THE CALM BEFORE THE RECKONINGCHARLES' POV ❤️It has been two days since my mother passed away—in this case, murdered by her own son.Zac is doing everything in his power to keep this incident under wraps, preventing the media from blowing it up, and whatever he’s been doing has been working. But I say it’s only a matter of time before they find out.The police have started their investigation, but they aren’t anywhere close to finding out who the killer is. They went back to the venue where the party took place, but the CCTV footage had been wiped out. They said the perpetrator must have planned everything all along and that they were going to find out who it was. But the truth is, they’re never going to figure it out.How didn’t I think of this? How didn’t I know this was going to happen? I had been so focused on him hurting Bianca that Mom didn’t even cross my mind. Well, she did a little, but how could he have thought to hurt Mom? Our mother?Axel has been planning this for a long
SHADOWS OF THE PAST CHARLES' POV ❤️ I had an idea where Axel might be holed up. A gnawing instinct told me he was there, lurking like a shadow waiting for my arrival. Of course, it made perfect sense. Axel was smart— very smart, and cruel enough to know the emotional chess game he was playing. He was good at playing these mind games. Even if he didn’t know we were already on our way, that house would be the first place he would go. The car hummed as it glided over the uneven road, and I could hear the faint purr of the tires against gravel. My chest felt tight, and I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants. I swallowed hard, my throat dry despite the dampness on my palms. Axel’s game wasn’t just about hurting me physically; no, he wanted to break me from the inside out. Slowly, deliberately. Bit by bit. From Audrey to Bianca, to Mom, and now this—the house. The place that started everything. A place that brought back memories I tried hard to forget, memories I had fought so hard to b
THE BEGINNING OF THE END Bianca's POV ❤️ The door burst open, and a rush of cold air swept into the room, making me tense up and press my face against Charles’s chest, and I could perceive the subtle scent of his cologne, a familiar mix of cedar and vanilla. My heart raced— part fear that Axel might have come back to end it all, part embarrassment at being caught in the middle of the both of us making out. Charles’s chest was warm against my cheek, and his steady breathing calmed me as he held me close, his fingers running gently through my hair. “It’s okay, B. It’s just Mr. Tusch,” he whispered, his voice calm but with an edge of worry. I lifted my head slowly and glanced at the doorway. Mr. Tusch stood there, looking pale and anxious, sweat dotting his forehead. I exhaled a deep breath I didn't know I was holding, the tension in my body easing just a bit, though I still felt the heat of embarrassment on my face. "Master Charles," Mr. Tusch said, sounding nervous. "I’m sorry t
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IICharles's POV ❤️"Bianca is gone..." The words clung to me like a curse, twisting every breath into agony. Mr. Tusch drove in tense silence, the car tearing through the dimly lit streets. I didn’t know where we were going— only that sitting still wasn’t an option while she was out there, in danger.As the car swerved onto a narrow road, I could feel my heart pounding in sync with the tires screeching against the asphalt. Thoughts raced through my mind, each one more desperate than the last. Was she hurt? Trapped? Or worse... no, I couldn’t even entertain that thought. I couldn't let Axel or whoever was involved in play mind games with me and become the victor."Where exactly are we going?" Mr Tusch asked, his eyes sharp as ever as they were fixated on the road, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.Just like me, I knew he was worried about Bianca. After all, he was with me the first time I lay my eyes on her and completely fell in love with her at firs
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IIIBianca’s POV ❤️I woke up to a throbbing pain in my head and the suffocating sense of movement. The rumble beneath me felt like a car in motion. Darkness pressed in all around. I opened my eyes— or at least, I thought I did —but nothing changed. It was pitch black. I tried to speak, but my throat was parched. The words got stuck, scraping against the dryness, and no sound came out. I coughed weakly, but even that felt like a struggle. What is happening? I reached for my mouth— or I tried to. That’s when I realized I couldn’t move. My hands were tied behind me, the ropes digging into my wrists. How hadn’t I noticed this sooner? My pulse quickened. 'Bianca, think. We’re not that stupid.' I thought to myself.I twisted and pulled at the restraints, my shoulders screaming in protest, but the knots wouldn’t budge. Panic clawed at my chest. How did I end up here? Charles…? Is anyone there?And then, a voice broke the silence. “Oh, you’re finally awake,” i
MY KNIGHT IN SHINY ARMOR Bianca's POV ❤️I pressed my hand tightly against my wounded thigh, trying to stop the bleeding. My breathing was ragged, every inhale catching as pain shot up my leg. The metallic smell of blood filled the air, mixing with the lingering fumes of the gasoline on the table. She paced in front of me, a satisfied smirk on her face. She looked triumphant, as if she had just won some twisted game. "You’re tougher than I thought," she said, casually tossing the knife back onto the table. "But don’t get any ideas. That little stunt was just a warning. Next time, I won’t miss something vital. I will make sure to break every single piece of bones in your body."I stared at her, the anger in my chest bubbling to the surface. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but my body betrayed me. I was weak, trembling from fear and blood loss. “Why are you doing this?” I managed to croak. “What do you want from me?” Her smile faltered for a moment, her eyes flickering with
