LAYLA - DARK BEAUTY

His Return

The police car transporting Phil was ambushed by masked men, as the leader, Darcy Clapton, emerged, his voice menacing.

"Leave now, or you'll never see daylight again."

The officer hesitated, and Darcy fired at the tires, forcing him to flee for his life, leaving Phil vulnerable.

Darcy turned to Phil, a sinister grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well, well. The infamous Phil Ariato. I've heard a lot about you. My name is Darcy Clapton, and I'm afraid our acquaintance will be brief." He chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice.

"You see, my beautiful daughter, Layla, has been playing a dangerous game, and I'm here to put an end to it. She wants you alive, but I have other plans. And when I'm done, Jones Ares Phiamonte will take the fall."

Darcy's laughter sent chills down Phil's spine as he realized the true extent of Layla's family dynamics. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the air, and everything went black.

The news of Phil's demise sent shockwaves throughout the city, with every channel covering the story. The Phiamonte family gathered around the TV, their faces etched with concern.

"What kind of trouble is this?" Jones wondered aloud, his family staring at him in disbelief.

"It could be anyone, brother," Jeremy said, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Phil had many enemies, business rivals..."

Mrs. Eleanor's eyes widened in panic.

"Oh lord, I hope we don't get dragged into this mess. Jones' name was mentioned so many times in Phil's case..."

Tina tried to calm her down. "Don't worry, mother, brother won't be involved in this. "

Mr. Lawrence Ares Phiamonte reassured everyone, "Relax, my son won't be harmed. I'm sure of it."

But just then, the police arrived, and Jones was taken away for questioning as a suspect. Layla, arriving at the Phiamonte mansion, witnessed the chaotic scene.

"No, no, no! It can't be! My Jones can't pay for my sins!" she wailed, tears streaming down her face as she rushed back to her house.

Layla's world was unraveling. Her father's actions had spiralled out of control, and now Jones was paying the price. She felt herself losing grip on her emotions, and the anguish was overwhelming. She screamed, tears streaming down her face, as she re-lived the moment Jones was taken away.

In her distress, she turned to self-destructive behaviors, seeking to punish herself for the harm she felt she had caused Jones as she inflicted pain on herself.

As she stood there, her blood dripping onto the floor, Layla felt a transformation taking place within her. The fear that had once gripped her was slowly giving way to a burning resentment, a hatred so fierce it threatened to consume her. She gazed at her father's picture, her eyes blazing with a newfound intensity.

"With every drop of blood, I shed the fear that bound me to you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"From this day forward, I renounce you as my father. Your cruelty will no longer define me. I am free. Now l have become limitless "

In this moment, Layla chose to confront her trauma, to face the pain and let go of the fear that had held her captive for so long. She embraced her anger, her hatred, and her resentment, transforming them into a powerful force that would drive her forward.

Her mind raced as she pondered her next move. She needed concrete evidence to bring down her father, but where could she find it? Suddenly, a faint memory resurfaced. She had been part of his gang since childhood, and her father's acquaintances were familiar faces. Her eyes scanned the old phone book, her fingers stopping at a name that made her heart race -

"Andy Griffith, Darcy Clapton trusted right-hand man." She mouthed.
With a deep breath, she dialed the number, her pulse pounding in anticipation.

  It was picked at the second ring
"Hello , whose this" the voice asked while Layla immediately recognized the voice

" Uncle Andy .. it's me Layla ... your  niece " she replied

" Oh  my pretty girl , to what do l owe the honor of your call today, it's been more than 3 years since you've called me young lady " he sluggishly replied with a bit of sarcasm

"Ha ha ha very funny Uncle Andy.. cut the small talk ,  l need your help " she hesitated to go on

" Remember a few years ago you promised to repay the favor l did for you ..  you even vowed to free me from my Darcy's clutches " she told him .

"Darcy you say .. since when do you call your father by his name ... Anyway yes l remember so what do you want me to do for you my lady " He answered with curiosity

"I need evidence to prove Darcy's involvement in the Phil Ariato murder case " she dropped the bombshell , he hysterically laughed

" Pretty girl , you're playing with fire .. your father won't spare you , there's a reason why he's the most feared gangster in the city yet you want to take him down " he cautioned her while she smirked

"He's my father so who better than me , knows how far and wide his power goes .. but l still want to take him down , if anyone can bring him down it's me it's daughter" she declared while a shocked Andy could only give in after all deep down he had always wanted to bring down his older brother Darcy so he could take over himself

"Give me a few days and l will get you the evidence but mind you no one should ever find out it came from me .. am l clear young lady " he warned her .

"Deal " she replied her voice firm. After which she dropped the call.

With renewed hope, Layla busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a hearty meal of chicken stew, rice, and potatoes. She carefully packed the food in a tiffin, her hands trembling with anticipation. She hailed a taxi and made her way to the police station, her heart pounding in her chest. As she arrived, she saw Jones' family already gathered outside, their faces etched with worry and concern. Her determination to prove Jones' innocence only grew stronger. She took a deep breath, grasped the tiffin tightly, and stepped out of the taxi, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As she rushed into the police station, she collided with a tall figure, apologies spilling from his lips.

"Sorry, ma'am!" The voice was familiar, and Layla's gaze slowly focused on Chad, Jones' best friend. Her mind still elsewhere, she didn't respond, her silence puzzling Chad.

Just then, Jeremy approached, wrapping Layla in a warm embrace.

"Sister Layla!" he exclaimed, the term sparking something in Chad's memory. His eyes narrowed, trying to place where he had heard the name before, as Layla's thoughts remained fixed on the mission ahead.

" Layla , Layla .. where have l heard that name before " Chad kept asking himself as he watched Layla going ahead to greet and hug Jones' family then it struck him

"Oh so she's the famous Dark Beauty Jones was telling me about " he smirked.

" Now l understand his confliction, the girl is flames " Chad said to himself after which he went to introduce himself to her.

" Excuse me young lady , very sorry for bumping into you earlier .. oh where are my manners, the name is Chad Carr l am the host of the famous radio station All of me ... I'm also Jones' childhood friend.. nice to meet you ma'am " Chad said after which he extended a handshake, Layla obliged his request.

"The pleasure is all mine " she answered after shaking his hand following which he left .

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