On a cold, lonely night, on the street filled with silence, a girl stood firmly right beside a rusty lamppost, unmoved. A soft wind blew her pale cheeks, some hair strands danced with its calm beat, she loosened the tight grip of her hands as a tear escaped, which she wiped violently. A silent fury was suffocating her, the cold breeze of the wind had nothing to aid her aching lungs. As she held her balled fist into a firm grip, her nails dug into her palm. When a sound of a vehicle entered her ears, she slid both of her hands inside the pocket of her jacket, hadn’t paid attention to how red it was. And took a huge breath to calm down her horses. She raised her right hand three o'clock angle and a bus stopped, someone went down. Too distracted with her flooded emotion to the point that she forgot she was actually at a bus stop. She hurriedly slid her hand in again and disregarded her burning cheeks. She was embarrassed and bit her inner cheek. She silently took the only vacan
Chapter 1: Drowning in Loneliness She easily found her apartment since the bold number 9 was written above the door. She stuck her key and twisted the doorknob. Grunted in displeasure as the inside view came into her sight. And slammed her door; emphatically closed her eyes and harshly let some air go. After a long tiring trip and greeted by multiple shirts on the floor, empty bottles of alcohol, and the center table covered with junk food wrappers. While dust had taken over the whole place, switching the lights on would be more disappointing. "Uhm, I forgot something." "I haven't cleaned the room." Those words rang in her ears, which she hadn't paid attention to. Though, what other choice does she have? She softly massaged her neck and let out a heavy sigh. The former owner didn't bother packing his things, it was flooding with shirts and trousers, literally. "Knock! Knock!" Fera raised her eyebrow in confusion, who would knock on my door this late? She thought as she
Chapter 2: Phone Call THE NEXT DAY was another day of cleaning. Her hair was tied into a messy bond, in her new nighties, she roamed around to plan everything. Haven't changed into her daylight clothes, when she stood in her leaving room with a huge smile on her face, feeling proud of her cozy leaving room or should I say corner. "Kringgggg! Kringgggg!" A loud ring resounded, oddly the sound came from the couch, but there were none. Then eventually a black rectangular object lying on the floor came into her view. "Ops, poor you." She spoke as she bent down to pick it up. It was around ten, when she saw the unknown number, she instantly knew who it was, but choose to place her cellphone in her pocket. She continued to wander around her house and mentally listed all she needed. It’d be new curtains, paint, couch, center table- "Kriinnngg!" She mentally hissed in annoyance and snatched her phone out from her pocket. It was the same number, but she was not ready to answer it
Chapter 3: Uninvited Visitor IT WAS a fine morning when she woke up. Everyone is awake, unlike in the city, people usually function at ten in the morning. But here, you can already hear your neighbor sweeping their backyard. She placed her new paintings on her wall. She ordered a few pieces of furniture and it was continuously arriving. She heard a loud knock so she went open it. When she saw who it was, she attempted to slam it back. But he use the huge box to stop it. She unwillingly opened her door and let him in. Before someone spotted him there. "Are you dying?" Fera retorted, didn’t bother to greet her visitor. "You're father just died, you can't handle so much pain." His solid rebut affects her more than it seems. Her dead expression was still in place and she manage to maintain her cool. "What do you want?" "Don't be so sensitive, I was just catching up with you." He place the huge box on the floor and perused every inch of her place. "What a gigantic place,"
Chapter 4: Perfect Crime Gone Wrong "In her brassier,” she spoke. While the best friend smiled widely, then harshly unbuttoned one button of her uniform. She defiantly eyed her and Fera bravely mirrored her confidence. "Go ahead and check it." The police or maybe the detective stayed silent and watched every student in the room closely. Entrusting everything to his gut that he must trust the student named Fera. He just thought that she won’t make any false story. He could conclude that the girl named April was quite unstable. While Fera was cool and no hint of nervousness or hesitation. Fera looked straight at her face with a dead expression. While the best friend was smiling confidently. Everyone fell in silence. "Alright, to end this all. I'll go check it to clear my girlfriend's name." The boyfriend volunteered. Fera looked at him in disgust. But his girlfriend hurriedly stepped back. She was eyeing him with a grim expression. The officers were not dumb not to underst
Chapter 5: Good Cook “Well, I am hungry, obviously,” she said. As an attempt of saving her pride. While Nick nodded with an amused smile. He was having a good time, watching her in that situation. “If you hadn’t burned your sausage, you must have eaten by now.” He said with a wide grin on his face. And Fera was bitting her inner cheek in annoyance. “Whatever.” She was about to shoo him away but he started cleaning the pan and opened her fridge. He got the rice cooker and put rice and water on it. “What are you doing?” “Saving your stomach too,” he answered while busy doing those cooking things. He gathered two eggs, some leafy vegetables, and other seasonings. “You don’t need to do that, you know?” she softly spoke. She was somewhat speechless of his patience. Despite her sharp tongue, he was still here. “I know.” He answered. “I’m no pro but I can cook.” She lost her words, he still spoke kind and had no hint of irritation. Can’t find the right word to tell, and just
