She woke up at her usual time. Sitting up, she glanced outside the window out of habit. The sun was not yet risen. She tilted her head upwards and closed her eyes. After whispering a small prayer to the almighty, she lowered her feet to the floor.
As always the whole house was asleep as she padded towards the kitchen. Silence so profound, that she could hear her dad snoring through the door. Usually, people get irritated by their parents’ snoring but for her, it was a source of reassurance. It let her know their parents are well….they are still here. She had an obsession with checking up on her parents at night. The fear of something happening to them would sneak up on her in the stillness of the night, compelling her to slip into their room and hear them breathing. Yes, she was creepy in that sense.
She entered the kitchen to make herself coffee.
Watching the sunrise while sipping her piping hot coffee was her favorite moment of the day. The girl threw the bread crumbs on the ground, knowing very well the birds would soon show up.
Being the eldest child of her family, she wasn’t oblivious to her responsibilities towards her parents. Her father, a man of few words, carried his burdens in silence. She had only seen his emotions break through once when her mother met a fatal accident. She has been in a wheelchair since then. Hundreds of dollars were being spent on her care. Explains why they were still not wealthy enough despite working for Serranos. It’s not that Serrano was not helping. In fact, Mrs. Serrano was the reason she was studying in a high-end school. Her mother was being treated in the city’s best hospital with fees significantly reduced. But no matter how much you pour into a broken cup, it stays empty.
She was determined to make something meaningful of her life so that her dad could finally rest and live without burden. She was hopeful that once she would free him of his responsibilities, he would soften and become the father she longed for.
A flurry of chirps pulled her from her thoughts. She turned her face to find a group of little birds pecking eagerly at breadcrumbs. Smiling, she uncurled her palm for a little bird to hop on. These birds had become her pets. The world was cruel but nature was always kind to her. She was a shadow to humans, but to animals, she was a beacon. They gravitate towards her on their own.
After spending some time with birds, she took a bath and traced her path back to the kitchen. Without delay, she started making breakfast for everyone. She had voluntarily taken the responsibility of house chores since the accident.
Familiar footsteps echoed. Expectantly, she glanced towards the door and noticed her dad coming in with the newspaper tucked under his arm.
“Good morning, Dad,” she chirped, smiling brightly.
Franklin looked up at her and murmured, “Good Morning,” before looking away just as quickly. His face set in a solemn expression as he settled down in the chair.
Sera quickly grabbed the bowl filled with handfuls of nuts and presented it before Franklin. Franklin took it without sparing her a glance.
After that, she turned her attention back to preparing breakfast. His indifference no longer bothered her as she had gotten used to his curt replies and cold demeanor.
As soon as she was done making breakfast, she loaded a plate for her dad and placed it on the table before him. In a hopeful tone, she asked, “Are you coming to school today?”
Franklin looked up, clueless as to what she meant, “For what?”
A hint of disappointment dulled the optimism in her eyes.
“The quiz competition I told you about yesterday. I am participating in that. All the other kids’ parents are coming,” she explained hopefully. A brief silence followed.
“I have a very important meeting today,” Franklin replied, without meeting her gaze.
“Ohh,” A pang of disappointment stabbed her heart but she didn’t let it show on her face as she didn’t want her dad to feel guilty, not that he cared.
She dragged her feet back to the counter with disappointment burdening her shoulders.
Dyson, her brother, sauntered in a moment later.
“Is the breakfast ready?” he asked, taking his seat next to Franklin.
“How about wishing everyone “Good Morning” first?” Sera reminded. Dyson rolled his eyes before wishing everyone morning. Sera set the plate down in front of him. After that, she went to her mother, carrying her breakfast plate.
She opened the door to find Mary in her wheelchair. She was gazing out the window.
“Mom,” she called softly as she set the plate down on the table. Mary didn’t respond. She walked towards her. An aura of melancholy constantly surrounded her mom since the accident and it stung Sera every time she saw her.
She gently rested her hand on her shoulder and said, “I’ve made you breakfast.” The woman subtly wiped away her tears.
