"Hello. Am I on to Stephanie Johnson?" Michael asked over the phone. Dr Dave had given him Stephanie's phone contact, so he decided to put a call through. "Yes. Please who am I speaking with?" Stephanie asked in surprise. She wondered who called her by her full name. "Hey, Stephanie. It's Michael your brother. Please, don't hang up the phone on me. I know I have wronged you..." Michael pleaded softly. "Really? You call yourself my brother? Nonsense!" Stephanie said as she hung up the phone angrily. She was still angry at Michael and Mrs Allison because of what they did to her. Now, she was surprised at why Michael was calling her, or what information he wanted to divulge to her this time around. Michael felt pained that he wasn't able to communicate with Stephanie, but he refused to be discouraged. "I'm not going to give up in trying to get across to her; I must find her," Michael told himself. He thought of strategies he could use in getting across to Stephanie; then he remembered J
It was another work day, and Jakes was at work. He had been so busy and engrossed with the day's work. It was almost closing time at 'The Legends," when Jakes remembered what his wife asked him to do. Since, the day she talked to him about her need for a nanny, she always fantasized about it - where she would be doing during the period, and what part-time she could get. Since Jakes woke up very early that morning, Stephanie had been reminding him at intervals not to forget what they discussed the previous day. She was so anxious about her freedom."Oh, I have to speak to Karen about her friend's nanny," Jakes told himself. He quickly picked up the phone on his table and dialled a number. "Hi, Karen. Please can I see you quickly in my office, before you leave for home?" Jakes asked. "That's fine," the voice on the other end responded.After a short while, someone knocked on Jakes's door. "Come in, please." Jakes said, then the door was pushed open. "Good day, Sir." Karen greeted. "Good
"Hello, Dr Dave. How has work been today?" Michael asked. "Fine, thank you." Dr Dave responded. "Since you gave me Stephanie Johnson's phone contact, I have still been unable to reach her. I don't understand why her phone number hasn't been going through for a while." Michael said."Is that so...?" asked Dr Dave. "Yes, Doc. I'm so bothered because its been a while ever since I heard from her or saw her. The same with her husband, Jakes." Michael said, with a shaky voice. "Oh, I'm so sorry about that Mr Michael. I don't have any other contact information asides from the one I gave you the last time we met..." Dr Dave said."Oh..." Michael responded. "However, I'll advise you to keep trying her number. Who knows when it would go through." Dr Dave responded. He had had no reason to call Stephanie's number in recent times, so he couldn't tell if her number was going through or not."Okay, Doctor. But I'll like you to do me a favour." Michael said. "What is it?" Dr Dave asked anxiously. "I
It was Friday evening. Michael sat in his sitting room and began to wonder why Stephanie got herself a nanny. "How will they cope with paying a nanny's salary?" Michael thought to himself. He knew how poor Jakes was, and how he and Stephanie struggled to make ends meet. "Or could it be a different couple who just bore the same name as them?" Michael thought. He wondered how a couple would bear the exact name and surname with them. "No, it can't be. They must be the ones." Jakes thought. After careful thinking, Michael concluded that Stephanie hired a nanny because she wanted to work, so she needed someone who could monitor the baby very closely. He remembered how Stephanie talked about children when they were younger and still together. She never believed in daycares for very young children; she believed every child deserved to be given the best care and attention."Maybe, that's what made her choose such an expensive option. Jakes is probably yet to find a job, and they'll surely nee
It was late on Tuesday evening, and Ma Elizabeth was back at home from the Johnsons' place to her house when she heard her phone ring. It was an unknown number, so she wasn't sure who it was. However, she picked up the call. "Hello, Ma Elizabeth," said the voice on the other end. She wondered who it was that called her by her name. So she believed that it was someone familiar. "Good evening. Who am I speaking with, please?" Ma Elizabeth asked."You'll soon get to know. I just called to ask you about Stephanie Johnson's address once again. I know you so well, and your refusal to send me the address will lead to the death of your only child, Lawrence, his wife, and children..." The voice said sternly."What?! You must be kidding me right? Why will you want to kill my child and his family, because you want me to release something very private about my client...?" Ma Elizabeth asked in shock. "Don't ask me any silly questions. All I want from you is the house address of the Johnsons. I g
Stephanie came back from work that afternoon, and couldn't find any trace of Ma Elizabeth and her baby. So she decided to check for Matt, but he was nowhere in sight. She went to the backyard of the house to check if he was there, and then she found him."Hey, Matt! So you've been here. Do you know about Ma Elizabeth and my baby's whereabouts? I didn't see them when I came in. They're not in the sitting room. Did they go out or something?"Stephanie asked, looking very perturbed. "They should be in the house. I left them back in the house, before coming here." Matt explained. "Follow me, then," Stephanie said, as she held Matt's hand, pulling him behind her until they entered the sitting room. "Look. They are not here!" Stephanie exclaimed. "I wonder what relevance you have here if you don't know when someone walks in here or steps out. You better pray that I find my baby! Or else..." Stephanie shouted, feeling very distraught and angry at Matt, and then she heard her phone ring. Sh
