Colin POVI grip the bed sheet and my knuckles turned white, I stare at the receptionist for a while "How much?"The receptionist looked down and flips through the booklet in her hands. "It's, um, three thousand dollars, sir," she replied“Three thousand dollars?!" I Exclaimed, "I don't have that kind of money! I'm just a laborer, remember? I stated it on the file"" I'm just doing my job sir, you need to pay up before 3 days time, if not your treatment will stop and you won't want to see side effects!" "Side effects? What kind of side effects?" I demands, his hands balled into fists. "You've been undergoing physical therapy, sir. Stopping that treatment suddenly could lead to muscle weakness, decreased mobility, and even more severe pain. You need to finish the course.”I lay there with my back still hurt. " Is there any way I can be treated so after treatment I'll work the money and pay?" I asked." So sorry sir, we don't allow that, I'll take my leave now." She said and took her
Selena POV"Group C, raise your hands so she can see her group members" Mrs Gonzalez outloud. Looking at my side I saw Gemma and Ari raise their hands smiling and I smiled back, fortunate to have someone I know in the same group. Ari gestured behind me and I turned to see several hands raised, turning to the other direction I saw Jasper's hand raised too. " We're in the same group?”Meeting Jasper's eyes I looked away immediately."You've seen your group members right!" Mrs Gonzalez asked outloud." Yes!" I nod." That will be all for today, the project submission and defense will take place 5 days from now, your performance and your ideas will either increase your marks or decrease it!" Mrs Gonzalez Informed and walked out.As soon as she walked out, several students stood up from their seats looking for their group members. So Ari stood up "Group C, we have a meeting at the next class" he said out loud,Took his bag and lead the way, with Gemma following behind him. I stood up to
Jasper POV I really don't want to do this, I really don't want to have anything to do with Selena but this encounter keeps stressing me out." Bye!" Gemma, Ari and others in our group waved at Selena and I, then they left shutting the door. I glanced at Selena and she did the same then I glanced down at the book. Flipping through it with my jaw clenched tight. "Alright," I broke the silence, "Let's start with the basics."Selena’s eyes fixed on the book and nods silently, her hands fold neatly on the table in front of her."The impact of social media on business is a broad topic, but we can focus on specific areas like customer engagement, marketing, and brand image." I took a glimpse at Selena and she nodded without saying a word. I nodded and continued.After minutes of explanating, Selena suddenly sneezed heavily. I quickly placed my hand on my pocket, brought out my handkerchief and stretched it to her only to find her wipe her nose with her handkerchief instead. quickly I pla
Jasper POVThroughout the rest of the day, I made sure to avoid any conversation that would bring up my teammate, I really don't want Valerie to know Selena is here in the states. " What would you like to eat?" Valerie took my hand in hers." Anything, I'm not craving anything".Valerie studies my face for a while staring at me. "You're not acting like yourself today, Is everything okay? Is there something you want to tell me?"Taken aback by her directness, I swallowed hard. "No, everything's fine, I'm just... tired from all the work."“Okay, then!” She nod patting my hand.It's been three days already, and our project submission and defense Is just around the corner. Selena and I have been meeting throughout these days at cafeterias, class and business school cafeteria. And I made sure we only talked about the project nothing more and she did the same.Stressed, I find myself sitting across from Selena once again, I cleared my throat, my eyes fixed on the laptop in front of me. "S
Selena POV " Jasper!" We suddenly heard Jasper's name as he held my arms. He turned and the next thing I heard was, " what's going on here?".Despite how weak I was, I turned slightly to see who it was only to see Valerie standing there. " Valerie.... and Jasper?" I glanced over at Jasper. this was the same Valerie Jasper rejected in front of me, the Valerie he acted he will never have anything to do with.. So Jasper wasn't two timing with that girl But Valerie?Seeing this I felt a sharp pain in my heart...i'm over this right? Why i'm I still hurt? Slowly I pulled my arm off his hands. "Let's go!" I turned to Ari and Gemma. Sniffling in my tears without letting them spill out... To think I thought we would have a chance after these days together, and how he acted caring like he always did, made me feel so stupid..Ari came to my side and held my other arm. " Let's go!" I repeat and smiled awkwardly. Ari and Gemma held me as I took slow steps." What was that for?" We heard Valerie
