Anika's P.O.V I awoke to the acrid scent of cigarettes, nearly causing a pang of heartache. Gazing around, I realized I was in a dimly lit room, revealing a ghastly environment. The surroundings were grimy, featuring a ragged couch at its center. In the corner, a large box with a hole was present. The floor was strewn with cigarette butts, shattered bottles, scraps of paper, cartons, and splintered chairs. Attempting to rise, I discovered my hands and feet were bound to the chair. As I glanced at the figure before me, I let out a sigh and bit my lip. "Richard?" I laughed incredulously, masking my surprise. "I always thought of you as a charlatan and a scoundrel, but I never imagined you to be a kidnapper as well," I retorted, met with a sharp slap on my cheek, causing my hair to cascade over my face. His lackluster eyes bore into mine, his head cocked to the side. "I've been waiting a long time for this moment, and now that it's here, I find it quite satisfying," he grinned. "Y
Kelvin's P.O.V I rushed to my phone, picking it up despite the cracked screen. The content was barely visible, but I didn't care; it could still serve its purpose if that bastard called again. Exiting the office, I headed towards the elevator, fingers trembling as I tried to reach Laura. "Are you okay?" a concerned voice asked behind me, but I was too preoccupied to identify the speaker. Without hesitation, I darted into the elevator and pressed the button for the first floor. Though the voice sounded like Mirabel's, I couldn't spare time for guessing games. My focus was on rescuing my friend and long-time crush from the clutches of the demon named Richard. Exiting the elevator, I hurried to my car, ignoring the inquisitive and worried gazes of the employees on the first floor. Upon reaching my car, I continued dialing Laura's number, frustration mounting as the call remained unanswered. "Why the hell isn't she picking up?" I muttered, exhaling in exasperation. It was unlike
Kelvin's P.O.V We encountered two massive guards, armed from head to toe. One of them lowered his firearm and proceeded to frisk us for any concealed weapons, while the other vigilantly aimed his gun at us. They searched me first before moving on to Steven. After rummaging through our possessions without discovering any weaponry, and seemingly convinced that we weren't carrying anything harmful, one of the guards motioned for us to hand over the money we had brought. Complying, we handed over the bag. The guard inspected the bag's contents, breaking into a grin. He then turned to his partner, showcasing the money. The second guard reciprocated the smile, and they both returned their attention to us, guns still leveled. "You may proceed inside," the guard who had searched us announced. Exchanging a glance, Steven and I faced the guards. "What's with that look you're sharing?" the gun-bearing guard frowned. "It's nothing," Steve said to him. "It better be. Don't try anything funn
Anika's P.O.V I opened my eyes to a pounding headache, groaning as waves of pain washed over me. Slowly, the agony lessened, allowing me to take in my surroundings. The sterile white walls and medical equipment indicated that I was in a hospital. Originally disoriented, my memory quickly flooded back in a torrent of recollection. The kidnapping, the gunshot, the chaotic scene—each detail resurfaced with overwhelming clarity, leaving me breathless. "Kelvin!" The name escaped my lips as panic surged through me, compelling me to sit up. However, the myriad of wires tethered to me from various machines rendered any movement nearly impossible. My gaze shifted downwards, revealing casts enveloping my legs. Dread settled in as I realized the extent of my injuries. The relentless voice in my mind continued to echo, "You killed Kelvin," tormenting me with guilt and grief. Tears welled in my eyes as I grappled with the unbearable weight of his loss. "Kelvin!" I screamed, my voice thick wit
Anika's P.O.V Did he mean that? Nah, he probably just cared about me as a friend, as he had said. I sighed in frustration. The ache of missing him had grown stronger, and the longing to see him again was almost unbearable. Over a month had passed since the incident, and this hospital room had become monotonous and dull. I yearned for an escape, but with the constant surveillance from the vigilant nurses, it seemed unlikely that I'd be leaving anytime soon. The door swung open, and I glanced up to see Mrs. Birtch, or rather Caroline – Kelvin's mother – entering the room. "Hey," I removed an airport from my ear and set my phone aside as she settled onto the couch next to my bed. "How have you been?" she inquired. "I'm okay," I replied with a touch of falsehood in my voice. "Caroline," I began, pushing a few strands of hair behind my ear, "what's taking so long? Why hasn't Kelvin woken up yet? It's been months." Caroline sighed softly and settled onto the edge of my bed. "The d
Anika's P.O.V I acted impulsively, unsure of my thoughts. He reciprocated the kiss, drawing me close. His gentle touch sent shivers down my spine. My hands clung to his neck, urging him on. Then, he took the lead, his kiss silencing my pain. My heart raced as our lips met. His kiss was both tender and passionate, like a spellbinding enchantment. Our lips fit together perfectly. Breaking for air, I grinned and nibbled my lip. "That was... incredible," he beamed. "Yeah..." I placed my hand on his chest. "How long was I unconscious?" he inquired, adjusting himself on the pillow. "For over a month," I answered, my eyes misting over. "Are you tearing up?" he worriedly questioned. "I'm alright." I stood, wiping away a tear, and turned to face him. "I almost lost you, and it's been the most terrifying experience I've ever faced," I sniffled. "I'm sorry," he responded. "I need to call the doctor. You've just woken up from a two-month coma, and you're still weak. What if something g
Anika's P.O.V Five entire months had elapsed since my discharge from the hospital, and Kelvin had only been out for the past two weeks. He was now at home, recuperating. He had attempted to persuade me to return to work, but I declined. I wanted to spare him any unnecessary stress, especially considering he had saved my life. I felt I owed him in some way. The company had been thriving, and I could confidently say that a significant sale the year was attributed to both Mr. Hart's contributions and my own. Life had been running seamlessly since Richard's exit from my life. I had the support of two wonderful best friends, a circle of friends, a caring woman who felt like a mother, and employees who seemed loyal and trustworthy (at least I hoped so). What more could I possibly ask for? My life was genuinely content, and I hoped that nothing would disrupt this sense of peace. "Hey," I greeted as Kelvin swung the door open. "Why are you here?" he asked with a look of surprise on his
Anika's P.O.V I stormed out of his house and slammed the door shut behind me. The tears that I had struggled to keep at bay now streamed down my face. I rushed to my car and drove away, finding myself at a park where I hunched over the steering wheel. How could he? How could he confess his love for me? I never wanted to be the object of affection for any guy, especially not him. Maybe I should have seen this coming, but all I ever wanted was a strong friendship. Why did he have to fall for me? Guys can be heartless and cruel, and I swore I would never let myself be vulnerable to them again, no matter the circumstances. I gave Richard another chance when he pleaded for it, and what did I receive in return? Double the pain. Double the betrayal. Double the devastation. That was the pattern with guys. They pretend to be kind, but eventually, they betray you. I believed Kelvin genuinely wanted my friendship, and I was content with that so why did he have to complicate things by fa