The living area is cast in a somber light, the glow of the setting sun filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I sit between my parents on the sofa, my fingers intertwined in my lap, my heart heavy with guilt. Mama’s eyes are filled with disappointment, papa's brows furrowed in concern as they both look at me, waiting for an explanation. After what seems like an eternity of heavy silence, papa's voice cuts through the tension, calm but tinged with irritation and hurt. "You've never introduced a boyfriend before, so who's the father?" A lump forms in my throat, rendering me speechless. I can't even bring myself to meet papa's gaze, knowing the anger I’ll find there. "I..." I begin, but the words catches in my throat. I can't bear to admit the truth, but also can't bear to see the pain in my parents' eyes magnify. Papa’s tone sharpens with each passing moment of silence. "Don't tell me that the guy doesn't wanna take responsibility for his child." My
My thoughts are consumed by the memory of Hugh's voice echoing in my mind from last night. ‘We'll meet again,’ he had said, his words a balm to my aching heart. But as I replay the moment in my mind, doubt creeps in, whispering its insidious lies. Was it just my desperate longing for him that had conjured up his voice? Or had he truly spoken those words to me, reaching out to me from the depths of Bonded’s world? I can't be sure, and yet, in the depths of my soul, I feel a glimmer of hope igniting within me. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, a trick of my weary mind, but I’ll cling to the possibility with a fervor born of desperation. Whether it’s merely my imagination or a miracle beyond comprehension, I’m unable to suppress the surge of joy that’s welling up within me at the thought of seeing him again. For in the end, it doesn't matter how or why his voice had reached my ears. All that matters is the hope it ignites in my heart, guiding me through the darkness with the promise of
The sun casts a golden hue over the quiet subdivision as I step out of our house, my heart pounding with anticipation. I can’t believe that the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting is now, the day I’d finally meet Author Agness again. I’ve prayed for this moment, begging the fates to grant me one more encounter with the woman who has changed the course of my life. Eric pulls up in his sleek black car, the engine purring softly as he leans over to open the passenger door for me. Mama hovers nearby, excitement tinged with concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, darling?" she asks, her hand resting protectively on my slightly swollen belly. I smile reassuringly, gently patting mama's hand. "I'll be fine.I’ll take good care of myself." Papa stands silently beside mama, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. He says, his voice laced with paternal concern, "If the contract signing takes too long, Call us, we’ll fetch you." I nod, my determinatio
"Of course, I remember you," Author Agness says, her tone cool and composed. "But whatever you want to say, make it fast. I have another appointment after this." I don’t waste a moment. My heart races as I plead with Author Agness, my words tumbling out in a rush of desperation. "Please, Author Agness, you have to help me. I need to go back inside Bonded's world. I need Hugh. My baby needs its father." Author Agness' gaze flickers briefly to my belly before returning to meet my teary eyes. Then she sighs softly, her expression betraying a hint of regret. "Your journey in Bonded is over. That's our agreement. Once the story is finalized, then you'll return here." My resolve hardens as I refuse to accept Author Agness's words, "Please, I can't lose him. Our story isn't finished yet. The fact that we're going to have a baby means our journey must continue." Author Agness rises gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid and impassive. Just as she’s about to take a step away from
ANASTASIA'S POV: I just wanted them to have a happy ending, you know? The lead couple in my favorite novel, they deserved it. So, I started meddling, thinking I could make it happen. But, I ended up stealing the male lead from the female lead. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I never meant to betray anyone. I've inadvertently ruined what could've been a great love story to satisfy my own selfish desire. How I wish I never interfered and let things unfold as they were meant to.----------The soft glow of my phone casts a warm light on my face as I curl up on my worn-out armchair, ready to immerse myself in the final chapter of ‘Bonded’ - my cherished e-book. A cup of chamomile tea rests on a coaster by my side. As I swipe the screen to turn the pages, the plot thickens, and so does the frown on my face. The once delightful tale of romance is unraveling, leaving knots of disappointment and disbelief in its wake. The main leads, Yvanna and Hugh, stand on the brink of a breakup. I a
The sun tiptoes through the floral curtains, casting a gentle warmth on the worn wooden floors and shelves laden with well-loved books. I stand before my modest vanity mirror, an unspoken excitement lighting my hazel eyes. My wardrobe is a collection of muted tones and comfortable fabrics. I slip into a shirt, a cardingan, a pair of well-worn jeans, and a comfortable pair of ankle boots.My hands move with purpose as I reach for a subtle palette of makeup. A touch of earthy eyeshadow and a stroke of mascara frame my eyes, accentuating the sparkle within, while a light pink blush and lipstick gives color to my pale complexion. I then comb my layered bangs and my brown wavy hair with my fingers, allowing some to fall on my shoulders and the rest, to my back. But, my excitement amplifies as I pick up my favorite accessory – my eyeglasses. “I can’t wait!” I giggle as I envision the events that’ll take place in a few moments from now. The wooden floor creaks beneath me as I make my way
The soft hues of the setting sun paint the sky in shades of peach and lavender as I hurry down the familiar path towards home. The crisp air teases at my cheeks, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and the promise of a chilly night. My heart continues to dance with excitement, and I could hardly contain the bubbling energy that courses through my veins. As I approach the front door, I hear the comforting murmur of my parents' voices inside. "I'm home!" I call out, the jingle of the keys announcing my arrival.Mama’s voice, warm and inviting, responds, "Ana, darling, we're just about to sit down for dinner. Join us, won't you?"A smile plays on my lips, but I shake my head with regret. "Not tonight, mama. I've got something brewing in my mind for my upcoming novel. It’s something that can't wait. I promise I'll make it up to you both this weekend."My parents exchange glances, then nod with indulgent smiles, a silent way of wishing me well.Upstairs in my room, I perch on my favori
Then, with a sudden burst of spontaneity, I change my mind. "Actually, Hugh," I say, my voice tinged with excitement, "I would love a ride home." Hugh's smile widens, a spark of delight igniting in his eyes as he holds open the passenger door for me. With a graceful movement, I slip into the luxurious interior of the car, the scent of leather and fine cologne enveloping me. “Where do you live?” Hugh asks. “Watercress Village. You can just drop me at the gates,” I reply. As we speed through the city streets, the night air rushing past us in a blur of lights and shadows, and a thrill unlike any I have experienced before writhes through me. Warmth rushes through my neck and cheeks, my heart thrums with a heady mix of excitement and apprehension, my fingers fidgeting nervously in my lap. And with every stolen glance, I find my eyes drawn to Hugh—his chiseled features illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights, his hands steady on the wheel as he navigates the winding roads