The Others Soul (novel form)

[Danielle Lin]

Deng!!! Instead of going away for two weeks lke I said I would, I haven't commented in ages!!!
Great update Yak, update soon!

[Yak]

Yay!! spcnet is back again! I thought I could never finish posting my fanfic, <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0">

Thanks for the comments! On with the story so you guy can finish it up soon! Enjoy <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Hold on tight, it will be down hill from her, <IMG SRC="smilies/naughty.gif" border="0">

[Yak]

Chapter 49: A Child Game

Meanwhile at Louis mansion, Steven sees this as a chance for him to do some deeper research on his suspicion since both Louis and Stephen is out of the mansion. He has given Kevin to Kenix, who is in her room with Frankie. Steven sneaked into the study room and search for the key to the locked room of B-jai nursery. He wanted to have a closer study of the room. Steven is able to find the key easily since he saw exactly where Louis has kept it. When he walked out he jumped at the image of Frankie in the hallway.

"Were you stealing or something?" Frankie joked with his chuckle.

"Of course not," Steven answered, his heart slowly relaxed back to normal rate.

Frankie looked into the study room, "Why were you in there?"

"Looking for book," Steven lied, he know it's a lame excuse.

"Okay," Frankie said in a dragged voice. He quickly brushed the matter off his mind and remembered his purpose, "Anyway Kenix and I decide to take a walk outside, it pretty warm, you want to join us?"

Steven smiled, thinking it better to have them out of the house too. "No, it too dark. And I want to do some reading. Can you help me take care of Kevin?" he asked.

"Sure. But when did you take up interest in reading?" Frankie asked curiously. Steven rolled his eyes at Frankie who chuckled and left with Kenix in a couple of minute.

With them out of the way, Steven unlocked B-jai nursery room. The first thing he did when he step in is to turn the light on. The old light bulb flashed a bit before it finally settles and lit up the entire room. Curiously Steven stepped in to look around seeing white drapes covering all the furniture. He head straight to the red stained floor and wall to take a closer look trying to see if it is bloodstains. The stain is so dry up and old that they looked brownish blending into the hardwood floor, but it obvious to see the outline of a puddle. Steven wonder who left it behind and could it be the child Louis and Stephen are talking about?

Feeling a bit eerie with sudden goose bump developing on his arm, he gulped with a shiver. He felt like there is a pair of hard eyes watching him from his left. But there is no sound at all and he knows it impossible for anyone to be in this room, everyone is out of the mansion except for him. Nervously with a brave inhale, Steven turned toward his left to checks if there is really someone watching him. Of course there is no one. But his eyes are immediately captivates by the painting hung on that wall.

Daunted by the image, Steven jaw slightly dropped in confusion to the oil painted figure looking exactly like the love of his heart. The figure is so lively that it has slowly drawn him to walk toward it. The painting have a very elegant wooden frame that has delicately carved floral design, but because of age, it gold dust has faded away into an antique copper tone. Steven hand gently reached toward the painting touching the textured oil painting. Unlike it frame, the color of the painting is still sharp and vivid, showing perfect contrast. The artist has a great talent to bring a flat canvas into live, making Steven felt like the two figures in the painting is staring at him with hard round vivid eyes.

"Annie?" his voice weakly wondered. Attracted by those set of eyes, Steven study them with his mesmerized one. His attention is suddenly switched from the mother to the child figure cause he thought he just saw the child flat lip curved upward. He quickly blinked his eyes to look again, but it has returned to a flat line again with vivid eyes that is staring straight at him. Steven thought his mind just made that up. He followed the vivid painting down to the left corner where he saw a signature signed in gold. Under the artist name was the date being November 20, 1919.

"It couldn't be Annie," he thought out loud, the time doesn't match. He looked back at the painting for the baby, wondering who the child is. He looked about one year old. "Could he be B-jai?" Steven wondered, this is a nursery so it got to be belonging to the child.

While Steven is studying the painting, the door suddenly slammed close really loudly making him jumped. Swiftly, Steven turned to the door and stare at it with his heart pounding, did someone return already? He gulped and saw a shadow passing the slit under the door. His breathing became a bit loud cause his heart is panicking with fear of being caught by either Louis or Stephen. How is he going to explain his present in this room? Not wanting them to know that he is in this room, Steven quickly rushed to turn off the light, thinking at least he could hide in here until he find a good time to sneak back out.

The room was immediately darkens with only the dim moonlight when he clicked the switch to turn the light bulb off. Steven tries to calm himself down and keep quiet, but suddenly the light flickered and turned back on by it self. Confused to how the light got switched back on, Steven eyes quickly darted at the switch, but the switch was on the off position. He gulped with a shiver of fear knowing that this has nothing to do with Louis or Stephen. When his eyes caught the image of the bloodstained floor, his mind conjured up a third possibility. He finally notices that he has entered a room that belongs to the dead.

Steven stepped backward trying to scoot himself toward a wall, while his eyes are glued on the light bulb that is violently flashing on and off. Finally it decided to be off and returned Steven back to the darkness of the room with only minimal moonlight from the window. Steven heart pounded drastically with his mind trying to find another answer to explain in order to settle his fearful mind.

A soft jiggling bell along with the rolling object is heard from the background right outside of the door. Steven eyes followed the sound and are now darting at the dim yellow lighten slit under the door. He saw a round object rolling back and forth repeatedly. Then suddenly the crackling sound of wood is heard from his right, he turned toward it to see the short object under a white drape sitting in the middle of the room is rocking back and forth by itself. The drape slowly rises making an outline of a boy under it that is rocking back and forth on the object he is sited on. Steven gulped with fearful widened eyes as his heart stiffened like he is about to have a heart attack.

"What do you want?" his shaky voice vibrated through the empty room. There was no answer but the jingling of bells are more louder now, and it sounded like it coming from the rocking object. A breeze passed by Steven making him shivered and looked around to see where the wind came from, his eyes immediately directed toward the window but it was close. Not wanting to be in here for another second, Steven quickly run toward the door with his hand wrapped around the doorknob and turning it impatiently. He wants to pull the door open but it was stiff and heavy, feeling like it weighting a ton.

A giggling sound of a child was heard making Steven heart skipped. He is sure he heard what he hear, he felt himself quivering to the creepiness of what is happening. Steven released the doorknob and stepped back. He gazed at the door with his widen eyes and pounding heart at the sound of the rolling object that is still visible from under the door. Also distracted by the sound of the rocking wooden horse that are under the white drape, Steven eyes darted here and there, not knowing what he should do.

Steven couldn't stand the fact of seeing the outline of the child rocking it self underneath the drape while he is afraid of something unknown. He finally braves enough to walk up to the rocking objects and quickly whipped the white drape away. But there was nothing underneath it other then the wooden rocking horse of a child. Meanwhile his heart is still relaxing from seeing nothing, the door squeaked open a crack and violently swing open. Steven eyes pierced out into the hallway and no one is around. He stepped toward the door wanting to exit the room, but the door quickly shut right when he is only an inch away. Once again, Steven is trapped in the room, while laughter of a mischievous child, who is playing game with him, filled the empty room not wanting him to leave so soon.

Nervously, Steven is scanning the nursery room. "I didn't mean to intrude..." he weakly whispered thinking that it must be the ghost of the child who once live in here. "I'm sorry, please let me out," he asked nicely not wanting to make the child mad.

The door slowly opened a crack, Steven quickly open the door wide but it force was so strong that it shuts on him again. Fear started to creep up Steven spine, not knowing how this something will let him leave. "I'm sorry," he apologized again. "What do you want before you let me out?" he asked with calm friendly tone. Steven notice something is rolling behind him, he turned back to see a red crayon rolling toward him. It stopped right in front of the door and slowly rise to about four feet before it scribbled, "B...O...O" with kiddy handwriting style. Steven face pales while he gulped at the meaning of the child wanting to play scaring game with him.

Playful laughter of a boy filled the room while Steven pleaded, "I mean no harm to intrude into your room. I had apologized already. Please let me out. I promise I won't do so again." Hearing Steven boring reasoning and since the boy has had enough fun for a night, he finally allow the door to open again. Steven immediately run out of the room with the door automatically slammed tightly with a loud bang that shook his heart. He turned around to look at the door and saw red crayon writing on it stating, "Stay out of my room! Only daddy and aunty may enter!" Steven eyes blinked and the writing was gone. His body is shaking and he starting to feel really nervous about what he just witnessed and experienced. He quickly headed out of the house.

The image of B-jai appeared once Steven has walked away. B-jai chuckled at the fearful adult as he dusted his two hands with a wide playful grin. To him it was a fun game to practice the power he gained through the months. Now he is able to control door and move objects, of course he wanted to test on some human being just for the fun of it. In his hand he held the key to his room, from now on he could finally return to his bedroom and no one can lock it up other than himself.

Once Steven ran out of the house he saw Frankie and Kenix returning. He ran up to them quickly with his panting breathing. "Ghost...ghost..." he breathlessly panted and murmured.

Frankie laughed at him cause he sounded and looked really pale, "What are you talking about?"

Pointed toward the mansion, Steven tries to catch his breath as he explain, "The locked room belongs to a ghost boy..."

Kenix narrowed her disbelieving eyes on him, "Ghost boy? Steven were you just dreaming?"

The frightened friend shakes his head vigorously, "Come with me!" He rushed back into the mansion with Kenix and Frankie followed behind. He headed up the room and tries to open the room but it was locked. "The ghost locked it!" he disappointedly stated.

Trying to tease Steven, Frankie place his hand on Steven forehead, "Steven, it been locked for several years remember? Did you read too much?"

Frustrated that they don't believe him, Steven sighed loudly, "Trust me! I'm awake! I took the key from the study room and unlocked this room. I was in it, it's a nursery of a little boy. And he locked me in when I was in there!"

Studying Steven, Frankie is thinking that Steven just can't tell between dream and reality. "Then how did you get out?" he asked.

"He opens the door and let me out and locked it up again!" Steven explained. He suddenly gasped, "OH SHOOT! I left the key inside!" Steven panicked nervously on how he is going to replace the key now?

Looked at her husband and back at Steven, Kenix is disbelieving what Steven claim too. "Steven are you sure you didn't doze off?"

Frankie chuckled as he lifted Kevin out of Kenix arms and place him in Steven arms, "He probably fried his brain with those books. Lets go to our room honey."

"Hey!" Steven protested as he followed them.

He is stop from following, by his buddy, "Don't tell me you want us to sleep with you." Kenix chuckled. "Steven there is no ghost in this world. If there is then Ada would be the first to return to look at Kevin don't you think?" Frankie asked.

Disappointed, Steven sighed at them, "Why can't you guys just believe me?"

Frankie firmly said, "Goodnight Steven, go to sleep." He closed the door and Steven headed into his room after he take one last look at the door that he swear there is a ghost in that room. He didn't dare to do anymore snooping after this scary experience, at least he wanted to rest for the day.
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After dinner, both Louis and Annie is walking back to their mansion with the three servants following right behind them only a couple feet away. Annie has been pondering about what her mother-in-law has told her about Louis past and she really wanted answer. She rolled her eyes up to beam at Louis. Her head is rested on his right shoulder as they walked side by side. She is about to ask, but she worry that Louis will get provoked into changing his mood again if she mention about Helen. So she dropped her head back down and decide it better not to mention. Why bring out the past to cause more problems?

It's curious Louis to notice Annie being silent but full of thought for the night. "Honey, is something wrong?"

Annie shake her head, "I'm just pondering about something that Lai Lai told me."

"You are still sad about the bat soup incident?" her husband asked with a caring voice. Annie shook her head. "Then, what?" Louis curiously asked.

With soft round eyes looked at him seriously, Annie asked in a weak voice, "Will you get mad at me, if I ask?" Louis shakes his head. Annie gazed at him for a long while before she softly questioned, "Where is Helen?" Louis paused and didn't say a word. Stephen looked at Louis anxiously wondering if he will tell Annie the truth. While Bobby just sighed softly with his disappointment that Helen left, at least that what Louis and his brother has told everyone. Annie saw how quiet Louis became, she didn't really want to make her husband sadden, so she quickly smiled, "Never mind it not important, I'm just curious. Lets not talk about it."

Her husband shakes his head firmly. "I don't want to lie to you Annie," Louis was about to tell her everything, but seeing Stephen slightly shaking his head. Louis stopped his thought and swallowed the truth. "She left," he lied.

"She really left? I thought you..." Annie paused when she saw the three servants behind her. She didn't really want to say her husband is a killer in front of other. "Never mind," her sweet considerate voice said. Stephen study Annie with his eyes being a bit annoyed by her for being so nosy about the past. "Louis, Lai Lai said Benny die of heart and lung failure. Why is his heart and lung so weak?" Annie asked with interest.

Louis beamed over at Stephen and Bobby, Stephen avoided his eyes while Bobby has no clue what the problem is. "I don't know. The doctor didn't give a good answer to us too. But it is my fault, if I didn't shake him that hard he wouldn't panic," Louis finally admitted since he clearly dreamt the event again.

Sadly, Annie sighed, "But like Lai Lai said, it not really all your fault, you didn't know that he is this weak or else you wouldn't shake him, right?" Louis paused and wonder if he would do the same if he know that Benny is weak, but he don't even remember shaking Benny if it weren't for the dream. He nodded to reassure Annie.
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After getting back home, Annie went to take a bath. What Annie asked during the way home, has reminded Louis about B-jai death. Louis has been really suspicious that the pills he uses to take contain Salicylates, he think that somehow B-jai accidentally consume. B-jai might think its' candy or something. Since Stephen is no help to him, Louis decides to ask Bobby about it. He headed down and saw Bobby in the kitchen boiling water. The chef smiled respectfully at Louis, "Yee Seeu. Are you thirsty? I'm boiling water for tea."

Shakes his head, Louis looked around for Stephen, "Where is Stephen?"

"He is showering, do you need him? I'll tell him when he gets out," offered Bobby.

Shaking his head again, Louis settles down on the small table of the kitchen, "I'm actually here for you. I have some question about B-jai that I wanted to ask."

Bobby is a bit surprised to know that his Yee Seeu would actually talk about B-jai again. He nodded and sit next to Louis, "I'll try to answer. What's the question?"

"Bobby, the pills that you put into my coffee five years ago, does it contain Salicylates?" Louis asked while he kept a close eye on Bobby reaction looking for flaw.

Surprised, Bobby questioned back, "Yee Seeu, how did you know about the pills? Did Tai Tai tell you?"

Louis flat voice stated, "That doesn't matter. So does it contain Salicylates?"

The chef shrugged, "I don't know, it just medication that Stephen pick up from Dr. Lau to aid your injury and headache. I only remember it being faint blue."

With close eyes on Bobby, Louis could tell that Bobby is answering what he knows and doesn't seem to be lying. "Do you remember if there is any left over that is around the house now?" Louis asked in detail.

Narrowed his brows in deep thought, Bobby weakly answered, "No, I'm sure there isn't any left. I stopped putting them into your coffee after your headaches has cured. Dr. Lau said to not continue if you are cure, so I stopped. I remember there is left over, but I'm positive that I throw it away cause I don't want Seeu Yeeh Jai to get a hold of it. Dr. Lau has warns to be careful not to let children take it." Bobby answer is honest and caring.

His master nodded, "Are you sure B-jai didn't get a hold of it after you throw it away? Or did he accidentally consume them in anyway?"

