Houston's mother had arrived, and her lipstick was a bit smudged. She knows, just like the back of her hand, how her own mother chooses to mess around with younger men. Including the gardener.The old woman just can't resist kissing the poor lad first before she proceeded to the threshold. "Where's the pruning man?"Houston eyed her walking aimlessly down the first floor of the house. She was perched on the railings of the second floor landing, waiting patiently for the woman to raise her head.And she did."Oh... you." She smiled faintly. "Hi, darling. Have you eaten?""Yes, mama."The old woman cackled. Her eyes tear up while she walks towards Houston. "I didn't give birth to a computer-generated toy. Where's your pa?"Houston felt a pinch of something uncomfortable in her chest. She looked down yet saw nothing on it. 'Have I developed a heart disease? That can't be.'"Father is resting, old woman." She hushed down her own voice. "He told me to send him hot tea at two. You're too ea
Jana strapped a knife at the ankles of her boots. She look herself in the mirror and gulps one more time, hoping to swallow all of her nervousness. Spencer left to do what Ezekiel asked him to. He delivered the mails Kiel wrote last night and had it addressed to Houston directly. She doesn't know how the girl is going to react but the truth that her face is now plastered all over their country unnerved her a little.She doesn't have the title and little to no people remember what her late father used to do for them. Jana was long forgotten in their place. And those who said that the sketch looked familiar to them were too scared to voice it out in public for the fear that they would be questioned in person."Vivien, show me Denise and her friend's character profile in this instance."Light flashes at the side of Jana's face. She read the hologram in front and nearly winced in dismay. All of Denise's cronies were either government officials or soldiers in active duty. How is she going
"We should not delay. The queen will come and the king will make a brief appearance as well. Isn't this great, love?" Houston's father looks amazed as he gazes tenderly to her only daughter. He put on a bright white suit with a flower pinned on his chest. It was her daughter's open-arranged ceremony. It is a grand occasion that she initiated. He thought her daughter would never have the idea of marriage until the last day, she said she wanted to meet someone. And that he noticed the pile of letters at her table twice as many as usual.'What can it be aside from the truth that she has a very persuasive suitor?' He likes it. The idea that someone out there sees the uniqueness of her daughter and does not condemn her for it— it warms his insides. That's the kind of person everyone should aspire to!'But the queen.'Why is she coming? The past is long bygones but wasn't it a bit presumptuous of her to witness this celebration of Houston's maturity when in fact, she's the reason why his da
"Do you remember Houston?" the king mumbled to the queen, "She grew up well, dear."The woman on his left flinched. Her eyebrows raise in interest but the clenched fist betrayed her emotion. It was not interesting. It was hate. 'Was she reminded of her baby?'The king was amused, and it shows in his face. The woman was too uptight. He wondered why his parents assigned this woman for him when they are completely misaligned with each other's point of view in life.'Maybe that was exactly the reason why.' He never has once regretted his marriage with Taline, but there were nights he would think idly about 'what-if's. He's not all-knowing, but he can put two and two together. His queen's heart does not lie in him. He had long since accepted it.But to actually scheme against him?'That's new.'"Yeah, she's a fine woman now."If the baby survived, she would've shared the same age with Houston. Probably be friends with her and be the princess' personal aid. But the child died, and so the ki
Spencer was left to finish his task— which was laughably the most difficult in Jana's opinion. He had to seduce five women at most without being caught. Now she can fully understand why he was a Casanova from the former worlds and that he doesn't see the appeal of having a relationship aside from the instances.It must be a draining life for him."…Jana!"She cleared her throat, looking at the sides of the room before responding to Spencer. "Yes?""How is the trial court now? What did they do to Ezekiel?" Spencer's voice was a bit harried but his concern is recognizable. "Are you guys okay?""Ezekiel is gone." Jana smiled. "He finished his task already, Spence. It's now only you and me in this instance.""Fuck— Yes!" The man cheered, "I'm about to finish mine too. Only one confession left. I only need one NPC woman to admit their love to me and I'll be good."Her smile became a little tainted. Jana can't help but speak slowly, "I don't think I'll be able to go out soon.""Why?""Since
'Warning!''Warning!'Jana skidded to a stop. She looks up just in time to see the task world slowly dissipating. The people inside the game don't seem to panic and continue walking around— they are clearly NPC's who can't see what's the problem up ahead. The only ones panicking are the co-players as well as Jana.Ezekiel already finished his task. There's nothing else he needs to do. Now that his job is done, it's time for Jana to keep her end.'Vivien! Where are they?!' She continued running down the valley. Every head turns to look at her as if she's crazy. 'Well, they won't be entirely wrong.'"The gambler successfully killed the queen. The queen's royal guards are now focused on catching up with the killer behind her death. Host, they're right behind you!''What rotten luck!' Jana tore the hem of her long gown. The heavy garment is weighing her down. It can't get any more than an actual nuisance. She took a sharp turn and left dead leaves swaying as she ran for the forest.'The m
Life gave Roshan an opportunity but death chased him everywhere he went.Roshan endured an unhappy childhood. His parents had him at the most inconvenient time of their married life, hence he was not accepted with excitement. They can't afford a good upbringing for their firstborn. Still, Roshan grew up with a temperament that will not harm even a fly.In his teenage years, the country suffered from the invasion of the neighboring country. Since Roshan and his parents lived at the border, they were the first priority in hiring soldiers in an attempt to counter the invaders. Roshan was recruited, along with his dad.While he was serving the army, his body developed that of a grown man. Despite not having a powerful backing from the elites, Roshan was promoted because of his dedication and skills.He took pride in it, even if his colleagues often looked at him with envy and not amazement.His mother put more importance to him at this point of their lives. She saw Roshan's potential, cal
… a month ago …The people of the Durham empire looked all wealthy and secure in life. She saw the rural parts of the empire— still, even the farmers themselves have gold pendants in their necklace to show some sophistication. A mark that they came from a prosperous country, and that their ruler is generous enough to let them grow.Jana's family this time is a wealthy craftsman. Her father makes watches, customized jewelry and even compasses. He was even once commissioned by the royals themselves to make a gold-rimmed eye-glasses.Needless to say, her family has a reputation to uphold. And yes, their family knows how to live well too.Jana wore her velvet green nightgown and jewelries on her head. From afar, she's a sculpture of perfect glam. Up close, her skin looks radiant— not even a scar anywhere.A result of a good upbringing from a wealthy family.Her kitten heels clacked on the tiles while she walked gracefully on the corridor, Jana's eyes like an eagle hunting her prey.Her ta