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28. THE ACCIDENT
Huling Na-update:
2023-12-02 00:01:25
Kaugnay na kabanata
A TWENTY SOMETHING 29. CUPCAKE
BASH(11 YEARS OLD) It happened so suddenly. One second, I was playing football with Luke, and the next second, I was chasing a faceless guy. It always happened to me. There are people and places I remember meeting but I never saw them in my life. I thought I had seen someone from my dreams. So, I followed him out of curiosity. I told my mom many times that I remembered the guns and the smell of cigars. But she said, I had never seen a gun in my real life, and insisted it was just my dream. I tried to draw them. But they became ugly scribbles. Turns out I don't have the skill to draw, and I didn't bother trying because my life was perfect. I didn't need to dwell on some random dreams until I saw a guy with a moustache that day. I followed him. But I lost in the middle of nowhere, and I was left alone without a phone or guard. Something about getting lost felt like a deja vu, as if I already experienced that. Suddenly, a truck came at me, and I was so sure that I was goi
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-03A TWENTY SOMETHING 30. I DON'T LOVE HIM
HANA | THEN I saw Leo's car pulling up into our driveway, and that's when I first had my panic attack. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't focus on anything as my heartbeat quickened, my body trembled, and moved to the corner of my room. I heard him shout and ten minutes later, my mom stomped into my room. "Did you tell what happened to Micheal?" She asked me. Micheal did come yesterday to meet me. I remember how I flinched when he tried to touch my face. But he had been kindest to me ever since that incident. My mom sighed, sitting beside me. "It's okay. This will pass. We promised each other that we wouldn't tell what happened to anyone, right? It's for your own good." She tells me. "Never speak about this to anyone. Don't talk to Micheal." I believed her. I believed when she said she was doing everything for my good. I don't know how he made it happen, but Michael convinced my family to make me study abroad. I hated him for that. "It's for yo
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-05A TWENTY SOMETHING 31. I AM YOURS TOO
HANA Michael suggested a hundred things we could do together, like the mall which I don’t find attractive at all, or the restaurant where I don’t want to spend more money or the church where the god whom I don’t believe exists. I wanted to spend more time with him, but given the circumstances, it felt highly inappropriate. He is here to deal with his father’s death. I do not want to stop him for me. All my thoughts started to drift back to Bash. He will be gone for five days. “Are you alright?” Michael asked me, he held my hand as we walked to my apartment. I nod my head. “You still feel like a little girl who used to hold my hand for every party because she was afraid, she would get lost in the crowd.” I smiled. “I have grown up now. But I am still lost. I have been lost for a while now.” “It’s okay. We all take time to find ourselves.” He hugged me one last time, gave me his card and shared all the social media IDs before he le
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-06A TWENTY SOMETHING 32. DEAR XAVIER
HANA I walked into Bash's study room to find him standing at the window, with a leather-bound book in his hand, a sad smile on his lips, a glint in his eyes and his knuckles white as though he was holding with everything he got. "Hey," I whispered to let him know that I was there. He turned his head, his expression immediately changed and his eyes brightened. That made me smile. The earnest happiness when he sees me is everything I never knew I needed. "Come in," He says, nodding his head to his side. He kept the book beside the monitor on his table. I have seen him hold it before but cannot remember where or when. "You good?" He asks me, kissing me on my forehead. I nod my head, fixing his tie. "When will you come back?" If he was not watching me, then I would have pouted. Honestly, to not feel him against me or see him smile at me for the next five days feels scary. Oh, no. I am falling hard for him. "I will try to be here
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-09A TWENTY SOMETHING 33. SURPRISE
HANA There are so many things I concluded after reading Rose's letter. 1- Bash is not Xavier's biological father. 2- His biological father is a monster. 3- There was someone named Cillian and Sebastian who helped Rose escape from wherever she was. Perhaps they named these two cousins after them. 4- Xavier is a wonderful human being. 5- His wife killed herself. Now I wondered what Bash thought of me every time he looked at me. Does he see his mother? Because I made that decision before to end my life. But I will worry about that later. I need to see Bash now. The first thing I did was to book a flight for the next day. I slept at Bash's home that night and he was so happy I did that. I counted every second until it was morning. I looked at the mirror and practised smiling. It's nothing new to me. I had to put up an act if I had to get to Bash. Then I called Shalini. "I need a dress," I tell her. "What's the occasion?" She asked me. "It's surpr
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-10A TWENTY SOMETHING 34. HELLO, FIANCE