Bobby is a bit confused while he thinks carefully, "I'm sure Seeu Yeeh Jai didn't go through the trash. And I have keeps a very close eyes to make sure he don't drink your coffee. So I'm positive that Seeu Yeeh Jai didn't consume any of it. Why Yee Seeu? Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing is wrong. I'm just wondering if that is what made his heart and lung weaken," Louis told his chef. Bobby gasped to the idea softly. "Did Dr. Lau tell you what the side effect of the drug if children taken them?" Louis asked.

Immediately, Bobby shakes his head, "I'm not the one who see Dr. Lau to obtain the prescription, Stephen did. All Stephen said is that Dr. Lau warn us to keep away from children, so I did. All I did is give it to you twice a day in your coffee. Ah, maybe ask Stephen when he finishes his shower."

"No need, I have talk to him already. Alright, that's all I needed to ask," Louis stood up to walk away.

"Goodnight Yee Seeu," Bobby nodded and said. Louis nodded and headed upstairs. Stephen just stepped out of the servant bathroom and beamed after his Yee Seeu, knowing that he is starting to suspect on B-jai death and didn't let it rest after questioning him last time. Bobby saw his brother, he offered, "Stephen you want some tea? I think the food is a bit salty tonight."

His younger brother shake his head with his usual coolness, "Gor, what did Yee Seeu ask about?"

"He wanted to know about the headache pills he took so many years ago and if Seeu Yeeh Jai took it. Yee Seeu is thinking that Seeu Yeeh Jai death could be cause by the pills, but I'm sure I keep a close enough eye on Seeu Yeeh Jai, there is no way he could of consume it. Ah do you remember what kind of drug is in those pills?" Bobby asked with simple mind that never had suspicion on his brother. He looked at Stephen hopefully, "Yee Seeu ask if it contain a drug call Syli...Sal...hmm...I forgotten the name already. And the side affect of it on children. Do you remember?"

Stephen chuckled a bit, "How would I remember? It's more then six years ago. It interesting how they would blame down to the servant when something bad happens."

Bobby patted his brother shoulder, "Don't take it too offensively, Yee Seeu didn't blame us, he just wanted to find out why Seeu Yeeh Jai heart and lung are so weak, to think of it, I want to know too. Seeu Yeeh Jai is always active and healthy..." With sympathy, Bobby shake his head and sighed, "He would be nine now if he is still alive. I wonder if he has reincarnated yet. Wouldn't it be interesting if he could reincarnate to be Yee Seeu and Yee Seeu Lie baby?" He turned and notices his brother has walked away already. He smiled to himself and sipped his hot tea.
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The next morning, Annie is aroused to the refreshing breeze blowing through the balcony doors welcoming the spring season. It's really early in the morning with the sky still indigo with minimal sunlight slowly eating the darkness away. Today is the fifteen of March and Annie is going to be a mother by the end of next months. Mixed with her excitement is also her pessimistic feeling, worrying that something bad will happen to her or her child. She did try to keep herself thinking positively in order to not stress herself out.

Annie lifted her head slightly up to see her husband peacefully sleeping on her left. A warm smile immediately glowed on her and quickly brightens up her mood. She chuckled at Louis soft snore and scooted herself cozily against him to enjoy the short period of time with him before he have to wake up for work. Her set of eyes are gazed on his chest with her left ear lean against him body listening to his breathing sound as she watches his chest elevated and dropped in the minimal light of this early morning.

Simple moment like this has always made Annie felt secure and loved. She sometime wish that time can just hold still for a day so she can be by Louis side, just like now. Annie sighed depressingly with her right index finger absentmindedly scribbling on her husband right side on his chest and abdominal. She wonder when it will be when Louis don't have to purposely go to work early and return home late, just to avoid harming her. Only if thing would be simple in both their life, only if Louis is able to drop all of his burden about his past and just enjoy the present without fear. Annie sighed again with her head dropped lower with a frown, wishing so much that they can just be a simple married couple waiting for their new born.

The ticklish finger of his wife wakens him up. Louis eyes partially opened a slit beaming at Annie who didn't notice he woken up. He smiled warmly and gently sneaked his right arms around Annie to warm her shoulder. Annie felt her husband warmth around her and felt him pecked the top of her head. She lifted her head up to met Louis eyes with hers, her expression is still a wishful pout. Louis couldn't help himself from softly chuckled at her cuteness and shared a short loving kiss with her.

"Morning," his gently loving voice spoke up. His fingers are gently running along his wife shoulder soothingly. Annie snuggled closer to him and hugged him tighter with a squeeze telling him how much she'll miss him. She don't know why she felt so dependent on him this morning, she just don't want him to leave her side. Louis know her feeling really well and it made him smile warmly inside while he squeezed her with a warm hug and pecked the side of her forehead. "It's only five thirty you need to sleep more," he told Annie. He tries to release his wife embrace but Annie shook her head with a silly childish pout not willing to let him go. "I need to go to work," his gentle whisper filled the morning air.

Without releasing her clinging hug, Annie tilted her head up to stare straight into her husband deep brown eyes, "I'll miss you."

Louis gazed at her seriously with his handsome grin and a genuine tone, "Me too." He caringly tugged the side of her hair away and leaned close to kiss her passionately before he removed her arms and sited upright. "I'll be home sooner tonight and promise to buy you wonton from that outdoors restaurant for your midnight snack, alright?" he considerately offered. Annie smiled sweetly and nodded with greedy eyes when it comes to food. She wanted to get up too but Louis shakes his head and signals her to lie back down on bed, "Come on, you need your rest."

Obeyed, Annie lie back down with her soft voice, "You promise. I want extra sesame oil."

Nodded, Louis tugged her in, pulling the comforter to snuggly wrapped around her. He lean down to peck her belly and smiled at her with grinning eyes, "If mommy listens to daddy and rest more, then daddy will keep his promise, right baby?" Annie chuckled at him with her hand cupping her husband left cheek. Louis whispered softly, "Now close your eyes."

Annie sighed with her hand reaching for his hand and held it tight, "Promise you'll be home early," she requested. He nodded, Annie smiled sweetly and shut her eyes. Like usual her husband pecked her close eyes lid.

Louis gently removed her hand and headed to wash up, getting himself ready for work. Even though Annie eyes are close and pretend to be asleep to reassure her husband, her mind and heart are alert to every little sound and movement her husband made. She could picture what he is doing and how sharp and smart looking he is after he change and step out of the room. After knowing that he left the mansion her heart finally satisfied enough to rest and fall back to sleep for a couple more hours.
******

[ccsakura]

Steven is so nosy, I don't like him very much! Stephen... lets just say that I don't like him either!! Well great update will Annie ever find out the truth with Helen?

[jeh]

I agree, Steven is so nosy. Hope he learn his lesson. Hmm, I'm thinking Louis won't return early or maybe something happen to Annie. Update soon. What disd you mean when you said it's going to go downhill?

[Yak]

Thanks for the comments ccsakura and jeh! jeh, what I meant is that the story is reaching climax with everything revealing and it will end really soon. This last scene is going to take severals chapters, so enjoy!

[Yak]

Chapter 50: Pessimist

It is three in the afternoon now, the entire morning been pretty quiet since no one else is home other than Annie and her maid. After the little encounter with B-jai, Steven has become a bit appalling about staying in the mansion. Therefore he decides to bring Kevin along and head into town with Frankie and Kenix to furnish their flat. They are going to move out of the mansion, in three more days. Annie hasn't felt this lonely and quiet for a long time, and she is a bit dread to think that it will be this quiet after they move out.

Her eyes gazed over toward her in law's mansion. She could see everyone busily moving boxes and furniture out of the house. Annie sighed, even though she don't contact them much, but knowing that they are moving out today kind of set her in a blue mood. Especially, since last night dinner turned out pretty warming and cheerful. The thought of her visitors moving out too within the next few days made it seem like she is going to be isolated from the world forever.

The sky quickly darkened a bit with thick cloud hovering over the bright sun, like the sky could sense Annie loneliness. Annie took in a deep breath of fresh air again and pushed her silly blue feeling away with a bright smile. It is a wonderful day that she shouldn't feel down, she reminded herself and returns her attention back to her stitching. She is stitching a butterfly onto a pink baby blanket that she has been working with for a couple weeks. She still thinks it needed a bit more design, which a butterfly and a peach blossom will certainly do the trick.

A warm joyful smile glowed on her face as she thinks of next month. Everything will change by next month, she will be a mother and Louis will be a father, how could she not feel that anxious excitement that keeps her silly smile glowing? Even thought the mansion will return back to Louis and her, but there will be the loud cries of their own child to keep them busy, starting next month.

As Annie is stitching a knock is heard on the door. Annie turned around to look into the room from the balcony marble bench that she is sited on. "Come in," she answered the door as she rubbed her belly with motherly warmth. The door to her bedroom opened up and Nicola stepped in with a bright smile. Annie smiles brightly with joy to see her, "Good morning Nikki."

Nicola chuckled at her mistress joyful expression. She walked toward her with a bowl of porridge and Annie prenatal medication. "Yee Seeu Lie, I see you are in a very good mood today," she slyly said.

Annie nodded with a deep breath of the refreshing air. "It is a great day huh?" Annie asked with cheerful smile. Nicola nodded and hand her the bowl of porridge. "I'll eat it in a minute. I'm almost done with the baby blanket. Just a couple more stitches," Annie hurriedly finishes off the last pedal of the flower with a couple stitches. "Oww...," she quickly jerked her index finger back from the needle.

Her maid urgently sat down next to her and took her finger, "Your finger is bleeding!"

"It's just a small needle hole," Annie chuckling voice reassured Nicola. Annie gazed at the dot of blood on the tip of her index finger and senses a strange nervousness sensation. She heard a faint voice calling for her and quickly turned to gaze toward the room, but it was empty. It sound like Louis but the voice sound distressed with worry and fear. "Louis?" Annie softly whispered with her eyes gazed back at the drop of blood that fallen onto the baby blanket. She felt her heart lightened with a wave of worry for no reason. Her eyes are mesmerizes by the drop of crimson blood and the lingering sound of her husband voice continue to call for her. Annie silently concentrated on listening to her surrounding trying to tell where the sound came from. "Louis?" she softly called out again.

Annie shook her head cause she could hear another faint voice in the background mumbling something about not wanting to die. The old female voice was familiar, Annie remember she heard it before in the past. But she couldn't pin point to when or whom it belong to. Meanwhile, Nicola lifted her head up to look at Annie. She notices Annie pair of round eyes is motionlessly staring blankly ahead at her finger. Nicola worriedly, "Yee Seeu Lie, are you okay?"

The lingering voice of Louis and the old lady scattered once Annie heard Nicola calling for her. Annie quickly snapped out and shook her head with her eyes widen looking at her surrounding with panicking heart. "What did you said? Did you hear it?" Annie weakly asks.

Studying her mistress closely, Nicola curiously asked, "I was asking if you were okay. Is something wrong?"

Took in a breath, Annie let it out gradually to calm down her nervousness. "Did you hear something a while ago?" she asked again wondering if it is just her that hears it.

"Hear what?" Nicola confusedly asked while looked around the room.

Looked out toward the sky, Annie noticing it got gloomed really fast. She looked down the balcony searching for Louis. But he is not among the people that are moving. "Is Louis back? Didn't you hear his voice calling for me?" Annie asked with puzzled eyes, she is definite that she heard her husband voice.

Nicola shook her head, "No, there is no voice." Nicola is wrapping Annie finger and caring for it while Annie felt a bit eerie like something bad is going to happen to her husband.

Annie felt her heart panicking and she can't help herself from worrying about Louis. It sounds like he is calling her for help. "Nikki, did Louis mention where he is going today?" her worried voice asked.

The maid forehead wrinkled with confusion, "Aren't Yee Seeu at work? Yee Seeu Lie, you look really pale, are you sure you're okay?" Annie nod with a weak reassuring smile. "There you go, all fix," Nicola meant Annie finger. She looked at the grayed sky, "Look like we are going to get a big rainstorm soon. Yee Seeu Lie are you cold?"

Annie didn't answer Nicola cause she weren't listening to what Nicola was talking about. She has an urge wanting to see Louis to make sure he is all right before her heart can settle down with ease. Nicola stares at Annie worriedly seeing her not responding and into another daze again. She gently nudged Annie arm, "Yee Seeu Lie?"

"Huh?" Annie asked with lost eyes lifted to look at Nicola.

"Lets go in you look really weary," Nicola concernedly suggested.

Smiled warmly at her maid, Annie reassured, "Don't worry about me I'm fine. I'm just worrying about Louis. I had a strange feeling that something happen to him. Is Joe back yet? I want him to drive me to Louis."

Nicola shook her head, "Joe is still out driving Mr. Lam, Mrs. Lam, and Mr. Ma around town. They haven't return yet." She patted Annie hand reassuringly, "I'm sure Yee Seeu is fine." Smiled, Nicola lifted the bowl of porridge up to Annie, "Yee Seeu Lie, you should finish it before it gets cold."

Nodded, Annie took the bowl. Annie checked it before she allows herself to start eating it; she became quite paranoid about her food lately. Nicola sited by Annie side and lifted her mistress legs up to massage it, cause Annie has always complain about her swollen legs that seem to have a lot of muscle spasms lately. "Thanks Nikki, you always know what I need," Annie commented with grateful smile.

"Of course I do, I'm your maid," Nicola giggling proud voice stated. "I'm going to be so happy next months, I get to be a nanny too!" she grinned widely and proudly making Annie softly chuckled at her silliness.

Sipping on her porridge with her eyes gazed toward the tiny people in front of the Koo's family mansion, Annie asked curiously, "How is the moving?" She could see the two figures a distance away looking like Raymond and Gilbert heading out of the house.

Her maid followed her gaze and smiled, "Look like they are doing a great job. Both Stephen and Bobby have goes over to help. Is this better?" she asked Annie about her legs, Annie nodded.

Annie eyes caught the fresh bloodstain on the baby blanket and she pouted immediately. She quickly set the bowl of porridge down to pick up the blanket, "Oh no, looks what I have done to it."

Nicola smiled with confident, "Don't worry, I'll wash it right away, it should come off. Yee Seeu Lie, I need to go fold the laundry too, so I'll be back later to massage." She gently put Annie legs down and took the blanket from Annie hand replacing it with Annie bowl of porridge. "Finish your porridge first," her caring voice instructed.

"Nikki bring the laundry here to fold, I want some company," Annie requested.

"Alright, I'll be back in a flash," the maid exclaim with a cheerful ring. Nicola disappears to go wash the baby blanket before she get the laundry and return in a couple minutes. Annie is drinking her pills when Nicola stepped in with a basket full of clothes to fold. The dark gloomy gray sky finally decided to rain lightly along with some quiet roar from a distance away.

"Oh no, it rained already," Nicola said, she set down the basket and started to fold them.

Nodded, Annie looked down at her in law and the servants, who is still struggling to move everything out of the house and onto the wagon at a faster pace now. She wonders where Louis is and if he is okay. With a soft sigh, Annie decides that she just worrying too much, what could happen to Louis? He is just at work. She smiled to reassure herself and walked over to Nicola by the bed. "Want some help?" Annie offered cause she wanted something off her mind.

Her maid shakes her head, "Of course not! I'm supposes to do it." Annie didn't listen to her and started to help her fold the clothes. Annie needed something to keep her mind busy. "Yee Seeu Lie, you want to get me in trouble huh?" Nicola claim.

Giggled at Nicola, Annie reassured, "Don't be silly, it my exercise for the day. Just give me something to do okay? I promise Louis wouldn't scold you." She gave Nicola her puppy eyes making Nicola chuckled as she nodded to Annie pleading. Annie folded the smaller piece while Nicola got the larger one. They could hear the thunder roared loudly alerting the incoming storm along with a flash of lighting. "I hope they are about finish with the move," Annie said.

