Chapter 23: Chapter 23

You shouldn't judge someone if you've never been in the person's shoes and also, it's so freaking hurtful when you sacrifice so much for someone but they repay you with so little.

- Grace Chanbee

[Justin's POV]

**Flashback**

I sat on my bed, reminiscing on what Amber had told me the time she came to pay me a visit. She had so desperately wanted to know about my past and sadly, I had given in to her.

Did she ask me to spill out everything to her because she cared? Was she so bothered about it or it was just out of mere curiosity? Had she really just asked me about everything just so she could understand me better?

I sighed. Even though I ended up telling her the whole truth at the end, what was the point? I was locked up in jail and she was outside, meaning we could never be together; it just wasn't possible.

This week, my trial was set and if I was tried and sent to jail, it was going to break Grams' heart and shatter my soul as well. I feared that I was going to end my life just like my father had done, but I also knew I wasn't a coward like he was, I was a strong guy who could go through thick and thin and still come back in one piece.

Inasmuch as I wanted to believe that so badly, still; I had doubts about that. What if I couldn't stay in jail for years? I was already feeling so useless and like a nonentity. I didn't know if Daniel had succeeded in beating my sister to a pulp or if Grams could afford to eat thrice daily from the meagre amount she made from her small flower business.

"Justin Al-Hassan," The warden called in a deep loud voice which was unlike him.

I was jolted from my thoughts and I stood weakly, shortly after stretching out my arms and legs then walked out slowly, wondering what he was up to this time around.

Could it be that Amber had come to see me again? She had tears in her eyes the last time she was leaving and I had a strong feeling she wasn't going to come back anytime soon. Besides, I was sure her father must have taken her home already with him; that was so easy to guess.

Putting my hands in front of him, I waited to be handcuffed.

"Oh, no need for that," I heard a small but firm voice say.

Turning around, I saw a handsome detective with tanned skin and black hair which touched his neck, he was about 6'5 and had a hearty smile on. He beckoned at me, signalling for me to come.

"You're Justin?" He asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Damn! You look handsome in person, the passport photograph made me think you were nothing to write home about," He said, wearing s grin.

"Yeah, passports suck," I agreed.

"You can go now," He said to the warden and motioned that I should come with him and I did that immediately.

"I'm Detective Andrew," He said.

"Yeah, your tag already informed me," I said.

"Ooops! That's true. I used to be on this case but then, it was time for my yearly vacation and I had to go see and spend time with my family in Washington DC," He said.

"Wow. That's quite far. I'm sure you don't get to see your family everyday," I stated, feeling bad for him.

"Yeah, it hurts my wife a lot. I wasn't even around when my twins were born," He said.

"Wow! That must be hard," I said.

He shrugged. "Thankfully, there's something called internet and I get to speak with my wife and kids over the phone everyday, we even do video call," He said.

"Yeah. That's the difference between you and suspects or criminals," I said.

He chuckled and patted my arm in a friendly manner.

He finally stopped walking when we got to the front of an office and unlocked it then beckoned for me to go in with him.

It was a small office painted in brown. There were dozens of awards on the walls and on the shelves. There was plenty of paperwork and files which I was sure belonged to Detective Andrew as his name was boldly put on a tag on the table which only contained his photograph and the United States of America flag.

He sat on the swivel chair and motioned for me to sit across him which I did, still looking around the office and nodding in likeness of the simplicity and neatness of the office.

"So your surname is Al-Hassan?" He questioned.

"Definitely," I responded.

He smiled. "Why? Not that it's my business or a problem, I'm just curious. Isn't that name pertaining to Muslims? You're a Christian, right?" He asked.

I shrugged. "I guess. I mean I do believe in God but I'm not the religious type," He said.

He gave a small laugh. "Same here, but does that mean you have a Muslim heritage?" He asked.

I shook my head in negativity. "Not at all. Al-Hassan is actually an Arabic name meaning good, handsome or something like that. My ancestors did business in Saudi Arabia and took on an Arabic name, it's not only for Muslims," I explained.

