All Chapters of The Cursed Passion: Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

(RAVEN'S POINT OF VIEW)(A YEAR AND HALF LATER)As I settle into my new life in the Uk, I feel like a stranger in a world I don’t quite understand. It’s been a year and a half since I left everything behind—Chicago, my old racing life, and the memories of him. But as I look around this small rented studio, filled with blueprints, stacks of reports, and my laptop on the coffee table, I feel both pride, knowing I have come this far and loneliness knowing I'm facing everything alone.Every day brings me something new. I’ve started a small position with a tech firm and spend my days researching vehicles. The people here are welcoming but distant. Maybe it's because I come off the same way, too guarded for anyone to really see why I’m here. I’m not even sure why, really. I keep telling myself it’s for my career, but deep down, I know it’s because I needed to escape my old life.I look down at the designs I’ve drawn for a prototype—a small electric vehicle that could one day hit impressive

{RAVEN’S POINT OF VIEW}I try to concentrate on the road in front of me, but my hands tremble on the wheel, and everything is almost blurry. I believe it’s because of the nervousness that creeps inside me, knowing what is awaiting. It’s the day of my presentation at the company, and apprehensiveness gnaws at me with no mercy. I adjust my glasses and grip the wheel tightly while glancing at the clock on the dash. “You got this, Raven,” I mutter to myself, almost rehearsing every line I have planned to say. I laugh to myself; this is almost ridiculous. I have never been this nervous. It’s just… I’m too close to finally landing this project for the team, and I worked my heart out. Nothing can go wrong—but I guess I spoke too soon.It happens in a blur; a small figure darts out into the street. "Oh my God!” I exclaim, slamming on the brakes, but it’s too late, and the impact jolts through me as the car lurches to a stop. My heart stops, and I immediately jump out of the car.There on the

(RAVEN'S POINT OF VIEW) The next day drags on, and I barely get a moment of sleep. The dead eyes and sad expression of that boy haunt me as soon as I shut my eyes. What if he's really serious about dying? How could I leave a suicidal kid in the middle of nowhere? I could have at least taken him to his front porch. I don't even have his name! And the bruises on his body? What if he's being maltreated at home? Shit, Raven. How can I be so blind and impulsive?! After a long night of self-hate, I spent the next day trying to find the boy, starting with the convenience store where I dropped him off. "I'm sorry, miss, but I've never seen such kid." Those are the words I'm told. I take the route he took and find myself in a dirty and dark alley. It gives me the creeps. I almost turn to leave, convinced he's not here, until I see a figure cowered at the side of the wall.I get closer curiously until the familiar sight of his blond locks comes into view. "Hey, kid!" I call, barely b

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)I agreed to Andre's date, and the day came sooner than expected. It is strange dressing up for a man. I remember always trying to look pretty, hoping my stepbrother would notice me. Looking back, I remember looking like a love-struck puppy anytime Vance was near. How naive.I shake my head and clear my mind to keep all thoughts of Vance at bay and focus on what is in front of me; Andre taking me on a date to a fancy restaurant.I am dressed in a sleeveless crimson dress that hugs my curves and falls over my knee; Isleen made me wear it. My makeup is well-done. I feel and look pretty when Andre is dressed in a fine black suit, as opposed to the casual clothes and doctor's coat that I usually see him in; he even brushed his hair back.“I have only dreamt of this day.” He looks excited as he sits across from me at the table.“Please don't tell me you spent all your savings for this?” I jest, yet with a hint of seriousness.He chuckles. "I believe there is nothing

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)The airport is buzzing with energy, a symphony of rolling suitcases, overlapping announcements, and people in transit. The last time I was in an airport was five years ago, running from my demons.I walk beside Andre, his suitcase trailing behind him, as he glances down at his phone. His brow furrows for the nth time. I want to ask what’s on his mind, but I don’t want to start anything heavy. Not now. Our little date is still fresh in our minds and we decided to talk more about our relationship when he returns from the conference. “You’re sure about your gate?” I ask instead, scanning the signs above us. I'd left the twins with Isleen at the entrance.He nods and tucks his phone into his jacket pocket. “Yeah, Gate 14. Thanks for walking me in.”He slows down near the security checkpoint and adjusts his tie—a navy blue one I bought him on a whim last month. I can remember how delighted he was that he almost bounced on his feet like an excited child. The memory b