HadenI've been seeing Ivory everyday after work for the last few weeks. I couldn't bring myself to tell Aubrey because I knew it might trigger her again.I called and told her that I had a lot of work to do later and I wouldn't be able to make it home when I was actually wrapped up in Ivory's arms. She gently stroked my hair and I melted under her touch."What are you thinking about?" She inquired."You.""I wish it could always be like this. You being here for the baby and I," she sighed."Soon darling, soon. I promise things will work out in the end," I pecked her lips."Haden, when the baby comes. I'll need you here a lot more." "I know. Don't worry I'll be here." "But what about Aubrey?""Vincent will watch her for me. He wouldn't mind doing me a favor.""But shouldn't you be doing that? What if she tries to harm herself again?" "I doubt she will. I'm sure she will be fine." "Tomorrow we find out the sex of the baby," she informed me."That's great! We should start thinking o
Aubrey I woke up early, slipped out of the house and went for a jog around the neighborhood. The thought of that guy watching me, made me scared but I managed to jog for 30 minutes and returned home.Walking inside I was greeted by Haden."Where the hell were you? I called your phone and got no response," Haden questioned."Sorry I went for a jog.""You can't just leave without an explanation Aubrey." "And why not? You do it all the time," I snapped and pushed pass him. I went into my room and slammed the door.I took a long, cold shower and changed into a floral print dress that reached mid-thighs with a belt at the waist. I paired it with black strapped sandals that reached slightly below mid thighs. I did my make-up and applied a light shade of pink lipstick. After that I curled my hair and let it fall down my back. Satisfied with my look I grabbed my phone and went downstairs.Haden was in the kitchen when I entered. He was eating breakfast while he busily tapped away on his pho
HadenI woke up with a pounding headache. That's what I get for drinking all night. Sighing, I rolled off my bed and raked my hand through my hair. I was feeling awful but I got up anyway and made my way outside. "Lucia," I called from on top of the stairs. A few seconds later she came up the stairs, a worried look consuming her features. "Yes sir." "Can you please fetch me a glass of water and some tablets?" I winced as a wave of pain consumed me. "Yes sir. Shall I wake Mrs. Vanderbilt?" She questioned. At the mention of Aubrey the memories of last night came flooding back. I almost did that to her. I felt sick with myself. They say that alcohol brings out our deepest thoughts. Who we really are. I wanted Aubrey last night and I was jealous of her friendship with Vincent. I felt something for her and I can't deny it. The way she looked in that dress. The way her hair was ruffled made her look incredibly sexy. I couldn't resist her. But now, I wasn't ready to face her. I have to a
HadenIt's been two weeks since Aubrey was missing. We managed to find her phone and turned it in to the police but that didn't make me feel any better. I've been spending time with Ivory to fill the void that Aubrey left but it's like I can't be around her. Every time I am around her I feel guilty. I feel sick to my stomach."Haden, I asked if you think we should paint the room baby blue or dark blue," Ivory yelled with an annoyed expression."Oh sorry. Anything is fine," I muttered as I looked out the window. We were currently at my house fixing a room for the baby but I was so out of it. The news that I was having a baby boy didn't make me as excited as I thought it would. I just felt empty."Haden. This is your son. Our son. You are acting like you don't care!" She screamed."I'm sorry but if you haven't noticed, my wife is missing," I barked and a look of surprise covered her features."So this is about Aubrey," She spat."Of course it's about Aubrey. I miss her damn it. I have n
Aubrey This time, Anthony didn't leave. In fact, he got me a gold dress that I had to admit was beautiful indeed. "Put it on. I want to take you somewhere. I'll be waiting downstairs. Don't try anything foolish," he warned as he went downstairs.I got dressed and left my hair down. I grabbed the heels in my hand and poked my head outside. The hallway was empty, and I stealthily walked downstairs. I saw Anthony on his phone in a heated conversation. I took that as an opportunity to sneak through the kitchen and out the back the door. The cool evening air hit me as I walked outside. I threw my heels in the bushes and dashed towards the huge gate. My victory was short-lived as I felt a pair of arms wrap around me."Not so fast, angel," Angelo chuckled and dragged me back inside.A furious looking Anthony stood there."Tryna leave me baby?" He fumed, and I squirmed.A slap echoed through the room, and my face stung from the impact."You belong to me," he yelled as he grabbed me by my h
