"Samuel?""Yes.""I know I haven't said this, but I am happy for you." Samuel averted his gaze from his father's face and looked down at his feet as his father spoke. "I am happy to see you're content with a woman that loves you. I am extremely grateful that, in the end, you are with someone who values you."Suddenly, he felt sick. He barely managed to utter his short reply. "Thanks, dad."Would he still feel the same pride when he found that Kali meant nothing to him? The love he admired and was grateful for was nothing more than a farce to keep up appearances. The daughter-in-law he fancied wanted nothing more than to rip their family apart. Samuel had no doubt that she would destroy everything if it meant taking his mother down with it. "You really like her?""I do. She has proven herself to be a levelheaded and well-mannered young woman. Of course, the circumstances of her arrival are not the best, but you both have done so well fighting for your feelings.""You aren't afraid we
Samuel was awake at five, the grim of night had not broken up, and the open window only allowed a minuscule amount of light into the large room. Unable to go back to sleep, he resorted to staring into the thick nothingness. Kali slept beside him, her breathing shallow and even.Flora stayed over with him a couple of nights when they were dating. Sometimes, when he couldn’t sleep, and she woke to find him restlessly moving around the room, she would keep him company. They would huddle on the bed and talk about meaningless things, finding a good laugh here and there between chats. When she slept in his arms, he would hold her close, her scent embracing him as they slept. It was never awkward. Always free-spirited and lively.When Kali had suggested they share a room because the bed was large enough, he was not a fan of the idea. Even though the bed was indeed large enough. If he stretched out his hand, he wouldn’t be able to touch her because she slept close to the edge of her side of th
Early in the morning, after Samuel left for work and all the servants had finished their work, Kali prepared to leave the house. She made plans with June to drive her around the city and spend the day with her before she returned home to pack her things. She pushed down on the button that controlled the mechanical gate. Before she could start the car, her eyes caught the rear-view mirror, and she noticed a familiar car driving in. First, disbelief rendered her speechless, frozen with her hands on the wheel. The car drove in further and parked behind her own. Flabbergasted, she got down from her car at the same time Richard did. “Hello, Kali.”“Get out.” She whispered under her breath. Richard got closer, reaching out to touch her arm. She shoved his hand away, standing her ground and speaking with more confidence. “Get out of here. I don’t want you anywhere near me. How dare you come to my house.”“Your house. How easily you fit in here, right? But you and I know that you don’t belo
“And now you are no longer listening to me.”Kali shook herself out of her thoughts and faced her worried sister. They had come out to the city to enjoy the warm day, but her mind was full of Richard. Just when she thought things would start going smoothly, he had to show up and ruin everything.“Sorry, my mind is wandering.”“Something wrong? Samuel? Your job?”“No. Samuel is fine, and so is work. Don’t mind me.” Kali urged her sister to continue walking. “We probably should get something to eat. Are you hungry?”“No, and don’t change the subject. Come on. Since the wedding, even before, I could sense something was wrong with you. I kept quiet out of respect for your space, but I am more worried about you now.”“June, believe me, nothing is wrong. A stupid thought got in my head when I woke up, and it has been rolling around since then.”“What?”“Well, it’s just the problems I have with Samuel’s family. You know they are not all in with me. That’s all.”The empathy on June’s face ass
The grating of the metal gate pulling back was loud enough for Samuel to hear it. He glanced at the clock on his desktop. It was a few minutes past seven. Kali had left earlier in the day to spend time with her sister, and she wasn't home when he returned from work. So much time had passed since he started working. It felt good having something to occupy the time.The door opened moments later, and Kali bustled in, carrying various bags in both arms. She didn’t notice him. Carefully placing the bags at the foot of the bed before laying them on the mattress. Once everything was out of the bags, she went to grab a few hangers from the wardrobe.“Samuel!” she shrieked, stumbling back in shock when she turned to catch him watching her. “Why would you just sit there staring.”“I am surprised you didn’t realise I was in here.”She regained her composure quickly. “I saw your car, but I didn’t think you were in here.”“How did it go with your sister?”“Great. We got some souvenirs for my aunt
