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Chapter – 18 | The Arrangement
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-29 19:42:56A person with mere sanity would think twice or even a hundred times before doing what I think I would do.
I felt nothing when I stepped into my father's office. I was given a warm welcome, literally with hot chocolate and a few muffins. It felt as if my father knew I would need those to get through this meeting he had arranged with Irwin.
Irwin sat on the comfortable couch as if he owned the place. His face has healed and I couldn't help the smirk noticing the small white scar, he'd hid with a concealer. Beside him was a woman, I've seen only in the newspapers. Martina Pierce, his mother and the twin of Cruella De Vil–not in the literal sense.
Dad's office was the same as I remembered–nothing changed much since my last visit. The white walls and blinds reminded me more of a hospital room. Even the furniture was white.
I stifled a yawn when Irwin spoke. He spoke nothing new, not that I didn't expect what he needed from me–a lovel
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Within My Grasp Chapter – 19 |Best friends are forever
For the first time in years, I didn't feel like going anywhere near the college campus. I didn't even check my phone for the messages or the voice mails I would have.The entire campus would know about my engagement with Irwin and I didn't even want to think what the Queen bees would say about this. Sandra was already trying to dig her claws on Noah.Noah is no longer your concern. He is a grown-up man and mature enough to make his own decisions.There goes my shitty self-pity self again. I believe wallowing in self-pity was a thing for a Pisces. That was all I was doing for the past couple of weeks, imagining every negative outcome of my destructive decisions.Then this wicked part of me wanted to flaunt the engagement ring in front of Noah, to give a taste of his own medicine. I am sure he would fume though he would say nothing.Am I too bad for feeling like this? I still loved Noah. I will not be able to change that fact ever.
Within My Grasp Chapter – 20 | Apology not accepted
This was definitely not the way I was planning my day to end. Noah was the last person I expected to see and the way his eyes lit up with desire as his gaze roamed below my face reminded me of -Fuck!I was bare below my neck. My heart raced as I tried to find my footing. My feeble attempts only seemed to make the situation worse as I slipped again, which forced him to tighten his hold around me, pulling me flush against his chest, only the thin material of his T-shirt preventing any direct contact.Sparks ignited my body and before my brain could register what happened I was moaning as he possessed my mouth against the cold wall.One of his hands snaked around my waist as the other cupped my aching breast, rolling the hardened nipple between his fingers as he deepened the kiss with urgency. The sounds of our harsh breathing and my throaty moans filled the room as I helplessly arched towards him.Moments later, I was writhing under him as his mouth
Within My Grasp Chapter – 21 | Relationship is a two-way road
I was fuming to myself when I walked to my next class. For the first time, I didn't sit in my usual seat and stomped to the back row. A few students there threw me a puzzled look, which I ignored.The crestfallen expression on Noah's face brought a sense of satisfaction and I had to hide my smirk when he looked around the class, searching for me. When he found me, a small smile spread across his lips and with a small shake of his head he went to sit in his usual seat.The sense of satisfaction didn't last long as Sandra waltzed to him and after ten minutes, I was once again ready to rip her apart. I had to remind myself of what happened the last time to control the rage. The worst part is the way she would turn facing me with a smirk as she ran her hands suggestively on his back.However, I didn't have to fume for long because Noah got up abruptly and left the class, leaving a small note with the professor. Now, it was my turn to smirk. The hide and seek game be
Within My Grasp Chapter – 22 | Another Chance
…65…64…63…62…61…No, definitely not working.…60…59…58…57…56…55… Screw that!I want to punch the bastard who showed up at my grandmother’s driveway this morning.Fuck him!…54…53…50… Ugh!I hate this! What did I ever do to deserve this fate?“Would you like to join me for dinner tonight?”“No.”A defeated sigh left Irwin’s lips and he ran his hand through his neatly combed hair, messing it. What did he expect? Did he think that I would jump into his arms if he showed up with a bunch of flowers at my doorstep in the morning?He was definitely not the person I want to see the first thing. My entire mood turned sour when I stepped out of my grandmother’s home. Mom had left ea
