Jessica sat stiffly in the passenger seat of the sleel black car, her fingers curled tightly around the fabric of her dress. The man beside her exuded an air of quiet authority, his presence unsettling yet strangely familiar. She didn't know him, yet something deep inside her told her he meant no harm.The silence between them stretched uncomfortably until the man finally broke it with a soft chuckle."You look just like her," he said, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.Jessica turned to him, frowning slightly. "Her?" She ssked"Your mother," he murmured.Jessica’s breath hitched. "You knew my mother?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.The man sighed, a bitter smile playing on his lips. He leaned back against the car seat."I knew her very well," he admitted. "Janet and I… we were close. Very close. Practically lovers."Jessica’s eyes widened. She wasn't expecting this at all."But things ended between us when she met your father," the man continued, "She fell in love with
The bright studio lights cast a warm glow over the set, illuminating the two actresses seated on a bench in the middle of the college-themed backdrop. The cameras were rolling, capturing every movement and emotion as Belinda playing Daria, turned to Jessica who played Graciela. "You should tell him," Daria urged, eyes shining with excitement. "You've been crushing on Wyatt for years. What's stopping you?" she said.Graciela hesitated, her fingers nervously picking at the hem of her skirt. "What if he doesn't feel the same way?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Daria scoffed playfully, nudging her best friend. "Then at least you’ll know, and you won’t spend the rest of your life wondering what could have been. Come on, Graciela, you’re smart, beautiful, and kind. Wyatt would be crazy not to like you back." Daria scoffed.Graciela smiled hesitantly. "You really think so?" She muttered shyly.Daria beamed. "I know so! You have nothing to lose. C'mon girl!" Daria nudged he
Jessica walked out of the room, wearing a cozy red sweater paired with joggers. The air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of pine and damp earth. She pulled her sleeves over her fingers as she made her way to the living room.William was sitting by the fireplace, a warm glow illuminating his sharp features. He held mug of coffee in one hand while scrolling through his phone with the other, his expression calm.Jessica walked up to him then eased herself onto his thigh. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, snuggling comfortably into his chest. His warmth seeped into her, and she let out a satisfied sigh. The two of them were spending the night in a small cottage, nestled deep in the woods near a serene lake. The atmosphere was peaceful, the kind of quiet that made time feel slower. “I like places like this,” Jessica murmured. “When I was younger, I always wished I could live surrounded by nature. Somewhere quiet, just like this.” she smiled.William’s arms tightened around
Rachael turned to face Fred, the gun still in her shaky hands. Fred stood there, his expression calm yet with an undeniable edge. His eyes narrowed, and he asked again, "What are you doing in my stuff?"Stuttering, Rachael struggled to find her voice. "What’s a gun doing in your stuff? And how did you get all that money?" The words tumbled out of her lips. She felt a mix of fear and anger stirring within her.Fred took the gun from her trembling hands, his grip firm and confident. He picked up the black bag that had been lying on the floor. Without another word, he walked toward the door."Fred! Wait!" Rachael shouted, her heart racing as she followed him, desperate for answers. "What did you do to have all that money? What’s going on?"He abruptly stopped, spinning around to face her. "Stop asking questions, woman! Mind your f**king business!" His voice thundered through the living room, "You’re the one who told me to find a job. I did. I found one that suits me just fine." He said.
Alexis broke the kiss and steadied her by the arm, gazing at her in shock. He could taste the alcohol she had through the kiss."What is wrong? What do you think you're doing?" Alexis questioned her softly.Rachael ignored him and cupped his cheek, trying to kiss him but he dodged it."Rachael... Stop," Alexis spoke but she gave a deaf ear to him, still trying to kiss him."Rachael!" Alexis raised his voice and she stopped."I don't know what is wrong but you have to stop this. You can't just resort to this each time the world pushes you to the edge," Alexis said firmly. "In as much as I want to have you, to make love to you till daybreak... I can't, not when you're in this state," Alexis voice softened.Rachael stared at him for some seconds as tears welled up in her eyes and before she knew it, she broke down to tears. Her knees gave up as she crumbled to the floor, weeping bitterly.Alexis knelt down before her, engulfing her in a warm embrace."It's okay... I'm here for you," he s
Fred's head was low, unconscious. He was chained up to a chair. The dropping of water echoed in the quiet room. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a punch landed on his face, waking him up."F**k!" He spat painfully."I couldn't wait any longer," Alexis smirked, tying a white clothing round his right fist.Free tried moving but his movements were restricted. He began struggling uncontrollably."Motherf**ker! Let me go! Is it because of the money? Did they send you to get back the money?" Fred smirked, "We'll share it. 50-50... Are you in?" He asked.Alexis immediately landed another punch on his face."Bastard," Alexis sneered, grabbing him tightly by the hair with one arm while the other rained punches on his face."You f**king piece of sh*t... How dare you..." Rage contoured his face as he kept hitting him non stop."Alex, enough," Rachael intervened, holding his wrist.Fred vomited blood. His face was covered with blood—he looked unrecognizable.His gaze narrowed when he saw Rachael, "You.
A sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a luxurious apartment complex. A soft click echoed as the car door opened, and a Brandon hopped out excitedly."Wow!" Brandon gasped, his eyes widening as he took in the grand structure before him.The towering apartment building stood tall, its glass windows shimmering under the dimming sky, giving the place an air of elegance and tranquility.Brandon turned to Rachael, his face shimmering with excitement. "Mom, is this going to be our new home?" he asked eagerly, his small hands gripping the edge of her jacket.Rachael chuckled. Ever since she had told him they would be moving to a new house, Brandon had been overflowing with enthusiasm, asking endless questions about their soon-to-be home."Yes, darling," she confirmed, stroking his hair gently. "It’s beautiful, right?"Brandon nodded vigorously, his mouth slightly open in amazement."Wow..." he repeated in awe.Alexis, who had just stepped out of the driver's seat, smirked as he leane
Jessica stepped into the elegant restaurant, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor. She was dressed in a sleek black mini dress that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with matching heels and a designer handbag. Her presence exuded confidence and class, drawing a few admiring glances from people around. She barely noticed, her attention focused on scanning the restaurant for the person she had come to meet.A familiar figure raised his hand slightly, signaling her over. Jericho. He was seated near the window, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone, his dark hair neatly styled. A small smile played on his lips as she approached."Jericho," Jessica greeted with a smile.Jericho stood up, wrapping her in a brief but firm hug."How have you been? I didn't hear from you again after the wedding," he said as they both sat down.Jessica offered a small smile. "I'm good," she replied, though the truth was far more complicated.A waiter approached
Rachael's heart pounded violently in her chest, each step a battle against her failing strength. Her breath came in ragged gasps, vision blurring as pain clawed up from the gash in her abdomen. But she couldn’t stop. Not now. Alexis and Brandon were waiting. She had to escape before Fred discovered Sandra’s lifeless body.The mansion was eerily quiet. Fred had no guards—just himself, Rachael, and the woman who now lay dead. Her blood stained the floor; Rachael’s hands trembled with the weight of it.She pressed her palm harder against her bleeding side, staggering through the long marble hallways. Her eyes darted across every corridor, every door, seeking salvation. Fred had kept her locked away like a secret, never allowing her to explore. Now the mansion felt like a maze, cold and unfamiliar.After minutes of desperate wandering, she found the staircase and dragged herself upward, each step sheer agony. The rooftop beckoned. From there, maybe—just maybe—someone would see her.The do
"Hello? Hello! Rachael!" Alexis said on the call but nothing.He quickly hung up and went to his inbox. "Was that Rachael? What happened?" Jessica asked. She was about to state her plan when a call came and interrupted her and from the look on Alexis face, she knew who it was."That's my girl," Alexis smirked when he saw the sketching Rachael sent him.."It's Rachael. She dropped a hint on where we could find her. However we need to act fast before Fred out smarts us," he said."I'll call back the FBI," William said."I'll go get the car ready," Alexis said."Jessica, can you stay and keep an eye on my son?" Alexis said."Your son?" Jessica furrowed her brows. Her eyes widened in realization."Oh... Yes, sure," she muttered."Thanks," he said and left. William cupped her cheek then pressed his lips against hers, "I'll be back," he said."Stay safe," Jessica said.William smiled and kissed her forehead before leaving.___A resounding slap echoed in the air and Rachael fell down to h
The sound of the tap rushing could be heard as Fred washed his hand. Rachael sat up weakly on the bed. A different look flashed in her eyes, something undecipherable. She grabbed a glass vase nearby and on a whim, shattered the vase against the wall.The sound of the broken glass immediately pulled Fred out of the bathroom. His eyes widened when he saw her holding a piece of the broken glass."What are you doing?" He muttered under his breath."I'm tired. I'm done playing this game. I can't," she muttered in tears, bringing the piece of glass to her neck."Rachael, please calm down. Don't do anything you would regret. Rachael," Fred tried to coerce her."I pray you rot in hell," she muttered and immediately brought down the glass, stabbing herself on the tummy."Rachael!" Fred screamed out.Rachael's eyes went wide as blood gushed out of the wound on her tummy. She collapsed to the bed."Rachael!" Fred rushed to her and immediately uncuffed her hand from the headboard.He cupped her
Jessica and William were sitting in the living room when a maid escorted Alexis in. William stood up the moment he walked in."I'll place him in the guest room so he can sleep," the maid said, referring to Brandon, who was fast asleep in Alexis's arms.She took Brandon and left."Bro, it's literally midnight. Why would you—""Rachael has been abducted," Alexis cut him off."What?" Jessica muttered in shock, slowly rising to her feet.Alexis ran a hand through his hair, pacing anxiously, panic etched across his face. The more time passed, the more terrified he became."It all happened in a flash. We were at a restaurant, and she excused herself to use the restroom... then she just disappeared. I tracked her phone and found it in a trash bin near the restaurant—along with all her belongings," Alexis muttered as he paced."I think… no, I know her ex-husband kidnapped her. I should have done something when she complained about being attacked by him. This is all my fault," Alexis breathed
