Lisa’s POV“I don’t know why she’s being so cold,” I sigh dramatically, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I glance at Josh beside me. “Anna always had a mean streak. She used to say the nastiest things to me back when we were… you know… ‘friends.’”Josh furrows his brows like he’s trying to remember a version of Anna that never existed. “Really?” he asks, clearly more intrigued than concerned.I nod solemnly, layering my voice with a hint of pain. “She used to make me cry, say I wasn’t good enough, pick on everything I wore… Even now, it’s like she’s still punishing me.”Josh chuckles, smirking as if he’s just discovered a grand conspiracy. “She’s probably still in love with me,” he says, running a hand through his hair like that thought pleases him too much. “That’s why she’s acting like that. Holding a grudge… Classic jealousy move.”God, you’re so easy, I think, but I school my expression and give him a supportive smile. “Maybe… Maybe you should talk to her. You know, clear
A deep, suffocating void. That is all there is.No pain, no warmth, no cold—just emptiness, stretching endlessly. I have no body, no voice, only the lingering sensation of despair, of regret.Then, suddenly, there is something else. A pull, sharp and urgent, dragging me from that formless abyss. And then—A gasp tears from my throat as I jolt upright.Had I truly died? The last thing I remember is Lisa’s voice, cruel and mocking, her eyes gleaming with triumph as I lay there, bleeding out.My hands scramble against soft sheets, my breathing ragged as my wide eyes dart around the dimly lit room. I know this room; it's my room from when I was still home."Maybe I'm in heaven." The thought fills me with equal parts sadness and relief. At least now I can see my family. I try to leave the bed, and my feet tangle in the sheets, making me fall on my face."Oww." Wait, I pause. People can't feel pain in heaven, right?I stand and stare at the familiar sight—the desk covered in neatly stacked b
After a nice breakfast, I make some excuse to stay home from school; I need time to process everything.Sitting on my bed, the weight of the situation begins to settle in. How do I fix this? How do I save my family from the ruin I know is coming? I feel a familiar tension rise in my chest as I replay the moments that led to our downfall. I can remember everything—every mistake, every decision—so I can change the future before it’s too late.Then, like a cruel whisper from the past, Lisa’s voice echoes in my mind.“The reason your father’s company collapsed, the reason your entire family is dead, the reason Josh betrayed you. Me.”Her words had hit me like a physical blow, knocking the breath from my chest. I remembered how I had whispered, “What?” my mind racing, trying to comprehend, trying to deny.She had stood then, pacing slowly, her voice cold and detached as she continued. “Don’t you remember? The company had gone bankrupt, and no bank would give him a loan, fearing he wouldn't
I would’ve cancelled. God knows I wanted to. But the moment I saw the date, I knew I couldn’t.Today was the beginning of everything—the day my life began to unravel thread by thread, all while I smiled and played dress-up with the person holding the scissors.The mall is just as I remember—too bright, too loud, too full of people pretending their lives are whole. The polished floors gleam under fluorescent lights, reflecting nothing but illusions and lies.My steps slow the moment I pass through the glass doors. The cool, manufactured air rushes over me, stealing my breath like a slap to the face. I blink, trying to focus on the present, but it’s no use.This is where it all started.My stomach knots. I swallow it down.I remember the way I’d felt—hopeful, excited, stupid. I’d gotten her text—Let’s shop, babe! Girls’ day! I miss you—and my heart had swelled like an idiot’s.I showed up thinking it would be fun.We’d laughed through the aisles like nothing in the world could touch us.
Just like the last time, Lisa’s voice cut through the air casually. “Wanna head out? I’m kinda over it.”I smiled, heart pounding—not with fear, but anticipation. “Sure.”We strolled toward the mall’s entrance, sunlight spilling in from the large glass doors. And then—just as I remembered—the sharp, blaring wail of the security alarm pierced through the air. Heads turned. Conversations halted.I feigned surprise, furrowing my brows in confusion and concern, glancing around as if the sound couldn’t possibly have anything to do with me. But of course, it had everything to do with me. Or at least, it was supposed to.“Ma’am,” one of the security guards said as he stepped in front of us, palm up, voice firm, “I’m going to need to search your bag.”My eyes widened in careful measure.Maybe it was the way we were dressed. I’d thrown on something simple—a black tee and old jeans, my hair pulled into a lazy ponytail. Lisa, on the other hand, looked like she belonged in the pages of a glossy ma
After the whole fiasco at the mall, Lisa’s face shifted—her expression going from pale to horrified as the realization of what had almost happened sank in. She left with a quiet, "See you later," . I couldn't help myself, I laughed softly under my breath, the sound almost bitter. It felt like a small victory, a taste of control over something that had always seemed so out of reach. But even as I stood there, watching her retreating figure, I knew it was just a blip. A tiny victory in the grand scheme of things. It meant nothing compared to what I had to do next.I left the mall with a sense of satisfaction, but it quickly faded when I walked into the house. The familiar, comforting scent of dinner being prepared greeted me as I stepped inside. My family had already set the table, and I could hear my mother bustling around in the kitchen. The soft clink of plates and silverware, the hum of quiet conversations—everything felt normal. Everything felt safe.As I sit at the dining table, su
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I feel the weight of everything pressing down on me, threatening to suffocate me. My family, our future, the lies I’ve lived through. My mind keeps racing, replaying every betrayal. I want to fix everything, to untangle this mess, but I know I need to start somewhere. And the first step, as painful as it is, has to be to extricate myself from Lisa and Josh.Josh. The name that once made my heart flutter now turns my stomach. Months ago, I would have done anything to hold onto him, to believe that we were building something real. But I know the truth now, and the truth is a bitter pill to swallow. He’s been with Lisa all along, sleeping with her, laughing at me behind my back. The thought burns through me like acid, and for a moment, I want to scream. How could I have been so blind?I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. There’s no point in holding on to someone who’s already gone. Breaking up with him feels like the obvious move, but I hesitate.
