I grab my carry-on and hurry by the suite's door. Black leggings and a blouse are my outfit. Flip flops as my shoes, I shut the door and rush to the hotel's lobby. I'm at the hotel's bar, chewing on my thumbnail. The bartender greets, "Hi, beautiful. Would you like anything to drink?"Glancing at the elevators, I answer, "Uh, a glass of cabernet, thanks."He places the glass before me, and Jude exits the elevator. Grinning, I jump up and meet him. Holding my hand, I lead him to the bar. Jude looks upset. I sip my wine and then put it to his lips. He takes a sniff and moves it away.With a lifted brow, the bartender scowls his way. Immediately, Jude says, "I don't drink."Through an uncomfortable chuckle, I say to the bartender, "Oh, my bad, babe."Jude's panning our area, but he kisses my knuckles, saying, "I'm sorry. Let's go back to bed."Now, watching the bartender, Jude says, "Charge it to our suite. Are you hungry?""A little," I answer."I need a rare boneless ribeye and whate

After Attorney Balsala's words, Melanie shouts, "That's not right, Mama! If it weren't for Ajay...""MELANIE THAT'S ENOUGH!" Mama hollers."Speak, Melanie!" Shouts Detective Schade."Keep quiet, Melanie! Don't you want your brother free?" asks Attorney Balsala.Andrew grabs Melanie. He's able to comfort and calm her down. Whatever he's saying, she won't stop watching me.Detective Schade demands, "Melanie, this is the time to speak.""She's done!" Mama answers."If she doesn't finish her thought, I'm not releasing Jude." Detective Schade then sits leaning back with his legs crossed. Mama immediately leaves, and a detective follows. Unbothered, Detective Schade says, "The floor is yours, beautiful."Attorney Balsala is texting a mile a minute when Melanie says, "It's nothing profound, but I think we're being hard on her for no reason. If Ajay is gone, Jude will only follow her. It's wiser to keep her close than send her away.""She's the cause of all of this!" Micah yells.Andrew mumb

Melanie answers, "Of course, I'm his sister. Why would you think otherwise?""I don't know. If I'm honest, your entire family seems like frauds. I asked Lisa at the spa. She doesn't think the Knights are related. After she said that, I couldn't erase that thought.""Lisa's opinion is her opinion, but like you, Lisa is a visitor who fell in love with the "island" and refused to leave. I'd take her words with a grain of salt. But I'm not here to discuss rumors. Jude said to tell you he will see you soon. Do you need money?"Embarrassed, I nod. Melanie hands me a stack of one-hundred-dollar bills, saying, "This should cover you until I contact you again."Melanie leaves, and I feel lost. Several days later, Jude's mark is completely healed, and I feel alone in this world.Because everyone's curious about my personal life, Mrs. Freer doesn't even reprimand me. I returned to work as if nothing happened. My aunt, Drusilla, and I had a heart-to-heart, so things are back to normal.It's been

Knight's Island is a dismal place. As we drive to the villa, several mansions and lake homes are burnt to the ground. The island's landscape is overrun with greenery. Even my house needs significant work. After releasing a loud sigh, Mama whispers, "No, Jude, be excited. This is a new beginning." Most of our family is gone. Only Mama, myself, Andrew, Toro, Micah, Deena, and Melanie will live here for now. Deena refuses to come anywhere near me, which is terrific. However, I'm curious why she's still a part of our family. To break the silence, I ask, "So Deena's more dedicated than Marisol, Blanca, or Sammy?" Deena folds her arms, sighing. Looking back at me, Mama answers, "Yes. Too, Rogelio loves Marisol. She's the only person besides you that he clings to." We pull up to the villa, and it's untouched. Locking her arm with mine, Mama says, "We can clean tomorrow. We will eat as a family tonight and start rebuilding our strong nucleus." Everyone goes to their respective rooms, bu

While my father sits cringing, I ask, "What are you talking about? Changed into a what? A junkie."Now looking into my eyes, he answers, "Her change is what made her a junkie.""Okay, so what did she change into?""Something unholy, and then it consumed her.""Dad, stop being dramatic and tell me what happened to her. It may help me.""You don't need to know because I'm not claiming that. You accepted Christ already, so that will never happen to you. I've already prayed about it. So end of discussion.""Who accepted Christ? Oh, you think a kid deciding due to her parents' belief is valid? That won't stand in any court of the law. ...Fine, keep your secret. I'll pray with you that I'm nothing like either of you!I'm tired. It's been a long day. I'll pay one more night for the hotel, then be on your way. As you see, I've made it much further in life with both of you dead or absent. Don't call me if you're ever feeling guilty or need money. Mom died, and now I've had enough of you. Never