Tyler’s POV“Yuck!! Gosh!” I exclaimed.“I hate you, Tyler!” Madison said drunkenly.“Are you kidding? Aren’t you supposed to say sorry? Now I have to go home smelling like puke.”“That is what you get for being a bully.”Madison was very drunk; she didn't even know what she was doing at that point; her eyes were almost closed. Sophie handed me a napkin so I could clean my body.“Sorry about the mess, sir; do you need water and soap?”“No, it's fine; I'll just take her home. Who ordered these Tequila shots for her, by the way?”“It was the man who tried to assault her; he ordered the drinks for her.”"Alright, thanks. Get me my bill. Let me pay and go home.”“Do not worry about that, sir; Matthew said the drink is on the house.” Sophie informed me.“Why would he do that?”“He just wants to apologize for what happened here tonight.”“Alright, tell him a big thank you. Tell him that I will call him later.”“Alright sir.” Sophie replied and walked away.I stood up and held Maddy, she was
Tyler’s POVThe way she yelled showed that something serious just happened. I am not ready for another drama. I was hoping today was going to be a peaceful day. I just want sanity and calmness for once in my entire life.Maddy started crying; I didn’t even know where to start. She tossed her phone on the bed and I picked it up to see what was making her cry. I wasn’t ready for what I saw, and I was so shocked to my bones. It was a picture of Gem being held hostage.“They kidnapped her, Tyler; they said they are going to kill her.” She was sobbing louder now.I was so confused; the picture was sent by an unknown number.“No! No!! No!!”“Calm down, Maddy; nobody is going to kill her.” I didn’t know what words to use to console Maddy. She was wailing and I couldn't stop her. I became emotional; tears rolled down my eyes. I was holding her as she cried. I felt pity for her.“Try to call the number to find out what they want.”We dialled the number but it was switched off. Maddy was destab
Tyler’s POVIt was a silent trip to the police station and Maddy was looking outside the window. She does that whenever she is worried about something. I was turning to stare at her at every chance I get.My phone beeped. It was a message. I wasn't sure if I was expecting any message from anyone but I picked up my phone and checked the message. It was a message from my father. I wonder what he wanted this time.“You better not mess things up for me! The dinner is in a few days; drop whatever thing you have going on with that woman you are with."It is the audacity of my father to think he would have a say in my life, he was never present in my life, he was always busy chasing money and women, he never gave me the emotional support I needed as a child, he left me to sort things out by myself at a young age, I was making major decisions for myself.I hope to have kids someday and I know I will be a better father, I will raise them with love and care, I would give them the things I never
Madison’s POVRose didn't even give me the chance to explain myself; she ended the call before I could explain what happened. I know she is hurt but she should have listened to what I had to say at least.I was trying to explain to Rose but she was too angry to listen to what I had to say. I wouldn't want anything to ruin my friendship with Rose; it would break me.She was my safe space; I run to her whenever I feel like the world is compressing me; she is always available to talk to me; she is that friend who is closer than a sister.Growing up, her family wasn't as privileged as mine. We attended the same high school and college but she was on a scholarship program because her parents couldn’t afford the bare minimum. I was closer to Rose than I was to Gem.Gem was just a spoiled girl who couldn't relate to life issues. Gem was used to collecting and not giving so it was hard for us to bond because I was looking for stability and she was always trying to drain me.I would ask our co
Madison’s POV “It worked, Tyler! She texted back.” “I told you she was going to.”The excitement in my voice was everything. I sent Rose the address and she replied: “I’m on my way now; I'm still upset with you, though."We finally reached the station and it was crowded. I hate crowds, and it was a great turn-off for me. It was as if everyone went into the station to file a complaint. The crime rate in this country was increasing by the day.Finally, an officer came to attend to us and he took us to an office where it was less noisy. “How can I help you both?" “My sister has been kidnapped since yesterday; these are the messages I've gotten from this unknown number; it is a picture of my sister being held hostage.The officer collected my phone and glanced through it. “Do you mind if I take your phone to our IT room for a few minutes? “No, I do not mind at all."He stood up and exited his office. I didn't realize how cold his office was until he took my phone outside. As I was
Madison’s POV.I wanted to let out my emotions and cry to Rose, but we were in the public and I tried not to allow tears to fall down my face easily."I'm sorry, Rose." I whispered in her eyes as we hugged. "It's alright, Maddy. I forgive you. I am no longer angry; I was just upset that you’ve drifted away.” “Hi Andy, hello Tyler.” She turned to greet them. “Oh wow!! She finally recognizes me.” “Don't be silly, Andy; why wouldn't I? If there was anything, you stopped reaching out.” “That is because you stopped taking or returning my calls.’“Well, that's true, but I've been occupied with family and work stuff, sorry Andy.” “Hi Rose, it is nice to meet you.” Tyler said. "It's nice to finally meet you too; I've heard a lot about you. Maddy and I talk about you once in a while.” "Oh, I see, I hope you heard good things about me.” She turned to give me a naughty grin. “Well, I cannot disclose that information to you right now.” Tyler jokingly replied.They both giggled and we we
Madison’s POV.The restaurant was a calm rooftop restaurant; it was breezy and it was the perfect time to sit in an open space like that.There was no active conversation happening at that particular moment; we were just staring at each other’s faces, nothing more.The waiter came and took our order; it arrived 15 minutes later and we started digging in. We had our main dish and Tyler started a conversation with Andy. “Andy, how do you enjoy working at my firm? Have you been facing any challenges so far?” “Not at all, sir; the work environment is therapeutic; everyone welcomed me with open arms and they didn't treat me like an ordinary intern. We live as a family there and I am so happy to be part of your team. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you sir.” “I’m glad you like it there. I heard you are working really hard and I'm happy to hear that. You can call me by my name; there is no need for formality. When you call me "Sir," I feel old.” “You are not old; me
Tyler’s POV“Put it on speaker so we can hear what the person has to say.” I told Madison.Maddy put the phone on speaker and as suspected, it was someone she wasn't familiar with. “Hello, is this Madison Byers?” "Yes, it is me. Please do not hurt my sister; we will do anything.” “Hurt your sister? My name is Joe, and I'm the guy who hosted the party that Gem attended.” “Oh!! Sorry about that; I didn't know.” "It's alright, I'm calling because I think I have some information that might help in finding her.” He mentioned the reason for his call. “Really!! Where are you? Should I come meet you?” Madison was already moving towards the door."Yes, you can come; my parents are out of town again, but you have to hurry; I need to run an errand for my dad before night falls, so you might miss me if you do not come now.” “I’ll be there in an instant.” “Let’s go, guys; we have no time to waste.” She called out to us. "Maddy, are you sure this guy has useful information?” I wanted to be