"What will you do today?" I asked Regan as I closed our bedroom door behind us. I was in a good mood, and he seemed relaxed, which lightened my heart after the events of last night. I could sense that Regan cared for me at least a little.He had his hands tucked in his shorts pockets as he shrugged in response. "I don't know. I think Mom has plans for us later."I nodded, grateful that he wasn't responding with just one word or being distant. That small gesture was enough for me. "Do you think we can go to the town sometime? I really want to see it."As we descended the staircase, walking side by side, he answered, "Yeah, I can bring you there."I smiled, feeling excited at the prospect. But as we reached the bottom of the stairs, my joy turned to shock. I froze in place as I beheld the sight before my eyes. Why couldn't I have a peaceful life? Just why?There stood Zarina, with her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a floral sundre
Soon after, breakfast was called, and the grand dining room bustled with activity. Even the children, usually bouncing with morning energy, were present around the expansive table. But to make matters worse, Zarina, sat directly across from me and was busy chatting animatedly with Reila. But her subtle gaze with Regan who was on my right didn’t go unnoticed.I, on the other hand, found it difficult to muster even a polite smile. My stomach churned with a fit of anger.At the head of the table, Richard's gaze swept across the assembled family members before landing on a man who sported a yawn and a simple shirt, his demeanor radiating an easy-going charm. He has a lean build, light brown hair, tousled in a carefree manner, and hazel eyes."Paul," Richard called, "where's young Ethan this fine morning?"Paul chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, the little rascal's busy constructing some elaborate Lego masterpiece. Had to get him started early t
“Speaking of traditions,” Zarina cut through the chatter, her gaze sweeping across the table before settling on Caroline, “can we still go berry picking today?”Her sweet voice almost sounded forced in my ears.Excitement swept through the room. Everyone seemed eager at the mention of berry picking, a tradition I was apparently unaware of.“Berries?” I asked, trying to sound casual.Zarina turned her smile toward me, a hint of something smug in her eyes. “Didn’t Regan tell you?” she said with fake innocent surprise.“There’s nothing special about that,” Regan replied, his eyes on Zarina as if to warn her or something.“But you hold it so dear in the past since it was Zarina’s favorite place,” Reila added, smirking.One of their cousins chimed in, “Do you remember Zarina’s face when she finally filled her basket? She was so proud!”"She thought it was like her biggest achievement when she was the last one to do that"
An hour or two crawled by, each tick of the clock echoing in the empty room. Slowly, I took a deep breath, willing myself to pull it together. Fighting back the lingering tears, I splashed water on my face, hoping to erase any evidence of my breakdown. A quick look in the mirror confirmed my eyes weren't bloodshot anymore. Reaching for my red lipstick, I swiped it across my lips. A final touch of red on my nails completed the transformation. Staring back at me was a woman who looked strong, unbothered, anything but broken.That's exactly how I wanted them to see me.Downstairs, the sounds of the mansion bustling back to life pulled me from my self-imposed exile. The family was preparing for their berry picking. Taking a fortifying breath, I ventured downstairs.The sight that greeted me was a sea of smiling faces, all gathered with baskets in hand. But something about those smiles felt forced. Living amongst these wealth
Dust motes danced in the afternoon sunlight filtering through the lace curtains. I was standing on the porch, waiting. My attention was snagged by the hushed whispers coming from behind me.Peeking out, I caught a glimpse of two maids, their uniforms crisp."Did you see her?" one, a young woman with bright, curious eyes, whispered. "Sir Regan's wife? Yes. God, she’s so gorgeous. Now, I know why Sir Regan married her?”The other, older and more wizened, scoffed. "Hardly wife material, if you ask me. All stiff and proper, not a smile to be found. Remember Miss Zarina?"“Yes”“Now that was a perfect match for Mr. Regan. They used to laugh together all the time. Always running through these halls, picking flowers, stealing kisses in the garden…"“Really?”"They were like two peas in a pod," the older maid sighed. "Such a shame things didn't work out."I took a deep breath and ignored them but failed anyway. Their words were engraved in my mind.Soon after, the chatter and laughter grew lo
I sighed as I glanced out the window, watching Regan, Zarina, and his cousins laughing and drinking outside. The middle-aged group had decided to go out on the lawn and have a bonfire there. I wanted to join them, but I knew it would be awkward. Besides, I didn't drink beer—I never liked the taste. Feeling a bit parched and seeing that it was already 8 PM, I decided to head down to the kitchen for a drink.As I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to see a young boy standing near the microwave. It was Ethan, a quiet seven-year-old who rarely spoke or joined the other children. His face was still adorned with a pair of thick eyeglasses. I was sure the other kids were in the movie room with their nannies right now.I frowned, remembering that the boy was not at the dinner earlier. Seeing him alone now, I wondered why he wasn't with the others. I watched as he fiddled with the microwave, sighing to himself while his other hand was holding his iPad. With a gentle smile, I walked over
