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
Shocking TurnsCeline's POVGoing through the files on the desk, I stumbled upon one labelled -Smithford Corporation. My heart quickened. This was supposed to be sorted out earlier, before the scheduled date of the meeting.“Ahh,” I muttered under my breath, pulling the file out of the pile. I had been so occupied with work that I forgot about the meeting.Flipping to the second page, what I saw blew me off my feet, my eyes widening in surprise. I couldn’t believe what had just happened: an alliance with -Harry Smith Companies?No, that can’t be true. To clear my curiosity, I flipped through the pages of the file and stumbled upon that signature, the one I could never forget, even in my dreams. The same signature that was on those divorce papers years ago.“How dare he? How could he think for a moment that he could form an alliance with my company after everything he’s done to me in the past? The company I built from scratch?” I yelled in frustration, banging the desk hard.“Ma, is ev
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
Dungeon Celine's POVWalking past the hallway, I gasped, holding my breath as I took in the surroundings. A tiny pang pulled at me, but then a surge of determination suddenly took hold of my being. I wasn't used to places like this, yet I snapped back to focus as I stepped into the lounge.“Ma'am, what do you need?” a waitress asked, walking toward me. I glanced around, taking in the sight of the place. It revealed a more intense environment, a mix of individuals. Some had a dreaded appearance, wearing rugged, torn jeans or disheveled suits. A few others, more decently dressed, were all engrossed in their activities and fun.I found an empty table at the other end of the hall, away from the cramped seats and the litter of bottles beneath many of the tables. “Just give me water,” I said curtly, and the waitress hurried off to fulfill my request. My heart raced wildly, but I knew I had to end all of this once and for all. The leader of this particular group controlled the other organiz
ForbiddenQuickly brushing my hands off, a cool shiver ran down my spine. In a moment of clarity, I realized what had just happened, which jolted me. I reached for her hands, tapping gently, but there was no response.“Gosh, what have I done?”I hastily pulled away from her and stroked her hair, letting my fingers trail down the side of her neck. It was instantly cold, and I jerked backward in shock. My body broke into a cold sweat despite the chills running through me. This can’t be happening. No!“Mum!” I called to her, but there was no response. My body trembled slightly. I raised her hands gently, but they dropped slowly, and that was when the true reality struck me. No! No! What have I done? I slammed my hands hard on the couch, making a reverberating noise that echoed through the entire room. Amidst my worries and misery, I still realized that I had just done something I shouldn't have.“Mum!” I called again, my eyes fixed on her face, which was still innocent, her eyes slightly
Her deathHarry's POV A surge of relief washed through me as I anticipated her call. I had sent her another gift just yesterday and hoped she had received it.Morning had already come, yet I hadn’t heard from her; not even a text. The earlier relief was gradually fading away. She was right to treat me the way she did; I had tried so hard to absorb that truth. Still, I couldn’t shake off the urge to go see Mum. She had given me false information about Dad’s death, but Louis had advised me to calm down before confronting her. That advice, however, had lingered long enough.It had been two days of intense worry and sorrow. Each time there was a glimmer of hope, it drowned in an ocean of grief and bitterness. I doubted if I could hold on any longer; I couldn’t heal unless I sorted things out quickly. I pulled my phone out of my breast pocket and hesitated for a moment before typing a text to Celine.Countless texts had been sent over the past few days, yet none received a reply. Still, I
Another Battle?My heart wandered to what Sharon had said earlier, and I couldn't shake off the urgency I felt to meet her. She sounded too serious, and whatever important information she had to disclose, I knew it was related to the past. As much as I never wanted to revisit my past, I still needed to know what it was all about.I had the urge to call Evelyn, but I restrained myself. There was no need to burden her with my issues anymore. I tried to grasp sleep throughout the night as I awaited the morning, but all my efforts proved futile, and I was already giving up in frustration.I reached my hand to the head of the bed where my podcast device was. I tapped to play the popular music streaming on it, tuning it to a lower key and pitch before slumping back onto the bed. I carefully freed my mind from all worries, and soon, the music synced with my heart. Slowly, I closed my eyes, and soon, I drifted off to sleep.*****Sitting in this popular resort at the far-right end of the larg
Intriguing SuspenseCeline’s POVMy heart shattered even more as I watched his reactions and flimsy flirting excuses, which he thought would win me over. I felt like I was losing it. He had taken something precious from me in the past, and as if that wasn’t enough, he still had to hide it from me; an act I despised so much.“I never want to see you near us again,” I cursed, looking intensely at his derailed expression, masked with even greater pain and hurt.“Please, for the…”“Just go,” Henry cut in, and he swallowed hard. I hated seeing my son angry, just as much as I felt the pain of a reopened wound. If my mum were alive, I wouldn’t have gone through the torment I endured. I doubted I would have faced the ridicule and humiliation his singular action caused me. Glaring at him, still crouched on the floor, I felt like strangling the life out of him for taking what was so precious and priceless to me, yet I tried so hard to restrain the urge.“Why are you still pleading? Take your di
BrokenHarry's POVI felt a shiver run down my spine the moment she pointed to the diary on the floor. My heart skipped a beat; or thousands. I distinctly remembered tucking the diary into the shelves, so how did it end up here, on the floor in this room?"How did you get that?" I asked, the perplexed look on my face betraying my confusion.She scoffed, shooting me a deadly stare that set my entire body aflame. "You still have the nerve to ask that? Isn't it your handwriting on it? You're just so pathetic," Evelyn spat, and I winced."Just get out of here this minute!" Celine barked, and my heart sank even more. Her pained expression and the tears on her cheeks tugged at something inside me. I tried to reach for her, but Evelyn slapped my hand away, rolling her eyes derisively."Never try that again," she snapped. Celine said nothing, her head buried in her hands, her face a picture of intense disdain.I crouched low, dropping to my knees. "Please, I'm so sorry for whatever you saw in