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SLEEP DEPRIVATION (44)
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
FIRE CRACKER COMPLICATED (45)
“That’s beautiful” I heard someone say behind me. The paintbrush fell from my hand and I spun around. My eyes locked with Tyler and he had an unreadable expression on his face.“What are you doing here?” I questioned slightly and I picked up the brush to wash the paint off.“I woke up a few minutes ago, Charlotte said you were here all night.” He informed me sheepishly. I frowned. That would explain all the snacks and fruits I found outside the door. That woman was putting extra effort to ensure I was alright, in a way, I loved it.“I couldn't get any sleep,” I admitted softly as I soaked the paintbrush in blue paint and resumed work.“Why?” Tyler asked. I heard him take a step toward me.“I can’t explain it,” I confessed as I made a particular thick line in the painting, something that did not fit it but would blend in anyway. I licked my lips as I continued painting, this was my fourth design and I was sure it was late now. “Is Leonardo still around?” I asked as I paused painting b
FIRE CRACKER SWEET ANTICS (46)
A notification from my phone was the first thing that had me spiraling back to reality, I resisted the urge to jump and instead reached for it, it had been right beside my canvas. I felt the sides of my lip curl upwards as the credit alert burned into my memory. I had just been paid my first installment and boy, I was ready to do a few things. I groggily stood up and ran my hand through my hair, I had a nagging ache at the back of my head and to be honest, the only thing I wanted to do was lay down, but unfortunately, I had work to do.I glanced at myself through the mirror in my workshop, I looked pale and exhausted, there were bags under my eyes though, nothing a few touches of makeup couldn’t fix but the reality was... There were bags under my eyes and the more I stared at them, the stronger the urge to curl up somewhere, I shrugged the feeling off, I had a lot of things to do today and the sooner I got started, the sooner I could get to work.I strolled out of the workshop and do
FIRE CRACKER IF ONLY HE KNEW (47)
I hummed one of Derek’s favorite songs as I waited in the car for Leonardo. Sure enough, a few minutes later he slipped into the driver's seat and drove down the estate to a mall, that he assured me was a few blocks away. Leonardo seemed to have a proper grasp of the houses around here, it was nice to know that I wouldn't be getting lost. But for some reason, this place felt familiar, it was almost as if I had been here before, the feelings seemed unrealistic, but it was there. “We’re here.” Leonardo broke through my thoughts and I exited the car. “Thank you,” I said softly. “I’ll be fine ok my own, is there anything you need that I could get you?” I asked. “No, I’m perfectly fine ma’am, thanks for the consideration.” I simply shrugged. For some reason, I never knew how to properly react to people appreciating or thanking me for anything. It had been a few years since I stepped into a Mall. After Derek’s death, I neither had the funds nor enthusiasm
FIRE CRACKER FIRE CRACKER? (48)
The insides of my stomach did a little dance as Adam’s industries building came into sight. I licked my lips and glanced at Leonardo so simply smiled at me, I mirrored his expression and got out of the car.A scent I could not recognize filled my nostrils. Unfortunately, I did not have a word to describe every single scent that graced my nostrils. The leather bag I had gotten from the Mall, hung over my shoulders, my phone and credit card were the only things in it. Along with a particular perfume, I fancied. In my other hand was a suitcase with a few of my paintings in them. This time, the receptionist was sickeningly sweet, it made me wonder if she had mended her ways or if she had been punished severely for the events of the other day, the thoughts didn’t linger in my mind for too long because Daniel casually walked towards me and my attention was averted to him. “You’ve arrived.” The man said in a delightful tone.“Yes, I arrived a few minutes ago, Is Mr. Adams in?” I ask
FIRE CRACKER THINGS HAPPENED OKAY? (49)
I spent the remainder of the day being shown around the new workspace, meeting my colleagues, and finally being introduced to the Head designer, His name was Marcus and he was quite a gem if I was being honest.I sighed as I slacked against the car seat, Leonardo wordlessly drove down the road, and for a few minutes we stayed quiet, no words were spoken just the sound of tires rolling against the ground and my thoughts.“Next, We’re going to the hospital,” I breathed, The day had almost taken the wind out of me but I knew I would need to recharge because with Rye? Things tend to go from bad to worse. “Is something wrong with you, Ma’am?” Leonardo asked. I raised an eyebrow at him,“It’s Miss Danielle, and no, I just need to see someone there,” I finished. Leonardo didn’t say anything after that, He just drove down the road and followed my instructions.Although I had a million questions to ask Rye about our father’s death, I also wanted to see if she was alright, the conversation coul
FIRE CRACKER YOU HAD A CHOICE (50)
“Are you blind?” Rye spat in a condensing tone. “Jared here, is my boyfriend and we have been together for two months now.” She added as he walked towards her and stayed by her side.I stared at them for a few minutes, simply consuming the sight in front of me before I burst out laughing “This—“ I began as I tried to control my breathing “This is a joke right? You and him…? You look ridiculous” I pointed out,“You just sound like a jealous ex girlfriend.” Rye added and I snorted.“I was never his girlfriend,” I said as I laughed. The sight was just so pitiful and ridiculous. “But I see that you have a thing for men who like to hide behind woman. Because that’s exactly what he is doing, right Jared?” I spoke casually.“I won’t allow you to disrespect me, Danielle.” He spoke harshly.“Respect is earned Jared. And I’ll believe you when you don’t hide my eighteen year old sister.”“Step sister.” Rye corrected. “Don’t let her get to you Jared, She has this way of manipulating people with
