Entering his house Adrian saw no one around . Without bothering much he went directly to his room. Going straight to the balcony he looked towards her room keenly. But to his utter disappointment, there was no one on the balcony and the room was pitch dark. He immediately understood she wasn't in her apartment. But it was almost eight at night. Shouldn't she be back till now? Not his business though. " Yeah, sure! " Again his subconscious mind. Adrian decided to take a shower to get rid of his thoughts.............Water droplets were coming out from his hair wetting his towel and falling on the floor here and there as he kept drying his hair. Standing in front of the mirror he checked himself out. With only a towel on that's hiding his lower portion, his ripped tanned body on show, his jet black hair wet and messy, he truly was a sight. " Damn, I really am handsome! How can she not get affected by this ! " Huffing he went to wear the clothes. Putting on his sweatpant he was ab
As they turned their gaze toward the door they discovered Britney, his sis-in-law standing there, with a confusing look on her face.Without any further words exchanged Adrian freed her from his embrace, and immediately started missing her warmth. Her lavender smell still lingered in his senses. Taking a deep breath one last time he cleared his voice to reply to Britney. " Nothing Britty. She was about to fall, but I saved her."He let out every word clearly and loudly without diverting his gaze from her. Jane didn't like how he put extra pressure on the words 'saved her' as if he didn't startle her in the first place.Smiling lightly at Britney she declared,"Yeah. At first, people invade your personal space. Then decide to portray themselves as self-declared knights in shining armor. No?"Though she was looking at Britney, it was as clear as broad daylight that her words were pointing to him.Britney was perplexed, more like confused to see this interaction between them. She could
Coming back from her apartment Adrian entered his house still whistling. He noticed his father's car parked in the garage. His brother was back from the office too as his Audi was parked in the front yard."So they are already back! It's a good thing that I came out of her apartment just in time. Otherwise, I had to face her aunt and family." shrugging his shoulder he opened the front door and entered inside.His whole family was sitting in the living room, talking with each other. Everyone stopped seeing him."Addy you! " his mother looked at him surprised." Yeah, mom! I was missing you. So came directly from the office to see you. When did you guys come?""Oh just now. And you did absolutely right my dear. I was missing you too."Everyone exhaled seeing her affection towards her younger son. She was a tough lady indeed, but when it came to him she seemed to be lenient about a lot of things. Hugging him tightly she pecked his forehead affectionately. " Here we go again! Didn't yo
"Bye Mom. See you in the evening.Adrian stood up from the breakfast table to leave." Evening! Are you planning to be back here again? Won't you go to your apartment?" his father frowned, listening to him.Before even Adi could respond to him his mother intervened, " Let him be! It's his house too. He will come whenever he wants to."In his mind, Adrian thanked his mom. The least he wanted was to be interviewed by his father in the morning."Where's Drew?"Adrian asked, looking around. "Oh! He already left for the office. I am not going today. You both have to manage for today. Now go and join him." his father stated." Ok! I will take my leave then." Pecking his mom on the forehead he left.Accelerating the engine, Adrian left his house.Just as was about to take a U-turn, he found his sis-in-law talking with someone standing in a corner. Frowning a little he checked again. Yes, it was Britney. "But didn't she leave a while ago? Where's her car by the way?"Parking his car on t
A comfortable silence soon fell upon the car. Both of them were lost in their own minds. While Adrian let his daydream be continued, Jane in her mind was reviewing his words. Still couldn't really get her hands on what he exactly meant by those words, but seeing that stupid smirk on his face she comprehended there had to be some hidden meaning behind that. When he started explaining his action, she was sure of it.Even though he sounded sincere with his speech, it was very much possible he was just aiming to acquire her sympathy. But she was truthful with her statements. She surely didn't feel very comfortable with his stare and his touch but that was not enough reason to decide whether he was a good person or not. She let him know about her discomfort, and hopefully, he would keep that in mind.Seeing the known building in the near distance she shut down the voice in her mind." Stop here." Hearing her, Adrian stopped the car. " Why? What happened? I mean we are allowed to park th
1 month later:"Sir, when are you leaving? Everyone has left already. It's almost 8 pm! " Hearing the hesitant voice Adrian looked up at the person. Erik, his PA was standing in front of him." Oh, it's 8! I even forgot to check the time. Did Andrew leave already?"" Yes sir, a while ago". He replied." Ok. You may leave."" But sir…." Erik tried to protest hesitantly." Erik, leave. It's the weekend. Go enjoy yourself. I am almost done. Will leave within 10 minutes." He ordered." Ok, sir." Smiling at Adrian politely he left.……..Shutting down the laptop Adrian sighed and leaned back in the chair, letting his body be relaxed. For the last month, the work pressure was getting too much. Their company was about to finalize a deal with a foreign company. If it had been confirmed, Johnson Industry would be one of the top most companies in the Country. And he was making sure that they would confirm the deal.Rubbing his temples he took a deep breath. It's the weekend already. After that
