Earlier that evening, the bar was alive with energy as the lights dimmed and pulsed, the bass of the music was high and vibrating through the floor and into her chest as she moved with a practiced grace across the stage. She kept her movements smooth and controlled, her gaze fixed somewhere distant, beyond the lights, beyond the faces. For Bethany, dancing had become both routine and refuge. She didn't love the job, but it was a stepping stone, one that she held onto fiercely, this was the only hope she can get to rise back to the top. The money she earned here would cover her bills, and maybe even help her to pay for her daughter’s school fees and even make something more of herself. She repeated this to herself as she swayed her hips, letting the music flow through her, grounding her resolve. But tonight, something felt different. She noticed Pablo watching her from across the room, his sharp gaze was on her with interest. He was talking to two men seated at the bar, his smil
Troy’s landlord stood at his door one frosty morning with a hand outstretched, demanding for his pay as he was tired of waiting for him to show up with it. Troy had tried really, he had, he took odd jobs here and there, long hours under the scorching hot sun or in the freezing cold, anything to make ends meet. But the small, crumpled bills he brought home barely stretched to cover food, let alone cost of rent. In the dim light of his room, the night before, he stared at the wallpaper which was already crumbling, the mirror was hanging crooked by the wall, beside it was actually little Hilary his daughter who was laying on the bed with no care in the world. Hilary laid fast asleep, her small body curled up under a thin blanket. She was so still, her dark curls were scattered across her pillow and a hint of a smile plastered on her lips. Even though they lead a pathetic life, one different from what she knew, thankfully, she found dreams worth smiling about. Troy Reece
They then handed him an envelope and he turned to leave, his heart heavier than he could possibly comprehend. ‘This is what's best for all of us… I hope you grow up to be a beautiful woman and one day soon, we will meet. I hope you don't hate me then.’ He thought. As the door closed behind him, the sound of her laughter echoed in his ears, a haunting melody that would follow him wherever he went. He walked away, the weight of the money in his pocket feeling heavier than any burden he had ever carried. He didn’t look back. He couldn’t, how could he? A part of him still wanted to run back, to throw open the door, to scoop her up and take her home. But he didn’t have a home to offer her, not a real one, and he knew that. With each step, he reminded himself why he had done it. This was a chance for her safety, warmth, meals that wouldn’t leave her hungry, and a better future. All things he could never give her, no matter how much he wanted to. He walked aimlessly, in the streets
In the State's penitentiary, there was a fat looking man sitting down in a cold cell with his cellmate. He was tired, he had already given up, his wife had asked for a divorce and now he was no longer working with Blue Net Group as his reputation had been damaged. It's been a year since he has been in jail, this man's name is none other than Henry Donald who was the manager of Blue Net Group until the day Logan caught him with Sarah Palmer, since then he has been charged with sexual assault and harassment as well as embezzlement of company funds, but since he was behind the walls there was no way that he would be exonerated by any chance. But things don't always work out the way they plan and bad people mostly get preferential treatment. “Henry Donald, you are summoned, you have a visitor!” A prison guard uttered. Henry Donald was of course confused and curious as he had no idea who that is, because his wife had vowed never to have anything to do with him neither would any of his
Garry was dumbfounded, he didn't expect that such a thing could ever happen. How in the world would the Blue Net Group fund the syndicate? He just couldn't fathom it. “I don't understand uncle, how are they the ones funding the syndicate? I thought that Jaguar's Den Syndicate was started by my father?” Garry asked in shock. “It wasn't, it was started out by both your dad, Mr Terrence Bentley and me. We were a team back in the day. I just spoke to him before coming here, he had no idea who killed him.” Nolen uttered. “No I don't believe it, he was holding this card uncle, clearly they must have had something to do with his demise, but if it's true that you all are close friends, why the hell didn't he come to his burial?” Garry retorted. “He did, you just didn't see him. The reason he didn't show his face was because you are trying so hard to kill him. He didn't want to cause ructions on his friend's burial. So he allowed you to bury him in peace.” Nolen uttered sternly. “I stil
The prison gates opened and Henry Donald stepped out inhaling the fresh air plastering on his face. The air that he hadn’t felt on his skin, the feeling of freedom. His bulgy figure seemed to carry the weight of more than just his body, as though every step pressed heavily into the ground beneath him. There was a strange mix of relief and anxiety on his face; relief at the taste of freedom, but anxiety over what awaited him beyond those walls. His hands fidgeted, and his eyes darted from one corner to another, uneasy and unsure. There was excitement too, deep beneath that was fear, like he was waking up from a long, restless sleep but unsure of how to face the world that had moved on without him. His wife, his kids how would they view him, his money that was lost and accounts that has been frozen, would he get them back? As Henry was wondering, his eyes ettled on a sleek black car parked by the other side of the street. It was looking new as if he was untouched by the dust of
The sun was just beginning to go below the horizon, leaving behind a warm glow over the Kennedy's mansion. Liam Miller pulled up to the grand driveway in a sleek, black car, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Tonight was a new chapter of his life. He adjusted his tie in the rearview mirror, he then brushed his hands on his hair, as a soft smile crossed his lips as he thought of Elizabeth. When he stepped out of the car he then made his way to the front door, he didn’t have to wait long enough. As soon as the doors opened, there she was, looking like an angel. Elizabeth Kennedy, was in a flowing, elegant dress that danced with each step she took, her radiant smile stealing his breath away. 'Can't believe this is all mine.’ he thought. Her hair was dangling around her shoulders and her eyes glistened with something he’d never seen before hope, maybe even joy. "Liam," she greeted, her voice warm. The scent of lavender oil emanating from her body,
Mike stepped into his house, all worn out, he was exhausted. Leaning casually against the kitchen counter, was Garry. For a split second, Mike was frozen, his brain catching up with the sight of his old friend, who he hadn’t seen in a year, he couldn't believe it. His thoughts then recalled that he hadn't checked his emails for a while. “Garry!” Mike called, breaking into a wide grin. They clasped hands, pulling each other into a brief but solid hug. Even though they haven't seen each other in a while, that didn't matter anymore as it is replaced by the warmth of familiarity, They exchanged pleasantries, the easy chatter flowing as they caught up on lost time. But then Garry’s face darkened, the familiar ease replaced by a cold look that Mike had only seen once before. And it was the night Garry had learned about his father’s death. “I need to tell you something,” Garry said, his voice low. Mike felt a shiver up his spine as he waited, his eyes locked on Garry’s troubl