Cara followed Keith into the kitchen. “Why did you say no? The broker offered me a $100 discount for the first three months.” She watched him whistle while chopping the vegetables. “Answer me!” She couldn’t help but smile back as Keith flashed her a cheeky grin and a wink. “Are you all right?” “Yes?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Do you find something wrong with me?” “I’ve never seen this side of you. Cheerful. Happy. Enjoying! What’s up with you?” She asked. Keith shifted his attention from the vegetables to Cara. “So, you want to see me tired, snooty, and rude?” “That side is detestable to me!” Keith chuckled and resumed his tasks. “But why aren’t you letting me shift to a new apartment? I have a job. I can provide for myself.” She took a stance by the kitchen island and confronted him. “Spare me your pity.” ~ KEITH~ As soon as I heard the word ‘pity,’ I let out a deep breath and released my grip on the knife. Cara’s beautiful eyes went wide as I trapped her to the kitchen counter.
Outside the Genovese house, a black car pulled up. Janet made an appearance in a black, floor-length gown. She had her golden hair elegantly tied up in a bun and her diamond earrings were gleaming in her ears. The scarlet carpet guided her to the door, and her eyes widened as she observed the elite gathering within. A girl approached her with a tray of masks, and Janet chose a silver one. “Thanks!” Smiling, she donned the mask and joined the party. “Just finish your job and get out of this madness!” She said in her heart. “God, I hope I don’t bump into anyone from the past.” Standing under the opulent golden chandelier, she surveyed the room for Sebastian, but he was nowhere to be found. The lights slowly dimmed and as Janet turned to look for him, she came face to face with the hypnotizing black eyes. “Are you looking for me?” Sebastian stepped forward. “We need to talk!” Sebastian snaked his arms around Janet’s waist, pulling her close to him, and she felt his warm breath on h
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] Amidst the hustle and bustle of the cafe, Cara spotted Keith’s car parked outside through the clear glass window. The sight of him waiting for her made a smile spread on her lips, causing her to finish her work quickly and rush out to meet him. “Hey! I didn’t expect you to make it for lunch?” Leaning against the car door, Keith wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her in close. “I was missing you!” He smiled. “Look what I got for us!” He took out tickets from his pocket. “Bali!” She looked up at him with surprise in her eyes. “Let’s escape for a week!” He whispered in her ear, and Cara nodded like an excited child. “Now let’s eat something! My stomach is growling.” Cara chuckled as they walked into the café. They enjoyed lunch together and she couldn’t help but steal glances at him. He seemed to be preoccupied with something, and she wondered what was troubling him. “Is everything okay?” Keith glanced up from his food. “It’s nothing! Just work stre
“Why are we in the garage?” Aries’s father was puzzled. Aries gestured to Mike and he pulled off the red velvet cover, revealing a stunning vintage blue car. Ace’s face contorted with surprise, and his eyes widened. “Oh, heavens! Where did you get this from?” He touched the car and then faced Aries. “My father had wished for it. I had to fulfill it at any cost!” Aries responded, causing Ace’s eyes to well up with tears. “I apologize for interrupting. I’m intrigued as to why this car is so exceptional?” Mike couldn’t help but ask. “My father, George Grayson, was a famous car designer. In his final days, he designed this and sold it to the company. Only three cars were made for this model. White, red, blue. I found two other cars, but not this one.” Ace gazed at the car, then turned to Aries. “Aries promised to get me this car! I am so proud of you!” He held his shoulder and smiled. “Thank you very much!” “Come on, Dad! Your wish is my command. Here are the keys!” He forwarded his
“I’m sorry, Genelia!” Keith made an apology. “My family caused humiliation for you. I had no inkling of their intentions. They talked to your family without my knowledge.” “It’s fine. I get it, you don’t like me.” Tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled at Keith. “It’s not true! Of course, I like you. It’s just I love Cara! Please forgive me for breaking your heart.” “I am curious to know what makes her so special.” Her lips tremble, but Genelia manages to keep her composure and not break down. “What does she have that I don’t?” “I don’t need any other reason to marry Cara except for my love for her.” “Marry?” The news left Genelia stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief. “I am planning to propose to her tonight!” The shock Genelia felt was indescribable. Her body froze in place. “D-don’t you think it’s too early?” The moment Keith noticed she was in tears, he decided to disappoint her for one more time, hoping everything would be better and they could start anew when they me
“Shit!” Hoping it was Keith, Cara quickly grabbed her phone and opened the door, only to be taken aback by Aries standing outside. “Keith requested me to stay by your side until he returns,” Aries spoke, his attention was drawn to her phone, and when he saw his picture on her mobile screen, he couldn’t help but smirk. Following his gaze, Cara quickly turned off the screen. “I can take care of myself, Mr. Grayson!” Aries paid no attention to Cara and strode inside. He reclined comfortably on the couch and picked up a magazine. “Can I have a strong coffee, please?” Cara stood still for a moment, contemplating how to ask him politely to leave, but eventually, she walked to the kitchen, kicking off her heels. Milo was overjoyed to see the guest and greeted him with a wagging tail. “Hello!” Aries extended his hand toward Milo. From the kitchen, Cara observed everything with keen interest. “Milo doesn’t welcome….” She was about to speak, but her words died in her throat when Milo whine