"Yeah. It'll get really messy if they don't finish up soon," Nicola replied while she is whipping a shirt in the air to straighten out the wrinkle before folding it, the shirt buttons caught Annie attention, so she quickly pulled on the shirt.

The vivid eyes of Annie enlarged alertly to the navy blue button. "Who does this shirt belong to?!" she asked in an urgent tone.

Nicola is curious to what the problem, since her mistress tone sounded impatient. "It's Stephen," she answers while studying Annie expression, which is paled.

"Stephen?" Annie weak voice asked to confirm. Those navy blue buttons are the same exact one that Ada gave her.

"Yeah, is there a problem?" Nicola still curiously watching Annie reaction, it seems serious.

Slightly, Annie head shakes while her mind is pondering. "I don't know," her barely audible voice lingered in the room. She is searching through the shirt for missing button but there isn't any. "Is any of the buttons missing?" Annie asked anxiously.

"Oh not anymore," Nicola replied with a gentle smile.

Immediately with cautious eyes, Annie beamed at Nicola demanding for an explanation, "Not anymore?" What do she meant by not anymore? Annie thought with her eyes stilly on Nicola.

The oblivious maid nodded, "Yeah, I fixed it a couple months ago. I found a button in this room that looked exactly like Stephen shirt buttons, so I figure he must have dropped it here when he got into the fight with Mr. Ma couple months ago. The button must have got ripped off of his shirt during the struggle."

Annie nod, she remember she lost the button after she woke up that day when Louis personality changed. The button was in her nightgown pocket the night before, it must got jiggled off when Louis jerked her that day, threatening to kill her.

Could Stephen be the one that cause Ada accident? Annie silently ponder with her eyes widen blankly staring toward the balcony. From what B-jai told her before, she weren't positive, since it was only a dream that she can't base on anything. But now with the button pointing toward Stephen too, she is starting to feel suspicious of Stephen. He must be hiding something or at least went to the wood the day Ada was there. But why would he want to kill Ada? Why is he in the wood? Did Ada find out something that Stephen doesn't want anyone to know? But what was it that Ada found out that end up taking her life?

Annie slowly headed closer to the balcony and beamed her eyes into the woodland at the side. Her heart begins to beat nervously as she sees the thick wood filled with tall trees that has fresh green leaves. She felt her skin layered with goose bumps as she recalls B-jai stating Stephen killed his black watchdogs to drain their blood and took it into the wood. What kind of ritual is Stephen performing with those bloods?

"Did Ada found out about it?" Annie voice was so soft that it was only a whisper as she speaks her mind, "Is Ada death really not an accident?" While she stood still, flashback of what Ada was mumbling as Steven carry her toward the car is riffling in Annie mind. She remembers Ada kept saying Steven name. "Is it Steven or Stephen?" Annie suddenly aware that her butler and ex-boyfriend name have the same pronunciation. The more she ponder about the name the more Annie starting to sense that Ada was saying her murder name instead of her husband. "It's Stephen," Annie soft voice concluded her thought, "It got to be Stephen. But why?"

With a tit bit of concern the maid turned her head to look over toward her mistress. She couldn't hear what Annie is saying in the balcony but Annie look like she is concentrated on something very important. "Yee Seeu Lie are you feeling okay?" she asked.

Absentmindedly, Annie nodded. She turned her vision to Nicola and softly asks, "Nikki have you ever walked over to the woodland?"

Nicola shook her head while she continues to fold the rest of the clothes not knowing what Annie is pondering about. "No. Why?" she wondered.

Annie didn't answer, she just kept her eyes beamed at the woodland, one day she is going to find out about the deep secret, she told herself with her hand rubbing her large belly cause she felt a soft kick from the baby. Stephen is doing something unnatural in the wood and Ada must have found out, which lead Stephen into killing Ada so she won't spread his secret. Annie mind draw a sketchy plot of what happen, but of course she don't have any solid proof for any of this. Annie recall, B-jai told her that Stephen goes to the wood every first and fifteen of the month with bucket of blood. Her eyes sparked with awareness, "Nikki what is today date?"

"The fifteen of March," Nicola answers as she folds the laundry.

The fifteen of March, Annie thought. If what B-jai said is true, Stephen will enter the wood sometime today. If it weren't for her being pregnant she will definitely take a walk over to find out more. But she don't want to end up like Ada, she can't go alone. Annie looked toward the driveway wishing that Louis could return soon so she can discuss this with him. Annie softly sighed with her confused mind, she still can't figure what so important in the wood that made Stephen kill Ada. She looked straight ahead toward her in law mansion, "Did you say Stephen is helping with the move?"

Nicola nodded as she continues to fold her basket of laundry, "Yeah, Yee Seeu Lie."

Annie walked toward Nicola, "Nikki, have you notice anything odd about Stephen?" Nicola turned to look at Annie with puzzled expression while her hand is still automatically continuing her housework. Annie looked at her seriously, "I meant anything unusual. Have you seen him heading toward the wood?"

Think for a while, Nicola finally shook her head a bit, "Not that I know of." She stopped what she is doing to give Annie her full attention with her eyes on Annie. "Is there something wrong Yee Seeu Lie?"

"No," Annie weakly lies. "I'm going to get a glass of milk," she told her maid as she heads out of the room.

Quickly, Nicola runs after her. "Lets me get it for you," she offered.

Turned around to face Nicola, Annie holds her maid arm to stop her action. "I'll be fine. I could get it myself. You finish up the laundry and help me wash the bathroom," Annie ordered.

Confused to why, Nicola forehead wrinkled, "Wash the bathroom? I just did it last night."

"Well, do it again," Annie stated. Nicola nodded, even though she is confuses to why? Annie just wanted to get Nicola out of her way so she can go search in Stephen room for any kind of clue.

Carefully, Annie headed down to the main floor making sure not to trip. When she got down she walked over to lock the front door and the back to make sure that Stephen and Bobby need to ring the bell if they return, that way she have time to get out of their room before they come back. Annie walked into the small male servant room shared by Stephen, Bobby, and Joe.

In the servant's room, the beds are neatly made with the blue blanket covering the hard wooden bed. Annie don't know what exactly to look for, she just need anything to tie her suspicion down. Slowly bending herself down to look under the bed she saw boxes under it, but there is so many of them that it will take forever to go through. She didn't waste a second and quickly pulled box after box out to see what is inside and neatly place them back in position. There is nothing much but personal stuff in them and it seem like it belong to Bobby more since most of them contain cookbooks.

With a disappointed sigh Annie pushed the last box back in position when the doorbell ringed along with a loud roar of thunder making her jump and bumped her back against the corner of the wooden chest of drawers. A sharp pain drilled into Annie lower spine, she straightens herself supporting her back and abdominal. Her face shows an expression of pain as the doorbells continue to ring and she heard Nicola heading out the master bedroom. Her heart panicked, not wanting Nicola or anyone to know that she been snooping in this servant room.

"I got it Nikki!" Annie shouted loudly.

"Okay!" Nicola answer while looking around and didn't see Annie, but she headed back into the room to finish washing the bathroom since Annie said she got the door.

"Do I have to be this clumsy all the time?" Annie softly scolded herself with a grumpy tone. Just when she said that her distal toe kicked on the leg of the wooden chest. "Oow..." she quickly bended down to rub her painful numbing toe while the doorbells has stopped it ringing. Annie was about to stand back up when her eyes caught something that is underneath the chest with legs that are only two inches in height, giving a two inches gap between the floor and the chest.

Annie bended herself a bit lowers to beams her eyes through the small dusty gap seeing a bottle of medicine. Her eyes were widens at the sight of the yellowish bottle containing what seem to be faint blue pills. The image of hers desserts bowl with the faint blue ream flashes into her mind. She quickly sticks her flattened hand into the space to reach for it.

While Annie was in the male servants room with the door closed, the person who was ringing the doorbell has decide to walk behind the mansion to get in from the back. He stopped and turned the kitchen door noticing it was also locked. His brow furred in suspicion, since this is odd, the back door is never lock except for nighttime. Something is not right, his mind told him as he walked toward the left where there is a flowerpot. He lifted it up and reveals a key that he has hide under it, in case he is locked out at night.
******

[jeh]

Oh no, will Stephen discover Annie? I hope not. What will happen to Annie? Where is Louis?! Update soon, please!!!

[zzzbeauty]

hi there Yak

I've been trying to access Spcnet, but was unlucky most of the times. Finally, i can read your fanfiction. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

I love Annie and Louis together, especially when they went over to the Koo's family. It's great to see them enjoy a fun family dinner together; Gilbert and Raymond are such caring brothers.

I'm scared for Annie now, if she's not carefully, stephen might hurt her.

Hmm...what do you mean things are going to go downhill from here? Are we going to experience a tragic ending, is that what you're trying to hint. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Thanks for the kind warning, lol....i'm fully prepared.

I have a box of tissue by my side and my cuddy teddy bear to keep me from the scary and unexpected parts.

thanks for the chapters Yak.

[Yak]

Thanks for commenting! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Sorry for the delayed update, my school internet is down. Anyway back to continue! Have fun! A teddy bear sound like a good idea, lol <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0"> As for the ending, you just have to find out <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0"> Hint this fanfic is 62 chapters long <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Yak]

Chapter 51: Cold Fear

Meanwhile back in the servant room, Annie is reaching for the bottle of medication. She know that she need to hurried up and return to open the door for the patient person, who she thought is still waiting outside. She beamed her tense eyes on the bottle that is only a couple millimeters away from her fingertips. With a forceful stretch she was able to grab onto the bottle and pulled it out. She quickly stood up with her blood rushing too quickly making her feeling a bit dizzy. She steadied herself leaning against the shoulder height chest.

A flash of lighting strikes across the sky flashing it light along with a loud cry of the thunder that shook the mansion a bit. Annie hear a click of something and the sound of raindrops splashing is heard louder then it was a second ago. She beamed out toward the darken sky and know that this big storm will last for quite a long time.

Her gaze lowered onto the bottle of medicine and her hand clenched tightly around it. Her eyes read the fine print on the medication bottle and the lighting strike with it flashes angled at the bottle brightening up the word Salicylates along with several drug that is in this anti-inflammatory medication. Annie heart pounded with shock as she read the rest of the bottle finding out that this prescription is written for Louis and date of the prescription was 1921, the year Helen passed away. And it stated the medication is to reduce the headache and swelling of head injury. It has a warning to keep this drug away from children and pregnant mother.

Annie recalls what her mother-in-law told her about the medication that her mother-in-law told Bobby to put in Louis food. This must be the medication. But didn't she also say that Louis discontinue using this drug after half a year? Why did Stephen have a bottle of it? This must be the left over of Louis prescription. She rolled the bottle to a side and saw the faint bluish pills along with bluish powder settled at the bottom of the bottle. Someone has crushed these pills and added into her dessert, and this someone is most likely is Stephen instead of her own husband!

"Salicylates," Annie read the word again and anger started to boil up inside her. She is certain that Stephen is the one that try to poison her with this! But why? What have she done to him? Why would he want to kill her? She just don't understand and all she feeling now is anger at the fact. But she is a bit relief to know that it wasn't Louis who is trying to poison her. Annie hand tightly wraps around the medication and determine to tell Louis this so he know that he is not the one that harmed her.

Her heart dropped when she heard solid footstep of someone heading toward the room and even some sort of dripping sound. Her eyes widened at the shadow under the door slit. It must be Nicola she thought, since she has locked the mansion up. But her instinct told her is wasn't Nicola cause the footstep sounded heavy and the shadow under the door slit looked too huge to be Nicola size. Who could it be? The mansion is lock, she kept reminding herself. There is no way someone could come in without her opening the lock.

Did Nicola open the door? Her eyes show confusion and she didn't dare to open to door and face whoever it was that is at the other side. What if it were Stephen? Her heart started to panic and she started to pant a bit with her pulse rushing stressfully. She needs to hide, Annie told herself as she scanned the small room. But where could she hide, she is not very flexible or small like she use to be! And there is not much room or hiding space in this small room anyway!

"Oh no," Annie mumbled to herself so softly as she shake her head, she starting to feel really stressed out. She lean against the door to hold it shut, while she tries to thinks of a plan. She hears the soft squeaky rolling sound, her eyes swiftly aimed at the doorknob that is turning. Annie shut her eyes and took in a deep breath hoping it was just Nicola. She stepped back and bravely grabs hold of the doorknob to open it. Her heart pounded loudly against her ribcage while her head is held downward not daring to see whose it was. All she could do is wish that it just Nicola, but she still need to explain why she is in the servant room.

"Nikki I..." Annie stopped what she was saying when her eyes notice that those pairs of legs doesn't belong to Nicola. Her instinct was right, someone else has entered the mansion without her unlocking the doors. Her head swiftly lifted up with her eyes enlarged meeting the set of hard angry cold eyes of Stephen. She swiftly turned toward the front door and it was shut, Nicola is not around. Her eyes caught the puddle of water on the floor where Stephen is standing with his wet clothes.

"How did you..." Annie couldn't understand how Stephen got into the house until she beamed her eyes toward the back kitchen door and saw it wide open. Stephen eyes caught the bottle of medicine she was holding and his heart pounded with a bit of fear mixed with anger. Annie saw how his eyes switched into burning cold flame that quickly sends fear shaking through out her body. She pushed him away with all her might and started to shout, "Ni..." But before she could squeeze a word out, Stephen large strong arm wrapped around her neck with his big hand quickly covered her mouth from behind to muffles down and muted Annie cry for Nicola help.

Stephen jerked Annie closer against his body and turned her around to face him. Annie eyes widened fearfully to those set of hatred eyes beamed on her with an evil eliminating mind. Stephen forcefully dragged her back into the room, while Annie hand tightly grab the doorframe refusing to let him pull her in. He forcefully yanked her body inward making Annie fingers slipped away from the doorframe. Annie wanted to scream for Nicola help, but Stephen firm hand smothered her mouth. With fright, she enlarged her eyes at him fearfully as her arm try to push him away.

The massive butler shuts the door behind him and his eyes beamed coldly at Annie with burning icy flame. His facial expression being stern like a piece of hard burned wood. His eyes scanning his room and Annie to figure what she has found out. He gazed at her with unkind mean causing Annie entire body to tremble. Her head automatically shook at the sight of Stephen soulless eyes. She felt fear shook her body like never before, cause looking at those set of flaming eyes, she know really well that Stephen is not going to let her go easily.

With empty eyes, Stephen smiled coldly at her, "Why do you have to be so nosy?" He yanked the bottle of medication away from Annie and grinned. "You want to finish up the medication?" Annie shook her head with her tears starting to glister in her eyes. She know what those medication will do to her baby, she don't want a miscarriage. The baby will be delivers next month, she can't let anything happen to her baby now.

Smiled wickedly, Stephen is having fun playing with Annie fear. He leans close and whispered into her ear, "You know, I never like you since the first day you stepped into this house. Only Yee Seeu would be fool by you and think that you will be different from Helen. I almost believe you, but no, you have to be like her and have another love interest." Annie eyes darted at him sensing his hatred toward her, but she is puzzle to what he meant. "You want to run away with him just like how Helen wanted to run away with that bastard?" he coldly stated.

