DAHLIA'S POV
What was it they said about high school? That it was going to be fun? That it was going to be one of the most euphoric moments in one's life?But that wasn't the case for me I saw high School as a phase in my life that I wanted to go by quickly. There was nothing interesting about high school, nothing particularly euphoric. If I was asked to describe high school. I'd describe the place as a cage. A cage I was locked in, one that kept me from exploring the outside world, one that kept me with people that I hated so much. But at the same time I was thankful for this cage because it has kept me on a leash, kept me from exhibiting the dark thoughts in my head. So, even though I hated it so much, I was still a little bit grateful for it. A blue pen to my head, and my thoughts were out the window. These bullies again... The bullies were Malik and his friends; Colin and Caleb. "Hey, Dahlia-the-poop. You got anything interesting for us today"? Colin cracked, and the whole hallway busted into an ear-painful laughter. Dumb asses.. I ignored them and took out my books from my locker. I won't let them get on my nerve today. But who was I kidding? They always got on my nerve no matter how composed I was, and no matter how much I pretended not to care about their endless taunting. I took the stairs leading to biology class. What a great day. A subject I detest in a school that I hate. Worst combo. Luckily for me, the class went smoothly and I was out in no time. That was my trick; to leave the class before anyone to avoid bullying, and also to avoid Malik's deliciously handsome face. Arghh! Why do I still think of him after everything he did to me. By everything, I meant making me fall deeply in love with him, and then publicly announcing that i was merely a bet Well, that was just a tip of the iceberg. The pool area in the school was my favorite. It was where I had all the privacy in the world to think, even though i wasn't a huge fan of water bodies. The sight of water calmed me down. It also made me remember when me and mom used to go the beach, and have all the fun in the world. I marched in the pool area through the door but the disgusting sight that met my eyes almost made me puke my guts. This was another proof that Malik had no morals in whatever form they came, and another reason why i should completely erase him from my mind. "The hell". The bimbo brawled, startled at my presence. "The fuck do you want? Can't you see that we're busy"? She spelt it out for me, and laid more emphasis on the 'We' part, but I wasn't even focused on her, I was more focused on him. "Do not cry! Do not cry". I chanted in my head to stop the tears from rolling down my face. I couldn't afford to embarrass myself right now, and not in front of them. No matter how much i wanted to, i couldn't hate Malik. I still had a soft spot for him, and he knew that. The day he made that revelation in public, he began to act like a total stranger to me. I cried, begged him and even sent him texts and voice messages which only ended up going viral in the school. Imagine the pain, the hurt, and the embarassment i felt. To top it all up, i lost my mom on the same day. All these were enough reasons to hate him, but the stupid lover girl was too lost to think of any other thing. "You heard her" He said softly, even though he had a deep voice. "She said we're busy, so take your flat ass out the door before I do it for you" He finished in a mocking tone. Without uttering a single word, i turned around and took my leave. Well, i did them the honour of banging the door ever so loudly. Since they wanted attention, I would bring fucking attention to them. Thankfully, school went by quickly and I just couldn't wait to reach my room and lay on my fluffy comfortable bed. But i had one problem. Dad and his daughter. My afternoon definitely wasn't going to go smoothly as i wished. In no time i was home, and to avoid any distraction i quickly took the stairs that led to my bedroom. "Dahlia"? Shoot. Thankfully, it wasn't Dad but his sorry excuse of a daughter, Julia. "Hmmmm" I hummed a reply. "Dad left you some toast and there's also juice in the fridge in case you didn't have lunch yet". She said with a smile. Why was she trying so hard to impress me? "I'm not hungry". I didn't wait for her to say another word before i zoomed off to my k-pop themed bedroom and locked the door. I collapsed on the bed like a horse who had run a thousand mile. My eyes travelled to the framed picture of a woman that sat by my bedside. I tiredly reached for the picture and as i ran my fingers across its surface, a knock echoed on the door. "Dhalia, daddy is home". "Good for you". Why won't this fourteen year old get the memo that i wanted her to stay as far away from me as possible? Her voice came again. "He wants to speak with you". "I'm busy. Now get out". No more voices. Thank God I resumed running my fingers along the surface of the picture, and a smile appeared on my face. It's been so hard without you here, mom. I've been trying my best to survive and to live life the way you would have wanted me to. But there was an uncertain feeling that appeared in my heart each time i tried to live. My phone rang, it was an unknown number. "Hello, you can leave the delivery at the door i'll pick it up when i'm ready". "Dahlia-the-poop making a delivery. That would be such a beautiful sight to see". "Malik"? "One and only". He replied. "What do you want, Malik". "You". He said without even stammering. The nerve of this idiot to think that i'll run back into his arms just because he was offering. "You must be high on something Malik". He paused for a while before speaking again "I have videos of us, remember"?. My heart dropped to my stomach at the mention of videos. He always