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IVCharles's POV ❤️I stormed into the hospital, my arms cradling Bianca as though the tighter I held her, the stronger her heartbeat might become. The hospital lobby buzzed with activity—nurses rushing past, the echo of carts wheeling down tiled halls— but all of it blurred into a distant hum as I carried Bianca in my arms. Her body was limp against mine, her breaths shallow, each one slower than the last.“Move! Make way!” Zac’s sharp voice cut through the murmur of the crowded hall, drawing startled looks from the crowd, their eyes darting between us and the limp figure in my arms as he cleared our path.I didn’t stop, didn’t hesitate. My only focus was the fragile woman in my arms, the one I couldn’t lose.A doctor rushed forward, two nurses trailing behind him with a stretcher. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes darting to Bianca.“She collapsed,” I choked out, my voice barely holding together. Gently, I placed her on the stretcher, though my hands hove
THE UNEXPECTED TWIST AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW Jason's POV ❤️Time felt like it had stopped. Everything around me was dark and quiet— eerily quiet. The only light came from a faint glow in the room, flickering as if it might disappear any second. It looked like Axel, Jane, and the rest had left. If they were still here, they’d have noticed even the smallest movement I was making.I was alive, but barely. Breathing was a struggle, each gasp sharp and shallow, each beat of my heart weaker than the last. How I was still alive was a mystery. How was I still here after the shots fired, after the pain that ripped through my body?I could still hear it all. I could still hear the gunshot echoing in my ears, the sharp crack of the pistol playing on a loop in my mind. Jane’s screams still haunted me, too, blending with the relentless pain from the bullet wound.The cold, sticky pool beneath me felt endless. Every attempt to move was agony, but staying still wasn’t an option. I dragged mys
HOPE, AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW!JASON'S POV ❤️The nurse led me through the dimly lit hospital corridor to the room where Bianca was staying. Each step I took felt heavier, as if my guilt was weighing me down. The soft shuffle of her shoes against the tiles echoed faintly, but all I could focus on was the growing tightness in my chest.When we arrived, I hesitated outside the door. She stopped beside me, her expression urging me to go in, but I only nodded in gratitude, too afraid that speaking might somehow disturb Bianca.The door was left slightly ajar, enough for me to see inside. There she was, lying pale and fragile on the hospital bed, her pale face illuminated by the dim glow of the bedside monitor. The sight made my stomach churn— she looked so fragile, so unlike the Bianca I knew.Charles was there beside her, murmuring softly. His expression was a mixture of sorrow and hope as he held her hand. His hands clutching hers as if letting go would shatter her, mostly him. F
HELLO, GOODBYE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN Jason's POV ❤️I paced about the hospital room, my steps echoing faintly in the silence. My mind was a tangle of worry, prayers, and guilt, as I silently prayed for Bianca. She was in surgery, and things could either go south or smoothly. I couldn’t stop myself from hoping— no, begging— that everything would turn out fine.The nurses barely gave me anything to work with earlier. I wasn’t family or anyone with the right to know much about her condition. I was lucky one of them even acknowledged me when I asked.“She’s in surgery,” the nurse had said, her tone clipped.That was hours ago, and there was still no news.Bianca is in surgery. Charles was probably there with her, along with her best friend. They were closer to her than I had ever been. They would be worried sick too, probably more worried than I was. What would I even do if I went there? Stand in a corner like a ghost? It would only make things awkward if I went there.Finally, I sat
THE BEGINNING OF THE END VCharles's POV ❤️Bianca was wheeled out of the surgery room, and as the doctor said earlier, she needed rest. The nurses moved her carefully, guiding the stretcher down the brightly lit corridor toward the recovery ward. My heart ached with each step they took— she looked so fragile, so small, and I could tell she was fighting for her life even now.I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Relief that she was alive flooded me, but it was tangled with fear. Would she be okay? Truly okay? No matter what happened, no matter how much the future scared me, I vowed to stand by her. She didn’t just make me happy; she was my happiness.The sound of the stretcher wheels squeaking echoed in the quiet hallway. Kumiko and Zac walked behind me, their expressions grim, the weight of the day etched on their faces. Kumiko rubbed her arms, restless and visibly drained, while Zac stuck close to her side, glancing at her with concern every now and then.When we reached Bianca’s new ro
