[Arella] "You know what he did, yet you bailed him out! How—" "Oh, shut up, Arella. Is this another plot of yours to get me to talk to you? I must say, you're quite the shameless one." Deric snickers. His words hit me like a slap, cutting deep. My anger rises, sharp and biting, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "Just stop. Stop it, okay? Why did you free him, Deric? He drugged me! Why did you have to interfere?" I yell, my voice cracking at the end. "Don't tell me what I can and cannot do, and for fuck's sake, stop being a desperate loser vying for my attention every single time! It's barely been a week. Just leave me alone and never call this line again!" The line goes dead, leaving a deafening silence in its wake. Angry tears blur my vision, the sting of humiliation spreading through my chest. My hands tremble as I grip the phone tightly. Why did I even call? What did I think I could prove? A lump forms in my throat, but I swallow it down. There’s only one way
[Lincoln]“M-Mr. Sawyer, what are you doing here?”His voice is shaky, tinged with fear.“Why? Am I not allowed to come to my school?” I scoff, stepping inside with deliberate slowness. The sight of him visibly flinching fills me with grim satisfaction. He’s scared, that’s good. If only he knew the storm of anger burning through me right now.“Lincoln…”Arella’s soft, broken voice pulls my attention, and I turn to her. Her chest rises and falls unevenly, her breath shaky. Small droplets of tears cling to her lower lashes. The sight makes my chest tighten, and I feel a sharp pang in my heart. I nod at her, fighting the overwhelming urge to pull her into a protective embrace. Not now.Instead, I turn back to the principal and take another step forward, each movement deliberate and steady, a quiet storm brewing inside me.“You haven’t answered my question, Mr. Paulo. Is this how you treat people in my school?”His face pales, and he stammers, “N-No, sir! You don’t understand. Those kids
[Arella]"Sorry, but we don't find your qualifications suitable for our company. Please try somewhere else."I swallow thickly, the bitter taste of disappointment evident. Three weeks. I'd spent the last three weeks looking for a job everywhere, and I keep getting rejected. A master’s degree in accounting and experience with Ames Finances wasn’t suitable for a managerial position? That’s utter bullshit.I clench my fists as I step outside, the warm afternoon sun doing little to ease the chill of frustration creeping through me. I’ll tell you what’s really going on—I’ve been blacklisted. And by none other than my shitbag of an ex-husband.What does Deric want from me? He called me up two weeks ago. Apparently, Vivian still feels ‘sorry’ for me, and he offered me a job as his receptionist. I helped Deric Smith build a multi-billion-dollar company, and he offers me a job as a receptionist? The nerve. I told him off, and he became offended. Told me I would never get a job anywhere
[Lincoln] “It was a hassle but I found the file, sir.” Jane’s voice is crisp but slightly hesitant, drawing my attention from the document in front of me.“Thank you, Jane.” I reply reaching for it.“But if I may ask, why do you need this student’s file? Shouldn’t you be preparing for your meeting with the minister? He’s already offended, as you’ve bailed on him once.”Her words cut through my concentration like a sharp blade. I lift my head to hers, my eyes locking on her steady gaze. She’s right, and she knows it.“I’ll be there soon,” I reply, dismissing her with a nod.As the door clicks shut behind her, I turn my focus back to the file in my hands. The edges of the folder feel worn under my fingertips as I flip it open. My gaze lands on a passport-sized photograph of a young girl: Ava Myers, age 17. Her wide, determined eyes stare back at me from the glossy paper.My eyes skim across her achievements—a list so impressive it momentarily halts my thoughts. A small grin splits my
[Arella]Vivian’s face comes into view as soon as I turn, her delicate features framed by soft waves of hair, and I can't help but let out a snark. The air between us feels thick, like static before a storm. Her eyes widen, a flicker of surprise and possibly dread crossing her face, but then she smiles and approaches me for a hug, stopping midway at my death glare.“Arella, how are you? I’ve been so worried, and Deric won’t let me speak to you. I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” she says, blinking repeatedly, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and pity.I feel sick to my stomach, the pit churning as if it holds molten lava. I don’t think I can work here. What was I even thinking? Kaitlin already hates me, and now she’s friends with Vivian? The world feels cruelly orchestrated.“Come on now, don’t be all high and mighty, Arella. She just asked a question,” Kaitlin says smugly, her tone mocking. She stands a few feet away, leaning casually against the counter, her arms crossed.
