Chapter: The act of separating.Darla’s POVThe silence hung around us, weighty and unyielding trailing our steps, like a phantom. Not a single word was uttered, not even a sigh slipped out. The tires’ steady hum, against the road seeped into the cabin. Somehow that low thrum felt too loud, against the tense breathing hush that filled the car.Melanie sat stiffly, in the passenger seat her head angled enough to look away, from Richard. She crossed her arms like a barricade and her lips were pressed hard they had turned a ghostly pallor. Richard settled beside her his gaze fixed on the window as the passing streetlights poured a wash of light that brushed his reflected face. I sat next, to Xavier frozen in place the invisible heft of every thing bearing down on my ribs.When Xàvier at last slipped into that long curling driveway winding toward Richard’s apartment building, a muted tide of relief surged through me. The drive stretched on each mile feeling like a breath held in suspense. I was grateful, for the ins
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-10
Chapter: DramaDarla's POV Melanie repeated the word, her voice rising in mockery. "Borrowed?" She laughed, a sharp, brittle sound that echoed off the interior of the car. "You can't be serious, Darla. Are you actually trying to get Richard back?" I turned to her slowly, unruffled. “Maybe I didn’t choose my words well,” I said in a quiet voice. “Believe me, Melanie, I have no interest in Richard. You can enjoy him for all I care. She tilted her head further, and all the laughter was replaced by a venomous smile. "Excuse me, Darla," she sneered, "but you never deserved Richard in the first place." I smiled faintly, meeting her glare without flinching. "No problem," I murmured. "Since you deserve him, how's that going for you right now?" Her lips parted, but no immediate retort came. I could see the truth flicker across her face, a momentary crack in her perfect composure. The question landed where it hurt most, not because I wanted to wound her, but because she'd left me no choice. For once, M
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-09
Chapter: Outburst Darla’s POVWhen we arrived at the hospital the air outside seemed dense, antiseptic and taut humming with the almost inaudible voice of people shuttling in and, out of the emergency wing. Xàvier slipped the car into a spot, near the entrance released his seatbelt and angled his body enough toward me and Melanie.“Darla," he said, his voice calm yet firm, the tone he habitually used when he didn’t want a quarrel "you and Melanie should stay here a while. I’m heading up with Richard first checking on Doris then I’ll come back to get you both.”I nodded on the spot, no hesitation. "That’s fine " I murmured softly "we’ll wait.”Beside me Melanie folded her arms her voice snapping sharp as a tack. ". Why on earth should we linger here? What are you two hashing out that we can’t hear?”Xàvier let out a sigh his face already showing the strain. "Melanie this isn’t a game. The doctors might still be keeping visitors out. Just give us a minutes.”She scoffed. "Spare me. A few minutes, for w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-09
Chapter: Car rideDarla's POVI strained to read his face. It was as if I were looking through a veil of fog. He wore a mask. I could feel a storm brewing beneath the surface. His jaw muscles. His restless fingers tapped a rhythm against the steering wheel.“Is that a problem?" I asked, voice, above a whisper.He gave a humorless laugh—nothing, about it. "No problem all. Just… complicated.”I turned toward the window watching the city melt into a blur as we drove. By the time we finally eased up to Richard’s sprawling estate, a knot tightened in my chest as the immense looming mansion softened my spirits a little. It looked elegant certainly—. A chill lingered, a kind of perfection that set me uncomfortably on edge.Outside they lingered, Richard wearing his composure while Melanie stood beside him in a dress her hair neatly tied back. She smiled politely. Her glass‑sharp eyes flicked over to me for a moment.Xavier pulled into the spot. Stepped out. Richard was already closing the distance his han
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-07
Chapter: A grim piece of newsDarla's POVFor a suspended heartbeat I stood still catching how his eyes flicked away, from mine. Something seemed amiss. He whispered, "It’s nothing to worry about ". The strain, in his voice cut through the calm. I lifted myself a notch the sheet wrapped around my chest like an armor.“Xavier enough " I said, voice steady and firm. "Spill it. What went wrong?”He lingered, his fingertips tracing his brow before a breath finally escaped him. "My sister " he said, voice, above a whisper. "They called—she’s been admitted to the hospital.”My heart stumbled. "Oh my God " I whispered, "I’m terribly sorry. What happened? Is it serious?”He gave a nod his features tightening. "Yeah… that’s what they said. She collapsed this morning. I’m still trying to piece exactly what went wrong. I may have to head over there today and see her myself.”The airy playful vibe that had floated through the room seconds ago evaporated, leaving a oppressive hush that seemed to press itself into the space, b
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-06
Chapter: Free DayDarla’s POV“That’s good to hear." He planted himself across from me his eyes never leaving my face. "So no more meetings, for now. I’m officially free today.”“Free?" I lifted an eyebrow. "That’s a word, for someone, like you.”He grinned, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Maybe. Still I thought I’d turn the chance into a moment to spend a time with you.”“, like that?" I teased. "No phone calls, no meetings, no agendas?”“Nope " he drawled, arms flopping out in a stretch. "Just. Me. Though…" A mischievous inflection edged his tone. "Honestly I would’ve been, over the moon if you’d spent the night at my place yesterday—would’ve sealed the day right.”A smirk slipped onto my face as I set the glass down. "Would it now?”“Undeniably." He leaned forward elbows planted on his knees a glint flickering, in his eyes. "You have left me awash with an overabundance of imagination to grapple with.”I chuckled, shaking my head. "Imagination, huh? I guess that does you some good. Builds character.”