Aries knocked on the door several times, but there was no response. He gently pushed the door open and his eyes immediately fell on Cara, sprawled across the disheveled bed in a deep slumber. Milo lifted his gaze and observed Aries taking measured steps toward them. “Cara!” As he muttered her name softly, he couldn’t help but notice her thick lashes, straight nose, and plump lips that looked so kissable. While his grey eyes remained fixed on her, Cara’s face twisted into a deep frown and she eventually turned to the other side, sobbing. In the process, she kicked the blanket off and her long shiny legs were on the display. Her cries grew louder, piercing the silence of the night. “Cara!” Aries sat on the edge of the bed and gently shook her, but she remained unresponsive. “Hey, wake up!” He shook her harder this time, and she jolted awake, sitting up on the bed. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she breathed through her mouth. Aries locked eyes with her. “Is Keith home?” “Not Ke
“Aries, what's with the attitude?” His grandma shot him an angry look. “How could you abandon such a pretty girl at the party all alone and leave with another woman? Who was she?” “Keith’s girlfriend! He asked me to take her home and I couldn't turn him down.” Aries answered and shifted his focus to Isla. “And Isla wasn’t alone. She was with Genelia.” Isla's throat tightened as she held his unyielding gaze. Last night, it seemed as though Aries was absorbed in his world and oblivious to her presence, yet he was aware of everything. “I left the driver and car. I had to leave to accompany Cara. It was important to me.” Cynthia's heart burned, but she maintained composure by smiling gracefully. “Cara! That’s a lovely name.” Cynthia and Isla noticed the enchanting smile on Aries's face as his grandmother spoke. “Aries, it’s so nice to finally meet you!” Cynthia said and Aries’s attention shifted to her. “Am glad to meet you too, Mrs. Glaziers!” He smiled and sat next to his father. “
“Let me go!” I cried out in terror as they threw me onto the freezing floor of the dungeon, and I observed the silhouettes of five towering figures looming over me in the dim, wavering light. One of them made a call to my father, Connor Blair. The closest ally and confidant of Anton Genovese, the most feared Mafia King of New York City. “If you’re willing to see Janet again, just do as I say!” The sound of their menacing voices on the phone call sent a shiver down my spine. “Let’s see who you choose between your precious daughter and loyalty to Anton Genovese.” He finished the call and glared at me with murderous eyes. Despite the threat of harm, my father remained loyal to the Genovese family and made the decision that left me to face the consequences of their anger alone. Realizing that I was now worthless to them, they resolved to present me as a gift to the Russian mafia to enhance their alliance in their struggle against Genovese. They handed me over to a group of Russian arme
One year later, ~Veronica~ Today, for reasons I cannot fathom, my mind wandered back to the words Jasper spoke to me years ago. ‘Cara, the savior in a difficult situation, isn’t always the hero. The world we live in is not always kind, and not everyone you trust is virtuous. How come you are so gullible?’ As I reminisced about the past, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, realizing how naïve I was back then. Or perhaps now I am wise enough to decipher the true meaning behind his words. As I take a stroll down memory lane, I am reminded of the angels that entered my life at just the right moment to rescue me. I would have died that night if it weren’t for Megan Morgan taking me in. Sandra consistently had my back and ensured I never went to bed hungry. Keith, who made me feel special even for a brief amount of time, and left behind all the differences between us in the past, I respect him for that. He made me experience love for a small amount of time and I am thankful for all th
Gianna’s white halter dress fluttered in the wind as she paced outside her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Glancing at her wristwatch, she groaned, realizing that Keith was already twenty minutes late and her stomach grumbled with hunger. “I better go back inside and grab a bite,” she thought to herself and turned to head back into the apartment complex, letting out a sigh. However, a black range rover pulled up next to her, causing her to roll her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest and fixated her gaze on the car door. Keith stepped out in a neatly tucked white shirt and black pants, spiking his hair to perfection. But it wasn’t him who caught her attention. Elijah made quite the entrance as he stepped out of the car, looking dapper in his black suit and carrying a bouquet of red roses that were almost as tall as he was. “Dad, help me!” Elijah struggled to hold them, and Keith sighed, bending down to take them from him. Elijah breathed a sigh of relief and fl
