Arya’s POV The sound of my keys sang while bolting the door and yes, I know what you’re thinking and it’s not it. I’ve just not gotten the time to install the passcodes, that’s all. It’s not like I’m hoping Nicklaus would show up using his spare - I’m not that delusional.Even a duck had to walk gracefully in this dress. The fabric had a way of accentuating my curves and compelling my frame to walk like a swan, not that I’m complaining to be honest. It’s one of those clothes you wear and feel powerful, like the star of the occasion type of feeling. Anyways Lucious planted a kiss on my finger tips the moment I reached his parked Lamborghini. It all felt too awkward seeing as I kept recalling Nicklaus but I had to keep calm. I’d like to have a word with him before the party’s over, to clear things up. “You look so beautiful and elegant, I’m afraid I’ve made a mistake tonight. What if Corosale wants you as a model? Would you terminate our contract for them?”Lucious words were an ob
Arya’s POV My gaze froze leaving me momentarily dazed at her question. Was this a test or a joke? Because I wasn’t finding it funny. Still, it wasn’t ideal to leave her hanging so I quickly found my composure. “Of course who wouldn’t want to become a Corosale model? I’m really honored that you consider me worthy to be selected but I’m sorry I’ll have to decline” I rejected respectfully and I found out a new part of Carolina. “It’s fine but may I ask why? Is there something about Corosale that doesn’t sit well with you?” Her voice was calm but I could tell it wasn’t that simple, dealing with cases like these are very sensitive and I’m sure this is one of the rare moments where her offer had been rejected. “Not at all, I’m merely an upcoming star yet to make her debut, becoming a model for Corosale is more than a golden opportunity. Still, I’m already with an agency and I’ve grown to be contented. Once again I appreciate your offer. Thank you” With that I took a slight bow as a s
Arya’s POV The cold glint in his eyes were unmistakable, freezing Anna’s gaze while I took the opportunity to rise to my feet. On any other day I would’ve walked away but not today. My emotions were in shambles and I wasn’t gonna suck up this humiliation. Immediately I gained balance, I struck a slap across her cheeks, leaving my imprints as a testament of my benevolence. Her face whipped to the side from the unplanned force while the look on my face remained calm. My eyes sparkled at the pretentious tears rolling down her cheeks and I’m sure as hell she would’ve retaliated if it wasn’t for the presence behind her. And as though someone announced ‘let the show begin’ she moved towards the man she believed to be her knight in shinning armor and began her display.“I think I’m bleeding...Mr. Lucious this is the ugly side of our family I never wanted anyone to see but now that you’ve seen it, I’m truly sorry. My previous actions were just to defend myself...please don’t take it out o
Arya’s POV I’m convinced Nicklaus is a thug that goes around town depositing punches on every guy that pisses him off. It took every fiber in me not to yell ‘use your words you lunatic!’ Why must he resort to violence? Such a headache. Our gaze jammed creating an uneasy feeling in my depths, the last person I wanted to see was standing right in front of me and yet I found it hard to look away. I peeled my eyes off finally but not before noticing the stream of blood flowing down his hairline. What the hell happened?Why was he here and injured? Especially with an expression like he wanted to have me buried six foot under. The crazy part is how he managed to still look breathtakingly handsome even when rustled up.I need some freaking answers but the only person that can respond to my myriad of questions is the cause. Before I could regain my composure my side eye picked up Lucious. He had fury beaming from his eyes as he approached Nicklaus, gripping his coat collar as though ch
Arya’s POV We arrived his parked Maybach Exelero and I obediently entered the passengers seat. The ride began awkward as hell and I couldn’t stop stealing glances at the rolling line of blood. I wanted to question it but zipped my mouth. “I was gone for how long? And you’re already in Lucious arms”He broke the ice and his words made me clench my jaw keeping my words swallowed in. There was no point in bickering so I caught to the chase.“Our contract ends today. It’s good we saw to make it official, let’s not see each other again. I’ll disappear from your life”I said these things calmly but it somehow managed to stir trouble because Nicklaus shot me a death glare while I witnessed his hands and jaw tighten to a troubling extent. “Why? Because of Lucious? So you three can become one big happy family?”He finally spoke with his eyes fixated at me but his words rendered me speechless, what’s his deal with Lucious?I looked away feeling extremely outraged and in the end I could only
Arya’s POV My muscles tensed, what do I make of this? He knew all along?What’s worse? He knew and feigned ignorance. My eyes blinked repeatedly but I wasn’t ready for this conversation so I proceeded with my movement.Sadly, he followed me out but I didn’t halt my strides until I was forced to by his grip on my arm. “Are you gonna keep avoiding it?”“Why can’t I?” I shot back reciprocating his icy stare and watched how his eyes darken. He’s been doing a good job pretending like he never said those words so why’s he getting all worked up now? “Let me go!” I breathed exasperatedly, his grip was growing tighter and I’m sure as hell that spot’s all red. I’m honestly too tired and hungry for this drama, all I want is to stuff my face with food and catch some Zs. Why’d he have to bring it up now? Such a pain!“It’s the reason you’ve been cold and distant, isn’t it?”His prying eyes pierced through my defenses and I instinctively looked away trying to shake off his grip.“Regardless o
