We entered the mansion without any fuss, seemingly as I was with Raphael. It’s a three-storey mansion where the main foyer splits into two grand staircases that only enhances the luxurious look. The mansion was full of such extravagantly gilded furniture and grandeur that I thought it would have been better suited to a reigning monarch.
We were directed to the ballroom (I stopped ooh...ing at the main foyer itself. Ballroom! I never knew anyone with ballrooms in their houses) where a different security detail is present to recheck the authenticity. Looking at the guest list I too would recommend it. Hollywood’s well-known actors, producers, politicians what not; you name it, they have it. The party was going with the sort of discreet swing that only serious money could contrive.
Ok, we are in, now what?
Can I ask?
Ask? Ask whom? What are you saying?
My inner diva clears her throat and said,
Attention everyone, this announcement i
‘But Diana, she is dead. There is no need for us to part anymore. Don’t you see?’‘Oh, darling. I understand that her being murdered worked in our favour, but that just made me realize how careless I was being! It could have been easily Edward who caught us. I don’t want to risk it. All this wealth slipping from my fingers... I can’t bear it. He will divorce me for sure if he learns.’‘Does wealth is more important for you? More than me?’, he sounded angered.‘How naive you are? Sometimes I forget your age. I may not reflect your emotions, but I could advise you. Remember this darling, there is nothing if there is no wealth. Only money brings you luxury. Not these silly emotions. For what it’s worth, I’m really sorry darling, we couldn’t be seen together again. So, please leave. And never come back’, the last sentence she said as a warning that will have dire consequences if he d
Scared of blood.His words were ringing in my ears still when Raphael intercepted us.‘God, what a mess! what happened?’‘I... we were dancing... then suddenly I don’t know where that waiter came from. It all happened within seconds. I was cut and your brother... he just... fainted?’, I remiss the story, still mulling over what Nathaniel said.‘Oh yay. It happens whenever he sees blood. He is hemophobic’, he explained.‘What’s a party without a few drinks being spilled, right? You better put him in a more comfortable position and have someone look at him’‘What about you? Show me where you are hurt’‘Here. As I told your brother it’s nothing serious. I will clean it up in the ladies' room. You take him to somewhere quiet’, I said motioning to the onlookers. Actually, I wanted some alone time to think about what conspired here. For someone, it may
He took my hand, stood, and without sparing any glance to the other occupants on the table, announced, ‘we are leaving’.‘You can’t leave now! The auction has just begun. What will the media think? Jacob- ‘Diana is in the middle of profanity when we left the ballroom.Raphael didn’t take me to any other room, but straight to the parking garage which was thankfully away from the prying eyes of the media.He selected a Bugatti la Voiture Noire (the most expensive one) from a handful of cars (I don’t know the names of half of them, only that they would be freaking expensive) and opened the door saying, ‘get in’.Ok. Not. ‘One, I’m not a dog to follow your orders, and two, where are you taking me? I just clarified I’m not ready for any of your hanky-panky’, I said with my cheeks blazing probably a nice shade of red from my blushing.‘You amaze me, Erica. Hanky-Panky? Ev
Raphael Sinclair laid a trap and I fell hook, line, and sinker for it. Looking at the file-indelible scars are left on my heart. I lost...lost my faith in love. Because in my hand is a file that opens to a photo of me- a photo that was taken 3 months back. The date was printed at the bottom of the photo. Each page consists of the parts of my life which were known to only Kade before. My entire life... is packed in this file.The conversation with Kade came to my mind‘Remember you said your sister got the information about you from a PI hired by her boyfriend’‘Yes. I totally forgot about it.’‘Well, I almost tracked that PI. It’s just a final case of pinpointing. By tonight I will give you the details’Well, there is no need for pinpointing anymore. Because staring at the details, I can say that the PI did a wonderful job. An apathetic laugh escaped me. My life collapses before my eyes, and I’m appre
‘You bastard! I’m going to kill you’, I advanced on him, punching my way, my fists connecting with his body with a force that will surely leave bruises. My vision narrowed to hurt him as badly as he hurt me. ‘You coward! What kind of sick person are you to play such tricks!’‘Erica-‘, Raphael tried to speak, but I landed another blow to his face. He was in defense, trying to block my punches, but not attacking me. Yet I don’t care. Given the chance he would fight back, was my belief about him.‘Stop it’, but I was long gone hearing his excuses.‘Did you enjoy making a fool out of me? Did it make you feel better mocking me? Had a good laugh at how gullible I’m?’, I taunted him.‘Erica stop’, now we are in his living room. All that pristine, sterile environment gone with the mess we were making. Books were thrown, glasses were broken, chairs overturned, nothing remaine
‘Do I?’, he questioned in return flippantly.‘I don’t want to presume any more. Especially in things related to you. And according to Sophie, her boyfriend Jack hired the PI. Meaning you’, I said with a dead voice.‘You think I’m Jack? So that’s how you work out I’m her boyfriend? It’s Nathaniel. He is called Jack at the house. Sophie loved Nathaniel. Not me’, he clarified to me as he walked into the kitchen and threw the ice pack in the sink.‘But... your middle name is Jacob and Nathaniel’s Jonathan. Then why is he called Jack?’‘Haven’t, you met my family? It’s Diana’s version of a sense of humor. Calling him Jack since I was a small kid... was one way of her showing what she could do’, he replied bitterly.The one hour back I would have shown sympathy...felt rage for treating him like that, but this new me doesn’t feel a thing
The street was lit with the hustle that is New York. Thankfully, I took my wallet yesterday. The same cannot be said about my clothes. I was still in his shirt and shorts. But hey, this is New York. Thinking of not subjecting myself to the judgmental looks in the subway in my current mood, I hailed a cab.The person who was hiding in a car and doing the continuous surveillance of the building the entire night, got into action when a woman wearing a man’s shirt and boxer shorts appeared outside. Dialing the number, a text was sent writing-‘she left the building. Following now. Probably reaching the destination. Be ready’.I was lethargic from lack of sleep. All those accusations drained me emotionally. I was not thinking anything other than my bed when I entered my floor. So it came as a surprise when a hiccup that is more like a sob disturbed my thoughts. I looked up expecting Richard’s tactics which I got used to but not in a mood to handle it
The deafening silence that came after the gunshot could be described as annoying, giving the whole scene a dramatic flair that demanded in this situation. I didn’t give her the satisfaction of my reaction other than blinking my eyes. She knew she was aiming above my head while firing. I hoped she would aim anywhere other than on my body. Because, if nothing else she craves gossip. And a chance like this to tattletale her prowess...she would hardly miss it. I was counting on it and the angle of the gun, of course. As I know one thing about her...she thrives on sharing the information that no one guessed. That’s...Rose for you.‘Aww... I know you are cardboard when I first saw you in the office. No emotions, no eagerness to share any juicy titbits... even when you started secretly seeing Raphael Sinclair. I have to give points to you on that stunt. How did you pull it off within a month? Anyways, you always treated us, mortals, like we are beneath you. As thou