Novel-novel oleh chriswrites

MaliaHis text seemed to call out to me.My thumb hovered over the screen. I should have just ignored him and should’ve tossed my phone across the room and buried myself in assignments or music or literally anything else that doesn't include continuing the conversation.But my pulse began to race with anticipation, with Maverick, you could never be certain. Before I could talk myself out of it, I hit video call.The ringing barely lasted two seconds before his face filled the screen. Maverick was sprawled across his bed, shirtless just like in the photo he had sent and on his face was a lazy and satisfied grin, like he knew he’d already won.“Finally,” he drawled. “Took you long enough.”I swallowed hard and tried to mask my nerves with annoyance. “You’re ridiculous.”“Yeah? Then why’d you call?” His eyes gleamed, shifting as he angled his phone lower. He stretched and I saw his muscles ripple, he made a show of settling back into his pillow.I rolled onto my side, clutching the phone

Later that day, as per our new routine, I waited for Maverick by his car for him to take me home.The ride home was quiet and not in a peaceful way, it was undeniably heavy with the things neither of us wanted to admit out loud. Thankfully the hum of the engine filled the silence while I diligently scrolled through my phone, pretending to be invested in posts I wasn’t even seeing.From the corner of my eye, I could see him watching me intently. I could tell before he even opened his mouth that he had come up with something to say.“All day, I’ve been thinking about how funny some things are.” Maverick said in a voice edged with a familiar tease. “Rumors have a way of being right sometimes.”Heat flooded my cheeks and before I could stop it, the words were out of my mouth. “You’re insufferable.”His grin widened. “And yet…” his eyes flicked to my face, catching the way I was biting down on my lip, “…you can’t even deny it without blushing.”I groaned and sank lower into my seat, glari

Malia The smell of grease and overcooked fries from ether cafeteria amped up my discomfort, I felt like I was walking into a boxing arena ready to take hits. I could feel the looks before they landed, hear the hushed whispers before they were spoken, my skin buzzed with negative anticipation, today was going to be the same as yesterday, if not worse. As I walked into the cafeteria, tray in hand, I could feel like somehow things had quelled down. Had someone else become trending news? Some sort of relief flowed through me. I clutched my tray tighter, bracing myself as I scanned the room. It didn’t take long to figure out why things had changed. Venessa. She sat on top of one of the long tables, With her legs crossed and her glossy hair catching the fluorescent light. Around her, her group leaned in, hanging on to her every word like she was performing. Which, knowing Vanessa, she absolutely was. Her voice carried, loud enough for the entire cafeteria to hear. “Oh my God, can we

Malia The silence in my room felt heavy. Dinner was over but the weight of it hadn’t left me. I could still feel the ghost of Maverick’s hand against my knee under the table, a touch no one else had noticed. Now he leaned against my wall, arms crossed over his chest, eyes pinned on the floor instead of me. His shirt stretched tight across his shoulders, and the chain at his neck reflected the dim lamplight. He looked untouchable, like he wanted to stay that way. I sat on the edge of my bed, pretending to adjust the hem of my dress, but really I was trying to figure out how to breathe in a room that seemed too full of him. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and full of warming. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t need pity.” My chest squeezed, what I felt for him wasn’t pity, it wasn’t not even close. What I felt for him had weight and the kind of ache that came from watching him act like nothing touched him when I knew deep down everything did. “It’s not pity,” I counte

Malia Before the dinner, I had been pacing around my room since I returned from school. My stomach tangled in knots after everything that had during the day. Ethan’s careful voice still rang in my ears, his eyes sharper than usual when he asked me about the rumor, and I had pretended like it rolled off me. Pretended like Maverick’s stare in the cafeteria hadn’t burned me through and through and like I wasn’t still restless, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I leaned over the mirror, fixing my hair for no real reason. My reflection looked flushed and uncertain. I tugged the hem of my dress straight, smoothing the fabric against my thighs as if that would settle me. I knew dinner downstairs would be nothing more than my mom talking too much, Maverick brooding in silence, and his father pretending to play the part of a man who cared but still, my pulse picked up. Maverick would be there and my body couldn’t wait. Mums voice rang out from downstairs. “Malia! Dinner!”

