Five Years Later :The sky was so dull and grey like it could start raining any second and the biting cold wind caressed my bare arms. My lips quivered and I rubbed my arms to give me some warmth. The dark, green grass underneath tickled my ankles through my sandals. I was dressed in a plain black dress which was soaked wet, either by my tears or rain. The driver held an umbrella over my head which seemed useless. He handed me a fresh red rose and the thorns pricked my fingers, but I cared less for I stood in front of the grave of a great man."Madam, it's time to go," the driver said and I nodded. I prayed for a few minutes and sat near the grave stone, placing the fresh rose there. I wiped my tears and whispered, "I'll always love you and your sacrifice wouldn't go in vain, I promise."I got up, straightening my dress and followed the driver towards the car. The driver shut the door when I got in and I looked over the cemetery. My eyes were fixed on the rose which looked more fresh
"Maa, don't worry, I'll be fine. Besides, Katy is there to look after me," I reassured my mum repeatedly who seemed to show some concern for me even after what I had done.I glanced at Katy, our loyal maid and a good friend of my mum. My family could trust her always, especially my mum. I could hear my mum instructing me sadly to be cautious always. Even though I had totally messed up and now was running away to hide, she still cared for me a little which was overwhelming. Fresh tears welled up in my eyes and I tried to ignore my melancholy. I quietly looked at the narrow streets lined up with trees and bushes and agreed with whatever my mum was saying on the phone. We were going to live near the countryside, far away from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life."Princess, we have arrived," Katy announced while adjusting my feigned glasses and wig."Maa, I'll talk to you later. We have arrived," I interjected the list of instructions she was repeating and blinked back my tears.
Kyle enthusiastically narrated the entire story of how we met to his mother, Carla. I had already contacted Katy and informed her that I was having dinner with Kyle's lovely family so that she wouldn't get worried unnecessarily. She reluctantly allowed me and it took a lot of convincing since I didn't want to say no to Carla. Carla had insisted that I should have dinner with them, to thank me for helping her son and welcoming me as their new neighbour.So, here I was having cheesy rolls as starters, pasta with creamy, white sauce as main course and vanilla ice cream as dessert which was not served yet. Carla looked elegant dressed in a purple, strappy summer dress which was simple yet pretty. Her silky, dark brown hair was just like Noah's and was braided, a beautiful white flower was stuck in her hair near her ear. She had warm brown eyes unlike her children, who both had mesmerising blue eyes. Maybe the boys got their eye colour from their father which made me wonder who and where t
"You have to wake up right now princess, you got school today. You cannot be late on the first day itself," Katy said softly and shook me gently."Oh yeah," I grumbled and slowly sat up. "Don't call me princess, Katy. Not even in the house, I don't want to get busted. We cannot risk getting caught especially after all this . . . ""I'm sorry, wouldn't happen next time," she apologised and I smiled woefully at her.I could smell some aroma of food and something chocolatey which made me sniff. Katy smiled brightly and placed the tray of breakfast which was initially kept on the nightstand on the bed. It consisted of waffles, cream and fruits. She walked out of my bedroom while I had already started eating and reappeared with a mug of hot chocolate. Perfect.I finished eating when Katy called out to someone. A small crowd of two ladies and three men huddled up together, entered my room. The ladies wore white shirt, black, knee-length pencil skirt and block heel sandals. The men were dre
Again with the help of the GPS, I finally arrived at the park alone. After pleading and begging Jack to not follow me and installing an app in my phone which reported Jack and Katy about my whereabouts, I could finally roam around alone. Katy also installed two more security apps which only God knew how they functioned. Honestly, I didn't bother about those apps. My main focus was on how I was feeling. I felt different walking around the streets, I felt like a free, normal human being.I came here to pretend living like a normal seventeen year old girl, but with Jack constantly following me, how on earth would I not attract attention?A few days ago, Ginger alerted me that a man was stalking me [Ginger and I became friends really quick, I didn't know how] I shuddered in fear and my mind was racing through horrifying thoughts. I thought about him, but shook those dreaded thoughts away. I was almost close to getting a panic attack. Goosebumps rose on my skin and I could feel myself gett
After my 'fall' in the park, Noah examined me searching for any injuries. Certainly there wasn't any, but my butt hurt a lot. I obviously didn't mention it because I didn't want him to examine my butt. After convincing him that I was alright, we went straight to our homes considering the fact that I was still wearing broken glasses. We didn't resume the game much to Kyle's disappointment. Besides, it had already turned dark and I didn't want Jack to follow me to raise more suspicion."Why are you wearing that?" Kyle pointed to my fractured glasses which currently needed to be admitted in the ICU."I cannot see anything without these," I replied flatly and adjusted them."But eeeets funny!" Kyle laughed and pretending to be an aeroplane, made a quick exit from the park, leaving Noah and me alone. Not alone exactly if you consider the other people in the park, but still alone."Why did you come in the middle of the term at this school?" Noah asked suddenly while burying his hands deep
