The sun rays was piercing my eyes, made me cover them with my pillow. I grumbled still in a sleepy position.
"Wake up, dear." Ah, it was my mother's voice, "It's morning, let's have breakfast." I opened my eyelids halfway, and sure enough, the direct sunlight was scrambling to enter my eyes.
"Ugh, mom. Could you please close the curtains first? I'm about to blind." I murmured.
"If I close it, you won't open your eyes." My mother didn't want to budge.
My head was still wobbling but I tried to sit up with my eyes still closed.
"Are you sleepwalking now?" Maybe. "Don't tell me that Barra forgot to tell you he's coming home today." Home? My mouth opened like a fish trying to digest what my mother said just now.
"You don't want to pass your best friend without saying goodbye, right?"
A memory appeared again in my head. Since college he had no longer lived in this city. He hadn't visited Jazzlin in a long time. This was the first time he came, because of Jazzlin's suicide attempt.
I was silently remembering his words the first time I woke up. That's why he was so sorry that he couldn't be by my side.
"I'll wait downstairs." My mother came out of the room as my eyes opened. I rubbed my eyes and immediately headed to the bathroom.
"Good morning." I greeted everyone as I descended the stairs.
Their gaze fixed on me, "Morning, young lady." The maids returned my greeting, smiling brightly.
I went to the dining room and found my mother was smearing jam into the bread. Not seeing Barra's presence I asked, "Where's Barra?" I pulled the stool and sat down.
"He said he had some business with his company so he returned to his room." I nodded and took the bread that my mother gave me, "Thanks mom." My mother grinned then smearing jam on top of the other bread.
"Sorry, for coming late." Barra came in, his was wearing a suit.
"Is everything okay?" My mother asked.
He nodded slowly before finally sitting beside me. His scent in flashed was spreading across my nose.
Another maid brought pancakes and three glasses of milk, "Thank you." He smiled as he took the glass.
"I was wondering if you don't mind if Jazzlin comes with you?" My mother gave us her nervous smile.
Barra choked on his drink while I glared and nearly threw my bread.
I knew that she had a hidden intention to make us more than friends. Since long time ago, my mother was the one who supported us the most to always be together no matter what decision she had to took.
"What? No, please don't mind my mom." I suppressed a smile.
His response was a warm smile, "Obviously with pleasure, if Jazzlin pleased." I glared at him who was maintaining eye contact.
"What are you talking about? Of course, she pleased." My mother exclaimed.
I just kept biting my bread with the cynical gaze I showed him, "Right, dear?" I gave a quick bow in response before nodding, "Right?" My mother gave me a look when I didn't reply.
I shrugged, "Right." My mouth twisted in a sardonic smile.
"That's my girl." She pointed at me.
Later that day I prepared all the luggage to my suitcase. No need to bring a lot of clothes because I thought I would only stay two days at his mansion.
I tied my hair high and smeared some lip gloss on my pale lips. Then, I left the room, looked downstairs.
Barra was sitting, playing with his phone. His leg was crossing the other and his ankle lied on the thigh. His eyes turned at me when I approached him,
"Are you done, principessa?" He asked with a teasing tone.
He put his phone in his pants pocket and stood up. He took my hand, making my heart trembled just because his soft and warm hand.
I said goodbye to my mother. She looked so happy that I finally left, at least that what showed on her face.
She hugged me, "Let me know when you arrived." I hugged her back then pulled away, "Please take care of my daughter, I know she's stubborn and sometimes reckless. But, she's nice." She was talking like I wasn't there.
"I promise you, I'll take care and keep my eyes on her." He said as his gaze met mine.
My mother smiled heavenly, "Have a great day!" She told me as I got into the car.
"Bye, mom." I opened the window then gave her my waving hands.
The driver started driving. I felt his gaze on me, but I felt so embarrassed so I avoided eye contact and covered my face with my jacket.
I tried to close my eyes, but for the second time I felt the car slow down. For God's sake! Don't tell me this car will break down again, I thought.
My bad ideas always came up at the right times. I didn't wanna walk like yesterday I better pretended asleep.
It was true that just half way, the car had stopped. I knew it! I closed my eyes tightly, with great effort I made it look like I was really asleep.
I heard the driver's door opened but not the back door. Is Barra not moving huh? My curiosity increased. I didn't feel his movement at all. What the hell is he doing?
