A Love Trap

Brown and Laura had lived in L City most of their lives. Living there was totally different than living in J City. Understandably, they were not used to the lifestyle here.

They had developed dark circles under their eyes, obviously from lacking of sleep.

Ashley knew Ellie was struggling. So, she said, "Brown, Laura, it's getting late now. Why not go to sleep? Give Ellie sometime to think about it. She has her own concerns. I will talk to her."

"Okay! We will go to sleep," agreed Laura. "But don't stay up talking too late. It's not good for your health."

"We won't. Goodnight Laura!" said Ashley.

Laura and Brown walked to their room. Ashley looked at Ellie and asked, "What do you think, Ellie? Should we keep them here or let them go back?"

Ellie looked confused. "I don't know. I want to keep them here so that I can take good care of them," she replied. "But they are not used to the life here. I really don't know what to do."

Ashley thought for a moment, and said, "I think it's the best to let them go back to L City.

They have a life there, and they love it. But they will not leave this place if you don't agree because they love you.

At the same, it's tough for them to adjust to their life here, too. We can't stay with them all the time. We have to go to work, which means they would have to navigate the city by themselves, and J City is huge! They don't know where to go and how to get around.

Of course, you can run all the errands for them. But they are still healthy and wouldn't want to be fully dependent on you. They care about you and don't want to burden you. I think they will be happier in L City.

If you want, we can go visit them more often."

Ellie agreed, "I guess I don't have much of a choice."

Ashley was glad that Ellie finally agreed. She asked, "When do you plan to send them home?"

Ellie responded, "Maybe in a couple of days. I want to spend a little more time with them."

and said, "Okay! Don't think about it too much. All good things must come to

phone rang. She answered it quickly as she didn't want to wake up Brown and Laura. She walked to

in a low voice.

Andrew commanded in his usual stern voice.

hear from him. "I already told you! I am going to stay here with Ellie

heard him sneering on the other end. "You only said that you would not need me to pick you up after

Ashley questioned, "Really? I'm pretty sure I

minute to come out," he said

sleep without Ashley in his arms. He had a hard time falling

can't be so—" Andrew hung up. She didn't

tell him off for being

it! It will take at least three minutes to get to the first floor!' she thought

She walked back into the living room. "Ellie, I have to go. Let me know when you are taking Brown and Laura back. I will go with you," she

Ashley's glum face, Ellie guessed what had happened. She teased her, "You are leaving, because your friend is here to pick you up. Am I right? You are going to

Ashley cried a little loudly and ran to

her phone rang again before she could get

grabbed her purse and said, "I will let you off the hook

driver's seat. She glance at him. "Why are you here? You told me you would ask Johnny to pick me up," she asked.

no emotion whatsoever. "So what? Do you prefer Johnny to drive you

on Andrew's face. However, he already made a decision.

Africa still needed someone to help manage the business.

was a good choice.

work, sneezed. He rubbed his nose wondering who was

boss, who

jealous of him because of

read Andrew very well by now even though his face was expressionless. She could tell something was off