THE LEGACY

The Web Of Deceit

Detective Van Louis looked up at her, a small smile of hope and reassurance on his lips. "Thank you Victoria. Thank you" he told her gratefully.

The duo discussed about possible events that could have led to Mirabel's dissapearance, ranging from the stranger she was seen with at school, or who knows? Maybe even a house scandal with the maids or something.

Half an hour later, Victoria was walking out of the luxurious house with the Detective escorting her out. They bade goodbye, and Victoria took her leave.

The jam wasn't as serious as it had been in the morning and Victoria had a smooth ride back home. On reaching her home, she sank into one of the chairs.

She hadn't even checked her phone that morning which was very unlike her. Putting her right hand into her bag, she drew out the android device. She had some missed calls.

She frowned when she looked at the caller details. It was Lorenzo, the CEO of Firm stock and finance, one of the biggest financial houses in the whole of Carlifornia. He had been wanting to see her way too much lately, yes it was true she was helping him publicize his company, paid publicity of course. But lately, he had been wanting to see her for matters not business related, personal matters rather.

Hesitantly, she dialled his number and called him back. He picked up almost immediately.

"Good morning Mr" Victoria greeted politely.

"Victoria, how do you do? I called earlier but you didn't pick up" he quickly mentioned

Victoria sighed longly and audibly knowing fully well he should have heard that from his end.

"I know you called, i was busy with something and that's why i'm calling back"

"Okay. Where are you?" his masculine voice echoed from the other end.

"I'm home. Why?" Victoria asked, a hint of suspicion in her heart.

"Can i come to see you? I have something to tell you" he told her.

He wanted to see her? That sounded rather odd. She had always been the one to go see him, not even in his apartment but in public spots, so what was different that day? What did he have to tell her that he couldn't say over the phone or they meet up somewhere? Why was he interested in coming to her apartment to have a talk with her? The math wasn't adding up in her head and she could not help but feel he had alterior motives.

"Are you there?" his voice sounded from the other end, drawing her back to reality

"No... Ummm, yeah... Sorry yes" she stammered

"Send me your house address, i'd be on my way" he replied.

"But do you really need to come to my house? We can meet somewhere or i can come over to yours instead" Victoria suggested.

Lorenzo scoffed. "Don't overthink anything Victoria, it's just a house and it's no big deal. Send the address, i'm coming over"

Before Victoria could give him a yes or a no, he had hung up. She tried her best to calm herself down. After all, she didn't have any misunderstanding with him, and the thoughts of him coming to her house to harm her might just be due to over thinking.

Hesitantly, she texted her home address to him. She quickly tidied up the house and had a change of clothes, expecting her visitor.

"Let me go please" Mirabel cried in distress, she hadn't eaten even a grain of rice in the past 46 hours. She was starving and dehydrated, she was starting to regret everything, she wished she hadn't gotten involved with him.

She could imagine the pain and worry she had caused her father and others. It was all Laurette's fault she thought. If she hadn't agreed to do her stupid dare then she wouldn't have been in a mess as big as the one she was in.

But it was too late, it was pointless to apportion blames now. Mirabel was sure Laurette was chilling off wherever she was while she suffered in the hands of her kidnapper.

"Sir Lorenzo, I know you're behind this. I know you ordered for my kidnap, I've learnt my lesson and I'm truly sorry, it was just a dare, a silly dare. I didn't want to lose, I only agreed to do it for my own safety. Please forgive me and let me go, please" Mirabel wailed hopelessly, no one could hear her, she was far away from the town, she was in a deserted area, no one could hear her pleas. She wondered if that was the end, she pondered greatly if a silly dare was what would bring her life to an end, she wondered if she was ever going to be rescued. And even if she is eventually rescued, what if her secret gets out? It would be worse. How she would deal with the shame she had brought on herself and her father was what she couldn't bear, or even risk thinking about.

In a few minutes, the doorbell rang. Victoria jumped up immediately, straightening her skirt and glancing one last time at the mirror, she hurried over to the door and opened it. Lo and behold, it was Lorenzo, Victoria stared in awe. He looked good, better than she had ever seen him. He smelled really nice too, with a wide smile on his face, one which made her blush stupidly.

"Hey pretty lady. Won't you at least let me in?" he asked her, making Victoria realize immediately that he had been standing there for half a minute. With an awkward smile, she nodded and stepped aside creating enough space for him to walk in.

She followed behind him, offered him a drink and they started talking.

"Your house is awesome " he complimented

"Oh please. I'm planning on moving out soon to a bigger apartment. This is too small and poorly furnished " Victoria replied

"No. It's perfect. Small, clean, warm and cozy. Coming home to this is heaven on earth ".