FIRE CRACKER INVADED (51)
“Step out of it, we’re leaving.” I spat as I got into the car, Leonardo nodded and did as I had said.I bit hard on my blistered lips and begged myself not to cry because it wasn’t worth it. Rye didn’t deserve it, She didn’t deserve any of my tears and I honestly deserved better. My eyes stung with tears and I ran my hands through my hair, it was about time I stopped letting people’s words get to me. That time was now. Right.“I need you to take me home. Did you drop off the things?” I asked Leonardo. He nodded but his gaze never left the road. He seemed to be a very responsible driver.“So how did you start driving? You know, working?” I asked awkwardly. “Oh, um, I normally participated in car races, I met Mr. Adam after one of those races and he offered me a job. The pay was really good and it was nice to not have to gamble a win even though the adrenaline was quite satisfying” Leonardo explained briefly.“Do you like the job? Working as my Driver?” I asked, I needed to get my mind
FIRE CRACKER WE’RE ROOTING FOR YOU (52)
The silence in the room was choking. I felt my lungs tighten and my fists clench, My eyes stung and my feet curled. “Danielle...” Charlotte trailed off as she held my hands tightly, I could see the gears in her head move as she struggled to think of words to comfort me.“Don’t,” I stopped her in her tracks “Don’t try to console me with false hope, or words that don’t give me an actual explanation,” I added and stood up. I could feel her eyes on me as I took a few steps forward.“Charlotte, Have you ever wanted it all to stop?” I asked, I wasn't sure why I had asked, because I knew she would not be able to understand, no over did,“What? The voices in your head or people?” My eyes widened at her response and I felt her hand around my torso. “Danielle,” Charlotte whispered into my ear, “I don’t know why or who made you so upset...” She turned me towards her and her eyes glistened. “Don’t let them get the better of you,” We were so close at the moment. If it was anyone else, I would ha
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5 years later. “What happened here?” I sucked in a sharp breath as I glanced around what was supposed to be the children’s room but seemed like a battleground. World war three happened here. “It was him!” Bella cried in her high-pitched voice, I cringed at her tone and glanced in the direction of her voice. My heart skipped a bit when I could not find her, but if the mop of blonde curls that peaked out from beneath the bed was anything too go by; I was definitely on the right track. I took tentative steps toward her and crouched down to her height, “Baby, what’s going on?” my voice trembled slightly with worry but that was not the only thing threatening an anxiety attack from me at this moment. It was already 10:00 am and I wasn’t even dressed — forget about dressing up, Tyler wasn’t even around to handle the kids and he promised me. Today was my big day and he promised he would fill in, but as always, he just runs off with his burger. Bella reluctantly reached out to me and
FIRE CRACKER Is it too late to say goodbye?
You know how you can spend your entire life walking on the wrong path. You can feel like you have it all figured out even though you are just starting and struggling to be a good version of yourself. There are some memories, that don’t die when dawn comes barging in. Some dark times that even the sun can’t chase away. My point is: They are too many things out of our control and the last thing you want to do is get stuck with the guilt of not fixing or doing things that were never in your control, to begin with. As I ran my hands through my soaked scarlet hair, a lone tear crawled down my cheek and I swallowed sharply. I bit hard on my bottom lip as I thunderstruck and pierced my skin. It was almost scary how three years had felt like decades, how much I had linked to come here, all the promises, the guilt, everything that had built up to this exact moment. I wiped my tears which were mixed with rain. I found to hear the hesitant footsteps from Rye, but I did not turn. My fists cle
FIRE CRACKER Finally? (196)
“There’s still time for us to run.” I glanced at Emilia as if she had grown two heads, but she had a serious expression on her face and I knew that she was freaking out deep down.So was I.“Run to where exactly?” I decided to humor her risky thoughts with a raised eyebrow, her stance deflated and she let go of my hand. We were outside the church now. It was crazy how much time had passed and how things were happening so fast.Until two weeks ago I was at Alice’s grave. Now I was walking down the aisle. I frowned and breathed. “When did Rye say she was going to get here?” I asked Emilia, the blonde seemed to be too engrossed in starting anything but the church that waiting for her. Her blonde hair had been styled in a perfect bun and Isabel had performed magic with her makeup. Her dimples were visible and she wasn’t even smiling. Emilia took a hold of my hand again, a small smile broke out on her plump lips.I held my breath as she stared me dead in the eyes before she broke out into
FIRE CRACKER Burning soil (195)