Regan's POVMe and my cousin were gathered on the terrace, the evening air filled with the scent of pine and the distant chirping of crickets. I leaned back in my chair, a cold beer in hand, as Reila launched into another one of her stories. She's talkative that's for sure."...and then, remember when Uncle Frank tried to impress that girl by riding Dad's old motorcycle?"Everyone burst into laughter. "He nearly broke his leg!" Tim added, slapping his knee.Zarina, sitting beside me, chuckled softly. Her laugh was like music, soft and light."He didn't walk right for weeks," she added, shaking her head and turning to me. "Right?""How did you know that?" Reila asked, laughing.Zarina pointed at me, "He told me.""I knew it," Reila said.I shrug, "It's not meant to keep a secret."Zarina laughed and I looked at her. She has a pretty smile and just an angelic face that made me fall for her even now unlike Anastasia who has this fierce and tough expression she always has. They are even d
Anastasia’s POVSoon after we finished the delicious meal, Ethan and I sat on the stools at the counter, facing each other. He was a little messy eater, but his tiny chomps were full of such enthusiasm that it was hard not to smile. "So, how's the food, champ?" I asked, leaning forward to get a better look at his cute, sauce-covered face.He stopped mid-chew, his brow furrowed in deep concentration for a moment, before offering a reluctant nod. A bubbly laugh escaped my lips, and I reached over with a napkin to wipe the red streak of tomato sauce from around his lips.Just then, a voice cut through our little moment. We both turned towards the door to see Regan leaning on a door frame, arms crossed, looking a little flushed but definitely not drunk. I felt a sudden rush of nerves, wondering how long he had been standing there watching us. My cheeks flushed as I straightened up, trying to maintain composure."Hey there," he said, "What's going on?"Ethan and I exchanged a glance, an
The city lights began to twinkle as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Exhausted and emotionally drained, I craved a moment of peace. With a sigh, I decided to visit Le Ciel Bleu."Marlon, can we go to Le Ciel Bleu.""Certainly, Ma'am," he replied. He pulled away from the curb, the familiar route to the restaurant a blur as I leaned my head against the cool glass window.Le Ciel Bleu exuded a certain Parisian charm. A wrought-iron fence adorned with climbing ivy surrounded a small patio.As we arrived, Marlon opened the car door for me with his usual courtesy."You can go home, Marlon," I said, turning to my driver. "I'll call you when I'm ready.""Are you sure, Ma'am?""Yes, thank you," I replied and walked towards the restaurant, taking a seat at a corner table near the large glass wall.I opted for a quiet table in the corner, away from the main crow
The next day, Regan was still not coming home, and the day stretched before me. By the time I woke, the day had reached its peak. As the afternoon sun cast its golden rays through the window, a notification buzzed on my phone. Pulling it out of my pocket, I glanced at the screen. It was a text from Gerard. His message was simple – a request to meet.Despite the fatigue that weighed me down, and the nausea churning in my stomach, I knew I couldn't ignore him. With a deep breath, I pushed myself off the couch. Moving on autopilot, I made my way to my room. The reflection in the mirror startled me. My usually bright green eyes were dull and shadowed. Choosing a red maxi dress, I slipped it on. The long sleeves offered a welcome layer of comfort, hiding the fading bruise blooming on my arm. The one I received from where Regan shoved me in a staff room. The red color felt like a shield, a way to mask the vulnerability I still felt.Reachi
When I woke up, Regan was not by my side. He also hadn't slept beside me, but I heard him take clothes from his closet during the night. I sighed, feeling the emptiness of the bed. I came down, feeling lazy and not quite ready to face the day. I sank into the couch in the living room. Susan, one of the maids, brought me a tray of breakfast. I nibbled on the food, my appetite barely there. Sheila's sudden appearance startled me out of my thoughts. Her face, usually alight with a friendly smile, was etched with concern. She hurried over, her movements quick and worried, and sank down onto the couch beside me. "You look dead. Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers. I forced a weak smile, the kind that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I'm fine, Sheila," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just tired." Sheila wasn't convinced. She scrutinized me with a knowing look, her brow furrowed in worry. "Don't try to play it off, Anastasia. What happened? Tell me everythi
