It was late in the night when they arrived. The room was dimly lit with a soft blue lamp. Balloons, ribbons, and elegant bold lettering proclaiming “Happy Married Life” adorned the wall above the headboard. Rose petals forming a heart shape were on the floor, with a lit candle in the middle. Raymond stood still, taking in the breathtaking view of the room, but to him, it felt awkward. His face held nothing akin to admiration but a sneer.
“Why is the room dark?” he groaned, slamming his fist against the wall to turn on the white light. “Why is the room littered? I thought they said they fixed everything. Rita!” he yelled, calling for the housekeeper. Rita rushed in almost immediately, her breath quickened. “You called me, Sir,” she said, her voice faltering. Out of tiredness, Eureka sat on a stool, taking off her jewelry while ignoring her husband’s rantings. “Why is the room littered? What’s all this? Look at the bed. Why are there flowers on the bed? Am I supposed to sleep on that? Why are there candles when the bulb is working? Who told you to do all this nonsense?” Raymond’s voice echoed through the room, his anger flaring. His words only confused Rita as she scanned the room. To her, the room looked perfect for newlyweds. “This is not litter, Sir,” she tried to explain. “This was done by the best honeymoon suite stylist. It’s for your wedding night, and your dad personally hired her.” “Are you crazy?” Raymond yelled, causing Rita to tremble. “I’m telling you this is litter, and you’re saying otherwise? You know what? By the breaking of dawn tomorrow, you should disappear from this house. I don’t want to see you or anyone else here. Got it?” His grey-blue eyes pierced into Rita. “It hasn’t gotten to that, Raymond,” Eureka decided to chip in as she looked at them. “Why are you flaring up? It’s just room décor. If you don’t like it, just tell her to clean it up,” she said, her tone soft. “Shut your mouth!” Raymond snapped at her. “As for you, Rita, be gone before I wake up. Get out!” he barked, and Rita bolted out. Eureka shook her head, turning back to the mirror. Before she knew it, Raymond was right behind her, causing her to gasp and jolt. “Mind the way you talk to me!” he groaned, slamming his hand on the vanity table. “We’re married now. That doesn’t give you the right to talk back at me. Now go clean up this mess.” “You must be kidding me,” she chuckled, not taking him seriously. “Do I look like a joker to you?” he bellowed, his tone shaking her. “You’re ridiculous. If you can’t sleep on the bed like that, the couch is clean. There’s no litter on it,” she retorted, her boldness catching Raymond off guard. He had expected her to obey him since he now owned her. He never knew who he married, didn’t know what to expect, but he was sure he would have control over her. His chest heaved, and Eureka could feel the thumping of his heart as he fixed her with a glare. She ignored him, focusing only on removing her makeup. But one big question haunted her mind. Tonight was her first night with Raymond, and courtesy demanded they make love to each other. But glancing at Raymond now, he didn’t seem like someone who would desire her in the long run. She sighed, erasing the idea from her head. At that moment, Raymond’s phone rang, distracting him. He pulled out the phone from his pocket and answered. “Hey, sweetheart,” he said to the caller, twisting a blunt knife into Eureka’s heart. This was indeed going to be tough. With Raymond loathing her, Cassandra in the picture, and her family’s desire for her to be a submissive, respectful wife, she felt overwhelmed. But she had gone through tougher times, so she was determined to handle it. Raymond stepped away from her, going over to the couch. “Yeah, the trip was okay,” Raymond continued his conversation. “I just left, but I’m already missing you. Have you eaten? What did you have for dinner?” His words hurt Eureka more as she left the room, giving him the freedom he needed. When Eureka returned to the room, Raymond was already lying on the bed, scrolling through his phone. The duvet that had held the heart-shaped rose petals was thrown to the floor, the earlier candles extinguished, and the wall message torn down, leaving the room in chaos. To avoid being yelled at again, Eureka stepped over the mess, took out her clothes, and went into the bathroom to change. She returned and laid beside Raymond, facing the opposite side. Raymond stared at her back, his eyes narrowing. