Nadia’s POVStuck at the back of thecar with Noah, I heard my name. My skin was already peeling from my wrist withhow tight Noah was gripping it. I was covered in sweat and my heart keptpounding nonstop.“Let me go, Noah,please!” I pleaded tears escaping my eyes.“Nadia?” I heard Sidd’svoice beside the car window.“Sidd?” I mumbled,looking at him.“Who the hell is he?”Noah queried, knotting his brows in anger.“Let her go, bastard,”Sidd groaned, pulling the car door open. The traffic lifted and the drivermoved off, pulling Sidd roughly along. “Stop the car!” I yelled.I struggled with Noah as he tried to hold me still. “Sidd,” I cried. He won’tlet go of the car. I thrust my foot at the driver and his hands slipped off thesteering wheel, he pushed the brake instantly and the car came to a halt. Siddforced the door open and dragged Noah out, landing him a blow to the face. Noahspilled blood. I hurried out of the car. Sidd’s men joined us and fisticuffs beganbetween the me

I took Zeehan to school the following morning. We left as early as possible. I desperately wish to see the boy who dares to touch my baby. Sleep couldn’t wash away the anger from my heart. I crouched in front of Zeehan, adjusting his collar.“Baby?” I called. “Can you recognize the boy that slapped you?” I asked.“Yes, Mummy. He is Edward,” he responded. I nodded and stood up, holding him to his class. “He is coming!” Zeehan announced, pointing at a boy of about 10 years old, coming along beside his mother. A sly smile crept to my face. We waited for them. The moment they neared us, I left my five fingers on the boy’s face. He staggered back, almost falling before his mother held him.“Hey, are you mad?” the mother yelled, checking Edward’s cheek as he teared up. “What is wrong with you, woman? How dare you hit my child?” she tried picking up a fight before the teachers and security interfered.“Warn your stupid boy deeply,” I pointed an angry finger at her. “The next time he dares to

Returning to the hotel, Iheard people murmuring, swiveling their faces away from mine when I glanced atthem. Fear gripped my heart. Were they suspecting me already? And why are theystaring at Zeehan like that? Is it that obvious that Zeehan resembles Siddharth?I collected my room key from the receptionist and hurried to my room, carryingZeehan in my arms. And the weirdo lady earlier. Why was she talking like apriestess? Her tone almost made me quiver. It seemed she was seeing what wasgoing to happen in the next few days.“Mummy?” Zeehan called aswe reached the room.“Yes, baby,” I smiled.“Are we still going tosee Aunt Hema?” he queried, sitting on the bed. Huh? Aunt Hema? What has shedone to my baby? Is she truly a witch? I have heard scary stories about Indianwitches or black magicians before. I just hope she isn’t manipulating my baby.I sat with him, pulling him closer to me.“Why do you ask, baby?” Iqueried, trying to hide my surface-threatening fear.“I want to see h

I spent the night inprison, with no food, and no water. I wonder how my baby is doing. Is Hema taking careof him? Will Sidd come to my rescue? What if he doesn’t show up? Who would bailme out when I told Hema not to come look for me? Dear God, please save me fromthis. Water splashed on my face and I gasped, opening my eyes to see a womanglaring at me with a cup in her hand. It was morning already. I didn’t see herthroughout yesterday, is she just resuming? I scrambled up from the floor.“You should have justwoken me up, ma’am, not with water, okay?” I said boldly. She let the cup fallfrom her hand and left her five fingers on my cheek. My head whipped aside andmy eyes turned red instantly. I gradually returned my face to her. She had herjaw clenched, ready to unleash another terrible punishment on me. I drew backfrom her. She yanked at my hair, pulling me closer to her. This lady shouldthank her stars she’s a cop. I won’t tolerate just anyone mistreating me likethis.“You

Nadia’s POVIt dawned on another hellish day. As usual, I was woken up with water splashing to my face. Wiping the water off my face, I beheld the face of my tormentor. How on Earth did I meet this woman? How much did she collect to snatch life out of me? I looked at her. I don’t have a single strength to deal with her torture today.“Time to scrub the floor,” she dished out. I didn’t commit murder. I was just detained but she’s making it look like I was sentenced to life imprisonment. The only thing that will make me stand up from this floor today will be me going home. I won’t serve the punishment of a murderer under detainment. I ignored her. “Are you deaf?” she snapped, grabbing my forearm roughly.“Ouch!” I winced at the pain her clutch was causing to my soft skin.“Is the torture not enough for today, Yoshita?” one of the officers who was passing by said.“Maybe I should tell Ria you said that,” Yoshita retorted.“You are such a hothead,” the officer scorned and walked away, lea