Stephen hand forcefully grabs Annie neck and squeezing it tight causing Annie to gag for air with her two hands trying to remove his grip. Her feet are aimlessly trying to stomp on his foot, but he seems to felt nothing like a steel man with no pain. "Guess what happen to them?" he asked in a toying tone. Annie eyes is darted on him with disbelief, she had a hint on what he trying to confess. His hand released the pressure on her throat and whispered, "If you dare to scream or even whisper a word, I'll send you and your unborn child to them." He threatened Annie with his cold tone and cruel intension sharp eyes.

Annie gulped down her fear. "Why are you doing this to me?" hear weak trembling voice asked with tears in her pair of round harden eyes, "Louis is going to kill you if he find out."

Fearlessly, Stephen stepped forward with his icy hard eyes on her and his hand slightly slapping her cheek warningly and grabs her jaw tightly. "I would keep your mouth shut if you want your life to extend a bit longer. Yee Seeu wouldn't blame me, you are the one who has step over the line. Shhh...keep quiet now," he coldly grinned at her with devil cold eyes.

Trembled in fear, Annie obediently kept silent cause she doesn't want him to hurt her. She wishes so much to have Louis home at this moment. She have a feeling, she won't get to see him again. Fearful tears streamed down her cheek as she think of not being able to see Louis again. Not being able to hear his voice or feel his warm body securely around her again.

Stephen released her, thinking that she won't dare to cry for help. "You are the one that bring this upon yourself. Why do you have to be so curious about the past?" he asked her with hatred. Annie stilly stares at him, she can't believe that Stephen would do this to her. He grinned wickedly, "You don't have to deny it. You were snooping around with Helen diary..."

"You took the diary!" Annie blurted in surprise.

The strong massive butler shakes his head at her warningly, "Shhh...don't forget the rule." Annie beamed toward the door, wishing that Nicola would walk down soon. He looked at Annie and continues with his hand softly touching her face making her quivered to his sudden touch. "You do look exactly like Saam Seeu Jie," he exclaim while continue to gently felt her cheek with his firm hand. Annie trembled to his chilling touch. "Only if you would just mind your own business then I wouldn't have to do this to you."

"Did you kill Ada!" Annie angrily asked wanting the answer.

Forcefully, Stephen smothered her mouth with his hand and his eyes are gazing into her with his head slowly shaking, "Tsk...tsk...you forgotten about being quiet again." He loosen his hand when Annie stop struggling, he smiled with his cold whisper that bring chill down to Annie bone. "Like you, she is too nosy. Of course I can't let her ruin Yee Seeu or my life now, could I? I could of let her go, but she would return with the rest to dig up the past. I can't risk it. It's really not my fault, right? You don't want to see Yee Seeu in jail cause of her, right? If you loved Yee Seeu, you will do the same too," Stephen said.

Annie is confuses to what he is saying. What did Louis do that is so wrong? Did he kill Helen? "Did Louis kill Helen?" her weak voice asked, she really wanted to know.

After a long pause, Stephen shakes his head with a wicked crooked smile, "Nope." He chuckled coldly, "Funny how Yee Seeu thought he did it all along huh? But I did it for his owns good. Helen deserves to die. I bet you agree too, if you were there."

"How could you make him think he kill her?!" Annie purposely scolded loudly hoping to get Nicola attention.

Stephen gazed at her with warning telling her to lower her tone or he will force her too. Annie got the hint and gulped her fear down after seeing those set of gaze. He grinned with his hard dark eyes showing his upper hand control of Annie. He icily whispered, "Well, I did it for Yee Seeu, so in a way he is the one who killed her, right? Shhh...enough talking for now." He grinned and gazed at her belly. Annie stepped away fearfully. "Is the child really belongs to Yee Seeu?" his flat tone asked.

Defensively, Annie eyes widened at him. "Of course!!" she disbelievingly shouted at him with her fierce eyes darted at him for accusing her of adultery.

The lighting flashes illuminating Stephen sterns face. The butler nodded, "I'll believe you this time. If you listen, I'll give the child a chance to live, since it belong to the Koo's." He shoved Annie toward a corner making her fall to the floor. He is busily searching for something in his draws.

Annie knows that she can't just stay silent cause he is not going to let her escape anyway. She don't trust that he will let her go. She wait till Stephen turned away before she pushed herself up with all her strength and running toward the door. Stephen quickly stood up going after her. "Help!!" Annie shouted loudly, but sadly the thunder roared loudly at the same time and lighting fiercely flashing the room. Stephen jerked her back and angrily shoved her back on the ground. Annie started to cry and shook her head as Stephen hand grabs her throat again. Her weak voice murmured pleadingly, "no...please let go of me..."

Stephen tightly covered Annie mouth with one hand, and his other one holding Annie pair of hands together he pushed Annie against a corner of his room and down to the floor. Annie eyes started to glare at him with hatred that hide behind her fear. She knows that there is no use pleading him since he is cold blooded. He forcefully pressed Annie body against the wall with her hands behind and freed one of his hands to dig through one of his drawers. Annie tries to retrieve her hands, which her body is sandwiching it against the wall. She tries to open her mouth wide to scream or bite his hand but she couldn't do so since he is covering her mouth tightly. Stephen finally pulled out a large handkerchief from the drawers and his hand on Annie mouth lowered to squeeze her throat.

Quickly, Annie screamed with all her might, "Help..." but her voice was only a horsed cried that is not loud at all since Stephen is squeezing her neck so tightly. He stuffed the handkerchief into Annie mouth and grinned at her. Annie eyes stare at him with anger as she study this monster in front of her with her heart pounding. How could she not see this monster before?! How could she not believe what B-jai has warned her? She regrets her choice for searching his room alone. She should of wait for Louis.

The doorbell ringed causing both Annie and Stephen eyes to gaze toward the closed door. Annie pulse jumped with hope wishing that somehow it could be her husband. But she knows that Louis won't be home until late night. But he did mention this morning that he will be home early! There is hope, Annie thought.

Stephen eyes quickly scan for something to tie Annie hands together. He could only see his shoelace on his shoe, so he quickly pulled it out while his body is still pushing Annie against the wall. Annie felt the pressure his body is pressing against her abdominal and she felt a bit of pain.

Nicola heard the doorbell sounding again and decides to walk out, wondering where Annie is. "Yee Seeu Lie are you still downstairs?" she called out. Annie eyes enlarged, only if she could make some noise to get some attention. With all of her strength she forcefully pushed her entire body toward Stephen making him bump against the chest making the stuff on top of the chest wobbled off and crushed onto the floor making some noise.

With anger, Stephen forcefully lifted her body up and shoved her against the wall. Annie felt pain shook her entire body as tears uncontrollably streamed down. She is fearful cause she felt pain on her abdominal and lower back, she is scare that she will have a miscarriage. She felt her inner thigh quickly wetted a bit, Annie lowered her eyes to see some blood soaking the lower half of her maternal dress. Fearful tears drowned her eyes as she shakes at Stephen pleading him to stop it and let her go.

"You must want to join Helen," he whispered in a softer tone not wanting Nicola to hear. Annie shook her head while her eyes winched in pain.

Nicola headed toward the male servant room after hearing the noise. "Yee Seeu Lie, is that you?" she asked but she know it must not be cause why would her mistress be in there? Meanwhile in the other side, Annie nodded in silent with her leg struggling to kick something, but Stephen has hold them still with his body, while he quickly ties her hands together with his shoelace.

"No, it's me. Don't come in, I'm changing," Stephen warned in a calm voice.

A bit embarrassed, Nicola stepped back. "Stephen have you seen Yee Seeu Lie?" she asked wondering where Annie walked to.

Stephen grinned with his cold eyes at Annie and grabs her jaw. "No," he answered in a steady cold tone. Annie shuts her eyes with her body shaking in fear, she have a feeling that this is going to be the end of her life.

Worriedly, Nicola is looking around the house searching for her mistress, "Didn't she open the door for you?"

Calmly, Stephen is tying Annie ankles together with his other shoelace while Annie wiggled. "Yeah, but she walked back upstairs afterward. Maybe she is in the nursery," Stephen suggested.

"Oh, maybe she is upstairs then. Coming!" Nicola answered to the ringing doorbell.

After tying Annie up, Stephen finally let go of Annie, who is now wiggling to get free. Stephen smirked at her slyly knowing that she won't get away. His hand patted her abdominal gently, "Shhh...don't worry I won't kill you yet." He got up and opened his bedroom door a crack to peek out seeing Nicola opening the front door for Bobby to get in. Annie pair of tied feet is struggle trying to kick anything to make noise. Stephen turned his attention back to her. "Shhh..." he warned as he smiled with his evil set of eyes on her.

"We don't want anyone to know you been sneaking in here now, do we?" he softly asked Annie. And whispered, "You must be tired by now and needed a bit of rest." His hand lifted the blanket with Annie head vigorously shaking, she could sense what he wanted to do with it. He covered her head and holds it in place while Annie body wiggle to get free and get air with her muffled moan. Annie felt so fearful and scared out of her life as she tries to breath but oxygen is quickly limited.

Tears streamed out soaking whatever in it way, her mind is blanked out with only flashback of Louis and her. She felt her heart aching cause she missed her husband and wanted to see him at least one last time. Her heart and lung is starting to pump faster trying so hard to breath. Within minutes she felt her entire body drained and her eyes shuts with her entire body limped.

Seeing her not stop struggling, Stephen released his strong hand from the cover. He lifted it up and smiled at Annie with cold set of eyes. His hand slapped Annie face a bit to make sure there is no responds. He lifted his finger to place it under Annie nose and his eyes sparked evilly. He whispered toward her ears, "Stay put, I'll be back to finish you off." With that he got off the bed and headed out of the room with the door shut behind.

Right when he steps out of the room he saw Bobby heading into the house with Nicola closing the front door. "Have Tai Tai and Lo Yeeh left?" Stephen asked in his calm and normal cold tone.

Bobby nodded with his wearied expression, "Yup, the car just drove them all away. Good thing we finish off before it rain too hard, but some of the boxes did get a bit wet. I better change into some dry clothes. I'll make lunch afterward. Nikki could you go ask Yee Seeu Lie what she want?"

"Sure!" cheerfully answered the maid. She headed up while Bobby headed toward the bedroom.

Quickly, Stephen walked up to his brother and stopped him. He heard Nicola rushing in and out of rooms in the second floor looking for her mistress. "Daai Gor, I'm hungry can you fix lunch first?" Stephen asked wanted to drag time so his brother don't enter the room.

Bobby narrowed his eyes on his brother with puzzle to his demand, he is soaking wet at least let him change into dry clothes first. He notices Stephen still in his wet clothes too and wonders why he didn't change yet. "Why didn't you change? You're going to catch a cold," Bobby looked down at Stephen shoe and notice the shoelaces are missing. "Where are your shoelaces?"

Stephen smiled weakly at his brother with fearless expression, "I got mud all over them, so I was washing them and didn't have a chance to change yet."

The elder brother nodded confusedly to Stephen reason. "Oh. I'm cold; I bet you are too. Lets go change first," Bobby suggested. Stephen has dragged enough time for Nicola to rush back down announcing the missing mistress.

Nicola running breathlessly down the stairs, "Yee Seeu Lie is not upstairs!"

The butler face shows a bit of fake concern, "Really?" Bobby stares at Nicola with confusion. "I saw her walked up. Did you check all the rooms and bathroom? She could of fainted somewhere," Stephen suggested.

"Lets check one more time," Bobby concernedly ordered. All of them know that Annie is quite weak during her pregnancy and worry that she has fainted somewhere without anyone notice. "Come on!" he rushed up the stairs with Nicola.

"I'll check down here," Stephen shouted after them and they nodded. As they are rushing down the hallways of the second floor, Stephen quickly return to his room and lifted Annie body up quickly using this chance to carried her out of the house.
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Meanwhile in B-jai nursery, he quickly sited upright with heads turning left and right trying to locate the cries he heard. He was playing in his nursery room earlier and didn't know what was going on outside of his room. But now he suddenly hears a familiar crying sound. He quickly rushed out of his room but the sound of a cry for help has disappeared. Gently he place his hand over his heart sensing the cries is from the little girl that has been communicating with her for the past few months. Sensing trouble he quickly rushed down the hallway trying to look for Annie and see if she and her baby is okay.

Instead he notices that both Bobby and Nicola are frantically searching each room creating lots of noises. B-jai followed them while he is confuses to what is going on. "She is not here," Bobby told Nicola as he rushed into another room. B-jai got the hint that they are searching for Annie too, so he helped. He tries to sense the baby location, but for some reason he couldn't at all.

Leaving the two adults, B-jai rushed out of the house to look instead. He couldn't see anyone around. Right at that moment Joe car slowly drive up to park. Frankie, Kenix, and Steven had returned with Joe. They were excitedly chatting and planning their moving plan. Of course none of them could see B-jai standing right in front of them with anxious eyes looking to see if Annie is in the car. After they all gotten out, B-jai rushed in to check, but of course Annie is not there.

"Yee Seeu Lie is missing!" Stephen told the guests. B-jai immediately turned to Stephen voice listening to what he just said.

"What happen?" Frankie asked with confusion.

"We don't know, she just disappeared," stated the fake concerning butler. "Bobby and Nicola is still searching the house, I just searched around the outside, but she is no where to be seen. Maybe they found her," Stephen suggested and rushing into the house. The rest followed along. B-jai too followed them seeing what he could help with. B-jai is confuse then ever to where they are and why he can no longer sense the connection between Annie's baby and him.

After noticing that Annie is still missing. Joe immediately drove out to inform his master of the news. Now everyone is searching the outdoor and woodland area for Annie. The search has continued for hours, but there is no sign of Annie, not even a trace. Louis has become a madman with his worry and pounding heart, as the search change from minutes to hours and there is still no sign of Annie anywhere! He don't understand where she could be, she hardly ever step out of the mansion. Where would she disappear to?! Why would she even leave the mansion alone?
******

[jeh]

Stupid Stephen, stupid Stephen!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/angrystick.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/crash.gif" border="0"> I feel like punching him in the face several time and then smash his head <IMG SRC="smilies/curse.gif" border="0">How could he do that to Annie? Annie, don't die. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> I hope B-jai will be able to find Annie. Please update soon.

[Yak]

<IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0"> calm down jeh! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> Enjoy the next chapter!

[Yak]

Chapter 52: Within Hailing Distance

The wind roared loudly with it fierce blow against anything in it way. It's gusting power torn branches apart and flinging them in the middle of the air. Every single trees and brushes bended to their right cause of the forceful wind. The wind slashed and whipped passed the house making haunting noises sounding like an unrest soul searching for revenge. Cause of the gusting wind, the cold numbing rain coming down at an angle washing everything in it path. The night is dark and cold, making the search party even harder to manage.

Even though it's around midnight now, but Louis couldn't let himself give up on searching. He can't give up on Annie, she must be somewhere hiding and playing a prank on him. He tries to force himself to belief cause that is the only way to reassure him that she is safe, cause she is just playing a harmless joke. His voice endlessly called out for his wife with concern and his mind started to switch from a denial to a blaming stage. Deep in his thought, he kept blaming himself for leaving Annie this morning when she requested him to stay home. Why didn't he just say yes?

"ANNIE!!" Louis shouted with regret, all he wanted now is to have her once again. His eyes stared out into the dart empty space with fear cause deep down an eerie feeling is growing on him. Something is not right, Annie would be home by now if she is safe, she must be in trouble. But what?
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Annie is gradually aroused by a distance voice calling for her, especial the voice of her love. She slowly gains self-awareness. She is a bit disoriented to where she is or what happened to her. The thought of Stephen popped into her mind and caused her to startle with her body trembled. She remembers now, she was in Stephen room with him tying her down and threatening her. Annie heart panicked fearfully wondering where she is cause she couldn't see anything at all, not even herself. Everything is pitch black and cold, like death itself.

