(Anastasia's POV)The air was cool but the sun was out, the wind blew itself passed our bare skin as we strode out from the glass elevator. Mikael joined us on this tour as he will guide us to the next destination, he said we will love it.We ride at Mikael's Bugatti Veyron as we headed somewhere I don't know. I didn't ask Caleb as he is busy chatting with Mikael in front.A wedge of sunlight burst past the narrow window of the car as it stopped at Montmartre Hill, that's what it plastered on the big signboard."It's the Grape Harvest of Montmartre this week." Mikael got off from his car."It's a festival, Ana," Caleb said as he follows Mikael.Caleb open the door for me as I was still amazed at how beautiful the place is.We headed to the entrance and climbed the stairs up to the top, I guess. And a pop-up market of little white open-front tents which are similar to those found in brocantes, welcome us as we entered. They sell everything from specialty food including a red wine sorbet
(Anastasia's POV)We arrive at the ancestral mansion a couple of hours after our trip from Paris. He said, he needed to finish some work here, so I just tag along, since his mansion is a U-turn, It's a hassle to turn back just to drop me home.His entire demeanor changed when we arrived. He completely ignored me and barely waved me off like a nuisance. I wouldn't say that I didn't expect that, but it did hurt.That kiss? He meant nothing but just a kiss. What would I expect? I meant nothing to him.Once the car stops, Caleb shut the car door closed roughly. I get out trailing behind, as I try to catch up to him. We reach the big front door and unlock the door."Martha," Caleb calls out right as we enter. Just then hurried footsteps approach us and I see an older woman rush up to us."Welcome back Mr. & Mrs. Carter, what do you need, sir?" She replies."A coffee in my office now," he orders coldly before walking off in another direction.Martha nods her head before walking up to me, hel
(Caleb's POV)My eyes flicker open as I shake my head, getting out of the blank headspace I was in. Even though it only felt like a second, the time and environment felt longer than a second. As I looked at Byron, I gave him a questioning gaze while he looked horrified."Better now?" He asks with worry and doubt."Yeah," I reply groggily while rubbing my forehead."What happened?""You fainted, maybe due to excess of work." his face showed a sense of relief and calmness. My mouth parted for a second taking in what he said. "Okay," I retorted back with a huff. It was very obvious but I would never admit that he sounded concerned. "I'm going back to my office." I didn't want to have this conversation with him again."Hey! The conversation isn't over." He said in the distance, trying to catch up to me. I glare at him when he put a hand on my shoulder."Okay okay. I won't touch you. But you should at least take a break from work and let Ana take care of you. You shouldn't make her worry a
(Anastasia's POV)We just came back to our mansion this early morning, Caleb told me that I can start working at his company today. I stayed focused to get ready for work. Walking down the stairs, I looked around trying to find Caleb. A couple of seconds later, he appears from the door with two umbrellas in his hand."Ana, let's go, it is raining heavily outside." He said while handing me an umbrella."Thank you" We got in his expensive car, partly wet."Would you like to stop by the restaurant for breakfast?" He questioned. My brows furrowed wondering how he knew I'm hungry. My eyes practically bulged out as he stopped the car in front of Giovanni's. Too much just for breakfast. Caleb got off the car. He came back with a small box on his left handWhile driving our way, we eat our food in the backseat."We're here." The voice snapped me out of my daze as I looked up. I put the remainder of my food in a separate bag for lunch and then unbuckled my seat."Wait for me in the lobby," h
(Caleb's POV)As she walked out of the office, my eyes follow behind her. I don't say a word yet to continue off like usual. Hearing the elevator door closing, I suddenly move and grab my phone, dialing a number, which gets answered immediately."Yes, Mr. Carter?""I want you to follow Anastasia. See what she is doing and keep me updated""Right away." The person on the other end said before hanging up. Anastasia, you don't know what you got yourself into.***After a couple of minutes, my phone rang."Mr. Carter." "What happened?" I questioned getting straight to the point."It seems that Mrs. Carter is currently talking with your brother, Byron. They are having a meeting at the cafe near your company." my jaw clenched. "Anastasia, you're testing my patience?" I muttered to myself."Boss, I sent some photos." He says finally snapping me out of my daze.I hurriedly opened the laptop and looked through some of the photos. As I stared at them, I couldn't help but felt a sudden rage in
(Caleb's POV)She hasn't talked to me since that day. I don't think I even saw her these days. I am beginning to feel restless, which was not helping my work progress. Furthermore, I was interrupted by a knock on the door."Come in," The door opens and Lucas from the security analysis department comes in, which was one of the members of Ana's department."Mr. Carter. I was sent here for the updates." He says. I looked up at him and didn't say anything for a good second. "I want you to go back to Ms. Anastasia and told her to come with the reports. That is her job." I order it coldly as he stares with a look of surprise. Nodding his head, he walked out of my office.A couple of minutes later, I could hear two people right behind my door, arguing. It didn't take a long time to recognize those two voices as Lucas and Ana. The quarrel went on for a couple of minutes until a knock resounded on the door."Come in," The door opens slowly. I didn't bother to lift my head as my focus is on t
(Anastasia's POV)I had been strolling to solve this issue for a while. Some of the assets that are our company owned currently have very low security. As I was typing away on the computer, the chief walked inside the office."Good Morning." Our chief greeted. We all turned our heads at him. "I have some news for you all." Everyone's attention immediately fell on him."Mr. Carter had called me earlier and told us that he needed a replacement for a temporary assistant. An important company meeting is occurring tomorrow and Kent was just assigned to another department as he was promoted. He needs an immediate temporary one until he can find a permanent one." He explains, then everyone around me begins whispering to each other."Doesn't Isabella usually do this? Where is she?" I turned my head as one guy behind my back questioned, and everyone agreed with him."Well yes. I would usually send Isabella, but she isn't here today, and she won't be coming back for a couple more days." His eyes
(Anastasia's POV)"H-home." I stuttered out after his intense gaze locked on me for way too long. His face was carved into a smirk."Very well my wife. Now, back to work. We will discuss your punishment at home." He said while motioning for me to exit. I didn't even need another word of confirmation before bolting back toward my office.I just sat at my desk for a good couple of minutes contemplating the embarrassing events that just occurred, while cursing myself.Why does it always happen to me?!***Laying on the mattress, I refused to push myself to get off. I was going to be late for work but at this point, I didn't care. A knock on my door startled me as I lifted my head.The door opened and Rosalinda walked in. "Good Morning, Madam. Breakfast is ready. I was a little concerned since you usually come down by this time. Is everything okay?" She asks with a smile. "Of course, Rosalinda. Thanks for the breakfast but I'll just have my coffee. You can save it for when I come back." I
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
THALIAI held my chest and felt my pounding heart while hearing his voice, calling my name repeatedly. Is that really him? Did he come to rescue me just like in fairytale movies?It's only been weeks since I haven't heard his voice and not seen his face, but it felt like I hadn't heard from him for years.The back of my eyes warmed, and I chuckled silently at my thoughts.He's always there when I'm in danger. He came to my rescue when I needed him the most. He's really indeed my knight in shining armor--"HERE!" I flinched when Leander shouted near my ear as he pounded his fist on the wall.That woke me up, and I immediately screamed at the top of my lungs. "DAMON, PLEASE SAVE US! THE CONTAINER IS BURNING INSIDE!""FUCK!"I leaned my ear on the wall when I only heard him cuss but eventually distanced myself from the wall because it was getting hotter."Are you sleeping?" He said while coughing.I raised my gaze and glared at Leander but he only scoffed annoyingly. I was about to talk