Romans de Cranium

North’s POVThe aroma of cocoa drifted through the kitchen before I even reached the doorway. It was warm, soothing, familiar and it was supposed to calm me down because it always did. But this morning, it only made my heartbeat spike because the last thing I expected was to walk in and see Finn already there, leaning against the counter in grey joggers and a black T-shirt, stirring a steaming mug.He looked up the moment I stepped in and our eyes met for a heartbeat too long. It was long enough to remind me of last night, of how he had pulled me back, how he had tried to stop me from leaving and how I had walked out anyway.Pushing my hair behind my ear, I cleared my throat. “I… I just wanted some cocoa.”Finn’s knuckles tightened on the countertop as if he couldn’t decide whether to move toward me or stay exactly where he was. His voice came out calm, but something underneath it sounded strained.“Do you want a cup?” he asked.I hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. Please.”He reached

North’s POVI yanked my arm out of Finn’s grip with more force than I thought I had. The moment his fingers slipped away, a rush of anger surged through me. It was hot, sharp and cut through the confusion I had been drowning in since last night.“How dare you,” I snapped, my voice trembling more from emotion than fear. “How dare you act like this is… like I belong to you.” I snapped, trying to keep my anger in check but it was to no avail. His jaw tightened as he pushed his hand forward. “That’s not what I…”“No.” I raised my hand sharply, stopping him as I did “I begged you, Finn. I begged that we don’t fight for the rest of our deal. I asked for peace, I asked for space. I asked for something simple, why are you finding it hard to give me that?” My throat ached, but I pushed through it. “Finn, the least you can do is stick to it.” I drawled. He didn't reply, he just stood there, staring at me. His eyes were burning and his chest was rising and falling like he was holding back

North's POVSwaying lightly to the music playing from the speaker, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my palms down my deep-blue bodycon dress.The neckline dipped lower than what I normally wore. It was elegant and bold as the fabric hugged me in a way that felt both terrifying and empowering. It had accentuated my curves and shape in a way that I wouldn’t stop gushing over. It had been forever since I had the chance to dress this way. Mind you, I wasn’t dressing like this for Curtis, not really.I was dressing like this because I needed to feel something other than confusion, guilt, and the lingering echo of Finn’s silence that morning.Now humming the music alongside with the artist on air, I slipped on my earrings, grabbed my purse, and was reaching for my heels when a knock echoed sharply on my door.I paused, leaving my hand hanging in the air as my heart found its way to my throat because I already knew who it was. Somehow I could always sense him before he appeared.

North’s POVAfter Finn left for work, I spent the next few minutes staring into space as I desperately tried to piece together the reason for his reaction. But my head was blank; I couldn't think of anything that would warrant such a reaction from him. With this thought making rounds in my head, I got ready for work, hoping something else would take over the thoughts but that didn't happen. Because every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Finn’s face when I mentioned the three months left in our agreement. The way he went quiet, the way his eyes darkened and the way he walked away from me like my words had carved something out of him.By the time I got to work that morning, I felt like a ghost wearing my own clothes.I tried to keep my head down, hoping no one would pick up on the gloom radiating off me, but Kora was waiting at my desk with a cup of tea and her eyebrows were raised suspiciously high.“You look like someone told you Saturdays have been canceled permanently,” she

North’s POVThe first thing I felt when consciousness slowly pulled me upward was warmth. It was heavy, solid, and wrapped around me like a claim. My lashes fluttered open, and it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the soft morning light pouring into Finn’s bedroom.My body tensed on instinct, not because I regretted anything, we both knew I didn’t but because reality had a way of feeling sharper in the morning, like everything you did in the dark suddenly wanted to be acknowledged in daylight.After eating dinner last night, he did eat me like he said. I shifted slightly, trying to ease out of the bed without waking him.But that was a big mistake.The arm around my waist tightened immediately, pulling me back toward him with surprising strength. His breath brushed the back of my neck, warm and heavy with sleep.“Don’t,” he murmured.His morning voice was low, rough and raw in a way that sent a shiver down my spine.“I didn’t want to wake you,” I whispered.“You didn’t.” His h

Finn’s POVI tried. God, I genuinely tried to stay calm but the more days passed, the more I felt like something inside me was tearing open.When I left North’s building earlier that morning, a part of me hoped that she would step out, call after me and give me even the smallest reason not to walk away. But she didn’t and I had no right to expect that from her. Still the silence gutted me more than I thought possible.Instead of heading for work, I drove straight to her place. I told myself it was just to check, to see if she was okay, to see if she needed anything. But when I unlocked the door and stepped in, the stillness hit me like a punch. Her shoes weren’t there, her bag wasn’t by the couch like usual and the air felt cold and untouched.She was gone.Numbed, I stood there for a long moment, hands on my waist and jaw clenched hard enough that it hurt. I wanted to break something, scream, run after her and drag her back just to ask why she was avoiding me. Why the hell the t