The last thing she recalls was Stephen smothering her with his blanket and she passed out. Where is she now? The only thing Annie is positive about is that she smells wet soil. She couldn't help herself from feeling afraid, cause it's really cold and dark in here. She felt the clustered space that she is in and her arm felt the coldness of what seem to be a damp cement wall. Annie tries to move her hands and notice that they are still tie together, so is her ankles. She couldn't tell weather she is standing up or laying down, all she know is she couldn't move her body much and definitely not in a sitting position.

She hears many voices calling for her from a distance away and one of them was her husband. Along with Louis worry fearful voice; Annie could pick up the gusting wind and splattering rain sounded loudly outside too. She screamed out for her husband with her pounding heart lightened a bit knowing that he is near by, "Louis!! Louis..." she coughed and felt something poked her dry throat and making her gag. She closed her lip and notice that there is something in her mouth, it's small and round like a straw and it's cold and hard like metallic material. She could felt the small trace of liquid wetting her throat coming from the small metallic pipe like a straw. She could also felt the handkerchief in her mouth too. The handkerchief has muffled down her voice to a mute, therefore she could make no sound at all, she could only hear herself from her mind and nothing more.

Annie knows that Louis didn't hear her at all, cause she still hear his distressed shouting for her in a distance away. Annie started to struggle by wiggling around her clustered space trying to free herself. She couldn't move much and when she try to press her body against the area she felt pressure and something scratched her abdominal, a sharp pain radiated over her belly. Her eyes widened in pain, it frustrated her more to be kept in this darkness. She didn't dare to move fearing that she will endanger her unborn baby. 'Where am I?' she questioned over and over distressingly with fearful expression. Louis seems to be so close, why can't he find her?

Tears wedged into Annie eyes as she listens to her husband voice crying for her along with her close friends and the one who has capture her. She could tell her husband voice is deepen with emotion and begging her to end the prank and return to him. Her heart ached to Louis voice, she know he must be worry sick. Louis and the rest sound like they are outside fighting the storm looking for her. They are so close that she could actually hear their footstep. Hearing that they are just so close, Annie tries to scream for help again, "I'm here!! Louis!"

Immediately, she coughed and gagged every time she tries to increase her voice. Her tears washed down her face with fear, she wish so much that Louis could hear her and come to her. She needed him now! "Louis..." she hopelessly whimpered in fear of this empty darkness.

Annie sobbed as she listens to her husband frustrated shout lingering in the air. She could tell he is running around distressingly searching for her outside. Only if she could somehow gets his attention, but how? She can't answer his call, she can't move, and she can't even see him! All she could is suffer from hearing his worry and concern for her like how she hear his call earlier when she gazed on the drop of blood on her finger. It was a foreshadowing to doom, Annie thought as she realizes how Louis voice sounded just like before. It may sound strange, but she could see this coming from before. Only if she has taken caution early from the sign given to her.
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Meanwhile outside in the open space of grasses, Louis felt his head is spinning along with his surrounding. Icy cold rain splattered on his face and his entire body is soak for couple hours already, the numbing cold no longer bother him. His face is drained from life and his lips are pale white from both worry and cold. He is tired and exhausted from calling for Annie for couple of hours. He finally stopped his shout and scanned the dark surrounding for any clue to his wife where about. There was nothing, not even a small sign. His expression hopelessly drained and he plopped down kneeling on the wet grass with thunder roared loudly across the black sky along with flashes of lighting making cloud turn purple then indigo again. Rain and wind continue to strike him forcefully bringing his body temperature down, but he don't care. All he wants is to see Annie.

Never in his life have he felt so fearful, so alone, so empty. He could never imagine that this morning could be the last time he see Annie, but now the thought of it sink in and frightening him more then anything. It can't be, his mind kept denying, Annie can't be missing. Droplets of rain rolled down his cold blank face washing his warm fearful tears away too. His shocked expression grew into anger.

Louis lifted his face up to dart everywhere, "ANNIE COMES OUT NOW!! THIS IS NOT FUNNY!! PLEASE!" He shouted with more tears flowing out of his redden eyes. He know Annie never disappear as a prank, he know something awful must have happened to her. But what? His eyes shut tightly ejecting painful worry tears out. "WHERE ARE YOU?!!" he frustratingly pounded his two tightened fists on the wet grass in front of him to release his pressure. "ANNIE!!"

Exhausted, Louis head dropped staring at his whitened knuckle hammered into the ground, "Please be okay...you got to be okay..." A thunder roared loudly, Louis swiftly tilt his head firmly staring at the sky shouting fiercely, "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?! I KNOW I HAVE DONE WRONG IN THE PAST, BUT IS NOT ANNIE FAULT!! GIVE ANNIE BACK NOW!!" he demanded the lord to obey. The sky just continues to rumble, Louis head hopelessly dropped again, "Please don't take her away again. Please..."

His shout alerted the other that was out there with him, while the ladies stay in the mansion taking care of Kevin. Frankie could tell that Louis is going to break down soon if they still couldn't find Annie. He rushed over to him and squatted down next to him trying to calm him down. The rest came along and help out. Caringly, Frankie is patting Louis shoulder firmly, "Get a hold of yourself." He shivered to the cold since he is soaking wet along with everyone else that is out here searching for Annie.

Frankie sighed as Louis started to frustratingly pound the ground with his knuckle starting to bleed, "How could Annie just disappear without a trace or anyone noticing?" Stephen kept quiet, he don't have to explain or say anything, all he need to do is act puzzle like the rest. He knows that the more he speak, the more he will be giving away.

Bobby squatted down in front of his master and firmly grab hold of Louis fists, trying to stop Louis from hurting himself. "Yee Seeu!" he shouted to wake Louis from his frustration.

Louis fiercely darted at Bobby with hard eyes and his two fists clenched to Bobby collar tightly. Swiftly he shot up and lifting Bobby up with him. "Why didn't you look after her?!! WHY?! HOW COULD YOU LET HER DISAPPEAR WITHOUT KNOWING?!" he shouted at the poor chef angrily with his eyes flaming with stress.

Bobby tries to loosen his master grip. He understands Louis is just under pressure and frustration. "I'm sorry Yee Seeu. Both Stephen and I were helping Lo Yeeh and Tai Tai with the move. We didn't know that Yee Seeu Lie would disappear," explained the chef.

Steven is frustrated too to know that Annie is missing for so long. "This doesn't make sense! Annie won't just walk off like this! Something bad must have happen to her," Steven exclaim as he started to pace around and scrubbing his face to get the cold rain off. "Someone must have kidnapped her!" he gazed at Louis and Stephen accusingly. Frankie saw his gaze at them and know exactly what Steven is thinking about.

Darted at Louis, Steven don't know what to believe, but seeing Louis trying to kill Annie couples months ago made him think that Louis has done something bad to Annie and now he is just putting up a show to cover up! "What did you do to her?" he finally couldn't stand it any longer and blurted out accusingly. His leveled firm voice asked with bitterness toward Louis. The more he thinks the more it sounds reasonable to him. He recalls seeing Louis and Stephen in that locked room with a puddle of dry blood. Steven has suspect Louis killed his own son in that room, so he could of kill Annie too!

Frankie elbowed Steven to stop his assumption, he could tell that Louis is frantic about his missing wife. The expression on Louis face can't be fake cause Frankie could see the pain in Louis eyes. The butler gazed at Steven with his cold eyes. He stepped a step ahead toward him in defense of his master. Frankie pulled Steven away before they start to fight. Louis fist released Bobby and clench tightly, his eyes beamed at Steven angrily to what he just meant by his words and look. He gazed at Steven with flaming eyes boiling, with a frustrated hiss, he try to remind himself to drops it. Frankie patted Louis shoulder hoping to calm him down, he could tell that Louis will pouch the life out of Steven if he add anymore of his idea.

"Both of you calm down. Everyone is just worries about Annie, let not start a fight, it won't help the situation," Frankie said as he turned Steven away.

Pushed Frankie away, Steven stubbornly darted at Louis, "He is a killer! He wanted to kill Annie a couple months ago, I hear it with my own ears! And that locked room, I saw blood stain on the floor!" he rashly blurted out. Stephen and Louis were surprise that he know about B-jai nursery room while the rest just confusedly trying to digest what Steven is accusing. Steven glared at Louis with hatred, "If anything happen to her, I'll make you pay!"

With fist tightened, Louis eyes are narrowed with darkness piercing Steven. He has had it with him, how dare he accuse him of killing Annie! He swiftly charges over to Steven and punched him on the stomach and beating him up. It not really cause of Steven's comment that made Louis continue beating him like a sand bag, is just that Louis needed an outlet from his bottled up frustration and Steven asked for it. Frankie quickly try to break the fight by pulling Steven back and pushing Louis away. Steven isn't going to back out anyway, he struggle with Louis and try to punch him. Pushing and shoving the two that has loves Annie deeply is trying to release their emotion and frustration on each other. Steven is worry about Annie and also jealous that Annie would pick Louis and wouldn't want to leave with him.

While the two of them fight, Frankie, Bobby, and Joe try to pull them apart. Stephen is the only one that stood aside watching them with a little cold smug on his face. His eyes sharply darted at Steven with hatred. If he were to help he would just help his master cream Steven. But he decides to watch this time at least for a couple minutes more, he kind of wants both of them to get hurt. Cause he is a bit disappointed in his master for suspecting him yesterday, by asking Bobby about his pills.

Stephen is somewhat angry with Louis for not trusting him. How could Louis not trust him, after he has done so many things for him? Can't his master see his loyalty and his sacrifice to make sure everyone that ever betray his master or in his way, die? In his twisted mind, he felt betrayed by Louis. How could Louis treat him like outsider and suspected him? He deserves a lesson too, and Steven is helping him punish Louis. Of course he can't punish his own master himself that would be disrespectful. But in the end if Louis needed his help, he will help, Louis is still his master. While they are still struggling, Stephen glimpsed over toward the Koo's family mansion with a wicked smile. His eyes slowly lowered to the gravestone of Gilbert's wife.

Kenix who saw the five men crowded together outside instead of searching, she could tell that they are fighting. She swiftly hand Kevin over to Nicola and ran outside trying to stop them. Kenix head up next to her husband who is trying to pull Steven away. "What happen?!" she asked while trying to help.

Sighed, Frankie rolled his eyes, "Just help me pull Steven away. ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU!!!" he angrily shouted at them with disappointment.

Agreeing to Frankie, Bobby nodded, "Yee Seeu let go of Mr. Ma!"

Ignoring them, Louis fiercely grab Steven collar, "Whatever happens to Annie is none of your business! She is my wife, you hear me?! And don't you dare accuse me of killing her!" The corner of his mouth is bleeding cause Steven manage to give him a blow. Steven whose is far more bruised with his black eyes beaming at Louis with hates.

Bobby is trying to loosen his master fist that clench tightly onto Steven shirt. "Okay, okay let go of him now Yee Seeu. He learns his lesson," Bobby assured his master. Louis hissed and released Steven. Frankie quickly pulled Steven away. Louis wipe the corner of his mouth to get rid of the blood, his gaze is still on Steven.

"What the heck were you thinking?!" Frankie scolded his buddy with disbelief that he would start a fight at this time.

Steven shoved him away and darted at Louis and Stephen warningly, "Don't let me find proof that you two hurt Annie." With that he stormed away heading back into the wood to check again. Frankie just shake his head at Steven rashness. He hasn't seen his friend being so irrational and angry before. He knows that Steven has loved Annie all along and must be really frustrated now.

Kenix turned her attention to Louis after looked around the dark area, "Lets go in Louis, you have search for over six hours already, I don't think Annie is around or else we would've found her already."

Nodded, Frankie patted Louis shoulder, "Yeah lets go in for tonight, and we'll search again tomorrow or ask for help from the police."

Louis shrugged his hand away, "I'm not giving up on her!" He too stormed into the wood once more time. The wood is the only area that is too huge to clearly search through. It the only area that Annie could be and they wouldn't be able to find her, that what they thought all along and has missed a very important spot that is just under their nose.

Bobby, Joe, and Stephen go after their master and spreads out searching for their mistress once again in the deep dark wood. Stephen who know exactly where Annie is, therefore he didn't search hard like everyone else, instead he has decided to follow the direction of the one that made his master bleed.

Frankie sighed at them. He turned to his wife and squeezed her hand reassuringly, "Go back in, it freezing out here. I'll go search for Annie again."

Tears were in Kenix eyes as she remembers what condition Ada was in when they found her half a years ago. She gave her husband a hug and pecked his cheek, "Be careful." Frankie nodded and wipe her tears away before running into the wood with his oil lantern, while Kenix stood in the dark until she couldn't see her husband, then she walked back into the mansion. Her heart has been praying for Annie safety.
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Annie face is soaked with tears and reddened, she could hear everything. She can sense her husband being so close just a couple minutes ago, but now he is running further away and the area is silent. She felt so horrified at the thought of Louis not being able to find her at all. Annie sobbed to herself as she tries to wriggle loose, but sharps object is around her and scratched her flesh with every movement she made.

The whipping wind slashes against the building making harsh sound. Annie could picture how cold outside is, causes from the cement she could tell that it getting colder and damper by the minutes. She could taste the cold liquid slowly dripping into her throat every minute or so. She starting to think that it was rain that she is tasting.
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Mean while in the mansion, Nicola stood by the living room window gazing out with worry in her pair of eyes. She can't believe that her mistress can just disappear without her noticing. She felt guilty, why didn't she keep a closer eye on her mistress? The baby cries woken her from her gaze and she sighed along with Kenix who is carrying Kevin in her arms.

Meanwhile lies on the sofa is B-jai, he is feeling really ill for some reason. He could see himself turning bluish again and all his energy slowly drained. Ever since he lost the connection between Annie's baby and himself, he started to loss energy. Exhaustingly he lies there with worry eyes looked out of the window wondering where Annie and the baby could be.

"I'll go make him milk," Nicola suggested in her depressed voice. She sadly walked off to the kitchen to boil water. During the time in the kitchen she absentmindedly walked around to pass time. Something crimson caught her attention, she walked toward the door frame of the kitchen door leading to the back yard. Her eyes concentrated on the thin line of red on the doorframe not really certain if it is blood or something else. One thing she is certain is that, it new cause she cleaned the kitchen and wiped everything early this morning. "Mrs. Lam!" she shouted for Kenix wanting her opinion.

Kenix rushed in with Kevin and saw Nicola concentrated at the door. B-jai wanted to follow along, but he is too weak to even lift himself off the sofa. So he just stay behind lying there turning paler and paler by time. "What's wrong?" Kenix curiously asked when she got to the kitchen. Nicola pointed to the red mark on the door. "What is that? Blood?" Kenix asked.

The maid shrugged, "I'm not sure but it wasn't here this morning. Could it be from Yee Seeu Lie?"

Carefully examining it, Kenix eyes narrowed on the blood, "Annie?" She looked around the kitchen, "Why would you think it from Annie?"

"Yee Seeu Lie finger got poked pretty deeply this afternoon, but I wrapped up already. Could she have walked out this door and head to the wood? She did ask me about the wood this afternoon," Nicola said.

Kenix gazed toward the wood, "I hope she is okay."