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—maybe admiration? But it was too quick to be sure as he quickly turned his gaze back to his phone. The following morning, Eureka sat at the dining table, munching on her omelet and sipping a hot cup of coffee. “This is nice, Rita,” she said, smiling warmly. “This is literally the best omelet I’ve tasted in months.” “I’m glad you like it, Ma’am,” Rita smiled back. “What’s going on here?” Raymond’s raspy voice intruded on their happy moment as their eyes turned to him. “I thought I told you to leave. Why are you still here?” he asked. Rita shivered, stepping back from him and lowering her gaze. “She can’t leave, Raymond,” Eureka said, lifting her eyes to meet Raymond’s cold ones. “She was hired by your father to take care of us while we’re here, right? You don’t want to defy your father’s orders, would you?” Her voice didn’t falter this time. Raymond took his time to process her words before his expression softened. He couldn’t defy his father’s orders indeed because this whole honeymoon arrangement had been done by him, but he had plans for Eureka once they returned to his house. “Fine. She can stay,” he said, sitting opposite Eureka. “Get another plate for your boss, Rita,” Eureka said, a tinge of sarcasm in her tone. “Do you want to taste mine? It’s so delicious, trust me,” she stretched her omelet toward him. He gave her a once-over before looking away. Eureka shrugged, pulling her hand back and biting into her food. Just then, the doorbell rang, drawing their attention. “Are you expecting someone?” Eureka asked Raymond, but he ignored her. “I’ll get the door,” she said, standing and walking toward it. When she opened it, she came face to face with Cassandra.“What are you doing here?” Eureka snapped, still holding the door ajar. Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “Won’t you at least allow your best friend to enter?” Cassandra said sarcastically, a pretentious smile fueling her face. Eureka’s blood boiled at the mention of her being her best friend. “Best friend indeed. You’re not worth being an acquaintance. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, that’s what you are. Now turn around and get lost,” Eureka said, pointing her finger angrily behind Cassandra. “Baby,” Cassandra cried as she sighted Raymond coming their way. “Your little vixen doesn’t want to let me in.” The force at which Raymond pulled Eureka away from the door made her stumble back, almost falling. “Babe,” Raymond smiled, embracing Cassandra with all the warmth he possessed. “I didn’t know your flight would arrive so early. Why didn’t you call me to come pick you up? Hope it wasn’t stressful locating this place,” he said as he broke free from the hug, his eyes bright and his tone chee
Eureka couldn’t believe her ears as she stared at him, her chest heaving with anger and frustration. “I hate you, Raymond,” she muttered, her voice barely audible, her eyes stern on his. “But leaving this room for Cassandra? That’s never going to happen,” she dared him, sitting back on the stool and wiping the tears trickling down her face.“Baby,” Cassandra’s voice broke the tense atmosphere. Raymond’s intense gaze softened as he looked toward the door, where Cassandra stood yawning. “I’m sleepy, baby. Go get my bags from the other room,” she said, walking toward the bed.“I’m coming,” Raymond replied, sounding like the devoted lover he was, before leaving the room.“How does it feel, Eureka?” Cassandra’s sleepy tone vanished, replaced by a sharp, taunting one as she settled on the bed. “I can easily command your dear husband to do whatever I want. The sooner you pack up and leave this room, the better for everyone. This is my honeymoon now, and you’re the unwanted third party,” she
The following morning, Eureka headed downstairs, yawning and stretching. She had slept heavily and didn’t realize Raymond had entered the room she was in. Reaching the living room, her eyes scanned the space. “Rita!” she called out, yawning again. She knocked on Rita’s door, but there was no response. She searched the kitchen, checked outside, and looked everywhere she thought Rita might be. “Shit!” she cursed, suddenly remembering she had locked Raymond and Cassandra in the bathroom. She rushed upstairs, her slippers echoing through the quiet house. Bursting through the door, she froze at the sight of Cassandra sleeping peacefully on the bed. The scene twisted her stomach. She wanted to drag Cassandra out of bed, but knowing Raymond would retaliate, she sighed and quietly closed the door. As she turned to head back downstairs, she came face to face with Raymond, his eyes narrowed and fixed on her. “Your plan failed,” he mocked, stepping closer. Eureka instinctively stepped
