Novels by TheScribe

KANE'S POVShe looked smaller since the accident. Not physically, though the bruises and the pallor had done their work but something in her posture had sunk, like she was folding inward to keep something from leaking out. And I couldn’t name it, I mean I didn’t want to name it.Emotions, when named, become liabilities.She barely spoke on the ride back from the hospital, not that I’m much of a talker either, but even the silence has texture. Hers was hollow and mine was tight and controlled. I drove with my eyes fixed on the road and my hands on the wheel, I was thinking about everything and absolutely nothing at the same time. About Zane, about the stupid kiss, about the contract clock that was winding down with each second...about her.When we got back to the penthouse, she disappeared upstairs. Of course she did. That’s what Aria does...retreats and builds walls made of distance and silence. I should’ve let her stay there, should’ve buried myself in strategy and forgotten she ever

ARIA'S POVThe discharge papers felt like a goodbye I wasn’t ready to give. The hospital bed, cold and stiff as it was, had become something like a sanctuary like a strange kind of shield from reality. But as I was helped out, being wheeled out with Kane walking beside me in silence, the weight of the world began to shift again.The car ride back to the penthouse was quiet, and stifling in a way. Like we were both holding our breaths underwater, pretending it didn’t hurt.I kept my eyes out the window. Concrete, glass, noise. The city moved on like nothing happened. Like I hadn’t died halfway and come back not even sure who I was.Kane didn’t say a word.Neither did I.Back at the penthouse, the hush followed us in like a third presence. The doors closed behind us and I stood in the foyer, the air too still. Kane hovered before he walked ahead, leaving me there without a glance, like we’d both agreed this quiet was safer than whatever truth we were avoiding.I retreated to my suite an

ARIA'S POVAfter what felt like forever, the doctor left, leaving me alone with Kane again.I didn’t know which felt heavier...the silence in the room, or the dull throbbing in my chest. My head still pulsed like there was a war inside it, but it wasn’t just the injury. Something deeper was bruised, and no scan could show it.Kane didn’t look at me. He remained standing by the window, hands in his pockets, as if the glass held all the answers I couldn’t ask out loud."The doctor said I could be discharged in an hour.." I said, quietly. "When… when my brain settles or whatever."He gave a small nod but didn’t turn.I hated this silence. I hated how familiar it was... i hated that I had so many questions, so many things to say but no idea how to start."How long was I passed out?" I asked finally.He turned then, only slightly. "Twenty-four hours."A full day...gone. poof! Just like that.My throat tightened. "How many days are left on the contract?"He hesitated. "Three."Three.Only t

ARIA’S POVWhite...So fucking white it felt offensive. The ceiling stared down at me like it was trying to burn a hole through my fucking skull.It buzzed faintly or was that just the ringing in my ears? I blinked again. The world was still slightly blurry, like I was underwater. The sterile, chemical bite of antiseptic wrapped around my tongue. I almost gagged.A rhythmic, constant sound was all I could hear when I registered, flipping beeping sounds that wouldn't just stop. A Monitor? Heart monitor?Where the heck was I?I tried to shift, just a little, just enough to breathe easier and pain ricocheted through my ribs like glass. I gasped, clutching to my sides, everything tightened.My arms felt like lead, my legs nonexistent. My mouth was dry and stale as fuck, my whole body was sore, like I’d been pummeled by something much worse than time.Panic stirred. Real, animal panic.I blinked again, hard. And then I saw him.Kane.Slouched in a chair by my bed, his head lowered, like th

KANE'S POVThere was silence afterwards, the kind that stuck to skin, that stayed within you refusing to let go.. the kind that stays in her absence.I don't know how long I sat there for, an hour? Maybe two. But I did that's all that matters."Mr Callahan.." I heard the doctor call out to me, meeting his gaze."Following the horrific crash, I must say it's indeed a miracle.." he said, then paused."Is it?" I asked, he nodded."She's stable.." relief flooded my entire being, "but she has sustained significant injuries like a broken rib, concussion and several wounds"I took a deep breath, my head falling backwards as I felt a headache brewing beneath my skin. She hadn't even been with me a week and yet here she is.Maybe this contract was wrong, I shouldn't have–we shouldn't have."Can I go see her?" It came out before I could even register. The doctor paused before nodding then walked away.The walk to her room was a slow one, I wasn't even tired of any sort, just numb. I've grown nu

KANE'S POVTwo hours. That's how long I've been at work. Usually, something interesting happens by now—a crisis to manage, a deal to close, a fire to put out. But today feels different...off.Everything was functioning. People doing what they were paid to do. Yet there was this gnawing sense in my chest.I sit at my desk, the city skyline stretching out before me through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The documents concerning my father's empire lie untouched, a silent reminder of unfinished business. I should pay my uncle a visit, discuss the paperwork, assert my claim. But my thoughts are elsewhere.Aria.She left the penthouse this morning without a word, no note, no message, nothing. Security mentioned she said she needed air and would be back. But she didn't tell me. We're supposed to be partners in this façade, playing the roles of husband and wife. Communication is key, even if it's just for show.I glance at my phone for the umpteenth time...still no message from her. Was she up

