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
"Erin! ERIN!" I shrieked, my voice shrill and fierce with fury. I darted across the corridor and hastened down the stairs, scanning the room frantically for the culprit, but she was nowhere to be seen. When I couldn't find her, I stood there, looking down at myself in dismay. My cleavage was accentuated by my pink lace bra, and my exposed skin and thigh, all thanks to Erin's mischief. What will she gain by emptying my closet,and letting me walk half naked? Infuriated, I blew out a big gush of breath and bit on my lips as if my life depended on it. I needed something to wear; I couldn't just stand there in my scanty clothing. I looked to my left, towards the pool area where I had gotten drenched in the first place. Maybe Erin was there... but why was I searching for her when I should be finding my clothes? I scampered to the area, and to my surprise, I found what I was looking for. Inside the pool were all of my clothes—tank tops, jeans, sweatpants, even undies and bras. Every f
Sarah... Sarah, open up..." Mr. Clinton called out, knocking on my door. "Are you clothed?" Reluctantly, I sat up on my bed, still thinking of a way to explain myself because I knew he had tons of questions for me. "Sarah..." he called out again because of my silence. "I... I'm still half-naked, but you can come in..." I trailed off, my voice turning into a whisper as I mouthed, "Not that I have anything to wear anyway..." He entered the room, his face a mix of disapproval and disappointment as he saw that I was still half-naked despite his earlier expectation that I would have gotten dressed by now. "You seem unmoved by the earlier commotion, huh..." he remarked with his arms crossed. "Mr. Clinton, it isn't what you think..." I started, but he interrupted since I wasn't getting straight to the explanation. "What was that stunt you pulled out there, and why are your clothes all over the place?" He reprimanded, a frown etched on his face. "Erin did it," I interjected, st
She turned around to leave but halted at the door, tilting her head. "Sarah, if I were you, I would leave this house now and fast," she said, probably as a warning, her voice dripping with malice. "And why should I leave now and fast?" I asked, mimicking the tone of her voice, trying to act all calm and collected. She chuckled, the sound cruel and whispering of secrets, probably a new torture to unleash. She flashed me a smile without responding and made her way out of the room. With a loud bang, she slammed the door behind her, leaving me drowning in the meaning of her vague words. What is she planning to do now? As if messing with my closet wasn't enough... My heart started pulsating with implications; I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as a pang of unease washed over me. I couldn't help but feel concerned by her words from earlier. Why does she want me to leave? No matter how I tried pretending to be nonchalant, her last words kept hitting me like a hammer, breaking d
As I followed Mr. Clinton, Erin's hand slipped into mine, her grip tight. I tried to shake her off, but she held firm. "Let's go, Sarah," she whispered with her usual smile.Mr. Clinton led us to a small study off the main hallway. The room was dimly lit, with only a single bulb casting a warm glow upon us. He gestured for us to sit, and I reluctantly took a seat, trying to extricate my hand from Erin's grasp."So, Sarah," Mr. Clinton began, his voice stern. "I hear there have been some... issues with your behavior.""What issue?" I demanded, trying to get my tone steady despite Erin's grip tightening around my arm.Mr. Clinton's eyes narrowed at me as he noticed my struggle with Erin. Then his gaze shifted to Erin, whose expression was unreadable."There is something going on between the two of you. I know I said that I wouldn't intervene, but I can't help it; you two are acting strange." He said, eyeing us suspiciously, his gaze darting between the both of us. "I noticed something,
Her loud outburst reverberated all over the room, her breath ragged as her anger crawled to the surface. "You had no idea how your kind ruined my life," she said through gritted teeth, her voice cracking. "My mother had to go through all of that because of people like you who think their beauty is a free pass." "Erin... I..." I started, my voice hesitant. Erin's gaze snapped to mine, her eyes blazing. "Don't. You. Dare. Sympathize. With. Me. Don’t justify your fake love," she spat, shortening the distance between us. "Erin, I understand your pain, but don't you think you are taking this too far?" I raised my voice with a hint of exasperation. Then I let out a sigh and added softly, "I have nothing to do with your past, and you can't lump me in with them. I'm not—" "Save it!" Erin spat, her hands shaking. "You're just like them – using your looks to manipulate, to control." I swallowed hard; her words pricked me like a thorn trapped in my skin. But I saw beyond her anger; her
"What? You did?" I asked as my eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"He nodded and averted his eyes away from me. His expression turned thoughtful. "I decided to eavesdrop since it was obvious there was more going on than met the eye."I let out a sigh of relief; it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my head. He saved me the long explanation; I wouldn't have to convince him anymore."But wait, you heard our conversation and you didn't barge in to confront her? Why?" I asked, curious as I stared at him intently.He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared into nothing in particular. "Well..." he began, his voice hesitant. "I knew Erin for years. I mean, I thought I knew her, but I guess she is not the same girl who worked for me for three years," he replied, his voice dripping with disappointment."I thought I knew her too," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Still, inside, I was beaming with relief. Now that Mr. Clinton knows, she will be too afraid to continue p
XAVIER'S POVI stood outside Erin's door, my fist clenched and ready to knock. The morning sunlight streaming through the hallway windows did little to ease my tension. Yesterday's revelations still simmered in my mind—Erin's calculated games, Sarah's unwitting vulnerability. I wouldn't let it continue.My knock was firm, a declaration of intent. Erin's door creaked open, and she gazed up at me with feigned innocence. And I saw right through it."Can I come in?" I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible, but my intention was very clear. My gaze was burning with intensity.Erin nodded with a wry smile and allowed me in; her fingers were clinging together, her lips pressed into a thin line.I also saw right through that; she was feigning nervousness.I took a deep breath to control my emotions; my gaze returned to her, my expression calm and collected, but I was inwardly brewing with anger."Erin... what did Sarah do to you? Why do you want to hurt her?" I locked eyes with her, and
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