A buzz startled me, and I gently sat up, turning off my alarm as I slowly opened my tired eyes. I felt weak—not today, of all days! I still needed to go to the company for the project, but my body felt strange.
A touch on my skin revealed that I was burning up. Could it be a fever? But I was sure there was no cold last night, and I wasn't drained or anything. I couldn't be sick, not now at least.
I will be fine. I just have to get up, get dressed, and go to work. I've already skipped too many days, so how do I intend on making things right and achieving my goals this way?
I can't keep missing days, and I need to consult with some of the best lawyers about how I can reclaim my dad's will, if there's even a possible way.
I had many things planned for me today, so why this sickness? Neve
"Mom?" Sebastian exclaimed, his tone revealing a broken and angry side of him.His expression shocked me, but what was most surprising were the words that came out of his mouth. His mom? I never knew his mom was alive or that he even had one. I had always thought he was single-handedly raised by his father. According to all the news and his biography, I had never heard of any mention of his mom.It felt hard for me to comprehend, but why would he cover up his mother's identity like that? By the situation, it seemed his father also covered it up. Or what should I believe?"Why are you here?" Sebastian uttered, his tone resonating with anger, creating a tense atmosphere.He was angrier than usual. What past did this mother and son share for it to run so deep that the mere sight of his mother caused such fury?"I know you must be angry to see me here, son, but-" Sebastian's mother said only to be interrupted."Enough! I am not your son, and you are not my mother. We share no relationship
Sebastian's POVI sat down on my bed, unable to grasp what had just happened, with broken glass scattered on the ground. How dare she come here after so many years? Why did she have to show up now when I was trying to forget about my past? But she had shown up and had the audacity to hope that I would accept her back.After all she had done to me, she still wanted reconciliation. It all felt hard to take in—a reminder of the entire incident of my broken past. I lost my entire self due to her actions. My days passed by with me being more alone as time went on. I learned not to trust easily and believed I was better off in this world without friends.My father lived his entire life in sad, lonely days until his last breath. She didn't even come for his burial, and now, all of a sudden, she showed up. "Why?! Why the hell are you here now?!" I yelled.I had lost my cool down there, but it was hard—so hard for me to take in. Her eyes—I was sure Scarlet must be wondering about many question
Sounds echoed as I was hit, my body covered in bruises. "Stop! Leave me alone! Let me go!" I kept yelling, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.The pain was unbearable, and in the next moment, I found myself thrown to the ground. It was a breath-breaking moment, my eyes jolting open, wondering why my past was coming back to haunt me now. Was it because of her return after all these years?I hated my past; I was so pathetic and weak, bullied by my classmates. Some were jealous of the fact that I had it all – money and power – and they made sure I never had a single peaceful day at school.I hated the fact that I was too weak to fight back, to stand up for myself. But even my own parents weren't there to help me through it all.I never wanted to think about those memories, the moments I needed her, and she wasn't there. I would stay locked up in my closet, weeping at the fact that I had no one.Running from my fears as they crept up, almost pulling me down, suffocating and tormenting me furt
I felt my life at the fingertips of the trigger. Was this how it felt to see death so close to claiming you? But this wasn't it. I can't die, not now, and not here.My instinct kicked in as I ducked my head away from the glass and their bullets. My legs hit the reverse pedal, and I reversed my car with multiple bullets piercing through my car's glass. The broken pieces tickled as they fell.Finally, out of their aim, I raised my head, having a clear vision of my path. I turned my car around in the other direction and drove on.While driving, I could see their car trailing me at the nearest distance, trying to catch up with my car. But I couldn't let that happen. Managing to increase my car's speed, I was finally able to lose them in the winding road.As my eyes caught no sight of them again, a sense of relief washed over me. "That was close," I whispered. It could have easily ended badly for me. But yet, my mind could only process one fact: Darius's last words, warning me not to retur
Scarlet's POVA silent buzz woke me up, and I turned off my alarm. It was morning already. I gently sat up, only to notice that Sebastian wasn't there. Possibly, he had gone out early today again to work, just like he always did. But yet, I couldn't get my mind to shake off yesterday's incident with the sudden appearance of his mother.But I had to forget about it; I couldn't be thinking about that, not now. I had my own aims and things to focus on. His life had always been a secret to me. I had no idea about his footsteps, where he goes at times, and many other things, which still made me question how I ended up here signing the deal.But I can't be thinking about this now. I had plans set up for today, things I couldn't do yesterday. I had to make sure they were all done. The most important thing was the meeting I had with the lawyer. I had to take some steps now before my dad's property was given to that witch. I couldn't let her have it; it wasn't hers, and it would never be.As I
