XAVIER'S POV I didn't know how to respond to that girl's words. It seems as if her eyes could pierce deep into my soul. I sensed she was a bit hurt by what I said. I can't deny she was only trying to help, but I just couldn't embrace it, I simply couldn't. And what she said about me being lonely Do I really look lonely? I sighed, sipping the chamomile tea she made me, maybe I don't only look lonely but miserable. Whilst my thought I heard my door open. "Mr. Clinton, have you taken it yet?" Sarah has returned to my room giving me a questioning look. Her eyes wandered all over me as if checking to see the drug hiding somewhere behind me. "I have..." I responded showing her my palms, assuring her. She seemed satisfied, a small smile immediately tugged up her lips as she nodded. "Good..." Now she is being my caretaker. As if being my cook wasn't enough. "So you came back here just to see if I have taken the drug." I chuckled, shaking my head. She was indeed a funny one.
I had a wonderful ride to campus, I didn't know what came over him to remember I deserve this fancy babe, was it his illness?.... I chuckled. That's lame. Grinning, I stepped on the brakes, pulled over, and halted in the campus parking lot. Woah, it felt good, only if I had cool sunglasses to make my dramatic entrance cooler. I descended from the car, and leaned on it, taking out my phone to give Helen a call. "Hey nice car..." A guy interrupted me, his name I don't even remember. "Thanks..." I smiled in return, waving. This car might make me more popular in schools; it seems to be giving me more attention. I hope it would be for the worse. Because at the moment, all eyes were on me, also piercing at the baby beside me. Gosh, I love to see the college girl staring with envy. Helen finally picked up, and instead of saying hello or letting me speak, she hurled me a quiz question. "Guess what." "You bought six dresses and got four free." I abruptly scoffed. Earlier tod
His voice was both teasing and serious. My face burned with embarrassment, all my private thoughts and feelings, secrets... exposed. How could he? He wasn't supposed to know of my feelings in this way. Worst of it all, he seemed displeased. This early discovery ruined my plans. Our relationship was supposed to be slow and gradual until he feels something for me but now... Oh, this is awkward. I lifted my face to look at him, my mind racing with different excuses to calm the heightened tension. "Mr. Clinton... I can explain..." I stuttered, but he raised his hand to silence me. "No, you don't have to. Your diary explained it all." I didn't know how to respond. Should I just use this opportunity to explain my feelings for him personally, telling him how much I love him despite our age difference? "Mr. Clinton..." He silenced me again, his gaze never faltering from me. "Now that I know about your feelings, it's only fair you know about mine." Nervousness bubbled inside me, a
I stormed out of the duplex with grief and another stinging feeling - anger. What am I angry at? Why am I even angry? His reaction to the discovery of my crazy love was understandable. After all, he was my father's best friend, and he was far older than me. But I couldn't help but still feel this way. Angry at him for rejecting me. Angry at myself for being so careless. Maybe I forgot to lock the door to my room or misplaced my diary somewhere around the house and that's how he found it. I held back the tears in my eyes and ran out of the premises. I hailed a cab and slumped into the passenger's seat, trying to calm down the daunting emotions clouding me, but it was difficult to compose myself. Another tear escaped my eyes again, but I quickly wiped it off, burying the pain underneath me, and yet it continued to surface. To distract myself, I dipped my hand into my purse and took out my phone to call Helen. The time was eight fifty, the birthday party would be startin
I hollered at the bartender for another round of cocktails, piercing music playing in the background grated on my nerves. I slumped one hand down on the counter, the other hand stroking my ears. "Here." The bartender poured me a drink as I was about to gulp it down, Lucy held my hand to stop me. "Sarah, that's enough, you'll get drunk," Lucy reprimanded, a frown etched on her face. I frowned as my gaze shifted to her. "If you feel embarrassed to watch me drink, just go away," I spat, a hiccup tearing through the pit of my diaphragm. Her expression turned sour, her eyes piercing with a glare. "I was only concerned. Anyways, you're pathetic," she huffed. I rolled my eyes, not bothered by her scoff. "Whatever." "I hope you don't fall into the gutter, drink responsibly, okay," she said, her nose twitched, poking her balled fist at me before walking away to the dance floor. I finished the drink in the glass and turned to the bartender. He immediately poured me a glass, a smirk
XAVIER'S POV I never thought Sarah would harbor feelings for me... it was a revelation that left me reeling. We hardly spoke since her childhood and now that we are living under the same roof, I felt like I am navigating a minefield. Her diary, left carelessly opened, had revealed her secret. I didn't know what moved me to skim through her diary, but I regretted my curiosity getting the better of me. Now that her feelings are exposed, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I couldn't meet her gaze without thinking of her confession. I simply can't get myself to reciprocate her said feelings for me. I don't know if my rejection was overly harsh, but I couldn't help it. We are not meant to get into such a relationship. She's just so young, impulsive, stubborn and also kind and genuine. I sensed my rejection crushed her more than I initially imagined, and it haunted me to see myself as the cause of her tears. I felt disquiet when her tears streamed down her face. I didn't k