“You let her go!” Cassandra wailed, hitting Raymond with her balled fists as she sprang up. “What am I supposed to eat now? Is this what you call food?” she pointed at the eggs benedict with a sneer. “Calm down, babe,” Raymond said, cupping her face with one hand. “Why don’t you go make what you want for now? I’ll handle Eureka later. It’s too early for a fight.” “You’re taking her side!” Cassandra snapped, batting his hand away from her face. “Why are you suddenly on her side? You should’ve dragged her back, pushed her into the kitchen, and locked her there until she made what I want. Why didn’t you do that? Have you forgotten she locked us in the bathroom last night? If you hadn’t broken the door, we would’ve slept there,” she grumbled, disappointment lacing her tone. She had come to make Eureka pay for marrying her man, but if Raymond kept being lenient with her like this, her mission wouldn’t be accomplished. “Alright, you can have this,” he pushed the tray over to her. “I
Eureka sat opposite Raymond in a five-star restaurant, nestled in the bustling city of Paris. Her focus was fixed on the transparent glass, lost in thought. What if she had married the man who truly loved her? Would she have experienced the beauty of Paris to the fullest? Would she be among those who praise the remarkable city of romance? She sighed, overwhelmed by everything.“Eureka?” Raymond’s voice snapped her out of her reverie. She looked at him. “You seem lost. What would you like to eat?” he asked as the waiter waited on them.“Anything you’re eating,” she replied simply, returning her gaze to the glass. Raymond placed the order, and the waiter left.“Eureka,” Raymond called again, this time with frustration in his tone. “I thought you said we should act like a couple to avoid suspicion. Why are you lost in thought? Don’t you like it here?” he asked calmly.“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “The place is nice, I like it,” she added simply, keeping her attention on
“Let go of me!” Eureka yelled as Raymond dragged her into the house. She struggled to free her hand from his tight grip. He shoved her roughly onto the couch, making her cry out in pain.“What do you think you were doing with him?” Raymond snapped, his irritation boiling over. “How could you behave so shamelessly in public? You’re my wife!”His words ignited Eureka’s anger. She shot to her feet, shoving him back and causing him to stumble.“Don’t you dare try to manhandle me!” she fired back. “What gives you the right, Raymond? You flirt with Cassandra and then flare up when I talk to your cousin? What do you take me for? From now on, I’ll flirt with whoever I want, and you won’t do a thing about it. Watch me,” she declared, turning to walk away.Raymond grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him again.“You’re my wife!” he growled through gritted teeth. “I own you, and you will obey me. This is the last time I want to see you with Harvey. Do you understand?”“Pray you don’t find me in
From the day of the slap, Eureka avoided crossing paths with Cassandra and Raymond. She barely gave them a chance to complain, quickly fixing meals and cleaning the house. She had become a housekeeper on her own honeymoon. When she suggested staying in a hotel, her father-in-law insisted they use an apartment he had reserved for them. Now, here she was. On this particular day, she plugged in her headphones, listening to music while cleaning the living room, when her phone buzzed. It was Raymond’s father calling. She hesitated, her mind racing to conjure lies that could convince him the honeymoon was going perfectly well. “Good day, Uncle,” she answered, her tone filled with feigned excitement. “Good day, dear. How have you been? Sorry I haven’t called since the wedding. I hope everything is going well with you two,” Raymond’s father said, his voice full of concern. He had taken a liking to Eureka ever since the day she gave him a ride when his car broke down. He believed she wa
The ringing of Eureka’s phone pierced the room, jolting her awake. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through the light curtain, brightening her face. She yawned, sat up, and stretched, her body aching. She rubbed her eyes while feeling around the bed for her phone. A sharp soreness between her legs made her wince, and she realized she was naked, covered only by the duvet. Memories of last night flooded her mind, but as she scanned the room, she noticed Raymond was gone. He had left her. “Who the hell is it?” she groaned as her phone continued ringing nonstop in her handbag, still on the vanity table. She scrambled out of bed, wrapping the duvet tightly around herself. Taking out her phone, her eyes widened at over 50 missed calls from Harvey. She gasped, stumbling back as she remembered she was supposed to attend the Paris Fashion Week event with him. “Shit,” she cursed under her breath. As if on cue, Harvey’s call came through again. She didn’t know what excuse to give, but she a