Chapter 6: Solve PuzzleLooking straight on her way and walking alone to school while feeling down wasn’t cool at all. Fera was walking like dead and a bit unstable because of her wounded foot. She didn’t seem bothered by her neighbor’s stares.She dropped her ID in Mama Tes’ office before heading to school. Mama Tes was giving her an unusual stare, especially at her foot and the way she walked. Good thing she asked none. Since Fera was not in the mood to explain any.When she got there, the school was in chaos. The canteen server was being escorted by authorities to their mobile, and her schoolmates were there watching the scene. The mobile left and gossipers were shamelessly talking about it. She somewhat felt proud of Nick’s heroism. She was not against helping others, all her concern was, that maybe he’d get farther and cross someone’s privacy. As well as he might cross with dangerous people.Their class started and Fera felt good already. Because, when she saw Nick,
Chapter 7: Motor Ride She unconsciously took a huge gulp and sat in the most proper as she can. "Do you have something to share, Miss and Mister?" she asked. The teacher was eyeing them both with a serious expression. Her huge thick-lensed glasses failed to hide the annoyed look in her eyes."Nothing, ma'am. We're sorry," Fera answered in her low voice. "You sure?" the teacher asked in monotone causing the tension to elevate more than it had been. She wasn't pleased with all, her wrinkled face was more than evident. "Yes ma'am." They answered in unison.As the teacher proceeded to the topic, Fera somewhat lose a huge problem or survived a fatal battle. After class, she found herself walking home alone on the roadside. A bicycle and a few motorcycles passed her. Some with spacious vehicles offered a ride but Fera gladly declined. She was pleased with their generosity but she just couldn't trust anyone. She wasn't the one who trust easily. Nick on the other ha
Chapter 72: Epilogue“Wow, the beauty still falls in love with the beast?” Little Laire amusingly said after her father finished reading the story. “Dad had read that story for a millionth time,” Laike the other little girl boringly whined and pouted. “Like, it’s the love story of our parents.” She exclaimed and Nick cringed his forehead. “Dad isn’t a beast, that’s not true.” Laike pushed her which made Nick nod and agreed with her daughter. “Mom is, it was just a little twisted.” Laire and Nick’s eyes widen and turned to his wife who was busy cooking for dinner. “Did I hear that right, Laire!” “I would very much happy to be excluded from this narrative,” Laike said and jumped down the chair. “Shut up, you’re not Taylor.” Nick only crossed his arms looking at his children. “Well, at least I’m gorgeous as her,” Laike said and placed her palm on her hip. “Well, we’re twin, what a shame.” Laire rolled her eyes with her twin’s nonsense remark. “You copied my face whe
Chapter 71: Clearing OperationShe went back to the car and found that Lora was out of nowhere. “Where’s Lora?” “Brought a coffee for you.” He said and she opened her laptop. A smile instantly formed on her lips. “Gotcha.” She whispered when she saw the one who was following her. “Did Fred stop following me?” “Yes, you’re on your own now, according to him,” Bald replied to her. “Prepare yourself, we’ll conduct a little clearing operation.” Soon as Lora got into the car she threw the coffees out and Baldo drove fast to chase the one who put poison in her drink. “Who’s that? Is it Constancio?” Lora asked but Fera shook her head and change her clothes. Prepared her gun and wore combat shoes. “I think it was him who killed Nana Felly.” She dropped and Lora started changing her clothes too. Baldo used to see Fera change but Lora was a little distracted. “Eyes on the road!” Lora shouted when he almost bumped a car in front. He traces the other direction to corner the motor
Chapter 70: Terms and ConditionFera’s POVShe was looking at his text message, it said ‘Our flight will be today eight pm, will you be there?’ She didn’t reply whether she’d be there or not. He called but she only watched it ring and didn’t pick up. She looked out of her window, she was in her pajamas still even though it was noon. When she promised ‘all yours,’ she meant it. Still, it didn’t mean that she’d be active. She was all his by heart and by soul not by her, the whole she. “The word us has ended when Fera Luzares has fallen.” She knew that no one, not even herself could love her. She opened her laptop and she saw an email too. It was from Lora and quoted, Nick, wants you to read this.’ She didn’t open the letter and proceeded on checking the data. She checked the company's situation. Two of her stakeholders pulled their shares. Didn’t want to get involved in any issue. “Good to see you, Lora.” She greeted before Lora could address her. She was visibly surpris
