Rita's words had brought a newfound determination to my heart. She had also done me the favor of telling Kylie about my breakdown session. Kylie had immediately come to visit me the next day. Brian had taken our awkwardness as an excuse to finally move back to his place, something I was glad about. At least I wouldn't have to face him for a while. Kylie barged into my room, with her arms spread wide, wrapping me into a tight hug. “I wanna say, I told you so, but I won't.” I giggled, and then soon the laugh turned into tears, and I clutched onto Kylie tight. Kylie and I had then spent the entire day cooped up in my room, making detailed study plans. She even went ahead and scheduled study sessions on my calendar at different cafes and libraries. “Enough of crying over these crusty ass men, giving them the power to play with our emotions. It's time to grind. The caterpillar will now blossom into a butterfly.” Her weird ass analogies always made me laug
Steph's Pov “Are you sure you're going to be okay? I could stay back home from school.” I asked Simon as I put his medicine next to the breakfast I had made for him. Boiled eggs on toast. He'd been sick for a while due to the excessive practice sessions, and Rita had forced him to speak to his coach and get a day off. “Either you talk to him, Simon Hudson, or I will and you know that won't be nice.” Rita had put her foot down firmly. So here he was groaning and enjoying the breakfast in bed I was serving. “Yeah, you go; I'll be fine. Rita will be coming over after school anyway.” I rolled my eyes at that. Men were such babies when they'd get sick. They needed someone or the other to babysit them. “I'm here!” Kylie announced from outside. “Okay, I'm heading out. Don't be on your phone; make sure you rest as much as possible.” I said to Simon as I rushed out. ***** We walked into the corridor towards our lockers laughing, but our smiles quickly faded. I see in big red letters th
Steph's POV I wake up with a heavy weight on my stomach. I look down to find an arm. Brian's arm. I turn around to find him sleeping right next to me in my bed, in a peaceful slumber. I am unable to register this situation, and I do not know how to react. This is the first time Brian has woken up next to me. I feel delighted, but at the same time, I feel like this is not how I should react, so I try to stay very still. I like the weight of his strong, muscular arm on my stomach. It makes me feel secure and protected. Brian's frown deepens as his eyelids flutter open. His eyes immediately meet mine, and for a moment, confusion clouds his face. Then concern takes over, sharp and unrelenting.“Steph,” he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep but laced with worry. “Are you okay?”I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, he sits up, brushing his disheveled hair back and scanning me from head to toe as if searching for any sign of discomfort.“Did you sleep well? Do you feel alr
Steph's Pov I had deliberately woken up late that day, and boy did I regret it. I walked down to the kitchen, wanting peace and quiet. I just wanted to be numb today; I did not want to think or feel, and they all understood that. However, they wanted me to celebrate it too. They wanted me to appreciate my seventeen years too, and I, on the other hand, could not fathom how. Simon and Brian were already in the kitchen. Simon was eating cereal, and Brian was making himself some coffee. I did not look at them yet. I could feel their eyes trailing all over my face, trying to read my expression, and I hated it. Then I thought I was being really unfair. Simon had been through it too. We both needed each other today. So, when he came to my side and said, "Hey, happy birthday," I fixed a fake smile on my face and received it with warmth. Thankfully, Brian did not say anything. He did not even touch me, and I was really grateful today. I did not want anything this day; I just want
"Where are you? You promised you'd be home by now," I had said, my voice laced with evident annoyance. "You might as well not come." That was what I had said. In those last moments with them, when I could have said anything to them, this was what I had chosen to tell them. Like they had promised, they would fulfill any wish I made that day, but they did not come back. I have hated myself ever since. Had I known that was the last time I would be hearing their beautiful voices, I would have just listened to them talk. I would have told them how much I loved them. They were the most important people in the world to me.It had taken me years to not think about it every single day. To move on with life and not blame myself every time I looked at myself. But today had been especially good. In the midst of my tears, I did not hear the door creak open. I only noticed when a warm body was sitting right next to my crouched body, hugging me from behind. His familiar scent and touch made it a lit
Brain’s PovThe school had organized a trip to the beach. The bus ride to the beach was supposed to be fun, but nothing about this trip felt remotely enjoyable. Why?Because of that one woman whom my mind just cannot take a break thinking about. Steph. She was sitting with Cole. And me? I was right at the back with Simon. Gosh, I hated this feeling too much. I clenched my jaw as I watched her laugh at something Cole said. Her head tipped back slightly, her smile lighting up her face. She was stunning, but the sight made my stomach twist painfully. Why hadn’t I seen her in the same light that I see her in now before Lyla? WHy hadn’t I realized it was not Lyla who was the one for me. But…"Why are you glaring at Cole like he just stole your lunch?" Simon asked without even looking up from his phone.I forced my hands to relax on the seat in front of me. "I’m not glaring."Simon smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."The ride dragged on, every second punctuated by the sight
