(DAHLIA POV)
I took off the apron. Grandma had already fallen asleep, too.
The night was late, and my cousins were still not around. The rain has only got worse, so I closed the windows. But actually, the weather was perfect for writing.
I climbed excitedly upstairs to my room. It used to be storage. I made it my comfortable room. Grandma didn't let me stay here, but I insist. I like to be here. Quiet. I can focus on my writing. But the temperature inside is whatever the temperature outside.
That night it was hypothermic, but I was happy and content having this room for my own. My cousins couldn’t stand everything about it, so they took the more decent rooms. There were also vermin and termites that needed to be sprayed every month. Those little creatures were persistent in rebuilding their territory, but they’re not destroying wood, so… I just let it go. Perhaps they only wanted shelter.
I stared at my desk. I smile.
(Dahlia POV) I rolled over the bed and closed my eyes after I silently prayed. The orchestral sound of the storm helped me sleep. But I was immediately woken up by Karen’s loud voice. “Hey, Dahlia.” She just got home. I get up to go down. I found her taking off her wet jacket. I put the emergency light on the table. She is about to say something again when I hush her. She is too loud. "Grandma is sleeping." “Tss.” “Uhm, where’s Carlo?” My voice was groggy. I went to the stove to reheat the stew. Then suddenly the current returned, and the sudden burst of light hurt my eyes. “Give me money.” was her answer to my question. Which makes me look at her. “Huh?” I can’t believe what I heard. Money? Give her money? “I need money,” she extended her palm to me.” Don't try any excuses because I need m
(Owen POV) Yuki's staff returned to the office before I could even decide to visit her myself. I went with them, but my wife only gave me an ominous stare without even a goodbye. Eventually, I began to wonder if my husband still loved me or not. Miss Nam, don't be tight-ass to me. I was trembling as we walked to the home of the Carter siblings. As far as I know, Yuki was an adopted child, and her foster sibling, the biological son, shot the breeze as he was leading a mafia group. I confirm it, he is really a mafia boss. Kai Carter. I thought mafia groups had been eradicated since the government was aware of what they might have to do. I almost fell when I got out of the car. Yuki. Even her life sounded like a novel. She is really a diamond pike continuously hitting me. Wouldn’t Miss Nam care if I returned home as a corpse? I swallowed hard.
(Owen POV) “Is there a problem here?” There is a strong authority behind that voice. Every of the staff bowed their heads down. Miss Yuki’s face lit up when she saw who it was. She is delighted to run into whoever arrived. Meanwhile, I tried not to piss my pants in fear. “Kai!” He’s Kai, the so-called mafia boss… What will I do? Will I accept my fate? But I recalled what my wife told me, then I added to what Miss Yuki said earlier. “Get a writer who’s willing to sell you his story.” And Yuki’s own words, “I’d like to win my reader's heart again. Why can't I do that?” I felt relieved. For a second. “What does this mean?!” Kai's voice reverberated inside the room, and nobody dared to lift their heads up. The man who took my phone pulled me to face everyone. Yuki was beside him, her arms hugging him like a little baby. Seriously, nobo
(DAHLIA POV) I am in the middle of my writing when I hear someone calling for me downstairs. The voice was loud enough to be heard throughout the entire house. My other cousin was back. Grandma might wake her up if I don’t entertain him. The ingrates who suck off their parents' hard-earned money while pretending to be good students. I pity their parents. I continued writing, but the door to my room suddenly opened. “Dahlia!” I let go of my pen and faced him. “Hush, will you? Grandma is asleep. Can you see it is still dark outside? You’re being unrespectful.” He needs to be enlightened but too obdurate. “I don’t care. I need the money. Right now!” Karen had the same reason the other night. Did they think they could milk money from me? Their parents were already giving them a generous amount of school allowance. “The money, Dahlia. Hurry!” Right
(CEDRICK POV) “We did everything to set up the grandchild of the cafe owner, Master Kai.” He just smiled at me. In a dirty game, the real motive isn’t immediately revealed. They will first try to ensnare you in traps until you get cornered. A mafia boss-like Master Kai knew a lot of those games. Then he nodded. “Any news about the creature we’re looking for?” “The slayer of our clan? Nothing yet. He’s elusive.” “We need his blood as soon as possible,” he’s trying to control himself from shifting into his wolf form. Until we heard the commotion outside. He stared at me as to what it was about, and via the earpiece through which each staff member communicated, I got the information… “The grandson of that cafe is outside. He wouldn’t surrender their cafe but has the money.” “Invite him to come in.”