“Did Dyson have his breakfast?” she asked, still staring outside.
“Yes. Dad and Dyson are having their breakfast in the kitchen,” Sera informed her. Mary spun her wheelchair around towards the table. Sera didn’t linger on the prick of being overlooked- Mary never asked her if she had her breakfast too.
After making sure everyone had eaten, she returned to her room to get ready for school.
…………..
Serrano's residence was a piece of heaven nestled on earth. She would always find herself enchanted by its unrivaled grandeur.
She walked into the house, once again mesmerized by its opulence. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling alone was enough to make her feel dirt-poor.
“Sera! Come on in. How are you doing?” Ara welcomed her with a warm smile. Sera smiled back, wondering if she had caught her gawking.
“Hello, Mrs. Serrano. I am good. How are you?” Sera asked politely, clasping her hands together in front.
“Good. You’re looking for Hannah? She is in her room,” Ara told her.
“I’ll see her then,” Sera said as if asking for her permission.
“Sure. Have you had your breakfast?” Ara asked, her gaze warm and kind. Sera’s smile faltered for a moment. Dyson had eaten extra today, leaving her with nothing to eat.
“I am serving breakfast in a few minutes. Have it with us,” Ara invited her.
“I…I would hate to be a..”
“You’re no trouble at all, Sera,” Ara cut in, her voice gentle yet firm. Sera was deeply touched by her kindness. Despite being so rich, Mrs. Serrano had no ounce of arrogance.
“Okay,” she agreed with a sheepish smile. After that, she went upstairs to see Hannah. Her heart pulsated in her throat as she walked alone through the quiet corridor. His room was not far off.
She breathed a sigh of relief only after she reached Hannah’s room. After placing a gentle knock, she opened the door to find Hannah packing her school bag.“Good morning,” Sera sauntered in, wearing a smile. Hannah looked up and flashed her a bright smile. “Sera, you are here!” Hannah exclaimed in joy. “I thought you forgot,” she added, looking relieved now. “How could I?” Sera said before holding out the book to her, “I’ve solved all the questions. Go through them and learn the steps.” Hannah nodded enthusiastically while flipping through the pages. Hannah, unlike her elder siblings, was a bundle of sweetness. She was grounded and had a good head on her shoulders. Sera liked spending time with her. She was little but spiritual. For her, Hannah was like a little sister she never had. “Come, let’s have breakfast,” Hannah hurriedly slipped the book into her bag and grinned. They went downstairs. Gigi was already there at the table, applying butter to her bread while humming a song
She instantly shot her gaze down, her pulse leaping. “Today is Sera’s quiz competition,” Hannah excitedly told her mother. Ara gave Sera a look of approval. “That’s really nice. I am sure you’ll do amazing,” Ara reassured her with a smile. Ginger rolled her eyes. “Who is attending? Franklin?” Ara asked nonchalantly. Sera’s smile wavered at the question. “Umm….Dad has some work so he won’t be able to make it,” Sera replied, struggling to ignore someone’s intrusive stare. Realization dawned on Ara. “I’ll see what I can do,” Ara told her, feeling a pang of pity for the girl. “No, it’s okay. He said he had an important meeting today. I don’t want him to cancel his meeting for me. What if I lose the competition? That would be so embarrassing,” she replied, covering her nervousness with a fake smile. “I am sure he wouldn’t care. We parents only want our kids to grow through both success and failures,” Ara told her. After saying that, she excused herself to attend a call from Ki
“What type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between two atoms?” the conductor asked. “Covalent bond,” Sera answered without missing a beat. “Which organ in the human body produces insulin?”“Pancreas”Which event marked the beginning of the American Revolution?“Umm…Lexington”Her face split into a joyful grin as she noticed her score surpassing her competitors. With the prize money, she was going to buy her dad a watch. His current watch was not working properly. "You are doing great till now. Now we’ll have questions from the audience,” the conductor announced, gesturing towards the crowd. Sera’s gaze drifted towards the audience. “What mountain range separates Europe and Asia?” a female student questioned. ‘Ural” Sera replied confidently. The room fell silent for a brief moment before a deep voice interrupted. What is the principle that states no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers?” Nate’s deep voice rang in the air. Sera froze.
