The morning of Maria's birthday arrived, filling the Harris household with an air of excitement and anticipation. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the kitchen as the family members gathered to start the day. The sun's gentle rays streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the scene.Ned stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie with care. He wore a crisp suit that accentuated his confident demeanor. His mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead, a mix of nerves and anticipation intertwining within him. He wanted everything to be perfect for his mother's special day.Meanwhile, Sparkle, dressed in an elegant gown, added the finishing touches to her makeup. She glanced at herself in the mirror, a smile of satisfaction gracing her lips. She couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for being included in this celebration. Today, she would not only honor Ned but also embrace the opportunity to strengthen the bond with her newfound friend.However, Ma
Nora's heart sank as she watched Ned and Sparkle share a parting kiss. The shattered glass and spilled wine on the floor mirrored the brokenness she felt inside. It was a painful sight that seemed to confirm her worst fears and insecurities.Desmond, noticing Nora's distress, reached out and gently took her hand, guiding her away from the scene. He led her to a quieter corner of the venue, away from prying eyes and the noise of the celebration.Nora's eyes were filled with tears as she tried to compose herself, her emotions overwhelming her. Desmond held her close, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. He understood the pain she was experiencing and wanted to be there for her."I saw you watching them, Nora," Desmond whispered, his voice filled with compassion. "I know it's difficult for you. But we need to remember that we have each other."Nora leaned into Desmond's embrace, seeking solace and finding a sense of security in his presence. She took a deep breath, tryin
Desmond's car pulled up outside the sprawling plantation, its imposing gates standing tall as a silent guardian. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation he was about to have with Ryan, Nora's brother and Sparkle his sibling. Desmond knew that confronting Ryan about Ned's intentions towards Sparkle would not be an easy task, but he felt a sense of responsibility to protect his sister from him.As Desmond entered the grand foyer of the plantation, he was greeted by the elegant surroundings that exuded an air of opulence. The butler, a stoic man dressed in a tailored suit, guided Desmond to the study where Ryan was known to spend his evenings immersed in his business affairs. "Ryan now has money to have a guard, hmmm, interesting! Desmond thought as he walked behind the stoic man.Ryan looked up from his desk as Desmond entered, his piercing gaze scrutinizing Desmond's solemn expression. Desmond took a moment to gather his thoughts, aware of the delicate nature of th
As Nora's footsteps faded away, Ned stood there in the dimly lit living room, a heaviness settling upon his heart. He could feel the weight of their shared history, the memories of their past, and the pain of their current circumstances.Tears welled up in Ned's eyes as he allowed himself to fully embrace the emotions that surged within him. It was a bittersweet mixture of longing, regret, and a profound sense of loss. He had never imagined that their lives would take such divergent paths, leading them to this moment of heartache and separation.Ned walked over to the window, gazing out into the night sky, the tears silently streaming down his face. Each tear seemed to carry the weight of unspoken words and unfulfilled dreams, leaving a trail of sorrow in its wake.He couldn't help but reflect on the bond he and Nora had once shared, the love that had blossomed between them, and the happiness they had found in each other's arms. But somewhere along the way, their paths had diverged, a
As the morning sun gently cast its golden rays through the window, Desmond stirred from his sleep, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He glanced over at his wife, Nora, who was still peacefully slumbering beside him. With a soft smile on his face, Desmond reached out to gently caress her cheek."Nora, my love," he whispered tenderly, his voice filled with warmth and anticipation. "It's time to wake up. Today is the day we embark on our much-awaited vacation."Nora stirred, slowly awakening from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open to meet Desmond's affectionate gaze. She yawned softly and stretched, feeling a mixture of excitement and grogginess wash over her."Good morning, Desmond," she replied, her voice still laced with sleepiness. "Is it really time already?"Desmond nodded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Yes, my dear. We've been counting down the days, and now it's finally here. Our journey begins today, and I can't wait to spend this time with you, awa
Desmond sat on the edge of the bed, while waiting for Nora he was having a sense of nervousness. "Has she changed her mind?, Won't she come in tonight?' He asked himself. He had carefully planned this evening, hoping to create a romantic atmosphere and reignite the spark between him and his wife, Nora. As he waited for her to join him, he couldn't help but reflect on their journey together.Their relationship had passed through many storms, and lately, the distance between them had grown. Desmond has longed for the intimacy and connection that they once shared. He believed that this vacation would provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect and rediscover their love.As he looked around the room, he took in the soft lighting, the burning candles casting a warm glow. A basket of fresh flowers adorned the bedside table, their sweet fragrance permeating the air. Desmond had even prepared a playlist of their favorite songs, softly playing in the background, setting the mood for the nic
