Love and Survival

Chapter 3

"You must be Maria" a man in his mid thirties walked to their stall asking Maria.

Maria's voice barely above a whisper, she replied, "yes, i hope there is no problem?

Definitely not, I've been sent by Katherine to pick you up... the man's words hung in the air like a challenge, and she felt her pride deflate like a punctured balloon. Katherine's threat still lingered, a constant reminder that her mother's freedom hung precariously in the balance.

With a sense of resignation, Maria followed the man, her feet moving mechanically as she trailed behind him.

The luxurious spa loomed before her, its opulent decor a stark contrast to her humble existence. As she stepped inside, the soft hum of conversation and the sweet scent of perfumes enveloped her, making her feel like an outsider.

"Sit," a low voice commanded from behind her, sending a shiver down her spine. Maria hesitated, her eyes darting toward the mirror, before she reluctantly took a seat. The reflection staring back at her was a stranger's – tattered clothes, disheveled hair, and a look of desperation etched on her face.

The stylist approached, eyes scanning her from head to toe, before focusing on her hair. Maria's heart sank as she realized she was about to undergo a transformation, one that might change her forever.

As the stylist's fingers began to work their magic, Maria's thoughts swirled with questions. What did Katherine plan for her? Would this makeover be a rebirth or a disguise? The uncertainty hung heavy, like a guillotine waiting to drop.

Katherine's voice was a low, menacing tone over the phone, "Ah, didn't I tell you to keep an eye on that boy? How could you let him out of your sight? You must really be tired of your job..." Her words dripped with disdain.

"Track him and ensure you keep him off this mansion," she continued, her voice firm. "I don't want any trouble because of some lost son... Okay?"

The person on the other end answered, "Okay, boss!" Katherine cut the call, a smirk spreading across her face. "How could a bastard come to claim what took them years to build?"

In the heart of America, a massive building stood tall, its grandeur and wealth palpable. Leo, the owner, lived there alone, hiding from his past. Years of searching for justice had driven him to this solitude.

His thoughts drifted to his lover, and the ache in his heart intensified. He missed her dearly, and would give anything to be with her again.

Recently, Leo noticed someone had been following him. Could this person be connected to the accident that nearly took his life in Mexico?

Leo's mind wandered to his father, who lived in America. After his mother's death, he'd yearned for love and family. Discovering his father's existence in her diary had changed everything.

As he sat in his dimly lit study, lost in thought, Leo's ears picked up a faint sound – footsteps. Light, cautious footsteps.

His heart skipped a beat. Who could be sneaking around his mansion? Leo's instincts kicked in, and he rose from his chair, eyes fixed on the doorway...

Katherine's voice was authoritative over the phone, "Prepare them an apartment... provide them with better jobs."

Maria and Gabriella's eyes widened as they stood before their new apartment, its exterior grandeur leaving them in awe.

"What is Katherine planning?" Maria whispered, confusion etched on her face. "This was supposed to be a punishment, but..."

Meanwhile, Leo stepped out cautiously, scanning his surroundings. His security team, led by his trusted head of security, Marcus, stood discreetly in the background.

"Anything unusual, Marcus?" Leo asked, his eyes scanning the area.

Marcus shook his head. "Nothing out of the ordinary, sir. Except..."

Leo followed Marcus's gaze to a stray dog cowering behind a bush.

"Looks like we've got a new friend," Leo said, approaching the dog. The dog nuzzled his hand, and Leo felt a pang of sympathy.

But something strange caught Leo's attention – the dog seemed almost... groomed. A tag hung from its collar, and its fur was clean and well-maintained.

"Marcus, check the area. See if there's any surveillance footage," Leo instructed.

As Marcus nodded and began to investigate, Leo noticed a piece of paper on the ground nearby. He picked it up, and his eyes scanned the scribbled message:

"Stay as you've always been,hidden."

Leo's eyes narrowed. What did this message mean? Was it a warning or a threat? The dog whimpered softly, as if sensing Leo's unease...

Maria's eyes followed the black hooded figure, her mind racing with questions. Who was that? And why did she feel odd about whoever it was.

Meanwhile, Robert's confession hung in the air. "I had a child out of wedlock," he stammered, his eyes fixed on Katherine and Donald.

Donald's reaction was immediate. "What?" he screamed, his face shocked.

Aren't you mad? Robert asked Katherine in surprise.

Katherine's response was cold. "What's the point of getting mad at a bedridden man?" she said, her voice devoid of emotion.

Robert's eyes welled up with tears. "Katherine, can you help me find my son?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Katherine's anger boiled over. "The gut of you to ask that," she hissed, walking out of the room.

Donald was left standing there, his expression unreadable. "Well, I never knew I had a bro..." he exclaimed.

As Donald turned to leave, Robert called out, "Donald, wait." But Donald just shrugged and walked out.

Katherine's phone buzzed as she exited the room. "Yes?" she answered.

"Ma'am, we've found something on Robert's son," her assistant said, their voice hesitant.

Katherine's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

The assistant hesitated before speaking, "He's... he's been looking for you, ma'am."

Katherine's expression turned icy. This changed everything…