Astrid’s POVAvoiding someone should have been easy, at least, that was what I told myself when I woke up this morning.It was a simple plan; go to class, keep my head down, don’t look around too much and most importantly avoid places where I would bump into Ocean.Because after last night, after that call, after the way I completely embarrassed myself, there was no way I was ready to face him.I groaned softly into my pillow before forcing myself out of bed.Dawn, who was on her phone, set it aside only to start watching me from across the room, her eyes sharp with curiosity.“You’re quiet,” she said, causing my heart to skip multiple beats. “I’m always quiet.” I bit out, making sure to keep my gaze straight ahead. “I know but not like this,” she said, smacking her lips. Ignoring her, I went about getting ready for school and when I was done, I grabbed my bag. “You’re avoiding him, aren’t you?” she asked as I headed towards the door. “I have class.” I replied over my shoulder.

Astrid’s POVThe words on the page stopped making sense after the third time I read the same paragraph.“Focus,” I muttered under my breath but it only got even worse. Biting my lower lip, I was staring hard at the book in my hands, trying to force my brain to focus but it didn’t.Instead, my eyes drifted again to my phone which was lying beside me on the bed.The screen was still dark and silent.Propping myself up, I exhaled quietly and dragged my gaze back to the book.“Focus,” I said to myself for the hundredth time but the sentence blurred.After several minutes of trying to focus without fruition, I picked up my phone, still nothing.There was no message, no missed call, no notification either. I dropped it back onto the bed with a soft thud and rolled onto my back, staring up at the ceiling.This was completely ridiculous.Why was I even checking?Ocean and I weren’t anything. It was a fake arrangement so why did the silence feel so loud?Snapping my eyes shut, I groaned soft

Ocean’s POV“Bro, you’re not even trying anymore.” Calvin’s voice cut through the room as his character got taken out again.I didn’t look at him, didn’t react either. I just tightened my grip on the controller, my eyes fixed on the screen as my character reloaded and moved forward.“I am trying,” I said flatly.“Lies,” he shot back immediately. “You’ve been distracted since we started the game.”“I’ve been winning.” I replied, adjusting on the couch. “Barely.” He retorted, casting me a quick side glance. “That still counts.”Calvin scoffed then leaned back into the couch like he had just lost a championship instead of a video game round.We had been at it for almost an hour now, the TV casting flickering light across the living room while empty soda cans and snack wrappers littered the table between us.It was supposed to be a distraction to shut my brain off but it wasn’t working, not even close.Astrid kept slipping into my thoughts.It had been a month since we started fake dat

Astrid’s POVBy the time I reached my hostel, the sun had already begun its slow descent behind the campus buildings.The golden light spilled through the windows of the hallway, stretching long shadows across the floor as I climbed the stairs to my room.My mind kept replaying the moment at the rink over and over again. Ocean sitting there, his leg bouncing impatiently, the way he relaxed the second my message was delivered and finally that smile that parted my lips too.When I pushed the door to my room open, I was expecting an empty space but Dawn was inside.She had just returned from school, judging by the bag she had tossed carelessly on her bed. The moment she saw me, her eyes lit up and that was my first sign of trouble.“Oh my God,” she said immediately, sitting up straighter. “Where have you been all day?” She shrieked. I hated when she makes that sound as it meant she had questions, lots of them at that. And right now, my brain was far too tangled to deal with an inter

Astrid’s POVThe next morning felt unreal.It was as if the world had moved forward while I had stayed frozen somewhere in the middle of last night.The campus looked the same as always. Students walked through the gates in clusters, laughing, talking, complaining about assignments and professors. Suddenly, a group of girls hurried past me, the scent of expensive perfume trailing behind them.Everything was normal, except me.Trying to blend in, I kept my head down as I walked toward the main building. I was clutching my bag strap tightly like it could anchor me to something stable.Every now and then I felt eyes on me or maybe that was just paranoia.The event of last night had spread across campus like wildfire, I didn't need anyone to tell me. News traveled fast in this school, especially when it involved the hockey team. My stomach twisted at the thoughts of the vile comments that would be directed at me.Dragging in a deep breath, I pushed the thought away and kept walking.

