Cherreads

Chapter 10 - A Fresh Start

Wildcat entered an office, handing over the incriminating evidence to a lady.

Photos, files, and video clips were meticulously organized.

The elegant woman, approximately 25, scrutinized the contents.

"Is everything complete?" she asked, her voice poised.

Wildcat nodded, confirmation etched on her face.

The woman's gaze lingered, ensuring every detail was accounted for.

"Satisfactory," she murmured.

Her beauty was striking.

Raven-black hair framed her heart-shaped face.

Bold red lipstick accentuated full lips.

Lush lashes highlighted piercing eyes.

Her slender physique exuded confidence.

Perfectly proportioned, her curves commanded attention.

She exuded an undeniable aura of sophistication, reminiscent of a high-fashion model.

Her striking features commanded attention.

Long, black hair framed her fringe-style bangs.

At 5'6", her slender yet athletic build was proportionally stunning.

Thick, luscious eyelashes accentuated her piercing gaze.

Her oval face, a masterwork of symmetry, highlighted her flawless complexion.

But beneath her captivating beauty lay a sharp, calculating mind.

She was the mastermind, orchestrating events with precision.

Her elegance belied a cunning intellect, capable of manipulating others with ease.

****Meanwhile

Becca's frustration and anxiety grew with each passing day. She felt like she was in limbo, waiting for some kind of update or explanation.

One day, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She started by trying to track down Jennie and Wildcat, but she couldn't. There was no access to Wildcat. Jennie, on the other hand, was unreachable, and her social media accounts had been deactivated like she never existed. Undeterred, Becca began to dig deeper. She scoured the internet for any mention of Jennie or Wildcat, but it was like they had vanished into thin air.

As the days turned into weeks, Becca's obsession with finding answers only grew stronger. She became withdrawn and isolated, pushing away friends and even refusing to face her family who tried to update her on news concerning her father's health. How could she face them? What would she tell them? She just couldn't think straight.

Becca grabbed her purse and rushed out the door, determined to finally get some answers. She hailed a taxi and gave the driver Jennie's address, her mind racing with possibilities.

As the taxi pulled up to Jennie's apartment building, Becca's anxiety spiked. What would she find? Would Jennie be there?

She paid the driver and stepped out onto the sidewalk, scanning the building's entrance. It looked quiet, almost abandoned.

Becca took a deep breath and walked into the building, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. She approached Jennie's apartment door, hesitating for a moment before knocking.

The door creaked open, and Becca's heart sank. The apartment was empty, except for a few scattered belongings. A piece of paper on the coffee table caught her eye:

"Becca, I'm sorry. I had to leave. "Don't look for me. -Jennie"

Becca's eyes stung with tears. Where had Jennie gone? And why had she left without explaining anything?

She sat on the floor for some minutes, lost in thought.

"What was the meaning of this? So she was really set up, huh? Letting it sink into her mind, she couldn't bare it. She needed to go home.

Becca stood up on the floor, her mind still reeling from the discovery. She took one last look around Jennie's empty apartment, then turned to leave, greeting some neighbors who were surprised to see her and told her they hadn't seen Jennie for a while, fueling Becca's unease.

As she walked out of the building, Becca felt a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, and confusion. She hailed a taxi and gave the driver her address, lost in thought during the ride home.

The taxi pulled up to her apartment building, and Becca paid the driver before stepping out onto the sidewalk. She walked into her building, her feet carrying her on autopilot.

As she entered her apartment, Becca's eyes landed on a white envelope on the coffee table. It was addressed to her, with the Precious Pearl logo embossed on the corner.

Curious, Becca walked over to the table and picked up the envelope. She opened it, pulling out the letter inside...

It was an envelope from Precious Pearl, a renowned cosmetics brand. How did it get here? Her house was locked.

She looked around the house, searching every corner and even peeping through the window to see if there was anyone lurking, but there wasn't.

"That's strange, I don't think I'm safe anymore ", she said to herself.

Trying to shake off negative thoughts , she took a peek at the letter. Excitement coursed through her veins as she opened it.

A job offer as a cosmetic model for cream soap and body deodorant.

Gratitude filled her heart; God had provided a new beginning.This opportunity erased the bitter taste of her recent past.

The painful encounter with Jennie seemed to fade away for a moment but the silence from Jennie still lingered, a nagging question.

Had their friendship truly ended, or was it just a pause?

Becca pushed aside doubts, focusing on her fresh start. With renewed hope, she welcomed this chance to rebuild.

Well, Jennie and wildcat had deceived her, and she fell for it like an idiot, but what could she do than cry? This job marked a new beginning for her, a fresh start.

** Two months later **

As Becca approached her apartment, she caught a glimpse of a figure. The man in black swiftly dropped something in her mailbox and fled.

Curiosity piqued, Becca rushed to investigate. Inside the mailbox, an envelope awaited. She retrieved it and entered her apartment, eagerness growing.

Unsealing the envelope, she found a wad of cash, neatly bound. A note accompanied the money, its message unclear. Becca's mind raced, wondering who could have sent this.

Just hours before, she'd closed out her shift at Precious Pearl at 7 p.m. Dinner with her new colleagues at a nearby restaurant was a welcome distraction.

Now, this mysterious envelope dominated her thoughts as she read through it.

Rebecca Quin,

We regret the late revelation, but you've unknowingly played a crucial role in our success. Your discretion thus far is appreciated.

A compensation package of $5 million awaits you.

By 10 p.m., a cheque will be placed beneath your entrance. Accept it, put the past behind you, and maintain silence.

This transaction remains confidential. Disclosure will jeopardize your safety. We will take drastic measures if necessary.

Sincerely,

[No signature]"

Tears welled up in Becca's eyes, blurring her vision. She gazed at the letter again, her mind reeling.

The conditions for receiving the $5 million package flashed through her mind:

Keep silent.

Forget the past.

Accept the cheque.

The weight of their warning settled upon her. It sounded more like :

"Don't mention this to anyone... We will come for your life."

Fear gripped her heart, mingling with desperation. Was this a lifeline or a trap?

Becca's thoughts swirled, torn between relief and dread.

With haste, the following morning Becca visited a nearby microfinance bank, depositing $2 million into her mom's account.

No penny of her hard-earned, though tainted, money would be wasted.

The phone rang; Becca's mom answered on the first ring.

"Where did you get all that money from?" Mrs. Quin asked, concern etched in her voice.

"Mum, it's my pay. "Don't worry, no strings attached, I promise," Becca reassured.

"Okay, dear. "We appreciate it," her mom replied, skepticism lingering but trying not to press further.

Becca's voice cracked amidst tears.

"Pay the bills, Mom. Buy a house. Get the twins' university forms ready. Whatever it is you need".

"Of course, dear. You're a blessing," Mrs. Quin whispered, emotion overflowing.

More Chapters