(Caleb's POV)I stopped the engine while in a basement parking lot as my eyes were locked in Cecille's black SUV, waiting for them to come out of their shell. I remained my distance from them just a few car's away from them, making sure that they won't notice my presence.Raising my hand to take a glance at my smartwatch, it's been 30 minutes but they still haven't gotten off the car. Am I mistaken?I sigh in frustration. Why am I even here? I should be at Anastasia's side if ever she wakes up later. However, Amanda will just kick me out. She was so enraged just by seeing my presence.I was about to start the engine when the door of Cecille's car opened. Two men in a suit got off first, followed by Amanda then... an injured Byron. He has a cast on his right arm where I shot him. He's walking lamely as if he was hurt on his left leg.They walk inside the building, I followed them silently and texted Adam my location. I put back my phone in my pocket and started walking when they all s
(Anastasia's POV)I came out of a complete coma into a world that was whiter than anything I had ever seen, like the sun rising over the mountains. Sunlight reflected off the carpet due to the little space between the currents. Nearby, nearly behind my ear, I could clearly hear voices conversing softly. The blanket felt warm against my skin as the last time I remember, I was on a cold and dusty floor.My vision was still foggy as the two hazy figures moved in the corner of the room. I take a thorough look at my surroundings. As my vision gradually improved, the white walls and ceilings makes me realize that I'm at the hospital. I looked at the side of the corner, still only partially awake, and saw Adam and mom talking intently.I noticed how strange it was to wake up in this way. My hazy consciousness eventually vanished, and I once more felt extremely drowsy.All of them turned to look at me when I let out a faint moan. I heard footsteps rushing to my side and saw mom tears start to
(Anastasia's POV)"Anastasia, what's wrong? Is everything alright?" Adam asked.I double-checked the papers inside the envelope and I am not really hallucinating. It's a divorce paper.Why...Why would Caleb do this? The last time Adam sent him the divorce paper, he was eager to talk to me and resolve the problems but... Why is he doing this now?No...This is a mistake.He mistakenly signed this and sent it to me. Maybe he was just pranking me even though it's not in his nature though.Or...My eyes wander around... at them. They're scheming again with this divorce thing.I wipe the tears that still escaping from my eyes spontaneously."Anastasia? Are you okay?""A-Adam... W-Why are you doing this again?!" I can't help but raise my voice at him."Doing what?" he asked with confusion plastered on his face.I look at Mom with my raging eyes. "Mom, How many times do I have to tell you that I won't divorce him? Can you please stop pushing me into something that would break my heart?" I p
-1 Year Later-(Anastasia's POV)The cold winds flew silently through the city of Milan. It was fall, and the green leaves fell from the trees, and the red, orange and yellow colors took over the wilderness.I sighed as I watch the leaves fall out from the trees as they freely landed on the ground in the busy street of Via Del Corso. Yeah, I am here in Italy with my family for a year. Alice and I changed our surname to Laverde, commanded by grandfather. The whole world is shocked by the sudden news that Antonio Laverde has daughters. Laverne's tried to explain the situation and why we were hidden all these years. Of course, they hide the fact that my father has a mistress and we are the result out of wedlock, to remain the reputation of their name from the public.It's been a year but... His presence is what I've been missing for a year. He declines to face me.He never explains to me his sudden decision.I don't hate him, I never get angry at him, I never... I unlove him.It's sti
(Anastasia's POV)A knock on the door startled me and woke up from my bed. Then the door slowly opened. I yawn while getting up and glance at the person who entered my room."Ana, it's time for dinner." mom softly said.I lay back on my bed and buried my face in my soft pillow, "I'll pass dinner, mom."After a second, she smacks my ass with her palm causing me to wince in pain, "Mom!""You always skip your meal. Look at you, you are skinny like a barbecue stick."Barbecue stick? She really compared my body to a barbecue stick. I would prefer a Coca-Cola bottle though."I... I'm just tired..." I whined but she slap me for the second time. Oh God! When will she stop treating me like a kid? She just misses Alice as she has no one to throw her scolding to."Stop doing that 'diet' word, Anastasia. It does not make you pretty. You should eat to make yourself beautiful.""I am not trying to be pretty or beautiful or whatever adjective that is.""You need to! You have to get married as soo--
(Anastasia's POV)Cutlery scrapes the plate, there’s wet chewing and loud swallowing. Elbows are drawn in, backs straight, eyes falling everywhere but on other eyes.This is the quietest and most awkward breakfast I have ever experienced since we moved here to Italy.Grandfather visit us with Alice and Adam. As Alice was having a long vacation and time off from school. She begs him and stays here in Italy until her vacation time ended.I don't even have any clue how she persuades this strict old man. After breakfast, he talks to mom in private which makes me confused. I mean, this is not the first time they talk alone but it was just weird and I feel uneasy in my seat now while glancing at the door, leading to the garden.Alice block my view, "What?""You look weird. Do you want to poop?" she asked as she jumps unto the couch beside me.I throw her a pillow while glaring at her. "Stop lying low here. Do your paper works instead." I scowl at her.She rolled her eyes, "C'mon, it's my v
