She could feel the eyes on her as her booth clicked the floor; her always sensitive ears felt the unusualness in the air, how unusually noisy it was that morning. She tried not to listen to the whispers, not wanting to hear what she might regret hearing, but her mind wondered if the noise was about her dress as her flawless skin was adorned with a beautiful short flare skirt and an off-shoulder lemon top. But she was convinced that it was not her dress and the majority were looking from their phone to her.In order not to be distracted or swayed, she diligently buried herself in her work, sowing lots of dresses with much enthusiasm and ignoring her phone that wouldn't stop buzzing. The sound from the swirling machine did a great job of preventing her ears from hearing the whispers and the continuous buzzing phone. Clarisse was so engrossed in sowing the fabrics together when a lady walked in and tapped her on the shoulder, bringing her back to the realm and making her stop abruptly.
(13 years ago)Nellie sat by the door, unable to go in, Cladded in a black oversized gown; her hair was so messy, her lips were dry and rough, her fingers were so bony, and her neck had deep bole holes in her collarbone. She looks so skinny and pale and that shatters Antonio's heart." Mum", he called with his trembling voice. He was dressed in a black trouser and black shirt like everyone else present, also dressed in black. It was Anthony's funeral.Antonio went to her and knelt beside her enabling him to hear what she was muttering. The same words she had been muttering from the day Anthony died. Antonio felt his chest tighten, suffocating and aching, but he swallowed down his lump and wrapped his small arms around her." I'm sorry, I'm so sorry", she kept muttering," No, mum, it's not your fault", he tried to convince her, but none was entering her ears.Nellie felt ashamed of herself, she felt blank and the feeling of guilt that engulfed her seems to have drowned her in the ocea
The nonstop buzzing sound of Gael's phone finally woke him up; he groaned as he turned around on the couch, his senses getting assaulted by the stench of alcohol in the room and also lingering on his tongue. " Hm," he groaned deeply, holding his head from the banging headache, and the beeping phone wasn't helping.He stretched over to pick it up, opening his closed eyes to check what the buzzing was all about. The moment he read the headline, every foul smell or headache vanished as he jumped up. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped in disbelief as he kept reading through the lines." What?! What the heck! What the hell!!", his disbelief kept increasing but was soon replaced by the ridiculousness of the message that angers him. He looked around." She's gone," he said on realizing this and immediately went to get his sweater and a coat, dialing his mother's number continuously, but she wasn't picking up. Gael began to panic. He called Christian's number also, but he didn't pick up.H
After telling him about Kyle and Alice, she realizes he's more than she thinks of him. Her face won't stop smiling even after driving to the town where they get to feed their eyes with lots of things. They parked the bike somewhere out of the rowdy environment, before strolling inside. They could see the sellers and buyers making friendly transactions, they could hear the drum beating and chanting of the festival people coming from all directions." What kind of a festival are they doing?" Clarisse asked, looking around in astound." Calling in goodness, they do it once in a year", he said smiling as he watched her astonished and excited expression. She started jumping from one shop to another, checking out their goods and the street food they were selling. They brought some steaks cut that were aligned into a tiny stick." Hm," she moaned as she chewed the delicious meat." Want some of that?" Christian asked, pointing at the shop selling local wine." Yes", she replied with her mou
(13 years ago)A couple was having a blast in a car with loud music playing, their voice highly singing along with the music, accompanied by the strong stench of alcohol. The car window was down, and the woman poked out her head, letting the wind blow her hair and screaming at the top of her lungs.***Anthony grinned as he hopped back home with the nylon of three donuts." That moron would be so happy when he sees this, that for food only", he chuckled to himself referring to Antonio.***Don was heading back home feeling tipsy after enjoying his friend's gathering and getting drunk. He managed to walk out of the gathering and on his way home, he sighted Anthony about to cross the road." Oh thank God! I'll just tell him to help me home", he said, relaxing back to the pole, hiding from Anthony, " I can't let him see me; he might take another pact if he knows I need his help."He grinned at his wise decision drunkenly when he heard the screeching sound of tires and a loud thud." Huh?
