“ What about this? ”Daniel ran his hand around the suit he was wearing. He looked at his reflection before turning towards Anastasia. “ What do you say? ”He asked Again. Anastasia was silent. She looked at him as if he had gone insane. “ Are you out of your mind? ”Daniel pursed his lips. He ignored her and turned to the salesgirl beside him. “ I will take this ”The salesgirl smiled before disappearing with the suit. Daniel walked towards Anastasia and pulled her up on her feet. “ Come on, let's go ”They walked to his car in silence. Anastasia pressed her lips together. “ Why are you doing this Dan? ”She spoke once they had settled in his car. She couldn't take it anymore, she needed an answer. Daniel sighed. He placed the paper bag on the backseat and started the car. “ I don't understand why you are doing this ? ”“ You don't understand what? ”He finally spoke. “ What is it that you are not understanding? ”“ Why are you trying to marry her? ”“ Trying? I am marrying h
Lucas leaned back in his seat. His eyes were closed and his hair was messy by running his finger through it. He felt a hand on his head. His eyes flew open immediately. They were bloodshot. “ Mom ”His voice broke. It was hoarse. He closed his eyes again and a tear rolled down his cheek. There were several empty bottles of liquor and cigarette butts scattered on the floor around his feet, evidence of the long day he had spent sitting there, alone with his thoughts and demons. He took a deep breath, the acrid smell of cigarettes and alcohol filling his nostrils, and let out a heavy sigh. Pearl woke up with a headache. Her head was hurting, she didn't even remember how and when she fell asleep. She looked outside and noticed that the sky had turned completely dark, she had no idea how long she slept. She stood up and made her way towards the mirror. Red, teary eyes stared back at her. She checked her phone, no response. She felt a tight feeling in her chest and tried to hold back he
She was shoved into the passenger seat of the car, her body limp and unresponsive. She was knocked out completely, the effects of the chloroform still lingering in her system. The car sped down the road, its headlights cutting through the darkness of the night. The streetlights created pools of light on the asphalt, which passed by in a blur as the car zoomed past. She was slumped in the passenger seat, her head lolling against the window as the car bumped over the rough road. Gabriel kept his eyes fixed on the road but kept on glancing back at her. He was advised to make sure she was alright and not hurt anywhere. He drove quickly towards their destination. Finally they reached their destination and the car arrived at a large and imposing mansion, its huge gates guarded by armed security guards. The gate opened slowly, and the car drove up the long and winding driveway, its headlights sweeping across the meticulously manicured lawns and gardens surrounding the mansion. Gabriel
Life has never been kind to her, not even once but it wasn't too cruel either until now. “It's our wedding day, wedding day” How could he even think of marrying her when she wasn't even ready in the first place. He was planning something and it terrified her. She wiped her eyes, they were already wet. Is this how it was supposed to be, why would Daniel do it to her? He was supposed to be her best friend. Pearl looked down on her trembling hands. She clenched them into fist to stop the trembling and it helped but what about her heart? It just won't stop trembling. Where was she? She walked towards the window and scanned her surroundings, it was all unknown to her. Sigh. She turned back and walked towards the bed, sitting down again. How did she end up here and where was Lucas Whitlock? Why hasn't he made an appearance now? She felt her blood boiling, does he even care for her? Ha! She sneered. “ Of course not, you fool. He don't give a fuck about me and here I was thinking tha
“ You already knew ”The atmosphere between them was tense, the air cold and heavy with emotion. Lucas stared at him, the hatred and anger plain in his eyes as he waited for his father's response.“ Yes ”David slowly rose to his feet, his body moving with deliberate slowness as he closed the distance between them. The air in the room was thick with tension. Lucas stared at him. Lucas and his father stood face to face, their eyes locked in a standoff. They were both tall men, standing eye to eye with each other. Although David was a tall man himself, Lucas was slightly taller than him, towering over him with his imposing stature.Their gazes were intense and unyielding. There was a palpable tension in the air as they glared at each other. “ Where is she? ”“ You are better off without her Lucas ”Lucas took a deep breath, he tried to stop himself from yelling. He tried to keep his voice low. “ Let me ask you one last time. Where. Is. She.? ” He spoke each word through clenched tee
“ He is not coming ”A sob escaped my lips and I felt the hand around my waist tightened. It was painful but I didn't yelp in pain. We walked down the aisle, his hands around my waist. He held me close and tightly, he feared that if his grip loosened I would go but I had nowhere to go to now. My vision was unfocused as we stopped before the priest and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse it got worsest. As the priest began the ceremony, his voice was stilted and dry, the words he spoke lacking any warmth or genuine feeling. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two people in holy matrimony.”He paused for a moment, his gaze falling on me, I wanted to scream out, but no sound escaped my lips. “ If anyone here has any reason why they should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace.” I closed my eyes, so this was it. The end, my end. “ I do ”My eyes snapped open at the voice. Lucas entered, a gun in his right hand as
