With shaky fingers and clammy hands, I stood in front of his door yet again, my thumb lazily hovering over the doorbell. Why am I doing this to myself? My heart raced like a rabbit’s, and every cell in my body screamed at me to run back home, curl up, and pretend I never agreed to this. But Maryam's potential lecture loomed over me. Nope, not dealing with that today."You’ve been standing there for five minutes. Are you coming in, or are you planning to wear out my doorbell with indecision?" came Hawthorne’s deep voice through the intercom.I almost jumped out of my skin. Seriously? Was he watching me this whole time? The nerve! My heart gave an extra thud of irritation as I fumbled with the doorknob, realizing it was already open. Of course, it was. Of course, he knew I’d come. This man... Why is he always so infuriatingly ahead of me?As I stepped in, I regretted it immediately. Coming down the stairs, in nothing but dangerously low-hanging slacks, was Sebastian Hawthorne. Bare-ches
I paced the room, biting my fingers as my eyes flicked to the clock. The minutes dragged, and my stomach twisted in knots. Why was I so nervous for Ella to return? The fridge was stocked—you name it, it was there—but I couldn’t bring myself to heat anything until I knew what she wanted. Something about this evening felt different, as if I was preparing for more than just her company. The front door creaked open, and there she stood. Ella, frowning at me like I was a puzzle she was determined to solve. The tension broke when her eyes widened, and she bolted toward me, jumping into my arms with surprising force. “Daphneeeeee!” She squealed, wrapping her arms around my neck as I spun her around. Her infectious energy pulled me in, and I realized—she actually likes me. All those times she’d come by the café, staring at me with that shy curiosity, made sense now. There was a connection here, and I wasn’t imagining it.I set her down gently, a smile tugging at my lips as I crouched to u
Sebastian’s POVWalking down the hallway, my eyes lock on her. There’s something about her that makes me lose control, as if some unseen force draws me to her, wild and determined. It’s not just possessiveness; it’s something deeper, primal, as though the universe itself carved her just to unravel me. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her step outside dressed like that. Call it jealousy, call it protectiveness—I don’t care. All I know is that she’s mine to look after, even if she doesn’t see it that way.The pub she’s going to is far from safe. Creeps lurk in the shadows, waiting for girls like her—vulnerable, alone. My gut tells me there’s a man stalking her, and if I ever catch him... God help me, it won't end well. She looks up at me, confusion clouding her expression. “Wha... what do you mean?”“You’re not leaving like that,” I say, the finality in my voice certain, emphasizing the ‘Not’. Her irritation rises, thickening the tension between us.“I’m not your responsibility. I c
Daphne’s POVWith tears streaming down my face and my heels dangling from my left hand, I wandered aimlessly. So damn tired, so damn scared. I needed comfort, security—everything good—but nothing good ever seems to happen to me.“Arghhh!” I yelled, replaying what just happened between Hawthorne and me. Why did I have to go off like that, ranting and embarrassing myself? I cringe just thinking about it. I blame you, baby Alex, I really do. You’ve made me overly sensitive! My whole body aches, my feet are numb, and don’t even get me started on my sore nipples. While I should be enjoying pregnancy perks—like snuggling up and watching TV—I’m out here, working my butt off just to survive.Maybe if I start working full-time for Hawthorne, I could take a break and visit Anne and Andrew over the weekend. They deserve to know I’m alive and okay. If only I still had their number… but nope, lost that on the bus.I pushed open the door to the pub and headed to my usual spot when my phone rang, s
I kicked off my shoes with a sigh, feeling the relief as I massaged my sore toes. "Can you believe it?" I gushed to a half-asleep Maryam. After Liv called them, they were so happy to hear from me, but it was weird—they didn’t seem surprised, like they already knew where I was.We exchanged contact info, and I promised to call them often. ‘You can’t forget your Ma and Pa, okay?’ Andrew had said, his voice warm.That reunion had brought some much-needed joy after the disaster with Hawthorne. That arrogant bastard! I wanted to rip his perfect hair out of his perfect head for the way he treated me earlier.I collapsed onto the bed without even bothering to clean up or change, too tired to care. Disgusting, I know, but it was one of those nights.********Morning came too soon, but I didn’t drag myself out of bed until 10 a.m., lazily preparing for work. I hoped by the end of the day, I'd officially have the job. True to his word, Hawthorne had paid me for every hour, though with a smug
Sebastian’s POVAfter the successful meeting at Greys Tower with Mr. Anthony, I lingered for a bit, hoping the rain would ease. It was close to 10 p.m., and I fought the urge to call home. Every second, I glanced at my phone, waiting, hoping for some notification—anything. But there was nothing.Ella’s probably asleep by now. She’s with Mrs. Tee; she’s safe, I kept reminding myself, though the pit in my stomach refused to ease. Every time I check in, Mrs. Tee scolds me. “I’ve been watching over Ella for years, Sebastian. Trust me, if anything were wrong, I’d be the first to call you.” She’s right, of course. Still, paranoia has always been my downfall.The rain lessened, falling in gentle sheets now, and I figured it was safe enough to drive. I hurried to my car, turning the ignition and watching as the windshield wipers moved rhythmically, clearing the view of the dark, rain-soaked streets.When I finally arrived home, something felt… off. I inserted the key, pushed open the door, an
Daphne’s POVSheer darkness… That’s all I see. Beyond the thick veil of blackness, just nothingness—just a suffocating emptiness. Then suddenly, I see me,—a frightened five-year-old girl staring up at the smiling faces of Mommy and Daddy. But their smiles morph into something darker, something sinister. "Come with us," they chant, voices haunting, their faces distorting. Strange hands reach out, pulling me, dragging me into shadows. Each day, it’s a different face, a new hand. I’m helpless, thrown into a cold, unforgiving cell, branded like an animal, showcased like a prize for lustful eyes to devour. I want to scream—to break free—but my body is no longer mine. Pain ripples through me as old wounds tear open, the stitches of unraveling, bleeding. Just when I feel like I’ll break, a voice calls out, soft but firm, beckoning me from the madness. "Daphne, Daphne," it says, drawing me in like a lullaby, soothing yet powerful. My enchanter.Thud. Thud. Thud. We’re running, running so fa
Like a thief at dawn, I raced back home. I ran from confrontation, from explanations, but isn’t that what I’m best at? Running away? What was I supposed to say? That my life is a whirlwind of chaos, spinning out of control? So, I did what I’ve always done—avoid it. It was Saturday already, and I knew Maryam would be home by now. I didn’t have a clue what to do next, but at least I had her. Maryam, the only person who’s ever seen the raw, unrefined version of me. She knows it all—my days as a trafficked victim, the family trauma that haunts me, Nate’s love, his protection... and his betrayal.As I opened the front door, it was no surprise to find her already up, going about her day. She had a mop in her right hand, looking up with a grin as I stepped inside. "Well, well, look who's glowing!" she teased.I managed a weak smile. "Really?""Oh yes," she said, exaggerating her voice for effect. "It's only been a few days into this trial with Hawthorne, and look at you! Imagine what’ll ha
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