~Ethan~It was lunchtime and I couldn’t stop staring at my phone, waiting for her reply. Her class finished about thirty minutes ago, and my message got delivered but she didn’t check. ‘Her next class was going to start in thirty minutes, so why isn’t she replying to my text?’ I thought, dying of curiosity. I needed her to tell me how it was going and how she was feeling. I wanted her to tell me she made friends already and she was loving the school. She promised to update me on how everything was going as frequently as she could earlier this morning, but she hasn’t done that. “Hey!” I heard John’s voice from my door, causing me to raise my head. “What?!” I saw the look on his face as he walked in and I just knew he was about to piss me off. “What the hell is wrong with you? I’ve been standing behind your door for a while and you didn’t look away from your phone for once. Is something bothering you?” He asked, slamming into the chair in front of my desk. I heaved a sigh and shoo
~Mia~I took a look at my phone screen as soon as the lecturer was out and I realized that I had lost track of time.It was 4 p.m. and I finally had some time to breathe. I had been away from the school environment for a while, so I knew it was going to take a long time for me to get used to the hectic routine. I went ahead to check out my iMessage and my eyes widened in shock. I had tons of messages from Mr Cross.“Shit!!! I completely forgot to update him like I had promised.” I muttered.“Hey, Mia, are you heading home now?’ Sharon asked, pulling my attention towards her. “Erm.. yes.” I furrowed my brows in confusion.‘Do we have another class that I’m not aware of?’ I wondered.“Do you have something to do at home?” Sharon further inquired like she was heading somewhere.“Why do you keep asking her questions?” Charles butted in, moving closer to me. He had a wide smile on his face as usual. “We’d like you to join us for dinner. It would be so much fun.”“Oh…”“I mean you’re one
~Mia~I woke up very early so I could clean the house before preparing for school. While I was at it, I couldn’t stop thinking about last night.How Mr Cross fed me my very first piece of pizza, and how I got crazy butterflies in my stomach every time he looked at me with his soft gaze last night.It seemed like we had a connection but I knew that feeling was a lie and I kept reminding myself that. ‘I shouldn’t feel anything for him. I can’t feel anything for him.’ I constantly told myself.“Ding Dong!!!” The doorbell rang, and I raised my head and looked in the direction of the living room.“I’m coming!’ I uttered, running towards the door. It was still pretty early and this made me wonder who it could be.‘Maybe Mr John.’ I thought as I opened the door. To my greatest surprise and disappointment, it was Sienna. ‘Why is she here so early?’ I thought, letting out a feeble smile.“Good morning,” I greeted, but she walked into the house and passed me, hitting her shoulder against mine
~Mia~ “Son of a bitch.” Mr Cross cursed as he stormed out of my room. “Mr Cross!” I called out, quickly reaching for my long robe and putting it on top of my towel as I ran after him. “What the hell is he doing in front of my house? You told him where you live?” He asked angrily, not relenting in his pursuit for the door. “No, no. I swear. I didn’t say anything to him about where I live. I’m as surprised as you are.” My voice trembled as I continued to chase after him. “Then I have to talk some sense into his head,” He spat back, dashing out of the house and heading right for the gate. My heart raced as I ran after him. I had never seen him so mad like that before. I was scared of what he was going to do to poor Charles. “What are you doing here, hun?” He asked as soon as he came face to face with Charles. Charles stood uptight and shook his head. “I… I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I am here to give her a ride to school.” Charles answered, locking gazes with
~Mia~ I walked down the school hallway with my head lowered, trying to hide the pain I was feeling. The last thing I wanted to do was to pull attention to myself. “What is it with that scarf? A change of style?” I heard Charles’ voice as I approached the door. I raised my head and saw him standing near the door. “Charles,” I called with a hint of disappointment. I wanted him to be in class already so we wouldn’t have to discuss what had gone down in the morning. “What are you doing out here?” I asked, and all of a sudden, he grabbed my arm and began to pull me away from the door. “What are you doing?” I asked in shock as I followed behind him helplessly. “The lecturer won’t let you in the class again. You’re twenty minutes late.” He uttered as he dragged me into another empty class, not so far from where the lecture was being held. “You weren’t able to get in too?” I asked, my eyes searched his face as he stared at me. “I wasn’t because I got here late too. You know, the delay
~Mia~ After ordering our meal, Charles approached the table where we sat with a wide grin on his face. I had a totally different thought going on in my head, making it hard for me to smile back. “I’m proposing to Sienna tonight.” I could hear his text in my head like he said them to my face. I don’t know why, but I kept feeling he wanted to go ahead with the proposal because of what happened in the car. I hated myself for moving onto him like that. ‘Maybe if I had shut the fuck up, I wouldn’t be the cook for his proposal party.’ I thought. “Are you sure you’re alright? You haven’t said a word since we left school.” Charles uttered as he sat in front of me. I heaved a loud sigh and shook my head. “I’m just tired, Charles. Even though I didn’t attend classes, I’m still pretty stressed.” I muttered and he smiled softly and reached for my hand that was on the table. “I just want you to calm down, beautiful. You are here to relax, okay? Just to eat, chat, and have fun. I promised to
