The sun streamed through the curtains as the alarm blared, signaling the start of another busy day in the life of John Smith.“Time to get ready for work.” he said to himself as he stood up from the bed to get ready for the day.He got up and took a shower, shaved, and got ready to get dressed in his usual crisp suit and tie. As he walked to the closet to get his suit, he noticed that his favorite tie was missing. It is the one he always wore on important days, and its absence was jarring. He went on to check the rest of the closet, but it was nowhere to be found. A sinking feeling came over me, and he felt like his whole world was shifting…slowly.To an outside observer, a missing tie might seem insignificant. But for John, it was a sign that something was deeply wrong. He took pride in the order of his life, and every detail was meticulously organized. So when something was out of place, it sent up a red flag. Even the smallest deviation from his routine was cause for concern. So,

She moved a little bit towards John whilst staring at him in the eyes. Maya let out another sly smile before saying “I could go on and on about your days in pri–”“Don't you dare say another word!” John cut her short, roaring his words at her.Maya chuckled softly before saying “I don't intend to…but…I have something important to tell you.”“Why didn't…haven't you carried out your mission yet? Why am I still alive?” John couldn't help but ask.“What I am about to tell you is concerning that.” Maya answered him as the lightning and thunderstorms roared from the sky while the rain only got even more heavier.“What is it?” John asked slowly with fear building up in his heart.“You are supposed to be dead.” Maya said almost in whispers.“What?” John asked in utter disbelief.“I was supposed to kill you two weeks ago after gathering all the information I needed to know about you. I didn't go through with the plan though.” Maya stated plainly.“Why?" John asked like he had lost his voice an

John stood up slowly, facing Scott. Though they had seen each other just last weekend, John sensed something noticeable had changed. The two men's gazes locked, an intense silence hanging in the air. Scott finally broke the stalemate, speaking in a cheerful tone. '“John! My man! So good to see you!” pulling him into a warm short embrace.John exhaled, letting his shoulders relax as a smile spread across his face. “You're full of it, you know,” he retorted, “We were just together last Friday for drinks.” pulling away from the hug. “Yeah, but I still miss you!” Scott said with a laugh."John couldn't help but smile. “The feeling is mutual!" he said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the excitement bubbling up inside him. He pushed away the thought that had been nagging at him. Scott sat down next to John, then turned to him again. “By the way,” he said, “You never told me that Monica was in town. I thought she was still on vacation in Germany!” His tone was light, but there was an e

John looks around the room, trying to gather his thoughts. He knows that he has to be careful with his words, or he could be in even more trouble. Finally, he speaks. “I don't know where Monica got her information,” he says, “but I can assure you that it is not true. I have never embezzled any money, and I have never set up a fake charity organization. I am innocent of all the charges made against me.” Monica lets out a scoff and walks back to her seat, but Scott holds up his hand. "Please, let John speak," he says and Monica raises both of her hands in surrender.John takes a deep breath, his face still neutral and calm before he continues “I know that you must be confused,” he says. “I understand that the evidence looks bad, but I swear to you that I am innocent. I have always been a man of integrity, and I would never do anything to betray the trust of this company. I advise you to consider the evidence carefully, and to not rush to judgment.” The board members look at each other

John opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He felt like he was drowning, unable to breathe. The room began to spin, and he gripped the edge of the table.“Monica…” John called at her but she ignored him."I don't think a vote is necessary," Scott interjected. "We all agree that this is the best course of action." Scott voiced out, to the surprise of John.The board members nodded in agreement, and John looked around the room, a sense of defeat settling over him. Monica smiled, a look of satisfaction on her face."Very well then, it's settled," she said. “John's assets will be seized in order to recoup the losses incurred by his actions."Monica nodded, her expression unreadable. "We will proceed in accordance with the decision of the board."As the board members applauded, John made his way to the exit, his shoulders sagging with defeat. He could feel the eyes of the board members on him as he left the room, and he wondered what they were thinking.“Give me a minute.” Moni