***** Ana held her breath, her chest tight with anticipation. She thought of Richard's promise, clinging to the hope that help would arrive soon. The minutes stretched on, and the weight of their stares pressed down on her. She had used words to delay, spinning them out like threads, weaving a barrier against their accusations. But she sensed the futility now. These people were like a storm, gathering force, ready to hurl more mud and slander if she remained silent. "Miss Anastasia, we do not have the entire day to wait for your answer. If you do not have any proof, then accept your fault and resign permanently, because you do not deserve to be a doctor," another reporter said with a harsh tone that cut through Ana like a cold wind. Doctor Perryson placed his fist on his lips, suppressing his laughter like a coyote stifling a howl. At that moment, a young boy entered the council circle, his steps deliberate and his face as solemn as the moon in a cloudless sky. He walked straight t
******Ana turned her head to the reporter and said, "When so much truth has come before you, then the mystery of the nurse's murder will also be unraveled swiftly. I cannot speculate on it.""You were there yesterday, which is why the cops took you into custody?" The same reporter asked as the situation became increasingly tangled."Since I was quite skeptical about Elena being involved in all this, that is why I went to meet her. I also called one of my colleagues yesterday to inquire if she was in the hospital or not. After that, I went to her house. However, she was already dead before my arrival," Ana clarified, her voice as steady as a mountain stream.At that moment, Jackson entered, dark circles beneath his eyes, and spoke, "Sorry, I am late. But I have the proof that she called me and I asked another nurse about Elena's address for Ana. A murderer would never ask for the address of the person she was going to kill, and when Ana knew that she was framed already, she would neve
***** "That must be some business meeting as well. Since Richard has never come in front of the camera with a woman that is why maybe This small thing became a new sensation," Phoebe spoke up when she saw Ana staring at the phone without expressing her thoughts. "Hmm... Maybe," Ana said, drawing a deep breath. "But why do we care who he's with? You know our marriage isn't typical. We've only been together for six months to fulfill our fathers' agreement. After that, we're going our separate ways." Phoebe raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I know, but doesn't it bother you even a little?" Ana shrugged. "Not really. We've both known this was temporary from the start." "But!" Phoebe interjected, sensing Ana's words didn't match her feelings. "Are you sure you're okay with all this? I mean, it sounds like you're trying to convince yourself." "Why are you hesitating so much, like Richard is betraying me with another woman?" Ana said, her voice edged with frustration. She walked to her seat and
*****Emilia arrived at the house where the mysterious man had asked her to come. She felt suspicious and concerned for her safety but also believed that the man had no reason to harm her. She knew she couldn't escape without hearing what he had to say, since he mentioned her dangerous things involving the Hill family and herself, making it visible that he had a good grip on their lives.As Emilia twisted the door handle, she found it was unlocked, just as she had been told. She didn't need to ring the bell."Hello, is anyone here?" Emilia called out as she cautiously stepped inside. The silence was eerie, sending shivers down Emilia's spine."You sure are punctual, right on time," the man said, his voice calm and reassuring. "No need to move like a scared turtle; I ain't planning on hurting you."As he descended the stairs, Emilia's gaze followed him, her attention caught. When she saw his face, recognition dawned on her. "Mason," she said aloud, her voice tinged with surprise. Memor
***** Ana went to her house rather than going to the villa Richard had brought her to. Sinni was delighted to see Ana back in the house. "It's mighty good to see you again, Missy! This all house just ain't the same without you around! I tell ya, it is been emptier than a church on Monday! But don't you worry none, I have been cleaning and preparing your room every single day. Welcome home!" "I know you would do that!" Ana said with a smile as she sat down on the couch. "Could you get me a glass of water, please?" "Sure thing, Missy," Sinni replied, hurrying off to the kitchen. When she returned with the water, she couldn't help but notice something different about Ana. Handing her the glass, she asked, "So, are you thinkin' about leavin' soon? You seem a bit restless, if you don't mind me saying." "No, I'm staying tonight. I look restless because of all the drama that's unfolded at the hospital. I know you might have seen it on TV," Ana replied, gulping down the water. While she
******As they settled into their seats, far enough from the DJ to talk but close enough to feel the energy of the music, Ana, Phoebe, and Sonia each took a shot of tequila. The fiery liquid burned its way down Phoebe's throat, hitting her first with a rush of warmth and exhilaration. Sonia followed suit, feeling the familiar sting of the alcohol as it spread through her veins, loosening the tension in her muscles.But Ana remained alert, her senses sharp as she waited for the right moment to broach the subject that had been weighing on her mind. She knew she needed to hear about Phoebe's struggle, no matter how difficult it might be to discuss."Hey, I am going to the bathroom!" Sonia said, and left them alone as headed toward the bathroom. Ana saw this as an excellent opportunity to question Phoebe about the secret she was keeping from her, and she suspected Phoebe was in severe trouble as a result."So, Phoebe," Ana began, leaning in closer to hear, "You mentioned there was someth
****** The server this time placed two more shots for Phoebe and Ana while Sonia was staring at them from the far end of the bar. "Forgive me! I have to do this if I want Mom and Dad to be safe and alive," Sonia muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible over the noise of the bar. Her eyes were fixed on the two friends laughing and clinking their glasses together. Phoebe felt a wave of relief wash over her when she learned Ana was not going to hate her, something she had feared the most. "I was so scared you were going to hate me, just like Jackson did," Phoebe said, her voice trembling slightly. She took a deep breath and looked Ana in the eyes, searching for any hint of lingering resentment. "I know what I did was terrible, and I’ve been beating myself up over it ever since. Jackson’s reaction was so harsh, and it broke me. The thought of losing you the same way... it’s been eating me alive." "Because I don't like Jackson or think of him in a romantic way, it's not a bi
*****"Phoebe, where is Ana?" Jackson arrived at the bar and found Phoebe sleeping on the counter, but Ana was nowhere to be seen, which left him a bit concerned."I don't know. Her sister gave me this letter. Read it, whoever you are," Phoebe muttered as she pushed the letter to the edge of the table. It was about to fall, but Jackson grasped it quickly and unfolded it to read."Hmm, Jackson. Since you are taking time to come, I thought I to take my sister home. I know by the time you will arrive, but also I can't call you because my phone has run out of battery. I hope you will take care of Phoebe. At least take her to her house safely," Sonia had written this in the letter.Jackson balled the paper and shoved it into his pocket, gazing at Phoebe. He didn't want to help this woman at all, but he also couldn't leave her in this place."If you don't hurry up, I'll leave you here at the bar without caring that you're a woman..." Jackson snapped."How dare you talk to me like that? If y