CHAPTER SEVEN

She twisted the key into the lock and pushed the door slightly open, but suddenly stopped, feeling something under her foot.

It was a piece of paper.

She bent down to pick it up, revealing a message that sent chills down her spine.

"Anna Robert...You interviewed me today. If you dare, find me."

Ahe gasped as the realization hit her – one of the students she had interviewed earlier that day had left this mysterious note.

The question haunted her: who could it be?

***

Anna lovingly prepared Richard's favorite meal, a delightful mix of yam porridge and vegetables.

She sat with Jessica, watching SpongeBob, her heart filling with joy when Richard finally came home.

The day had felt long without him, and she eagerly rushed to greet him, helping with his bag and sharing a tender kiss.

Their daughter Jessica couldn't hide her excitement, welcoming her father with open arms.

Anna placed Richard's bag in the wardrobe and turned to him with a warm smile as he entered the room.

Gently, she helped him with his tie and said, "I made your favorite."

Richard thanked her with a smile, but it felt forced.

Sensing his mood, Anna asked, "Is something bothering you, my king?"

"Why didn't you tell me about Fred?" His voice was stern but soft.

She was shocked and wondered how he found out.

He cleared his throat as he took off his shirt. "My mum brought soup to my office, and I wanted to share it with you. But when I got to Saint High, I saw Frederick Solomon. He saw me before I could leave, so I decided to park. He told me that you two were going to catch the serial killer together."

She gasped, now realizing . "He didn't tell me he saw you."

"Was that why you were so determined to work at Saint High? Because Fred was there?"

She was angry at his assumption. "Why on earth would I do that? I didn't even know I had a partner!"

"What do you expect me to think? You didn't even tell me as soon as you found out. If you were me, what would you think, huh? He was your ex-boyfriend! Every husband would feel the way I do."

He sighed, frustrated.

Tears filled her eyes. "You had great confidence in my love for you, Richard."

"Do you even love me?"

"Do I love you? I gave up hacking because of you!"

"No, it was because of our daughter!"

"No, it was because of you! If it was out of fear, I would have just been more careful and kept doing it. If it was because of fear, I wouldn't be doing this job for Theresa right now. But I saw how happy you were seeing me at home when you got back from work. I was a career woman before you married me, and you know that! I stayed at home for three years! Sometimes I felt useless, but I kept it to myself! Now, for the first time in a long while, I want to feel useful again, and it's now a problem because those children aren't related to us?"

"Why does everything you value so much have to be risky? Did you tell me you wanted to work in our organization, and I refused? I love you so much, Anna. I wouldn't deny you anything that makes you happy, but not something that could put your life and Jessica's in danger! You two are the most important people in my life! When will you understand that?"

"Richard, if you really love me, you'll give me a chance to prove myself at Saint High. Just give me this chance."

He grudgingly walked out of the room.