~AUDRINA~The ropes burned as I made an ineffective attempt to free myself from their tight grip. However, desperation drove me to persevere, and I eventually gained enough strength to escape. I got to my feet as the ropes came down, my eyes flaming with resolve and rage. Paige and Nicholas looked in surprise as I broke free from my bindings, their faces going pale. The room was silent for a while as we all tried to digest what had just happened.But before anyone could respond, James and Dylan stepped forward, assessing the situation with their weapons drawn one last time.Finally, James shot without thinking, striking Nicholas straight in the chest. He collapsed to the ground, lying still with a shocked expression on his face.When Paige realized what had happened, her eyes grew wide with dread. She took a step back, breathing hard enough to catch her breath. “No…no…no!”Dylan, however, was fast to respond and caught her by the arm before she could get away.James turned to face me,

My heart thumped in my chest as I walked closer to Ryan's office, every step feeling far stronger than the one before it. I became consumed with an aura of dissatisfaction that tore at me from the inside out. I had to be strong, though. My mom's security hinged on it. I opened the door to Ryan's office and looked around to see if he was there. With a chilly and cynical expression in his eyes, he was seated behind his desk."I'm here," I said, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "I hope you're ready to fulfill your promise and release my mother."Ryan's gaze flicked up to meet mine, his expression unreadable. "I didn't imprison your mother, Audrina," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance. "But if you want to see her, she's right outside."My heart skipped a beat at his words, relief flooding through me like a tidal wave. Could it be true? Had my mother been here all along, just outside this very door?Without waiting for a response, I hurried over to the door

~Audrina~As I was still contemplating on my decision, Ryan stepped back to grant me an offer.“I’m already aware of everything and I think the right thing to do is apologize for constantly causing a rift in your relationship.”In the past, I would have rolled my eyes, cussed him out and left but the sincerity in his tone didn’t let that happen.“Ryan is apologizing? I didn’t see that one coming.” I muttered, waiting a reaction that would counter his previous words but none came.“Yes, I am because I have realized my mistake.”“To be honest, I haven’t healed ever since the loss of Sarah, I went into drinking and even tried to patronize those strips in clubs but I saw her face everywhere..” he paused, laughing like it wasn’t a serious situation.“It’s crazy and I’m crazy for trying to force you into becoming her.”“It’s no doubt that you hate me but please, save my wife’s life and I’ll leave you alone for good, even compensate for the mental damages and the harassment.” He begged.I fo