"I'm so confused! I don't know what to do." Stephanie said, looking very perturbed. Since she received the strange call about Gerald and the nanny being kidnapped, she had been very fidgety. Even though Jakes managed to go to work the next morning, she couldn't wait for Jakes to return. All through the time, he was at work, she had made several phone calls, informing her friends about the missing baby, but most of them advised her to inform the police, and to be calm about the situation.Now it was 4 pm, and Stephanie was becoming very apprehensive. Jakes was yet to be back, and she needed someone to talk to. "I may have to go there. Gerald mustn't be killed." Stephanie thought as she paced up and down in the sitting room until she heard the sound of Jakes's car. "Oh! He's back." Stephanie said, feeling a sense of relief.In a moment, Jakes walked into the sitting room and saw Stephanie looking very distraught. "Hello, Darling." Jakes greeted his wife. Stephanie sighed on seeing Jakes
"Oh, my goodness! You don't have to do this Michael. Please let me go with my baby." Stephanie said as she continued to cry. "I don't have time for your stupid pleas. All I need is for you to choose one of the two options that I just mentioned. I know you don't have the money to pay all that Mr Cameron had invested into 'The Class of Verity', so the only option you have is to return to Mr Cameron." Michael said."No...No... I will do no such thing. I'm already married to Jakes, and I won't forfeit my relationship with him for any reason." Stephanie said. "Dub! Bring me that baby. The mother isn't ready to cooperate!" Michael ordered. "No! No! No! Don't touch him!" Stephanie screamed out in fear. "I will!" Michael responded."Okay, okay then. I'll return to Mr Cameron. So, can I have my baby now?" Stephanie asked. "No, not yet. You can't fool anyone here. We have to see you return to him first before we release your baby!" Michael said. "I have agreed to return to him, so what else do
The courtroom was filled with tension and anticipation as the trial of Michael, the man who had caused so much pain and suffering, began. Present in the courtroom were Nora, her parents, Mr and Mrs Henderson, Jakes, Stephanie, Mark, Kathryn, Rose, Taylor, and Mr and Mrs Allison. They were all there to witness the proceedings and to ensure that justice was served for the crimes committed by Michael.As the judge entered the room, a hush fell over the spectators. The weight of the situation was palpable, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the trial to unfold. Michael, accompanied by his defence attorney, sat in the defendant's seat, his face betraying a mixture of fear and resignation.The prosecutor, a stern and determined individual, presented a compelling case against Michael. They meticulously outlined the numerous charges, ranging from kidnapping and assault to extortion and fraud. Each crime was detailed, highlighting the impact it had on the lives of the victims and the
As Nora arrived home, she was enveloped in a warm embrace from her parents, Mr and Mrs Clark. The relief and love in their eyes were palpable, reassurance that she was finally safe after the harrowing ordeal she had endured. They ushered her into the living room, urging her to sit down and share her story.With a mix of exhaustion and determination, Nora began recounting the terrifying events that had unfolded. She explained how Michael, the man she had fallen in love with and intended to marry, had revealed his true colours—locking her up in a room and subjecting her to a nightmare of captivity and fear.Tears streamed down Nora's face as she shared her confusion and disbelief at discovering Michael's dark secrets. "I never knew, Mom, Dad," she choked out between sobs. "I had no idea he was a criminal, wanted by the police. I was blindsided by his charming facade."Her parents listened intently, their expressions shifting from concern to shock as they absorbed the truth. It was a har
As days turned into weeks, a cloud of worry settled over Nora's parents, Mr and Mrs Clark, Nora's parents. It had been a while since they last heard from their daughter, and their attempts to reach her were met with frustration. Nora's phone was always switched off, and their texts and calls went unanswered. Concern grew into suspicion, and they couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Mr Clark decided to take matters into his own hands. He packed a bag and set off on a journey to find his daughter, with Mrs. Clark by his side. They were determined to uncover the truth and bring their daughter back home, no matter the cost.Meanwhile, Nora found herself trapped in a small, dimly lit room by Michael. He had taken away her phone and cut off all communication with the outside world. Fear gnawed at her insides as she realized the true extent of the danger she was in. She had never witnessed glimpses of Michael's dark side before, and