Arya’s POV “Who says the contract is over?” Nicklaus questioned through clenched teeth and it was my turn to knit my brows. Whatever Nicklaus was cooking can’t be good. “What’d you mean?” I asked with scrutiny and watched with horror as a smirk casted it’s presence on his lips. “You haven’t fulfilled your part of the contract, that makes the termination invalid and it’ll have to be extended”My dolled up face instantly bore an aghast look and I couldn’t stop my lips from twitching as I gritted out.“It’s not my fault that your father failed to acknowledge me and there was no condition that stated such clause” I countered and watched him raise a brow in amusement. “What’re you? A lawyer now?”The hint of mockery in his tone made me livid and I took a deep breath to keep calm. “We’ll follow the normal procedure, the contract ends tonight so that’s makes us strangers. That also mean we’ll sign the divorce papers...”My words were stolen by an intrusive kiss. I was completely gobsmac
Arya’s POV Tension instantly filled the air. I didn’t want to keep this call but I couldn’t just hang up - except I had a death wish, which I didn’t so I found my voice and spoke.“Greetings Mr. Harrington. What do I owe the pleasure of this call?” It’s was inappropriate to call this late at night but I couldn’t just point that out. My best option right now is to act smart and keep it formal.“Aren’t you a bit upset that I’m crossing the line?” “Not at all” I lied straight away not that my honesty would have availed much. I mean, who wouldn’t be mad to receive a call few minutes to midnight? And it doesn’t make things better knowing it’s from my so called ‘father-in-law’ that hates me. “I’m honored to receive your call” I added.“In that case you wouldn’t mind me inviting you over for a chat tomorrow”Silence reigned in my end, things weren’t that simple seeing as he didn’t go through Nicklaus only meant trouble. His voice rang again.“A friendly harmless chat”In my opinion words
Arya’s hands moved to clasp her lips, what she held was both shocking and surprising. Her gaze couldn’t help darting at Nicklaus’s peaceful face. Ever since the incident, she was inclined to bring up Aiden but she couldn’t muster the courage and avoided the topics like the plague. She’d often help him dress his wound while he slept on the drugs and when he was awake she was gone, leaving the maids to prepare and deliver the meals.This was about the time when she usually dressed his wound but something else stole her attention. In her hands were photos of her and Aiden, they were taken when she lived with Aiden, it appeared to be dated back to that day at the hospital. The pictures were only taken from one location. ‘The balcony’It must’ve been taken by a drone or something of that kind, her thoughts were in shambles, he knew about Aiden since?But why didn’t he do anything? Nothing made sense to her anymore. Hours passed after this discovery and Arya stayed seated in his r
Arya's POVTechnically everyone here presence was closer to him than his supposed family. I can’t help but think I misjudged him when he said he had no family.Now I know he meant it, no one deserves to grow up in such conditions. With my fingers crossed I perched my ears to listen to the doctor’s announcement.“The surgery was a success. He didn't faint from excessive loss of blood but instead, exhaustion. He’ll be moved shortly, you'll be able to see him then but it'll take a while before he wakes up. His insomnia prevents him from sleeping so we induced him with something strong…”Nicklaus has insomnia? I never knew that, he always slept when we were together. “…Whoever is by his side when he wakes up should call the attention of a doctor. We can only verify his stability when he regains consciousness”.With that, the doctor left and I forgot how to move my feet, when I did remember, the first person I met was Klaus. “Nicklaus has insomnia?”I was staring at him for an answ
“Please…I beg you, I can’t do anything else but this, I’ll find a way to repay you, I promise… Just please spare Aiden”What sounded like a hysterical laugh ended with a scorn from Jane.“Does that mean you’re choosing to pay with your life?… Don’t you get it? There’s no point begging. Juliet had to die because I knew she was in on it, even though she lied and pretended to be a saint, even when she made me take months of gun training, and even when she placed me instead of the real Jane to be Aiden's nanny. She claimed she did all that for my revenge but I knew, I've always known I'd kill her for what she did! So, you see… everyone involved dies, only then would it be fair!”Melissa seemed to have recovered from the shock and shouted.“Let me die instead, please!”“No!” Arya screamed with uncontrollable pain. “I would never let that happen! This has nothing to do with you-”“Shut your mouth, how can a mother be alive when her daughter dies? I’d hang myself if that should happen, I’