Gianna glanced at her watch when she heard Elijah sitting next to her in the car. “You shouldn’t have disturbed Dad. He is always busy with work. He doesn’t like anyone interrupting him.” Keith’s attitude agitated Gianna. “If he refuses to support his son, how will my therapies be successful? I’m a doctor, not a magician!” As soon as the ten minutes were up, she gritted her teeth in frustration. “It would be wise for me to withdraw from this case.” She contemplated as Keith got into the car. “Hi!” he smiled and then his eyes moved to Elijah. “Why did you go to see the doctor alone? Why didn't you call me?” “I didn’t want to disturb you,” Elijah lowered his head. As Keith opened his mouth again, he caught Gianna's eye, and she gestured for him to take a deep breath and speak calmly. Keith followed her and put his hand on Elijah’s head. “Eli, are you upset with me?” “No,” he didn’t meet his eyes. Keith's internal conflict had been brewing, and he finally decided to confront the iss
Aries pushed the plate of cookies forward. “Here,” “What do you mean?” Veronica lifted an eyebrow. A puzzled expression crossed Aries’s face. “Do you think I am cheating on you?” A look of hurt crossed her face and Aries could see tears swimming in her eyes. “Aries, I go to Keith’s place to spend some time with Elijah. Since you weren’t here, it’s hard for you to comprehend the special bond that Elijah and I share. I don’t want him to hold any grudges against Chase because I am too busy to give him the attention. It has nothing to do with Keith. I find him occupied with work in his office whenever I’m at his place. It’s just that today…...” Aries grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into her mouth. “Hold your horses, sweetheart!” He placed his hands on either side of her and locked his gaze with hers. “When did I say you’re cheating on me?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You’re still so stupid!” He playfully smacked her forehead and let out a chuckle. She takes the cookie out of her mouth. “I
Elijah stood beside Veronica outside the principal’s office, absentmindedly tracing circles around her wedding ring with his thumb. “I’m sorry Veronica. I’ll never do this again.” She heard him say and looked down at him. “Sweetie, you are always so calm and patient. What went wrong?” Veronica ran her fingers through his hair. “He said bad words about Mom.” Elijah lowered his head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Everyone in school thinks you’re my mom because I told them you’re marrying my dad!” He answered “They saw your wedding pictures on the internet and mocked me. They said I deserved to be motherless and I’ll always be miserable. Am I miserable, Veronica?” His sad eyes met hers as he looked up. “Of course not! Did you know your mom loved you the most?” She caressed his face. “And I love you. So much!” She planted kisses on his cheeks. “We all love you, baby!” The sound of heels clicking in the empty hallway caught their attention, and their eyes shifted to the woman in
“Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark…” Chase stole a glimpse at his father, who let out a frustrated groan after listening to the same song repeatedly. Chase’s face lit up with a wide smile while munching on another fruit snack, and he redirected his focus to the screen. “Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Mommy Shark…” “Fuck, I can’t take this anymore!” Agitated, he got out of bed and began pacing the room. “Stop playing this song or I’ll turn into a shark!” His glare made Chase twitch his mouth. “Go to sleep!” “No,” Chase shook his head. “Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark…” “Daddy Shark!” With a loud exclamation, Chase raised both hands into the air and began swaying his body to the tune. Veronica couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as she watched the father-son duo. “You’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” Aries gazed at Veronica with eyes full of accusation. The baby shark song looped again in the back
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] ~Veronica~ As I rolled down the window, I couldn’t help but gaze out at the roads, trees, cars, and buildings speeding past me, just like the faint memories of my past life that seemed to fade away with each passing moment. It was all on a loop again. Cynthia and Alfred beating me up and kicked me out in the dead of the night. Encountering Keith and finding a short-lived sense of comfort. Meeting the captivating grey eyes right amidst shattering glasses. Aries saved me from the crossfire, risking his life. Keith’s rejection. Losing my baby. The club Flames of Sizzling Desires and the night Aries claimed me. “I have a question!” Keith’s voice seized my attention, causing me to face him next to me. “The news of your wedding left Elijah feeling very melancholic. He thinks you’ll stop visiting him.” He chuckled. “And he awakened some questions in me that I’d like to know from your stance!” His eyes settled on my face and I wondered what was in his mind. “Look, d
“Why isn’t she picking up the damn calls?” Aries let out a frustrated sigh. “Are you sure she went to meet Cynthia?” His gaze shifted towards Isla. “I don’t think she would dare go to her. But it’s habitual for her to switch off her phone whenever she’s doing something that’s prohibited.” She pursed her lips in contemplation. “No, she won’t go to her ever! I should go and check.” She turned on her heels. “You’re not going anywhere!” They heard Liam’s firm voice. “The last time you visited her, you experienced a severe bout of depression.” Aries’s eyes moved to Isla. “But I’ve recovered! I don’t have any such issue. In fact, I don’t need medicines ever since Chase stepped into our life.” Her eyes briefly shifted to Chase in Aries’s grasp before settling on Liam. “I must check. It’s my mother who made Veronica’s life hell.” “The answer is still a firm no! I don’t want you anywhere near that evil woman. All she does is ruin people’s lives.” He finished his drink and made his way out