The ties that bind

le. Thoughts of Michael, her lover who had been used as a pawn right before her eyes and subsequently locked away in a hidden room by Robert, haunted her relentlessly. That secret room

, conveniently located not far from where she was. She inserted her card and keyed in her pin, only to witness the t

g lady's voice respond

ed. What's the issue?" Maya inquired, noticing the young la

making sure she wasn't s

blem might be. It appears you've been disconnected from Parker's acc

't understand," Maya asked, her co

ung lady clarified, leaving Maya feeling weak in the knees. Stranded on a nearly de

her on edge. The window rolled down, revealing an elderly man who scrutinized her from head to toe. Meanwhile, the sounds of

headed? I can help get you there. I promise I'm not a threat," the older man assured her.

nce, with them passing by the hoodlums whose voices she had heard while at the ATM. Despite her efforts, thoughts

ed her his card and offered, "I don't know what's going on, but I sensed your unease during the ri

hed the door and knocked. A female voi

nd the door opened to reveal a younge

ady questioned with a scornful

tually? This is my parents' home. Where's my d

ng back to me? You're nothing but garbage," the woman s

to retaliate, but her father interv

back," he directed the woman, th

echoed, disbelief et

ur?" her father inquired, se

ere's Mom? And who is that woman?"

derstand this clearly—I'm not your father and never have been. I've just been a foster parent. Your mom made her choices. Whether you

treaming down her face as the rea

ing her despite the winter chill. She clutch

cold floor, her mind racing with no clear way

d an issue last night discovered her outside and approache

eet and finding herself face-to-face with the p

or what?" the woman s

?" Maya shot back, her anger flaring as she moved toward the woman, o

want the dogs set loose on you?" her fath

a call from Caige Pa

Have you seen Maya?"

her lied, locking eyes with

ve a good day," Mr. Parker

er if Mr. Parker catches you leaving a marriage that was supposed to be contractual. You'll regret it," Maya's

Please," Maya implored, her pleas falling on deaf ears

kindly neighbor beckoned May

ppearance isn't natural. I think she was murdered," the neigh

nk my dad killed my mom