(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
(ANASTASIA'S POV)-ANTONIO LAVERDE, THE SON OF A MULTI-BILLIONAIRE IN EUROPE, SHOT TO DEATH- HeadlineAntonio Laverde? I felt relieved when it turned out it is not my father.Photos of his body that looked almost too explicit for the public were posted on television. He does look like my dad but I don't think it's him.I mean, the man was shot to death, he has a different name too, and most of all, he is the son of a multi-billionaire in Europe. It's so hard to believe that he is my father. But they do have facial feature similarities. I couldn't help but feel bad for the man. Who wanted him dead so badly that made it occur like this?I'm trying to compose myself as I keep eating my chocolate almond. I looked at Caleb when he placed his hand on my lap."As I stare at your father's picture, I just figure out now that he and Antonio look alike," he said, can't stop staring at the tv."I almost had a heart attack, thinking that my father is a multi-billionaire." I let out a chuckle but Ca
(Anastasia's POV)"W-what? Who... who are you?""Adam. Adam Laverde." He replied with a slight smile. "You as well. Dad has told me a lot of stories about you and my other younger sister, Alice." He said and my face turned dark."There are only limits to that. If Dad told you anything about us, maybe you also know why he left us." I replied while leaning forward to grab a water bottle."Mhmm, he only told me about having a mistress with our maid before and left us for her.""Well, you do know who killed him, right?" "I do not. No one does." "His brother." he stops moving his wine for a second with his hand before he sighs and shot me a glare."Do you have evidence?" he sternly asked before avoiding my eyes and drinking his wine. He seems relaxed, not even surprised about what I just revealed. He must know everything."He said in the video that he left, for us to be safe. And his brother will go after us this time. Are you aware of that?" I said in a slightly sickening tone at the end
(Anastasia's POV)I heavily strode my feet on the floor towards our room as I brushes off the tears welled in my eyes. I don't know why I felt a throbbing pain in my chest. Trying to control my emotions as much as I can but my tears are such a traitor wanting to escape from my swollen eyes.I faintly heard Caleb calling my name before I slammed the door closed. However, Caleb is faster than lightning, in an instant, he sneaks inside the room before the door fully closes. He grabbed my arms and harshly pulled me, causing my body to turn around, and there... he saw my crimson-red damp eyes. I was trying to hide my face as I don't want him to think that I hate what I just saw earlier."A-Ana... It's not like that..." he utterly said as he loosened his grip on my pale skin.I harshly grab back my arms as I run to the bathroom and was about to close the door when he stops it from closing. I used force to push the door close but Caleb is more powerful than I am, he put a lot of strength to p
(Caleb's POV)I was pulled out of my trance as my phone started ringing. I took it out and saw Rosalinda is calling me. Sliding it up to answer and bought the phone to my ear."Hello, Rosalinda, is everything alright? I will be arriving shortly--""Mr. Carter! Madam is still not home!" She said in a trembling tone through the phone.I took a glance at my smartwatch on my wrist marked 11:20 pm. It's already late but Anastasia is still not home. "Okay, Rosalinda, I'll take care of it. Just wait up there for Anastasia. I will come home soon." I ended the call and stood up from my swivel chair as I grab my coat and exited my office.As I ride an elevator, I took out my phone and dialed her number. I let out a heavy breath when an operator was on the line, she is out of reach. I run my hands through my hair as I stride outside the elevator and reached my car.God damn it, Ana!Where are you?As I am already driving home, I dialed one man who was in a position to watch Anastasia."Vince, I
(Anastasia's POV)I woke up with a jolt on the bed as I had such a weird dream of kissing Caleb. Me? Initiate a kiss? That was by far the most embarrassing moment I ever had.I was about to get up, but I get back to my position when my head started pounding furiously. I suddenly regretted my decision last night to go clubbing with Byron and get drunk. I wanted to kill Byron right now. Wait! Byron?I fully open my eyes and scanned my surroundings. I am in a familiar room and felt relieved to realize this was Caleb's room. I just have this thought that if I had committed a sin with Byron last night. What am I thinking?As I was getting ready to get up again to head to the bathroom when someone knocked on the door. Rosalinda came inside with a tray in her hands. Maybe, a food."Madam, this is some soup I made from an old family recipe. It might make you feel better." Rosalinda handed me some soup in a small bowl."Did Byron bring me back last night or did you have to call security?" I y
(Caleb's POV)I woke up the next morning on the couch with a blanket covered on my body. I don't quite remember that I brought a blanket with me last night. I shoved those thoughts and glanced at the documents on the table which was neatly arranged beside the laptop. I jerk off the bed and carefully scanned the documents, I felt relieved when it was arranged accordingly. Only Anastasia knows these documents.I stood up while carrying the blanket with me upstairs, to Anastasia's room. As I carefully open the door and saw her bed was fully clean and arranged. She was already gone to the office. She just doesn't learn, does she?As time goes on, I fall for her more and even though we were never able to have a proper wedding, the least I could do is make it up to her. Lianne already left the mansion, I didn't kick her out. We just had a misunderstanding as she was being strange these days. She said, she will visit her mom but she never came back since the day we arrived here from France.
(Caleb's POV)I woke up to the pungent smell of hospital disinfectant, invading my nostrils. The room was silent apart from my heavy breathing and the beep beep sound you often hear in hospitals that indicates you're alive. I slowly opened my eyes, squinting an in attempt to sharpen the blurred images before me. Out of impulse, my hand travels to my face, pressing the throbbing area on my left temple. I felt a bandage and flinched at the pain. I tried to get up. How long have I been here? I shut my eyes, trying to remember what had exactly happened. Then it all hits me with a bang. The memory of it all starts to occupy my thoughts.The hard impact hitting my head on the side window caused in to lose my sense. Some people panicked and I heard one lady scream. Crashed. The pain jolted throughout my body. People started to surround me, some dialing 911 to seek professional help. A man was telling me "Hold on, you'll be fine". I tried to hold on while reaching someone beside me... Shit!A
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