(Anastasia's POV)Like a fish of the bottomless ascending to the surface of bright air and sun, I swim up to consciousness out of a dead blank into a whiter world than I had ever seen. Sunlight bounced off the carpet because there was a fragment of space open in between the currents. I heard voices very near at hand as if just behind my ear, talking together quietly in a business-like way. The blanket was warm under my skin, lying ramrod-straight on my back on the bed.My vision was still a little bit blurry, as the two vague shapes moved in the corner of the room. I wander my eyes to scrutinize my surroundings. The gray canvas before me turned into a rock-walled ceiling as my vision slowly became clear. Though still only half awake, I glance back at the corner and saw Adam and Caleb having a serious conversation.Where was I? Why was Adam here in Miami? I felt the weirdness of waking up this way. Then my dim awareness melted away and I got very sleepy again.I groaned softly causing a
(Anastasia's POV)"Here." Alice handed me a cup of coffee. I had asked her to bring food from the bakery. I barely ate properly last night and I don't like the taste of the hospital food. Alice was here with doughnuts and buns. I wanted to grab one and eat it but Caleb was not eating anything at all. I grabbed another cup of coffee and reached it to him. He was leaning against the sofa, looking out at the view through the hospital window. He must be bothered about Sophia's whereabouts.I ask Alice to help me reach the sofa, my legs still feel vulnerable. I caught up with Caleb's side and looked at him. His face was tired and his hair was messy. He hadn't slept a wink last night. He was holding me close, lying on his chest and I had woken up to see him looking at the morning sky. It shocked me that he didn't sleep. I couldn't sleep after that, knowing that he didn't sleep."Caleb," I called and he turned around to look at me, giving me a surprised and worried look on his face."Why did
(Anastasia's POV)Ding!The brownies were ready. I quickly jumped and put on my gloves. Rushing to the oven, I pulled the tray out and placed the brownies carefully onto the dining table. The dining table was filled with food. It is what I had been doing all day. We reached home yesterday morning from the hospital. I'm feeling better and the bandages on my head were removed but a patch of plaster was still intact. I pushed Caleb toward his bedroom to get a good sleep and he slept like a baby. After making sure that he was sleeping, I took a nap myself and woke up later at about one in the afternoon. I tried waking him up but he was sleeping like a dead body. I wanted to pour a bucket full of water over him but he was just too cute, sleeping. And, he looked extremely tired, both mentally and physically so I let him be. He is more occupied these days with his work, trying to cope with everything about his new building. He is working on the investigation for finding Sophia, still no loc
(Anastasia's POV)I groaned before I sip on my coffee while stretching out myself. I just woke up and you know, when one of those days, you just feel too lazy to bathe. Yep, I was feeling that way today so I didn't bathe. And it was a Sunday which automatically made me even lazier.Byron visited yesterday but after he handed me the bouquet of roses, he bid farewell as he said he was busy with paper works. I adore him for the way that he gave me time to visit despite the workload he has. Maybe, he was just avoiding Caleb as they treated each other coldly.As I headed downstairs, my eyes flickered up to meet the well-designed and painted counter with a brand-new oven sitting on the counter. It was bigger, shinier, and new.The house was unusually silent and the room to Caleb's door was open. I did peek in carefully this time. I didn't want to encounter another shirtless water-dripping-showered Caleb.Although, he does look so damn sexy.Just no.Apart from me did wish for him to be naked
(Caleb's POV)"Sir, Mr. Martin reschedule the meeting," Kent informed me when I get off the car."It's good then. Push it back to next Tuesday." If he wants to delay it then why do I need to give him the face?"Okay, Sir. I will inform his assistant." Kent wrote down on his iPad as we entered the Carter Enterprise walking towards the elevator."How is the deal with Sy group going? Any progress?" I glanced at the Rolex watch and passed my mobile to Kent before entering the elevator."Director George is leading the project. Here is his report." he handed the iPad to me and took a glance at the screen."What about this, Beatrice?" I pointed to the name on the screen."That's.....she is the youngest Parker and she..." he sounded awkward and I got the clue from his behavior."She wants to meet me." I complete his sentence for him."The annual charity event that we held four months ago when Director George had attended the party, she asked for your personal number an--" I handed back the iPa
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb and I haven't spoken ever since. Every morning, he wakes up early to get to work and comes home late just to avoid me. It's his house, not mine, he shouldn't be feeling like a stranger in his own house. All of this is just because of going to a club in broad daylight. I am just helping Ava, does he want me to ignore Ava's situation? Talking to him always adds more problems to my list of problems.And also, NO PUNISHMENT OCCURRED!After that day, I haven't heard from Byron either. Those two are the most strange people I've ever met. They have too much in common, I wonder why they hate each other so much. Sometimes, I feel like they are trying to kill each other with a blazing glare, they are the only brothers but they don't get along well.I was taking a walk in the garden when Rosalinda sprinted in a rush towards me."What is it, Rosalinda?.""Madam, Mr. Carter just called and he said can you e-mail him the number of a folder. It's yellow and it's in the cardboa
(Anastasia's POV)I flaunt a genuine smile before he took my hand and he led us into the Lamborghini Sian. The ride was silent and I have to say it was getting uncomfortable. I mean, I'm sitting next to a guy who has barely said three words to me for the past few days. I had this question that was burning in my head and I needed to get the answer, he was the only one who could answer that."Caleb, why are you so infuriated at Byron?"The next moment, he started snapping at me."Can't you just stay quiet for ten minutes?"I flinched at his cold tone. His face was red and I could see how pissed he was as he tightly grips on the steering wheel.You know how to spoil a good mood, Anastasia.After the short drive which somehow seemed to be hours, we arrived at the ancestral mansion. We headed inside the elevator and entered the spacious and elegant living room. Everything seems mesmerizing.A sleek and sophisticated theme including dim lighting, flickering candles, and candelabras as a tabl
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb and I are back to square one. After last night, we haven't spoken. I figured it was for the best. He went through from the past and I don't think anyone deserves that. No wonder he is so bitter. He must be truly loved Sophia before.I had seen his car outside so I assumed he was still asleep.I was in the kitchen making some breakfast when I received a call from Mom. She wanted to talk to me. Not so long after Caleb walked in, he still had this gloomy aura. I felt guilty about stealing that picture but he didn't seem to care about anything.He took some plates from the cupboard, for which I was thankful because I couldn't possibly reach that high without at least standing on a chair and breaking my neck.He positioned himself at the table and so do I. "So, uhmm... When can I go back to work?" I break the silence."No, you're not going back to work. I already fired you." he calmly said."What? Why?" I exclaim in surprise."Just stay at home, Ana. That would be s
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