I sank onto the couch, staring at the half-packed boxes around me. Questions swirled in my mind. What was Mom hiding? Why were we leaving? Was this dinner invitation just a distraction?I knew not honoring this invitation would not only disappoint Mom but also Mrs. Laura. She was like family, always looking out for us. So, I pulled myself together, changed into something simple yet elegant, and stepped out into the cold. Crossing to her house, I was immediately struck by the festive beauty of her home. Strings of lights twinkled like stars, illuminating the snow-dusted lawn, and the smell of delicious food wafted through the air. I could hear the sounds of chatter and laughter from inside the house.As I entered, I saw a huge, beautifully set dining table that stretched nearly the length of the room. It was adorned with candles, holly leaves, and little golden ornaments. Families were gathered, sharing smiles and stories.Luna, you’re just in time! called the little boy who had come
I carefully unwrapped the present, my heart racing with excitement. Inside was a beautiful silver bracelet with a pendant shaped like a heart, engraved with the words, "my heart."My breath hitched as I stared at it. Mom, this is beautiful. Thank you so much.You like it? she asked, her eyes searching mine.I love it, Mom.She reached for my hand, holding it firmly in hers. “I’m so sorry, Luna, for the way I’ve been acting. The way I’ve responded to you these past few days,it’s just that everything feels overwhelming. I’ve been so caught up in all the problems we’ve been facing. I’m scared, Luna. Scared for you, scared for us.Her voice wavered slightly, but she composed herself quickly. “Since the year is coming to an end, I’ve decided it’s time for us to have a fresh start. That’s why I made arrangements for us to leave. We need to get away from here.Mom, I know you mean well, but we don’t even have the money for that.I know, she admitted. I’ve been saving up for a while, but it’s
Oh, now I remember, I said, surprised.Sorry I didn’t call sooner,there are lots of things on my plate. Do you still live in Everston City?"Yes, of course," I replied, still puzzled but intrigued.That’s great. I’d like you to meet me at Aurora Innovations, a corporate tech firm. I’ll send you the address in a few minutes.Alright, thanks a million, I said, barely containing my excitement.As soon as the call ended, I sat there stunned for a moment before a grin spread across my face. Just then, Mom walked into the living room."Darling, you look so excited ," she said, her voice full of curiosity.Mom, you won't believe it! I exclaimed, practically bouncing in my seat.Oh, if it’s about you, I’ll believe anything, she teased."Mom, guess.Mom chuckled, tapping her chin in thought. "Luna, I don’t know. I’m not good at guessing.Just tryI could spend all day and still not figure it out," she said, laughing. "Please, just tell me.I was just called for an interview at Aurora Innovati
My mind raced with questions: What truth? What does she mean? Can I trust her? Or is this another game? Am I walking into danger?Getting home, I decided to call Joey's grandma to check in. I’d been missing Joey and wanted to hear their voices. The phone rang a couple of times before her warm, familiar voice answered."Hello, Luna!" she greeted, sounding as cheerful as ever.Hi, Grandma! How are you doing? I asked, feeling my mood lift.We’re all fine here, dear. Joey’s been talking about you to the other family members.Really? I said, smiling. I miss you both so much.We miss you too, Luna. Antonio told me about your interview, don’t worry,you’ll get that job. I just know it.Thank you so much, Grandma. That means a lot," I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude.After the call, I was feeling dizzy and worn out, but I still wanted to wait for Mom to get back. To distract myself, I turned on the television and slumped onto the couch.The screen flashed to a "Breaking News" banner.
