CELESTINE’s P O VMy eyes were watery and swollen shut as I shifted uncomfortably on a thin, uncomfortable mattress and heard the distant sound of a monitor beeping.My right arm had the sensation that something was hooked to it. Something stiff and unbending. I gave it a little pull and felt something cool, like a tube along my fingers. The next thing I felt was the distinct sensation of someone's fingers intertwining with mine.I swallowed harshly, my throat hurt.Arnold…I tried to call for him, forcing myself to speak, but there’s no sound came out of my mouth. I also tried to pry my eyes open but everything hurt, especially my head. It was pounding in rhythm with the glaring noise in the room but then I heard someone yelled.‘‘Push Mrs. Maxwell!’’Push…?Slowly, I worked to open my eyes and I caught a glimpse of tiny sliver of bright light, and a white ceiling, and all over the room.I’m in the hospital!But my eyes still hurt, so I squeezed them shut once again.‘‘Push now, Mrs.
*******Julian and Cynthia's Story*******CYNTHIA's P O VPROLOGUEI straightened my shoulders and crept carefully down the cold marble staircase that led into the exquisitely designed kitchen. This place, much like the rest of the magnificent structure, is not one that I anticipate becoming weary of in the near future.The night sky was obscured by a thick cloak of blackness, allowing only the stars and moonlight to peek through the tall, elegant windows.It was excruciatingly loud as the heel of my shoes tapped on the polished floor, which made me squirm at the thought of disturbing the peaceful household.After slipping out of the uncomfy footwear, I delicately picked up a glass from one of the spotless cabinets and filled the cup with iced water.It wasn't until I brought the reviving liquid up to my lips that I became aware of the brisk breeze that had been blowing across my tanned skin.In the silk black dress that hardly covered any of my body, I could feel the air wrapping aroun
CYNTHIA's P O V‘‘J-julian...’’ my embarrassment caused my cheeks to heat up as I considered the possibility that he could have heard me moaning his name while I was pleasuring myself in the shower room.When he didn’t respond and continued to look at me intently while remaining silent, I tightened my hold on the towel that was wrapped around me.‘‘What are you doing here in my room?’’ I snapped, realizing that I had locked the door when I entered the room. Oh, did I? I can’t remember…He cleared his throat, looking away from me. ‘‘It's time for dinner...’’ he said. ‘‘I was calling for you but you’re not responding. The door isn’t locked, and I thought something happened to you so I barged in. I’m sorry…’’I nodded, and I waved my hand to dismiss him as I moved towards my closet, but to my surprise, Julian remained in his spot, observing me.‘‘I’ll go down in a minute, Julian…’’ I couldn't make out any indication on his face that he had heard what I was doing earlier, so I think there
CYNTHIA's P O VI couldn't help but shake my head as I realized that my brother was extremely protective of me, which, at times, might be stifling. It’s just a beer, and he’s already freaking out. What more if he found out that I like Julian?As I made my way back to the pool area, I heaved a sigh and then brought the cup containing beer to my lips. But before I could even open the sliding door, I heard Julian’s voice, making me whip around, and glare at him.‘‘Little Cynthia drinking beer…?’’ he whistled, crossing his arms over his chest, making me swallow hard as my eyes were drawn to the ripple of biceps straining against his tight black shirt. His brown hair was ruffled and damped from a recent shower.‘‘I’m not so little anymore…’’ I shrugged as I took a swig of beer, showing him how good I was in drinking.‘‘Yeah, I noticed that…’’ he gazed at me, his eyes drifted over my body, making me feel incredibly exposed. ‘‘Shame you’re off limits…’’I frowned when I didn’t catch the last
CYNTHIA's P O V‘‘Is it true that Julian is getting married?’’ I asked Arnold the moment I stepped inside the study room.‘‘Really? I’m sorry, but I have no idea about that matter…’’ he said without even gazing up at me from looking down, and signing some documents, so he was unaware of the pain that caused me to hastily press my hand over my chest. ‘‘Take a seat, I have something very important to discuss with you...’’I heaved a sigh and made my way over to the couch in the corner, where I sat with my back leaned against it and my feet propped up on the coffee table. I put my arm across my chest and closed my eyes for a little while, but Arnold's voice prompted me to open them once more.‘‘Julian and I will be going to Oceania City to check at the beach that I had planned to develop into a resort…’’ Arnold put his pen down on the table and eventually looked up at me with a calm expression on his face. However, his brows wrinkled when he saw that my face was crimson, possibly as a re
CYNTHIA's P O V‘‘Arnold…?’’Alexander’s face paled slightly, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. My brother was so overprotective of me, so the situation wasn’t going to end well if he finds him in my room.‘‘Hide in the bathroom…’’ I said to Alex, and his eyes widened, shaking his head.‘‘W-what? I… I can’t hide in the bathroom…’’ he stuttered, and I realized how absurd that idea was.Shit! What should I do?‘‘Open the door, Cynthia!’’ Arnold continued to yell, and I could hear him repeatedly hitting the door with his foot.‘‘What the hell is happening here?’’ Julian’s voice made my eyes grew wider, and I looked at Alex again, trying to memorize his handsome face before my brother and my cousin destroyed it.‘‘I… I'm coming!’’ I yelled back and opened the door partially, where I found Arnold seething and Julian frowning. Both topless, and only wearing joggers. Damn!My eyes trailed at Julian’s abs and I gulped. I decided to focus my eyes on my brother’s face before he could