"Oh. I guess that's just a stereotype," Detective Andrew said.

"Yeah. So why am I here?" I asked.

I actually had that question on my mind ever since I was led out of the cell and not even handcuffed. The most confusing part of it all was that I was led to an office where it was only the detective and I who were present and not an interrogation room where all the police officers stared at me like I were a criminal and I was treated like dirt.

"I just want to talk to you, I have an offer for you," Detective Andrew said.

I rolled my eyes. I should've known he was exactly like Detective Shawn who had acted all nice and friendly just to get me to bend to his will. However, this time around, I already knew the kind of cunning and manipulative people detectives were, and I was so not going to make a mistake again.

"What do you want from me?" I asked.

"I thought we were getting along. What's up with your unfriendly tone?" He asked.

"Stop acting so nicely. I've seen first-hand how you guys can be. You'll act all friendly and kind but once you get what you want, you'll change your behaviour," I said, not smiling and meaning every word I had spat out.

Detective Andrew chuckled. "Woah! Woah! Did I do something wrong? Look, I heard what transpired between you and the other detective, but trust me, I'm not like that," He said.

I rolled my eyes, not saying anything, still not believing him.

He suddenly looked up and a glint of happiness lit up his eyes.

"Finally, you're here, I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up," He said with a broad smile.

I turned around to see who he was so pleased to see and who I saw was so unnerving and proved to me that Detective Andrew was no different from Detective Shawn. How could he be so happy on seeing my worst enemy, Gilbert Sanders, come in?

"Good day, detective, it's been quite a while," He said, taking the seat beside me.

I rolled my eyes and didn't say a word, only wondering when I was going to leave the annoying place.

"So have you discussed with the boy?" He asked.

"Not yet," Detective Andrew replied.

"Why not? What are you waiting for?" He asked.

"Err... Justin, wouldn't you like to be free?" Detective Andrew asked.

"What sort of question is that? Ever seen a prisoner who doesn't want to be free?" I retorted.

He gave a small smile. "Fine then. You do know your case is slated to be tried this week, right?" He asked.

"Yeah, I know."

"Does granny and your sister know about this?" He asked.

I shook my head. "I personally asked for them not to be informed, Grams' heart will never take it."

"Good. Now, out of the kindness of his heart, Gilbert Sanders has decided to drop the charges he has against you," Detective Andrew said.

My ears twitched and my mouth opened in awe and disbelief. Did I hear well? Had Detective Andrew meant what he had just said?

"You're... You're joking, right?" I asked, my eyes searching back and forth in apprehension and disbelief.

"I'm not, Justin. However, you should know that one good turn deserves another," He said.

I sighed, knowing for a fact that I had rejoiced too soon. There was something bad about detectives apparently. They always wanted you to do something for them whenever they pretended to do something for you.

"What is it this time around? Is it about Amber?" I asked, my hope weakened into a tiny flicker of light.

"You guessed correctly. Now, I'm not saying you're the cause of her accident nor did you have a part to play. I actually even believe that you found her by chance in the trunk of your van but still, a very good lawyer could be hired and you'd end up behind bars. It's more convenient for you to escape all this drama," He said.

"I know that, but how? What will it cost?" I asked, seriously now wanting to actually leave the godforsaken place.

"I like your eagerness to go straight to the point. I do understand you have feelings for Amber, don't you?" He asked.

I nodded, not wanting to say anything that may offend her father.

"And also, these feelings aren't one-sided, right?" He inquired.

I nodded.

The detective smiled. "Do you know Amber has refused to return home ever since she discovered that you're still in prison?" He asked.

"Wow! Wait, let me guess. You want me to convince her to return home once again in exchange for my freedom, but still back out of your word again?" I scoffed. "Listen, no deal. I don't care what you do to me, but I won't fall for your lame game again. Once bitten, twice shy," I said with a satisfied smile, pleased that I had beaten them at their own game.

Detective Shawn ran his hands through his hair. "Actually, you're wrong this time around," He said.

"Prove it."