Sera was on the edge of sleep when she felt a presence hovering over her. Her eyes snapped open in alarm. ........He hated her. Everything about her just made his blood boil with rage- her hair, her lips, her eyes- especially her eyes that beheld the world with childlike innocence. He wanted to ruin her, to dismantle her piece by piece. Nate stood over her, his glare burning into her back as she lay on her side, oblivious to his ominous presence. This wasn't the first time he had invaded her space. It was a daily thing now. An unspoken rule- he would come to her and she would give him whatever he wanted. It started the day he pulled the trigger on Nick. The disappointment for him in his mother's eyes had unsettled him so badly that he couldn't get an ounce of peace no matter where he wandered. To seek peace, he had come to her. She irritated him- God, she did- but there was something about her, something untouchable by the darkness she carried that, strangely enough, soothed the
Leaning against the front of his sleek red Ferrari, Nate exhaled a cloud of smoke into the air and watched it dissipate. Dressed in a black shirt and jeans, he embodied the untouchable rogue. A walking temptation shrouded in an aura of mystery—his presence commanded attention effortlessly. He remained unfazed by the girl gawking at him, drawn to the unspoken promise of thrill and danger in his cold, piercing eyes. "The party was crazy. Girls from other schools had also come. You missed the fun," Dave, his best friend, told him. Nate simply blew another gust, unbothered. "Why do you not attend parties? Girls were asking about you," Maxim asked, confused. "I have better things to do than be a part of the circus you call "party," Nate answered dryly. He barely ever attended parties. "Dude, you've no idea what you are missing. Girls are so easy there," Stuart crowed, a haze of alcohol still lingering in his eyes. Nate wasn't impressed. "Easy has never been my preference," he stat
Gloria glanced down at the box briefly before locking gaze with her, her expression was filled with smug confidence. Arching an eyebrow, she snatched the box from her. Opening it, the corner of her mouth quirking up then she burst into a fit of laughter. Sera stood there, perplexed as Gloria's laughter rang out. "Guys, she got me cupcakes," Gloria mocked, and her followers joined in the ridicule. Her minions joined in, causing Sera's smile to slip. The box slipped from Gloria's hand as she continued to laugh uncontrollably. "Oops, I dropped your cupcakes," Gloria exclaimed, her tone thick with fake sweetness. Sera's face flushed with humiliation as she stared at her crushed cupcakes. "How could you drop her CUPCAKES? Glo. Do you even know how expensive they were? Twelve whole bucks," one of her minions sneered, sending another round of laughter rippling through the group. Sera stood there, her eyes welling up. "Awww....Don't be mean to my cousin. Look, you made her cry," Glo m
The red light of the gym danced over his strong, sharp features. Sweat sprayed with every punch, his nostrils flaring as Nate pounded the bag with relentless force, sending it swinging violently. The poor thing had already begun to burst at the seams but Sin knew no mercy. His mind stuck on her- playing the sinful moment- her, again and again. He just wasn't able to get over how tempting she looked soaked from tip to toe. Her delicate curves teased his mind mercilessly, turning him crazy. Her nipples poking through the fabric, her glossy lips, her glistening neck...... With a guttural growl, he sent his fist crashing into the bag, ripping it apart.He glared sharply at the bag as if it was the cause of his distress but no, it wasn't. The cause of his distress was that girl with speaking eyes and angelic laughter. She barely spoke in front of him but her eyes.....they would convey what her mouth would never. There was a whole world hidden behind those irises, untouched, unreachable. He
Sera decided to let her hair down today. She gently ran the comb through her copper-kissed waves while humming a tune. After such a long time she was feeling at peace. It was as if someone had lifted the suffocating boulder from her chest, even though only for brief moments, she could breathe without feeling the weight of his presence crushing down on her.Feeling gaiety, she lifted her arms and began dancing. Her feet painted silent poetry on the floor, her body moving in graceful movements. There was no hesitation, no conscious thoughts. Her body swayed in perfect harmony. The wind seeped in through the open window and started playing with her locks. She looked so divine while dancing. She loved dancing. It was her way of expressing herself. She had never danced in front of anyone before. Nobody knew about her secret talent, not even Nathan. Her eyes absently wandered over to the painting hanging on the wall. Halting, she made her way towards it and took it off the wall. "I bed
