“Calm down.” I heard, Norma following me in the room, but I have wasted enough time. My golden hour. Stopping is too expensive for me. I can't afford it, now.

“Please, make sure Jamie is done with breakfast,” I mumbled roaming around Jamie's room to grab a few of his toys. I have to make sure to take everything necessary for Jamie.

“Anna….” Norma whined in frustration and hold my arms to stop me. “Dan is taking care of Jamie, and I am here for you. There is nothing to worry about.”

I laughed mocking her. She's not taking my situation seriously. “There is everything to worry about. James saw Jamie. He knows I am hiding his son. Mrs Carter was serious......” then I remember. “I didn't sign the divorce papers. I was so consumed by the thought of my kids.” by this time, I am terrified.

“Nothing is more important than this….” she pulled out contraceptive pills from the pocket of her skirt. “I am sure you don't enjoy bringing another kid in this mess. You have too much to handle now.”

I nodded and swallowed the bitter pill that reminds me of the current situation. How my life messed up… how my kids may never have normal parents.

“Let me help you.” Norma gave me the motherly smile and pulled my bag to the bed.

“I have talked to David.” Daniel walked behind me. “You will stay at their old house… They were planning to sell it, but I guess, it's good to own another property. It may be useful in the future.”

“They are shifting back here… I am sorry I am so much of a trouble to your family.” I was emotional.

Sighing, Daniel looked at Norma. They both talked through eyes before Daniel looked at me. “You are the family… You have saved us.” He said.

“Anna… I am sorry.” Norma broke into tears.

“Noma….” Confused, Jamie poked out of the window.

“And he is losing his friend as well.” Now, Norma is an emotional wreck.

“It's fine.” I tried to console her, but she didn't listen and hugged Daniel. She mumbled something, which stiffened Daniel. I wanted to ask them about the issue, but they both look more shattered than me, so I dropped the topic. The only thing that is important now, is to leave.

I think, me, leaving them is tough on them.

Hugging the couple, I realized even Daniel is crying. His closed eye hard wrinkles of regret. The tears looked bitter…

“Things would have been different for you. I should have down something.” Norma's eyes were filled with remorse.

Daniel was driving when his phone rang, which he ignored. He is anxious, no doubt. I have been anxious too and since the day, George and Trina disclosed to me about James having my photo framed in his office was the day I realized I always overlooked the suspicious behaviour of Norma and Daniel. Now, I noticed everything. And, they are definitely trying to hide something.

Initially, I thought, it's how they are but… No, Norma and Daniel are like a normal couple. So, them, behaving like ignoring eye contact on various occasions when I asked a simple question is not normal.

I never confronted them, but I think, they are beginning to realise that soon, I will know their secret. It's not like I will hate them… It's probably something related to James. Because, on various events, Norma tried to defend James. And, I believed her. With my mother, it was Norma who feed me hopes and when James took Cherish from me that was the time Norma changed. She began to pursue me for divorce.

When the phone rang again, “Aren't you receiving the call?” I asked Daniel, reading the name of my husband.

“He is not my concern….” Daniel sounded confused. “There is a car following us… Your bodyguards usually tracks you online… They never follow you when you are in the car.” He added.

“How did they manage to reach the place then?” I asked.

“You don't have life, Anna.” Daniel almost smiled. He was sad. I feel bad for the old man in an oversized t-shirt. He should have been retired. Enjoying retired life is his right, and I am keeping him busy with my issues. Sometimes I feel guilty. “You are predictable.” He responded.

“So, what do you think about me and James?” I asked, to know his thoughts about me. Even I know what I would do if things get better.

“You would forgive him.” He was confident.

“Why?” I was hurt. Daniel didn't argue that I could hate my husband for his sins. He gave his verdict that I would forgive the man who has done so many sins.

“Because you know he's a victim too.” Daniel didn't stop and continued to look at the car behind us.

“He is not my responsibility.” I could feel tears in my eyes. I know, I have my father's features. He thinks Father purposely killed his wife, and son but in reality, it was an accident. Willa jumped in front of Father's car because Malcolm suddenly stood in front of the car to stop Father. There is something Father knew as Willa knew Father. Father promised silence to the confession of others done in church, so he never spoke, in our last 2 meetings after my marriage with James. Father simply told me, be brave and I will take you back.

Father never arrived after that. He vanished with Mother. And, now, I found them in the church… With his other daughter and granddaughter. They have been living in the same city for the past 16 years, taking care of their other unstable daughter, and never tried to communicate with me.

Now, I feel, Norma was right. I need to meet them and confront them. I need to do this… For me. I deserve an explanation…. Where do I do wrong? Wasn't I a good daughter?

I tried my best.

“I am not justifying what James did was right. Professionally, James is best but personally, he is messed up.” Daniel's voice's caught my attention. But he is not calm. I could hear scepticism in his voice. I used the rearview mirror to see the car and yes, they are still following us.

“Who are they?” I asked.

“They?” Daniel frowned.

“There are three of them in the car.” Rechecking the number of people in the car, I informed Daniel again.

This information resulted in terror on the face of Daniel. Even, I was in terror. I have never seen Daniel so much terrified.

I turned to look at Jamie who is sleeping peacefully in his seat. There are no signs of distress on his beautiful face.

My baby is pure.

“I am stopping… And will see if they are following us or not.” Daniel finally composed himself.

“No way, what if they are following us?” I was desperate. We need to leave. The limit is already over. Mrs Carter promised me she will take Jamie.

“Lock the car… And call the last number, if something happens to me.” Daniel stopped the car. “Running is not always a good option, we have to face the problem.”

“Then why are you inviting the problem in the name of facing the problem?” What is wrong with him?

“Because this car is not good for chasing games.” Daniel unlocked the car. “Stay in the car… And call James.” Getting out of the car, Daniel didn't give me a chance to ask.

Why would I call James?

Immediately, I locked the car and watched Daniel approaching the car. The old man knocked on the car and the windshield was down, Daniel laughed… Like it was a joke. Does he know the person?

Another knock on the window took my attention.

I saw a giant man with a key. And, he opened the car.

“You didn't sign the divorce paper and refused to surrender them their heir…” He calmly said.

“He is my son.” My hands unknowingly reached to the sleeping, Jamie. Like making sure he is fine… Not awaken.

He nodded.

Then again, I felt the door of my side being open.

It happened so sudden that I couldn't react. All I could feel, numbness.

Resting in my seat, I see them taking my sleeping baby away from. They drugged me. I want them to stop, but I am stuck in my body.

Where is Daniel?

“Don't wake him up.” I heard.

Then, I see motionless Daniel being put on his driving seat.

“Mrs Carter… Inform your guards… They need to look for a whistleblower" They said and grinned, while putting a flower of A yellow carnation expresses the idea of rejection in an empty place of Jamie.

I see them walking to the car in front of us, and Daniel is next to me.

Daniel?

I called him, mentally.

That's when I noticed. He's not breathing.

.