Chapter One Hundred And Twelve Nicki couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her elder sister, Selena, had been kidnapped. Instead of the expected sorrow, a strange sensation crept over her. She found herself laughing, almost maniacally, as the news reached her ears. The disbelief mingled with a sense of irony, creating a peculiar emotional cocktail. She had always felt overshadowed by Selena's accomplishments, as if her own achievements meant nothing. Now, the universe seemed to have played an unexpected card, granting her an unwanted victory.Nicki's laughter echoed through the empty room, a chilling soundtrack to the surreal moment. It was a laugh tinged with madness, a release of pent-up frustration that had accumulated over years of feeling inadequate. She clutched her sides, her laughter bordering on hysteria, as tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to stop, to comprehend the gravity of the situation, but her body seemed possessed by an uncontrollable force.Outside, the sk
Chapter One Hundred And Thirteen Henry lay on the sterile hospital bed, his eyes fixed on the flickering screen of the television mounted on the wall across from him. The low hum of machines and the distant chatter of nurses were lost in the cacophony of his racing thoughts. The news anchor's voice resonated through the room, delivering the breaking news that sent shockwaves through his already fragile state of mind."Breaking news just in: Selena, wife of local businessman Elijah, has been rescued from the clutches of her kidnappers. Authorities are commending the swift action of the police in securing her safe return."The words hung in the air, sinking into Henry's chest like lead. His heart hammered against his ribcage, a visceral reminder of the secret he had desperately tried to bury. As the news footage played, showing a disheveled Selena being led to safety, Henry's hands began to tremble involuntarily. He clenched his fists, hoping to still the violent quivering that seemed
Chapter One Hundred And Fourteen Roberto's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the chaotic battleground before him. The staccato rhythm of gunfire echoed through the night air, interwoven with the desperate cries of both law enforcement and kidnappers locked in a deadly dance. In the heart of this tumultuous storm stood Henry, a figure crumpled on the ground, blood seeping from his wounds."Get on the line, Tony!" Roberto barked, his voice cutting through the cacophony. Tony, one of his trusted lieutenants, swiftly pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed the number. The urgency of the situation was evident in every line etched on Roberto's face as he watched over his fallen comrade."We need the best helicopter ambulance here, and we need it now," Roberto commanded, his voice taut with emotion. Tony relayed the order with a sense of urgency that matched Roberto's own, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.The minutes stretched into eternity as the battl
Chapter One Hundred And Fifteen In the midst of the chaos, Selena's heartache was a palpable force, threatening to consume her. She clung to Elijah, her arms wrapped tightly around him, as if her embrace could mend the wounds that marred his body. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the sweat and dirt that clung to her skin.The helicopter's interior was a whirl of medical equipment and hushed conversations. The paramedics worked with a sense of urgency, their hands moving swiftly as they tended to Elijah's injuries. Selena's grip on him remained unyielding, her desperation evident in every quiver of her body."Ma'am, we need to stabilize him," one of the paramedics gently implored, his voice tinged with sympathy. "You have to let go for a moment so we can help him."Selena's gaze remained fixed on Elijah's pale face, his eyes closed as he fought to hold onto life. Reluctantly, she released her grip, her hands lingering for a moment as if unwilling to relinquish her connectio
Chapter One Hundred And Sixteen Hours turned into a blur for Selena as she continued to stand vigil by Elijah's side. The news of his improvement brought a glimmer of hope, but her heart remained heavy with worry. It was in the midst of this emotional roller coaster that a nurse entered her room with an expression of surprise."Ma'am, the hospital administration just informed me that the President will be visiting you and your husband today," the nurse said, her voice tinged with awe.Selena's eyes widened in disbelief. The President? She could hardly comprehend the magnitude of such a visit. Why would the President take the time to visit them? She exchanged a bewildered look with the nurse, her thoughts racing.As the minutes ticked by, anticipation and anxiety knotted within Selena's stomach. Her shock only deepened when she caught glimpses of the heightened security presence throughout the hospital. Uniformed agents and security personnel moved with an air of vigilance that was im
Chapter One Hundred And Seventeen Selena's eyes bore into Elijah's, a mixture of hurt and frustration evident in her gaze. "Tell me the truth, Elijah. Who are you really? I deserve to know the reality of the man I married."Elijah's gaze wavered for a moment, his hesitation palpable. He opened his mouth to speak, but the weight of his secret pressed down on him, his words catching in his throat.Selena's patience was wearing thin, her voice tinged with a mixture of desperation and determination. "You can't keep avoiding this, Elijah. We've faced life and death together. I can handle the truth."Elijah's gaze dropped to the hospital sheets, his fingers fidgeting nervously. "Selena, there are things I haven't told you, things I've kept hidden."Selena's voice grew softer, the raw emotion in her eyes unwavering. "I know, Elijah. And I understand that you've done what you thought was best to protect me. But keeping secrets from me isn't the way to protect our marriage."Elijah's throat t
Chapter One Hundred And Eighteen Stella stood there, her body trembling like a leaf caught in a storm. She had rehearsed the words in her mind countless times, but now, as she faced Henry, her heart raced like a wild stallion. The weight of her secret had become unbearable, and she knew that she could no longer bear the burden of lies. She swallowed hard, her throat dry and constricted, and finally found the courage to speak."Henry," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, "I can't do it anymore. I can't lie for you."Henry's eyes bore into hers, his brows furrowing as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What are you talking about, Stella?" he spat, his tone laced with disbelief and anger.Tears welled up in Stella's eyes, but she blinked them away, determined to stand her ground. "I've been lying to the police, to everyone," she said, her voice gaining strength. "I've been covering up for you, but I'm terrified. I'm scared that I'll end up in prison because of this
Chapter One Hundred And Nineteen Stella sat in the dimly lit room, her heart racing as the harsh fluorescent light flickered overhead. Detective Lawson's stern gaze bore into her, his eyes cold and calculating. The cold metal chair beneath her felt unforgiving against her trembling legs, a stark contrast to the warmth that once radiated between her and Henry."Stella, we need answers," Detective Lawson's voice was as relentless as his gaze. "Henry has been missing for days. We know he was last seen with you. Where is he?"Stella's hands clenched in her lap, her knuckles turning white. She fought back tears, her mind a swirling mix of confusion and desperation. She had no idea where Henry was, no matter how many times they asked."I don't know, I swear," her voice quivered as she met Lawson's unrelenting stare.Detective Martinez, a tall and imposing figure, leaned in closer. "Stella, we've found his car abandoned. Blood was found inside. Are you telling us you know nothing about this