All Chapters of The Cursed Passion: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)“How have you been?”The question makes me lift my head abruptly. I watch as Isleen ambles into the room with a big smile and a flask of food. She approaches the bed, which I have been glued to since I was admitted to the hospital more than a week ago. I have lost count of the visitors that come in through the door uninvited. “I brought you some porridge. I heard you haven't eaten well; it’s not good for the baby.”I don't bother asking how she knew about my pregnancy or how she knew I was in the hospital. I watch her impassively and don't move a muscle from where I am sitting on the bed with my back resting against the wall and my knees hugged to my chest. She places the flask on the table and comes to sit on the vacant seat in front of me.“What are you doing here?” My voice comes out raw and parched. My throat hurts and my chest clenches. She immediately takes out a bottle of water from her handbag and extends it toward me. I stare at the bottle blankly witho

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)“What are you doing here?” I ask as I walk from Vance’s bedroom to the living room to find Mom and David occupying the sofa. Mom instantly jolts to her feet, her eyes as cold as ever, drilling daggers into my face. It’s almost as if she couldn't wait to pound on me, and at this point, I don't care what she thinks or feels.She approaches me in quick steps, and then her palm strikes my cheek in a slap; instantly, David drags her away from me while Vance is beside me in a flash. I don't know he can move that fast; it’s not like I care or need him to protect me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him.“You promised you would speak to her maturely, Jude.” David sounds frustrated. I snort, realizing I feel bad for him having to put up with our madness and that of his so-called son. He looks like a man who has been dragged to the middle of everything with no way out.“Maturely?” mom screams. “She’s all proper and meek but she is such a slut. Sleeping with your stepbr

[RAVEN’S POINT OF VIEW]The bar is less crowded when I enter because it is a Monday, but it remains the same as the last time I was here, and it does not take more muscle to find who I came to look for in the bar's private area, sipping on a glass of wine and a girl hanging on his arm like a whore. I pause in front of him and his green eyes instantly meet mine."You are back," he says calmly, waving a dismissive hand at the girl, who quickly leaves with a small and annoying whine of protest. "What brings you here, Miss Raven?" The last time I saw you, you were scared at the sight of me,” he sneers and crosses one leg over the other.That’s a night I wanted to forget. “We are still dating, aren't we? I can come see my boyfriend.” and not him with a girl hanging on his arm. The sight leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.“Are we?” He grills with a look in his green eyes that suddenly makes me unsure of the reality before me. “You tell me, Raven. You walked out on me if I remember correctly

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)There's something eerie about this night, something chilly and bone-nipping yet my hands are still getting sweaty. There's an unfamiliar feeling inside of me that is relentless and persistent. I can hear my heart heating in my stomach and in my ears. Something is about to happen.I sit beside Vance in the front seat, and he drives the car. Damien and Raven sit at the passenger's seat behind us; Damien with a dark look that's just fixed ahead and his arms crossed over his chest while Raven stares out the window; there’s an unspoken tension hanging between them like a void. Guess everyone has their fair share of problems.“You okay?” Vance’s voice pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. I nod, glancing at the dark road stretching out before us. “There are two cars behind us.” I think out loud and bring my gaze to my hands as I fondle them. “Yes, the kids, they insist on coming. You are safe,” he assures me, but it does nothing to quell the knot of anxiety tighteni

(VANCE'S POINT OF VIEW)“Did you find her?”Damian inquires the moment I staunter into the penthouse, the kids behind me, but I don't answer. Instead, I amble to my room and slam the door shut behind me. I walk over to the lamp sitting on the table beside the bed. I take it, and with a fit of uncontained rage, I crash it against the nearest wall and pull my hair till it feels like my skull is about to be ripped out.I let out a groan of anger and punch the wall. My fist lands on it till it cracks and my knuckles bleed.It has been three days since the ordeal, and Ahvi is nowhere to be found. I let out a pained chuckle and slammed my fist into the wall again.USELESS. USELESS. I AM SO FUCKING USELESS AND INCOMPETENT.I had one job, yet I failed even before I tried. I swore to protect her with my life, swore to make sure she lives happily with or without me, but I can't find her. She left no trace, no scent, and no track for me to follow. It's almost like she has vanished from the surf