SARAH'S POV I'd longed to taste his lips, and now I seized the opportunity. Our mouths met, and I savored every hint of sweetness. My tongue explored the depths of his, reveling in the moisture and warmth. Morals fled my mind; all I craved was the intimacy with the man I loved. As I pressed against him, my hair escaped the bed's gentle crush. He gathered the stray strands, his fingers grazing my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His hand tightened, pulling me back, breaking our kiss. I gasped, disappointed, the sudden separation leaving me wanting. His piercing gaze met mine, flashing with disapproval. He pulled my hand off his neck and slapped it away, his face scrunched up in disgust. Despite his disapproval of our intimacy, I gripped his shirt, not allowing him to leave. "Sarah, let go." His voice was stern and commanding. Hiccups tore through my throat as I strengthened my grip on his shirt. "No... I won't." I shook my head in defiance. My eyelids were slowly drooping, b
I took a side peek at Mr. Clinton to see his reaction; our eyes locked for a brief second before we looked away. His face was emotionless, while his gaze returned to the screen."Wh..what?" My father finally responded, his eyes narrowing in confusion after processing what I said. "You had your first kiss? Then how should that make him upset, or perhaps you're trying to distract me from the main issue?"Mr. Clinton and I exchanged glances, his jaw tensed but loosening up a bit. "It has nothing to do with her. Don't mind her. She is just joking. There was bad news from the hospital this morning."My lips pursed, realizing the reason why his face was so grim this morning. But I still couldn't believe that was the only reason. "Is it that bad?" My father asked, his eyes suddenly flashing with concern.Mr. Clinton shrugged, leaning back on the sofa. "There's nothing I can't handle.""Including me?" I raised one eyebrow at him, ambiguously hinting at our tussle yesterday.He let out a sharp
A month had passed since we left Paris. Our little family had settled into a cozy villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Well, we moved in for the wedding, actually. Now, standing in front of the mirror, I smoothed out my lace wedding gown. My heart fluttered as I thought of Xavier waiting for me at the altar. "Sarah, you look stunning," my maid of honor said, adjusting my veil. Who else would it be? It's my best friend, Helen. I smiled, feeling like a princess. The ceremony was intimate, with only close friends and family attending. "Hey, kiddo." A voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing a smile to my face. "The guests are waiting. Are you just gonna sit there and admire yourself?" Juniper appeared at the door, crossing her arms and wearing a feigned frown on her face. Juniper had helped out with the wedding planning; she even brought her kids along. Although I was grateful for her expertise, her planning ways exceeded Xavier's budget, but he didn't complain. "Juniper, you'
SARAH'S POV "About what!" I snapped, my eyes blazing. Xavier held my shoulders to placate me, but I was beyond reasoning. My baby was at risk because of him, and he was lucky nothing happened to him or her. If something had happened, I would have... I stopped and forced myself to stay calm when I noticed my father's soft gaze.He leaned against the wall without speaking, letting me pour out my anger. Only when I was done did he finally speak. "I meant to say..." He hesitated, glancing at Xavier. "I'm... sorry."It was as if he forced those words right out of his mouth.I looked away, breaking eye contact, and Xavier gently stroked my shoulder again."Sarah, calm down. Don't stress yourself out, okay?"Yeah, I'm pregnant. I shouldn't stress myself out.I flashed him a soft smile and leaned on his shoulders, making sure to avoid eye contact with my father."Sarah, I'm happy for you," my father continued, despite my bad attitude. "Now that there's nothing else I can do, you're free to l
My eyes widened in shock as I found Sarah lying on the bed, pale and motionless. In an instant, my heart sank, and my world crumbled around me."Sarah?" I whispered, approaching her cautiously.My legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot, but I forced myself to move closer. William's presence faded into the background, irrelevant to the only thing that mattered – Sarah.I gently sat beside her, my hand reaching out to brush away the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. Her skin felt cold and clammy."Sarah," I whispered, my voice trembling.Her eyelids fluttered open, and our gazes met. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of life.But it was fleeting.Her eyes, once bright and full of laughter, now seemed dull and lifeless."Sarah, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Talk to me.""Sarah!" William, who had finally broken out of his stupor, rushed over to her side, shaking her gently, completely disregarding my presence.Then he froze, staring at Sarah, as the
