THE SLAP
Bianca's POV ❤️The pressure became more intense as he kept on walking towards my direction, still staring at me."How much do you want?" His voice sounded deep, monotone, whatever you want to call it. It commanded respect and authority. I looked back just to be sure who he was talking to. It wasn't me right? There's no way it's me."I don't like repeating myself. Tell me your price immediately, I've better things to do."He was staring at me giving me a hint that I was the one he was talking to.What price? Is he trying to buy our silence? There's no way that would ever happen."You're not going to talk?"Obviously block head."You're really wasting my time."Then fucking leave."I'll give you an offer. Five million dollars."Everyone turned their heads immediately to look at me.Five million dollars?Is he crazy?There was so much I could do with that, I could finally... I cleared all thoughts in my head. I'm sure everyone was expecting me to accept the offer and throw away my pride, but there was no way I was ever going do that."Is she mute?"He wasn't looking at me for the first time but it was annoying that he was referring to me.Jason shook his head.I've had enough of this. Who does he think he is? I know he is wealthy and handsome and sexy and hot and...Ugh...! Shut up!!!!But...but that doesn't give him any right to talk about me like that."I refuse."I look him straight into the eyes, trying so hard not to fall for his charming face. I was determined.He smirked. It wasn't a regular one.It hid mysterious and dark intentions in it.He must be wondering how foolish I was to refuse his offer. Everyone was gnawing at me including my own boyfriend.There was no way they actually wanted me to accept it right?"How dumb can one be? I'm offering you an amount you'll never be able to make in your life time and you dare refuse it? Well, I don't blame you. I blame your mentality. I couldn't expect anything more from a pauper like you. Poor mentality and poor mindset. I blame myself for coming out here to address you. I should have just called the police..."That does it.I wasn't thinking straight. I wasn't thinking at all.I raised my hands and gave him a smack on the face.Who the hell does he think he is? Pauper? Poor? He should be thankful I didn't have any form of weapon with me, I was ready to go to jail and be sentenced to death or whatever punishment. He wasn't lying though and that made it hurtful.The truth hurts as they say, and right now I was hurt by his truth, it stung.There was so much I could do with that huge amount of money, but like Jason said, this was not the time to give up.I wasn't going to be swept off my feet, I wasn't about to deviate from my beliefs all because of money. I wasn't going to be like them, allow greed get the best of me.His 'puppets' immediately surrounded me and swept me off from my feet, one holding my left arm, and the other the right.What were they planning on doing to me? How could they handle a lady this? I guess gender didn't matter to these people, I just slapped their boss after all."Let me go. Let me go." I screamed my lungs out.My hands was beginning to hurt, it felt like they were about to tear. Jason was panicking by the side but he couldn't do anything, he dared not.These people aren't meant to be dealt with, but I just stepped on the lion's tail, and I was about to pay for my actions.He was still glaring at me when I glanced to look at him, and he didn't bat an eyelid.He didn't show any form of remorse, no emotions whatsoever. He was enjoying watching me in this state that I was, totally powerless, in his control but there was no way I was going to give up and fall for his schemes.No way I was going to surrender, not right now, not ever.I stared right back at him and pleaded with my eyes. I couldn't take it anymore, my arms were about to tear. He suddenly calmed down and for a few seconds, I could see the change in expression in his eyes before they were back to the usual cold one."Let her go." He said, and immediately, they left me alone.Those fools. If they had the chance, they could kill me.I turned my head to glance at Jason. He was there speechless, unable to do anything, unable to save me. Part of me was angry he didn't, cause who the fuck does absolutely nothing when their girlfriend is at the hands of a merciless human being? And part of me was happy he didn't do anything, these people are not to be messed with - especially Charles.No one dared voice out their opinions, they all stared at me without feeling any pity.Oh well, I did bring this upon myself.I tried stretching out my arms to ease the pain, looks like I would need a massage and a strong pain killer.He looked my way again. Was there something on my face, or he was just amused at how I slapped him?Oh! He thought I couldn't do anything to him because he was so all powerful?Well, think again you fool.He smirked. That smirk again.This guy! He was really looking down on me. I grinned at him.Oh