[Arella]“H-How did you find me?” I stammer, taking a step back as his dark laugh echoes through the night air. He steps closer, the sound of his shoes scraping against the pavement sending a chill down my spine.Anger floods my veins, and a heavy knot forms in my stomach. “What are you doing here, Frank?”He smirks, his eyes gleaming, the intensity of his gaze piercing through the darkness. “I told you I’d make you regret it. That little stunt you pulled in front of the police officer the other day caused quite a ruckus for my reputation.”I square my shoulders and stand straighter, my pulse racing as I try to control the fear creeping up my spine. “So what? I didn’t get my justice, and a lowly man like you is still roaming freely. Shame on you,” I spit, my voice thick with venom. “How could you do that to me? What if something bad had happened?”He laughs, loud and dark, the sound chilling, like ice water pouring over my skin. “That was the plan all along, sweet girl. You know,
[Arella]Pushing up to my feet, I stumble to the only room in our tiny apartment. My knees feel shaky as I rummage through my bag, the weight of uncertainty pressing on me. Finally, my fingers brush against the smooth edge of Lincoln's card. I pull it out, staring at the number embossed in a fine elegant print. His personal number.I swallow hard, hesitation bubbling in my chest. Is this a good idea? Or should I just meet him in person? My thoughts spiral as I imagine the headlines if we’re seen together. Those filthy entertainment news handlers haven’t stopped tearing me apart since the saga with Deric. .A call it is, then.The phone feels heavy in my hand as I dial the number, my pulse thrumming in my ears. My thumb lingers over the call button, and something stirs deep in my stomach. Butterflies? How ridiculous.It rings. The sound seems endless, stretching time. My heart leaps when a deep, smooth voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts."Hello?"A breath catches in my throa
[Arella]Eyes are still on us as Deric’s laughter dies down. His gaze locks onto mine, and my stomach twists under the intensity of his disgust."This is what you rejected my offer for? A job as an event planner?” “And I was supposed to what? Accept a receptionist job at a company we built with our sweat?" I bit back, fury thrumming through my veins, as a flush of humiliation rises on my cheeks.His laugh rings out again, louder this time, cruel and biting, as if he’s reveling in my discomfort. He wipes his eyes dramatically and smirks, twisting the knife further. "You’re so delusional, Arella."He turns to Vivian, and instantly, his entire demeanor shifts. His expression softens in the way it always does when he looks at her, making my chest tighten painfully. "You knew about this, babe? Why didn’t you tell me? We would’ve never come here.""I just wanted to give her a chance," Vivian says sweetly, her voice dripping with honey. Chance? What the heck is she even talking about?Sh
[Arella]Vivian turns to face me, her eyes widening in shock. Her blood-red lipstick falters slightly, though she quickly schools her expression. She’s dressed to impress, wearing a fitted white blazer with gold accents and matching high-waisted trousers, her stilettos clicking nervously against the tiled floor. Her sleek, chestnut-brown hair falls perfectly over her shoulders—too perfect, too practiced.“A-Arella?” she says incredulously, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine. “What are you doing here?”I arch a brow, my pulse quickening—not with fear, but with simmering resentment. Her audacity still manages to surprise me.“I should be asking you that, Vivian,” I snap, keeping my voice cold and steady. “Haven’t you already been informed that we do not wish to work with Ames Finances?”The flicker of embarrassment in her eyes is brief before she recovers, her expression hardening.“And what gave you the right to turn down Ames Finances?” she prods, her voice sharp. Gon
[Arella]"I'd gladly bring you to Nevada next time, even if you don't have a doctor's appointment. You really seemed to enjoy yourself," Lincoln says, his deep, smooth voice carrying a teasing undertone as he leads me out of his Bentley. The cool evening air brushes against my skin, a stark contrast to the cozy warmth inside the car. His hand rests on my lower back, steady and protective.We spent the weekend in Nevada, indulging in a world that felt distant from reality, only landing this evening. It's a weekday already. Bridget's gonna give me an earful for vanishing like that. "I'd like that," I say, meaning it more than I should. His lips curl into a slow, satisfied smile that makes my heart lurch, traitorous as ever."Or we could go somewhere more exotic for our honeymoon," he whispers that last part just for me, his breath grazing my ear like a forbidden secret.The mansion looms before us, grand and imposing, its towering pillars gleaming under the soft glow of garden lights
[Deric]"What do you mean you're canceling the deal? This is unacceptable, I–hello? Hello?!""Fuck!" I snap, slamming my fist against the polished oak conference table, the sharp sound reverberating across the room. The board of directors seated across from me flinch, their faces pale and tense."Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" My breathing quickens, chest tightening. "We're losing everything! How did this happen?" My voice cracks with desperation."W-we have no clue," one of the men stammers, beads of sweat gathering at his temple. "It's as if we're intentionally being blacklisted by some force."His words send a chill down my spine. Blacklisted? By who? Why now?"What does that even mean?" I respond sharply, my voice cutting through the stifling air. "This issue isn't confined to San Diego—our suppliers and recruits are terminating contracts across the entire state of California!"How is it possible that no one wants to work with Ames Finances? The company I built with blood, sweat, and ruthles
