Sarah "We couldn't wait any longer. He was too stubborn," the biggest among the three men that welcomes us says to him. Apparently, he's the boss, like I expected.My new captor holds dearly on to me but my gaze is fixed on the morbid body lying at our feet. Without a remorse, he drags me along."Discard the mess and clean your tracks," he booms as we walk into the lobby of a large mansion. My breathing is tense. If only I could scream or run. Fuck! it's pointless. Our hurried footsteps echo loudly as he continues to pull me."What about Shanghai?" one of his guards call out from behind. He doesn't seem to stop walking fast as though there is something so important and we're late for it."Shanghai? What about him? Didn't he stop by?" he questions as we approach one of the flight of stairs that converge at the top, leading to the first floor. It's a massive place, the railings gleaming like molten gold, and floors so immaculate they seem to echo every step. The cream-colored walls pla
Marco"The damned money was supposed to be with me before noon," my voice slices through the salty sea breeze, my hair dancing restlessly across my brow. I command the top deck of the yacht that belongs to Andrey, anger etching deeper lines on my face."I've been occupied, " Andrey retorts casually. "Yeah, right. Occupying yourself with those skinny things. I really thought you had good taste," I sneer, my gaze a venomous arrow aimed at the bikini-clad girls lazing all over my brother. Andrey, ever the charming host, presses his lips to the cheeks of the women flanking him. "Ladies, care to continue our party inside?" he coos. The longer I watch him, the greater my fury.It's only the second day, a mere forty-eight hours, and still no word about Sarah. Sophia hasn't gotten any tangible details and it's all Andrey's fault. "Oh, little brother, you're back sooner than expected. Couldn't manage on your own, eh?""You've forgotten your promise, Andrey. Or should I seek our father's aid
SarahThe past forty-eight hours have been pure torment. From a plaything, bought to satiate every dark whim of my new captor, to a guinea pig, subjected to test the potency of various hard drugs. Potent enough to knock me senseless within minutes. I need no confirmation; I'm back to being an addict, perpetually yearning for the next experiment. But for some reasons, no one has come to check on me. I lie wasted on the oversized mattress. Naked. To quote the Don's cruel words, "Clothes are but an impediment."I sniff hard, a hysterical cry rising within me. I crave more of that substance. That tiny stash I managed to smuggle from the testing room is exhausted. Madness feels like an understatement.Yet, there's one crucial thing the drug does: it fuels my craving, making me long for it even more. It grants me temporary distraction from my unbearable reality. With every inhalation, I escape to a glorious paradise, free of those beasts around me. I surge from the bed, pounding my fists on
MarcoOver thirteen guests has ordered me for a refill like some cheap waiter and Betty hasn't gotten back to me. The waiters aren't allowed anywhere close to the main banquet. My instincts must be right. Don Joe sure knows how to clear his tracks. I've thought about involving the cops, but that could implicate both Sarah and I. Especially now that Sarah's true identity is oblivious.I drop the serving tray, seeking for every way possible to break the fortress blocking me from my treasure —Sarah. There are lots of guards around and their countenance is nothing close to friendly. They're all armed and would stop at nothing to kill an intruder on sight. Walking cautiously into the main hall, I attempt a wild move, strolling along to the guards. The music blares and the people converged into the heart of the event, making the hallways scanty. “I have a direct order from Don,” I step towards one of guards.“The Don requested you?” the guard questions, scrutinizing me. Other guards turn t
MarcoIt's not the most elegant of hospitals but that was the nearest place away from danger and Sarah needs urgent medical attention. “We really should be finding our way out of this place before they trace us down here,” Betty insists frantically, while I await, at least, a word from one of these nurses parading the lobby. “We are not having this conversation again. I already told you. We leave only when she is fine. Like I said, you don't have to stay. Hit the road already.” I resume my attention more on the ward door, wanting them so desperately to swing open with a glimmer of good news.“Wait what? You really think I came this far only to just let her go? And to who? To some random stranger who nearly got us killed back there. I mean what were you even thinking jumping out of the car like that—”The doctor walks out of the ward. I rush towards him, leaving Betty behind.“Which one of you is related to Miss. Mayhill?” the doctor questions.“i am–”“I am–”We both respond, leaving
MarcoStill on the run, I dial Betty’s number. After all, she’s the only familiar person in town that could pass for a partner in a strange land. Just when I think I've lost the cops chasing after me, two emerge abruptly from behind, as I continue down the busy road. A fragile package lays behind, one whose life hinges on me for both an escape and a survival. I wouldn't want my reckless driving contribute to her complications.“Hang in there, Sarah” I whisper to myself, finding the courage to dial Betty’s number as I proceed the wild chase. There’s just one cop car whirling behind me, matching the annoying siren above my head. I never imagined controlling an ambulance with an actual patient. A patient I'm so madly in love with. “Where the fuck are you!” Betty is the first to yell over the phone as she answers my call.“In a moving ambulance.”“oh great, you’re a patient now? I hope the bullet got into your skull—”“I’m fucking driving the ambulance!” I interrupt impatiently, “Thanks f
