The bright city lights felt like a soothing balm for Jessica as the taxi drove her to her hotel. She had come to the city for a short work seminar that would last one week, and had decided to contact Ella and catch up with her. She was surprised when found out that Ella was now a mother and was currently in hospital nursing a newborn. Ella and Jessica had spent a nice afternoon catching up and Jessica had left feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She was happy to make things right with Ella and this made her feel like she had made up for the harm Kevin had done to her. Ella had supported her financially when she was really desperate and now she was happy that they were both settled and comfortable. Jessica finally arrived at the hotel and was walking to the lobby when she spotted a familiar face. “Eddie,” she said as she walked to the man who was talking to the receptionist. “Yes, Sorry I can’t remember you,” the man said politely.“”I’m Jessica. You helped me at

“Dad, when did you find out all this?” Blake asked as they dragged out Ella. She was still shouting until one of the guards hit her. Blake fought all his instincts and restrained himself from attacking the officer. No matter what he had just heard, he still wanted Ella treated with dignity. “About a week ago but we had to verify everything from the facilities named. We were also following the money trail they left behind,” Clark said. “What is Clara going to do without her mother? And what will I tell Jason when he comes home from school?” Blake asked as he sank into a nearby armchair. He was on the verge of a panic attack. Although he was genuinely worried about his children, he was even more worried for himself. He had weaved Ella into every plan for his future and the future looked uncertain without her.“We will get the best nanny money can buy. She will be her responsibility day and night,” Aurelia said. “Why did you bring those officers here? Why didn’t you give me a chance t

Ella smiled as she looked up at the sky for the first time in months. The blue sky speckled with clouds felt like a holiday for Ella as she soaked in the warmth from the warm sun rays. This was the first time she was allowed out into the yard to interact with the other inmates. Ella had experienced the worst of this world and she had now learnt to keep her head down. That was the only hope she had as she had long given up on regaining her freedom. Ella looked back on her first day in this prison. It had been worse than any nightmare she could have envisaged her wildest imagination.“Where are we going?” Ella asked after another night sleeping on the floor in the small holding cell. Many prisoners had come and gone but Ella remained here with no one speaking to her.“To your new home,” the fierce looking police detective barked at her.‘New home? I don’t understand.”“You’ll understand soon enough,” the woman said to Ella as she roughly shoved her out the door. “Can I at least take a

“Good morning,” Jessica said when she picked up her phone. It was early in the morning and she was not out of bed yet.“Good morning my dear. I wanted to catch you before you became too busy,” the warm charming voice of the governor Richard came through the phone. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your call,” Jessica said. She had been overwhelmed by the children when she got home and she had concentrated on their needs.“Motherhood always trumps friendship,” Richard said with a chuckle. Jessica had been honest about her life and Richard knew that she was raising four children on her own.“The kids had me swamped with all sorts of activities.” “So I guess lunch is out of the question?” he asked.“Actually, lunch might be the only time I’m free. Hopefully you will be in my location because I can’t stray too far from work,” she said with a raised eyebrow. The last time they had dinner, he had flown her to the coastal town and flown her back the next day. She had not made any plans to stay o

It took Ella more than half an hour to understand what the distinguished guests in her presence had done. The prison commissioner had given the authorities this time so that they could raise a physical file that would prove her suspicions wrong. While she waited, she questioned Ella on the characters that had helped the warden to execute their plan. She mentioned all the leaders who had orchestrated her detention in solitary and all the people who had made sure she was subdued. They then asked Ella to explain the circumstances of her arrest. The three government officials listened keenly and even took notes of everything they said. Ella then watched in disbelief as the woman walked with her to her car and asked her to get in. Ella waited for a guard to restrain her but no one bothered her. The deputy warden watched from a distance while the warden was fuming as the corruption in her prison was uncovered. She watched helplessly as the inmate whom she had never seen walked out of the pr