Chapter 40 - Trust issues

I said don't come to me! I'm not in a good mood! Alex's voice rose, slicing through the air like a knife. Nawe stood frozen, surprise etched on her face, her heart sinking at the harshness of his words. She felt a wave of hurt wash over her, and without another word, she turned to leave his room.

Mmmmmm, who gave me permission to enter your room? Haha, do I need permission to enter? Haha! she grumbled under her breath, kicking the air in frustration as she made her way to the door.

Nawe! Alex called out, his tone softening just a fraction. She paused, knowing that her brother might have heard her muttered words, but the sting of his earlier outburst still echoed in her ears. She quickened her pace, desperate to escape the tension that filled the small space between them.

But Alex was faster. He caught her wrist gently, his grip firm yet unyielding. Sister, I'm sorry. I'm just not okay right now, so please keep some distance away from me. He let go of her hand and turned away, collapsing onto his bed like a marionette whose strings had been cut. The weight of despair hung heavily in the room, and Nawe felt it settle on her chest like a thick fog.

Bro… Her emotions swirled chaotically within her, and she dashed from his room, tears welling in her eyes. As she fled, she caught sight of their uncle, who had been listening intently, standing in the hallway. His expression was a mix of concern and confusion. Nawe rushed past him, covering her eyes as sobs wracked her body. In stark contrast, Alex lay on his bed, a portrait of hopelessness, as if he had lost the will to live.

What kind of woman has Alex so hurt? Their uncle pondered aloud, glancing furtively down the hallway. Just as he spoke, a tall man clad in black appeared before him, an ominous figure shrouded in mystery.

Go and find out who is driving Alex insane. I want her alive, not dead. Find her and bring her to me. The man's voice was low and commanding, and in an instant, he vanished, leaving the uncle standing in silence, the weight of his words lingering in the air. He approached Alex's door and closed it gently, as if to shield his nephew from the world outside.

Meanwhile, on a different road, Mia strode purposefully, her demeanor unsettling to those who crossed her path. She passed Peter, who was taken aback by her intensity. Mia, wait! he called out, panic rising in his chest. She walked straight ahead, her face devoid of the usual warmth that characterized her presence.

Boss is awake, Peter managed to explain, his voice strained as he tried to catch up. You need to put on a mask! But Mia, consumed by something dark and unrecognizable, quickened her steps, forcing Peter to hastily place a red mask over her face.

His heart raced as he gazed into her eyes, which glimmered with a terrifying intensity. The moment felt surreal; he stumbled backward, falling to the ground. Mia! What's wrong? Mia! he shouted, desperation creeping into his tone, but she remained unresponsive, her gaze cutting deep into his soul like a blade.

In a dimly lit room, half-shrouded in shadows, Mia's attention shifted as she heard the boss shout. Turning, she smirked at the sight of him tied to a chair, a look of amusement crossing her features. Boss, I don't have the whole night. Tell me where my Mama is, she said in a calm and measured voice, though Peter sensed there was a tempest brewing beneath her surface.

What happened? Tell me! The Peter's voice trembled.

Wait! Don't go there when you're not calm, he warned, but Mia's smile widened, her eyes glinting with an unsettling mixture of determination and something darker.

I'm calm, she insisted, her voice smooth yet laced with an undercurrent of menace. I'm really calm.

As she leaned closer, the air thickened with unspoken truths and hidden fears. The boss could feel the weight of her unyielding gaze, and he understood that beneath her composed exterior lay a storm ready to unleash its fury.

As Nawe cried in her room.

Meanwhile the air was thick with tension as Peter clutched his phone, his fingers trembling with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. The chilling thought of what Mia could unleash if provoked sent shivers down his spine. He had always known her to be unpredictable, but today felt different. Today, there was an edge to her demeanor, a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

As he fumbled with his device, it slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground. Panic surged through him as he glanced up, half-expecting to find Mia's piercing gaze fixated on him. But she was already upon him, her presence commanding and overwhelming.