~Ethan~ “Mia!” I called out as John and I walked into the house. In my breast pocket was the ring box I had gotten from Pandora. I pulled it out and placed it on the center table. “Mia!” John called out also, but we got no reply. I furrowed my brows and walked to the kitchen and when I got there, she was nowhere to be found. “That’s strange. I told her to get home at 4 p.m. My mother is on her way here already.” I uttered, walking back to the living room where John was. “You told her that? I met her at the Crunch and Munch restaurant when I went to grab our lunch this afternoon.” “The Crunch and Munch?” I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “What the hell was she doing there? That is like a two-hour ride away from school!” “She was with this guy…” “Let me guess, Charles, right?” I butted in, and he slowly nodded. “You know him??” He asked as I clenched my jaws tightly. “One asshole that won’t fucking leave her alone. Why would she go that far with him when I told her she has to b
~Mia~ While I continued cooking, I heard someone enter the kitchen again. I looked back and saw it was Mr Cross. However, the depressed look on his face made me very worried and curious. “Mr Cross, are you alright?” I asked, and he slowly nodded and let out a very faint smirk. I knew he was lying, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep asking him. I nodded and looked towards the pot on the fire. “I’ll be done with the second dish soon,” I said to him. “Great. You should stop after this meal, or we’ll have massive food wastage.” “Wastage?” I furrowed my brows. “What I have prepared won’t be enough for six to…” “Just do what I have said, Mia.” He butted in coldly and walked out of the kitchen. My jaw dropped and my mind went blank for a second. ‘What just happened? What is going on?’ I asked questions in my head. That was the most I could do at that moment. I did as I was told and after cooking the mushroom sauce, I turned off the gas cooker and kept everything I had prepared wa
~John~I drove to Darla’s house, and as I pulled up to the location, my brows furrowed in confusion. ‘Why does this place look so awkwardly familiar if it’s my first time here?’ I wondered, turning off the engine.Reaching for my phone, I was about to text her when I heard the creak of the gate. Looking up, I saw Darla step out of the compound.“So, I wasn’t imagining things,” I muttered, setting my phone aside as a wide grin spread across my face. “Hey,” I greeted, opening my door and stepping out.“Hey.” Her voice was soft, her lips curling into a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Something felt...off. I opened my arms, pulling her into a tight embrace, my gaze drifting back to the house.“Are you alright?” I asked as she sniffled, nodding against my chest. Pulling back slightly, I looked into her face. “Why does your house look so familiar?”She sighed heavily, her head dropping. “Because...you probably know this house,” she muttered, swallowing hard.“What do you mean?
~Mia~As Ethan and I sat cuddled on the couch in the living room, the sound of the door opening and closing caught our attention. We turned to look, and to our utter shock, it was Mrs. Cross.I quickly jumped to my feet, stepping away from Ethan, my heart pounding as she walked toward us, her eyes locked on me.“Mum, you didn’t mention you were coming,” Ethan said calmly, standing up as well.“Well, I needed to see things for myself,” she replied with a sigh, settling onto one of the armchairs. Ethan stepped closer to me, lacing his fingers with mine. I glanced at him in disbelief.“I knew if I told you I was coming, you two would try to put on an act,” she added.“Mother, we…” Ethan began, but she quickly interrupted.“Let me finish first, okay?” she said gently, gesturing to the couch opposite her. “Please, sit.”Ethan and I exchanged a wary look before doing as she asked.With a deep breath, she continued, “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I’ve realized how self-centered I’ve
~Ethan~I pulled up outside Alexa’s clubhouse and stepped out of the car. Taking long strides, I circled to the passenger side and opened the door for Mia.“Thank you,” she said shyly as she stepped out.“You don’t have to thank me for that.” I took her hand in mine, shutting the door behind us. “It’s just what I’m supposed to do.”We walked toward the entrance together, and I could see the unease etched on Mia’s face. It wasn’t hard to understand why. She hadn’t seen her aunt since the day she’d been sold off, and now that same aunt was sick and planning to sell off Mia’s parents’ properties? It was too much for anyone to process.Inside the club, the daytime atmosphere felt muted compared to its usual liveliness. A few workers were scattered about: the bartender, a couple of the girls, and the cleaners prepping for the night.Mia led the way to her aunt’s office, but before we could reach the door, a voice called out from behind us.“Mia?”We stopped and turned. The guy approaching
