(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
(Anastasia's POV)Caleb and Mrs. Montes disappeared among the chatting people and I ate the last marshmallow from the stick before throwing it away in the dustbin. I looked around to see everyone having a fun time, especially Alice and Adam making new friends. My eyes wandered until they landed on a stick of barbecued chicken.My stomach growled at that thought and I quickly walked towards the table with food. The table was far away, at the edge of the area. Once nearing the table, I grabbed myself a stick of barbecued chicken. I felt satisfied with the taste and walked around, looking for other items to eat. There was a crowd blocking me and I walked around them, reaching the quiet area and feeling peaceful.As Caleb was taking so long to come back, I decided to take a walk along the edge of the area, near the trees, to have some peace from the crowd. It was a lot quieter and I couldn't help but feel myself relax."How could you do this to me?!"I heard a shrill voice, a voice full o
(Anastasia's POV)"I love you." His voice was low, all gravel in my ear as it came out as a whisper. He feathered kisses down my shoulder and I moaned. His fingers reached the necklace around my neck and he fiddled with it before kissing my neck gently once again. He stops and smiles."What?""I love you." He whispered causing me to grin. He leaned forward to give me a peck before he pulled away."I love you too. Now, let's get up," I said, pushing him away when he pulled me back down immediately. He draped his arm around me lazily and burrowed his face in the space between my neck before mumbling "Don't get up." I chuckled. The sound of his husky voice did wonders for me. He responded with a slow, sleepy kiss to the back of my neck and I instantly relaxed as his long fingers curled over my hip.I rubbed my tired eyes and gave out a big yawn while somehow managing to say, "I have to, Caleb. Can't be late. Samantha will kill me." Since the wedding was soon. Samantha asks for my help i
(Anastasia's POV)"Is Lyra there?" She asked, her eyes filled with hope. I immediately felt pity for her. I nodded my head and she sighed, looking down at her feet before looking back at me. "Did she say anything? Is she angry with me?" She asked me, her eyebrows forming a frown and I gave her a sad smile.It was true love right there."She is worried about you," I said softly and her eyes became teary almost immediately. She looked away, trying to control herself from bursting into tears."Do you want to talk to he—""No." She deadpanned and closed her eyes in frustration. "Did you tell anyone about us?" She asked me."No." I shook my head. "It's your secret to share."Melanie breathed in and breathed out, gulping before narrowing her eyes at me. "Not even Caleb?" She asked."No," I said. She raised her eyebrows before looking away, toward the ceiling. Her fingers absentmindedly kept playing with the end of her floral dress."Lyra doesn't care, you know?" I asked. "All she wants is y
(Anastasia's POV)"Ana?" I turn around to see Caleb with a narrower face.Did he hear us?"C-Caleb...""Are you not done, the dinner's waiting. Who is that by the way," he said as he strode towards me.I look at my screen and the call ended a while ago. Did I accidentally press the end button? "Ahmm, just Alice, asking for something.""Oh, sorry to disturb--""No, it's okay. She hung up already. Shall we?"We walk inside the house and we had our dinner as we chatted about Sam's wedding and the dinner party tomorrow. I hope Byron was there so that I can explain about hanging up on him earlier. I hope he is not mad. But I realized that he was sick. So it's much better for him to not attend the party and take care of his health.*** It's Thursday noon and Caleb was already gone to his company this morning. I pack the lunch box for my beloved husband and soup for my beloved brother-in-law.I plan to visit Byron today and give him the soup I made. I plan to visit him this morning but I w
(Anastasia's POV)"BITCHHHHHHH," Ally exclaimed, dragging the sound to make it look sassy as she snapped her fingers up in the air. Her purple dress flowed beautifully around her. Her hair was up in a messy updo that fitted her. She had placed a butterfly-shaped clip on top of the bun. "Do you know what I just found out?" She asked, her eyes wide and alarmed. I raised my eyebrows.I was wearing a gold-colored dress, with a heart neckline. Caleb bought it for me and I loved the frills around the hem. The elegance was bouncing off the dress and I felt like a queen. My hair was let down, curled and it bounced beautifully whenever I walked. "What... What did you find out?" I asked a little bit alarmed.After Byron kissed me earlier, I pushed him with wide eyes, feeling betrayed by his action. Can't believe he just did that, knowing I am his sister-in-law. He said sorry but I immediately rush out of his unit.I was startled. And also I don't want to know his reason for doing that. Even tho
(Anastasia's POV)"Ana, can we talk?" Lianne asked.I nodded and excuse myself from everyone and Caleb. We walk outside the house, to the garden full of lilies and roses. I found two swings hanging at the big tree. I sat in a swing as Lianne followed me and sat on the other swing quietly. We were silent for a minute until she broke the silence. "I'm sorry. I didn't know she would take it this way.""Why are you saying sorry? You're not at fault." I responded while chuckling. "I didn't do that to be friends with you." "I know, I know... You want to win." I roll my eyes."You spot that on," she smirks, but it's a smirk that you won't get upset with. I smiled thinking that it was the first we calmly talk like this.It was a cool and breezy evening. A strong gust of wind blew against my face and hair making me clasp my hand on my arms."Thank you." I breathed. "Thank you, Lianne." I look at her side, the same as she, staring at me with surprise. She reluctantly avoided my eyes, and cou
(Anastasia's POV)"I do.""You may kiss the bride now." The priest said and immediately Charles bent down, pulling Samantha towards him as he kissed her. The crowd was filled with cheers and applause. It was a beautiful sight and Sam was beautiful in the white dress. Ally was crying, her eyes red and puffy as she laid her head on my shoulder."What a sight," Ally said and I scoffed, wiping her tears away gently. I wonder when she's planning to get married. Does she even have a plan to?The couple was glowing under the light. The wedding was being held in Charles's backyard. It was huge with a lovely garden. Snow was falling gracefully but the area was covered with a tent, so no one got affected.The place was decorated with white satin and white flowers of all kinds. It was warm and sweet. There was a huge Vanilla cake that Alice couldn't wait to get a piece of. The mood was romantic. Only a few people were present, relatives and close friends. I knew most of them.Sam was now a Wife.
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