"I'm waiting outside boss!" Ray told Ken over the phone. He arrived at the apartment about ten minutes ago and was waiting for Ken to come out to meet him. It was a few minutes to 9 am and he was concerned that Ken might be running late for work."Why don't you come inside? There's a grocery list on the bar stand. Maybe you can help me get all the items I outlined." Ken replied.Ray was stunned. He began to take steps toward the house and was soon stammering. "And work? How are you going to get to work today?"Ken was receiving the call from his bedroom. "Don't worry about me, Ray. I'll drop by the office a bit late today. I need to be somewhere.""Okay!" Ray mumbled and hung up the call. He knew how much Ken revered his job so he was certain that he needed to attend to an emergency that's why he'll be coming to the hospital late that day.Ray marched into the house, strode to the bar stand, and grabbed the list. He left.Back in his room, Ken had just stepped out of the bathroom and
"He's here!" one of the employees announced and pointed to the entrance.They all turned to look at his arriving figure.Mr. Carter was taking steps toward the cafeteria. All the company staff was already seated around the tables, waiting to be served their free lunch as promised by the CEO.It was a few minutes past 2 pm.The waitresses in the cafeteria were up and doing, walking around with serving trays, and attending to the needs of the employees who were already placing orders. There were about a hundred people in the cafeteria. The place was crowded and noisy.When the employees saw Mr. Carter walking toward them, they darted their gazes toward him and the whispers died. Mr. Carter walked into the cafeteria with a bright smile. He strode to the center of the room and cleared his throat loudly, ready to address the crowd."I'm glad to see you all here. Thank you for honoring my impromptu invitation. I urge you all to have fun and make merry. Like I said earlier, it's free lunch f
"Please don't leave me, mom!" He beckoned with his innocent eyes looking up at her.He was clinging to her like his life depended on her cloak and he wasn't ready to let go of her.She smiled with tears in her eyes and knelt. She immersed him in a hug and whispered into his left ear."I need you to trust me, Ken."She pulled away from the hug and looked him straight in the face after a sniffle.Little Ken could barely see her face. It was dark. He could hear his father's voice from the living room. His father was speaking with some men while his mother was dragging him toward the basement.Even though he was seven years old then, Ken could tell that they were in danger that night. His father had always told him that the basement will be used as a hiding spot whenever the need arises.His mom flashed a quick smile shielding her fears and stood up. She held onto his left hand and motioned to him to come with her."You'll be safe my boy. Come with me."The frightened little boy took step
"Mr. Jonson!" The Master called out to Cassie's father and abruptly stood up.Cassie's dad glared at his shivering daughter and turned to stare at the man before him.He joined his palms together. "I'm sorry for barging into your chamber at such an hour." He apologized and gave a slight bow.The Master flashed a quick smile and turned to look at Cassie. She was scared to death and couldn't even lift her head to look at her father."I'll excuse you both." The Master stated and walked out of the room.Cassie wanted to run after him. He had just left her in the same space with the man she had grown to fear.She lifted her head and caught her father gawking at her. She stood up and was about to head out when he thundered."Not so fast Cassie!"She pressed her eyes against each other and slowly turned around."What the hell are you doing here?" He demanded and began taking angry steps toward her.She put on a straight face. "I came to see my Master!""Without my permission?" He screamed at
Charlie traced his way down the basement. He pulled out his secret key from his pants pocket and unlocked the door to the basement. With a smile, he stepped into the dark room and guided his hand to the light switch on the wall. He turned on the lights and marched toward the board.The basement was empty and it smelt of rust and dust. Charlie cleans his apartment consistently but he never went down to the basement with a broom. It had no windows and the tight air seemed not to bother him.He marched to the flat board and tucked his hands into his pockets. On the whiteboard were photos of Ken, crossed with the letter X in red.With an impish grin, Charlie grabbed a red marker from the table and began to draw imaginary lines on the board while mumbling incoherent words.He dropped the marker to the floor and turned around with a wide grin, a mischievous one."I'm coming for you Ken and I swear to God, you won't see me coming." He declared with bloodshot eyes, bearing vengeance.Charlie
Jane was stylishly led into the back seat of a vehicle so that the people on the streets don't get alarmed. Her Kidnapper had dragged her to a corner and then pressed a cloth on her nostrils which were soaked with a substance that would cause her to lose consciousness.An hour later!Jane slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was the white ceiling. She wasting on a small bed, facing the ceiling. She let out a slight groan and felt her aching forehead with her left palm."Where am I?" She mumbled and roved her eyes around the barely lit room.She noticed a wooden table in the corner by her right. There were two armchairs and a bottle of water on the table.She tried to get up but felt a sharp pain across her forehead. She pressed her eyes against each other and her brain picked a burning sensation.She abruptly sat up and hugged her knees with her chest. Nothing was making sense to her. Her hazy eyes could see a man standing before her. she recollected that she was grabbe