XAVIER'S POV"Daddy, when is Sarah coming back?" Elizabeth had asked after I had watched as William's car disappeared, taking Sarah away from me. My heart felt like it had been ripped out. I couldn't believe I had to let her go.But I knew it was necessary. William's anger and determination to keep us apart were palpable.I crouched down to meet Elizabeth's height, her big brown eyes filled with concern. "Soon, sweetie. Sarah needs to go for now." I offered a reassuring smile."Where's William, her dad?" Harper chimed in, her brow furrowing. "Did the two of them leave?"I glanced up at Harper, who stood beside Hayden, his expression serious as if they were interrogating me.I let out a sigh and tried to simplify the truth. "Like I said, they're gone, but—" I was interrupted by Elizabeth whining. Her face scrunched up. "Why did Sarah leave without telling us? This is so unlike her."I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Sometimes, grown-ups need to figure things out. She
With my curiosity piqued, I got off the bed and made my way to the door. Walking down the hallway, the sound of heels clinking on the floor grew louder, making me even more curious about who had come to visit. Ever since I moved in, we’ve never had visitors, and that thought only fueled my curiosity.I entered the living room only to find a woman and my father walking from the door. My father’s gentle smile was a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air moments before.Seriously? So I am the only downer here who won't get what she wants. I scoffed and quietly strode towards them.My eyes remained fixed on the lady, and I couldn’t help but keep my mouth wide open as I saw her intimate with my father. Her lips were pressed against my father's, and he responded with equal fervor, completely oblivious to my presence.So he has a girlfriend in Paris, huh?Way to go, Father; only you deserve happiness.I felt a mix of disgust and betrayal surging through me. I’ve learned to use
"Welcome to my humble abode. Don't you like the view?" My father's cheerful voice cut through my thoughts. Again. He kept interrupting my moping with his unnecessary small talk and fake enthusiasm. Can't he see I'm still reeling from the pain he's caused?I forced a glance around the luxurious penthouse apartment, trying to appear unimpressed. To be honest, it was quite breathtaking, but I wouldn't say it."It's nice, Father," I said flatly, my voice devoid of enthusiasm.My father's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered."I'm glad you like it. You'll be comfortable—""Cut the small talk,I wasn't done talking." I spat, cutting him off. I chuckled, still glancing around. "It's just that it's missing something."My father, sensing my fake enthusiasm, leaned close with a smile. "What do you think is missing?"A mischievous grin spread across my face as I replied, "My happiness."My father's smile froze, his eyes widening, caught off guard by my true intention."Sarah, co
I turned and walked away, leaving Xavier behind. My father's suffocating grip on my arm guided me toward the car. I felt numb, my heart heavy. As we drove away, I glanced back at the duplex, the building fading away. There wasn't any sight of Xavier, and it hurt to sense he was giving up. Or isn't he? I really don’t know. I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye to the girls; they would be devastated when they wake up without me beside them. This can't be happening. "We're going to Paris, Sarah. You'll be safe there. We're better off without him." My father's voice cut through my thoughts. His words felt like acid in my throat. I turned to him, my face twisted in a mix of anger and desperation. "Safe from what, Father?" I demanded. My father's expression remained unyielding. "From Xavier. From his influence on you." I felt a surge of indignation. "You don't even know him," I spat. "And you claim he is your best friend." My father's grip on the steering wheel tighte
SARAH'S POV"Father, what are you doing!" I rushed over to Xavier's side and cupped his cheek, blood trickling out of his nose. My eyes locked onto my father's scrunched-up face, his eyes blazing with fury."Get away from him, Sarah!" he growled.But I stood firm, my heart racing. "You're hurting him!" I pleaded, my eyes welling up. "How could you do this, Father?"Xavier's eyes fluttered open, and he winced."Sarah, I'm fine," he whispered.My father's face twisted in disgust."Don't talk to her, Xavier. You've done enough damage."I felt a surge of anger. I never expected this kind of reaction from him."That's not true! I did the damage!" I said, my voice firm as I walked towards him. "It was me who fell for him first, so if you're angry, then pour it on me."My father's gaze snapped back to me, and I could see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes."Sarah, I didn't expect this from... both of you," he said, his voice soft with a layer of pain and betrayal. "I trusted him."I sto
WILLIAM'S POVI didn't know what was taking Xavier so long to open the door after telling me he would open it in a minute. A minute had turned into an eternity."Xavier!" I called again, attempting to knock on the door again, but it opened, revealing Xavier's wry smile."Hey," he said, scratching the back of his head. "Why are you here?"My brow furrowed. "Didn't you hear what I said? I said I need help. That's why I came. Now will you let me come in?" I said and gently pushed him out of the way, letting myself in.I tossed the towel I was holding onto his bed and turned to meet his surprised, perhaps shocked, expression."Why are you here with the towel?" he asked, chuckling."Sorry for disturbing you. I wanted to take a late-night bath, but my water system isn't working," I explained, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, despite the curiosity brewing inside me."Water system's out? Figured I'd use yours. Hope that's okay."Xavier's raised eyebrow and amused smile hinted that h