Her nameAll eyes widened in disbelief. I turned toward the direction of the voice as the footsteps approached. The smile on my face suddenly dissipated, and the urge to throw up surged. Right before the interviewer, whose mouth had parted, I could read the lines on her face. Not only had that name surfaced, but it was also so articulated and directed at me specifically, the voice echoed through the entire room. It had been buried in my past, and I wished it had remained so, but fate had a different plan. Today was the company's grand opening, yet so much was happening in just a brief flicker of time.It wasn't enough that the interviewer asked questions that were off-limits, now another person—who I believed was from my past—was obviously present here. Who could that be? My heart was rising and falling like a pendulum. Thousands of thoughts flew by in just a second. One of which was the reason I felt it wasn't time yet to return to New York. But I couldn't remain in a foreign land fo
The gun shotHarry’s povThe thunderous sound of the shot pierced through the air, echoing in the space between. Tension built inside my heart, and for a moment, I felt like I wasn’t breathing. My heartbeat became erratic as I closed my eyes in pain, my hopes shredded. Yet, there was no pain, no blood, only distant hums and sounds.I opened my eyes just in time to hear another gunshot. Its crack was loud and direct. Two men were already lying on the floor, blood gushing from their heads. It was a precise shot, aimed specifically in our direction.Tilting my head for cover, I noticed Jack was nowhere in sight. I stumbled toward the half-brick wall at the far end of the area, crouching low in defense. My hands tightly clutched the empty pistol, every step pounding deep as my heartbeat accelerated with fear of the unknown.I had no way to defend myself, even though I remained at the scene. The only option was to take cover.Once under cover, I peered through a gap in the bricks, cowardly
The MeetingThree Months LaterA whole lot of problems at once. Reeling from the shock of nearly losing my life in the attack, the pain amassed from the incident and having to face my twisted fate was just too much. Never would I have thought in my wildest dreams that I would be desolate, alone, and lonely. Multiple threats from the stakeholders of the company and the pain of having to start all over again compounded my suffering.Was life paying me back for everything I did in the past? Specifically, for what I did to Celine and her innocent child. I wouldn’t have gone so far as to let my hatred for Jack push me into involving the innocent child, who knew nothing of the incident. Karma was really dealing with me.It had been three months since the incident, yet I couldn’t get the events out of my mind. My heart shredded even more, and tears welled up in the corners of my eyes whenever I thought about it. No sign of Lily and Derick, no valid information about their whereabouts, or the
UncertaintyCeline’s povFacing the dim light of the city stretched before me, its radiant and opulent view enlightened my eyes. The glass windows were designed this way to catch a glimpse of the bustling activities and hums of city life. It interested me most to watch this radiance whenever I had a moment of peace.It had been three months since the company fully started here in New York and had gained immense recognition in such a short period of time.The air conditioner positioned at the rooftop by the left end blew, ruffling my hair. Tucking it back into place, my eyes widened at the increasingly bustling crowd of passersby, waiting for the signal to resume their activities.Just then, a beep on my phone drew my attention back to the office. I reached for my phone and checked the caller ID—Principal.“Hello,” I greeted, unsure of the impromptu call.“Miss Wood, you are needed urgently. It's about Henry,” her tone unreadable.“What about him?” I asked, my heartbeat accelerating.“
HerStaring, eyes widened and mouth agape, I marveled at the scenario. It wasn't just a mere coincidental state that could buy off one’s attention, but something that was absurd.“Are you not Derick?” he asked, pointing at the child who looked at him with such ease. So he could be polite enough to ease his grin on someone? I thought, my eyes still fixed on them.“Yeah, uncle,” he answered, much calmer than usual. I never knew he had such a tender voice that could pierce even the angriest heart and melt it into a chill pill of liquid ice.“I would like to know what's going on here,” her voice asserted, breaking their stare and attention.A knock on the door.“Yes, come in,” she replied.“That should be his mum,” the principal announced.I think it’s better I speak to the mother of this rude child. She's g....“You?” My mouth parted in shock, my heart nearly stopping.“I don't understand what you mean,” the lady asserted, her eyes widening in shock but suddenly going agape when she turn
CoincidenceOnce inside the car, my heartbeat accelerated, and my thoughts wouldn’t stop contemplating what had just happened. I thought I could let it slide, but no. The more I tried to let it go, the more the thoughts kept surging in my heart.I thought the best thing to do was to investigate more on the issue. That would only take me back to the past I longed to forget and avoid. However, it would also enlighten me on the things I needed to know, to clear my doubts and suspicions.“Mummy,” Henry called out, tapping my hand.“Yes, cutie,” I replied, turning to face him.“Why did you hit him? I didn’t raise you to be a wrestler or a fighter,” I inquired, my voice much calmer now.His face turned serious, and he lowered his head, picking at his nails.“Mum, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” he answered, his tone and expression etched with sincerity.“Alright, promise me this won’t repeat itself again.”A moment of silence filled the space.“I promise, Mum,” he said, placing his hand
