Chapter sixteen Lucas Gambino's PovI was in a furious state, which led me to my office. It was the only way I could pass the time. I needed to keep myself occupied with work in order to control my anger.While sitting in my office, I looked through some documents, patiently waiting for reports from my trusted colleagues. However, this waiting was starting to make me feel uneasy. I was becoming impatient and nothing seemed to interest me."Why are they taking so long?" I wondered.At that moment, my thoughts turned to Shirley and what she might be up to. It was bothering me and I couldn't find peace with it. Even though I had sent people to keep an eye on her, I still felt uneasy. I had a feeling that something would go wrong, especially knowing for a fact that Shirley is known for being mischievous."Waitress..." I said with a smirk on my face. I couldn't believe that was the job she chose over stripping."What's wrong with you?" I asked myself. I could sense a change from my initi
Chapter Seventeen As soon as I reached the Clubhouse, I gracefully alighted the vehicle, observing the admiration and respect in the faces of those around me.As soon as I stepped out, I noticed a crowd gathered at the front door, with many people waiting in line.The pleasant scent in the air indicated that my presence had captured everyone's attention, causing them to momentarily forget their own affairs and gaze at me.I couldn't help but smile at the sight, knowing that my business was thriving. There were hundreds of people waiting to be checked in, and my wealth was steadily multiplying.Of course, this was to be expected. Only authorized individuals like myself could access the Clubhouse without registration.I scanned my surroundings, remaining vigilant as unexpected situations could arise. While I wasn't necessarily afraid, I knew that there could be potential troublemakers if they recognized me. My elegance alone did not reveal my status; it was only when my name was mentio
Chapter Eighteen I observed a gleam of delight on Fernández's face the moment I uttered Shirley's name, and it instantly caused a crease to form on my forehead. With an intense gaze fixed upon him, I inquired,"What brings you such amusement?" I questioned, my eyes locked with his. I yearned to uncover the source of his amusement.Fernández continued to chuckle, refusing to utter a single word. Summoning all my courage, I nodded my head, pointing towards him."Have you stumbled upon a jester or something? Do I look like a clown to you?"I eagerly awaited his response, shooting him a stern glare. I could only wonder what audacity he possessed to perceive my words as a jest. It isn't the first time he is hearing Shirley's name either.An abrupt silence enveloped us, followed swiftly by a clearing of his throat. I could sense that he was preparing to speak, but instead, he chuckled once more and replied, "Boss, no, not at all. Please forgive me, but it appears that you have developed an
Chapter NineteenShirley's PovWhile moving through the passage, I caught glimpses of the outside world through the holes, seeing the bright glow of streetlights shining through the cracks. This discovery filled me with excitement and showed me that I was making progress on my journey.The darkness felt so overwhelming, but right now, I could smell the fragrance tinted with hope.When I found out that the path did lead to an exit, just like Pamela had said, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. I couldn't help but wonder how she knew about this hidden place. Carefully, I approached the end of the passage, where a faint light was coming from a hidden crevice. As I reached out to investigate, my hand brushed against a metal cover that sealed the exit shut. Upon closer inspection, I saw a lock that I didn't recognize, keeping it closed.Determined to break through this barrier, I gathered all my strength to try and open it, but my efforts were unsuccessful. In that moment, a plan formed i
Chapter Twenty While having the conversation, I noticed that he was considering ending the call."Wait," I said, stopping him.I wondered how I would be able to reach Felix in thirty minutes, considering the long distance. The thought of it filled me with uncertainty.I couldn't see a solution to the situation on my own. I needed more than just a partner; I needed someone to help me because it seemed beyond my capabilities."What's wrong, girl? I'm here for you."I needed to find a way out, if possible. A way that didn't require me to figure it out on my own."Can you help me?""Girl... What other help do you need? You haven't even mentioned the first help you need, and now you're asking for a second one."Asking Felix for assistance was the only way I could come up with a plan, as he was always smart and committed.Hearing his calm response made my heart fill with hope. This was just the beginning: asking for his help. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It felt like a dream come