" Jane, come come! " Kathy welcomed her, giving her a warm smile. Jane smiled in return and took a seat beside Brirney." What's going on? Anything serious? I mean all of you are sitting together." She asked curiously." No "." Yes".Britney and her aunt both ended up saying it at the same time. Jane looked suspiciously at both of them.Soon Mary, her aunt, realized they couldn't let her know about this. It was supposed to be a surprise. Smiling awkwardly at Jane she mumbled _" We were just talking about you. I mean it's already 9.30 but you still didn't come so I was just concerned. I was about to call you ". She looked at Jane expecting her to buy her excuses. She felt bad for her. The girl hardly went out. She told her that after coaching she would go to dinner with her friends. She was happy that Jane was finally opening up to people again and making friends. But in the rush that was the only lie she could come up with. Shefali made it in mind that next week after her birthd
A WHILE AGO:Entering the bathroom Adrian stood under the shower. Brushing his hair with fingers he stood under the shower and closed his eyes, waiting for the water to drench him completely. He badly needed that to calm his mind down. But nothing came out except the sound of the air trapped inside the pipeline. Knitting the eyebrows together he tapped the shower and twisted the handle in both ways but nothing happened.Adrian punched the wall with full force, frustrated. Nothing was going on in his favor. It seemed like everyone and everything was plotting against him. Coming out of the bath chamber he closed the glass door with full force. Peeping in the corridor he found no one there. Without minding to put more clothes he went towards the common bathroom in a towel, covering his lower abdomen.PRESENT:Entering the bathroom Adrian was about to go straight to the shower but stopped seeing someone in front of the mirror. Feeling his presence at the same time she turned back to onl
“ I RAPED HER.” The room was so quiet it felt like time itself had stopped. Adrian’s voice broke the silence again, trembling and choking.“ I... I was just six years old,” he began, his eyes staring at some invisible point in the air. “Outside my school one day, I found a pretty little kitten. So small, so innocent… like a tiny snowball. I loved her so much... too much.” He gulped, his hands clenching tightly, “I’d feed her every day. But when I tried to hold it… it would just run away. One week passed... two weeks... but still, it wouldn’t come near me.” His voice grew weaker as he spoke,“ One day… out of anger, I slapped her away refusing to feed. And then I came home and cried to Mom hard… so, so hard. I didn't eat that night. The next morning when I woke up... the kitten was beside my bed.” He looked toward his mother now, his eyes glossy with tears. “I was so happy, Mom… I was so… so happy that you brought it for me. I hugged her, loved her, tried to take care of her”.His v
“ Mr. Adrian Alan Johnson, you are under arrest. You need to come with us, please.” One of the officers said with a bit of hesitation. “ What? Why officer?” Samuel asked, he almost couldn't believe his ears. The officer looked at both of their faces before speaking again. “ Mr. White complained about you in the police station. He said you…,” he stopped for a bit, “ that you misbehaved with her daughter, tried to molest her.” The officer completed his words looking at Adrian to get a reaction. But to everyone’s surprise, Adrian was still looking blankly at him, as if lost in his own world. Seeing that Adrian wasn't telling anything Samuel again decided to speak, “ but…” “ I am sorry sir, we can't do anything about this. Mr. Andrew Johnson also went to the station along with Mr. White.” The officer said and waited for them to speak. The shock was visible on Samuel’s face. He didn't know what to say anymore.In the middle of all these, Adrian suddenly decided to speak, “ Let's go
PAST CONTINUES _____When they arrived home, Jane's father shoved her inside and slammed the door, locking her in her room. She heard her mother's hurried steps coming closer, and then muffled voices through the door as her father explained everything he thought had happened. Soon, her mother's voice pierced through, furious and hurt. Moments later, the door flew open, and her mother's face was red with anger."What did you do, Jane! You've tarnished our family name. All the respect that your father earned through the years, you ruined it all." her mother shouted, her voice sharp and loud. "Do you know what people will say now, huh? A good, religious Christian girl would never do something like this. Never!" She raised her hand and slapped Jane, the sharp sting ringing in her ears, then hit her again, harder.Jane stood there, numb. She barely felt the slaps, barely registered her mother's words. She just stared blankly, her mind empty.The next day was her birthday. All Jane did was
