Chapter 103

Chapter 101
HOSPITAL

As Anna, Mrs. Julia, and Vera entered the ward, Antonio's face lit up with a bright smile. "Anna!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Anna rushed to his side, hugging him gently. "Hey, little champ! How are you feeling?"

Antonio giggled, his eyes sparkling. "I'm feeling better! The doctor said I can have ice cream soon!"

Mrs. Julia chuckled. "Well, that's great news, Antonio. You're on the mend!"

Vera smiled, holding out a stuffed animal. "I brought you a friend, Antonio. His name is Mr. Whiskers."

Antonio's eyes widened as he took the stuffed animal from Vera. "Wow! Mr. Whiskers is so cool! Thank you, Vera!"

As they chatted, Antonio's attention span began to wander. He started playing with Mr. Whiskers, making the stuffed animal "talk" and having a conversation with it.

Anna laughed.

As Antonio played with Mr. Whiskers, he suddenly looked up at Anna with a concerned expression. "Anna, where's Mommy?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Anna's expression softened, and she gently stroked Antonio's hair. "Mommy is on her way, sweetie. She's been very worried about you and will be here soon." Anna said nervously, she hoped Antonio's belives it because that was the only lie she could think of now.

Antonio's face lit up with hope. "Really? Can I see her?"

Anna let out a silent sigh of relief then smiled reassuringly. "Yes, champ, you'll see her soon. She's just dealing with some things right now, but she loves you very much."

Antonio nodded, seeming to accept this explanation. However, his eyes still looked uncertain, and he clung to Mr. Whiskers tightly.

Vera stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Antonio, we're all here for you, and we'll make sure you're safe and loved."

Antonio looked up at Vera, his eyes welling up with tears. "I miss Mommy," he whispered.

Mrs. Julia stepped in, her voice soothing. "We'll get your mom here as soon as possible, dear. In the meantime, we're all here to take care of you."

As the day went on, Antonio's spirits seemed to lift slightly, thanks to the visits from Anna, Mrs. Julia, and Vera. He played with Mr. Whiskers, watched cartoons, and even managed a small smile or two.

But as the evening drew near, Antonio's thoughts turned to his mother again. He looked up at Anna with pleading eyes. "Anna, can you please call Mommy, she is taking so long to get here? I want to talk to her."

Anna hesitated, knowing that Maya was in jail and couldn't receive calls. She didn't want to tell Antonio the truth yet, so she decided to come up with a gentle lie.

"Okay, Antonio, I'll tell you about Mommy," Anna said softly. "Mommy is... um... traveling for work right now. She's in a place with no phone signal, but she's thinking of you all the time."

Antonio's suddenly felt confused. “I thought you said momma will be here soon.

“Your mom just told us that she wouldn't make because she is travelling urgently.“ mrs Julia replied helping ann out.

“Then why didn't mom tell me”Antonio said also staring to cry.

“Don't cry champ, mom didn't want to tell you because she felt you will fell more sad and you wouldn't help quickly. And she also said she will get you so many toys and candies.“ Anna said.

Antonio's face lit up with hope. "Really? When will she be back?"

Anna forced a reassuring smile. "Soon, champ. She'll be back soon. Let's focus on getting you better first, okay?"

Antonio nodded, seeming to accept Anna's explanation. But Anna knew she had to tread carefully, as the truth about Maya's situation would eventually come out someday.

Anna's college

Anna walked across the campus, her backpack slung over her shoulder, as she made her way to meet Jessica at the student union. They had planned to grab lunch together and study for their upcoming exams.

As Anna approached the student union, she spotted Jessica already seated at a table, sipping on a coffee. Anna smiled and waved, dropping into the chair across from her friend.

"Hey, girl! Sorry I'm late," Anna said, unwrapping her sandwich.

Jessica grinned. "No worries, I just got here. So, what's new with you? How's Antonio's doing?"

Anna's expression softened. "He's doing okay, still recovering. It's been a tough time, but we're managing." Anna already told jessica about her life from when the death of het father, her step brother sold her and all about marcus. Jessica felt like killing Lucas when Anna told her about her life story.

Jessica nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure it's hard on you. But you're doing great, Anna. You're so strong."

As they chatted and studied, Anna mentioned her upcoming project on social justice. Jessica's eyes lit up.

"I have an idea for your project," Jessica said. "There's a local non-profit organization that works with underprivileged kids. We could volunteer there and gather some real-life experiences for your project."

Anna's face lit up. "That sounds amazing! Let's do it, we will go this weekend.“

As they made plans, Anna felt a sense of excitement and purpose. She was determined to make a difference, and with Jessica's help, she knew she could do it.

As they studied and chatted, Jessica's expression turned serious. "Hey, Anna, can I tell you something?" she asked, her voice low.

Anna looked up from her notes, curious. "What is it?"

Jessica leaned in, her eyes flashing with intensity. "I was just thinking about Jenny, and I have to admit she hasn't been found yet, and I'm kinda worried she might be lurking around and plotting a big revenge comeback.“

Anna's expression turned guarded. "I know, Jess but i don't really fell scared at all and i don't know why. But I'm still trying to process everything that happened. But I'm trying to let go of the anger.“

“I still can't forget her. What she did to us was despicable, i knew she was a curse the moment she decided to become friends with us." Jessica replied, she felt if she sees jenny right now she will strangle her to death.

Anna shook her head. "I don't think I can ever forgive her. She was so manipulative and cruel. I'm just glad we're safe now."

Jessica nodded in agreement. "Me too. But maybe we should focus on the positive. We've got each other, and we're doing okay."

Anna smiled wryly. "You're right, as always. But sometimes I just can't help but think about how Jenny ruined everything. I'll never trust her, and I'll never forget what she did."

Anna reached out and put a hand on Jessica's arm. "We'll always have each other's backs, Jess. That's what matters."

UNKNOWN LOCATION

The dimly lit room was shrouded in an air of secrecy. An anonymous figure, stood at the center, her voice low and commanding.

"Are the plans ready?" She asked one of their servants, a hooded figure standing before them.

The servant nodded, their eyes darting nervously around the room. "Yes, milady. The article is being prepared as we speak. The headline will read: 'Mother's Despicable Act: Maya's Poisonous Plot Almost Claims Son's Life'."

The anonymous figure's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Excellent. See that it's published in the most prominent newspaper tomorrow. I want the entire city to be talking about it."

The servant bowed. "As you wish, milady. But are you certain this is the right course of action? The repercussions could be...unpredictable."

The anonymous figure's expression turned cold. "I don't pay you to question my decisions. Just ensure the article is published, and let the consequences fall where they may."

The servant nodded hastily, backing away from the figure. "Yes, milady. It will be done."

As the servant disappeared into the darkness, the anonymous figure smiled to herself. She had been planning this for a while now, carefully manipulating events to ensure the article would have maximum impact.

The figure's thoughts turned to Maya, the woman at the center of the scandal. They had a personal vendetta against her, and this was just the beginning.

The article would ruin Maya's reputation even uf she is in jail, and the public's perception of her would be forever changed. The figure's smile grew wider as they imagined the chaos that would ensue.

“Marcus even if you don't like maya anymore and even sent her to jail, that doesn't make you a betrayal. I still have plans for you but first let me deal with this bitch first then you will be torally mine.“

“Let the game begin, i can't wait for tomorrow morning anymore” the anonymous said as she begins to laugh like a maniac.

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