I slowly rose up from the couch, slowly pulling my hands out of his hold. He fell asleep and if I was being honest he really needed it. I stared at his handsome face, it looked like he didn't get enough sleep. I raised my hand and caressed his head before planting a soft kiss on his forehead. I wanted to take a shower and get out of this dress as soon as possible. Lucas gave me a tour of the castle earlier but I still struggled to find the bathroom and when I found it I signed in relief. I quickly made my way towards the bathroom, quickly stepping in and I stripped out of the gown letting it pile at my feet. I stepped out of it and turned on the shower. I scrubbed my face, my body. I scrubbed every inch of my body where Daniel had touched me. I only stopped when my skin started burning and it turned red. I wrapped a towel around my body and opened the wardrobe before me. I had no idea where my clothes were or if they were even here. I pulled out a white shirt which was quite big fo
I have no idea how long we stood on the balcony, embracing each other but by the time we were done I was very hungry. “ What do you wanna eat? ”Lucas asked me as he lifted me up and made me sit on the kitchen counter. “ Ummm.. Anything ”I was more than hungry to think of a particular dish, I would eat anything right now. He nodded and got into action right away. He was so skillful that I just sat there and admired him. He looked so attractive while cooking. I rested my face on my fist as my eyes followed his every move, never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined him like this. He looked so focused and beautiful. Lucas stood in the kitchen, his muscular shoulders flexing slightly as he moved around the space. He had a look of intense concentration on his face as he expertly handled the cooking, his movements smooth and practised. As he worked, the scent of the cooking food filled the air, mixing with a subtle hint of his masculine scent. His eyes flicked up occasionall
I was abruptly awakened by the jolting movements of Lucas as he became ensnared in the grasp of a nightmarish dream. I lifted my head, my eyes adjusting to the dim light of the room as I took in the sight of his tensed body and the sound of his soft moans. I felt a sharp pang of concern, and my hand instinctively reached out to touch his arm, trying to gently wake him up. As my fingers brushed against his skin, I could feel the cool sweat that had gathered on his brow and the fast beating of his heart. “ Lucas ” I called out gently, I could hear his faint gasp and soft murmurs. I leaned in closer to him, trying to hear him more clearly. “ Rosie.. ” “ Rosie.. I love you, I love you! ” My hand paused on his arm, my entire body freezing in shock. I sat back in stunned silence, my eyes wide and my heart clenching in my chest. The name "Rosie" echoed in my head, a stark reminder of the fact that he was still carrying a torch for her, even in his dreams. I felt a wave of hurt and betr
“ Do you love me Lucas? ” “ Yes! Yes I do ” “ Not enough to recognise me? ” “ No, I will always recognise you ” She smiled. A sad smile. “ You don't ” “ Rosie.. ”“ You don't.. You love her not me.. ”“ Rosie.. I love you.. I love you! ” I opened my eyes. My body jerks awake, a trembling breath escaping my lips. I sat up in bed, my body covered in sweat and my heart pounding in my chest. As I came to my senses, I realizes it was just a nightmare - a cruel reminder of the past. In the dream, I had been transported back to my childhood, and the image of her, who had died all those years ago, was as vivid and real as if it had been yesterday. I could still see her face, hear her voice, feel the touch of her skin on mine. I turn to look at Pearl, she is sleeping soundly beside me. The sight of her calmed me a bit. I reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, my touch feather-light so as not to wake her. I carefully untangled myself from the blanket a
I couldn't sleep for the whole night, I kept tossing and turning throughout the night. I was so worried about the cub, I kept thinking if he was fine, where his parents were. Soon enough I felt an arm wrapping around my waist and I was pulled closer. My back pressed against a strong, warm chest. “ What's wrong? ” I heard Lucas's deep voice behind me. I realised I had woken him up. “ I am sorry, did I wake you up? ” “ No, I can't sleep either ” I turned to face him. “ Why? ” He shrugged his shoulders, reaching out to touch my hair. He wrapped a strand around his finger and twisted it around. “ Because you can't sleep ” I smiled and then my smile disappeared. He noticed it and lifted my chin to look at him. “ What's wrong? ”He asked again. I sighed. “ You couldn't find his mother? ” He shook his head. My eyes dropped further in disappointment. “..but Matthew just reported something to me ”My eyes lit up. “ You found her? ” “ No, but there's evidence that she is dead ”
