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XXI. BIRDS OF BLACK FEATHER
Last Updated:
2025-02-02 15:37:34
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Hopelessly Devoted XXII. BEHIND THE CURTAINS
As I stood in the hallway, trying to process the shocking events that had just unfolded, Claus suddenly appeared beside me. His eyes blazed with anger and hatred, and his voice was low and menacing. "This is all because of you," he spat, his words dripping with venom. "If you hadn't interfered in my brother's life, none of this would have happened. You're just a poor maid, and you should have stayed out of our business." I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as tears began to well up. Claus's words cut deep, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was right. Had I really caused all of this chaos? Claus's expression twisted in disgust as he looked at me. "You're nothing but trouble," he sneered. "And you'll pay for what you've done." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling shaken and vulnerable. A while later, I made my way to the dining room, where everyone was gathered. Claus was sitting at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on some point in front of him. The r
Last Updated : 2025-02-02Hopelessly Devoted XXIII. TOXICITY
We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity, the tension between us palpable. Then, without breaking eye contact, Raphael reached into his desk drawer and pulled out his phone. He dialed a number, and a moment later, a man's voice answered."Yes, sir?" the man said, his voice deferential.Raphael's eyes never left mine as he spoke. "How is the patient?" he asked, his voice firm.The man's voice came back, reassuring. "She's stable now, sir. The doctor says she'll make a full recovery."I felt a wave of relief wash over me at the man's words. Betty was going to be okay.But then, Raphael's expression changed. He smiled, a small, enigmatic smile, and held out the phone. "Delilah, I think you'd like to hear this," he said, his voice low.I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, I slowly reached out and took the phone from Raphael. As I put it to my ear, I heard Betty's voice, weak but unmistakable."Delilah...I'm so sorry...I don't know what happened..."I fel
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Hopelessly Devoted XXIV. UNCOVER MASK
As I walked into my quarters, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach. I felt like I was trapped in a web of secrets and lies, and I didn't know how to escape.I sat down on my bed, trying to gather my thoughts. I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to watch my back. But I also knew that I couldn't just hide forever. I had to find a way to uncover the truth, no matter what it took.I thought back to the conversation I had with Raphael. He had seemed so sincere, so convincing. But I knew that I couldn't trust him. I had to keep my guard up, no matter what.As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard a faint noise coming from outside my room. It sounded like footsteps, light and cautious. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.Suddenly, the door to my room creaked open, and a figure slipped inside. It was one of the other maids, a quiet and reserved girl named Sarah."Delilah, I need to talk to you," Sarah whispered, her eyes darting nervously aroun
Last Updated : 2025-02-03Hopelessly Devoted XXV. BLUE
Sarah and I quickly gathered our cleaning supplies and rushed out of Riezel's room, making sure to keep the disturbing discovery a secret. We didn't want to alert Riezel or anyone else to our discovery.As we left the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I knew that I had to be careful, that Riezel was a force to be reckoned with.The rest of the day passed in a blur. I went through the motions of my duties, but my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Riezel and her sinister intentions.It wasn't until evening, when everyone was gathered in the dining room for dinner.Claus, who had been sitting alone while we are at the back. As I stood in the foyer, I saw Raphael rushing down the stairs, his black jacket slung over his shoulder. He was walking quickly, his long strides eating up the distance as he hurried towards the front door.I watched in confusion as he rushed past me, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. He didn't even acknowledge my presence, and I felt a pang of
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Hopelessly Devoted XXVI. DARK SMOKE
As I walked downstairs, I noticed a commotion at the entrance of the mansion. There were several men in police uniforms, talking to the staff and looking around. I wondered what was going on, but before I could ask anyone, I heard the sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor.I turned to see a woman walking into the room, and my heart skipped a beat as I realized who it was. Riezel. She was wearing a stunning red dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.As she walked into the room, her eyes scanned the space until they landed on me. She smiled, a slow, suspicious smile that sent shivers down my spine. We stared at each other, the air thick with tension, without saying a word.Suddenly, Claus grabbed my hand and pulled me close. "We have to get out of here, now," he whispered urgently.I didn't need to ask why. I knew that Riezel's presence meant trouble, an
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Hopelessly Devoted XXVII. LETTER OF LIGHT
I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. This was insane. Riezel was the one who had been manipulating everyone, and now she was accusing me of stealing from her?"I didn't steal anything from Riezel," I said, my voice firm. "She's lying. She's been trying to frame me from the beginning."The prosecutor raised an eyebrow. "And why would Riezel do that?" he asked, his tone skeptical.I took a deep breath. "Because she's been using Betty to get to me. She's been manipulating her, using her to get information about me. And when Betty found out what was going on, Riezel...she..."I couldn't finish the sentence. The thought of what Riezel had done to Betty was too much to bear.The prosecutor's expression didn't change. "I'm afraid we have enough evidence to charge you with theft, Delilah. And with the evidence we have about Betty's suicide, I'm afraid you're looking at a very serious sentence."I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. This couldn't be happening. I was innocent, and I