(DAHLIA POV) I waited all night for Carlo. Karen's suspicion that I liked Carlo was definitely nonsense. Why have I waited like this? For what? This is the only thing I could do for their parents who wanted them to graduate college. They are literally a headache. I felt sorry for their parents. While waiting for Carlo’s return, I also resume my writing to kill the waiting hours. The ending of my novel was only a few pages close. I just couldn’t decide how to slay it. I notice that the ending playing on my thoughts is too cliche. This is not right. It must be unique. I could cliffhang my readers or just give them an open ending, which could lead to a sequel in case it clicks to the majority. Sunlight was already peeking through the window. I stretched out my arms. I got up from my seat and opened the panes to let the wind in. There is no sign that Carlo will return. My co
(Dahlia POV)“No! You're a thief! How could you steal from me?! Are young people nowadays that cunning?”The crowd around us started taking photos or videos, but the old woman did nothing but fire up their curiosity.“I helped you, ma’am. I wouldn’t steal from you. I am not a thief.”“Don’t you dare talk back, miss!”But that’s the truth. I respect the elderly but don’t tolerate bullies… Anyway, I decided to be more patient than her.“Ma’am, let's just talk this to—”“You think I’m a liar? Do you want to take me to prison?“Wait? Was I just scammed? A gaslighting drama to extort from me? I know this kind of drama. She's playing the victim and weak, for people believe her that I robbed her.I smiled.
(DAHLIA POV)The guy who helped me was nuts. He let an old woman off with extorted money. She’ll repeat it every chance she gets and scam as many gullible people. Tsk.Does the old woman no longer have a sensible job to cling to from scamming?Yet, I was hoping my face didn’t spread on social media and bashed on. I wasn’t an active member of SocMed platforms, but I was only concerned about my future readers. Having bad reputation before my career even begins isn’t a good start. Somehow it makes me sign up to a famous platform for me to be able to know the latest trends. A writer must learn continuously.I remembered what the man had told me earlier. Time is more valuable than money. So I picked up the groceries I bought and left the place.I ignored the people who were willing to waste their time meddling in none of their business. And to the man, who helped me, thank you. Regardles
(Dahlia POV)What time is it? Is Grandma asleep? Did she have a good dinner? Should I wake her up?Many questions are bothering me, but I couldn't help but inform her of my arrival."Grandma, I'm here." As I took off my shoes, and even though I am curious that Grandma didn't answer immediately, I just thought that she might be asleep.The night was getting deep.I hung my sling bag and took out the food that just needed to be heated from the fridge. But to be honest, I didn't feel like eating. But I still put it in the oven to heat it up. Tonight, I want to research what I can do to get my book back from Yuki. If I need an attorney, it may be impossible, but I will look for an affordable one if they charge.I was about to go up to my room when I glanced at Grandma's room door. So I decided to check on her.I opened the door slightly and peered at Grandma's bed. The room was quite dark, so I lit it up. Hopefully, Grandma won't wake up.When her room was lit, she wasn't on her bed. Wher
(Yuki POV)“While those bitches you call, have a status in the association.”I give him a forced smile. "I do not care Cedrick. As long my brother Kai was at my side I would never falter. Why not admit that you are just an envious creature. How pity. My brother Kai values someone like me a lot. Despite of being human, weak? But all my wishes are granted by him. Well, you're just his secretary and nothing more bond to you with my brother, but your job. He just orders you, and you need to obey. If you make him angry, he might punish you with death. Aren't you scared Cedrick?”It is time for me to push him at the truth's edge. “I am more precious than to his own kind.”He smirked. “Fine. Let’s see. I will let you go on your way Miss Yuki and test your brother’s treatment to you. If you thought that we are like dog, that have a sense loyalty to a human, you are in danger Miss Yuki.”“Dog. If you are dog, Cedrick, you will be the most outrageous one.”“Maybe. Especially having you as my ma
(Yuki POV)We arrived at the threshold of the company; I didn't bother to go to the reception desk. I went straight to the executive floor. And all the eyes I pass are normally peculiar, mostly werewolves. Why should I be surprised, Brother Kai was their Grand Alpha in this generation. Walking with a confidence I didn’t bother about my safety, who are they to attack their Grand Alpha's beloved sister? I was especially escorted with Grand Alpha’s men, and they were recognized by their fellow.I come here once a blue moon, after brother Kai talked to me after my previous visit. He warns me personally that it is dangerous for me. It might be too late for an attack if the newbies aren't informed about me.I knew the way exactly to his office, since there are no major changes. When I got to his office, the guard on the door met my gaze and I expected them to recognize me. They did as they opened the door. Even though I hadn't seen yet my brother, I greeted him sweetly, but it was wasted fo
(Yuki POV)When Mr. Owen left, I walked around the garden while the servants were taking care of the dog that I murdered. When I couldn't find peace and calm myself, I returned to their presence. They immediately halted to what they were doing and slightly bowed in front of me."Call Cedrick right now.” I take a seat. “I don't care what he's doing right now, I just want to know the whereabouts of my brother.""But Miss Yuki, the Master instruction will be violated, especially these hours, we should not disturb them.” The butler cares to respond."I know.” I looked at him. “But the only one that I respect is my brother Malcolm. Cedrick is my intention to be disturbed. You heard me clearly, right? It is him I want you to phone, not my brother. Don’t be stupid.”The butler bowed, even though there’s a hesitation but he couldn’t defy my words. He signals one of his men to phone the mere secretary of my brother.When Cedrick answered the call I couldn't wait to grab the phone from the butl
(Yuki's POV)“And who is she Miss Yuki? As you refer her as ‘her.’” I caught his curiosity.“You, yourself gave me that idea having a ghost writer. Didn’t you?” I didn’t bother to answer his inquisitiveness. But confirm with a nod. He likes the idea not only I would have an assistant to my career, also to divert my mood and he sees some hope that I won't take my anger out on him.“Though there is a problem finding her. It is only my brother who can tell me where I can find her. But it's just a simple problem not to compromise your time especially in part of my brother. Tss. She is just a mere aspiring writer. It is easily to find her. If she declines me even though I place a few cases of money in front of her, she is prideful of herself. Didn’t she, Mr. Owen.”“I agree with you on that Miss Yuki.” Tsk. He always agreed in front of me. “I know she will not decline you.”“I hope so. I hope she is like you who sells his integrity.” Then I grinned at him. I slap him with my words so good.