It was Saturday and since we had a weekend holiday at school, Carla suggested that Noah and I should hang out. We both were reluctant at first until Katy started to persuade us too. So, today Noah and Kyle were taking me 'somewhere,' I didn't know where. Kyle told that it was a surprise, so I was pretty excited about it. Noah and I desperately wanted Kyle to tag along because we both dreaded the awkwardness of being alone.Obviously Katy and Jack had been already informed by Carla about where we were going. Jack flirted a lot with Katy and she too responded positively either by flirting back which happened rarely or blushing which she always did. Jack and Katy made such a cute couple and I knew that they would go further with their blossoming relationship. It was an instant physical attraction and something more.Eight months ago, Katy and her ex-fiance were going to be married when Katy caught him red-handed sleeping with some elderly woman. He wasn't even drunk when he was caught. W
The place was so warm, vibrant and luminous because of the trees being so tall with dark leaves that partially blocked the heat and brightness of the gauzy sun, allowing only some rays to pass through the gaps. The soft, light-green coloured grass was well-trimmed and there were these little yet full of life yellow flowers growing in between, like each flower on it's own was resembling a mighty sun.I quickly removed my slippers and walked bare foot on the tickling grass, a very old habit of mine. It felt so nostalgic since all the reminiscence of my childhood with my sister playing in our huge, palace garden came on me like a massive wave striking the shore."Now tell me, isn't it wonderful?" Noah asked, stood beside me and crossed his arms against his broad chest.I nodded and beamed in awe, "Of course it's wonderful! Only a fool would disagree with you!"He looked pleased, but covered it up by talking in a solemn voice, "Glad to know, but you agreed.""I don't know what you're impl
Five Years Later :The sky was so dull and grey like it could start raining any second and the biting cold wind caressed my bare arms. My lips quivered and I rubbed my arms to give me some warmth. The dark, green grass underneath tickled my ankles through my sandals. I was dressed in a plain black dress which was soaked wet, either by my tears or rain. The driver held an umbrella over my head which seemed useless. He handed me a fresh red rose and the thorns pricked my fingers, but I cared less for I stood in front of the grave of a great man."Madam, it's time to go," the driver said and I nodded. I prayed for a few minutes and sat near the grave stone, placing the fresh rose there. I wiped my tears and whispered, "I'll always love you and your sacrifice wouldn't go in vain, I promise."I got up, straightening my dress and followed the driver towards the car. The driver shut the door when I got in and I looked over the cemetery. My eyes were fixed on the rose which looked more fresh
"Little Princess, come out. If you don't, then say goodbye to this kid," Ethan said coldly as his eyes were searching all the blonde masked women present in the room. I was safe behind the pillar and he couldn't even see me, but I needed to go to Ethan so I could save Kyle."Noah, let go off me, I need to go! Please, let me go!" I protested, struggling against him as he leaned closer, trapping me more."No, stay right here," he whispered and my eyebrows furrowed."What is wrong with you?! Kyle is your brother, damn! Don't you care about him-mmphn!"Noah placed his large hand over my mouth as I wriggled against him. I was in a state of bewilderment since I couldn't believe that Noah was so evil. He was always loving and caring then what happened today? How could he leave Kyle right there in the arms of the ruthless murderer?"Princess, come out . . . This is my last warning, enough with this game of a mouse. You do care about this child, don't you?" Ethan asked with a sinister smirk an
I hid behind Noah and Kyle, my body trembling with fear. Noah pulled me in front of him by my arm and I pleaded him with my wide eyes. He knelt down and let go of Kyle who ran away immediately to play around. I could hear footsteps approaching me and I shuddered."Amelia? What are you doing on the floor?" I heard Carla's soft voice. I was actually holding Noah's leg while he tried his best to lift me up. I looked like a crazy, mad woman and prayed that nobody noticed me in this position. I felt a soft tap on my shoulder and I flinched. Noah finally pulled me up and forced me to turn around as my head hung low in shame."Amelia, it's okay, I know everything. Your dad informed me everything and it's okay," Carla said and smiled ruefully."He did?" I asked in astonishment and she nodded. I had been staring at her gorgeous heals for a while, but after I heard her, I lifted my head up and gazed at her curiously. Both Carla and Katy smiled warmly at me.How could they forgive me? They were
