The next morning, Vincent's things were packed and ready. He loaded them into his car, with Ava by his side, having insisted on escorting him.Nica, secretly watching them leave around the corner, held back her tears. Where was he going? Would he be back soon? She was already missing him-so much.Morticia bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. Why was she about to cry when her annoying, overprotective brother was leaving? She sighed, waving as his car pulled away.She stood there for a moment before heading back inside, only to meet Klaus's gaze."Oh... You're still here?" Morticia stuttered. It had been a while since she'd spoken with Klaus privately. Though she wondered how he was doing, she hadn't asked."Nah, I'm heading out," Klaus replied, brushing past her. Morticia swallowed, watching him leave. Clearing her throat, she went back inside, feeling a sense of emptiness.As Klaus got to his apartment, he received a call from Josephine. His mother, who hadn't expected him to a
Morticia's lips parted, her gaze locked with his as she struggled to find words. Her heart raced like a drum, butterflies fluttering in her stomach as Klaus's words echoed over and over in her head.He wants her to be his girlfriend.Was this a dream? If it is, she doesn't want to wake up."You don't want to?" he questioned, his voice thick yet soft, making her skin tingle. She held onto the wall for support, barely resisting the urge to fall into his arms.His lips curled up, his face still close as he offered, "If you want to say yes, just kiss me."Oh God, Klaus, what are you doing to me?"I..." Morticia's voice sounded choked, her face as red as a tomato. That was it-she couldn't take it anymore.Throwing caution to the wind, she reached for his neck and pressed her lips against his. She missed this. She missed him so damn much.Klaus grunted at the contact, shoving his tongue into her mouth, pinning her to the wall as he ravished her lips like it was his last meal."Uhm," Mortici
"Really?!" Rhea exclaimed in the library when Morticia told her about Sienna's situation."Shh... we're in the library," Morticia hushed her.Rhea cleared her throat, stifling a laugh. "Oh gosh, that's hilarious. She left Vincent because he was too good, and now she's with a man who's too bad. Definitely her type."They both chuckled, and Rhea's face turned serious."How's it going with Klaus?" she asked quietly.Morticia's face reddened slightly as she leaned in close. "Promise you won't shout."Rhea blinked. "Did he do something to hurt you? Did he yell at you? Tell me, and I'll go right now and smack my book in his face...""No," Morticia cut in. "That's not it... the thing is..." Morticia then whispered the rest into Rhea's ear, each word making Rhea's eyes widen more."What??!!!!" Rhea shrieked, her voice echoing the whole library.A moment later, they were both pushed out of the library by the security guard."I'm so sorry," Morticia apologized, bowing as the guard shook his hea
Morticia gasped. With a swift movement, she pulled the duvet over Klaus, sitting up and grinning awkwardly at her mother."Hey, Mom," she breathed, wondering if her mother had caught her sudden movement.Klaus stirred beneath the duvet, and Morticia quickly pinned his head down. Her mind raced, concerned that she might have hurt him. She heard him groan softly."What are you doing here, Mom?" Morticia raised her voice, hoping to distract her mother. Klaus seemed to catch on and stopped moving."Uhh..." Ava frowned, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "I was just wondering if you were home," she gasped."Yeah... I was so tired when I got back. Sorry I didn't wake you," Morticia chuckled awkwardly, her eyes darting to Klaus, still covered, and then back to her mother."What's that?" Ava's brow furrowed, settling on the bulge beside Morticia. A chill ran down Morticia's spine."What?" she feigned innocence.Klaus shifted, seeming to want to emerge from the duvet, but Morticia wasn't ready f
Nica groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. She felt as if her bones were made of water. After weeks of this job, fatigue had finally caught up with her.“Feeling sick?” Old Evan asked as he stepped out.“A little,” she mumbled. She couldn’t afford to fall ill—this job was her only distraction from thinking about him, from crying over his harsh words that night.“You should get a check-up,” Old Evan suggested.“I’m fine. I think it’s just that time of the month. It happens sometimes,” Nica replied.“Get a check-up. You mustn’t come back here in two days without a report. I mean it.”Nica opened her mouth to argue, but he was already gone. “God, is he serious?”The next day, she decided to heed Old Evan’s advice. As she waited in the small room, the nurse stepped in and called her name for the results.“You’re pregnant.”Nica’s blood ran cold. Her face paled as the doctor’s words sank in slowly. What in the world had he just said?She chuckled nervously, and the doctor, mistakin
Nica took a deep breath as she stood before the building with a heavy heart. She never thought she would ever come here. It had been her who scolded Dimitri when she visited, urging her to be careful, as it was a practical way to end lives.She despised it, but what could she do? She couldn't keep it, even though she tried to convince herself otherwise.She could barely take care of herself, and now she was pregnant? It was better not to bring a child into a world of suffering.She checked her small mirror, ensuring her swollen, red eyes were covered."Don't do it!" a girl called from behind her. Beside her stood a guy holding a sign that read, "Abortion is bad." They were here the last time she came with Dimitri, contemplating the same choice.Nica recalled Dimitri shoving the girl aside before storming in.She sighed; she didn't want to either, but having the baby would only complicate things. It was good that she found out early, so it wouldn't further complicate her feelings. Besi
