2024-03-04 17:58:57
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The rule of three Leilani
"Leilani and I had been dating for three years and engaged for eight months when this trouble began." Dean began explaining. He took his first sip from the glass, the whisky with ice burned nicely at the back of his throat. "She said a certain young heir had a great interest in her. He came to the place she worked as a receptionist one day, and fell madly for her. I don't blame him. Leilani is extraordinarily beautiful, smart and kind." "I see." Jean said."But he began pestering her. First he brought gifts and offered to change her financial status. When Leilani turned all of it down, he resorted to more dangerous measures."Jean was listening keenly. All his attention was on Dean."We believe he was behind an allegation at Leilani's workplace that almost cost her her job." Dean explained as he sat up. He took another gulp from his drink. "And as expected this guy swooped in like a superhero and saved the day.""Who is this man?" Jean asked. Dean looked at Jean for a while before
The rule of three The captive
The beautiful woman sitting on the bed was still in her purple, transparent nightgown, although it was almost noon.She was fidgeting on the bed, scared. Today was Thursday, and Thursday was when the awful man visited her. On other days she could pretend that she was in another place, another world where there was no pain. But on Thursdays she could not, the pain was too much for her to pretend it was not her reality. The door burst open. Her ruthless nurse walked in. "Get up and get dressed." The nurse said. She always had an irritated look plastered on her face.The woman on the bed did not respond. She did not want to get dressed."Are you deaf?" The nurse asked with increased irritation after minutes of silence. "The boss will soon be here, get up and get dressed."The woman still did not move. But she spoke up now. "No.""What did you say?" The nurse asked."No." The woman repeated. "No, I won't.""You seem to have forgotten your place.After all these years you still have n
The rule of three Dangerous Vipers
Dean could not wait any longer. So he stood up and marched into the orphanage. There he saw her, both of them. Già Rossano and Alanna. It made his blood run cold to see Alanna so close to someone from a family of dangerous vipers.He would do everything to stop this adoption from happening. Alanna spied him, and he saw her face change literally. She lit up with joy and moved around Già to run towards him. Dean felt his heart tighten with gratitude. He bent to pick her up as she ran into his arms, and twirled her around. Alanna shrieked with delight. He hugged her briefly before setting her down again."How are you doing?" He asked."I'm fine, thank you." Alanna responded, smiling up at him.Dean could not help but smile back. Leilani would be so happy if she ever saw this. Alanna had grown up to be a polite, beautiful girl the way she had always envisioned. "I got something for you." He said, handing her the big stuffed pink teddy that had been stuck under his arm. Alanna shri
The rule of three Talk around town
Dean straightened up in anticipation. Was his suspicion correct? His statement had been a risk.And he knew that if his suspicion was right, that was the wrongest move he could make. If the Rossanos knew he was on to them, they would be more careful and the investigation would become more difficult. But he had been unable to control himself, listening to Già speak to him that way. She threatened him with such unique words.Già finally turned around to look at him. Then she burst out laughing. "I had to think long and hard to remember who Lei-whatever her name was." She said. "That's the bitch my Big brother died over. Why do you think we are behind her disappearance?""Because you seem to enjoy making people disappear." Dean said."Let's just go, Già." Her husband said, finally speaking up for the first time. She ignored him. "I don't think your girlfriend disappeared at all, she was fed up with your poverty and realised she could do better."Before, these words would have hurt D
The rule of three The office tour
Dean stepped out and tipped the driver generously. He saw a woman leaning against a fancy car waiting for him."Jessica Bordeaux?" He asked as he walked towards her. "Yes. You are late." She said, accepting his outstretched hand in a handshake. She was wearing a blue suit and nude-coloured shirt. The sunglasses she wore concealed her eyes, and her dark hair was long and thick and fell to her waist.She led him to the building and softly opened the door."My sales partner is not here today. But she will be with us at the next appointment when we check out other buildings." Jessica Bordeaux said finally taking off her glasses. She had beautiful brown eyes."I only have high scale properties on my list today, I hope you enjoy the tour." She said.Dean did not miss the look in her eyes, despite her effort to be polite. He could see that she thought this meeting was a waste of time.He was not wearing any fancy clothes and did not show up in a fancy car. He had arrived in a public dusty
The rule of three Dean Connor's
