(Anastasia's POV)I squinted my eyes to adjust my vision as I am not sure because only the woman's back was flaunted in front of me. As I was walking slowly, I accidentally bump into the edge of the couch causing me to groan in pain as it directly hit my thigh. I rub my thigh while silently cursing."Ana?" I raise my head to see Caleb walking towards me. "Are you okay?" he asks but I step back causing him to stop in his trance."What... What is she doing here?" I pointed at Lianne, standing and staring at me with full of vengeance."She--" he was cut off."Caleb we're not done yet!" she yelps irately.I chuckle, "Not done with your smooching?" I ask Caleb with raised brows."Wait-- what? What smooching are you talking about?" he ask with full of confusion plastered on his face.I just roll my eyes while scoffing at his so-called innocence. I didn't respond and walked passed him but he suddenly grabs and pull my arm causing me to bump into his chest. He leans closer and smells my face,
(Anastasia's POV)"Something happened to us."I am left breathless like I am running on a treadmill, or rowing away as if some ghost from the past is chasing me. There is burning in my lungs as I desperately try to draw in enough air to sustain functionality. Slowly, I felt my heart punctured a million times over by tiny pins. It feels as if his statement left me numb, not even slightly painful, just numb.H-HOW DARE HE DO THIS TO ME?! I THOUGHT HE LOVES ME. IS THAT ALL A LIE? AM I THAT DUMB TO BELIEVE HIS WORDS AND TRUST HIM FULLY?I feel my face flush a deep shade of red, and I scrunched up my features as I avoided his eyes. A lump in my throat was about to burst and it really did, a low whimper started to let out from my mouth as my tears falls spontaneously. I cover my face with my palms and turned my back to him. I held my knees to control my breathing.I can't face him. I can't show this side of me. I don't want him to see how weak and vulnerable I am today."But that was in coll
(Anastasia's POV)Everything was packed. The luggage was ready in the car. I wanted to clear my bladder so I went to the bathroom one last time.The Campsite was hours away from here. So, it's going to be a long journey. I brought along Alice and Adam. Damian had ordered 10 pizzas just in case we get hungry along the way and don't see any restaurants.Yes, Damian was coming with us. He just arrived from Australia last night, and Caleb invited him to this camping which makes me more furious as Lianne was joining in too.What a perfect situation!Stepping out of the bathroom, I saw Caleb carrying luggage, striding to the main door. I guess it's time to go.I strode outside the mansion and felt envious of the expensive cars lining down the garage. Damian and Adam brought their sports car Ferrari but we are not using their cars as we were driving Caleb's Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to fit us all in one car instead.Once inside the van, me in the passenger seat as Caleb is the driver today, our
(Anastasia's POV)The surrounding was buzzing with energy and excitement. We were told that the Camp will officially start tonight. Until then, we had to set our tents. We could look around if we wanted to. The boys and girls were separated. So, Caleb, Damian, and Adam had to go to the other side of the river which flowed from a huge waterfall in the middle of the clearing. There was a bridge connecting both sides. It looked pretty cool.When the guys left, Caleb didn't even take a glance at me which makes me feel more annoyed and frustrated.Why is he that angry?I should be the one who's angrier as I saw him kissing Lianne the other day, though it's not him who initiated it.I rolled my eyes at him and scanned the surroundings. All the females present were around our age. There were no old ones which I was glad for. I didn't need those cranky and judgmental ass ladies spoiling and ruining my Camp. There were blondes, brunettes, redheads, and colorful heads like Ally. Some were short
(Anastasia's POV)I turned the card over to see the word, 'Aphrodite' printed in bold font letters. I scrunched my eyebrows up in confusion and looked over Ally's shoulder at her card. Her card also had the word, 'Aphrodite' across it. I smiled in excitement. I don't know what the hell this means but at least we got the same word."Ok, listen up," Bruno said from the mic on the stage. The mic let out a screeching sound and everyone groaned. "Harold, get this shit correct!" Bruno called out and the screeching sound faded away before he tapped the mic once more. "Ok peeps, all of ya folks have a card in your hand?" we all said 'yes' in unison. "Good. That is your group name. There are three groups in total. Group Poseidon, Group Zeus, and Group Aphrodite." Everyone broke out into whispers and Ally hugged me on the side excitedly. "Thank God we are in the same group," she whispered excitedly."Listen up. There are sixty of you present here. All of you will be divided into three groups,
(Anastasia's POV)The crocodile lay motionless on the ground with a mouth gaping stance. Its sharp teeth and battle scars on its face made my heart race. Its still body was basking in the moonlight. I was two feet away from it and I didn't have any weapon with me. I didn't even have anything with me. A sweat droplet rolled down the side of my face. I gulped, fearing for my life. I have never been more awake than I am now in my entire life. My fear awakened to pain as I whimpered a little.The reptile predator's tough and scaly skin was glistening with water. It looked like a still statue but suddenly at a flashing speed, it crawled towards me, its kill. Immediately, I screamed in fright and ran into the dark forest, without a second thought. It stopped, not daring to step into the shadows and I was trying to calm down my racing heart.He growls.I stiffened and tears brimmed my eyes at the unfortunate events that are taking place right now. I didn't dare look behind. I couldn't move.
(Anastasia's POV)All of us talked for a few more minutes which seemed like hours. We joked around, and Damian continued teasing Ally, I couldn't be happier with what I have in my life right now. I noticed that Byron is nowhere to be found inside the tent. He might have gone outside.The talk went on for another half an hour and I felt like the events of the night happened a long time ago. It had already started to fade away. There was a small gathering where Vienna mentioned to the crowd that the remaining activities will no longer take place across the river. Everyone was back to their usual selves, except some scaredy-cats who still look a little shaken up."Goddammit, I have to pee!" Ally squealed and I laughed, gesturing for her to calm down. I looked at the long queue in front of us. "Calm down. You are making a scene." I shushed her and she groaned, struggling to stand straight as she bent forward, crossing her legs as she controlled herself. I laughed at her state.After our
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb's voice reached my ears and I smiled as all the girls looked at me and him back and forth. I could see their inner fangirling going on in their heads and I wanted to laugh at the situation. Most of them were swooning over him, but I knew they weren't jealous, and I knew they wouldn't destroy my relationship. They were just finding this entire situation cute for a couple and I could see that. I glance at Lianne, she was busy chatting with a girl beside her, not even taking a peek at us. Is she bitter?"Now, can I have my girl back ladies?""Aww, he calls her 'my girl'." A girl squealed from somewhere. Another girl looked like she was going to faint while the others were mostly fangirling inwardly. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the situation."You can have her, Mr. Caleb." The girl, Ms. Samantha gave me a knowing smile before gesturing for me to get up. I couldn't help but feel butterflies dancing in my belly as I stood up, and brushed the dirt off myself
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