THALIAI woke up with a feeling of being knocked down yesterday. But my head was in more pain than my whole body. It was as if I was being hit internally with something hard.Hard liquor. With a groan, I sat on the bed and massaged my temple to ease the pain before I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was underwear on the floor.A color beige bra.“Is that my bra? Why is it on the floor–” I froze when my eyes scanned the room. F*ck! This is not my room! This is Damon's guest room. What the hell happened yesterday?Right! We drank because I just felt like drinking even though I'm not used to it.I clenched my fist in my chest but my soul left me.WHY AM I NOT WEARING MY BRA?!My gaze was back on the bra on the floor and sprinted without having a second thought.I wish I didn't take this off in front of Mr. Kane. I really didn't clearly remember if he was drunk too or not.The door suddenly opened. Adrenaline rushed through me as I hid my bra behind me but I remembered t
THALIAAfter long hours of sitting and lying down on my seat with Mr. Kane, in another seat on his private plane, we arrived in Russia. The sun was climbing out of the deep well of winter, but it was still brutally cold when we exited his private airport. Snow pelted my face, and I pulled up the collar of my overcoat to further shield me from this bitter weather. Why, given that winter has just begun here, did he consider going to his branch at this time?This is my second time here. The first one was with my family for a family gathering at my mother's side. I didn't enjoy it much at that time since I couldn't go out without my brother. My brother prefers to do his dissertation rather than kill time with me.He's indeed a workaholic.“You okay?” My train of thought is interrupted by Mr. Kane. I nodded in response. “Need more layers?” I shook my head and put our luggage in the car trunk.He opened the door at the backseat and let me in first. Now, we're sitting side by side and it's
THALIAMy eyes quivered as I stared at him, avoiding my eyes. It felt like he just kicked me out of his life when he said I'm fired. Literally, he kicks me out of his sight.“What are you talking about? What do you mean I'm fired?” I confusedly stood up with furrowed brows.I just don't understand. I just accidentally bumped into one of his employees and got injured a little. Does that cause me to lose my internship?"You're clumsy. You can't work with me." He turned his back and was about to exit my room, but I blocked his way to the door."Then transfer me back to the financial department.” With a sigh, I saw how his irritated look came back on his face. "What's your goal in working in my company anyway?""I need my internship to be done.""You have your father's company, your mother and Uncle Adam have each of their company. Thalia, you can just choose which of your family's companies is more suitable to do your internship." He scowled with a confused gaze on me."I have my reason
THALIAI abruptly let go of his neck and distanced my head, which made my head bump into the wall behind me. I winced in pain, but my eyes stuck on the red-haired woman behind Damon Kane.“It's you! Damon!”Mr. Kane remained staring at me as if he didn't hear the woman's voice behind him. It's making me uncomfortable because of what I was supposed to do earlier.I turned his face to his side where the woman was waiting for Mr. Kane’s response.“She called you,” I whispered and slowly untagged his arms around my waist.Our position was kinda awkward in the first place. I'm glad we're in a dark alley and a few people wandering around. The woman suspiciously smiles at me, but I can feel her confusion regarding the situation. “And… Thalia Carter, daughter of Anastasia and Caleb.” She knew me as well. She nervously laughs while tapping Mr. Kane's arm as if they were close enough with that gesture. “This is interesting to watch, Damon.”“It's not what you think, Aira.” Mr. Kane muttered a
THALIAMr. Kane stared at me with those confused eyes as the warmth from his hand on mine lingered all over me. His thumb played with my thumb and I was losing my mind at his small, yet, heart-fluttering gesture.“We didn't date.”I confusedly gaze at him. “But the article–”“They are just making up stories. Don't believe them.” He went back in searching for a band-aid in the first aid kit box to cover the cut.“It doesn't concern me. I was just wondering why she keeps following us.” I mumbled as I watched him take care of my hand.He looks so gentle and careful. He's far from what we've known as a demon boss. Or maybe he's always been like this to me but I just noticed it now. With a deep sigh, I stared at the mirror beside me. Am I really troubling him by asking him to help me? To be honest, I have no one to rely on, aside from my parents and brother. I'm afraid to tell them what happened to me. They'll get worried and be more protective twice or thrice as before.When I noticed M
THALIAThe usual day arrived again with Mr. Kane still monitoring the progress of his hotel while I was still following him like a puppy. Being his assistant was exhausting… in my legs. I want to go back to working my ass off in the office because walking around with my heels or boots was killing my toes. I pity them.When it was lunchtime, Mr. Kane and I were about to exit the hotel because he preferred to have Italian cuisine rather than local food.“Hi! Let's have lunch!” Aira's sudden appearance made me sigh. I hope she won't go shopping after lunch again.“What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the photoshoot right now.” Mr. Kane said while he opened the back seat door of the car.“We wrapped up early.” Her eyes sparkled as her smile almost reached her ears while gazing at Mr. Kane.She didn't even look at me. I felt Mr. Kane's hand at the back of my waist as he lightly pushed me to enter the car. I don't know why my heart fluttered at his small gesture.It's nothi
THALIA“Frederick?” He only looked at me confusedly. The staff apologized and explained that the door of the storage room could only be open outside. As soon as she left, I hinted that maybe Aira knew that the door was jammed.I don't want to accuse her, but that's what I believed.Frederick and I were left alone in the hallway. His brows furrowed as he stared at me intently. What is he doing here? How did he even find me? Perhaps he heard me screaming for help.“What are you doing here in Russia?” He suddenly said sternly. “Who's with you?”He sometimes acts like my brother, aside from being clingy and forcing me to date him.“Ahmm… M-My boss–”“Thalia!” I flinched at Mr. Kane's voice, startled at his sudden appearance. “I've been looking for you everywhere.” His eyes were burning in rage as he glanced at Frederick. “But you're just here with someone unexpected.”Frederick scoffed annoyingly. “She was just locked in the storage room.”As soon as he heard Frederick’s words, he turne
THALIAMy eyes shut, and my thoughts went crazed as Mr. Kane completely devoured my mouth. Both of his hands clutch onto my cheeks, drawing me into his warm embrace.It's too warm… he's so warm… my insides are so damn warm.He gives me a kiss that I've never felt before— one of limited authority and mastered accuracy. I feel like driving him crazy because I know that all that vertigo has to go somewhere while I kiss him back as my inhibitions lose the battle. With a grip tight, I reached for his disheveled hair, afraid I'd topple over if I let go. We fought silently, lashing out at one other. It is an entirely new experience to kiss a man as wild as this. But I don't know why I'm letting him do this. It was as if I was hypnotized by his tender yet powerful burning touch. Excessively sexy and toxic to the extent that I was craving more. A kiss so intense that it feels as though one of us could pass away. I shouldn't be doing this with my boss, but if he stops, I might die from hung
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