Maverick By the next morning, the rumor had teeth. Before I even got to my locker, I could feel the stares on me. They were staring for longer than they usually did, and then pretended not to, then leaned close to themselves to whisper. I knew exactly whose name was in their mouths, and it made my blood run hot. Then I saw Nancy walking like she was proud of herself, all sway and lip gloss, eating up the attention. I didn’t hesitate. I fell in step a few paces behind, silently and steady. She didn’t notice of course, why would she? She was too busy smiling at the mess she’d made. She pushed through the back doors, sunlight hitting her hair just right, like the world had staged it for her. Out on the field, it was quieter and we were without any audience. That was when I called her name. “Nessa.” She turned around and looked at me with her stupidly fake smile. “Maverick,” she said, like she’d been expecting me. I closed the distance, and the smile slid off her face

DETECTIVE JOE POV The atmosphere in Hunter’s apartment was so serene that I didn't think of it. From my 15 years of this police work, I realized that the guilty are split into two groups: one who don't care about cleanliness that everywhere is messed up and the other personality tries to use the bleach if substance to imitate a clean person. As for Hunter's apartment, it was clean as if he was preparing for sanitary inspection. Every component in that apartment was nearly arranged and in their distinct position. "Do you prefer Coffee or tea, Detective? Or you are here strictly on business?" Hunter asked as his voice showed concern as a natural civilian. His personality at that moment depict a person who can't hurt a fly. His posture spoke nothing but innocence. "I'll prefer Water, thanks", I responded back to him almost immediately. He gestured for me to sit while he went in and reemerges with a glass of water. I brought in my note pad but decided to hide my pen. This action might

NAOMI POV I left my home to stay in Lucas' mansion as he instructed. Since Kayla was kidnapped, my whole existence felt messed up as I couldn't save the daughter whom I loved dearly. I wandered through the darkness of the corridor, trying to read the environment but it was useless as I couldn't find my purpose. The mansion, with marbles on the floor and custom made ceilings, was supposed to be my place of solace. It was supposed to be a place where I experienced peace after the trauma I faced in my former marriage. But as I looked at the walls which constantly stared back at me, I realized that I left a prison of debts to a prison of depression due to my daughter's disappearance. My mind was a sandstorm of "what-ifs." Was I so distracted by the pleasure of my new life that I failed to see the danger stalking my daughter? My thankfulness has always been to Lucas and always working with Kayla but I didn't understand the algorithm. I didn't think of questioning the long hours or the s

LUCAS POV Reality was looking straight to my eyes but I couldn't look at it because of shame within me. I couldn't save the girl who brought in joy to my life. It was my point to play a superhero persona but I failed her over and over again. This reality made sleep move farther from me. I tried to look as human as possible but I'm seeing a ghost in my reflection. Trying not to accept this reality, I went to my winery and took out an ancient Vodka taking to my sofa in my office. I smiled manically as I saw different bottles of Vodka already emptied on that table. At that period, I didn't let anyone who is a stranger have access to my office til I figured out a way. I might permit staff but on serious matters that needs my attention. Looking at any available choice where there's none, I open the vodka bottle and pour it into my glass. I had to sip it little by little as I try to forget the whole scenario that is just befalling me. Since my current location is where Kayla mostly meets

KAYLA POV The room was brightly lit but my soul was in a huge concentration of darkness. Everyday felt like an unending curse to remain here as a trapped soul. These people have been bringing food and provisions on a daily basis but it felt like nothing to me. I just need freedom and to return to my past life. Even if I had conflict in terms of personal life, I realize that the conflict was a mere distraction. I couldn't shout or yell for help as it felt like I've been denied every opportunity to speak. As I was lost in thought, the door violently opened as the person who regularly brings in food came with his assigned duty. He dropped it quietly and moved towards the door but stopped automatically. "Enjoy your food and peace of mind while it still lasts", he said when stopped at the door without looking back. "What do you mean?" I struggled to voice out this question since my soul is thoroughly bruised. "You'll understand soon enough", he turned round to say it amidst mocking gi

DETECTIVE JOE POV From the information from the database unit, I knew where I'll be headed to. From my experience and knowledge, I knew that abandoned warehouses were one of the hideout spots for kidnapping cases. I didn't think about that direction but I'll work it out regardless. I asked about the location where they tracked it. After tracking, it was revealed that the location is around the metropolis of Time square. With that, I left that unit moving back to my office. I had to plan my moves there not to arouse any suspicion among anybody in that department. I had earlier told the database unit to keep every discovery to themselves while reporting to me only for security sake. They promised to do so while I just nodded. I didn't want to lose much time but to sprint into action ASAP. I took a normal car which is different from an official car we normally use. After reviving the car, I moved it towards Time square. Since the location wasn't really certain, I had to keep my eyes o

DETECTIVE JOE POV After my experience at the Chief's office, I realized that I couldn't rely on public opinion rather I have to let my detective's instinct to lead the way. But which way again? This question unconsciously led me to my office. The office felt a sense of uneasy silence. I didn't know what to do rather I had to fall back to my chair. If I am to evaluate my work, this should be one of the hardest cases I've ever dealt with. From the file, all the 6 officers were authentic, then who is the mole? This question keeps resounding in my way for a long time. Before such a perfect scene of crime is created, there must be someone on the inside. That's my belief which I refused to discard. At this point, I began doubting if I'm truly a Detective. I had to leave the office and walk through the hallway. At that point, I began looking at random things to an extent that I nearly lost myself. A voice brought me back to reality. It was the senior officer who I do confide in. Officer J