My breath quickened as everything connected. That was her. The girl I bumped into while she was riding her bicycle. Her silence, her searching look, she recognized me.My chest tightened. My skin felt clammy. My heart pounded against my ribs, the room spinning.I bolted upright with a sharp scream. "No!"The door flew open, and Mom rushed in, her face full of panic. Luna! What’s wrong? Are you okay?"I sat there, panting heavily, drenched in sweat. My wide eyes met hers.I remembered, Mom, I whispered, my voice shaking. "It’s her. I saw her.Who, Luna? What are you talking about?I couldn’t bring myself to say it again, my mind spiraling as the realization settled deep into my bones.It's just a nightmare, darling," Mom said, gently rubbing my back. Try to go back to sleep.No, Mom, I can’t," I replied, my voice trembling. I’m scared.It’s nothing but a bad dream, she reassured me, her calm voice soothing.I kept staring at her, desperate for comfort. "Please, Mom, can you sleep here
Minho raised his hands defensively, smirking. I told her I needed to speak to you, and told her to act that way to grab your attention, so you can be present here.Claudia rolled her eyes. "I’m sorry if I scared you.It’s okay, Claudia, I said, laughing softly. By the way, your walk was iconic, and the dresses were stunning. I really enjoyed my time here."Thank you!" she beamed. I’m glad you came. Well, I need to head back inside. See you both later!"With that, she walked away, leaving me alone with Minho under the cool evening sky.I walked into Lisa’s cozy living room, where Lisa and Ryan were waiting. A playlist of soft music played in the background as Ryan glanced up and grinned.Look who finally showed up, Ryan teased.Better late than never, Lisa said, pulling me into a hug.I’m so sorry, you guys, I began, my voice full of sincerity. I really didn’t mean to ghost you like that. Things have just been chaotic.Ryan folded his arms, pretending to be stern. You’ve got some nerve
James folded his arms. “You’ve proven yourself, Luna. Your analysis, your contributions during meetings, your initiative it all speaks volumes. But I won’t sugarcoat it. The selection process will be intense. They’ll evaluate everything: your skills, your decision-making, your adaptability. So prepare yourself thoroughly.I nodded, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. Thank you for trusting me, Mr. Carter. I won’t let you down.“I know you won’t,” he said, giving me an encouraging nod before walking awayThe days that followed were grueling. I threw myself into preparation, devouring every material I could get my hands on,reports, case studies, industry insights. At home, my evenings were spent practicing mock presentations and honing my skills. Mom often peeked into my room, concerned.“Luna, take a break,” she’d say.I can’t, Mom. This is important, I would reply, my eyes glued to my notes.Finally, the evaluation began. Weeks passed as each candidate was tested throug
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The idea of being alone with the branch manager in a private jet felt daunting. My legs felt like lead as I climbed the stairs and stepped inside.The interior was sleek and luxurious, unlike anything I’d ever seen. There, seated in one of the plush leather chairs, was a man. He didn’t look up as I approached.“Hello, miss,” came a voice from one of the attendants. “Please take a seat.” She gestured to a chair behind him.I froze for a moment. Why won’t he look at me? Is this some kind of power move? Does he think I’m not worth his attention?As I settled into the chair, my thoughts raced. This man is a mystery, and I’m stuck with him for three whole days. The jet hummed softly as I sat there, the opulent interior feeling like something out of a movie. The attendant approached me with a s tray, offering a glass of red wine. Would you like anything else, miss?” she asked politely.“No, thank you,” I replied, gripping the glass tightly, I
That left just Minho and me, standing together in the terminal, trying to make the most of the dwindling moments we had left. We talked quietly, sharing memories, hopes, and promises. Each word felt like a thread tying us together, even as time worked to unravel us.When the boarding announcement came, my chest tightened. I pulled him into the tightest hug I could muster, feeling his warmth one last time. He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering as if trying to leave a part of himself behind.I’ll miss you, Luna, he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.I’ll miss you more, " I replied, my throat constricted with unshed tears.As he turned to walk toward the gate, we kept waving at each other, clinging to the last seconds of connection. He disappeared down the jetway, but I stayed, watching his plane rev into the sky until it was a mere speck. The roar of the engines faded, leaving behind an aching silence. I swallowed hard, determined to hold back my tears.With
My breath hitched. Their conversation seemed casual, but their body language suggested familiarity too much for my comfort. Rufus leaned in close to say something, and my mother laughed lightly, her face lighting up.What was she doing with him? And why did they look so comfortable together?A thousand questions flooded my mind. How did they know each other? Was she involved in whatever dark dealings Rufus was entangled in? The thought was too unsettling to bear.I froze, torn between confronting them or staying hidden. My heart raced, pounding louder with each passing second. As they walked closer to the bridge, I instinctively ducked behind a nearby pillar, peeking out just enough to keep them in view.“Why are you hiding?” Minho’s voice startled me from behind, causing me to jump. He held two bottles of soda in his hands, looking at me with confusion.I grabbed his arm, pulling him into the shadows with me. “Shh!” I whispered urgently, nodding toward the approaching figures.Minho
His smirk returned, he reached for a metal pipe and took a deep drag, exhaling thick, acrid smoke, Then with deliberate cruelty he forced my mouth open with his fingers,and blew the smoke directly into me.I gagged, the bitterness choking me,as the smoke invaded my lungs, almost immediately I felt my body grow weak, my strength draining, My visions blurred, everything dissolving into darkness.I tried to hold on to something,but the overwhelming haze pulled me under,and I lost consciousness.The flash of light burned into my eyes, forcing me awake. I instinctively rubbed them, groaning softly, only to jolt upright when I saw a familiar face, the bodyguard from the club, Romano’s right-hand man. He was pointing a flashlight at me, his expression stern.Don’t you want to go home?” he asked, switching off the light as I raised my hand to block it.I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dimness of dawn. He turned to sit properly in the driver seat, facing forward. My eyes darted to my si