The door beside me opened without me realizing. The wind came in, making my jacket flung from my face. What kind of wind can be this strong?! Conspiracies started appearing in my head.
A strong hands grabbed my waist gently, slowly lifting my body in a bridal style. I felt the air hit my face. Shit. But in a moment, my jacket covered my face again. I opened my eyes and tried to peek without being caught but still I couldn't see anything. Of course! My jacket was covering my whole face.
"Boss, the jet is ready." Wait, did I hear wrong? Jet?
"Good." The person who was carrying me answered, it was Barra's voice!
He took another steps, I guess he was walking up the stairs. I'd never been on a plane before, but I heard from my friend when she got on the plane her level of fear had increased five times. And, dammit! I believed it.
He laid my body gently on a very soft mattress, but I felt cold after he was releasing his arms from me. He lifted the jacket that had been covering me, then covered my body with a blanket.
One minute to five minutes later, I heard no voice other than the sound of an engine. My curiosity killed me, I got up slowly and right beside my seat, Barra had been watching me.
Curiosity killed the cat.
I gaped.
Barra sat down with a glass of cocktail in his right hand. His body was leaning with his legs crossed, "Did you sleep well, principessa?"
My breath quickened. I ran my hand through my hair as I nodded shyly.
He didn't say he knew I was pretending to sleep but why did I feel caught? He smirked as he knew I was feeling uneasy. No doubt he did know I was faking it. He was just playing dumb!
I was actually on the Ainsleys' private jet. My memory popped up, guess everyone experienced the same fear and anxious when the plane take off. Because, it was clear that Jazzlin also felt the same fear.
Without making a noise, I jumped to sit next to him until he stunned. I held his arm tightly, shut my eyes. I heard his laugh after seeing my reaction.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, hugged me tightly when his right hand hold my hands. My fear vanished as his arm wrapped mine, "You're like a scared bunny."
"Oh really? I smiled even when he couldn't see it. I felt saver in his arms, "You're so soft like my pillow." I told him.
"So, now I'm your pillow too?" He laughed.
He gave me comfort, protected me, and also nurtured me even though sometimes his attitude was annoying. I didn't know what to say, but my second life really gave me a lot of changes. Meeting wonderful people was enough to making me believe even more that I was right in my way.
I just nodded. My heart felt so calm, I easily closed my eyes.
I felt his head leaning to my hair, I smiled thinly, "Thank you." I muttered.
"Anytime, principessa." He whispered.
We buckled up, got ready. I squeezed his hand, feeling the pressure shaking my anxiety which was already screaming. However, getting into the air was even more pleasant.
I peeked with one eye, "Jeez." I gripped his hand too strong until it was slightly scuffed.
He laughed, "It's nothing." He shrugged, pulled his hand from mine.
"I really am sorry. Is there a first aid kit here?" I felt guilty as hell for what I'd done.
"It's not a big deal, principessa. Just a small scratch." He gave me his genuine smile.
Oh no, I was drowning in his eyes all over again.
I didn't know since when I fell asleep, but the announcement from the flight attendant was enough to wake me up. Vaguely, I listened still with my eyes closed and this damn body that didn't want to move an inch.
It was the fifth time I yawned but never get out of bed. I wasn't willing to leave this soft mattress. "What time is it?" I whispered. Enjoying the insanely magnificent scenery was enough to dissolve my mind until an hour had passed.
One of my bad habits. If there was something that bothers me, it would plague on my mind.Questions always popped in my head about them. Are Barra and Niki really dating or is it ju
I wasn't sure that my second life would run smoothly without a hitch. My thoughts branched off to form a conspiracy of its own. I understood why Barra's mood suddenly changed yesterday, it wasn't because of a question about Niki. However, one question that offended the Sanders family.
After troubling of turned off all CCTV, we finally got a bright spot."I ask again, are you sure we won't be caught?" Elsa and I were descending through the back balcony door."Yeah, so sure." I whispered half shouting.After successfully descending, Elsa directed me to immediately go into the bush. Several guards passed by but didn't realize we were there. "Follow me."I never knew that under these bushes there was a secret door that could take us directly off the highway. Elsa told me that way was used in danger time. I was a little confused by what she meant because Barra wasn't one of the criminals, let alone the leader of mafia, right?"You wait here, I'll stop the cab." Elsa walked into the dark street until she managed to get the cab. "Hurry up and get in."We got in the car, "We did it." I shouted happily accompanied by Elsa who was giggling at my behavior.
