“Why is he so solicitous of you?” he started. “Are you and him in a relationship? You seem so cozy with him, all the time. Or perhaps he really is your lover.” Ami was appalled at his attitude that she nearly raised her fist again before Rain caught it in his hand. “Firstly, you did not have a very friendly way of saying hi, secondly, you assumed a lot without even asking how I have been all these months. Are you sure you are my bff because I do not see him in you now!” cried Ami. All her anger and disappointment were starting to bubble on the surface that she had to inhale and exhale rapidly to compose herself. “All these months I wondered if you even thought of me at all because you did not even try to reach out. Mabel told me she messaged your aunt informing her of my whereabouts and that you know, but no. You were so busy with all your pretty girls, you forgot you have a bff. You think I do not know w

Rain and Ami spent the day together like what they always did back in the Philippines. Ami couldn’t help but recall how Rain comforted her when her parents died. She may be young back then but losing both parents a month apart is not easy. Thankfully the Gonzales’ family were there along with her uncle. While she was reminiscing, Rain kept stealing glances at her. Even in a shirt and jeans, she always takes his breath away not that he wanted her to know, otherwise, the awkwardness will be back. He likes her like this, relaxed and at ease in his company. For her part Ami still felt awkward at times but she couldn’t deny the fact that she feels safe with him. She can’t help comparing him with Ali in her mind though but she tried her best to shake off the comparison. This relaxed atmosphere continued until night time. Reluctant to let his best friend leave him early, he requested “Do you mind checking the bar with me? Maybe we can celebrate with a toast

         As plans go, the Gonzales group did not have the luxury of doing the Europe tour as Mrs. Gonzales and Rain were called back home immediately. When they are away, Ronnie is in charge of the Manor and the household staff. It was not Ronnie who called Mrs. Gonzales, but her sister.          The police are investigating the sudden disappearance of Ronnie’s son, Ridger. The last time people saw him was the day the Gonzales went for their cruise which was a month ago, July to be specific. It wasn’t unusual for Ridger to disappear for a few days or weeks but a month is something else. It wouldn’t have caused any problem, if the people did not notice that Ronnie did not seem surprised or concerned at all. Whenever people ask him, his answer was Ridger went to visit some relatives in the lowlands. Of course, the police were summoned but as the Gonzales wer

       Ami was not sure what to do next and not wanting to risk discovery, she quietly went inside the room.These kidnappers are either dim-witted or just plain stupid. But she couldn’t complain because she was left with all the resources she needed to save Farinah. She checked her watch, 1:30 am. She crawled towards the window and peeked under the balcony, there, how had she missed the slide lock catch underneath the terrace floor. She approached the sleeping girl again and tested her weight, a bit heavy but if she did a fireman’s carry, she could manage Farinah. She stepped out onto the balcony again and took a glance at the rest of the suite, the curtains look to be the same as they were earlier. She was about to haul Farinah to her shoulder when her phone vibrated. It said, “Ami, stay put, Mansour and I are coming with a few police friends.” “Oh blast!” cried Ami a bit loudly but no sound cam

       After 4 days in the hospital and a week after the shooting incident, Ali brought Ami and Mabel home to his parents’ villa in Al Reef. As soon as they arrived though, Ami asked Ali if they could talk. Ali informed her that he would be happy as he has things to say as well but not wanting to tire Ami after her ordeal,  he promised he’ll meet with her in his mom’s home office the day after. Ami was baffled with his behavior, gone was the solicitous and caring man who came to her rescue. In his place was a cold person. Has something changed? At the moment, she did not contradict because whether she likes it or not, being shot at is not a pleasant experience she never wishes to repeat. Grabbing the opportunity to just rest and gain her strength, she accepted Mabel’s arm as she was guided to her room. As Mabel was also fatigued after being with Ami in the hospital for four straight days, her cousin left Ami and went straight