Daphne’s POV“FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, NO THIS CAN’T BE” I’m running like a mad woman, tears blurring my vision. This cannot be. Absolutely not, The familiar feeling of dread, reminded me of that night. I thought I had left my old life behind, I thought I was done with him, with them I thought……FLASHBACK I'm strolling through the compound after finishing my chores, with nothing better to do but watch Netflix, scroll through Instagram, and lie around. That's my life, my daily routine.I have no social life outside of my interactions with Nate. I also maintained anonymity on the internet using the name Zack404. I used it to follow people and stay updated on the latest trends and more.I went to the garden to water down the plants. My life may be boring and isolating, but I'm preferring it that way. After everything I've gone through, being alone is comforting. People... are overstimulating. Too much noise, too much chaos.After what felt like hours, I decided to go indoors and check my ph
The person holds me in place, refusing to let go for once. My stomach churns again, and this time, I can't control my body or my emotions. I release all the contents from my stomach, vomiting on his body and his clean shoes. “You did not—” the familiar voice says, unable to believe it. I look up to see the very familiar face of the Hawthorne guy. Could my day get any worse? And with that, I pass out. ********** FLASHBACK BEGINS “What do you mean you killed someone?” Nate semi-yells in shock, unable to hide his shock. “I… We… they…” I mutter a lot of nothing, just speaking in gibberish. He sighs and lifts me to my feet, setting me on the couch. All the while, my hands and feet keep trembling in fright. I can still remember that night etched into my brain. “Calm down, baby, drink up.” Nate hands me a glass of water and draws lazy circles on my back without saying a word. He stares at the TV screen, but his mind isn’t there. As I begin to calm down, I break the silence.
FLASHBACK CONTINUES TRIGGER WARNING, PROCEED WITH CAUTION I wrapped my hand around his throat, pouring every ounce of strength into the grip as if my very life depended on it. This was a matter of survival; I couldn’t allow myself to be defeated by a low scum. I refused to back down. He slapped me multiple times but that only fueled me, to give him a taste of his own medicine. Then he held me down with one hand choking me and the other at my intimate area. He fit his entire fist inside causing an agonizing pain to my already wounded organ. I claw at him, telling myself it was either me or him. One has to make it alive today and dying isn’t an option for me. So, I release his neck and poke his eyes, using my sharp fingernails to pluck and jab. He shrieks and the pain made him release me instantly, ‘Little bitch, he can't even handle the littlest pain of what he dishes out.’ Having no time to think, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, with him chasing after me. Reach
It’s been four days since the last incident, and there hasn’t been much progress. Now, I’m left with only nine cents—not enough to afford anything. Hope is slipping away, and as I sit here, I wonder, ‘What was I thinking, coming to a big city like LA?’Right now, I’m knocking on doors, asking if anyone needs help with something—anything. I feel drained, exhausted, and utterly worn out, and it’s not fair to my baby. My health has worsened; I’m constantly fatigued and always hungry, but food is becoming harder to find.At the moment, I’m sitting in the alley where I usually rest. It’s a small refuge for me, a place I retreat to when the weight of everything becomes too much. And the sun is beginning to set.I hear someone coughing, but I ignore it, focusing on my own troubles. However, the coughing becomes more frequent and desperate, like the person is struggling to breathe. My conscience won’t allow me to ignore it any longer, so I decide to check, just in case it’s an emergency.I ap
I looked at her with a puzzled expression on my face. “How are you, dear?”“I’m… fine,” I replied. “ Oh, How’s.. your health?”“Oh, I’m feeling great now. It was just an asthma attack. Thank you so much for yesterday.”“Oh no, it was my pleasure. You needed help, and anyone would have done the same.” She stood up, and we chatted for several minutes before waving goodbye. I settled back into my spot when she returned.“I don’t mean to pry, but I’ve noticed you every time I pass this spot and looking a bit lost these past few days. Is something wrong at home?”I scoff. “Home? When there isn’t ?” For some reason, I began to open up to this stranger. “Life in LA is tough, I won't lie. I’ve been searching for a job since I got here, but luck hasn’t been on my side. Giving up isn’t an option, especially since life has given me a second chance.”She places her hand on my shoulder and says, “I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can tell it’s a lot. Fortunately, we have a vacancy at ou
As early as dawn, I suddenly wake up feeling nervous, crossing my heart and wishing to get this position. If I don’t, my life will be crushed, and I’ll return to square one.I keep thinking, if I don’t get this job, then what’s next? What’s the next plan? I’ve spent months here with no clue about Liv, and I don’t have enough cash to return to Anne and Andrew. Even if I did, I wouldn’t go back—just not yet. I feel like I owe them success. I need to prove to them that their effort and sacrifices didn’t just go down the drain.I know they’re worried because I said the first thing I would do upon arriving in LA is call them. So after not hearing from me, I know they’ll contact Liv, and she’ll tell them that I never called her. They must be wondering what the heck has happened to me.The first thing I plan to do after securing a job and finding stability is go on a trip to see them. I want to show them I’m alive and doing great. I also need to buy a phone since it’s important in case of th