Disoriented, I blink at the morning light streaming through the window. My eyes sting, and my mind feels like it’s been in a bender all night long. I could barely sleep, chasing solutions for saving Josh’s uncle. Despite hours of turning over every detail I could recall, I’m no closer to an answer. At one point, I passed out from exhaustion, but unfortunately, I could only get a few hours of sleep. now i had to deal with being sleep deprived all day longI push the thoughts aside and head to the bathroom. If I’m going to survive today, I’ll need to face both Josh and Lisa without raising suspicions. My mind hardens as I make a vow to act normal, calm, and composed. They can’t know anything’s changed until I’m completely free of their influence.After a hot shower, i run a towel through my hair to dry it. I had it cut short after a while of working tirelessly as it was too much work. I missed my long hair, and I was glad to have it back.I pause in front of the mirror; the reflection s
Lisa’s POV“I don’t know why she’s being so cold,” I sigh dramatically, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I glance at Josh beside me. “Anna always had a mean streak. She used to say the nastiest things to me back when we were… you know… ‘friends.’”Josh furrows his brows like he’s trying to remember a version of Anna that never existed. “Really?” he asks, clearly more intrigued than concerned.I nod solemnly, layering my voice with a hint of pain. “She used to make me cry, say I wasn’t good enough, pick on everything I wore… Even now, it’s like she’s still punishing me.”Josh chuckles, smirking as if he’s just discovered a grand conspiracy. “She’s probably still in love with me,” he says, running a hand through his hair like that thought pleases him too much. “That’s why she’s acting like that. Holding a grudge… Classic jealousy move.”God, you’re so easy, I think, but I school my expression and give him a supportive smile. “Maybe… Maybe you should talk to her. You know, clear
The week passes in a blur of logins, onboarding emails, and meetings where I try my best to nod like I understand everything—thankfully, I understand more than I expected. They’re still easing me into the workload. I’m mostly shadowing my mentor, assisting with research, preparing data summaries, and sitting in on team meetings. It's nothing too intense yet, but I make sure to look alert, take notes, and ask smart questions. I want to earn my place here, not just coast on charisma and a polished resume.And thankfully, despite the awkward start, I haven’t had to interact with Lisa much. We're in different departments, mentored by different analysts, and our desks are thankfully on opposite ends of the floor. The only times I catch a glimpse of her are during lunch breaks, when I feel her eyes on me from across the cafeteria like some low-budget thriller villain.I’ve learned to ignore it. She can stare all she wants.Friday rolls in before I know it. I’m just finishing up a small repo
I stir awake, a smile already tugging at my lips as I realize where I am, wrapped in Alaric’s arms, still basking in the afterglow of a blissful night. The sun rays shines gently through the curtains, casting golden warmth across our tangled bodies. I stretch slightly, careful not to wake him, and try to ease myself out of bed. But the second I move, his arm tightens around my waist. “Five more minutes,” he mumbles, voice rough with sleep. I glance at the clock, heart skipping. “I’ll be late, Alaric. It’s my first day.” He doesn't even open his eyes. Instead, he shifts closer, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck before pressing a kiss there—slow, purposeful, and devastatingly effective. My resolve wavers instantly. It didn't even pretend to put up a fight. “Just five,” I whisper, breath hitching. “That’s all I need,” he murmurs with a devilish grin, before rolling back the covers and disappearing beneath them with wicked intent. My squeal turns into a gasp a
I stare up at the sleek glass building in front of me, its mirrored panels catching the morning sun like armour. My reflection stares back—poised, professional, and a tiny bit terrified."You’ve got this," I tell myself, shifting my folder to my other arm. I’ve done everything I could to prepare. Hours of brushing up on industry questions, perfecting my resume, and tailoring my pitch. And countless mock interviews with Alaric—him sitting on the edge of his desk in his lazy, arrogant sprawl, firing hard questions with a smirk just to watch me squirm.I smile to myself at the memory. It’s because of him I feel even remotely ready.Still... this is different. This isn’t his world. This is mine.I smooth a hand over my skirt, exhale slowly, and whisper under my breath, “You’re smart. You’re capable. You belong here.”And then I walk inside.The receptionist greets me kindly, and I’m led to a waiting area that smells like fresh coffee and expensive polish. I take a seat, crossing my legs a