please! It was only a slap, no need to exaggerate that much.He should be thankful I didn't do more than that, but doing more than that could have landed me in the hospital, or worse, killed."Let's go."He stared at me for the last time only that this time I could feel it almost piercing my soul.If looks could kill, I would have probably died a hundred times today.He didn't utter a word after that and just left and everyone was left in shock about what just happened; including myself.I remembered that stare of his and then it hit me hard.I had gone and messed with the wrong person now. I had gone and looked for trouble.That gaze, it was piercing through my soul. He was definitely planning something. Only now did I realize the consequences of my actions, but it was too late to turn back now. I was never going to apologize to him.Oh no! What have I done?BROKEN EXPECTATIONS Bianca's POV ❤️I watched Charles' silhouette fade away into the building. What have I done? Everyone turned their heads and stared at me, I could see the expressions on their faces, they were disappointed in me.They started coming closer, each of them wearing angry looks on their faces. I was really scared. Suddenly, everyone turned against me because of money. I was now the hunted. "Why would you do that?" One of them spoke and everyone seemed to agree with him. I was confused. Were they talking about the slap or the money I rejected? "I can't believe this. You guys will abandon your pride just because of money?" I retorted angrily with my hands on my hips like an angry mother scolding her children."I agree I shouldn't have slapped him but he had it coming. He called us poor and there is no way I'll fold my arms and watch that forest fall." No way was I ever going to let that happen."That's enough!" A middle-aged woman with black hair tied in a messy bu
AS COLD AS SNOW Bianca's POV ❤️The ride back home was silent, so so silent. I kept on glancing at Jason with the side of my eyes every now and then. I wanted to say something, I wanted to ease the tension but I feel like saying something will only make it worse.Halfway through the journey home, I decided to speak up. This silence was killing me. After so much attempts to get the words to come out and not stay stuck in my throat,I looked at him and made attempts to touch him and I finally did."Jason..." I called out to him in a very low voice.He didn't say anything and totally ignored me, maybe I wasn't loud enough. I called out to him again, louder this time and he turned on the radio and kept on changing the stations to find his choice."Good morning wonderful citizens of Nashview City, today is another day of..." I couldn't care less about what she was talking about, my only concern was how to make my boyfriend speak to me again. He was giving me the silent treatment and it fe
THE REGRETBianca's POV ❤️After waiting several minutes for my ride to arrive, he finally did and I felt so exhausted. My mind was trying to grasp everything that had happened so far. Everything just happened so fast. This was not how I pictured my day happening at all. It was a complete disaster.In my head, it went like this - I was going to have a blast at the protest, and make Charles Bandra listen to my demands and do whatever I asked of him, save the forest, and we all live happily ever after. The end. But none of that happened, not even one. Instead, I lost my boyfriend and my respect from people. I guess not everything you wish for happens, that is just how life is.My head was spinning from all these information, from me trying to fit the pieces together to fit. This was too overwhelming for me. I couldn't believe my own boyfriend could do that to me. I felt betrayed. I tried my best to control my emotions and not go bursting out in tears. I could sense the driver's gaz
THE GIRL OF MY DREAMS Charles's POV ❤️I couldn't stop thinking about the goddess I saw last week when I went for a meeting. I was exhausted already by the time we were done and I wanted to go home straight up to rest my head before going through another brief and working again. Being a billionaire isn't easy, especially when you try to prove a point that you're the best and constantly trying to stay at the top of the business game, no going down, just the top always.When I opened the headquarter of my company in this shabby town, I had never rested. I wanted to help them. I wanted to help the town. Build malls, hospitals, houses and what have you. Even though it was part of business strategy as 70% of the revenue will go to straight to me and my company. I was tired already. I managed to convince most of the citizens and even the mayor but I had issues with one person and I didn't even know her. But rumors had it that someone was trying to sabotage everything that I worked hard f
