With tears streaming down his face and his voice choked with emotion, Charles looked down at me and said, "Jacob is gone."My heart dropped, and tears started to well up in my eyes. Did he just say….. no he didn’t? I don’t think I heard him right. I definitely heard him wrong. That’s not what he said, I just know it. I heard him wrong, I definitely did. I look at Charles and my face is filled with disbelief. I must be mistaken, right? There is no way Jacob could be gone. It just doesn't make sense. Jacob can not be gone, he is fine. I can sense that he is fine. My mind starts to race, trying to find any other explanation but it’s so hard when I have two men mourning in front of me. Jacob is actually gone?No.I don’t think so. There is a good explanation for this. It is possible that I am just overanalyzing everything. Maybe I didn't fully grasp what Charles meant. Perhaps he and Austin are feeling down because Jacob is no longer around, which could also be because he went on a j
~ A week later It’s been a week since Jacob passed away and just like the very day, I am still finding it hard to believe that he’s gone.Every day, every night, every minute, every second has been a goddamn nightmare for me. I have flashbacks of Jacob and I imagine the dreams we wanted together- the dreams that will never be reality. Thinking of Jacob has become a daily habit of mine, making it hard for me to believe that he is truly gone and will never come back. Since the day I learned about the death, I haven’t had a good sleep not because I couldn’t sleep but because each time I close my eyes I see his beautiful face and his bright smile dancing across my eyelids. It makes it hard for me to accept the truth and endure the pain. It’s been a real struggle for everyone most especially Austin. I mean, he is really going through it right now. I have never seen him so down and out before. He's just different now. He’s lost his appetite, barely saying a word to anyone unless absolut
We pulled up at the church and I walked out of the car with Austin. He has a sunglass on and is refusing to remove it no matter what. I guess he put them on to make things easier for him. I understand that he doesn’t want people to see him crying, especially in a crowded place like this. Austin and I walked together, our footsteps echoing in the quiet church. He seemed lost in his thoughts, avoiding eye contact with anyone. As we matched to our seat all eyes were on us but Austin acknowledged no one as he found his seat. I sat down beside him, a comforting presence by his side. In the next minute, the pastor's voice filled the air, speaking words of tribute and remembrance for Jacob. Each word struck my heart, a bittersweet reminder of the void left by his absence. It still feels surreal, like a cruel twist of fate that Jacob is no longer here with us.While the pastor's words filled the entire room, I couldn't tear my gaze away from the somber sight of the closed casket positioned a
The funeral service came to an end, and we returned home for the reception. I was engulfed by a sea of sympathetic faces, each person trying to console me with their own grief and words of encouragement. Their presence meant a lot to me, but my heart ached to break away from them and rush to Austin's side. I really want to ensure he is okay and offer him the support he desperately needs in this difficult time.I was really concerned after he finished speaking at the church. And back when we were heading home, he didn't say anything else, and I'm scared that he might be feeling depressed and could do something to hurt himself. All I want is to ensure that he's alright.While I was talking to Clarissa, the pastor's wife who was trying to console me, I glanced around the room, desperately searching for Austin. But to my disappointment, he was nowhere to be seen.My mind is filled with negative thoughts, and I'm really scared that Austin isn't doing well. I finally manage to excuse myself
Everything is not the same now. Feels like all my life has changed, nothing is going to go back to the way it was before. As a matter of fact, this is now the new normal - being home alone with Austin and everyone else but not Jacob - never Jacob. It’s so hard to live in a house where I am used to seeing him and talking to him but now, I can’t even do that even if I wanted. Every corner of this room reminds me of Jacob and how sweet and loving he’s always been. I really miss him and just like last week, I can still feel his presence isn’t here but he is never here. It’s like I am being plagued by his absence. Every corner and angle of the house seems to whisper his name, reminding me of the moments we shared. I still miss him like I do every single day and I still crave to be with him but now I have come to understand that it can not happen. I have finally found the heart to accept the truth that Jacob will never be back and I might forever be hunted with his love and affection. I
~ ASHTON’S POVI stood in front of the cemetery, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and sadness. I couldn’t bring myself to muster the courage to step in as I wanted to and I just couldn’t help but let my gaze roam around the yard, studying each gravestone. I have been doing this for nearly five minutes now, unable to stop. It's like I'm drawn to the stories and memories held within these grounds. It's both eerie and mesmerizing at the same time.I want to walk in but something inside of me isn’t ready yet. Maybe a part of me knows how hard it will be for me if I step in, or maybe I just still find it hard to believe the horrible reality. I’d rather be kept in an imagination than believe the truth of the death of my own brother.It’s been more than a week now since Jacob passed away and honestly, life has been pretty much messed up. As a matter of fact, I hate living knowing that I have no family left. Jacob was my only family and now that he is gone, I am all left alone with no o
