Madeline was shocked when Marie and Daniel walked into the restaurant. Her eyes grew wide upon seeing them. She rushed quickly to her boyfriend and twin sister. She jumped on top of Daniel and gave him a hug as though he’d expected the playful hug. With a kiss on his lips, arms around his neck, and legs around his waist, they shared a tender moment without thinking about the people around them. Joyful tears poured down their faces as they had this tender reunion. Remembering her sister, Madeline stepped out of Daniel’s hug and greeted Marie with a warm hug. They had put their past sibling rivalry behind them in the last few months they’ve been away from each other and restored their relationship. Following the tearful embrace with her sister, Madeline turned to Amanda and Stephanie, two of her friends. “How did you accomplish this? “How can I get my boyfriend and twin sister here?” she enquired, blotting her tears. “It wasn’t too difficult, really. We asked your si
Madeline pulled her phone out of her pockets and smiled when she saw the caller ID. It was her father, Lucian. She answered the call."Hello dad," Madeline said smiling as she fumbled with her room keys."Hello, my love! Happy birthday. I hope your day was amazing," Lucian's kind voice rang out over the phone. "I'm grateful, Dad! It was incredible. I had fun," Madeline answered, opening the door to her room."It sounds exciting! I'm sorry your mum and I couldn't come but we'd send you a small birthday present. You'll get it tomorrow," said Lucian. Excitement sparkled in Madeline's eyes. "Really? Thank you, Dad. I can't wait to get it." "I'm happy you're expecting. How are you doing? How are things going for you in college?" Lucian asked. After locking the door and going to her room, Madeline sat down on her bed. "Though difficult, I'm getting by. Daniel and Marie surprised me by coming for the birthday celebration. Actually, they were invited by my friends and I was r
"I'll be coming home next week. I want to celebrate this year's Christmas with my family," Madeline announced."That's great news. It's a good thing I'll be home too. We'll get to spend some time again before we go our separate ways back to school," Daniel said. "I can't wait to be home," Madeline said.That week, Madeline and her friends took the exams and after their last paper, her friends, Amanda and Stephanie persuaded her to go with them to a club to celebrate. But She didn't want to go with them. After some hesitation, Madeline agreed because she was eager to unwind after taking the exams. Ready for a fun-filled evening, the three friends got dressed up and made their way to a well-known club in the city.The bright lights and throbbing music enveloped them as they stepped inside the vibrant club. Ever the social butterfly, Amanda suggested that they head straight to the dance floor. The three of them laughed and danced, relishing the carefree times.But when a group of guys
"Good morning Jake," she said over the phone as soon as Jake answered the call."Good morning Madeline. I hope you slept well," Jake replied."Yes I did but I should be asking you that question. You were the one who sustained an injury last night. Did you get to sleep at all?" Madeline asked."Well, I tried. I kept going on and off because of the pain but I will be good," Jake answered."Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear that. It's all my fault," Madeline said sadly."Okay Madeline, for the last time, stop blaming yourself. I sustained this injury for a good cause and I don't regret it and neither should you," Jake said."Ok Jake. Anyway use I spoke to my parents this morning and they agreed to let you come over and spend Christmas with us at our house," Madeline mentioned."Oh really, that will be really nice. Please extend my gratitude to them and let them know how pleased I am to hear this," Jake replied."I will. So, I was planning to travel home tomorrow. Will you join me or should I g
Madeline's face blew up in excitement upon seeing who her visitors were. Her high school friends, Emily and Sarah got up from their seats excitedly as they rushed over to her while Daniel stood, his excitement turning to that of confusion and rage upon seeing Jake "Oh my gosh, Emily, Sarah," Madeline yelled excitedly.The ladies formed a group hug as they jumped up and down in excitement. Anne and Lucian watched the girls with smiles on their faces."I'm so happy to see you," Madeline said."We're so happy to see you too, Maddie. When your mum told us that you were back, we couldn't help but be here to see you," Emily said."I've missed you both," Madeline said."We do too. We're sorry we missed your birthday dinner. I was actually writing exams then while Emily was occupied with school projects and all," Sarah stated. "It's fine. I'm just glad you're here now. We get to celebrate Christmas together," Madeline said.Their giggles and conversation were interrupted as Daniel walked to
Madeline looked at her mother wondering what was going on. She got down of bed and followed her mother downstairs, her friends following behind her. They got downstairs only to be faced wit something they never expected to see.Daniel was standing with his bags on the floor beside him. Madeleine wore a look of confusion on her face as she approached Daniel."Babe, what's going on here?" She asked."I came to spend Christmas with you guys," Daniel said with a smile on his face."What? This doesn't make any sense. You live next door or a few doors away, which means you can come from home on Christmas to join us in the festivities. Why do you have to come with your things and stay here?""Well, my mum decided to travel at the last minute to see her family on the other side of the world and I didn't want to go with her because I wanted to spend Christmas with you. I didn't want to be alone in the house and that is why I came over here with my things. Am I not welcomed here anymore?" Danie