[Lincoln] "W-what?!" Arella lets out a startled gasp. "H-how did it happen?" "I don't know," I say, trying to keep my cool despite the storm brewing inside me. "I'm going to need you to calm down, baby. Can you do that for me?" "Lincoln…" she starts, fear widening her eyes, her breath coming in shallow pants. "Please, Ella," I plead, my eyes flicking back to the road as the car swerves dangerously. There's a large field coming up. It's fenced, but that isn't going to be a problem—not if I can help it. "Are your seat belts on?" I ask, my voice tight with controlled urgency. Her watery eyes meet mine. "Lincoln… I'm scared," she admits, trembling. The car jerks violently, nearly spinning out of control. Despite my calm façade, my head pounds with a thousand chaotic thoughts. Nothing must happen to them. Nothing. "Are your seat belts intact, Arella?" I ask again, firmer this time. She nods with a sob, clutching her seatbelt tightly as if it could anchor her to safet
[Lincoln] The ambiance of the 7-star Michelin restaurant is almost suffocatingly posh, reeking of old money and self-importance. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the high ceiling, their cold light shimmering off gold-accented walls. The faint hum of soft classical music seeps into the room, blending with the clink of fine cutlery and quiet murmurs of privileged patrons. Why Clement Thompson chose this particular restaurant for a simple lunch is beyond me. It feels like I’ve walked into a live-action display of "Who’s the Richest?" “Right this way, Mr. Sawyer.” A lady with a crisp British accent, dressed in an immaculately tailored suit, leads me through the maze of lavishly decorated tables to a private room. The air is thick with the scent of aged wine and freshly baked bread. Seating in front of Mr. Thompson, I relax my posture, though every instinct tells me to be on guard. His sharp, calculating eyes study me like I’m both a challenge and a prize he intends
[Arella]The hot summer sun beats down, its harsh rays bouncing off Mr. Malcolm's bald head. I sit up straighter, tilting my head to avoid the glare coming through the open window. The office feels warm, with the AC struggling to keep the heat at bay.“What is the matter, Mr. Malcolm?” I ask calmly, masking my irritation.“Oh, please, cut that bullshit, young lady!” he snaps, his voice sharp and abrasive, echoing through the quiet office.I arch a brow, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Funny how bold he is now that Bridget is out on business. His audacity is as suffocating as the humid air hanging heavily in the office.“I'll ask again, Mr. Malcolm. What is the matter?”He storms forward and slams a crumpled piece of paper on my desk, his thick fingers trembling with barely restrained rage.“This! This is the matter! What do you think of yourself, eh? That you can just come here and change the order of things? My project with the Ames finances will not be cut off the vision board,
[Arella]Turning my worried eyes away from Ava, who looked like she'd seen a ghost, I turn to none other than Deric. The air feels thick, like something heavy is about to drop, and it settles in the pit of my stomach. I swear, it’s like fate is always playing a cruel joke on me, making me cross paths with this scumbag at the worst possible time.I scoff immediately, the sound sharp and biting, as I feel the blood rush to my face in anger. "Why can't I be here? Is the mall yours?" He smiles smugly, his lips curling into a mocking grin. "I should be asking you this same question. I'm here to get an engagement ring for my soon-to-be wife, Vivian."He emphasizes her name like it’s some kind of victory. Like I should care. “Not like you would know anything about that”, he adds, the jab aimed right at me…I don't even know if I should call this a jab though, seems pathetic.My smile turns brighter, forced but sharp. "Well, my husband closed down the mall for today. It'd be in your best in
[Arella]The weekend rolls by, and despite how drained I feel from my first week at Chanax, I’m excited to see my sister again.The car pulls up, its engine purring softly as it comes to a stop. Without waiting for Lincoln, I push the door open and step out, my shoes crunching against the gravel.“Careful,” he says behind me, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. I don’t even have to turn around to know he’s shaking his head at me.The camp air wraps around me, warm and inviting, with the faint scent of pine and freshly turned earth wafting through the breeze. The soft hum of nature fills my ears, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. Beautiful birds flit between the trees, their bright colors streaking against the dense greenery.Tucked away in the busy city, this camp feels like a sanctuary—a place of hope for children with MDD. My heart swells at the thought of seeing Ava again, of being able to hold her.“Ava!” I squeal, excitement bubbling in
[Lincoln] "I wanted to see my wife," I reply, unashamed. Arella rolls her eyes. "You saw me this morning," she retorts, her tone clipped but playful. I shake my head slowly, holding her gaze. "Doesn't matter. Had lunch yet?" She flushes, her lips twitching with guilt. "Would you believe a yes?" "I wouldn't," I reply, my jaw tightening at her carelessness. "Get in," I command firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. "What? Now? I’m at work, you know," she protests, exasperated but already moving toward the car. I give her a pointed look. With a resigned sigh, she slips into the passenger seat, smoothing her skirt with jittery fingers. Reaching into the back seat, I grab the small flask of food and place it in her hands. Her eyes brighten instantly, a spark of joy softening her tense features. "You got me food?" she asks, her voice rising with surprise. "Hmm." I hum, savoring her reaction. Before she can say more, I grab her chin with controlled intensity and press my li