My heart raced as I tried to figure out which scent it was, my mind racing through memories. And then, like a jolt of lightning, clarity struck me. Her scent. The one I hadn't sensed in what felt like an eternity. At that moment, my eyes widened in sheer surprise. She's back!No! She can not be back! She’s gone and she is not supposed to be back. She’s never meant to be back at least not when I do not need her again. She’s not back! I refuse to believe that, I must be hallucinating. She can not be back. It’s been five years since she left and she has always been running away from me. It’s not possible that she suddenly decided to come back. I refuse to believe so, my nostrils must have failed me. A whirlwind of emotions and thoughts about her coming back into my life came crashing into my mind as it led me to this overwhelming and confusing moment feeling like I had no control over what I wanted. It’s hard to figure out how to react in a situation like this. I know for sure that t
~ BELLA’S POVReading novels just hasn't been the same without Jacob by your side. I find it hard to concentrate and focus when all I can think of is the times he and I used to read together, wrapped around each other’s arms and clouded with a cozy blanket. I miss those days and I certainly miss reading with him. Although since reading isn’t on my agenda for now, I found a new hobby to keep myself occupied; watering plants and taking a long walk around the garden.It’s just so relaxing and therapeutic, always clears my mind, and finds some peace in it. Nature is definitely my new absolute favorite place too. I wish I had realized how amazing those walks were when Jacob was around. We could have spent hours just talking and enjoying each other's company, without a care in the world. It's those moments of pure connection and freedom that I now long for. I wish Jacob was here. While diligently attending to the plants, I happened to catch sight of Austin's vehicle as he made his way back
Hi guys👋 I know most of you didn’t expect the book to end this way, most of you wanted Jacob to be back but sadly it didn’t happen. However the last chapter ended with a cliffhanger so there may or may not be a “book two” it all depends on what the platform wants. I hope they accept “book 2” because I have so many uncovered secrets to tell and of course, I have a character that I will love to bring back. Anyways, please support me by recommending the book, commenting, voting, and reviewing it. The more support I get, the more the chances of the “book 2”being accepted sooner. I had a lovely time writing this book and now that it’s over, I couldn’t be any more excited to write the “book 2” of it. Thank you so much, everyone, have a lovely holiday and new year. P.S. Check out my other book. Unwanted Mafia King is one of the best.
~ AUSTIN’S POV Just like every single night, this scene keeps playing over and over in my head; a nightmare. It's etched in there, haunting me like the sound of a thunderstorm that won't let up. I can see it vividly, like a movie playing in my head. Jacob, he's there, begging for mercy. His voice and pleads are dancing in my ears, echoing and lingering. I wish I could do something to help him, I wish I could rush in and save him, hold him close, and tell him that everything's gonna be alright. But I'm stuck. It's like I'm frozen in time, unable to change what will happen no matter how much I try. I can see the killer attacking Jacob, he isn’t saying anything but his silence scares me. I watch him take slow steps closer to Jacob like a lion ready to prey. Though I can’t see his face, I can tell that he is dangerously aggressive. From his moves to his body to the shape bloody axe he is holding; it all screams danger and death. My heart immediately starts to race a mile a minute as
"Layla, are you done getting ready?" I ask, stepping out of my room. "Yes and I'm right here," she replies with her cute little voice, peeking out from the corner. I turn to look at her, and my eyes light up with delight at her appearance. "Wow, you look absolutely stunning!" I exclaim, unable to hide my admiration. "Thanks, Bell! I really love this dress. It's definitely the best Christmas gift ever," she says, her face beaming with joy as I wrap my arms around her. As we pull away, I can't help but smile. "Oh, silly girl!" I cup her face "The dress is just a present, not your actual Christmas gift. That's waiting for you under the tree." "Really? Can I open it now?" she asks eagerly, her excitement palpable. "No, sweetheart. We have to wait until after dinner," I reply, trying to contain her impatience. "Okay," she says, though her tone hints at her eagerness to tear into the presents. She's always like this when it comes to Christmas gifts. As we descend the stairs, I feel L
