In Noah's room, the morning sun filtered in, casting an interminable, soft shadow in a line over the dark wood floors. Mrs. Angela Leister-dressed in her pale pink silk robe, her hair a morning mess-across the room moved briskly and pulled open the heavy drapes. This was the golden beams of the early morning sun that spilled into the room like an unwanted visitor. Noah groaned, burrowing further into her pillows. She felt the sharp intrusion of light upon her eyelids and pulled her blanket up in a futile attempt to keep it out. "Come on, get up! You have slept long enough," Mrs. Leister declared, clapping her hands loudly, her voice ringing with authority. "Ugh, I don't feel well," Noah grumbled under the pillow. Actually, she didn't only feel tired; she was emotionally drained. The last few days were dramas, pressures, and unsavory encounters just one after another that all drew her dry. Angela sat on the edge of the bed, "I know you don't feel well, but today's Will's company ga
The salty breeze danced across the beach, whispering secrets to the gentle waves that lapped at the shore. Seagulls, their cries echoing in the distance, added their own symphony to the afternoon's soundtrack. Nick, settled in a folding chair, watched his younger sister, Maggie, with a mixture of amusement and concern. Her cheeks, though pale, held a radiant glow, and despite the medical patch on her small hand, she radiated an infectious innocence. Maggie was engrossed in a card game on Nick's phone, her brow furrowed in concentration. Her patched hand rested softly in her lap, a stark reminder of her fragile health. But her spirit, like a beacon, shone brightly, undimmed by the challenges she faced. "Hey," she said, her voice light and casual, as if discussing the weather. "You know Rodrigo wants to be my boyfriend?" Nick's attention snapped to her, a smile tugging at his lips. Maggie's stories were always a source of amusement, but this one piqued his curiosity. He leaned for
Nick pushed open the door, unsure what to expect. The living room was bathed in the soft glow of the TV, casting long shadows across the furniture. He froze, his eyes landing on a scene that made his jaw drop. Noah, sprawled out on the couch, her legs stretched out, was completely engrossed in the movie. But it wasn't just her. Thor, who Noah hasn't been comfortable with and usually kept his distance from Noah, was curled up beside her, his head resting in her lap. It was a sight that would have made anyone do a double-take. Noah, who was notoriously afraid of dogs, was now practically cuddling with Thor. It was as if they had been best friends for years. She even absentmindedly stroked his head, her eyes glued to the screen. Nick's initial confusion turned into a kind of disbelief. He looked around the room, expecting to find some invisible force, some magic trick that had made this unlikely friendship possible. But there was nothing. Just Noah, Thor, and the palpable tension th
The sun, a mischievous sprite, peeked through the leafy canopy of the flower tree, casting dappled light upon the sprawling compound. Noah, her brow furrowed against the glare, diligently scrubbed the last corner of the car, the cool water cascading over her hands, a grounding counterpoint to the warmth on her back. Every inch of the car was a canvas for her meticulous attention, the grime yielding to her practiced strokes. The air hummed with the symphony of soap and wet metal. Her mother's car, a gleaming testament to her dedication, stood resplendent under the sun's gaze. It was a ritual Noah had embraced since she could remember, a quiet sanctuary even before her mother's remarriage ushered them into this world of opulence. Despite the bustling staff, she clung to this solitary ritual, a comforting anchor in the swirling tides of change. Lost in her task, her thoughts a whirlwind of quiet contemplation, Noah barely registered Nick's presence. She had been ensnared in her own
The air crackled with unspoken tension as Noah stood, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on Dan. He approached, his steps hesitant, his voice a mix of hope and trepidation. "Noah," he said, stopping just a few feet away, the distance a tangible representation of the chasm that now separated them.Her eyes, blazing with a fiery mix of anger and disbelief, met his. "I can't believe you have the cheek to come here" she spat, each word a sharp, pointed barb. Dan flinched, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I came to apologize," he offered, his voice barely a whisper.Noah scoffed, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. "Apologize? For what, Dan? For your lies? For betraying my trust, for having an affair with my best friend? Or are you just sorry you got caught?" Her words were a scathing indictment, each syllable dripping with venom.Before Dan could respond, a figure emerged from the shadows. Nick, with his usual nonchalant air, strolled towards them, positioning himself between them li
