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
Damien nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Sometimes, not having a plan is the best plan. Just go with the flow, till you figure something out.“Wise words,” I said with a smile. And he chuckled.We continued talking about everything and nothing, laughter filling the car as we made our way to Silver Hills, and enjoying each other's company. Before I knew it, we had arrived. The place was breathtaking, its grand exterior buzzing with excitement. Elegantly dressed people filled the area, each one a walking masterpiece of style. Fashion was at its peak, selfies were being snapped, photographers darted around capturing moments, and flashes illuminated the vibrant scene.I stepped out of the car, awestruck by the glamorous chaos. My eyes wandered from one dazzling display to another, taking in the colorful gowns, tailored suits, and radiant smiles. It was as if I’d stepped into a world where art and elegance collided. For a moment, I got lost in it all.“Looks like someone’s a little ench
“Well,” I muttered to myself, “whoever moves in there next better be a truly good neighbor.With a sigh, I turned and walked into my house. The quiet hit me immediately. Mom isn't home yet. I wandered into the living room and noticed the small, enlarged photo of me I had taken at Aurora Innovations. Picking it up, I stared at my younger, happier self, frozen in that moment.As I gazed at the picture, thoughts of Romano began flooding my mind again. Memories of everything he had done, both good and bad, came rushing in like a tide I couldn’t control. I shook my head, setting the photo down.“No,” I whispered to myself firmly. “I’m not ready. I can’t go back.”Placing the photo back in its spot, I retreated to my room, trying to push the thoughts away. But what I didn’t know was that the following months would bring mysteries unraveling, wounds reopened, and revelations I wasn’t prepared for.A future so uncertain.A nightmare in the daylight was dawning.The city was alive with noise a
As I opened the door, my eyes widened in surprise. Standing there were Mrs. Harrington and Joey. They looked healthy and happy, their smiles lighting up the doorstep.Joey I exclaimed, and before I could say anything else, he rushed forward, wrapping his little arms around me. His warmth filled me with joy . Mom We have visitors I called over my shoulder, still hugging Joey.As I stepped back to let them in, I caught sight of another figure approaching. Antonio. He was walking toward us with his usual confident stride, a small smile playing on his lips. The sight of him filled me with a sense of relief and gratitude.When he reached me, I didn’t hesitate. I threw my arms around him in a warm embrace. ''Mr Antonio,” I said softly, pulling back just enough to look at him. He smiled down at me.Just then, Mom walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She paused, her face lighting up with recognition. “Joey, my then little customer, she exclaimed, her voice filled with exci
Feeling safe, i turned around to reveal my saviour to Antonio, but he was nowhere to be found, i kept looking around, he was here i kept saying, yes i know tommy was here answered Antonio, no not tommy he escaped, I'm talking about the man who saved me from the house, as I turned to look at the house again, all i could see was it's ruins, and thick smoke roaring up into the sky. Go check it out, bring anyone and anything of value you can find, Antonio commanded his men.As you can see ma'am Melissa there's absolutely no one else here, with you, are you sure someone got you out, or you're just seeing things, i am certain mr Antonio, i was saved by a mask man, but i guess Antonio didn't believe me.We need to get you to the hospital, he said as he guided me away, in a helicopter.I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly. "Mom, you’re so strong. I’m so glad you’re safe now. Antonio truly is a hero.She pulled back slightly, brushing my hair from my face. You’re my strength, Lu
Antonio chuckled, crouching slightly to meet Joey’s gaze. That’s a noble goal, Joey,he said with a warm smile. You’ll be an amazing hero one day. Just remember to always protect those you love.We all shared a laugh, the tension in the air finally beginning to ease. Later, we checked on my mom, who was recovering well. She looked so much better, and to my relief, the doctor confirmed she could be discharged.With Mom cleared to leave, Melissa, Mom, and I headed home. Before Melissa left for her own house, Mom took her hands and thanked her sincerely for all her help. Melissa smiled and waved us off, leaving us at the door.As we walked inside, I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. “Home sweet home,” I murmured, sinking into the sofa and letting my body relax for the first time in what felt like forever.Mom sat beside me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. We’ve been through so much, Luna, she said softly, but we made it. I’m so proud of you.I leaned into her, grateful for her p
My heart stopped as Joey broke free from Tommy’s grasp and ran toward us, his little face pale with fear and tears streaming down his cheeks.Behind him, Tommy staggered, clutching his chest as blood blossomed across his shirt. He fell to the ground with a heavy thud.Then, like a hero , Mr. Antonio emerged, his gun still smoking in the broad daylight. Without hesitation, he ran to us as I and Joey knelt by Grandmother, frantically trying to wake her up.“Grandma! Please, wake up!” Joey cried, his small hands shaking her.The other men who were with Tommy fled the scene, chased by the officers who had arrived with Antonio. Chaos erupted as gunshots echoed in the distance, but my entire world narrowed to Grandmother lying motionless before us.Some officers apprehended and handcuffed Tommy, ignoring his injuries. He was still alive but groaning in pain as they dragged him away."We need to get her to the hospital, " I cried, my voice trembling.Without wasting a second, Antonio and I c
For a while longer, we stayed up, laughing and talking. He told me about his adventures like the time he accidentally spilled gelato on a street artist’s painting, or when he and Grandma got lost in a vineyard and ended up having the best picnic ever.As his eyelids grew heavy, I tucked him in and kissed his forehead. Goodnight, Joey. Sweet dreams.Goodnight, Luna,he murmured sleepily. I’m so glad you’re here.I’m glad, too, I whispered, watching him drift off. In that quiet moment, all my worries melted away. The following day, Joey and I decided to go grocery shopping. Grandma handed us some cash and sent us off, but I had already made up my mind to leave right after we were done. Knowing this, Grandma asked the maid to accompany us so she could take Joey back home.We had a blast at the store. Joey giggled endlessly as I placed him in the shopping cart and spun him around, his laughter echoing through the aisles. We bought everything Grandma had listed and by the time we were done
“Well, Luna,” she began, “things haven’t been easy for us since Joey’s father passed. It’s been a difficult journey grieving, trying to move forward, and, most of all, seeking justice for what happened.She paused, her gaze momentarily drifting to the window. “The loss of my son left a void that can never truly be filled. Joey adored his father, and it’s been heartbreaking to see him struggle to understand why someone would do such a terrible thing. It’s a question I ask myself every single day.Mrs. Harrington’s hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together on the table. “For the longest time, it felt like we were just shouting into the void. The authorities weren’t giving us answers. But then Mr. Antonio got involved. He’s been a beacon of hope for our family.She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. Antonio has gone above and beyond. He reopened the case when everyone else wanted to close it and forget. He’s dug deep into investigations,
The house was eerily quiet, every room turning up empty. My mind raced with questions. Had Tommy known Antonio was coming? Was he hiding them somewhere else?I finally stumbled back outside, my chest heaving as panic set in. Two of Antonio’s injured men were being loaded into an ambulance.Antonio walked up to me, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. “Luna,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern, we’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise you. But I wish you hadn’t come out here. Now he knows you’re involved. He might come after you or your mom.The weight of his words sank into me like a stone. “What do we do now?” I asked, my voice barely audible.I’ll assign some men to watch the area, Antonio replied. “You, your mom, and Melissa need to be extra careful. If you see or hear anything suspicious, call me immediately.The moment Antonio and his men left, the reality of the situation hit me like a tidal wave. I stood frozen, staring at the empty street where Tommy had disapp