threatened me with those in the past but i never paid attention to him but right now he sounded serious. "Release the videos Malik". I didn't care what the consequences were, besides my life was already fucked up. "Your wish, my command Sweetheart". He hung up. As i dropped the phone, it rang again, but this time it wasn't a call. It was a video from Malik. With shaky hands, i clicked on it and what came up next on my screen made my heart shake. I'm doomed.Dahlia's POV.What if I told you that I preferred what my life was like a month ago compared to now.Crazy right? Yeah, i know.Two months ago, i had the choice of ignoring anyone who spoke to me. Not like anyone tried to speak to me. I was the weird nerdy girl in school, who wasn't up to standard.That was why when Malik took interest, i began to think with my heart and not my head. I thought that with him, other people would begin to notice me.After the incident with him, i just became more withdrawn and cancelled the idea of making any friend.Now, everyone stared at me but not because they had begun to like or notice me, it was because i got involved in a dirty scandal.One thing about people, one minute they're ignoring your existence, and then you commit one crime, the next minute they begin to treat you like the devil.Remember Malik? He posted the video of us and i don't know how but he made sure the whole school saw it.But why were they so cranky about it? wasn't that what
Dahlia's PovThree more hours had passed since my encounter with those strange boys.It's been so long but why do i still feel so uncomfortable?"Dahlia? You've been out for a while is everything okay"? Mrs Smith, the english teacher asked."She's probably thinking of Malik". One student replied from behind, and in response, the whole class burst into laughter, including stupid Malik.I rolled my eyes in response to the silly joke. How great! Thanks Mrs Smith.After the English class, came break period and finally i could breath properly without someone cracking a lame joke at my expense.Is everyone in highschool usually dumb?After i had ordered my food at the cafeteria, I sat down at my usual corner, away from the other students when murmur filled the whole place.Was there anything interesting to discuss this time? Whenever chaos happened, Malik, and his friend; Caleb and Collin were usually the cause.But they were seated in their usual spot, eyes fixed on the entrance of the caf
Dhalia's povFinally, weekend came and boy was i happy about it.Weekends meant, no bullies, no senseless jokes, absence of the twins and their dumb ass older brother."I wish everyday of my life was like this" But like they said, if whishes were horses, beggars would ride.Fully awake, I got out of bed and pulled the curtains open. The bright rays of sunlight gently hit my face and it felt so refreshing.I took a can of water and gently watered the pot of roses by the window. I took extra care of it because it was a gift that i received from my mother a year agoThey were growing pretty well and I was glad. Mother would be proud.My eyes wandered to the mansion right across mine. I overhead father telling Julia that a new family just bought the place.What were they like? Well, they were obviously humans like us but seemed like they had more money..Enough! It was time for my morning jog.After putting on a comfortable sweatpant and bra top, i picked my phone and pods.For about twen
Dahlia's POVSettling down to have breakfast with these two was one of the worst things ever. As if hearing their annoying voices wasn't enough, I had to listen to dad tell stories of when Julia was a baby.Were they here for her or were they here for me?During the conversation, I got to know that one of the boys was named Hermes-Milo King, and the other Apollo-Leon King. I wonder what the other one was named.I remember saying that they looked like gods, i never knew they were named after gods too. Good job parents.I groaned in frustration. "Enough with the girl's childhood stories, dad. Why don't you tell them about mine".Oh, i knew what i was doing. The table was too boring for me, i had to spice things up a little bit.Dad shot me a glare."Oh, you can't"? I questioned with a raised brow. "Did you forget all about it d-a-d-d-y"?He chuckled. "Well I..""Forget it. You don't have to".I resumed playing with my food again. I didn't want them feeling sorry for me.The boys remaine
Dahlia's povDarkness, why was it so dark, and foggy. And why do i feel so small.I coughed.There was also smoke everywhere. I couldn't make out so much from the surroundings because of how the smoke affected my sight.In my attempt to find someone or something, i touched one tree, and another tree, and then another one.I was in a forest. The chirping of birds and sounds of insects proved my theory right. I was indeed in a forest.I tried to scream but the smoke prevented me from doing so because each time i tried to, i only ended up inhaling more smoke into my lungs, and it burned so badly.Left with no other option, I decided to walk. I couldn't see but walking was better than standing in a spot waiting for help to come.As I began to walk without a particular direction in mind, I heard a howling from the distance.And then it hit me; I was in a forest, of course there would be wild animals.Without thinking twice, i began to run even though my eyes were still tightly shut. I ran
