- LORELEI -"My baby girl grew up so fast." Mother said, standing by the side of the door of the back seat of the Uber. I just loaded her boxes back inside. She raised her hand to my face and cups my cheek. I gently close my eyes and let my head rest on her soft, skinny palm wishing for something better. "I wish I could do something. I wish it didn't have to end this way." Mom added. My eyelids slid open and I noticed the tears forming on her face. I pulled her in for a hug. "Don't cry, please mom. If anything, you always helped me. Every step of the way. Having you as my mother and you staying alive for me was the best thing life gave me." I clenched my arms around her body, holding her so tight like I want to merge our skin. I don't want her to worry. Especially not now. I feel terrible for not letting her know about my plan but I did that for her sake. Mother is too fragile and I know Richard isn't treating her well at home. He hasn't said a word to me nor texted nor called since
- ACE -I checked the time on my watch. My guests have arrived but my bride hasn't. I know women take time getting ready but what could she possibly be doing that takes this long?It's Lorelei, I thought. That made me scoff. Of course. I almost forgot. The woman in question being Lorelei is more than enough reason to explain this situation. Even if it normally takes her ten minutes to get dressed, which I doubt, Lorelei would make it an hour. Anything to keep me waiting for so long and probably pissed or agitated. A grin formed on my lips. She hates me that much and for a sick reason, I love that she does. I glanced around the hall once more and took a deep breath in. "This is the first time the almighty Ace is caught waiting." A voice trailed from behind me, causing me to turn. It's Isabel. I smiled. "I'm surprised you're here." I said, returning my gaze to the altar where the priest is. "Because of a maniac bride in distress about her wedding? Nah, that wouldn't get rid of me t
- LORELEI -I barely managed to get out of their sight, but I'm glad I worked my way around it. "Thank you!" I said to the man who picked me up from the restaurant where we planned to meet. It's Alexa's driver. I didn't fill her in on anything but requested a driver. She sure is one to deliver very quickly. He waved and drove away. I took a deep breath in to calm my nerves. I wish I told Alex to get me some clothes to change into. Because right now, I look like a runaway bride and if Ace has noticed that I'm gone, it won't be long till he finds me. And if by chance his connection leads him here, I'll be easy to locate because of this damn dress that I can't get rid of. I rolled my eyes and rushed in. I need to find mom. Then I need to call Leo. If he's not on a plane, I thought, examining everywhere, looking for my mother. I think he should've landed over an hour ago. He's just here to pick me. I squatted and reached my hand under my dress to unite my phone from my thighs. I looke
- ACE -A scoff slipped out of my lips the moment I stepped into my car. The driver's seat slid open then close when Marco entered a few minutes after I did. He started the engine and waited for a bit. I stared out of the window, leaning my elbow on the car door. My fingers are folded in front of my lips. Lorelei walked by my car, escorted by six men. I scoffed. The more I see her, the angrier I get. "Drive." I said to Marco without looking forward to face him. He didn't say a word but the car started moving. I took a deep breath in then exhaled. A chuckle forced its way out of my lips. I'm laughing at the frustration I feel running through every limb in my body.Did she actually think she could run away? I thought, still looking out of the window. Did she think I wouldn't find her wherever she goes in this world? I rested my back on the back seat and sighed. That's an insult, even for me. "I got this from her while leading her out, Mister Ace." Marco said and stretched his hand b
- LORELEI - I feel sick. The feeling of being let down again despite my efforts makes my heart crumble over and over again. I stared at both my sides and sighed. sat beside me are two men, Ace's bodyguards. To describe how I feel as uncomfortable is an understatement but I'd rather be here than alone with him in his car. My throat tightened. In my everyday life, I always have a plan b because I always expect disappointment from anyone and everything. But not from Leo.... Definitely never has the thought crossed my mind that one day, the man I love the most would leave me shattered this way. I sniffed. I can't afford to cry in a car filled with strangers. They literally don't give a shit about how I feel as long as they follow their boss' orders and get paid, they'll do their job, irrespective of who gets hurt in the process. I took a deep breath in then out, fanning my face. It may sound weird right now, but I don't want to ruin my makeup.