The struggle was real when I had to run in high heels. My feet almost tripped, but a strong-unknown hands grabbed my waist. Tears spilled down my cheeks as his jaw tightened."I-I—" I stammered, "That guy—" I pointed behind, "He—he tried to—" I couldn't continue my words, knowing how dirty I became. My heart was thrilling and I started to crying.He wiped the tears from my face, "Shushhh, you're safe now." He said, holding me and I didn't let go his warm hug."Listen to me, wait here with my men." His deep voice filled with a sense of demanding.I shook my head, "No, don't leave me." I sobbed, looking up into his eyes, "I'm sorry."Those enticing eyes filled with anger like a burning fire. His expression so emotionless like he was ready to hunt. It was the first time I was terrified looking at him."No, please. Let me coming with you."He did
Worry was one word to describing my current state. My fantastic world crashed down, it happened in a second of turning back my palm. It was four in the afternoon, and I didn't hear a single news about Barra. That man didn't come home last night, made me curse myself who foolishly left him.I was frustrated by all of this. On the one hand, Elsa was severely traumatized after nearly being raped by two bastards. On the other hand, I put the Ainsleys on the brink of battle with the Sanders.The mansion was quiet, overgrown by the dark-heavy feelings of my heart and the coldness of my mood. There was no one beside me, I was alone. Isolated like a bird got lost from the crowd. I had been sitting, staring at the window. Hoping Barra would come home. My eyes were roaming every corner of the gate, waiting for a hint of hope that might happen.However the hope never happened."Can I sit here?" It was Jake's voice. "Are you st
An engagement party is a party that's celebrated to share the happiness of engaged couple with close relatives, especially family. If Mr. Salvatore invited the Ainsley's, it meant the relationship between the two families in good connections.Sia helped me get ready, but my mind was never where I stood on. The more I wanted to avoid the thoughts about him, the more those magnetic eyes popped in my mind. My heart was literally aching, recalled those moments when I spent my moments with him.My concentration was divided as my mind focused solely on him, on our memories. The beauty of his eyes when he stared deeply at me, his deep voice but soothing to the soul, and his laughter that I could never get rid of my thick skull.It was like the end of the world for me when he suddenly disappeared. I wish I knew where he was. He had made up his mind, nothing could change him but himself. And I respected his decision, but he couldn't just lea
Years later...The wedding vows that had been taken, would always be the binding between us. We had built a prosperous and peaceful family together during our ten years of marriage.I am grateful to have two children, Adrian and Skylar.Adrian Ainsley, aged nine, had become an older brother who loves his younger sister, Skylar. He really became a big brother for her.His face is not the same bit as mine, but with his father. Sometimes I got annoyed by comments from people who never realized my resemblance to him.They often said that none of my children look like me. Even my lovely baby, Skylar. She's 99 percent like her father, only different genders."Look mom, I have a new word to tell you." Adrian came over to me with his favorite basketball between his right arm.I don't know where his hobbies come from, but he really likes playing basketball. Barra and I don't
He doesn't understand!He doesn't get it at all!My thoughts about marriage had changed. If I used to think of a beautiful wedding like in the world of fairy tale, now I wasn't thinking the same anymore. I became to think differently. I was terrified just thinking about marriage.Especially after clearly knowing the details of what happened in past. My own parents' marriage did not go smoothly.It was so toxic and full of cruel twists. Rose Ozza, my mother, or Yolanda may be strong in facing their ordeal, but it was different for me. I got fragile easily and now I scared so much.I was afraid that Barra would leave me for a better and worthy one. I got so fed up just thinking about other women had the edge over me.I'm a woman and of course, wanting the same thing all women wants, to get married.A sacred event that I wanted to happen once in my life and with the ri
All problems had found a bright spot. Then what now?Haytham and Alia had returned to their mansion and living their lives as before.I gave Ronald and Elsa a day off as a token of gratitude for helping me all this time, while Jake ... that guy was busy running his single life by becoming a player. He dated different women every week, I didn't even know their names.As for Jazzlin, I asked her to stay with me, in the mansion. Everything felt lonely when she was not there, around me. So, we decided to stay together from now on.I looked at her whole face. She looked innocent with her eyes closed. I pushed aside the strands of hair when it covered her face, then looked at her again.A smile appeared on my face, imagining how lucky I was to finally with her again.I put my head on the pillow, tilted my face closer to her.Her breath blew to me as her hand was right in
