from deception to devotion

CHAPTER TWO:MY FIRST TIME IN JAIL

NURINA
2 HOURS LATER

I’m still at the police station. I haven’t said a word. I don’t even know why I’m here. The sea man enters, dressed in his black clothes. Well, he looks good in them, but now he looks like he wears devil’s gowns—black ones.

“Welcome, sir,” one of the cops says while showing him a seat. He sits, crossing his legs. Is he a boss or something?

“I found her in my private room... The lights were off,” he says.

So that’s why I’m here? I didn’t even know that was his private room. Shit.

“Ma’am, your phone has been buzzing more than six times. Maybe you should pick it up,” the cop says.

I pick it up. Shit, it’s Dad.

“Hey, Dad—”

“Not yet. I was on my way there, but I got stuck... I’m at the police station,” I say.

I hand the phone to the cop, who takes it away. While speaking, all I hear is, “Yes, sir.”

The sea man approaches and smirks. “I thought you were a mute.”

Funny. I ignore him.

The cop comes back and asks him, “How much do you need, Mr.?”

He smirks again. “Five hundred million dollars.”

Is he serious? I couldn’t hold my grudge anymore. “Five hundred million dollars is insane! Hey, do you think my dad is a f**king mayor or something?” I ask with a serious face.

“I prefer safety for my properties than wealth of you poor people, dear mute,” he smirks again.

“I will let your dad know,” the cop says, leaving us behind.

“You’re gonna be stuck in here till your dad gets that money, dear mute,” he says, his devilish smirk annoying me. Seriously, that’s why I hate him.

The cop comes back, handing me a phone. “Problem solved. He’s gonna send it to your bank account.”

The cop eyes Mr. Sea Man, who remains blank. He can’t believe I’m getting out.

I stand up, collecting my stuff, then turn to eye him. “Bet this is your way of creating your wealth, Mr. Badass,” I say with a smile.

“Watch your language, Miss Mute,” he replies.

“You wanna pay me for it?” I say sarcastically, smirking this time.

“Miss, you’re still at the police station,” the cop warns.

“Then why are they smoking, drinking beer, and... making out?” I ask, blinking at them while walking toward the door.

---

LONDON

It’s around 2 a.m. God, I ruined everything. I don’t know how I’ll even face my dad. Still, my cousin is here for me. I see him standing there.

God, I love this man sometimes. I wish he could be my boyfriend.

“Hey, buddy,” I say, hugging him.

“What took you so long, Mama?”

Ew. His words sometimes make me feel like he’s my man. I’m still in his arms. He smells so good.

“A lot happened that ruined my day, but I’m okay,” I say, pulling away.

“What happened?” he asks. I can see concern on his face.

“I’ll explain everything tomorrow... I’m so tired,” I say.

“Cool. Me too,” he says while grabbing his drink.

I chuckle. “What’s funny?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “You should be happy that I broke up with her.”

I’m left speechless. No way. He used to love her so badly. What happened?

But I’m happy. We’re going to be alone for many hours. Besides, I hate that girl so bad.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Save that for tomorrow,” he says.

“How was the gala, then?” I ask, scrolling on my phone.

“It’s postponed till tomorrow... Uncle did it for you, yet you still say he doesn’t care about you,” he says.

“Postponed till when?” I ask.

“Tomorrow morning,” he answers.

I thought I’d escaped this shit. I hate attention from people. I just hate everything in that house. It makes me remember what happened eight years ago.

I can’t stop recalling that car accident. My friends... Bad enough, I lost my beloved mother.