Chapter 85: Alarming!
Camp ground...
"Where's he?". Arthur voice rang out deep and firm in the room, he had wanted to call everyone in for a particular celebration, but what he got was a coincidence.
"Boss, he's on his way now". A young man in a fine linen apparel speaks. "He's around the campground already".
The campground went silent for sometime, it was as if everyone had been shot dead. Nothing humming, nothing ringing!
Arthur puffed out the heavy smoke he had inhaled, his back rested on the polished chair, looking like a beautiful carved tool for exerting authority.
Then a gentle young man walked in, seems his favorite clothing is a leather product, those shiny and rocky ones. His dressing was that of a gangster, which he was indeed.
"Boss". He bowed down paying respect to Arthur.
"You should have delayed and keep me waiting". Arthur spike with a subdued anger as his face looked directly into his eyes.
"What had happened to my work?". He puffed out another smoke as he questioned him. Neither did Black eye stood up from where he had pose a bow, because he knew he had committed a great offense.
"Looking for who to blame? I sent only you to the mission, and this is how well you can perform?". He smiled wickedly like a devil.
"Boss, I know I have not performed well, please punish me". His voice cracking like that of a breaking sound.
"You don't need to tell me to punish you, morever, you know what is due for you_your time".
Quickly, Black Eye prostrated flatly on the floor, he could understand what he meant by his last statement. If that could really happen to him, then, he's done for.
"Boss please, just one more last chance and I promise never to fail again". He pleaded strongly.
His face dripped of hot sweats, making him look like a dying sheep.
"This one last time boss". He begged again.
Arthur smirked, there was no sign if pity on his face, he watched Black Eye has he pleaded continously on the ground.
"Vake!". He called out to the other young man.
"Yes boss". The room shook with his firm voice.
"Take him away!"
Arthur ordered immediately.
♡♡♡♡
Presch and Broe were inside their car leaving home for work, it had been some silent brewed days for them since the lost of their baby boy. Broe since all these years still choosed to stay silent, not talking about Presch's inability to give nirth anymore.
He still expects her to commune and open up to her.
"Baby, it's been a while we talk about child bearing, when are we planning for a new baby?". He asked gently, so as not to make her suspect anything.
Presch at first, pretended as if she never saw it coming. "Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm so sorry honey, I just wanted to heal from that trauma of that year, that was why I haven't been able to talk about such". She pleaded with a puppy eye.
"It's fine, I understand, that was also the reason I gave you time, but it's high time we plan for a new baby". He paused
"Or do you think I'm a little pushy?".
Presch tried to conceal her expression. "No, no baby, it's fine by me". She never thought he would bring up such matter, now she wasn't even prepared to give me a suitable response.
Or how would she twist him like the way she did in the past? How would would reveal to him that she can't give birth again?". She was carries away unconsciously.
"I guess we should visit the hospital then, I don't want you to pass through any pain no more. Let's get some medical check-up done and see what we can do". Broe suggested with a smiley face.
"Hmmm, alright dear". She faked the smile reluctantly.
"Ohh also, mum said she wants to come visit us, she said it's been long she spend time with us". The car moved in direction of Broe's company way.
Since Sarah had left their home after that bad incident, the couple had only been visiting her and sending her things. Now the mother-in-law demands to spend some quality time them.
Presch heart got caught up, she knew there was something big her husband was planning.
"Hmm, like how many days". She adjusted her blue top.
"Few weeks".
"Weeks?". Presch said within her, she was alarmed and shocked.
"That got me unaware!".
♡♡♡♡
The relationship between Fiona and Gad were going smoothly and deeply. They felt it was high time they meet each other's family members, painting it as one they wish to dwell in forever.
Gad held her hand in the cozy bedroom where they were, she had stayed with him since few days ago, spending romantic time with each other.
"I never thought we could go this far, but I want to promise you, that I would love you till the end, I will forever be only yours and you will forever be only mine".
Gad's eyes pierced hers as she blushed at his words.
"I believe in you baby". Fiona smiled and said.
Both couple hugged each other, thinking about their future.
"Will your parents be back tomorrow?". They released themselves from the hug.
"Yes, don't be anxious baby, they would all love you. After all, you've met my younger brother already and you could sew he really likes you". He romantically touched her cheek and smile.
"Alright love". Fiona nodded her head.
She stood up from the bed, picking up the bed cover from the bed. "Let me go do some house chores, then I'll go pick up my parents". She said.
"Baby, let me escort you to pick them up". Gad suggested.
Fiona looked back at him and answered. "No baby, you don't need to bother, you will meet them soon morever". She declined softly.
"Or are you hiding something from me?". He was uncomfortable making her go alone. He wanted to make her journey with no stress.
"Babe you....".
"No but honey, I'll drive you there tomorrow, just for your safety". Gad finally said.
"Sighs! Alright baby". She said and laughed.
It seems Gad was just over protective of her, but unknown to her he had heard of Scott's mother's incident, he knew it was their enemy targeting again already. And this time, it could be anyone, just anyone, so there's a need to be really overprotective, especially to her who doesn't know of it.
♡♡♡♡
Beauty drove to Roy's place in silence, her fingers tightening on the steering wheel with every breath. When she arrived, she knocked several times-first gently, then harder, her knuckles stinging from the effort. No answer.
She pushed the door open.
The house felt like a shell. It looked abandoned-not messy, not lived-in-just... forgotten. She called out his name. "Roy?" No reply. She dialed his number again, pacing across the room. Still no answer.