It’s been two months since I started working at Café Luxe, a global chain with over 700 branches scattered across the world. The café was famous not just for its quality coffee and elegant atmosphere, but for being owned by a man so rich, people said "rich" twice when describing him. He wasn't just wealthy; he lived in luxury few could even imagine. The pay here was more than decent, and for someone like me, working in such a place felt like an achievement. But I have to think strategically, save up, and focus only on the bare necessities. Every penny I tucked away wasn't just for me—it was for my child, for our future.The symptoms of the first trimester have become frequent . Morning sickness, fatigue, and frequent bathroom trips—it is hell, and I can barely fathom how the next few months would be. Kudos to all the mothers out there; this journey is no joke.Pulling out the phone I bought last week, It wasn’t a fancy smartphone, just a basic one that got the job done. I unlock it
“What are you doing here?” I whisper, glancing around nervously. My heart raced. Of all places, why did he have to show up here? The last thing I needed was for him to make a scene, especially after I’d run off without so much as a thank-you or paying back what I owed him.“Please, just leave. I don’t want any trouble. What do you want?” My voice trembles as I speak. He wasn’t here as a customer—that much was clear. My pulse quickened as I tried to figure out his angle. Was he here to humiliate me? To remind me of my debt?His eyes lock on mine, and I freeze. “I… I don’t even know you,” I stammer, desperate to make him leave. But his stare—cold, calculating, and filled with something darker—made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. Was that hatred? He looked like he was one step away from strangling me to death, right here in the café.My mind was racing. What if he causes a ruckus? What if he demands that I pay him back, right in front of everyone? My nerves were frayed, and the silenc
Daphne’s POVWalking down the street, tossing rocks at my feet, I tried to convince myself I was doing better. But then, everything came crashing down yet again. I refused to let it break me, even though everything about Sebastian affected me in ways I didn’t want to admit.I hailed a taxi and got in. I was back in the same cycle I swore I’d moved on from, relying on others to make myself feel worthy. Maybe it was time to seriously reconsider seeing a therapist. “Where to, ma’am?” the taxi driver’s voice cut through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.“District Street,” I said, smiling to myself. For a second, I almost wanted to say, “Just drive.” It would have been such a heroine moment, like something right out of a movie. Instead, I gave him the address and leaned back, letting the scenery blur by.Before long, we arrived, and I thanked him, hopping out in front of the house. How much I missed it. Maybe I would go to the pub and meet up with James and Liv, I hadn’t seen the
Sebastian’s POV “Oh my God, Ella. Come here.” Just then, Daphne runs over to her.“Heyyy!” Maya’s voice pierces through the fog in my mind. The man turns to us, but before I can see his face clearly, he hurries away.They approach us, and Ella rushes to me with so much excitement, unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows. “Daddy!”Maya immediately starts barking at Daphne, whose brows furrow in bitterness. “How could you be so reckless huh? Did you lose your brain cells in whatever hell hole you crawled from?”“Don’t you dare talk to me like that, Maya? Who do you think you are to question me?” Daphne snaps back.“Didn't you see it? How could you let her wander around like that? What if something had happened?” Maya challenged.“But nothing happened, did it? You were clearly putting meaning into things. The man you saw has a daughter Ella’s age and they had been playing together.” Daphne defended, shaking her head in disbelief. But that wasn't it, her attitude was becoming into
Sebastian’s POV“Dang it!” I throw my phone across the couch as the phone rings with no answers yet again, I pace back and forth in the living room, with unease settling at the pit of my stomach.I came home to an empty house, every appliance turned off. I looked everywhere for them, and dread slowly overtook me as I wondered if something had happened to them. It felt like not a single soul lived in the silence of the house.But then, the estate watchman told me he saw Daphne with Ella, hailing a cab but he doesn’t know where they went.“Calm down, Seby. They’re alright,” Maya says, approaching me and placing a freshly manicured finger on my shoulder.I plop onto the couch, nodding, though I am anything but calm. “Did you hear him? A cab? My Ella in a fucking cab?? You don’t get it, Maya. Wait—hold on.” My eyes widen with a terrible realization dawns on me. I’ve completely forgotten about Daphne’s appointment. What if they’re at the hospital? For a split moment, guilt washes through m