"So how did it go?" Old Evan asked as Nica stepped into the store for work. Nica cleared her throat, hesitating to tell him about the report.When she remained silent, Old Evan sighed. "Leave and come back with the report."What?!"Sir, I..." Her words faltered as the man raised an eyebrow at her."I was serious, Nica. I'm not a cold person; I care about my employees' health. Your health matters, and that's why I'm doing this...""I went to the hospital three days ago," she cut in, and Old Evan waited for her to finish. "It's... it's confidential, sir."Telling Old Evan about her pregnancy might make him look at her differently, especially since she planned to terminate it."Okay, step in... today will be quite busy, so I'll do my best to help," the man said, and Nica smiled. Old Evan might be strict, but he was the best when you got to know his kind side."Whatever happens, Nica, just make sure you're doing the right thing," he said, and her face paled as his words hit her hard. He g
"Klaus?"Morticia called softly as the guy kept hugging her for several minutes. She had frozen, stunned by his earlier words. Did he really mean he can't do without me?The thought brought a flutter to her chest, a breath of fresh air, and a small smile to her lips."One more minute," he murmured, and Morticia gave in. He could hug her all night, and she wouldn't mind.Finally, he pulled away. Morticia felt weak at the knees, but she held herself upright and met his unreadable gaze."Thanks," he muttered."You're not going to tell me what's going on?" she asked softly."No... not yet," he sighed, his voice gentle but firm."I miss you too. But I won't take it lightly if you ever ghost me again," she warned, pointing a finger at him.He took her hand and smiled, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I'll try.""I... I don't like that answer," she stuttered, pink dusting her cheeks, though she stood her ground.Swiftly, he reached for her waist, drawing her to him. Their faces were inches
"So, how's Klaus?" Rhea asked Morticia as they spent time together."I..." Morticia sighed, taking a deep breath. "I don't know.""What do you mean?" Rhea asked."We haven't talked," Morticia replied. It had been more than a week since Josephine's death, and the last time she saw Klaus was at the funeral. He left before the ceremony was over.She had searched for him at his apartment the next day, but found no sign of him either. The only place remaining was Mr. Finn's mansion, here in Washington.Rhea sighed. "I hope he's okay then. What about your mother?""She's watching movies more than she can handle. She's trying to distract herself. My brother is taking care of her," Morticia croaked. Everything felt as though it was falling apart since Josephine's death.Rhea reached out to hold her hand, giving her an assuring squeeze."Everything will be fine, okay? Perhaps he's just trying to get himself together and doesn't want to hurt you," Rhea said."That's what Vincent said. He said h
Morticia staggered backward, her head spinning at the scene. Oh heavens! This should be a dream!Josephine can't be dead. This was surreal. The doctor mentioned she was responding, and her chance of survival was slowly rising.How could she have died just forty minutes before her last surgery?Klaus was unconscious, lying on the bed. Finn had hurt his head pretty badly, and the nurse was treating him.Wait. Ava.Morticia spun around, her eyes scanning the hall with no sign of her mother."Mom?" she panicked."She's in the ward at the end of the hall," Katie responded."What!""She passed out after hearing the news of her death."Morticia spun, rushing toward the ward. There, on the bed, Ava had an oxygen mask on her face, unconscious."She will be fine, miss. She just went through a shock and will wake up tomorrow morning," the nurse assured.Morticia burst into loud cries, sliding to the floor, her fingers tangling in her hair as she pulled it in frustration.It was too much! How cou
"Klaus, you have to try this," she said, bouncing with excitement as they stopped before the game Dance Upon Revolution.Klaus crossed his arms, towering over the machine with a skeptical look. "You really expect me to jump around on that thing?""Yes! It's fun!" Morticia grinned, pointing at the screen. "The goal is simple: step on the arrows as they light up to match the rhythm of the song. Easy.""That's literally jumping, not dancing," Klaus muttered, his brow furrowing."It's not about looking cool; it's about not falling off the platform."Klaus huffed, stepping onto the platform reluctantly. Morticia joined him on the second pad, cracking her knuckles like a seasoned pro."Let's start with an easy song," she said, scrolling through the menu. She picked a cheerful, mid-tempo tune.The music began, and the arrows on the screen started scrolling upward in time with the beat. Morticia's feet moved fluidly, hitting each step with precision. Klaus, meanwhile, hesitated, stomping awkw
