We're getting to see a little about Luke's life in this chapter. Luke’s POV“STOP! PLEASE STOP! I’M BEGGING YOU. HELP ME”I jerked away from the bed as the sound resonated across the house. I could hear footsteps outside my door and then it faded away but the cries for help didn’t. I sat back on the bed and listened to every cry she made. That was my punishment, my punishment for being a coward, my punishment for being a scared motherfucker.My punishment for cherishing my own life over hers. This wasn’t the first and it definitely wouldn’t be the last. At first, I would cry till I couldn’t breathe, at first, I fought it, I fought for her but the more I did, the more I realized how cowardly I was. Instead of helping, I would rather hide away in my room, and force the pillow over my head till I almost suffocate.The cries decreased and all that was left was whimpers and the sound of skin slapping against each other. As I closed my eyes, my subconscious self tried imagining it, and imm
Pearl’s POV Tired and mentally exhausted, I dropped onto the desk in the cafeteria during lunch. I’d managed to flop the test as usual and I’m now begging the universe to do something about my GPA or else I will end up in a local university in town. That’s if a local university takes me.My dad has promised to get me a job at Mcdonald's because that’s where people like me end up in. They actually think I purposely fail my test to spite them but in total reality, I find it difficult to study.“Let me guess, you flopped the test again,” Jerry stated as he sat opposite me while Lyla took the seat beside me. They both dropped their lunch box on the table and Lyla placed her head on my back, trying to make me feel better.“Fuck off, Jerry,” I spat.I raised my head and glared at him, thinking about how happy he was at my miserable life right now.“You know there’s something called studying, right? You should try it sometimes,” He continued his spiteful words.“I swear that you have no ide
THIS IS 2019Lucas’s POVYou smell really nice! And you look amazing! Those were the two statements that were at the top of my tongue as Pearl walked out of the other room in my penthouse. She had shown up like I told her much to my surprise and the stylist I’d hired had immediately taken her away from my sight while I also tried to get ready.I’d been done for almost thirty minutes but I had to wait for her to get ready. I was angry but all that dissolved when she walked out. As she walked towards me, I couldn't help but stare. The dress she wore clung to her curves in all the right places, and the way it flowed as she moved was mesmerizing. Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle yet striking, highlighting her natural beauty. I felt my breath catch in my throat as she came closer, the way she looked took my breath away. It was as if I was seeing her for the first time, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of longing and des
Pearl’s POV “You said Sebastian was a psychopath, right? Well, I think Lucas is a real madman” Aurora’s words came back to me as I waited in the car for Lucas. He had successfully ruined his own welcome back party. He’d dragged me out of the event hall making me wonder how he managed to remember me after all that scene he’d caused. He’s currently exchanging the limousine for another car that I’m currently sitting in. I think one of his drivers brought the car for him. “Are you sure you’re in the right state of mind to drive?” I asked him as soon as he got into the car with the key. He ignored my question and started driving. I stole a few glances at his swollen face and busted lips, he didn’t act like someone who just got punched. He was supposed to be angry but he looks indifferent about the whole fighting thing. “Why do you call your mother by her name?” I asked. He ignored me again. “Lucas?” I called out, touching his arm. He turned to face me, “What?” He asked. “I asked you
PEARL’S POV A better part of me was happy the whole attention has shifted from me getting engaged to Sebastian but at the same time, I’m sad about the outcome of the situation. The fact that Aurora was now in my shoes seemed weird and selfish to me. It makes me feel as if I gave her some bad luck by letting her go to the party with Sebastian. If only our parents weren’t that cheap! I bite at my lower lip as I walked down the stairs that morning, ready to leave for work. I was hoping to avoid both of my parents and not have any conversations with either of them. It was better that way. As I made my way to the fridge to grab a bottle of water before leaving the house, someone groaned from behind me, I didn’t need to be told, I knew it was my mother. “Are you happy now?” I rolled my eyes. I turned to face her. “Good morning to you too, mother?” She shook her head as she glared at me. The look in her eyes was regret, and whatever accompanied it. On other days I would’ve been intereste
ANDDDDDD WE'RE BACK TO 2012. WELCOME TO THE YEAR PSY HAD US ALL DANCING TO HIS HIT 'GANGNAM STYLE'.Pearl’s POVThe way I felt this morning was different, it felt as though a burden was lifted from my chest as I walked hand in hand into school with my twin sister, Aurora. I smiled widely at her as we passed through the school gate and all eyes were on us. Almost everyone turned as we walked past them. Some waved at Aurora while others only smiled. I guess they could all really see how miserable I was without her.Aurora was quite popular in school for her intellectual ability, she was top of our class and the president of the editorial team while I’m only known as the popular girl’s twin sister. I won’t blame Luke for liking her though, if I was a boy and I wasn’t related to her, I’ll be the president of her fan club.“Thank you, Jesus, Aurora is back and we can finally see Pearl smiling,” Jerry stated as we walked closer to them. They were standing in front of their lockers.“Whateve