Vincent My mind was in a frenzy. I kept thinking about Aubrey, day and night. I want her to be safe. I just need to hold her in my arms once again. I just need to see her."Calm down, Vincent," Caleb put his hand on my shoulder."You've been pacing this room for quite a while. I know you miss Aubrey. I do, too. But you have to eat. You haven't been eating as much," Caleb stated, and I sighed."Fuck it. I'm gonna look for her myself. I'm tired of sitting around and waiting on those cops." "We don't even know where to start." "So what? We drive around and search places. We have nothing to lose. If you kidnapped someone, where would you take them?" I questioned."Abandoned buildings or rather buildings that look abandoned on the outside," Caleb suggested."Well that's a start, let's go."We got into the car and began our search. We started at a local warehouse, well what use to be a warehouse. We searched around inside but found nothing.My phone rang and I answered it seeing as it wa
Aubrey My mind was foggy, and I couldn't think straight. I just woke up and rolled off the bed. I was clothed in a black T-shirt and some shorts. My skin was sweaty, and my legs hurt. My entire body was in pain, and I instantly began crying again. Memories of yesterday flooded my mind, and I wanted this suffering to end."Where are you going, baby?" Anthony cooed as he grabbed my hand."Let me go," I cried."What's wrong ? Didn't you have fun last night?" He smirked, and I sobbed."I hate you, Anthony. I hate you. You ruined my body. You forced yourself on me. You took away something I would never get back. I will always hate you," I screamed. As those words left my mouth, I was slapped."You will love me bitch. You will have to love me. I will make you love me," He barked as he slapped me again and again. I was beginning to feel dizzy."S-stop," I murmured.He then pushed me causing my head to collide with the floor. Black dots formed in my vision as I faded into the darkness."Shit
Vincent "This is Lakewood Gardens. Now it's gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack," Caleb sighed."We'll split up and ask around," I stated. Caleb's phone vibrated, and he checked his notifications. We were currently sitting in my car. Xavier was fully on board with finding Aubrey, so he came along. Caleb, Alex, and Blake were also there. Blake was pretty chill, and we got along easily. The rest of the guys couldn't be here, but they promised that they would assist in any way they could."It's a message from Haden," Caleb said."What does it say?" Xavier questioned."He said that he's taking the 'next step' with Ivory in their relationship. They are having an engagement party and we are invited. It's tomorrow, actually." "Huh. I wish him the best," I laughed."So do I. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but doing this is just wrong. Abandoning Aubrey like that is just pathetic. He can't be serious!" Blake exclaimed."Oh, but he is. Mom and dad aren't talking to him because of all th
Damien's POVI stared at the letter on my dresser. I hadn't given it to my mom yet. In the back of my mind, I was tempted to open it, but that wouldn't be right."Ugh, I should just give it to her," I thought out loud as I stood up.I took the letter up and went to her room. As I was about to knock on the door, Mom opened it."Hey, sweetie," She smiled."Mom, some guy gave me a letter to give to you," I passed it to her."Oh?"She opened it and I saw her eyes widen as she read its contents."W-Who gave this to you?" She stuttered."I don't know him, but he had black hair and blue eyes. He looked like he was in his 40s. He was tall and buff."Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought for a moment."Could it be....?" Her voice trailed off."Is something wrong?""Everything is fine, sweetie, but please don't speak to strangers, okay?""Sure."I wonder who that guy was and what Mom's hiding.I didn't have school today, and I just wanted to rest my body.As I was sitting on the sofa watching th
DamienI yawned softly as I got out of bed. Today is the soccer match. I was super excited and nervous, but I'm gonna do my best. Yesterday I got my driver's license, it was such a relief."Sweetie, are you getting ready for school?" Mom called."Yeah Mom. I'm gonna shower. I'll be down in a bit."After I brushed my teeth and showered, I got dressed for school. The game is taking place this afternoon so I still had time.My phone buzzed signaling that I had a notification.Checking my phone, I saw that I received a message from Dad.Dad: Hey, I just wanna wish you luck on your match today. I know that you're gonna play amazing. Always know that I'm proud of you Dami. His message brought a smile on my face as I replied to him.I made my way downstairs and met my mom placing breakfast on the table."Big day today Dami." She smiled as I took a seat."Yeah, I hope everything works out." "It will, you've been working hard for this.""We're coming to see your match this evening Damien."
