Page 47 of Deadline for Love

My eyes widened in shock. Amara didn’t even know about our plan yet, and it would get me into trouble if she found out about it from someone else.

“Wait, Aicha!” I said, but it was all over because she ignored me and started talking loudly to Amara.

“Hey, is it true that Bella has a boyfriend and is getting married?”

I hit my head with both hands and pulled my hair slightly, knowing exactly what would happen. Nia just gave me an apologetic look, pointed at the camera again briefly, and then left.

I was alone and could only hope Amara would play along.

The tension in my body was rising... Aicha was short with her answers, but judging by the look on her face, she looked more skeptical than usual.

Once she ended the call, she stared at me for a long time.

“So... Amara paired you up?” she asked after a long hesitation.

I just nodded cautiously, not knowing what Amara told her.

“Then congratulations, my dear. But don’t rush into marriage. No matter how charming and handsome he is, take your time.”

Her words touched me deeply, and I felt a little guilty for lying to her, but it was probably for the best that only a few people knew what was actually going on.

“Thanks, Aicha, but don’t worry. Nathan is great,” I replied, completely sincerely. “He’s really good to me.”

Aicha smiled gently and nodded. “Then I hope he’ll always be good to you.”

She returned to her seat, and then we both returned to work. But when I felt my phone vibrate several times, I had to pause my task momentarily.

Amara

Call me immediately!

I left you alone for two days, and suddenly you’re getting married?

What happened?

How come I don’t know anything?

Call me!

The fact that Amara was already freaking out in her messages made me nervous. I wanted to keep her entirely out of all this because she needed to take care of herself. She was too sensitive, and if I told her I was provoking the sender... stalker... murderer, or whatever, I could hardly imagine the worries she would have. However, I had to explain it all, or else she would worry too— Man… what a load of shit.

I can explain everything— I’ll call you after work.

I clicked off the message and then sighed loudly. Somehow, my life had been turned upside down, and I couldn’t do anything about it...

I finished everything by the deadline but still sat at the desk working on the interview requests. Aicha had long since returned home, and I was alone in the office until my boss suddenly appeared.

“Bella, it’s good you’re still here. I got an email, and I want you to interview the families involved in the case tomorrow. After reading your last articles, they contacted us, and both families are now willing. I want you and Nia on it.”

He put a note on my desk and stared at me for a long time. James had shaved off his beard and looked more put together than usual. He was also wearing a tie properly today, which wasn’t typical.

“I want you to stay on this story, but why don’t you take the day off. Tomorrow’s interviews aren’t until the afternoon, so you’ll have time to rest.”

Wow, James thought of me for once. What a surprise. I tried to stop myself from rolling my eyes, which I somehow managed to do. “I’ll do my best.”

He nodded. “Good, call it a day then.”

“I’ll just finish this task, and then I’ll leave. But James, I have one request…”

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