Hiding

"What are you planning, Theo?"

Theo pulled a stick of cigarette and lit it up. "Have you completed the transaction?" he asked as he puffed a cloud of smoke into the thick air of his balcony.

"Yes. Almost 80% of their assets were gone," Kurt replied.

Theo smirked and dipped the unfinished cigarette into the ashtray. "Great. Now, you have to keep an eye on her."

Kurt chuckled. "I don't know why are you doing this. After Hi—sorry, I forgot, you don't like anyone to mention that name. Well, people knew that you're not interested with—"

"Just do what I say, Kurt. And everything will be fine."

Theo saw how Kurt shook his head. 

"We lost her."

Theo's jaw clenched as his grip on the rail tightened. "What the f*ck did you say?"

Kurt inhaled deeply and exhaled sharply. "I'm sorry. But we lost her… in the airport."

"Damn it!" Theo blurted. "Why the f*ck did you lose her?"

Kurt attempted to reach Theo's shoulder, but he pushed his arm away and shut him with a glare.

He said, "I think she knew."

Theo frowned and turned to face him. "Knew what?"

"I don't know, man, but I guess the lady has an idea. It was just a hunch—"

"F*ck it! Do whatever you can to find her. I can't lose her…" Theo paused. 'Why am I even saying this?' "Just find her," he added and left.

He doesn't want him to be suspicious about why he is interested in that woman. He knew Kurt was on his back, following him.

"Don't tell me you like that fat—"

"Shut up!" Theo shouted, gritting his teeth. "Your men are useless. I am paying for your service, Kurt. If only I knew you would lose her, I should have relied on my men. Not you."

Theo pinched the bridge of his nose as he strode out of his house. Kurt was blabbering things, but he intended not to hear them and went straight to his car.

He dialed someone's number on the phone as he sped away from Kurt's lawn.

"What's up, man?"

"I need your help," Theo started.

"Whoa, wait, Theodore Smith is asking for help? That's new."

"Shut up, Hunter."

Theo pictures how demonic Hunter laughs on the other line.

"Fine. I know you're serious. But what's with the call?"

"I'll send you a picture and find that person as soon as possible," Theo demanded.

"Well, every favor has its price—"

"Name it," he cut off.

By now, he could imagine Hunter's face.

"Sure. Let's meet then," he stated, and after that, he dropped the call.

Theo sighed as he continued to drive. There's no need for him to ask where they gonna meet. People like them only meet in one private place.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. That woman almost evaded his thoughts ever since. And now, knowing that she's gone from his reach makes him insane. Damn this!

He was known to be heartless, and now, he has started being insane just because of Cassie Morgan.

CASSIE was on the phone while she was unpacking her things. She arrived safely at Rona's rest house. Indeed, this place is too far, and it feels safe. There were two old maids in the house, and she felt comfortable with them. As soon as she arrived here, they welcomed her warmly. She couldn't ask for more. From the cozy house up to the cold breeze and the scenic view of the vast ocean, she knew this was perfect for her and the baby.

It's been a week since Mira informed her about what's happening to her father's company. And suddenly, her instinct came into the picture.

"Cici, are you still there?"

Cassie pursed her lips as she nodded her head as if Rona could see it. "Yes. I'm sorry. I'm spacing out. Anyway, thank you so much, Ro. Your place is wonderful. Hope you can visit me soon," she said.

Rona let out a soft chuckle. "Of course. Anyway, I've sent your letter to the director. Are you sure she will agree with it? What if you lost your job—"

"It's fine. I earned a lot, and I think it will be a big help for me and my baby for about three to four years."

"Don't tell me you're gonna hide that long?"

Cassie heaved a sigh. "I have decided. And yes. I will only face my family—"

"What if Theo finds out?"

"He won't. I will not allow it. Besides, I have nothing to do with him. Whatever the reason why he's tailing me, I only think of one. That might be because I saw what had happened that night."

"I don't think so. What if he was captivated by your beauty and—"

"Shut up, Ro. I am not expecting anything, especially not with the heartless. I can deal with anyone, my father… anyone, except Theodore Smith."

Rona laughed. "Oh, come on, Cici. Easy to tell. What if one day—"

"I'm gonna call you back later. I have things to do, Ro. Bye," she cut the hum of her words and ended the call.

Cassie admits no one can resist Theo's charm, but knowing how heartless, how cruel he was, oh, she might run away.

'But you had s*x with him.'

She shook her head as that thought suddenly came in.

She doesn't want to involve herself in a bizarre thing.

For hours, she drowns herself in fixing her things. After that, the maid called her as the dinner was served already. She gets to know the two old ladies, Nana Sela and Nana Myrna. They've served the Santos, which is Rona's family, for a decade.

"Ms. Rona explained everything to us before your arrival, Ma'am Cassie," Nana Sela said.

Cassie smiled. "You can call me Cici, Nana."

The old lady smiled. "Rona told us to take good care of you until you give birth."

Cassie smiled. "Thank you, Nana Myrna. Don't worry. I only intend to stay here for a while until my baby grows up."

Nana Sela smiled at her. "You can stay here, Ms. Cici, whenever you want to. Myrna and I will help you. Also, Ms. Rona will arrive tomorrow."

Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. "Tomorrow?" 

Why she didn't tell me?

After dinner. She climbed upstairs and called Rona.

"Hey, Nana Sela told me you'll be here tomorrow?"

Rona let out an evil laugh on the other line. "Yes, my dear. Surprise? And guess what…"

She arched her brow. "I'm not a fortune teller, Ro."

"Well, I will also have my vacation for years—"

"Stop with the bluff, Ro."

"Just kidding."