Lyda, Jess's partner, arrived with a storm. A storm of extroverted energy and excitement.She got to the office building in record time, and Dean quickly realised she was trouble. "Hello. You are the rich, loaded client." She said stretching her hand out for a handshake as soon as she saw him. She was smiling brightly and practically hopping from one foot to the next. Jess cleared her throat and quickly said. "This is Dean Connor." Then she turned to Dean with an apologetic smile and said. "This is Lyda Morelle, my sales partner.""Nice to meet you." Dean said briefly, looking down at both women and waiting for them to pull out all the necessary documents. "What a hunk." Lyda whispered to Jess but loud enough for all of them to hear. Dean tried to keep a blank face. The woman thought him attractive and wanted him to know it."Can we begin the process? What and where do I put my signature?" He asked."Of course." Lyda said quickly. She opened her purse and brought out some papers
The rule of three A closely kept secret
"The app is ready," Liam said over the phone a few days later."Good, when can I see a demo?" Dean asked."Now. I am setting up a virtual meeting, so I can show you." Liam responded. Dean was impressed. "You are very efficient. You are always one step ahead."Liam laughed, pleased with the compliment. "You'll have a permanent place in my company." Dean said.Liam went quiet, he was probably trying to digest the information. This was a surprise. The software development was supposed to be a one-off gig.It was not planned, Dean had simply realised he wanted to keep Liam to himself just now.He had proven himself to be very resourceful. He had given Dean contacts of all the important people he would need to start his business. "Thank you." Liam finally said. "Do you have a name for your company yet?""No. My meeting with the brand strategist is still hours away." Dean responded as he accepted the virtual meet invite Liam sent to him.Dean's mouth hung open as he watched the live de
The rule of three Who did this to you
Dean could not wait to confront Già with all her carefully kept secrets. He smiled.She would run far and never look back.He turned back to Jean. "Thank you. Continue digging.""Sure." Jean responded. "What about the Leilani investigation?"Jean sighed. "About your fiance, I have a strong lead I am following." He said. Dean liked that he remembered to call her his fiance. "I should have news for you in a few days." Jean said.Dean nodded and stood up. "Thank you very much." He said, shaking Jean's hand.He left, and spent the rest of the day at his appointment with his brand strategist. ***The next day, he started his morning with an inspection of his office space with the interior designer and Lyda who was present. The man showed him several designs he had done, and explained to Dean how he could make changes to some details in these designs and create something unique for him.Dean approved the project and watched the interior designer leave, to go get started. He promised t
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Leilani escapes
Leilani crouched low. Despite the painkillers, despite the fact that she'd lost the baby for days now, her belly still cramped painfully.She winced as she turned to her side on the bed.Her nurse was busy watching television, ignoring her completely. The woman hated her gut now. No one found out that the nurse had been drugged, the monster thought she was careless and punished her severely. She hated Leilani for this and was extra high handed with her.Leilani silently watched her now. The nurse turned suddenly. “Lost something?” She frowned angrily. “Why are you staring?”Leilani winced as her belly twisted again. “I need painkillers. My belly hurts.” She managed to get out. The nurse scoffed at her and looked away. Leilani closed her eyes as the pain enveloped her body. She should have known the woman would not help. She clutched the bed sheet and clenched as the pain coursed through her body and seized her thigh, back and pelvis in a vicious grip. When the pain dropped again
Trouble is brewing
“A serving for five this evening. Everyone will be home.” Florenza said to the cook.“Yes ma'am.” The cook responded.Florenza wanted to say something, but she hesitated and kept quiet. She walked out of the kitchen and hurried upstairs. The maids looked away when they saw her coming. Florenza pressed her lips together. They blamed her for what happened. She saw it in their eyes. They all acted coldly towards her, and two more people had resigned.She went back upstairs to Alanna, and they continued their lessons. At least, the child was her usual warm and friendly self around her. She wondered how the child would treat her though if she knew and understood what happened.She doubted she would remain this friendly if she did.She had not had one good night's sleep since she heard that scream and gunshot. Her guilt became worse when Rhoda went missing. In her heart, she knew something bad had happened to her, but she did not want to believe it.Perhaps the girl had decided to resi
Another big break
Dean sighed. Not again, Not today!He maintained a calm expression though, and walked around her to open his front door. He had forgotten how persistent Lyda can be. He should have known she would not back off easily. He went in, she followed him and closed the door behind. He hoped she would not try any of that seduction trick today. He went to the room and confirmed the painting was still hanging on the wall. “What do you want Lyda?” He said as he stepped out. She looked calm, not as distressed as she did yesterday. “Why did you not tell me you were leaving for another woman?” She asked.“What?”“I worried something was wrong with me.” She said dropping her purse on a nearby couch. “I really thought something was seriously wrong with me, that is why you could not like me even though you were single and straight.” Dean kept looking at her.“Why did you