Anastasia's POVThe towering cityscape of the city finally rose into view bringing a sliver of relief. My eyes felt gritty and raw like sandpaper had been rubbed across them. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest with each movement. Pulling into the familiar driveway of our mansion, I practically tumbled out of the taxi, my legs shaky.Susan practically ran our household, and rushed out the front door, her face etched with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Miss Anastasia? My goodness, what are you doing here? And why are you taking a taxi?"Behind her, the other maids peeked out from the doorway, their faces mirroring Susan's astonishment. I plastered a weak smile on my face, but I could feel the exhaustion radiating off me in waves. "Hey, Susan," I mumbled in a hoarse whisper. "Long story,""But... but where is Sir Regan..." Susan stammered, confusion clouding her features. She clearly expected me to be with Regan and the family at th
Regan's POV The car ride home was tense and silent. My family and I sat in the dimly lit vehicle, each lost in our thoughts. I couldn't shake the image of Anastasia's eyes, filled with pain and betrayal, from my mind. I hadn’t known she was there. My father had left first, and one of my cousins had stayed behind with Zarina, who thankfully seemed fine now. But the frustration gnawed at me, knowing I had somehow failed Anastasia again. As we drove, I finally broke the silence. "Does anyone know where Anastasia went? It's already 10 in the evening." My mother, sitting beside me, glanced at me with concern. "She might be at the house by now," We pulled into the driveway, and Dad was waiting outside, his face etched with concern. "Is Anastasia with you?" he asked the moment I stepped out of the car. "No," I replied, a knot of dread forming in my stomach. Just the
The sky had darkened considerably, the last rays of sunlight giving way to the inky blackness of night. A cold wind swept through the deserted road, sending chills down my spine. Despite the situation, an instinct for survival kicked in. I knew I couldn't stay there, exposed and vulnerable. Taking a shaky breath, I pushed myself to my feet and started walking. The road ahead was covered in darkness, but it was the only path I had. As I stumbled along, I raised a hand in a futile attempt to flag down passing cars, each one ignored. Night had completely fallen by the time I finally saw headlights way in the distance, getting bigger and brighter. Hope and fear battled each other in my chest. This had to work. I had to do something. Taking a deep breath, I clenched my fists and stepped right into the middle of the road, squeezing my eyes shut tight. This was it. Whatever happened next, I couldn't take it anymore. With all the strength I had left, I screame
Time seemed to lose all meaning. But eventually, with a shaky breath, I forced myself to my feet. My face was a tear-streaked mess, my body ached with a dull throb. Taking a deep breath, I wiped away the tears. Straightening my clothes, and brushing away the dust and grime, I walked out of the room.I needed to see Zarina. Needed to know she was okay, if there was even a remote chance of explaining myself. Each step towards the emergency room felt like trudging through mud. As I approached, the murmur of voices grew louder. Regan's family huddled around Zarina; their faces etched with concern. Lost in their worry, they didn't notice me linger at the edge of the group. Taking a bite of my lip, the metallic tang of blood filled my mouth. I had to speak up, and explain what truly happened. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, a nurse cut through the tense atmosphere. "Excuse me, Mr. Del Valle," she addressed Regan, "but is there any immediate family member f
The sobs eventually subsided, leaving behind a hollow ache in my chest and a numbness that spread through my limbs. Pulling away from Paul's embrace, I stood on shaky legs, his hand instinctively reaching out to steady me.My voice hoarse from crying, I managed a choked plea. "I... I need to go to her."Paul's brow furrowed in concern. "No, Anastasia. You can't. It's better for you to stay at the house and wait for Regan."I shook my head. Biting my lip, I wiped away the tears that still clung to my lashes. "Please, Paul. I just want to know if she's okay. And I need to explain myself.""Anastasia—""Please," I cut him off, my gaze meeting his. There was a desperation in my eyes that I couldn't hide.Paul hesitated, his eyes scanning my tear-streaked face. He seemed to be weighing the risks. With a sigh, he nods.......The car screeched to a halt in front of the hospital, pulling me back to the present momen
The forest felt eerily silent, the only sound was my ragged breathing. I tried to focus, to ground myself in the present, but the past and the present blurred together. It was almost suffocating. The pain, the fear, the helplessness—it was all suffocating until I could hear distant shouts now, voices growing nearer.Regan's voice cut through the haze, but I couldn't make out the words. I closed my eyes, trying to block out everything, but the images of my mother and Zarina's blood-stained figure were still on my mind.A hazy blur swam into focus as I registered the distant sound of Regan's voice calling Zarina's name. It echoed through the trees, distorted and faint as if I were underwater. My body felt numb, rooted to the spot where I had collapsed. Tears streamed down my face.Through my tear-filled eyes, I saw Regan materialize from the trees. He crouched beside Zarina, his face etched with fear as he cradled her head in his hands, calling her name with