An encounter with Dave

Milana couldn’t contain her excitement. The same men who had once stormed into their home and taken Ophelia away had now returned apologizing.

They even took care of their mother’s burial.

To her surprise, they also arranged for Milana to attend one of the top ten universities in America. Her dream school yet she is going there without paying a single dime.

She kept pacing up and down, eagerly waiting for Ophelia. There were so many questions bubbling in her mind.

“Little Milly!” Ophelia exclaimed as soon as she saw her sister.

Milana ran toward her, smiling brightly. They embraced tightly and walked hand in hand into the house.

“What about Mother?” Ophelia asked once they settled down.

“The men from before took care of her burial,” Milana replied softly. “They said… it’s from your husband.”

She looked up, her voice shaking. “Why didn’t you tell me you got married, Ophelia? He even changed my school and promised to pay all my fees until I graduate… You didn’t even tell Mom.”

Ophelia, at a loss for words, she gently hushed Milana to stop crying and promised not to keep any secrets from her again.

Ophelia patted Milana to sleep and vowed her to always be by her side. She was to leave for her new school the second day so quickly urged her to sleep.

After Ophelia was sure that Milana had slept she went outside to get some fresh air, Her mind was clouded with confusion.

Rome had threatened her. If she declined, he’d make her suffer, so she is out of choice.

Just when she was about to go back to bed her phone buzzed. She opened it and saw a message from an unknown number. “I will pick you up tomorrow” from Rome.

She stared at the message for a moment, and sighed, Ignoring it she went to bed.

The next morning came swiftly. Ophelia escorted Milana to her new school, helped her settle in, and returned home.

As she approached the house a black sleek car parked by her side.

The tinted windows rolled down and a cold, authoritative voice commanded, “Get in.”

She didn’t need to guess. It was Rome.

I need to get my belongings she said trying to explain.

“You don't need any luggage just get in!” came the voice again. Ophelia looked at her house once again before getting inside the car obediently.

She looked at the person beside her and it turned out to be another guy from only God knows where.

“Who are you? Ophelia asked startled.

The guy merely looked at her and smiled without saying a word.

“I said who are you?” Ophelia repeated, annoyed.

“Sorry did I scare you sister in law? The guy replied with a smile. He even did all that for your family so he must be so serious about you. “Anyways am Dave Sinclair Rome's younger brother”.

Ophelia narrowed her eyes. “Then why are you the one picking me up and not Rome?”

“Why don’t we have a drink first?” Dave said, smoothly pouring her a glass of wine.

“Answer my question!” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.

“I won’t give you any answers unless we drink,” Dave said casually, sipping his wine.

“Why don't we have a drink first?” Dave replied with a smile pouring her a wine.

“Answer my question! Ophelia yelled at the top of her voice. Already irritated by all the tricks.

“I won't give you any answer unless we have a drink”. Dave said simply and sipped some of his whine.

Ophelia gave him some deadly glare for a while before quietly taking a sip.

“Can I get an answer now”? Ophelia asked again after dropping the glass.

“Not until you finish the whole glass,” Dave replied, still not meeting her gaze.

“Are you toying with me now?” she yelled in frustration.

But Dave remained silent, simply sipping his wine.

Her jaw cleanched, She bit her lower lips annoyingly and sipped all the wine at once.

“Am done”. She said her voice Stern.

Suddenly she felt her vision getting blurry.

“You… What did you put in my drink?” she demanded her voice deteriorating.

Before Dave could reply, she slumped forward unconscious.

Dave looked down at her and smirked.

“What a good day it is,” he said quietly.

But then, his cheerful demeanor vanished. His expression darkened. The warmth in his eyes disappeared, replaced by chilling emptiness.

Seeing this, the driver instinctively increased the speed without needing to be told.

Meanwhile, Rome was about to leave the company premises when he suddenly remembered he had to pick up Ophelia.

He got into his car and was about to start the engine when he noticed six missed calls—from his mother.

He scoffed. “She’s finally going to apologize,” he muttered, a faint smile forming as he dialed her number.

“Hey, son!” came her excited voice the moment she picked up.

“So you’re not going to apologize?” he replied, instantly annoyed.

“Son! That aside, I have some great news—and trust me, you’ll love it,” she said, clearly thrilled.

“What is it?” Rome asked, trying to stay calm.

“Guess what? Celine is back!” she exclaimed. “Remember? She’s a big hit now—a popular musician! She even called me ‘Mother’ in front of my friends today! I was so proud.”

Rome’s face went blank.

“She wants to get back with you, Rome,” Mrs. Sinclair continued excitedly. “All you have to do is inherit your grandfather’s entertainment empire. Then you’ll be his most valuable grandson! Rome, this is a golden opportunity!”

But there was no response.

“Rome? Rome, are you there? What’s happening?” she shouted over the phone.

But he had already dropped the call.

His hands trembled as he tightened his grip on the steering in anger and his face turns red instantly.

Suddenly his phone beeped and he took a look at it only to see a text message from Dave.

“Save the girl if you can.”

Rome’s heart sank. He quickly replied:

“Dave, not that girl. She’s innocent. Stop playing games with her.”

The response came instantly:

“You’ve got one hour. If you’re a minute late… she’s gone.” Dave texted.

Then the phone went dead.

“Fuck!!” Rome roared, his voice filled with rage.

He gripped the wheel, driving with fierce intensity. His foot slammed on the accelerator, The car roared as he sped through turns, tires screeching and dust trailing behind.