Ariel (15 years old)..My legs were weak, trembling from pain. My throat was parched as I had screamed as loud as I could—searching for a savior. My stomach hurt—everywhere hurt.Aria tried to touch me, but I recoiled; instantly she pulled back. She sat silently, lost of words. The sadness in the air was palpable, perfectly blending with the musty smell inhabiting the basement.“Did he?” Aria’s voice began to wobble. “Did..he?” Her voice, although shaking, deepened.I tried to speak but couldn’t. Leonard had gone, but his painful touches lingered, making me want to claw my skin. His words still echoed in my head: “If you don’t shout and complain, it only goes by faster,” stabbing my mind. When all she got was tears, she had answers. “I’m so sorry; I shouldn’t have begged you to stay.” Aria began to cry, guilt chipping at her voice. “If I didn’t ask you to stay, this would never happen." She attempted to touch me but froze midway. “This is all my fault. All because of a stupid diar
Ariel (15 years old)..Time heals every wound they say. Three weeks had passed and not a sign of improvement. Instead, it got worse; anytime I closed my eyes, I could still feel him on top of me. My body still tightened anytime I heard his voice echo in the house. I stopped having food at the dining, and in no time Aria joined me. The home became like a prison—bounding me to that night. I lay with my stomach on the bed, my legs kicking in the air, and my attention on the novel I was reading. Aria and my mother’s voices filled every corner of the house, making it hard to concentrate on the book. I could hear their voices from our room. I wasn’t the only one who changed that night; Aria did too. She became more defiant, doing the exact opposite of what my mother tells her.The slamming of the door as Aria stomped in broke me out of my reverie. Her face was red, and her eyes were burning with anger. “She’s so difficult.” Aria sighed as she collapsed and sprawled on the bed.I rose
ARIA...We were back at school. My heart pounded with anger as I spotted Ariel crouched in a corner, tears streaming down her face. I hurried over, my concern sharp. “Ariel,” I called out, “what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”She glanced up at me, her eyes red and swollen. “Aria,” she whispered, using her sleeve to try and dry her tears.“Tell me what happened,” I pressed, my fists clenching involuntarily. It was clear someone had hurt her again.“Louisa and her friends attacked me,” Ariel said, her voice quivering with hurt. Louisa? She again?The name sparked a scorching fume within me. Louisa had always been envious of Ariel and seemed to pick on her every chance she got, making her life miserable.“Yes,” Ariel said, her voice breaking, “she told me I was worthless and that no one would ever want me because Logan showed interest in me.”My heart twisted painfully. Just like every other girl, I had my own feelings for Logan, but as usual, he chose Ariel. It stung, but I had to mov
Aria(16 years)..After taking the first letter from the post box and opening it, my hands trembled. My breath quickened. The rejection was clear. I had somewhat expected this, but it still hit hard. With a heavy sigh, I opened the second letter. I was accepted into a community college. A small ray of hope gleamed, yet it was overshadowed by a wave of sadness. It wasn't what I wanted, but it was something. It seemed Ariel and I wouldn't be together as we had planned.I trudged back into the room, my shoulders slumped. Ariel rushed towards me, her eyes sparkling. . "How is it? Did you get accepted?" she asked.I managed a weak smile, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. "No, I was rejected," I admitted, my voice soft. "But I did get into a community college, so it’s not all bad.”Ariel tried to mask her disappointment, but I could see the hope draining from her eyes. . We had dreamed of this together, and now it felt like a part of that dream was slipping away.I sank onto the bed
Ariel pov..Life was excruciatingly tough without Aria. In a desperate bid to survive, I found myself ingratiating with people—friends, lecturers, and anyone who might offer some support or protection. Instead, they took advantage of me, exploiting my vulnerability. No one could ever truly protect me the way Aria did. Every single day, I missed her to the moon and back. Most of the other students came from wealthy families, which only deepened my sense of disconnection and made fitting in an almost impossible challenge.Today was Friday, and that meant the pizza food truck was around. I rushed over, glancing at my watch. It was already late. "They must have sold out," I worried, hoping there might be at least one pizza left. "Damn that lecturer," I muttered to myself. He'd wasted my time with his work. I should never have agreed to be his assistant.Breathless, I reached the truck's window. The delicious aroma of pizza filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation. "Please
Ariel..It’s been a week since I broke up with Damon. I had never been so lonely. I still hadn’t heard from Aria. I lay on my bed, my eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.I got up and sat before the mirror and took a deep breath. My long hair reminds me of Damon’s compliment—that he loved my long hair. I broke into tears—how could I have not seen the signs? He loved me the way my mother did.I opened the drawer and took out scissors, about to cut my hair, when a knock on the door drew my attention.Opening the door, Aria stood her hair as long as mine—she looked beautiful. My heart leaped as gladness played its chords. I jumped into her arms as tears escaped my eyes. “You said you would visit me all the time.”Aria patted my back. “I’m sorry for breaking my promise,” she apologized. “I brought peace offerings.” She raised the bag of food.I smiled and gestured for her to come in. “Damon, got you a new apartment? How rich is that boy?” She questioned, scanning the apartment.I flin