(Anastasia's POV)My mind went blank as I stares at the white folder for almost an hour now. Did not know what to do in this situation to the fact that this is Grandfather wish me to do.Is this what they called Arranged Marriage?I only read this in books and saw this situation in movies as the two people tied the knot without love involved but all because to joined forces with their companies to be more powerful in the business world.Am I experiencing the same situation?I let out a deep sigh while running my fingers through my hair out of frustration as I throw my body on the bed. "What should I do?"How to decline his will? How to disobey his words? Will he kick me out if I do?"This is frustrating!" I got up on the bed and walk back in forth inside my room. "I can't believe Mom agreed to this."I don't want to get married to a stranger! H-How can we provide a new generation if... if we are not in love? We can't force ourselves to have sex. That... was absurd!From this moment, I
(Anastasia's POV)I walk inside the office room where Grandfather was busy on some papers. He is staying here at our house in the meantime. So, it was so hard to move around, having his presence in this house makes me nervous all the time."Grandfather?""Yes, come in," he said with a firm voice. Don't be mistaken, he always has a firm and stern voice.I gently placed the folder on his desk. "I change my mind. I wanted to meet Stephen Harllo--""Oh! Mr. Walton called earlier and they wanted to set the date of the wedding. When do you want?"My brows creased in confusion. "W-What? N-No, I... I don't like hi--""But I like him, Anastasia." WHAT? "He's gentleman, he has a keen eye in business, and he has a common sense which I think we will get along with in the future." he smiled in satisfaction and continued, "You choose the right guy this time, Anastasia."An irritation starts to form on my face but I forcibly smile. "But you must read his past doing, right?""That does not matter. As
THALIA I was panting and out of breath when I finally reached Damon's hotel room. I did my best to get here as fast as possible.We have not seen each other for two days and I'm worried he might ditch me again without a word.I pressed the doorbell, but still… no response.I'm starting to get panicked inside as I don't know what I should feel: anger or worry. He's really making me mad–The door suddenly opened and a man with wet hair, wearing only a bathrobe, leaned at the door with a frown.“Miss, what brings you here?” “I want to see my groom.”He scoffed. “You can… tomorrow and after tomorrow and for the rest of your life.”I smirk as I'm glad he's still alive and kicking my patience.“Why are you so hot right now?” I asked and tried to get inside his room but he blocked me.“I'm always hot as hell, baby.” His comment didn't impress me. I crossed my arms with a jaw clenched because he stopped me from getting in. “It's almost curfew. I'll take you back.” Curfew? What curfew?
THALIA“Are you able to look after her? Also, she is incredibly costly when it comes to food–”“I am not!” I yelled at Leander's tease. This is actually not the right time to open his mouth and spout nonsense.Damon is true to his words. He really went to see my family tonight just to ask for my hand.Even though I just graduated, I didn't stop him as I didn't want to let him go.“Manners.” Dad sternly said. “She doesn't have that either.” He continued, which made my jaw drop.“Dad!”“Don't yell in front of the food, sweetie.” This time, I gaze at my Mom with pleading eyes. Those two are– “If you can't handle her, feel free to return her.”I chuckled with disbelief at my mother's words. Why is my family like this? They are talking about my bad side instead of my good. Is that how painful it was for them to let me go and live with my man? They are hilarious–“I have too much patience when it comes to a child.”I gasped in surprise at Damon beside me. Is he thinking the same?“You–” I
THALIA Warm tears escalated at the back of my eyes as I held my breath for a second. Lots of words and thoughts came across me, but I didn't know how to react to this, I didn't know how to face him, and I didn't know how I would feel.Fury and longing lingered in my chest as I turned to him with tears welling up in my eyes.There… a man standing three feet away from me, staring at me intently, lovingly, as if he hadn’t left me and made me miss him for a month.He looked the same. “Damon…”His eyes and lips formed a smile before saying, “Congratulations.”I scoffed as I held back my tears.He's really something.“Thanks.” I blankly responded.At least I'm thankful he showed up today, or maybe he's just visiting me, then begone again for a month.As he sensed the intense stare I gave him, his smile faded, and he sighed. “Did you stop waiting?” He said almost a whisper. “What do you think?”He remained silent as his eyes locked on mine using his soft, day-dreamy look, which I hate th