Selena POV" What?" I asked in shock." He just informed me when I called him" .Mateo coming to the states? With a shaky hand, I texts back to Lisa: "What does he want?"Immediately Lisa called back, " You of course!" She replied.My heart skips a beat at Lisa's reply.Mateo coming to the states to see me added to the pressure I'm in." Where are you right now?" Lisa asked." I'm at the hospital"" Hospital? Why what happened? Are you okay?" She asked.Hearing the word are you okay after having to go through what I went through earlier made me shake my head. " I'm not okay!”The day had been overwhelming and exhausting, and the idea of having to explain it all to Lisa felt like a huge task."What happened?" Lisa asked again, without any reply from me she add, “Please Selena say somethings, I'm worried."Closing my eyes I took a deep breath, gathering my strength for the conversation. "It's a long story," " Say it," Lisa pressed."Recall when you forced me to tell you what really happ
Jasper POV I walked into the General hospital and stopped at the reception area, Ari had told me Selena is at the General hospital." I'm looking for Selena Kings!" I said to the receptionist."Okay! But it would be best If you could just provide me with some information about your relationship to Miss. Kings, I'd be happy to direct you to her room."Wondering the best answer to give I finally replied clearing his throat. "I'm an...old friend of hers, and I just want to make sure she's okay."The receptionist's eyes narrowed slightly but then she nodded. "Very well, sir. Selena Kings is in room 214.”“ Thanks!” I replied and made my way through the bustling corridors of the hospital, my mind racing as I approached room 214. I’m not sure what I'm going to say when I see Selena, but I know I need to visit her.Reaching the door to her hospital room, I took a deep breath, my hand trembling slightly as I reaches for the handle." Who are you?" An approaching nurse asked me." I'm an..old
lJasper POVAri, noticing my look nodded "Sure, nothing. And that's why your jaw is so tense, you're looking like you're about to murder someone with your bare hands."I try to maintain my composure, shifting my gaze from Mateo and Selena to Ari. "I just don't like seeing Selena with some guy I don't know, that's all" I admit." Ahh, I see!” Ari nods, "You're worried about her, right?" he asked,"You don't want to see her get hurt huh.” Ari said in a mocking way.“ Stop, I'm being serious!” I glared at Ari and he giggled.Recalling what happened that night I shaked my head, the way Selena looked at Mateo at the hospital wasn't intimate at all or showed she likes him." Maybe...just maybe I might have made a mistake!" I mutter to myself.My thoughts still swirling, I try to push away the image of Selena and Mateo at the hospital, but it continues to haunt me. I find myself replaying the scene over and over in my mind, my doubts about my initial reaction growing stronger. "Maybe I was w
Aviva POV “Please, Aviva,” Levi pleaded, “There has to be another way. You don’t have to do this.”I stared at him, “I’m sorry, Levi, But this is the path I’ve chosen. I won’t betray Elara.”, deep down I know fully well I can't place my mom's life in danger. I turned away from Levi, my heart in pain I couldn’t quite place it. I knew I’d hurt him, but I couldn’t back down. I owed Elara too much for that.Elara had promised me so much, a new life, a fresh start. But at what cost? Was it worth sacrificing my relationship with Levi? Was it worth the risk of losing everything I’ve worked for?For days I threw myself into my work at Global Reach, trying to bury my doubts and misgivings beneath paperwork and meetings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. But at least, I got to give mom the better life she had given me. my phone rang and i glanced at it to see the caller Id Levi but i avoided the call. for days Levi had been
Levi POVI left the cafe, my mind was racing. I knew that Armstrong was right. I didn't have much time. Global Reach Enterprises was circling like vultures, waiting for ByteForge Technology to fall.But there had to be another way, a way to save my company without giving in to Thier demands.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's contact, i had promised myself i would never asked Dad for help but i guess i need to break my promise. “Hello Dad,” I said when he answered. “I need your help." “Levi?” Dad asked in surprise, “What is it, son? What’s going on?”I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “Dad, I’m in trouble. ByteForge is in trouble. I’m about to lose everything.”There was a long pause, and then Dad spoke. “I see. And what can I do to help?”" I want to know the real owner behind Global reach Enterprise, they want ByteForge , like there are desperate and any silly move from me might ruin everything, i want to know who i'm fighting not shadows" “T
Levi POVI sat in my office, replaying all that Aviva had said to me a while ago. For the past months my company ByteForge Technology has been going through a severe rough patch, is the breach thing Aviva talked about the cause? I sat down wondering.I paced around my office. Aviva’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The security breach she mentioned could be the work of a disgruntled former employee? Or could it be something more sinister? As the CEO of ByteForge Technology I have to take this seriously. If someone was targeting our company, we needed to be prepared. But was Aviva telling the truth? Or was she part of something more nefarious?My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.“Come in,” I called, returning to my desk and trying to appear composed.My assistant, James, entered,“Sir, we’ve been contacted by Global Reach Enterprises. They want to speak with you about a…potential collaboration.”“Potential collaboration?
