THALIAI anxiously walked back and forth in front of the emergency room, waiting for someone wearing a white coat to come out to tell me Fred’s condition.He was shot in his back, and he did not respond to us when he fell to the ground.This is my fault. I should not have let him get nearer me, knowing that someone is after my life.I devastatingly sat on an empty bench, hoping Fred’s life was not in danger.Just then, a hastily footstep coming in my direction echoed in the hallway.I immediately stood up when I saw Frederick’s parents. Their eyes glued to me as soon as they reached me.“How is he?” Aunt asked with trembling hands.“T-They are taking out the bullet in his back. I’m sorry–”“Your parents are coming.” I froze at my uncle's cold tone and raging eyes. “Wait for them.”Where is he going? Is he not going to wait for the doctor to come out? Is he not worried about his own son?He left without showing emotion or worry for his son. He was more furious than saddened at what h
THALIA“What's wrong? Do you feel sick?”My fork fell on the plate as I was disturbed in my own deep thoughts when I heard Mom’s voice in front of me.I cleared my throat as I looked at her. “I'm fine, Mom.” We are in the cafeteria, where I took Mom to calm down. Her neck was so red and I knew she reached her limit in front of Dad.I don't want to see them fighting because of me. But, to be honest, I was more bothered by what Uncle Michael had said in the men’s room, with this crazy thought that he had a connection with the shooter.Who is he yelling at? Why is he so mad at him than the shooter who did this to Fred?It should not be a concern but as I keep thinking deeply about it, it was so strange. The fact that he’s Fred’s father was enough reason not to suspect him of something ridiculous.I continued eating my macaroon but I saw my Mom worryingly staring at me.“Really, I’m fine,” I repeated because she didn't seem convinced of my response to her earlier.She let out a deep sig
DAMONAs soon as I heard what happened to Thalia and Fred, I sprinted to the hospital where they took them. The first familiar person I saw in the hallway was Thalia's father, Mr. Carter.When our eyes met, his raging eyes shot into mine and pulled me into the stairway.As he closed the door, his raging voice echoed in the staircase.“What the fuck are you doing here?!”But I shoved his anger and worriedly asked about his daughter. “Is she alright? She's not hurt, right?”“She's fine and thank you for your concern. Get out of here now–”“Are you not doing anything just to get the asses of those assholes hiding from the limelight?”I exploded in rage causing his jaw to clench in rage as well. He clenched his fist in my collar, giving me a death glare. “Don't question my way of protecting my daughter, Kane.” He said with gritted teeth.I scoffed. “I am not questioning how you keep your loved ones safe, rather I'm worried that your way of protecting them was not actually to protect the
(Anastasia's POV)I wake up swamped in my light blue covers, rubbing my eyes as the bright sunlight hits them. I glance over at my clock which is marked 8:05 am. Oh shit! I am gonna be late! Dashing off from the bed and quickly take a shower. As soon I was finished, I dressed in a white plain T-shirt and partnered it down with denim blue pants and black Converse. I apply a powder and lilting to my bare face before I brush my hair and tie it into a neat bun that rested on top of my head. I exited my apartment and headed to the Latte Cafe where I work as a cashier.Once I arrived, I stride inside the shop and was greeted by a warm smile from my co-worker."Good morning, Ana." "Good morning, Jane," I respond.After I set my belongings in my locker, I help Jane to set up everything before the customer dashes in. While doing our chores, Mrs. Smith arrived at the shop with a profound countenance."Ms. Hansley, to my office now." she coldly states.I glance at Jane but she just shrugged wh
(Caleb's POV)It was finally the night of the most awaited annual Carter charity event. Unfortunately, I have been feeling under the weather since this morning after waking up from a killer headache. Because of this event, my workload is packed more than ever and I had been traveling back and forth from the Carter main headquarters to several branches to handle management matters personally without a day's rest. I may love working but I also know how to appreciate rest days once in a while. And right now, spending some time alone in my penthouse with a cup of coffee and a book sounded good. I casually fixed my tux while looking at my reflection in the glass window of the library.A part of me is relieved that Lucas is handling the problem regarding my father's Will. Of course, I trusted my cousin. Josh is clever, smart, and an overall good kid. He's a Carter after all but I can't help but worry about him. Sometimes, there's a look on his face that spells trouble. I just hope that th
(Anastasia's POV)I followed Mr. Carter. to a private parking lot where all the VIP vehicles are. He unlocked the trunk of his car and took out a brown leather duffle bag, and pulled out a white cotton towel."Dry yourself first. I don't want you to catch a cold." he handed me the towel before putting the bag back in the trunk. He then unlocked the driver's seat and motioned his hand at me to get on the other side."I'll dry myself first. I don't want to ruin the seats. They look expensive."He rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt to his elbows, "It doesn't matter, you can do it inside. Now, get in before someone sees you."Reminding me of how scary reporters can be, I hurriedly hopped in the passenger seat.He started to move out of the car from the parking lot with ease. "So, what's this important thing you were going to tell me?"I looked outside the windows as they go past building by building. "W-where are we going?" I also noticed how the rain seemed to have also calmed down a b
(Caleb's POV)After she signed the contract. We headed to her place to pick up her mom and sister. Since she said earlier that they must move out, Josh can't find a vacant apartment near my house or company, so he ended up with a condominium near my company."Turn left..." I followed her instruction on which way is their home. This place looks like a poor residential area, you can see a crowded neighborhood and a loud situation.Somewhere a dog barked, I could hear the risings and fallings of a conversation being held on a porch near the corner, chatting and yapping and playing and shrieking; a car passed on the street, the roaring sound of a motorcycle revving on the other side of the cemetery intrudes like a profanity. How can they live here peacefully?"JUST LEAVE THIS INSTANT!!""S-stop the car, sir." she unbuckles her seatbelt and was about to open the door, adrenaline rushed through me as I stepped on the brake. She jumped off the car and run toward the crowded people. Is she cr
Anastasia's POVI stare up at the ceiling in deep thought. What the hell did I get myself into? My life is going to take a drastic turn from this point. Did I make the right choice by accepting this deal? I just signed my life to a stranger himself. I let out a long sigh before standing up from my bed. Enough thinking, Anastasia.I grab my grey sleeping robe and put it on without tying it. While walking to the kitchen, I tie my hair into a messy bun and start making breakfast for my mom and sister. As soon as I finished, the doorbell rang. Striding towards the door, to reveal the most handsome man I've met."Mr. Carter?" I ask confused as to why he was here this early. He raises his hand for a 'hi'. "What are you doing here, Mr. Carter?... Oh! Come in!""I am here to pick you up, we need to go somewhere." He sat on the couch."Uhmm... C-Can we go some other time? I... I still need to explain to Mom about the situation." I keep glancing at my mom's room, but his dark brown eyes gave m