“Nicklaus…drop your gun”Arya’s voice cracked but it was audible enough. Her eyes on the other hand were no longer sharp and full of life. It looked like a drawing with no emotions.Just desperation clouded her mind, she was at that point where selling her soul to the devil didn’t sound like a bad idea. Anything would do to get through this nightmare, “Please, just listen to me!” She screamed out in pain, her breathing was haggard and slowly Nicklaus lowered his hands and tossed his gun aside.“Very good, I knew you’d be useful in taming this beast. Now, hand over the ledger”All eyes rested on Nicklaus right now, amongst those eyes were Arya’s shocked gaze. Was she referring to the same ledger that got Luke killed? A shudder ran through her spine, she knew it was very important to Nicklaus, what if he doesn’t give it up and Aiden ends up paying with his life? After all, she hid him from Nicklaus all this while.What if he resents her for it and as retribution he lets Aiden,
As expected the night was torture for Arya, she didn't dare lie down, afraid of what she'd see in her dreams tonight. Luke had sent a driver to retrieve Arya’s car so she held her phone while staring at the stars from the balcony. The chair she sat on still had Aiden’s scent and she couldn’t stop crying. How can what felt like heaven a few hours ago suddenly become hell?Such is the pain of longing, It casts a vague appearance in the memories and leaves behind fragments of pieces that end up becoming history. With time they start to feel warm in the heart, no longer the cold of the void space left behind but even the warmth is just the heart’s coping mechanism, nothing can truly replace the missing piece.Above all, it’s the guilt that eats deep into the heart that does the most damage, maybe if things were different seeing a brighter light would be possible sooner than later but that’s never the case.And that’s definitely not the case here!Arya clenched her chest tighter,
The tension in the room immediately tightened, Lucious’s focus was now on Arya. Juliet’s words seemed to do the trick and he began his questioning.“Is this true?…”Of course, his question was met with no reply, of all the times Arya would be in the right state of mind to answer that, right now was definitely not the freaking time!“Are you going to keep avoiding me even if I’m right here? I saw the news and wanted to check in with you but you never answered the phone. So it really was you, Arya”His tone had a tinge of sadness lurking underneath its solemn feel but Arya heard none of this, in fact, she hadn’t spared Lucious a glance the entire time, her gaze remained fixed on Juliet.“I’ve brought the documents, hand over Aiden or there will be serious consequences!” The shakiness of her voice came from her boiling anger, she was so mad it felt like she would explode in rage but Juliet kept adding fuel to fire!“I didn’t know you had hearing impairments… Come tomorrow at noon to
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”“POW! POW!”Fire works graced the sky of the Smith’s residence, the atmosphere was bright and bubbly as were the hearts of everyone present witnessing the glorious scenes of colorful Fireworks bursting open in the sky.“Look Aiden, do you like it?”Arya voiced to the cheerful little man who was swinging his hands with great excitement. Luke and Melissa stood together while Arya stood some distance away with Aiden in her arms and all other members of the household including Jane went back inside to prepare the elaborate meal and Aiden’s necessary arrangements. It was twelve midnight, marking the dawn of a new day, and in this case a new year! So of course Aiden won’t be joining the fun. Jane took him to his cot while Arya, Melissa and Luke had a splendid time at the dining. A completely joyous family was all she ever asked for, it seemed impossible from the start and even the only one she had was taken away but life wasn’t so cruel afterward. It found a way t
Without a word Klaus grabbed Bella’s hand and led her outside. She couldn’t help but think, wasn’t she the one who came to drag him out? How did she end up being dragged instead?He released her hands in front of his car and ruffled his wet hair against the cold air. “Aren’t you cold? Why did you get soaked?”She asked out of sheer concern but deep down she wasn’t complaining about the view he was feeding her lustful mind. It wasn’t bad enough his shirt stuck to him like tissue but a few buttons were undone to reveal his protruding chest. No straight woman could remain a nun when faced with this temptation yet she tried to peel her eyes off and focus it on his face but his face wasn’t any better!The base of his hair was turning black and because it was wet it appeared darker with the blonde tips that dripped off stray water droplets. “I’m fine, I needed to wash off the tipsiness”.“A-alright…” she stammered and it finally dawned on her, just how flushed she was at the though
Bella’s POVChristmas Eve was going smoothly with Amiee. I cooked while she… well, she played games as usual, now that she got the new video game set from Klaus she even neglected eating! Not if I can help it though, she certainly wouldn’t starve on my watch. There were medications to be taken so not skipping meals was as important as breathing.“Amiee! Food is served!”“Coming!”That’s the third time this evening, I matched over and held her favorite stuffed animal.“Come eat or I’ll feed Ms Pears some food”“You can’t do that, you ruin her fur!”At last, something finally got her attention off the screen. It’s cliche that a teenager is still hung up by a stuffed toy but who am I to judge? As long as Ms Pears can get the Job done, she’s welcomed to stay.“The choice is yours, choose wisely”“Fine! Leave Ms Pears out of this”She stood up and abandoned her gaming machine. This made me wonder, just how important was Ms Pears to her.Would I be ranked lower than a stuffed animal