Chapter 69: ConfrontationFera’s POV“Good morning, Miss Fera.” Baldo greeted her as he stood beside her bed. “I want to leave now.” She dry voice has returned, the chill that it brought was there too. I little glee Baldo felt when he confirmed that she was finally back. “I have arranged the bills, should I wait outside?” He answered and she nodded, he walked back out of the room and she change her clothes with the clothes he brought. She was wondering, why Lora didn’t come to get her. Without further orders, they drove away from the hospital. “I want to see, Fred.” He immediately turned to the other lane and drove to Fred’s penthouse. It seemed quiet and calm in his pad. “Are you he’s inside?” “He knew that you’d come for him.” She went out of the car and entered flawlessly into his penthouse. As she reached his room, she didn’t bother knocking and harshly opened it. She stepped back enough to reach Baldo’s gun behind her. “Miss-”“Shh, wait outside.” And she enter
Chapter 68: Left OutBen’s POV(Before the hearing)He went to his car and watched Lora open the main door. He could drool over the Fuentes mansion, if a white house was full of white then the mansion was all black. They used to stay here and this house was off limits to anyone, it was a privilege for him to see. Their penthouse used to be the show house but this one. Only the Fuentes and their servants could enter here. He fixed his shirt as if he was about to meet the president. “You won’t see anyone in there, don’t be nervous.” She said and opened the house. He was greeted by a spacious living area with a grand stair beside him. The gigantic chandelier above was unbelievably huge. The black wall and black glass walls around were overwhelming. The crimson black couch was inviting and black glass center table with a black flower vase on a gray mat. “Aren’t you going to investigate, Ben?” She asked which snapped him back to reality.“Right, I want to see her room.” The f
Chapter 67: Night Full of GriefFera’s POVA hard slap planted on her left cheek, ‘Shameful! Haven’t I told you to take care of our name?’ That memory would never leave her alone. She would bow her head and say sorry. ‘Protect our name,’‘Make our family proud,’‘You are Fuentes, act as it.’ Words that she had been holding since then, she was tired of those rules and limitations. Deafening her in her dreams. “I’m sorry, dad. I should have protected your name. They dug up all that past we hid.” The angry face of her father was in her head. She could hear her father’s voice all over again, he was mad, very mad, and would slap her across her face. ‘Careless,’‘Weak!’‘Does crying will fix a thing?’ His words were hunting her, she buried her face in her pillows. The annoying beep beside her added frustrate her more. The pain still felt the same, it was the same pain when she realized that her mother was dead and her father died. Fate had been playing her life too much.“F
Chapter 66: In the ShadowFred’s POVIn his office, he was looking out of his window. A stick of cigar in between his finger. He blew the smoke out and put the cigar in his ashtray. ‘Look after you cousin, Fred.’ His father’s words were still in his head. She was the first lady Fuentes in the bloodline. She was sheltered and overprotected by them she had been the apple of their eye. Fred was the one who would walk after her where ever she goes. Her innocent era was enough, he knew that he need to unleash the evilness in her to survive the coming war. Normal life didn’t exist in the world she was born. Until he saw Nick, the man that created a place in her heart. The man that was willing to save her from dirt. He knew that if he would give him a little glimpse of her past he would scratch for more. He knew that his dear feeling for Fera would be enough to save Fera from that past. He knew how stubborn she was and when she decides, she rarely change it. He needed to break her
Chapter 65: Person Behind the MaskLora’s POV“Are you happy now, Fred?” She shouted making the man stop walking but he continued walking for a second. “I can’t believe you are this manipulative, Fred. Really? Your own cousin!” But he was still walking straight to his car so she ran to him. He opened the door of his car but she pushed it back to close. “Do you really want to be on my way?” His warning voice was never dangerous as this. She secretly gulp and moved away from his car. “I never imagine you are this evil, Fred. You are EVIL.” He turned to her which made her step back. “We not just me, Lora. You know that.” “I may do evil things but I never wronged or harm innocent as Fera.” Then slammed the door of his car and took a step toward Lora. “Fera isn’t innocent, watch her run her own kingdom and everyone will bow down even I. Letting her fall in love with the peace of normal life and what? Leave everything her father’s enemy to me? I have my own enemy, Lora, and I
Chapter 64: The Truth“That’s just a poem! A mere imagination, how come a law graduate would think art could be a piece of evidence?” She even insulted him but it appeared lame as to how she acted. “Proceed to the last poem,” Benjamin said and everyone let him, some were holding their smile back, thinking Benjamin was just desperate to win.“He’s high, but he’s low, But he’s the best dad.He loves me so muchAnd that’s all I knowSo I hide the whistleCause I’ll Never BlowDad loves me So I’ll be the good Daughter as I should be.” He turned to Fera who was smiling in triumph. “You are hiding the evidence,” Ben said but she shook her head. “No evidence needed here, we can not win this by those lame poems, Ben.” She whispered but everyone heard it. The door suddenly opens and Nick came in. He was holding a white porcelain jar. Her eyes widen as she saw it. “I think I have the evidence.” He said and walked to Ben. He handed it to him and all of them saw how surprised she wa