Janeโs head was spinning, her pulse racing as she stood in the room, trying to hold it together. All of them stopped at their track as the sound of back-to-back gunshots filled the place. Before Victor and his men could rush outside, they saw someone entering inside. She was still clutching Aria when, from the corner of her eye, she saw someone standing at the door. His eyes fell upon her and her heart nearly stopped. It was him. He was there. Adrian was there. Till that morning Jane couldn't imagine in her worst nightmare that she would ever feel relieved seeing Adrian. But as they say, a known enemy is much better than a stranger one.Adrian stood there, his eyes blank and cold, like a storm about to break. There was something deadly in the way he looked at the room, scanning the scene like a predator. Janeโs stomach churned with fear. She had seen him angry a thousand times before, but this... this was different.Ariaโs face lit up when she saw her uncle. "Uncle!" she cried, her vo
The brutality, the swiftness of it allโ made Jane feel sick. Adrian just killed him! He just killed him in the most brutal, animalistic way. Death came in an instant, without hesitation.Aria clung to Jane, her small body trembling, and Jane could barely hold herself together. Right then, she felt more helpless than ever. The fear, the adrenaline, the horrorโit was all too much.Adrian finally turned to face her, his calm expression unchanged. He slowly walked in front of her and held her hands. โ Are you okay?โ He whispered, like a lullaby. Unable to form any words, her body trembled. Adrian held her face gently and Jane got back her senses as the warm blood touched her face. She visualized a slideshow of everything that happened in the last few months. How she came to this city to fulfill her dream of being a doctor. But now, her hands felt heavy, tainted by the bloodshed she had just witnessed. The lifeless bodies on the floor, the violence she never imagined being a part ofโit
โDonโt even dare. Just let me go,โ Jane spat, trying to pull away, but Adrian wasnโt listening.In a split second, he pressed his lips against hers. Janeโs entire body froze, her heart stopping in her chest. She turned her head sharply, trying to escape, but before she could shove him away, a voice echoed through the room.โWhatโs going on here?โ Janeโs fatherโs voice was stern as he entered the room. Jane saw Camilla behind him, entering the room. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.Janeโs face turned pale. Her father and Camilla standing in front of her, Jane finding herself in this position with a boyโฆ. All of these just gave her a flashback. Memories from five years ago flooded her mind. It is the same situation, almost the same people, and the same misunderstanding. And now She was frozen thinking that she had to live that same nightmare once again. Jane could barely breathe as she watched her father take slow, deliberate steps toward her and Adrian. His eyes were blazing with f
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.โHey! Canโt you watch where youโre going?โ a sharp voice rang out.Startled, Jane staggered back, and when she looked up, she saw himโtall, 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.โIโIโm sorry, I didnโt see you.โThe boy rolled his eyes, clearly not interested in her apology. โWhatever. Just stay out of my way next time.โJane felt her anger rising at the rudeness in his tone. She was about to snap but stopped herself. โLook, I didnโt do it on purpose. You donโt have to be so rude.โThe boy raised an eyebrow, his eyes cold, โMaybe you should pay more attention.โJaneโs cheeks flushed with frustration. โMaybe you should be less of a jerk.โThe boy gave her a once-over, his l
โYou are suspended for the next one week.โ Jane heard the principalโs 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. โThanks forโฆ you know, covering for me,โ she blurted, looking with guilt and gratitude. โI was just trying to mix those reagents as a joke. I didnโt thinkโโJay raised a hand, brushing it off. โItโs fine.โThen his eyes met Janeโs, holding her gaze for just a second. For once, Jane didnโt look away. โThank you,โ she said quietly, feeling the weight of her words.He gave her a small smile, one that was softer than anything sheโd ever seen from him. Janeโs heart skipped, and for a moment, everything around the
Youโre looking a bit different. Oh my gosh! Did you straighten your hair? Andโฆ is that lip gloss?โ Camillaโs eyes sparkled with excitement as she studied Jane, a wide grin spreading across her face.Jane shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing over her hair. โIโฆ I just thought Iโd try something new,โ she murmured, trying to brush it off with a weak smile.Camillaโs grin only grew as she nudged Jane playfully. โOh, stop. Spill it, Jane! Do you think I am too dumb to not understand? All these are because of a certain someoneโฆ namedโฆ Jay Black?โ Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper, eyebrows waggling.Janeโs 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. โJane, can you please help me witโฆ.โ as his eyes flicked to Jane, he paused mid-step. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. โUhโฆ you look different today, Jane,โ Jay said, looking a
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. โ Jay!โ 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. Rickโs older brother, Robert, had proposed to her last year. Janeโs stomach twisted at the thought.She remembered how uncomfortable sheโd 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 didnโt take โnoโ for an answer, sheโd had to stand her ground. She even had to get her family involved, and finally, Robert backed off.Now, seeing Rickโs gaze m
