"Your birthday? Oh, right! Yesterday is your birthday! Oh my. Belated Happy Birthday, sis."I smiled. Anna did not forget the real date of my birthday."I am sorry. I just remembered now because I am too occupied and worried.""It's okay. I know you care about me a lot or else you wouldn't find my number to call me and give me a heads up." My feelings toward Anna were complicated.She was the sister I always admire. She was lovely, kind, warm, and talented. A perfect child in every way.However, because she was too perfect, her little sister who wasn't talented as much as her would look dull.Unlike her who was favored and always got to impress others, I am always left out and ignored.And it was way worse when people pay attention to me. Because they always compared me to her. So although Anna treated me kindly, I could not help but hate her.Why I should always be compared to her? Why should I match her skills and talent? Why she was so perfect and I am lacking in many ways?Sinc
..... Thankfully, Kane reminded me. I was a bit late for my next class. But I don't feel upset about it. Contrary, I was feeling giddy all the way. Too bad though, we weren't able to talk more about our feelings since we have to go to our classes after our lunch. "Later...can you wait for me?" Kane suddenly asked. My classes ended early than his. Before, I waited for him at the library to go home together since we are a pair. But now that Kane was asking this straightforwardly, I felt that there are a great difference even though we were just going home together like usual. There was an ambiguity in the air. It feels like a boyfriend asking her girlfriend to go home together. For some reason, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Gosh. My cheeks are burning. "Yes. I'll be in the library." Kane smiled. His eyes twinkled. "Good." I went to my classroom in a daze. There were so many things that happened today. Kane confessed to me. We kissed. Then I got a call from Anna. I heard
Fortunately, Layla was helpful.[It is better for you to have light makeup since you don't know how to apply cosmetics. I know your skin tone and I tried some lipstick on you before. I think you would look good with bright red lipstick shade #2 and some eyeliner. Put on some blush. You don't need concealer and powder since you got good skin. Your freckles on the blush would look good. Don't cover it!]I followed Layla's instructions. She knew my feature best so she had some ideas about what color and look would suit me.I applied and erased my makeup a couple of times. I was messy at first. But after practicing, I got the hang of it. I am an artist after all.I looked in the mirror and felt that it was enough. Since I wasn't sure if my look was good, I send a picture to Layla to ask for her opinion.[Kyaaah! You are so pretty and sexy!]I was shy.I also think that my whole vibe and appearance changed with this little bit of makeup. My eyes are more expressive. The blush on my face ad
[Kane's POV]Nine years ago....A ten-year-old boy was dressed in a black suit. His dark hair was covering his dark eyes. He looked cold and expressionless. However, those obsidian eyes carried darkness and loneliness that could puncture one's heart.The boy was standing motionlessly in front of a tomb as his stepfather, Tristan Cruz, silently wept.Today was the boy's mother's death anniversary. It was a sad day that reminded them that their once-perfect family had been ruined. However, the boy could not cry, since the only adult in his family was already in a mess ever since his mother's death.As the only heir and family member, the boy took the burden to remain headstrong and unwavering. After all, his mother always taught him to be strong no matter what the circumstances."Young Master." The head butler came to the boy's side. "Today is the gathering of the Golden Heirs. We should prepare."The young boy glanced at his stepfather who was still denying the reality. With his fath
From then on, the young boy keeps watch of the two every time he meets them.He admired the little girl named Layla because she was different from the other kids. She was willful, brave, and compassionate of others. His mother once said that once a child showed those kinds of qualities at an early age, they would grow up well. It would be good to befriend people like her.On the other hand, the red-haired girl named Stella was so frustrating to watch. She was timid and she barely speak. She was clumsy too and although she was trying to keep her emotions, those big green eyes of hers revealed all her thoughts.Whenever the young boy watched that little girl, he could not help but berate everything she did in his mind. It was almost to the point that he could barely keep himself from trying to approach her and nag her about this and that.But his pride as a boy and to not befriend silly people like her kept him from approaching her. He just kept watching her. But from time to time, the
A/n: This chapter is fixed. **** There was a moment of silence before Kane answered. "I don't know when it starts. But I always find myself watching you." Kane's dark eyes were deep. "When did you start entering my eyes? When did I start thinking about you? I myself don't know when until you approached me and suggested that ridiculous deal." "Ridiculous deal?" Does he mean my offer of helping him to get together with Layla? At that time, I arrogantly told him that I could tell his feelings and I am able to help him since I know Layla the best. He did not deny my words but he did not confirm it either. However, he accepted it and I took it as Kane wanting to pursue Layla. In the end, it's not like how I thought. Then what Kane was thinking when he agreed to me? "Didn't you accept my offer because you have feelings for Layla back then?" Kane raised his brow. "How could you tell that I have feelings for her when I am myself not sure who I have feelings for?" "You have been c
