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XLIX : Blueprints and Butterflies
Last Updated:
2025-03-30 02:50:38
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Aaric tensed for a moment, then slowly turned, the corner of his lips still curled upward. A faint red mark was beginning to form on his cheek, but what irritated me the most was his smile—the victorious one, as if he knew I would react like this."Wow," he said in a lazy tone that made me want to slap him again. "You know, I didn’t take you for the violent type.""I didn’t take you for the type who doesn’t know when to shut up," I shot back, grabbing my notes and hurriedly packing up my things.He didn’t stop me—of course, he wouldn’t. That wasn’t his style. Aaric Bernardi never tried to hold people back; he preferred to make them come back on their own. And I knew he thought I would do the same.As I turned to leave, he spoke again. "Don’t take it too seriously, De Cruz," he said. "But if you need a partner to practice for the seminar, I can help. You know where to find me."I paused for a moment at the doorway, glancing back. "Thanks," I said flatly. "But I’d rather practice with a
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I looked up. Aaric was staring at me, one eyebrow slightly raised, curious. "Why that face?" he continued. "Like someone just told you that you won the lottery, but you're not sure if you actually want the money." I opened my mouth to respond, but then closed it again. Honestly, I had no idea how to explain this feeling. So, I just put my phone back on the table, faced my laptop screen, and tried to act like that email hadn't just turned my entire life upside down. Aaric wasn't buying it. "Come on, De Cruz. I can see that expression from across the room," he said, leaning in closer. "What is it? A bad grade? A call from the FBI?" I sighed, finally giving in. "If I told you I just got offered a modeling contract from one of the biggest fashion houses in the world, would you laugh or be shocked?" Aaric was silent for a few seconds. Then, the corner of his mouth lifted. "Honestly? Not shocked." I frowned. "Why?" He shrugged like the answer was obvious. "You know why." I didn't
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The wind picked up, carrying the scent of rain trapped behind dark clouds at the horizon. The orange light began to fade, replaced by streaks of purple and deep blue. The city’s hum grew clearer from the rooftop, as if reminding me that time kept moving even while we were caught in this never-ending game of egos.I tried to focus again on the sketchpad in front of me—rough outlines of an interactive garden with dynamic panels that could reshape themselves according to the needs of the public—an open-space concept blending nature and technology. But my concentration was broken, disturbed by the man next to me, still wearing that half-mocking smile with his arms crossed over his chest.“Modular design, interactive public space,” Aaric repeated his idea with a dismissive tone. “Ambitious, but too complex for a student project.”I snorted. “That’s what makes it interesting. I prefer a challenge over just designing a flower garden with wooden benches.”He raised an eyebrow, looking at me l
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The photoshoot studio is vast and bright, with large lights hanging from the ceiling, casting almost too-perfect a glow. The air is thick with the scent of hairspray and expensive perfume, mingling with the photographer’s voice directing the model across the room. People are moving back and forth, carrying clothes on hangers, makeup tools, and pricey cameras that make me feel like a deer caught in headlights.I’m sitting in front of a giant mirror, its round lights surrounding it, my hands gripping the chair’s arms while a makeup artist brushes my face. Next to me, Elle is recording a video on her phone, her face beaming with enthusiasm she can’t hide.“Okay, I have to capture this moment,” she says, pointing the camera at my face. “Maya De Cruz, the designer girl who suddenly became a model. What’s it like being the center of attention?”I snort, trying to look relaxed even though my fingers are still clutching the chair. “Honestly, I’d rather be behind the scenes.”Joy, sitting on a
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LIX : Shadows & Stolen Kisses
The night air cut through my skin, but I barely felt it. The alcohol still coursing through my veins created a thin fog in my mind, making everything feel slower, blurrier—bolder.Aaric stood so close, his breath grazing my skin, the warm scent of light tobacco, wood, and something unmistakably him mingling in the air. His eyes locked with mine, filled with something that should’ve made me step back, but instead, my feet stayed rooted to the spot. My heart was pounding so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.“You’re too quiet, De Cruz,” he murmured, his voice low and almost trembling between us. “You usually have something sharp to say.”I stared at him, my mind drifting somewhere far off. Part of me knew I should resist, should say something sarcastic, should do what I always did—get under his skin. But the alcohol, the cold night, and his face so close messed with my brain.Instead of answering, I only tilted my head slightly, noticing the sharp line of his jaw beneath the dim lig
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Music thumped from inside the rented house filled with college students. Colorful lights flickered on the living room ceiling, which had been turned into an improvised dance floor. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, expensive perfume, and something vaguely sweet—probably the result of someone getting a little too creative with their mixed drinks.I walked in with Elle and Joy, weaving past a group of students laughing loudly while playing beer pong at the kitchen table. The sound of conversations mixed with the music, creating the typical chaos of a college party that I knew would last until morning.“I need a drink,” Joy declared determinedly, disappearing toward the kitchen without waiting for a reply.Elle glanced at me, giving my outfit an approving once-over. “I knew you’d look amazing in something a little more fitted.”I just snorted. I wasn’t the type to dress up too much for parties. Tonight, I was wearing a slightly tighter black T-shirt than usual, paired with my
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LVII : A Door to the Unknown
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Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LVI : Audition Fever
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Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LV : Applause, Coffee, and a Little Bit of Magic
I stood in front of the auditorium, gripping the remote for my slide presentation tightly. The room was fuller than I had expected. Faces of students from various majors filled the rows of seats—some looked serious, others were whispering, either about me or about what they had for lunch. But I didn’t care. I had spent days preparing this material, and I knew exactly what I was doing."Good morning, everyone," my voice rang out clearly, steady—far more confident than I actually felt. "I’m Maya De Cruz, from the visual design department. Today, I’ll be talking about how design influences spatial perception—and why this matters, not just for us designers, but for all of you studying architecture, engineering, even business."I pressed the button on the remote, displaying the first slide: "The Psychology of Space.""Every room has a story," I continued. "And that story begins with how we perceive the space. Imagine walking into a small café with dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and the
