She raises a confused brow and I explain to her. "Oh! MashaAllah is Arabic for God has willed it, and we say that so God protects the person from the evil eye.""Oh, thank you" she offers a wistful smile and her gaze adjusts to the portrait. "God wills it huh? Well, God willed my parents to depart this world..."Momentarily, I stare at her dumbfounded before what she says registers in my brain. "Oh my God, you mean they have passed away?"She nods slowly. "Not long after this picture was taken.""I'm truly sorry for your loss." I apologize earnestly. Before I could prevent myself, I ask. "What happened to them?"Her throat bobs as she gulps, and a melancholic glint appears in her eyes. She adjusts her gaze on me, that wistful smile lingering on her face, and answers. "Don't mind dear, but I prefer we not discuss that.""I'm so sorry!" I face-palm myself. "That was so very rude of me.""No need to apologize, you did no wrong in asking." She reaches out and gives my upper arm a gentle re

"But baba, I explained to you what happened! What they were doing to me!" I protest for the third time.Of course, I didn't reveal to him every detail Mister Mirza had unveiled to me. Such as Naheed wanting to have me ruthlessly murdered by Imran's gang friends, or that Imran and his mother Razia Mirza diabolically schemed to murder Mister Mirza for his wealth and frame me for it.Mister Mirza had specifically had me promise not to disclose this information. Except, the only excuse I was permitted to make was the fact that Imran did nothing to prevent his friend Yasir from trying to sexually assault me."Where are you!?" Baba barks. "Are you living with men?""I can't tell you where I am, but I'm safe and no I'm not living with men." I groan with frustration.Why can't he ask about my safety?Why can't he show gratitude that I'm alive?"Return at once to your husband, young lady! Members of the Muslim community here know of what you've done! I'm ashamed to be seen at work, my customers

HAZEL -Throughout breakfast, Rachael equips me with details of the schedule and things I'd need to take care of Charlie while she's away at work."I'll return home briefly in the afternoon to drop off Arielle from school." She explains as her chauffeur, David holds open the limo door for her. "Nora the chef will arrive in the afternoon to prepare lunch, so no need to tire yourself in the kitchen dear, just relax and keep a watch on Charlie.""Sure no problem" I assure her while rocking Charlie in my arms."Oh and before I leave..." Rachael trails off as a reminder dawns on her expression. She reaches into her purse, fishes out an iPhone, and holds it to me. "Here take this, your own phone. My Number and all the immediate family contact numbers are fixed into it, that's yours to keep."I stare at her in alarm, shaking my head in denial. "No...I can't accept such an expensive gift. I could use the home phone?""Please, don't argue with me over this." She persists, her tone shifting ster

"P-please d-don't kill us," I sob. My mind-numbing from the onslaught of fear."Kill? I wouldn't have missed shooting you on the stairs deliberately." He gives a derisive snort. "Hand me the boy or I'll definitely shoot.""P-please don't kill us!" I beg persistently, my body incapable of registering his orders. Torrent of sudden heavy sobs racking through me."Are you fūcking deaf?" He barks in rage. He stomps over to me and latches his hand onto my locked arms around Charlie. "Hand 'em over or I'll fūcking shoot you!"This was it, this was how my life is going to end.The rustling of another movement draws Harry's attention away from me to the open doorway. Abruptly another figure emerges from the entrance into the room.A man garbed in all black with his face obscured by a clown mask and his gloved hands gripping a gun low against his side. Harry loosens his own grip from my arms and steps in the man's direction."Didn't expect you to show up this quick!" Harry addresses him with a

The first question to prick my befuddled mind as the limo enters through the gates. The drive continues down a gravel road lined with rows of flowery tropical trees.It could have been within a span of twenty minutes passing when the limo swerves a corner. The trail of trees gives way to an even more beautiful and picturesque scene.I'm beyond amazed at the sight of the vibrant Mediterranean Gardens embellished with rows and rows of fountains spraying water out through the mouths of winged cherub statues.Ahead of the gardens, is a magnificent manor I've never had the pleasure of seeing in my entire life.The very grand and homely yet modern and classy mixture of a Mediterranean-style residence. Brightly illuminated, airy verandas and balconies lined the exterior. A lovely aquamarine pool snaked around before it.I strive to keep my mouth closed from gawking in awe, I strive to keep my mouth closed from gawking in awe. The limo pulls near the further right side of the manor, revealing