His hand on her thigh burned like a brand, searing her skin. She squirmed in her seat, silently willing him to remove it. But since when did he care about her comfort? The weight of his palm pressed down on her thigh, squeezing her flesh with a teasing cruelty. It was all a game for him but for her, it was pure torture. He believed he owned her, his treatment of her stank of entitlement. Her suffering was his pleasure. As if bullying her wasn't enough, he now had ventured into uncharted territory, touching and kissing her whenever he felt like. She clenched her eyes shut for a brief moment, before turning towards the window and watching the world passing by. She had no clue where he was taking her. She asked him several times but no answer came from his end. The road stretched endlessly ahead, the traffic thinning as he kept driving on. Unease churning deep in her belly. She stole a glance at him. His gaze locked firmly on the road, his features tight as if going through some inner t
He had acted all sigma in front of her, but only he knew the torment within. His bowel system hadn't stopped doing acrobats since the moment he consumed that infernal dish. It was beyond him as to how did she even conceive such a diabolical idea. Vixen. That's some way to torture someone- no weapon needed, just the dish is enough. He stepped out of the bathroom holding his stomach, worn out. He had spent the whole night shuffling in and out of the bathroom, not getting even a wink of sleep.None who wronged him had lived to see another day. Those who so much as scratched him carried scars far deeper in return. His vengeance burned hotter than the flames of hell itself. And yet.... she was alive. He suffered yet she lived. He had no idea what was happening to him. Why was he being so lenient with the girl who had rejected him so blatantly? A profound mix of hurt and anger had crashed through him. The sting of rejection still lingered, sharpening in quiet moments. He didn't forget the d
He took her to the rooftop, the most posh part of the restaurant. They were given a quiet cabin that overlooked the entire city. She felt her heart stutter as she took in the view. It was beyond stunning. "What we are going to have?" he asked, pulling her attention to him. "Huh?" she asked, having missed his words. He pointed towards the menu. "I am not hungry," she replied. With this guy, she wasn't sure. Who knows, if she somehow irritated him, he might just make her pay as some kind of twisted punishment. The dishes here cost way more than her monthly savings. "No need to panic. I won't make you pay," he stated with a smirk. Surprise flickered in her eyes as she blinked at him, wondering if she had spoken without her knowledge. "Now, pick up the menu and choose for us," he instructed, eager to get over with the task. "What do you want?" she asked, going through the menu. "Surprise me," he replied, his gentle eyes steady on her. She glanced up at him briefly before returnin
Her shift had ended, but before heading home, she went up to the terrace to spend some time alone. The golden hues of the sunset held her gaze when, a few minutes later, Giovanni arrived. "So are you coming to the excursion?" Giovanni asked, tilting his head. The curiosity in his eyes suggested he truly cared for the answer. "I am not sure," she replied, her voice quiet. A distant look was in her eyes as she stared far off. "You should come if you ask me. The old folks here specifically asked for your name on the list. They're really eager for you to join," he revealed, looking down at her with a gentle smile. She looked over at him. "And how do you know that?" she questioned, her eye narrowing slightly in doubt. She was convinced he was lying. Her presence and absence didn't matter to anyone. No matter how hard she tried, she was always the one left in the background. "I made the list. Your name was the first one they asked me to add," he answered, shrugging. She was surprised t
