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
REST WELL, MOTHER!Charles's POV ❤️It had been two weeks since Bianca was discharged from the hospital. With consistent physiotherapy and medication, she could walk again—though she still needed the wheelchair on some days.I glanced at the clock for the hundredth time in ten minutes, tapping my foot impatiently. Bianca was taking forever."Bianca!" I yelled, my voice carrying a mix of frustration and amusement."Coming, babe! Just five more minutes!" she called back, her tone cheerful.She'd been saying "five more minutes" for over an hour now. At this rate, we would miss the event entirely and that couldn't happen.I sighed in defeat and sank onto the couch, switching on the TV."...and in other news, Axel Bandra, the brother of business tycoon and multi billionaire Charles Bandra, has been found guilty and arrested for murder. Yes, you heard that right. Axel admitted to his crimes, along with several others, and is set to face trial tomorrow. He..."The reporter’s voice droned on,
IN YOUR ARMS, AGAIN!BIANCA'S POV ❤️I reached for an apple slice, but paused mid-motion when I noticed Charles. He hadn’t touched his burger. Instead, he was staring at his hands, his fingers clasped tightly together as if grounding himself.There was something different about him—something hesitant, almost fragile, and entirely unlike the Charles I was used to. The quiet between us stretched, the tension growing as he shifted slightly in his seat."Bianca," he said at last, breaking the silence, his voice soft and trembling.I glanced up from my apple, his tone catching my attention and catching me off guard. His burger sat untouched on the table, the scent of melted cheese and grilled beef wafting faintly in the air. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He wasn’t looking at me but instead at his hands, which were clasped tightly together that his knuckles were beginning to turn white."No matter what happens," he said slowly, his voice almost a whisper, "and no matte
THE REUNION Bianca's POV ❤️The soft hum of a machine accompanied the warmth of sunlight that streamed through the thin hospital curtains, pooling on the bed, warming my face and forcing me awake. The hospital room smelled faintly of antiseptic, but the warmth of strong arms around my waist made it feel less lonely. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the heater and the steady rhythm of someone breathing beside me.Blinking against the light, I turned my head slowly, my heart softening at the sight of Charles sleeping next to me, his face mere inches from mine. In sleep, he looked so peaceful. His features, usually sharp with worry and determination, were relaxed while he was asleep. His furrowed brow relaxed, the usual tension in his jaw gone as it was no longer clenched as it usually was, and the faint lines on his forehead had smoothed out. It was as though the weight of the world on his shoulders had finally lifted for the first time in ages, leaving him at ease. His
HOPE IS MORE THAN FLEETING Bianca's POV ❤️The bright and shimmering moonlight streamed through the hospital window, casting a dimly glow to the room, a perfect illustration to the situation at hand. The air smelled faintly of disinfectant, mingling with the quiet hum of machines nearby. Jason sat beside me, the weight of his presence both familiar and strange.He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath caught as he opened it, revealing the earrings I had left at his place when I decided to stay with Charles—those delicate, silver, and shimmering in the light. I thought I would never get to see it again, and I could tell that this was his way of saying goodbye.Before I could find the words to apologize, to tell him I was sorry for doubting him, Jason stood up. I watched him walk away, each step feeling like a door closing. He had never cheated on me. He had told the truth, but I hadn’t believed him. My mistrust had cost us both so much, and now there was n
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