Ken turned to Jane. He was ready to talk. As far as he was concerned, he was tired of the way they'd been ignoring each other when they should have sorted their differences a long time ago.Jane exhaled and took off her seatbelt. She turned to Ken and before his lips could part, she spoke."Look Ken if you want to ask me questions about my personal life then I'll advise you don't do so." She pointed a finger at him and looked him straight in the face. "Remember, you made a promise never to do so."Ken began to shake his head. "I'm ready to break that promise, Jane. It's been three fucking years and I can't say a few things about my girlfriend. I don't even know the people around her or where she comes from. I feel like a fool Jane." He screamed at her face, his voice was ringing with anger and frustration.Jane quickly turned away. She needed no one to inform her that she hasn't been fair to Ken."I don't know about your personal life either." She replied with her face averted from hi
3 years ago!Jane walked into the living room and immediately took off her hoodie. She just got back from campus. She walked up to her father who was seated on the largest couch and greeted him with a warm smile after giving a slight bow.He motioned for to her settle beside him on the couch. She dropped her schoolbag to the floor and rushed toward him. There was a stool beside him and on it were two photographs.Jane had just returned from one of her hangouts with Ken at the grizzle bar. It was a few minutes past 5 pm."What are you up to dad?" She demanded, trying to get a glimpse of the photographs that were resting on the stool beside her father.He grabbed the pictures and presented them to her. "You don't have to stress your poor neck. Look at them." He threw the photos on her lap and picked up the glass of red wine that was on the table.The moment Jane uncovered the pictures, her eyes widened in horror. She turned to her father with a shocked expression and he immediately dro
2 pm!Ken smiled when he saw the limo pulling toward his apartment. He had been waiting outside for about ten minutes. Jane promised to show up by 2 pm so they'll hit the airport. Their flight was scheduled for 3 pm that evening.Jane stepped out of the vehicle clinging to a brown leather handbag. It was a large bag that contained some spare clothes and other items. Since Cassie's reception was scheduled for 6 pm that evening, it was evident that they were going to spend the night in a hotel so Jane came with luggage.Ken walked up to Jane and took the bag away from her. "I thought you wouldn't show up."She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh come on Ken, you know I wouldn't do such a thing."He smiled and led her into the house. They crashed on the twin couch in the living room."I'm so happy for Cassie," said Jane.Ken turned to Jane. "You don't know how excited I am for her babe. She has been looking forward to this day and I can't wait to see the excitement on her face. I
Ken and Jane kept exchanging mischievous glances. She could see the uneasiness in Ken's eyes. She gave him an assuring blink and darted her gaze to her father.Ken watched the non-verbal communication ongoing between father and daughter. In a flash, Jane rose to her feet and Ken's eyes widened in horror.Was his basic support system about to leave him? He couldn't imagine sitting opposite Mr. Carter without her.Jane turned to the tensed Ken with a warm smile and the look that says 'Relax!'"I'll be right back." She said and began walking away from the dining.Ken collapsed on the chair and couldn't take his eyes off Jane's departing figure. Mr. Carter called his attention by clearing his throat loudly. He sat up, turned toward the CEO, and displayed a sheepish grin.Soon, domestic staff smartly dressed in their uniforms traced their way to the dining majestically carrying food trays and tea jugs. They began to set the table while Ken's eyes were fixed on the stairs, patiently waiting
Ken waved at Jane after she stepped into the back seat of the Range Rover that had come to pick her up from the restaurant. It was a few minutes to 9 pm and their chit-chat was over. Ken sighed and strode to his Lamborghini. He stepped into the car and zoomed off.While driving home, Cassie kept calling but Ken couldn't pick up her calls. His wireless Bluetooth wasn't in the vehicle and there was no way he could pick up the call while he was driving so immediately after he drove to his parking lot, Ken grabbed his phone and dialed Cassie's number.He stroked his forehead several times as he waited for her to pick up the call. They haven't spoken much lately and he wouldn't want to miss any of her calls. After she explained to him that she was occupied with the responsibility attached to her handing over as CEO, Ken Gave her space so she could adequately prepare."Hello!" The phone speaker filtered her voice.Ken sighed in relief. Finally, she picked up the call."Sorry I missed your c
