All Chapters of Fading Embers: The Search For Lost Love: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

“Watch out, Calista!” Anthony yelled, laughing heartily as Willia threw snowballs at her. It was Christmas, and the city looked exceptionally beautiful.Despite the freezing weather, they couldn’t miss the chance to enjoy the wintry scenery.“You cheating ass!” Willia groaned, aiming a snowball at him instead. “The rules clearly state not to peek.”Ever since his father won the election two weeks ago, Anthony had been unusually affectionate and carefree. His mother made sure to call him every day without fail.“I cheated, and so did you,” he laughed, dodging the snowball. “The rules didn’t say we couldn’t retaliate.”“Now you see why I can’t stand you?” Willia sighed, packing some snow to throw at him. “You never let me win.”“You never gave me the chance.” Anthony winked, looking at her. “You’re too proud to admit when you need help.”Calista laughed, giving them space to play as she walked away.Anthony had wanted them all together for Christmas, but despite his wishes, her family w

“We were here!” Anthony said, picking up their luggage as they exited the terminal. “We collided here, remember?” He pointed to a spot, and Calista only nodded, feeling extremely uneasy.It had been a year, but it felt like only a few days since she ran away, or better yet, left. Now here she was, in the very place she had vowed never to return to.“Are you okay, Cal?” Anthony asked, his eyes full of concern. “You were really cold throughout the flight.”Calista forced a smile. “I’m sorry for being such bad company. I just had a lot on my mind.”Anthony nodded in understanding. “I hope this isn’t because I asked you to be my girl.”“No,” she added, waving it off with a forced smile. “Just Texas is a place I really missed.” She lied.“Huh? I thought you never wanted to return here,” he laughed.“Well, I discovered I missed it too much,” she said, shrugging.“Mr. Tony,” a young man about the age of Anthony called, helping them with the bags. Calista had no luggage, as Anthony had alread

“Welcome, Miss,” Penelope greeted as Signoral stormed into her office, her stance radiating anger.“If there are any work-related issues, Pene, say it and get out. I need time alone,” she roared, pulling off her heels and collapsing into the swivel chair.“The new model is ready, ma’am. Your signature is all that’s needed to launch it,” Penelope replied, placing the file on her desk.Signoral sighed, pressing her thumb against her temple. Ranya is such an ass. Just when she thought things were finally going to take a new turn between them, he revealed a new, infuriating side.What is it about her that he hated so much? Is Vivian right about Ranya falling helplessly in love with Calista? Could that really be possible?“Have you been keeping an eye on Vivian?” she asked, her eyes still tightly shut as she pushed the chair to face the glass wall.Ranya’s office is extremely large and more luxurious than hers. She really cannot wait to be the lady of his castle.If Ranya thought she would

The ride to the main estate of Lewiston was a quiet one. Calista couldn’t bring herself to say anything, avoiding eye contact with Anthony’s constant stares. Maybe when she returns to California, she will think it through and consider dating him.She couldn’t help but wonder where Emily could be. She never imagined she wouldn’t be able to meet her best friend. Whatever has happened to her, she hopes it’s good. Maybe she finally decided to return to her parents.“We’re here,” Anthony announced, causing her to pay more attention to the vicinity. Good gracious; she had been here before!“Your family house?” she asked, staring at the very familiar building of the popular Lewiston castle. She had come here many times in the past to plead.“My dad’s home, actually,” he replied, oblivious to the turmoil she was experiencing.‘There’s no way you’re going in there or having anything to do with the son of the man who almost sent your father to jail, Calista. How could such a man be the presiden

Calista slipped away, unable to bear the urge to be alone. Everything seemed out of place. How is Emily a Hamilton? How could she have been so oblivious to the truth about her best friend?Calista walked away, seeking refuge where she believed she could gather her thoughts without intrusion. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway as she made her way to the house, following Anthony’s directions. She soon located the visitor’s restroom and slipped inside, shutting the door gently behind her.Emily knew all along that he was her betrothed, yet she even helped her secure an appointment four years ago. Calista placed her hands on the basin, her eyes glued to her reflection. How on earth is she to face Emily, knowing fully well she had been sleeping with Ranya for the past three years they had been together?She needed to see Emily and explain. She needed to let her know she had no idea Ranya was the betrothed she had always talked about.“I love him,” Emily’s words echoed back to her. S