He opened his drawer and removed a file, containing something which looked important and dropped it on the table, right in front of me.

"What's this?" I asked.

"Proof. Open it."

I stared at him and Mr Sanders suspiciously then took the file stealthily and opened it, scanning through the words written in tiny fonts, really surprised as I read through that this time around, Gilbert Sanders actually meant business.

When I had seen enough, I closed the file and dropped it on the table, wondering what was going on.

Turning to Mr Sanders, I stared at him with so much suspicion, scrutinizing him with my eyes, trying to see through his mind and know what he was up to exactly.

"I don't get it, what's the catch?" I asked, unable to get a hold on what he was thinking.

"There's no catch, boy. You're free to go on the account that Amber comes home to me and you help her recover her memory. It's all in the contract," Mr Sanders responded.

I scoffed. "Why don't I trust you?"

"You don't have to trust me, boy. It's a win-win situation, that's all that matters," He responded with a shrug.

I shook my head, not wanting to believe him as I was already aware of his callous ways. "There's something fishy, you're up to something."

"Listen. I went to see Amber the other day and took pictures of the place so I could inform the police she was in bad hands and your grandmother was holding her hostage. I overheard her having a conversation with your grandmother and on peeping to hear everything they said, I came to the realisation that your granny indeed was really a nice person and had taken good care of my daughter during her stay at your place," He explained.

I still didn't budge. "So? You're not one to have emotional attachments," I countered.

For the first time ever, I saw him smile. "I know, but not when it comes to my wife. She heavily rebuked my actions when she found out you were still in jail which made me have a rethink over my actions. I don't trust you, Justin, but I do know you took care of my daughter and you... you like her," He said.

I heaved a sigh.

"Detective Andrew advised me to do this. Even after imprisoning you, a chandelier fell in Amber's room and it was discovered that there was a loose knot there which isn't possible except someone had tampered with it, there was also a time she slipped on the stairs, I have maids who always clean everywhere so it was like someone poured oil intentionally waiting for her to pass by," He said.

What he was saying made a whole lot of sense, but I couldn't put my fingers as to why he was telling me such.

"I don't get it, what do you intend to gain from telling me all these?" I asked.

"Being patient will help you go a long way," Detective Andrew reprimanded in a calm voice.

I rolled my eyes and let him continue to speak.

Mr Sanders cleared his throat. "The day I went to your house, I had seen Amber's phone resting on the table and when I checked it, there were messages that someone sent to her involving you were in danger so she needed to come and see you..."

"I didn't send her any message," I said, defending myself while interrupting his speech.

"Boy, please, let me finish," He said.

"Fine then," I said.

"The time the message showed however, indicated that you were in prison at the time..."

"I'm still in prison," I said, cutting in.

Ignoring me, he went on. "No matter how hard I try to picture it, you still don't seem like the criminal behind everything that has happened to my daughter."

"Finally! I just hope this isn't a sort of trap, because I won't fall into it, that's a promise."

"Justin, my daughter likes you a lot, and I'm scared someone's still after her life. Only you can help her now," He said.

"Hold on. What do you mean by that?" I asked.

"He means that Amber isn't open to many people and doesn't care about her past. Since you guys get along real well, he wants you to take over her therapy. Please, don't cut me off," He said as if reading my mind then went on. "He believes she may be able to recall who tried to murder her with your help. If you successfully help her remember, you'll be given a million dollars to make your life better," He concluded.

"But why? I mean, why all these all of a sudden? You used to hate me, you probably still do, why do you want me to help?" I asked.

"Simply because I don't just want to drop the case against you without you doing something for me in return. Life's about give and take," He said.

"However, Mr Justin Al-Hassan, I believe you read the terms and conditions of the contract. You should know you're not to have any erotic affair with Mr Sanders daughter," The detective said.

I was caught in a web of surprise. "What? I didn't see that part."

"At least, you know now. Help her recover, get your money and never show your face to them again," Detective Andrew said.