The pool party was fixed for the next day, the eve of Christmas. The following afternoon, Madeline, Marie, Amanda, Stephanie, Emily, Sarah, Jake and Daniel went to the hotel they had chosen and went to the private swimming pool they had booked earlier. "We're here now. Please let's try to have fun," Madeline said to everyone. Everyone nodded, hoping to have a fun time. The ladies went to tbe ladies shower to take a shower before entering the pool while the guys did the same but one at a time. When they finally came back, they got into the pool and started to party.They played music and danced in the water. Finally they decided to play a game."Let's play volleyball," Amanda suggested."That would be difficult to play inside the pool," Emily replied."That's what makes it even fun," Amanda replied."Okay, volleyball it is," Emily said."Is everyone in?" Amanda asked."Yeah," everyone chorused."There'll be two teams. I'll lead the first team and Madeline will lead the second team,"
Madeline returned to Harvard after the festive break. Amanda, and Stephanie, her roommates, welcomed her with stories of their own holidays. The memories of the Christmas pool party with Daniel, Jake, and friends lingered in her mind, a source of warmth during the chilly Cambridge winter.As classes resumed, Madeline dove into her studies with a newfound determination. Long-distance calls with Daniel, who was studying in Colombia, became a lifeline, and they navigated the challenges of maintaining a strong connection across borders. One day, driven by a desire for focus, Madeline decided to study at the library. As she delved into her books, she spotted Jake across the room. It had been a while since they last met, and a sense of familiarity washed over her. She couldn't help but smile as she approached him."Jake, it's been ages! How have you been?" Madeline exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice. Jake looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Madeline! I've been good. I can
Madeline manages to break Free of Daniel's grasp and runs to stand in front of the guards that is about to shoot her friends. She yells at Daniel "if you want to kill them, you have to kill me too." Daniel scoffs walking towards her " don't be foolish, you can't possibly want to die for their sake, you've hardly know them." Madeline screams at him " what is wrong with you,I love Jake and nothing is going to ever change it even if I go with you my heart will never belong to you, you will never have my heart so why not just kill me instead." Daniel stunned at her revelation looks at her surprise that she was willing to go the extent of dying for her friends, for Jake. Daniel walks to where she's kneeling and grabs her hand " if you won't love me willingly then you'll love me by Force." he grabbed her hand and drags her to the car. He pushes her in and shut the door. He turns around once more he tells Tony to handle her friends. Daniel is about to get into the car and drive away w
The tension in the room is palpable as Tony stands in disagrees with Daniels plans. Tony shakes his head, "You're gambling with everything we built. The gang is not just a means to an end; it's family. Don't forget that."Tony's frustration deepens . "You think leaving the gang is the solution? Daniel, this gang is more than just a way out for us. It's a brotherhood, a family. Remember when you first walked through those doors? Henry doubted you, but I saw potential. I stood up for you, vouched for you, because I believed in the leader I saw in you. We swore an oath to the gang, Daniel, to prioritize the gang before anything else." Daniel clenches his jaw, the weight of Tony's words sinking in. "Tony, Madeline is the key to a life beyond all this. We won't need the gang if we have her and the wealth she brings. Can't you see the bigger picture?" Tony's eyes reflect hurt and disappointment. "You're willing to sacrifice everything we stand for just for your personal desires. This gang is
Madeline, despite the escalating horror, keeps her gaze steady, refusing to break. Daniel's eyes narrow, his frustration growing. He leans in, his voice a dangerous whisper, "I'll keep going until you decide to talk. What happened?" Madeline grits her teeth but doesn't relent. Sarah, in pain and fear, pleads with Madeline to tell Daniel whatever he wants to know. Madeline finally breaks her silence ."Fine, stop!, I'll talk." Madeline pleads with Daniel to stop the cruelty towards Sarah. "Please, Daniel, she's hurt enough. I'll tell you everything," she implores as tears start streaming down her face. Daniel, relentless, insists, "Talk, and maybe I'll consider stopping." her voice shaky but defiant. "We were trying to escape. We had a plan to contact someone who could help us get out of here." Daniel smirks, pulling the knife away from Sarah's throat. "See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" he says, almost amused. Sarah, relieved that the pressure on her neck has eased, is gasping for br
