THALIAA cold stare, silent treatment, and an uncomfortable seat I have here on my first day as a trainee in the finance department. The HR guided me to my table and left without a word. She didn't even introduce me to the employees here who only raised their brows.I think they already know I'm a Carter.I heard through them that Mr. Kane is coming back from his overseas meeting. He was also the one who approved my internship without an interview or anything. I don't even know what he looks like. I don't have time to google search for his information because I'm in the finance department, not at his. Is he a friend of my family? He swiftly accepted me without interrogating why I was finding a company for my internship, whereas my own family had its own company.Anyway, I'm relieved that Mr. Kane didn't give me a hard time since I'm scared that I might lose this one chance to be on my own.My fingers fidgeted on the keyboard with my screen off. My table looks dull and empty. Only the
DAMON“Welcome to the Kane Group, Miss…” I glance over at her resume in my hand. “Thalia Carter.”The corner of my lips lifted when she couldn't even meet my eyes after what she had done earlier. I almost bawled out on the floor when she painfully kicked where it hurt. I didn't know she was an amazon princess.She was uncomfortably sitting opposite me in my own office, which is only one floor above the financial department. “T-Thank you, Mr. Kane… I… I apologize for the misunderstanding earlier–”“Misunderstanding?” I scoffed as I glanced down my pants. “Not really… The disney princess didn't have time to find information about who her boss is?”I saw how she rolled her eyes secretly when I mentioned ‘disney princess’. That made me smile in amusement. This woman might be my foe here at work. She has a sharp tongue and an attitude. I know I made a good choice of accepting her in my company, even though she's the only daughter of the great Caleb Carter.I'm wondering why he let her dau
THALIAMy heart thrummed violently in my chest while dashing out of the elevator. The feeling of being alone with Mr. Kane was driving me insane. If I had known that he was my boss, I wouldn't have kicked him where it deeply hurt.Jeez, that's so embarrassing!Heading alone to my apartment, which was only a walking distance away from the company, I felt someone had been following me since earlier. I took a peek behind me and saw familiar faces, following my tracks while merging into the crowd of people. Do they think I wouldn't notice them?Just great, Dad! He still installed a human surveillance camera on me.We had a deal that I'll be free for three months. Is that difficult for his side? I'm an adult, and I know what good things to do and bad things to avoid.I took my phone from my pocket with a frown and was about to call Dad, but I was surprised when my phone rang. Dad is calling.“Da–”“Seriously, Thalia Carter? Kane Group? How did you approach them?” He started with a raging
THALIAI can sense his coldness a few feet away from me. I almost held my breath while staring at the floor, waiting for the elevator door to open, but I guess I might die if I continued doing that.Did he just arrive from the meeting? Why is he going downstairs, then?I should not give a f*ck about his whereabouts or what he's been doing. I'm not his secretary nor a girlfriend. I'm working far from where he is. I must finish that task before he arrives in his office later.My phone rang, which made me startled and ruined the silence. I immediately turned it off and glanced at the person I cautioned off.He's not staring directly at me but… through the elevator door mirror, shot on mine. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I avoided his intense stare at me. If he's just an ordinary person without a grudge against me, I might melt at his lustful stare– Jesus Christ! Why does this elevator take so long to arrive on the first floor? With a deep breath, I bit my lower lip because of t
THALIAMy fingers fidgeted with one another as I stood still, lowering my head to the floor, and avoiding eye contact with my boss, Damon. He looks somewhat furious at what Sarah had told him and I don't know what mistake I made earlier that made them both let out their rage on me.Sarah was furiously holding a small box where shredded papers inside.She was accusing me of something earlier but Mr. Kane came and stopped her from slapping my face. If ever that happens, that is my first slap since I was given birth. I don't know if that really hurts.“Speak.” Damon's cold tone makes me a creep, that's why I can't look at his scary eyes.“She ruined the proposal I made for the meeting later.” My eyes widened at Sarah's accusations. “I did not!”Why would I ruin someone else's belongings? Especially important documents. “Do you think I will accuse you without evidence? Let's go to the CCTV room!” Sarah exclaimed in rage.I frown in confusion. There is also evidence. How come? “I've bee
THALIAMy hands began to tremble in fear with the thought that someone just warned me using that creepy tone. My heart began to beat furiously as my eyes scanned my surroundings. Everyone was busy with their own business. No one was suspicious.I flinch when someone touches my shoulder.I was on the verge of tears when I turned around, but Damon's frown made my tears come back inside my socket.If he sees a single tear from my eyes, he will mock me for being a crybaby again.He's really a jerk.“Is there something wrong, your highness?” I immediately avoided his eyes. “N-Nothing.”“I saw you being followed the other day.”I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Followed? O-Oh… that's…” If I say that's my bodyguard, he will mock me for being a disney princess again. “Maybe an admirer?” What kind of dumb thing is that?I saw how he scoffed as if he had heard a ridiculous thing tonight. “Admirer? Well, I can say that you have the looks but…” He leaned in closer, enough for me to smell his
THALIARage was evident through his eyes as I laid my eyes on him. He's fuming in rage and that's because of what he just discovered this morning.“Mr. Kane–”“Did you apply for an internship to be a spy for your father and to sabotage my company?”My heart pounded furiously at the way he gritted his teeth. “N-No, no! It's not me, Mr. Kane!”“Then what about this?” He angrily pointed at the documents on the table. “Are you fucking playing dumb?”I stared at the papers and thought through if I had even mistakenly used my computer for the past few days. However, I've been in Mr. Kane's office for three days and a half.He slammed his hand on the table causing me to jolt in fear.“I-It's not really me!” I grabbed the papers and looked at the date of the transaction. “The date… It was deposited in my account two days ago. But I'm not in the office at this time. I didn't use my computer for three days. I've been working my butts off for three days here in your office, Mr. Kane.” I desperat
THALIAMy heart was beating furiously when the black Ferrari suddenly turned on as the window at the back seat rolled down.I almost cursed to see Mr. Damon Kane's mug, glaring at me like he wanted to bury me alive.“I'll deduct your stipend if this was damaged.”I don't need your stipend!“I a-apologize, sir.”“Going home?” My brow raised in doubt at his question. Did he wait for me? Nah, stop being delusional–“Get in.”“Ha?”“Don't make me wait.” His tone was cold and firm, and if I won't move, he will cut my head down at this moment.I immediately entered his car.This is better than walking or taking a cab. It feels safer– wait… safer? I abruptly looked at him with widened eyes as the engine came alive.Why did I feel I'm safer in riding his car? What if he will take me somewhere unknown and kill me without anyone knowing? What he knows is that I took his one million.I bit my lower as my fingers fidgeted on my lap. Anxiety kicks in as I keep glancing at the window, making sure
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