I scoffed. "I get it now. You know, I was wondering why you'd just release me like that. Now, I see that you want to paint me black to Amber, isn't it? She gave up so much for me, abandoned her wealthy family to stay with Grams at a house made from sticks in a small town, while on the other hand, you want me to leave here and make her well again, making sure during the time I spend with her, I'm not doing anything erotical and making sure she knows her place, then even after she's well, I'll just leave her alone; all for a million dollars."

"Wow. I had no idea that you're so smart," Mr Sanders commented with a sly smile.

"Wow. So now, she's going to see that she could sacrifice so much for me and I couldn't?" I asked in a whisper.

Detective Andrew cleared his throat. "You needn't be bothered about what she'll think about you. Your situations are different. How would your grandmother feel if you're sentenced to years in prison on the account of kidnap and attempted murder? Ask yourself if she will be alive in ten years from now for you to repay her. Also, Mr Sanders here, is doing you a huge favour. Imagine owning a sum of one million dollars? Justin, you're about to become a rich man," He said.

I sighed deeply, seeing reasons with what he said but unable to comprehend that I was actually seriously considering his offer. Seriously, what was even wrong in doing such? There was no way Amber and I could be together when I was in prison, and was it wrong to want a better life for my sister, Grams and I?

I stared at the contract one more time, took out the pen, went over the terms and conditions three different times thoughtfully, then took the pen and put my signature on it, giving in to my worst enemy's demands.

*******

[Justin's POV]

**Present day**

"So... you...you took the deal?" Amber asked, her voice breaking.

"I'm sorry," I responded.

"Why? I thought... That means you and I can't be together? If you loved me enough, you'd have told him no," She said, apparently disappointed.

"No? And rot in jail? I believed you'd be more understanding than this," I said.

"Understanding? What is there for me to understand? If I were the one, I wouldn't have taken the offer. I thought you loved me. Apparently, this means nothing to you," She said, tears streaming down her eyes.

"Listen, we're young. In a few years from now, you and I will no longer have feelings for each other..."

"That's what you're consoling yourself with, isn't it?" She asked, giving a bitter laugh.

I heaved a deep sigh. "No, dummy. I'm not consoling myself with anything, I'm simply being honest. We can't work, it's not possible, so it was better for me to just give a nod to the offer and be on my way."

"Now, I'm a dummy, isn't it? Well done, Justin, but please, just be honest with yourself and stop trying so hard to believe what's not. The truth is you let yourself get swayed by money, not because you feared this relationship wasn't going to work," She said.

I threw my hands up in the air in surrender. "Whatever you say, Amber, whatever. Yeah, I'm a gold digger and an opportunist, I accept. You'd rather see me go to jail and abandon Grams and my future? You're just an insensitive baby who thinks she's perfect. If you had to live like me all your life, you wouldn't have been here spilling garbage and judging me," I said.

"I thought you and I were something, how was I to expect that I was here torturing myself for you when you don't even give a damn about me? You think I don't like being a rich kid? You think I enjoy being in your little rat-infested home? Well, listen, I don't, and I'm not going to be that girl anymore who's willing to sacrifice all for nothing," She said, rising from the couch.

I shrugged. "Good for you then. Your father's car is outside, he's waiting for you. You don't belong in my little rat-infested home," I told her.

"Fine then. It was because I stayed here that my father made you that offer, remember? Thankfully, you're out of prison now, and I don't have to feel guilty about anything again. You really think you're going to get a million dollars?" She paused and smirked. "Good luck with making me remember anything," She then turned around, walked out of the house and slammed the door behind her, making the house tremble.

Her last statement showed she was going to make it hard for me, and even though her words felt like they should hurt, they didn't at all.

I just felt elated that I was a free citizen once again and I could finally be outdoors, spend time with Grams and see how Nelly was doing.

I was no gold digger but I was going to make sure Amber recovered again. All I needed to do was sweet-talk her and she was going to open up to me again.

Although I loved her, she actually loved me more and I was going to use it to my own advantage.

Was I to feel bad about wanting to exploit her feelings? Of course not. This was a golden opportunity to change my family's life and I wasn't going to miss out on it.