(Caleb's POV)Just finished my shower as I am putting on my white plain long sleeve, and paired them down with dark brown trousers. I decided to have breakfast with Anastasia since she didn't have dinner last night, is she still mad at me?After I fix myself, I strode my feet until I reach the door to exit my room. Arriving at Anastasia's door, I pressed the doorbell twice but no response. It was already 9 am, so I pressed the doorbell again."Anastasia." this time, knocking three times on her door but still no response.This is getting on my nerves. I pressed the doorbell spontaneously and won't stop until she won't open the door."CALEB!" and it works!I stop pressing the doorbell when she opens her door but only her head sticking out, her hair was quite messy as her brows are lowered and pulled closer together, and her lips tightened as if she was about to punch me."What took you so long?!" I can't help but raise my voice."I'm sleeping!!" she yelled back at me."Get ready, let's h
(Anastasia's POV)Today, I want to explore the whole hotel. Hoping to get the best out of my time here I quickly changed into a dress and ran to the elevator before Caleb could find me.After he kissed me yesterday, a blush crept up my cheeks. I was embarrassed and he noticed it, which is making me more mortified.I wasn't familiar with his new side but I was feeling very comfortable and happy with his change. His cellphone password makes a smile in crept again, our wedding date. But I knew that it would not last long. So before I could have any hope, I washed away all the thoughts of yesterday.I stood inside the elevator as its doors closed. But before that, I saw Caleb coming out in casual wear, wearing a black-collar t-shirt and beige pants.He looked my way but thankfully the doors fully closed and I went down.I didn't want him to see me blushing just by looking at him. So pathetic.After I got down, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I looked ahead and saw Caleb staring at me. Yeah, I
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb closed his eyes as ice cream dripped down his face.I stared at him in shock for a moment but then couldn't hold back the laughter that was trying to escape my lips. His cheeks were covered in vanilla ice cream making him look like a ghost you would find in scooby doo.Soon, I started cracking up. I kept my hands on the kitchen counter for support and bent down, laughing hard."Are you laughing at me?" Caleb asked with a serious tone but a few seconds later he chuckled seeing me laughing."I can't- you don't need a bowl. Just lick your face.""Well let's see how your wand works on you." Caleb winked and took my spoon and swung it just like I did.I gasped loudly when all the ice cream in the spoon was thrown at my face. I raised my head to look at Caleb only to see him laughing.He looks so cute when he laughs. Wait! What crawled up my ass today?After we both spent hours laughing at each other we both went to our rooms to take a shower. As I came out, Caleb's f
(Anastasia's POV)I woke up the next morning to a feeling of warmth. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a handsome man sleeping next to me. My hand was lying on his chest and his arm wrapped around my waist. Our faces were only inches apart, a slight move and our lips would meet.I stared at his perfectly carved face for a while until realization hit me. Suddenly, I jerked away and sat up straight. Due to my sudden movement, Caleb stirred and slowly opened his eyes. His eyes wandered around the room and then they fell upon me. His eyes widened in shock and he quickly got off the bed and put on his clothes.He ran his fingers through his hair and groaned in frustration."No." He whispered."What?" I ask in confusion."No." He shook his head looking down."Caleb--"I tried getting up but he stopped me."DON'T!... j-just... j-just get ready and pack your things. We shouldn't be late on our flight."He left the room in a hurry without looking at me, leaving me confused and heartbroken.My hea
(Caleb's POV)The sun beat down relentlessly, and even with the Air-conditioned cranked up, I could feel the heat inside my office."Kent, send me the draft for the meeting." I ended the call while still digging through the documents scattered on my table. But I am still careful to not rearrange the documents since they were already organized."Damn!"I harshly plunged a heap of documents in frustration. Letting my whole body collapse in the swivel chair and run my fingers through my hair as I let out a deep breath.I'm being out of focus since yesterday. I am bothered by Anastasia, about what happened in Germany. I shouldn't have done that in the first place. That time, I crossed the line.Why?Why am I always attracted to her?I did everything to ignore and avoided her but I really can't help myself from getting close to her.Seeing her makes me out of control and this is not good for me and also for her. I know that this will not work out because of the contract.As I brush my face
(Anastasia's POV)Tita Susan and Tito Rey were supposed to be here in the morning but due to some meeting, they had to postpone the lunchtime visit.No one wanted to talk about the other day, nor about what happened in Germany. It was all the talking we've been doing for the past few days. Just some monotonous responses and answers. I could tell how different the situation was, he didn't want to acknowledge anything.This early morning, he sounded a bit irritated as he continued to do whatever was on his phone. I didn't understand what had happened to him."Caleb, let's just order-""Hello, yes Kent. Yeah, I have seen them..." he was on the phone before walking out of the hall, completely ignoring me. I knew he had heard me but choose to ignore my words.'Now, what do you expect Anastasia? You are nothing to him, just a contract, Remember that' I whispered to myself as a stray tear fell from my eyes before I quickly whipped it away.I walked upstairs to change. Suddenly, the doorbell r
(Anastasia's POV)"Anastasia, get up. We are here." I heard Caleb's voice. I stirred and slowly opens my eyes. Not knowing anything about my surrounding. I swiftly watch around and rub my eyes."Where are we?" I barely whispered as I yawned through most of the sentence."Paris." Caleb emotionless said."Wait!" I saw Lianne hopping like a kangaroo excitedly. "Are we in Paris already?!" She exclaimed in excitement. "Finally, Yes, we are here. We have to get off the plane now, come on." Caleb took hold of his laptop bag. Lianne followed him who was still trying to look out of every possible window. Can she behave like I do? Maybe I'm low on energy right now."We are here!" Lianne yelled as she climbed down the plane, running like a child first time visiting a park.I saw Caleb's eyes squint and a light smile plastered on his lips. His face relaxed, but I could still see the faint outline of wrinkles around his eyes. Even the corners of his mouth seemed to fight against his normally stoi
(Anastasia's POV)"So, what brings you here in Paris?" Did Caleb know you're here?" I ask in curiosity while devouring the food he treats for me."Well... Yeah... Caleb knows I'm here. Mom sent me here instead of her." his laugh slowly fade away, looking down at his lemon juice. "My work here is done, I fed my sister-in-law. I will see you later!" He said as he passed me a salute. "Byron?" I called before he could move further "Would you be free tomorrow? I guess Caleb would be busy for a few more days now, so would you like to accompany me around?" I asked, hopefully."Of course Ana!" he immediately responded."Great! I will see you tomorrow then. Thanks for the meal by the way." I waved at him.If Caleb wanted to convert this whole trip into a business trip then he shouldn't have brought me along. My traveling in any place won't even affect him. Indeed, he would surely be grateful. If he wanted to be so cold towards me so let it be, I won't let him ruin this trip.***As soon as I e
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