"LEILA’s POV".
Two days after the death of her mother*
As the last shovelful of dirt was thrown upon my mother’s casket. A wave of grief washed over me.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I stepped forward.
“Mum...” I said, my voice shaking slightly as I spoke. “Why mum? Why did you leave so soon? You...you are everything to me mother. You were my rock, my guide, my mentor and my pillar of strength. You held my hand and taught me how to walk. You have always been there for me mother, I love you a lot...so much but you left me mother. You .... you have up on your baby Leila. Please mother, watch over your darling Leila . She needs you the most at this time.”
“Be strong Leila.” Father said and gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
“I will be strong father, I will make sure everyone who had a hand in my mother’s death will get what’s coming to him or her. I will stop at nothing until I see them crumble and beg for forgiveness.” I said, my eyes shining with defiance and my voice filled with determination.
“You are my entire universe,” I continued, my voice gaining strength as I remembered my mother’s gentle smile and her wise words. “ I will do everything I can to make you proud of me mother , I will carry your memory with me always and strive hi make you proud. You were taken away from me too soon, and I promise to fulfill and carry on your legacy.”
Tears streamed form my cheeks as I stepped away from my mother’s grave, my father standing behind me for physical and emotional support.
My gaze fell on Alexander and Tammy, who stood at a distance, Tammy’s presence felt like a physical ache, while Alexander’s felt like an emotional one.
I turned my back on the couple, focusing on the man who had approached me. His eyes were sad as he held out a small device. “I am sorry for your loss?” My private detective said, his voice low and grave.
“Thank you...” I mumbled.
“There is something you should see.” He said and handed me the device.
I took the device, my hands shaking and fingers trembling as I pressed okay. And there on the screen, was the real truth about my mother’s death: Allison infecting something into my mother’s IV line.
My knees nearly gave up on me as I realized the truth.
“You..y-you can not be serious.” My voice was barely above a whisper. “Allison...she was ..my cousin she..”
My private detective nodded, his expression grim. “I am afraid so. But I think this should not be a shock for I had a feeling you knew, that was why you asked for the footage.”
I turned away, unable to meet my private detective’s gaze. My mind raced, memories flashing like flashing lights in the darkness of my bitter grief.
“You should be careful Leila,” my private detective said, his voice low and urgent. “Allison is not usually this dangerous, and this sudden change has led to believe that she was working for someone else.”
The words hit my face hard, like a slap. “Working for someone else? But who could it be? Ben? Tammy? Or someone else?”
“That I do not know and I can not say. But one thing I do know is that you need to be careful and lay low go the meantime. Go back home, pack a bag and stay with someone you trust. I will keep digging deep into this shady happenings not unfold then your safety is my top priority.”
As my private detective turned to leave, I caught his arm. “Wait...there is something else that I need to know.”
“Yes?” He asked.
“Alexander has called off all investigations that are being carried out by the police. I want you to take a look into that and give me a feedback as soon as possible.” I said.
“If Alexander is stopping the investigation then I am very sure that he has his reasons. Maybe he is trying to protect you from the dirty game that is being played here.” My private detective said.
“Just help me look into it. I will handle the rest over here. I can not stay silent and hide like a coward. My mother does not deserve this.” I said.
“You are welcome Leila,” My private detective said. “Now I want you to find a safe place and keep me pasted. If you need anything you can always call me.”
“Thank you.” I said and watched him walk away.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself as I approached Alexander. “Thank you for coming today, I really appreciate your kind gesture.” I said, my voice shaky as I spoke.
Alexander nodded. “Of course.”
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I need to ask you something. Please do not refuse me. I am in danger, I know we are no longer together and we ended our relationship due to some factors, but... could I stay with you? Just until the coast is clear?”
Alexander was quiet, and each passing second seemed like an eternity. Finally he spoke, “ you are asking me to let you into my home? Into my house. You do know that we do not have anything right? We share no relations.”
My heart felt like it was being squeezed by a muscular man, the pain of Alexander’s worse were like a thousand arrows stabbing my chest.
“Please Alexander... I am in desperate need of a place to stay. And my home is no longer the safe heaven it used to be.” I pleaded with him.
He looked at me, the usual softness in his eyes were replaced by a cold and hard look.
“Alright...Fine. You will stay in our house but under one condition...” Tammy’s sharp voice through the silence.
“What condition?” I mumbled, already dreading her possible answers.