Jay leaned back on his couch, his voice dripped with frustration as he muttered, โHad you guys not given me that stupid challenge, Iโd have never gone for someone like her. I mean, seriously! Itโs been months, and we havenโt even made it to first base. I keep acting all sweet and cringe, but she keeps acting like a fucking prude!โOne of his friends raised an eyebrow, smirking. โSo, whatโs the plan with her then?โJay shrugged, rolling his eyes. โHonestly, I was thinking of ending this whole stupid drama. Plus itโs been way too long since I hooked up with Ivy, and Iโm already bored. But nowโฆโ Jayโs gaze flicked over to Robert, who was sitting silently, a drink in his hand. โSeems like I have to tolerate her for a few more days. Right, Robert?โOne of the other guys frowned, looking between Jay and Robert. โRobert? Whatโs he got to do with this?โJay smirked, leaning in a little closer, โYou donโt know, do you? Well, not sure what Robert saw in her but apparently, that โwannabe innoc
โ I RAPED HER.โ The room was so quiet it felt like time itself had stopped. Adrianโs voice broke the silence again, trembling and choking.โ I... I was just six years old,โ he began, his eyes staring at some invisible point in the air. โOutside my school one day, I found a pretty little kitten. So small, so innocentโฆ like a tiny snowball. I loved her so much... too much.โ He gulped, his hands clenching tightly, โIโd feed her every day. But when I tried to hold itโฆ it would just run away. One week passed... two weeks... but still, it wouldnโt come near me.โ His voice grew weaker as he spoke,โ One dayโฆ out of anger, I slapped her away refusing to feed. And then I came home and cried to Mom hardโฆ so, so hard. I didn't eat that night. The next morning when I woke up... the kitten was beside my bed.โ He looked toward his mother now, his eyes glossy with tears. โI was so happy, Momโฆ I was soโฆ so happy that you brought it for me. I hugged her, loved her, tried to take care of herโ.His v
โ Mr. Adrian Alan Johnson, you are under arrest. You need to come with us, please.โ One of the officers said with a bit of hesitation. โ What? Why officer?โ Samuel asked, he almost couldn't believe his ears. The officer looked at both of their faces before speaking again. โ Mr. White complained about you in the police station. He said youโฆ,โ he stopped for a bit, โ that you misbehaved with her daughter, tried to molest her.โ The officer completed his words looking at Adrian to get a reaction. But to everyoneโs 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, โ butโฆโ โ I am sorry sir, we can't do anything about this. Mr. Andrew Johnson also went to the station along with Mr. White.โ The officer said and waited for them to speak. The shock was visible on Samuelโs face. He didn't know what to say anymore.In the middle of all these, Adrian suddenly decided to speak, โ 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.โ No โฆ no.. thisโฆ it can't be happening. I have to do something. I have to get out of here.โ 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, โHad you guys not given me that stupid challenge, Iโd have never gone for someone like her. I mean, seriously! Itโs been months, and we havenโt even made it to first base. I keep acting all sweet and cringe, but she keeps acting like a fucking prude!โOne of his friends raised an eyebrow, smirking. โSo, whatโs the plan with her then?โJay shrugged, rolling his eyes. โHonestly, I was thinking of ending this whole stupid drama. Plus itโs been way too long since I hooked up with Ivy, and Iโm already bored. But nowโฆโ Jayโs gaze flicked over to Robert, who was sitting silently, a drink in his hand. โSeems like I have to tolerate her for a few more days. Right, Robert?โOne of the other guys frowned, looking between Jay and Robert. โRobert? Whatโs he got to do with this?โJay smirked, leaning in a little closer, โYou donโt know, do you? Well, not sure what Robert saw in her but apparently, that โwannabe 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. โ Jay!โ 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. Rickโs older brother, Robert, had proposed to her last year. Janeโs stomach twisted at the thought.She remembered how uncomfortable sheโd 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 didnโt take โnoโ for an answer, sheโd had to stand her ground. She even had to get her family involved, and finally, Robert backed off.Now, seeing Rickโs gaze m
Youโre looking a bit different. Oh my gosh! Did you straighten your hair? Andโฆ is that lip gloss?โ Camillaโs eyes sparkled with excitement as she studied Jane, a wide grin spreading across her face.Jane shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing over her hair. โIโฆ I just thought Iโd try something new,โ she murmured, trying to brush it off with a weak smile.Camillaโs grin only grew as she nudged Jane playfully. โOh, stop. Spill it, Jane! Do you think I am too dumb to not understand? All these are because of a certain someoneโฆ namedโฆ Jay Black?โ Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper, eyebrows waggling.Janeโs 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. โJane, can you please help me witโฆ.โ as his eyes flicked to Jane, he paused mid-step. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. โUhโฆ you look different today, Jane,โ Jay said, looking a
โYou are suspended for the next one week.โ Jane heard the principalโs 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. โThanks forโฆ you know, covering for me,โ she blurted, looking with guilt and gratitude. โI was just trying to mix those reagents as a joke. I didnโt thinkโโJay raised a hand, brushing it off. โItโs fine.โThen his eyes met Janeโs, holding her gaze for just a second. For once, Jane didnโt look away. โThank you,โ she said quietly, feeling the weight of her words.He gave her a small smile, one that was softer than anything sheโd ever seen from him. Janeโs 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.โHey! Canโt you watch where youโre going?โ a sharp voice rang out.Startled, Jane staggered back, and when she looked up, she saw himโtall, 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.โIโIโm sorry, I didnโt see you.โThe boy rolled his eyes, clearly not interested in her apology. โWhatever. Just stay out of my way next time.โJane felt her anger rising at the rudeness in his tone. She was about to snap but stopped herself. โLook, I didnโt do it on purpose. You donโt have to be so rude.โThe boy raised an eyebrow, his eyes cold, โMaybe you should pay more attention.โJaneโs cheeks flushed with frustration. โMaybe you should be less of a jerk.โThe boy gave her a once-over, his l