The upcoming custody hearing approached like a storm cloud, threatening to let go of months of pent-up emotions in Jack. And now the day for the hearing has arrived. All this time, it was like dragging a cold dread that settled deep in Jack's gut.It hadn't been too long, but it felt like years since he'd held his little girl, Amanda, in his arms as much as he wanted. She was still that giggling bundle of sunshine, barely taller than his knees the last time he checked.Blade met Jack in the sitting room, where the latter waited so they could leave for court together. Soon, Blade came out and met Jack, pacing back and forth.“Young master,” Blade said, clearing his throat and cutting through Jack's reverie. “We can get going now. Pacing won't win this case, and you know that.”Jack forced a smile, the gesture feeling brittle on his face. “Not that. It's just… I hadn't seen Amanda in months before our most recent encounter. After I saw her the other day, I couldn't get my mind off it.
With the thoughts of Amanda’s future looking brighter, Jack knew the real work was just beginning. But he was ready for it, prepared to fight for his daughter’s happiness and well-being every step of the way.As Jack exited the courtroom with Blade, a concerned look etched on his face, Blade asked, “I hope this judge doesn't want to play games with us.”Jack replied, his voice tight with a hint of frustration, “I doubt it. I think he is a just judge, but no one can be trusted fully anyway. Two more weeks of waiting.” It was as if that were what bothered him more.He wished to celebrate his daughter’s 4th birthday with her, which was exactly 19 days from that very day. And so he hoped the case wouldn’t be adjourned again after two weeks.Blade placed a reassuring hand on Jack's shoulder. “It's not over yet. This investigation could work in our favor. We just need to be patient.”Jack nodded, though patience was the last thing he felt. Amanda, her welfare, and the uncertainty that lay a
Jack spent the following days in a state of unspoken delight, the joy of regaining custody of Amanda tinged with sweet old memories.“Was he truly fit to be a single father? Could he provide the stability and love Amanda needed?” These were the thoughts that kept ringing in his heart like a tone.Desperate for answers, Jack sought refuge in the familiar comfort of his right-hand man, Blade.As Jack took the cup of coffee in gulps with a teaspoon, he laid bare his fears, his voice laced with a tremor of anxiety.“Blade,” he called out in a low tone, “do you think that I can take care of Amanda alone? As for me, I think I won't be able to give her the perfect love and affection she needs.”Blade listened patiently, his brow furrowed in concern. “Young master,” he finally said. “I know one thing for sure, which is that you are a good father. Just these few days Amanda has spent here show how much you love and care for her.” Blade knew the importance of giving his boss due acclaim, so he
The more Jack thought about it, the more it felt like a carefully curated advertisement rather than a glimpse into reality.“I think you are right, young master, but there is no harm in trying,” Blade muttered, slumping back on the plush couch in his living room.It was as if Jack stole a glance at Jasmine as he looked in the direction she had walked with Amanda a while ago.There was no doubt he had a pang of affection twisting in his gut, but he couldn't help but shrug his shoulders.Jack really wanted Amanda to be a female role model, someone who could share the joys and tribulations of raising a child. He was assured there was no way Jasmine would give in to what he wanted, but then a thought flashed through his mind, and he knew there should be a way out.“Why not? Let's try out this online dating shit? I may be lucky. What do you think?” he asked Blade.“That could potentially lead to a disastrous outcome, young master." They are all fake. Every profile on that app seems like th
“Where is Aunt Jasmine? Why isn't she here with us yet, Daddy?” Amanda, who was dressed in a Versace gown, inquired of her father, Jack, as she entered the sitting room from her room after her personal aide dressed her up.Jack had provided Jasmine with sufficient funds to choose the most suitable outfits for his daughter. So, it was one of the clothes that Amanda had on and it fit her perfectly which made her look like a billion dollars.“Don't worry, she will join us there. I will simply send her the address of where we are on our way out. Maybe something caught her attention on her way, or she needs to attend to something—who knows? Besides, it's the weekend, and she may decide to do one or two things for herself,” Jack quickly replied. His energy didn't match that of little Amanda’s that late afternoon, so the best he could do was to answer her carefully.Not satisfied with her father’s reply, Amanda asked, “Why not call her to confirm, Daddy, rather than guessing?”“Ok, then, I w
The next day, after Amanda's birthday, Jack was with Blade in their usual relaxation space chatting away with some gist.Meanwhile, Amanda was in her room, taking her siesta.Just then, a call came on Jack's phone, and he picked it up. “Hello, who am I speaking to?” Jack inquired, as it was a new number.“I am Brenda from the Rehabilitation Center in New York.”“Okay, so how can I help you?”“Your ex-wife, Nancy, is missing, and your attention is required here now.”“Ex-wife is missing?” Jack retorted quickly, trying to connect the dots to what he had just heard. “So, if she is missing at your rehabilitation center where she is being treated, how does that concern me?”“I think we will resolve this better when you get here,” the lady at the other end responded.“Okay, then, I will be there soon.”As soon as Jack got off the phone, Blade asked him what the problem was, noticing how worried Jack had looked while taking the call.Jack explained what the caller had said to him and stood u
On a sunny afternoon, the next day after Jack was held hostage, a car was seen pulling up right in front of the rehabilitation center.The next thing, Nancy and Joshua were brought out of the car and made to stand still in one spot, both looking like criminals held hostage. They were both apprehended and brought to the rehabilitation center, based on their appearance.The little drama that played out attracted everyone there, including the chief rehabilitation officer- Mr Thomas, the health workers, and every other person around. Everyone was visibly shocked by what they had seen and muttered among themselves. They couldn't figure out exactly what was happening.However, Mr Thomas and the health workers could recognize Nancy at a glance but didn't know who the man, who happened to be Joshua, was.In no time, a convoy of exotic cars, arranged in a straight line, was seen driving in. The people outside were gobsmacked by the procession of luxury cars. Everyone who saw it was overwhelmed
The moment Jack and Blade got back, Jasmine was at home with Amanda.“Daddy!” Amanda ran and hugged her dad the moment she saw him.Jack lifted her up with both hands, then went and sat on one of the seats in the living room, making Amanda sit on his lap.“Daddy, where have you been since yesterday? Uncle Blade told me you went on a business trip when I asked him about your whereabouts.”To avoid more questions, Jack just replied, “Yes, I was on a business trip, but I am back now for you.”“I am happy you are back, Daddy,” Amanda replied in her tiny voice. She then leaned forward and pecked her father. “I miss you, dad.”“I miss you too, my dear.” Jack replied After what seemed like a flash, he said, “You know what? I need to take a shower, eat, and then come to have some nice time with you, okay?”Jack needed to take a bath very quick, as he had refused to bathe or even eat while he was held back at the rehabilitation center. So after he taken a bath. He was already famished, so he