"I'm sorry, Miss Harrison, but unfortunately, he couldn't be saved," the doctor said to Leslie. She felt her world spin, her heartbeat accelerated, and bile threatened to come up her throat. Her legs gave way, and she collapse to the ground with brute force. She mumbled incoherently, "No, no, no, this isn't possible. Dad is okay, he's alive. I know it. He's always been there for me. He won't leave me now. Dad, you can't be gone. I won't allow it."She got up unsteadily and latched onto the doctor's coat with trembling hands. "Tell me it's a lie, please tell me he's alive," she yelled with full-blown hysteria.The doctor's face morphed into a cold smile as he peeled her fingers off his coat and gripped them tightly. "This is all your fault, Miss Harrison. You didn't come through for your dad. You're a failure, do you hear me? A failure. How could you abandon your own father like that? Now he's dead."Blood drained from Leslie's face, and she cried out hysterically, "No, no, I didn't
Morning came by quickly. Bright rays of the sun seeped into Leslie's room. She woke up with a groan, her eyes still closed."Oh God, did I forget to close the blinds again?"She peeled her eyes open one after the other in the brightly lit room. She sat up begrudgingly and rubbed her eyes, glancing at the windows where the sun's rays were coming in from. She yawned and complained, "I always forget to close these damned blinds every night before bed."She peered at herself in the mirror and sighed sadly. Apart from her bird's nest-looking hair, which was a norm for her every morning, her eyes were red and puffy, contrasting against the pale of her skin. The bags under her eyes were visible. Two red spots adorned both sides of her jaw, and she winced slightly when her fingers brushed against one. The events of last night washed over her. She didn't even know how she got back to her room nor how she fell asleep. She only wanted to get away from the hurt she felt. Julian's words had cut he
Leslie's left hand tapped endlessly on the hardwood table. Her other hand held a cup of nearly empty boba as she took a nervous sip and waited. She'd agreed to meet this person at a popular boba shop downtown. It was midsummer, so she was seated outside in a peach sundress and black boots. If she wasn't so nervous, she'd appreciate the place and enjoy the sun comfortably. Meeting up with a stranger wasn't her cup of tea, but something about the whole ordeal felt… right to her.As she waited, she recalled the call she received an hour ago.---"Good day to you. Am I speaking to Miss Leslie Harrison?" a quirky male voice sounded."Uh, yeah," Leslie said, not bothering to clarify that she was now a Blackwood. "This is she. May I know who's calling?""FINALLYY, I get to speak to you! How are you, my dear?" he said."Um, fine? May I know how you got my number, please?""Oh my, I know this sounds creepy, but I'm a huge fan," the man said, his voice filled with enthusiasm."You are?" Leslie
The air around Leslie stilled, the sunny atmosphere suddenly becoming chilly to her. “Proposition.” The last time that word was uttered to Leslie, she had to make a life-altering decision. She took out a shaken breath and placed her hands on the table, clasping them together. "And what could that be, Arthur?"Arthur cleared his throat; it was his turn to be nervous. "Believe it or not, I have been looking for you."Leslie's eyes widened and she was about to retort when he raised his hands in mock surrender and continued with a smile. "Again, not in the creepy stalker kind of way. Actually, I bought your painting during your school's annual auction. It was the piece ‘Ethereal.’ I saw it and I knew I had to have it."A look of recognition flashed across Leslie's face. It was one of her favorite pieces and she remembered it was auctioned off at a price higher than its worth."You know," Arthur continued, "the rules of the auction don't allow the artist and the bidder to meet. I could
"Oh Julian, finally! I get to see you again. It's been so long!." Julian thought as he coldly peeled the hands holding him in a vice-like grip and turned to face the woman in black with a blank stare. "What's with that look on your face?" she said, pouting. "Aren't you excited to see me?""What are you doing here?" Julian said, his voice dropping to a cold whisper. She froze slightly but regained her cheerfulness. "Forget that. Tell me, how do I look?" She spun around for Julian to check out, but his eyes remained on her face the whole time. "So, how do I look?""Like a normal human being.""Oh, c'mon," she said, indignation coating her voice. "I look stunning!!."True to her words, she did look stunning. The black wrapped sheath dress she wore clung to her body like a second skin. She was tall and shapely like a Caribbean model. Her feline cat eyes and full plum lips could bring any man under her control. Any man except, well... Julian Blackwood. "I'll ask you again, what are you
High ceilings, all shades of white, gray, and black, minimalist designs, and a grand view of the city's skyline gave Julian's office a sense of mature control and elegance. He let out a puff of air and stretched himself on his executive chair. He'd been stuck with paperwork concerning the Pattersons deal all morning and wasn’t even halfway done. It was a multi-billion dollar corporation, and he wasn’t leaving any chances for loopholes.A knock sounded at the door, and Phillip, his personal assistant, a tall lanky guy with glasses and gelled black hair, came in and stood in front of Julian with his hands clasped behind his back.“Sir, permit me to say this—”“What do you want, Phil?” Julian said in a dry voice.“You've been cooped up in here all morning, sir. It's already noon. Won't you take a break and maybe go for lunch?”“And when did you start concerning yourself with my dietary plans?” Julian said pointedly.Phil flushed a little and said, “Forgive me, sir, but it's my job to tak
Leslie turned around, startled to see Julian just a few feet away from her. Her eyes trailed his physique from where she stood. She caught herself wondering sometimes what his workout routine was like or whether he even worked out at all. Maybe he was one of those people God decided to bless with a drool-worthy physique without them having to do anything. He'd gotten rid of the suit jacket at dinner, but it did nothing to deter from his overwhelming appearance. If anything, it made him look... hotter with rolled-up sleeves and tousled hair from work.She stepped away from the door, trying to look intimidating as she whisper-yelled, "You startled me!""I was behind you all along, Miss Harrison. You were too in your head to notice.""What are you doing here anyway?" Leslie said. "I'll have to remind you again that this is my house," he replied, mirth dancing in his eyes."I... I know that, but this is my room—""Which is still part of my house," he said with a subtle smirk playing at hi
Alexander opened his eyes slowly and sat up on his king-sized bed, a wave of dizziness crashing over him as he held his head with both hands. He'd gone out with Vanessa the previous night, and they'd partied way too much, like they always did. "Arrgh, fuck, I hate these terrible hangovers," he muttered. He got up, still wobbly, as he walked towards the bathroom. Sniffing his shirt, his nose crinkled. "Man, I stink. I didn't even take a shower last night." Splashing water on his face and taking his toothbrush out, he brushed his teeth and took a bath. Walking out of the bathroom, he held onto his head again and complained, "Ugh, I think I need hangover soup or something. Or maybe I just need a smoke." He opened a drawer and took out a packet of cigarettes. Walking to the balcony, he took a seat on a lounge chair and took a deep breath, the summer sun on his face and the wind slapping against his face. He was about to light a cigarette when a call came in. Dropping the cigarette bac