"And how will I regret not taking your help?" I interjected, my face scrunched in annoyance. "Erin, what's your problem with me? I don't understand; you have been strange." She just scoffed, rolling her eyes annoyingly. "I only gave you a piece of advice, nothing more," she said, her eyes still rolling. She then came closer and whispered in my ear, "I know the tension going on between the two of you, and I know how to calm it, only if you accept my help." I pulled away from her, my brow furrowing. How did she know that? Then it occurred to me she had been spying on us ever since... What could she possibly gain by doing that? "Erin, I don't need your advice. Just do what you're paid to do," I said sternly, nodding in the direction of my bathroom. I didn't want to be rude, but I couldn't help it. Her shoulder rose in a careless shrug, a menacing glint in her eyes. "No problem." She stood and left to prepare my bath. While I sat, my mind unraveled, paranoia kicking in. The sound o
My lips parted in shock; her feigned behavior got me reeling. I tried to protest, but she instantly cut me off. "You are too stubborn, Sarah. I know you feel cooped up and needed some fresh air, but you should have thought about the pain. Look, you've hurt yourself..." "ERIN!" I yelled, my voice laced with anger. "Are you out of your mind? How could you lie like this?" My outburst echoed throughout the room, my chest heaving slightly. Mr. Clinton stared at me, wide-eyed, stunned by my yell. He then turned to Erin, his eyes narrowing at her as if requesting an explanation. "What's going on? Are the two of you fighting?" Erin’s face turned pale, her lips agape, feigning surprise. "Sarah... how could you..." she said, her voice breaking. "I was just trying to take care of you... as Mr. Clinton has instructed, and you're..." She choked, her eyes welling up. "Never mind, sorry for helping you in the first place." My lips quivered, utterly speechless at her ruse. I tried protesting aga
"Here is your lunch..." Erin said, placing a plate of chicken on the glass table. A cunning smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she sat beside me.I stared at the chicken for quite some time, torn on whether to eat it or not. I couldn't trust Erin after what she had done. My heart skipped a beat,my paranoia kicking in. What if this was poisoned? I couldn't risk eating it after the stunt she pulled last time."I don't have an appetite." I shifted the plate away from me, turning to her. "Take it away and bring me my snack. It's in the fridge."Her eyes narrowed incredulously as she stared at me. "I thought meat was your favorite. You usually wiggle your tail each time you cook meat.""I said I don't have an appetite," I replied, looking at the chicken disgustedly as I tried to match my expression to my claim.I couldn't afford to eat it; the expression on her face clearly stated she was up to something, and I wasn't ready to find out this time around.Her snort jolted me from my t
"We are not done yet," she whispered, her voice low and dripping with malice. "And as for the chicken..." She paused, her hot breath fanning my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. I held my breath, awaiting her sinister confession of the potentially unsettling meal. My heart thudded in my ears as her smile grew wider. "It wasn't poisoned as you thought..." she said after drawing out the immense suspense; her words diffused the bomb of tension that had been tickling away inside me. I exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of respite wash over me, my pulsating heartbeat steadying as my fear dissipated. I tilted my head to face her, my eyes flashing with resolve as I masked my face with an intent stare. "You will never succeed in mentally tormenting me ever again," I declared, my voice calm and even yet laced with quiet confidence. Our eyes locked, both fierce and piercing, neither of us willing to back down in the battle of wills where dark intent lay at the corner of our minds. A sly
I sauntered towards the exit of the hall, leaving the ear-piercing chitchats of campus girls behind. They were all smiles as they conversed with their peers. Hums of laughter and bustling activities filled the air, overlapping with my gloominess that seemed to increase by the day. My usual cheerfulness had disappeared, replaced by a constant paranoia, especially at the duplex. I had been avoiding Erin for the past few days, cautiously treading on her path. Though she hadn't spoken her usual freaky talk since, in fact, she was kind of avoiding me too, which I was very grateful for. But the looks she gave me sent shivers down my spine; her icy blue eyes seemed to pierce into my soul, flipping my nerves into the abyss. Her sly smile was a constant reminder of the malice lurking underneath her polished facade. She was a threat I needed to watch out for, as her behavior signaled danger lurking in her shadow. I sighed, walking out of the door of the hall and retreating to a quiet place
I picked up the book from the bed; my grip tightened on the hardcover as I reread the message.YOU WILL NEVER WIN HIS HEART, I ASSURE YOU, BECAUSE HE WILL SEE YOU AS A SLUT. WATCH AND SEE.A threat it is. Her tone was obviously aggressive and condescending; it swirled with so much confidence as if she had control over my fate.Whatever she was planning, I had a clue; hopefully, I could prepare myself for the worst. Her intentions were painfully clear now that she had given me a hint. She is after my relationship with Mr. Clinton, and one thing that keeps bugging me is the question of why.Why does she want to interfere with my quest for his heart?What will she gain by doing all of this?She expects me to shake in my boots because it seems that was the essence of the message she left behind. I glanced at my door, my anger crawling to the surface. I very much wanted to go back there and confront her, but I reminded myself it was no use. I needed to tread carefully and not foolishly.I
My face morphed into a deep frown mirroring the anger bubbling inside me. My chest stiffened as my heart did the thing it could do best—pounding and slamming my fear in my face. An intense battle brewed within me, one I couldn't quite escape nor find a weapon for defense.Why can't I beat her at her own game? I guess I am not the cunning type, but at least I should have some manipulative skills. It might help in situations like these. I couldn't fight back now that I had the chance alone with Mr. Clinton to narrate the battle going on; she had appeared out of nowhere to make sure she remained on the winning streak."Thanks, Erin, that is very thoughtful of you," Mr. Clinton approved with a soft smile, taking the mug from her."It's nothing, Mr. Clinton," Erin cooed, turning to me as she stretched out the other mug to me. "Take it, it's cinnamon tea."I hesitated, peering into the tea, my expression a mix of anger and suspicion. Finally, I took it, placing the mug on the floor. "Thanks
The warm air was replaced by the cool water, enveloping me like a vice. I felt the rush of water past my ears, and my stomach lurched as I fell deeper.Flapping my arms and feet, I pulled myself to the surface, my eyes shooting daggers at her."ERIN!" I yelled fiercely, my heart pulsating under the cold water. I squinted from the flakes of water clouding my vision; my hand swept across my face, wiping the droplets of water clinging to my skin.Erin was across the pool at the corner, sniggering—the sound cruel and ear-piercing like a Disney villain. Her shoulders shook uncontrollably with mirth as she found pleasure in my reaction."You bitch!" I yelled louder, my body trembling with anger, my breathing ragged. "You are a psycho.""I've been told that..." she waved casually, leaning on the wall, a mischievous smirk curling her lips.Huffing, I swam to the edge of the pool, attempting to climb onto the tile, but my legs felt weak, and I fell back into the water.When she noticed my stru
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