(Caleb's POV)I felt a bucket of ice water thrown on my chest waking me up from my hell. My body was drenched in sweat. I felt as if I couldn't breathe. The more I tried to catch my breath the more a failed."You look terrible, dude, even worse than what Alice had said," Damian said throwing me with another bucket.I looked up to see a smacking Damian, he has always loved the sight of my misery."Go away, Damian.""Now that you said it, I'm not leaving your side. I'm gonna be there for you and make sure you feel a lot worse than you already do. After all, that's what brothers are for."Everything came back to me again, all I could see was her face. The thought of losing her totally frightened me, I just couldn't bear it. I wouldn't be able to survive it."You are doing that thing again," Damian said slapping his face and bringing me back to reality."What thing?" I asked with confusion.He let out a breath. "That ugly face you make whenever you are thinking.""If you are here to mock
(Anastasia's POV)I felt weak. My eyes could barely open. I couldn't move my hands, they were tied up to a pole, with something I couldn't see. My head felt heavy, I could only hear the sounds of water dripping and whispers.I slowly began to regain my conscience. I finally opened my eyes. The room was dark, there was no window and there was only one door which was up against the stairs. I assumed this might have been a basement.Nothing around me looked familiar. I couldn't tell whether it was night or day.All my memory's started coming back to me slowly. I was still in the same clothes I had been wearing when I am looking for Caleb. But how I got here or where I was, I was still not certain.The room was cold and dusty like someone had not been in there for ages. I could smell blood, but I guess that might have been my blood since blood was running down my face, my hands two might have been bleeding as well because they were tired and very tight.My whole body felt as if it was dra
(Caleb's POV)I felt like crap right now, like I was about to faint. I tossed and turned in my bed, I just couldn't sleep. Those pills or whatever they were, were starting to kick in.My head felt heavy and everything was in double effect. I couldn't tell what was real and what was not. It was as if I was in another world. For some reason, I just had so much energy right now and at the same time, I felt so weak."Caleb, what's wrong?" I heard Anastasia's voice. Like always her voice sounded like an angel whispering in my ear.She sat right next to me on my bed and then she started running her hands through my hair."I missed you so much, love," I whispered.I tried getting up but it was as if my body had a mind of its own, it just couldn't comply.I leaned in forward to kiss her. Before I got to her lips, I felt a hard punch on my face bringing me back to reality."Dude, are you trying to make out with me?!" Damian exclaimed.Shit, I could have sworn it was her a minute ago. It seemed
(Caleb's POV)"BYRON!""BYRON!!!"I'm at Fendi Chateau Residences with Damian, in front of Byron's unit. I keep banging on his door for more than a minute now and it's losing my patience. When I heard Clinton, only Byron and Cecille were on my mind. I know that I should not jump to conclusions without a shred of valid evidence but maybe they know who is the real owner of the house."Maybe he is not home," Damian commented causing me to curse and feel frustrated."Let's get the key down there." "W-What?" I ignore him and walk to the elevator. "Will they give it to us?"They should be, or else I'm going to burn this Goddamn building!When we arrived at the lobby, we headed straight to the receptionist."Can you open unit 104?" I firmly asked the woman in charge."M-Mr. Carter, w-we can't do th--""JUST OPEN THE GODDAMN UNIT!"A hand on my shoulder makes me flinch as his grip put too much pressure on my shoulder. I glare at Damian who's making a fake smile at the receptionist and look
(Caleb's POV)It's been a week since Anastasia's disappearance. We never guarantee her safety since we haven't received any calls from the abductors. We were trying to locate Byron's whereabouts. However, we can't jump to the conclusion that he is involved in her disappearance. We have zero leads in this case.As I entered the mansion when I stop in my trance. Amanda looks at me and walks towards me. She started sobbing as she held my hand while gaping into my eyes. I can see her pain, sorrow, and longing for Anastasia. "P-Please... H-Help us find h-her... H-Help me f-find my daughter, Caleb." she sobs between her words.I sigh and remove her hands from gripping my hands. She is stunned and looks at me straight into my eyes as her tears keep streaming down her face.I took a glance at Adam and Alice, they avoided my eyes. Why did they let her know? As I look at her, she looks vulnerable and was about to pass out any minute now. She is not in good condition.I wrapped my arms around h
(Anastasia's POV)There I was again, passed out on the floor, unconscious. This was becoming a pattern. I was not aware of where I was and it wasn't a cold dusty basement anymore.Where am I again?The room didn't have anything much. Just a bed and a few other things.This time, I wasn't tied up next to a pole or anything, I was laying in bed. I'm pretty sure the door was locked and even if I tried screaming, no one would be able to hear me from a great distance.I felt so weak, it was as if my body was paralyzed. I couldn't feel anything. Something was wrong with me.The room was pretty much empty. The only sound I could hear was the sound of the ticking clock.I lay there as I heard the time pass me by. I have never felt so weak in my life. Suddenly, a pool of tears gathered in my eyes.I felt so betrayed. I treated him as my best friend. I trusted him but what he just did to me was far from what I imagined.After what seemed like hours of weeping, Byron came in. The one face I neve
(Caleb's POV)As she closes her eyes, tears won't stop falling down my face. Adam keeps calling her name while I remain in tears as I held her hand tightly.The nurses block us from entering the emergency room until I watch how the ER doors fully close.Adam grabs his phone, maybe to call Alice and her mom. I sat on the chair as my head rested on my palm.After he called Alice, I felt my phone ring as it continues vibrating underneath my jacket. I tried to ignore the calls but it continues vibrating that it loses my patience.As I was about to cancel the calls when Harry's name flashed on the screen. They should clean up the mess before the police arrived at the scene.I answered the call. "What's wrong, Harry?""Byron's body was gone.""WHAT?!" I shrieked causing Adam to look at me, confused. I stood up and walk back and forth as I brushed my face with my palm. "H-How? I mean... I clearly saw that I shot him in his shoulder." I hissed.Adam walks towards me, "Why shoulder, Caleb?! Lo
(Caleb's POV)I stopped the engine while in a basement parking lot as my eyes were locked in Cecille's black SUV, waiting for them to come out of their shell. I remained my distance from them just a few car's away from them, making sure that they won't notice my presence.Raising my hand to take a glance at my smartwatch, it's been 30 minutes but they still haven't gotten off the car. Am I mistaken?I sigh in frustration. Why am I even here? I should be at Anastasia's side if ever she wakes up later. However, Amanda will just kick me out. She was so enraged just by seeing my presence.I was about to start the engine when the door of Cecille's car opened. Two men in a suit got off first, followed by Amanda then... an injured Byron. He has a cast on his right arm where I shot him. He's walking lamely as if he was hurt on his left leg.They walk inside the building, I followed them silently and texted Adam my location. I put back my phone in my pocket and started walking when they all 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