(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
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb opens the door widely causing my naked skin to shiver through the frigid breeze thrusting inside the house.I was taken back to see Lianne with her luggage, drenched in sweat, her left cheek is crimson red and her countenance looks miserable."Lianne? Are you okay?" Caleb asks with concern. He held her luggage, leading her towards the living room as I followed them behind."C-can I stay here for a while?" Lianne said with her watery crimson eyes. It seems like she's not in good condition right now."Of course, you can, Lianne." I was surprised glancing at Caleb, he is caressing her head to keep her calm while staring at her, full of worries. He became soft and gentle in an instant.He is always gentle when it comes to his best friend, Lianne. But I don't know why my chest felt a tingling sensation and was about to tear up. Why can't he be fully gentle with me? Why only to Lianne? Is she that special to him?I lowered my head as I let out a chuckle. Who am I to
(Caleb's POV)I am at the top floor of the company and was getting fully dressed accompanied by Josh and Damian, who were patiently waiting for me to finish in the next room.A smile escapes from my lips as I remember Anastasia last night. I felt a boner last night but I held myself devouring her beautiful body as that was her punishment. Her beautiful face keeps rummaging in my mind and I can't help to smile from time to time, remembering her beautiful soul.I finished dressed in a formal neat dark black suit that matched my other accessories as I put on the final of my outfit before heading out of the room."Finally, what took you so long, dude," Damian complained as he stood up from the sofa. Josh just gave me a bright smile on his face as they both walked up in my direction."Looking nice." Josh complimented me while looking at my attire with a curved on his lips. It was a beautiful dark combination that suited my dark and domineering aura."We better get going or we are going to b
(Anastasia's POV)The bright Monday morning shunned the blue sky covered with fluffy white clouds as I walked inside the Carter's Enterprise building."Good morning." I greeted the receptionist with a smile as I swiped my card through."Good Morning, Mrs. Carter," I walked inside the elevator. I took a glance one more time at the watch on my wrist which indicates 6:57 am before I press the top floor.Taping my foot on the glass floor repetitively, I tried to calm my nerves as people got on and off the elevator to their sections. When it finally reached the top floor, I glance back at my watch as I exited the elevator once again, 6:59 am. I hastened walked into his office and knocked on his door."Come in." His hoarse voice spoke coldly.I opened the door slightly before I entered fully inside his office. Walking towards the table, I placed the coffee in front of him before taking a seat. He looked up at me as he nodded."Morning, I am on time," I said grinning while placing the files
(Anastasia's POV)I groaned to myself as my empty stomach starts grumbling like a hungry lion. I took a glance at my watch, it was just past one pm and I haven't gotten a chance to eat my breakfast yet.Setting the papers on the desk, I stood up and strode my feet to the door. I stuffed my hand in my pocket walking towards the elevator, taking a few glances at Caleb's office, but he is nowhere to be found. He must be still in a meeting.I quickly walked into the cafeteria room. Feeling a little lonely, eating by myself, I took out my phone and ask Ava to have snacks with me. But they are having a meeting, so she is out. I decided to eat alone then.I was silently eating a macaroon in the corner inside this wide expanded room filled with few employees as they are busy devouring their own business while I was busy with my own business too. I was about to take a huge bite when my name echoed inside the cafeteria causing me to stop in a trance.I turned my head and see Byron runs in my dir
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb's brows were drawn together. Then, Lianne followed his gaze.I don't know how to react in this situation but all I know is my heart is about to burst. I looked away from them trying to remain composure. As much as I want to drag Lianne by her hair out of Caleb's room, I need to control my emotion as I am not his real wife."What is it?" Caleb asked. Lianne is already leaning on the couch with crossed arms while Caleb strides his feet towards my direction with a frown face.What? Did I interrupt their romantic moments? Am I on their way? I rolled my eyes out of annoyance."I need a suitcase, mine's broken, just send it to my room," Turning my back without waiting for him to respond, striding my feet back to my room.I almost burst into outrage.***I exited the bathroom, yawning, after being done cleaning myself, and yet, still sleepy. I haven't slept a wink last night and don't ask me why. They are just very close like real siblings, don't get them wrong. But
(Anastasia's POV)"Have you ever been outside and walked around the city just for fun and to explore?" e He shook his head. "I never thought there was a good reason, it was a waste of time, but not anymore until you came." I immediately looked at him, surprised. It's because of me?I ignore my thought and nodded in response as I pluck out a dandelion from the ground. Blowing on it, the seeds flew around spreading all over the air.Caleb just watched in interest."Here try it," I said while plucking another one and handing it to him. He looked at me like I gave him the most challenging task in all of mankind. I chuckled slightly and picked one up for myself. "All you have to do is put it close to your face and blow on it lightly. The seeds will fall all over." I said while demonstrating how to do it.He brought it close to his face and blew on it. But the problem is, he brought it too close to his face so he inhaled some of the seeds causing him to cough nonstop. I tried to hold back
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