A slight beam of light pierced through, causing my eyes to open. I had no idea where I was, but my hands were tied down to a chair."Help! Somebody help!" I kept shouting, hoping to draw the attention of somebody passing by.In that moment, a creak caught my attention as I watched several men walk in, one of them muscular and giant with a strange tattoo on their face."Who are you? Why did you bring me here?" I questioned, my mind echoing different thoughts of what I assumed they planned on doing with me, leaving my body trembling as they got closer."Stay away! Stay away from me!""She is surely a beauty," one of the men muttered."So sad it would be a waste now."Would I be a waste? Were they planning on killing me? No, it couldn't be—why would they? Could this be the doing of Evelyn? Could she have gone to such lengths to remove me from the picture, perhaps?Even so, I couldn't die here. If it was truly her, I had to escape and make her pay, get her arrested.I couldn't believe she
Sebastian's POVI arrived at Nikolai's mansion, my fury building with each step. As I attempted to enter his mansion, I was stopped by his men who stood guard."The boss doesn't wish to see anyone at the moment," one of them uttered."Really? The boss? You're kidding me, right? You do know who I am, right?" I retorted, irritated by their audacity."We know, Mr. Hawthorne, but our boss's orders are as follows. I would advise you to call him before we can allow you inside," the man stated, his loyalty to Nikolai unwavering."Is this a joke? Who the hell does your boss think he is? I'm in a worse mess than I had been, all because of that bastard!" I fumed, my patience wearing thin."Control yourself, Mr. Hawthorne. We don't want to use force," the other uttered, his hand reaching for his pistol, placed at the edge of his trousers.I couldn't turn back now; I was here to teach Nikolai a lesson. If I wanted to enter and catch a glimpse of him, I had to act wisely, especially with his men a
Arriving at the location, my eyes scanned the area. My only hope was that Darius was tagging along. Putting all my hope in him felt absurd, but there was no turning back now.I heard footsteps echoing, growing louder with each step.It was Gregor, finally arriving with a few of his men at his side. Our gazes locked.I finally caught a glimpse of that bastard after so many years. A reminder of the past few weeks struck me—the fact that I wanted him at my mercy, to pay for all he had caused me. But now, being this close, I couldn't make him pay. The situation was against me; I was surrounded by his men."Long time, Mr. Hawthorne," Gregor broke through the lingering silence. Our eyes remained fixed in a daring gaze."Where is she, Gregor? Where is Scarlet?" I questioned. The fact stood that I couldn't kill him—not now, at least. I just had to wait for Darius to get a clean shot and silence him. But before that happened, I needed answers. I needed him to reveal Scarlet's location before I
Sebastian's POVI made my way out of the mansion, erupting in rage as I entered my car and drove off at that instant. How dare she? Why doesn't she just get it? Why doesn't she understand when I tell her to stay away? She speaks as though she knows what that woman did, how she made my every day a nightmare.The last thing I would ever want was to set my eyes on her again...I parked my car at a club as I entered, walking straight to the bartender. "Whiskey," I croaked as he poured me a drink. I gulped it in a swift motion, filling up another glass and downing that as well.The drink did little in calming me down, and neither did the music. I made my way to a seat, watching the display of dances from some of the ladies working in the club. Then, my eyes caught sight of one approaching me, sitting down near me. "Hi, wanna have some fun?" she whispered in my ear."I'm not in the mood," I said, giving her a furrowed brow. I wasn't here to make a night of desires. I was just here, hoping t
I led Sebastian's mother outside the church, and as we approached my car, I noticed Kaiden awaiting my presence. His eyes were fixed on Sebastian's mother, trying to guess who she was."She will be coming with us, Kaiden," I uttered."Wait, back to the mansion?" Kaiden asked, seemingly surprised."Where else would it be?" I said with a furrowed brow, prompting him to give a nod.I helped Sebastian's mother into the back seat before joining her. Kaiden started the car engine and began driving away from the church. The sun had already set. Upon arriving back at the mansion in the late night, I helped Sebastian's mother out and noticed Kaiden's gaze still fixed on her."What are you still waiting for?" I questioned, snapping him out of his trance-like state. "Oh, won't you be going out again, ma'am?"Honestly, what was wrong with him? After a long stressful day, why would I think of going out again? And anyway, I had made sure to attend to all my plans I had set for today."No, Kaiden, y
What was she doing here?"Mam, let's go…" Kaiden snapped. "I have to check on something first." I said, leaving no further response to him as I made my way through the streets, eventually entering the building. With my eyes slowly scanning each side, I searched for Sebastian's mother. Then I caught her seated in the front seat, her hands cradled together. As I approached her, I noticed her shut eyes."Please God, I know I don't deserve a second chance, but please, just please let him see me as his mother. Let him look at me once again with love pouring out of his eyes. All I ask is just for a second chance, a second chance to correct all my wrong doings and make things right." She kept mumbling, her tears flowing out with a cracked sobber tone."Why are you here, Mam? Why did you have to leave in such haste?" Kaiden's words came in a whisper, but those whispers seemed to cause Sebastian's mother's eyes to spring open slowly as they landed on me."Scarlet?" She uttered, her very expres