- LORELEI -Normally, a girl's father walks her down the aisle. Mine's not here. In fact, I'm so glad the person who sold me isn't here, it would've made my day sour than it already is. I held the white roses bouquet in my head as I walked down the aisle alone. I'm not happy, so I won't even pretend to smile. Still keeping my face straight, my eyes wandered to my left. Then to my right. Amongst everyone sitting in the crowd today, I know not one of them. Even if this isn't the kind of wedding I dreamed of nor wanted, the least he could do was let me invite a few people. But you weren't planning on staying, I thought to myself and sighed. It's true, I wasn't. If he offered the idea to me then, I would've obviously declined because I never thought I'll be here. My jaw tightened and I blinked profusely, trying to keep my years from falling down my face. I can't cry. Even if I want to, not now. Not when reporters are all over the place. I don't even want to think about the things he'
- LORELEI - I finally got home. I want to o puke so badly but I can't. I ran to my room to get this dumb ass gown off. I struggled to get my hands to reach my zip. Despite the initial frustration I feel, this just needed to add to it. I groaned. "Claire?! Get your ass here!" I yelled at the tip of my voice, still trying to get my fingers to at least touch the zip. It's hopeless. My brows creased when no one walked into my room after I called and it hasn't even been a minute. I feel irritated and everything gets on my nerves. If I stay so long with someone, I think my bad habit will impose my mood on them which I don't want unless it's Ace. "Claire?! I don't want to call you twice." I yelled again and sneered. The wedding got me pissed. The food was not to my liking although it tasted so good and was literally the best thing I have had in my entire life. The guests were shitty, but I think I would've enjoyed the event if my head wasn't already carried away with the plan I had which
- ACE -I gulped down the brandy. This is my tenth glass in this bar. It's a good thing I own it, or else I probably would've been restricted alcohol or kicked out. I dropped the empty glass on the counter, completely wasted. "Bring another." I said to the bartender. The young bartender looks worried but didn't say a word. Following normal procedures, staff are meant to restrict a person from alcohol once they realise the person has drank too much and if the person gets violent, there are certain procedures that must be taken but their safety comes first and they're not to retaliate. I know about this yet I'm being an asshole to my workers but I need to get so drunk that I won't be able to remember my name. One thing I know is I won't be violent but not being sober would help me pass through the night. I glanced around the bar while waiting for my drink. For no actual reason, my head is in a mess and I want to take it out on her. It's a shitty thing to do but I really don't care. Wh
- ACE - Three. I counted in my head, with my head bowed down and my forehead resting in front of my intertwined fingers. My elbow is leaning on the table and my arm comes together, forming an angle on the surface of the table. I exhaled. Two. I can feel my heart beat slowly and hear the sound of each beat so loudly in my ears. In one second, the percentage of the votes deciding the fate of my company will be revealed. One. My eyelids slid open as I mutter a silent prayer, raising my head up to see above my fingers and stare at the large screen. I'm in a meeting. Every year, in the middle of June, a meeting is held amongst the co-owners of the Salvatore family enterprises. Despite my influence in the outside world, when it comes down to it, I have to share the company with my relatives. I hate it but I have no choice. For now. I've successfully bought 35% of their shares, added to mine, it gives me 45% meaning I'm still at a disadvantage but my relatives don't know that. They do
- LORELEI -Isabel didn't say anything to me since then. We walked to the car silently, and now, we're even on the road and haven't said a single word to each other since. Although she tried to come off as calm, I can tell that she's tensed. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, tapping my fingers on my thighs. I'm sat in the passenger seat and a seat belt is firm around me. I thought that after my accident, I wouldn't drive a car again or get in one, and even if, I'll be in the back seat with a lot of padding for security but I guess I was wrong. That was just the fear speaking. My car fever vanished the moment I saw Isabel's car. She is smoking rich. At least her car says so. I wonder if she's independent and if she is, I wonder how she got here. It's something I'd love to talk about being a jobless woman myself but we never got to talk. I think I ruined our chances the moment I asked about Catherine but her reaction to my question doesn't
- LORELEI -I gasp a whole lot of air through my nostrils as I stare out the window. The time has come for me to stop putting on this hospital wear and stop eating hospital food, and not having several drips and drugs and casts all over my body. I can finally walk and move without any body ache. I have heard about people with broken bones before but I never thought I'd be one of them. An advice? Avoid anything that'll lead to injuries, despite the adrenaline rush. I learnt that the hard way, although my situation was different. A smile formed on my face. I'm tempted to run around the hospital and scream 'FUCK YOU BITCHES, I'M OUT OF HERE!' while holding my middle finger up high to everyone I pass by, be it nurse, other staff members, patients and visitors but I'm too mature for that. Or not. I took another deep breath of the fresh air. This time, I stretch my arms out the window. I'm enjoying the being healthy already! I'll finally be rid of the hospital smell. A fresh scent fill