Stephanie lay in her hospital bed, a sense of joy and exhaustion washing over her. In her arms, she cradled her newborn baby—a precious gift of life that had entered the world only moments ago. The room was filled with warmth and love as her husband, Jakes, stood by her side, his eyes shimmering with pride.The sound of a soft knock on the door broke the tranquillity, and Stephanie's heart swelled with anticipation. She knew exactly who was on the other side. With a gentle smile, she beckoned her parents, Mr and Mrs Allison, to enter.Paul, Stephanie's father, entered the room first, his face beaming with happiness. He rushed to his daughter's side, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Stephanie, my darling, you've brought another blessing into our lives," he said, his voice filled with emotion.Tears welled up in Stephanie's eyes as she looked into her father's proud gaze. "Thank you, Dad," she whispered. "I'm so grateful to have you here."Mrs Allison followed her husband, her ey
Nora sat in their living room, her eyes fixed on the television screen as the news played in the background. She had been trying her best to support Michael, hoping that he would change. But as time went on, it became evident that his promises of change were empty words.She watched as the news anchor's voice filled the room, detailing the latest developments in a string of criminal activities. Nora's attention shifted from the mundane stories of the day to the image that appeared on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the face staring back at her—Michael's face.The news anchor's voice grew more urgent. "Authorities are searching for this man, Michael Allison, who is wanted in connection with multiple illegal activities. Anyone with information leading to his capture will be rewarded. Please contact the local authorities if you have any information."Nora's hands trembled as she reached for her phone, her mind racing with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a gnawin
Nora sat across from Michael, her brows furrowed in confusion. She couldn't understand why he was refusing to meet her parents, especially when they had expressed their desire to get to know him. It was important to her that her parents accepted their relationship, and their approval meant everything."Michael, I don't understand," Nora said softly, her voice tinged with disappointment. "My parents want to meet you. They want to get to know the man I love. Why are you hesitating?"Michael shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze avoiding Nora's eyes. He knew that revealing the truth would only put their relationship in jeopardy, but he couldn't keep hiding the dark secret any longer. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before finally meeting her gaze."Nora, I want nothing more than to meet your parents, but I c meet them now," Michael replied, his voice laced with sadness. Nora sat across from Michael, her brow furrowed in confusion and concern. "But why, Michael? Why c
Nora and Michael stood side by side, their lives forever changed by the tragic events that had unfolded. The police investigation into Justin's death had concluded, revealing that Michael had no involvement in the tragic incident. The autopsy results confirmed that Justin's death was indeed due to an asthma attack.Relieved but still mourning the loss of Justin, Nora clung to Michael for support. Through the darkness, they had found solace in each other's arms, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Despite the pain and uncertainty, they had developed a deep connection that seemed to transcend their circumstances.As the days turned into weeks, Nora's trust in Michael continued to solidify. She saw the compassion and kindness in his actions, his unwavering support during her grief. One evening, as they sat together in the living room, the weight of their experiences hanging in the air, Michael took a deep breath, gathering his courage. He turned to Nora, his eyes filled w
Jakes stood before Mr and Mrs Allison, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He had come to their house with a heavy burden on his shoulders, a truth he had to share, no matter how difficult it might be. The room was filled with an uneasy silence as he prepared himself to reveal the shocking revelation.Mr Allison looked at Jakes with curiosity and concern, sensing the gravity of the situation. Mrs Allison's eyes were filled with anticipation and worry, her hands tightly clasped together in anticipation of what Jakes was about to say. They had trusted Jakes as their son, and now they were about to learn a disturbing truth.Taking a deep breath, Jakes began, "Dad and Mum, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Michael." He paused, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and anger. "Michael was responsible for the gunshot you experienced some time ago."Mr Allison's eyes widened in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. "What do you mean? How do you know this?" he aske
As the night grew darker and silence settled over the house, Michael found himself restlessly pacing in his room. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. The house was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creaks and whispers carried by the wind outside. Nora had packed out of the house a day before after showing her disinterest in the wedding. Justin was heartbroken and was feeling sad about Nora's decision until he forced himself to sleep.Suddenly, amidst the stillness, a muffled sound caught Michael's attention. It was a faint wheezing, barely audible but enough to send a shiver down his spine. His heart skipped a beat, and his instincts propelled him forward, urging him to investigate.Without a second thought, Michael stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. The air felt heavy, charged with anticipation as he made his way toward Justin's room. Each step seemed to echo in the quietness, heightening his sense of urgency.As he reached the door, he paused