FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 14

Author's pov

Ita sat on her couch, attempting to distract herself from thoughts of Ryder with a sitcom. But her mind kept wandering, and she couldn't shake off the giddy feeling she got whenever they were close. She sighed.

Just then, her phone rang. Neil's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, Ita," Neil said, his voice welcoming.

"Hey, Neil. How are you?" Ita replied.

"Everything's fine. I just wanted to update you on our progress. We're collecting messages, photos, and everything Ryder mentioned. My tech friend is retrieving deleted data from Ryder's phone."

"That's fantastic, Neil. Thanks to your efforts."

"Ita, stop. We should be the one thanking you," Neil said, his tone sincere.

Ita interrupted, "Neil, please. Your music has helped me in ways you'll never know. I can never repay that."

Neil chuckled. "Okay, sorry. Are you free today? We could come over, organize the evidence, and see if anything's missing."

"Yes, I'm free. Actually, I'm bored," Ita admitted.

Neil laughed. "We'll come over soon."

"Neil I didn't mention something yesterday to Ryder. Ethan wants us to get footage of his apartment."

"Oh, Okay."

"In Jacey's statements, she mentioned specific locations. If she tries to mislead us, we can use the footage to disprove her claims."

Ita's mind began racing. "I have an idea. When Ethan will send Jacey's evidence, I'll identify the relevant dates. Then, you can obtain footage for those specific times. Retrieving a year's worth would be overwhelming." Ita continued.

"Brilliant!" Neil exclaimed. "I'll coordinate with the team to get it done discreetly."

After the call, Ita freshened up and slipped into a crisp white sundress. She ordered snacks and drinks.

The doorbell rang, and she opened the door to find Ryder and Neil standing before her, looking effortlessly handsome.

"Hi!" Ita exclaimed, her eyes wide.

Ryder just muttered a small 'hey'. Neil smiled mischievously. "Hey, Miss Venus."

"Guys, I sometimes forget you're global stars! I get intimidated, wow! You're actually standing in my living room!" Ita exclaimed dramatically.

Neil laughed. "Why so dramatic, Miss Venus?"

Ita's hands gestured wildly. "It's not dramatic."

Ryder's eyes crinkled at the corners, amused.

Neil chuckled, guiding Ita to the sofa. "Alright, alright, Miss Venus. Shall we get to work or keep standing?" He gently nudged her onto the couch.

"We're just Neil and Ryder, Ita. No need to be intimidated."

Ita nodded.

"Alright, we've printed these, and the rest are in soft copy format," Neil said, spreading the documents across the coffee table. "Check if everything's okay or if you need more."

Ita hummed, her eyes scanning the papers and laptop screen.

Minutes passed in silence, the only sound the rustling of papers and keyboard clicks.

Then, Ita's face lit up. "Perfect!" she exclaimed. "Everything's on point."

Ryder and Neil exchanged relieved glances.