Scarlet's POVAfter the detective left, I gently stood up and made my way out, my eyes landing on Kaiden standing outside, awaiting my presence."Are you set to go, ma'am?" he questioned."Yes, Kaiden, let's go," I said, entering the passenger seat as he entered the front seat.I felt less bothered by his presence; I could let things slide for now. I had my aims and plans to see through."Where are we going now, ma'am?" Kaiden's voice came through.Since everything was set and my plan to uncover Evelyn's intentions was underway, my only thought was visiting my mom."Take us to the city mental asylum, Kaiden," I said."Sorry, ma'am, mental asylum?" he asked."Are you questioning my words? That's the next direction we're heading to. If you have a problem with it, I would surely love to go there myself without you bugging at my side," I said."Alright, ma'am, I will drive now," he said, starting the car engine and driving on, leaving the restaurant behind. Not long after, we arrived at t
The evening hours found me seated, checking through some documents placed on my desk. My attention was grasped by a call later; checking it out, it was Alexander.What could he be calling about?I picked up the call."Are you free tonight, Sebastian?" Alexander uttered."Why?""Just that I missed a friend and wanted to spend some time with him. How about dinner tonight at the restaurant near your office?""You mean the Oakwood Grill restaurant?" I questioned."Yeah, Sebastian."Really, what could it be that he had called and was now asking for a meetup? Friends? I wouldn't say so. I only saw him as a business partner, and he had proved to me how he handles the business well, which impressed me. So, I was simply only impressed by his passion and talent, and I lent a little help. But I guess he took it wrong.I don't have friends; I don't need any. Workers, maybe. Business partners, maybe. But friends? Not really happening.But it doesn't seem like a bad idea to catch up for dinner. And
I needed answers to all my questions, especially why he was with her.My fingers quickly dialed Rafe's number, calling him up. The call persisted, ringing for a few seconds before it was finally picked up."What could be the reason for receiving a call from you, Mr. Hawthorne?" Rafe's voice came through. "Do you need me to find someone for you again, or get some details?""Where are you now, Rafe?" I questioned, going straight to the reason why I had called."What do you mean, Mr. Hawthorne?""A question isn't answered with another, Rafe. Just tell me where you are now.""And why do you wish to know, Mr. Hawthorne? My whereabouts should be the least of your concern, but if you must know, then I strolled out a bit.""Strolled out?" I scoffed."Tell me, Rafe. Why were you with Scarlet today at the restaurant?" I questioned, noticing the silence that echoed after, as I could grasp a slow sigh through the call."It seems the hunter has also been hunted now. Were you spying on me, Mr. Hawt
Sebastian's POV "I am not selling this land for such an amount. You either agree to my price or just leave. I have many other things to attend to," the man uttered.I couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle at his words. I had returned to work today; my wounds weren't fully healed, which was evident, but my resting time had seemed to run its course, and it was high time I got things done, taking my business to the next level.Now, here I found myself discussing with this greedy fool. The project had to begin tomorrow, no matter what, and the land deal had to be finalized today for that to happen. But it seemed that wouldn't be happening anytime soon if I didn't show him his place."Mr. Ambrose, or what was it again?" I asked."Ambrose," he responded as I walked closer to him, placing my hand on his shoulder with a firm yet gentle touch."Whatever. I don't care. I just want you to know that the papers shall be brought to you this evening, and I hope you don't disappoint. Sign them
As we clashed out on a long drive, I had told Kaiden to just keep driving around for a few minutes as I took in the air that came through the half-opened window. Maybe the peace and quiet were all I needed for just a moment. To let things go for just a few seconds and feel my life back once more.However, my thoughts soon disrupted my quiet moment, reminding me of the meeting I had set up with the private detective. I needed him to help me get details about Evenlyn's activities and keep track of her movements. With the evening hours approaching, I knew I should be returning to the company. However, I had already attended to some of the work on my desk, so I deserved a moment to rest. I could only hope they would understand my absence as I had some important matters to attend to, like finding out the truth about what happened to my mother and if Evenlyn was truly involved."Take us back to the restaurant, Kaiden," I uttered."The restaurant?" he questioned."Yes, Kaiden, the same resta
Checking his contact details, I booked a meeting with him timed for the evening hours at a nearby restaurant, placing down my phone and retracting my gaze from it. I returned my focus to the workload that awaited my early morning, checking through each research made and signing some documents. As the afternoon hours met me in my exhausted state, I gently stood up from the desk, hoping to receive some fresh air.I should be ready for such busy days since the project was now back on track and the project deadline to launch was getting nearer, so things had to be done in a hastened act while ensuring no errors occurred in the process."Mam, we are going to get lunch. You wanna come?" Emily uttered, walking with some of the other work colleagues.I guessed such socializing wouldn't be bad, even just for some moments. I couldn't deny one fact that stood glaring at me all this while—the truth that stood still of how long it had been since I had such company with people. I hadn't been in con