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Jason told me Drake’s place was nowhere near our house, but ever since that day in the kitchen, Drake had walked me home every day from school.“Thanks for walking me home again today,” I said as we strolled into our neighborhood, looking at our shadows on the pavement. The sun was setting with a dramatic filter of orange hitting our faces.He smiled. “No problem.”Drake Mallory was a gentleman. He would carry my books when we walked, and he listened diligently to anything I would say. He also smiled a lot and could laugh easily at simple things. We didn’t talk about anything very personal and only discussed important school activities… until the day he showed me his art.“Alayna. I’m going to show you something.” He opened his backpack, drew out a black, thick sketchpad, and then flipped some pages before presenting it to me.He showed me an etched drawing of a beautiful girl with her long fingers brushed on her hair and as though her charcoal eyes were looking straight at me.“You c
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NOW“What do you think I should wear? This—” I lift the rose-gold Dior sequined evening dress “—or this?” I show Brandon the black Burberry embellished satin dress.Both dresses were brought by John today and various other glittery versions since Brandon wanted to be sure I was wearing the best. He even had the store owner pick out everything personally and deliver it to the penthouse.He deliberately didn’t tell me because he knew I would oppose. I typically would, but there was no point debating with him now. I have nothing decent to wear, and I won’t go to the art exhibit in Brandon’s arms unmatched by his designer looks.The love of my life looks away from his phone, slipping it back into his pocket, then gazes up at the dresses. He is already immaculately and deliciously dressed in a crisp designer tux.“They’ll both look good on you, I’m sure.” He studies me with the visible desire in his eyes. I have been walking around in dresses in his penthouse all morning.My shoulders fall
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“Now, here is what you’re going to do. Give me your phone number, and let’s keep in touch, mm?” Drake pinches my chin, staring straight into my eyes. It was the same eyes I fell in love with all those years ago.I hate it. I hate that I’m still urged to obey him because he will hurt me if I don’t.I clench my fist.I need to resist him.I survived when he left me.It took me so long to gather myself and my sanity. It’s as if he still has this power over me, and the compulsion he used to groom in me is still present, though I prayed for it to stay gone for good.Yet, I find my hand slipping into my purse, and I hand my phone to him with my shaking hands. I shut my eyes.“Shh…” He brushes his thumb on my cheek. “No need to be scared. We have a lot to talk about. I wasn’t always like this, remember?”And he would always say those words to manipulate me.‘I’m a good person, Alayna. I wasn’t always like this. Please don’t give up on me now.’I pucker my lips. My skin shudders as my body dr
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“It was a disaster.” Brandon sighs.“What was?”“They were fighting outside,” Brandon explains. “She was screaming her lungs out in Oliver’s face. He’s livid.”“What were they talking about?”“Her family forced her onto the plane, and now, here they are.”“Oh, God. I’d probably be furious too. Are they sure they’re going to marry? Do you know her?”“I know her family. Daphne’s mother is a Dragoumis, but I don’t know much about her. I see her on family occasions. She seemed opposed to their upcoming union too.”“Lovely name,” I comment honestly. “But who would want to marry someone they didn’t love, right? Who wants an arranged marriage these days? It’s too old-fashioned.”“Not in my family.” Brandon exhales. “And it’s not the case anymore with him. Oliver chose this.” He takes my hands and brings my knuckles to his lips. His soft mouth tickles my skin. “Anyway, you look upset. Something happened.”I want to tell him badly that Drake found me, but I’m afraid. I don’t want to keep thing
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Eleven years ago…Drake hadn’t spoken to me since the incident with the mayor. He had been quiet the past few days, and not even our classmate could talk to him. He was distant from Jason too, and my brother knew he shouldn’t bother him. I had the urge to approach him since I thought we’d finally become close, but I didn’t want to make anything worse, so I kept my mouth shut.The bell rang after the PE class while Arianna and I went to the girls’ locker to change.“Do you think Drake is okay?” Jenny abruptly asked, interrupting our current conversation.My senses were automatically on high alert after hearing his name.Arianna glanced at Jenny, then pulled her t-shirt off her head. I continued peeling off my tops, trying not to let my curiosity show.“Drake Mallory is transferring to his rightful class if that’s what you’re talking about.” Peach, our class president, joined in. “I’m sure he’ll be fine.”“What do you mean?” Mae asked.“I mean, he’ll be a senior starting next week,” Pea
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NOW“He was there, and you didn’t even bother telling me, Alayna?” Brandon blurts out as soon as we’re in the penthouse, throwing his suit jacket across the room in anger. I jolt in surprise.I don’t know what Drake’s game is anymore. He deliberately told me not to tell Brandon anything, but he flaunted his presence in front of everybody.I’m not sure what excuse I would tell Brandon, nor would I want to make any excuses. I want to tell him so badly, but something is stopping me.Brandon shakes his head in disappointment and loosens his necktie. “Stay the night here.”“But Brandon—”“That is not a request. You’re not getting away from this.” He demands through a clenched jaw before stomping upstairs.I collapse on the couch in frustration, slinging an arm over my eyes. How am I supposed to explain this to him?I barely have a second to breathe when Brandon comes back downstairs. He’s already dressed in a white shirt and gray sweatpants. He then hands me a silk lavender-colored nightgo