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Hopelessly Devoted XXVIII. GROUP OF BULLIES
Raphael's voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke, his words trembling with emotion. "Delilah, even though I don't remember anything about us, I believe what Betty wrote. I believe that we had something special, something true."He paused, his eyes locked on mine, filled with a deep sadness. "Every time I saw you, I felt something different. Something that I couldn't explain. And now, seeing you like this..." His voice cracked, and he struggled to continue."It tortures me, Delilah. Seeing you in this place, with bruises on your face and tears in your eyes. It kills me to think that I'm the reason you're here. That my lack of memories, my inability to recall our past, has led to this."Raphael's face contorted in anguish, and he buried his face in his hands. "I'm so sorry, Delilah. I'm so sorry that I didn't remember. That I didn't believe you. That I didn't protect you."His body shook with sobs, and I felt a pang of sorrow and regret. I wanted to comfort him, to tell him that i
Last Updated : 2025-02-05Hopelessly Devoted XXIX. I MISS YOU
I finally found a seat at a table near the window, relieved to be away from the chaos of the canteen. I sat down, taking a deep breath and trying to calm my nerves.Just as I was starting to relax, a girl with bright pink hair and a collection of piercings sat down beside me. She was followed by a nerdy-looking man wearing sunglasses, who sat down across from us.The girl smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with friendliness. "Hey, mind if we join you?" she asked, nodding towards the empty chairs.I shook my head, feeling a little wary but also grateful for the distraction. "No, go ahead," I said, trying to smile.The girl introduced herself as Zoe, and the man as Brian. They seemed like an unlikely pair, but they both had a friendly and non-threatening air about them.As we ate our lunch, Zoe and Brian chatted with me, asking me questions about myself and listening intently to my answers. They seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me, and I found myself opening up to them in a
Last Updated : 2025-02-05
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Hopelessly Devoted LXX. BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
As we stepped off the plane in New Zealand, I could feel the weight of our past tragedies slowly lifting off our shoulders. The crisp, clean air and the stunning natural beauty of the country seemed to envelop us in a sense of peace and tranquility.Raphael and I had decided to take a vacation to New Zealand to refresh our minds and hearts. We wanted to leave behind the memories of the past and start anew, and what better way to do that than in one of the most beautiful countries in the world?We spent our first few days in Auckland, exploring the city and its surroundings. We visited the iconic Sky Tower, where we took in breathtaking views of the city and harbor. We also walked along the waterfront, enjoying the street performers and food vendors.But it was when we left Auckland and started exploring the rest of the country that our vacation really began to take off. We rented a car and drove to Rotorua, where we spent a day exploring the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu. We marvel
Hopelessly Devoted LXIX. THANKYOU, GOODBYE
Riezel's voice was tearful as she asked Raphael, "Do you still love Delilah? Even though she's changed her name, even though her face is not the same? Does your heart still beat for her?" Raphael's eyes never left mine as he looked down and nodded without hesitation. It was as if he was confirming his love for me, no matter what name I went by or what I looked like. Riezel's face contorted in agony as she broke down into tears. Her body shook with sobs, and her voice was barely audible as she asked Raphael again, "Did you ever love me? Did you ever care for me? Did your heart ever beat for me?" Raphael remained silent, his eyes still fixed on me. He didn't even glance at Riezel, and his silence was deafening. Riezel's tears continued to flow as she begged Raphael to answer her. But he just shook his head and said, "It's all my fault, Riezel. If there's anyone you need to punish, it's me, not Ava." Raphael took a step forward, his eyes locked on Riezel's. "I'll take the blame for
Hopelessly Devoted LXVIII. CONFESSION
As I slowly opened my eyes, I was met with the familiar sight of the Montenegro hacienda's bedroom. I was lying on the bed, my head pounding with a dull ache. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to lie back down.As I looked around the room, I realized that I was alone. There was no sign of Claus, no sign of anyone. I tried to call out for help, but my voice was hoarse and barely audible.I struggled to get out of bed, my legs shaking beneath me. I stumbled to the door and began to pound on it, calling out for someone to help me. But there was no response.I pounded on the door for what felt like hours, but no one came. I was starting to get desperate, starting to feel like I was trapped.And then I remembered the staff. They must have been instructed not to help me. Claus must have told them to leave me alone.I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I was trapped, alone and helpless. I slid to the floor, tears streaming down my face.Raphael. Oh, Raph
Hopelessly Devoted LXVII. TELL ME IT'S NOT A DREAM
As Raphael drove the car, I sat beside him, feeling worried and scared. The events of the party were still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.Raphael glanced at me, concern etched on his face. He saw the paleness of my skin, the shock still evident in my eyes. He reached out and held my hands tightly, trying to reassure me that he was there for me, that I wasn't alone."Where are we going?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Raphael smiled softly. "Somewhere no one will find us," he said. "Just rest, Ava. You need it right now."I tried to lean back and rest my eyes, but my mind was racing. I couldn't forget what I had witnessed at the party. The image of Markus's lifeless body, the sound of Riezel's screams, it all kept replaying in my mind.As I drifted off to sleep, I had a nightmare. The party was repeating itself in my mind, and I was reliving the horror all over again.When I woke up, gasping for breath, I found myself in an unfamiliar room.
