Please ignore this chapter. It got published twice. I'll ask my editor to remove it to avoid confusion. Thank you❤️
Lucy'sPov"Oh my God!" I exclaimed as my eyes nearly fell out of their sockets. If you think it was an exclamation of excitement, you were so, so, so, totally wrong.
Lucy's PovI scoffed. "Yea, right. I'm pretty sure there's a bomb waiting to explode on my face."What do you do when your rival tries to play nice? You kick 'em to the curb and tell them to fuck off, that's what! And that's exactly what amma do to Natasha."No thanks, I'm good." I said as sweetly as I could muster with a fake smile and resumed basking in the shadowed rays of the sun. Some seconds passed and her shadow still stayed obstructing me.I sighed internally and raised myself up on my elbows."Fine, give me the stupid box," I scowled, glaring at her.She tilted her head and smiled widely– to me she looked like Tom when he devises an evil plan for jerry– showing her teeth.I returned her smile with an even faker one and snatched the box harshly from her hands and threw it by my side."Thank you, now go away!" I said gruffly and laid down again. It didn't take long and I could feel the sun's beautiful ray
Cole's POVI watch from afar as she struggles to walk in the heels and couldn't help by laugh softly. Never thought I'd see the day that Lucy Hale wore a dress, much less, heels.I see as her lips move and I guess she muttering profanities against Tamara as she she wobbles, not so much as caring who looks at her, and glaring at those who give her smug stares.To save her from her misery, I walk over to her."Never seen you in a dress before," I remark on reaching her. I let my eyes roam her body and assess her. She was wearing the gift that she received on her birthday— an elbow length sea green gown that stopped mid-thigh, hugging her curves and a cleavage that's not so open but also not closed. Her hair was styled in French braids and her lips were doused with red lipstick.She looked really damn hot!"Ditto!" She said, bringing me out from my thoughts and giving me a once over. I actually thought I said my thoughts aloud but s
She looks around, seeing fathers with their daughters. It's fathers day. On the street are laughter everywhere. People laughing and happiness in the air. She looks at her surroundings, eyes watering at the thought of when she would be truly happy.'Just like this' by Chainsmokers & Coldplay, states to play. The tears trimmer down her eyes to her cheeks. Seated on the bench, she sobs quietly. She feels envy towards them. She feels hatred. She never wanted this, but fate had other plans.Head low, hands in pocket, she wanders around, grief and sadness overwhelming her.She looks at a particular father and daughter from the store window. Anger boils in her, pain she never expected to feel, all come rushing. She has heard of heartbreak, but she never expected it to be this painful, hurtful.Why would he leave me? I didn't do anything wrong. Why couldn't he love me? What does she have that I and mother didn't? How could he just leave us like that?
Lucy's PovWhat the hell almost happened?Why is my heart beating a hundred times per second? And why the hell am I flushed?I can't believe I almost kissed Cole! Or he almost kissed me, whatever! I can't believe either of those almost happened! I mean, sure he's looking good tonight but still, he's Cole!Ughh!!!What is wrong with me?Did I want him to kiss me? What am I even saying???I washed my hands while berating my reflection infront of the wide mirror in the restroom. My purse was nowhere to be seen as I had left Cole in a hurry but my important things were safe in my chest.It was just a little dance, so why am I flustered? Maybe it was the glass of champagne I took before seeing Cole, or maybe it was seeing him nicely dressed in a suit that scattered my brain a bit.The champagne must be really getting to me...Stupid suit! Stupid Cole!I sighed and turned off the tap.Then there was a knock on the door."Lucy, you in here?" I heard from the door and I saw Tamara's head some
Lucy's PovWait a second... Fiancee? But Cole's like my age, right? I turned to glance at him, taking in his smooth face, chiseled jawline, very cute pointed nose. He doesn't look like someone who's ready to graduate, talk more of get married or be engaged to someone else.No offense there.I returned my gaze back to Rosa Park. She looked like a Barbie doll with her outfit, but she was pretty and boy did she know it. You could just feel the aura of pride around her with a hint of a large ego dashed with her parents money."I don't owe you anything. We've talked about this Rosalyn," Cole spoke icily, "You're not my fiancee. Not now, not ever."Her smile faltered a bit, but she maintained her countenance. "Say whatever you may, Cole, but we're betrothed to each other regardless of whatever our affections may be," her gaze reached mine. "Remember what my family has done for yours? Your father and your family won't be where you are now without the help of my father," as she spoke, I hear
