Sky’s P.O.V.After the call, I head inside my penthouse. I need a distraction, something to take my mind off Zoe and the torturous images replaying in my head. Painting always helps me clear my mind, so I decide to give it a try.I hope focusing on a canvas will help me regain some control.I stand in front of the canvas with brushes and paints in my art room, my favourite place. Whenever I have free time, I come here and paint. I inherited this talent from my late mother. Painting makes me feel connected to her. After her passing a few years ago, I left the house we shared and moved into this penthouse. My dad often urges me to return home, but I’m not ready yet.As I begin painting, I try to let my mind wander to anything other than Zoe, but it’s no use. Every brushstroke seems to be guided by my subconscious thoughts of her. Before I realise it, I’m painting her.Zoe, lying half-naked on a bed, her lips slightly parted. Her eyes are closed, and her face is flushed, just like last n
Sky’s P.O.V.I return from my father's private island, where I spent a week clearing my mind. During that time, I came to a realisation—I can no longer see Zoe in the same light. Every night, I had intense dreams of her, and my desire to feel her body against mine, to hold her close and to bury myself deep inside her, has grown stronger.Despite feeling guilty, I can no longer deny the physical attraction I've developed for Zoe. It's overwhelming and uncontrollable.I'm longing to share my feelings because we've shared everything since school times. However, I must keep the truth hidden to protect our friendship. If I have to resist my desire or lie to her, I will. I'll do whatever it takes to save our friendship.I didn’t talk to Zoe much this week because I wanted to clear my mind. I gave her the excuse that I was busy with work.Now I don’t know how I’m going to face her in college. Will I be able to hide my growing feelings from her?Anyway, I miss spending time with her.Although
Every fibre of my being desires to devour Zoe’s lips as she sits in front of me, licking her lips while enjoying her favourite ice cream, completely unaware of what she’s doing to me.We came to her favourite cafe after our last class because I promised her I would make up for not giving her time last week.I wonder how her hair would feel wrapped around my fingers when I yank her towards me before capturing her lips and finally knowing how my best friend tastes.Fuck! I want to taste her so badly that it’s driving me insane. Every time she licks her lips, it sends a jolt of electricity through me, making it harder to resist the urge to lean over the table and kiss her.I can’t get the image out of my mind—her beneath me, her lips swollen from my kisses, her body arching towards mine.Zoe is my best friend. My feelings for her were so pure until that night, when everything changed. Now, these wild desires feel so forbidden, so wrong.“Sky…” Zoe snaps her fingers, pulling me out of my
Zoe's P.O.V."Just stop it, Zoe. You can't always behave like a child."As his shout echoes in my ears, tears roll down my cheeks. I'm seated in the backseat of a cab, heading back to my apartment.Although I understand Sky is going through something and is stressed out, his outburst at the cafe is still hurting me.For the first time, he treated me so harshly when I was just trying to cheer him up. Maybe it's my fault for not giving him space.But what am I supposed to do? I can't keep myself away from him when he's going through something. It was so hard to spend my days without talking to him when he was out of town for a week. I was hurt and worried about why he wasn't texting or calling me, and when I finally saw him after a week, all bruised, my heart nearly skipped a beat.I still can't believe that he got involved in a fight. It's a mystery why Sky is behaving so out of character. What's bothering him so much? I'm not convinced that it's just business-related. I feel like he's
Sky's P.O.V.A Week LaterTwo weeks have passed since the day my life turned upside down. Everything was going great between Zoe and me; we were content with our friendship, but that night changed everything. Now, no matter how hard I try, it's becoming increasingly difficult to resist Zoe.Whatever she does or wears drives me insane, and I can't stop myself from fantasising about her.My desire to touch and kiss every inch of her body, to taste her lips, to spread her legs, and to feel myself inside her grows more intense with each passing day.However, whenever I see her, I act normal. When it gets too hard to control myself and wild thoughts consume my mind, I give her the excuse of match practice or a business meeting.Zoe has been giving me space after my outburst. She doesn't question me much now. I still feel guilty for shouting at her when she was just trying to help me that day.I'm hiding the carnal desire I have for her to protect our friendship, but I fear I'm losing her.