Steph’s povThe weekend had finally arrived, but instead of relief, I felt an odd weight in my chest. Ever since the beach trip, Simon had been hovering, checking on me every few hours. I knew he was worried after what happened, but his overprotectiveness felt like a constant reminder of the incident I wanted to forget. The weekend had finally arrived, but instead of relief, I felt an odd weight in my chest. Ever since the beach trip, I caught cold and felt like shit, burning in fever all day long. Simon had been hovering, checking on me every few hours. I knew he was worried after what happened, but his overprotectiveness felt like a constant reminder of the incident I wanted to forget.It had all happened so fast. I had gone to the water with Kylie and Nick, their laughter filling the air as they splashed around. I tried to join in, but my heart wasn’t in it. My mind was elsewhere—on him. On Brian.I couldn’t stop replaying the day in my head. The way he had laughed and joked with e
Steph's PovI called Brian's number and both times, it took me to the voicemail. I didn't like this sickening feeling in my chest. Yes, I had agreed on not giving official tags to our relationship, but I did think, we were close enough that I deserved to know if he was going away for six months. Or had that been his plan all along, to just completely ghost me? To use me, when he needed. I could not believe I had been this blind and stupid. He really did not give a single fuck about me. Kylie had been right all along; I should've just listened to her. But I had been in denial. In that moment, it was fun lying to myself, but now when I could feel my heart sinking, I didn't think it was worth it. No one should get to treat me like this. Yes, he was hurt then, but I had sacrificed enough of my own happiness to take his pain away. I was not going to make a fool of myself anymore.***Brian's voice called out as the door creaked open. “Do you want to join us for a game of Mo
Steph's Pov It was one of the other event of Rita and Simon and to be honest, I had lost count on how many parties they threw for their wedding..pre-wedding, post wedding etc etc I walked over to the buffet table, scanning the offerings. The waiter removed the cover from one dish, wafting the aroma of the succulent shrimp into the air. All of a sudden, my stomach did a flip and a wave of nausea washed over me. My face paled, and my mouth started watering in a bad way."Oh no," I muttered to myself, my hand over my mouth. "Not now."I didn't hesitate, turning and making a quick departure, my hand over my mouth as I hurried to seek out a secluded area in which to compose myself. The pharmacy was compact but well supplied, with rows upon rows of medicine, toiletries, and other necessities. I walked to the family planning area, my heart racing in my chest. I looked at the shelves, my eyes finding a familiar brand of pregnancy tests. I picked one up and quickly headed towards the check
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, looking at the bright red mark along the nape of my neck. I pressed it tenderly, it didn't hurt as much, but it looked pretty serious. As much as I loved this mark on my neck, I knew I couldn't go out like this. Especially not in front of Simon. Moreover, today Simon and Rita had organized a pool party for everyone, which meant swimsuits, which meant if I went out wearing a hoodie everyone was bound to find out what was happening. I sighed heavily looking at myself in the mirror, then began to fish for a concealer in my makeup pouch. “Is something wrong?” Brian said, walking in, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin along my shoulder. His deeper voice sounded sexier in the morning. I smiled at my half-asleep boyfriend, with his hair ruffled, as his spicy masculine smell hit me. “My very loving boyfriend has left his very own mark on my neck, and now I don't know how to cover it.” I complained to him. “I don't remember he
Steph's PovBrian and I walked into the suite Simon had booked for us and froze the second we entered the room. It had two twin beds. I really had to give it to Simon, he was consistently playing the role of a protective brother really well. I looked at Brian and rolled my eyes and he grinned.“Well, this clearly won't do," he said, locking the door and began to push the two beds close. I wanted to mock Simon saying, “See, ya got nothing on me,” but we were really too old for this so I decided against it. While Brian fixed the beds, I explored the suite. The bedroom was truly beautiful with a gold and white colour combination. Right next to the beds was a massive window down to the length of the floor, overlooking the clean, magnificent blue sea of Hawaii.The bathroom was tiled with wooden floors, with a massive bathtub covered with glass doors. When I saw the shampoo, soap and toothpaste on the shelves, the hoarder in me wanted to grab at it immediately, however I controlle
