The first update of 13th Feb 23 is here. Thanks, guys. xoxo. Lisa Salman-author
Ashley Walters (three months later) I was, at last, home. Due to my deteriorating condition, initially, they did not let me meet anyone. And then slowly Deluca mansion allowed Aniya and Evelyne to visit me. They stayed with me twenty-four-seven. A separate room was allotted to them. After getting discharged from the hospital, the person I wanted to meet first was Justin, but he could not be seen anywhere. After Aniya and Evelyne started staying with me, Justin used to visit me daily before going out. Not even for five minutes but still. It used to be a formal conversation about my health, medicines, and doctor’s appointments. Today, he was wearing a suit and looked more than handsome as I could remember. He just asked about my health, told me to take my medicines on time, and left. No kiss. No PDA. Initially, I thought he might be scared of hurting me. Just like he was scared to come closer when I had an accident at Arguli. But the more I was getting better, the more he seemed
The room provided to me in the dorm was furnished and had simple furniture. Ever since I arrived, I had been sitting on the floor hugging my knees to my chest, trying to think if I made some mistake. Or if I committed some crime.Was it possible that this all was a dream?Or maybe the time spent with Justin was a dream and now I had woken up to the harsh reality of life.“Mrs. Deluca. Come soon. I am not going back to sleep until you come back. I will wait for you.” Long forgotten words that came out of his mouth were there to haunt me.“Why, Justin? Why?” Putting my head on my knees I started crying. I was still waiting for him. Maybe it was all a prank. There was a message blinking on my phone. The message was from the bank. Justin had credited twenty million to my account.Maybe soon he would come back running to me, will put me on his shoulder like a sack and go out, “Mrs. Deluca. It was just a joke. Why the hell are you crying?”“Ms. Ashley!” Matt’s head came inside the doorway,
Ashley Walters pov We spent three days in that dorm room crying and consoling each other. My friend Evelyne hid the news to save my life. I not only lost Justin but also the two boys who called me their sister. Their family. Evelyne lost her boyfriend who was about to propose her. They were planning to get married after one year. True to my word, I did not shed a single tear for Justin after that first day. Mr. Matt had been asking me about the subjects I wanted to choose but I could not give him a confirmed answer. He arranged an apartment for us, and I decided to furnish it. We all got busy with its decoration. “I have decided to resign from my job and stay here.” Aniya announced while putting wall hangings that we bought from a thrift store and I polished them myself, “So… Can I crash in for a few days until I find a place of my own?” She pouted and blinked her eyes to look innocent. “You are nuts. You are staying with me. Ok? You girls are forgetting something. I am a mill
(Two years later) Ashley Walters pov “Congratulations, Ms. Walters. All five companies want you to design their places. Two of them are their head offices and three of them are residential plans. You are just halfway to your degree, and you are already getting offers.” I was beaming at the praise because two months back I did a private project of furnishing office space and that proved to be a hit. The principal of the International University of Arguli sitting across from me never had this idea that there were just five offers reached to me through the university but privately I was getting numerous. According to Aniya, “The way you are getting offers, you will be soon buying Deluca properties. Ha-ha.” Yes. For the past two years, Deluca properties had become a part of our jokes. “Ms. Walters these five offers will be distributed among our five toppers. However, you are being given the first choice to have your pick.” In the past two years, I had not only become the apple of m
Ashley Walters pov “Where are you going? Weren’t the project bids supposed to be in the afternoon?” Evelyne asked me, coming out of her bedroom and holding her yawn. Her jet black hair was ruffled and messy but somehow, she still managed to look s3xy. Instead of responding to her question, I remarked, “How do you manage to look this s3xy right after bed?” Her hand that was busy scratching her head, froze, “Elijah used to say that a lot.” The smile on her face was sad but long ago we had stopped crying at the mention of the names of Elijah or Sam. “And Sam used to tell me that I should pursue my career instead of serving in that Ice cream café.” I tried to manage a shaky grin, “I miss them so much.” “They both must be so proud of you.” She came closer and hugged me in a death grip. I started rubbing her back. For so many months, she had been visiting a psychiatrist for her mental health, but I knew she still missed him. “Before their death, they told me that I should consider th