Pearl’s POVThe only thing I was grateful for about the prank incident was the fact that it was investigated before they could even think of calling my parents. If they had acted irrationally and called them, my mom would have a fit of rage flying on the roof and yelling profanities. It’s been a week since it happened and I’ve tried my possible best to avoid trouble, aka, Lucas Anderson, aka, leather jacket devil.I feel accomplished because of that. Aurora had woken up with another splitting headache this morning and even though I tried going to the hospital with her, my mother insisted on dropping me off at school before taking her to the hospital.“Mom, are you sure everything is okay with Aurora?” I asked her. She was driving me to school.She groaned before she responded. “Why are you such a difficult child, Pearl? Why don’t you ever listen?” She asked.“Sorry,” I apologized quickly after realizing how irritated she was, even though she didn’t answer my question.She dropped me o
Welcome back to 2019. We were not ready for what 2020 had in stock for us. This was the year before COVID took a long ride around the world. PEARL'S POV“I don’t feel really good this morning,” Aurora groaned as she walked into my room. I was getting ready for work that morning. I knew the burden of this stupid arranged marriage was too much on my poor baby but what else can I do other than curse out?“What happened? How do you feel exactly?” I asked her.“Headache,” She responded before collapsing on my bed.“How bad is it? I asked her. She showed me her ten fingers. “Really bad”Panic set in immediately after she said that.“Let’s get to the hospital then,” I advised her. She nodded grudgingly as she stood up from the bed. I picked up I love California t-shirt from my dressing table and made her wear it before heading out of the house.As we got down the stairs, I saw both of our parents at the dining table having dinner. I was surprised to see my dad at home that early because he
PEARL'S POVI took my bath quickly and dressed up to visit Lyla. Maybe go to the music festival later at night. I didn't want to stay at home to avoid lots of problems. As I put on a casual blue t-shirt that made my blue eyes stand out, and a pair of black jean trousers, I brushed my hair down, cursing at the same time because of how curly it is. I envied my sister's hair. When I was done with the light makeup, I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like someone who's more of her vibrant self but I couldn't explain why. I remembered what happened between Luke and me in the office yesterday and it made me smile. I touched my lips softly and bit my lips, laughed, and felt like a silly teenager. I made for the dining table only to be met with the shock of my life. My Dad sat uprightly on the sofa while Lucas sat opposite him, legs crossed confidently. When I walked into the living room, Lucas smiled up at me."Dad?" "Hey, um...Lucas...""Yes, I know. What is he doing here?" I as
LUKE'S POVThe sun was setting already and I closed my computer as I thought about going home. I'd asked Pearl to take the day off after the heated argument and God, how I hate to fight her or see her angry or sad. I felt like punching a wall this morning when she broke down because of me. However, I'd done well to console her as well as convince her that I was still there for her and would make sure nobody touches her.A knock sounded on the door and I looked up to see one of the secretaries."You have a visitor, Sir.""Who?""His name is George. Says he's an old friend of yours."I thought for a while why the bastard was here but I couldn't send him back if I wanted to know."Let him in.""Okay, Sir." She left and after a few seconds, another knock sounded on the door."Isn't this what you and your boring acquaintances are meant to do when you first step into an office?" Followed by the laughter I've come to find annoying."What are you doing here, George?" I turned to face him.Sp
PEARL'S POVMy mind wandered back to the black car that had been tailing me since I started coming to work and I linked it to what Rose said, plus Lucas telling me about danger. What the hell is going on? I mused as I bit my finger.It was already 11:00 am but no sign of Lucas. Was he not coming to work today? Hell! Did something bad happen? "Thank goodness, you're still in one piece."I looked up at the voice owner and saw Lucas before me. He placed his two hands on the table before me, a dirty smile on his face. How the hell is he so calm?"I thought you weren't gonna come.""And I thought you weren't going to worry about me." I shot him a sideways glance."Whatever." I shook my head and started to focus on my laptop which he closed so he could get a good view of my face. I sighed. "What do you want?" "I want you to be safe."I tilted my head to the side, studying his face for a while."Safe from what?""You..you didn't see those people?""See who? You're confusing me right now.