The toy..My eyes opened—my memories were back. My heartbeat was as faint as the medical equipment in the room. The sunlight was piercing my eyes, causing me discomfort.I sat up—every joint and muscle, they all felt heavy. That void I’ve always begged to fill up was finally filled up with agonizing pain. The missing piece, I had finally found it, but at what cost? A forceful tear broke down my cheeks. My breath became heavy.The pain traveled quickly paralyzing every nerve in my body. Is this what it meant to mourn? “Ari,” Jessie rushed towards me as she entered the room.Hearing her name made a grueling heat surge through my skin—my flesh, my bones.“I’m not Aria,” I said with a weak voice. The pain got hectic, blocking my throat and breaking my voice. “I’m Ariel,” my chest heaved with effort. Jessie stared at me, utterly confused. “Are you alright?” She questioned. She ran to the entrance of the room, shouting, “Doctor.”She’d probably think. Something is wrong with my head. I
The toy..The doors to my apartment opened. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air. The hospital air had already begun to be a burden on my lungs. It was good to be home. “Are you alright?” Jessie asked.“I would be lying if I said yes.” I strode in and settled on the sofa.It feels like when I moved forward, another problem took me back. Everyone keeps saying it’s not my fault that Ariel died. I knew that, but I stole her life from her. I never understood the burden I had placed on her. I even dared to go to her grave and mock her. I sighed and leaned back on the sofa. I threw my hand to my temples to massage.“What’s on your mind? Aria..sorry.Ariel.” Jessie asked as she settled on the single sofa. “Just call me whichever you want.” I smiled at her. I knew it was hard. She had been calling me Aria for over a year; it would take time to get used to Ariel.“I’ll have to learn to call you Ariel,” Jessie commented. “Do I feel different?” I sat back up. And fixed my eyes on h
Lucy pov ...Amidst the lush greenery, the breeze sung a calm song to me. I sat on the bench watching other patients. They were all crazy. I scoffed and skimmed my hands on my patient outfit. I turned and faced Logan, who arrived a few seconds later. “It’s been ages.” Logan smiled. “I wanted to get red roses, but you said you love yellow flowers." He handed me a bouquet of yellow roses.I smiled and accepted it. “How’s your sister?” I faced him. “Tell me you have stopped smoking.”It’s been a long time since I had a conversation with the outside world. I had no family and no friends ever came to visit. It was nice to see him.Logan chuckled. “I have stopped smoking.” His green eyes gleamed beneath the yellow hues of the sun. “And for my sister.” He paused and clenched the edge of the wooden seat. “She didn’t make it.” His voice softened.“I am so sorry.” My chest tightened. I knew how much he loved his sister.“But I opened a bar.” A wide smile formed across his lips. “When you g
Lucy ..(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.)The news had already spread like wildfire. Damon hadn’t said anything, nor have I; people could only wonder what happened that led to us canceling our wedding a day before. My friend had asked, and I told them that I ended it after discovering Damon wanted to absorb my company just like his father did to other companies.Leaning back on my office chair, I sighed. I was this close to having him. I jolted up as the door opened. “There’s a meeting with the board of directors,” Tina announced. “Now?” I raised a brow. “Why?” She adjusted her glasses. “Yes, Ma’am. I really don’t know. But all the members are around.” I sprang to my feet. The clicks of my heels echoed. My heart pounded. How come I wasn’t aware of the meeting? Sweat swathed across my palm.Opening the door, my eyes fell on the seven members—they were all here. It was hard for them to gather together, except something v
The toy ..I dragged the last luggage down the stairs and placed it at the door. I was tired of being his toy. I was stupid to think that we would end up together. I had enough savings to start up my life. I need to run away from Manhattan, from New York. I need to move far away, to another place.I glanced around the apartment; so many beautiful and ugly memories; both of them haunted me.Opening the door, I gasped as my eyes fell on Damon. I held the tears that welled in my eyes. My heart twisted yet fluttered. Pain and relief fought to dominate my chest—neither won.His eyes fell on my luggage, and he frowned. “Where are you going?” What is he going to say to me? No, stay here and watch me get married to another woman. I rolled my wet eyes. “I’m leaving Damon.” I tried to bolster my voice, to show resolve.He inched closer and shut the door behind him. His beautiful amber eyes burned into mine. The eyes I had loved so much, that had caused me so much pain. Now one of my babies