Nicola nodded while she started to walk around the kitchen to see if she could spot anything else being different. Without notice she has walked around and around and ended up in front of the male servants room where her eyes widened to what she found. She bended down to pick up the white fabric she used to wrap Annie finger, it was lying right at the lower left corner of the door to the male servant room. Her eyes cautiously checked the doorframe and saw the same smear of crimson on the left doorframe, but it a wider line than the one on the kitchen. Annie has left them behind when her finger tightly grab hold of the doorframe while Stephen try to drag her into the room. The fabric that wrapped around her finger has got pushed off during the inward jerk. Therefore there is a thin smear of blood along the left doorframe.

"Mrs. Lam comes here quick!" shouted the maid.

Kenix ran up to her right away and notice Nicola is gazing at another door. "Did you find the same red mark?"

Nicola nodded and pointed to the fainting mark, "See, I'm certain it Yee Seeu Lie blood from her finger." She handed the strip of fabric over to Kenix that have a trace of blood on it. "I wrapped her finger up with this in the afternoon. Why is it here in the male servant room?" she walked into the male servant room to check for traces of blood.

"Nikki, who last seen Annie?" Kenix asked as she helps search around the room for evident.

"Stephen. Yee Seeu Lie was opening the door for Stephen. Stephen said she headed back upstairs afterward," Nicola informed as she flipped through blanket looking for anything at all. Kenix notice a pile of things on the floor, look like it fallen off of something, some of them are even broken too. Her eyes followed the things on the floor and she saw the sign of blood again. She quickly bended down and felt the red substance on the wall, it was where Stephen has pushed Annie against the wall with her hands sandwiched between her body and the wall. Nicola squatted down next to Kenix. "It's blood," her soft voice said with a hint of fear. "Here too," she pointed to the floor that have a very faint pink color.

Nodded, Kenix concluded with confusion to why Annie would come in here, "Annie must be in here, but why? This room belongs to Joe, Stephen, and Bobby right?" Nicola nodded. "Joe is with us. What about Bobby?"

"I'm the one who open the door for Bobby. Yee Seeu Lie is the one who open the door for Stephen," her face drained, "You wouldn't think that Stephen has kidnapped Yee Seeu Lie right?" Kenix didn't answer her. "Why would he do that?" Nicola wondered in disbelief.

"Nikki, what else happen this morning? Did Annie ask about anything?" Kenix questioned.

Nicola paused trying to recall every single detail, "This afternoon I was in Yee Seeu Lie room with her. Then we folded laundry. Oh yes, Yee Seeu Lie was really strange, her expression changed when she saw Stephen shirt. She asked me about a missing buttons and whose the shirt belongs to. I told her the owner and that I fixed the button. Then she seems concentrated about something and asked me if I ever walked into the wood before. She also asked me if anything strange about..." Nicola stopped and notice what all of this lead to. "Oh my gosh...she was suspicious about Stephen," her shaky voice concluded.

"Then what happen? What else did she say?" Kenix urgently urged.

Swallowed Nicola continues, "I told her I didn't notice anything strange about Stephen. Then she said she going down to get a glass of milk. I told her to stay put and I could get it for her, but she insist that she do it herself and also requested me to wash the bathroom, which is a bit odd cause I did last night. She told me to do it anyway."

Kenix is looking around the room, "I bet she came down to search Stephen room, she is looking for something in here, but what?"

Nicola nodded in agreement. "Why would Stephen want to harm Yee Seeu Lie?" she sighed, "The last thing I heard Yee Seeu Lie said was that she got the door. I couldn't see her anywhere then, I only hear her voice. She is probably in Stephen room." Kenix nodded. "So I returned back to wash the bathroom, then the second doorbell rings a couple minutes later. No one answer it, so I gotten out again and asked if Yee Seeu Lie is still around but instead of answer, I heard a noises like something crushing coming from the male servant room." Nicola gazed at the stuff on the floor, "Stephen told me that he accidentally bumped into something and he was changing at that moment. I asked him about Yee Seeu Lie and he told me that she walked upstairs." She just notices something else, "Wait, Stephen didn't change his clothes at all. When he walked out of his room, he is still in wet clothes."

Kenix eyes grew angrier as she listen, while Nicola is in the verge of tears noticing that if she could be more alert, maybe Annie wouldn't be missing. "Annie must be the one that knocked down all the stuff. So he is in here with her at that time. How did he manage to move her out the house with out you noticing? Or is Annie still in the mansion somewhere?" Kenix pondered out loud.

The maid is feeling really guilty now, "I really thought Yee Seeu Lie head back up and probably spending her time in the nursery, she likes it there. I opened the door for Bobby and he told me to ask what Yee Seeu Lie would want for dinner. So I ran upstairs to look for her and she is not around so I got Bobby and Stephen help. Bobby searched upstairs with me one more time while Stephen suggested that he search downstairs..." her voice trailed off. "It's all my fault."

With hardened eyes, Kenix analysis with anger, "He could have use that time to drag Annie out of the house." Nicola bit her lower lip with tears rolling down her check, she felt horrible for not knowing about Stephen sooner and save Annie. "It's not your fault Nikki," Kenix weakly comforted while she hand Kevin over to her. "You stay in the house, I'll go out to find Louis and tell him about this. Lock all the doors after I got out, and don't open the door for Stephen or Bobby, okay?" Nicola nodded and Kenix ran out to search for anyone but Stephen and Bobby. She is not sure if Bobby is in the deal with Stephen or not, since they are brothers.
******

[ccsakura]

Oh my gosh I hate STEPHEN he is so interfering, well yak a painful death is definatly needed! And Steven is getting interfering aswell I'm beginning to hate him just as much! Update soon! I hope they find Annie soon!

[Yak]

Chapter 53: Whispering Wind

Once Kenix stepped out of the house she ran across the field heading toward the wood. Her footstep stopped cause she thought she heard something, was it just the wind? It was really faint especially with the rain and wind interfering. But she is positive that she heard a muffled sound. Looking around her area, Kenix called out, "Annie?! Is that you?" She quieted down and slowly shuts her eyes to concentrate on listening. No one is around, since everyone is in the woodland area, which made it a bit easier to listen.

Annie eyes has sparked with hope, finally someone could hear her minimal voice. She felt pain on her throat for forcing a shout earlier and she could taste blood. But she know that if she won't cries out for help, no one will find her. "Help..." Annie shouted again and knows that the sound was really soft, but hopefully Kenix can hear her. She felt a piercing pain on the back of her throat that made her choke and gagged. Once again she could taste her own blood and know that it was the metallic pipe that is cutting her throat if she move her mouth to talk.

With eyes cautiously open right away, Kenix know for sure she heard it. Her eyes gazed toward the Koo's family mansion, it coming from there. "Annie! I heard you! Keep shouting Annie!!" she yelled toward that direction as she ran toward it.

Grateful tears are rolling down Annie eyes as she hears the comforting voice of Kenix. Swallowed, Annie tries to force out another sound. "I'm here!" she shouted and felt the pain again. Her eye shuts to the pain as she rests for a while before making another shout. She could hear Kenix footstep running closer and closer to her and passing her toward another direction. Kenix has just head pass her. "Come back Kenix!" Annie distressingly shouted and gagged with warm liquid oozing out the corner of her mouth.

Kenix, who is now at the front of Louis parent's mansion, pounding the door, "Annie are you in there?! Annie!!" But there is no response. "Annie said something!"

Clearly, Annie could hear the pounding sound of Kenix. "I'm here..." she whimpered wearily instead of a shout. Kenix head turned back, she thought she heard something or was it the wind?

Shutting her eyes again to concentrate, Kenix urged, "Annie speaks up!"

Painful tears leaked out of Annie eyes, cause her throat is hurting very badly, but she know it's her only chance. She forcefully shouted as loud as she could, "OVER HERE!!" The problem is she don't really know where she is herself, hopefully Kenix can locate her voice. She felt the stinging on her throat and taste the blood that she is swallowing. She suddenly realizes that something is wetting her thigh, and there is pain associate with it. "Oww..." she groaned to the pain on her stomach. Something is not right, she felt pain striking up her spine and within second, she fainted.

Opened her eyes quickly, Kenix stared straight at the direction of Annie voice. She saw nothing in that area but the gravestone of Gilbert's wife. She don't understand how Annie voice came from there. She rushed up to the grave and shouted loudly, "Annie are you in there?! Annie?!!" She pounded the large marble lying on the ground as she shouted with hope, "Annie?!" Kenix lean down and place her ears against the marble to listen for sound, but it was silent.

Her eyes caught something really strange. She quickly scooted over toward the tombstone flab. In front of it was a copper pipe the size of a straw. She places her fingers slightly above it to feel for air and there indeed was warm air coming out. Her face brightened with joy, knowing that who ever in there are still alive and breathing through the straw! "Annie holds on! I'll get you out!" Kenix grateful tone loudly assured.

Kenix don't know exactly how to lift this flat marble up, it was extremely heavy and seem to be locked somehow. She searched around the area and still has no idea what keeping this marble stone fastened to the ground. In her village people are simply bury in wooden coffin six feet under the ground. But this is different; it looked like a compartment that holds a coffin under the ground that will neatly separate the coffin from the soil. She looked up toward the woodland, should she go get help from Louis and the rest? But they are so far into the wood.

"Annie can you give me a response?! How are you feeling in there? Are you alright?" Kenix shouted with her ears lie on the marble. There is no answer at all, which worry her. Her finger place above the copper pipe again to make sure Annie is breathing. She could feel warm air but it much weaker then she tested at first. Kenix know that she might risk Annie life, if she go search the wood for the men to help, it will probably take too long. "Annie wait a bit longer, I'll be back right away!" Kenix quickly stood up and ran back to get Nicola help. Nicola probably will know how to open one of these underground compartments.
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Meanwhile in the deep wood, Louis is still not giving up on searching for Annie in the dark storm. He is running deeper and deeper into the big woods to check one more time, just in case, since Ada has her accident in the wood, Louis fear that Annie will be like Ada. The rain has made the trail muddy and slippery, he has fallen down several time, but pushed himself back up to search again with an oil lantern in his hand. The darkness made it even more difficult to search the wood, he could see the waving light from lanterns a distance from him, coming from either Steven, Frankie, Bobby, Joe, or Stephen. He is not letting Annie go this easily, he know he will find her somehow. She is just hiding right? She got to be just hiding. This is just a prank, he kept reminding himself to belief this lame excuse.

To the east direction of Louis deeper into the wood, Steven is searching that area with his shout and his oil lantern swinging back and forth as he run. The flickering flame has cast his shadow on trees and the trail ahead making it looking like a spooky spirit following him. "Annie!!" he shouted with his voice echoing through the wood along with an owl hooting. Steven stopped his shout in order to see if he could hear Annie response. He heard nothing, but the splattering rain on his jacket making his eardrum rumble to the rhythm. Steven scanned his surrounding, he couldn't see the rest of the search party other then the faint light a far distance away.

Continue to walk deep into the wood, Steven search with his body trembling to the cold for several hours already. His footstep is clearly audible as it makes suctioning sound on the mud. His right hand was extended in front of him holding the glass oil lantern to guide the way. Through the minimal flickering light he could see the wet brushes around him along with the smell of wet forest trees enclosing him. Steven suddenly jerked forward and fallen down with his lantern rolled a couple feet away. Mud is all over him and his face. He quickly gotten himself in a sitting position and looked toward his right foot where he felt the stinging pain from a scrape. His eyes saw his leg being caught by a broken tree branch that has hooked tightly onto his pant making him trip.

Steven scooted over trying to release himself. His eyes widened at the fabric that is on the branch too. It was not his, and his heart pounded loudly cause he recognize the fabric really well, even though it has been worn out by the weather over the pass seven months. But he will never forget the pattern and color of this meaningful fabric. Quickly he reached for his lantern and pulled it close to the tree branch to have a closer look at it. He quickly yanked the fabric away and tears were immediately welled in his eyes as his hand clenched tightly on the fabric with soft flower design. "Ada..." he murmured in pain of missing his wife. He will never forget what Ada worn the day she die, this fabric match perfectly with her maternal dress. He studied his surrounding and wonder why his wife would have walk so far into the wood that day.

Pushed himself up, Steven is following the direction where the branch that torn his wife dress is pointing. He could see that there is an open space a couple meters ahead. With his lantern to guide the way he stepped closer and closer to the secret of the wood. Steven footstep stopped when he reach the open area that is surrounded by thick forest tree. Instead of bushes there are two mounts of dirt piled up in front of him. He is wondering what this is, but deep down he got a hint of what it is. What else could it be other than a burial site?

Streams of liquid flowing along the ground cause of the rains washing them down. The liquid touched Steven shoes and continues on their path. Steven lantern slowly lowered to get a clearer image of the liquid. His eyes widened seeing dark red liquid that is thinned by rain flooding toward his feet. The color of the liquid looked like fresh blood. Fear sweep across his face, "Annie..." he whispered with dilated eyes, his fearful mind thinking that those blood must belong to Annie.

His hand slowly rise to beam his light source toward the pile of mud, the thought of Annie being in there shook his mind and heart. He quickly chucked his lantern aside and started to dig through the mount with his bare hands. He fears that Annie has already dies and being buried here by the murder, whose he still believed it was Louis. His fingers are covered in thick mud and starting to bleed, but he didn't stop at all and just continue to dig through the mud. Rains are continues to pour upon him and helping him wash the mud away.
------------------

Meanwhile back to Kenix, she has returned to the marble grave with Nicola within minute. Nicola stare at the tomb with bewilderment, "Are you sure Yee Seeu Lie is under there?" She ran to the storage shed to obtain a device to open up grave tomb like this.

"I heard her!" Kenix stated with impatient eyes watches Nicola running back with a heavy iron rod that have a flat end with a fork like spike. "That bastard, wait till I get my hand on him!" she angrily mumbled.

The maid gotten the device on the marbles that have three matching hole for the fork to insert into. "I can't believe he would bury Yee Seeu Lie alive. This use to be Daai Seeu Lie grave, but Daai Seeu has moved Daai Seeu Lie coffin with him this morning. Mrs. Lam helps me push the bar downward," she told Kenix as she used all of her force trying to push the iron bar down which in turn will open up the marble flap.

With Kenix to help her, the marble is easily lifted up a crack. Both of them immediately saw Annie lying in this clustered compartment that is suppose to be for a coffin. "Yee Seeu Lie!" Nicola shouted with excitement and relief, but there is no respond from Annie. "Go push the marble all the way up. I'll hold on to it." Kenix did as she was told and got the marble stably open all the way before Nicola let go of the bar.

Quickly, Kenix rush up to Annie and slapped her cold face to arouse her. "Annie!!" both of them called out. Annie slightly moaned in pain.

"She is bleeding!" Nicola informed with shaky voice.

Kenix nodded seeing the blood coming from Annie mouth, "That bastard. The pipe is probably what making her bleed." She quickly removes the copper pipe and saw blood on the tip of it, the tip is sharpened into an arrow that will pierce her throat every time Annie move or tries to scream for help. Kenix removed the handkerchief from Annie mouth too and checked her cut. It wasn't as bad as she thought, just some deep scratches that should be healable.

"NO!" Nicola urgently tries to get Kenix attention, "Not that, she is bleeding here!" She yanked Kenix to look at Annie lower body.

Within a split second Kenix face paled, "Oh my gosh..." She started to shake seeing blood in between Annie legs that is soaking Annie maternal dress into a deep crimson. "She is having a miscarriage... Get her out quick!" Nicola nodded. "Annie hang on, you'll be fine!" Kenix tries to comfort both herself and Annie.

