With only a few days left until the exam, Alberto’s absence weighed heavily on Cadence. His father’s relentless efforts to keep him occupied meant that Cadence was left to fend for herself in her studies, a daunting prospect without Alberto’s guidance and support.Mrs. Clarke did her best to assist Cadence during Alberto’s absence, but Cadence found it difficult to focus without him by her side. Each passing day only served to heighten her anxiety, as she struggled to muster the motivation to study on her own.Despite Mrs. Clarke’s encouragement, Cadence’s mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Alberto. Without his reassuring presence, she felt lost and adrift, unable to concentrate on her studies or prepare for the upcoming exam.It was the weekend, and as per Cadence’s usual schedule, today was her weekly test. However, unlike previous weeks, Cadence found herself unprepared for the exam. With Alberto absent, there was no one to scold her or hold her accountable for her studies.
As Alberto continued to explore Cadence’s body with his hands, he picked up the candle and the lighter from the array of items laid out in front of her. With deliberate movements, he lit the candle, allowing the flame to flicker softly in the dimly lit room.Cadence watched with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as Alberto held the candle above her, letting the wax drip slowly onto her skin. Each drop elicited a sharp intake of breath from Cadence, the sensation alternating between a scalding heat and a tingling warmth as the wax hardened against her flesh.Alberto leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’re doing so well, Bella,” he whispered, the heat from his breath sending shivers down her spine. “I can tell you’re enjoying this.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing. “Now, let’s see how you handle the whip.”Cadence’s heart raced as he picked up the whip and slowly swung it through the air. The leather made a sinister cracking sound,
Finally, the moment they had both been waiting for arrived: the results of the exam were announced, and Cadence’s name was called out with flying colors. Her grades were nothing short of outstanding, and she had secured admission to the university of her dreams. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she clutched Alberto’s hand, overcome with emotion.“I can’t believe it, Bella,” Alberto exclaimed, his voice choked with pride. “You did it! You’re going to be a university student!” He pulled her into a tight embrace, her body pressed against his. “I am so incredibly proud of you.”Cadence laughed, tears streaming down her face as she clung to him. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Thank you, Alberto. Thank you for believing in me.”He smiled down at her, his hands resting on her hips. “You’re welcome, mia piccola. You’re my inspiration, you know that?” With a playful wink, he added, “And now that the exam is over, I think it’s time for that sur
EPILOGUE A year had passed since that unforgettable night when Cadence had achieved her dream of securing admission to the university. Life had become a whirlwind of lectures, late-night study sessions, and the occasional glamorous corporate event. Yet, through it all, the bond between Cadence and Alberto had only grown stronger. Cadence stood on the stage, beaming with pride as she accepted her award for academic excellence. The applause was deafening, a testament to her hard work and dedication. As she glanced out into the audience, her eyes found Alberto, his face glowing with pride and love. He gave her a subtle nod, his eyes reflecting the same intense emotions that had always defined their relationship. Later that evening, as they returned to their penthouse, the city lights twinkling below them, Cadence couldn’t help but reflect on how much her life had changed. She was no longer the unsure girl who had just graduated high school; she had grown into a confident, determined
PROLOGUEWhat does it feel like to experience the sensation of being stalked? Is it as if every move you make is being recorded, and you are being watched at every step?How far do you believe an obsession can lead someone? What do you think is the boundary of obsession? Can it result in dangerous situations for anyone who comes close to the object of obsession, or even touches them?Doesn’t the thought of being stalked sound terrible, terrifying, and scary? Unfortunately, that is what happened to me.I’m Ashley Claire, a first-year undergraduate at Ivy Rosewood University, immersed in my pursuit of writing, particularly drawn to the rich tapestry of English literature. From the pages of Pride and Prejudice to the haunting landscapes of Wuthering Heights and the glittering allure of The Great Gatsby, I find myself captivated by the power of storytelling. This passion is a legacy from my father, a renowned fiction writer whose influence ignited my own creative spark from a young age.L
As I stood before the mirror, dressed in my carefully chosen ensemble for the first day at university, a rush of excitement and nerves swirled within me. The black off-shoulder crop top hugged my figure just right, contrasting elegantly with the crisp white of my tight jeans.Adorning my neck were two delicate chains, each bearing a precious initial: ‘A’ for Ashley, and ‘J’ for Jeremy, my beloved boyfriend. The thought of him brought a soft smile to my lips as I adjusted the chains, ensuring they lay just right.But before stepping out, I couldn’t resist adding the finishing touch – my favorite obsession: earrings. With a quick glance in the mirror, I admired the way the black studs accentuated my look. Earrings had always been my weakness, my go-to accessory to express myself.With a swipe of blush pink lipstick, I felt the last piece of my ensemble fall into place. “All set for the first day at university,” I declared to my reflection.“Finally, Ash! If you’re all set, we can head o
“What’s wrong?” I inquired, my confusion evident in my expression.Luna’s frustration was palpable as she muttered under her breath, “That jerk is seriously getting on my nerves right now.”Her words only served to deepen my confusion until she clarified, “Chase is part of that group.”I followed her gaze once more, and sure enough, there he was – Chase, sitting among the members of the group of bullies. My heart sank as I realized the implications of his presence. Chase was Luna’s boyfriend, and they had been together for three years. Their relationship was built on a foundation of friendship between their families, and they were undeniably cute together.Chase had told Luna that he was away for a family gathering and wouldn’t be back until next week. His sudden appearance here was bound to upset Luna, and I could already feel the tension building between them. It was a situation I had hoped to avoid, knowing how much Luna cared for Chase, but now it seemed inevitable.“He wasn’t her
Chase nodded in understanding, tucking the keys into his pocket as he absorbed my warning. But before he could respond, I reached into my bag and withdrew a card, holding it out to him.“Since you’re here now, I’m giving you this card back. Luna gave it to me angrily before I left,” I explained, noting the curious stares of Chase’s friends as they observed our interaction.Chase accepted the card, puzzled by its significance. “What’s this for?” he asked, his confusion evident.I met his gaze, feeling the weight of the stares bearing down on me. My eyes briefly connected with hazel brown eyes among his friends before I redirected my attention to Chase.“You went to the family dinner and came back early without wishing her luck for her first day. Then you ignored her. So, it’s only fair that you have it back,” I explained, my words tinged with a hint of reproach.Realizing that I was running late, I cut off any further conversation before Chase could respond. “I’m getting late, by the w