Warning: This chapter contains some emotionally triggering scenes like violence and child abuse. 18+ only. (13 years ago)Antonio grunted as he walked out of his room to the living room where his mum and Anthony were. He sighed frustratedly on seeing his mother; she looked so skinny and pale; her lips were all bruised, and her face, her fingers were long and tiny, looking so worn off, and her messy hair packed in a bun shape. She was dressed in a flower-patterned blouse and a flare-long skirt." Mum, you should take some rest; there's nothing we can do; it's not our fault, there's no money; he was the reason why your business failed," Anthony said angrily.Antonio's stomach grumbled, but he was so angry that he ignored his hungry stomach." Mum!" he yelled, startling her." Stop shouting", Anthony shouted back at him," I'm not shouting, I'm just pissed, do you think people would believe it if we say you're our mother?", he began, " we are two handsome boys, we inherited this look fr
" Ow", Clarisse winced," Stay still".Clarisse clenched the tip of the pillow, trying to endure the pain, and Christian gently massaged the ankle. She looked at him as he took care of her; his furrowed brow looked so serious and carefree. Her heart was melting as she watched him try to make it less painful for her and apply lotion around it before placing it on the floor gently." Done, how do you feel?", he asked sitting up next to her," Hm, it's better now", she replied nodding her head," Can you walk with it?"," I should be able to "," Try".She stood up and took a few steps back and forth, nodding her head, "Woah! It's almost not paining me again "," Yeah, I can see that; you're no longer leaping like a frog."Clarisse paused with her shoulder dropped as she gave him a side look but he simply looked away," Just don't stress it, make sure it's no longer paining you"," Hm", she nodded and went back to sit." Mama," he called, looking over at her.The serious but sexy tone ca
"Okay.... let's eat", Sharon said, preparing to dig into the mouth-watering food when Christian grabbed Victor's wrist.His heart skipped, and he didn't say anything throughout the night, hoping not to jolt Christian's senses, but he was wrong; even his silence could not make Christian forget their deal." You ain't forgetting something, are you?" he asked, looking at him.Victor gulped down an empty lump, " what are you talking about?"," I hunted two animals today, how many were you able to kill?"," None", Ashley responded for him and started laughing.Christian let go of his hand and stood up quietly, he put one of his legs forward," You know what to do".Victor clenched his fist hard around the spoon in his hand; he couldn't believe he was facing such humiliation; his blood was boiling; someone as rich as he was going to clean some nonsensical man's shoe, no way." Hey, you can't be serious, did you take that seriously?... "," Hm", Christian nodded, " I took it seriously "," D
Gael noticed her shivering slightly." We should head inside, it's getting chilly", he said and she nodded," Yeah".She looked to the side to see if she'd catch a glimpse of Christian, but he was nowhere in sight, so she headed back into the building with Gael.Victor, who had been in hiding, stepped out of his hideout, looking so displeased, " why is nothing just working my way?" he fumed, " you escaped today doesn't mean you will the next time", he said before walking towards the house.Gael and Clarisse walked into the sitting room and met Ashley excitedly grabbing popcorn and drinks." What's with the night snacks?", Gael asked the moment they stepped in," The next episode of my favorite show is streaming tonight," she cooed as she grabbed the drinks. She managed to put them all in one arm and used her second hand to grab Clarisse." Come join me, it's so interesting." With that, she dragged Clarisse away before she could protest or say 'good night' to Gael.Ashley pulled her to
Clarisse lay down on the bed staring at the ceiling with her heart beating so fast and her cheeks flushed. She couldn't stop the images from popping up in her head. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest when he turned around on the bed and now faced her; she could feel his gaze on her, and the images of the movies she watched with Ashley kept popping up in her head.She groaned inwardly, ' Ashley, what have you done?' she cried, blinking her eyes countless times, ' Nothing is going to happen, nothing is going to happen, just sleep, 'she kept reciting in her head.Christian stared at her widely opened eyes, " ain't you going to sleep?" he asked in a deep husky tone that sent shivers down her spine." I. I'm trying", she managed to utter and then there was silence. His gaze fell to her chest, and he regretted it immediately; it was hard, hard not to grab them and feel the texture with his palm.She looked at him just then, her blue ocean eyes casting a spell on him, looking at him so
" I dare you...to strip, leaving only your boxer on." Clarisse dared smirking evilly and waiting patiently to see shocked and embarrassing facial expressions; she was so ready to laugh.Christian rejoiced inwardly, even though the only he showed was a victorious smirk that was plastered on his face.'I knew it, the old Clarisse can't be so missing', He said in his mind and giggled.Clarisse was confused when she saw that smirk that made her wonder why he wasn't looking displeased. She shivered slightly seeing his eyes turned dark and mischievous. She watched him stand up gently and slowly unbutton his pajama shirt, dropping it to the floor and showcasing his broad chest, biceps, and packs. She gulped hard, her eyes glued to the most beautiful features a man could ever have.He looks so sexy, and hot, and perfect.But the moment he dropped his trousers, she couldn't bring herself to look anymore; she gasped softly as she looked away, realizing that the dare was a total mistake and she
He gave her a harder squeeze and the way she trembled made him stop. He knew immediately that something was wrong. He stopped and looked at her; she wasn't looking at him; her brow was furrowed, and she was trembling, reminding him of what once happened to her.She was lost in pleasure, enjoying the feeling she never knew was there, but when he grabbed her breast harder, the image of the night she was violated came back running. How he roughly grabbed her breast that night, how he violently tore her dress and forced himself down on her, no matter her plea, no matter her scream, he took her brutally.She was still trembling, trying to get away from the images that trapped her when she heard that familiar soothing voice, the only voice that gives her comfort, the only voice that eases her mind and reassures her, the only voice she had grown on, the only voice that makes her feel she's not alone." It's okay, Ari, I'm here," he kept saying as he patted her back with her head against his
Early that night.Charles and his father are on the lounge with a cup of hot tea beside them each; they are laughing and gisting and staring into the pool." Today was so fun, I'm proud of my son winning the challenge, he killed two animals", Charles said proudly, " even I killed none"," Neither do I," Grandfather said, chuckling, " old age indeed set in."" Indeed", Charles supported and they both sipped their tea, " I remember when I was younger and active, I would have killed about six", Grandfather said while Charles burst into laughter," Yeah, yeah", he nodded laughing at his father's exaggeration." I'm telling you", Grandfather bragged." Talking about today, I seriously do not understand your actions sometimes; if they are aiming to resolve something or destroy something, the cunningness and manipulative character make it so hard for me to understand you."Grandfather giggled, "That's the best, my son, develop a character that is so difficult for people to read, makes it so
(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.