Kaiden jumped back abruptly, landing on the hard floor with a thud as a black car swept past the spot he had stood just seconds earlier. Blood seeped from his elbow, which had been bruised by the rough marble floor. His head spun for a moment, his vision blurring. Hayley rushed forward, crouching beside him. “Kaiden, are you okay?” she asked, checking his arm. Kaiden regained himself, leaped to his feet, and pulled his hand away from her just as his driver ran over. "Don't touch me!” he snapped, startling Hayley, who trembled a bit. "Go inside!” "What did I do? Why are you mad at me?” Hayley asked, her voice shaking. "I said go inside! Don’t you listen?” he yelled, and she quickly rushed inside, locking the gate. “Are you fine?" Kaiden's driver asked. “Isn’t it obvious?" Kaiden retorted, walking back to the road. “Did you get the plate number? What car was it?" he asked as they crossed the road, this time looking carefully. “It’s a black Chevrolet, but I couldn’t get t
Kaiden stood along the street, leaning against his car, waiting. He stamped his foot on the ground, his attention shifting from his phone to the house before him. His driver stood nearby, patiently waiting on Kaiden. They had been there for over an hour, yet nothing. Kaiden said nothing, just staring at a certain house, while his driver, choiceless, didn't utter a word either.Kaiden straightened from the car, relief washing over him as Hayley stepped out of the gate across the street. She looked left and right before crossing over to him. "Hi, Kaiden,” she greeted, a broad smile plastered on her face. "It took you ages to come out,” he hissed, opening the car door for her. "I'm not entering. Do you want to kidnap me?” He hesitated. "There are better people to kidnap out there. What would someone do with you?” he sneered. “Are you entering or not?” "I wish I could punch you… so hard!" she groaned, entering th
Dark room. Low whimpers. Stench of blood. Thumping heartbeat. Fear, pain, and loneliness lingered in the ominous air. The moon, as if it noticed the helplessness of the life in the small room, peeked its warm, dim light through the small opening of the window.Kailani, slumped on a chair, her head lolled to the side, her ruffled hair cascaded around her, soaked in sweat and tears. Her body trembled slightly, her hand clawed at her clothes against her chest as if protecting the remains of her innocence. Being locked up in the damn room for days had taken a toll on her. Her eyelids heavy against her eyes, she could barely see. Fear crept under her skin like a thief breaking into a house.Hard patting of shoes jolted her, her frail body coming back to life as she forced herself to sit up, scared of what came next. Her ears narrowed as if trailing the sound of the footsteps. Suddenly, something clicked against the wall, causing white light to flood her face, blinding her. Her head dropped
Kaiden entered the car beside Kailani. She had her phone in hand, scrolling through social media as usual. People do change, he knew, but not this fast. Not a sister he knew so well transforming into a nightmare in the blink of an eye. Whenever he stared at her, something gnawed at him, a feeling he couldn’t quite comprehend. The excitement, the unstoppable feelings, the joy he felt at seeing her were no longer there. He could no longer hear his heart thump loudly in his chest like it would explode if he stopped seeing her. He could feel the distance, the void, the silence between them even when they talked often. Something was missing, though he couldn’t place his hands on it at first, but Hayley’s video sparked a lot of imagination. Constantly, his mind twirled back to that day at school, when everything changed. He knew he felt it then. The sickness meant something. He hardly fell sick, but everything changed when he met her, when he connected with her, and her absence always cos
