"Oh my god!" Teressa exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hand."What just happened?" Jason asked, walking towards the door with a cup of coffee in hand. As he saw the scene, his mouth ipened in shock. Laura walked out of the room too, her eyes swollen with sleep as she asked, "What was that sound?" Laura asked, trying to rub her eyes.When she could see clearly, the first thing that pierced her mind was the sight of Lisa and Liam on the floor beside someone."Lisa? Liam?" Laura called as she finally focused on the body laying between them, adding, "Oh my god, Tim!" Teressa hurried into the room and quickly said, "It happened so quickly; I didn't know they would jump on him thinking it was you."Lisa and Liam had a scared look on their faces as they tapped on Tim's chest."Please wake up," Lisa said sadly, water gathering in her eyes."Mummy, I'm sorry," Liam said, looking up at his mother.Laura looked at Jason and said, "Do something, Jason," then turned to Lisa and Liam and sai
"You don't really have to, Jason; if it's something personal, I'm sure you don't want to tell a stranger about it," Laura said.Jason was silent as he stared her in the eyes for a few seconds before saying, "Laura, you are no stranger."Laura walked over to him and pulled him to sit beside her as she replied, "Okay, I'm all ears."Laura could see the struggle in his eyes. She had never seen such a look on his face, but the fact that she could forget about her own issues and focus on his was something she was grateful for."Something happened to me seven years ago," Jason murmured."Seven years ago?" Laura asked carefully to be sure she had heard him right."Yes," Jason replied.That was around the same time I was sent out of town, Laura thought as she reached out and took his hands."What happened?" Lauara asked.Jason shook his head, as if to shake a cloud covering him away."Something happened at the hotel that I want to really forget; it has tormented me for so long," Jason respond
Grace was silent for a few minutes before she finally responded, "Yes, I did."Jared stared at her silently before he finally stepped back from her and said, "Let's hope that your act of bravery does not cost us all.""Isn't that why I want to tell you the details of what we spoke about? I assumed you would want to know that I had resolved it, and you don't have to worry about being corned by her," Grace replied."You know what, Grace? I think it's time you leave. Thank you for dropping by and letting me know the atrocities you've committed," Jared replied."That's enough; I've been at this for how long? About seven years, if I'm not mistaken, when would you finally see that all I want is for you to see that I mean the best for you?" Grace asked."I don't want to talk about this, Grace; you should go," Jared replied, walking towards his door."You are going to talk about it, Jared. My family apologized about Laura all those years ago, but you were h*ll bent on the fact that she was th
Laura's hand was already on the knob when she heard what Teressa said, so she turned to face her."A message? From who?" She aksed."What message?" Agnes asked on the call."Uhm, not you, aunt; I was talking to Teressa." Laura replied."Okay, how about we talk in the morning? Okay, get some sleep tonight, and we'll get a fresh mind for this discussion in the morning," Agnes replied."Okay, thank you; I'll call you tomorrow," Laura replied.As she ended the call, the knock at the door came again, and Laura turned to Teressa and said, "One minute, Teressa, let's see who is at the door first.""Okay," Teressa replied.Laura opened the door, and standing there was Audrey, looking all smiley as soon as she saw Laura."Hello Laura," Audrey said."Hello, Audrey," Laura replied, stepping aside for her to come into the suite."Hey, Teressa, how are you?" Audrey asked as she walked towards the couch and took a seat."I'm fine, thank you," Teresa replied."I decided to come see you, although we
Laura stood up from her seat and asked, "Who did you just say is here?""It's Mr. Jerry Philips, and he is insisting on seeing you," Audrey replied.Laura shook her head in dismay at the fact that her father had chosen to come cause a scene at her workplace."Let him in," Laura instructed, knowing well that was the only way to end it all.He had gone to the hotel, and then here he was again; if she didn't see him, he wouldn't back down."Are you sure?" Audrey asked."Yes, please let him in," Laura replied, adding, "It shouldn't take long once I hear what he has to say.""Okay, I'll go let them in," Audrey replied."Who exactly accompanied him?" Laura asked."I think it's his wife," Audrey replied."Okay, thank you," Laura said.A few minutes later, the door to her office opened, and Jerry and Anna Philips walked through it towards her."Hello, father," Laura said, walking around her desk towards them too.She pointed and directed them to the sitting area as she said, "Let's sit over h
Jason looked up and replied, "Okay, bring her in."Tim walked out of the office to do as Jason had instructed, hoping that it all went according to plan."Hello, Gift, right this way," Tim said, directing Gift towards Jason's office."Hello, Tim, Is Jason in?" Gift asked."Yes, he is, and he is waiting for you," Tim replied."Okay, good," Gift said as Tim stepped aside to let her through."I'll be right at my desk if you need me, Jason," Tim said from the door."Thank you, Tim," Jason replied.Gift walked into the office, her eyes devoid of any emotion as she walked over to Jason and said, "I hope whatever you want to say is good.""How are you?" Jason asked, not replying to her statement."I feel really suspicious that you have summoned me to your office, which is really unlike you, Jason," Gift said, walking over to one of the couches and taking her seat."I believe asking you how you are is because it's been a while since I saw you," Jason stated."And that is totally not my fault,