Aviva POVElara’s laughter faded away as she walked out, I could practically feel the tension in the room. We all knew what was at stake, what would happen if we failed.“Okay,” Parker said, breaking the silence. “So we get in, find the backup server, and get the info. Sounds simple enough.”I knew it wouldn’t be that simple, not with the high stakes and the security precautions in place. But I also knew that Parker was trying to lighten the mood, trying to keep us focused.The three of us left the conference room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel my legs getting heavy, making every step feel heavy and slow.“Don’t worry, Aviva,” Armstrong said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. We’re going to get the information and get out, no problem.” I nodded, trying to smile. But I couldn’t help but feel creeped out. Something about this mission felt…off.Soon it got dark and we made our way towards Byteford Technology headquarters, disguising ourselves as janitors
Aviva POV“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rutherford,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you.”“Indeed,” Elara said, her gaze assessing me “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve reconsidered your application after all this time.”I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I am curious, Ms. Rutherford.”“Have a seat,” she gestured for me to sit. I sat down in the chair across from her, feeling as if I were being measured and weighed, Elara leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. “I’m not going to lie to you, Miss Rogers. We’re desperate. Our recent ventures haven’t been as successful as we’d hoped, and we’re in need of new blood.”A chill ran down my spine at her words. “And you believe I’m the right person for the job?”Elara smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “I believe you have potential, Miss Rogers. You impressed us during the initial interview, and your determination to find employment even after we
Aviva POVThe disciplinary committee was a panel of three stern faced executives, each with a folder of documents in front of them. Bianca took her seat at the head of the table.“Aviva Rogers,” she said, her voice clear and authoritative. “You stand accused of falsifying company records and conspiring with other employees to undermine the authority of your superiors. How do you plead?”I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. I knew it was useless. Bianca had made up her mind.“We have compiled a significant amount of evidence,” one of the disciplinary committee interjected, “But we’re willing to offer you a deal. If you confess, we’ll let you leave with a slightly more favorable recommendation.”I glared at him, my hands balled into fists under the table. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied instead of pleading, “I refuse to confess to crimes I didn’t commit. I was set up!”The committee members exchanged glances, “Very well,” Bianca smirked,“We will proceed
Aviva POV" She would not if we all work together, we can cover for you. Divide up the work so it looks like you’re doing it all yourself, but we’re helping behind the scenes. i promise we would do it just like you and no one will notice" Jeff advised.I hesitated. It was a risky plan, and part of me worried about the consequences if we got caught. But the alternative of failing to meet Bianca’s impossible deadline was even worse. I nod at least I'll be able to get a good night's rest. Feeling renewed with hope, I returned to my desk and began sorting through the files, dividing them up among Jeff, Clara, Dana and Sarah who suggested she would help. We’d have to work quickly and discreetly, and we can do it.The hours passed, we passed the files around, each of us working on different sections. We didn’t talk, didn’t even look at each other. Finally, the clock, near midnight, the last file was finished.“Are you sure no one will notice?” I whispered to Jeff as I placed the files ba
Aviva POVSwallowing hard, I got up from my desk and made my way to Bianca’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last.I entered her office, and Bianca was standing by the window, her back to me. She didn’t turn as I approached.“Close the door,” she barked. I obeyed. What have I done wrong now?“You will never humiliate me like that again,” Bianca hissed, finally turning to face me.“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, Bianca’s eyes flashed with rage. “You spoke to James,” she spat. “You thought you could go over my head and complain about your little cleaning assignment, didn’t you?”I blinked, my mind reeling. How did she know? “I…I didn’t…”“Liar!” she shouted.It's obvious she knew about it yesterday. Why bring it up now? Is she trying to drive to something? I wondered, staring at her. I stood there, paralyzed, as Bianca paced back and forth in front of me, her heels hitting the floor hard.“You think you can outsmart me? You think you’re special just
Aviva POVI felt so relieved and I felt like I could breathe again. “Thank you, James, I appreciate your help.”“It’s no problem, Miss, Bianca can be a handful, and I know Levi wouldn’t want you to be treated like that. But if she continues to give you trouble, you need to tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself. Now, why don’t you head back in there and start proving your worth?”. I nodded smiling, I turned and head into the department office when i suddenly heard my name from Bianca's office, "Aviva come over" she said loud and i sighed before heading there, i got into her office and she leaned back into her chair." I saw the strings you pulled, but take this, " she threw a file to work, " work on it and submit it tomorrow." I caught the file mid air, feeling the contents,“What is it?” I asked, curious piqued despite my wariness.“It’s a project for one of our biggest clients,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “I expect you to review the numbers, make sure everything is in order, and hav