"You are glowing tonight and I must say that you've been glowing a lot lately." Mr. Carter remarked. He was seated in the living room downstairs and was going through his phone when Jane stepped out of her room.She waved her hand down. "Oh come on dad. What are you saying?" She stared at her shoes and flipped her hair, wondering whether she had invested so much in her look that night.Her father cleared his throat loudly and blinked at her. "I must say that love is a beautiful thing. I'm glad it's making you glow and step up with your appearance." He said and broke into a laugh.Jane shook her head and aimed for the exit. "You are so funny, dad. I always dress to kill. Meanwhile, have fun till I return.""Have fun Jane and stay safe!"Jane traced her way to the water fountain where her chauffeur was waiting for her with the Range Rover. She sat next to him in the front seat and he drove away.It was a few minutes past 7 am and Jane was certain that Ken was already seated in the VIP l
Ken kept shifting his gaze from the door to the files littered on his table. It was Monday morning and he was already seated in his office. This week, he'll be only handling administrative tasks.After Ray pulled the car to a halt in the parking lot earlier, Ken kept searching for one of the vehicles that usually drop Jane at the hospital but none was in sight. It was evident that she was yet to arrive at the office.He stared at his wristwatch. Should he give her a call? He sighed and darted his gaze from the door back to his table. He had just spent about twenty minutes in the office so Jane might be on her way.Ken shook his head and continued going through the papers before him. He wondered why he was feeling like a teenager in love even after being with Jane for three years. He had spoken to her on the phone about a hundred times during the weekend and still didn't get enough. He was hopelessly in love.A few minutes later, the door to Ken's office was pushed open. He let the pen
Jane stared at the phone screen and shifted her gaze to Ken. "It's my father calling. I think I need to go." She said and flew to the bedroom.Ken hurried after her. He wanted to pull her back, tell her to stop, and spend more time with him but he knew it was impossible to do that. Her father must have noticed her absence and was probably worried.When Ken got to the bedroom, he met Jane hurriedly slipping into her clothes. He grabbed her bag and went for her shoes under the bed.He helped her wear her jacket and ensured her buttons were in the right holes. "I'll get the car key." He said and left before she could speak.Jane sighed and shook her head. Ken seemed excited and she knew he was going to be sad when she turns down his offer to drive her home.He returned to the bedroom waving his car key. "I'll just grab my shirt," Ken said and moved to the closet."I just called my driver!" Jane spat.When Ken turned around, he caught her waving her phone.He arched a brow. "I thought I w
"This whole revelation is driving me insane!" Cassie remarked after taking her head into her hands.Master Yohi sighed and reached for her hand. "You must stay strong Cassie. I understand how hard it is for you."She turned to him with a fierce look. "How do you expect me to stay strong or act calm? I can't believe I've been living with a liar all my life. After I confronted him, he told me that he knew Ken's parents from a distance and since Ken had no guardian, he was entrusted the right to the boy's property till he was of age.""Your father lied to you. His younger brother Trent, handed the papers to the company to him the week he died. I think his brother knew that there were a couple of bad men on his tail and no one knows why. He planned to come home from Brooklyn the following week and introduced Ken and his mom to you guys." The master explained.Cassie began to nod repeatedly. "Now I'm beginning to get the hang of this story. Ken's father set up the company in Boston while h
Ken rose to his feet and pointed a cheerful finger at Jane. "Before you tell me about the men in your life, I'll go grab us some snacks.""Okay!"He placed a kiss on her left cheek and before heading into the kitchen, he mumbled. "I'll be right back!"Jane fell back on the couch with a warm smile. After speaking to Ken about her past, she felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off her chest. She hugged herself and breathed the fresh air that she was ready to take in. If she had known that speaking about the whole thing was going to be easy and uplifting, she would have done it a long time ago.A few minutes later, Ken returned to the living room with a plate of cookies. She quickly sat up and went for a piece the moment the plate landed on the stool."You made this?" She asked after taking a bite.Ken smiled and took a piece. "Well, miss Jane there are a lot of things you must learn about me and yes, I baked those yesterday and kept them in a jar."Jane hummed and took another happy
Cassie clenched her jaw with her arms still folded across her chest. "Give me one reason why I should listen to you Master Yohi?"He sighed and held up her malicious stare. "You are angry my child and despite your anger, you decided to show up here."She turned away and he continued speaking."Even after hearing my conversation with father last night, you took the risk and showed up here. This can only prove the point that you have doubts about my involvement in the situation and I implore that you give me the chance to speak.She turned to him with trembling lips. She pulled the stool and sat. Master Yohi was right. After eavesdropping on them last night and after pondering the issue several times, she still had doubts about the Master's loyalty and decided to confront him."Stay calm. Get rid of all your rage because I need you to listen to everything I'm going to say to you, Cassie."She nodded and shut her eyes."Take deep breaths and clear your mind." The master advised.She inha