"Come with us! Princess Jasmine!!" I hear Arielle chirping from behind like an animated bird.The next thing I know, I feel her collide against my back nearly toppling me down the stairs. I let out a shriek and grasp the banister railing."Arielle!" Rachael's horrified expression replaces with solid fury as she reaches out for her and me. "Get down from her at once!""No!" Arielle giggles, struggling she winds her arms around my neck from the back. This gesture almost pulls apart my hijab."It's fine" I laugh sheepishly as I try to secure my hijab in place with one hand while I grasp Arielle's tiny arms with the other. "She can piggyback ride me, I don't mind.""See! So leave me alone!" Arielle snaps at her mother and she tightens her arms around my neck.Rachael narrows her eyes at her daughter. "Watch your mouth young lady!""No!"I feel mildly awkward with this display between the two of them so I admonish Arielle gently "Princess Arielle, is that how princesses talk to their mommie
Abruptly the front door of the townhouse opens and the two guards strut forward toward us. "Miss Rachael, the situation is under control now, we've extinguished the fire!" The one named Harry states proudly."I need a word with you George! In private at once!" Rachael snaps at the other who promptly looks surprised at her severe expression. She hands Harry her car keys. "Harry please escort miss Kashani and the children to my car and have them wait there till I return."He ushers us ahead to an expensive navy blue jeep. I peer curiously over my shoulders at the retreating backs of Rachael and George disappearing into the townhouse.I slip into the back passenger seats with the children despite Harry's insistence that I sit in the front. I couldn't abandon them in the back, the kids came across as major mischief-makers in need of consistent surveillance.Within five minutes, we see Rachel returning with a grim expression set about her face. She yanks open the driver's seat of the vehicl
HAZEL -Coz Louis tol me it's a secret""Who's Louis?" I question.He gasps in shock over his revelation, planting his cute little hands over his mouth. I apprise Rachael with the detail. "He mentioned someone named Louis?""Charlie honey, tell mummy who is Louis?" She asks."He's a clown!" Charlie chirps happily. "He does tricks! He's my friend!"Rachael creases her brows in contemplation. "Likely one of his imaginary friends. He has a ton of them. I often find him talking to the air and it worries me."For some odd reason, I have a dubious feeling about this. But before I could interject with any further opinion on the matter, Rachael announces "We're here! Let's forget about what occurred and get some lunch!" ---Just like the luxurious exterior, the interior of the Italian restaurant appears very upscale and trendy. An immaculately dressed waiter leads us to a table for five since there aren't any left to seat four customers.Currently, my stomach is killing me from the lack of fo
"I'm paying you for it, seventy dollars an hour!" Rachael beams and with persuasive ease she continues. "The food, travel, vacation, etc expenses are on me since we would be traveling everywhere together anyway."" w-what ?!" I sputter in astonishment. "Miss Rachael you're being more than generous, I-I can't accept that you pay for the rest of my expenses. If that is to be the case then I might as well be a nanny without the seventy-an-hour charge!""Refer to me as Rachael, and please I insist you accept some money for your work...My children are not easy to deal with, so many nannies have quit-" Her voice cracks.My Curiosity getting the best of me, I ask. "How exactly do they behave around others besides me and umm.. your brother ?"She leans in very close to me with a concerned expression and whispers "It's terrifying, I can't describe right now in their presence. Trust me on my words, they aren't easy to deal with. As much as I love them more than my own life, they drive me insane!
HAZEL -A sudden dread creeps goosebumps upon my skin. I'm unable to avert my gaze away from his aristocratic visage.My feet have rooted themselves to the spot as if my shoes were nailed in with a hammer, refusing to allow me a quick escape."You dare defy me?" His frigid tone furls around my neck "Blatant negligence of my warning.."It feels as if his voice alone is enough to choke me.With difficulty, I swallow the lump forming in my throat. Noticing my throat bob in a frightened gulp, his eyes glimmer dangerously and he takes a menacing step down closer.Unknowingly my feet decide to obey me, finally taking slow steps down backward while my hand grips the banister rail.But he only moves along. Following me, looming above closer, forebodingly."Warning?" The shrill sound of Rachael's voice pierces the suddenly suffocating atmosphere.His attention snaps towards her behind me. Gradually, his lips press into a thin line of agitation.I tear my gaze away from him cautiously to peer be
Rachael whirls around in rage. "You dare threaten to snatch my children from me!?"There is a very brief glint of amusement in Vladimir's eyes as he merely shrugs his broad shoulders. A slight knowing smirk almost tugs at the corner of his lips before it vanishes in less than a fraction of a second.He cups her chin with his free hand and gravely looks her in the eyes before answering firmly yet softly "I'd never dare threaten my older sister. Consider it a heartfelt warning since those children are one of the dearests to my heart."With that, he leans down and plants a soft kiss on her forehead. Rachael's lips set into a thin line as she stares at him with a mixture of helplessness, exasperation, and anger."Uncle Vladddy!!! I'm so happy we are going to the theme park!!"I whirl around to spot Arielle dashing down the steps excitedly, behind her an austere-looking Huxley carrying Charlie in one arm.As soon as Huxley's eyes land on mine, he sets Charlie down on to his feet and promptl