"Principessa?" Barra's voice assured me that I'm still alive.I was so limp as I opened my eyes. My hand had its way to my face. I shut my mouth closed while I yawned."Glad to see you wake up again." His words made me chuckle."Hmmm, you're still waiting for me? I thought Moorah already stole you from me."His face frowned when I mentioned Moorah's name, "I'm just kidding." I laughed out loud, "Besides, I know who you love. That person is me and not another woman."He gave me his best smile, "Oh yeah?" His finger poked my nose."Auch! Stop it." I tried to reach his finger. The more I couldn't get it, the more he kept teasing me. He kept poking my nose, every time I tried to stop him.He chuckled, "I win and you lose." He told me then showing me his thumbs down."I hate you." Hearing my answer, he moved closer to me. He pulled the strands of my hair
It was like dejavu. I brought her back to my mansion. It was like the old time, I sat waiting for her to wake up.The last time she was unconscious was because she attempted suicide. I didn't realize she'd woken up again, but with someone else's spirit, Janielle.Now she was unconscious again, and I gripped her soft hand with hope filled my heart.The doctor said she was just passed out, but it had been hours and she hadn't opened her beautiful eyes yet.I remembered how terrified I got when I was told that she was unconscious because she had tried to kill herself.At that time the feeling of regret got me. I wasn't there when she needed me. Then now, I was by her side and still couldn't take care of her.(Flashback to chapter one from Barra's point of view)It had been a long time since I met my old friend, Jazzlin Ozza. The news about the woman was circulating in
I had to tell my truth to Jazzlin's father, so he would forgive his daughter. He used to love her so much, but because of this ... everything had changed.Haytham insisted on joining us to Jeremy Ozza's penthouse, even though at first Barra didn't want him there. They both tried to dominate each other, but they just ended up falling in a cold war for a moment.When I was right in front of the penthouse, my palms got cold. I rubbed my itchy eyes then prepared myself once more.I was so restless and it really made me want to pee. Before the others got inside, I had already rushed in there to find a restroom.I went into one of the restrooms and immediately peed. The sound of footsteps made me stop my next action."Jazzlin, are you in there?"My lips pouted when I noticed it was Moorah.For God's sake, I don't like her so why does she keep walking around in my life ?
Now we were at The Ozza's penthouse. Her mother and her father were now sitting at the living room, ready to hear the story from Jazzlin. As for me and Haytham, we were just watching them.It was Ozza family business, so only Jazzlin could explain everything from the start. I had no right to interfere.I could clearly see Jeremy Ozza's discomfort. Naturally, because it had been a long time since he had sat across from his old family. Rose Ozza and of course her first daughter, Jazzlin Ozza.It was such a conquering sight. They got a little awkward, but still trying to get along.I leaned towards the door, I just looked at them from here while Haytham was silent with his own thoughts. I never thought I would be with him here, standing next to each other.Maybe if Janielle wasn't reborn, we would still be enemies."Looks like we have to wait for them outside." Haytham said then walked
Two months had passed, I knew it, because every day I was busy counting the days. I wanted all this suffering to stop. My only hope was for a good days to come.And from a distance I kept praying for him.Days passed, did Barra miss me like every day I was thinking about him? It so cold when there wasn't his touch. My body ached for him.Even though Haytham was always with me, I still couldn't deny that he couldn't give me the feeling and flying butterflies that Barra gave me.It was not Haytham I wanted, then why does fate keep bringing me back to him when my heart has stopped elsewhere?A few days ago, I went to sleep and had a dream, a very strange dream.In that dream I met the real Jazzlin. She told me that it was her destiny to let my life live in her body, as a retribution for what she had done.Her face was happier than when her soul was still alive. She lef
Two months passed without her as I kept myself busy again as before. I intended to move back to my father's place to calm my mind, but business affairs always preventing me from leaving.People kept saying that my attitude turned cold after her departure from my life. I didn't care what all the media said or even calling me like that.They didn't know how messed up I was even though two months had passed. All her memories left behind all deep wounds that had no cure.I was still thinking about her, but I got so much pride after my words. I got it, she wasn't my Jazzlin but, her character and the way she cared so much about me, making me believe even she was a stranger... she truly loved me.I told myself eyertime that I hate her but, I couldn't. My feet always wanted to find her and my arms always missing the warmth of her body.Every day felt the same, there was no change whatsoever. Only meetings,