LucyDamn if I didn't feel cool after saying that. Regardless, what I said needed to be said at that moment. Just because he's hurting doesn't mean he should push away the few people still ready to take his shit (myself included).Going back to the party, I found the little princess talking to Coles parents and I could see the way they both beamed at her, like she was an angel sent from heaven. A frown settled on my face taking in the scenery, the little voice at the back of my mind wishing at that moment we exchanged bodies and I was the one standing and smiling at Coles parents, but I brushed the voice away, shaking my head slightly. I made my way back to the table to see that there was a new addition to the table. Before I could take my seat, the person looked up from their phone and gave me a small smile, looking me over. Not the kind that Coles parents would give– the snobby, I'm rich you're not, I'm better than everyone kind of look but kind of like a– I'm intrigued to meet th
LucyLife has taught me that when only one person fights for too long, comprehends too much, and compromises even if it hurts to the point where the person is depleted, drained, and empty, the relationship will become dull and eventually end. These are the times when that person's warm love turns cold, as seen through her eyes and her smile, which is no longer as genuine as it once was because it's now the soul that speaks enough is enough and it's too much to bear.And that indicates to me that not all stories have happy endings; some can be tragic, agonizing, or full of unexpected turns and surprising conclusions. The lesson found in the pages of their sad stories is the greatest part of all of this; and the questions left unanswered, it was supposed to be love, so why does it end? Perhaps it was meant to be left unanswered, or perhaps it was best to leave it unanswered.I pondered on these words I once read in the earlier days when my dad abandoned us, as I sat impatiently, waiti
Years passed, and the seasons turned like the pages of a beloved book, each one rich with memories and laughter. Cole and I settled into married life, our days woven together with the threads of love, adventure, and shared dreams. Our home, a cozy little haven infused with art and creativity, became a reflection of our journey. Colorful paintings adorned the walls—each one telling a unique story, a snapshot of our life together. The studio where I once painted alone transformed into a shared space, bursting with the vibrant chaos of collaboration. We often spent evenings sketching ideas, laughing, and talking about everything and nothing at all, often with the scent of freshly brewed coffee hanging in the air. Our relationship, like my art, blossomed even further. We learned the beauty of patience, the power of communication, and the art of compromise. We traveled to different corners of the world—each trip an adventure filled with new sigh
[Lucy] As I met Cole at our favorite café—the place where we had spent countless hours imagining our futures—a familiar warmth enveloped us. The sunlight filtered through the café windows, casting golden rays that danced across the wooden table where we now sat, both buzzing with our achievements and exciting developments in our lives. “Can you believe how far we’ve come?” Cole mused, meeting my gaze with that softness that had become an anchor in my life. “I know,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion. “It feels surreal, and yet, it feels like the most natural progression. We’ve both chased our dreams, and look where we are now!” Cole smiled, an expression filled with admiration and quiet pride for me. “You’re incredible, Lucy. Your work is inspiring countless artists and creators. You’re leaving your mark on the world, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.” My heart fluttered at
[Lucy] Years had flown by in a blur of colors and creativity, each moment brimming with inspiration and growth. I had thrived in art school, where the seeds of my passions had blossomed into a vibrant career. My dream of becoming a known figure in the art industry had materialized, and the sketches I once created in solitude transformed into gallery exhibits that sparked conversations and ignited imaginations. From my early days of uncertainty to becoming a recognized artist, my journey had taken me through bustling art fairs, collaborative installations, and personal showcases that highlighted not just my work, but also the stories and emotions behind each piece. Through hard work and dedication, I had gained a voice in a world that valued art's power to connect us and open our minds to new perspectives. But amidst the whirlwind of my success, the familiar tug of home had grown stronger, and now, after years of living
[Lucy] With summer stretching out before me like a blank canvas, a renewed sense of purpose settled into my heart. The initial apprehension about moving so far from home faded away, replaced by a burgeoning excitement for what lay ahead. I had a chance to immerse myself in the world of art, to learn, grow, and discover parts of myself I’d never encountered before. As the days passed, I dove into preparations for my new journey. Packing was a labor of love; I selected pieces of my life that felt right to take along—my favorite sketchbooks, a few beloved novels, and a collection of photographs filled with memories of laughter, friendship, and love. Each item became a reminder of where I had come from and the bonds I intended to keep strong despite the distance that would soon separate me from my childhood home. Meanwhile, Cole continued to be my unwavering support. Every day after school, we would meet at the park, basking