The energy in the room was a radiation of coldness in its most toxic form. And although they were quite a number of people in the room, the silence was such that if a pin dropped to the floor, the sound would be loud and clear enough for everyone to hear.“Lord Castro… what do we do next?” A man finally asked, breaking the silence. “Raquel was supposed to take over this great clan once you're gone.”A much older man, dressed in all black, and holding a cigarette in his right hand shook his head, and the room tensed up in anticipation as they waited for him to speak. “And who says I'm leaving anytime soon?”“My lord, Marco is right, now that your only heiress is gone, what becomes of the Clan, and the ones responsible for her death?” Another man, dressed in all black as well, asked. “The lawyer, and her husband… you spent years avenging the deaths of your cartel members, and Raquel in question was your daughter and…”“That's enough!” Lord Castro yelled, hitting his palm against the ta

**FIVE YEARS LATER*** It is crazy how time flies, leaving very little or no room for correction of past mistakes. Although some people get lucky enough to make atonement for their sins, others do not, rather they spend the rest of their days in anguish, and drowning in deep seethed guilt. Living with the consequences of your actions is something that cannot be bargained, and the rationale behind this, only the creator knows. Quite popular yet true quotes… probably a product of karma, or beyond physical wisdom. It has been five years since everything, yes… everything. Raquel was later rushed to the hospital after the accident, since she was found to still have a little life left in her. However, her punishment was not over… all the innocent people she'd done no good to, seemed to be fighting against her, thus, the life left, was not sufficient enough to sustain her for a little more time. Raquel Castro was confirmed dead few hours after getting into the hospital, her Mafia fami

Travis' hopeful gaze lingered on Alison as he waited for her to say something.What did she mean by she was ahead of him on this one? And the look she had in her eyes was one he took a lot of time to understand.Whenever she knew a secret or had a surprise planned out, that was the exact same expression.“It depends on you… what do you want to hear?” she shrugged and sat upright, so did he.“I want to hear everything Alison, the whole plan.” He insisted and she nodded.“We are going to be needing Uncle Carlos' help on this one.” She started. “I have been keeping tabs on Raquel, and I'm glad she is still here in Chicago. Apparently not yet aware that we know about all of her stupid deeds.”As She spoke, his gaze drifted off, picturing her words clearly. “And since she doesn't know that we are aware of her atrocities, I'm pretty sure she's out there living her normal life.”“Exactly, she doesn't even have any reason to suspect that anyone knows about her sins, since she was smart enough

Alison smiled widely settling onto a long couch, with Travis by her side, and her gaze darting around the room, to the happy faces of her guests - unexpected guests actually.Forgiveness felt exciting, it made her feel lighter, like a heavy weight just got lifted off her shoulder.“This has to be the most underrated pill.” She whispered, snuggling closer to Travis.“What's that?” He asked, staring in her eyes, with his arms wrapped around her.“Forgiveness.” She responded, and broke off their eye contact, allowing her gaze wander off. “You know, when I got Bruno arrested alongside his mother, and gained custody over my son… it did not feel this satisfying.”Oscar and Karen stopped their conversation and had their entire attention fixed on the couple, who were just starting to reinkindle their love.“I felt thirsty, like there was so much more I was missing out on.” She continued. “You know that feeling when you have already gotten everything you always wanted, and yet it was not as sa

The moment he sighted Alison walk out of the room looking like a ghost, better still, a frame of her former self, Travis' eyes widened in shock, so did his mouth. There was not any way he would have believe that his Alison would lose so much weight and life in just a matter of twenty one days. Her collar bones were glaring, deep enough to hold water in them. Her eyes were red, and so was her face… a testament to the tears she had to shed and the pain she'd gone through.Alison on the other hand, kept staring at him, although at first she didn't want to admit it, he was looking so haggard and unkept, his hair was messy and his moustache was starting to grow wild.Only twenty-one days apart did this to the couple, who would have thought so.Still standing apart, the couple kept staring at each other, with so many words running through their minds, yet no one was uttering any words.Who would?Travis who was articulating his thoughts and thinking of the perfect way to get Alison's for

After so much hesitation, Travis finally planted a soft knock, on the door of Megan's apartment.“Who is it? How can I help you?” He heard Megan's soft voice ring from inside, and moved back slightly.As sounds of footsteps approached and grew louder, so did Travis’ heartbeats. What if she sends him away rudely?Alison must have told her about everything that happened, so how was he going to face her now?“Who is it, yo …” Megan's voice stopped halfway as she sighted Travis standing by the door, looking pale.“Y..you're here,” she said, obviously shocked. “I never thought you'd stop by.”“I'm sorry, I swear, I'm really sorry.” He said and Megan folded her arms under her chest.“What do you want? Why are you here?” “Aunt Megan, please… I need your help, don't say no, I beg of you.” He pleaded. “A lot happened, and I really need to speak with Alison.”“Well… sorry to disappoint you, but Alison is not here.” Megan shrugged and turned to go in, but Travis held onto her hand, with guilt