Dahlia's POV.Another monday morning at Phoenix Crest High, and everyone was clamouring to be seen, showing off their expensive luxury item, and pictures of trip they had taken during the weekend.Me? I was just trying to get to my locker safely without being noticed but at that, I failed woefully because no matter what i did, i always drew unwanted attention to myself.I cleared my throat and adjusted my glassed atop the bridge of my nose praying that no one would notice the dark circles around my eyes due to lack of sleep from the previous night.Those nightmares were wild and i couldn't bring myself to go back to sleep because I felt like if i did, i would keep having those nightmares, or worse, the stalker in my garden would climb up my window and try to strangle me in my sleep.Well, whatever it was, I didn't want to take any chances, so i stayed awake the whole night.I got to my locker and as if all the problems in my life weren't enough, I had to come across Dorothy also known
Ares's POVLike they said "Everything happens for a reason". Life, death, happiness, sadness. But i have yet to come to terms with everything that happened to me.Once upon a time, I was a boy with a happy family. I had everything I could have ever asked for, but in the twinkle of an eye, it was all gone.No! This wasn't a part of the universe's plan.For six years, i sat behind closed doors, hidden in the darkness, observing, plotting, and preparing myself to exert vengeance on those who took everything away from me.For six years, I watched them have a happy life when they destroyed mine. According to my name 'Ares' which meant 'God of war', I was willing to go to the end of the earth to bring war, and destruction upon those who took my life away from me.Coming to Phoenix-Crest High was part of a perfectly curated plan that was made from the very beginning.Where else would be a perfect place to begin to exert my revenge if not from the place that the most gruesome betrayal happene
Dahlia's POVThe trip from the art room to the school's cafeteria was the longest i had ever made in my life even though it was just a few meters apart.Despite my pleas and struggle, Ares made it his job to carry me bridal-style from the art room to the cafeteria.You guessed right, the attention on us was massive, and with the condition i was in, it just made me shrink into his embrace.Usually, I didn't care what people thought about me or how they looked at me but this time I was well conscious of it.Because, no more than a few hours ago, I had publicly stated that I didn't want to have lunch or anything at all to do with the King brothers.And now, I was being carried in Ares' arms while the other student watched us in shock. That just made me someone who was unable to keep to her word; A hypocrite.He took me to my favorite spot in the cafeteria, and placed me on my chair. How did he even know to do this?He pulled a seat for himself and sat on it. While the twins also did the
Ares’ POVI had been caught up in the moment, kissing Dahlia with a passion that surprised even me. We were in the pool, and I was reveling in the way she responded to my touch. Her initial reluctance had faded, replaced by a tentative willingness to engage. I caressed her back through the thin material of her swimsuit and gently pressed my lips against hers, feeling her start to open up to me. Her body relaxed against mine, and for a moment, it seemed like she was beginning to truly let go.But then, as she started to match my intensity, something shifted inside me. I suddenly became aware of what I was doing and froze. My mind raced with confusion and realization. What am I doing? I thought. This wasn’t part of the plan.Dahlia’s eyes fluttered open, her face reflecting a mix of confusion and surprise. I pulled away abruptly, the suddenness of my action leaving her stunned. "I'm sorry," I said quickly, trying to cover up my disorientation. "That wasn’t supposed to happen."I saw th
Dahlia’s POV I was still trying to wrap my head around everything that had just happened when Ares gently turned me toward the pool, his hands resting on my shoulders. My back pressed against his chest, and I could feel the warmth of his body against mine. The closeness, the intimacy, was almost overwhelming. My heart raced, a mix of nerves and anticipation causing my breath to come in quick, shallow bursts.As his fingers lightly traced along my arm, a shiver ran through me. His touch was gentle, almost soothing, yet it set my nerves on edge. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck as his hands moved down to my waist, the sensation both thrilling and terrifying. His touch was slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring the moment, and I became increasingly aware of every inch of my body.When he reached the knot on my shorts, I tensed, emotions swirling inside me. Before I could react, he loosened the tie, and my shorts fell to the ground, leaving me in just my swimsuit. I fel
Dahlia’s POV"Why would I be jealous," I said quickly, trying to put some distance between us. My voice came out sharper than I intended, and I immediately regretted it. I took a step back, hoping to escape the tension building between us, but he didn’t let go. Instead, his grip on my arm tightened just enough to make me pause, and I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized how close he was. My back was against his chest, and his arms wrapped around my waist, holding me in place.I was caught off guard by the sudden intimacy, feeling a mix of shyness and irritation that made it hard to think straight. He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered in a voice that sent another shiver through me, "Did I do something wrong?"His tone was almost seductive, laced with a teasing edge that made my heart race. I tried to keep my composure, but it was hard to ignore how close he was, how his voice seemed to wrap around me like a soft, tempting whisper. I could feel my resolv
