Maxine's Pov:
My eyes dilated in shock as I stared at the tiny, glittering ring before me, a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief that made my heart race.

At that moment, I felt numb and couldn't comprehend what was going on.

What was happening? Was I dreaming or something? 

Is Noah actually...

No; this is probably a dream.

"Maxine", his cold voice broke into my thoughts, and I shivered.

My legs wobbled as I suddenly felt a strong surge of energy. 

I was confused and perplexed. 

What's happening? How can Noah ask me to marry him? 

I mean...how? Why?

"What do you think?" He asked as he turned the ring properly to face me, but I still couldn't find the right words to say.
I was overly shocked. 

"I..." I tried to speak out but kept my lips shut in confusion.

He sighed and held my hand.

"I understand how you feel, Maxine. And I completely understand if it's coming as a shock to you. It's just that...the need is kinda urgent. My dad - he wants me to get married urgently to claim the company and...the truth is - I'm not in any relationship at the moment. And there isn't a single lady on earth that's on my mind right now for marriage.

"But, I've got just a few days left and...I've observed you for some days now and gotten to know you're a nice lady. So... I was hoping you'd... you know? Marry me," he said, and I scoffed ruefully.

"Anyway, I understand if you need some time to think about it. I mean, definitely, you should need some time. You barely know me. So...I'll just wait for your response," he concluded and closed the box, fixing it back into his trouser pocket.

Oh, goodness!

A tear threatened to drop, but I batted it back, not wanting to weep at that moment. I couldn't understand what was going on. 

Did Noah really ask me to marry him? Like...become his wife?

But... It's just because of the company?

Oh, God!

"I um...I'll just see the doctor", he said as he stood on his feet, and I just muttered an "okay" before he left.
*
*
Ruby's Pov:
Tammy and I waited anxiously in the dark, unkempt room, and not long after, the door opened, and Mum was brought in, chained like criminals.

Oh my God!

"Mum!" Tammy called immediately and sprang to her feet, but the policemen beside us didn't let her go any closer.

I tapped her to sit, and she did. 

"Mom", she winced as they were made to sit in front of us, a table separating us.

"My babies", she cooed and touched our cheeks.
"How're you doing?"

"Where's dad?" I asked, looking behind.

"He's still in his cell - I guess. They couldn't bring both of us out of the cell," she replied, and Tammy covered her mouth with her palm and wept.

"What the hell happened, Mum? Why are you locked here? Are the rumours true?" I asked tearfully, but she couldn't reply as she just bent her head in sombre.

Oh God!

"Did you really do it? D..did you really kill Maxine's parents?" I asked again, and she sniffed and lifted her head to look at me.

"Don't worry, dear. All your questions will be answered in court. But for now, I just need you two to take care of yourselves. And don't worry, we'll definitely get out of this," she said.

"But how...?" Tammy squealed and burst into more tears.
"What if you're unable to win the case, Mum? You might get stuck in jail".

"Don't worry, Ruby. It won't get to that".

"Your time is up", one of the policemen said in a hard voice, and I shot him a stare.

"Come on, officer. It isn't like she's going back to the cell to cook or something. Let's just spend a little more time together" Tammy pouted and held Mum's hand.

"That's enough. Come on," another officer said as he came close and gripped Mum's hand.

"Don't worry, girls. Everything will be fine. I promise," she said ruefully as the policemen took her away.

"Mum! No!" Tammy cried and hugged me.
*
*
She kept crying all the way home - on the streets, in the cab and the rest of the walk home.

I was holding her the whole time and kept consoling her. I mean, that was all I could do at that moment - being her eldest.

Surprisingly, when we got to the gate of the house, we found the gateman sitting on the floor.

Huh? What's going on?

We hastened our pace and reached him.

"Hey, what's wrong? Why are you here?" I asked immediately, and he shook his head and stood up.

'Some authorities had shown up while you were away and locked up the house. They said it's now in Maxine's possession," he explained, and I flinched.

What??
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
Hours later, I returned home with Noah since the doctor said I was good to go, and I didn't really like the idea of staying in the hospital after all.

"Maxine!" Charlene called and ran to me as soon as we stepped into the house.

"Hey", I chuckled and exchanged a brief hug with her.

"It worked, didn't it?" She asked with a smile, and I nodded.

Then, she embraced me again.

"Sorry about this.. And sorry I couldn't make it to the hospital. You know my condition", she said.

"Yes, yes. It's fine. You don't need to worry about it".

"Come on, Maxine", Noah said and accompanied me to my room.

"You know what the doctor said. You need a lot of rest," he told me as he helped me sit on the bed.

"Yeah...thanks".

I sat up and leaned my back on the wall.

"I'll get you some coffee", he further said, and I nodded before he left the room.

I took in a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling. 

Oh, God!

Finally, it's almost over. And all that'll be left to do is get them kicked in jail for the rest of their miserable life.

But Oscar...
I just pray the police find him soon.

After a while, Noah returned with the cup of hot coffee and sat in front of me on the bed.

"Here. If it's too hot, you let me know", he said as he handed it carefully to me, and I sipped from it.

Ouch! It was quite hot.

I blew air into it and in a short time, it was moderate.

"So...what would you want for dinner?" He asked, and I quickly thought about it.
Am I even having an appetite?

"Um....I don't know for now. Maybe I'll decide after this coffee," I replied, and he nodded and watched me gulp down the rest of the coffee.

When I was done, he collected the cup from me and was about to stand up when I suddenly held him back.

His lashy eyes bored into mine.

"Is...there a problem?" He asked, and I nodded, then shook my head afterwards.

"I just..." 
I paused and bit my lower lip.
"About your proposal, it's urgent, right?"

"Um...yeah. It is. I've got just a few days left," he replied, now seeming interested.

Oh! Maxine.

"Do you have something to say?" he jerked me out of my thoughts, and I bit my lip again.

"Actually, I...

"I just wanted to say...I'll do it. I mean...I'll marry you". I replied nervously.