[Lucy] The day of the final exams arrived, casting an air of excitement and anticipation over the entire school. It felt like the sun itself was celebrating, flooding the campus with golden rays that amplified the laughter and chatter among students. As Cole, Tamara, and I emerged from the school's main entrance, our faces beamed with joy, the last remnants of stress slipping away like morning mist. "I can't believe it's finally over!" I exclaimed, my heart racing with the liberation that came after weeks of studying and worrying. I tossed my books into my bag with an exuberance that felt almost like flying. "Best. Day. Ever!" Tamara squealed, her curls bouncing as she jumped up and down in her excitement. "I feel like we can do anything now!" Cole chuckled, his arm draped casually around my shoulders, anchoring me to solid ground amidst the swirling energy of jubilation. "I can't believe we survived, hones
[Lucy] The plan to take down Viktor wasn't straightforward. It required precision, patience, and a level of coordination that pushed our makeshift family to its limits. Tamara' and Kevin's digital investigation uncovered a complex web of connections. Corrupt cops, underground money laundering, trafficking networks—Viktor's operation was more than just a simple criminal enterprise. It was a hydra, with multiple heads that needed simultaneous attack. "We can't just go to the authorities," Tamara explained, spreading digital files across her laptop. "Half of them are on Viktor's payroll." Cole, still recovering but increasingly restless, became the strategist. His background—something he rarely discussed—proved invaluable. "We need to hit their financial infrastructure," he said, studying the maps and connection diagrams Tamara had created. I guess there's still a lot I don't know about Cole and Tamara.
[Lucy] The moment that text came through, everything stopped. Time, breath, rational thought-all of it suspended in a single, terrifying moment. I called Michael immediately. His voice was a raw mixture of panic and desperation. "Lucy, what do we do? They have Sophie!" "We need to stay calm," I said, surprised by the steadiness in my voice. Inside, I was shattering. "Has anyone contacted the police?" "I can't," Michael whispered, and in that moment, I heard something deeper-fear beyond losing Sophie. "There are... complications." Before I could press further, Cole and Tamara burst through my front door. I'd called them without even realizing it, my survival instincts kicking into autopilot. "Talk," Cole demanded, his usual playful demeanor replaced by something harder, more dangerous. I showed them the text. Tamara, always analytical, came up with the idea of tracing the number. She made a call and within some seconds, they called back. "Burner phone," she muttered. "Purchased
[Lucy]As the picnic wound down and Sophie's flower crown began to wilt, I felt a strange sense of emotional exhaustion settling over me. Cole and Tamara had been quietly observing from a distance, giving us space while remaining close enough to offer support if needed.I caught Cole's eye, and he raised an eyebrow—a silent question asking if I was okay. I managed a small nod, more to reassure myself than him.Dad—and it still felt strange to think of him that way—began packing up the picnic supplies. Sophie helped, her enthusiasm turning even the most mundane task into a game. She carefully folded napkins, her tiny hands moving with a concentration that made me smile despite myself."We should do this again," Dad said carefully, his tone tentative. "Maybe next weekend?"Before I could respond, Sophie jumped in. "Can Cole and Tamara come too?" she asked, looking up at me with those wide, hopeful eyes that seemed impossible to resist.I glanced at my friends. Cole looked amused, while
[Lucy] After the heavy heart-to-heart, the air between us felt a little lighter. With Sophie’s playful giggles echoing across the park, I found myself caught up in her infectious joy. “Are you ready to play tag?” I asked, smiling down at her as she bounced on her feet, brimming with excitement. “Yay!” she squealed, clapping her hands together. “You can’t catch me!” “I can try!” I called out, springing to my feet and chasing after her. The moment I bolted, Sophie squealed and took off, her yellow dress swirling around her as she dashed through the grass, her laughter ringing like bells. Dad watched from the sidelines, a proud smile plastered across his face as he cheered us on. I could see how much Sophie adored him, and it made my heart ache a little more. Here they were, creating a bond without the shadows of what had come before. As I chased Sophie, I felt a rush of warmth, momentarily forgetting everything else. For those blissful minutes, the laughter and squeals created