Kaiden was seated by Kailani’s side on the couch, staring as she scrolled through her phone, chuckling. Since the incident two days ago, he was just seeing her. She looked so calm and collected even when the internet was buzzing with her name. She didn’t seem to care about the fact that she was trending and not for a good cause. “What’s the problem, Kayla?” Kaiden asked, his voice barely audible. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed, laughing out loud as though she didn’t hear what he said. “Kayla.” “Don’t be a killjoy, Kaiden. What do you want?” she retorted, not sparing him a glance. “You know you can always talk to me, right? What has changed? You act so differently now. Did eighteen years affect you this much?” he stated. Kailani sighed in frustration, turning to face him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Can you leave me alone? I need to focus.” “Mom is hurting. She lost her biggest contract because of what you did. You aren’t even remorseful or ashamed. My fans are t
“Stop this madness, Kayla!” Kaiden snapped, pushing her back. “What has gotten into you? What did they give you at that party?” he jumped up. She grabbed his hand, pulling him back down on the couch. “Why are you so mean? I want you, can’t you see that?” she muttered. “Listen. Stop it and listen!” he gripped both her hands. “What did those friends of yours give you at the party?” he demanded, his grip instinctively tightening. “Ouch, you’re hurting me!” she cried, twisting her wrists in his tight hold. He quickly let go of her hands. “It’s just a kiss, Kaiden. Why are you hurting me because of that?” she cried, tears filling her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he apologized. “Kiss me first, then I’ll accept your apology later.” “I can’t do that,” he declared. “Should I go meet someone else to do it?” “Geez! You can’t do that either.” “Then what? I’m feeling randy, isn’t that obvious?” she stated, her fingers entangling in he
The tension in the house grew as the family paced back and forth, their phones in hand, dialing Kailani and her driver’s number a million times. “I think you should call the police, Mom,” Kaiden suggested. “Did the driver kidnap her? What the hell is this?” he whined, sinking into the couch behind him as he felt dizzy. “Be careful, son. Mr. Thompson can’t do such a thing. He was recommended by the best agents in Beverly. Moreover, the cops will do nothing until it’s been twenty-four hours. I don’t think she’s missing,” Eureka stated. “Then, where did she go?” Eureka’s phone rang, the driver calling. She quickly picked up. “What’s this all about, Mr. Thompson? Where’s my daughter?” she demanded. “What do you mean, ma’am? I left her at school,” he responded. “Well, she’s not at school, so where is she?” “I wouldn’t know. I had to go see my wife at the hospital. I left the phone in the car, that’s why I missed your calls. Have you contacted the school, ma’am? I drove her in
Kaiden fidgeted in his seat, checking his wristwatch even though it had only been ten minutes since Kailani left. He stamped his foot against the floor, his eyes shifting between the door and his wristwatch. Stetson entered the class, spotting Kaiden tapping his finger on the desk as if counting the minutes. “Are you okay, Kaiden?” Stetson asked, moving closer to his side. “Did you see my sister?” Kaiden asked abruptly. “Not really. She was with you when I left. What happened to her?” Stetson replied. “She was summoned by the principal,” Kaiden stated, jerking up. “Watch over my backpack. I need to go get her.” “Relax, dude. If she’s in the principal’s office, I don’t see why you should go there. She’ll be back,” he assured him. “Get off my path,” Kaiden uttered, his tone tight. Just then, Kailani entered the class, a broad smile tugging at her lips. “I told you,” Stetson commented, going over to his desk. “What’s up? Were you missing me already?” she asked. Kaiden n
“Have you lost your mind, Kaiden? How could you tell Stetson such a thing?” Kailani scolded as she pulled him up to her room. “What do you expect him to think? Oh my God! I can’t believe this!” “Let me ask you a question, were you going to accept his stupid proposal?” he snapped. “What if I was? What if that’s the only way for us not to think we belong with each other? What if we need others to come between us? What if that’s the solution?” she asked, disappointment laced in her tone. “There’s no solution, Kayla. I love you means I love you. You can’t be with that smiling boy. What were you even thinking? I would sit and watch you accept him, spend more time with him, go out alone with him. God forbid. That’s never going to happen. Over my dead body,” he groaned. “Kaiden!” “Don’t Kaiden me! I don’t fucking care what society thinks anymore. You’re my sister and the same girl I love. If you think I’d watch you be with anyone else, think again.” “It’