She raises a confused brow and I explain to her. "Oh! MashaAllah is Arabic for God has willed it, and we say that so God protects the person from the evil eye.""Oh, thank you" she offers a wistful smile and her gaze adjusts to the portrait. "God wills it huh? Well, God willed my parents to depart this world..."Momentarily, I stare at her dumbfounded before what she says registers in my brain. "Oh my God, you mean they have passed away?"She nods slowly. "Not long after this picture was taken.""I'm truly sorry for your loss." I apologize earnestly. Before I could prevent myself, I ask. "What happened to them?"Her throat bobs as she gulps, and a melancholic glint appears in her eyes. She adjusts her gaze on me, that wistful smile lingering on her face, and answers. "Don't mind dear, but I prefer we not discuss that.""I'm so sorry!" I face-palm myself. "That was so very rude of me.""No need to apologize, you did no wrong in asking." She reaches out and gives my upper arm a gentle re
HAZEL -The third photo is of him in his early twenties surfing a giant menacing wave in the ocean on his silver He's dressed in a sleek silver surf garb-eyes narrowed in a very focused expression.The fourth photo is a collage of three pictures, in which the first one shows him clad in carpenter clothes, hammering a large nail onto wooden planks.The second shows what appears to be a half-complete frame of a manor with dozens of men on ladders working. The last of the collage photo is of the grand manor fully completed with him and the men standing in front of it, facing the camera.He's got his toned, sturdy arms crossed over his broad chest. There is a streak of soot on his cheeks, a stubble sweeps his chiseled jaw. while a triumphant ghost of a smirk plays at his otherwise austere facial expression.His eyes gleam in smugness and all I can think is how rawly masculine and commanding he appears."That's the family manor! He's designed it, overlooked it, and built it along the crew h
Six Years LaterHazel POV:In a vast Santorini sky, the sun's rays beam down upon a joyful occasion. The balmy breeze was laden with the scent of wildflowers. A gentle melody of an orchestra intermingles with sophisticated murmurs of the stylishly garbed guests, seated at tables adorned by sumptuous feasts.It is the wedding day of Serge and Katie.On a raised platform, the well-dressed groom eagerly awaits his bride to walk down the aisle. Next to him stood Bilal and the ever-reserved appearing Grigori and Huxley.As bridesmaids, Rachael, Rebecca, Bev, Arielle, and I, stood on the right of the altar's platform. The five of us, assembled in similarly lavish magenta-hued bridesmaid gowns. Except for the hijab on my head."I had always thought Aunt Katie and uncle Serge would make a great couple." Arielle's remark's fond to the rest of us. "Finally today they are getting married!""It took them long enough!" Bev snorts next to me, shaking her head. "Katie really shįt tested Serge every s
Sheer dread grips my heart in a strangling hold. Gradually, I raise my head from Vladimir's chest. His garments were soaked with my tears.My eyes meet with none other than Ivan Molotov's.He merely emits a sinister cackle, halting his applause. Eyes full of undiluted malice, regard me from across the room.In his gloved hands, he holds a closed syringe. Ever so slowly, he approaches ne arer. From his other hand, he drops a pile of slashed cords that were attached to Vladimir's body. My eyes trace them back toward the hospital machinery, now nonfunctional."Wh-What are you doing?!" Immediately, I vault from my seat. I nearly stumble, my footsteps retreating backward. My voice lets out in fearful disbelief. "Wh-What do you mean?"He sighs, shaking his head in seemingly mock guilt. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to also end you along Vladimir.""What?!" My eyes widen in terror as I look from his face to the syringe gripped in his palm. "Why?! What are you talking about?!""Shhh." He
My heartbeat thundered within my ears while my eyes brimmed with scathing moisture. The air around me continuously grew thin as my lungs burned with each breath I took. My legs refused to falter, I ran through the winding corridors of the hospital along with Rachael and Katie. The hijab on my head nearly slipped off. Yet my mind was only preoccupied with him."Doctor!!!" Rachael cries out as she grabs ahold of a man in a lab coat, strolling out of the Intensive Care Unit. "Please! We can't wait anymore, we demand to see Vladimir!!""Ma'am, neither you nor your sister's blood test is a correct match for your brother. We can not allow you to see him as of yet." The doctor's expression embittered as he shuffles through the papers on his clipboard. "We've discovered he's a rare blood type.""He's lost a great amount of blood!" One other doctor rushes out in front of us. "Whoever else is related to him, must get tested for the transfusion! RHnull type blood is rare and we don't have it in