Zoe's P.O.V. Two Weeks Later Finally, everything is back to normal with Sky. We've been spending more time together, and he's been less distant. However, I still sense that he's hiding something from me, but I've decided not to press the issue. I also can't get Selena's words out of my mind: that I should look beyond Sky. It's true—my life has revolved around him for so many years that if Sky gets too busy or distant, I feel lost. I've realized that I need to have a life outside of our friendship. The thought of looking beyond him feels impossible, but I'm trying. A few days ago, I started talking with a guy. He's in our college but in a different course. I met him in the library while I was searching for a book. His name is Liam, and he's sweet and kind. We've had a few coffee dates since then. Although I don't enjoy it as much as I enjoy being with Sky, it feels refreshing to have someone new to talk to. Now I know I can't let my happiness depend solely on him. Flashback As
Sky's P.O.V.Right now, my entire body is seething with intense rage as I watch Zoe dancing with that man, Liam.I sit on a bar stool next to Alex, gulping down whiskey, my eyes blazing with fury, fixed on Liam. It's a coincidence that Alex happened to come to the same club where Zoe and I are.The way Liam is holding her waist, pulling her close, feels like someone is ripping my heart out of my chest. I want to push him away from her, to claim what's mine, but I can't. Not without revealing my desire for Zoe, and certainly not without causing a scene."Getting jealous of seeing your best friend with another man? Amazing." As Alex notices my gaze on Zoe and Liam on the dance floor, a smirk plays on his lips."What the fuck are you talking about? Nonsense." I shoot him a glare.Even though he's right, I can't bring myself to admit it in front of him, especially since I'm not ready to fully acknowledge it myself."Nonsense, really?" He raises his brows at me. "But your look says otherwi
Zoe's P.O.V.I had always imagined my first kiss to be a tingling excitement, with butterflies in my stomach and a racing heart. But as Liam leans in to kiss me, I feel nothing—no flutter in my chest, no skipped beats, no spark or passion.I turn my face away, avoiding his lips. "Liam, I'm sorry," I say, gently pushing him back. "I can't do this."He looks at me, confusion and hurt written across his face. "Did I do something wrong?"I shake my head. "No. It's just that I want to take things slow. I hope you don't mind."His face softens, and he nods. "Of course, Zoe. I respect that.""Thank you for understanding," I say, giving him a small smile.Liam is kind and sweet, and I do like him, but why didn't I feel anything when he was about to kiss me? Maybe I just need more time.Liam had brought me to his place from the club to show me his library, which led to this moment.As we step out of his library, my phone dings in my sling bag. I take it out and see a text from Sky.As I read i
Alex’s P.O.V.“I love you more, Alex.”These words are like a lifeline, pulling me out of the storm I’ve been drowning in. I can hardly believe my ears. For so long, I’ve waited to hear those words from her lips.Suddenly, all my pain disappears, and the only thing I feel is immense satisfaction. Stella’s confession means so much to me. It means she is finally ready to give me her heart completely. She trusts me. She is giving love a second chance.I stop walking, frozen in the moment. All the darkness, the guilt, the fear—it’s still there, but her words make it bearable.I glance down at her in my arms. Did she really say it? Or is my mind playing tricks on me?Carefully, I lower her to the soft sand near the water, the waves lapping gently at the shore, their sound as peaceful as always.I cup her face in my hands, brushing her cheeks with my thumbs. “Say it again, Please, Stella. Say it again.” I request, fixing my eyes on her.Her eyes are filled with immense affection, and she sm
Stella’s P.O.V.“Please don’t regret for a second for killing that monster, Stella. You’ve freed your mother from the unbearable pain. You have no clue how relieved I am. Thank you.” My mom expresses her gratitude when I lie her down on the bed at night in one room of Alex’s beach house.After my mother was discharged, nobody wanted to return to the place where we used to live with that monster. My mom has so many painful memories tied to that house, and I killed the monster there. Alex didn’t want any of us to be anywhere near a place haunted by his memories. So he made the decision to bring us here instead.I tuck the blanket around Mom. I’m glad I gave her peace, but what about the weight I carry now? The monster is gone, but the trauma of killing someone is unbearable. And I can’t share it with anybody. Alex and Mom, both are dealing with their pain. How can I burden them with mine when they’re already struggling to heal?“Mom, you don’t need to thank me,” I respond, sitting on th
Alex’s P.O.V.The next morning, I’m still seated in the waiting room of the hospital. Stella and I spent the entire night here, though sleep was a stranger. The load of everything that’s happened is suffocating me. I’m still trying to digest that my father was a monster who caused suffering to Stella’s mother. It’s like a nightmare to me.“I can completely understand what you’re going through, Alex.” Sky breaks the silence. He sits beside me. Stella is with Zoe and Selena inside her mother’s room.I know he can feel my pain because, a few months ago, he also discovered the evil deeds of his father. Since then, he’s been working tirelessly day and night to become stronger than him so that he can put his father behind bars.I glance at him with sorrowful eyes. “How did you do it, Sky? I mean, how did you even begin to understand the fact that your own father was… like this? I don’t know how to move forward from here. You know I feel like I’m stuck, drowning in shame.”Sky leans forward,
