Chapter 19- Never Too Late

"Okay see you next month Ashley" I waved to my co-worker as I pushed through the double glass door of my workplace.

Even though I worked from home nowadays, I had to go in to work physically once a month to log my reports. I missed working in an office, but working from home surely beat it.

I hummed a song that was in my head as I rounded the huge building of Vanplos Inc. The compound was too big for its own good--another reason why I enjoyed working at home. This was a workout ground itself.

I pulled on my woollen skirt as it rode my thighs, inching shorter and shorter as I walked. My heels clicked against the pavement as I walked to the parking lot. I huffed in annoyance, remembering how far away the parking lot was from the building. Or it seemed far, since the building itself was so big.

Everyone always wondered how a recent college graduate at age 22 could land a job at an organisation as large and successful as Vanplos Inc., but in all honesty, I earned it.

I always knew what I wanted from a very young age, and so I worked my way up, doing internships and voluntary services as young as sixteen, so that once I reached the level, I'd be able to land the job.

I ensured that I showed what I was really capable of, gaining the attention of the managers years before my graduation. Once I knew they liked me enough, I knew I was well on my way to making my dream come true.

I still wasn't where I wanted to be in the organisation. My aim was a supervisory role, and maybe a manager in about ten to fifteen years. But I was more than happy with my job and salary for now. I couldn't be more proud.

I rummaged through my purse for my phone, successfully finding it after a while. I quickly sent Tristan a text message telling him that I was leaving work. I couldn't help the smile that pulled on my lips at the very sight of his name. I knew I didn't make a mistake when I accepted his proposal. He did things to my heart that my mundane mind couldn't comprehend.

Finally, I neared my car with a satisfied huff, knowing I could be rid of these heels soon, and find a nice comfy bed to sleep in. Tristan and I didn't go back to bed this morning until around five, where we had to get up at six again. So I was most definitely tired.

As I neared my car, something odd caught my eyes. They widened even more in shock and concern once I got a good visual at what was really there. There was a man lying beside my car, looking hurt with blood oozing from his chest. I quickly rushed over to him in concern as he groaned in agony.

"Oh my gosh what happened?" I rushed out as I stooped beside him. He opened his big green eyes to look at me, and they held so much misery, I couldn't help how my heart broke.

I quickly dialled 911, telling them the address quickly as I tried to help him. He didn't look older than 18, but he was quite built for his age. Maybe that's why he wasn't dead as yet, given the amount of blood on the ground.

"Don't worry, help is on the way," I tried to assure as he blinked a few times as if clearing his vision.

"They're going to find a body here" He mumbled out softly, looking deeply pained. I shook my head rapidly as I used my blazer to try and contain the bleeding.

"Don't say that. You're gonna be-"

"But it won't be mine," he added, confusing me to the peak.

But just then, he quickly whipped a metal object from underneath him, pointing it at my face as my eyes widened in fear. I screamed loudly, trying to run away, but he quickly grabbed me by my arm, pinning me against my car with both my hands behind me.

Tears ran from my eyes as I heard the hammer block being released. He staged all this blood and hurt so that he could trick me into killing me? Some humans are sick.

"Please don't do this." I cried, trying to wiggle free. “Is Mia putting you up to this? I promise we can help you just please don't do this"

"You can't help me" He spat." I have been watching you for days because it's too risky for Mia to be out in the open again. But you know what she told me? That I'd have a clean slate if I kill you. Don't you get it? I can finally be free"

"Please.." I begged as tears streamed from my eyes. I felt like it was a lost cause, but I was holding onto that little hope that I'd be saved.

"I'm sorry. I truly am. But I need to be free. I can't- I can't be under her command anymore. I'm sorry Cianna" His voice broke at the end as he pushed the gun deeper into my skull.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I waited for impact. I could see that he didn't want to do this, but Mia was obviously blackmailing him. I would've felt sorry for him if I wasn't so sorry for myself.

I waited and waited for him to end me, but all he did was push the gun further into my scalp, and twisted my arms tighter around my back. This made me know for sure that Mia was behind Sheldon's death. Tristan said that Sheldon's killer was either reluctant or extremely weak. It had to be this guy.

"Please if you would just listen to me-"

"Shut up!" He screeched, causing me to wince. "You can't help me! No one can hel-"

I screamed as I heard a loud bang, and the pressure from my body was completely lifted. Except, the bang didn't come from the gunshot, but something being hit hard. I shuffled away from his motionless form as he laid on the ground unconscious, my breathing hard and my eyes still as wide as saucers.

I threw my hand over my chest as I leaned over to catch my breath after seeing my life flashing before my eyes. I did, however, ensure that I kept my eyes on him, not wanting him to miraculously disappear like Mia did.

Imagine. Starting a relationship and almost dying in one day. Crazy.

"Are you okay?" The voice of my saviour, who I had yet to acknowledge or look at due to shock, asked.

But there was something oddly familiar about her voice. I whipped my head towards her, my eyes widening impossibly wider as my suspicions got confirmed.

"Mom?"