After such a forbidden deed, would events always unravel in contrition like this? Can guilt be any more bitter than before? Will I ever learn from past mistakes?No, since when did you develop into such a weak mess?My head had been bowed under the clouds of shame drifting around the atmosphere of the jeep ride back. Five minutes had passed since Dimitri Molotov's intrusive phone call, disrupting the forbidden tryst I was involved with Vladimir in the back seat.Awkwardness never felt so constricting before to me as it did now. Yet Vladimir appears unaffected by it as if there is nothing awkward in regard to the physical exchange between us.Instead, his visage indicates a serenity that I don't remember witnessing ever before. As if he's repleted of a satisfied contentment that he lacked previously. It was increasingly evident, that he is very pleased with no regrets.His eyes had intensely remained locked on my face while he helped me get dressed in the back seat. Suffusing my blush
His brows crease in apparent concern as they caught the glimmer of tears swimming within my stare. I wasn't resilient enough to suppress the heartache of the past seven days. It took over me tenfold in his presence.He inches forward. "Hazel, wh-"Suddenly all of the lights switch on, impeding him mid-sentence. The entirety of the kitchen and connected lounge is illuminated."What's going on here?" I recognize none other than Rachael's miffed voice.She stands in her sleeping robes on the stairwell of the kitchen lounge. Confounded, her eyes flit between Vladimir and me.But she's not the only other presence besides the two of us here. My alarmed eyes catch sight of Katie and Bev. The lights had exposed them hiding behind one of the couches in the lounge. Guilt-ridden, they were smiling sheepishly at me.Within those awkward seconds, it dawns on me that this setup was construed by the two of them. With Rachael and I being unaware, they knew all along when Vladimir would be returning h
Dear Hazel Asalaam Alaikum, I hope you are safe and well. I'm writing to inform you that I'm admitted to a private cancer treatment hospital. I've discovered from one of my lawyers, that the wealth I've allocated to you has still not been touched. I had expected you'd find it beneficial once you had turned 19, but you haven't utilized any amount of it. Please no need to remain humble regarding the sustenance that Allah has rendered halal for you.The doctors say I've got an additional month left to live. I find it amusing, that these doctors can utter such words with firm conviction. After all, life and death are in Allah's hands.However, my condition is deteriorating. I'd like to see you and Rachael before I depart this world.Enclosed within this envelope are details and directions to the hospital center. I'm expecting you both soon, and if you choose not to visit me then it's alright, I would understand.Once I've completed reading, my eyes lock with Rachaels. Hers are just as gl
"What is it?!" I shriek in repleted panic. Besides me, Bilal is just as frightened. The overpowering stench of smoke engulfs us quickly as the helicopter malfunctions."There is good news and bad news," Vladimir responds jaw clenched in apparent ire. He pours all of his strength and effort into veering the helicopter off-course away from the villa. "Which do you want to hear first?""This isn't time for such games!" I shriek again as the helicopter continues impairing."Are we crashing?!" Bilal questions with eyes wide as saucers."Not we. The helicopter will crash, that's the bad news. We've been targeted by an enemy RPG." Vladimir replies eyes narrowed in focus as he ascends the helicopter to higher heights. "It seems someone within our circles has tipped the enemy off in regard to our whereabouts.""RPG?!" Bilal gapes horrified. "Enemy?!""What the hell is RPG?!" I snap in ensuing terror."Military weapon!" Bilal promptly answers before desperately asking Vladimir. "What's the good
I awake from a slight jostling, it's dark and I hear the soft continuous humming of some sort of engine. Then I instantly remember that I was on a plane.I groggily shift my body but freeze when I realize someone else lay beside me. The weight of their arm is firmly yet gently draped over my waist and I feel their minty breath shallowly caressing my neck. It seemed like they were asleep.I turn my face in their direction and lift my hand to touch their face in the dark. My fingers splay over chiseled angular features, and my heart hammers in recognition.But before I can shove at him, he murmurs in his sleep. "Hazel... hmm...so pure..."My eyes widen in alarm and I attempt to lift his heavy arm away from my waist, yet this proves as a failure. He draws me closer to his hard chest while murmuring again in his sleep."Hazel... I need you..."My face flushes with heat as my mind processes his sleep talk. I wondered what kind of dream he had about me.I try pulling away from him, yet tha
As soon as the vehicle approaches Bilal's private boarding school, my eyes distend in alarm. "You-How did you know?! Only Rachael knew about Bilal's school!""Don't worry about details, princess. Wait here, remember I've locked the doors and windows, so stay put." He provides lightly and exits the jeep without further word.The vehicle was parked a few blocks away from the school, in a vacant lot. No one would be able to catch a glimpse of me reclining in it since the windows were tainted dark from the exterior. I wait with my hands fiddling the hem of my sleeves as I continue glancing around nervously.Several minutes later, I spot the demon approaching along with my little brother, who is happily licking an ice cream cone. In one hand he's dragging along a small suitcase. My heart swells with so much emotion as I eagerly await Bilal's arrival.As soon as the demon tugs open my door, I fling my arms around Bilal, crushing his boyish frame against me. "Billy!! Oh my God!""Hazel!" Bil