"I hate you," Rachael muttered tearfully. "You're disgusting!" she screamed in anger."Disgusting? I wasn't the one who cheated on their spouse with the father of her child, then had that person threaten her spouse at gunpoint for a divorce," Fred said.Rachael just continued sobbing in silence.Fred stood up and walked toward her, sitting down in the space next to her."Just give in. There's no hope now," he said, rubbing his thumb against her teary cheek."If I accept, do you promise not to go after them?" she said, finally looking up at him."You have my word, love."Rachael looked away and nodded ever so slightly. Fred smiled in victory."That's my wife. My sweet, docile wife," he said, patting her hair gently.Rachael folded her fists tightly beneath the sheets as he patted her hair._____"Pregnant?" Louis muttered under his breath.Amara wiped her tears. "I wanted to surprise you. But you never listened to me... you never had time for me," she said quietly."Amara..." Louis mut
Alexis sat on the chair, drumming his fingers on the table as he occasionally glanced toward the hallway that led to the restroom.He looked at the group of violinists who were already on standby, waiting for Rachael to arrive. The words "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" were boldly written on the cards which the waiters held.He sighed as he checked the time on his wristwatch. Twenty minutes had already passed since Rachael excused herself to use the restroom.The more minutes passed, the more anxious he became.The waitress he had sent to check on Rachael came back with a worried look on her face—and that’s when he knew something was wrong."Where's Rachael?" he immediately asked as she approached."I'm sorry, sir, but I couldn’t find madam. When I got to the restroom, it was empty... Only this note was on the floor," she said, stretching the note toward Alexis.He took it and read it. His eyes widened.“Fuck,” he breathed out, immediately storming toward the exit of the restaurant.He looked ar
Louis was expecting a scared or tearful reaction from Amara, but he was momentarily stunned when she swiftly turned to face him, glaring while holding her stinging cheek.She smirked scornfully before standing. “Go on, hit me however you want. After all, that’s all you can do,” she said before walking away.“Amara,” Louis called, but she didn’t turn back.“Amara! If you leave this room, you’ll regret it,” he warned.Amara turned to him, then smirked before walking out of the room.Louis folded his fists tightly as he glared at nothing in particular.Roland, who was still casually eating like nothing had happened, smiled. “What’s wrong with your wife? Acting up again?” he said.“You tell me. After all, you were the one who forced me into marrying that wench,” Louis snapped.“Or maybe you’re getting too soft on her. Women are like dogs—you need to constantly remind them who their owner is. Your mother was really a docile one. Too bad she passed away,” Roland said.“I’ll deal with her la
Brandon's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at the ring in Alexis’s hand. His little fingers twitched as he could barely contained his giddiness.“So?” Alexis asked, his voice laced with nervous anticipation. "What do you think?"Brandon looked up at him, his expression suddenly turning serious. “You really love my mommy?”“With all my heart,” Alexis said without hesitation. “And I love you too, Brandon. You both mean everything to me.”Brandon squinted his eyes as if sizing him up. “Then you have to promise me something.”“Anything.”“You have to protect Mommy always. No matter what,” Brandon said, bringing up his pinky finger.Alexis smiled, reaching out for his pinky fingers to intertwine it with his, “I swear on my life, Brandon. I will protect her and you with everything I have.”Brandon studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. A small smile played on his lips before he took a deep breath. “Okay, then… Dad.”Alexis felt his heart stop for a second. The word ech
A brief moment of silence settled between them. Stephen looked at the paper, then smiled before standing up and straightening his suit.He placed an invitation card on the table and pushed it toward Jessica."If you're so eager to know what business I have with your family, then you should come and see for yourself," he said."It's such a shame you're already taken. I love feisty women," he added, eyeing her before walking out of the cafeteria.Jessica picked up the invitation card and stared at it."You’re cordially invited to the masked ball held for Halloween. Sponsored by the Shermans."She read the words before glancing toward the door where Stephen had just exited.____Amara and Evan sat in Evan’s car. The silence between them was heavy, broken only by Amara’s soft sobs. She sniffled and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears."Do you feel better now?" Evan asked, breaking the silence.Amara nodded slightly, managing a small smile. "I’m sorry you had to see me like this. M