Confounded in the darkness

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• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs    Happily ever after

  Claire burst into the room, her backpack slung over her shoulder. “Dad, can you help me find my math book?” she asked, looking around .Chris, who was sitting on the couch, put down his phone and stood up. “Let’s take a look,” he said, following her to her room. As they searched through her backpack and desk, Chris asked her about her day. “So, what’s happening in math class?”Claire launched into an explanation of her latest lesson, and Chris listened attentively. When they finally found the math book, Chris helped her pack it into her backpack. “You got everything you need?” he asked, double-checking the contents.“Yeah, Dad,” she replied, smiling up at him. Chris smiled back, feeling a sense of comfort. This was their daily routine, and he loved being a part of it. Claire grinned and headed out the door, with Chris following close behind to give her a kiss goodbye. As she walked out the door, she called back, “Love you, Dad!”“Love you too,” Chris replied, and watched the cha

• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs    Home

  Chris was escorted to the prison warden's office. He was unchained right at the door. He opened the door. The warden sat on his chair, looking serious as usual. He gestured for Chris to sit. “Chris, I have summoned you here to show you this court order,” the warden said as he handed Chris a paper. Chris took it, but wasn’t in the mood to be reading papers.“Uh, what’s this about?” Chris asked, folding the paper.“You were sentenced to fifteen years, ten years ago. Now, the remaining five years have been suspended due to good behaviour among other reasons,” the warden explained.Chris heart pounded as his eyes grew larger. He couldn’t believe it was true, it just couldn’t be true. He impatiently unfolded the paper again and this time he read it:“Case Number: XYZ-1234Order for Suspension of SentenceIt is hereby ordered that the remaining five years of the fifteen-year sentence imposed on Malvins Chris be suspended, effective immediately.Terms and Conditions:1. The defenda

• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs    A cold serving of revenge

  A month later, Valerie drove through the winding driveway of Spencer Thompson’s estate, the crunch of gravel beneath her echoing through the evening air. The magnificent mansion stood before her, looming. Her car came to a halt in front of the mansion and she stepped out of her car. As she approached the entrance, two imposing guards stepped forward, their stern expressions and imposing physiques radiating an aura of authority. They eyed Valerie, their hands resting on the holstered guns at their hips.“State your business,” one of the guards growled, his voice firm but polite. Valerie’s gaze met theirs calmly, her shoulders squared. “I’m here to see Mr Thompson. Spencer Thompson.”The guards exchanged a brief glance before one of them nodded and stepped aside, speaking into a discreet earpiece. Moments later, a sleek black door swung open, and a well-dressed aide escorted Valerie inside. As she entered the mansion, Valerie’s eyes widened at the opulent décor. Marble floors gleamed

• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs    Old habits die hard

  “And this is and will always be my favourite room,” Valerie said as she opened the door. She had been giving Claire a tour around the mansion. “Wow, it’s lovely,” Claire said as she looked around the room, decorated in pink.“You know why this is my favourite room?,” Valerie asked. Claire shook her head. They sat on the bed. “This was your room when you were little. Chris and I decorated it,” Valerie said, smiling at the memory of Chris. “Who is Chris, again? It’s the fourth time now mentioning that name,” Claire asked curiously. “No, don’t worry about it. I was just saying I decorated this room with some help. You and Shay used to spend all day long in here. Do you remember her? l heard she left when you were six.”Claire sighed. “I still do remember glimpses of her, but she didn’t leave on her own. Miss Perreti fired her,” Claire explained. “She adored you,” Valerie said as she stood up from the bed and stood by the window, watching the ground beneath. There was no activ

• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs    Home sweet home

  Valerie stepped out of the prison yard. For a minute she only stared back at the prison building. She could not believe it was real. For ten good years, she would imagine what that day would be like, when she finally steps out of prison. Now that she was finally out, it still felt like a dream. It was exactly how she imagined it would be. Fresh air, clear blue skies.“There she is… the gorgeous, invincible Valerie Malvins,” Gracie sounded. Valerie turned and saw Gracie by the car. She walked towards her and gave a tight hug to the friend who stood by her through thick and thin.“OK, I deserve a sandwich at that restaurant we used to like…what was it called again?” Valerie declared playfully.“Hue’s? Well…they turned it into a butchery,” Gracie said. “What? No! What else changed whilst I was away? Tell me everything,” Valerie asked, hoping into the car. “Whew! We going to need a whole day for that, girl,” Gracie said, driving off. Valerie mentioned how excited she was to meet

• Sassy Orphan and The Twin CEOs     A ray of hope

  The break-time siren rang and the students rushed out. Claire felt glad that she hadn’t got into trouble, she had done all her homework. She had even participated once or twice in class. As the other children walked in pairs and groups, heading to the playground, she walked alone. She tried to sit as far away from anybody as she could. The few times she had tried to blend in with other kids, they would either laugh at her food, which was basically just stale break and a half bottle juice. Or, they would remind her that her mother was in prison. Even the parents looked at her with a fair amount of awkwardness. She was Claire, the daughter of the beauty queen, Valerie who was sent to prison ten year back for drug possession and reckless driving. Speculations had gone as far as that Valerie had become a drug dealer. Claire wasn’t familiar with Valerie. When she got arrested, she was about eight months old. Chase never talked about her, and never had she ever been to the prison to see