Noah emerged from the pool, a constellation of water droplets clinging to her skin like tiny, glistening stars. Her mind, usually a haven of calm amidst the swirling waters, was adrift, a ship lost at sea. The pool, her usual sanctuary, offered no solace today. Wrapping herself in a towel, she ascended the stairs, seeking refuge in the quiet sanctuary of her room. Inside, she drifted towards the balcony, her hand reaching for the glass doors, inviting the warm summer breeze to caress her. The air, a heady mix of jasmine and the salty tang of the nearby ocean, mingled with the faint whisper of chlorine still clinging to her skin. She tilted her head back, savoring the sun's warm embrace as it dried her damp hair.For a moment, she was suspended in time, a solitary figure bathed in the golden light, the soft rustle of the wind her only companion, the boundless sky a vast canvas above her. Then, the sound of footsteps shattered the tranquility."Noah!"The voice, sharp and unexpected,
The sound of Ronny's boots scraping across the dirt reached her when he entered. There was a musty air filled with the stagnant odor of old oil and the encrusted loam of dust clouds hanging motionless in space, an empty-room hush of desolation settling softly over everything. I guessed it had once been a rest stop of sorts, but now it was nothing more than an abandoned shack, inhabited occasionally by the shadows and an occasional rat that darted in the corners. He sauntered in, his jacket draped over one shoulder and treat the desolation as it was nothing to him. Ronny saunteredly into the room and exclaimed, “I got you a nearby cheap hotel!” Over in the corner of the room, a man stood whose face was barely visible beneath an impenetrable black mask that covered everything but his eyes and mouth.He walked around the car Ronny had brought—a car he had swindled from Nick. He used his gloved hand to follow the line of the car's hood, as if examining Ronny's craftsmanship. "You gave t
Nick eased the front door shut, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs. Every movement hurt, and the faint creak of the door sounded louder than it should have. His body was bruised and aching, his clothes streaked with blood and dirt. He wanted nothing more than to disappear into his room, wash the grime away, and drown the pain in solitude. Limping slightly, he made his way up the stairs, grimacing with pains as he moved. His mind replayed the brawl with Ronny and his crew, the punches thrown, the taste of blood in his mouth. As he reached the top of the stairs, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Dan was walking across the hallway, holding a bottle of wine and two glasses. Nick froze, his heart beating a little faster as he watched Dan stop at Noah's door. "Noah," Dan called softly, his voice smooth. He knocked, then let himself in, closing the door quietly behind him. Anger surged in Nick's chest. He clenched his fists, feeling his pulse throb against the cuts on his knuckl
Detective Irene pressed her finger to the side of her earpiece—a soft screen touch that linked her to all the officers on this mission. “Attention, all units!” her voice was firm, cutting through the static. “We’ve traced them.” The confirmation flowed through each officer’s earpiece, rippling through the team. Mr. Wills turned to his wife, a thin thread of hope in his eyes. “They found them,” he said, his voice a mix of relief and tension. His wife, though terrified, managed a small nod. She clutched his hand tighter, grounding herself in his presence. Meanwhile, Mr. Jonas, who had been keeping tabs on the Wills through hidden cameras, stiffened at the development. He moved swiftly, united Noah, taking her down stairs to the garage where he parked the car. He was going to run off before they could find him they. There was no time to waste. Back outside, Nick had already locked onto the destination marked on the insurance map. He veered into a sharp U-turn and raced toward an o
"Yeah, it was a game—chain kisses, you know?" Nick explained. "I kissed someone who kissed Jenna, then she kissed me." Noah tilted her head, curious. "Who was the 'someone'?" Nick hesitated, his face betraying the embarrassment he still felt. "Her hamster." "No..." Noah's eyes widened in disbelief, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes," he replied, his voice flat. "That's awful," Noah said, laughing. "Yeah, it was." Nick grinned sheepishly. For a moment, they sat in silence, their eyes locked on each other. Then, slowly, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft, intimate kiss. "That was amazing," Nick whispered. "It was wonderful," Noah agreed, resting her head on his chest as he held her close. "The sun’s going to rise in less than an hour," she said, tracing a finger along his shirt. "Let’s run away," Nick murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let’s escape together." Noah smiled softly. "That never works," she said. "Look at the Montagu
Nick's heart raced as he rushed into the hospital where Maggie was admitted. He barely waited for Noah to catch up as his legs carried him faster and faster toward Maggie's room. His breath was ragged, fear surging through him as he burst through the door. "Maggie!" he called out, his voice thick with worry. Maggie was lying on the bed, a nurse standing by her side. Her face was pale, and her voice was faint when she answered him. "Nick." "How are you, honey?" he asked, leaning over her, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed her hair from her face. "Much better," Maggie whispered, managing a weak smile. "You gave us a real scare." Nick's voice wavered with relief, though his eyes still held concern. Maggie tried to lighten the mood. "I wanted to scare the nurse. I hid behind the drape and turned off the cell phone alarm." Nick chuckled softly. "That alarm is horrible, right?" His laughter was short-lived as he grew serious again. "But don't ever do that again, okay?"