Steph's Pov I was curled up around Brian, with his arms around my body. This had been more intimate. Back then I was young and cautious, I didn't know what to do. Today, I was sure with Brian, I knew he loved me, and I wanted to prove it to him that I loved him more. I wanted to touch him; I wanted to be weird, and I was not ashamed of it because I knew he would not judge me for it. “I've had sex after a very long time. I'm glad it was with you. I wouldn't have it any other way.” I said to him as he played with our fingers. It was this that I had wanted. The care after the sex. The assurance that I was not only wanted for this. That nothing had changed; if anything, this had only brought us closer. We ordered pizza. When he went to pick it up, I wore his shirt and looked at myself in the mirror. It looked better on me than it did on him. It smelled just like him. Man, I could bathe in his scent. I was immersed in these thoughts when he came back in. Seeing me in his shirt, his f
Beck's POV: Each time I came into this room, there was a new challenge, a new obstacle waiting to be cleared. Today, however, was different. Today, I had the most vicious man I'd ever had the misfortune to meet - Richard Rivers staring right back at me. Thankfully, things were looking in our favour. Whatever amount of money Richard had paid Tony Martinez evidently wasn't enough, he was wasn't prepared, totally. He was seated in the front row, his face having a smug look, playing dumb, playing the bereaved husband. We all knew, however, his dirty little secret. I knew he was guilty of Lyla's murder, of the atrocities she had been subjected to at his hands. I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself for what lay ahead. It was time to put a stop to Richard's game. It was time to play my strongest card. I addressed the judge, speaking firmly. "Your honor, I'd like to have Miss Stephanie Hudson take the stand." Stephanie got up, looking me straight in the eye, and walked toward
Stephs POV: The courtroom was filled with hushed conversations and the occasional sound of papers rustling. I took in the room, my eyes finding the familiar form of Brian, his shoulders set and his jaw clenched.But I was able to get to him before I could, as a frazzled-looking reporter blocked my path. He was a rumpled sight, wearing a tattered hoodie and jeans, his eyes puffy from lack of sleep. He looked like he'd been running around for days picking up leads.".......and welcome back to NBS News," he declared, his voice echoing through the courtroom. "I'm reporting live from the courthouse, where the much-awaited doping case against NBA star Brian Lockwood is about to be played out. The public has been waiting for answers, and today, they'll finally have their opportunity to witness justice being served."He took a moment, his eyes sparkling with a blend of enthusiasm and fatigue."Lockwood, the golden boy of basketball, stands accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs to get
Steph's POV: I sat on the couch, watching as Cirril paced back and forth across the hotel room. It had been a week since we'd received the devastating news of Lyla's death, and the days that followed had been a blur of lawyers, meetings, and media scrutiny. I still shuddered, when I thought of her death. She'd been driven to insanity, and the only escape she found was in death. Unfortunately, she took her child with her. Brian had been released from the hospital, but his health was still fragile. The dark circles under his eyes seemed to be deepening, his eyes sunken and hollow. He looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. Cirril was on a video call, arguing with yet another lawyer who was refusing to take on Brian's case. "You're asking for five times the normal price? That's ridiculous!" she exclaimed. I watched as Brian tried to calm her down, his voice soft and soothing. "It's okay, Cirril. We'll find someone else." But Cirril was having none of it. "No, we won't! They'
Brian's POV; I groggily reached for my phone, wincing as I sat up. Cirril's name flashed on the screen. "Cirril," I answered, trying to sound more alert than I felt. "Brian, where are you?" she demanded, her voice shrill with worry. "Do you realize the kind of mess you're in?" I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. "I'm at the hospital, Cirril." There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What? How are you at the hospital?" I sighed, not wanting to get into the details over the phone. "I'll explain everything when you get here. Can you please just come?" Cirril's voice was laced with frustration. "Obviously, I'm coming. Is that even a question?" I hung up the phone, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Cirril would know how to handle this mess. As I waited for Cirril to arrive, I glanced over at Stephanie, who was sitting in the corner, watching me with concerned eyes. I smiled weakly at her, trying to reassure her. Cirril burst into the room
Steph's POV: I stayed at the hospital. I couldn't leave him. I didn't want to leave him. I am not going to leave you alone ever again Brian. The nurse in me kept checking his vital signs. The entire night I could not sleep. The nurse had given Brian a sleeping pill and a painkiller, to soothe his pain and allow him to rest. I kept walking around, tucked him in, but I could not put myself to sleep. There was this constant fear that something was about to happen. In moments when I did drift off to sleep, I would wake up, with a jerk with a sudden feeling that I was running away from something. At about three in the morning, I saw Brian's eyes flicker open. I immediately went up to him. “What is it? Does it hurt somewhere? Do you need something?” I asked him in fear. He slowly put his hand up and beckoned at me, then patted on his mattress beside him. He was asking me to lie down beside him on the bed. Tears began to stream down my face again, looking at Brian's condition. This