THE MEETUP 2Charles's POV ❤️I was totally nervous. Why was I nervous? Where did all the excitement go? My confidence too, was gone. It's way easier when the girl is into you and you don't have to do anything, only to fuck her brain out, but this was totally different. This was way different.The elevator signalled our arrival at the ground floor and opened. I was too nervous to move. She is only a female, so why was I acting this way? I have dealt with so many females that I was starting to get bored of them. I was never really in love with any of them, they wanted one thing from me and that was my money and I got what I wanted too - sex.So why was I scared of this one? I knew she was special, she is totally different from the rest, I just knew it. My instincts told me and it was never wrong. I got out of the elevator and ordered Mr.Tusch to stay in.Before I got out, I searched for her with my eyes. There she was. If she told me to stop my dream project, I was definitely goi
VOW OF PROTECTIONCharles's POV ❤️My bodyguards surrounded her like a fly attracted to a poop. What were they planning on doing to her without my consent? I understand that they were just looking out for me but I swear if anyone of them touches her, hell will break loose. Two of them grabbed her arms and started pulling her. What were they doing? She was in pains, couldn't they see? They were going to pay for this."Let me go! Let me go!" Her voice echoed in my ears as she pleaded. She looked at her boyfriend or whatever he was to her, and he stood there like a moron. He didn't even flinch to help her. I guess I had made my dominance known to him, there was nothing he could do to stop me, he had no power to do so. Now, she would know that her silly pest of a guy was worthless and couldn't even protect her. She was mine now.I could see the fear in her eyes and hatred. I couldn't believe I did that, after all that talk about making her happy. This was all my fault. She stared at me wa
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER Bianca's POV ❤️I told Kumiko everything that happened; from the point I arrived at Green Co., to the point where I slapped Charles, and also what happened at Jason's car. I narrated everything to her, every single detail.She was so focused on what I was telling her, and kept on gasping and sighing when necessary. She cursed in Japanese when I was done, and I laughed at how serious and concerned she was, which was even more than I was."That dick-head! He should be jailed. Oh why wasn't I there?" She was totally serious. I'm glad she wasn't there actually, because it could have turned out worse. She could have done more than what I did. I am talking fire, burning down the company, doing something terrible not just to Charles alone, both the protesters and Jason. She was fierce, and that was one thing I loved about her. She was brave and courageous, she didn't fear anyone or anything and that was something I lacked. I sometimes got jealous of how confident she
GUILT TRIPBianca's POV ❤️My head was banging by the time I woke up in the morning. It felt like I was suffering from an hangover, meanwhile, I didn't drink. Do people get hangover from ice cream? No! I highly doubt that. This wasn't the first time I was having ice cream, so why was my head banging like crazy? I tilted my head and saw Kumiko sleeping peacefully. She looked so cute and less dangerous like this. I imagined her being so peaceful, and I couldn't help but laugh at my thoughts. It wasn't possible. Kumiko wasn't born for peace.I finally remembered what happened last night and how we screamed our guts out from the horror movie we watched. So that's what is causing this headache. Now I've to take pain killers, and I was not a fan of medicines, not to talk of hospitals, so I tried my best to stay as healthy as possible.I went to the kitchen to make breakfast for the both of us. Nothing fancy or extreme, this headache wouldn't even let me. I had to eat, take some pain killer
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
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 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
THE FALL OF A DESPERATE LOVER IN DESPAIRJason's POV ❤️This dude was out of his freaking mind. He just murdered his mother and he laughs about it? He doesn't feel remorseful and doesn't even have a little bit of guilt. Instead, he is feeling proud of himself."That OLD HAG deserved it. She would call me her son meanwhile, she knew I wasn't. And what was with that dying message at the end? I forgive you? She forgives me? I should be the one doing the forgiving, it should be ME!" He yelled and then went ahead and cackled. "This is insane, you are insane..." I said."Awww, don't be like that lover boy." Axel teased.I scoffed. I have had enough with these people."I am done. I am out of here." I said.I turned towards the exit and two of his goons blocked my path. I knew this was going to happen, I knew he wasn't going to let me go that easily."Now I can't have you do that, Jason," he paused, and then pointed at Jane... "Jane here told me that my dear brother saw you while you were tr