The music was so loud, it pounded from within the house. The party became so boring for Noah, all they did was to drink, and talk about nasty stuff, but the party itself wasn't interesting. She glanced over at Jenna, who had a bemused expression on her face, and shook her head. "You have to turn up in a pimped-out car, but the party is indoors? That's absurd," Noah muttered, leaning against the railing. The glow from the lights inside cast strange shadows across her face. Jenna sighed. "Since Nick isn't here, the fun's over anyway," she said, her voice low and tinged with annoyance. She glanced around, clearly itching to leave. "Shall we get out of here?" Noah nodded, her head swimming from the drinks she'd downed earlier. They pushed through the crowded doorway, the laughter and noise of the party fading as they stepped outside into the cool night air. Noah stumbled slightly, the alcohol coursing through her veins. "Careful there," Jenna warned, watching as Noah wobbled on he
Nick and his father sat together on the balcony, savoring a rare moment of calm. The late afternoon breeze swept through the air, carrying the sound of laughter between them. Nick leaned back in his chair, gazing across the compound, where Noah was zipping around in her new car. Her excitement was palpable as she sped through the driveway. She circled the yard, her joy contagious as Nick and Mr. Wills chuckled at her obvious delight. "She’s really loving that car, huh?" Nick said with a grin, watching how excited the car has made her. Mr. Wills nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Did you know her father tried to kill her once?” Nick nearly dropped his glass. His head snapped to the side, eyes wide with disbelief. “What? What... are you talking about?” Mr. Wills stared into the distance, as if reliving an old memory. "With a knife," he said quietly. Nick blinked in shock, his heart racing. That doesn't make sense His father’s face grew grim. “He’d never touched her before... only
Noah, sensing an opportunity, pushed the conversation further. “Did you send anonymous notes to the girls you didn’t like?” Nick didn’t miss a beat. “She ripped their eyes straight out,” he said, the sarcasm in his voice thinly veiling the truth beneath it. Anna fell silent, her mood darkening. The tension in the car was palpable now, thick and heavy. Noah allowed herself a small moment of satisfaction. For once, Anna had nothing to brag about, no more venom to spit. The car continued in silence, the awkwardness hanging in the air, as they neared their destination. Nick’s jaw remained clenched, his knuckles still tight on the wheel. Noah kept her gaze fixed out the window, though she could feel the heaviness that surrounded them all. Anna’s arms were crossed tightly across her chest, her posture rigid as she glared out of the window, her earlier confidence disappeared. They pulled into the parking lot, the car coming to a slow stop. No one moved for a moment, the air between t
Noah stood stiffly next to Jenna and Mario, her arms folded tight on her chest. Her body was rigid with tension, her anger simmered just beneath the surface. Jenna and Mario were fixated on the fight, their eyes glued to the stage as Nick circled his opponent, who was desperately trying to land a punch. Nick’s movements were quick and calculated, his steps light as he dodged every attempt. His opponent, growing more frustrated, swung wildly, but Nick weaved out of the way each time. Then, without warning, Nick struck. His fists flew like lightning, delivering a series of brutal punches. Blood spurted from his opponent’s mouth as he stumbled, barely able to keep his balance. But Nick didn’t stop. He kept hitting him, over and over, his face a mask of relentless fury. Noah couldn’t turn her eyes away, though her heart screamed for her to look elsewhere. The violence was unbearable, dredging up old wounds. Tears welled in her eyes, memories from her past flooding her mind, choking h
"You’re wrong. I’m not like that," Nick snapped defensively, his voice low but firm. His jaw tightened staring into Noah’s eyes, the tension between them was undeniable, electric. Before Noah could respond, Nick closed the distance between them, kissing her fiercely, his lips crashing into hers with the intensity that sent a rush of adrenaline through them both. His hands moved to grip her waist, pulling her closer, their bodies colliding in a fevered embrace. The heat between them was palpable, an overwhelming force neither could resist. Noah responded instantly, her hands finding their way to his chest, fingers tracing the bruises she had tended to moments ago. The pain was forgotten, replaced by something more fierce. Everything outside of this moment seemed to disappear. "NOAH!" Dan’s voice cut through the haze like a cold shock. Nick and Noah froze. Nick’s grip loosened, and Noah quickly pulled away, her heart pounding. She turned to face the entrace, her eyes widening
Nick eased the front door shut, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs. Every movement hurt, and the faint creak of the door sounded louder than it should have. His body was bruised and aching, his clothes streaked with blood and dirt. He wanted nothing more than to disappear into his room, wash the grime away, and drown the pain in solitude. Limping slightly, he made his way up the stairs, grimacing with pains as he moved. His mind replayed the brawl with Ronny and his crew, the punches thrown, the taste of blood in his mouth. As he reached the top of the stairs, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Dan was walking across the hallway, holding a bottle of wine and two glasses. Nick froze, his heart beating a little faster as he watched Dan stop at Noah's door. "Noah," Dan called softly, his voice smooth. He knocked, then let himself in, closing the door quietly behind him. Anger surged in Nick's chest. He clenched his fists, feeling his pulse throb against the cuts on his knuckl