Luis sat in his car across the street from Max’s school, his fingers tapping impatiently on the steering wheel. He wasn’t supposed to be here—not after Ariel’s countless warnings and the school’s restrictions—but he couldn’t help himself. He is Max’s papa, and he wasn’t going to let Ariel cut him out of his life. He leaned back, his jaw tightening as he thought about her. Ariel had always been stubborn, fiercely protective. It was one of the things he’d admired about her back when they were together. But now, that same tenacity had turned into a barrier, keeping him away from the only person he truly cared about. Luis wasn’t proud of the things he’d done in the past. The nights spent partying, the reckless decisions, and worst of all, stealing Ariel’s savings. He’d been selfish, immature. But he wasn’t that person anymore. He had changed—or at least, he wanted to believe he had. Max was his chance to make things right, to prove that he could be better. Every time he saw Max,
Johny’s penthouse says a lot about the man himself—cold, sleek, and devoid of unnecessary warmth. The living space was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with walls painted with dull tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline, but the view felt more like a statement than something to be enjoyed. The air inside carried a crisp sterility, with no personal touches—just expensive furniture, minimalist décor, and a silence that seemed almost important. The study, where Johny spent most of his time, was lined with dark wood and polished steel, the only signs of life being the neatly stacked reports on his woody desk. Even in the bedroom, nothing looks comfy. Just a king-sized bed with black sheets, an untouched armchair in the corner, and a bedside table that held nothing but a clock and a teacup. The entire penthouse felt more like a showroom than a home, as if the man who lived there had no need for anything beyond control and efficiency. The house had i
Ariel spent the next day recovering, her body still weak but no more pain. The housemaids took extra care of her, ensuring she had everything she needed. Yet, despite their efforts, she couldn’t shake off the brewing anxiety about the upcoming party.Johny had been vague about the details, but she knew better than to assume it was just a social gathering. In his world, nothing was ever simple. By the evening, a knock on her bedroom door broke her from her thoughts. The door opened, and a maid stepped in, carrying a box in her hands. “Madam, Mr. Lucas asked me to bring this to you.” she said, and she carefully placed the box on the bedside table and left. Ariel got up from the armchair where she had been scrutinizing and enjoying the picturesque views through the window. She unwrapped the ribbon; inside was an elegant body-fitted crimson silk dress with a fitted bodice and a high slit that hinted at seduction. It was the kind of dress designed to make a statement, to command atte
UNKNOWN POVI was all alone in the back of the club; just so I thought. Until I heard a woman screaming for help. At first I ignored, but then again the voice pulled my heartstrings more as it played in my head repeatedly. I got down from my car to take a look at the damsel in distress. I leaned against my car door leisurely, watching as the man was out of control, he just wanted to get down on her so bad— who still force a woman in this era? “Let go of her” I muttered. My sudden utterance was filled with caution and a heart–piercing–fear from both the lady and the man. Quiteness filled the air, only the sharp–breaking–breath of the damsel could be heard clearly. “What……what if I don't? What will you do?” The man blurted with fear, his tone was shaky; his gut betrayed him. A wide grin slowly curved on my lips, I like to be dared. It's been a while since people boarded my line. “What is your belief on living dead?” I asked the man with a calm yet death stare.Th
“Hello ma'am, how can I help you? Ariel approached a confused-looking woman who was contemplating which shoe she should buy. “Which of these shoes would you recommend for me to buy? I love both.” The woman responded. “This black Yves Saint Laurent heel is a limited-edition, made from quality leather, and comfy insole. Favorite among celebrities and fashionistas alike.” Ariel explained applying a delightful and friendly smile. “This nude Gianvito Rossi heel is best known for its modern take on a classic style, perfect for making statements, attention-puller but is quite selective when it comes to dress pairing. Now you can choose based on their features.” She added. “Can I wear them to test?” The woman asked. “Of course Ma'am, but only the Gianvito Rossi, customers can test goods but not the limited version ones.” “?” The woman's eyes narrowed, her eyebrows squinted. A sense of fear and warning gripped Ariel as the woman stared at her grumpily. “How dare you speak to m
At her front was her belongings thrown out recklessly on the ground scattered, beside it was a letter to vacate the building. She already knew it would happen as she has been behind on rent for the past 2 years. Just that she didn't expect it to be today, not when her day was long. Ariel's trembling hands dug in her bag to reach for her phone with the intention to plead with her landlord. She dialed the number countless of times but no one picks. She reached for one of her pillows for a comfy sit. ‘Sigh' She exhaled sharply and shut her eyes closed. The faint sound of cars blaring from afar mingled with the rhythm of her heart, as she lost herself in the wilderness of her thoughts. Amidst her chaos with her thoughts, Her phone buzzed, interrupting her. She opened her tired eyes and stole a glance at the screen which revealed her bestie's name, a beacon of hope in her darkness. She swiped to answer the call. “Girl what's up, are you good, just wanna check up before I go
