The atmosphere of the room had suddenly shifted following Aiden's proclamation. Every single person in the room was in an uproar, conversations filling the space with a loud cacophony of voices. His words seemed to echo throughout, reverberating off the walls and bringing realization to some and surprise to others. The impact of his statement was felt by all and they were now discussing it with gusto; debating its implications and attempting to decipher what these words meant for them individually as well as collectively.“He’s married? No wonder.”“It was a pity, I had been ready to accompany my daughter to him, yet here we were, instead presented with this.”“Do you think it’s an arranged marriage? Is the woman even in his level?”I looked around at the murmuring people, their faces contorted into expressions of shock and disbelief. My heart sank as I realized that some were clearly against Aiden's decision to get married. I could feel anxieties rising inside me, wondering what cou
Adam couldn't lift himself from his spot, and the silence was almost oppressive. I held my breath, expecting him to say something, but instead he just slowly turned his head and met my gaze with a stare that was so icy, it felt like it could freeze me in place. The tension lingered between us until finally he broke the silence.“I don’t want to be disrespectful to you or your marriage, that’s why I’m establishing boundaries between us. It's not because I don't care about you or the relationship we have. We can still be friends, but I just want to make sure we respect the boundaries of your marriage commitment.”I felt my lip quiver as I tried to come up with the right words to say in response to his. He seemed so angry, but I couldn't understand what might have prompted it. We stood there in silence, neither of us wanting to be the first one to speak when something else was clearly going on below the surface. My heart raced as a million cascading thoughts flooded my mind - none of th
It took Adam several moments before he finally stilled, releasing his grasp on my hand and giving me an intent look. His gaze seemed to penetrate mine, reading the thoughts that fluttered behind my eyes. I couldn't help but fidget beneath his scrutiny, feeling a warmth spill over my skin as I waited for him to speak. His lips parted slightly and he opened his mouth as if to say something, but then it quickly snapped shut again with a loud exhale of breath. “Are you okay? ” he asked, feeling my heart race in anticipation.I didn't know how to respond, so I inhaled sharply and gave a slight nod, but avoided any direct eye contact. The atmosphere was tense as we all sat in silence, until he unexpectedly started speaking again.“I apologize for my previous behavior,” he said gently, his voice full of remorse. “I didn’t intend for you to feel so uneasy about what happened. Things were just... very overwhelming and I reacted without thinking it through. It was wrong of me and I regret it
I could feel my hands tighten around Adam's as my heart abruptly began to beat faster upon hearing from a stranger that my husband was with another woman.It felt like a punch to the gut and I found myself struggling to take in deep breaths. The thought of him being unfaithful tore me apart.“Oh, where did you last saw him?”I could feel Adam's voice trembling as he spoke, his emotion palpable in the air. His gaze was intense and fixed on me, every word dripping with feelings that could not be contained. I could tell from the way his expression shifted that he wanted to say more but was struggling to find the right words.I was so distracted, my mind wandering off to a place where Aiden was with someone else that I found it hard to focus on what they were saying. My thoughts were spiraling out of control and all I could think about was him with the other person. It felt like a bitter pill to swallow and I could barely keep my composure as my heart raced faster and faster. Even though
Adam unscrewed the bottle of alcohol and tilted it, measuring out an appropriate amount into a glass before passing it to me.I swallowed the lump that was rapidly rising in my throat, uncertain if I should go through with it or not. I had been the one to request this, yet never once had I ever considered drinking something like this. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty circled around me as I held onto the glass before me hesitantly. Even though a part of me wanted to turn away from what was about to happen, something inside felt compelled to stay and see it through till the end.“I’m not forcing you, Leilani. It’s up to you.”Adam had chosen to take me to his unit, just one door down from ours. We found ourselves in his kitchen, perched atop the tall barstools which enabled us to make eye contact with ease. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as he waited for me to do something.Suddenly memories of my mother drinking resurfaced from the depths of my mind. These memories were
My eyes widened, and I could feel my entire body shaking with shock from the experience of being exposed to what Leilani had revealed to me.She's pressing her lips to mine, sending shockwaves through my body. I can't believe she's actually kissing me; it feels like a dream. I close my eyes and savor the moment as her warmth sweeps over me. In that instant, my world stops spinning and all of my senses are heightened. Never before have I experienced such intense emotion - this feeling is almost too much to bear.I almost reached out to caress her waist, until realization hit me like an express train. She was clearly inebriated and I knew it would be wrong of me to take advantage of her while she was in such a vulnerable state. My sober self had always held a strict moral code, one which included respecting women regardless of the situation. I reminded myself that no matter how attractive or inviting she may be, this was not the time nor place to pursue any sort of physical relationship
