(Caleb's POV)It's been a year and seeing her still makes my heart beat furiously. I wonder how she was doing after a year. But seeing her in front of me, with her dark blue trousers, partnered with a dark blue blazer and plain white v-neck t-shirt, and a high heel, she dressed differently from before. I believe she was doing great with her new family. She really became a Laverde. It should be.I noticed her hair grew longer with side bangs and it suited her, she looks stunning as ever even though her hair was quite messy, she look like she had just woken up, and it shows on her swollen face. Similar countenance whenever I woke up beside he--"G-Good day, Mr. Carter," she coldly responded after a couple of seconds. I can sense how she firmly said my name. Of course, I expected her to be this way, giving me a cold shoulder."You two already knew each other?" Atty. Ford, my lawyer.As this is an important matter for the sake of my company, I have to personally visit the person who bough
(Anastasia's POV)As soon as his car fades away, my eyes felt warm, did not realize that tears starts streaming down my face. I abruptly wiped my tears before my secretary see me in this condition."A-Are you alright, Madam?"I lowered my countenance, "Yes, don't mind me."I control my emotions as I don't want to feel weak in front of my employee. They are never used to seeing me this vulnerable, helpless, and fragile.As we arrived at the company, I immediately bid goodbye to my secretary and headed to my car, parked in a parking lot, a few distances away from my secretary's car.I slammed the door open and slump in the driver's seat, leaning on the steering wheel, weeping silently as his face and figure flashed in my head. I badly miss him.But my heart felt a pang when he called me as if he just met me. He looks so stern, the usual Caleb I've seen whenever his CEO mode is turned on. He treated me as one of his co businessmen, he look at me in a way that he never miss a bit of me,
(Anastasia's POV)I entered the building with a gloomy feeling and low energy. My eyes were still hurt and swollen from crying last night. As my grandfather said, he wanted me to get married to that jerk Charles within this month, which is incredulous and unbelievable.His demands were still echoing inside my head, and it made me frustrated just by visualizing being the wife of that womanizer. How can I deal with these things? The elevator stopped and I drag my feet inside my office, throwing my bag and slumping on the couch while letting out a sigh, continuously."Oh, God!"I ran my hands through my countenance, planning what should I do to prevent the wedding from occurring.My thoughts were disturbed when a knock on the door resonated inside my office.I sigh and fix myself, striding towards my table before I yelled to the person behind the door to come inside. I look up and saw my secretary Mina, walking towards my table while carrying a bunch of documents."Good Morning, Miss."
(Anastasia's POV)Pretending to be busy in front of my laptop while taking a glance every second at the two men, comfortably sitting on the couch on opposite sides. They're talking as if they were in a restaurant, catching up on each other's life, reminiscing the past, not even taking a glance at me.From what I've heard, Caleb and Charles were classmates during college and they were varsity players on a basketball team, alongside Damian.Seeing them, exchanging smiles makes me wonder if they really did get along during that times. But I noticed they were comfortable with each other, proof that they have a brotherhood in the past, together with Damian.I did not intend to interrupt their reunion but a knock on the door resonated inside the room."Come in." Mina came inside with a worried face. "Uhmm..."I stood up. "Is there something wrong, Mina?"She greeted the men on the couch before she strode in my direction. "Madam, Henry is arrived, with the news."I deeply sighed and stood u
(Caleb's POV)After Anastasia pushed me inside the huge cabinet but it was really narrower and smaller inside of it, the room became quiet. I can't see through the doors of the cabinet as it does not have any holes to peek through it.I don't understand why I have to hide from her grandfather. I did not even do wrong to him. We never met in the past. Even though we were in the same elite groups in the business world, I never had a conversation with him, not even a quick chat with him. Maybe because I have never usually been attending an elite VIP party circuit.I have these thoughts that he might have hated me for hurting his granddaughter, Anastasia. I can't blame him for putting hatred towards me. I deserve all of those hatreds.It's been more than 30 minutes, and Anastasia hasn't back. It must be safe now to exit from this cabinet. As I was about to open the cabinet door when the main office door suddenly opened. I was startled by the sudden door creek open, I shut and closed the c
(Anastasia's POV)"I... I'm sorry, Caleb..."---Yes, I decline to come with him.As much as I wanted to be with him... But the situation is a huge problem. I can't leave Mom and Alice, I can't leave my Grandfather in this situation. I want to be with Caleb, whereas Mom and Grandfather, accept Caleb as part of the family, accept my decision to be with him, and accept our relationship wholeheartedly.After that night, Caleb never visit my office again, and it's been a week. It's not that I miss him, I was just disappointed, he had given up that early. I thought he would force me, kidnap me, or take me away from my family.I sigh as I leaned on the headboard of the mattress, my eyes wandering to the window. The sun was climbing out of the deep well of winter, but it was still brutally cold.The cold was like that, seeping through my seven layers of clothing, attacking seams and long coats and spots of thin insulation. The exposed skin on my face felt as if it had been touched with lit ci