It was already the next day, and I hadn’t done much except some minor chores while I anxiously awaited Ella’s return from school.When she finally burst through the door after school, her energy filled the space between us. We slipped into our daily routine, the kind of easy camaraderie that felt like a warm blanket. But as the afternoon wore on, the time moved very fast and I still hadn’t dressed for my appointment.After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a summer dress with a plunging V-line that showcased my cleavage. I brushed my hair, carefully applying a touch of makeup, but the reflection staring back at me made my stomach churn in a way I couldn’t quite articulate. Fresh tears stung my eyes, and I pressed a hand to my mouth, fighting the wave of despair washing over me.I hated the sight of myself with makeup, the way I looked so much like Claire. Memories, dark and suffocating, flooded my mind, dragging me back to a time I wished to forget. The tears
Ever since that day, Maya’s visits have become incessant and unannounced, each time a reminder of her hidden motives. She doesn’t even try to make it subtle at all. Her intentions are practically written in the way she watches me, the way her eyes linger a moment too long. It’s so obvious she has a scheme up her sleeve, a scheme I sense but can’t quite grasp. Yet, no one else seems to notice. Not even Sebastian. He thinks I’m overreacting, “acting indifferent,” as he calls it. But he doesn’t see what I see.Tonight, we’re all sitting around the dining table, pretending that Maya’s presence isn’t as invasive as it feels. I’m trying to focus on Ella’s laughter, her innocent smile as she picks at her food when Maya’s voice cuts through the moment like a knife. She’s eyes me and her tone dripping with a mix of faux concern and thinly veiled judgment.“Daphne Dear, don’t you think it would be better to cut those grapes in half for Ella?” Her lips curl in a practiced smile, but her eyes
“Are you even listening to me, Daphne? I don’t want you to get hurt.” Maryam’s voice echoed through the phone, her tone sharp with concern. “Don’t forget he’s still your boss. You work under him, and you can’t afford to jeopardize your position. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again—this isn’t just about you anymore.”I sighed, gripping the phone tightly. “But—”“Ah, ah! No buts. I’m not saying Maya is a bad person, but you need to be careful, okay?”Her words stung because I knew she was right. The call was exactly what I needed, a grounding reminder to let things go and not think so deeply about it, especially if I didn’t want to dig myself an even bigger hole.After we hung up, I tried to calm my mind, but from upstairs, I could hear Maya’s booming voice, ringing out confidently, echoing through the walls. I closed my eyes, wondering if there was something more between her and Sebastian. She just seemed so… comfortable here. Comfortable with him. A bitterness crept up, one
As I set the dining table, I couldn’t help but watch them. They spoke and laughed together so easily. I’d never seen Sebastian this relaxed or happy with anyone before. There was something about Maya that I hated, though I wasn’t even sure why. Maybe it was jealousy, knowing she had the kind of life I had always dreamed of.Maya’s stories felt strange, like they were crafted to revolve around Sebastian and Ella. It was as if she wanted to make a point that she’d been part of their lives all along. I mean, who brings up how Ella once pooped four times in an hour? Who even remembers that? I could tell she was trying too hard, but a part of me needed to know more about her connection to them.After setting the table, I sat down, ready to eat, hoping I could blend in and not feel like an outsider in my own space.“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sugary-sweet.“Uh… trying to eat?” I answered, feeling like her question was absurdly obvious.She laughed lightly. “I know, smarty pan
“No, that way!” Ella’s giggles rang out, filling the room as I tried to focus on her voice. She bumped into my legs, making me trip over the couch. It was the weekend, which meant Ella was home all day, and we were currently playing hide and seek. I was blindfolded, trying to follow her playful laughter.“Wait until I get my hands on you!” I yelled, spreading my arms wide as I tried to catch her.“Oops!” she laughed, clearly enjoying the game as I reached out and grabbed something… a lamp.“Try again!” she teased, her laughter echoing in the room. Determined, I lunged forward, only to grab something solid and unfamiliar. My fingers ran over the surface, trying to make sense of the shape. Strangely, Ella had gone silent.“E… Ella?” I called, but she didn’t respond.Suddenly, the object moved. I gasped, quickly yanking off my blindfold—only to come face to face with Sebastian.My eyes widened. I’d caught a faint whiff of his scent earlier, but I thought I was just imagining things. Ever
It had been two days since Sebastian left for Japan. The moment he landed, he called to let us know he’d arrived safely and to wish us goodnight. Hearing his voice was a comfort, but the house felt emptier without him.Ella and I spent our days reading together and working on her assignments. She was such a smart girl—often, she ended up teaching me things about her schoolwork. I found it heartwarming, seeing how eager she was to learn and share her knowledge.That evening, I was stirring a pot of onion soup I had decided to make for her. I wanted to surprise Ella with something different, something that wasn’t part of our usual routine. The rich aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel pleased with my little experiment.My phone buzzed. It was a text from Mr. Hawthorne.**Mr. Hawthorne:** You look scrumptious in those pants. Want me to take them off? I bet you’d look better. 😉A ridiculous smile spread across my face as I read his message, feeling like an absolute fool