I felt powerless and unable to stop myself, even though I was aware of the fact that my behavior was wrong.She stands before me, her body illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. Her lips are so inviting and her frame is so delicate that I can't help but want to wrap my arms around her and just hold her close. But I am determined to remain in control, my own weight too heavy on me if I were to give in to temptation. Every inch of my body aches for her warmth yet I refuse surrender. Her nearness drives my will power wild with desire.She let out a little whimper, causing a sudden twitch to ripple through my member. I cursed silently under my breath and cast a glance downward, only to find that it was already beginning to swell in anticipation. This can’t be happening now of all times, I thought. As much as I wanted her, between the two of us there were still lines that I had vowed not cross.I cease my affection and slowly draw back, my lips leaving her own. I take a moment to l
For the first time in my life, I was utterly consumed by a single word. An unpleasant emotion surged through me as I begrudgingly uttered it, feeling that no other word could encompass the frustration I felt.Because the moment I stirred from my sleep, it was like a hammer was slamming into me continuously. My body ached and it hurt to even move, let alone touch the area that felt like the source of my pain. I groaned in agony as I gingerly felt around, trying to determine where am I.I groggily open my eyes and survey the room I find myself in, although it's somewhat familiar, I can't quite place where it is. As my vision starts to come back into focus, I realize that I must be somewhere indoors - there is nothing but silence in the air.“W-what is this place? Where is-”Before I could even finish my sentence, the door opened and a figure came in. The second our eyes met, I remembered all at once and the memories of what had happened came flooding back to me.“Good morning.”My eyes
I was running, desperately trying to escape the clutches of whatever danger was chasing me. I refused to turn back and look because of my fear, but could always feel the presence just behind me.My heart raced as I continued on, not knowing what would happen if they caught up. The sound of metal hitting the ground with each footstep only made matters worst as the chaser closed in on me. Desperate for a way out, I frantically searched around for a solution to escape.“You can’t escape from me!”My heart leapt when I heard her voice coming closer and I panicked, running away from the source. Just as I was about to turn around the corner, out of sight, my foot got tangled up on something on the ground causing me to trip and fall harshly onto the ground.A sharp pain shot up my leg that caused me to cry out in agony. The noise of me falling had surely alerted her of my presence.“I have warned you a thousand times already...”I slowly glanced back over my shoulder and felt my jaw drop in
Everyone was running around frantically trying their best to make sure everything would be ready in time for the upcoming event.I nervously bit my bottom lip as all of them were preoccupied with last minute tasks when suddenly, the make-up artist caught me off guard and started talking to me.“Madam, I need you to lift your gaze.”I took a deep breath, steeling myself before finally raising my eyes to meet those of the make up artist. She gestured for me to look higher, so I complied without hesitation. We had been at this for two hours already.Though I wouldn't say I'm complaining, my bottom is already becoming quite numb sitting in the same spot for such a long time. It's understandable that they have to do their jobs, but my need to stand up and move around has become ever more urgent.“It’s almost done, Madame.”I had nodded my head in agreement but the hair stylist gently restrained my head, keeping me still as she attended to every strand of my hair.I was not accustomed to be
The emergency services and police had come in order to locate my mother's remains.I found myself alone at the back of the ambulance, with a blanket draped around my shoulders to keep me warm. The paramedics had already attended to some of my injury, but it was decided that I should be taken to the hospital for a further examination, they wanted to make sure there were no internal injuries that may have gone unnoticed. As I lay there, thoughts raced through my head.I have been feeling a little lost ever since the news of my mother’s passing arrived. I take one look at the cup of coffee in my hands, but can't bring myself to take a sip. At this moment, I feel like a hollowed-out shell on the inside, completely devoid of any emotion. The realization is slowly sinking in, she's gone and nothing can be done to change that fact.The thought on my mind lingers…have I finally attained freedom? Now that she’s gone?“Darling…”I shook my head to clear the fog of my thoughts when I heard Aiden
