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 POV“Are you planning on sneaking out of me when I’m in there?”“What?”Immediately after Lucas was done taking the soup, I suggested he had a bath to feel relaxed. He first cocked his eyebrow before he spoke.He moved closer, tucked some hair to the back of my ear, and leaned in, his lips grazed the skin of my ear and I swear that I felt cold immediately. “Don’t even think about it because you wouldn’t make it down the elevator before your ass gets dragged back into here,” I swallowed hard and stared at him. He smirked, the corners of his lips lifting lightly before he walked out of the room. Seconds after he left, I was rooted at the spot. If I had said no earlier, to his request of staying with him, what would’ve been the outcome? As he was taking a shower. I took a look around the room and decided to tidy the bed. I really didn’t have anything to do other than let Aurora know that I won’t be going home tonight. I heard the door opening behind me but I didn’t bother to t
PEARL'S POVThe door creaked open and I could hear dragging footsteps inside the room as my eyes were glued to my phone screen, looking up what was on social media. I could perceive lemon shampoo and I knew it was Aurora who had come in."You just had your bath?" I asked, still paying attention to my phone."Hm hm." She replied rather dismissively."So, what are you doing now?" I clicked on a funny cat video that I found amusing."Just...you know, the usual." She came around the bed, towards where I laid my head, and grabbed a shirt; my checkered shirt. "Hey! That's mine." "Can I borrow it? I just want to wear it for the night" She asked politely. Aurora is genuinely innocent and passionate but she never acted so politely with me."Are you okay?" I asked her gently, now pausing the funny cat video and she nodded slowly. "You’ve been acting weird lately,”Aurora didn’t give me an answer, he only stared at me with those round, pretty eyes that I loved. I sat up on the bed and held h
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
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 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 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 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 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