Within My Grasp Chapter – 23 | Irwin’s Scheme
The next few days had gone well, until one afternoon Irwin showed up at my campus. I was summoned by the principal during my class and went to see her, wondering what I did now.The unasked question in my mind was answered the moment, I opened the door to her office. Irwin sat in a chair opposite to her desk with a pleased look.“Mrs. Vasquez, I was told that you wanted to see me.” I masked my irritation with an efficiency of an actress and uttered in a professional tone.“Oh, yes, Ms. Valentine.” She beamed. “Mr. Pierce here is one of our board members. You’d know considering you both are engaged,” she said.I perfectly knew of that. Still, I didn’t get why I was called for. I pursed my lips and gave her an expectant look.Mrs. Vasquez seemed to get the hint and continued. “Mr. Pierce complains that you wouldn’t join hi
Within My Grasp Chapter – 24 | Hector
My mind barely registered the expensive garden crafts that decorated both sides of the driveway, my heart thundering as we neared the mansion.What if this isn’t a family dinner as he claimed? What if he was planning something else?“Hey, Ava, we’re right outside the gates, away from the vicinity. Relax, we’ll be there in a blink of an eye if you need us,” Noah’s gentle voice assured me through the earpiece.I blinked twice and wanted to tell him he didn’t come as he promised.“That was a metaphor,” he spoke again and I could hear the laughter in his voice. “It would take at least three minutes by car,” he added.I didn’t bother for Irwin to open my door and climbed out before he could make it my side. His lips set in a thin line and clenched his jaws. Instead of s
Within My Grasp Chapter – 25 |Proposal
Hector started sweating profusely and I was sure my question had taken him off guard. "Oh, no dear, you're probably mistaken. Martina and I have… only one son.”If his sudden nervousness wasn’t enough, his stutter was a dead giveaway. On my peripheral vision, I noticed Martina and the others arriving at the hall. “Intruder alert!” I whispered and pulled his hand, so we started dancing again.“Look, Mr. Hector, you may be aware that I am being coerced into this marriage,” I began to speak with a smile on my face so it would appear that we were casually conversing. “I don’t love your son and will never marry him.”“Do tell me the name of that fortunate boy.” Hector’s experienced eyes crinkled with laughter and a real smile crept across my lips at the thought of Noah.“Noah Parker.”Hector nodded. “I am not sure, how any of this conversation is going to he
Within My Grasp Chapter – 26 | Hector’s secret
"Noah, stop... we are late for our classes.""I am not in the mood to attend classes today. Besides, I am in the middle of something important," Noah replied, kissing my neck, and I chuckled in response."You-" The sudden ringing of my mobile interrupted us and Noah released me with a scowl.A deep frown marred my face noticing the unknown number. "Hello," I asked hesitantly, wondering if it was Irwin. Maybe he called from a different number because I don't respond to his calls or messages."Sophia, this isHector."Each hair on my body stood on attention as I mouthed Hector's name to Noah and put the phone on loudspeaker mode. "Oh, hey, Hector... How are you?""I am fine, thank you, Sophia. I waswonderingif we could meet for a coffee."My heart raced at his words. "Oh, sure. I am free today. How about we meet at Mason's cafe in about thirty minutes?""That soundsgood. I will see you
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Within My Grasp Epilogue
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many girls just melted into a puddle by watching this.He got so
Within My Grasp Chapter – 33 | The Wedding Drama
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me the most is the betrayal. I cried my heart out to him that day, yet he made no move to accept the truth. It pained me to know they were having a
Within My Grasp Chapter – 32 | Irwin’s other side
The morning was warm and pleasant as usual. A thrill coursed through my veins when I thought about my wedding with Noah. We hardly had two days left. We haven’t met mostly due to his practice, and we also kept Riley’s warning in mind. Our nights were usually spent talking, sexting and what not’s. A smile tugged at my lips when I thought about Noah’s sensual messages. We won’t meet until the very moment of the wedding itself. Something about the bad omen. Though we would travel in the same jet, I wondered how our friends would keep us apart. A knock distracted me and my frown deepened wondering who would come at this time of the day. It was still early–9:30 in the morning. Mom has left for work while Grandpa and Grandma has already left for Hawaii with Noah’s sisters and parents to supervise the wedding arrangements.My frown turned into a scowl when I came face to face with Irwin. “What are you doing here?” My voice came colder than I intended it to be.“I just wanted to talk,” he r