A/n: This chapter is fixed. Thank you for waiting. ***** I had an amazing night. The dream that I dared not to dream happened in reality. If not for the heat in my cheeks, and the loud beating of my heart I would think that all of it was only an illusion of mine. Starting today, Kane was officially pursuing me. Ahhhh! Is this a dream? Where am I? What am I? Does the amazing yesterday truly happen? They were not my illusions, right? Kane confessed to me.... And we kissed....date...dance...and he said he would pursue me! Hold on, why was the process backward? Anyway! Today was still a perfectly wonderful day! If only my eyebags doesn't exist. I glanced at the mirror. Because of so much excitement about yesterday's event, and with Kane's image constantly running in my mind, I wasn't able to have a wink of sleep. Since I did not sleep at all, my eyebags were obvious. Ah. I don't want to look haggard and messy today. What should I do? Kane would drive me to school and I wa
After our meal, Kane drove me to school.I glanced at him from time to time."What is it? You keep staring at my face. Have you fallen in love with me?" Kane asked with a smile.I had fallen in love with you since ages ago, you idiot.I coughed. "....Doesn't it look strange?""What strange?""Me wearing a dress. As you said, I never wear one to school. So I am kinda embarrassed now. I think I would be gaining a lot of strange glances today.""Do you want to change? If I could do what I want, I only want you to wear dresses in front of me. I am afraid some other guys will discover how pretty you are if you make yourself stand out. But it doesn't matter since I won't let them snatch you away anyway.""....""Besides, you finally gain the courage to step out of your comfort zone. I want to support you and wish that you gain more confidence in yourself." I stared at Kane. How could this jerk be so lovely and sweet? His words and sincerity made my heart melt."Agh." Kane suddenly groane
After listening for an hour, I came to believe that Kane did really visit me in those times as he told me some of the things he was concerned with. It seemed that he bottled it all up. Kane pouted, "When I came to visit you, aside from the first few times, you don't look like you missed me. You are happy with them. Especially with that person named Hugh. You are being too close to him. Are you sure he doesn't have a crush on you? Whenever your group hang out, he was always there." "Because he is part of the group. Don't worry about Hugh, I think he has a crush on Lilac." "Your dormitory friend? But they looked like they hate each other." "Didn't we also start that way?" Kane chuckled, "Right. It only changed when you played Cupid." I could not help but smile at the memory. Wait.... I slapped Kane's arm. "You are changing the topic. I am still angry at you." Although I said that, there was no really no anger in my heart anymore. I just wanted to make it difficult for Kane for
My consciousness started to stir as I felt someone wiping my face. The wet towel then wiped my neck, arms, and hands. Although I am already aware, my body was numb and I couldn't move. I wasn't in the mood to bother about it. The one who was wiping my hands and face was so gentle in his movements, that I slowly fell to sleep afterward.The grumbling in my stomach woke me up. But the dizziness made me groan.I felt a movement beside me. That person gently brushed the hair away from my face."Dizzy?" His gentle voice was familiar but the aching in my head made me muddle-headed to think bout it further.I muttered, "Head...hurts..."That person massaged my head and spoke in a low voice, "You should drink a hang-over medicine. Here...." That person's voice was low and magnetic. It calmed my heart immediately.With my eyes closed, the man lifted me up until I was able to sit up from the bed. The man grumbled as he helped me drink, "....Paul made me drink you again, right? That man never l
When I disappeared that year, the Cruz family suddenly break ties with the Golden Corp. Then they began attacking the Mckenzie family. There was a huge case involved regarding the murder of Mrs. Cruz. When I first heard about it, I was shocked. According to Denise, the Mckenzie family was behind the accident which caused Mrs. Cruz and the unborn child to die. I put the pieces together and understood why Uncle Tristan used such methods to threaten us. Although it was a bit unfair that I am the one receiving the scare of his threats, I still felt bad about it. It turned out that the Mckenzie was more disgusting than I thought. I don't want to admit that I came from that family. My parents were actually the person who caused so much pain to Kane's family. After knowing the truth, my anger towards Uncle Tristan and Kane dissipated a lot. I had become more obedient as a hostage which in return, Uncle Tristan gave me a bit more freedom. He allowed me to socialize here and let me meet m