Who are you calling? she asked, her voice a blend of curiosity and menace.

Peter swallowed hard, his mind racing. How could he explain that he was merely trying to reach out for help? That the fear of Mia's wrath had momentarily clouded his judgment?

Mia's thoughts shifted like the wind. Trust had always been a fragile thread for her, one that seemed to unravel with every revelation. Why does everyone I trust hide some dark truth? she pondered, her heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. Will my mama ever be found?

Mama, I'm tired, she whispered, collapsing onto the ground. I'm tired of trusting. The words hung in the air like a ghost, echoing her loneliness.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, breaking her reverie. Instinctively, she rose, brushing off the dust and grime that clung to her jeans. As she glanced back at Peter, still cowering on the ground, a dark smirk crossed her lips. Did I scare you?! she teased, her tone light yet laced with an undercurrent of menace. I'm sorry, friend. Hope we don't meet again.

With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing down a narrow path. And if you do meet me, she called back, her voice a haunting melody, make sure you walk past me and never look back.

Mia! Don't! Peter shouted, desperation lacing his voice.

Mia, the boss asked, a voice interrupted, drawing her attention.

She turned, her brow furrowing in annoyance. Yes? What do you want?

An older lady stepped forward, her expression grave. I was told to give you this, she said, holding out a crumpled piece of paper. I was being transported, and she—your mama—pleaded with me to stop you. She said a young lady who looks like her would come looking for her.

Mia's eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting within her. What do you mean? Where is she?

The woman's voice trembled as she continued, She told me to warn you. They're looking for you too, Mia. You must be careful.

In that moment, Mia's heart raced. The thought of her mother, lost and in need, ignited a fire within her. Tell them I'm okay, she demanded, her voice steady and resolute. They shouldn't worry. I will be okay.

Without waiting for a response, she why is she here Peter we were only bring the boss so who brought an old lady into this mess?! Talk Mia's scream made the boss plead in his tied chair she is my mother she doesn't know what she is saying plase don't hurt her he was cut

Shut up raising her gun pointed at him. You're coming with me, she saidwith a calm smile towards the older lady. Yes my child we should go the woman was so terrified when she gave me the paper I couldn't even say bye or help her she sobs lets help her wait is she your mother?! The older lady asked.

Mia's response was just a blink and teary eyes. My child don't cry let's go I show you where I last saw her come my child. The older lady pulled Mia's hand.

Mother the boss called.

Stop it! You always hurt people let me help her stay here young man make sure he is not released or else he will kill you all. She warned.

Peter's eyes widened in disbelief. Mia, you can't just—

But before he could finish, she was already gone, disappearing into the shadows of the path. He scrambled to follow her, his heart pounding in his chest. Mia! Wait! Take me with you! he pleaded, but she was already a distant figure, swallowed by the darkness.

As Peter stood there, helpless and alone, two men emerged from the shadows, their intentions unreadable. They approached him with a sense of purpose, their eyes cold and calculating.

Where did she go? one of them asked, his voice low and threatening.

I… I don't know, Peter stammered, the weight of fear pressing down on him. She just ran off.

The men exchanged glances, and in that moment, Peter realized that Paul had a look alike!! He was confused Paul no Paul? Who is Paul?

Who is the fake Paul?

Where is your mask?

Am tired you do what you want I will sit here you even have powers you can look for Mia she went Peter's tears fall like crazy she left, the boss's mother took her.

Mia! he called out one last time, but the only response was the echo of his own voice, swallowed by the night.

In her mind, Mia raced through the darkness, fueled by the hope of finding her mother. Each step was a declaration of her resolve, a promise that she would not be lost to the shadows. But as she ventured deeper into the unknown, she couldn't shake the feeling that trust, once broken, could never be fully restored.

Would she find her mother? Would she uncover the truth behind the dark secrets that haunted her? Only time would tell, and for now, the only certainty was the path ahead—fraught with danger, but illuminated by the flickering flame of hope.