ARNOLD'S P O VAfter an hour… the rain finally started to let up, and I watched as Celestine, who had been sitting in front of the fire, got up and stretched out her limbs, her slightly wet dress sticking at her chest making me swallow and look away.‘‘Let's go and check outside!’’ she chirped as she shifted her gaze to look at me in the eye. ‘‘They are supposed to be coming over here any minute now to fetch you up...’’‘‘Me?’’ I frowned. ‘‘What about you?’’‘‘They’re more concerned about you, Arnold. That’s a fact!’’I let out a deep sigh, remained seated there as I watched her make her way out of the cave. I shook my head and got up, following her out pretty quickly after a while.Oceania City was in every sense a part of the ocean. The rain fell almost as fast as it had come down. The initially dark sky gradually became brighter, and before long… clear blue skies were visible in the sky above.I didn’t pay any attention to what was going on around me; rather, I concentrated my atte
CELESTINE’s POVAfter noticing the wound on Arnold's hand, Leina didn’t waste any time in getting a medical professional to examine him as soon as we got back into the hotel.Arnold was bitten by what the doctor described as a run-of-the-mill species of snake. It was not a poisonous substance. After I was certain that he was no longer in danger, I started to leave the clinic room, but I was stopped by a voice just as I was about to exit.‘‘It's now past lunchtime, but none of us have had anything to eat yet...’’ Arnold said as his voice became increasingly audible to me as I stood at the doorway with my back turned to everyone else. ‘‘Celestine… I am aware that you’re both hungry and exhausted. Let's go to the restaurant together and get something to eat…’’‘‘But, Arnold... There’s something that Julian had prepared for her, and he intends to eat with her in her room… right, Julian?’’ It was clear from the tone of her voice that she was aggravated by what Arnold had said.As I turned
ARNOLD'S P O V‘‘Why are you inviting her over late lunch, Arnold?’’ There was a hint of jealousy and hatred from Leina’s voice and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her.When she arrived with Julian riding that helicopter, I felt so disappointed. I wished they never came to save us. I wanted to have more time with Celestine. I wanted to get to know her better.When we got back to the hotel, everyone around us showed worry for me, but Julian was the only one who was concerned about Celestine. He was the only one who cared about her. Somehow, I felt thankful that there’s my cousin who’s taking care of her, but I don’t know why I felt something deep inside me. Like I was hurt… Like I was jealous of him.And Leina… when she cried in my arms, she refused to even look at her sister. And as I gazed upon her flawless neck, I balled my hands into fists, increasing the level of rage I felt toward her. I have to know the truth as soon as possible.‘‘We’re hungry and exhausted…’’ I answered as
ARNOLD'S P O V‘‘Mr. Lee, I want you to arrange a car to take me to the airport, right now!’’ I ordered the manager of the hotel as I stood at the entrance of the restaurant, unaware that Leina was already standing next to me.‘‘Arrange a car to the airport?’’ She inquired while frowning in apparent bewilderment. ‘‘You’re leaving without informing me…?’’‘‘Yeah…’’ I nodded as I walked past her and stepped inside the restaurant. ‘‘That’s why I’m here to inform you and Julian…’’‘‘But why?’’ she asked as she followed behind me.‘‘Why?’’ I made a halt and turned to look at her with my brows furrowed. ‘‘Aren't you the one who insists that you don't want to continue this vacation any longer? Well, your wish is my command, my dear. We’re going home…’’‘‘But…’’‘‘Wait a minute!’’ At that moment, Julian suddenly appeared and it seemed as though he also heard about me leaving the island as soon as possible. ‘‘We haven't given this location a proper check just yet! How can you leave so soon?’’
CELESTINE’s POVDue to the late hour, Blake requested that I spend the night in the hospital and leave first thing in the morning. I used the money that Arnold paid me to get Jenny a private room for her to stay while she’s unconscious.I slept on the couch while Blake slept on the chair beside Jenny’s bed, with his head propped up on it. Jenny hasn’t woken up yet when I left the hospital to confront my father.I took a taxi to bring me to the Wheeler Mansion and as Nadia opened the door for me, there was a wide smile plastered on her lips. However… it was soon faded away and she seemed confused as she stared at me.‘‘Miss Leina…?’’ She inquired, and I couldn't help but smirk. I was still wearing one of the signature dresses that Julian bought for me so Nadia was a little uncertain of who I was.I don’t have time to talk to her, so I shoved her aside and went directly to the hall.I looked all around the living room, but I couldn't find my father. Instead, several wealthy ladies were
CELESTINE’s POV‘‘Don’t do this to your daughter, Victor…’’ the tall man dissuaded him but Ada held her hand up to stop him from interrupting.‘‘Well... If you ask me, I believe that what’s running in Victor’s mind is the appropriate thing to do...’’ She said it with a cruel grin on her face. ‘‘Our morals are centered on filial piety, and if he didn't educate this girl, I'm worried that our family would be embarrassed in the years to come.’’‘‘Yes…’’ the blonde woman said in agreement. ‘‘I think she got this attitude because she hasn’t gotten enough whippings!’’ she twirled her hair and grinned, preparing herself to watch a good show.On the other hand, I didn’t feel any kind of fear at all. He can treat me anyway he pleases, but I have no choice but to stand firm in my position. My eyes were dull for a few seconds as I stared at him before I sneered. ‘‘So… you’re going to hit me with that?’’Before giving me a warning, Victor just looked at me blankly and asked, ‘‘Are you going to sa
CELESTINE’s P O VI was almost beaten to death. My heart was dying off. Suddenly, I find myself wishing that I would pass away so that I might be reunited with my mother in the afterlife. But it doesn't look like that's going to be my fate just yet…‘‘A-arnold?’’ The old man’s face was flushed with rage a while ago, but now… I wanted to burst out in laughter even though I was wincing in pain all over my body as I watched the color drain from his face. He has turned pale. His face was a pasty, sickly white.The whip in his hand was slowly loosening from his hold, and eventually dropped to the ground.‘‘I… W-why did you come back so soon?’’ he said, staring at Arnold with panic rising, thrumming, sweeping all over his face.He swayed a little when Arnold harshly released his hand.‘‘W-wait…’’ he stuttered, a sheen of sweat gathering, and pooling on his forehead. ‘‘This is not what it looks like. Celestine came back and she committed an unforgivable mistake that’s why I’m punishing her…
ARNOLD’s POVLeina…It was the name that the young male model mentioned when he was asked about the girl whom he had slept with. Because of this new revelation, my anger toward the Wheeler family has only grown. They had all conspired to do this. I fell into their ruse! I was used!What made me feel even more enraged was when Jason sent me a footage of the CCTV camera in the hotel wherein I had my first sexual encounter with Leina. A girl just got out my room that morning and she had a conversation with the girl who was waiting outside. You couldn’t tell who’s who because they have the same dress, same hair, and same physique.But my brows furrowed when the girl outside took off the sunglasses and face mask and threw it over the other. And I was certain that this was Leina because of the way she glared at her. The same look when Celestine puked on her lap.I was trying to understand why they did this to me. How could Celestine do this to herself?At first, it was only a hunch, but aft
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