Damien"So, are you gonna come to Jonah's party, Phil?" I questioned as we entered the library."Of course not.""Why?""I just don't feel like it." He shrugged."Is it because he's dating Evelyn?" I questioned and he stiffened."No, Evelyn can do whatever the hell she wants. That's not my concern.""Well, you never usually miss a party so I assumed something was up.""I'm just focusing on my studies, I don't need any distractions.""Whatever you say bro."We sat and finished our essay for literature class.Halfway through the essay I heard Phil sigh and drop his pen on the table. He rocked back on the chair, his arms propped behind his head as he look at the ceiling."This is so frustrating.""It's not that hard, we just have to write about any theme in the novel of our choice. Choose a few examples and explain how it was used.""You're actually good at literature, I wish I could say the same." He sighed."I'll help you.""Thanks man." He pulled out his copy of to 'Kill A Mockingbird
Damien"Hold up, Did you say Xavier Vanderbilt?" I repeated and she nodded."I know him. Well, actually my mom knew him. He was a friend of the family." "Do you think she would tell me about him?" "I'm sure she will. Speaking of that I should be getting home and you should come with me. You could ask my mom about Xavier." I suggested."That sounds good." We took the bus and arrived home in 20 minutes."Hello Cassidy. How are you?" Mom smiled."I'm fine Aunty. How are you?" "I'm good darling.""You're home early. Didn't you have practice?" Mom asked me."I did but something much more important came up. Mom, Cassidy and I need to talk to you about something." "Ofcourse." She said calmly but a worried look graced her features.We walked into the living room and mom sat opposite me."Do you guys want something to drink?" Mom asked."I'd like a glass of water." Cassidy said."Me too." I chimed in.Minutes later, mom came back with the water and some biscuits for us."Now, what's going
Damien "Dami, wake up or you'll be late for school." My mom yelled.I groaned as I rolled off the bed. As a sixteen year old I need rest. I've been training a lot as it was soccer season."Damien, I'm not gonna call again." Mom yelled from downstairs.I walked downstairs and sat at the table."Finally, you're awake." Mom smiled as she placed my breakfast in front of me.Dad came downstairs in a hurry with his suitcases. He's going to Italy for a week. "Daddy, do you have to go?" Amelia whispered."Yes sweetheart, I do.""But I want you to stay." She whined. Out of all of us, Amelia spent the most time with Dad. They played a lot together. She is quite the spoilt nine year old but in a good way.He put down his suitcases and scooped her into his arms."Amelia, I'll be back before you know it. I have a surprise for you when I get back.""A surprise?" Her eyes gleamed."Yes, so will you be patient and wait for me?" She paused for a moment and then nodded."Good girl." He kissed her for
Aubrey was now 18 years old. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her beauty held no bounds. People would turn heads as soon as they saw her. Aubrey sat at the table, a frown on her face as she calmly went through the numbers for the party. "Hm? Am I missing someone?" She thought out loud as she looked at the list. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in. Aubrey got up from her seat and bumped into Blake. She tumbled into him and almost fell to the ground, but he steadied her. "Are you okay?" He asked politely, and she nodded."I'm fine," she smiled as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes. Blake cleared his throat and stepped at the side. "This is my parents' home. I would like to know who you are?" Blaked cracked a smile. "It's Aubrey silly," she giggled and looked up at him, "Welcome home," she smiled. "A-Aubrey?" He stuttered. "Yup. You're just on time. I was planning your party." "Nothing has changed," he scowled, "I don't want to be around you."
Months had passed since Aubrey's return home. Despite the ongoing tension between her and Blake, life had settled into a semblance of normalcy.As young as she was, she was beginning to understand how things worked and how she would have to live with people not liking her. It might be difficult, but it was still important that she understand this concept. Aubrey had learned to navigate the unspoken boundaries in their home, trying her best not to provoke her brother's anger. She avoided him like the plague. She buried herself in her schoolwork, finding solace in her studies and the close bond she had developed with her parents and younger sister, Emma. Her parents ensured that she still enjoyed her life as she used to before. In fact, they sent Blake away as much as they could. One sunny afternoon, while playing in the backyard with Emma, Aubrey suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of dizziness wash over her. She had been running around, laughing, when her legs gave way, and she stum
"Blake, what are you doing?" An 11 year old Emma questioned as she picked up a tray that was on the table in the study."Nothing that concerns you Emma," He held a stoic expression as he looked through the files. "What do you mean nothing that concerns me? You're going through dad's files and that's wrong! I'm going to tell." Blake's eyes narrowed at her. He was five years her senior and she knew better than to challenge him. "Emma," He paused, "Perhaps if we're outing each other now. Why don't I tell mom and dad that you failed that Spanish test?" He calmly threatened causing her to stiffen and grow pale. "Blake, you can't do that." "Then mind your own business. There's no way that you would think that it's actually okay to be involved in my affairs do you?" "No, I'll leave you be now," She muttered angrily as she left the room. Blake rolled his eyes and continued his search. His eyes lit up as he came upon the delicious truth he was looking for. A devious smirk danced on his
Xavier "Xavier, please. Give me one more chance." "I don't think so." "I'm sorry about everything. It was a mistake." "Fucking that designer was a mistake? Parisa be serious right now. That wasn't a mistake and we both know it." "B-But I love you Xavier." She whispered as she took a step towards me. "Well I guess that love wasn't enough then. You cheated on me. You had no reason to but you did. Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much I care? Did you ever stop to think about how I would feel? I gave you every single thing I could. I did all I could do for you but it still wasn't enough. I don't know what's wrong with you. I can't say anything else about this." I sighed."Please, let's just talk about this. I'm begging you. I want us to be together. I don't wanna give up on us. I'm so sorry Xavier. Please." She begged as she tried to hug me. I gently moved her away and took a step back. "I think the least you could do is respect me by leaving me alone. Parisa, I wa