Lisa’s POVThe capital smells like money and power.I breathe it in as I step out of the plane with Josh trailing behind me, already going on about how this city’s going to change everything for us. “Connections,” he keeps saying. “Opportunities.” Blah, blah. I’ve heard it all before.We weave through the arrival terminal, and for a second, I’m bored. Airports are all the same—plastic smiles, rolling suitcases, screaming kids.Until I see him.He’s leaning casually against a black luxury car parked by the curb, a phone in one hand, the other tucked into the pocket of a navy-blue coat. He’s not trying to be noticed, but God, it’s impossible not to. There’s something about him—sharp jaw, cold eyes, the kind of presence that doesn’t just enter a room but commands it.I slow down instinctively.And then a woman runs toward him.A girl—slender, stylish, dark curls bouncing as she throws herself at him. He hugs her tightly, murmuring something that makes her laugh. There’s warmth in his tou
After hours of sitting in that cold, too-bright waiting room, it's as if time blended into itself. I’ve counted every tile on the ceiling. I’ve memorized the rhythm of every footstep that passes by the hall. I’ve heard more whispered more prayers than I can remember. And then finally, the door opens. A nurse steps out, her face soft with something resembling a smile. “He’s awake,” she announces quietly. The air leaves my lungs in a whoosh. I see Mrs. Ashford’s hand fly to her mouth as Mr. Ashford pulls her into a trembling embrace. Ellie lets out a choked sob, her shoulders sagging with relief. Alaric, beside me, closes his eyes for a moment, and takes a deep breath as if releasing a tension wound tightly beneath his skin. “But,” the nurse continues gently, “he’s still weak. He can only handle one or two people at a time.” Of course. We all nod, silently agreeing. Mr. and Mrs. Ashford go first. They disappear behind the door, and for ten long minutes, we wait in thick silence.
AnnaIt’s been hours.Long, aching, heavy hours since they took the blood from me. I barely noticed the prick of the needle or the lightheadedness that followed. My body was numb. My mind was too focused on a single thing, saving him.And somehow… he made it.Damian is stable now.Those words were like a balm I didn’t know I needed. I must have cried then—relief bursting through the fear like the first sunlight after a storm—but I don’t remember. I only remember Alaric holding me, one hand on the back of my head, the other wrapped around my waist, grounding me like he always does.Now, though, the relief is fading, replaced by a new weight.Telling his family.Telling Ellie.I glance at Alaric as we walk down the hallway. His jaw is tight, his steps stiff. The adrenaline of battle has worn off, leaving him hollowed out, just like me. But he’s here. And that’s all I need to move forward.The door to the waiting room is just ahead. I can hear voices—Mrs. Ashford’s soft worry, Ellie’s an
I don't know how long we stayed like that—Alaric pressing down on Damian’s wound, me whispering prayers.The sound of backup finally crashing in loudly to my ears. Yells. Footsteps. Barked orders. But all I could see was Damian's paling face.“Medics!” Alaric shouted hoarsely, his voice raw. “Someone call an ambulance! We need a medic now!”At some point someone knelt beside us, a blur of uniform and supplies, hands taking over. I didn’t let go of Damian’s hand until they pried it from mine to load him onto the stretcher.“Stay with him,” Alaric said, voice shaking but firm. “Don’t let him go under.”I nodded numbly, stumbling after them as they wheeled him out. Alaric stayed behind to coordinate the clean-up, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Damian’s blood on my hands.The gun—the one I had fired—was still tucked in my waistband. I’d killed a man today. A man who nearly destroyed everything we loved.But all I could think was…Please, don’t let this be the price we pay.The wall
AnnaI know I should have stayed back.I promised I would.But it’s different this time.Something in my gut twists with dread, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, it keeps clawing at me. I know they were walking into a trap. And knowing they were going in with backup didn’t help soothe my fears not one bit. Not tonight. Not when Elias was desperate and dangerous. Not when Alaric looked at me like he might not come back.I wait until I can no longer see the tail lights of the black SUV disappear down the road before I move.My feet take me straight to the study, to the drawer where I had stashed Alaric’s gun weeks ago. The same one I’d stolen the very first day we met—back when he had threatened me to help him.A fond smile pulls at my lips at the memory.God, a lot has changed since then.The man who once cornered me with cold eyes and threats was now the man I love and loves me. Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. I had changed too—no longer afraid, no longer unsure of my place in the