A hug with the pastShe always got to show herself now and then. The trance wasn't just relatable to my heart. I could burst at the slightest second, but I chose to remain poised and watch until whoever was in the vehicle stepped down.“What’s she doing here? Or is she also planning a wedding?” Evelyn asked, her face masked in confusion.“You remember her, right?” I asked, my eyes still fixed on the black tinted limousine.“Yes, of course. How could I have forgotten her in a hurry? I remember the day at the mall like it was yesterday,” her voice asserted.Our gaze remained fixed on the spot. Must he take ages to step out of the car? I wondered, already running out of patience. I didn’t know why I chose to unravel who she was involved with, but we remained unmoved, waiting decisively.“Oh, finally, there he goes,” Evelyn let out a sigh as our eyes widened in disbelief upon identifying the man.“What!” we exclaimed simultaneously, our voices in unison, our mouths parting in shock.“What
TerminationHarry’s POVI had just been informed that Evelyn was seen around this vicinity with someone who hadn't yet been identified. Taking my keys, I decided to drive to the venue, leaving Louis behind to sort out some things in the office while I was out.It was a cold evening when I stepped out of the car. The evening breeze blew through, sending shivers down my spine. My eyes strayed to every corner of the spot. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew deep down I was going to persuade her to tell me Celine’s whereabouts, her friend.If she could go to great lengths to hide her location, then I wasn’t certain what to expect other than to maintain a positive attitude. My eyes narrowed as I scanned the surroundings, but she wasn’t in sight. I doubted she was in the bridal shop, as I hadn’t been properly informed.What would she be doing in a bridal shop? The question popped into my head, and I decided to check, uncertainty sweeping through my heart like a tidal wave.Then I saw h
A Blissful ForeverHarry's POVWe drove out of the mansion toward the most renowned resort in the city. My heart surged with joy and gratitude for the journey and the battles fought to reach this glorious moment of peace with Celine and my son, Henry.It was a dream come true. Deep down, I vowed never to let this opportunity slip away. This was the moment I had always envisioned, and now that it was manifesting, I was more than ready to cherish it. I resolved to make amends for all my past mistakes, creating and nurturing beautiful, lasting memories, even amidst any struggles that might come our way.“Dad, can we stop at Moore’s? I want to get my favorite candy,” Henry said, pointing toward the store on the left side of the street.“Alright, anything for you, son,” I replied, and he grinned, biting his hand playfully.“Thank you, Dad!” he cheered. I smiled and turned the car toward Moore’s parking lot.Soon, we were back in the car, Henry happily clutching his bag of candies and snack
The expectedA grin spread across his face as he held my hands, planting a loving kiss on them before crouching low on his knees. My heart soared once more, and this time, I was determined to give this tireless man a "yes" for his relentless efforts to win me over.“Please, my lady, will you be mine again?” he asked, his hands dipping into his pant pockets to retrieve the ring. To my amazement, his gaze remained fixed on mine.“Please, girl, forgive him and accept him back; for my sake and Henry's,” Evelyn's voice surged from behind almost immediately, and I winced.“Yes, he deserves one more chance,” Aaron added.I stayed still, determined in my thoughts, my face adorned with a grin. Finally, I whimpered,“Yes, I’ll give you another chance, to be yours again.”With a relieved smile, he hastily slid the ring onto my finger and rose to his feet.“Thank you. I promise I’ll never hurt you again,” he said, his eyes widening with sincerity.“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice trembling sligh
Sorrowful momentWithout hesitation, I tapped to receive the call, my head lowered and my heart racing. By now, the applause had stopped, but Harry still remained kneeling with the ring in his hands, his face showing a mix of disappointment and uncertainty.“Hel…” I started, but his voice cut me off almost immediately.“Please, you need to come. The report is bad, and Evelyn needs you,” he asserted, and my heart sank.“Okay, I’ll be right there,” I responded. The call ended almost immediately from his end. I hurriedly lowered the phone from my ear, casting a sorry gaze at Harry.“Please, I need to leave. It’s about Evelyn,” I announced. Without glancing around at the murmurs that arose once more, I hastily addressed the team, then stormed to the car and drove off almost immediately to the hospital.Once at the hospital, I hurriedly made my way through the lobby and down the hallway leading to the maternity section. I knew she would be there. As I had suspected, I spotted Aaron speakin