Seething through his veins is fury, increasing with every step he took away from Don, making Clarisse's call indistinct to his ears; the simmering rage ignites both profound grief and a strong desire for vengeance. His powerful, dangerous nature manifests in cold calculation, ready to unleash destruction on those responsible, all while masking his anguish with a facade of control, his face blank, his ears blocked from the world's sound as memories of tender moments with his brother flood back, now tainted by the cruel truth of his murder. Every smile, every shared laugh turns bittersweet, fueling his sorrow and stoking the inferno of his wrath, calculated thirst for vengeance that now drives his mind. Clarisse ran after him, but by the time she got to him, he already hopped on the bike, so she quickly hopped on before he left her behind. She was confused, had no idea what he was thinking, and her existence suddenly vanished from his sight, she knew he was going through a lot, she wan
Blue noticed Clarisse's sullenness since she arrived; she looked disturbed and unhappy, pacing to and fro. She wanted to ask her what was wrong but was reluctant; she didn't want to trespass, and neither did she think someone like her would want to confide in a maid.Blue sighed and was about to take her leave after cleaning when Clarisse called her." Blue"," Yes, ma'am"," Can you please spare me a minute?"," Sure, ma'am, anything you want," she said and immediately dropped the napkin, stepping closer to her to give her attention." Blue, there's something on my mind"," What's that ma'am"," Can you be my friend? Even if it's just for this moment? No Ma'am, please".Blue wanted to hesitate, but seeing the need in her eyes, she nodded with a smile." Do you want to confide in me with something?"," Yeah, I want to do something and I also need to admit"," What's that?"," You saw the viral videos right?"," Yes, I did"," It makes me realize somethings, something also happened ear
Patricia was in her room with Ruby, swaying her butt alongside the music playing; her joy seemed to know no bounds, giggling and laughing as the bubbling joy in her kept increasing." Can't imagine dealing with those people would bring you so much joy", Ruby said shooking her head while grinning," Of course darling, putting some people in their place brings you more respect ", She bragged, " and now that they've tasted my pills, they'll know more not to step on my toes, or mess with my family "," I can't even believe they ain't trying to bring down the post or videos"," They can't Ruby, that's like them admitting to it, all they could do is nothing ", she said and chuckled," And this one you're dolling up, are you taking us out to celebrate?", Ruby asked excitedly," Nope, I'm going off to see my partner"," Your partner? Ferdinand?"," No, but I'll be going over to his office as a surprise visit later in the evening; right now, I'm talking about my business partner, "she said, pu
(13 months later)Blue was bubbling with so much excitement that Clarisse couldn't help but chuckle." Your excitement is above the cloud", Clarisse said and she measured her waist," I know right ", she confirmed and giggled," Our bride-to-be ", Clarisse winked at her causing her to blush " She's my bride, "Gael said behind them, and everyone laughed.Clarisse poked her tongue at her, " everyone knows", she teased," I need to inform you guys again "." Your waist is small, and your hip is big; you have a very nice shape," Clarisse said to Blue moving the tape rule around her." Thank you, but make sure my wedding gown is more beautiful than Elizabeth's "," Elizabeth? The senator's wife?", Clarisse asked and burst into laughter, " yes ma'am "," I'm serious "," I know, you trust me right?"," Sure"," Then we're good, I'll make a stunning wedding dress for you"," I know you'll make a beautiful one but I want the one that's more beautiful than hers".Clarisse laughed, " as long a
" $10,000","$25,000"," $45,000"," $75,000"," $80,000"," $90,000"," $100,000. Going... going..at the count of three, 1, 2, 3", he rang the bell, "sold at $100,000".Blue clasped her hands together, feeling so emotional. That's the smallest amount that her painting was sold, and they're still bidding. She never believed or imagined that her painting would cost that much.Gael grinned and looked at her; his heart felt fulfilled. He looked so happy as more paintings and crafts were placed on display.One of her pants that speaks of undying love that got embraced by nature and death was purchased by Clarisse at seven million dollars.They gave each other a very tight hug when the show was over. " I feel like I'm on top of the sky right now," Blue sobbed, hugging Clarisse." There are beautiful paintings, well done Blue"," Thank you so much".Clarisse broke the hug, " I did nothing, but there are many people over there that you should thank, we'll meet later on"," Sure ", she nodde
( Still flashback)Clarisse's heart tightened after listening to the recorder; she took a deep breath as tears gathered in her eyes. It was a lot for her, listening to a family of hers plotting her death.Christian pulled her closer into his arms and whispered, "Are you okay?".She smiled bitterly and nodded, her chest getting tight and firm, " they were never my family", she said coldly." They killed my parents and now their daughter is planning to kill me"," Would you have gone truly? If I hadn't played this tape", Marissa asked," I would have, I would have agreed to meet her, but where she gets it wrong was thinking I would move according to her plans if she really wants my forgiveness, she'll come to see me, if we have to meet then I'll book a restaurant and I won't go anywhere without telling my man about it".Marissa sighed, " I don't think she'll want you to tell anyone that you want to meet with her "," That's for sure", Ryan agreed," I said I won't move according to her
