Chapter Eight, Act One

Story: PARADISE PLACE


Uploaded Nov. 4, 2025, 2 p.m.

Updated Nov. 4, 2025, 2 p.m.

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/core/uploads/2025/11/03/3f6dd873-3f92-4703-a151-2850d4e2e0f8.jpg

/core/uploads/2025/11/03/680ba8c9-beb5-4ba9-a631-4d83cf629a5d.jpeg “Frankie snuck out again,” Natasha said, catching Greg's gaze in the mirror as he watched her get ready for the evening.

Greg cocked an eyebrow. “Is it really sneaking out if we know? We know he's in the hills.” /core/uploads/2025/11/03/716fc2d6-bd92-4cb2-91bb-8342f39ae91d.jpeg/core/uploads/2025/11/03/21d7cb5f-3de3-4fa5-8d1f-de6088c8b7fb.jpeg “Yes, Rose Hills, the largest shopping district. Not exactly a precise location.” She scoffed before turning to him, “Aren't you the least bit curious? He's obviously seeing someone and he’s either hiding her or hiding us. Not to mention his cellphone bill has skyrocketed.” /core/uploads/2025/11/03/065a0b6c-f7c9-4a46-99f5-aa3f220926f5.jpeg “I've already talked to him about the phone bill; between his job at the Academy and the odd jobs he does for Mr. Main, he says he has more than enough to cover it.” /core/uploads/2025/11/03/fb2da283-ea3b-4cb7-b693-fa65b8382b1f.jpeg Natasha pursed her lips. “It's not just about the cellphone, honey. He's getting older and hasn't said a word about his future plans. He should be looking at prospective wives and mistresses.”

“Maybe he takes after me and doesn't want a mistress,” he shrugged. “Hell, he might not even want a wife.”

The thought made Natasha even more anxious. She wanted Frankie to fall in love, get married, and have kids. “We should've arranged his marriage,” she mumbled apprehensively. /core/uploads/2025/11/03/125bf2e7-545e-4af4-8326-3d7eecf17b37.jpeg “Tasha, relax. He has time to decide what he wants to do.”

“If he waits too long, all of the decent young ladies will be spoken for. And if he is seeing a young lady and her family doesn't know, who's to say they won't put her in an arranged marriage and leave my poor Frankie cub heartbroken?” /core/uploads/2025/11/03/95c7b064-433a-4ee8-af9e-3ceb2e2a55fd.jpeg Greg pulled her close. “Don't worry, honey, I'm sure everything will be fine. Now, let's finish getting you ready; Eva will be waiting for you.”