Two Weeks LaterCeline’s POVA lone tear dropped from my eye as I walked along the aisle toward the pavilion. My heart couldn’t stop wondering how I got here; a pathway filled with endless struggles and challenges. A path where evil loomed, but amidst the overwhelming obstacles and chaos, I succeeded, alongside the great team that stood firm with me. It felt like a dry bone coming back to life.The roaring applause of the crowd and the overwhelming feeling of having everything under control struck me with a sense of fulfillment—the kind that comes when one keeps a promise. That, I had lived to remember for seven years, ever since Dad was buried."I wish I could see him again and tell him everything is now fine and under control," I whispered in my heart, never stopping to wander through the familiar thoughts crowding my mind.The media buzzed around the hall, fixing and focusing their cameras on me. The grin on my face widened as a surge of joy erupted through me. As I climbed the pa
Rising Tension"Why can't I go inside?""That's the instruction, sir. I'm so sorry if it doesn't sit well with you, but please, you can't go in," he explained."I see. Is your madam at home?""Not really. She stepped out a few minutes ago. I thought you might have driven past her on your way here.""Not at all," I replied, feeling a pang of devastation. My eyes fell on the drink I held in my hands, and all the carefully rehearsed words I had practiced in the car suddenly felt meaningless."Can I leave this for her?""Not at all, sir. I think you should give it to her yourself; it would be much better," he replied. I sighed and turned to leave, my feet dragging sluggishly against the ground.Just then, a voice called out from behind."What are you doing here? I thought I told you last time not to come near us! Why are you still bent on bringing us more trouble?"I turned to meet his angry gaze. His words were far too harsh for a child his age, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that
Bad OccurrenceHarry's POVIt's been a heck of an experience for me. The shock and the stigma felt increasingly heavy, almost suffocating the life out of me. I still felt as though the chains of the forbidden were caging me, weighing me down like an unbearable burden.“Boss, you need to do something before everything escalates beyond what we can handle,” Louis, who had come over, suggested with a concerned expression.I sat still, lost in thought, struggling to figure out what to do. It was fortunate that the news hadn’t picked up on this yet, but I needed Celine's help to navigate through this mess before it did. Otherwise, it would tarnish the company’s reputation irreparably. This disaster, which I had been grappling with for the past twenty-four hours, left me filled with regret. I doubted it would ever leave my mind; not now, not ever. Mom’s face still appeared before me repeatedly. The moments when she smiled, the happy times we shared; all of them taunted my heart relentlessly.
The Unforseen I held her hands in pain as the other corps members rushed toward us. My gaze became blurry from the tears that clouded my eyes.“Ma'am, step aside,” the officer instructed, but I remained unmoved. I couldn't let go of her hands. Watching her lying motionless pricked a deep part of my heart, and I didn’t even notice if the guy was caught or not. Everything else felt irrelevant at that moment.He leaned in, turning her over slowly and placing his ear on her chest.“I think she’s still alive,” he muttered, and a sudden wave of relief washed over me.Soon, she was wheeled into the ambulance, and I followed suit. Once at the hospital, she was rushed into the emergency room while I waited impatiently in the waiting area, praying earnestly that nothing would happen to her.I stood there, lost in my thoughts of grief and anguish, when a hand rested on my shoulder, jolting me almost immediately. I turned to find Alloy standing close by.“Ma'am, I think you should calm down. She
Moment of AgonyOnce freed, I ran as fast as I could while they pursued me. I knew the risk was higher now, but it was the least of my concerns at that moment. My heartbeat raced as I stumbled upon a door. Hurriedly, I opened it, only to find myself at the back of the suite where the cops were stationed. Just as one of the men chasing me fired a shot, the bullet struck the doorframe, creating a sharp cracking sound as I scrambled to the other side.“Drop your weapons!” the police announced. Oblivious to the ambush, the men chasing me ran straight into police custody. I heaved a sigh of relief, clutching my chest in an attempt to ease the tension building within me.“Damn, that was a freaky risk,” I muttered under my breath. I had no idea I could run as fast or as boldly as I just had. Once settled, I glanced around, only to realize something was amiss. I distinctly remembered hearing the leader give orders as I fled. He had been following me, but now he was nowhere to be seen. Somethi
A Turn for The WorstMy heart raced drastically as I lifted my head to meet his gaze. Did he already sense that I had my eyes fixed on the dark-haired guy, apparently the leader who had just walked in? I thought to myself, but then the realization hit me hard: What if he’s part of the gang? I mean, judging from his appearance.I felt my stomach churn as I finally mustered the courage to reply.“What are you doing here?” I inquired, trying to mask my unease, which was clearly written on my features.He smirked. “Looking out for you,” he replied. I felt a little relieved and then a surge of anger.“Why can't you mind your business?” I asserted.“I can't mind my business while you’re still sitting here. Besides, I kept wondering why your supposed partner is taking so long to appear. Or were you just playing a fast one on me?” he questioned, smiling sheepishly.I tried so hard to hold back my anger, which was seething beneath the surface. It was glaringly obvious that he wasn’t part of th