The CEO..I climbed the stairs, each step feeling as heavy as the weight pressing down on my heart. Pearl had handed over the remaining 10 percent of the company shares to me, knowing that once the engagement and merger were finalized, the Wesley Corporation would likely dissolve Beckham Construction. The certificate was cold in my hands, but it felt meaningless now.As I passed by Lucy's room, the sound of her soft chuckle drifted out, followed by her mother's voice. I glared at the door. The thought of me spending the rest of my life with her was mentally gnawing. I was doing this for the child; once the child is enough, I'll get a divorce and just focus on my child. The memories of my childhood after my mother flooded in—just me and my father. "Damon isn’t around, right?" Mrs. Beckham asked. "Are you sure he is?"I was about to walk away, but the question glued my feet to the floor and, like a magnet, pulled my ears to the door."He isn't," Lucy replied, a note of excitement bub
The toy ..Tears streamed down my face, warm and bitter as they traced the curves of my cheeks. The room around me was silent like it was holding its breath, waiting for me to break.And I did.I muffled my sobs, pressing the back of my hand against my mouth, trying to keep it together, even though no one was around to witness. My elbows dug into my thighs as I leaned forward, staring at the two red lines on the pregnancy test. They glared back at me, mocking me. I shook my head, refusing to believe it. This couldn’t be real. What now? My mind raced, thoughts crashing into each other like waves against a rock. Damon’s wedding was just two days away. Two days. Even if I told him, what would change? I could hear Mr. Brian's voice in my head, loud and clear. Men know who they want to marry, and they keep the others around just for fun.I had brushed off those words when he first said them, but now they are repeated. in my mind, each repetition drilling pain into my heart—I should ha
The CEO..The drive was perfect, the kind of perfect that only comes once in a long while. The wind whipped through my hair as the convertible glided down the winding road, the sun casting a golden glow over everything it touched. The expression on my father when I testified against him in court felt like an award—a medal.Opening the door to my house, my gaze fell on Mrs. Beckham and Lucy.Mrs. Beckham stood in the center of the room, her presence cold.My smile faded, “Mrs. Beckham,” I greeted her with a curt nod. Mrs. Beckham was the female version of my father, so I spoke, a knot formed in my stomach as her presence gnawed at me.She didn’t return my pleasantries. Instead, she placed a crisp white envelope on the burly wood table, her eyes boring into mine. “Open it,” she instructed, her tone strict and firm. I hesitated for a second before crossing the room.I hardened my gaze as I snatched up the envelope, the paper cool and smooth against my skin. I tore it open and pulled
(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.) The CEO . . I had changed into another outfit as I sat on the bed in my room. I constantly rubbed my hands, although they were clean. I could still feel Zach’s blood on my hand. How could I lose control? How could I hurt him? I smacked my head with my hand, letting out a grunt. Tracy trudged in. She only kept thinner and paler. “How are you doing?” “How is Zach? Is he up?” My fingers fidgeted. “No.” She tossed a file to me. “That’s the rest of my company.” “Why are you giving me?” Tracy’s expression softened. “Damon, I can die any moment. I need to leave my company with someone competent.” A weak smile stretched her lip. “Now let go and take your freedom from your father.” She gripped my hand, a failed attempt to pull me up. My chest tightened; this heart of mine had experienced too much pain. Another gloominess lingered at the mention of her dying any moment. I was too
The CEO . .Lying on the bed, I felt the sheets beneath me, my eyes closed, yet my mind was restless, buzzing with haunting images I couldn’t escape. Binky's tears haunted me; her face burned into my thoughts. But it was my father’s smile that truly kept me awake—the coldness, the quiet satisfaction he always had when things went his way. My hand gripped the bedsheet, twisting it, hoping it could ease my pain— but nothing.I couldn’t shake the thought—if only I’d been better, if only I’d been stronger if only I could’ve been more than this... this puppet he so easily manipulated. But I wasn’t. I was nothing more than a piece on his board and moved around to suit his game. The bitterness of it tore me from the inside out, choking with helplessness. If only I could turn the tables and make him pay for all of it. I wasn’t that person—not powerful enough, not anything enough.Stumbling to the closet, I flung open a drawer, my heart racing as I reached for the revolver inside. The c
Toy..I sat in the large, imposing courtroom. The air thickened with tension, but Nope still hung over, hoping Justice could be served. The murmurs of spectators seized as the proceedings began, leaving the shuffle of the papers. My eyes fixed on Damon’s father, who stood in the defendant box. Occasionally, he would stare at me and flash a smile that aggravated me. His words still rang in my ears, the way he casually told me how I looked softer than Aria outside the courtroom. I clenched my fist, hoping he would rot in jail for eternity. Mr. Jackson stood at the defendant's box. His eyes constantly darted between me and Mr. Wesley. My chest was tight like I was carrying the weight of the world on my chest. The flutters in my stomach were so grave that I might have developed stomach cancer. I sighed, hoping Damon’s threat should have walked in. Damon had messaged Mr. Jackson once he confessed to Mr. Wesley. He would protect him as Mr. Wesley would be powerless and be behind bars.