I'm so sorry, John." says Uncle Rustom in an awkward tone. "I tried to call you to call to inform you about Ms. Anderson, but she refused because she wanted to surprise you." "No, it's all right, Uncle Rustom," I said. "Could you prepare us something to eat?" Uncle Rustom flashed back inside while Malia and I remained our arms tied to each other. "Thank you for coming, Malia. I'm feeling good now." "Aren't you supposed to invite me inside our house first?" She asked and smiled while wiping the tears from her cheeks. I helped her shortly. While waiting for the food, Malia and I talked in the dining area. I began to feel a sense of peace in her presence. I know that no matter what happened, she would always be there for me. Then we decided to spend the night together, watching movies and eating our favorite takeout. Right after the meal, Malia and I ascended to our room, to begin our night plan. She and I cuddled up on the couch, laughing together as we snacked on popcorn and sipped

As they continued walking through the mall, I couldn't help but notice how happy Malia seemed. She can laugh and joke with Roland's parents as though they were most likely similar to a real family. A twinge of jealousy resides in my heart while looking at them. I had always been attracted to her, and I know that she feels the same way about me. But what is Malia planning? Why can she just announce it to John and his parents about us being engaged? Didn't Malia realize that she was making it hard for me to believe that her love for me is sincere and real? After I few walks, they stopped at a clothing store, and Malia started fitting on clothes. I sat down on a bench, watching them with a bored expression. And I could not help but feel like I was being used, just there to carry their shopping bags. Three hours later, they finally finished their shopping trip and headed back to the parking lot. Malia turned to me and smiled. "Thanks for coming with us, John. It

"Are you kidding us right now, Mr. Stevenson?" Don Lucas asked, still in disbelief, and at the same time, he was extremely furious at me. Truth be told, it was all of them who shared the same expression toward me, even Mr. Emilio, whom I believe as the only person in this meeting room Malia considered our ally. I already announced the case to everyone, so I stood up with my decision. "You can call your contact person in Europe if you don't believe me, Don Lucas. That's how desperate I am to save Malia from the hands of the kidnappers." Don Lucas was about to reach out to his phone but Uncle Robin stopped him and asked, "If we'll provide you the remaining four billion dollars, what's in it for us?" he asked. "I mean, four billion is four billion." "Then I will be the company's slave for the rest of my life." I proposed desperately. "I managed to close the European business deal which all of you is impossible to happen. My brain is a huge asset for the company."

After a few minutes of casual conversation with everyone at the table, an envelope slides across the table toward me. Out of curiosity, I take a look inside and to my surprise, it's an employment contract. As I read it over, Don Lucas begins to explain that I will work under him for the rest of my life and the list of my duties and responsibilities. "As we agreed at the meeting yesterday." Don Lucas said "You will be working in the company to pay the four billion dollars. I am not the worst employer, so I came up with a forty years contract. Working hours start at seven and end at seven. This time, you are going to work with me." My initial reaction was shock and confusion. I had always dreamed of a career that would allow me to someday be my own boss, but here I was being offered a lifetime of servitude to someone else. However, I knew that saying no was not an option. "Part of your job is to keep the company's financial statements updated," he added. "I don't wa

As soon as she saw me, tears streamed down her face and she ran towards me, hugging me tightly as if she'd never let go. I could feel her tremble as she whispered in my ear and apologized for what happened, saying that she knew it wasn't right. I pulled away and looked into her eyes, feeling my own emotions start to surface. "Malia, it's alright," I said, my voice soft and gentle. "I love you, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what your grandfather does." Malia nodded, her eyes still moist. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just can't bear the thought of losing you, especially after all we've been through." Uncle Romnick cleared his throat, bringing our attention to him. "Well," he said, a smile spreading across his face, "I think I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. I have some business to attend to, but I'll be back in time for dinner, okay?" Malia and I nodded, still wrapped in each other's arms, as Uncle Romnick went to the house.