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Brandon isn’t on his side of the bed when I wake up. He isn’t anywhere in the penthouse, either. The restlessness I feel heightens more from last night’s conversation, knowing it ended in a complete misunderstanding.He would misinterpret everything. That was a given, I admit it. I can’t tell him everything because I’m afraid of losing him.He’d think I’m dirty if he knew about Drake and me. I’m not proud of what I did, especially if it concerns Drake.Leaving only a small note on the breakfast tray, I know Brandon has already left for New York before I even look at the notice."Don’t stay out late"I crumple the paper and toss it away. I’m not upset that Brandon left me a message on a note, but I’m mad at myself. I could’ve tried to talk to him more when I felt the bed move last night. I wasn’t able to sleep. I should have been more open.I just couldn’t.I’m such a coward.And he even prepared breakfast for me. I was supposed to do this for him.Crying, I eat the food on the tray. I
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I joined Dennis and Rexy after we closed the restaurant. John, as expected, follows us to the bar, and Rexy can’t stop asking about my bodyguard already. Of course, I can’t explain that because I’d have to tell them the reason.Although, I basically end up spilling everything to my friends, minus the complicated drama.“So, your ex-boyfriend found you after so many years, and your current boyfriend finds out about him only recently. You fought, and this morning he left without even letting you know.”“I know he’s leaving today, but he left without even talking to me,” I explain as we make our way to the bar.“Is your ex someone you can’t forget and still have feelings for?” Rexy asks.“I don’t have feelings for him,” I answer without hesitation.“Then what’s the problem?” Dennis asks, taking a drink of his cocktail.“The ex is pursuing her again,” Rexy concludes.“You can just ignore him until he stops,” Dennis offers.“That’s the problem. This is only the beginning. He won’t stop,” I
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BRANDON They said nothing lasts forever, but that phrase might not be entirely true. Yes, I’ve lived a wretched life in the past. I was driven by guilt, anger, and revenge for as long as I could remember. I couldn’t do anything because I thought I was weak. I thought it was how I was going to die. Hopeless and a failure. Until she came into my life and changed everything. Alayna turned my world upside down and showed me a different side of reality I hadn’t yet seen. She made me realize it wasn’t too late to hope or win—the exact opposite of what I had lived for all along. For when I was hopeless, she showed me hope. I felt despair; she granted me peace. I thought I had more guilt than anyone else in the world, but she gave me her love. With her, my journey truly begins. Our marriage. My forever. We should enjoy every second of it now in a summer townhouse resort in Varkiza, one of the estates we owned in Athens. I am now tangling my wife’s hair as she devours my shaft by the
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I walk them to the end of the venue, greeting the guests as we pass. Then I meet up with Cary and Stan by the garden’s exit. The twins step aside to introduce me to a man of nearly sixty—who did his best to appear formal with the suit I sent him. I immediately recognize the features of his face.The man opens his arms. “Brandon, my favorite boy…”I approach him immediately and briefly drape my arm around his shoulder. “Uncle Basil, you came.”“Of course. I won’t miss your special day.”“Um, hello?” Casey steps forward and joins in.“Ah, it must be you now. You’re Elysia,” Uncle Basil says. I step back, giving them space.Casey blushes. “I go with a different name now, um… but…”“No, you are Elysia. Elga’s younger sister. I held you as a baby.” He smiles in awe. “You look so much like your brother and your father—Oh!”Casey instantly embraces him. “Brandon said you look like him too.”Our uncle nods, stroking her back. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, child.”She snivels. “I alread
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BRANDON“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride…”My wife selected a garden house by the beach in East Hampton for our wedding. Her dream wedding. She looked exceptionally royal in her white long trail wedding dress today. Omar did a remarkable job, as usual. I honestly can’t wait for this celebration to end, so I can finally have my wife for myself.Alayna wanted an intimate celebration with our families, but some press always finds a way to invite themselves. At least a hundred people are present today to witness our most awaited union compared to the five hundred who attended our engagement party.My beautiful wife is now in my arms, having our first dance as a married couple.“Hello, husband. You look very handsome.” She traces the line of my suit with her fingertips, and the diamond wrap around her finger flickers.“You look like I’m ready to eat you.”She giggles, and I always love the sound of it. “Behave,” she says, but her smile says otherwise.I raise a