Ashley Walters povA loud voice rang in my ears when I once wiped my nose with it, “KITTEN! THIS WAS MY FAVORITE T-SHIRT!”Oh, Justin! Why?Then I felt his fingers brushing my cheek and that made me jerk back. Turning around I tried to balance the box in my arms and entered through the open curtain. Once stepping inside, I looked over my shoulder expecting him to follow me.But found him rooted to the spot with closed eyes.There were several pairs of eyes directed at me including Rayan and Sarah when I walked towards my seat.Rayan had an evil smirk plastered across his lips that vanished as soon as he saw my face. He must be surprised, at how I managed to wipe the dark brown taint off my mouth. All five students had taken the advantage of coming early and took the seats opposite other community members. The only seat left vacant was opposite the Dean’s seat.Even their nameplates were moved according to their benefits.I was taking slow steps when again a pair of arms reached out an
Ashley Walters povIt had been three days since that tiny nonexistent baby bump news was revealed to me. As if I was Sarah’s best buddy.Since then, I had been watching lots of movies leaving all of them only halfway. I had also been shedding tears nonstop. Romantic movies reminded me of Justin. Action movies reminded me of him even more.“Ashley! Why don’t you tell us what’s going on?” Eve and Aniya came inside my room. Eve as usual started picking the wrappers and empty tubs of ice cream from the floor.“We thought you are upset because you are regretting that Rayan got the highest bidding and Justin did not even bat an eye in your direction. But there is something else that has been eating you inside, Ash.”I had told them about my short encounter with Justin, leaving the mouth-wiping details.Instead of answering Aniya, I dipped a few nacho pieces in the sour cream and placed them in my mouth which was already full.Without chewing my food, I scooped a spoonful of ice cream and tr
I was wearing a simple blue, A-line dress that reached just above my knees and opted for matching blue pearl earrings. I straightened my hair and let them cascade down my back without any clips or scrunchie.The party was arranged in a hotel and was in full swing. I went to the table where I spotted my other university fellows. Rayan was also sitting there and seemed to be on his best behavior. The party was arranged in honor of the students who had gotten successful bidding. “You are late! Mr. Deluca and Ms. Sarah have already left the party.” Rayan informed me and stood up to fetch me a drink. I didn’t know why he was acting differently tonight. However, I took a sigh of relief when he told me about Justin and Sarah. I didn’t want to face the couple. I engaged myself in small talks with the other fellows as they were already accompanied by dates except for me and Rayan. Gerald had to go out of town for meeting his mom who was admitted to a hospital. “Walters! Interested to dance
Hello readers. I hope you liked all the books. As I told you before, Marwick's story will be out on 1st July 2023 (fingers crossed).Here is a little blurb but sort of incomplete...You are the CEO of a big company and looking for your wife for the last five years. The same wife you left at the altar. You don't know anything about her. Except that she has azure eyes that kept you awake all those nights. You are looking for her everywhere like a madman, without an idea that she might be right there under your nose. Working as your PA. Title :Gosh! The CEO's assistant is NOT a Boy! (Hired a girl By Mistake) (If you are on my socials please don't tell the title there. No spoilers please ;-)) Love you all.xoxoLisa Salman-author
Sophia’s pov: Colter was smart, intelligent, and the school’s soccer team captain. For every girl, he was an ideal. But he chose me as his girlfriend. We were good initially but then he started showing his true colors. “Your cousin is a creep, Sophie. He keeps staring at you. The little boy can’t control his urges,” he used to make fun of Rowan and I never liked it. “He is NOT my cousin, Colt.” I used to defend Rowan and that used to annoy him even more. “Yeah. Whatever. He is younger, Sophie. Just a kid! Don’t ever forget that. Trust me! Nobody wants to date a baby.” His remark tugged my heartstrings that day. Every other day he used to get aggressive and used to remind me that Rowan was just a mere kid. Most of the time his aggression used to be due to Rowan. He disliked it when Rowan used to sit right opposite our place in the cafeteria. He easily could get offended if he would find Rowan, visiting my place. I tried convincing him that Rowan was a family friend but failed.