Marco“Depends on what you mean by that, Marco. You never asked, remember?” Betty replies as I rush to meet Sarah, who, for one, has a vague expression on, staring weakly at us.“Get away from her,” Betty threatens, rushing into the clothes by the chair and leading Sarah out.“You know how worried I was that I lost her and yet you took advantage of the situation by forcing me to have—”“You think I was just going to stand back and watch your plan ruin everything I’ve been working for? Please snap out of that and be thankful. I had to take her out of the hospital while you busied yourself with disguising as a doctor for an escape. So pathetic.”I fall silent, watching Betty tuck Sarah back into bed in a small room opposite us. I don’t know how to feel. I really believed I lost her. But there’s something about this new Sarah. She doesn’t seem to recognize anyone. Especially me.“We’re taking you home, Maria. You’ll get enough rest now,” Betty tries to calm her down but Sarah continues to
Marco“Hey...hey…it’s okay. I’m here now. I won’t hurt you. Remember our deal, right?” I try to persuade her, my hands raised in the air in surrender.“I promised to take care of you…okay. Now give me the knife and let’s get you something to eat.”“NO! Get away from me.”“Please, Sarah. You’re bleeding,” I plead, as I notice her arm drenched in her own blood with no idea how she sustained the injury.“I won’t hesitate to rip you apart if you come one step closer.”“Fine. I’m right here. I’m not moving,” I reply, staying still, but my heart pounds heavily, as Sarah threatens me with the weapon.“Will you give it to me now?”“Move…” she commands, “Lead the way out.” My hands are still raised above my head, stepping out of the kitchen, backward, my gaze glued on the weapon.“Okay...See. I’m doing exactly as you say. Would you listen to me now?”“You’ll hurt me. You’re gonna kill me…” Sarah begins to panic.“Trust me, Sarah. I would never hurt you. I brought you here to protect you.”“You
Marco"How many times do i have to repeat this? I'm not Betty," she responded in a frenzied whisper as Ricco's voice overshadowed every other sound in the room. There's another task. Never an end to his missions, but thankfully, amongst all the people he called out, I don't fall in the list.Celebrating the temporary freedom, I watch as Betty gets up from me to join the selected crew.I don't pay much attention on the instructions. It's none of my business.Big Tom is addressing them but Betty and i exchange eye contact. I need to find the truth from her and the only way to do that is to exploit her witnesses.It's not my fault that she provided me one on a platter of gold.After a brief discussion with Ricco about the delivery of new sets of ammunition, i head out of the mansion, in search of Betty.I find her standing by her car, about to get in."Elizabeth Maguire," i announce, few metres away from her. I watch her reaction as she stiffen. Definitely Betty. One doubt crossed. N
SHAWNThe fucker is standing right next to her. I hate to see her cry but she deserves to be punished. Everything I've ever done has been for her, yet she chose to trust this fucker over me. Brought my very son to him. I try not to think about how many times he's had to touch her. My Maria.She can't belong to anyone else and she knows this.The anger grows rapidly inside of me as the doctor halts in front of her."Please, don't do this," Maria pleads. She's managed to crawl to the door. Her cry stings my heart as the fucker attempts to land a kiss on her.That's when I reach my limit. The guts he has. All I wanted was to scare her, to make fear me, respect and just follow me.I'm more than enough for her. That has to sink in her tiny sexy brains.Three close shots. He goes limp, and falls right by her side.She screams, shutting her eyes in terror."You've forgotten who I am so soon," I say, approaching her and kicking the body away from her.Now that I've details about the doctor
SarahHis grip over my mouth is so hard. All my attempt to get away proves futile. My heart beats even faster as he pulls me out of bed.My back is against his chest but as we walk past the large mirror in the room, he halts.His gaze rests on my reflection. "Maria, i dont like that look on your face. Everything I've ever done has been for your own good."All i do is shut my eyes, hoping this is a dream. A lucid dream Michel assured me that Shawn was a forgotten past.I didn't bother to ask how he knew but i believed stupidly.Shawn leans towards my ears, his grip tighten against my mouth."I've something to show you. Please, Maria, please, dont do anything stupid."He grabs the sheets on the bed to cover my naked body up."Do you miss me? There's no doubt. You do. But i'm mad at you. Maybe I'll be able to forgive you afterwards. Just maybe..."He pulls me towards the door. The tears trickle down my cheeks over his palm."I hate to see you cry," he continues as he unlocks the door,