Dahlia’s POVAfter grabbing the first swimsuit that caught my eye, I didn’t even bother to look at it. My mind was too clouded with anger and jealousy to care. I just needed to get out of his room. I clutched the swimsuit in my hand and stormed off to my room, my thoughts racing. I didn’t even notice Aris giggling softly behind me, likely amused that I had picked something so revealing without even realizing it.As I reached my room and slammed the door shut, I could feel the tension in my chest. What was I doing, feeling this way? It wasn’t like Ares and I were anything more than neighbors. Maybe we flirted a little, but that didn’t give me the right to be angry about what I saw in his wardrobe. But the thought of another girl being in his room, trying on those clothes, left a bitter taste in my mouth. I hated how much it bothered me.I threw the swimsuit onto my bed and finally took a good look at it. My heart sank as I realized just how sexy it was. The fabric was a deep, rich shad
Dahlia’s POVAfter breakfast, the uneasy feeling from my conversation with Aris still lingered. I tried to brush it off, but when Aris asked, “Do you want to go swimming with me?” it completely threw me off. Out of all the things he could have suggested, why swimming?“I don’t know how to swim,” I admitted, hoping that would be the end of it.“Okay,” he replied, “but you can still change into a swimsuit and join me. You don’t have to swim.”His persistence caught me off guard. “I’m not comfortable with that,” I said, trying to convey how much the idea unsettled me.“I’ll walk you to your room,” he said, completely ignoring my discomfort.I followed him reluctantly, my mind racing for a way out. When we reached my door, he stopped and waited outside while I went in to change. As soon as I stepped into my room, I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe I could use this time to figure out how to get out of this situation without making things awkward.But then I realized I didn’t have a swimsui
Dahlia's POV I sat by Ares' door, leaning against the cold wood as the night dragged on. The house was quiet, with only the occasional creak or the soft sound of the wind outside. I lost track of time, my mind spinning with feelings I couldn’t quite understand. The longer I sat there, the more tired I became, my thoughts drifting into a haze.Finally, as dawn began to break and light crept through the windows, I forced myself to stand up, my legs stiff from sitting too long. I let out a deep sigh and made my way to my room. Being close to Ares, even just outside his door, had felt necessary, like something I couldn’t ignore.Once I was in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, not even bothering to pull the covers over me. Exhaustion hit me hard, pulling me into sleep before I could resist. My eyes closed, and I was quickly lost to the dark world of dreams.But sleep didn’t bring any comfort. Instead, I found myself in a strange place, surrounded by thick fog. I called out, but my voice
Dahlia's POVI had never encountered a place as grand as Ares' mansion. From the moment we crossed the threshold, it felt as though we had stepped into another realm—one filled with elegance, mystery, and untold stories. The entrance hall alone was awe-inspiring, with its towering ceilings and grand chandeliers casting a gentle light over the polished marble floors. Excitement bubbled within me as Ares began the tour."Follow me," he said, his deep voice echoing slightly in the vast space. I trailed behind him down a long corridor, wide-eyed as I absorbed every detail. The walls were adorned with intricate moldings, and the floors gleamed with an almost mirror-like finish. Everything was meticulously designed, exuding a sense of perfection.Ares guided me through several rooms, each more impressive than the last. There was a grand sitting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a sprawling garden, and a library brimming with more books than I had ever seen. But amidst the g
Ares' POVI could barely contain my excitement as I prepared for the day. Today was a crucial juncture in the elaborate plan I had been meticulously crafting for months. The thought of finally taking Dahlia to my mansion was exhilarating, almost overwhelming. Every detail of my outfit was chosen with precision; I wanted to be flawless. This wasn’t just about spending time with Dahlia; it was about seizing control and setting the stage for the final act of my scheme.Driving towards Dahlia’s house, I replayed the journey I had taken to break through her defenses. She had been a fortress of defiance and pain, completely closed off from the world. Yet, I had managed to see through her tough exterior and uncover the softer, more vulnerable side she had been so careful to hide. I had always viewed her as a caged bird, and now that I had unlocked that cage, I was beginning to see the real Dahlia—a tender, beautiful girl who had learned to protect herself behind a façade of strength.As I in
Dahlia's POVDay eleven of bed restI paused, my hand trembling slightly on the door handle as I opened it. The soft creak of the hinges was the only sound in the quiet space between us. As the door swung open fully, I saw Ares standing there just a few steps away. His tall figure nearly blocked out the sunlight, casting a gentle shadow over me. He was holding a large, fluffy teddy bear and several gift bags. My heart leapt at the sight, excitement bubbling inside me.I gasped in surprise and delight. The gifts were unexpected, and seeing him there waiting for me made my heart swell. Without thinking, I grabbed the teddy bear and hugged it tightly against my chest. Looking up at Ares, I couldn’t hide the gratitude in my eyes.“Thank you!” I said, my voice brimming with genuine happiness. My smile spread wide across my face.Ares stood there, his usual stoic expression softening slightly. He seemed taken aback by my reaction, his eyes studying me as if he couldn’t quite believe what he