THALIAMy heart was beating furiously when the black Ferrari suddenly turned on as the window at the back seat rolled down.I almost cursed to see Mr. Damon Kane's mug, glaring at me like he wanted to bury me alive.“I'll deduct your stipend if this was damaged.”I don't need your stipend!“I a-apologize, sir.”“Going home?” My brow raised in doubt at his question. Did he wait for me? Nah, stop being delusional–“Get in.”“Ha?”“Don't make me wait.” His tone was cold and firm, and if I won't move, he will cut my head down at this moment.I immediately entered his car.This is better than walking or taking a cab. It feels safer– wait… safer? I abruptly looked at him with widened eyes as the engine came alive.Why did I feel I'm safer in riding his car? What if he will take me somewhere unknown and kill me without anyone knowing? What he knows is that I took his one million.I bit my lower as my fingers fidgeted on my lap. Anxiety kicks in as I keep glancing at the window, making sure
THALIA “If there's anything else, just call the nurse.” The doctor said before leaving the VIP room where Mr. Kane is confined.Well, he was not literally confined. He only needed time to rest or sleep without distractions. Mr. Kane needed time to rest himself from work. He over-stressed his mind and body, causing him to experience severe head pain. And his insomnia added to the situation.I stride to the fridge and drink some water to relieve my worries about what happened to Mr. Kane.To be honest… I was scared to death.He was so pale, and he was not responding to my slap on his face. If he's alright, he should have reacted and scowled me for touching him.With a sigh, I turned to Mr. Kane and saw him sleeping peacefully on the king-size bed.His face was now relaxed, and that made my heart feel lighted.He made me worried.Wait… why am I overreacting? Is it because he's my boss? Will my internship certificate be at risk if something terrible happens to him? Also, I have no one
THALIALike a barrage of steel, the rain fell in a straight, silvery stream. It clattered into the pavement roads and the buildings. The thunder created some sounds like grand pianos crashing, then subsided to a gentler continuous rumbling, which was virtually smothered by the sound of the rain.The sky is lonely. That was all I thought while watching the rain alone-- I mean, not totally alone.I was shoved in Mr. Kane’s direction when a woman full of baggage dashed through the door.Mr. Kane's warm fingers curled in my arms. My heart began to pound when I realized his warmth reached my chest.I immediately stepped away from him.The long silence was deafening. Even the sound of the car's engine passing by didn't move away from the silence between us.“H-How are you feeling? Are you really fine?”“For the nth time, yes, I'm fine, Thalia.”Thalia… he called me casually for the second time. He yelled my name earlier, though. He usually called me ‘Your Highness’, so it's surprising he fi
DAMONI glare at her as she awkwardly smiles at me. Why force herself to do stuff she isn't willing to do? It's obvious she's hesitant to stay in a man's house, and most of all, it's her boss's house.My car keys jangle in my hand as I turn to her with confusion. “You sounded not sure.”“I… am.” She shrugged.“Stop playing and just follow me–”“Look, it's raining hard.”I'm not blind, woman.“My car has a roof.” I firmly said.“B-But–”“Enough.”I reached for the towel, which was wrapped around her shoulders, and pulled her out of the house. She doesn't have any choice but to follow me while pouting.I'm thankful that she accompanied me to the hospital. I'm not sure what happened but I know it's because of stress. I'm having trouble sleeping too, which added to my condition.We were on our way to my garage when suddenly a thunderstruck lightning passed by in the sky. Then, a loud grumble echoed, causing Thalia to scream at the top of her lungs and drop to the ground.“F*ck.” I cursed
THALIAHaving meals with a man whom I was supposed to avoid was the most awkward meal I had all my life. Despite him being my boss at work, I also insisted on staying at his place because it was raining so damn hard.I'm scared.The fact that someone has been following us since earlier and Mr. Kane might collapse again while driving the car, I'm also scared of the thunderstorms. I'm scared to be alone in this kind of weather. I hope, Mr. Kane didn't notice my cowardness. He will tease me someday because of this. After meals, I headed upstairs to the guest room. The maid lent me simple clothes and led me to this room. I laid down the bed with a heavy sigh. “Should I ask my Dad to bring back my bodyguards or not?”Suddenly, I don't feel safe when I realize how scary the world is. Dad has eyes everywhere, so if something happens to me, he will know first. I rolled down the blanket while groaning in frustration.My pride was killing me. If I contact my Dad, I will accept defeat. That
THALIAA moan escaped from my lips as I felt a sudden headache when my consciousness was back. With a heavy sigh, I open my eyes slowly. The first thing I saw was the russet ceiling, which was the opposite color of my room.My eyes widened and sat straight up in the bed.Right, I'm in Mr. Kane's room. Last night…“You're awake.”I almost had a heart attack at his hoarse voice. I scanned my surroundings to find Mr. Kane on the couch with his laptop on his lap.“U-Uhmm…”Did he not sleep last night? It seems he's obsessed with work first thing in the morning.Shame ran through my veins as I buried my face in my knees while slowly reaching for the blanket to cover myself.Being on his own bed while he was there on the couch the whole night was giving me an embarrassing moment of my life.Where's the courage I had yesterday when I pleaded to let me stay for a night? “Ralf Torpio… you know him?” He suddenly asked, which made me flinch.“Wh-Who's that?”“The attacker last night. His target
THALIAThe whole ride was giving me anxiety as we got closer to his company. I'm really uncomfortable every time people see us together. We are both from high-profile families and people might misinterpret what they might see.Why did he have to wait for me? I really sometimes can't read what's on his mind. But to be honest, this is better. I'm more afraid to walk alone. I'm afraid that more than one person is planning to kill me.Do I really need to ask my father for help? The car came to a stop because of the traffic. I panicked when I noticed that we were getting nearer to the company.“I-I can walk from here–”I was about to open the door but I heard a click. He just locked the door.“Can't you see the sign?” I glance at where he's looking. My shoulders dropped as soon as I saw the no-drop-off signboard at the side of the road. “Th-Then… We can go straight to the parking basement–”“I’m late for my meeting.” He cuts my words off as he starts the engine back.“Mr. Kane!” I turn
DAMONThe meeting started with the Beta team to report on the progress of our project. However, I keep glancing at Thalia, who seems uncomfortable in her seat. Her fingers fidgeted at her pen while staring at her laptop.She didn't expect this to happen.I can sense the whole room's ambiance. They also didn't expect to see the daughter of Carter in our meeting. I'm not sure why I decided to keep her near me. I'm just bothered that it's not only a stalker scheme. I feel like that jerk who tried to kill her was not alone. They're watching her from afar. Monitoring her movements. I really want to talk to Caleb Carter to protect his daughter but seeing Thalia afraid that her father might hear about this, I'm now torn.I'm torn between protecting her or just letting her die. She's not my responsibility. She's only a trainee in my company and a daughter of my nemesis. But the attempted murder happened in my place. So I believe I'm involved now.I've been curious about who's behind this
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