If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 16 - The Game

After a long discussion, Jacob came out of Mr. Alvarez' office followed by Madeline. Jacob turned his heel to find, Madeline brooding. He sensed the confusion.

It was a long meeting. Jacob and Madeline walked out of the room, tired. As, Jacob turned towards Madeline, he found her lost in her own thoughts. More precisely in her own conflicts. She tip toed her way down the stairs when Jacob held her by the arm, making her halt abruptly in her place.

"Maddie, you still have a choice to back out."

She looked up at him and her expressions turned more relaxed. "Why should I?" she breathed.

"Because, your gloomy face looks scary."

"What?"

Madeline cried out comparatively louder and Jacob broke out into a cackle.She rolled her eyes and playfully punched over his chest, "You are jerk!"

"Duhh! Tell me something new!" he flexed.

Madeline huffed and made her way out of the office.

"Hey, Listen!" Jacob followed suit.

Later that night;

The black car, pulled over - the headlights highly illuminating a dark, damp alley.

Jacob, who was seated on the passenger, gestured the driver to deem the headlights and scanned through the dark alley.

"All Clear..

....It is 12: 15 am. We have 45 minutes till ambush. Team! Let us take our positions..

....Remember, no one acts beyond my instructions. Am I clear?"

"Noted!"

"Good!"

Jacob got off the car and five other in team trailed. All dressed in black and loaded weapons fastened to their waist. They cautiously padded their way through the dark alley- devoid of any sound, except for their footsteps and the only light source being the deemed yellow light from the lighthouse miles apart.

As, they reached the designated spot, everyone spread across the perimeter and settled down in their positions and switched on their ear piece.

"Team, acknowledge your positions." Jacob commanded.

"In position!"

Even though Jacob was skeptical about how Madeline would react after seeing Jackson Claros yet again, especially when the wound within, was still fresh, she was honestly ready for the mission.

Actually, the fact that the person who they were trying to get busted was someone she once loved, did not bother her. Rather, she was desperate to see that man suffer who made her go through another nightmare.

Well, that was till the black car pulled over and Jackson Claros climbed out, followed by his men. Although his expression held the same confidence and determination yet she was failing to recognize him anymore. He seemed like a whole new person. Why not? He is a criminal. Ace at hiding and adept at masking.

The mask that he used to pull her out of the darkness and take her into a new journey of love, only to throw her back into another dark realm.

A conflicting blend of anger and sadness was steering inside her. As much as she wanted to pull out her gun and put a bullet into his skull, a part of her was still longing to feel his warmth.

Internally she was praying to wake up and realize that it was just a dream. That, she would wake up to find Rex beside her staring at her with the same loving eyes. But no. This was the truth. Jackson Claros was the truth. Nothing else but this dirty game was the truth.