THE CONTRACT VICTIMS.

ecorations. The warm glow of the afternoon sun cast a gentle light on the girls as they chatted. Cassand

ed, her eyes fixed on a framed pic

smile. "Yes, she is!" she replie

rowed in curiosity. "But she doesn't have purple hair

r voice tinged with a hint of self-conscio

, I didn't mean it that way, Taylor. You look a lot like this woman, b

round the room, taking in Taylor's artistic creations.

t. "Yeah, I just do a lot of that during my free peri

nd more enthusiastic. The air was filled with the excitement of a soccer match, the cheers an

a heartwarming scene, showcasing the unique bond between the two families. As the soccer match reached its climax, the fa

company creating a strong foundation for a lasting friendship. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orang

ieve you're Augustine's daughter!" Taylor exclaimed, still trying to process the revelation. Cassandra's

e cracked as she revealed the painful truth, "My mom... she's no more." Cassandra's eyes filled with apology,

exchanged names. Cassandra's gaze lingered on Taylor's mom's picture, her suspicion evident. A

seemed out of place, trying the handle only to find it locked. Her eyes scanned the floor, spotting a set

shelves, her fingers stumbling upon an envelope that fell to the ground. As she bent to pick it up, she hea

s passed by and descended the stairs. Taylor's voice echoed from the basement, "Dad, have you seen Cassandra?" C

alled out, "Taylor!" Taylor's head popped out of her room, a look of curiosity

o sorry, I wanted to come along to the kitchen with you, but I totally go

ettled into a comfortable rhythm, sharing stories and laughter like old friends. Cassandra's eyes shone wi

ace. As they spoke, their bond grew stronger, a connection forged from shared experiences and mutual curiosity

olace in each other's company, their

, his voice booming from the bottom of the staircase. "

Cassy, let's go!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Cassandra followed close behind

up, making their stomachs growl in anticipation. The men were already seated in the din

oached. "Ah, perfect timing!" he said, his eyes cr

, her eyes darting around the table. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, t

the room as they savored each bite. Cassandra tried to focus

ck, a satisfied smile on his face. "That was exquisite, Augustine,"

ining with pride. "Thanks, old f

game, their banter and jokes filling the room with warmth and camarad

secured from all eyes," Taylor said in appraisal of C

velope?" he asked, his gaze shifting to Cassandra, wh

ed under the table, her toes making contact with her father'

ocent, her eyes never leaving her plate. Augustine's gaz

ng between Cassandra and Augustine. "I think Cassy's got a s

eyes narrowing. "Is everything okay, Cassa

r heart racing. "Yeah, dad, everything's fine," she

ylor's eyes darted between them, her brow furrowed in confusion.

shing a warning. "Nothing, Taylor," she said, her

unravel the mystery. He knew his daughter,she kept a secret but this

iseled features and piercing brown eyes. His dark brown skin seemed to glow with a warm, golden undertone, a testament to his Africa

nes and curves. Large windows allowed natural light to pour in, illuminating the vibrant artwork and tasteful furnishings wi

ughter, his gaze piercing but gentle. "So, honey, what's in that enve

gaze. "I don't know, I haven't checked it out," she

eyes narrowing slightly. "Did I give you that

t and unwavering. "Nope," she

oice taking on a slightly interrogat

ng on her father's face. "I found it in Taylor's home, and I wasn't

rn it as soon as possible, alright?" he said, his voice firm but disappointed, his eyes lo

tent. "I don't even know why I picked up this dumb thing anyways." She muttered to herself, her voice la

intler's

s eyes scanning every inch of the space. While he sat to think, a memory lingered in his head, refusing to be forgotten. He moved in haste, but calmed himsel

red, turning to face him with sleepy eyes. "H

s voice low and cautious. Taylor's eyes fluttered open, confusion ev

, to respect my privacy." Taylor's gaze cleared, understanding dawning.

er said, his voice softening. He leaves

oughts of the envelope and its contents. He couldn't shake off the fe

d dawned, and with it, a new set of challenges. Mr. Wintler woke up earl