Frustrated, she stepped outside and caught sight of the security man near the gate.
"Good morning," she said briskly. "Have you seen your boss today?"
The man blinked at her like he hadn't used his voice in weeks. "He came home late last night, but I think he left early this morning," he muttered, glancing away.
"Alright, thank you," Beauty said with a nod.
As she walked back to her car, she pulled out her phone and opened the tracking app she'd long kept hidden. His phone was still on-but he wasn't picking up. She sighed as the blue dot settled over a familiar location. A hotel.
A very specific hotel.
She stared at it for a moment, heart tightening, then turned on the ignition and drove.
The hotel's front doors swung open before her. Cool air met her flushed face as she walked up to the front desk.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How may we help you?" the receptionist asked politely.
"I'm looking for someone. Mart Roy," she said.
The receptionist blinked. "Mr. Roy? Yes-he's one of our VIPs."
Beauty froze. VIP?
She'd known Roy for years. Someone she had shared many feelings and beautiful experiences with. Secrets. Fears. She had never known he stayed here-much less as a VIP. What was going on?
"Oh..." she managed, clearing her throat. "I just need to see him, I am his jjunior sister".
It was a lie, smooth and quick. The receptionist hesitated.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. We don't allow just anyone up to our VIP rooms without permission."
"What do you mean?" Beauty's voice hardened. "Do you know who I am?"
The receptionist shifted uncomfortably. "Ma'am, it's our hotel policy-"
"What room is he in?"
"...Room 40," the woman admitted, flustered. "But please, you really shouldn't-"
"Thank you."
Beauty didn't wait for more. She turned on her heel, ignoring the receptionist's protests, and stepped into the elevator. Her pulse throbbed in her ears as the floor numbers blinked past.
She found Room 40. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob.
She knocked once.
The door creaked open.
Her breath caught.
The room smelled of expensive cologne and something faintly bitter-alcohol, maybe. Clothes were strewn carelessly on the floor. A heel. A woman's heel. Her eyes locked onto the bed-and what she saw made her blood run cold.
She stood frozen, mouth dry, heart breaking.
There he was.
And he wasn't alone.
The sight burned into her memory-ugly, raw, and undeniable. No excuses could be made now. No lies could smooth over what her eyes refused to look away from.
She backed out slowly, the door falling shut behind her with a soft click.
Everything inside her felt numb.
♡♡♡♡
At Scott's Mansion
Flora had been Charlotte's constant support ever since the accident. Day after day, she stood by her, feeding her when she couldn't lift her own hands, holding her through her trembling nights, and reassuring her with a strength that didn't waver.
Now that Charlotte was finally stable-able to walk small steps, sit in the garden, and even help fold a few clothes-Scott thought it was time to inform the rest of the family.
When Mark, Scott's father, got the news, his heart skipped a beat. He had been out of City Z for business, and though he tried to stay composed, worry crept into every part of his day. He longed to return home, to see his family with his own eyes-but the nature of the deal he had travelled for wouldn't let him drop everything just yet.
So he picked up the phone and called the woman he loved.
Charlotte answered quickly. She had been expecting it.
"Hello, honey," Mark's deep voice warmed the screen, his eyes softening when he saw her.
"Yes, Mark," she smiled, though her face looked faint, drawn by recovery. "I walk around the mansion now, little by little. Flora's been taking good care of me. And I'm sure Scott already updated you."
Mark's eyes scanned her through the camera. "He did... but how do you expect me to believe you're fine looking like that?" He pointed gently at her pale face on the screen. "Don't try to act strong for me, Charlotte."
She chuckled softly, but the tremble in her lips betrayed her. The truth was-she wasn't fine. Not entirely. She had already cried earlier that day. The images from the crash still haunted her, and every loud sound made her flinch.
"I'm fine, baby," she said softly. "At least, I'm trying. I just... I don't know, Mark." Her voice wavered as she stared at him, as if hoping the distance between them would dissolve.
Mark leaned forward slightly on the video call. "Charlotte, you have to stay calm. Don't let this weigh you down. I know what happened was terrible, and I can't imagine how scared you must've been, but listen-tragedy doesn't get the final word. I believe this family will survive. I believe you will come out of this stronger."
Charlotte's eyes welled up as she nodded slowly. "Thank you... thank you, my love. I really needed to hear that."
"Just promise me one thing," Mark said gently. "Don't force yourself to recover all at once. Take your time. Let them care for you."
"I will," she replied. "They're doing everything they can. Scott, Flora... even Maxson's wife sends warm soups every morning. Grandmother also sends her greetings."
Mark smiled. "That's good to hear. What about you-are you planning to go back home soon, or do you want to stay with Scott for a while longer?"
"I want to stay," she said without hesitation. "At least until my body is fully back. Then, I'll go back to Grandmother. Don't worry-Maxson and his wife are with her. She's not alone."
"That's a relief." He let out a breath and glanced at his watch. "I wish I could keep talking, but I have a meeting I need to join. I'll call you again in a few minutes, alright?"
"Alright, baby."
Mark's gaze lingered a moment longer. "I love you so much, Charlotte. Take care of that beautiful heart of yours."
Charlotte's cheeks lifted in a small blush, and she lowered her eyes like a young girl in love again. "I love you too, Mark."
Then the call ended.
She set the phone down gently beside her and leaned back into the pillows, eyes still shimmering. Even though he wasn't physically there, Mark's words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. And for the first time in days, her chest felt a little lighter.