PAST CONTINUES ____Robert's voice thundered through the room, making them all freeze. "No," he growled, his eyes darkening. Everyone froze for a moment. "Not before I get her first." His words brought a nasty cheer from the others, filling the room with their hoots and whistles."Now that's like our big bro, " one of them jeered.Jane's chest tightened as terror washed over her. Desperation surged, and with all her strength, she shoved Robert back. He staggered, stunned for a moment, but then his eyes turned furious. He lunged forward, shoving her so hard that she stumbled, her head colliding with the edge of a table. Pain exploded through her forehead as she fell to the ground, a warm trickle of blood beginning to run down her face.“ No … no.. this… it can't be happening. I have to do something. I have to get out of here.” Jane kept repeating the words continuously in her mind. Dazed, she tried to get up, her mind spinning with fear and pain. Jane barely had time to steady herself
Jay leaned back on his couch, his voice dripped with frustration as he muttered, “Had you guys not given me that stupid challenge, I’d have never gone for someone like her. I mean, seriously! It’s been months, and we haven’t even made it to first base. I keep acting all sweet and cringe, but she keeps acting like a fucking prude!”One of his friends raised an eyebrow, smirking. “So, what’s the plan with her then?”Jay shrugged, rolling his eyes. “Honestly, I was thinking of ending this whole stupid drama. Plus it’s been way too long since I hooked up with Ivy, and I’m already bored. But now…” Jay’s gaze flicked over to Robert, who was sitting silently, a drink in his hand. “Seems like I have to tolerate her for a few more days. Right, Robert?”One of the other guys frowned, looking between Jay and Robert. “Robert? What’s he got to do with this?”Jay smirked, leaning in a little closer, “You don’t know, do you? Well, not sure what Robert saw in her but apparently, that ‘wannabe innoc
A month later, Jane made her way through the school corridor, looking for Jay. When she finally spotted him with his friends, they were all laughing and teasing him about something. “ Jay!” She called out his name, and all of them turned her way, hooting and grinning. Her face warmed, and she looked away, biting back a smile.As her eyes swept the group, she noticed Rick watching her, his gaze steady. Her smile faltered a bit as memories came rushing back. Rick’s older brother, Robert, had proposed to her last year. Jane’s stomach twisted at the thought.She remembered how uncomfortable she’d felt back then. Robert was much older than her, but he had been so persistent, refusing to accept her polite rejections. But she knew what he was really like. Robert was infamous for his gambling, drinking, and Casanova image. When he didn’t take “no” for an answer, she’d had to stand her ground. She even had to get her family involved, and finally, Robert backed off.Now, seeing Rick’s gaze m
You’re looking a bit different. Oh my gosh! Did you straighten your hair? And… is that lip gloss?” Camilla’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she studied Jane, a wide grin spreading across her face.Jane shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing over her hair. “I… I just thought I’d try something new,” she murmured, trying to brush it off with a weak smile.Camilla’s grin only grew as she nudged Jane playfully. “Oh, stop. Spill it, Jane! Do you think I am too dumb to not understand? All these are because of a certain someone… named… Jay Black?” Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper, eyebrows waggling.Jane’s face flushed, and she tried to deny it, but her cheeks betrayed her, turning bright red. She fiddled with her glasses, feeling her heart hammer as Camilla giggled.Just then, Jay walked over. “Jane, can you please help me wit….” as his eyes flicked to Jane, he paused mid-step. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. “Uh… you look different today, Jane,” Jay said, looking a
“You are suspended for the next one week.” Jane heard the principal’s voice roar from inside his office as she stood outside, her hands fidgeting nervously. She waited, biting her lip, feeling a twist of guilt in her stomach. Jay didn't need to be there, getting the scolding. But he had taken the blame without saying a word.Finally, the door opened, and Jay walked out. He glanced at her and Camilla, who was awkwardly standing by the wall. Camilla looked at him with guilty eyes. “Thanks for… you know, covering for me,” she blurted, looking with guilt and gratitude. “I was just trying to mix those reagents as a joke. I didn’t think—”Jay raised a hand, brushing it off. “It’s fine.”Then his eyes met Jane’s, holding her gaze for just a second. For once, Jane didn’t look away. “Thank you,” she said quietly, feeling the weight of her words.He gave her a small smile, one that was softer than anything she’d ever seen from him. Jane’s heart skipped, and for a moment, everything around the
HER PAST (CONTINUES) Jane was rushing down the hallway, trying to find her locker when she suddenly collided with someone. Her books scattered across the floor.“Hey! Can’t you watch where you’re going?” a sharp voice rang out.Startled, Jane staggered back, and when she looked up, she saw him—tall, broad-shouldered, and standing over her with a frown. His blonde hair was slightly messy. He had sharp features, a strong jawline, and striking blue eyes that looked down at her with irritation.“I—I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”The boy rolled his eyes, clearly not interested in her apology. “Whatever. Just stay out of my way next time.”Jane felt her anger rising at the rudeness in his tone. She was about to snap but stopped herself. “Look, I didn’t do it on purpose. You don’t have to be so rude.”The boy raised an eyebrow, his eyes cold, “Maybe you should pay more attention.”Jane’s cheeks flushed with frustration. “Maybe you should be less of a jerk.”The boy gave her a once-over, his l