CELESTINE’s POVI've been tricked. This man sitting right in front of me turned out to be nothing but a liar! However, there is no point in debating with him because the damage has already been done. I narrowed my eyes at him for a moment before tearing my attention away and waving my hand in the air to get the waiter’s attention.‘‘Could you please get me my bill?’’ I ordered, but to my astonishment, the waiter quickly walked up to me, bent down, and whispered something into my ear.‘‘Miss, you don't need to worry about the bill...’’ He showed me a grin. ‘‘My boss already took care of it...’’What?‘‘Boss?’’ I formed a frown. ‘‘Who’s your boss?’’Julian, however, got my attention by clearing his throat just before the waiter was going to answer my question. ‘‘I am, in fact…the owner of this restaurant. Therefore, there is no need for you to pay the bill.’’Now I know for sure that he is a wealthy liar! I clenched my teeth and sent him deadly glares as I refrained from reaching out an
CELESTINE’s POVEven Leina was also taken aback when she heard that Arnold and Julian were related to each other. I noticed how her eyes widen when the two men talked to each other in front of us.‘‘Give your aunt a call, Julian…’’ Arnold said. ‘‘Tell mom that you arrived here safely. She’s always asking me if you’re here in New York already. She’s been very worried about you…’’‘‘Sure!’’ Julian nodded, checking his phone but as he said earlier, it ran out of battery.Aunt?Mom?Oh… they’re cousins! Now Julian’s name suddenly sounded familiar to me. I came across his name when I did a research about Arnold, when I tried to find out more about the background of his family and business before I started to pretend as Leina. But I didn’t pay too much attention on his cousin, thinking that I won’t meet him because he’s staying abroad.Well… I was wrong. I knew fate made us meet together, and I was now wondering what would be his role in my life.Julian Harvey was the only son of the riches
CELESTINE’s POVWe’ve arrived at the airport at four o’clock in the afternoon and I never thought that Julian was that caring as he always checked on me from time to time and I have to force a smile at him, for him to know that I was fine. But the truth was that… I was really feeling nervous. I have to hide my shaking hands behind me for not anyone to notice especially the couple in front of us, as we walked our way towards the departure area.‘‘Celestine… are you sure you want to go with us? Maybe you want to inform dad first about this?’’ Leina suddenly turned her head to look at me, then walked slowly so that she could walk beside me. ‘‘If you want to change your mind, I can call a cab for you to go home…’’Of course… Leina would think of something she could do to get rid of me and I couldn’t help but closed my fists, hating the fact that she couldn’t wait to drive me away. A sly grin plastered on my lips as I turned my head to look at her. ‘‘I think if Dad finds out that I’ll be o
ARNOLD'S POVI made it a point to construct Diamond Resort on the coastline of Oceanic City in the area that was considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing. The hotel had sole access to the most pristine beach in the neighborhood. Even the most affordable option for a single night's stay would set you back a staggering two hundred and fifty dollars.The following month's first day would mark the beginning of the hotel's public operations. A week ago… in order to promote the event, I distributed dozens of invitations to various people. Naturally, each and every one of these invitations was handed out to the wealthy and well-known residents scattered all over the city. Even though I invited some of my friends who live in New York, only a few of them were able to make it.When I and the rest of my group arrived at the resort, the influential people I mentioned earlier were already beginning to make their way there for a vacation.On the ten-meter-long table, there were a variety of
ARNOLD'S POVWhen Celestine entered the room, there was a sudden and dramatic change in the previously buoyant atmosphere. It was so cold that it felt like the temperature had plummeted to zero. Celestine, on the other hand, started appreciating the taste of her own food as if nothing had happened.Julian chuckled to himself as he reached for a giant prawn to give to her. ‘‘You have to try this one, Celestine… I cannot overstate how delicious it is.’’‘‘Thank you, Julian…’’ Celestine cracked a grin before taking a bite of the prawn.‘‘What do you think?’’ my cousin asked, and my fists automatically clenched under the table.She said, ‘‘It's good...’’ but then there was an abrupt sound of a light smirk coming from one of the ladies that was teasing Leina earlier.‘‘Is the video and photo that may be found on the internet authentic? She's awfully young, yet she's already quite licentious...’’ Everyone in the room stared her way with interest as they turned their heads to face her.But C
ARNOLD'S POVLeina and her friends transferred to a round table and everyone who agreed to play truth or dare joined there except for Celestine who didn’t seem to be interested in the game. She was paying more attention on the food she was eating. When she looked up, our eyes locked, and she glared at me. I could see from the look in her eyes that she’s not willing to reveal any sign of weakness.Julian was sitting next to her and had the need to participate in the game, but he couldn't leave Celestine by herself.‘‘Celestine, I think it would be fun if you join us...’’ Mia remarked while sporting a devilish grin.‘‘No, I'd prefer not...,’’ she responded and turned her gaze away.‘‘But…’’‘‘Don’t force her if she doesn’t want to…’’ After I told them, they all looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.I couldn't help but smirk when I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she was once more staring at me. And it didn't come as a surprise to me when she got up from her seat, p
ARNOLD'S POV‘‘Celestine… stop it!’’ Leina tried to stifle her sister's continued babbling by placing her hand over her mouth. There was fear in her eyes as she glared at Celestine and I don't know why she was feeling this way. ‘‘The alcohol’s gone straight to your head! You have to stop talking now, or you’ll embarrass yourself even more…’’‘‘You sold your virginity for ten thousand dollars?’’ Mia repeated what Celestine had just stated in her own words. I, too, found it impossible to believe what I had just been told. Did she actually carry it out? Or is she simply inebriated and making things up as a result of having consumed an excessive amount of alcohol?Everyone perked their ears up in response to what was spoken. As if they hadn't considered the possibility that she might have sold her virginity for something else.‘‘Yes...’’ she smirked at Mia, her eyes fluttering as she spoke. ‘‘For ten thousand dollars. Easy money, right…?’’As she smiled, a few strands of her gorgeous hair
ARNOLD'S POVI set Celestine down on her bed, and heaving a deep sigh… I noticed that her yellow dress was completely drenched. As I contemplated my next move in relation to this woman, I began to pace around the room. Ah… women! I let out a groan as I frustratedly pulled the roots of my hair with both hands, staring at the beautiful girl lying on the bed with her eyes closed.I had no idea why I decided to save her from drowning. When I saw her fall into the water… I felt as though my heart had stopped beating. I was worried that something bad might happen to her. But why? Why would I feel like that?It would make sense for her to be the kind of girl that I detested the most... a woman who is sexually predatory, a liar, and a betrayer. Every time I think about her, I found myself becoming irritable and losing my patience.I couldn't help but get a complicated feeling as I watched her sleeping body pass before my eyes. What are you doing to me, woman?Suddenly, I heard her murmuring,
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