CYNTHIA's P O VWhat the hell did Julian just say?Me, kissing Alex to make him jealous?No fucking way!I covered my face with the pillow, and forced myself to sleep, not wanting to think about him anymore. However, the bite at the side of my neck had already been imprinted, and I was unable to stop myself from feeling it over and over again.I didn’t know what time I had drifted back to sleep, but when I opened my eyes, my head immediately began to pound.I slowly sat up, clutching my head in my hands. My head was pounding from the excessive alcohol I consumed last night, and when I remembered what my brother, and Julian did to Alex, I whimpered as I reached for my phone on the nightstand to send him a text message, and apologize, but then I couldn’t find it.‘‘Aaaahhh!’’ Where did I put my phone?I am never drinking again!I rolled myself off the comfy mattress, and slowly made my way onto my feet. My vision practically disappeared, causing me to grip onto the metal bedpost.As soo
CYNTHIA's P O V"Let's avoid each other from now on..."His words kept playing in my head over and over as I tried to calm myself down before meeting Alex. After slightly crying, I dabbed the corners of my eyes with a tissue and grabbed my purse before exiting the car after telling the driver to pull up in front of Roosevelt Field.Julian told me he’s sorry, for what? For barging inside my room, every time? For accusing and hitting Alex? Or for hurting me, physically, and emotionally?‘‘Cynthia!’’ Alex called me from the other side of the lobby. I didn’t remember the trip down there. I was too distracted by my thoughts to be aware of my surroundings but I managed to force a grin on my face, and get myself together before he got closer to me.‘‘Hi…’’ I greeted him, taking the hand he extended out for me to hold. I couldn’t help but feel guilty when I saw the bruise on his jaw. ‘‘I’m so sorry for my brother and cousin’s behaviour last night…’’ I said quietly as we continued to walk.‘‘I
JULIAN’s P O VAunt Olivia insisted that Cynthia must first complete her education, and give birth to our child before she allowed us to get married. And I felt worried about Cynthia because I was aware that she was waiting for this moment. Even though she wasn’t voicing it out, I could sense that she was expecting me to propose to her, for us to build our own family, but Auntie asked me not to let Cynthia know about our agreement.After seven months, Cynthia gave birth to a healthy baby boy who she gave the name Mark Julian. And while I was occupied with the expansion of the business that Arnold had requested me to handle, Cynthia continued her studies.Finally, Cynthia graduated and I’ve never been so proud of her. I believed that as a result of all of the things she went through, she got more matured. She never complained about the fact that I did not offer her marriage.When it was time for Cynthia to get her graduation present from me---it’s not exactly a graduation present, but
CYNTHIA's P O VAt this moment, tears were beginning to run down my face. I couldn’t keep them at bay. Now that it was almost certain that I’m losing this baby.I may not know a lot about pregnancy, but I knew that bleeding was a bad sign.As soon as we entered the emergency room, an array of questions and answers ensued, and I answered them to the best of my ability, while my parents and Julian were listening attentively. Julian refused to let go of my hand even when I was wheeled back toward a room and directed to strip for an ultrasound.The nurse stopped Julian when he was about to enter the changing room, insisting that he wanted to help me change into a hospital gown. ‘‘I can help her, Sir. Just stay with her parents outside…’’Julian did not immediately follow the nurse after initially hesitating, but he did so eventually. Soon after, he began to loosen his grip on my hand before leaving completely.My parents sat in a chair along the far right wall, and Julian stood a few feet
CYNTHIA's P O VTWO MONTHS LATERI groaned as I sat up in bed and stretched my arms. A quick look at the clock that was sitting on my nightstand revealed to me that nightfall would arrive sooner. How long have I been dozing off?These past few days, my normal pattern of sleeping has been thrown off. Simply put, I was mentally and emotionally exhausted to the point where I lost track of time because of it. Even though my parents, Arnold, and Celestine regularly checked on me every once in a while, one of the harmful things I'd been doing was spending most of my time alone in my room. This was another habit I'd gotten into.They have been monitoring the media, calling people and giving them orders, as well as discussing the situation with the authorities. They would act wary every time I descended the stairs, as if they didn't want me to hear about those fucked up news again.I never heard from Julian again after that day. I was aware that his wedding took place last month, but none of