THALIAAFTER A MONTH“After Michael Scott was found dead a week ago, Alfred Laverde was found dead in Whiteface Mountain in the town of Wilmington in Essex County.”Wilmington… That's where Cassie's accident occurred years ago.I avoided my eyes from the TV as my heart suddenly pounded frantically. Anyway, I continue tying the lace of my sandal while trying my best not to react as best as I can at the news.Since Frederick's father was found dead, I'm having a hard time forgetting that news. It breaks my heart to see Fred in tears while mourning for his deceased father.He actually didn't deserve it because he didn't actually kill anyone. Well, almost, and that's us. Still… Fred was a great friend and we noticed he's turning his back on us. Maybe he's blaming us for his loss.And now… my granduncle is also dead.I gaze at my mother, who doesn't even show any emotions while listening to the news. I don't feel the sorrow of losing him. He killed my grandfather, and to be honest, I shou
THALIAMy eyes began to well up with tears of conflicting feelings. Anger, worries, and longing came out all at once. He disappeared without a trace after saying he would come back, and God knows if he’s alive or not. He made me fucking worried for nothing!“Where were you?” That was the only thing I asked.“I have to take care of something–”“Then why did you have to vanish like that?” My voice cracked up in the end as I failed to control it.He avoided my eyes with guilt lingering all over his face. I don't know what to feel. But there's only one thing I could figure out after seeing him again.“To protect you from harm.”I firmly shut my eyes, tears streamed down my cheeks as his words were like hitting my chest with a knife. All he could think was to be my protector, whereas here I am thinking he might have chosen the others over me.Am I being too selfish?I wiped my face as I looked around. Good thing my bodyguards are outside the university. “What happened to Uncle Michae
THALIAI flinched as I was startled when my phone suddenly rang. I got up in bed, sighing as soon as I saw the time. It's almost three, but my eyes won't even close just a bit.My attention was switched to my phone, which still kept ringing. Who would call at this hour?I answered it without looking at the caller.“Wha–”“Thalia.”My brows furrowed at the familiar voice in the end. I checked the number, but it's unregistered.“Ca-Cassie?”“I'm sorry for barking at the wrong tree.” My jaw fell as soon as I confirmed it was her. I jump off the bed and gaze outside the window.“Where are you? Who's with you?” I desperately asked.However, I heard her chuckle and sighed deeply.“I intentionally took the chance that my mother used to work with Laverde and got in as their so-called illegitimate family member.”Her words left me baffled. So… she's not a real Laverde?“What's your reason?”“I have found evidence and took a chance to get closer to the enemy.”“Evidence of what?”“I only want
THALIAI inhale sharply as soon as I exit the building. My chest feels heavy and tightened, and I don't know how to cope with the pain deep inside of me.My fingers firmly curled around the handle of my handbag.It's just my hunch. It's just my guts. It's just my suspicion that it was Damon. But why don't I feel this suspicion is real?I hate it.My phone rang, and Damon's secretary was plastered on my screen.“How was it? Is it Damon?”“No.”Then why did that jerk get Damon's phone?I scratched my temple as I walked to my car. I entered my car with a frown.“Where did that robber find it?”“He said a woman came and sold the phone.”I paused and confusedly thought about who that woman could be.“Woman? Who?”“He couldn't recognize her because she covered almost her face.”Why do people love covering their faces? Scared of the sunburn or hiding from the authorities?Since it's a woman, there's no way Damon is in trouble. So, I don't give a fuck with that woman who stole Damon's phone a
THALIAMom and Dad quickly went to Paris last night. Leander and I left here in New York so that we wouldn't be embroiled in the quarrel with Laverde.It's my mother's family, so I'm afraid Mom will break down. I heard her screaming to Uncle Adam on the phone before they left. I sighed as I put down my spoon on the table. I glanced at Leander, who was also in deep thought in front of his breakfast.“What's gonna happen now?”“What else? Mom possibly cut her ties with them.” I tightly shut my eyes in frustration. Why are there traitors in our lives? “Are we just going to stay here and wait? Mom might break down.”Leander let out a frustrating sigh. “Dad is with her. Also, they won't let us tag along with them.”It's been two decades since that happened. Doesn't the grandfather's case have a statute of limitations? I wonder how they found evidence despite the long period since it happened. Anyway, if it really proves my granduncle was the suspect of my grandfather's death, I hope he
THALIAOne week.It's been one week since Damon went missing. I even helped in looking for him but to no avail. Not even the authorities could find Damon Kane. There's no body or anything that can lead to his whereabouts. It was as if he vanished into thin air.I was depressed and cried every night while I had this hope every day of finding him together with the authorities.My parents and Leander didn't complain about how I poured everything into this search and rescue. They can see through me how desperate I am just to find him and I was hoping he's alive and in a safe place.Uncle Michael, who caused all of this, was on the run and hiding somewhere. Where's his courage to kill off my father's happiness now? Maybe he was also the reason why Leander's secretary was abducted and injured. Leander poured his soul into finding her but was also abducted by Uncle Michael. As of now, I don't know why Leander's secretary was abducted.I refused to talk to Frederick. Not because I hate his