In Daniel's office, a tense atmosphere filled the room as he mulled over the mysterious turn of events. "Sarah's sudden illness is too coincidental. Madeline never mentioned anything about her having a condition," he pondered aloud, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. Determined to unravel the potential deception, he summoned both the guard and the doctor into his office. The guard entered, standing at attention. "What did you observe when Sarah fell ill?" Daniel questioned. The guard, visibly uneasy, stammered, "I, uh, didn't really pay much attention, sir. I was focused on getting help for her." Daniel's sharp gaze scrutinized the guard's response, but he dismissed him and turned to the doctor. The doctor, who seemed less perturbed by the situation, remarked, "Honestly, it seemed quite routine down there. As if they were accustomed to such occurrences." Daniel's brows furrowed in suspicion. "Accustomed? That doesn't make sense. Something's not adding up," he muttered to hi
Daniel sat back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips, he found himself in a moment of contemplation. Tony, his trusted friend, had always been a loyal companion in the gang, never questioning Daniel's authority or plans. The sudden resistance from Tony left Daniel questioning his decisions. Staring at the dimly lit room, Daniel wondered if he had truly thought through the entirety of his plan or if his actions were driven more by emotion than rationale. He ran a hand through his hair, wrestling with the internal conflict of doubt. "Am I doing the right thing?" Daniel murmured to himself, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. He shook his head as if trying to dispel the doubt. The plan had already been set in motion, and there was no turning back now. He had invested too much to back down. As he contemplated the decisions ahead, Daniel recognized the necessity of finishing what he started. The consequences of what would happen if he failed, and he couldn't afford to let doubt
In the dimly lit prison, Stephanie, her curiosity piqued, asked, "So, what's Plan B, Jake?" Jake, explained, "Plan B is contacting Justin. He'll come with friends and get us out of here." Relief washed over the group. "But there's one problem." Jake adds and Madeline sighed, " what is the problem then?" Jake, revealed, "The problem is we need a way to contact Justin." Marie, voicing the collective frustration, groaned, "They took our phones when we came into the prison." So, how do we contact Justin without our phones?" Jake, thinking on his feet, replied, "We just need to get a phone without anyone realizing." Madeline, questioned, "How do you propose we do that? They're watching us closely." Jake, undeterred, stated, "We wait for a guard to come down here. Surely, one of them will have a phone on them. We can try to get the phone, send the message to Justin, and get it back to the guard " Marie, frustrated, sighed, "And how do we get a guard down here? Everything is getting more co
Madeline stares at Daniel still not able to grasp the fact that he betrayed her. She listens as he continues talking. Seated back in his chair, Daniel continued his revelation, a twisted pride in his words. "I got one of my guys to suggest selling drugs to Ashton. Predictably, he bought the idea. Little did he know, my guys were watching him. When he sold the drugs, they waited for the right moment, stole the money, leaving Ashton in a bind." Madeline, disbelief etched on her face, asked, "You set up Ashton to get him involved in drugs, knowing he'd do anything to protect Marie?" Daniel nodded, "I Ashton to owe a debt because I knew he'd want to protect Marie so he'd definitely send her out of the country and if their romance was as strong as everyone said it was she'd definitely want to help him and who better than her own twin sister to help her." Madeline, shaking her head in disbelief, muttered, "What happened to the sweet Daniel I used to know? How did you become this person?" D
The guards led to others out the door forcefully. Daniel gestures to Madeline telling her "take a seat." Madeline, standing defiantly, refused Daniel's command to take a seat. He sighed and decided to continue his story, as if seeking understanding from the person who once meant the world to him. "It was asking for help that brought me into this world," Daniel confessed, a somber tone in his voice. Madeline, though visibly hurt and confused, remained silent, urging him to continue. Daniel delved into his past, revealing a stark contrast to the life Madeline knew. "My mother and I weren't always rich. Her parents were so poor that they had to give her to her uncle, who was living alone, hoping he could provide a better life for her." Madeline, her eyes widening with a mix of surprise and sympathy, finally spoke, "I had no idea, Daniel. Why didn't you tell me all this before?" Daniel, with a bitter smile, replied, "Because I knew you wouldn't understand. Your perfect world and my strugg
The tension in the room escalated, the group grappling with betrayal and shattered trust. Madeline, her voice trembling, demanded answers from Daniel. "What is Marie talking about, Daniel? Why are you doing this?" Daniel, grinning with a sinister satisfaction, confessed, "Marie is telling the truth, Madeline. I never came back to Colombia seeking forgiveness. I came back for wealth, and you were my ticket." Madeline, bewildered, asked, "What do you mean, I'm your ticket to wealth?" Daniel, enjoying the power shift, explained, "The treatment for my mother's cancer drained our resources. I realized marrying into your family, taking over your father's business, was the only way to secure our future." Madeline, hurt and betrayed, demanded, "So, everything between us was a lie? You never loved me?" Daniel, unapologetic, admitted, "I needed you for my own gain. When I saw you with Jake, I became enraged. I was supposed to be the son-in-law, taking over the business. But you moved on, and I