I remained outside the hospital room, watching through the glass window. She seemed to be having a nightmare. Her face contorted, her body twitching underneath the sheets. Matt's eyes were filled with concern, he was almost panicking. He was holding her hand and speaking softly to calm her down as he stroked her hair. Such care and compassion. Very touching.He didn't even realize I'd been all by myself sitting right here.I took a deep breath, I couldn’t bring myself to go in. So I remained outside, resting against an arm pole besides me. A few minutes later, Matt stepped out, looking around. "Hey, Bryan's gone?," he asked, taking a huge heave of relief."I know," I replied. "He probably has an emergency.”Matt's expression turned thoughtful. "Okay, so…I’m curious. How does she know Bryan and Jasper? He eyed me intently. “It doesn’t look like it’s all about that day.”I hesitated, chuckling a little bit. “Things are actually more complicated than you think, Matt.”He stared at me,
QUINN’S POVI walked through the front door of my apartment, exhausted from my hospital stay. The past twenty four hours had been a blur of tests and treatments.Before leaving the hospital, I had been bored out of my mind, flipping through TV channels and scrolling through my phone.As I entered my living room, I dropped my bag onto the couch and collapsed beside it, letting out a deep sigh. I closed my eyes, feeling the softness of the cushions envelop me. Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table.I reached for it, unlocked the screen and saw a message."Congratulations, Quinn! We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded the prestigious Academic Excellence Scholarship."A mix of emotions swirled inside me.This scholarship is a gift, an attempt to buy my forgiveness just like when we’re kids. Just then, Eva emerged from the bedroom looking all concerned.“I didn’t think you were home.” I said, surprised.“Why didn’t you let me pick you up?” She asked as she settled beside
I set her down on the edge of the tub, quickly stripping off her wet coat and shoes."Get undressed," I ordered, handing her a towel.Quinn's eyes locked onto mine, a mix of resistance and desperation."Please, Bryan," she whispered.What was she pleading for?Something in my chest twisted.I helped her out of her wet clothes, my fingers brushing against her chilled skin."Get in the shower," I said, adjusting the water temperature.Quinn stepped under the warm stream, her eyes closing in relief.I watched her, my mind racing.What was I doing?Why was I taking care of her?But I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to protect her.As Quinn showered, I fetched a change of clothes from my room.When she emerged, wrapped in a towel, I handed her the clothes."Put these on," I said, trying to sound detached.Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there. Something like longing.As our fingers touched, I felt a spark within me, but again I ignored it, trying to m
QUINN’S POVI woke up to the sound of Bryan's gentle humming in the hallway, but my pounding headache and heavy body weighed me down. The memories of last night came flooding my mind, making my stomach twist and filling me with great regret.How could I have been so reckless? I thought, tossing my hands over my face, trying to hide them in shame.Bryan walked into the room, with a tray in his hands, and a warm smile."Good morning, beautiful," he added, setting the tray beside me.I blushed, shyly accepting it.It was a plate of scrambled eggs, bread and sausages."Did you have to?" I asked while savoring the scrambled eggs."I wanted to," he replied, gently stroking my hair as he laid a peck on my forehead.I felt the heat burning within me. Bryan’s constant stare only made things worse.I munched slowly, expecting him to get up soon and prepare for work, but he didn't flinch.He held onto the TV remote, switching channels." Aren't you working today?" I asked, attempting to deflect.H
Just another evening at the club, I silently cleared out the drinks someone ordered. The evening was just getting started and everyone was getting ready. Eva walked past me. We stay in the same house but somehow haven’t managed to hold a conversation for a while now.“Hey baby girl” she walked past, tapping me lightly.I hugged her. I’ve missed her.“You’ve been away, at home, working! What’s happening?”“Yes I have, and I’m back now.”“Busy with Bryan? She giggled and I nudged her playfully to behave. “He arranged your day off with Mr Jenkins yesterday. It’s quite fortunate.”I countered. “Not entirely. These few days haven’t been the most amazing. You did see the news, right?“Yes I did, they found him guilty.” Eva added and I nodded.“I feel bad, no matter what, they’re still family. In the space of two months, a lot of things are going down""And he hasn't admitted anything to you?" Eva asked.I shook my head vehemently. "Worse, he's still that gentle Bryan I know, yet he shows no
BRYAN’S POV"It's that time of year again - the winter vacation, finally! I exclaimed, leaning back in my office chair.A period where everyone's stress melts away.My mind drifted to Quinn. She's been overwhelmed lately, and this break would be exactly what she needs.And she'll be spending it with me.My business trip to Paris aligns perfectly. A time to seal crucial deals, and make unforgettable memories with her.Days of luxury, art, and romance await. I’m sure my assistant has everything in check.I picked up my phone, dialing Jackson.“Come to the office. Now.”He arrived promptly. “Sir?”“Have you confirmed the Paris arrangements?," I instructed."All set, sir," Jenkins replied. "Villa, art studio, Louvre tour, transportation."I nodded, satisfied. “Good! Send a message to Quinn’s boss, confirming her extended leave.”“Her boss has already received my discreet call; her absence is approved. There will be no distractions tonight.I nodded, urging him to go out.I know she will lo