~ BELLA’S POVThose weeks seemed to pass by in a blur, and little by little, I felt my heart and soul healing. The pain and confusion I once felt about why Samaria tried to hurt me started to fade away. It finally clicked in my mind that she did it because she wanted to be with Austin. I can understand her perspective, but I can't help but think that her approach was completely wrong and unacceptable.If she had just talked to me, she would have known that my heart never throbbed for Austin. He's always been just a friend to me, nothing more than that. It's frustrating to think that if she had followed the right path, she could have had Austin without causing all this unnecessary pain. But alas, she didn't realize it.A lot has changed in the past few weeks, and I've noticed some interesting things. Layla has been doing so much better lately. She's not spending all her time sleeping anymore, which is a huge relief. And as for Austin, he seems to be a lot happier overall. But there are
Samaria stood in front of me, her eyes fixed on mine, waiting for a response. I tried to meet her gaze, but something held me back. Was it because I still had feelings for her, or was it just my own anxiety getting in the way?"I don't love you anymore," I say, looking into her eyes. It's hard to believe I actually said it, but strangely, I don't feel as anxious as I thought I would. It's like my heart knows it's the truth and it feels liberating to finally be honest."No!" she shakes her head, refusing to accept it. "You're lying to me. I can't believe this.""You have to leave now. I don't have time for this," I inform her, trying to be firm."No, you can't just tell me to leave, Austin. You need me," she insists."I don't need you," I reply, my tone resolute."Yes, you do. You need me," she repeats, holding on to hope."The door is that way, please," I point towards the exit, choosing to ignore her plea."I can't leave, especially when you need me," she says."For the love of God,
~ AUSTIN’S POVSamaria is definitely behind this. She has to be the one who tried to drug Bella, it only makes sense that way because she was the only one present there and she had the pill bottle with her. I am not so sure of this but I find it very much believable that she can do something of such. She’s done a similar thing in the past so I won’t be that much surprised if she tried to do it again. I have been constantly thinking about this and I want to let it slide but at the same time, I can’t. It’s hard to let go of a matter that is more of a life-and-death situation. Samaria must have been fully aware of the purpose and effects of the medication to intentionally use it on Bella.Leaning against the chair, I try to reason it, all pieces of this situation tell me how badly Samaria is behind this. I mean, first, she gets extremely upset at Bella for no particular reason and then suddenly she tries to get to know her better…. I knew something was off the moment Bella told me that
~ AUSTIN’S POVI have done a lot of thinking and I believe this is best for me. I just have to do it no matter how hard it is or how much it’s going to hurt me. I know this is going to be extremely tough but I believe I can handle it. I have dealt with so many tough things and even though I know that this won’t be easy, I believe I can do it. I have spent years being in constant pain, just trying to strive and be myself. I think that everything will be fine if I just go back to Samaria. She has always been the one my heart desires and maybe, just maybe her words are true and she wants to be back together. I know it's a long shot and I've said in the past that I don't want to be with her, but the truth is, my heart yearns for her. Every part of me is calling out her name, and all I can think about is spending the rest of my life with her.I thought of letting her go and just be with Bella but what if Bella doesn’t want to be with me? What if she wants to be with someone else? I mean B
~ AUSTIN’S POVI'm feeling super overwhelmed with all these thoughts and emotions flooding my brain. It's like my mind is running a marathon, going a mile a minute! And the craziest part is that I can't seem to control my own thoughts. It's like they have a mind of their own, trying to take over the little space in my head.And it only gets more confusing and complicated because, for some reason, Jacob keeps popping into my head, and that's so out of the blue because I usually never think about him. I try my best to keep him out of my mind to avoid getting hurt, but it's like he's on repeat in my thoughts and I can't hit the pause button. It's driving me nuts. I wish I had a magic trick to make those thoughts disappear, but unfortunately, I'm still figuring it out myself.It's been a tough week for me, and I didn't make it to the cemetery to meet Jacob because of all these negative thoughts clouding my mind. It's so strange how my thoughts keep circling back to Jacob, even though I ca
I've got every little detail meticulously planned out. It's going to be absolutely flawless, without a single blunder. I am determined to make sure everything goes smoothly so I can end this once and for all. I really need to put an end to this madness so Bella and I can have the perfect peace we deserve.I am pretty sure that I sound like a bad sister but trust me, I’m not the bad sister, Bella is. She is the one who is trying to take my man away from me. She is the one that trying to impose hateful comments about me on Austin. She is the one that ruined my life and now, I am going to make her feel the same. The only difference is that it won’t hurt as much as it did to me. I've got my plan intact in mind to ensure Bella rests in perfect peace before Austin returns home. After doing some research, I discovered that taking that large amount of pills would lead to death, but it takes time for them to take effect. All I am wishing now is for Austin to not come back before then, as I don