Peter stood in front of the wide mirror, leaning over the sink to get a better look at the bruise on his torso. It was purpling a bit and felt as sore as the first day he got it. He went a bit too hard in the ring that day, and his sparring partner had been equally invested. With the pad of his thumbs, he dabbed some ointment over it. He dressed up and left the shower room. As he left the room, he received a message from Ember reminding him that she was waiting for him at the restaurant for breakfast. They had agreed to meet because she wanted to talk about their little brother. More specifically, she wanted to talk about their sister-in-law. The hottest topic in his home was Samuel’s new wife. Kali. The announcement of his marriage had caused quite a stir. Peter was hopeful that everything would get back to normal after the wedding. It hadn’t. His father was recently coming to terms with it, but Giovanna and their mother believed Kali was no good. Peter could not wait for them t
“Never tried this before.” Kali lifted the glass bottle of grape juice Ember purchased for them. She twisted the cap off and took a swig. “That’s delicious.”“My favourite brand of bottled juice. They have different flavours, from grape to apple, but I usually introduce people to the grapes first. It’s an instant hit.” She thought on her words. “Most of the time.”“It’s a hit with me.” Kali took another sip. The sunglasses came on when they walked out of the chilly mall and into the blazing sun. The weather had taken a turn for the worst. It had been that way the entire week, and the forecasts predicted a fall in the temperature in the following week. Till then, they had to make do with the unbearable conditions. “Are you ready for dinner?”“Which one?”Ember chuckled. “Nice. The one at my house. For our grandfather.”“I think I am. It’s just introductions.”The look on her face before she turned away was the exact reason Kali wanted to befriend her. There were things Samuel didn’t
Giovanna was in a state, watching her mother from the window of her room as she walked around the garden. The weaved basket that swung from her elbow was already filled with flowers. The gardeners usually tended to the garden. They ensured the grass was always levelled, never an inch out of place. The shrubs were trimmed to the same spherical shape each time and watered.The only thing her mother went into the garden for was privacy. Giovanna watched her speaking passionately with someone and couldn’t help but wonder who. Neither her mother nor the gold-digger of a wife Samuel married knew what she knew. They were probably filled with cynical satisfaction, but Giovanna knew their game. She had heard it with her own ears. The day after the wedding, when everyone prepared to leave the hotel, she heard them speaking. She wasn’t sure what exactly they were talking about, she came at the tail end of the conversation but she heard enough. She heard clearly when her mother informed Kali that
Samuel looked at the restaurant as he stood against his car. It had been a month since his grandfather passed, and things in his family were still not back to normal. His father had forgiven him for his part in the lie, and he also forgave Kali because he believed they were pushed against the wall. But whatever quarrel he had with their mother was still going on. He had tried to talk himself out of tonight with the excuse of waiting for things to cool down. But, he decided against it.He looked back when he heard another car approaching. Sure enough, Mathew was driving to park beside him with Kali in the passenger seat. She waved at him, and he winked in reply.He called earlier to ask her to prepare."Hello." She greeted as she stepped out of the car. "I was surprised to get your call.""I thought you would be." He took her hand and kissed her. "You look lovely.""Thank you. I wore something stunning, as you asked.""Thank you, Mathew
“Have you spoken to your dad?”“Yes.”“Are you better?”“No.” Samuel shook his head, and Kali solemnly pressed against him. “He is not only angry with my silence but also with my mother. He doesn’t want the quarrel to overshadow my grandfather’s passing. He won’t address things now.”