HANA I woke up to the scent of leather, pressed against my cheek. The events of the morning ran in my mind at a glimpse. I quickly sat up, feeling disoriented. Bash was nowhere to be found. I pulled my phone out and saw Bash's text. I am stepping out. Call me when you are awake. I rubbed my temples cursing myself for falling asleep like that. I don't sleep much. Not sure when I started dozing off at random places. I called Bash, walking out. He hasn't lifted the phone. Before I tried again, I went to the girl from earlier. "Hey, I am sorry about earlier. I was in a hurry. I didn't [know what am I thinking." I tried to explain. She smiled. "It's alright, Miss. Levine. I should've known who you are." "How would you know? I don't even know who I am?" She chuckled at my words, "I have seen so many women with Mr. Merrick, and none are like you. That was supposed to make me happy but it felt like a twist of the knife inside my gut. Of course
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-12A TWENTY SOMETHING 35. BETWEEN THEM
HANA There is something I always do whenever I feel uncomfortable around people, analyse their personality and height so that I can plan my escape. Surely, Cillian is not paying attention to his south so I could kick, maybe twist his arm but he is too big for me. If he captured my hands, it would be hard. So I analyzed how I could bring him down to his knees if he tried to do anything to me. So far, nothing. He took a step forward, and I tried to stand my ground but it was too difficult because he was reeked of alcohol. It makes me want to throw up everything I eat for lunch. It's the middle of the day for goddam sake. He took another step forward, caging me between him and the wall. An evil smirk spread over his lips. I didn't feel threatened when Bash did the same. Cillian's large hand came around my neck. He gave it a light squeeze. His thumb grazed over my lips. Just a touch I am going back to the days of my middle school. "Stop," I begged, squeezing my eyes
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-15A TWENTY SOMETHING 36. LOVING HIM
HANA "Are you talking about the guy you tied in your basement?" I mocked. But my insides dreaded that it would be true. What if it is true? "You know that's not what I mean," He tells me. I nod my head, "Yeah. You are right. I don't know what you mean. I don't know so much about it. But you seem to know everything about me." "We will talk about it," He says, slipping his hand in mine and giving it a light squeeze. He took me to the hotel where he was staying. The first thing I did was to sit in the shower. As the water cascaded over me, the reality of my life slowly started to sink in. This was bound to happen. How do I think that we could be fine? Of course, I will run into Cillian. I heard a knock on the door, "You alright?" Bash questioned from the other side. I got up reluctantly and tied a towel around my body before I walked out. Bash removed his suit and the waistcoat. He was removing his shirt when I walked out. The room has a modern
Huling Na-update : 2023-12-16
Pinakabagong kabanata
A TWENTY SOMETHING EPILOGUE - II
BASH Celia is not due until next month. But that little shit can't wait for any longer. He came out earlier than expected, and if you are asking me why I am calling a one-hour-old baby, little shit, wait until I finish the full story. I didn't let Hana step out of our room for another five days. She has stitches, and what was she thinking, trying to sit in a wheelchair? Not under my watch. My Rose yawned in my arms and went back to sleep, her tiny hand wrapped around my finger. A few days back, if someone had told me that I would call another human being cute other than my wife, I would have laughed at them. Now, looking at Rose's sleeping form, that's all I can think - cute, delicate. She needs to be protected from all the ugliness of the world. I will make sure she is untouched. When my wife and daughter were being discharged, we visited Celia and Alex. Three-year-old Willow ran to me, hugging my leg. "Hey, sweetheart." I smile at her. "Mommy birth me a brother."
A TWENTY SOMETHING EPILOGUE- I
HANA"What are we doing in Japan?" I asked, glancing around at the sea of cherry blossoms, their delicate petals drifting through the air like whispered dreams.Bash smirked. "I told you that's exactly what you would ask."It took me a moment to understand. Then, I remembered—the night we spoke of impossible dreams in Istanbul, the ones we knew would never come true. Anniversaries we’d never celebrate, trips we’d never take, a life we’d never have.Yet, here we were."It happened," I whispered, as a pink petal landed softly on my cheek.Bash's eyes held mine, warm and unwavering. "We made it, Mrs. Merrick."And then he kissed me beneath the cherry blossom trees.Ahmet always said we were just two lovesick fools wandering the world, celebrating life. He wasn’t wrong. For three months, that’s exactly what we did—travelling with no destination, doing nothing but making love, laughing, and getting lost in each other.Then, we returned to Istanbul.Bash wanted to rewrite the memories. What
A TWENTY SOMETHING 121. MR & MRS. MERRICK
HANA"Can I disown him?" Sandro muttered behind me. I followed his gaze to Matias sitting in the front row and wiping his tears with a tissue. "Fuck." Another hiss from Sandro. Matias is sniffling-- hard.Bash is scowling at the kid. I nudged him gently so that he would change his expression. My attempt is futile."I will disown him." "No," It's Vin this time.I like how the guys tried to blend in. But they failed miserably. With their tattooed body, hidden arms, and bulky personality, there's no way Sandro and his crew can blend in. But I can give ten out of ten for the attempt. Though Bash and Sandro still joke about killing each other (sometimes it doesn't sound like a joke at all), they are there for each other. They formed a bond. Bash is not part of the outfit anymore, but they have each other back in their own way."Where is Luna?" I questioned Bash while posing for the photo."Avoiding me," Sandro answered.As the night came alive, we danced. Bash glared at everyone who dan
A TWENTY SOMETHING 120. THE RUNAWAY-BRIDE