Ned wakes up as his phone continues ringing. "Who could that be?" He asks himself as he struggles to go get his phone from his table. "This is just too early". As he picks up the phone, he discovered that it's just a number without a caller ID. He drops the phone and returns back to bed. He had barely entered into his bed, when his phone rings again."What the heck! I'll call you when I get to the office" he said loudly as if the caller was hearing what he was saying. After he said this, he pulled the dulvet over him and slept off.When he woke up, he hurriedly got prepared and left for his office, he had barely settled down when his phone rang again. "This same person?, Who could this be and why has he been calling me all these while?, Should I answer?" He asked himself as he pulled his phone from his pocket. His curiously got the best of him."Hello, Good morning" Ned greeted with curiosity written all over him."You can keep the greeting to yourself," the caller said. " However, I
Sparkle followed Nora steadily as she made her way to the backyard, curiosity bubbling within her. As they reached a secluded spot, Nora turned to face Sparkle, her expression a mix of concern and confusion." Have you been following me?" Nora asked in shock"Yeah", she responded immediately"Sparkle, I'm glad you followed me," Nora began, her voice laced with apprehension. "Desmond was acting strangely during our vacation, that's why we had to return home. He seemed distant and preoccupied, as if he was carrying a heavy burden, he talked to himself, he screamed at night and the whole of strange acts. I thought he was running mad."Sparkle furrowed her brow, her eyes filled with concern for her sister-in-law. "What do you mean, Nora? Did he mention anything specific or give any indication as to what was troubling him? Or could you remember anything he said as he acted strange?"Nora sighed, her gaze drifting off into the distance. "He didn't say much, but I could sense that something
Nora watched the doctor leave her with what doesn't make sense to her. "How can that be the only word that can proceed from his mouth?" She asked in a whisper. She sat down for some time but after a about an hour, she rose up as she paced back and forth in the corridor, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. "What if you take a seat?" Sparkle asked her"Sparkle, I can't just stand here," Nora said, her voice trembling with fear. "I need to know how he's doing. I need to see him."Sparkle gently hold Nora's hand, her touch calm and reassuring. "I understand, Nora, but remember what the doctor said. Ned is in critical condition, and the medical team is doing everything they can," she said, her voice filled with sympathy. "Rushing into the surgery room won't change anything. We need to trust in their expertise."Nora's shoulders slumped. She leaned against the wall, tears welling up in her eyes. "I know, Sparkle. It's just so hard to wait, not knowing if he's going
Sparkle's hand sank into her stomach as she seems to mistakenly press the send button on her phone, her hand trembled with fear and anxiety. The piercing sound of the gunshot and the thud of someone falling to the ground echoed in her ears, sending shivers down her spine. Her heart raced, pounding against her chest, as she struggled to compose herself and gather her thoughts. She bent down on the other side of Ned's car, her legs failing to move as she intends to move from her position. Her phone slipped from her, she tried to gasp for breath as Ryan's voice followed immediately. "Who fired that shot?" He asked but he got no response. He pulled his trigger and faced his boys. "Who did?" He asked again. "You still don't want to say?" He asked, as he let out a shot in the air. One of his boys dropped his gun and raised his hands up. Ryan rushed to grab his collar"You incompetent fool!" Ryan screamed through gritted teeth, his voice laced with anger. "What have you done? You've jeopardi
At the sight of Ryan Nora froze, Sparkle stood in shock while Ned tightened his grip around the weapon, his senses on high alert. "Ryan," he spat, his voice sounding like that of a wounded lion. "What are you doing here? Nothing concerns you here"Ryan smiled darkly, his gaze fixed on Sparkle. "Oh, but it is my concern, isn't it?" he retorted,. "You think you can just play safe and think you can take Nora away from me? Well, I won't let that happen."Sparkle's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at Ryan, her mind trying to find a way out of this ugly situation. With a steely courage, Sparkle stepped forward, her voice filled with authority. "Ryan, this isn't about you. Nora deserves to be free from your manipulation and control. We won't let you harm her anymore."Ryan's expression twisted into a mask of rage, his grip tightening around a concealed object in his hand, something he hid but the shape of it looked like a dangerous weapon. "You have no idea what you're getting yours
