ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY I hurriedly exited the car upon hearing Dachiel's information. We went to the location where my child was allegedly taken. To my surprise, it wasn't what I expected. There were police surrounding the area, and it seemed we were late. Someone misled us, pointing to the wrong location, causing a delay. A call redirected my attention to the correct place. It appeared we were intentionally set up to create confusion. I felt desperate and fell into the trap.I quickly approached a police officer and asked what happened. They said that the location was indeed the site of a kidnapping case, but it was too late because the house had exploded. I asked them if they saw a three-year-old boy, but they said they found no one there and the bodies they found were mostly around 25 years old-- probably the kidnapper's henchmen who were caught in the explosion.I was disheartened by what I heard, but a call woke me up again and I found out that a child was rushed to a nearby hospi
I slipped my phone into my bag as I got off the Jeep I was riding. It was eleven in the morning and I had eight hours scheduled for work - it seemed longer than my sleep.I looked at the restaurant where I work and as usual, almost all the vehicles parked outside were expensive because only the rich could afford the food here. Even the leftovers are expensive.I started working here three months ago. I think I've been here since the first month of summer. I needed it because exams were approaching.I almost wanted to cry because I was in my third year. This seems to be difficult for me because my schedule is always full. I chose to study Law.I entered through the back of the restaurant where the employee entrance is located. We are not allowed to enter the main area from outside as we would also obstruct the customers coming in.I took off my small bag and put it in a locker in the women's room. There are two rooms here besides the kitchen door. After I put my things away, I went stra
I hurriedly entered the bar where I'll be working tonight, still catching my breath as I stood at the entrance. The uniform I'm wearing is also wrinkled. As I inhale, I run my hand over the wrinkled part of my clothes to smooth out the wrinkles.The alarm clock betrayed me earlier because I didn't even hear it ring. It's my fault too for sleeping in, knowing I still had work to do.Carlo spotted me from behind the bar, flashing a warm smile. He beckoned me over, "Isabella, it's alright. Don't worry about being late. Just catch your breath and start your shift when you're ready.""Thank you. I got stuck in traffic, and my alarm clock didn't go off," I explained as I caught my breath. As I approached, I could feel my heart gradually returning to its normal pace."These things happen. Take your time," Carlo added before leaving the bar. Perhaps he has other things to do because every time I enter the bar, he goes out and doesn't come back.Carlo is my neighbor in the area where Mama and I
IMMERSED in the depths of my studies, I dedicate my time to preparing for upcoming exams. Days away from the crucial tests, I diligently delve into my books, notes, and online resources within the walls of my apartment. I simultaneously search for a job through local hiring agencies in the area.I massage my temples due to fatigue. Two days have passed since I lost my job, and it feels like I've been stuck in the apartment for months.I check the round clock on the wall near my study area. It's already five in the afternoon, so I decide to take a break and buy dinner from the nearby eatery.My gaze lands on the mailbox in front of our gate. Perhaps there's another letter for Nanay Nelya. She's been receiving unknown letters, and she doesn't know where they're coming from. Since Nanay has no children and is alone in life, she assumes these letters are from friends or siblings.When I'm in front of it, I notice it's slightly open, tempting my curiosity. I didn't plan to touch it, but I c
I quickly noticed what was going on around me earlier. There were some guys and gals chatting, and from what I heard, they seemed to be new acquaintances. What stood out to me was that most of them were older and wealthy.I can count the younger ones on my fingers.Is it possible that some women here come across as aggressive when introducing themselves? They tend to approach the men they like, and at first, I didn't know what their intentions were for doing so.By the way, if I'm not mistaken, I've heard about this event from my classmates, and they even mentioned a website for it.I didn't pay much attention to it because I don't really care about that kind of stuff.My thoughts were interrupted when I saw an older man approaching in the direction where I was standing. He had a short height, a chubby figure, and a beard.Just from his posture, I could say that he seemed somewhat arrogant."Ah, my dear, you possess a rare charm," the man said, his eyes assessing me with a predatory gle
"I heard Sir calling my name, 'Ms. Heyes?'" I noticed that he glanced around as he entered the room."Sir?" I stopped in front of him, expecting that he had something to tell or show me. Time was running out, and only a few of us remained in the room after the exam."The dean asks your presence. Please go straight to his office now," our professor said. I couldn't help but feel nervous upon hearing his words. I knew why I was being summoned.I still had a significant balance to settle due to my inability to pay it off promptly when my mother fell ill last year. I've been gradually paying it off, but it wasn't enough to cover everything at once. The tuition for the course I chose was expensive, and I wanted to avoid taking it, but my mother insisted that I pursue my dream course because she didn't want me to regret it in the end.In the dean's office, I nervously shifted in my seat, my heart pounding. I cleared my throat as
"Wait, why are you here?" So that's why the voice sounded familiar earlier. It was him? I facepalmed myself. Damn, I wanted to see him again, but the timing was just so off.He offered me an ice cream cone with chocolate flavor, so I took it, thinking that maybe he had bought it for me. How embarrassing. He was the one trying to calm me down, and I was being picky.And the ice cream he bought was from a vendor in front of the university, a few meters away from the parking area."T- thanks," I said, still feeling embarrassed. I didn't look at him, but I quickly licked the ice cream to prevent it from melting. It would be a shame to waste it.I felt him sit down beside me, but because he had a broad and muscular build, there was only a few inches of space between us. One nudge and our skin would touch.We sat in silence for a moment. I continued to enjoy the ice cream, the cool sweetness providing a much-needed distraction from my swirling thoughts."I hope everything's okay," Alex final
"BESTIE!" she exclaimed as she swung the door open, enveloping me in a tight hug as if we hadn't seen each other in ages.Before I could utter a word, she eagerly pulled me inside, and we settled down in the living room."Bestie! We crossed paths last night!" she squealed, sounding like a worm sprinkled with salt. I knew exactly who she was referring to – her long-time crush, an actor I wasn't particularly fond of due to his playboy reputation."But," she pouted, "we did meet, and he was entertaining another girl! He even rescued her! Ugh, we were in the middle of a conversation!"I grinned. "Don't be too affected; he just talked to you. It's not like you two are an item."She gave me a sideways glance, leaning back on the couch with crossed arms. "You're so bitter! Can't you just be supportive?""I'll support you if you choose the green flag. You're just colorblind, so even if it's already too red, you're still a go," I teased."Ugh! It's not obsession! I'm just a fan, okay? It's norm