WHEN RELIEF FEELS HEAVY Charles's POV ❤️ I left the police station with a heavy heart, driving back to the hospital with a storm of emotions brewing inside me. I drove back to the hospital, my mind a chaotic swirl of emotions after seeing Axel. The revelation about the fire was a relief, yes, but it was tangled with a fresh wave of anger and sadness. For years, I carried that guilt— therapy sessions, sleepless nights, replaying every moment in my mind. And to learn it was Axel all along? I didn’t know whether to feel liberated or crushed. Tears blurred my vision as I gripped the steering wheel. I let them fall this time, the weight of everything pressing against me. Axel’s betrayal, Bianca’s condition— it felt as though I couldn’t catch my breath. Should I be relieved? Heartbroken? It was all too much. By the time I reached the hospital, I had managed to wipe my face and steel my nerves. Now wasn’t the time to break down. Bianca needed me. We both needed me to stay strong. I neede
GOODBYE, AXEL!Charles's POV ❤️I was torn between staying at the hospital with Bianca and going to the police station to confront Axel. Every fiber of my being wanted to stay by her side, but I needed answers. I needed to know why my brother did what he did. I needed answers.The drive to the station was nerve-wracking. My hands tightened on the steering wheel as countless scenarios played in my head. Would he show remorse? Would he admit to everything? My chest ached just thinking about it.The police station loomed ahead, its dull gray exterior reflecting my mood. Inside, the air felt cold, sterile. Every step I took seemed heavier, and I could feel the stares from officers as I walked past. Their whispers were faint but unmistakable: “That’s him… the brother.” Shame and anger burned in my chest. This was not how I ever imagined coming here. Heck! I never even planned on visiting a police station, ever.Of course, the news hadn’t spread yet, but it was only a matter of time before
THE UNEXPECTED TWIST AND THE START OF SOMETHING NEW Jason's POV ❤️Time felt like it had stopped. Everything around me was dark and quiet— eerily quiet. The only light came from a faint glow in the room, flickering as if it might disappear any second. It looked like Axel, Jane, and the rest had left. If they were still here, they’d have noticed even the smallest movement I was making.I was alive, but barely. Breathing was a struggle, each gasp sharp and shallow, each beat of my heart weaker than the last. How I was still alive was a mystery. How was I still here after the shots fired, after the pain that ripped through my body?I could still hear it all. I could still hear the gunshot echoing in my ears, the sharp crack of the pistol playing on a loop in my mind. Jane’s screams still haunted me, too, blending with the relentless pain from the bullet wound.The cold, sticky pool beneath me felt endless. Every attempt to move was agony, but staying still wasn’t an option. I dragged mys
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IVCharles's POV ❤️I stormed into the hospital, my arms cradling Bianca as though the tighter I held her, the stronger her heartbeat might become. The hospital lobby buzzed with activity—nurses rushing past, the echo of carts wheeling down tiled halls— but all of it blurred into a distant hum as I carried Bianca in my arms. Her body was limp against mine, her breaths shallow, each one slower than the last.“Move! Make way!” Zac’s sharp voice cut through the murmur of the crowded hall, drawing startled looks from the crowd, their eyes darting between us and the limp figure in my arms as he cleared our path.I didn’t stop, didn’t hesitate. My only focus was the fragile woman in my arms, the one I couldn’t lose.A doctor rushed forward, two nurses trailing behind him with a stretcher. “What happened?” he asked, his eyes darting to Bianca.“She collapsed,” I choked out, my voice barely holding together. Gently, I placed her on the stretcher, though my hands hove
MY KNIGHT IN SHINY ARMOR Bianca's POV ❤️I pressed my hand tightly against my wounded thigh, trying to stop the bleeding. My breathing was ragged, every inhale catching as pain shot up my leg. The metallic smell of blood filled the air, mixing with the lingering fumes of the gasoline on the table. She paced in front of me, a satisfied smirk on her face. She looked triumphant, as if she had just won some twisted game. "You’re tougher than I thought," she said, casually tossing the knife back onto the table. "But don’t get any ideas. That little stunt was just a warning. Next time, I won’t miss something vital. I will make sure to break every single piece of bones in your body."I stared at her, the anger in my chest bubbling to the surface. I wanted to scream, to fight back, but my body betrayed me. I was weak, trembling from fear and blood loss. “Why are you doing this?” I managed to croak. “What do you want from me?” Her smile faltered for a moment, her eyes flickering with
THE BEGINNING OF THE END IIIBianca’s POV ❤️I woke up to a throbbing pain in my head and the suffocating sense of movement. The rumble beneath me felt like a car in motion. Darkness pressed in all around. I opened my eyes— or at least, I thought I did —but nothing changed. It was pitch black. I tried to speak, but my throat was parched. The words got stuck, scraping against the dryness, and no sound came out. I coughed weakly, but even that felt like a struggle. What is happening? I reached for my mouth— or I tried to. That’s when I realized I couldn’t move. My hands were tied behind me, the ropes digging into my wrists. How hadn’t I noticed this sooner? My pulse quickened. 'Bianca, think. We’re not that stupid.' I thought to myself.I twisted and pulled at the restraints, my shoulders screaming in protest, but the knots wouldn’t budge. Panic clawed at my chest. How did I end up here? Charles…? Is anyone there?And then, a voice broke the silence. “Oh, you’re finally awake,” i