CYNTHIA's P O VNothing could have prepared me for the crushing agony I experienced when my mom told me that Julian had departed without even alerting me, or even bidding farewell to me before he flew back to France. Nor could anything have prepared me for the profound sense of loss that caused my heart to tighten, leading me to believe that it was going to cease beating altogether.Even though I was aware, on some level, that he was meant to return and marry her, the fact that he did still hurt. How could he? How, after making love to me? After I had already given him everything? After stroking my hair until I fell asleep? After spending so much time gazing at me with that breathtaking smile? How could he love her and marry her still?There was a painful lump that was lodged in my throat, and it was making it difficult for me to even breathe. In addition to this, I had to fight against my tear ducts in order to keep from crying in front of my family because of him. In total honesty,
CYNTHIA's P O VThe moment the door to the Maxwell villa opened, I was met with a resounding slap across the face from my irate mother.‘‘Aunt Olivia…’’ When she raised her hand to slap me again, Julian attempted to stop her, but she instead hit Julian which caused my eyes to widen in shock.‘‘Don't address me like that, you have no connection to any of us anymore!’’ she said through gritted teeth, a threatening tone was used as she glared at him.It appeared as though everything around me had come to a stop. I blinked back the tears that was on the verge of falling down my cheek. ‘‘Mom…’’Did Arnold tell her about us?‘‘What are your intentions with regard to my daughter?’’ She asked Julian while completely ignoring me. ‘‘Do you intend to take him as your mistress?’’‘‘No, I…’’‘‘There is no future for the two of you, and even if you leave the woman who will soon become your wife, I won't let you have my daughter!’’ And she smacked his face once more, which prompted me to push her aw
CYNTHIA’s P O VJulian grabbed the shower head, turning on the water. He pointed it at me and he made sure to let it pour all over my body, until every inch of me was soaked. ‘‘I’ll take it that it will make you behave…’’‘‘Uhmmm…’’ I agreed mindlessly, not really listening to a single word he uttered, for I was too busy gawking at his dripping wet physique. I could feel my lids becoming heavy, my veins burning under my skin as pure sexual desire course through them.Unwittingly, without even noticing it, I kneeled in front of him, coming face to face with his semi-hard shaft, but before I could even touch it, he grabbed my shoulders firmly. ‘‘Get up before I fuck you again…’’‘‘But I want you to fuck me again…’’ I protested with a pout, still resting on my knees.He chuckled amusedly, lightly shaking his head. ‘‘Come on, Cynthia, we’ve got to go…’’But I didn’t listen, I remained still.Julian decided to bring his arm under my armpits and pick me up against my will, laying small kiss
CYNTHIA’s P O V‘‘Do you think that somebody was listening to us?’’ I inquired anxiously as fear began to course through my veins.Julian gave a dismissive shake of his head before rising to his feet and reaching for the bathrobe that was still hanging on the door of the bathroom. ‘‘No, the rooms are soundproofed. You stay here...’’ he covered himself and left the room.But I couldn’t mind my business in a situation like this. I rolled out of bed and took a fluffy bath towel, wrapping it around my body before following him towards the living area.From the other side of the slightly open door, I could hear a feminine voice. ‘‘Uhmm, Hi… I mean, good morning. I was wondering if you saw Cynthia---’’I rudely pushed Julian out of the way and came face to face with Stef, who let out a sigh of relief upon seeing me.‘‘Oh, Cynthia… I was worried about you!’’I smiled at her and placed a kiss on her cheek. ‘‘Well, as you can see, I’m good…’’ I then stepped closer to her so that she would be a
CYNTHIA’s P O VI completely let myself go, carelessly giving up on trying to hold myself up and completely leaning against his tall, manly frame. ‘‘Oh, fuck…’’ I moaned as I gripped his hair and pulled on it, moving his head and craning my neck so that our lips would touch. I immediately opened my mouth, allowing his tongue to slip inside.Julian added a second finger into my tight canal, starting to thrust harder. ‘‘You’re such a sexy little thing, aren’t you...?’’ he pulled his hand away and brought his fingers which were coated in my juices, to his mouth, sucking them clean before he picked me up and walked back to the bedroom, letting me fall onto the bed, and then followed me immediately.I pushed him down onto the sheets and got on top of him, hovering over his rock hard member. ‘‘Do you want me…?’’ I inquired in a hushed tone as I took both of his hands in mine and placed them on my waist.He nodded with his mouth agape, looking up at me with full of desire and appreciation.‘
JULIAN’s P O VThere was something unbelievably intimate about waking up next to someone, especially when that someone was the one you love.Strips of golden sunlight shone into the room and Cynthia managed to wrap herself around most of my thin sheets.I woke up with my arm lay across her stomach and her head was tucked into my bare chest. We hadn’t bothered dressing ourselves after last night’s events, as we had already seen every inch of each other.Also we were exhausted, that we had drifted to sleep after another heated kiss.Cynthia stirred slightly, which brought me back from recalling what brought us here, and buried her head further into my chest while placing a hand onto my torso.But all of this felt so wrong, since everyone around see us as cousins, and in addition to that, I am already getting married.But then, why did last night feel so right? And why did her touch alone light my body on fire?I knew that my old self would think otherwise, but Cynthia and I couldn’t hap