they see us together, maybe they’ll take me seriously. But he’s nowhere in sight.A flicker of movement by the balcony catches my attention. My heart skips a beat. Stanley is standing outside, leaning against the railing, his back turned to the party, his entire posture tense. Something
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FOURTY TWO
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SHADOWED DECEPTION: Unraveling The Truth CHAPTER FORTY ONE
Flora’s POVMy phone buzzes with a new mail. I glance at the agent sitting across from me, completely immersed in her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard. I hesitate for a moment, then unlock my phone and open the message.It’s a picture.I narrow my eyes, staring at the familiar face,Mr. Alvaro. One of the men I met at the meeting yesterday.A second message pops up."After tonight’s party, get ready. You’ll be swapping some documents in his office."My heart pounds in my chest. Swapping documents? What the hell does that mean?I swallow hard, forcing my expression to remain neutral. I don’t want to raise suspicion. The agent glances at me, her brows furrowing. “You okay?”I nod quickly. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired.”She doesn’t look convinced, but she nods and turns her attention back to her screen.I need answers. Now.Pushing my chair back, I grab my phone and head straight for Mr. Rivera’s office. My mind races with questions, my nerves wound tight.When I reach his
