between love and danger

Entangled secrete

Chapter 3

Sandra slipped the phone back onto the nightstand and crept to her room, her hands trembling as if the world were spinning. She was silent, words lost, her thoughts tangled with that chilling message. Who could Ryan have offended? Why would I get involved,Oh my gosh, we’re in danger, she whispered to herself, her heart pounding in her ears. She lay awake for hours, fear and curiosity warring in her mind, until exhaustion finally pulled her into a restless sleep.

Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden shadow across the room. The clock chimed 7 am, its sound sharp and startling. Sandra awoke to find Ryan standing beside her, already dressed for work, a faint smile on his face.

You’re awake, he said, his voice calm. How was your night

Sandra felt a wave of relief at his kind gesture. It was okay. You’re already dressed for work. Give me a minute to freshen up, she said, slipping out of bed and heading to the bathroom.

Ryan moved to the sitting room, placing his suitcase on the cushioned chair with a soft thud. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, his brow furrowed.

Hello, yeah, it’s Ryan. Have you made any investigation concerning the number he asked, his tone urgent.

Nothing has been found yet, a voice replied on the other end.

Okay, continue the research, Ryan said, hanging up with a sharp click.

Sandra, already dressed and standing at the doorway, listened intently. Who is that And what number are you talking about, she asked pretending to be unaware, her eyes fixed on him, searching for answers.

Ryan turned, his face hardening. It’s something I want to handle alone. Don’t try interfering, he said, his voice sharp.

Sandra forced a smile, walking slowly towards him, and whispered, It’s fine, I wouldn’t interfere in the war.

Ryan’s eyes lit up, and he turned to face her, their bodies close enough to feel each other’s breath. What did you just say, he asked, staring into her eyes, his voice low and intense.

You heard me right, Sandra said, turning and walking out, banging the door behind her as if it were the source of her frustration.

Ryan stood, watching her disappear, his mind racing. What does she mean Did she go through my phone, No, I don’t think so. She wouldn’t notice anything. He grabbed his suitcase and headed for work, his thoughts clouded with suspicion.

In a well decorated room filled with pictures of beautiful romance and scenery, a masked tall woman stood at the edge of the window, dressed in a black coat and shoes. A knock echoed on the door.

Come in, she said, her voice cold and commanding.

A 23-year-old girl entered, dressed in a long blue trouser and a big polo top. Good day, master, she greeted, bowing her head.

Hope you blocked the line to avoid being investigated, the masked woman said, her voice dim but menacing.

Yes, boss, I blocked and threw away the line. Nothing can be found, the girl replied with boldness.

Good. Have you seen his girlfriend the masked woman asked, her tone sharp.

Yes, boss, she slept over in his house, the girl answered.

The masked woman’s anger flared, her breath quickening. Teach her a lesson, she ordered, her voice a whisper of threat.

Yes, boss the girl replied and left, her footsteps echoing in the hallway.

Ryan, you’re mine and mine forever, the masked woman whispered to herself, her voice muffled by her mask, a chilling promise hanging in the air.

Sandra went home, her mind racing with questions about who could be behind that message. I think there’s more to this. I have to do something before things get out of hand, she thought, her thoughts turning to Betty. Yes, let me give her a call.

She pulled out her phone from her handbag and dialed Betty’s number. Hello, girl, how are you doing, Can you come over to my house

Okay, I’ll be on my way, Betty said, hanging up.

Sandra went to the kitchen and prepared fried rice and chicken as a welcome meal for Betty. She was serving the meal when a knock came on the door.

Open, she said, and Betty entered with a smile all over her face.

Hi, girl, Betty greeted.

Hey, miss tall, Sandra teased, they hugged each other.

You came at the right time. As you can see, meal is already served, Sandra said.

Yeah, I can see that. Seems you know I would be hungry,” Betty replied, and they sat together at the dining table, already eating.

So girl what’s up, What about your guy Betty asked, dropping her empty dish aside.

That’s the reason I called you. I think someone is threatening him, and I’m involved too. I found a message on his phone. When I asked him, he doesn’t want to let me know, but I want to investigate myself, Sandra explained, her voice filled with concern.

Seriously But why should you be involvedBetty said, her brow furrowed.

I don’t know, but whatever it is, I’m ready to stand by him. No matter what, Sandra said boldly. I can’t afford to lose Ryan

Betty suddenly raised her eyes, suddenly at the mention of that name, looking confused, her mind racing with questions about the name Sandra just mentioned,her hands vibrating