Alexandra POV)“Tss. This is the reason why you are willing to visit me? I think I need to repeat myself again Mr. Owen. If they make a movie adoption, won't there be a lot of maggots stealing my idea? Make it as a cliché. Get some inspiration and they will make a different version so that it won't be seen that they plagiarized it? Don’t you get it Mr. Owen?”In truth, the real reason behind is I don’t want to make the story famous that I didn’t write. If I let them make a movie adoption, it is obvious that a lot of movie enthusiast will love it. It is like a silent bullet for myself, that proves there is someone better than me.I hate it. I don’t want to lose to that mere commoner!Dahlia… Who are you to take everything away from me?! I need to put an end of this.“Miss Yuki. Please consider and think about it. We both aware that this is possible to your story. It is also part of the contract you signed with our company."“Tss. How sweet. Owww. Thank you for your concern but I am not
(Yuki POV)I couldn’t wait him without doing something. I might end up killing those around me.“Prepared the garden for me and gather those ingredients for brewing the tea.”“As you wish Miss Yuki.” They hurriedly move and before I can reach the garden, they settle the things that I need. I am determined to beat that woman. I hate her. I really do. Even though I didn’t meet her in person. In case it happened I might kill her.Brewing some various type of tea in garden might help me inspired. However, I ended up wasting the ingredients without determining the proper brewing her tea. Tsk. What is her magic? If the taste of my tea didn’t satisfied me, it is also means that brother Kai will don’t like it. Of course he will compliment my effort but hide the fact that I couldn’t beat his woman’s tea. Bulsh*t! Tsk.The butler arrived and bowed in my presence. “Miss Yuki, your editor has arrived.”“Show him the way here.”Mr. Owen was escorted in, and when he saw me, he greeted me with a c
(Yuki's POV)Everything seems placid to me. Too comfortable early in the morning. Taking a welcome breath of the moist air. It is fresh and too serenity. I guess there a group of people praising my name without my knowing. I will be glad.“Miss Yuki!” I incline my head toward the direction where the voice come. “You have a call. It is from Mr. Owen.” It is the butler.I immediately got up from my seat, and approached the butler before he could get to me. I grab the phone, and Mr. Owen happily greeted me in the line. I know it is impossible to reject the manuscript I sent to him. It is my hurl to them and will change their perspective about my stain reputation. They will be glad, satisfied and flattery words will never omit again. No one will gonna believe now how they discriminate me. I am still the best writer, ever. Tsk.“Good morning Mr. Owen. Your call, I expect that you have a good reason.”“Miss Yuki, your so awesome! I am delighted with your masterpiece. The novel you submitted
(Secretary Venal POV)After Miss Dahlia makes her exit the tension grows more intense. There is a deafening silent when suddenly Master Dryzen laughter fill the entire chamber. Everyone feels an intimidation, which makes us bow down in his direction. His laughed turn into a chuckle.He is entertained. “You know Venal, I think the two weeks I have given to you are too long. It seems like century. I think I might run out of my patience for you to persuade that woman. Of all the women I married, she is the only one who gives me a strange attitude. She struggles to fought but it was obvious that she is weak. How long will she stand to decline my offer? She is getting into my nerves.”I admit, what he is telling me is not good to hear. Still rooting he doesn’t try to rush this matter. Two weeks was not enough for me to convince his chosen. Having a tea with her is tough to request."Just make sure I don't get bored and have my schedule full for I wouldn’t dare to cut my given time to yo