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n

nOne by one the others started to leave the garden and the place became silent.

n

"I talked to her recently, but she didn't mention calling me. So she called?

" Jerlina decided to speak her mind. These past few months had entirely destabilized her. A lot has happened around her while she was totally ignorant.

n

"Yes, there were some ten or so missed calls and she even went to your apartment-

"

n

"Why wasn't I informed...

" Jerlina wanted to raise her voice, but she held back to not scare the baby.

n

"You weren't informed? You were trying hard to escape, not believing the threat on your life. Even Bobby got angry by your antics. Do you know how you were hunted a month back? The Shard Viper's people roamed around the streets with military-grade weapons and they had orders to kill you on sight. Even law enforcement officers were spying on behalf of him...

"

nScarlett got close to Jerlina and whispered,

"Jerry wanted to keep this from you, but... one university student was killed with twenty-one bullets to her chest just because she looked like you... she was torn to pieces...anyone with blonde hair was a target then...Jerry had to call people in the higher places and made the death of that girl a bigger issue. You can check the news. It's everywhere. Only when the federal bureau got involved, the Shard Viper retreated. I've seen a lot and I've never seen someone getting hunted this fervently.

"

n

"Wha-

" Jerlina went pale as she couldn't believe what she is hearing.

nWhy am I getting hunted this much?

n

"But why... who wants me dead?

" Jerlina asked.

nScarlett shrugged.

"We can't figure it out. But a lot of money should be involved for the viper to hiss this much... Don't be scared. Jerry will protect you,

" She added seeing Jerlina's pale face.

"I heard lately everything is very silent. I don't know if Volkonsky got involved. But still, you should be vigilant.

"

nJerlina bowed her head and her hands shook. She didn't think Scarlett is lying. She can always check the news as she says.

nMy life is in great danger and others got hurt because of me? And did TJ ask Volkonsky's help for me? Is that why I can walk around freely now?

n

"So you didn't disclose my whereabouts to anyone, even to Hanna...

" She said after composing herself.

n

"Yes, I was the one who answered her when she planned on going to the cops. I told her that you were safe and asked her not to talk about it ever. Not only her, Patrick Davies, the old lady living next to you, and quite a few started looking for you. Jerry had to spread rumors that no one looked for you for the safety of those who were involved with you since even they were watched by Viper's people. It was horrible for everyone since... as I said, even Jerry and Bobby never faced such terrible dangers to their life and they've done pretty deserving sh*t.

"

nJerlina's eyes clouded. Amidst the truths that surrounded her like dark clouds, she had a gentle ray of sunshine that brought her some relief. She was relieved to know that there were people who looked for her. People who truly love her like her uncle and some people she smiled at in the passing like her neighbor, missed her presence.

nAnd TJ and his people... although they had no obligation to protect me, did so, just for TJ's word.

nAll the while I was wallowing in self-pity, I had many people who cared for me and worked hard for my safety...I was never forgotten or forsaken!

nBut did Emma know or did she lie to me purposefully?

n

"Emma...did she by any chance...

"

nScarlett looked at her and for Jerlina it seemed like she was judging her. Scarlett knows she has bad blood with Emma and it might seem petty for her if she asks about Emma after she talked about other important things.

nBut for Jerlina it was not a petty thing. Emma's words pushed her to the extreme and even without caring for her baby she almost...

nJerlina wondered if Emma purposefully lied and left the knife there.

nBut she won't go to that extreme, right?

nScarlett was doubtful by Jerlina bringing up Emma now. Charlie told them that Emma visited Jerlina the day she escaped and Jerremy was asking a lot of questions about that day. She saw a head of brown hair hiding behind the tree they are under.

nThat's so classy of you to eavesdrop, Jerry!

nScarlett wanted to out Jeremy, but she decided to use this chance. Bobby said they aren't on good terms and that she didn't even look after Jerry when he had a fever, while he has done a lot for her.

nShe knew how much Jerry loves Jerlina but they are not communicating well. Emma had played a big role in it and talking to her might expose Emma in front of Jerry.

n

"Emma knew your friends were looking for you and she was asked to keep your location a secret,

" Scarlett gave a detailed answer since she wasn't sure how long Jeremy was there.

n

"She knew and yet she...Ouch!

"

nThe baby had her hands tangled in Jerlina's hair and started to pull her hair. Her grip was tight and she didn't let go. Jerlina felt like her head would split in half with the pain she felt.

n

"Wait... wait... let me help... Cia, let go...

"

nScarlett spoke in a soft voice and tried to get Jerlina's hair free from the baby's grip.

n

"I'm sorry... It should hurt...

" Scarlett was apologetic and Jerlina waved her hand.

n

"It's fi-

"

nBefore she finished, tears started flowing from Jerlina's eyes.

n

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry...

" Scarlett apologized and tried to get her hair out of the baby's grip.

n

"No... It's not that...

" Jerlina's tears didn't stop flowing.

nJeremy wanted to check how Jerlina is doing when he returned. He thought she'd be cooped up in his room, but he was relieved to see her with others. She then started talking with Scarlett and out of curiosity he came here and did something so unbecoming of a gentleman.

nScarlett was explaining the danger she has and he was relieved. But as he was about to leave, Jerlina brought up Emma and so he got rooted to the spot. He wanted to know why Jerlina cannot forgive Emma.

nWhen she started crying, he wanted to help. But she...

n

"She said I have nobody...

" Jerlina started to sob and Scarlett got the last bunch of hair from the baby's hand and got her from Jerlina's hand.

n

"...Emma... she said no one misses me and... I believed her... I had no one and I was caged... the knife... I almost... I forgot I had him for a moment... Scarlett...

" Jerlina spoke amongst sobs,

"My baby left me because I didn't care for his life, didn't he... he left me because I was a bad mother... he didn't forgive me and left me...

"

n

"Oh, dear, no! Don't say that!

"

nScarlett hugged her leaving the baby on the blanket.

n