MIRANDA I could not believe what was happening. I pushed Hazel with all the strength I could muster and snapped, "How dare you?"I wiped my lips with my arm as I shot daggers at him.He folded his arms and chuckled, "Cut out the act, Miranda. Isn't this what you wanted?"I stared down at him as my heart raced faster than it had ever done before, "How the hell did that sick brain of yours come up with such a ridiculous conclusion?""Am I wrong then?" He seemed really confident as he spoke and it made me wonder if I had indeed given him such an impression. Yes, I did a few crazy things but I told him afterward how much I hated him."Didn't my mom put you up to this?" He asked."Your mom?" Was he about to blame his mom for his stupidity?"Okay tell me, what exactly do you want from me?" He asked, the same smile from earlier playing at his lips.I wanted to tell him that I wanted to leave but I knew he would bring up my family's debt. How else could I let him know that I wanted him to se
MIRANDAWhen I woke up the next day, I had no desire to go to school, despite Mel's attempts to convince me otherwise.After having breakfast, I spent most of the day with Princess. I played with her, sang and danced with her and we even ate lunch together.Her mom called the nanny to speak to her and thanked me when she learned that her daughter was having so much fun, thanks to me.When evening came, I knew Hazel was going to be back soon, so I reminded Princess, "Don't forget to tell your daddy that you don't like me and you want him to send me away.If he asks you why, tell him it's because I shoved you, okay?""But you did not shove me," she replied.I smiled, "Yes, dear. We both know I did not shove you but you need to tell your daddy that I shoved you. If you do that, he will get mad and send me away."But I don't want him to send you away. You are nice and you are my friend," she pouted.I sighed and asked, "Do you want your mommy to live here?". She nodded.I smiled, "Good g
MIRANDA I finally said it but I didn't know what would come out of it. The way Hazel left my room quietly had been unexpected. I couldn't deny that it made me feel uneasy since he was someone who always knew how to make a comeback. Was my family going to suffer because of this?I decided not to dwell on it. I was ready to deal with whatever Hazel threw my way but why did Princess ruin my plans?I quickly washed up and had breakfast. Mel had taken the morning off because her attention was needed at her company, for a performance review. I had already submitted a review on how she was the most amazing staff of the Dukes at her company's site earlier and I told her to take her time because I was spending the day at home.I had planned on making good use of the three days Princess had before she went back to school but now that opportunity was gone."Why did you expose my plans?" I stomped into Princess's room and questioned her after having my breakfast.She shook her head, "No, I told m
MIRANDA After bathing Princess, I put her to sleep in her room and thought about what to do. It was a sensitive issue so I had to be careful with it.I naturally would have taken it to her mom but it was her boyfriend. As much as I wanted to believe that a mother would always fight for her child, I didn't know her well enough. What if she decided to cover up for her lover? How would Princess get justice?I had two other options; my mother-in-law and Hazel. If Hazel could get so mad because I taught his daughter to lie, then I knew without a doubt that he would kill this so-called Uncle Benny and that was very fine by me. He deserved worse than death.After making up my mind, I called Hazel's phone, wanting to ask him to come home but I realized he had blocked my number.I scoffed, "What a petty man!"I came out of Princess' room and spotted the nanny. I feared that once Hazel listened to the audio, his anger would also be directed at the nanny who had innocently made a phone call to h
MIRANDA I got into the plane with Hazel and sat across from him. I was upset, not just because he had insulted my family but because what he had said might be the truth.After seeing my mom cry before me, I had believed her words. I didn't know her to be materialistic and so I thought my family really owed Hazel.Thinking about it now, I realized how ridiculous it sounded. If my parents were that financially indebted to him, I would have known of it before that day. Everything had happened so suddenly and there was also the fact that Hazel did not run a money-lending business.In spite of all these thoughts running through my mind, I wanted to believe that Hazel had spoken out of spite. Yes, his ego must have been bruised when I confessed that I loved someone else and he wanted to hurt me as payback.I sighed. Who was really lying to me?My eyes focused on Hazel whose long legs were crossed and eyes closed as he leaned back his head. I suddenly remembered Princess's issue and my ange
MIRANDA I unlocked my door and went into my room. My phone was just lying on my table and seeing it made me so happy. I quickly charged it and dashed into the bathroom to take a bath.After changing into a new set of clothes, I got a little hungry but food was the last thing on my mind."Collins," I needed to have a conversation with him. Yes, I was very mad at him and I was going to make him grovel before considering the possibility of ever forgiving him.I took all the money I had in my bag and left the house with my two phones. The day was still young, so I knew it wasn't possible to find Collins at home.I took a cab to my school and began to look for him. A lot of students who recognized me were surprised. I didn't know where they thought I'd been and I wasn't interested in having that conversation with any of them.I could have called Collins to save me the trouble but I knew how that would go. After spending over twenty minutes searching, I finally spotted him.He had a smile
MIRANDA My mom shook her head, "No, dear, I did no such thing. I would never sell you to anyone. You of all people should know that."I nodded, "Yes, I wanted to believe that. However, after learning that you were never financially indebted to Hazel or his mom, why should I believe anything else you say?"My mom sighed and I confirmed my suspicion. She had indeed lied to me about owing Hazel.My eyes brimmed with tears, "Why, Mom? Do you know how difficult it was for me? Overnight I was separated from my family and everyone I loved and, thrust into a world I never wanted to be a part of.Many times I thought of running away but I would remind myself that I was doing it for my family. I tried so hard to ensure that even if I left, you would be free from your debt to that man but it was all a lie?Do you know why I never tried to call you or Dad while I was there? It was because deep down I was upset with both of you for putting such a burden on me. All my emotions were wasted on a lie
MIRANDAI sat across from my mother-in-law on the plane, just as I had done with Hazel, as we made the journey back.It was already dark at this time because we had spent hours at home. She had arrived with a lot of gifts for my family and decided to wait so I could meet with my dad and brother before we left.It was a happy reunion since I was no longer mad at anyone....except Hazel and Benny, of course.I still could not believe I had said goodbye to my mom in tears. When did I become such a crybaby?I noticed that my mother-in-law was staring at me and smiled. Now, I felt differently about her, as opposed to the first time we had flown together. She was a kind woman and lovable too. It was all thanks to her that I had someone like Mel by my side.She kept her promise to my mom and ensured that I was well cared for even when I knew nothing about their plans."You know you are really beautiful," she told me.My smile widened, "Nothing in comparison to you, Mom."She waved her hand, "S