EVA’S POVI heaved a sigh of relief the moment I settled on the couch. It was such a hectic day, not having Quinn around.I needed to know how the trip went, so I dialed her number eager for an update. The phone cradled between my ear and shoulder. Her voice chimed in, sounding delighted."Eva! I'm so glad you called. We have just arrived, and Paris is stunning!"I grinned, envisioning Quinn's excitement. "I'm glad you're having a great time! Don't forget to take lots of pictures.""Already on it," Quinn laughed. "Bryan's been amazing as well”, she whispered, and I laughed."Make sure to spoil yourself rotten”"Will do," she promised. "What about you? How's life without me?"I laughed. "Same as usual, already missing you.She scoffed. “With my recent disappearance, I’ll probably lose my job after this trip.”“Our boss fears Bryan, he’d do literally anything he requests”, I reassured her."Nevertheless, I miss you too," Quinn said, her tone softening. "But I'll make it up to you with st
QUINN'S POVAs the plane touched down in Paris, I felt a thrill of excitement. Bryan, sitting beside me, smiled."Welcome to the City of Light," he said with sparkling eyes.Stepping off the plane, the crisp Parisian air refreshed me. I looked up at the majestic airport architecture."Wow," I breathed.Bryan chuckled. "You're going to love this city."My eyes widened as we stepped into the luxurious apartment. The sprawling living room, adorned with modern art and floor-to-ceiling windows, offered breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower."Welcome to our Parisian retreat," Bryan said, his eyes sparkling.I explored the expansive space, discovering a kitchen, a library, and a private balcony.I saw a small walkway, leading me to a stunning bedroom. My jaw dropped. The spacious room boasted an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a majestic gigantic bed.Bryan walked in minutes later with them, carrying our bags behind him. He gestured to the luggage. "I took the liberty of packing for
I stood before Mr. Jenkins, feeling awful.knew I was in for a scolding, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. I looked down at my clothes, which were still damp from the drink the woman had poured on me. The memory of the incident is still fresh in my mind."I see you're still wet from the incident," Mr. Jenkins added. "I'm surprised you didn't think about changing your clothes before coming to see me."I shrugged, feeling a sense of embarrassment. "I didn't have time," I explained. "You asked me to come see you right away."Mr. Jenkins nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, I did. Because I wanted to talk to you about what happened. I've received complaints about your behavior today, Quinn. Complaints that you were rude to a customer, and that you seemed completely unprofessional."I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I tried to keep my cool. "That's not fair," I said, trying to explain. "The woman was being completely unreasonable. She was insulting me and making terrible com
I stood before Mr. Jenkins, feeling awful.knew I was in for a scolding, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. I looked down at my clothes, which were still damp from the drink the woman had poured on me. The memory of the incident is still fresh in my mind."I see you're still wet from the incident," Mr. Jenkins added. "I'm surprised you didn't think about changing your clothes before coming to see me."I shrugged, feeling a sense of embarrassment. "I didn't have time," I explained. "You asked me to come see you right away."Mr. Jenkins nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, I did. Because I wanted to talk to you about what happened. I've received complaints about your behavior today, Quinn. Complaints that you were rude to a customer, and that you seemed completely unprofessional."I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I tried to keep my cool. "That's not fair," I said, trying to explain. "The woman was being completely unreasonable. She was insulting me and making terrible com
I stood before Mr. Jenkins, feeling awful.knew I was in for a scolding, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. I looked down at my clothes, which were still damp from the drink the woman had poured on me. The memory of the incident is still fresh in my mind."I see you're still wet from the incident," Mr. Jenkins added. "I'm surprised you didn't think about changing your clothes before coming to see me."I shrugged, feeling a sense of embarrassment. "I didn't have time," I explained. "You asked me to come see you right away."Mr. Jenkins nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, I did. Because I wanted to talk to you about what happened. I've received complaints about your behavior today, Quinn. Complaints that you were rude to a customer, and that you seemed completely unprofessional."I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I tried to keep my cool. "That's not fair," I said, trying to explain. "The woman was being completely unreasonable. She was insulting me and making terrible com
