CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Ryan visited Jerome, saying, "Hey, bro!" Jerome returned the greeting.

Ryan asked, "Why didn't you mention me as part of your team?"

Jerome clarified, "You weren't working for me; you were just providing information."

Ryan nodded, "I knew you were someone to trust, Jerome."

Meanwhile, in the prison, inmates were buzzing about the bullies Jerome had defeated. They praised Jerome for standing up to the bullies, who had been tormenting everyone.

The bullies, now subdued, sat in a corner, seething with anger, but powerless to do anything.

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Two years later, and on a sunny Sunday, Jerome walked out of the prison gates, finally a free man. He wore simple, modest clothes and took a deep breath of fresh air, savoring his newfound freedom.

Jerome had been granted early release for good behavior, serving only two years of his five-year sentence. As he stepped into the bright sunlight, he thought of Ava and how he wanted to surprise her, knowing she wouldn't be working on a Sunday.

Ava slept soundly, exhausted from working on numerous cases. Her legs were sprawled out, and her hands were tossed aside. Suddenly, a knock at the door disrupted her peaceful slumber.

In her dream, Ava and Jerome were about to share a kiss when the knock interrupted them. Ava's dream self was annoyed, wondering who could be disturbing them.

Back in reality, the knocking persisted, growing louder and more insistent. Ava's eyes slowly opened, and she heard the knock again. She assumed it might be Kira playing a prank on her.

Ava got out of bed and approached the door cautiously. She checked the peephole, but there was no one in sight. Perplexed, she decided to open the door to investigate.

As she swung the door open, she expected to see no one. But instead, a leg blocked the door, and Jerome's face came into view. Ava's eyes widened in shock.

"Jerome, did you escape?" Ava asked, alarm creeping into her voice.

Jerome reassured her, "I didn't escape. I was granted early freedom due to good behavior."

Ava's expression changed from worry to surprise. "Wait, you don't mean it?"

Jerome smiled. "What did we discuss about me? Becoming a better person for you, right?"

Ava nodded, still in disbelief.

Jerome continued, "Escaping would do me no good. I'm here to start anew."

Ava's face lit up with joy, and she started screaming with excitement. Jerome swept her off her feet, embracing her warmly.

"I've missed you, my lovely," Jerome whispered.

Ava's voice trembled with happiness. "I've missed you too."

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Jerome and Ava lounged in bed, their upper bodies naked, with Ava's head resting on Jerome's chest. They had clearly spent an intimate afternoon together.

Jerome spoke up, "You know, it's probably best if you move in with me."

Ava lifted her head, curious. "Why's that?"

Jerome explained, "You mentioned your landlord's been asking for rent, and you're short on cash. My place has plenty of rooms."

Ava declined, "No, I'm not moving in."

Jerome asked, "Why not?"

Ava smiled mischievously. "By the way, do you know I've been taking care of your house while you were away?"

Jerome's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

Ava nodded. "Yes, I've been hiring cleaners and using my own money to keep your place tidy."

Jerome's expression softened, touched by Ava's thoughtfulness.

Jerome smiled. "So, in a nutshell, you want me to reimburse you for taking care of my house?"

Ava nodded firmly. "Yes, you're going to pay me back. I deserve it."

Jerome chuckled. "Of course, you deserve it."

Jerome yawned, "I'm feeling a bit sleepy."

Ava nodded understandingly, knowing he hadn't been sleeping well in prison. "Okay, I'll go prepare some lunch for us."

As Ava left the room, Jerome's eyelids grew heavy, and he finally closed his eyes, a faint smile on his face.

Ava returned to the kitchen, thinking to herself, "He's finally free, and earlier than expected." She began preparing lunch, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the room.

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Kira called her friend ava, and as soon as ava picked up, kira exclaimed, "Hey, friend! How are you doing?"

Ava's voice was filled with excitement. "I'm the happiest person on earth!"

kira's curiosity was piqued. "Why?"

Ava revealed, "Jerome was released from prison!"

kira couldn't believe it. "You don't mean it! Seriously, I thought he was supposed to serve a five-year sentence."

Ava explained, "Yes, but he was granted an early release."

kira squealed with delight. "Oh, come on, girl! I'm so happy for you!"

Ava laughed, "Like, I'm happy for myself too! You don't know how much I missed his touch, his smell."

kira confessed, "You know what? I'm envious of you."

Ava asked, "Why?"

kira replied, "Because it's so rare to see a guy willing to change for the better just to start a new life with you."

Ava sighed, "Oh, that's the power of love. That's what love can do. I'm sure God was on his side and gave him a second chance."

kira smiled, "Whatever. I just know I'm going to find someone who'll love me better."

Ava reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll put that in my prayers for you."

Kira teased, "Prayers? Do you even pray?"

Ava joked, "Are you kidding me right now?"

kira asked, "So, where's Prince Charming? What's he doing?"

Ava replied, "He's in my room, sleeping. I'm preparing lunch for both of us."

kira laughed, "Ah, thank goodness I didn't come over without telling you! Maybe I would've seen a naked man or something!"

Both friends laughed, and ava said, "I'll call you back later. Let me attend to my man."

kira joked, "ava,are you trying to make me jealous now?"

Ava apologized, "Sorry!"

They both laughed again before ending the call.

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David's lifeless body lay in his house, brutally stabbed multiple times. The scene was gruesome, with blood splattered everywhere.

David, a rival executive at TM Corporation,who had been vying with Julian for the CEO position. Now, his lifeless body lay in his house, a victim of murder.

His girlfriend, visiting to see him, stumbled upon the gruesome scene. She stood frozen in horror, her eyes fixed on David's body. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality and quickly called the police, raising the alarm.

"911, what's your emergency?" the operator asked.

The girlfriend's voice trembled as she replied, "My boyfriend... he's dead. Someone's killed him!"