(Adrian)
Stacey was strapped to a time-bomb. She stared at me, innocently as I walked into the room.
If Annabel wasn't here, then I wondered where she could be. Maybe she fled? I didn't have an answer to that.
I began untying Stacey's hands and legs, then I removed the tape glued over her mouth.
"Princess, don't panic, okay? Daddy is here for you," I assured, and kissed her forehead.
Tears fell from her eyes. I could imagine the torture she had gone through in our absence.
Anastatia opened her mouth like she was trying to force words out, but again, she sealed her lips.
"I don't want to die, daddy," she sobbed. "Where is mum? Will she leave us alone to die here?" I heard her ask.
I looked up at her, with mixed facial expressions. Surprised. Happy. I felt the urge to cry, but tears of joy.
It was like a father hearing his child pronounce its first word–The usual Dada or Mama. But this was different.
Anastatia could talk, again.
I smiled, patting her hair. "My little princess, nothing will happen to you and I. Please, be patient with me, and don't move," I begged.
My eyes darted to the ticking bomb, and my heartbeat raced faster.
Nine more minutes to go, and we'd die in this mansion. Stacey had put great faith in me, and I couldn't disappoint her.
I had an unfulfilled long bucket list. So, I wasn't prepared to leave this Earth either.
I wanted to see my parents one last time, hug them and tell them how much I missed them. I wanted to prove to Aurora how much I loved her. And thank Mason and Aurelia for their support. I wanted to see Aurora happy, again. And watch Kendall being punished for her crimes. I wanted Stacey to have good childhood memories, like normal kids. I wanted to watch Annabel fulfill her dreams and be that woman she wants to become. I wanted Trevor to know that his father cared about him and had a lot of plans for his future. I wanted to tell Mateo that I had forgiven him a long time ago. I wanted to see my employees, business partners, and thank them for coming into my life. I wanted to party with my buddies one last night–Dance, drink and forget about my existing world.
They had all contributed in making me the man I was, this day.
I was starting to miss everyone already.
Stacey's tiny voice sprung up, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Papa, it's six minutes left. What are you thinking about, and why are you crying?" she asked.
I wiped away my tears, forcing a smile on my face.
She once told me I was her hero and mentor. She was looking up to me, so I couldn't let her picture me as a weakling.
"It's nothing, princess. I will be right back." I dashed out of the room in the speed of lightening, leaving her behind.
I ran to my bedroom, trying to find my personal phone book. I found it laying carelessly on the floor, beside my dressing table.
Flipping through the pages, my eyes finally landed on the name I was looking for.
Alex Cox.
He owned the second largest armament company here in New York City. So, he could have a possible solution.
I dialed his number on my landline, praying silently that he picks the call.
And he did, at the third ring.
"What's up, Adrian?"
"Alex, I need your help. A time-bomb, Anastatia–"
"Breath, then talk slowly," he cut in.
"I have a limited time to save my only daughter. If I don't save her, then I can't live myself. We'll both die in an explosion."
"Cut the… wire," his voice trailed off.
Gush. There was a bad network signal.
"Alex, can you hear me? Which wire exactly?" I asked, but the call got disconnected already.
I tried calling back, but it kept going into voicemails.
I flung the telephone and ran back to Stacey's room. I picked up the knife at the doorpost before barging into the room.
There were three connected wires–yellow, red and black.
I looked at the remaining time. It was less than a minute. Was this how we were going to die?
Now, we had fifteen seconds to decide our fate. I summoned up faith and held out the black wire.
Five seconds gone, ten was remaining.
I cut the wire while closing my eyes, afraid it was the wrong one.
Five. Four. Three.
"I'm sorry, Anastatia," I screamed as I finished cutting the wire.
"I want you to know that I still love you, daddy." Those words melted me.
She didn't even judge me. She made me feel like the best father in the world. Unfortunately, there was no hope left in me.
I hugged her to my chest. I could hear her little heart was pounding at the fear of dying.
At this moment, I had expected the bomb to explode because it was past the time, and it didn't.
What actually happened?
Did someone add an extra time for us? Or was I in heaven already?
Just then, I heard a sweet voice, chanting. It was Anastatia. Wow, she also made it to heaven.
Of course, she was an Angel.
"Dad is my superhero! We made it alive, father."
What? Could this be true?
I opened my eyes, slowly and glance at my environment. Stacey was right in front of me, beaming with smiles.
The time-bomb wasn't ticking anymore.
I gave her the best father-daughter's hug I could offer at that moment. I feared I lost her, even if I was going to die alongside.
"Thank you, brother-in-law." A voice came behind the door, making me break the hug. I turned around to see Annabel.
Her shirt and palms were soiled in blood. There were a few cuts on her lower lip and across her cheeks.
I rushed over to hug her. "Were you in a fight, Anna?" I asked, even though it was clear enough.
She smirked. "No one messes with Annabel William and her family, and goes scot-free."
"You're indeed a strong girl, despite knowing how dangerous these men could be," I commended.
She chuckled. "And they don't know how dangerous I could be when it comes to my self-defense."
"Aunt Anna…" Anastatia called out, running into her arms.
"Oh my God! My baby can talk, now," Annabel squealed, spinning her around.
…
Soon, we made our way out of the mansion. Regan, Mason, Aurora and Aurelia were all waiting outside when we came out.
The sound of a ringing phone distracted me. It was coming from my pocket–Kendall's phone. I excused myself and stood at a distant corner.
It'd be none other than the she-Devil herself.
And I guessed right.
"Hello?" I said.
"The company was set ablaze by unknown mobs. I'm afraid your parents' lives are at risk…"
She went on and on, but I got lost in the conversation at some point, and the phone fell from my hand.
Everyone rushed over to me when they noticed.
"What is it, Adrian?" Mason asked.
"Mason, drive them faraway from here, please. This place isn't safe," I begged, then turned to Regan. "Hand over the keys."
He obeyed without asking any question. I headed for one of my cars in the garage. I jumped into the driver's seat and started the engine.
I saw Aurora through the rear mirror, running down to the car. She knocked on my window, and I rolled down the glass.
"Adrian, wait! Where are you leaving in such a hurry?" she asked. I looked over at her, and didn't answer.
Before I knew it, she got into the back seat. I didn't have time to argue with her, so I kept shut and drove off without saying a word.
××××××××
Question Time:
Who else thinks Kendall is a crazy psychopath?
Do you think his parents are going to die, or not?