In another part of the busy city was a black Audi A8 followed by a white 2025 Mercedes Maybach S-class, which was driven down to the entrance of a five-star presidential suite. Four huge muscled men in black suits stepped out heavily from the Audi A8, lined up in a two by two formation waiting for their master. A middle-aged man came down from the front seat of the limousine and quickly ran forward to the back seat door. He opened the car door and a manlike figure who stood at approximately 6’2 tall came out. His navy blue suit could be recognized as one of luxurious materials. His lustrous black hair complimented his piercing ocean eyes, sharp broad shoulder, and perfectly traced thin lips with a jawline. Anyone could feel intimidated by his mesmerizing appearance. Each of his steps into the suite was followed by his bodyguards alongside his secretary. His powerful aura called for the attention of the people in the reception. Everyone could feel goosebumps as he p
Ariel then got up from bed and headed straight to the door. A familiar figure appeared in her front, she squinted trying to place the memory. “Hello Ms, I am here to get you, please kindly follow me.” The man uttered. Now she could remember vividly judging with the voice. Anya stood at her back staring at the thought provoking looking man too. ‘Bang!’ Ariel hastily shut the door back. “The man that handed me the card.” She said as she widened her eyes in disbelief. “Omg! Get dressed, put on back your clothes and follow him.” Anya suggested. “Give her five minutes.” Anya opened the door back. To her surprise the man didn't move an inch, he stood there patiently. His face was hidden behind sunglasses, not allowing them to be able to read his expression. In a few minutes Ariel was done, then took her CV, Anya quickly handed her two toasts to stay stabilised. She followed the man who came along with three other men who dressed like him. Anya watched as t
UNKNOWN POVI was all alone in the back of the club; just so I thought. Until I heard a woman screaming for help. At first I ignored, but then again the voice pulled my heartstrings more as it played in my head repeatedly. I got down from my car to take a look at the damsel in distress. I leaned against my car door leisurely, watching as the man was out of control, he just wanted to get down on her so bad— who still force a woman in this era? “Let go of her” I muttered. My sudden utterance was filled with caution and a heart–piercing–fear from both the lady and the man. Quiteness filled the air, only the sharp–breaking–breath of the damsel could be heard clearly. “What……what if I don't? What will you do?” The man blurted with fear, his tone was shaky; his gut betrayed him. A wide grin slowly curved on my lips, I like to be dared. It's been a while since people boarded my line. “What is your belief on living dead?” I asked the man with a calm yet death stare.Th
Ariel spent the next day recovering, her body still weak but no more pain. The housemaids took extra care of her, ensuring she had everything she needed. Yet, despite their efforts, she couldn’t shake off the brewing anxiety about the upcoming party.Johny had been vague about the details, but she knew better than to assume it was just a social gathering. In his world, nothing was ever simple. By the evening, a knock on her bedroom door broke her from her thoughts. The door opened, and a maid stepped in, carrying a box in her hands. “Madam, Mr. Lucas asked me to bring this to you.” she said, and she carefully placed the box on the bedside table and left. Ariel got up from the armchair where she had been scrutinizing and enjoying the picturesque views through the window. She unwrapped the ribbon; inside was an elegant body-fitted crimson silk dress with a fitted bodice and a high slit that hinted at seduction. It was the kind of dress designed to make a statement, to command atte
Johny’s penthouse says a lot about the man himself—cold, sleek, and devoid of unnecessary warmth. The living space was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with walls painted with dull tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline, but the view felt more like a statement than something to be enjoyed. The air inside carried a crisp sterility, with no personal touches—just expensive furniture, minimalist décor, and a silence that seemed almost important. The study, where Johny spent most of his time, was lined with dark wood and polished steel, the only signs of life being the neatly stacked reports on his woody desk. Even in the bedroom, nothing looks comfy. Just a king-sized bed with black sheets, an untouched armchair in the corner, and a bedside table that held nothing but a clock and a teacup. The entire penthouse felt more like a showroom than a home, as if the man who lived there had no need for anything beyond control and efficiency. The house had i