“This was the last place I thought I would ever come,” The words rolled out of my mouth and left a bland taste in my mouth, I could feel the heat from the ground tear my skin apart, and my eyes stung with fresh tears and my fists clenched.If anyone had told me, years ago, or even a month ago that I would do this, I would have laughed in their face and given them a fitting reply, yet here I was, tears pouring down my cheeks with a void in my heart that I was not sure time could heal.“It wasn't supposed to end like this, Alice. This wasn’t the plan. This wasn't the freaking plan,” I whispered and I could barely see from my clouded vision. “You always hurt me when it was alive and I always used to think that I would be happy when you died...” I trailed off and wiped my tears.“I’m not Alice,” I admitted. “I’m not happy at all ad it feels like my heart got ripped out. You took a part of me with you and it space you left stings a lot.” I swallowed and sucked in a sharp breath. I ran my
FIRE CRACKER Happy birthday (194)
Tyler chuckled and his hand went to his neck for a nervous moment. “I don’t think you have realized it but… Alexander is in love, and it’s not with you,” I blinked in confusion.Tyler laughed at what seemed like my facial expression. “Alexander is madly in love with Lee.” My eyes widened and I immediately clicked the dots.Lee’s strange behavior ever since Alexander came into the house, her sudden change of heart, the reason she begged me to stop the wedding, why she was so devastated during the shoot-out, why she kept her gaze on Alex, and most of us, why she was bosses with taking care of Bella. “But she’s just a child and he- he’s twenty-five or something! This isn’t right!” I informed him.“She’ll be eighteen in a few weeks, by then she will be an adult, right?” Cole asked in a calm tone.“Well yes, but…” I trailed off and walked past him, I turned and continued. “She’s still a child, he’s five years older than she, and I don’t know, I’m just not comfortable with the idea.”“It’s
FIRE CRACKER Let’s start again (193)
"Are you okay?" Tyler was standing at the doorwhen I came out, I nodded and walked past him. "Where's Gemma?" I asked with a straight face and glanced around the place. "She left," Tyler informed me absentmindedly. "She asked for a divorce." He added."Why? Did she finally realize that you are nothing like you claim you are?" I spat at him and he shrugged."She was pregnant for someone else," He continued. My eyes widened and I shrugged. "Oh wow." I chuckled. "You sue to surround yourself with the best kinds of people," I informed him and he relaxed on the wall"You don't seem okay, do you want to get some rest?" He asked and I rolled my eyes at his fake concern."I want to leave. Why did you bring me here?" I demanded in a sharp tone."You fell unconscious, I had no other choice," Tyler admitted bashfully and ran his hands through his hair. His lips were pursed into a straight line and he kept his gaze firm on me."Want some coffee?" He offered and walked towards what I assumed w
FIRE CRACKER You hurt me! (192)
"I never thought you would come here." I heard a voice as I sat on the closest rock.From the view I had, the lake was breathtakingly beautiful, it had been months since I came here and I was dying for a breath of fresh air."Do you remember the last time we came here?" the voice continued on a steady pitch, I rolled my eyes at the tone and turned away. "Danielle, you are going to have to face me at one point or the other." Tyler finally confessed in what sounded like a defeated tone, I scoffed at his words. "There's nothing to settle." my voice came out strained. It had been one entire month since Alice was murdered and Aiden died at my hands. The memory still sends chills down my spine and for many days I refused to leave my home because I was terrified of the outcome, I sucked in sharp air and glanced at him."You ended this, remember?" I added in a soft tone, my eyes stung with tears but I blinked them away. Tyler sighed. He broke the small distance between us and sat beside me
FIRE CRACKER Life isn’t fair (191)
I lunged at him. With all the force and anger I could muster at that moment. This was the moment I had waited for so many years. Three long years — I lived with that guilt and pain for three long years. I was broken, I had to deal with the pain and nightmares and the intense feeling that I could not protect the man who did nothing but love me. The only thing I had consoled myself with back then was that I would avenge his death.And only when I had avenged his death, would I visit his grave. Today, I would fulfill that promise.Aiden lost balance in shock, the gun went off immediately. My eyes widened when we hit the ground. I was basically on top of him, dangerously close with the gun between us and my breath hitched.My heart raced and it took me a few seconds to register the fact that the bullet had not hit me, rather it was stuck in Aiden who was bleeding from his nose.I must have taken too long to connect all these dots because the next thing I knew was hands around my neck, c
FIRE CRACKER I will keep that promise (190)
"Aiden," I growled and he smiled. He had a fun held up straight to my face and I was almost thrown off by the audacity of the man. Here, in broad daylight, he was pointing a gun at me, a smug grin plastered on his face as if he had just been given hot coffee on a stressful morning."Danielle" His voice was calm and held no remorse at all, his eyes narrowed at me and rested on Alice's body which was behind me. I watched as Aiden's grey eyes darkened for a bit before they returned to their previous form."For the first time in my entire life...I'm sad I was right about something." The words were not directed at me, rather it was where his gaze rested. Completely fixed on Alice. "If you cared about her, you would have stopped this a long time ago." I shot a glare at him, and he scoffed and stared at me with a piercing gaze. "It's because of her, I did this!" He snapped and shot one of the medics, I stumbled on the side of the van, my eyes went wide and I clenched my fist."That's a li
