Maxine's Pov:
I stood behind the door in fear and listened to them.
"Before you take Maxine away, you'll have to kill me", I heard Noah say, and my heart skipped.
What????
Oh my God! What's he doing?
I looked through the keyhole and saw the police officers all staring at him, dumbfounded.
"Mr Noah..." One of them called.
"We really hope you're not trying to cause a fight here".
"Well, who's with the gun?" Noah replied, and they looked at each other.
"And what makes you think I abducted her?" He further asked.
"I only saved her from the people she calls family. How does it look like abduction?"
"From her family?" I heard my uncle ask.
"What're you talking about? You barged into my house with some men and guns and forcefully took her away. So, how's that not an abduction?"
"You've been treating her like a slave, so stop calling her your niece!" Noah rasped.
"If you're really here to take her away, then you must've explained to the police how you lock her up and beat her like a slave".
"Mr Noah, please," one of the policemen said.
"We'd want to continue this conversation at the station. But for now, where's the lady?"
"I'm here", I suddenly said as I opened the door and walked out.
Gosh! I had no idea where I got the courage, but at that point, I just felt I needed to do something.
I walked out, and their faces beamed on seeing me. Even Noah turned to spare me a stare.
"Maxine!" My uncle called.
"She's the one! Maxine, come over here!"
"I'm not coming back to you, uncle", I said - nervously.
His jaw dropped.
"I can't come back to you - not after all you've made me pass through".
"Miss Maxine", one of the policemen called.
"What are you talking about? What has he..."
"Officers", I cut in.
"I...I really appreciate the help, but I want you to know I've chosen to stay here with Mr Noah. He saved me from my family, who've only treated me as an enslaved person and made me pass through hell. I've always prayed for an opportunity to get away from them. And fortunately, Mr Noah learnt the truth and saved me from them. So please, I'd very much love to stay here".
"Maxine!" My uncle called, making me flinch.
"What the hell are you talking about?? Get over here now! Just admit it, he's forcing you to say all these, right? He's forcing you!"
"I'm not forced by anyone, uncle! I'm not, please," I replied and turned to the officers.
"Officers, I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and I've chosen to stay here with Mr Noah because my family only maltreats me at home. Please, officers. Don't force me to go back to hell".
A stunned silence set in as even Uncle's face turned sour.
The police men looked at each other.
"I guess you've heard her", Noah said calmly.
"Now, if you force her to go back to him, I'll make sure you all lose your job. Besides, I don't think it's stated in any part of the constitution that a lady above 18 is bound to live with her guardians".
Next, he turned to me.
"Let's go in", he said evenly and started walking into the house.
I gave my uncle and the police officers one nervous stare and also went in.
*
*
I stood by the window and watched my uncle and the police officers leave.
Oh my gee! They left! We did it!
"That was awesome," I heard Noah say from behind, and I turned to see him coming towards me.
Oh.
I bent my head shyly.
"You did a great job defending yourself. Never thought you could do that," he added, and my cheeks flushed.
"Thanks", I muttered.
Well, I hope my uncle doesn't come back for more.
"The maids will serve you breakfast soon. I need to go somewhere, and when I'm back, we'll get you new clothes. And... regarding your school, I've ordered new uniforms and books for you, and they should be ready by evening. So, take care for now," he explained and walked out before I could say anything.
Hmm. The whole thing just left me speechless.
*
*
Noah's Pov:
I sat in the car, smiling to myself as I drove along
Hm. That was quite brave of her - never thought she could stand up for herself.
I was beginning to get upset about that character of hers already. Well, thank God she proved me wrong.
That family of hers are
unbelievable. I can't believe he actually involved the police, all in the name of claiming her back.
Hm. Desperation. I'm not sure what their problem is. Why's he so bent on getting her back when they only treat her like a slave? Could it be they enjoy watching her suffer?
My phone started ringing, and I checked to see it was Mum
Yeah - perfect.
I picked it up immediately and put it on speaker.
Mum, I called.
Noah, where are you?" She asked warmly
I'm on my way already. I'll be there soon"
Okay; I'm waiting"
And she ended the call.
Hm. I wonder why she and Dad are calling for me. Probably it's because of Maxine. Of course.
I trust they'll take my word and not make a big deal out of it.
*
I drove for a long time and after a while, finally arrived at the mansion.
The gate was opened swiftly for me, and I drove in, parked in the garage, then stepped out of the car.
I looked around.
Hm. Nothing's changed - I guess.
I took in a deep breath and proceeded to the house to see mum and dad.
But unfortunately, I met someone else.
Yeah - unfortunately, because he always ruins my mood.
Rex.
He was walking and using his phone, but stopped upon seeing me.
"Hey", he chuckled.
"Big...brother. What're you doing here? Seems someone decided to pay us a visit".
I scoffed a bit.
"Yeah - hi," I mumbled, trying to ignore him by walking away.
"You left her all alone at home?" He asked, and I turned to look at him.
"You've got a problem with that?" I asked.
"Whoa! Why are you acting like you didn't steal her from me?" He laughed.
"Anyway, enjoy your time," he added, and walked out. I shook my head and proceeded to the house.
Jerk.
*
*
Rex's Pov:
Perfect!!
F**king perfect!!
Oh! Noah, you have no idea how happy you've made me this morning.
I rushed into my room and got some tools. I hid them properly, rushed out to the garage where his car was parked, made sure no one was watching, and punched the tyres.
Yeah! Perfect.
I brought out my phone and dialled the leader's line.
Better pick up!
It rang for a long time, but luckily he picked up just before it ended.
Boss," he called.
Hey, hope you're ready? My brother's here now, and I just punched his tyre. So, he'll definitely have a flat tyre on his way home, and that'll be the perfect time to carry out the job. Don't disappoint me"
Sure, sure. Of course, boss. Consider it done".
And I ended the call.
Perfect.
Next, I reached for my car, got in, and started the engine.
It turned on, and I smiled as I started driving out of the compound, headed for Naoh's house.
I'm coming for you, Maxine.
Today's gonna be the best day of my life.
Time for payback.