I gently lifted the cub into my arms, my touch tender and gentle. The young panther snuggled into my embrace, its body quivering slightly as it sought comfort and warmth. It lifted its head, rubbing its soft fur against my face and neck, seeking reassurance and affection. My heart melted at the sight. I held the cub close to me, stroking its head and back gently with my free hand. I could feel its small body trembling against me, its heart beating fast and its breaths coming in short little gasps. It looked up at me with large, round eyes, seeking comfort and safety in my embrace. I stood up and walked towards Lucas and Matthew. Lucas turned his face to look at me, his eyes softened when he looked at the cub. “ We can't leave him here, please can we keep it? ” He reached out to touch my head, smiling gently at me. “ Of course, whatever you want ” I looked up at him, my face glowing with happiness and excitement. I held the cub close to me, its small body a warm, comforting weigh
He trailed his lips over my neck, nipping gently at my sensitive skin. I gasped, my neck arching involuntarily in response to the sensations. He planted soft, slow kisses from my earlobe down to my collarbone, his mouth hot against me. His hand moved underneath my shirt, tracing lazy circular patterns on my stomach and side. I shivered. And suddenly he paused. His body went stiff all of a sudden. “ What's.. What's the matter? ” I spoke, my voice low and hoarse. “ Shh.. Listen carefully ” I tried to concentrate and my blood ran cold. I could hear the sounds of movement outside the tent, the rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of twigs. It was a rustling noise, as if something was moving around in the bushes nearby. He pulled away from me, his eyes darting towards the tent's entrance. “ Lucas.. ” His hand tightened on my arm, unconsciously drawing me closer to him in a protective gesture. “ I am here ” He whispered, his body tense and alert. He listened closely, trying to m
By the time we were done eating the sky above us was slowly turning dark. I could see the beautiful sunset stretching before us. The sun was slowly setting behind the mountains. “ Wow, the sunset ” I whispered. I turned to him, my eyes wide with excitement. "Can we go up to that cliff over there?" I ask, pointing to a tall rocky outcrop that overlooks the forest. "I bet the sunset looks amazing from up there." He nods, a smile on his face. "Anything for you," He says, his tone affectionate. He takes my hand and leads me towards the rocky trail that leads up the cliff. It was not that tall but it was enough for us to see the sunset clearly. We climb up the rocky trail, my hand firmly held in his strong grip as we make our way up the incline. The air was cool and fresh, the forest spreading out beneath us in a carpet of green and gold. The sun is low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange as it begins to dip below the treeline. I gasped as I noticed the
“ Yeah, hold it tight. ” “ Is this tight enough? ” Lucas nodded, we were setting our tent as we were going to spend the night here. I was so excited. I held the rod tightly with both of my hands as he tied the knot. We worked together to set up the tent, Lucas's movements were efficient and practised. He focused on getting the tent framework up, while I gathered up the tent stakes and pounding them into the ground. Occasionally, I saw him looking over at me. I could feel his gaze on me, but I kept my focus on the task at hand. While Lucas did most of the work from unrolling it and setting up the supports. I helped him here and there. We worked silently, our movements rhythmic and efficient. Once the tent was up, we stood back to admire our handiwork. “ Wow ” I breathed out. The tent looked incredible. I looked up at the finished tent, my eyes brimming with awe. The canvas was taut and taut, the supports sturdy and secure, creating a strong and cosy shelter for us to sleep in to
We sat there for another hour before returning to the castle. It was good to finally meet his mom. As we were driving back from the cemetery my heart was feeling heavy. I turned to look at the boy beside me. He had no one but me with him. I reached out and placed my hand on top of his. He turned his eyes at me. I gave him a sweet smile. “ I love you ” “ I love you too ” He raised my hand to his lips. “ Thank you for letting me meet your mother ” He squeezed my hands gently. “ Thank you for meeting her ” We smiled at each other. We reached the castle and I got out first. The castle was a sight to behold at night, the soft moonlight casting a silvery glow over its towering spires and intricate stonework. The ocean that surrounded it shimmered in the darkness, its surface rippling like black silk under the light of the stars. The effect was breathtaking, the castle standing like a sentinel over the water, majestic and imposing in its beauty. I stared up at the castle, my neck cr
I froze. What was I supposed to do Or say? I looked over to Lucas for help but he was already trying his best to hold his laugh. Sigh. I have to think of an excuse. “ Mom, I am at a friends house ” My mother looked at me, her eyes narrowed. She didn't look convinced one percent. She didn't push me further, we talked about my school and all that stuff. Once the call ended I took a deep breath of relief. I walked towards the couch and sat beside him. “ Your mom sounds strict ”I nodded. Yes, they could be very strict sometimes. “ Yeah, my parents want me to focus on my studies and make them proud. ” “ Hm, talking about that you have never told me anything about your parents ” I realised that he was speaking the truth. We have been dating for quite some time now and I have never ever discussed my parents. “ Yeah, you never asked ”I shrugged my shoulders. “ So, tell me now ” “ Okay, what do you want to know? ” Lucas inched closer to me and draped his hands around my shoulder