Paths; why our paths crossed

Nessa is bleeding

Nessa lay on her bed, studying with a tired expression, while Valerie, her best friend and roommate sang loudly in front of her. After finishing, Valerie asked, "How was the performer's girlfriend?"

Nessa smirked, eyes fixed on her book. "Honestly, Val, I didn't pay attention."

Valerie glared, her voice rising. "I've sung six times, and you still ignore me!"

Nessa apologized, but Valerie was unforgiving. "Stop apologizing, Nessa. I'm deeply hurt."

"I am sorry" Nessa pleaded, using an Indian gesture of seeking forgiveness.

Valerie smiled, shrugging. "I hate you, big head."

Nessa grinned. "I hate you too, bigger head."

Valerie chuckled, sprang up, and kissed Nessa's cheek. Nessa was taken aback but happy to see Valerie's smile return.

Nessa, a 20-year-old college student, is the only child of Dickson and Nadia Dav-wools. She's lucky to have Valerie, her best friend since high school, by her side.

Despite their different career aspirations - Nessa wants to be a lawyer, while Valerie dreams of becoming a singer - their friendship has only grown stronger. They miraculously gained admission to the same university, a testament to their unbreakable bond.

Nessa often wonders why Valerie is so passionate about singing, despite her, frankly, terrible voice. She jokes that if she were in a coma and Valerie was asked to sing to bring her back to life, valerie's singing wouldn't revive her! But beneath the teasing, Nessa admires Valerie's kind heart and determination.

Valerie is the kind of friend everyone wishes for - a rare and precious soul. Nessa will always support her, no matter what.

"Hey, what's going on? You packing up?" Valerie asked, eyeing the luggage on Nessa's bed. she didn't take note of it earlier.

"Just heading home for the weekend to see my mom," Nessa replied.

Valerie pouted. "Aww, come back soon, big head! I'll miss you."

Nessa raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going home to visit your parents? It's been three weeks."

Valerie flopped onto the bed. "They're traveling, so I'll see them when they get back."

Nessa nodded understandingly. Valerie parents are just go good at travelling. "Alright, I'll be back in three days. Take care, bigger head!"

"Of course chicken" Valerie grinned and tickled Nessa on the ribs.

And as for Nessa, she laughed hysterically.

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Bryan arrived at his mansion and was welcomed by his mom and younger sister.

"You have grown so big Gina" Bryan admitted, admiring his younger sister's curves.

undoubtedly gina was in good shape. She's thick, beautiful and got big butt.

"You can see, I have been taking proper care of your little sister......" His mom said ecstatically

Bryan nod his head in a smile.

His mother, Mrs Matilda adjusted to the strange faces in the room with Bryan.

"Guess you got visitors. I will inform the maid to get the rooms prepare for your guest"

"That will be better" Bryan admitted, ambling into the house fully with Ariel, Sweet and his men behind him.

*

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(: 7pm)

Nessa was in her room at her parent's mansion.

Suddenly a knock came in from the door, disrupting her.

"Come in" she said.

The door opened, revealing her mom. She stepped in with a lovely smile on. It feels good to see her daughter again.

"Mom" nessa screamed delightedly, hugging her.

Well, since she arrived, she hasn't set her eyes on her.

"Where have you been?" She added, pouting a sad face.

Nadia grin and replied.

"Sorry hun, just needed to attend to your dad before coming to see you..... How have you been and how is school?"

"Fine mom and you?"

"I'm fine" Nadia retorted.

Nessa nodded and sighed out deeply.

"How about dad?... Hope he hasn't laid his hands on you since I left?"

"No baby, we have been cool...... Can I ask you a question?" Nadia switched the topic.

"Yes mom....

"If I tell you, you are getting married soon_ how will you feel?"

she asked with alot of exception.

Nessa stared at her confusedly.

Married. Yuck!

"Sad! Infact that can't be" she frowned.

"Why?" Nadia asked, trying to figure out something.

Nessa shrugged intimidatingly. "I don't want to get married. I just want to live a single and happy girl's life with you by my side"

Nadia's face fell, wearing an expression that says 'seriously'

Nessa continued, "Grandpa and grandma had a failed marriage, and you... Dad beats you every day. I can't imagine that happening to me."

Nessa's voice filled with determination. "If marriage will end my life, I'll stay single. And, mom, I'm studying law to file for your divorce from dad. I'll handle the case myself."

Nadia's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't have to do that, baby."

"but mom I" Nessa's words were cut off when she saw a figure at the door, her eyes widened in shock...

"Nes, are you okay?" Nadia asked, concern etched on her face as she searched Nessa's shocked expression.

instantly she slowly turned her head, and her worst nightmare came true. "Dickson..." she whispered, terror creeping into her voice. her toxic husband has been eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Dickson" Nadia called out again, her voice laced with shock and fear. "Dickson, please don't!" she shook her head knowing what he's capable of.

Dickson's intimidating presence filled the room as he stepped forward, unbuckling his belt with each deliberate stride. Nessa's breath caught in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, please don't let him have heard us," she thought desperately.

Nadia pleaded, "Dickson, please don't do this! Please, please!" hitting her was not a problem but hitting her in front of her daughter, that's the problem.

But Dickson's anger had reached a boiling point. He raised the belt, and it came crashing down on Nadia's skin. Nessa stood frozen, helpless to stop the abuse.

Dickson's rage continued to unleash, his words cutting deep. "How dare you try to poison my daughter's mind against me? You want a divorce, right?"

Nessa's heart shattered, witnessing her mother's suffering. This was her reality, a never-ending cycle of fear and pain. Whenever things went wrong, her mother bore the brunt of Dickson's cruelty.

"Dad, please stop! That's enough!" Nessa begged, tears streaming down her face. "Mom has nothing to do with what I said earlier, please let her go!"

Nadia, her voice weak and pained, managed to whisper, "Nessa, go... go away." But Nessa refused to back down. She'd had enough of watching her mother suffer.

"Dad, I'm telling the truth! Let Mom go!" Nessa shouted, grabbing his arm. But Dickson didn't listen. In a fit of rage, he pushed her away, and Nessa's head hit the bed frame with a sickening thud.

Everything happened subconsciously and Dickson had stopped when he realized what he had done. Nadia slackened to her side, concern etched on her face. "Nessa! Nessa, can you hear me?" She cradled Nessa's head in her lap, and that's when she saw the blood. "Dickson, Nessa is bleeding!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.