(Anastasia's POV)Hearing Charles's side, makes me wonder if his father is cruel than my grandfather. I was terrified that my grandfather would do the same to Caleb if I insisted to be with him. Grandfather could get easily ruin Caleb's reputation but I know that Caleb won't back off, especially, if it involves ruining his business. He is more powerful than Laverde, he is capable of doing something but he has its limit. He would not abuse his power for his agenda.That's how I know Caleb Carter, by the time when I'm with him.Here it goes again... Thinking about him, makes my heart feel a pang.I wanted to see him every day but he should not. I'm trying to avoid him from seeing my grandfather. In that way, Grandfather would not put all his anger on Caleb. Adam explains it to me during my first few days here in Italy. Grandfather despises Caleb that much. I sighed as I strode inside the Walton's Group building. Today, the Laverde had a meeting with the Walton's so I would be meeting C
(Anastasia's POV)"Piazza Duca d'Aosta, 9, 20124."I turned my Porsche to the right corner as I what the GPS said. I was just following the GPS, I realized this is quite near to where I live. It took me almost 30 minutes to arrive at the address that Caleb sent to me from the Walton Company."Excelsior Hotel Gallia. Where are you?" I mumbled under my breath.And then after taking turns, I reached my destination, Excelsior Hotel Gallia. It looks like a hotel, however, it was a restaurant on the first floor.Is he staying here?I jerk off the car and don't forget the sunglasses, striding inside the hotel. Halted at the receptionist, to ask where the Terrazza Gallia was located. As she guided me upstairs, I noticed the stunning views from the terrace. She dropped me off in the Terrazza Gallia and bid goodbye to her. I asked the waiter if there is a reservation for Caleb Carter and he led me to a VIP room.I was in awe of how private this room is, the interior is clean and new. The room i
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
THALIAI mustered my courage to point my gun at the person who was about to invade the car, but I stopped to see someone as my reflection, sticking his head through the window.“Leander!”“Thalia? What the hell are you doing here?!”I immediately jerked off from the car but was greeted by a woman leaning at the car. She was wearing corporate attire without a coat, and a red stain was visible on her dirty, white sleeve. “Who is she?”“My secretary. She's injured.” Leander opened the door, and I helped him place the girl in the back seat.Why is his secretary here? Did he come to get her?A rustling sound inside the forest, followed by repeated shouts from men, made us freeze.“They followed us.” My brother growled.He pushed me inside the backseat and entered the driver's seat. He was about to start the engine hastily, but I immediately stopped him.“Wait, Damon is still not here!”“We don't have much time.”He shoved off my hand, but I stopped him again.“No! We need to wait for Dam
THALIAI immediately wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me and kissing him harder than before. He lifted me and placed me on his lap, wrapping my legs around his waist. Our lips remained sealed. It was like we couldn’t get enough of each other, devouring one another. His hands were moving down, under my shirt, his fingers skimming over my skin, sending a rush of blood to every part of my body. His touch gave me the feeling of longing, and I relished every second he pushed his tongue and lips against mine. I lowered my hands and yanked his shirt up. He broke apart long enough to pull it over his head and toss it aside. His hands slid around my head, pulling me back to his mouth. I ran my hands down his abdomen. It was firm, with the perfect amounts of dips and ripples. His lips traveled down my neck and shoulders as he whispered sweet words in my ear. I gasped when he suddenly reclined the seat and softly moaned as I grabbed his face to meet my lips to communica
THALIAThe whole ride was filled with silence. He is driving his Ferrari while I'm here, sitting in the passenger seat with a lump in my throat. I don't know why I suddenly felt anxious being alone with Damon. The last time we saw each other, we were both fuming in our situation. But still, here I am, wanting to be with him while ignoring the supposed protocols.I gazed at him and saw his furrowed brows and solemn eyes focused on the road. Did he feel the same? Did he feel the awkwardness between us?"H-How did you find us?" I killed the silence."Actually... Leander and I talked before the abduction."I immediately gaze at him. "A-Are Are you the one who caused his wounds?" "Of course not. Do you think I'll harm your brother in that way?"I looked away while reprimanding myself for thinking he would do such a thing."N-No... you would not.""When I was going home after meeting him, Leander's secretary called me and tracked his phone." He explained, which left me with no choice but