Luis sat in his car across the street from Max’s school, his fingers tapping impatiently on the steering wheel. He wasn’t supposed to be here—not after Ariel’s countless warnings and the school’s restrictions—but he couldn’t help himself. He is Max’s papa, and he wasn’t going to let Ariel cut him out of his life. He leaned back, his jaw tightening as he thought about her. Ariel had always been stubborn, fiercely protective. It was one of the things he’d admired about her back when they were together. But now, that same tenacity had turned into a barrier, keeping him away from the only person he truly cared about. Luis wasn’t proud of the things he’d done in the past. The nights spent partying, the reckless decisions, and worst of all, stealing Ariel’s savings. He’d been selfish, immature. But he wasn’t that person anymore. He had changed—or at least, he wanted to believe he had. Max was his chance to make things right, to prove that he could be better. Every time he saw Max,
Through the white curtain, the sunlight reflected on Ariel's face, causing her to struggle opening her eyes. She woke up with an aching body, more aching than ever before. Her head bangs so loud to her ears causing her to groan. The view of the room made her open her eyes wider. Confused and alarmed, questioning herself inside. ~Ariel where are you? What are you doing here? What happened to me last night?~The more she tried recollecting, the more her headache grew stronger. Before she could figure out where she was, a call interrupted her. A glance at the screen revealed her father. Panic gasps, her heart thudding against her ribcage. With fear and uncertainty, she swiped to answer the call. Silence is all she could hear, nobody speaks. “Hello?” “Come home now” The commanding, yet calm voice of her father sounded. She squinted her eyebrows and grabbed hold her hair, so tight that she almost pulled them out in frustration and regret. She rushed down from the bed, but her
The journey to the airport was quiet, the tension fierce and thick in the air. Johny was waiting at the private jet, his tall figure leaning casually against the aircraft. His piercing gaze locked onto Ariel's as she approached, but he didn’t speak.As the jet took off, Ariel’s heart beats faster than usual. She stared at the gleaming city beneath the sun, its opulence a cruel contrast to the memories it held for her.In the jet, Johny sat across her, absorbed in his phone. He didn’t spare her a glance, nor did he offer any words of comfort. Ariel was fine with the silence; she needed it to steel herself for what lay ahead of her. When they arrived, Ariel stepped off the jet, her legs shaky beneath her as her heels clicked softly against the metal stairs. A sharp sigh escaped her mouth. The air tinged with dryness and distant nightlife, brushed her skin like an old acquaintance. Yet, it wasn’t welcoming. It carried memories, stains of a past that stick to her soul. Her chest tighte
Ariel’s pulse quickened as the weight of the moment pressed against her chest. She forced a shallow breath, her gaze never leaving Max, who stood in the doorway, his innocent face oblivious to the storm of emotions swirling inside her. Ariel forced a smile on her face as she jacked her head towards Max. Max, with his cherubic cheeks and wide eyes, was still too young to understand the weight of the conversation he had just walked in on. Ariel wanted to smile, to soften, but the bitter taste of the past lingered on her tongue, and she couldn’t escape it. Her voice warm and comforting. "Max... how long have you been standing there?" His gaze flitted to Anya, then back to her. "I just wanted to say goodnight," he mumbled, his tiny voice like a whisper. Ariel’s heart squeezed. The innocence in his eyes, the sweetness of his voice, was a stark contrast to the haunted memories she carried. She swallowed hard, fighting to keep her composure as the smile on her face became more sti
Anya’s gaze hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. “And what about him?” she asked, her tone laced with unspoken disgust.Ariel stiffened, her nails digging into the fabric of the sofa. She didn’t need to ask who Anya meant. Luis’s shadow had been a thick stain that Ariel couldn't scrub away. Luis Marquez. His name alone could make Ariel's mood drop from hundred to zero. A man of striking allure, with sharp cheekbones, deep-set hazel eyes that seemed to smolder in the dimmest of light, and a roguish smile that could disarm even the most guarded hearts. He had the kind of effortless charm that made heads turn and left women hanging onto his every word.But beneath that alluring facial features lay a man with flaws—reckless, irresponsible, and entirely too self-assured. Luis was the kind of man who lived for the thrill of the moment, never thinking of the boomerang and the consequences that followed.His addiction to excess—money, women, alcohol—had been the ruin of many, but
“Ariel… are you alright?” The deep voice of Johny pierced into her ears, waking her up from her trance. Her breath was still unstable, but her face and body had started calming down to a normal person. To let her settle, Johny passed a glass of water to her. “Drink up”“Thanks” She reached for the water, but her hand paused when she noticed the cold gaze of Johny fixated on her. The look on his face forcefully compelled her made a clearance of why she became like that after the announcement.“I don't feel too well these days, sorry to scare you.” Hun? Scared him?, how sure is she that she made that kind of effect on him? Johny remained silent, he just kept on looking at her with some sort of unreadable expression. Did the lie work on him? Johny isn't a man that can be easily fooled. “I will drive you home.” He said, as he handed her the water. Not giving any sign of concern, like she wasn't asked such question. Of course she wasn't asked, but her guilty conscience wouldn't let