PEARL’S POV Rose sent me the address of the club by evening, a few hours before we meet for her birthday night-out party with her other friend from the office, Martins. I quickly got ready, not wanting to enter the club alone but being able to meet them at the door, so we could enter together. I told Aurora about where I was going and when she asked if I would be telling our parents, I told her no. they already saw me when I came in, so, it’s better they believe I’m still inside the house even after I’ve left.“Will you be back tonight?” She asked. I shrugged, not sure about how the night would go.“I don’t know yet but I think I should,” I told her.I picked up my mascara and eyeliner to finish the makeup on my face before leaving. Normally, that was Lyla’s job, she loved dolling me up but tonight, I can’t afford to have her here because my parents would get suspicious and the fact that I’m twenty-four, still living in my parents’ home and can’t even attend a party with or without p
Let's pick up from where young Pearl found out Aurora had cancer and Luke went to meet her at the hospital. Pearl's POV The day I found out my sister had cancer and my family had been keeping it from me was the worst day of my entire life. I had so many questions running through my head. After Lucas found me on the field, he told me to cry it all out since it was necessary and after I’d managed to stop the tears, he took me home on his death trap; motorcycle. I’d willingly followed me that day because it was the best option at that moment, according to Lucas. Throughout the remaining days of the week, I hear people asking me what happened to me. Why did I become a shadow of my old self and I could only smile in response? The only person who was close to the answer was Lucas and he didn’t even spare me a second glance in school. No strange midnight phone calls as well. I know it happened once, but I found myself hoping he would call again because I rarely sleep these days. “Mom, L
Pearl’s POV“Just go,” She pushed me out of the kitchen and I was forced to walk into the living room. When I got there, Luke turned to take a look at me before changing his attention to the TV. I sat opposite him, not ready to sit beside him.“Thank you for the other day,” I said, referring to the day he helped me at the hospital.“You’re not acting like you’re grateful. At least, you don’t say thank you to someone you hate,”I stared at him, and that was when I noticed another bruise on his jaw. “I don’t hate you, Lucas,” I told him.“You do, don’t try to lie,” He asked.“I promise, I don’t hate you. You scare me,” I told him truthfully. He turned to look at me and he held my gaze for more than a minute.“I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean to scare you, I didn’t mean it,” My rapid breath suddenly slowed down and I felt I could get comfortable with him.“Apology accepted. I’m also sorry about the things I said the other day,” I apologized.“You don’t have to apologize for saying the
This is another POV from Luke. He wants you guys to know a little bit more about his story and see where all those bruises are coming from. This chapter has some triggering events but nothing too serious. Read carefully. Love, always. (Luke starts his narration from the day of the paint prank)Luke's POV“What do you think?” I’d asked Pearl as soon as I saw her that Monday morning after I’d pulled the prank on Mrs. Summers. The next words she said weren’t what I was expecting. The plan was not to put her into trouble, all I’d wanted to do was make her smile and have a great week. I wasn’t expecting her to react that way and when she did, I didn’t have any other choice than to use my own harsh words to cover up the way her words hurt me.Yes, my life might be messed up but the last thing I’ll ever do is mess up Pearl’s life or make her sad. The day she cried on my shoulder was the day I knew how sad I felt when she cried. I’d tried to kill my feelings and not express my emotions but wi
Still Luke! Luke's POV My father soon returned to the table with a new shirt that looked better than the previous one and again, I wondered what was going on exactly. “When will your result be out?” I grumbled as he asked again. What the heck! Doesn’t he get the message loud and clear that I don’t want to answer the question? “What result?” I asked. “The GED exams you took last month,” He answered with annoyance. Laughter rang out from my throat, he was going to have another fit, and lucky me, I get to be at the receiving end twice this night. “Wow, I didn’t know you were serious about that. I don’t know if I would be able to get the result but if you pull a few strings, it might be possible,” I laughed again. “What do you mean?” He pushed his plate away and folded his hands against his chest. “That you’re a corrupted businessman who could do something as easy as that,” He clicked his tongue and smirked. “You’ve done worse, remember? I mean we shouldn’t talk about those thing
YES! It's still Luke but now, we're in 2019 Sebastian’s granddad had invited me to a meeting at his home and out of respect, I honored his invite even though I didn’t want to. “I heard you attended your party with the Augustus Girl,” He said as soon as he joined me in his living room. “Since when did my business become yours?” I asked him, shrugging and wondering if I’d been invited to discuss my business with an old man. “You do realize I’m your best friend’s grandfather,” He smiled, taking a seat opposite me. “What best friend?” I asked and he didn’t respond, he only cocked his eyebrow. “I can’t say I’m your grandson's best friend, we were great friends once but not now,” I informed him. If Sebastian hadn’t done enough explanation, that should do. “To me, the four of you are still best friends and you should try to make up for the lost time, Luke,” He advised and I was so close to growling. “Why am I here?” I asked angrily. “Have you ever tried taking anger management classes
Pearl's POVThe problem all started with the arrival of a friend from the past. I was in my office when I got a call from reception, informing me about a visitor from Anderson Limited. It wasn’t the first time we would be receiving someone from that company that apparently belongs to Lucas’ dad, so, I told them to direct him upstairs to my office.I got ready to receive this visitor in the best way that I could. I noticed Charlotte’s absence and that made all sorts of dirty thoughts come to my head. She was probably together with Lucas, the same person who claims I belong to him but the irony is he belongs to nobody, right? I rolled my eyes as I recollected his words.I sat down, awaiting the arrival of the visitor and hoping I’m able to do my best in the absence of Voldemort and his sex buddy. The door opened and I stretched my neck, trying to get a full look at the person. I squinted my eyes as he came into my line of vision, a huge grin appeared on his face as soon as he saw me.Th
Pearl's POV Pearl’s POV Luke didn’t turn up at work the next day. For hours, I hoped he only went out for a meeting and would soon arrive in his infamous black suit and angry expression but he didn’t and I still couldn’t understand why I looked forward to his arrival. Charlotte came into the office a little past twelve which was unusual. She ignored me for the better part of the day and when I tried to ask her if she knew about Lucas’ whereabouts, she ignored me totally. After what happened with Shawn yesterday, he left the office and didn’t come back. I’d contemplated calling him several times but I stopped myself, believing it wasn’t worth it. Whatever was going on between him and Shawn shouldn’t be my concern, they’re adults and they should be able to settle their scores amicably. On second thought, I picked up my phone and decided to call Luke. He didn’t pick up on the first and second rings. Before I could think about calling him the third time, a message came in. *Missed m
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