Rachael whirls around in rage. "You dare threaten to snatch my children from me!?"There is a very brief glint of amusement in Vladimir's eyes as he merely shrugs his broad shoulders. A slight knowing smirk almost tugs at the corner of his lips before it vanishes in less than a fraction of a second.He cups her chin with his free hand and gravely looks her in the eyes before answering firmly yet softly "I'd never dare threaten my older sister. Consider it a heartfelt warning since those children are one of the dearests to my heart."With that, he leans down and plants a soft kiss on her forehead. Rachael's lips set into a thin line as she stares at him with a mixture of helplessness, exasperation, and anger."Uncle Vladddy!!! I'm so happy we are going to the theme park!!"I whirl around to spot Arielle dashing down the steps excitedly, behind her an austere-looking Huxley carrying Charlie in one arm.As soon as Huxley's eyes land on mine, he sets Charlie down on to his feet and promptl
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
HAZEL -The third photo is of him in his early twenties surfing a giant menacing wave in the ocean on his silver He's dressed in a sleek silver surf garb-eyes narrowed in a very focused expression.The fourth photo is a collage of three pictures, in which the first one shows him clad in carpenter clothes, hammering a large nail onto wooden planks.The second shows what appears to be a half-complete frame of a manor with dozens of men on ladders working. The last of the collage photo is of the grand manor fully completed with him and the men standing in front of it, facing the camera.He's got his toned, sturdy arms crossed over his broad chest. There is a streak of soot on his cheeks, a stubble sweeps his chiseled jaw. while a triumphant ghost of a smirk plays at his otherwise austere facial expression.His eyes gleam in smugness and all I can think is how rawly masculine and commanding he appears."That's the family manor! He's designed it, overlooked it, and built it along the crew h
"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-"No! Please stop!" My begs escape with stuttering sobs. I am continuously pummelled violently against the wall. "Please Imran stop! P-please"My body is no longer able to move on my command, I am far too bruised to defend myself from the merciless blows aimed at me.Fresh blood gushes from my nose and lips. The red initiates with trickle flow and drips.I shriek as my hair begins to soak with blood spilling forth from my torn scalp.My mind is reeling from the onslaught of agony coursing through my veins."Fūckin shut that mouth you ugly bitch," He grunts and yanks my hair back, dragging me by it up the stairs.I scream out for anyone to save me, and spot the laughing face of my mother-in-law, Razia Mirza."Into the closet with such worthless filth.' She cackles, her eyes flare with joy." "That's my boy, you make your mother proud." 'No please don't do this," I sob through my blurred vision. My chipped tremulous hands grasp his sleeves. "Please don't lock me in the dark, please
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
HAZEL -My gaze flits nervously toward the vacant security desk.Where was Harry?Outside?In cautious haste, I descend the remaining steps. I take cover behind the corner of the wall near the security desk. What the heck am I doing? I shake my head, berating myself inwardly. Just go check it out!I might as well find out why he's not stationed at his desk and if everything's alright.Yet faint bickering of voices nearing from beyond the open door serves to desist me. I peer over the corner with the slightest movement, catching a glimpse of Harry entering.He tugs the door wide open for someone else's arrival. Their shadow looms over the floor. Sounds of high-heeled footfalls slice the air.Immediately I duck behind the corner.The clacking of heels arrives to an abrupt halt. "Well?" A shrill and sassy female voice ricochets throughout the foyer."Madam, I would only answer to you if you hand me the deposit now," Harry replies in a curt voice.I press my palms flat against the wall, sta
"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