Chapter 2 An Unwelcome Encounter

# Chapter 2:An Unwelcome Encounter

Adeline's hands trembled as she poured tea for Leonardo, avoiding eye contact. Her parents beamed, oblivious to the tension.

"Leonardo, tell Adeline about your business ventures," Marco suggested.

Leonardo launched into a monologue about his real estate investments, his words dripping with condescension. Adeline's mind wandered.

"Adeline, aren't you impressed?" Ruth asked, her tone laced with expectation.

"Forced" would be a better description, Adeline thought, but nodded politely.

Leonardo's gaze narrowed. "I expect my partner to share my passions."

Partner. The term echoed ominously.

Just then, Zarah slipped into the room, her eyes locking onto Alex's text message on her phone:

"Meet me outside. -A"

Zarah's presence sparked Adeline's courage. "Excuse me," Adeline said, rising. "I need fresh air."

On the terrace, Adeline found Zarah.

"We're running out of time," Zarah whispered urgently. "Alex has a plan."

"What is it?" Adeline asked, hope flickering.

"Meet me in the garden tonight. Come alone."

Adeline nodded, determination igniting within.

Midnight Revelations-

The garden's shadows swallowed Adeline whole as she awaited Zarah. The night air was heavy with secrets.

Zarah emerged, her figure silhouetted against the moonlit fountain. "Alex is waiting," she whispered.

They slipped through the garden gates, finding Alex leaning against his motorcycle.

"Adeline, we've got one chance," Alex said, his voice low. "We can expose your parents' true motives and invalidate the engagement."

"How?" Adeline asked, heart racing.

Zarah's eyes sparkled. "We have proof. Incriminating documents hidden in Mom's office."

Adeline's resolve hardened. "Let's do it."

With newfound determination, the trio devised their plan.

Adeline's heart pounded as she crept into her parents' darkened mansion. Zarah and Alex waited outside, their faces obscured by shadows.

"Remember, Adeline, Mom's office, second drawer," Zarah whispered through the comms device.

Adeline nodded, her palms sweating. She reached the office door and slowly turned the handle.

# Inside

The room was dimly lit, the only sound the ticking clock. Adeline's fingers trembled as she opened the second drawer. Files and papers spilled out. Where were the documents?

# A Sudden Noise

Footsteps echoed outside. Adeline's breath caught. Marco's voice grew louder.

# Panic

"Zarah, Alex! Mom's coming!" Adeline whispered urgently.

# Quick Thinking

Adeline shoved the files back, slamming the drawer shut. She darted behind the curtains, holding her breath.

# Marco's Entrance

Marco entered, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "Ruth, where are you?" he called out.

# Close Call

Adeline exhaled silently as Marco departed. She emerged from the curtains, her heart still racing.

# The Search Continues

"Zarah, Alex, I couldn't find them," Adeline whispered.

# Zarah's Response

"Try the safe behind the painting," Zarah suggested.

# The Clock Ticks

Time was running out. Would Adeline find the documents before getting caught?

Behind the Painting

Adeline's gaze locked onto the painting. "Which one, Zarah?" she whispered.

"The landscape with the sunset," Zarah replied.

Adeline carefully lifted the frame, revealing the safe. Her fingers trembled as she dialed the combination.

# A Hidden Compartment

The safe creaked open. Adeline's heart skipped a beat. Inside, she found a folder labeled "De Santos Agreement."

# The Truth Revealed

As she scanned the documents, Adeline's eyes widened. The marriage was a business deal, securing Marco's company's future.

# Ruth's Entrance

Ruth's voice echoed outside. "Marco, I found—"

# Panic

"Adeline, get out, now!" Zarah whispered urgently.

# Swift Escape

Adeline hastily returned the folder, closed the safe and lowered the painting. She slipped out of the office, heart pounding.

# Confrontation

In the garden, Adeline confronted Zarah and Alex. "We can't let them control our lives."

# United Front

Together, they vowed to expose the truth and break free from their families' grasp.

To be continue…..

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