The breeze continued to caress my bare arms as I was squealing excitedly. Even though it was cold, I didn't feel it. The warmth radiating from Noah and with me snuggling against him kept us both comfortable. It was like I was wrapped in a thick blanket during a chilled winter morning, it was all too cosy. Noah was holding onto me tightly like he would never let me go and always keep me safe.I pulled my braided hair, shook my head and let my hair loose. My long hair started to fly with the wind and the sensations, hot and cold was overwhelming me."Strawberry, your hair-it's going in my mouth!" Noah shouted over the sounds of crickets, nocturine birds and the crunching of leaves under Prince Chair's steps.Prince Charles, goddamn!"Hmm, come on, don't be a dog in the manger," I whined and I could feel Noah trying to shove my hair away like he was fighting an intense battle, but due to the wind, it slapped him right across his face.I laughed as Noah now held my hair in bunch and burie
"Ah . . . This is awesome---" Before I could complete my shouting, I was welcomed by cold water. It felt like millions of tiny icy shards were pricking my skin and hurting me, but the thrill of diving had overcome all my senses. It felt good and satisfying. I opened my eyes inside the water, but all I could see was darkness. Swimming upwards without any difficulty, I brought my face out of water. I ran a hand over my face, wiping the water off and looked around, taking in huge gulps of air. My eyes desperately searched for a certain brown haired boy with eyes the deepest shade of blue, but I couldn't find him."Noah, where are you? Noah, Noah!" I shouted on top of my voice, but I couldn't find him.Did he know how to swim? He had to.All sorts of lethal thoughts ran in my mind creating a havoc. He couldn't have drowned, could he?"N-Noah?" I called out in a shaky voice as my body grew weak with fear. My heart hammered against my chest as I quickly held my breath and went underwater, b
My head throbbed in pain as soon as I woke up. I was wearing light, white cotton shorts and shirt which the maids would have changed me into last night. Last night, I repeated the two words and sighed audibly.I couldn't remember anything in particular as I sauntered towards the bathroom and splashed cold water over my face. I took a glimpse of myself in the mirror and scowled. Mascara was running down my cheeks like I had cried all night, lumps of makeup clinging to my skin as I woefully recalled that I didn't use makeup removal tissues. The maids hadn't bothered to clean me up and now the after effects was irking me.My hair was in knots and had become rough, limp and stiff like I had used too much hairspray. I scrunched my nose as I peeled the clothes off my body. I smelled like crap. I stood under the shower for long minutes, running my fingers through the knots in my hair and scrubbing my face. I tried to recollect all that had happened yesterday and the cold water hit my body br
"Maa? Why are you up here?" I asked and my eyebrows knotted in confusion, but she didn't reply. She just quitely shut the door of my room behind her and sat stiffly on the edge of my bed."I want to talk to you, Mia. I suppose you're not doing anything important," she said and I nodded until I realized that how she used to dislike when I nodded and didn't give a proper response."Nothing necessary," I muttered and hid the glittery, purple nailpaint under the sheets of my bed.There was complete silence, words which were better left unsaid. Six months ago when everything had gone wrong, my relationship with dad and mum changed drastically. Our once sweet relationship had turned sour.Mum cleared her throat, drawing my attention towards her as she adjusted her gleaming, gold watch and said, "Things between us-between you and dad, it has changed. Everywhere there is absolute mayhem, you know it very well, don't you Mia honey?""Get to the point maa," I said dismissively and I knew she wa
I entered the massive room which was adorned with plush carpets, an enormous chandelier suspended right from the centre of the ceiling and luxurious sofa sets. Zen was already present there chatting and working his charm on various fashion designers. Shopping with Zen meant that in the palace itself, designers from all over the world displayed their designs in this huge room. Whether it was a new designer or an already successful one in the industry, it was a chance of luck. The dresses which I selected determined the designer's fate in the industry. Whichever dresses I accepted, it would boost the respective designer's career.I barely went shopping in stores to avoid the hassle of public attention. All that I needed was exhibited in the palace and I didn't even had to step out of the palace for anything except for fresh air.The place consisted of racks and racks of clothes of different fabric, shape, colour and design, all neatly arranged to skim through easily. There was separate
Noah stormed out of the room in fury and betrayal with his hands balled into fists. Somehow, I managed to push Zen away from me and scurried after Noah. "Hey, hey! Noah-wait!"I quickly caught his arm before he could go any further and tugged at him. A flicker of hurt passed through his face as his jaw clenched. He looked down in disgust and glared at me."It's not what you see, Noah--- ""Then explain," he cut me off harshly and jerked his arm away from my grasp."Zen was tickling me and I-I couldn't get rid of him. I'm not going to lie about anything that happened between Zen and because nothing really happened! Maa forced us on a-a date," I said the last sentence gingerly and Noah gritted his teeth. I reached for his face and cupped his cheeks softly. "I don't love Zen, I love you Noah and I'll never stop loving you.""Then prove it, break this ridiculous engagement with Prince Charming and come to me. Can you do that, Strawberry?" he asked intensely and my lips pursed into a thin
"Where's Emma?" I asked eagerly and the maid smiled."She's in the shed with Prince Charles," she said and left the room after bowing at me. I turned towards Anne, but she was still sleeping peacefully."Anne, my sister is here! Emma's back home!" I squealed excitedly and shook her sleeping figure, but she shoved me away."Mmm . . . Luke, go away," she mumbled in her sleep and I realized that she was really hurt by Luke. I thought of letting her sleep for some more time so I got up and slid a silky pink robe over my white tank top and skimpy shorts.I ran down the spiral stairs and straight out of the door before I bumped into someone. I looked up slowly and saw Noah who eyed me cautiously."What are you doing here early in the morning?" I asked in surprise and he scowled."That's none of your business," he muttered and my gaze followed his hand which was clutching a canvas board tightly. His pocket contained paint brushes of different sizes so he had been painting. I looked at him cu
"---and that's when we found Kyle, being chased by a bunch of little girls," I narrated blithely and Emma laughed lightly. I told her each and every possible detail I could gather about my time in the small townI turned around and the maid helped me pull the strings of the dress. It was quite old-fashioned, but matched perfectly for the rally. The material was hard to give me the stiff posture and it was dull, yet it looked elegant. The dress had golden, thin, thread like design branching out in random directions on the bodice while the rest of the dress was a plain, pale cream colour. The necklace I wore added more beauty and glamour to it like it belonged to the gown. Everything was perfect except for the strings. Couldn't Miss Willa put a zipper instead of strings?"Mia?" Emma called out and I looked at her. Her eyes sparkled in admiration and I smiled amusingly. She lifted her index finger, gesturing me to wait for a second as she reached behind her wheelchair and retrieved a box
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