HANA || THREE MONTHS LATER "Are you fucking someone else?" Bash gasped, turning around. "Jeez, babe. What are you doing up so late?" It is almost one o clock in the night. According to my fiance, it is the ideal time to come home. At first, I didn't give it much thought. There are a lot of things to take care of with Sandro taking over and Bash cleaning the mess Elio left in his export and import businesses. It has been three months since I almost lost my life. For the first few weeks, Bash didn't leave my side. He nursed me back to health, accompanied me to the hospitals, and made sure I had a perfect diet and sleep. Once he started going to work, he seemed distant. I thought he was busy. I thought he was feeling guilty for what happened. I can understand how his mind works. He is fiercely protective of me. He thinks he failed me. Still, that doesn't explain the growing distance between us. I took a threatening step forward. "Are you fucking someone else? Are you
A TWENTY SOMETHING 119. NEW BEGINNING
BASHThe world narrows to the rhythmic sound of Hana's laboured breathing. Her blood stains my hands, her pulse weak beneath my fingertips. "Sandro," I command, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "Take care of Colton and his men. I'll take Hana to the hospital."He came to my side, and for the first time, his eyes softened at Hana in my arms. "Take care of her. Luna won't like it if something happens to her sister."At this moment, I don't even care why Luna's likes matter to him anymore."Do you want Colton alive?" He asked me.A gun fired in the distance, and someone screamed.I gently lift Hana, cradling her against me. Her eyes flutter open, and she offers a faint, reassuring smile."I'm here," I whisper, brushing a strand of hair from her face."I don't care what you do with him. It doesn't matter anymore."Sandro nods, understanding the gravity of my decision.With urgency, I carry her to the car, my mind racing. The nearest hospital is miles away, and every second co
A TWENTY SOMETHING 118. FAILED
BASH The tension in the room was palpable. Colton stood across from me, a smug grin playing on his lips as he held Hana captive. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of fear and determination. I looked for any visible wounds on her body. I swear if he touched her, I'd make Colton's death ten times more painful. I'll do the same even if he doesn't touch her. Hana looked terrified. Her eyes filled with unshed tears find mine. She would have pressed her knuckles to her eyes if her hands weren't tied. That must have hurt. She has no pain threshold when it comes to physical wounds. Emotionally, she fought many battles. Her wrists will have marks from that rope and I imagined choking Colton's neck with the same. Her eyes zeroed on my clenched fists and she shook her head. She is trying to be brave —For me. She is asking me not to lose my patience. "Finally." Colton opened his filthy mouth, "The son of Xavier and Rose. We had a history we need to settle." I unclenched my
A TWENTY SOMETHING 117. THE RAIN OF BULLETS
BASHThe snipers might have reached my house by now. Hana is safe. For now.“Elio knows what we’re doing,” Sandro said. “Vin and his team will take care of him. We need to get to Colton’s house. Now.”“Why now?” I asked, brow furrowing. “And I thought Elio knew about this long ago.”“Colton is seeking Drago’s help. If Drago steps in, we’re outnumbered.”“And this Drago is—”“Someone powerful,” Sandro cut in. “That’s all you need to know.”I nodded, pulling out my phone to send a quick text to my Bee—Thud.Someone crashed into me, knocking the phone from my grip. It hit the floor with a crack, the screen shattering into a useless mess.A string of Italian curses spilled from the idiot who ran into me.Sandro didn’t even glance his way. He was already focused on the guy’s message.“The fuckard broke my phone,” I muttered.“We need to hurry,” the guy panted. “Colton is unguarded.”I scoffed. “Colton? Unguarded? Yeah, right.”“We killed half his men,” the newcomer said in a thick Italian
A TWENTY SOMETHING 116. THE ATTACK
HANA It has been two months since we sent Mateo and Luna away. Even I have no idea where Alexander hid them. No one knows. He says it is for their own safety. Sandro has started to lose his mind. There were tensions in the outfit. The supplies to Elio's territories have stopped coming. Distributors are worried because Elio is losing power. Bash started avoiding his calls. Elio almost came home last week. Sandro interfered, and they met at his house instead. I rarely stepped out of our home these two months. Even if I did, Dion and his team would follow me everywhere. I don't what information Luna has given about her father. Sandro started to attack his clubs, his brothels, and the restaurants he owned. Bash tells me Sandro has no reason for going against Colton except for Matias's attempted kidnap. But he is somehow taking this who takes down Matrix to a different level. The Matrix organisation's main business is human trafficking. They can make cash with the deadbod
A TWENTY SOMETHING 115. CHANGE OF PLANS
BASH I covered my face with my palm as she clicked another photo of me, lying on the bed, naked and satiated. Since yesterday night, Hana has captured hundreds of pictures, of our rings, our hands, of me and us. "It's enough baby. Come to bed now." She shook her head, looking for a different angle. I wrapped my fingers around her neck and pulled her to me, capturing her lips into a fierce kiss. "Are you going to take a rest or not?" I demanded. She shook her head again like a kid. "I am too excited and happy to take a rest." She jumped on the bed, "I have to show the ring to Shalini and Mateo." I groaned, pulled her again and wrapped her in my arms, "Stay here." I whispered. Half an hour later, the three friends are still talking about the rings. "Yaaaaaarrrrrrrrr... Congratulations!" Shalini screamed in the video call. My bee flaunted her ring for the tenth time, showing her friends all four of t