His words struck me like a blow, leaving me speechless.Romano turned back to the door, gripping the knob tightly. His next words were cryptic. “The disappointment was a blessing in disguise,” he muttered.I frowned, confused. “What does that even mean?” I asked, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he opened the door and left without another word.Alone in the house, I sank into a chair, my mind racing. Flashes of everything that had happened ran through my head, and I remembered the hidden photo I’d seen in Rufus’s pocket, the one of Joey’s father. Could Rufus have been involved in his death?I thought about Romano. Who was he, really? Could he be some kind of gang leader? How much did he know?.One thing was certain,Romano was far more than just a branch manager. The questions burned in my mind, but the answers felt just out of reach.The questions weighed heavily on me as I lay down, trying to rest. Romano hadn’t returned, and the emptiness of the house only amplified my unease. What if
I nodded, hiding my fear behind a practiced smile. My hands trembled slightly as I unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his bare chest and rounded belly. He sat on the bed, patting the space beside him, motioning for me to join. I hesitated but eventually sat, keeping as much distance as I could.Rufus’s demeanor shifted, his touches becoming more forward. My skin crawled, but I played along, feigning calmness while my heart raced.Just as his hand grazed my arm again, the door flung open with a loud bang. I jerked in surprise, and Rufus turned sharply. The man who entered looked dangerous, his expression thunderous.He stormed over to us, handing Rufus the same photos Romano had given me earlier. Rufus studied them, and his face darkened with anger. Without warning, he turned to me, his eyes blazing with rage.Youhe spat, grabbing me by the shoulders and pushing me down onto the bed. His hands were around my throat in an instant, choking me as I struggled to breathe.I clawed at his arms,
There was a tense pause before Tommy added, It’s always good to have neighbors who care enough to keep an eye out. Don’t you agree?”Malia nodded enthusiastically. Absolutely We’re all about looking out for each other in this neighborhood.I forced a weak smile, my palms clammy. Of course.Tommy’s smile returned, but his eyes never softened. “Well, if you ladies ever have any concerns, feel free to come to me directly. I’d hate for there to be any misunderstandings.Malia laughed nervously. “Noted, Mr. Tommy.Have a good day, ladies,” Tommy said, his tone polite but firm.He turned and walked back toward his house, leaving me and Malia standing in awkward silence.Why did you go up to him like that?” I hissed at her.What was I supposed to do? Pretend we didn’t see anything?” Malia shot back. Besides, he seemed nice.Nice?” I echoed, staring at her in disbelief. He gives me the creeps.Malia shrugged. “You’re always overthinking, Maya. Not everyone is bad like you. She said and walked
Done, Rufus replied without hesitation.I felt my stomach churn. Was I being sold? Was this part of the plan?Wait do the other workers at Aurora innovations, aware of this other version of their boss romano.She’ll make a good prey, Rufus said, stepping closer to me until his face was mere inches away. His breath reeked of cigars and whiskey. Or perhaps just a massage? Maybe I’ll start by feeling the warmth of your body, he said with a leering laugh.She’ll make a very good distraction,Romano added, nodding in agreement, his tone betraying no concern.I forced a hollow smile, every muscle in my body screaming at me to run. Romano then took my hand, and we exited the room.Back in the quieter confines of another space, my fury erupted. What the hell is all this?” I demanded, yanking my hand away from his grip. “Whatever game you’re playing, count me out. I’m not doing this anymore. I’m not coming back here,This is sickening.Romano’s gaze darkened, his voice sharp and dismissive. “You
This sounds like a terrible idea, I said, running a hand through my hair. You’re putting my life on the line for something I don’t even understand.Your life’s already on the line, he said sharply, standing now and towering over me. Every moment you’re out there, you’re vulnerable. Romano leaned against the edge of the table, his dark eyes locked onto mine.Tonight, he began,The man will be at the casino. Your role is simple but critical,you’ll need to get inside his head and his heart.I frowned, confused. What exactly do you mean?”You’ll use your body language, your voice, and your words. Make him fall for you. Gaining his trust, Romano explained, pulling out his phone and showing me a picture of a red box with intricate carvings on its surface. “Once you’re with him, look for this box. It’s the key to everything.I swallowed hard, my mind racing. “What happens after tonight?”You’ll be returning to this casino. Coming and going from home won’t work,it’s too risky and might blow o
I reached my room, shut the door behind me, and locked it. Leaning against the door, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me.As I walked home after a long day at work, a black car pulled up beside me. The window rolled down, and a familiar voice called out, calm yet commanding.Get in the car.I stopped, startled. It was Romano, sitting in the driver’s seat, his face as unreadable as ever. He didn’t even glance in my direction.Romano, what.Don’t ask questions, he interrupted, his voice firm. Just get in.For a moment, I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But something about his tone left no room for argument. Without another word, I opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.The silence in the car was palpable as he drove, his focus entirely on the road. After a while, I gathered the courage to speak. "Where are we going?"He didn't answerAfter a short drive, we pulled up to a large, dimly lit building. The glowing neon sign above read "Cas