TEARS THAT FLOWS DOWN LIKE RIVERCharles' POV ❤️After leaving the hospital building, Bianca hopped into the driver's side of my car and offered to drive the both of us back to my place. It was the first time seeing her behind the wheel of a car, and she looked absolutely breathtaking and cute while driving my car with the utmost care and treating it like a precious new born baby. I couldn't muster up the energy to compliment or tease her about it but deep down, I appreciated her presence as her expressions made me feel slightly better about my miserable self for not being able to save my mother. Zac and Kumiko were right behind us, trailing in their own car, and I couldn't help but wonder how they were feeling in that moment.The atmosphere inside was heavy with silence, sadness, and contemplation and every now and then, Bianca would steal glances at me, her eyes filled with concern as she tried to make sure I was holding up. I immediately got out of my car as soon as we got to my
A CHILD IS BORN AND A VOW TO PROTECT HIM.UNKNOWN POV ❤️28 years ago, at the hospital.CharlesShe had her new born baby swaddled around her arms as she looked at him with so much joy and love, and out of her eyes, were tears of joy. This was her second child, and it was a boy again but she didn't mind, he was a cute little baby boy.Her husband and love of her life stared at his son with loving eyes and cried tears of joy. "Mom?" Her first son called out."Yes darling?""Is this my brother?" He asked."Yes, dear. This is your brother, Axel.""He is so cute. I'm going to love him and cherish him forever.""Yes, Axel."Alice was so excited that she had two adorable sons, and that her eldest son was willing to protect his little brother."What name should we give him?" His dad asked."Hmmm. I didn't really think about this." Alice said as she turned to Axel and smiled. "What do you think, Axel? What name should we give your baby brother?" There was silence, as Axel thought hard about
THE DEAD, COLD AND LIFELESS BODY IN THE POOL OF BLOOD Charles' POV ❤️The whole place became bubbly after Axel gave his little speech and suddenly left for a room. I looked around for any suspicious activity or person but everything was good. Was I overthinking this? The waiter came and offered Bianca and I wine and the possibility of him actually being dangerous crossed my mind. I mean it happens in the movies. After minutes of contemplating whether to accept the drinks or not, I eventually did. He didn't look suspicious to me, but the probability of the drink being poisoned was very high. I sniffed the drink without making it look obvious, and checked for any residue of poison and when I was sure there was none, I drank it after checking the same with Bianca's drink. There was nothing suspicious going on. Was I wrong? Was I being paranoid? Zac and Kumiko joined us later and my attention was divided. I held Bianca so close to me as I watched her smile and laugh to Kumiko's jokes.
GUNSHOTS AND THE DEATH OF SOMEONE UNEXPECTED Jason's POV ❤️I couldn't sleep throughout the night as I was thinking of a way to stop this and when I couldn't come up with one, I slept off. It was morning before I knew it and I was exhausted as I didn't get enough sleep last night and Axel made sure Jane and I had breakfast before leaving. Axel was the one that drove this time and we didn't have blindfolds on."I'll go in first, and you guys go in through the back door. Wait for my command and do everything I tell you to. No messing around." He said as he handed over some airpods to the both of us."Here, put this on. I'll relay whatever message I have for you through those."I put on the airpod, and we drove in silence. I couldn't wait to see Bianca, even though I knew I wasn't going to get close to her, I would be more than glad to see her doing okay. We eventually got to the venue and did exactly as Axel said when we were in the car. Jane and I went through the back door and wait
NINE MORE HOURS UNTIL THE DEATH OF ONE CHARLES BANDRA Jason's POV ❤️"Now, let me brief you in on the plan. The plan is simple by the way, just shoot Charles and don't get fucking caught." "But... I have never shot anyone in my life." I said. The thought of it made me sick to my stomach, but there was no way out and like he said earlier, a life for a life. If I back off from this, not only will I loose my life, but these maniacs wouldn't hesitate to kill Bianca. And that wasn't going to solve the problem. If I die, Axel was just going to hire someone else to finish the job. Axel laughed, and his men laughed along with him."Neither have I, but it is quite simple. Just pull the trigger and your target is eliminated. Isn't that interesting?" Axel said.If he really wanted to kill his brother, why did he need me to do his dirty work for him? Why couldn't one of his men do it? Why did it have to be me? A complete stranger, someone he was just meeting for the first time. Does this mean