Samuel looked down at Kali as she slept, stretched out underneath the duvet. She had slept through the night and barely flinched when he got her out of the pool and to their room. She was exhausted, and he understood why. He decided to end the façade once and for all, so while he faced his family, he wanted her to rest.Samuel kissed her cheek softly before he left the house and headed for his parents. Luckily for him, everyone was present when he arrived. They were still slow from waking up, but they gathered around the table.“Is something wrong?” His father spoke first, taking a generous gulp from his cup of coffee.“Not anymore.”“What do you want to talk about then.”Samuel had not taken his eyes off his mother since she joined them. When he saw that she was slowly figuring out what he was there to do, he gave her a little smile before turning to a drowsy Giovanna.“Gio, you were right ab
Flora looked up at the house, trembling with anxiety and incredibly confused. The man who drove her to the home was as silent as a graveyard with a hard and unassuming stare. He didn’t even say a word when she turned her panicked eyes on him. He only indicated that she continued up the stairs.She had asked before what Claudius wanted to meet her, but the man had only grumbled, so she decided to follow his lead and walk into the house. He handed her over to a maid, who took her purse and jacket. She took Flora to a brightly lit room.“Mr. Devon?” The maid called, closing the door softly.He coughed, struggling to get comfortable on the bed. She rushed to help him. She adjusted his pillows and made him as comfortable as possible.“Please sit.” He wheezed, pointing to a chair in front of the bed.Flora carefully sat down, looking at the mass of machines connected to him. “Thank you. I am sorry. I had no idea you we
When Samuel arrived in the evening, he was surprised by Kali at the door. She jumped out of the shadows, scaring him before throwing herself in his arms. He caught her, bellowing with laughter as they kissed."I would assume your day went well?""I believe it did, but that's not why I am happy. I am happy to have you home."Samuel set her back on her feet and noticed the scarf she held in her hands."Are you cold?""No. It's for you.""Me?""Yes. For your eyes, darling."He complied, closing his eyes and allowing her to wrap the scarf around his head, sealing him in darkness. He followed her cautiously as she led him up the stairs and into their room. He scolded her lightheartedly when the door smacked into his chest."Hey!""Sorry." She stressed and led him still. "Sorry. We are here."She took the scarf off and stepped back. He kept his eyes closed, opening them carefully so he wasn't dazzled by the light
Kali looked up at the house. If she could even call it that. Something about this family made them hungry for prime real estate. From the marble fountains to the immaculate shrubs and garden, the manor looked like it could have been owned by an Earl or a Duke. Kali wouldn't be surprised if she was told the building used to belong to one."Mrs. Madden?" Kali turned to the maid. "Are you looking for someone?"She stuttered, finding herself as she got out of the car. "Yes. I am looking for Mr. Devon.""Alright. Please come in." She began to walk Kali towards the house. "He hasn't been in the best health these past few weeks. I'll tell him you are here to see him, but I can't promise he would agree to sit with you. He hasn't had visitors in weeks.""That's alright. If he won't see me, I'll leave a message."She had come prepared for any event. She'd prefer to say all she had to to his face. If he refused, she had typed and printed a detailed letter exp
Samuel nervously nibbled on the pencil in his mouth as he sat at his desk. Two weeks had passed with no word from Ember on how her search was going. She asked them to trust her, saying she'd call when she found something.Kali was on the balcony, watching the warm evening sky while he worked to keep himself busy. He had seen little of his family throughout this time. He visited the house once when he was sure his mother was out and scarcely talked to his dad on the phone.The curtains swooshed, and Kali came to him. She languidly slid her arm up hi
Kali walked into her sister's apartment. She had planned to visit her earlier but kept pushing the date back until she couldn't anymore. June was home, and Kali left work early to catch her sister before it was too late. Samuel had taken the first step with Ember, and it was her turn.If she waited, who's to tell what Ysabel might do? Just as she informed Kali about Richard as a desperate attempt to cause a rift between them, she might say something to June one of these days."I am glad you came. Sit. Can I get you anything?" June asked.
Kali woke up early and slid out of bed while Samuel was still asleep. She walked around the apartment quietly. After the previous day's events, she was exhausted and starving. She wanted to stuff herself with whatever she could find in the kitchen."Morning."Kali looked over her shoulder, scared. "Oh, Ember. It's you.""Sorry to scare you.""It's alright. I was about to rummage through your kitchen for something to eat. Would you like to join me?""Sure."Kali was nervous. She had forgotten most of her conversation with Samuel because her brain was still asleep. But after seeing Ember, Kali remembered Samuel had told her everything. She hoped Ember wasn't too angry or disappointed in her. She considered her a friend, and it would hurt to lose that."What do you want?""A sandwich is fine.""I am too hungry to show off, so what if I make us a simple sandwich for today?""I'll take it."Kali prepared s