~Mia~After a week of exams..."Arrghhh! I’m so glad to finally be done! Now I can enjoy life like never before!" Sharon exclaimed, throwing her arms around my shoulders with glee.I chuckled lightly, nodding. “Same,” I replied, though my tone was far less enthusiastic than hers. “But I’m not happy because I have more time for fun,” I muttered under my breath, my thoughts inevitably returning to Aunt Alexa and the malicious schemes she had for my parents’ estate.Sharon’s expression softened as she looked at me. “Is Charles still giving you trouble?” she asked, concern written all over her face.I shook my head. “No. I’ve made my peace with him facing the consequences of his actions,” I said.“Good,” Sharon said sharply. “He nearly killed Mr. Cross and ran that disgusting anonymous account to ruin your reputation. He’s a lowlife who deserves to rot in prison.”I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by her bluntness.“Well… maybe not rot, but a few years wouldn’t hurt,” she stammered, h
~Sienna~ I paced back and forth in my room, my eyes locked on the pictures on John’s Instagram story. It was from the annual charity gala Ethan and I were supposed to attend together, yet now, he was there with *her*—that maid!“Ugh, he has no taste whatsoever!” I shouted, frustration bubbling over. The thought of him parading around with her at such an event, embarrassing me like this, was infuriating.That girl has done enough. It's time to end this for good. I paused, dialing Mrs. Cross’s number. I needed her to remind me where her loyalties lay—she had been acting too comfortable lately. As the phone rang, I resumed my pacing, waiting for her to pick up. When she finally answered, I stopped in my tracks.“Mrs. Cross?” My voice quivered, on the verge of breaking. “Sienna, darling, how are you?” she replied sweetly. I sniffed, trying to hold back the tears. “I’m not okay, Mom. Ethan went to the gala with that maid. It was supposed to be the two of us,” I mumbled, sniffling harde
~Mia~ I stood in front of the mirror, eyes fixed on my reflection. I was wearing a sleek black silk dress with tiny straps, the one Ethan had gifted me. Around my neck, the necklace he gave me shimmered, and a dainty watch rested on my wrist, right above my black cotten glove.On the other side of the room, Ethan stood in front of the closet, busy getting dressed as well. We were getting ready for the Charity Gala he’d been invited to, and he’d asked me to accompany him as his date.“Baby, can you help me with my watch?” Ethan called out, and I turned toward him. A soft smile spread across my face as he walked toward me and extended his hand.“Why are you smiling?” he asked, his grin playful as he gazed at me.I shrugged lightly. “I… I don’t know,” I stammered, “This… this feels cute. It’s like we’re a couple,” I added shyly, fastening his watch around his wrist.He chuckled. “Like a couple? We are a couple already, babe. We’re not pretending,” he replied, reaching up to touch my fa
~Alexa~"Get Dina here, now!" I shouted, my frustration echoing through the office. One of the girls quickly bolted to fetch her. My account book sat on the desk in front of me, glaring back like an unwelcome reminder.Dina was the club's newest stripper, and in her first week, she was a star—pulling in over $500 a night and earning the title of my favorite. But now? Her nightly earnings had plummeted to less than $100.The door creaked open, and Dina stepped in, dressed for the night."You called for me, Alexa?" she asked, her tone cautious.I grabbed the account book and flung it toward her. She caught it just before it hit the ground. "What the hell is going on? Look at this! Your numbers have tanked! Are you stealing from me?" I demanded, my voice laced with fury.Her eyes widened in shock. "What? No, Alexa! I’d never do that!""Then explain this!" I snapped. "Why aren’t you earning like you used to? What’s the excuse? Your knees giving out or something?"Dina shook her head, "Tha
~John~I pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of my car, clutching a bouquet of roses in one hand. I adjusted my suit and shirt, my heart pounded with nervous anticipation as I approached the entrance.Pushing the door open, I paused for a moment, my eyes sweeping across the restaurant in search of her. And then, there she was—seated in a cozy corner.She spotted me and waved, her face glowing with a cheerful grin. A broad smile spread across my own face as I made my way toward her.I approached the table and set the bouquet on it. She stood, greeting me with a warm hug and a light kiss on the cheek.“Finally,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement as she sat down again.“Right.” I chuckled. “Finally. I’m so sorry you had to wait this long.” Sitting down, I picked up the bouquet and extended it to her. “These are for you.”She accepted it with a soft smile, bringing the flowers to her nose for a gentle sniff. “This is so sweet of you,” she murmured, closing her eyes as i
~Mia~“Won’t you go back to her?” I whispered as I manage to break the kiss and catch my breath. He heaved a loud sigh, his hand moving slowly under my shirt, right on top of my nipple. “I will, but I don’t want to move away from you.” he muttered, resting his forehead on mine. I was still pinned to the wall and my hands were held up high, above my head with one of his hands, while the other explored my warm, perky peaks. “You have to or she will cause another problem.” I responded sadly, “I don’t think I want to deal with her anymore, Ethan.” “You wouldn’t have to.” He responded, slowly releasing his grip on my hands and they fell to my side. I could feel slight pain in my shoulders, but I didn’t care about it. “She wouldn’t bother you anymore. I am working on a plan to end things with her for good.” He said, and my face instantly lit up.“Really?” My voice etched with hope. “Hmmm,” he nodded. “I just need a little more time. I need to prepare my mother for what is to come. If s