Sarah"I got a call..." Michael begins, resting both palms on my shoulders, like he's about to give a long speech.His reaction makes me uneasy. At least I made sure no one noticed when i left. "Remember i mentioned something about my sister living in the same neighborhood with you."I nod in agreeement. "There was a fire."I pretend to be shocked, but i am. How did he find out so quickly. "Is your sister okay-.." i ask."Yes. But," he hesitates but continues, "The fire started at your place.""My house is on fire?" I force the tears to leave my eyes.Michael pulls me into a hug making it easier for me to fake it as I cry aloud against his soft fabric."This is now your home, Sarah. I'll also replace everything that was lost in the fire," Michael adds. I pull away from him, thankfully my face is wet enough."You don't have to. Maybe this is a sign for a fresh start indeed," i blurt out. "I don't want to look back anymore.""I agree, Sarah. The police have begun investiagtion on th
SarahI knew the doctor to be comfortable, but i would never have guessed that he could own such a massive place. There are a few staff around, as they help us unpack the few luggages we brought. A bag for Carlo and one for me. "It's massive," i whisper under my breath as i pat Carlo on my shoulder. He's still fast asleep."I have something to show you," the doctor says, guiding me away from the lobby with bright chandeliers at the centre, towards the flight of stairs ahead. We arrive at the first floor. The first door to our right leads to a room. "Are you ready?" he asks. I nod, gaping around like some lost stranger. I've lived in luxury all my life but with the doctor, it's different.I'm not a prisoner.As he opens the door i find a beautiful nursery all set up.My palm clasp over my mouth, stopping me from exaggerating my emotions, careful not to wake Carlos.The emotions rush in as i step in. It's blue-themed. A typical baby-boy room."I'll call in a nanny to take care of hi
MarcoThe old woman doesn't seem to buy my story. Her look spells suspicion.I retain the smile on my face, closing the gap between us while I continue,"I'm surprized Elizabeth never mentioned it. She told me she'll be here also.""I'm going to call the cops on you. Stay away," she yells making her way back in."Grandma," the little boy comes running out, stopping the woman in her tracks.He's holding a picture frame, extending it to the woman. The boy for one is certainly smart.The woman takes a glance at the picture, and back at me.I catch a faint view of it. A picture of Andrey. For some reasons, he looks almost like me. It's part of the reasons i don't believe Ricco and his lies.Andrea and I have always shared a striking resemblance."Do you believe me now?" i say to the woman, squatting in front of the boy and ruffling his hair."What's your name big man?" The boy doesn't smile. Not a word escaped his mouth. Just the surprise written all over him."Your story had better b
Shawn For a doctor, he sure is a hard man. I barely escaped him. Not without a severe hit on my arm and a bruised knee. For one, i acquired the vehicle, in on piece, however broken my bone feels right now.I've to lay low. Get these fuckers off my track for now or i just might be a cheap prey for them. I'm heading north, with no direction as i try to set up the GPS of the car.They will try to find the village now that I've exposed one of the hideouts.Even though it will be no use to them. There's no way they can crack the vault without the clues in my possession.Still, i'm living nothing to chance. Not the inheritance I worked for. Not ever. I drift into a sharp corner, viewing the rare view mirror for any sign of my enemies. It looks all clear. I keep driving, searching around the car for notes. I'm dead broke, for a man entrusted with such wealth.I find a dollar bill and make a brief stop at a grocery store.Before i get out of the car, I clean off the blood stains on my
ElvisA tall man in clean suits and black shades draw my attention. Immediately I turn around he says,"Come with me."I follow behind closely. Soon, we arrive in front of a black limousine parked by the corner of the road. He opens the door for me as I step into the unknown.There's a woman sitting opposite me in the luxurious car.She has a white hat on and every other clothing on her matches her hat, except the red scarf around her neck and the dark shades. The white hat covers a good portion of her face, making me catch only a faint view of her nose and a deep-red lipsticks, matching the scarf around her neck.The whiff of her flowery scent subdues my sense of smell for a minute."We've been expecting you, Mr. Elvis Griffin," she says. "Let's say, we have a better offer for you, that'll make you reject the one your boss offered.""Who are you?" I ask, my voice frantic, the air in the vehicle suddenly feels more tense."You don't need to shout. Besides, if i had ill intentions tow
MarcoShe attempts to keep driving, threatening to knock me down but I stand my ground. I move no muscle.She can't hit me. I know that for sure.Besides, it's a weak attempt. The frustration is evident in her expression as she storms out of the car."what the actual fuck are you? Get out of my way," she yells. Instead i fold my arms, staring at her with a cold smile."Really? That's how you treat an old friend?" I tease."I dont know what you're talking about," she replies, turning off her headhlights. The dim lights in the garage is the only light source we have now. She walks up to me, still looking flustered.But she can't fool me.“Quit the pretence, Betty.”“Look, I don't know who you're and why you were hired. But it's best we stick to our roles here. And who the hell is Betty?”"What I don't understand is why you brought Sarah into all of these.”“There's definitely a mix up somewhere. I'm not who you think I am. Now get lost before I knock you down," she breaths, yelling fr