Lesley had been staring at herself in the bathroom mirror for more than a minute now, completely lost in her own thoughts. Her face was still a little wet from washing, and her hands were holding tightly on each side of the sink.She doesn't understand the emotions building up inside her. She didn't know where it was coming from, but something awful was weighing on her chest.She should be happy because she and Kieran have made up, and he is reunited with his sister. In addition to that, they are now in the Crimson Clan's safest fortress, away from the threat of MNA, and she can finally see Amanda and Patrick.But why does it seem like something is missing? She couldn't feel completely happy."Ugh... Les, what's wrong with you?" she groaned as she stared at her own reflection in the mirror.She was fine earlier. But now that she is alone in a quiet room, the noise of her chaotic mind is dominating.Something doesn't feel right, but she doesn't know what it is.She closed her eyes tigh
What just happened? Lesley asked herself.Why can't she be happy despite all the good things that happened today? What is wrong with her?Her palms clenched, and tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes when she realized what was making her feel so heavy and discontented. She couldn't stop comparing Kieran to his old self. She even referred to him as Bangs earlier in front of Catharina by accident. It seems she is yet to move on, that the man he used to be is gone.The man who always longed for her and respected her. The man who will never force her and promised to wait when she is ready to give her first.She hugged herself tightly and sobbed. "Bangs... Bangs..." she bitterly called the name of the man she loved over and over again.She cried all night. She didn't know how long she was like that, but all her remaining strength drained until the lids of her eyes closed, and she surrendered to sleep. It was already noon when she woke up. If it wasn't for the loud knocks on the door, sh
Kieran couldn't take his eyes off Lesley, who was busy eating. They sat facing each other on her bed with their trays of food resting on their laps.His conscience is still haunting him for what he did last night. He is not used to being rejected by women. He always gets what he wants from them, freely and effortlessly. But Lesley was different from all the women he had met. He should not treat her as an easy girl. She deserves a lot more respect than he showed her last night. She is more precious and special.Even though she says that she has forgiven him and that they should just forget what happened, he is still angry with himself. It's hard to forget something like that.He gritted his teeth in silent fury. How dare he do that to her? She doesn't deserve that! What went through his mind and he did that?He also couldn't forget what she had said earlier about them being strangers. He wants to know what is going through the girl's mind and what she really feels.He was getting more
"Don't ignore me," he said in a low and harsh tone. "Answer my question.""Change topic," she responded indifferently.He became annoyed at her trying to dodge his questions. "Did you kiss?"She coughed, almost choking on her food, and then quickly reached for the glass of water and drank it. Then face him again. "Why do you want to know that? That's in the past. We're over now, so don't ask about it.""But I want to know! Do you know how heartbroken I was during those times? I was so insecure of him!""Don't be.""So, did you?""What?""You kissed, didn't you?"Her cheeks blushed. "Well," she cleared her throat, "just a few times. But it's nothing compared to your experience. You've been with a lot of women. Do you know what men like you are called nowadays?""What are you—""Fuckboy. That's what they call you now, and it does not sound nice."He gaped wide in shock. "What— Fuck what?!""Ah, that's it! Nevermind. We're done eating. Return the trays and dishes," she snorted."Wait! Wh
Lesley and Kieran held hands as they walked and followed Dan's quick steps. They are headed to the Rose Room. Catharina has summoned them there.The Rose room was one of the most important places in Crimson Clan's Main Hideout. It was where all their moves and plans against the MNA were carried out and discussed. This was also where the high-ranking officials of the organization gathered to make decisions on important and complicated matters.Dan halted his big steps and faced them. "We're here," he said, placing his hand on the knob of a tall and wide wooden door to their right.Lesley took a deep breath with a smile on her face. She couldn't wait to hear what Catharina had to say. She was sure it was about her family. How are Amanda and Patrick? she wondered. Are they in the room waiting for her? And are they still angry at her? she hoped not.She had many questions and fears, but she was ready. Her grip on Kieran's hand tightened as Dan pushed open the door.They walked slowly into
"How about you? Do you have someone like Jacoben?" Catharina asked, grabbing the chair next to Lesley and sat. Lesley's smile gradually faded. "Uhm, no, nothing either.""You're kidding, right? Someone as pretty and kind as you don't have a friend? I find that hard to believe."She sighed, and a dry smile formed on her lips. "I was busy with my studies too. I wanted to make my mother as happy as possible, so all my attention was on her and our family. I didn't even have time for myself. And... I'm not a very confident person, and I'm a bit reserved. I guess people thought I was weird." "Oh... I see. I hope you find friends here. We have girls here who are your age. Do you want me to introduce you to them?""No. It's alright," she politely declined and then rotated her head to look around. "It's beautiful here.""Thank you! I decorated this room," Catharina said proudly, slightly raising her chin. "The furniture here is from our mansion in Luxembourg. I brought it here to the Philipp
Lesley's eyes widened, and her mouth hung open. As if someone poured her a bucket of cold water, and she was left paralyzed. She didn't want to believe it, but there was no reason for Kieran's sister to lie to her."I-I'm sorry... Did I hear you correctly? Am I Maridona's baby? The one Victor supposedly killed?"Catharina stared painfully into her eyes. "Yes, you're Samantha Nobles. You're Maridona's missing child.""Impossible!" she strongly objected. "Ho-How? How did that happen?!"Her brain is trying to piece together everything, but she is struggling to comprehend. It doesn't make sense. She couldn't figure out how it happened. Her stomach felt like it was spinning, and she wanted to throw up. Catharina stared dejectedly at her as if she was also hurt. She can see pity and worry on her face."Tell me, what really happened to me?!" she demanded.The woman took a deep breath before speaking. "MNA has become short of Nobles blood. Maridona, Victor's eldest, is MNA's only supply, so t
Lesley took several deep breaths after she and Catharina arrived at this little garden above the hideout. They went outside to get some fresh air so she could liven up a little and feel relieved from all she had discovered today.They walked around the garden as Catharina showed off some of the plants she had worked so hard to grow and flourish. Thanks to her, Lesley felt better.After they had gone around the garden, a woman came and whispered something to Catharina. The beautiful woman has a porcelain complexion and squinty eyes. She was small and slender, like a doll. They seem to be the same age, but most of all, she is a human. This is the first time she has seen anyone who is not a mutant in the two Crimson Clan hideouts other than Mrs. Dapit and Catharina.Lesley can now sense mutants better than when she was still in MNA. Back then, she wondered how she could do that, but now she knows why she could feel their presence. She has the Nobles Blood flowing in her system, the blood