Hopelessly Devoted LXVI. THE PERFECT GIFT
I sat in the dimly lit room, my heart racing as I recounted every detail of my conversation with Markus to Claus. He listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information.When I finished, Claus leaned back in his chair, a calculating look on his face. "We need to make Markus silence," he said, his voice low and menacing.I felt a shiver run down my spine as I heard his words. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.Claus didn't answer me directly. Instead, he leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Let's just say that I have ways of dealing with people who become a problem," he said, his voice dripping with malice.I felt a wave of fear wash over me as I realized what Claus was suggesting. "You're not going to try to kill him, are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Claus didn't answer me. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Let's just focus on our goal, Ava," he said. "If I find
Hopelessly Devoted LXV. GOOD LOOKING
As I walked into the bathroom, I didn't expect to see Riezel waiting for me. But there she was, her eyes blazing with anger and hatred. She pushed me against the wall, her hands closing around my neck like a vice.I struggled to breathe, but Riezel just leaned in closer, her face twisted in a snarl. She was enjoying this, enjoying the power she had over me. She was going to kill me, and she was going to enjoy every moment of it.But then, something inside me snapped. I started to giggle, and then I laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. Riezel's eyes widened in surprise, and she backed away from me, looking at me like I was crazy.And maybe I was. Maybe I had finally lost my mind after everything I had been through. But I didn't care. I was beyond caring.Riezel's voice was shaking as she asked me, "What's your relationship with my husband?"But I just smiled, a cold, calculating smile. I tied my long hair back, and then I started to walk towards Riezel, step by step.I didn't answer her q
Hopelessly Devoted LXIV. NEW ALLIES
As I walked into my condominium, I couldn't shake off the feeling of anger and resentment that had been building up inside me. I hurriedly made my way to my secret room, my heart racing with anticipation. And as I opened the door, I was met with a surprise that made my blood boil.Claus was sitting in my chair, a look of calmness on his face. But as soon as he saw me, he turned around, a hint of surprise in his eyes. I didn't give him time to react, though. I immediately grabbed him by the collar, my fingers digging deep into his skin."What did you tell Raphael?" I demanded, my voice low and menacing. "What lies did you and Riezel tell him to make him break into pieces like that?"Claus looked at me, confusion etched on his face. "Ava, I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying to calm me down.But I wasn't having it. I pushed him away, my hands shaking with anger. "Don't lie to me, Claus," I spat. "I know all about it. Raphael told me everything."Claus looked at me, s
Hopelessly Devoted LXIII. THE TABLES TURN
As the sunset approached, Raphael and I settled into the sand, his arms wrapped around me, holding me close. The sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple, a breathtaking sight that seemed to match the emotions swirling inside me.As we sat there, watching the sun dip below the horizon, I felt a sense of sentimental wash over me. I couldn't help but think about the journey I had taken to get to this moment, to be back in Raphael's arms. All the pain, the heartache, the struggles – it had all been worth it, because in the end, I had found my way back to him.But as I gazed into his eyes, I couldn't help but wonder – if he knew everything, would he still love me? Would he still accept me, flaws and all? Or would he turn away, horrified by the secrets I had kept hidden for so long?I stared at him, lost in thought, and Raphael noticed. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?"I hesitated, unsure of how to an
Hopelessly Devoted LXII. TORN APART
As we finished our meal at the restaurant, Raphael suggested that we head to a nearby hotel to continue our conversation in private. I agreed, and we hailed a taxi to take us to the hotel.As we rode in the taxi, Raphael's hand brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through my body. I turned to him, our eyes locking in a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words.When we arrived at the hotel, Raphael paid the taxi driver and we stepped out onto the sidewalk. The cool evening air was filled with the sounds of the city, but all I could focus on was the man standing beside me.We walked into the hotel lobby, and Raphael approached the front desk to check us in. I stood beside him, my arm brushing against his as we waited for the receptionist to hand over our room key.As we made our way to the elevator, Raphael's hand found its way to the small of my back, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I leaned into him, my head tilting up to meet his gaze.The elevator