"Hello Laura," Lily said, walking towards Laura with so much agility."Lily? What are you doing here?" Laura asked before she realized how her words must sound."Oh, I see someone isn't glad to see me," Lily said with a chuckle."Uhm, of course not. I'm sorry it sounded like that. Let's talk in the office," Laura said."Okay," Lily replied, walking towards the office with Laura following her behind."Why is she here?" Laura whispered to Tina, adding, "It's late; should she not be resting or something?""You really should learn to whisper; I can hear you," Lily said, turning to face them.Tina smiled, knowing that, with the sharp ears Lily had, she had learned early on to just speak her mind."Uhm, I was saying, shouldn't you be resting? It's quite late," Laura said."I know, come, let's sit over there," Lily said, walking over to the same couch where Laura had spoken to her father."Okay, I hope everything is good," Laura replied as she took a seat beside Lily."Yes, it is; I was on m
Jason and Tim looked up to see Shawn walk into the office with a smug, satisfying look on his face."Here comes trouble," Tim muttered to himself before looking at Jason to see his reaction."Oh, god, not now," Jason murmured under his breath as he saw Shawn approach him.Jason's expression became neutral to ensure that Shawn did not catch on to what was happening, or else he knew it was not going to play out fine.Whatever he was here to do, mostly, was not good, and Jason knew this."Hello, little brother," Shawn said."Hello Shawn, the meeting room is on the other end of the building," Jason replied."Oh, I know, I'm just here to expel you from the office, you know, because I know you probably won't be seeing it again," Shawn said, a wicked grin on his face.Jason stood there staring at him, wondering what the hell he was playing at."If you will excuse me, I have some things I need to tidy up here before I join everyone at the meeting; if you don't mind, you can head over there by
Shawn and Tobias looked back instantly, and the shock on their faces was so appealing that it brought a smile to Lily's face. "Laura? What are you doing here?" Tobias asked, looking shocked. "You look like you've seen a ghost." Laura said as she walked over and sat in front of them. Before they could answer, they heard a knock at the door, and Laura said, "Oh, that must be him." "Aunt, I thought you said she left," Tobias said, looking at Lily. Lily remained silent and only responded with a shrug. Laura opened the door, and Jason walked into the office, a sight that only made Tobias more scared and Shawn visibly angry. "You were saying something about my family," Laura said, addressing Shawn. "What is going on here? Why does this feel like a trap? Are you suspecting us of something?" Shawn asked, standing up suddenly. "Nobody is suspecting you of anything; we are just asking you about your last statement," Lily said, breaking her silence. "You know what? I'm leaving. I only
As soon as they were alone, Jason turned back to Laura and said, "Let's hear it."Laura shook her head and replied, "Jason, up until this morning, I didn't have the information I have now. I was actually trying my best not to be angry at you.""Why would you be angry at me? If for anything, I should be the one pissed, because you were not picking up my calls and you left without any notice from the event that day.""I know, but if you hear me out, then maybe you will understand my reasons," Laura said, holding up her hand."Okay, you have the floor," Jason said as he took his seat a few feet away from her."I came back to town to find my mother and to find out what happened to me seven years ago," Laura said.Jason was silent as he watched her speak, his expression neutral. Laura brushed her hair behind her neck and continued to explain her mother's relationship to Lily."Suffix it to say that I found my grandmother, but I was not able to find out what happened that one night that I c
Grace walked into Jared's office, demanding to have an audience with him."I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't go in now; he is not on sit," the receptionist said apologetically."I know he is in there; tell him that if he does not see me now, he won't like the next news he hears," Grace responded.Having no choice, the receptionist put a call through to Jared's office again and relayed the message.After a few minutes, she dropped the phone and said, "You can go in, ma'am.""I thought as much," Grace replied, and she walked straight to the elevator.It had been radio silence since her last confrontation with Jared, but now she was going to rain down all the anger she felt within on him."I told you not to come here, Grace," Jared said as soon as Grace walked into his office."I don't give a damn what you say any longer, Jared," Grace replied with scorn."What exactly do you want, Grace?" Jared asked."What do I want? Huh, that's rich coming from you." Grace replied, adding, "You know I h