- ACE - My brows creased as I slowly drifted my eyes open. The room is warm and the air is moisturised. I spread my fingers and let it sink into the sheet. I'm laying on something soft. It didn't take me a second to realise that I'm on a bed. Someone squeezed water out of something. I didn't have time to look at who it is before a damp cloth made it's way to my face, wiping my face before laying on my forehead. I grabbed the wrist of the person holding the cloth before the person could take their hands off my face. A soft gasp escaped her lips. "You're awake." Hearing her voice made my heart feel at ease. "You're here." I responded. Isabel took her hands out of my grip. I couldn't see what she was doing because I'm laying down flat with my face facing the ceiling but I heard water splashes. Another cloth rested on my chest. She wiped me gently. I hissed because of how cold it feels on my skin. "What happened to me?" "I don't know. You had already fainted before I arrived. I just c
- ACE -The line went dead, again. I sigh as I rang her phone again. I'm alone again. Desperately in need for a hug or some sort of comfort but there's no one here. I fold my hand on the table and lean my head on my arm. It will be easy to bring a random woman from anywhere if I wanted to but that's not what I want right now. I want to be with someone that I know. Someone who actually cares about me. Not a slut or anyone else. "The number you dialed, is unreachable at the moment. You can leave a voice message at the end of this ring. It comes with charges. If you wish to stop, end the call now, but if you wish to proceed, please leave a message after this beep." I sigh as the automatic response played, waiting for the beep. I finally heard it and groaned. "Isabel, please, call me. I know you're mad at me and I know I am not worthy to call you right now or request anything. I want you to know I'm really sorry. I hate myself for doing that. Please forgive me. If you're listening to t
- LORELEI -"Yeah, sure. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." I roll my eyes and remove my head from his fingers. Miss you my foot. "And stop touching my face like you own it." I sneered. "My skin care routine is expensive." I murmured under my breath, keeping my tone low, hoping he wouldn't hear that. "Skin care?" Ace scoffed and I roll my eyes. "I can buy all your favourite brands for you." That made my heart beat faster. My eyes widened and I didn't know it did till they felt sore, that's when I blinked and eased the tension off my eyes. This man is the definition of proud, no wonder he has acquaintances who hate him. My jaw tightened. No wonder people like Catherine waltz into my room, hoping for a dead wife because she obviously wants Ace to experience misery. I sigh and rest my back back on the pillows resting at the start of my bed. I snickered. "Yeah, buy earth too. It'll add a touch to your prideful ass." I joked. My response was not necessary but how much can I stress
- LORELEI - Sun rays reflected on my closed eyelids, causing my brows to crease. I specifically requested that the curtains be shut when I'm having an afternoon nap but I guess some people just choose to be deaf. I groaned. "Please shut the windows." I say sleepily, turning to the other side. Although now rays aren't blaring straight on my face, I can feel the heat on my body. It must be terribly hot outside. I heard footsteps. I really don't want to stand up and do it myself nor do I want to open my eyes and chase the sleep away. "Jackie?" I yawn. "Please shut the curtains. It makes me uncomfortable." I heard the sound of shoes hit the ground and I assumed she did as I requested till everywhere was silent and my back was still frying because of this thin hospital clothing! I should've known better than to ask whoever that is. The person just walked away like I was insignificant!I drew my bed cover over my back to my neck. I'm hot but it's better than getting fried. I need some ai
- ACE -My greatest fear was satisfied by going to the station. Whoever attacked Lorelei that night was sent to attack me but the police couldn't decode who it was. There were no finger prints in the scene and someone or more people, managed to burn my car at the scene into ashes despite all their safety measures to stop that. The only thing that was left unscathed from the scene are the things they retrieved the night they found Lorelei and brought them for investigation but they have found nothing from it. Nothing at all. I find the wait as a waste of time because nothing came out of it. This shit took them two weeks? The timing was very convenient or I'd have lost it. I sighed, tilting my head to the side to stare at the zip plug bag on the seat of my car containing the letter. I haven't read it yet but I will once I get out of this car. And I don't know when that'll be. Another sigh escape my lips as I lean my head on the chair of my car deep in thought. I don't know what to d
- LORELEI -I grit my teeth for the tenth time tonight. Who knew being alone on a hospital bed with nothing to do but watch movies and snack could be so boring? It's supposed to be the dream for an adult. I mean, I have money without even working and everyone here acts like if I sneeze, the whole world will collapse. I giggle. This will change when they realise that my husband and I aren't the perfect couple the media sees us to be and they have a chance to seduce him. If he gets interested in them, that is. A second wife wouldn't be such a bad thing, she can keep annoying or entertaining him while I do whatever the fuck I want. My jaw tightened. For a reason, that doesn't sit right with me. I don't think I want there to be a second wife. Not because I want him for myself, but because I don't want to be my mother 2.0. In a respectful way of course. Someone walks in and I avert my gaze to the door. I expected to see Ace and that stylist of his but it's Jackie, the nurse. I roll my