Chapter 21.Lucas Gambino's PovFury consumed me upon learning of Shirley's escape. It felt as though I had been deceived, but it was painfully clear that my loyal crew, especially Cleo, would never dare to play games with me. He simply wouldn't stoop to such levels.I could only blame myself for not being astute enough to anticipate her plans. The signs were all there, trying to guide me, but I foolishly ignored them.The self-blame intensified as I recalled the unsettling intuition I had when she made her request. It provided a clue, but I chose to ignore it, and now she has vanished into thin air.The rage within me was uncontrollable, evident in the fire that blazed in my eyes. I even contemplated dismissing everyone from the club, consumed by anger. However, the thought of losing money, something I hold so dear to heart and couldn't afford to lose, restrained me. The pain of Shirley's escape, taking my hard-earned cash with her, was already driving me insane. How could I bear los
Chapter 22.Shirley.I felt a surge of happiness as I easily got off the road. The relief it brought me was evident.I tried to relax and enjoy the ride, but the way the car was being driven was confusing. My heart started racing as I found the whole situation irritating. The vehicle was moving at an incredibly slow pace, almost as if a snail was driving it. It was frustratingly slow, even slower than if I were walking.I had a feeling that something was about to go wrong, but I couldn't predict what it could be. Despite being in the car, I suspected the driver's intentions. It seemed like he wanted to get me in trouble or had some unknown plans.I patiently observed him driving for a while, but then he turned on a loud music player that blasted songs into my ears. It was clear that he was completely absorbed in the music, humming and singing along."Slow and steady, that's how I want it!" he shouted cheerfully, nodding his head in excitement. This was not a leisurely drive or a pleas
Chapter 23Lucas Gambino's PovThere I was, seated in the living room as I critically looked into the documents before me. I could tell that I was in no way paying attention to them but had no choice. Business first!My stay at the strip club could only add up to my rage. I couldn't tell if I should get mad at myself over letting Shirley do as she had desired. There was no time for regrets, I certainly know that I will find her irrespective of where her hideout could be.Deep within me, I was burning in rage while I awaited a positive feedback from Fernández and the men hoping it doesn't happen that Shirley has successfully escaped. The update I patiently awaited was to be something I could take.I had put down the documents because they bored me. I needed to do something that could take away time without being bored, so I turned on the television and had my eyes fixed on it. Entertainment could possibly help me exercise some Patience.“What do you plan to do if you don't find her?” I
Chapter 30He held me firmly in his arms. I could tell he had missed me too. I watched as he ran his fingers through my hair that feeling alone was unexpected. The last time I experienced such was when I was still a little girl."My little girl... I've missed you," he said, which made me feel even more loved."Father..." I called out."My lovely princess is back, my little girl is back..."I couldn't help but chuckle. He was still referring to me as a little girl."Dad, stop... I am no longer a little girl, I am a grown woman now, father, and a woman."He scoffed and wasn't willing to admit it. "I wish I could get used to that. But you, listen to me now, even if you turn fifty years old this instant, you will always be my little princess.”I rolled my eyes in agreement, acknowledging that fathers always have a knack for finding his way around things. We might end up exchanging words, but in the end, he would always come out on top and emerge the winner."I am your daughter, after all.
Chapter 29Kendra's PovFernández stared at me intently through the center mirror, his eyes fixed on me. I couldn't understand why he was behaving so strangely. All I had done was ask a simple question, and now he was acting suspiciously."Why did you suddenly stop the car like that? What if there's an accident? How will you explain it to your boss and my dad? Don't you realize the danger you're putting us in?" I shouted, my voice reaching its highest pitch. I couldn't make sense of his intentions."I'm sorry for that, but why worry about nothing ma'am? You have nothing to be concerned about, Miss Kendra. The boss is just busy. There's no reason to be suspicious," he replied.His response seemed more appropriate, but it was clear that he had rehearsed it beforehand, as if something shady was going on. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than meets the eye."You told me not to be suspicious, yet you yourself seem suspicious," I countered.He scoffed and nodded, but
Chapter 28"Did you just frown at me? I asked you a question and instead of giving me a reply, you are giving me an attitude?"Rage was already brewing within me at the sight of him."Ma'am, you just got into the country. You just came back from a long journey. The boss is currently very busy which is why he had asked me to come and welcome you""He should have come by himself, Fernández! It's been years he has seen me. So, why the hell is he not here? This is unlike him and you know it! Stop trying to give excuses for him! He used to be here with roses to welcome me." I mumbled.At first I had thought the roses were given to his guards as a pre-welcome to be handed one by him as soon as I got closer but that turned out to be a wrong guess."I apologies for that, Miss Kendra. This is why I am here to pick you. Master can't choose to leave you here without sending anyone on his behalf if he can't make it. You know this don't you? He cherishes you way too much to let you down. Please..