Both Kenix and Nicola pulled Annie out and carried her into the mansion. Once they step in they hear Kevin crying loudly from the living room where they has left him. "Close the door! Lock it, make sure no one can come in!" ordered Kenix. Nicola fumbled her shaky fingers to fasten all the locks to doors and windows around the mansion while Kenix steady Annie.

Meanwhile, B-jai dark ringed eyes popped open when he senses the present of Annie and her unborn child. He quickly forced himself to stand up and rushed over to Annie. "What happen?!" his fearful shouted at Annie. Annie moaned slightly to the sound of his voice, she was the only one that hears him. B-jai quickly places his pale blue hand on Annie belly to sense the baby. He felt an urge of energy rushed into him giving him more strength again.

Kenix saw the blood continue to drip down from Annie legs and she felt Annie shaking. "Lets get her up to her room and on the bed." They carried Annie up into the master bedroom to lies her down. B-jai followed after them wanting to make sure that both Annie and the baby will be fine. Kenix covered Annie body up with the comforter, trying to stop Annie from shivering.

Nicola face is paling as she saw blood coming out of Annie, "She is losing too much blood."

"Go get more blankets! And boil lots of water!" Kenix ordered and gently rubbed Annie abdominal. Annie moaned. "Annie wake up, tell me how you are feeling," Kenix pleaded. Annie eyes fluttered open and close, Kenix face was brighten up a bit seeing her response. She quickly removed the shoelace around Annie wrist and ankle. "Don't worry, you are safe now. How are you feeling?"

Annie eyes squinted in pain. "The baby..." her weak voice murmured.

Returned with blankets, Nicola quickly piled up on top of Annie. "Yee Seeu Lie, I'm so glad to see you again!" claimed the maid that started to cry.

Kenix urgently questioned, "Annie can you feel the baby moving?" Annie nodded with her whiten lip and her body shivering. "Nicola go boil water, I think Annie is going to deliver the baby soon."

Nodded repeatedly, Nicola concernedly asked, "I'll go right away! But should we go tell them?"

"Not now, we need to take care of Annie first!" Kenix calm mind replied. Nicola ran to the kitchen to boil water. Kenix hand grab onto Annie hand tightly not letting her go, so Annie can feel secure. "Don't worry Annie, if you could still feel the baby it should be fine. Just be strong okay?"

Nodded, Annie facial expression drained a bit feeling the pain. "Ow..." she groaned to this strange sensation of pain, it was actually her first contraction. "I want Louis..." Annie whimpered in pain along with her tears.

Not knowing how to help Annie, Kenix is just rubbing Annie abdominal trying to relax her. "I think the baby is coming really quickly. Annie just relax, you'll be fine," Kenix said with her shaky voice. She started to panic, she is not a mother herself, and she has never delivers a baby before, she don't know how to help Annie.

"Ahhh..." Annie groaned louder. "I want Louis!" she demanded as her hand squeezing the blanket nervously with fear. What if she can't go through this labor process and don't get to see Louis before she die? She fearfully thought.

"He is in the wood now Annie, I can't just leave you here and go gets him. I'll go get him after you deliver the baby okay?" Kenix bargained.

"I want him to be here!" Annie cried in distress with the pain radiating. The pain of the contraction has become more painful and pressured each time.

"Annie we don't know which part of the wood Louis is at now. Lets deliver the baby first okay? I promise, I'll go get Louis for you once you are stable," assured Kenix with messy mind. B-jai gotten up on the bed watching Annie with confusion to what is going. "The baby is coming soon Annie, just hold on," Kenix told Annie.

B-jai eyes widened in surprise as he talked to himself, "The baby is coming?!" He looked at Annie wondering how. Seeing Annie in pain made him felt sad and worry, he rushed up to the side of Annie head and gently stroke her with his hand going through her instead, since he can't really feel her. But Annie senses the coolness of his touch, her eyes opened and turned toward her left. "You'll be fine," B-jai soft voice comforted. But Annie couldn't hear him.

Nicola returned with the crying Kevin. Kenix looked toward Nicola, "Is the water boiling?"

Nodded, Nicola set Kevin down on the bed next to Annie, "Yee Seeu Lie how are you feeling?"

In pain, Annie shakes her head. "It hurt..." Annie grab onto both Nicola and Kenix hand tightly. Her eyes beamed weakly up toward Kenix and asked with concern, "Who is Louis with? Is he with Stephen? Stephen is the one that kill Ada! Oww..." her jaw dropped a bit feeling the sharpness of her pain.

Kenix face was filled with surprise, more like a spooked expression, "He killed Ada?"

Annie nodded, "He try to kill me too, he is the one that add poison into my food. Where is Louis? He need to know and stay away from Stephen..." She bit her lower lip so hard as she pleaded, "Make it stop...make it stop..."

Panicking, Kenix repeatedly nodded as she rub Annie hand, "Shh...relax...breath in and out slowly, come on Annie."

Trying to calmly breath, Annie said in a weak voice, "Get Louis away from him..."

"Don't worry about Louis now! Concentrate on yourself first, I'm sure Louis is very safe," Kenix frustrated voice assured her.

Swallowed, Annie rubbing the side of her face on the pillow with her eyes shut tight. "It hurt really bad, Kenix. I want him by my side... I want to see him..." Annie weak voice begged. The thunder roared and the light to the mansion flashes. All three sets of eyes gaze at it, within a blink the house is pitch black. Annie squeezed Kenix and Nicola hand tightly. How could this be happening to her?!

"It's okay, it just the storm. It probably got the power line. Nikki can you go get all the candles in the house?" Kenix instructed, she tries to calm herself down in order to stay focus and help Annie. Meanwhile B-jai kneeled by Annie with anxious eyes seeing her in pain.

"I'll go get them now," Nicola said.

"Be careful," Kenix warned. She heard Annie moaning sound due to her contraction and the loud crying sound of Kevin in the background. "Relax a bit more Annie, you'll be a mother really soon. It's alright, it normal. Every mother goes through this; you could too," Kenix felt Annie temperature dropping cause her hand is getting really cold.

"It's a month early..." Annie worryingly murmured.

Kenix kept rubbing Annie hand with both of hers and blow warm air into it. "I know. But don't worry, lots of babies are born three months early and they are healthy like the rest. Yours will too," Kenix comforted. She felt Annie tensed up and squeezing her hand harder. Kenix try to distract Annie from the pain, "Have Louis and you decide on a name?"

"Oww!" Annie screamed.

"Don't think of it Annie," Kenix tries to help.

"Louis wanted to name her Eve," Annie weak voice finally answer Kenix question as she panted.

With a warm smile toward Annie, Kenix continue to distract her, "Sound like the name fit perfectly. It is midnight."

"Nothing can happen to her, Kenix..." Annie fearful voice begged for mercy.

Nodded, Kenix wrapped her arm supportively around Annie shoulder, "I know. And nothing will. Just hang in there. You'll get to see her soon." Kenix eyes is redden with tears, she is afraid that Annie won't make it through, cause she felt Annie hand and body getting colder and colder as she continue to lose blood. Annie face and entire body is beaded with cold sweat. Her lip is getting paler and dry too.
----------

Back in the wood, Bobby is walking at a fast pace searching for his mistress and shouting out to her. Of course there is no answer, he bumped into someone making him jump, the wood is quite spooky and scary especially in a stormy night like this. He quickly turns around with his lantern held up to see. Letting go of his breath, "Oh it just you. Joe does you know which direction Yee Seeu headed?"

Joe beaming his eyes toward the light a couple feet away, "Over there maybe? What do you think happen to Yee Seeu Lie?"

Shrugged, Bobby is running toward the light with Joe running right behind him. "I don't know, but I think a strong Typhoon is heading our way. We better get out of the wood soon before it get dangerous," Bobby speak with experience. They caught up to the light and notice that it was not Louis. "Mr. Lam!" Bobby called out to Frankie.

"Bobby, have you guy found Annie?" Frankie immediately asked. They depressingly shook their head.

"We better get back to the mansion and search tomorrow instead. The Typhoon is coming," Bobby gazed up at the sky with it thick dark cloud stirring the wind. Frankie nodded agreeing. "Do you know which direction Yee Seeu, Stephen, and Mr. Ma is at?"

Frankie shook his head beaming his eyes into the deep wood. He saw two light sources out into the wood other then theirs. "Follow the lights," he suggested, "There is only two light source, I'm guessing your brother and Louis is together. Lets split up and when we find them go back to the mansion immediately instead of searching for each other again, that way it'll be quicker. I'll take the west side." The other two nodded and running toward the east side while Frankie followed the light from the west side.
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Meanwhile Steven continue to dig into the grave, his bleeding fingers add to the bloody rain that is washing away from the two mounts. The bloods that the rain is washing away from the mount are actually not human blood. They are blood that Stephen has pour onto the mount at around four in the morning. Like what B-jai told Annie, Stephen has his ritual in the wood every first and fifteen of the month that involve black dog blood. Ever since the argument with Louis in the past about killing their watchdog and being superstitious, Stephen has secretly buy black dog blood from close town to use instead.

And ever since Ada death, he is extra careful and would only do his ritual early in the morning or past midnight, when he is sure that no one is around to see him. His purpose of the blood is to write a symbol over the mounts, which ensure him that the spirit of the dead wouldn't come to haunt him. Steven fingers hit something that is metal and he quickly wipes the mud around this object and pulled out into view. It is a rectangular metal box. His hand quickly opens the box and found two books in it.

"My husband dairy..." Steven reads one of the titles out loud. He gazed at the second book, "Secret of my heart..." He is confuses to why there are two notebooks buried in here. He turned the page open and the rain quickly soaked into the pages. He could tell that it was a diary, he throw it away to his left with no interest. He continues to dig again hoping that who ever bury in there is not Annie.
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Meanwhile Frankie has gotten closer to the light that he is following, he breathlessly ran up to the guy that he could recognize being Louis back. His hand firmly patted on Louis shoulder and pulled him back. Louis quickly turned back with a hopeful eye, "Annie!" His expression drained seeing that it was not Annie, it was just Frankie. He shrugged his shoulder to get Frankie hand off and continue to search.

Frankie sighed, he could tell that Louis wouldn't listen to him and return to the mansion unless he finds Annie. "Louis let get in before the Typhoon hit," Frankie suggested anyway.

"I'm not leaving Annie behind, she must be lost in here. It so big and dark..." rambled Louis with numbed worry mind.

Cleverly, Frankie paused then decide it would be the best for everyone to slip a lie, "We found her already." He lied with wide opens eyes. He saw Louis quickly stare at him and he try his best to look honest.

Louis grabs Frankie arms firmly, "You found Annie?!" Frankie nodded repeatedly. "Where is she now?!"

"In the mansion..." his voice tries to be steady. But Louis fall for it and running like a madman toward the mansion. Frankie know that he will get punch by Louis once Louis notice that Annie is not in the mansion. Frankie could image the pain that he will get on his eyes very soon. But at least his little trick got Louis running toward the mansion to meet up with the rest. Frankie eyes gazed toward the east side where he could see a light not moving while another one is running toward it direction. He swiftly ran after Louis and heading back to the mansion.
******

[Danielle Lin]

Great job Yak! Wah! So much happening in just three chapters! Omg, poor Annie! Stephen is so evil, I agree with Jeh, smash Stephen on the head, <IMG SRC="smilies/smash.gif" border="0"> Putting a pipe in Annie's mouth so she won't talk! Luckily Louis found her in time! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> I just hope Annie and B-Jai are ok!

About time! Stephen's being revealed as the evil guy!
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I wonder what the diary Steven found said, and who's familiar cloth was it? Annie's? I'll wait, and see! Great update, but update soon! Please! Keep the writing coming! lolz!
<IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

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Don't you just love these animated potatoe looking things? Hehe, sorry if they are offensive! Just tell me when to stop!

<font size="1">[ May 28, 2003: Message edited by: Danielle Lin ]</font>

[jeh]

Hey Yak, great update. I hope Annie and the baby will be okay. Evil Stephen!!! I hate him. Hope he will have a painful death. I'm so glad that Kenix found Annie. I wonder who is running toward Steven. Is it Stephen? I hooe not. Steven is annoying but I hope he won't die. I just want some type of punishment for him. I'll shut up now. Update soon.

[Yak]

Thanks for the comments! I love those animated potatoes too! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> jeh, can't promise you anything about Steven well being, <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0"> Enjoy the next chapter!

[Yak]

Chapter 54: Louis, I'm Annie...

In the master bedroom Annie scream vibrated the air as her contraction getting closer together and her pain is starting to be unbearable. Her panting illuminated the room while Nicola helps wipe her sweat away. The room is brightens up with candles everywhere flicking their flame. Kevin was crying and moaning while he lies next to Annie on the bed. No one have the time to take care of him or feed him yet. B-jai tries to entertain him, but it was no use since Kevin can't hear or see him unless he sleeps.

A bit panicking, Kenix instructed the maid, "Nikki go get the water ready and a blanket for the baby. Annie I want you to push all you can when you feel the pain okay?" She remember that how it work, at least that how her mother has explain it before. She don't remember what the hot water is for, but she remember her mom said hot water is needed.

Annie nodded with her lip pressed together instead of answering, she is in no mood to be patient and reply. "AHHH!!" her scream shook the house a bit as her two hands clenched on the blanket tightly. She pushed and it actually felt good to push. "I want to see Louis..." she wishfully murmured with her body starting to tired out and became weak. "Please get Louis for me, Kenix, please..." she begged with exhaustion and fearful eyes.

Kenix nodded, "Just hold on for a while longer Annie. I promise I'll get him for you." Nicola walked in with a shallow copper bucket of hot water, she set it on the table along with the blanket. She then headed back out again and returns with a bottle of milk for Kevin. Annie beamed over toward Nicola and Kevin, suddenly a small weak smile glow on her face.

Another pain passed by, causing Annie to bit her lower lip so hard that it cut into her skin a bit. "Louis..." she whimpered as she cry. Her eyes beamed up at the clock seeing it being almost three already. She has been in labor for over three hours already. She is tire, exhausted, and weary. She wanted Louis to be here with her, he will always know how to support her and comfort her to make her feel better.

Suddenly the doorbell rings rapidly along with heavy pounding of the front door. Both Kenix and Nicola gazed toward the bedroom door and gulped, they are worry that it was Stephen. Kenix patted Annie hand, "I'll be right back," she decide to open the door herself since Nicola is busy feeding Kevin.

Kenix rushed down the stairs in the dark. Her eyes slowly get use to the darkness and she could see shadow of furniture. She headed to the front door and peeked out from the window to make sure it not Stephen before she open up. Her face lightens up with joy immediately and quickly unlocks the door with her overexcited trembling hands. She throws her arms around Frankie and hugged him tightly, she is so grateful that he is safe. After knowing Stephen is the killer, she has been worrying about Frankie the entire time.

Louis rushed into the mansion with Frankie guiltily follow behind him after Kenix released her hug. Frankie is getting ready to block his face before he tells Louis the truth. But once Louis stepped into the mansion he heard Annie screaming in pain, his eyes were so relief with his face lightened immediately feeling so over joy to hear Annie voice again! Frankie was the one that is shocked by Annie voice, how did his lie turn into a truth? But it didn't matter, his face quickly glow with happiness.

"Why is she screaming?!" Louis urgently asked as he is running toward the stairs in the dark.

"She is in labor!" Kenix answered with her chuckling happy voice while happy tears is evident in her pair of eyes, she is so glad that both hers and Annie's husband has returned.

"LABOR?!" shouted the surprised Louis with sweep of mixed feeling of excitement and worry. He continues to run like a speedy bullet blindly aiming for the stairs.

