The Kiss that Sparked it All

Mara’s heart hung suspended, a balloon tugging against the string of her anxiety, yearning. for the power to teleport straight to the place where they held her father captive.

As the investigation progressed and the pieces came together, an air of excitement began to bubble among the team, like champagne threatening to pop the cork.

Her heart steadied, anchored by their confidence. It meant they were close, and that they had the upper hand.

All that was left was to pinpoint where the kidnappers were hiding, and they could bring

her father home.

But she gave no thought to Victoria. Dark thoughts crept in, wishing, almost hoping, that Victoria would quietly slip away in this ordeal. No more competition for her father’s affection. The thought was selfish, but it was there.

Oh, Victoria, Victoria, it’s not a curse from me, but karma’s own design! Why did you have to set your sights on Balfour, the one I had my eye on first? If you had cared for me, your own sister, you wouldn’t have been so entangled with Balfour. Mara thought.

She had never suspected her sister and Balfour were anything more than friends. But their joint abduction laid bare an ugly truth.

Victoria, always preaching about putting studies first, claiming romance was off the table, yet clinging to Balfour behind closed doors!

He was meant to be Mara’s, but Victoria had to wrench him away.

If Victoria didn’t care about sisterly bonds, why should she keep up the pretense?

“I wish you’d just vanish, never to darken my life again.” The thought of Victoria’s demise brought a chilling smile to her face, one that startled the teacher who had been by her side throughout the ordeal.

“You-”

But as Mara turned back, her face was once again the picture of woe. The teacher must have imagined that fleeting grimace.

“Is something wrong?” Mara asked.

“No, it’s nothing. Do you want me to get you a fresh cup?”

Mara shook her head, a picture of despair, “No thank you. I’ve lost my appetite.”

She wouldn’t even drink her water, poor child, so worried about her sister and father, thought the teacher.

“Don’t fret. We have to have faith in the police. They’ve identified suspects. It won’t be long before they rescue your sister and father. There’s no need for such worry.”

Mara kept her head down, masking her eyes from the teacher’s view. She has never been worried about Victoria. It would be better for her if Victoria were dead.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers celebrated into the night, with only a couple maintaining any semblance of sobriety.

“You two, stay on guard. Don’t let your eyes off those three,” slurred Jaxon, barely able to keep on his feet.

Elton watched quietly, filing away every detail.

“Don’t worry, Boss, I’ll keep them locked up.” Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Jaxon belched, “On the next call, we’ll squeeze them for all they’re worth! Let’s make sure it’s payday for all of us, eh?” He chuckled, dreaming of the good times ahead.