Within My Grasp Chapter – 31 | Madison’s truth
The stranger swallowed and shifted on her foot, not answering my question. I’ve seen her before, though not in person. Her face was familiar. “Who are you?” I asked again.“Miss Valentine?” Her voice wavered, her eyes shifted with discomfort.“That’s me.”“My… I…” She stuttered, her hands fiddling with her coat.“Why don’t you sit first?” I suggested, and she nodded before moving to occupy the single couch beside the table. By now, my friends had filled out the living area with puzzled looks.“I’m Madison. Madison Brooks.”That name rang a bell. “Wait, Madison as in the girl who caught photographed with Pierce.”“Y-yes.” Her uneasiness grew while I wondered what she wanted to do with me.“Why are you here?” Noah asked and came to sit beside me. The living room was soon occupied with my friends.“Well… it was a bad idea,” she said and stood all of a sudden. “I shouldn’t have come.”“Madison, wait,” I stopped her before she could leave. “These are my friends. Why did you come here?” Whe
Within My Grasp Chapter – 30 | Alec’s girlfriend
"Trixie! Are you ready, girl?"A bark came as a reply from the living room, drawing a chuckle from me."Grandma, I am going to Alec's place. I'll message mom on the way.""Sure, honey. Will you be back for dinner?""I'm not sure, grandma. I'll call you, okay?""All right, my dear. You take care now.""I will. Don't forget your medicines.""I won't."I kissed her cheek before leaving the warm comfort of her home. She followed. "Where's grandpa?""Oh, it's Saturday. He went to meet his old buddies in the diner.""That's great. See you later, grandma.""Bye, sweetie."I hopped in mom's car and tightened the seatbelt around Trixie. Mom gave me her car since Nolan mostly dropped her at the office. I expected her to move in with him as soon as the divorce was finalized.I picked Tracy and Sana from the B2 bus station before continuing onwards. The drive towards Alec's home took thirty minutes through the traffic. The guys stayed over last night."Where's Jen? I thought she'd be with you guy
Within My Grasp Chapter – 29 | The Cat is out of the bag
When we reached the venue which was once again Irwin’s mansion I loathed, the media surrounded us like hawks. Lightning flashes and clicks enveloped us, yet there was no warmth.“Miss Valentine, who is the gentleman with you?”“Is he your friend?”“Is he your boyfriend?”“Are you breaking up with Mr. Pierce?”“Are you calling off the wedding?”I shook my head at the meaningless questions that deafened us before being securely led away by the securities on duty.“That was crazy,” Riley whispered.“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes, wanting nothing to do with the attention.The huge ballroom I danced with Hector earlier was transformed for the night. Red curtains embellished with gold embroidery flowers hung from the ceiling. Everything from the red carpets to the mountain of foods showcased the wealth the Pierce’s possessed. Men and women of all ages, adorned with luxurious clothes and jewelry waltzed on the dance floor for a slow music.“Are we in Buckingham Palace?” Riley gawked at
Within My Grasp Chapter – 28 | The Heir
"Why are you looking at me like this?" Riley asked with a suspicious look.I bit my lip, averting my gaze. How am I going to ask him?“There is something we need to ask you?” Noah drawled as I cast an uneasy look at him. He pulled out his phone as my frown deepened. I watched as his fingers typed away on the keypad. “Here,” Noah slid the phone to Riley. “Have you seen this man before?”My posture relaxed and stiffened simultaneously at this question. Relaxed because we wouldn’t offend Riley if he isn’t Hector’s son. Stiffened wondering what if Riley is, in fact, the illegitimate son of Hector?"Yeah, that's Uncle Hector. Mom's friend," Riley said, returning the phone. "Why do you ask?" His eyes swept through everyone in the room before locking with Noah’s.Our eyes were glued to his face, unable to believe that we had the heir among us all this time. That explained why his mother wasn't affected when Irwin targeted my friends. Hector must've done something.Noah asked for my phone an
Within My Grasp Epilogue
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many g
Within My Grasp Chapter – 33 | The Wedding Drama
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me