Rowan’s pov:The girl in my arms was sleeping soundly. She was making me feel like my arms were the best place where she could get that deep sleep. She was making me feel like I was a safe haven for her.That fuc*ker Colter tried to take away her spirit. Her soul. But she did it. She defeated him. The day she called me for help, I knew how much courage she must have gathered to do it. To type that single message. That single word.“Rowan!” she murmured in her sleep and stirred in my arms.“Go to sleep, Sophie. You are safe.” I said and closed my eyes but the she-devil close to me, kept rubbing herself against me intimately.“Soph!” I whispered and she made a pout in her sleep and opened her sleep-filled hooded eyes to look at me, “Go to sleep, love.”I tried to control my desire shooting up by her touch. She shook her head and started rubbing her cheek against my chest skin.“You smell amazing, Rowan.” She started kissing my chest and then climbed up to bring her face close to mine, “
Rowan Levisay pov I looked down at the delicate girl in my arms who, very slowly, was now getting closer to me. She already lived in my heart and had, at last, started seeing me. The only difference was, she spotted me after twenty-five goddamn years. And I noticed her when I was just two. She used to sit cozily in bed with my sisters. I could hear their giggling sounds in my cot and always wanted to get down so that I could join the fun. Sometimes, Mom used to allow me to go to them. They used to cuddle me in between and all I wanted at that time was to sit beside my girl. She used to get irritated by my presence, and how I used to cling to her, stare at her. “Mom! I think she doesn’t like me.” While growing up, the four years old me, asked my mom. She smiled and made me sit on her lap. “She might see you if you stop clinging to her. Nobody likes that, Rowan. Everyone loves to have some space, son.” In my teenage years, I could never make a steady girlfriend. Because they all u
Sophia’s pov. Restless, I continued to toss and turn in my bed, the weight of my past worries pressing heavily upon my chest. The hushed murmurs drifting up from downstairs did confirm what I already knew. My parents were still awake and their concern for me was refusing to let them succumb to sleep. Normally, my parents were early sleepers, but tonight was different. Tonight, their parental instincts were on high alert, their worry for me was palpable in the air. Ever since I could remember, they were protective of me and had shielded me from harm, nurtured me with unwavering love and care. As my adoptive parents, they made me and Jackson their utmost priority. They never let us feel that I was adopted and that Jackson was their own blood. As the minutes ticked by, I couldn't help but reflect on the countless times they had been my pillars of strength. They had been my unwavering support, always there to lend a hand or offer to just listen to me. To make me feel heard. And now,
Emerald's pov: The weight of her words settled upon us like a heavy burden, each of us grappling with our own emotions. But at that moment, amidst the chaos of thoughts and feelings, one thing was clear — Sophie had endured some kind of ordeal. Something that was beyond our thoughts, and we had to listen, support, and help her find solace in our embrace. “Talk to us, love.” Rafael encouraged her to speak, “What is it? What did Colt do to you?” his voice seemed tense. “If I will tell you then would you believe me?” She asked Rafael innocently. Like a baby. Gosh! I wanted to cry. I could not wait to be alone and cry in my husband’s arms. But right now, we both needed to stay strong. “Yes, we will.” Abigail spoke with determination, “You are our kid. Why won’t we trust you?” The moment Abigail said that Sophia started crying. Her tears started slipping down her smooth cheeks. “Sophie?” Rafael and I both called her name. We both were shocked. “Mom! Dad! The one month I was with him
Emerald's pov:Sophia was trembling while taking hesitant steps forward. She looked exhausted as if she had been through an ordeal that no words could adequately describe. The room remained silent, each of us holding our breath, waiting for her to speak.I saw Hunter gesturing for his investigators to leave the room without a sound.Finally, Sophia’s voice broke the silence, which was weak yet determined. "I... I'm sorry. I never meant to cause you all this worry. It's... it's complicated. I'll explain, I promise."Rafael and I exchanged glances, a mix of relief and concern etched on our faces. We moved closer to Sophia, enveloping her in a gentle embrace, offering comfort and reassurance. The room slowly came alive with a mixture of relief, confusion, and a silent desire for answers.Hunter, his voice laced with a mix of relief and urgency, stepped forward. "Sophie, we've been searching for you. Where have you been? Are you alright?"Sophia took a deep breath, her eyes darting around
Emerald Wyatt pov: (Sophia’s foster mom)“Emerald. Stop crying.” Abigail Levisay hugged me tightly, “Hunter has called Rowan and he will be here any minute. We will find Sophie. Don’t lose hope.”Tears were streaming down my face. I was sitting on the armchair, clutching a tissue in my trembling hands. Abigail Levisay … my compassionate friend and Rowan’s mom was kneeling beside me, offering comfort.I was sobbing uncontrollably, struggling to compose myself.“I can't help it, Abigail. I'm so scared for Sophie. It's been two days, and we still have no idea where she could be. And now with Colter found dead ... What if something terrible has happened to my daughter too?”Abigail wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly.She shushed me gently, “I know, darling. It's an incredibly distressing situation, but we have to stay strong. We can't lose hope. Hunter has called Rowan, and he's on his way here. Rowan has connections. Along with Hunter, he can locate Sophie. We're going to fin
Sophia pov:Without another word, he started rubbing my back with soapy hands. Placing my palms on the bathroom walls, I closed my eyes feeling his touch on my body and then my hair with a whiff of my shampoo. He opened the shower and started washing the sand off my hair. I held my breath when I felt his hands unusually lingering on my bre*asts.“May I?” I asked him, offering him the same comfort. He slowly shook his head and wrapped a bathrobe around me.“I can’t risk that, Sophie.” He draped a towel around my hair like a turban. He was still wearing his costume while I was there without a piece of clothing, “I can take my shower later.”True to his word, he didn’t even bat an eye on my nak*edness.“I promise, I would be decent enough not to sed*uce you,” I said mischievously making him chuckle.“And do you think that would make me happy, princess?” he placed his palms on either side of me on the walls of the bathroom behind me,His eyes were searching mine with a mixture of seriousn