Chapter 4

UNKNOWN

I sat back in my chair, the smoke from my cigarette curling lazily toward the ceiling. The room smelled faintly of ash and leather, a comfort in the chaos that always seemed to follow me. I waited silently, listening for any word from my boys. Every second felt like an eternity, each tick of the clock a reminder that soon, very soon, she would be mine.

I swore to myself that once I got my hands on her, I wouldn’t let her go again. A slow, almost imperceptible smile crept onto my face as dark thoughts wandered across my mind. The room felt heavy with anticipation. Then, as if on cue, my phone vibrated sharply on the table.

It was my spy. I picked up immediately.

“Boss, we found her,” he reported.

I exhaled a long plume of smoke, feeling an evil grin spread across my face.

“Where is she?” I asked, keeping my voice calm, though excitement danced behind my words.

“She’s currently in Gorgie City, on an unknown street,” he replied, then paused. “We’ll get her as soon as we see her.”

“No,” I said firmly, my voice smooth yet deadly. “Don’t touch her. I’ll take her myself.”

I smiled, a slow, calculated curve of my lips as I ended the call.

I’m coming for you, babe. And this time, I’m not letting you go, I thought, my mind racing with dark anticipation.

GORGIE CITY HERE I COME.

BRYAN

“Mom, good evening,” I greeted, as I always did, forcing warmth into my tone.

“Hi, son. How are you?” she replied cheerfully.

“I’m fine, Mom,” I said, though I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of amusement and dread.

“What’s making you so happy?” she asked, suspicion in her voice.

“Guess,” I replied, trying to sound playful.

“I can’t,” she said, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

“I’m coming over next week, and I need to meet your girlfriend!” she squealed like a child.

I stayed silent, frozen by the sudden demand.

“And if you don’t have one,” she continued, voice softening but heavy with expectation, “I’ll personally arrange one for you. The only thing I ask, son, is grandchildren.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I felt the weight of expectation settle on my shoulders. I sighed, rubbing my temple.

“But Mom” I started, trying to reason with her.

“No buts,” she cut me off sharply.

“Bye, my child. See you next week.”

The call ended abruptly. I exhaled, muttering under my breath, “Gosh… what kind of pressure is this?”

Later, I explained everything to my best friend, Jason,hoping for advice or sympathy. Instead, he laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Find a fake girlfriend,” he suggested. “Someone who can act all loveydovey while your mother is at your mansion.”

I stared at him, dumbfounded. I didn’t even know who to choose. Almost any woman might agree but not my new secretary, my subconscious reminded me sharply.

CALI

I woke up on the couch with tears still clinging to my lashes. I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room. Darkness pressed against the windowpane. It was already night.

I needed rest, I told myself firmly. I would deal with everything else later. For now, I needed strength. I needed a plan.

I reassured myself silently that I would get the money for the surgery no matter what it took. I went to my room, laid down on my bed, and let sleep claim me in deep, heavy waves.

NEXT DAY

I woke with tension gnawing at my chest and immediately checked the time 7:00 a.m. Sharp. I jumped out of bed, freshened up, and dressed quickly. After brewing coffee, I drank it alongside four slices of bread, trying to force some normalcy into the morning routine.

The house felt emptier than usual without Edward, but I pushed the feeling aside, forcing a sense of positivity into my mind. I rinsed my cup, locked the door properly, and rushed out.

By the time the cab dropped me off, I was already ten minutes late. With the receptionist’s help, I located my office, my nerves prickling with unease.

Inside, a young lady about my age stood with her arms crossed, clearly waiting for me.

I dropped my bag in surprise.

“Hey! Don’t you realize I’m standing here?” she yelled sharply.

I flinched, taken aback.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice tired and slightly dizzy from the morning rush.

“The boss wants to see you in his office,” she snapped, then stormed off, leaving a trail of urgency in her wake.

Hearing the word boss instantly made the dizziness vanish. My mind raced. What had I done to this girl? We’d barely known each other for five minutes, and already she seemed ready to bite my head off.

I knocked lightly on the boss’s door. A husky voice from within commanded me to enter.

“Good morning, sir,” I greeted, bowing slightly.

“Good morning,” he replied coldly, his eyes sharp and unyielding.

I swallowed nervously. What’s wrong with this man? I thought.

“You’re twenty minutes late. Why?” he asked, lifting his head, his gaze piercing.

“I I’m sorry, sir. I had an emergency,” I stammered, trying to keep my composure.

“That shouldn’t affect your work,” he said, voice firm, clearly unconvinced.

“I’m sorry, sir,” I repeated, bowing slightly.

“Next time you come late, Miss Rillion, I’ll deduct it from your salary,” he warned, each word like ice in the room. “You understand?”

“Yes, sir,” I replied quickly, trying to steady my nerves.

“Now leave.”

His voice, cold and bossy, left no room for argument. I scrambled out of the office, heart pounding and hands slightly shaking, realizing that this would not be an easy job.