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ALAYNAOne week later“Senator Donovan Mallory is arrested for child trafficking, distributing child pornography, and the murder of Dr. Richard Hart, the former chair of Lifeline Foundation. The trial for his case will begin in two weeks…”The report switches the frame over to a desperate old man being hauled by the cops.“Let me go! This is not over yet! The mayor of Seattle is mentally sick! Do you hear me? I cannot accept this! He is lying!” he yells over the reporters surrounding him in front of the courthouse.“This is Luis Crawford from AAC News, reporting.”Cassius shuts off the news. We are now gathered in the living room, silently waiting for someone to speak.Last week, Cassius and Carmelo visited the senator to let him know Drake abducted me, but he only chased them away and denied his son. He told them he had no business in Drake’s escapades. However, during Drake’s interview, he disclosed everything he knew about his father and apologized to me in public.“Drake didn’t me
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Brandon returns with a bare torso, flaunting his delicious abs and toned muscles. He’s changed into gray sweatpants. I watch him turn off some lights, raise the thermostat, and turn the stereo on.“Get onto the bed and lie down,” he says while heading toward me.We now have pleasant room temperature, dim, romantic lights, and a mellow piece of music.Okay. I’m not getting dressed then.I slide my buttocks along the bed’s cushion and move over the middle. I swallow dryly.Brandon crawls on the bed. Gradually, he positions himself on top of me and snatches off my robe.“Let me just remind you…” he whispers. “You asked for this. You’re too persistent that I have to do something about it.” He pushes himself up then yanks down his pants and boxers without breaking eye contact. His erect shaft swells up.No matter how many times I see him in this state, I just can’t get enough. Everything about him is just too beautiful. At times, I find him hard to handle.He lowers himself again. “Spread
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ALAYNAMy body aches everywhere, but I stiffen. It hurts too much to move.I’m still alive.Right, yes. I remembered being saved, and I saw Oliver’s face. He told me Brandon came.Around me, I smell antiseptic and undertones of the artificial fragrance. Judging by the scent of my surroundings, I’m aware of where I am. Bit by bit, I blink my eyes and try to open them.My beautiful man’s face is the first thing I see.“Hi…”He kisses my knuckles and brings my palm to his face. “Hey.”I force a smile. “I love you.”His eyes redden and start to swell. “I love you too.”“Oh, don’t cry. I can still feel my limbs—no broken bones. No sign of permanent damage,” I manage a joke, chuckling.“Don’t,” he says gruffly. “You scared me back there.”I grunt, adjusting my back. “But you saved me. Like always. What is it about restrooms? Dangerous place.”“Very.” He frowns hard, remembering the past. “Back then, it was different. Next time, you don’t leave alone, okay?”I nod. “Next time.” I brush away
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BRANDONReporters disperse in front of the hospital when I arrive after a call from Oliver, but I’m more anxious about Alayna’s state. What did this son of a bitch do to her? I still have no idea what happened because Ollie and Stan don’t have time to explain everything.I break through the crowd that won’t let us pass. Some reporters ask about me, that fucker Drake, and his crime, but most are random; I can’t understand them. My mind is somewhere else to even try to fucking understand, so I couldn’t care less. I need to see my fiancée right away.“Just keep going. I’m right behind you,” Jason instructs, then he and some security block the reporters and let me through.“We are not answering questions for now, please. Give my family some privacy!” he yells, and his voice trails off as I go further.Oliver is impatiently treading back and forth in front of the emergency room while on the phone. Stan, on the other hand, is sitting quietly on the bench as if in deep thought.“Oliver. Stan
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ALAYNAI have fallen asleep on the couch. It’s already morning. I’m not in my bed, nor Brandon’s penthouse, but in an unfamiliar room somewhere in Wichita. It turns out I’m not dreaming. The devil who’s asleep on the bed right now really kidnapped me.He’s sleeping! Maybe I can get away…I cover my mouth from squealing at the possible opportunity to get away from Drake.I take light steps toward the bed to make sure he’s unconscious. Drake’s forehead is wrinkled, and exhaustion is marked on the lines of his face. He must be unsettled with all this bullshit he got himself into, but he’s clearly tired because no matter how difficult the nightmares are, he doesn’t wake. I know because I’ve seen him in this state in the past. Whenever he was anxious, he’d just sleep it out.I instantly think of making a call, so I need a phone. Brandon has to know where I am. So bravely, I sneak back to the living room and open Drake’s stuff. I dig inside his suitcase to look for his phone and money. I ne
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I knock on the door of an old townhouse, then a dark-blonde-haired woman appears at the door. She smiles when she sees us, but the bliss on her face quickly fades and turns into confusion.“Jason?” she says.Jason frowns. “Mariel?”“You know her?” I ask him.“Yes, she’s in the gang with me. I mean, was. Mariel Miller. What are you doing here?”The woman’s face turns red. “I don’t know why you’re here, but you need to leave.” She glances at me but then attempts to shut the door. However, Jason is swift. He shoves himself to the door and steps inside.“Mariel. I am asking you a question. Why are you here?” Jason questions as he steps further. I follow him.“She’s his sister. The twins found out in the family records,” I say. I see quite a resemblance.Jason nods, then shifts his attention back to the woman. “Where is Drake, Mariel?”She steps back. “He’s not here.”“But you’re expecting him.”She doesn’t answer.“You vanished, and now you’re here? You’re Drake’s sister?”She nods.Jason