She resisted, a whimper ripped from her throat, but there was nothing stopping her tormentor. He eagerly tore the piece off her. There was a sense of urgency in his touch, an unbearable need to see all of her. The faint thud of her bra hitting the floor echoed in the quiet room, causing her heart to race faster. Her chin remained tucked to her chest, her eyes downcast as he spun her around. The scorching heat of his gaze felt unbearable as he shamelessly checked her out. Beyond embarrassed, she raised her hands to cover herself but before she could, he caught them mid-motion, unwilling to let her obstruct his view. He had beheld countless breathtaking sights but none had ever stolen his breath or sent his heart racing like this. He was hypnotized. He released her hands, eager to explore every inch of her."My mark suits you," he murmured, pressing his thumb against the old bruise on her neck. She lifted her lashes to look at him. Tears traced down her cheeks upon seeing the burnin
His hand landed on her thigh with a possessive grip, rooting her in place. His fingers pressed in, squeezing her fabric-clad thigh as if staking his claim. Sera released a shaky breath, gazing at his rings-clad hand gripping her thigh. The girl snuck a glance at him. His eyes were locked ahead on the road, his face unreadable but the subtle twitches of his jaw betrayed the anger simmering beneath the surface. He was still mad. "What?" he asked suddenly, startling her. She quickly looked away. "Nothing," she murmured, lowering her gaze to his hand on her thigh. She wanted him to take his hand away. "I know something's on your mind," he pressed, glancing briefly her way before refocusing on the road. "Out with it," he said, pinching her flesh. His commanding tone brooked no refusal. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Why didn't you let them....." she paused briefly before continuing, "Search me?" His vehement opposition to the search had confused her as well. He tu
After what felt like an eternity, the car stopped. The trunk was opened shortly, revealing blue sky. His silver eyes twinkled with something as they landed on her. "How did you like the adventure?" he asked amused, as he undid the chains, making sure not to hurt her. Sera was beyond confused and frightened to answer. She shot him an accusatory glare which only made him chuckle. He picked her up and set her down on the pavement. Her alarmed eyes darted around, searching for an explanation, any sign that could tell what was coming next. He removed the tape and pecked her dry lips. "Your every second with me will be just as unforgettable.," he murmured against her lips. Then as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he reached up to smoothen her tousled hair. "Go inside and pick whatever you want," he suggested while gently running his fingers through her hair. She glanced at the store they were standing in front of. Her eyes turned wide in disbelief. It was a store for d
"Everyone thinks we are in a relationship, yet I haven't even stepped foot in his room," Gloria whined in frustration, feeling she was losing the game. To marry him and become Mrs. Serrano was her ultimate dream. Nate wasn't just a handsome face, he was the heir of the Serrano legacy. And she wanted to be his queen. The time was slipping through her fingers though. Soon, they'll graduate and scatter. She had to make him hers before it gets too late. "Nothing you missed. His room makes a prison cell look like a five-star hotel. No color, no aesthetic," Gigi drawled out. Even though they were twins, they barely ever saw eye to eye. Gloria's lips curved into a sly smile. "Well, I can change that. You've seen my room, right?" Gloria quipped. Gigi rolled her eyes at her excitement. She could never understand why every girl was so head over heels for his brother. He, literally, was the most annoying creature to dwell on earth. "I don't think he would appreciate his walls colored in
Her mouth hanging open as she looked down in disbelief at the streaks of his essence covering her front. Bile rose in her throat. Nate tilted her chin up, making her meet his eyes."Next time it will be you serving me," he declared in finality before releasing her and stepping away. She squeezed her eyes shut, curled her fingers into tight fists, feeling suffocated. Tears burned their way down her cheeks but they also failed to wash away the filth that clung to her skin. The disgust tearing at her insides was excruciating— at him, at herself, at the fact that he had reduced her into an object for his sick pleasure. A mere puppet, swaying at his command. She hated how utterly helpless, powerless she was against him. Her eyes flung open upon feeling something soft gliding across her neck only to find him standing over her, wiping his filth from her skin with a sickening sense of entitlement. Not even a semblance of shame could be found on his face. She stared at him with pure disgust