PEARL'S POVIt's been three days since I last saw Lucas. At first, I was angry about his absence and especially how he’s been ignoring my calls and messages. Soon enough, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Why was he not in school?As we were at the cafeteria during lunch hour, my attention was divided and I kept looking out to see if I'd see him. Just then the trio entered. Clara, Jamie, or Jeenie, fuck her name, and a third girl with thick curly hair and bright red lipstick walked into the cafeteria, swinging their butts on the way as they find which table to bully students away from so they can sit."The trio is here," Lyla muttered, eyes glued to her food.I wasn't the least bit afraid of them, no matter how fierce they may be. I focused on eating my veggies in the quiet room which makes eating better than in the normal rowdy place. "I want all of you out of those seats" I heard a sonorous voice behind me and my irritation rose. I didn't care to look at who was talking. "We wan
PEARL'S POVThe sun was beginning to set but I didn't see any sign of Lucas. Has he forgotten he asked me to wait here? I picked my phone out of my back pocket, mentally hoping that Aurora is able to knock out my parent's inquisition about my whereabouts by saying I will be studying late at the library. My usual lie! It works every damn time.His phone rang once and then twice but he didn't pick up. I tried several times more but he didn't pick. I dropped my hands in disappointment, feeling defeated in the end. I'd have to go home. Looks like disappointing people has now become his attitude. But a part of me urged me to think about his words recently and the little I've learned about his personal life.First, when he tried consoling me, he spoke like someone who understood my predicament and has passed through that stage himself. And then he spoke of danger and safety. Coupled with what Jeenie or Jaimie had said about being a crybaby and only putting up an act in school.Is he really
PEARL'S POVThe school bell jingled, indicating lunch hour. I packed my notes with less enthusiasm as I dragged my feet across the corridor over to my locker and was well aware of my friends coming right behind me. "Hey, wait up."I walked further until I saw Lucas from afar dressed in his usual black-on-black outfit. He had a black shade on today as he walked through the hallways. Usually, he had glares on his face ready for anyone who looked at him twice. "I heard he's just an attention seeker who needs help" A girl noted, her black long hair plaited in two and plucking out edges of hair which she waxed to give her a really pretty look. I balanced my legs to listen properly."How do you know that?" A senior girl I know as Clara asked, her attention focused on her nails which she kept sharpening. Everyone knows the three cliques of the school. They were a bunch of senior girls who move about partying and doing all sorts. Clara herself is most famous for her ruthlessness, bullyin
PEARL'S POVI looked up at the ceiling, thinking of what had happened the day before. What I'd done after what Lucas said.The truth is, I yelled at him not because I didn't trust him. I acted out of all the pain I'd welled up inside me and anger against him for leaving without a single word. He didn’t say a word until I got down from the car."Aren't you going to work today?" Aurora's drawling voice called and I fought back the lone tear that threatened to stream down my cheek."I'll leave soon," I answered, standing up with a deep sigh. "You don't sound too good. Are you okay?" Far from okay. But when she mentioned that Mom asked to see me before going to work, I was miles and miles from okay. As the warm water patted my silk hair, massaging my skin as well, I thought of what the summary of my life actually is. A working-class lady, aka being a slave to a dominant boss, who is striving hard to be free from her employer and her parents. "Mom needs to go for her weekly yoga class
PEARL'S POVAfter being on a business call with five different clients all morning, I dropped the phone and gave a sigh of exasperation. The last client must have gone to the business School in Italy because he kept giving reasons why he doesn't think I'm fit for the business field. He kept pointing out mistakes I made that could have jeopardized the company I work for if I made the same mistakes while proposing a business plan. However, all that trouble cleared and was immediately replaced by another one just as soon as Lucas entered the office."Welcome back, Sir." I greeted while standing up, having on my best employee's smile. My desk was back in his office for an unknown reason. Now, my ass is unfortunate enough to share the same place with the egocentric, selfish, and unfortunately, a good-looking man called Lucas. "Get yourself ready, we have a conference meeting to attend." Was all he said before grabbing his car keys and walking outside."He won't even give me the time to p
PEARL'S POVThe air was still misty when I got to the empty large field that spreads out over the mountain that surrounds the city. It is mostly used once in a year when tourists come over for picnics and whatever. But in times like this, close to the end of the year, it's usually quiet.I walked over the green grasses, stepping on them gently with my boots as I stretched my neck, waiting for Lucas. Beads of sweat laced my forehead but they were not a result of any weather. They were evidence that I had walked straight from my house to the mountain. I had, out of anger, forgotten my credit card at home. Although Lucas told me to wait, I didn’t wait behind, I couldn’t risk my parents coming out of the house to meet me outside our neighbor’s home. I texted Lucas the address of my destination. "If only you had put aside your pride and waited for me." I jumped with a start and looked around only to see Lucas casually leaning against an orange tree. It was hard not to recognize him with