(Flashback)Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to something she had never noticed or something she pretended not to notice. Realizing which relationship she wanted more and which relationship she never wanted to end, she picked up her phone after prioritizing someone she never wanted to think about or imagine losing.She took her phone and dialed Alice's contact; after concluding to meet, she went to take her bath and get dressed before calling Ryan.Praying and wishing he picked, she felt so relieved and happy when he did after the third rang," Hi, Ryan"," Hi", he replied coldly," Can we meet, please? I would come over"," Okay".Her heart ached when he coldly hung up; she swallowed hard, accepting the coldness, and with more desperation, she headed over to his place. After the short drive, she arrived at his house and took a deep breath, exhaling heavily before stepping out of the car.She knocked on his door and he opened the door." He
( very early the next morning)Alice walked out of the house and headed over to where Marissa's car was packed; she opened the door with Marissa's key and reached out for her bag; she opened Marissa's bag and took out the pistol.She smiled heartily at the gun, " beautiful", she uttered and threw the bag back into the car before closing it and heading back into the house.Her stomach grumbled as she stepped in; she went straight to the kitchen counter to make herself a cup of cornflakes and tucked the gun into her back pocket before heading to the room where Clarisse was tied.With her head banging and spinning, she slowly flickered her eyes open to a bright room that nearly blinded her eyes. Slowly, she adjusted her sight to the room light and raised her head to see Alice munching on something; when she took another spoon, she realized it was flakes.Her body felt numb, and she couldn't move; she looked at herself to realize her situation." Oh, you're awake", Alice said, grinning wh
Alice smirked evilly, " Tonight? Can we meet tonight?"," Sure"." Please don't tell anyone that you're coming to see me, especially Christian"," And why that?"," I did the wrong thing towards him also, he'd hate it if you tell him you're coming to see me and he might not accept"," Christian isn't that type of a person, he holds no grudge"," Still," her voice became sadder, " I want you to forgive me and also help me ask him for forgiveness; I'm just scared he'd refuse you to come and see me."Clarisse sighed, " don't worry, I won't tell him", she accepted," Oh, you're such a darling! Clarisse, thank you so much, I'll definitely repay this kindness"," It's okay, let me go and get ready"," Yeah, sure, I'll be expecting you".With that, Clarisse hung up." Hi", she went back to Blue," Hi, done?"," Yeah, yeah I'm done, just that, I need to head out "," Hope everything is okay?"," Yeah sure, I just have to meet someone, I'm sorry we have to cut the conversation, and the moment
" If you're sure she'd fall into the trap then no issue, what do you need, tell me"," I'm going to lure her over to a place I know, I've checked every place in that area, there's no surveillance camera in that area so we don't have an issue getting traced or finding us"," Okay...once you lure her there, what next?"," That's where you come in"," I'm good with knife, I just need to stab her right ?".Alice smirked, "No, there's something else you need to do".Marissa furrowed her brow as she listened to the rest of Alice's plan before smiling satisfactorily and nodding in agreement with her plan.************Clarisse and Blue burst into laughter as they kept chatting and giggling." Honestly, it's so nice to have someone who gets you like no one"," I know right, I've never imagined that I'd be in this situation ", Blue said smiling," I guess no matter how dark this world can be, there are people who are different and special ","And I'm lucky to have met some of them ".Clarisse
On a pair of jeans short and a blue crop top, Marissa sat on the floor with a glass cup of alcohol in her right hand. She sat on the floor with her elbow resting on her knees, staring blankly into space. Her heart felt heavy, her eyes felt tired, and her busy mind kept replying to memories, not just any memory but her memories with Christian.Remembering when he first got enrolled into the school and how they bumped into each other, spilling her milk on her shirt, how he became Ryan's best friend and automatically became hers as well.She remembered how she always stared at him, how handsome his cold face was, how she was always eager and impatient to see him again the following day, and when it was weekend, she'd suggest hangout, which he never agreed to, but she and Ryan would suddenly show up in his house. She chuckled when she remembered the expression he'd give them." Ah", she heaved a deep sigh.Ryan's words started repeating in her head once again, bringing her awareness to s
Marissa stormed into the sitting room in a rage and threw her purse onto the couch angrily." Hey, you good?", Ryan asked moving on the couch," Of course not, I'm pissed", she said walking towards the fridge to get bottles of alcohol," What happened? Did someone upset you?"," More than upset me"," Who?"," Don't worry, just be my drinking buddy for this night", she said placing the bottles on the table." Tell me what happened, if not, I'm not drinking anything"," Ugh! Don't be childish, I called you to come over so that you can be my drinking buddy".Displeased to hear that, he sighed, " I will be your drinking buddy; I just need you to tell me what happened."Unable to keep it from him, she said fuming, "It didn't go as planned, the plan was to ruin the show, ruin the show dresses but she couldn't even get that done, she's so useless"," What, are you talking about?",Fuming, she said, "I want to make her pay, make her know her place, and not touch what belongs to other people.