“Leilani! Where the hell are you going?!”I didn't give Aiden a second thought when his voice cracked with frustration as he called my name. Good thing the door beside me wasn't yet locked and I was able to hurl myself from the car, sprinting in the direction of Adam where I can save him!I can’t believe Aiden! Adam gave up everything for us, placing his life on the line selflessly in order to help us out of a difficult situation.And yet, Aiden isn't willing to do the same and put their differences aside in order to save another person's life. I understand that he hold a grudge against Adam, but surely this isn't an appropriate response?We are talking about someone's life here!I heard Aiden’s shouts echoing off behind me, ordering me to turn around and come back but I refused to do so.“Mother! Stop!”When I finally laid eyes on Adam and mother, it felt like time had stopped. I had to pause for a moment to catch my breath, and when I looked at mother her gaze seemed almost venomous
It was too late.Everything came to a standstill in my mind, as if time had suddenly stopped moving and the clock had stopped ticking when I finally understood what was happening.My mother had pushed me far off of the cliff.My eyes widened, a feeling of helplessness consuming me as I stretched my arm out before me, despite knowing that there was no one who could rescue me from this situation. I felt my heart thumping so hard against my chest, memories of the events leading up to this moment all too vivid in my mind.A single tear escaped from my eye as I prayed under my breath. It was not at all what I had expected, this would end up being the way I would die. In my mind, I pictured myself alive and running away from my mother, starting a new life and living the kind of life that was meant for me - but it all turned out to be nothing more than another dream.Is this where it's all going to end? What did I possibly do to deserve such a cruel fate? Am I okay with my life ending in suc
The cold air blew in like a wild animal, biting at my delicate skin and making me shiver.Despite this, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her face, we stood so close as if no distance could separate us from each other- neither space nor time. The cliff we were standing on overlooked the city below us, its lights glowing in darkness like thousands of distant stars that had found their way home to us.I've always been aware of the fact that my mother has never had a very high opinion of me. From the moment I was born, she seemed to have a contempt for me that grew over time. Not only was I constantly being criticized by her, but she would often blame me for things even when it wasn't my fault. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried or how much effort I put into pleasing her, she would always find something to be disappointed in.I was aware of this all along, but why did I get so hurt when I heard those words come out of her mouth? When I looked into her eyes, there was no sign of regre
It was an icy night, the darkness so oppressive it felt like I could taste it.I had no idea where I was going but I knew one thing, whatever lay ahead of me had to be better than living in fear of the demons that continued to haunt my footsteps. As I ran, my breath foggy plumes visible against the moonlight, a single thought kept me going - freedom. Freedom from this nightmare that followed me wherever I went.“Leilani! You can’t live without me!”Her voice had an eerily chilling effect on me. I felt my entire body tense up, my spine becoming rigid with fear.Goosebumps rose on my skin and I trembled, feeling powerless in her presence. Refusing to turn around and face her, to risk seeing the knife she brandished threateningly in her hand, I valiantly did all that was in my power to keep my cowardice contained.I glance up from the sky, “I-i'm begging you, please help me find a way to escape from her. I need somewhere that is safe, where I can go and forget this nightmare that she has
I felt a deep, primal anger bubbling up from within me as the word cursed spilled out of my mouth. My mind struggled to contend with what I had just heard, and my eyes widened in utter disbelief.I can’t f*cking believe that f*cker. I can hardly restrain my anger, feeling the urge to throw my phone across the room. But I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down and think straight.I quickly dialed my assistant’s number to uncover what Adam was really doing. I had a suspicion he knew where Leilani was and that he was trying to keep her whereabouts hidden. I could feel my anger rising, a burning sensation in the pit of my stomach as it became more evident that something fishy was going on.“Sir Villarreal, how may I be of assistance to you today?”“I want you to locate Adam Hallowes! He needs to be located as soon as possible and explore every place and lead as quickly as you can! Once he has been tracked down, contact me immediately and let me know his whereabouts!”I ended
“A-alicia, how could you?”I slowly shake my head in disbelief, studying her face for any hint of guilt or regret. It's hard to believe that someone as kind and gentle as her could be capable of such a thing…Alicia was speechless as she looked at me, unsure of what to do. Her eyes widened in fear and shock by my sudden presence. I slowly glanced down at the phone that she dropped on the floor, remembering everything that had been said during her conversation with Leilani’s mother.All of her words were clear in my mind…“How could you?”Taking a deep breath in, I slowly made my way towards her and grabbed her shoulders. As I gazed at her, she avoided my gaze and refused to look me in the eye. My heart started to race as my mind was filled with different questions.I don't want to give attention to these ideas, but the words were loud and clear enough for me to directly accuse her. It's difficult for me to accept this. This is an uncomfortable sensation - like tiny needles prodding at