Three years later.... Many friends and families of the graduates came to attend the graduation. I have become one of the elite students who graduated with flying colors. I looked around the hall looking for familiar figures. "Stella Mary, congratulations." My classmate, Hugh, with a thick Russian accent, came to congratulate me. He was one of the friends I made here at the university. "Thanks, Hugh. Did your family come?" "They will arrive later. You know how my family always comes late." I laughed at Hugh's answer. "Stella Mary! Congratulations! I know you will come out on top of your course!" One of my dorm mates, Jamie, hugged me. She put the flowers she brought into my hands. "Hey, don't huggle Stella on your own. My turn." Lilac, who came after Jamie, pushed the latter away and hugged me. Jamie and Lilac were both of my dorm mates for three years. We have become friends since then. It's been three years since I stayed at the university. I did not expect I would stay
Snow was falling. As far as my eyes can see, the whole world was covered in a white blanket. Just where the heck am I? Am I in the north pole? I was unconscious the whole time. When I woke up, I was already in this small villa where snow was constantly falling. I bet I am in another country. Because there was no way it was snowing in the middle of summer. And the mountain of snow outside the window just tells me that I am in a cold country where snow was falling for a long time now. I hugged the thick overcoat and felt saddened by the fact that I am a hostage. "Young Miss. The adviser is here." Adviser? I moved my wheelchair and went to the study room. Fortunately, these people did not mistreat me even though my status was a hostage. They provided me with everything I need like food and clothing. But I couldn't get my phone or tablet back. Any kind of communication was cut off. The only people who were allowed to talk to me were these guards. Because I know that it was Uncle Tr
Kane's eyes were bloodshot. "It is you who said to me that I should love only one woman who moved my heart. And it is Stella. I won't love anyone but her in this life. No matter if she was once a Mckenzie, I don't care. Even if you don't accept her, I will only love her. The Mckeznie? To hell with them. I don't care what you do to them. But you have to return Stella to me." Tristan's face turned dark as well. "You can love anyone but not her. She has a blood of a Mckenzie, a red-head-" "I don't care! I love her, Dad! To me, she is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life. If you can't accept that, then I won't force you. Just tell me where she is." "I can't. With her around, our fight with the Mckenzie will complicate you. You are already unstable. If she is by your side, it will affect your decision-" "I am not interested in fighting the Mckenzie. You can fight with them the way you want." "Kane...Are you saying you would rather choose that woman than our family?" Tristan
..... "Master, I have received a call from Young Master Kane. He is on his way here." The head butler came to report to Tristan. The head butler felt uncomfortable for lying to his young master. But he couldn't disobey his Master's orders. Tristan was standing on the window looking at the bright moon above. He did not react to the head butler's report and just continue to stare at the dark sky. When the head butler thought that he would be dismissed, the man asked. "Has she arrived safely?" The head butler bowed and answered, "Yes, Master. The people there called me a few minutes ago that they have arrived at their accommodations." "How long is it until her legs will heal?" "It's about a month, Master." "Don't let her come out of that place then. Watch her closely. If she ever made contact with my son, changed the address. I don't care which country she lives." The head butler hesitated a bit. "Master...I know I am going out of line by asking this, but is it really alright
"I don't believe it as well. So I dig deeper into this so we can prove that the Cruz empire is innocent. However...." "But what?" Kane asked in a heavy tone. "Things got more suspicious. The more I investigate the more I found their movement fit all the missing pieces in the puzzle. I think someone higher up in your company has control over all of this. " "...Send me the details." Kane was having difficulties accepting all of this. He wouldn't believe it as long as he see it with his own eyes. He could not accept that his own people would do this to the people close to him. A while later, he received an email from Eduardo. Kane printed all of them and was stunned when he read every page. If it was other people, they wouldn't be able to find out the involvement of Cruz Empire in this incident. They were meticulous enough and did not leave any traces. However, Eduardo was not an ordinary person. He has the means to dig up and his intelligence could find the minute flaws that the
They were the people who kept sending threats with fresh blood. They are the people who caused me to have an accident.Dread came to my whole being. I looked up at the thin middle-aged man with red eyes.Are they here to kill me?This was the first time I saw them in action. There was no doubt that they were here to harm me.I could not help but tear up.After battling with Mckenzie and persevering, I thought I could finally start a new life without being afraid anymore. But it looked like I could not do that anymore.I stared at the man with tears in my eyes, "Are you here to kill me then?"The thin middle-aged man just looked at me, "I want to. But if I do that, I am afraid it will drive my son insane. Like what happened to me."Huh?Son?Suddenly, the familiarity that kept nagging me found its missing piece. The deadpan face overlapped to the face of a handsome middle-aged gentleman."Uncle Tristan?" I asked in bewilderment."So you still recognize me, huh?"His words confirmed my