Chapter 27Kendra's PovUpon my arrival into the country, I looked around, scrutinizing and immediately noticed a significant change in the surroundings. The place looked completely different from what I remembered. Not giving much of my will to figure out its changes, I looked around with a smile on my face. It had been a long time since I left the country, and now my arrival was something I could proudly boast about.“I have arrived…” I stated in composure as I took in the fresh air, exhaling slowly. It was as though it was going to take forever to return. My thoughts revolved around the handsome young man I had left behind, Lucas Gambino. I couldn't help but exaggerate.“Ma'am” A guard of mine offered, stretching his hand towards me. He was actually giving a helping hand to help me get up so as to leave the plane immediately. The warm smile I had on could denote a bossy reaction. I was highly pleased to see how things were going. This was the kind of treatment that royalty like mys
Chapter 26"Girl... Let me tell you something, I have given you a very good identity. Choose one amongst the best of all. Please, for goodness sake, quit the thought of cutting off your hair. Common,”I rolled my eyes at him in disbelief. Was that all you wanted to say to have taken so much time? I scoffed, paying no attention to him."Yes girl. I am damn serious. A hair like yours can only be compared to that of Rapunzel. Look at you girl... you look so good with it"He came closer and placed his hand on my head, smoothing the hairs on it. At this point, I felt like a child being accompanied by her father. I couldn't help the feeling of loneliness I felt for so long and here he is, trying to remind me of the good old days.“Felix… I can't hide forever you know. I don't plan to. The few months I wish to hide from him, I want to have my very own freedom away from being caught. Cutting my hair is the only way”"No, no, no, that is where you get it wrong girl. Do you know that this hair
Chapter 25Shirley's PovAs soon as I got into the apartment, I looked around and confirmed it was secure. The hideout seems to be a perfect place.“A nice place you've got” I compliment as a frown suddenly bounced on my face. I could feel a swing of my mood, unable to tell what next my focus should be.Felix offered me a seat and headed to the kitchen to get something we could eat but my saddened heart couldn't help the burden I felt. Just then, I sighted a mirror which was highly decorated with colorful bulbs surrounding it. It caught my attention and drew me closer to itI sat down In Front of a mirror, looking closely at my own image. A blade shone to my eyes as soon as I looked beneath the table. Having a check, it was a barbing blade. I could tell there was more that is contained in the carton underneath the table. Checking through, I sighted a clipper which I picked up. An idea popped up immediately. I just find myself seated before the mirror with the clipper in my hands, sta
Chapter 24I stared at the men before, what deal could they be here to offer me? Judging a book by its cover was indeed a clear representation to the way I felt at the moment. Even the hobo on the street looks far more responsible than these ones. I could smell the stench of poverty and lower class on them.It seemed like they were messing around with me. I could tell it from their reactions and words. They could barely compose themselves, no value, and no ethics. I raised my eyelids and stared right at their faces, it better be something good. “What deal?” I inquired.They both looked at themselves and then laughed, they stood up and closed the space between us.“You've got to be kidding me” I muttered with a smirk on my face.It seems they are in for trouble. “You give us the money that bitch owes us and we let you be.”Was this a joke or something?Empty threats! I couldn't believe that they had followed me all the way into my apartment in order to challenge me and give threats.“A
Chapter 23Lucas Gambino's PovThere I was, seated in the living room as I critically looked into the documents before me. I could tell that I was in no way paying attention to them but had no choice. Business first!My stay at the strip club could only add up to my rage. I couldn't tell if I should get mad at myself over letting Shirley do as she had desired. There was no time for regrets, I certainly know that I will find her irrespective of where her hideout could be.Deep within me, I was burning in rage while I awaited a positive feedback from Fernández and the men hoping it doesn't happen that Shirley has successfully escaped. The update I patiently awaited was to be something I could take.I had put down the documents because they bored me. I needed to do something that could take away time without being bored, so I turned on the television and had my eyes fixed on it. Entertainment could possibly help me exercise some Patience.“What do you plan to do if you don't find her?” I
Chapter 22.Shirley.I felt a surge of happiness as I easily got off the road. The relief it brought me was evident.I tried to relax and enjoy the ride, but the way the car was being driven was confusing. My heart started racing as I found the whole situation irritating. The vehicle was moving at an incredibly slow pace, almost as if a snail was driving it. It was frustratingly slow, even slower than if I were walking.I had a feeling that something was about to go wrong, but I couldn't predict what it could be. Despite being in the car, I suspected the driver's intentions. It seemed like he wanted to get me in trouble or had some unknown plans.I patiently observed him driving for a while, but then he turned on a loud music player that blasted songs into my ears. It was clear that he was completely absorbed in the music, humming and singing along."Slow and steady, that's how I want it!" he shouted cheerfully, nodding his head in excitement. This was not a leisurely drive or a pleas