Frankie is surprised too, "She is having a baby right at this moment?!" Kenix nodded and locked the door up again. They followed after Louis. Louis is excited and anxious, he hasn't thought that tonight is going to be the special night that he will be a father. But most of all, he is so relief to know that Annie is safe and back to him again. Frankie and Kenix followed behind him with their soft chuckling at Louis. They are amaze that Louis didn't bump into anything running so fast in the pitch darkness.

In the room, Annie moaned and cried, part of her wish that she could just not have the baby. She really wanted to see her husband and have him to be here for her. She sobbed and screamed again with a hard push. Louis paused at the doorway with a warm smile hung on his face when he saw Annie lies in bed. At that moment the sight of Annie made his heart melted in relieved, she looked just beautiful to him. Tears quickly welled in his eyes at the sight of Annie. "Honey..." his soft gentle voice echoed into the room and seem to stop every pain and thought in Annie mind and has paused time itself.

Swiftly, Annie turned toward the door, the sight of her husband bring tears to glister in her soft eyes. Is she dreaming? She wonders with disbelief. He is actually here! Louis quickly ran up to her and got on the bed to hug her so tightly that he could feel Annie heart pounding against his chest. He kissed her forehead repeatedly, he missed her so much that it hurt. His heart is quickly lightened with relief once he could seriously feel Annie in his arms.

"You scare me to death!" Louis angry voice scolded as his embrace became tighter and his voice softened lovingly, "I thought I lost you...please promise me you won't do this again. I love you Annie... I love you."

Annie speechlessly nodded with her sobbing sound, she felt so great to have him hugging her again. It felt so warm and secure again. She cried and giggled at the same time, as she begins to hiccup too. It was an emotional reunion that warmed both of their heart and soul. Annie snuggled her head on his neck and shoulder, rubbing her tears away. "I missed you..." she murmured in between tears.

Embraced her tighter, Louis nodded in agreement, "I won't let you out of my sight again..." He gently releases her and backed off a bit to stare into her eyes with his pair of watery one. Annie hasn't seen him with tears for a long time and seeing him with tears made her felt really loved cause she could see how much he cared for her and loved her. "Where have you been?!" he angrily demanded for an answer from Annie.

The weak and dependent wife leaned in to hug him tightly again, she don't want to let go of him. "Stephen has tied me up and locked me under Daai Sewl grave. I thought no one could ever find me. Louis, I thought I could never see you again... Do you know how much I missed you?" her soft sincere voice asked.

Louis face drained and he is stuck at the part where Annie said Stephen. "Stephen capture you?!" he questioned. A flame of anger was evident in his tone.

Annie fingers tightly clench on Louis wet jacket, "Oww..." she hugged him tightly as the pain passing through her body again. Louis quickly cleared his mind and focus on Annie.

"Shh...is okay..." he soothingly whisper to her ear, it seem like it helped Annie dulled down the pain a bit again. Louis rubbed her back and tried to relax her.

After the pain dulled down, Annie nodded repeatedly to Louis earlier question, "Louis, he is the one who killed Ada too."

Frankie, who stood by the door, blurted out in shock, "Is not an accident?! Why would he want to kill Ada?!" Kenix sighed with a frown as she leans in on her husband chest for comfort with her arms around his waist. She nodded to let Frankie know that what Annie said is true.

Annie loosened her hug on Louis in order to look straight into his dark disbelieve eyes showing confusion. Annie pressed her lip together and gaze at him with tears automatically welled her eyes, she just can't remove her eyes from her husband. It not until life and death situation that make her realized how much Louis meant to her. She use to think that she could let go of him if she ever have to die cause of childbirth, but now, she don't want to ever let him go. He meant too much.

Her hand reaches out to felt his cheek, "Louis, I don't want to ever leave you. I'll miss you too much." Annie knows she is weak and soft for feeling this way, but she couldn't imagine a day without Louis.

Her husband nodded but his eyes are still flaming fiercely at the idea of his butler harming his wife. He wiped the dried blood from the corner of Annie mouth and his eyes are wagered with guilty sorrow tears. How could he let Stephen mistreat his wife like this without noticing? He cupped Annie cheek with a firm voice and a drop of his tear rolled down his cheek," Did Stephen do this to you?" He gazed down at Annie lower body seeing blood soaking the blankets.

Nodded to her husband question, Annie leaned into her husband for comfort. She felt another sharp pain, but with Louis by her side she could manage to block the pain out a bit. "Louis it was never your fault, you didn't tries to poison me or harm me. I knew it all along," Annie sweet gentle voice claimed. Louis looked into Annie round eyes with puzzled expression along with his stern face still a bit daunted that Stephen would capture Annie. "The Salicylate poisoning in my dessert didn't come from you, Louis. It was Stephen all along. He tries to kill me. I found the bottle of your old medication in his room."

After inhaling in a deep breath, Annie continued, "He tries to kill me cause I'm starting to suspect him, and he also confessed that he killed Ada cause she found something in the wood. I'm betting, he feed the same medicine to Benny too, that why he have heart and lung failure when you shake him." Annie notice her husband face was darker then the storm outside but his eyes is filled with betrayal and disbelieve that Stephen would do such a thing. He has trusted Stephen his entire life; they grew up together.

Annie frowned a bit while studying Louis and noticing his silent and stern dark face. "Louis are you listening to me? It's Stephen, who has causes all of your trouble." She shuts her eyes and hugged her husband again as she felt another contraction, this time it was unbearable.

"That bastard!" it was Frankie raged voice as he pounded his fist on the door. "How could he kill Ada?! She was pregnant!" Kenix squeezed a hug on him trying to calm him down.

With still eyes, Annie studied Louis expression trying to see what her husband is thinking about. Louis gaze was icy cold as he pastes each piece of puzzle together. He was a bit suspicious of Stephen earlier, but he wouldn't think that his childhood butler and friend would betray him like this and try to harm his own wife! The more he think and allow what Annie said to sink in the more he wanted to get a hold of Stephen and make him pay.

Warmly, Annie squeezed Louis hand for attention, "Louis, you didn't kill Helen either. Stephen has confesses that he killed Helen, and he blamed on you."

Louis eyes met hers and stare at her feeling a bit overwhelm. Annie nodded to him. Louis eyes darken with his face sterns right away. His fist tightened and he hissed. "He kill Helen?!" he shouted loudly, while Annie nodded.

But it don't make sense, Louis remember that himself was the one who strangled Helen. How could it be Stephen? He shake his head, it impossible. He tries to recall, and he could remember how Helen is staring at him when he strangle her. He could see the blood from her head smearing all over the wall. He could still feel how strong her fingers were trying to remove his strong hands. He could still hear her gagging and horsed voice crying for help. It's not Stephen who kill Helen, it himself. Louis shuts his eyes tightly and tries to push the horrifying image of Helen away.

Annie carefully study her husband, she could tell that he is reliving his worst fear again by seeing Louis wrinkled and distressed expression. Tears were in Annie eyes, when she notices the sign of him letting the past take control over him again. Why can't he just let Helen go? How can he keep letting Helen take control of his life? Do he really loved Helen that much more? Annie motionlessly stares at Louis, wanting him to be more fairs to her. Cause it seems like each time Helen is brought up, Louis would forget about her. Annie hand reaches out to hold Louis hand, "Louis..."

Her distressed husband shakes his head repeatedly and frustratingly reasoning out loud, "It couldn't be, I'm the one who kill her. I could see it Annie! I'm the one who kill Helen! I could hear her pleading, but I wouldn't let go of her! I WOULDN'T LET GO OF HER!!" He started to cries in regret, Annie cried along with him. Why do he have to go through the same cycle each time?! Annie angrily thought. Louis paused with his eyes stare at Annie face, he shake his head and felt his painful headache revisited.

"No Helen is not dead yet! You're lying, no one kill Helen! She left, she left with Julian! Yes, yes, she left with Julian...she is not dead, she couldn't be dead." He grabbed his head and pounding it. Annie shakes her head at him with fear and hopelessness, he can't change his personality now, she prayed to the lord. Frankie, Kenix, and Nicola eyes were widen at Louis with puzzle to what is going on. They have no idea what he is talking about.

Firmly pulled Louis hand away from his head, Annie darted into his eyes demandingly, "NO! Louis you listen to me! Helen is dead! I don't care anymore, you can't keep doing this to yourself and me! You heard me?! She is dead and you didn't kill her! Stephen did! It Stephen, Louis! It Stephen!" With a frown, she place Louis hand on her cheek, "Please don't do this to me now... I need you, you hear me?!"

Confusedly, Louis gazed into Annie eyes, "Helen?" He shook his head, "No...it's Annie...no..." He motionlessly looked at Annie with confused mind. He has trouble from telling the different and he couldn't control himself. "Helen," he finally decides Annie is Helen after a long pause.

It scared Kenix and Frankie to see Louis gaze being really strange. "Annie, what is wrong with him?" Kenix asked as she walked closer with Frankie wanting to protect Annie cause Louis looks like he is out of it.

"Stay away!" Annie distressingly shouted toward Kenix, she don't want anything to trigger Louis. She wetted her lip nervously, how could this be happening to her? She wondered unfairly. She gazed into her husband eyes with her watery one that wanted Louis to treat her more fairly, she is tire of how Helen can easily interfere between them. "NO!" she firmly answer Louis with her widen eyes darted at him. "I'm Annie! Helen is dead Louis, you can't keep living in your past! I'm the one who need you now! I'm Annie! Don't you dare call me by her name again!"

Feeling emotionally hopeless and stressed out, Annie begins to silently cries and turned into a sob then into a louder cry of hurtfulness that Louis would turn on her like this. She doesn't understand why he has to make her suffer through this cycle with him each time. Frankie, Kenix, and Nicola wanted to calm her down, but they didn't dare to speak up, since they don't know what is going on. Annie cry filled the silent room and she feeling really weary and weak. She took in a deep breath and releases it trying to calm herself down for the baby sake. But she couldn't stand Louis quietness anymore. It made her felt a bit abandoned and not loved.

Louis couldn't control himself from feeling lost and confuse. This psychological problem of his has been trapped in his mind for over six years, it not easy for him to pull himself together. He murmured to himself still lost in his state of mind, "Helen...no..."

Distressed with frustration at her husband, Annie hissed with anger, she is definitely not in the mood to deal with him anymore. "Ahhhh..." she moaned in pain when another contraction hit her. After it died down she darted at her husband with anger, how could think about another woman in this time?! With a jealous angry pout, Annie pushed him away with all of her strength. "Go away, I hate you! Go back to Helen if you want, I don't care..." she sobbed with her broken heart.

"You don't love me...you never love me...you wouldn't do this to me, if you love me..." Annie teary voice mumbled depressingly. "You only love me because I look like Helen! I'm tire! I'm tire of this..." her cry became louder and she started to pant. She felt her heart crushed into million of pieces. Because of her stress, she could feel the contraction became stronger and at a faster interval. "Oww...I hate you..." she murmured angrily at her husband.

Motionlessly, Louis looks at Annie. He don't know what is happening anymore. But seeing Annie cry like this made his heart melted and he tries to fight his way back, searching for himself again. His hand slowly reached out toward Annie and cupped her face, he sweeps his thumb over Annie cheek attempting to wipe her tears away. "I'm sorry..." he whispered with guilt and pain filled heart.

Clenched on her belly, Annie started to feel short of breath. Her head leaned on Louis with eyes shuts tightly, "I'm Annie, Louis; I'm Annie. Helen no longer exist...you got to get that straight." She started to hyperventilate, breathing became a bit labored and she could feel her heart racing nervously. Her hand grabs hold of Louis hand and held it securely. She pleaded, "Please don't give up on me now, Louis. Please don't tell me you don't love me. I don't want to be just a replacement..." her voice trailed off as she moaned, her entire body felt like it no longer hers, she felt like she is torn into million of pieces.

Louis could feel Annie body limped and her hand is getting really chilly. Fear shook through his body and help guided his mind back to what he really wanted and what his true worst fear are. He remembers how scare and frightful he was when he couldn't find Annie earlier. He remembers how good and wonderful it felt like when he see her again and have her in his arms. Louis sincerely looked at his wife and saw beady sweat on her face, she is in pain, but most of all, he could see the disappointment in Annie eyes.

It made him felt guilty to see those set of eyes. But he is clear now, that the person in front of him is Annie. The one that is most important to him, the one that he never wants to lose no matter what. He shook his head at Annie. With his sincere soft voice filled with emotion, "Annie you are not a replacement. I know I have made you feel insecure, but I really do love you. I remember Helen and missed her cause I felt guilty and regretted what I have done to her. But you, you are different Annie. I was so lost when I thought I never see you again. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't find you tonight..." He squeezed a tight hug on Annie, "I'm sorry honey, I don't mean to make you suffer. Please be okay, I can't live without you. I can't...I really can't Annie."

With sweaty forehead, Annie smiled weakly hearing her husband calling her name again and stated that he loved her for her. Annie nodded with sniffling sound but she felt so much better knowing that he loves her. "Trust me Louis, you didn't do anything. You didn't kill Helen, you didn't kill B-jai, you didn't try to poison me. Stephen admitted that he killed Helen and just leads you into believing that you did it. It's not your fault at all. Please don't blame yourself anymore. I know you love Helen the most, but she is dead and that is reality. Don't trap yourself in it, Louis. Promise me, Louis; forget about Helen."

The other three in the room just silently listened with confusion but tears were in their eyes seeing and hearing the dialog between the husband and wife. B-jai is listening intensively cause his mother is being mention, but he is too naive to understand much on what they are talking about.

Louis nodded with tears rolling off his chin and onto Annie hands as he sniffed a bit. "I promise. Sorry, Annie. I know, I haven't been fair to you. I'm sorry," he apologized. He could feel Annie hand starting to feel icy and her lip is whiten. "Why are you so cold?" he asked in a fearful stressed voice. "It okay, you'll be fine, I won't let anything happen to you." He scooted himself behind Annie and let her lean on his chest. His hand is rubbing Annie hand to make it warm again. Kenix walked up to help cover Annie with more blankets. "Please be okay Annie. I can't lose you. I love you the most Annie, not Helen." Annie smiled and sniffed as she moaned to the persisting pain. Louis pounded the bed angrily seeing her suffering, "I'm going beat the hell out of him for doing this to you!"

Annie snuggled the side of her head on Louis chest, "I'm cold Louis." Louis hugged her tighter with tears washing his face.

"The baby is coming. Louis, Frankie why don't both of you step out of the room first and let Annie concentrate on delivering the baby first," Kenix suggested.

Quickly with fearful mind, Annie shake her head with her hand tightly holding to Louis, "No, Louis..."

Her husband nodded to her reassuringly, "Don't worry, I won't leave you, we'll go through this together. You need to be strong. I need you." Annie nodded with a painful expression on her face as she pressed her abdominal. His hand soothingly rubbing her belly as Annie pushed hard and cried. "Just keep pushing honey, you could do it."

Frankie turned to his wife, "I'll wait outside. I wonder what take Steven so long to return, maybe I should go find him and get him back."

Kenix shake her head with her eyes darted at him, "No!" She doesn't want Frankie to get back out there again, especially with Stephen being out there. "Steven will get back himself." Kenix walked her husband out of the room. Nicola walked out with Kevin too. Seeing everyone walking out, B-jai followed along knowing he should leave his daddy and Annie alone.

"You just sit here and stay put, I'll get Annie baby delivered first. Then we can go find Steven together. Promise me, you can't leave me here alone," Kenix requested. Frankie sighed and nod, Steven should be safe since there is no reason for Stephen to kill him.
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