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-11-07
Chapter: The Real DevilsMaya's POV"What do you mean?" I whispered.He hesitated. "Regan, he got arrested."I was stunned. "What? Why?""I don't know," he stuttered, shivering. "They just showed up, handcuffed him, and drove away. I asked them what they were doing, but they weren't telling me anything. Maya, I really have to go. My flight is an hour. I just wanted you to know."I was going to question her when the line disconnected.I stood there with my phone, panting. My head spun so quickly that it hurt.Theresa's voice broke in. "Maya, what's wrong?"I spoke to her, my trembling hands. "Regan's been arrested."She gasped, her hand in front of her mouth. "What? Why?""I don't know," I whispered, shaking my head. "Andrew said nothing. He had to go."We just looked at one another, stunned. We couldn't even consider it at all.We have to know what is going on," I blurted out.Theresa agreed. "Let's go to the station."I ran to my closet and grabbed the first things that lay within reach, my fingers fumbling
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-17
Chapter: ButterfliesMaya's POVMy cheeks grew hot with embarrassment, and I tried to play dumb. "It was… fine.""Fine?" She mocked me with laughter. "No, no, no. You're not going to give me one-word answer. Something did happen. I noticed the way you and Andrew were making eyes at each other before Andrew's phone cut you short. Spill the beans, Maya."I pressed my lips together, considering whether to dodge or just confess. But the excitement in her eyes left me with little alternative.Finally, I sighed and drew breath, "We're… officially dating."Theresa's jaw fell wide open, then a scream so high I had to shush her before Mom would burst in. "Are you kidding me?!"I nodded, a goofy smile splitting my lips. "Yes. He asked me this morning, and… I said yes."She clapped her hands over her face, still shrieking through them. "Oh my God, oh my God! I knew it! I knew something was going on. You've been glowing all day.""I have not," I protested weakly, though my cheeks betrayed me with their warmth."Yes,
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-17
Chapter: FarewellMaya's POVAndrew nodded gravely. "She could, yeah. If she thinks you're still recovering."Theresa rolled her eyes theatrically. "Don't tell me you're going over to his side now."I shrugged, not wanting to grin. "I just don't think it's the worst idea."Regan grinned smugly, clearly happy. "Finally. Someone makes sense."Theresa tossed a pillow at him, which he expertly caught. "Don't get too big for your britches. I still say beach.""Let's make a list," Andrew said, trying to remain the voice of reason. "Beach, camping, or something else altogether. We'll decide tonight."I breathed slowly out, my heart still pounding quicker than it should be. "As long as we're together, I don't care. I just want us to go do something we'll remember."Andrew's expression softened. "Then that's what we'll do."We brainstormed the next half hour spewing out other ideas, movies, amusement parks, even karaoke night, but none of them stayed like the first two.Theresa would not sleep in the dirt, and
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Failed PlanMaya's POVI let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my hand reflexively clenching the blanket wrapped around my waist. "I'm better too. A bit exhausted, but nothing like yesterday."He tilted his head to the side, eyes flashing with something cunning. "Your body's healing quick. Strong. I knew you weren't as fragile as you attempted to lead me to believe."I rolled my eyes, though the heat that crept up my neck betrayed me. “Don’t make it sound weird. I’m still recovering, remember?”He chuckled, low and smooth. “I remember. Doesn’t stop me from noticing you.”Before I could even formulate a response, a loud knock came at the door. I jumped involuntarily, my stomach churning. Regan stood up immediately, his eyes roaming in the direction of the door as though he hadn't expected anyone so early.There was another knock, and it was followed by Theresa's familiar voice. "Maya? Awake?"I exchanged a hurried glance with Regan before answering, "Yeah!The door creaked open and The
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Confessed AffectionMaya's POVI hesitated, my heart thudding in my chest. My mouth parted, but the words stuck in my throat, shivering under the weight of all they meant.Regan's gaze held mine, steady, holding back. He wasn't forcing me, but the intensity of his stare left no room to sidestep the truth any longer.Finally, I exhaled and barely managed a whisper, "I… I can be yours."The relief that moved across his face was immediate.A creeping smile inched across his lips, lighting up his face in a manner that made my stomach turn.He leaned in close, the heat of his breath on my skin, and before I could even register it, his lips were on mine.The kiss was hesitant at first, tender, inquiry-like, as if he required assurance that I would not send him away.I didn't. I moved closer and let myself melt into his lips.The tenderness soon gave way to something more demanding, more forceful.His hand came to the back of my neck, pulling me towards him, and with every kiss of his lips on mine, the fire in
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Alone With HimMaya's POVI adjusted my shoulders a bit square, gritting determination into my voice. "I'm fine. The problem is, my mom. I don't think she'll let me go if she's not absolutely sure I'm all right. But don't worry, I'll figure out how to get around her."Andrew sighed and glanced down at his phone. "My friend isn't answering my call. I'm going over there so I can tell him about the yacht in person.""I'll go with you," Regan offered on impulse."I want to go too," Theresa said, then paused, looking at me. "But Maya can't stay home alone."Regan shook his head again. "Then I'll stay with Maya if you do plan to leave."Andrew smiled reassuringly at me. "I'll be right back, okay?"Theresa touched my shoulder lightly, her tone teasing but restrained. "Take care of my best friend when I'm not around," she said to Regan.Regan nodded, his gaze for an instant met hers. "Don't worry. I'll take care of her."And that was it, Theresa and Andrew were both gone, with only the two of us- me and Reg
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-09-04
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