Lily was surprised to hear that, so she gripped her hand tightly and asked, "What else is there that I haven't said?"Laura shook her head and replied, "No, not you; it's from me.""Oh, what is it?" Lily asked.Laura pulled her hand from Lily's grip and brushed it through her hair as she sighed deeply."Actually, I came back to town because of two things. The first was because of the note you sent to me about my mother, and the second was because I wanted to find out what happened to me about seven years ago." Laura explained.Lily's face squeezed in confusion as she asked, "Something happened to you? What might it be?""Well, I don't know either; all I know is that I got pregnant after, and that was what resulted in my father sending me away from town," Laura replied."What?" Lily exclaimed in shock."Yes, you see, I was betrothed to Jared Tuner, but my stepsister set me up that night," Laura said, explaining what Grace had told her about the same night.There was more confusion on L
"Jason?" Tim called, wondering what was wrong."Okay, Liam, thank you for calling me. Do you know where you stay?" Jason said this on the phone.Tim realized he was talking to Laura's son and shrugged, hoping he got the answer he was looking for."No, that's fine. How is Lisa?" Jason asked.Just like magic, the hard look on Jason's face cleared as he spoke with the children. After a few minutes, the call ended."So?" Tim asked."They are leaving in two days," Jason said."What two days?" Tim replied, surprised."Yes," Jason replied, his voice sounding dejected."Oh, oh," Tim muttered."What did Gift say?" Jason asked."Nothing, just like I told you she would," Tim replied, adding, "Don't the kids know where the house is?""They don't; I think Liam called me from the card I gave him sometimes back," Jason replied."Hmm, well, I think you have tried all that you can," Tim said encouragingly.I am really going to lose Laura, Jason thought as he sat there, staring into space.*************
When Jason walked into the office that morning, everyone who saw him knew something was wrong."Jason, you don't look so good," Tim whispered behind him as they walked through the building lobby."You look like you did not get any sleep last night," Tim added as he noticed a few people staring at Jason."That is of less concern right now, Tim; I need you to get Gift here today," Jason replied as they boarded the elevator."Gift? You mean the same Gift Hatcher?" Tim asked."Yes, I need to ask her about Laura. She mentioned some time ago that they had been childhood friends," Jason replied.Tim shook his head, knowing that was not going to be a good idea, considering the outcome of the last meeting Gift had with Jason."I can basically feel you shaking your head from here," Jason muttered."Uhm, I just don't think Gift would be a good idea; I mean, after the last time, she would not be so keen to see you." Tim explained.Jason was at his wits end, and he was only trying to hold it all t
Jason woke up that morning with a heavy concern in his heart. He had tossed and turned through the night.The night before, he had been stunned by Tim's statement, and for a moment, his heart had frozen."What did you just say?" He had asked."Humm, I just heard from Emily, who heard from Laura's live-in nanny that Laura is leaving town," Tim had replied carefully.Jason had sat at the back of the car, stunned by the news. He had imagined a lot of outcomes from her sudden departure from the hotel, but he had not imagined that she would leave town."When did you get this information?" Jason had asked."Uhm, just before you stepped out of your office," Tim had also replied catiously."Why isn't she telling me about leaving town? Why is she suddenly avoiding me?" Jason asked himself, feeling a sinking feeling in his belly.Now, at the dawn of a new day, Jason climbed out of bed, looking dazed as he murmured, "I never thought I would feel this way."He walked over to the balcony and stare
"I really must have feelings for him," Laura muttered under her breath."Laura?" Teressa called again."I'm fine; I just felt a tiny pain in my chest," Laura said."Okay, let me get you water or something," Teressa said, hurring over to the mini-kitchen in the apartment.Laura's phone rang, and she saw Audrey's name on the screen."Hello, Adurey," Laura said, picking up the call."I think something must be really wrong," Audrey said in response."What?" Laura asked, her brows squeezed in confusion."You never miss a chance to work; that's why I'm wondering what's going on. How are you feeling now?" Audrey asked.Laura shook her head as she replied, "I'm fine, Audrey; I'm just not up for work yet.""Okay, no problem; I just wanted to check in on you," Audrey replied."Thank you," Laura replied, adding, "If there is anything that requires my urgent attention, please let me know.""Don't worry, I will," Audrey replied before ending the call.Laura pulled the phone from her ears and rubbe
"Hello? Lily?" Jason said as soon as he heard her voice."Jason, how are you?" Lily said, breaking into a smile as she realized it was Jason."I'm okay. How are you? Is Laura there? I called to speak with her," Jason replied.Lily looked back, and to her dismay, Laura was gone. She looked from Audrey to Tina, both of whom had unreadable expressions on their faces."Humm, she is not feeling too well and has taken the day off," Lily replied, adding, "If there is anything you want us to help you with, I'm sure Audrey would take care of it.""Oh, yes, of course," Jason replied, the line silent for a few seconds before he added, "Are you aware she moved out of the hotel?"Lily coughed slightly as she replied, "Uhm, yes, I am.""Uhm, so do you know where she moved to? Well, not that I am particularly interested; I'm just, you know, trying to be a good neighbor; I believe we were neighbors," Jason replied, forcing himself to stop after realizing how he must sound."Hmm," Lily said, her brows