Best friend
“Callaso.” Jasper responded. “Do you know him?” “I cannot be sure yet.” Dean said, as he sent a quick text to the cops in charge of Rob's case. When he looked up, Jasper was looking at him with a strange expression. “You look good. You look really good.” He said in wonder. Dean shook his head and smiled sadly. Then he launched into a long explanation, bringing Jasper up to speed with everything that had happened to him so far. The more he told, the more incredulous Jasper looked. Dean tried to hurry through the details as fast as he could. There was a time limit to every prison visit. Jasper had both hands supporting his chin by the time Dean was done. Dean sat back and watched his reaction. He understood it to some extent. He believed the reason he had not freaked out yet was because he had not had a peaceful moment to really think about it. Everything had moved fast since that night he got ou
Getting heated
Dean stepped back as if he had been slapped. He looked at Lyda's face, moist with tears. But he felt no pity. “That is not love. You were selfish. You lied because you were only thinking about yourself.” He shouted angrily. How could she claim to love him when she did not even know the most basic quality of love. How could someone as selfish as she was, claim to love him?He chose her because he needed her help. That was selfish. He could never claim he loved her. She brought in benefits and he compensated her adequately.“Do you understand that our marriage is null?” He asked, remembering what Jean had told him. “Our marriage was never recognized because you were married to another.” He ran his hands through his hair as the full implication of this hit him. He would never have been able to adopt Alanna, even if he had beat Già to apply first.They would have verified, found out his mar
Null marriage
“I know it's none of my business, but it came up in one of these investigations.” The private investigator said. It's confusing how you have a wife and then a fiance.”“It's not what you think.” Dean said, and explained the situation of things. Jean sighed and shook his head. “Alanna is fine. Just not in school yet.”“You're sure? How do you know?” Dean asked. Jean looked at him with a frown. “Of course, It's your job to know.” Dean said, feeling stupid. “I am just surprised they would take good care of her. You know by now how evil that family is.” “They have no reason to hurt her. She is important for Luke's campaign.” Jean replied. Dean paused. “Wait. You mean there is a chance Leilani and Alanna are in the same house?” He asked, as he got an idea.“I can go there under the pretext of going to visit Alanna.”Jean looked angry, and Dean
Dead end
Rob looked from Dean to the cop. Then he looked down at his hands. It seemed he was contemplating whether to reveal this big secret or not.“There was a ring tucked into a seat in the truck. Some drops of blood too.” Rob said. Dean felt his whole body go cold. “Blood?”“Yes. A few drops.”“Did you report this to the cops?” The cop asked. “No.”Dean lost it and punched him again. This bastard! It would have been so much easier to find Leilani if only he had spoken up when this happened. “I did not want to get in trouble. When I asked Charles he said to burn the note and mind my business.”“What note?” Dean and the cop asked in unison. “A note was tucked in the ring.” Rob said hesitantly. This was getting even worse. Was this man simply a dumb idiot who only knew how to hit women, or was plain selfish and could only think of saving his neck.
Hideout
Dean got off his zoom meeting with the celebrity with a smile. He had finally secured her contract with Ally.It had not been difficult. Just like he had predicted, she had been ecstatic at the fact that the CEO contacted her. The offer was also too juicy for any sane person to reject. Now, looking at the signed contract on his desktop, he could breathe a sigh of relief. There were currently no loopholes for competitors like Patel to infiltrate through.Things were finally beginning to take shape. If things continued like this, he would be rounding up all his goals soon. Now if only he would at least get an update about Leilani. He was beginning to worry more. This was taking longer than he had ever expected. As if on cue, his phone rang. It was the private investigator calling.“We’ve narrowed the search down to the driver.” Jean Akio said as soon as the call connected. He sounded
Two more mintues
Leilani watched her nurse clear the dishes away, and tried to convince herself about things that were not true. If she believed these things, she could play the pretending act well.She acted like today was a normal day, and the plates her nurse was taking away didn't contain her final approval for her escape plan to happen today. She felt like a duck on water, calm and serene on the outside and frantically paddling underneath the water in distress. She had no idea how she was going to spend the day pretending to be calm. She was bursting with anxiety. She hugged her still flat belly, hoping to draw comfort from her baby. She was mostly making this escape for this baby. She could not just sit and let them sell her child in some black market like a common slab of meat.“One day I would tell you about this sacrifice I am making just to keep you safe.” She whispered to her sixteen weeks old foetus, caressing her stomach. “Don't get too attached to that thing.” Her nurse said, start
