Something's off
Marco
"Marco," Sandro's voice cut through the speaker the moment I answered. My heart was already racing, a strange kind of dread clawing at my chest, like something was about to happen, but I couldn't quite explain it yet.
"Do you see the black SUV up ahead? Just about three houses away from where you're parked."
I immediately turned toward the direction he mentioned. There it was, a sleek, black SUV idling quietly in front of a modest house. At first glance, it didn’t seem suspicious. It appeared to belong to someone from the neighborhood. But the windows were tinted pitch black; you couldn’t see inside, not even a shadow, just like the car I'm in now.
"Yeah... I see it. Why?" I asked, keeping my voice steady even though unease was crawling slowly up my spine like a cold hand.
"It wasn’t there yesterday," he said, voice low and alert, like he was also watching something from where he was.
My brow furrowed. "What exactly are you saying?"
"It could be someone working with Ashley. I contacted a friend of mine, had him check the plate. Just waiting for a response."
I glanced back at the SUV and swallowed hard. My thoughts went instantly to Ashlyn. She was currently inside her parents' house with Ashley. Completely unaware that there might be someone outside watching her. Targeting her.
"Do you think... should we involve the authorities?" I asked, a beat of regret hitting me. I should’ve already looped Andy in. But with everything going on, it must’ve slipped through the cracks.
"I already did. Yesterday," Sandro replied quickly. "The moment you mentioned Ashlyn meeting with Ashley, I reached out to a friend in the police force. They’ve stationed plainclothes officers around the block, front and rear. Some locals are helping too. There's a place they can hide while keeping their eyes on the street."
I exhaled, just a little. It wasn’t a guarantee that Ashlyn was safe, but it was better than nothing. At least there were people out there watching her back.
"Marco," Sandro continued, his voice heavier now, more serious, "I think Ismael’s in the area. And if I’m right… Ashlyn might be his target."
My stomach twisted.
Ismael.
The shadow that had never quite revealed itself, but had always been there, lurking, watching, and waiting.
And with Ashley’s help, he might finally make his move, right now.
"Has Andy spoken to you, too?" I asked, trying to keep the tremble out of my voice.
"Yes. And he has a point," Sandro said flatly. "We can’t afford to be reactive anymore. We have to be ahead of them, every single time."
I nodded, even though I knew he couldn’t see me. Still, the gesture felt necessary, as if I needed to agree with something solid, something real.
Because from this point forward…
There was no room for hesitation.
No more guessing.
We had to be smarter.
Faster.
And one step ahead of them, always.
Minutes had passed since Ashlyn stepped inside the house, followed shortly by Ashley. I had no idea how their conversation was going. I couldn’t hear anything. But all I could do was pray and pray that my wife was holding the situation together, that she wasn’t letting her emotions get the best of her. I hoped she wasn’t getting hurt… physically or emotionally.
Ashlyn is kind. That’s one of the things I’ve always admired about her. But she’s also sharp. Intelligent. Calm under pressure. She knows when to stay quiet, when to read the room, and when to fight for what’s right. She’s that rare kind of woman who carries both strength and softness in perfect balance.
But no matter how strong I know she is… I can’t help but worry.
Because what she’s facing now… this isn’t something simple.
This isn’t a rival. Not an enemy.
This is her sister. Her twin.
And in confrontations like this, intelligence and kindness don’t always win. Sometimes, emotions take over, and that’s exactly what scares me.
What if she gives in to pity?
What if somewhere deep inside her, there's still a flicker of hope?
Hope that despite the betrayal, despite the lies, there might still be love… for the person she once shared everything with?
My grip on the steering wheel tightened. I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing a deep breath into my chest. Then I looked up at the sky, silently whispering a prayer.
Please… be sharp, Sweet. Don’t let your heart blind you. Don’t let them use your goodness against you.
After speaking with Sandro, I decided to call Andy immediately. I couldn’t stay still. I needed to do something, anything, to feel like I was helping her.
I couldn't just keep leaving everything to Sandro. He’s done enough already. Honestly, sometimes it felt like he was more of a husband to her than I was.
That thought… it stung. Damn it. I hated that it even crossed my mind. This wasn’t the time for jealousy or guilt, not when my wife might be in danger.
She needs me. That’s all that matters now.
The phone rang once before Andy picked up.
“Sir,” he answered immediately.
“Make sure everything is ready for the case against Ashley, Ismael, and Dr. Adrian,” I ordered, my voice steady and cold. “Once this conversation between my wife and her sister ends, we go full-force. I want legal action to move. I will not let those bastards get away with what they’ve done. They have to pay for all of it.”
“Everything’s prepared, Sir,” Andy assured me. “Sir Sandro already made sure all the documents and evidence are complete. We’re just waiting for your go signal.”
“Good. I’ll call again if there’s anything new.”
“Copy that, Sir.”
The call ended, and I exhaled a heavy breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Somehow, it felt like a bit of weight had lifted, just a little. Enough to keep me steady.
My eyes drifted back to the old house that once belonged to Ashlyn’s late parents. It had been a long time since I’d set foot on this property. And yet… the ache was still there.
They had treated me like family back then. Welcomed me with open arms. That’s why all this hurt even more.
I wanted to get out of the car. I wanted to follow her. I wanted to make sure she was okay, that she was safe.
But I knew I couldn’t.
I had to trust her.
Just like she’s always trusted me.
I need to be patient, I reminded myself. The way Sandro is.
I kept my eyes on the house. Nothing moved except for the leaves rustling in the soft breeze and the shifting shadows cast by the sinking sun. Still, I didn’t look away. Not even for a second.
And then, the door opened.
My brows furrowed. My hand instinctively reached for the car door handle.
Wait… was I seeing this right?
It was Ashlyn. She was walking toward the gate. Her clothes were unchanged, her steps steady, but there was something different in her.
Beside her… was a woman.
Leaning on her.
Ashley.
They were the only ones inside, weren’t they?
What happened there?
And why… Why did something about the way they walked out together feel so off?