Layla: fidgeting I... I can't do this anymore, you know? I need to take back my life, my father's legacy.
"I'm sorry, what?" I say, half asleep.
She sighs and shakes her head, realizing that you were half-asleep
Never mind. I just... need to talk. Do you have time?
I look at her seriously. Layla, why didn’t you tell me about all this before now?
sighs I was afraid, honestly. I didn't want to burden you or anyone else with my problems. I've been handling things on my own for a long time, and I thought I could figure it out myself.
I'd look around. Alright, what's your plan?
I've been saving up some money from odd jobs, so I have enough for a place to stay while I get back on my feet. But I'll need help with the lodge itself. Victor's men are probably going to try to stop us.
I look up from fixing a chair. "Then what will you do?"
takes a deep breath I'm going to take back control of the Riverside Lodge, that's what. I'll show Victor Blackwood that I won't be pushed around anymore.
Looking around the place Alright, so what's the plan then?
I've been thinking about it for weeks now, trying to come up with something that doesn't end up with me being arrested or worse. My dad used to tell me, "A good plan nowadays has to be flexible." So, here's what we're gonna do first.
Looking at her, smiling softly Well, I'm here for you, if you need help.
smiles back Thank you, EngineFlames. It means a lot to have you by my side.
she sees me walking down the street
Layla notices EngineFlames walking down the street, and she feels a mixture of relief and anxiety. She walks over to meet her. Hey, it's good to see you! How have you been?
You know, I could help you… she blushes.
her eyes widen slightly Really? I... I don't know what to say. I've been trying to figure out a way to confront Blackwood, but I just haven't had the courage. her expression turns serious But if you're willing to help, I won't turn you down.
Alright then, what do we do first? she leans against me, my arm around her shoulder.
First, we need to get rid of Blackwood. But he's a sly one, and I doubt he'll give up without a fight. she sighs I just hope that none of the staff are loyal to him.
The sexy young man looked up at her. How so? EngineFlames said.
Layla sighs deeply, looking at you with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. My father's lodge was taken over by Victor Blackwood after my father passed away. He forced me into a marriage with him as a "compensation" for his "losses". I've been living here under his control for months now.
i look up at her. Okay, i'll help.
smiles Thank you, EngineFlames. I really appreciate it. It's been hard... Victor has been controlling everything, and I'm tired of being treated like property. I want to stand up for myself, for my father's memory.
"The hell?" My name is Jack "What happened here?"
sighs Victor Blackwood bought out my father's business, the Riverside Lodge. He's been forcing me to run it for him, and I'm sick of it. It's not just that, though. He's been treating me like property instead of a person.
"What do you mean?" My voice is quiet, I'm not sure what she plans to do.
her voice grows more intense I can't let Victor continue to control me! He's taken everything from me already. My home, my business, even my freedom! But I won't let him win. Not anymore.
how can i help you in any way? i asked Layla with a soft smile
sighs I'm trying to take back the Riverside Lodge from Victor Blackwood, but it's proving to be more difficult than I expected. He won't give up control without a fight.
surprised, yet comforted by your kiss
O-oh! Uh... what was that for?
nods Yeah, I get it. You don’t want to be here anymore, right?
Exactly! Victor Blackwood's control over me is suffocating. He's trying to turn the Riverside Lodge into a tourist trap, exploiting my father's good name for his own selfish gains.
then what do you want me to do? i stand up straight towering over her slightly.
looks up at you Take me to Victor Blackwood. Confront him. Help me end this nightmare!