"You're still not ready? The guests have already arrived for the ball." Noah stood at the doorstep while I was struggling with putting on the dress. It was forest green in colour and glamorous, but it was long and I had to be careful to not trip on it since I was wearing emerald studded stilettoes, one of the most expensive footwear I owned.Yes, it was the designer's idea to waste such expensive gems on shoes although they looked beyond amazing. The dress had an attached emerald necklace and the dress was simple enough to let the necklace and the shoes stand out. It had strings instead of a zipper which annoyed me the most, but the fabric was so delicate and smooth."I'm waiting for the maid, she'll help me with this dress. I can't reach till the back and pull the strings," I said and continued battling the war with the dress."I'll help you with that then." Noah walked and stood behind me. I pushed my long, blonde hair on one side of the neck and cocked my head. His fingers trailed
"You were going back home, so go away. You needn't stay here for a selfish soul. It's like I'm blackmailing you and it's making me feel more guilty. The feeling is getting worse, Noah and I don't think I can bear it. I give up. I don't deserve to live. I really don't--- ""I care about you! I was just going to tell you that I already forgave you and if you see, it wasn't really your fault. It was my dad's job to protect you and I know you had to keep it confidential so don't do this," he spoke so softly and gingerly, but I shook my head. I couldn't get distracted. I had already disappointed numerous people and I didn't deserve to live, I had inflicted much pain on everyone around me already."You needn't do this. I know you're doing this to save me--- "I was cut off mid sentence when I saw Emma entering in calmly, pressing the button of her wheelchair. She didn't give any reaction as I threatened to kill myself, but she didn't listen to me. My body was shaking to take any spontaneous
I was sprawled on the bed, my pillow soaked with tears. I was so dehydrated and exhausted. Zen had helped me to cope up with my issues, but the moment he left and I was alone, I got those same dreaded thoughts back. Everything was my fault and I deserved to carry the entire burden on my shoulders.Countless maids tried to feed me, butI just couldn't swallow a morsel of food. My chest felt tight and I couldn't breathe properly. My eyes barely could open because of the puffiness and heaviness.There was a knock on the door and the next moment, the door flung open and in came my mum, unannounced. With great difficulty, I sat up on the bed, leaning against the wall. Mum strode briskly and sat on the chair erectly."Why are you here now?" I asked as mum never came up to me to ask or talk about my problems. The maids were sent instead of her. Dad was with Emma looking over her operation. I felt horrible for not being there for Emma. I didn't had the strength to face the challenges, but mos
Present :" . . . Ethan just disappeared after that, partly because he was guilty since he shot Emma, the love of his life. He didn't accept Emma in this terrible condition and swore to take revenge on me." I swallowed a lump formed in my throat and concentrated on the road ahead. From the corner of my eye, I saw Noah sitting erect and stiff like a rock. There was an uncomfortable silence and it was eating me up. The guilt was gnawing me inside and I could feel it, I was on the verge of bursting into tears."Uncle John was a great man, he was like my own father. He was always there for me and he loved you Noah, your family and especially you. You were very dear to his heart and I feel miserable to-I'm so sorry. I'm s-sorry, I can't . . . " I apologised softly.I couldn't control my tears as we arrived at the cemetery. My hand was trembling on the steering wheel and I parked the car in one corner. I turned towards Noah and he was still the same. His face was stoic, his eyebrows drawn i
Six months ago :"Emma, Wait!" I shouted as I ran behind my sister. Her long legs carried her swiftly and on the other hand, I struggled to match her speed.We ran towards the garden and both of us plopped down on the soft grass and sighed loudly. It was a bright evening and the sun was just setting. The birds were chirping and the entire palace was filled with our silly laughter.Today was my mum and dad's anniversary so they had already gone to the city's biggest hall where most celebrations took place. Most of the bodyguards and maids had accompanied them. The entire city was going to be present there. Emma and I were going to perform a dance, but our entry was much later. We were given time to rehearse in the palace itself and now that we had completed practising, we were just chasing each other and fooling around.I dug my hands deep into the mud and fixed a small plant which I had carried with me. Emma helped me to put some fertilizers."Emma, there's mud smudged on your cheeks,
"Dad, listen . . . Please don't publicize my engagement with Zen. I don't wish to be with him, I love Noah." I held my dad's arm and begged. He stared at me as if in deep thought. My eyes turned watery when dad told me that it was time to make my engagement public. This was all because of my stupid fiancé."Does that boy has knowledge about what's going on here?" he asked and I pretended to be confused."What do you mean?" I asked, although I knew exactly what he meant. I quietly let go his arm. "But I love Noah and does love me too. Just postpone the announcement of this engagement please . . . ""What if Noah comes to know everything? He'll let go of you, Mia. You were lying to him all this time," he pointed out and sudden anger seeped within me. Dad was the one who sent me close towards Noah. He was the one who gave the job to Uncle John, not me."Don't blame me for all this dad! It's not entirely my fault! Besides, I'll tell Noah everything and that too now!" I yelled as I stormed