QUINN'S POVI glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my eyes widening in surprise as I realized I'd been waiting for Bryan for four whole hours. This was unheard of - Bryan never kept me waiting for so long. In fact, it was usually the other way around; he'd often show up at my doorstep unannounced with a charming smile spreading across his face.But today was different. Today, I was the one waiting, and waiting some more. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes drifting towards the secretary who was typing away on her computer with a look of blatant disinterest on her face.I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic glint in her eye when she mentioned that he would be with me shortly earlier. It was as if she knew a secret I didn't, and it made my skin crawl. I began to wonder if she really told Bryan I was here. I sighed, my mind wandering back to the events of the past few days. It had been a whirlwind, to say the least. After appearing on TV to debunk the ru
QUINN'S POVI glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my eyes widening in surprise as I realized I'd been waiting for Bryan for four whole hours. This was unheard of - Bryan never kept me waiting for so long. In fact, it was usually the other way around; he'd often show up at my doorstep unannounced with a charming smile spreading across his face.But today was different. Today, I was the one waiting, and waiting some more. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes drifting towards the secretary who was typing away on her computer with a look of blatant disinterest on her face.I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic glint in her eye when she mentioned that he would be with me shortly earlier. It was as if she knew a secret I didn't, and it made my skin crawl. I began to wonder if she really told Bryan I was here. I sighed, my mind wandering back to the events of the past few days. It had been a whirlwind, to say the least. After appearing on TV to debunk the ru
QUINN'S POVI glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my eyes widening in surprise as I realized I'd been waiting for Bryan for four whole hours. This was unheard of - Bryan never kept me waiting for so long. In fact, it was usually the other way around; he'd often show up at my doorstep unannounced with a charming smile spreading across his face.But today was different. Today, I was the one waiting, and waiting some more. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes drifting towards the secretary who was typing away on her computer with a look of blatant disinterest on her face.I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic glint in her eye when she mentioned that he would be with me shortly earlier. It was as if she knew a secret I didn't, and it made my skin crawl. I began to wonder if she really told Bryan I was here. I sighed, my mind wandering back to the events of the past few days. It had been a whirlwind, to say the least. After appearing on TV to debunk the ru
QUINN'S POVI glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my eyes widening in surprise as I realized I'd been waiting for Bryan for four whole hours. This was unheard of - Bryan never kept me waiting for so long. In fact, it was usually the other way around; he'd often show up at my doorstep unannounced with a charming smile spreading across his face.But today was different. Today, I was the one waiting, and waiting some more. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes drifting towards the secretary who was typing away on her computer with a look of blatant disinterest on her face.I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic glint in her eye when she mentioned that he would be with me shortly earlier. It was as if she knew a secret I didn't, and it made my skin crawl. I began to wonder if she really told Bryan I was here. I sighed, my mind wandering back to the events of the past few days. It had been a whirlwind, to say the least. After appearing on TV to debunk the ru
QUINN'S POVI glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my eyes widening in surprise as I realized I'd been waiting for Bryan for four whole hours. This was unheard of - Bryan never kept me waiting for so long. In fact, it was usually the other way around; he'd often show up at my doorstep unannounced with a charming smile spreading across his face.But today was different. Today, I was the one waiting, and waiting some more. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my eyes drifting towards the secretary who was typing away on her computer with a look of blatant disinterest on her face.I couldn't help but notice the sarcastic glint in her eye when she mentioned that he would be with me shortly earlier. It was as if she knew a secret I didn't, and it made my skin crawl. I began to wonder if she really told Bryan I was here. I sighed, my mind wandering back to the events of the past few days. It had been a whirlwind, to say the least. After appearing on TV to debunk the ru
QUINN'S POVI walked into the club, the familiar sound of laughter and music enveloping me like a warm hug. It had been a while since I last worked here, but Mr. Jenkins, had called me back in, saying they needed me to cover a shift.I clocked in and began to get ready for my shift, tying on my apron and grabbing a tray of drinks to take out to the floor. As I worked, I couldn't help but scan the crowd, looking for familiar faces, till my eyes landed on Matt, Eva's boyfriend. He shot me a knowing glance, carrying on with his activity.I felt a flutter in my chest as our eyes met. Matt had always been a good friend, but lately, I'd started to notice the way he looked at me, the way he smiled at me.I made my way over to him, he stood up, his eyes never leaving mine. "Hey, how are you doing?" he asked, in his low and gentle voice.I nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine, how’s work been?"Just then my phone rang. I searched around for Mr Jenkins, but he was not in sight. So I grabbed my phone, exc