A contingent of around ten guards trailed behind me as I navigated the intricate hallways of the hospital, following the nurse who was leading me to Barbara's ward. As I entered the room, her father rose from his seat, his expression a mix of anger and concern. Chad was the only one who ventured inside with me."How could you be so careless with my daughter?" the older man began, his tone seething with anger and accusation."Sir, please try to calm down," Chad intervened, attempting to assuage the distraught father."Sit down, Isaac," I commanded, my voice firm and authoritative. Taking purposeful steps toward him, I exuded an intimidating presence. Startled, he quickly complied, his eyes widening with a mix of fear and disbelief."You can't speak to me like that!" he protested, incredulous. He glanced at Chad, seeking confirmation. "Can he talk to me like that?" He directed the question back at me, his voice filled with indignation. "I am a Senator of the United States of America! Ho
"Get the doctor, quickly!" My mother yelled as I cried, wracked with pain. Victor stood off to the side, watching me as tears streamed down my face."Everybody out!" Victor bellowed."What?! She needs a doctor!" My mother protested."I know. Leave," he replied coldly, giving her a piercing stare."Damn it, Victor, she's my daughter!""And that's precisely why she's still alive, in case you haven't grasped that," Victor retorted in a low, chilling tone reminiscent of Archer. The realization hit me—did he suspect my involvement in this?"Victor, I swear I don't know anything!" I sobbed, as the room emptied, leaving only the three of us at the dining table.Victor took a few steps towards me, joining me by my side. I could feel the sting from the broken glass and shattered plates embedded in my back. Trembling with tears, I knew these wounds would leave scars."Get out, Patricia," Victor ordered my mother, his gaze locked with mine. There was a darkness in his eyes that filled me with fe
The recent days have been an absolute whirlwind of overwhelming experiences. The department has bombarded our graduating class with a multitude of programs, leaving me feeling constantly on the go. From career seminars to elaborate dinners and even a special lunch event, the schedule has been packed to the brim. Amidst it all, I found myself tirelessly searching for the perfect dresses to wear for each occasion.On top of that, we were required to print several copies of our projects and have them signed by various school officials in our department before submitting one to the school library. And getting a hold of the school personnel was not an easy feat. As if that wasn't enough, we also had to sort out our financials to ensure there were no outstanding debts before the graduation ceremony. Exhaustion had consumed me each night, causing me to neglect the fact that Mark's calls had become scarce. Every time I tried to reach him, his phone was switched off. Unfortunately, Archer Do
In a state of bewilderment, I stepped into the house, only to find the living room transformed beyond recognition, save for the familiar presence of the chimney. The fireplace had undergone an extravagant makeover, adorned with ornate and intricately carved stones, imparting an air of opulence to the room. On either side of the entrance door, elegant tampered glass panels were now adorned with floor-to-ceiling damask drapes, exuding an aura of refined luxury.My gaze ascended to the center of the ceiling, where an exquisite chandelier now hung, casting a resplendent glow upon the space. Its shimmering crystals danced in the light, lending an ethereal touch to the room. On the opposite side of the expansive living area, a majestic staircase took center stage, its grandeur commanding attention and showcasing the artistry of the architecture.The interior exuded an air of richness and sophistication. The walls, now embellished with textured wallpaper featuring intricate patterns, imparte
"Let me go, please," I pleaded, my gaze lowered to his chest."I will when you've calmed down," he replied in his deep voice, the rumbling vibrations reaching me."I'm calm," I whispered, and he slowly released his grip, stepping back abruptly. I took a shaky breath. "Did you do all of this? Renovate my home, bury my brother without notifying me?"I needed something to distract myself from the pain and loss, and he seemed like the perfect target for my anger. Silence enveloped the grounds. I noticed Chad had left, leaving me alone with Archer. When he didn't respond, I had no choice but to look up at his face. My heart constricted as I saw his eyes fixed on Mark's unmarked grave. I remembered then that they were friends, and he had lost a friend just like I had lost a brother."Archer..." I called."It's cold. You should return to the house," he said, turning around and walking away down the path."I want to stay," I replied, my voice trembling."Mark isn't there, Adele," he said, con
‘I shouldn't be here.’ The thought echoed relentlessly in my head. But my brain seemed incapable of controlling the strong will that drew me back to Adele. I hadn't planned to come, but the memory of Chad's disapproving stare compelled me to make a last-minute change and accompany the guards to the airport. I needed time to adjust to seeing her again, so I vacated my car and joined the escort's vehicle, allowing her to take my ride. It gave me the advantage of watching her without her knowledge. Observing her tear-stained eyes and obvious anguish made me reveal myself. Offering her physical comfort was a mistake, but I couldn't bear to witness her pain, especially knowing it was caused by me.Lying on her bed now, the voices in my head grew louder, urging me to leave. Being able to wrap my arms around her again, feeling her warmth against my skin, was pure bliss. The months without her had been torture. For the first time in my life, I felt lost and out of control of my emotions. Noth
I sat on my couch, my eyes red and swollen from endless tears. The room felt somber, its dim lighting reflecting my heavy heart. Clutching a framed picture of my late brother, Mark, I whispered, "Mark... I miss you so much." My gaze shifted towards the window, where I noticed a black SUV parked on my driveway. Frustration washed over me as I realized that Archer's guards were still monitoring my every move. I tried not to think about him, but it was impossible. The image of his handsome face with his new look taunted my thoughts, igniting conflicting emotions within me. I felt a mixture of anger, disappointment, and an undeniable longing. I growled in frustration, attempting to push away the thoughts that tormented me. With determination, I marched into the kitchen, feeling trapped in the mansion that held memories of him at every corner."Damn it!" I screamed in frustration, releasing some of the pent-up anger that had been consuming me.Days later, I decided it was time to venture o
"You know you'll have to untie me at some point, and I'm going to kick your ass, Archer!" I exclaimed, feeling the Jeep in motion as I struggled to remove the hood covering my head."There won't be a need for that," he replied, his tone noticeably calmer."Is this really necessary? And where are you taking me?!" I demanded."As for where I am taking you, you will soon find out. And I tied you up to keep you still. I wouldn't want you doing something stupid now, I mean you're Mark's sister," he explained."I never do anything stupid!" I retorted."Really? What about that time you said you were going to blow up my car?" he reminded me.I couldn't help but giggle at the memory, but then I heard him chuckle, which only fueled my frustration. "I completely understand why people are always after you. You are infuriating! Right now, you're motivating me to make it a lifelong dream to get back at you!""Coming after me would be so much fun, Adele. The thing is, I wouldn't even run," he said,