The knock on the door made Sparkle woke up. It was Kate, she opened the door without a response from Sparkle. "What time did you get home yesterday? I was worried sick of you, Where were you?"Sparkle stretched on the bed without opening her eyes. "Mum, I had to finish up with some important things that's why I returned late. I'm fine" she muttered. Kate looked at her for a second time." We'll see to that when you're awake, it seems you didn't know what you caused last night". She said and stormed out of her room.Sparkle woke up again after three hours to the soft rays of the morning sun filtering through her bedroom window. The events of the previous day flooded her mind, and she knew she had to reach out to Ned to share the updates about Nora. she grabbed her phone and dialed his number.Ned answered, his voice laced with curiosity and concern. "Sparkle, is everything alright? Did you find Nora?" he asked, a hint of urgency in his tone.Taking a deep breath, Sparkle began to tell h
Both ladies engaged themselves in series of conversations but as as the daylight began to fade, Sparkle knew it was time for her to leave and return home. She look out the window and admired the golden hues of the setting sun, casting a warm lighting over the city streets. The realization that she had to say goodbye to Nora for now pierced her heart, but she knew she had to go."Nora," Sparkle called softly, "I have to head back home now, Mom and Dad will be waiting; you know how they are, right?. But before I go, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You've shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of trials. Remember that I'm just a phone call away if you ever need someone to talk to or if you need anything at all."Nora smiled appreciatively, her eyes reflecting a newfound determination. "Thank you, Sparkle. I don't know what I would have done without your support and understanding. You've been my strength throughout this journey, and I'm grateful to have you as a fr
Ned looked at sparkle for some seconds, he could tell from her face expression, that she was tensed but was resolved to push further with his questions.He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Sparkle, He knew that the answers he sought may be within Sparkle's knowledge but he doubted her possiblity of opening up, but he was prepared to press for the truth."Sparkle, I need to know the truth, I need you to be open to me" Ned began, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. "Were you involved in Nora's disappearance?"Sparkle shifted uncomfortably in her seat, avoiding Ned's eyes. Her fingers intertwined nervously as she struggled to find the right words. The silence in the room hung heavy, the weight of their unsteady eye contact brought tension between them."Ned, I..." Sparkle's voice quivered, her eyes filled with guilt and uncertainty. "I did help Nora escape. I couldn't bear to see her suffer, but I can't tell you where she is."Ned's heart sank at Sparkle's admission. While reliev
"I believe that he'll be fine. We just need to be strong for him and for ourselves at this point". Mr Harris advised his family. He sat on one of the chairs in the living room, watching everyone dispersing.Kate entered her room, the weight of her emotions crashing over her. She closed the door behind her, Collapsing onto her bed, she buried her face in her hands and let out the tears that seemed to originate from the depths of her soul.The image of Desmond's distressed face appeared in he thoughtsr, his nonsensical and meaningless words echoing in her mind. As a mother, she had always strived to protect her children, to shield them from pain and turmoil. Yet now, she felt helpless, powerless to help her son. She thought about how she had lost her daughter at a tender age and how she was replaced with Sparkle, and now Desmond is almost slipping out of her hands.Tears streamed down Kate's face as she allowed herself to fully embrace her grief. She wept not only for her son but also f
"Hey boss," Mike greeted Ryan. "Why the sudden change of plans?. Ryan looked at him in an annoying way, "that's not the reason I called you here, we have to get to work immediately". He told him as he turned to the direction of the roomRyan and Desmond entered the room. The dimly lit space revealed an empty bed, the absence of Nora casting a shadow of uncertainty over their plans. They exchanged worried glances, their brows furrowed in confusion."Where could she be?" Ryan muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration. He scanned the room, hoping for some clue or sign of Nora's whereabouts. "Desmond, where did you leave before you followed Ned"?.Desmond, his mind filled with worry, did bother to give Ryan a response. He approached the window and looked outside. His gaze shifting from one corner of the plantation to another, searching for any trace of movement. A sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach as he realized Nora was nowhere in sight."She must have
Ned walked out of his father's house, heading towards the car park, but his mind was still unsettled. Since he was in the house, he didn't set his eyes on Desmond nor did he hear his voice. "Would it be wise if I ask after him or should I just mind my business"? He asked himself, taking a halt. After some minutes of deliberation, he returned into the sitting."Did you forget something?" Kate's voice came through."No ma'am. I wanted bro ask about Desmond's health. How's he coping? Ned asked. Harris saw the compassion in his son's eyes. Despite the misunderstanding that always erupt between them, he still cared about his welfare. " Desmond is fine" His father finally said, "Do you want to see him?" He asked. "Sure Dad" Ned responded. His father led the way and they followed suit, he opened the door with his key but their heart sank as they stepped into Desmond's empty room. The air felt heavy with disappointment and frustration. He looked around, hoping to find some clue or indication