Alex’s P.O.V.I feel so lost. Completely lost.When the doctor informed us about the condition of Stella’s mother, I felt like killing my father. How could he torture someone to this extent? Why couldn’t I ever see his true face?Before Stella’s mother, did he torture other women? Did he also hurt my mother?My chest tightens with immense pain as I sit outside Stella’s mother’s hospital room, lost in thought. How can I face Olivia, knowing that I carry the blood of the man who hurt her? How am I supposed to promise her I’ll keep Stella safe when my father inflicted so much pain on her? Will she ever be able to trust me?I stare at the floor, fists clenched, and try to steady my breathing. Thoughts revolve endlessly around my mind: Did I somehow miss the signs? Have I been blind to my father’s true nature all my life?The truth is, I don’t know who he is anymore. I don’t know who I am anymore. And worse, I don’t know how I’ll prove to Olivia that I’m not like my father—that I would rat
Stella’s P.O.V.I sit with Alex in the waiting room as the doctor treats our parents. Alex has been completely silent since I told him the truth about his father. That truth has shaken him deeply.On one hand, my heart aches for him, and on the other, for my mother, who has been suffering for who knows how long. Why did God make her endure the same pain she had in the past? Why didn’t she tell me?Alex’s hands are clenched tightly in his lap, and his jaw is tense, as though he’s fighting an internal battle. I can’t blame him. He would have never imagined his father would be a monster.This entire ordeal has taken so much out of both of us. But for Alex, I know it’s different. His world has been turned upside down in a way I can’t even begin to imagine.I glance at him, his face pale and his eyes distant, as if he’s locked away somewhere I can’t reach. The person sitting next to me looks so lost, like a stranger who endured a painful truth he never expected to face. This is a side of A
Alex’s P.O.V.As I sit in my car, waiting for Stella to return, my watch suddenly begins beeping.Damn it!Something is wrong with Stella.Without a second thought, I jump out of the car and rush inside, my mind spinning with worry. I keep praying in my mind that she’s alright.I head straight to her room, but she’s not there. I check everywhere—the bathroom, the balcony—but she’s nowhere in sight. The constant beeping from my watch only makes my heartbeat race with anxiety.What happened to her? She looked so happy when she walked into the house. How could things go wrong in just a few minutes?“Stella…” Desperately, I call her name as I step out of her room, but there’s no response.When I reach the door of her mother’s room, I stop, noticing Stella’s bag lying on the floor just outside.I wonder what her bag is doing here.Then I push the door open and step inside. My eyes widen in shock as I take in the scene. Stella is sitting, hugging her mother tightly, and both of them are cry
Stella’s P.O.V. "Can we have the same sandwich we had last time, please?" I ask as he opens my door and I step out. “No.” He denies it, shutting the door close. I look at him in shock. “Why?” He lets out a laugh, tapping my nose. "I was just kidding, Stella. Of course, we can have that sandwich. Today, whatever you want, we'll do. It's your day, my love." “Who could’ve thought that the Mr Grumpy would get so sweet one day.” I pull his cheeks, causing him to chuckle. “Now I’m yours Mr NMG.” He leans in and pecks on my cheek, making me grin. Then we head inside and eat sandwiches from the stall. My birthday is already going so amazingly. First, I woke up to my room decorated with so many gifts—it felt like a dream. And now, these delicious sandwiches! Wow! As we finish our sandwiches, Alex takes my hand and guides me towards the ice rink. When we enter, I notice something unusual—the entire rink is completely empty. My face falls as I glance around, thinking that the rink m
Alex’s P.O.V.“Anyway, what were you doing in the mall?” I question, glancing at Stella, who is sitting in the passenger seat beside me as I drive us back home.“Actually, I’ve also planned something for my birthday.”My eyes widen in surprise at her words. “What? Why didn’t you tell me?”“Because it was a surprise for you, Alex.” She pouts at me.I shake my head in disbelief. “You’re planning something for me on your birthday? Unbelievable.”“You deserve it.” She locks her eyes filled with profound love on me. “You’ve done so much for me, Alex. I want this birthday to be about us.”I glance over, feeling like I’m falling for her all over again. “You know, you’re amazing.”She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Then just wait. Tomorrow will be unforgettable—for both of us. And you won’t stop praising me.”“I’m quite excited now. But what about the surprise I’ve planned for you?” I raise my brows at her.“Your surprise?” She taps her finger on her chin thoughtfully, which brings a smi
Alex’s P.O.V.I end the call and grip my phone tightly. All I wanted was to surprise Stella for her birthday. But now, I’ve hurt her when I meant to make her feel special.I hurry toward the parking lot, my heart pounding with worry.Shit! I shouldn’t have lied to her. The betrayal of her ex-boyfriend has left deep scars on her which take time to heal. She is trying so hard to move on and give a second chance to love. And now, because of my lie, she’s reliving that pain.I’m such an idiot.As I reach the parking lot, I spot her near her car. She’s standing there, her arms wrapped around herself, her eyes moist. She looks small and vulnerable. My heart aches at the sight.I just rush towards her and embrace her tightly into my arms. “I’m so fucking sorry, Flower. Trust me, I had no intention of hurting you.” I apologise, pulling her closer to me.“I trust you, Alex. In fact, I’m sorry for doubting you in the first place.”A smile flashes across my face at her words, and I pull her back