SURGERY 1 SUCCESSFUL...Klaus couldn't stop smiling as Morticia chattered animatedly around him. His Bunnie could talk all day, and he loved every moment of it. Her presence was everything.The first surgery for his mother had been a success, but there were still two more to go. The next surgery was in twelve hours, and Josephine would be unconscious until all three procedures were completed.Klaus leaned in and placed a swift kiss on Morticia's lips, playfully silencing her. "That's enough," he whispered, his voice hoarse."I... I haven't told you how he got to won the competition yet!" "A bonus?" She gasped. "How did you know?""Because we watched the movie together," he chuckled, and Morticia blinked at him with wide eyes."How come you're telling me this now, just as I'm about to finish telling you about the entire movie?""I just love listening to your voice," he replied softly, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss as she settled on top of him, his fingers caressing her back.T
As they continue hugging, the door creaked open silently, revealing Vincent, whose gaze landed on them. The scene stirred something deep inside him as he silently watched. He decided not to disturb them. Exhaling, he closed the door softly and stepped away from the room. He met his mother's worried look. "They're fine. Morticia is taking care of him," Vincent smiled and walked away before she could reply. Ava's mouth hung open; it seemed Vincent knew what was going on between Klaus and Morticia. Light sobs caught her attention, and she traced the sound to find Evie crying silently in an empty ward room. Spotting Ava, Evie quickly wiped her tears and greeted her. "Hi." Ava let out a small smile. "Are you okay?" Evie stayed silent for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I'm not. But I will be once she's awake." Ava nodded and sat beside her. "She's the strongest woman I know. She's going to make it." Evie nodded, wiping the tears that fell freely down her cheeks. "Thanks a lo
However, day by day passed with neither of them contacting each other. Morticia focused her time on studying for exams and spending time with Rhea.All this while, she didn't see Klaus.But once, when she visited Josephine with Ava, Klaus wasn't present. Deep down, she wished he was.Perhaps she should contact him and ask how he was doing. She wanted to; she couldn't deny that.~It was finally the day of surgery. Klaus was with Josephine at the beach. The surgery was going to take place in three hours.Though Josephine acted as though she wasn't scared, Klaus could see right through her. He wasn't unscathed either.The surgery was scaring the hell out of him. He just had to act strong for her."I've been waiting for this moment, Klaus," Josephine started after they both stared at the sea for a long while."Me too." Klaus looked at her calm face. "You're going to survive; I know that."Josephine smiled. "You've finished your final exam; you'll soon graduate. How could I not survive to
Vincent ran his fingers through his hair, his gaze on the ceiling as he struggled to sleep.All he wanted was to see his family again. He missed them so much, but he never expected to meet everything so screwed up.His phone buzzed, and he picked it up to check.His eyes widened at the message, and he sprang up from his bed."What?" Vincent mumbled.Klaus, who had also received the same message, sat on his couch with a stunned expression.~Simon, Dimitri and their other accomplice eliminated for breaking the rules~The message was from a strange, untraceable number, accompanied by a picture of Simon, Dimitri, and others lying dead.The rules.Was it because they tried to kill Klaus?"Void," Klaus and Vincent muttered simultaneously in their respective rooms.-Old Evan tapped on his counter machine, trying to make it work."What bad timing, you little punk," he mumbled and hit it again. The customer before him let out an awkward smile; the old man looked scary when frustrated.Nica ru
"Kill who?" Ava asked again when they all remained silent, staring at her. She stepped further into the room."Are you just going to stand there and say nothing? I just asked you both a question!" she snapped.Klaus made to speak, but Vincent stopped him and began explaining instead. Ava's eyes widened with every word, and she instinctively stepped back in shock."After a year of working for him, he didn't release us. He threatened to go after our family if we didn't continue to work for him," Klaus added.Ava shook her head in disbelief. "Are you both serious right now? What in the hell did this so-called Simon do to drag you both into this? And why didn't you tell me?! What could he have possibly used to threaten you?!""It was because of you!" Vincent snapped at her for the very first time.Klaus gave him a look, silently urging him not to say it.Ava's mouth hung open. "Because of me?""August 19th, last year. What happened that night?" Vincent questioned, and the color drained fr
Klaus woke up late the next day, his eyes fluttering open to a slightly familiar room.Slowly, he sat up, meeting Vincent's blank gaze from the corner of the room. He glanced around but saw no sign of Morticia."She's home with my mother," Vincent clarified, sensing Klaus's confusion. "So Ava won't suspect anything and make Josephine worry.""Oh," Klaus muttered, and a long silence settled between them."How is she?" Klaus finally asked, breaking the stillness.Vincent raised a brow."I know you're mad at me, bruh. I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Klaus said. "I planned to once you got back, and I never meant for you to find out like that."Another heavy pause hung in the air before Vincent spoke. "I'm not sorry for hitting you. But I'm sorry for not being there sooner."Klaus studied his friend. There was still anger in Vincent's eyes, burning fiercely. But beneath the rage was something else-something unfamiliar. It was the first time Klaus couldn't read him."I'm not gonna hurt her,"