Astrid’s POVThe moment the club doors closed behind me, the noise swallowed itself.The loud music faded into a dull vibration, laughter turned into distant echoes, and suddenly all I could hear was my own heartbeat. The sound was sharp, uneven and too loud inside my head but I didn’t stop running.The cold evening air slapped against my face as I ran into the street, my heels striking the pavement too fast and hard. My chest burned and my throat felt tight.I didn’t even know where I was going, I just knew I had to get away from the club and most especially Ocean and Reis. God, Reis.Where did he come from?If anything, I wasn't expecting him to be at the club. Ocean shouldn't be in a place where he would run into Reis. And Reis has no business there either. My steps slowed slightly as Reis face flashed through my mind. The anger in his eyes and the way he grabbed my arm like he still had a right to was embedded in my head. A strange chill ran through my spine and immediately

Caruso’s POVThroughout the party, I couldn't stop looking at her. The only difference between her and Blue was their facial features. Several times, I was tempted to walk up to her and find out where she had been all this while but I didn't have the courage to do so.First, Max, the man from earlier, was hovering around her protectively. Secondly, I had no idea how she was going to react to my question. At the end of the party, after bidding everyone and the host farewell, I walked up to my car. I was so absentminded that I forgot about Becca, not until she yelled my name, asking me to wait for her. “Were you going to leave me behind?" She asked.“I'm sorry." I mumbled, turning on the ignition. When she didn't speak again, I was grateful. Right now, all I wanted was peace and quietness. But it didn't last long.Shoving her phone into her purse, she turned to face me. She studied my face for a while before placing her hand on my shoulder, caressing it.“Tell me about it." She st

Blue’s POV“Are you okay?" Father asked, halting next to me as the low hum of classical music floated across the night air.“Yeah, I am." I nodded vigorously, forcing a smile that barely got to my eyes. But inside, my heart was thudding against my ribcage like a trapped animal.Taking a deep breath, I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Get a grip on yourself, you can do this." I mumbled, rubbing my sweaty palm against my gown. I had practiced facing Caruso a thousand times in the mirror since I learnt he was going to be at the party but none of it could prepare me for the moment when his tall, familiar frame emerged from the crowd, his eyes sweeping across the guests until they landed on me.The flicker of recognition in his eyes made my stomach knot.Right now, I couldn't decide if the recognition was from the past or the scene at the mall earlier."Mr. Milton!" my father called out with a warm smile, stepping forward with his hand extended.“Mr. Smith.” Caruso took his hand

Blue’s POVI wasn’t expecting to see him, not there, and definitely not like that.Caruso Milton, the man whom I swore I was going to stay by his side forever.As soon as I saw him standing in the middle of Monaco Hall, soaked with my coffee and with an expression somewhere between recognition and disbelief, a thousand warning bells exploded in my head. My breath hitched, as my fingers trembled around the paper cup but I held on.I was just an hour away from being formally introduced as the new chairwoman of Nexus Corporation. And the Caruso decided to show his face. It would have been better if it was only him but Becca was standing right next to him.They are going to tell the whole world that I'm a murderer.Panic surged through me, threatening to strangle every breath I took.But then I remembered.My face. — The face I now wore in place of my own.The new jawline, the sharper nose, the cheekbones sculpted by someone else’s grief. I wasn’t Blue Lexington anymore, I was a strang

Caruso’s POVPushing my chair backwards, I arranged my cufflink as I ran my eyes through the last line on the screen of my laptop.This morning, I made sure I dropped by the office at exactly seven am which was one hour earlier than usual. By noon, I was stepping out for a function. The CEO of Nexus Corporation had handed me an invitation card in person for the handover ceremony which was going to happen by noon today and so I couldn't afford to miss it. “I will have to return…” "Aren't you done yet?” Becca asked, poking her head through the door.Flashing me a brief smile, she cleared her throat and with well calculated steps, she waddled her way into my office."Your cologne, you’re still not going to tell me where you got it from?”"I don't want a gift from you,” I said, biting back my irritation. Becca was a thorn in my flesh. She knew this but she still chose to ignore it.After the unfortunate incident, she had always been by my side. Several times, I tried to push her away

Blue’s POV“Have a nice day." I said, shaking hands with all of the directors present until I got to the last. “You too." They replied. As the next chairwomen of Nexus Corporation, my father has suggested I meet with the directors before the formal introduction which was going to be held by the weekend. “We are going to help you in every little way we can." Mr. Langston said and with a smile on my lips, I nodded in appreciation. One after the other, they took their leave until I was the only one left in my office. Reclining against my table, I used my fingers to trace the corners of my name plaque, my smile growing even wider. Nine months ago, I was the wife of Caruso Milton. Fast forward to nine months later, I was the heiress of Nexus Corporation, one out of the three largest cologmerate in the country. Pushing my hair behind my ear, I plopped on my chair, a low sigh escaping from my lips as I turned on the TV. The headlines caught my attention, so I decided to keep watchin

Blue's POVWhat I had expected was, the trial was going to go on forever but to my surprise, it didn't last up to half an hour. Now, that wasn't the interesting part. Feebee kept to her promise and I was released on a bail. Surprised with the outcome of the trial, I couldn't move my feet even after the court session had been declared over. The previous night, I had already said my last prayer to my maker for a safe sojourn into the world beyond but, that wasn't going to happen anymore.At this point, I had no idea if I should be happy or sad. “I told you, I'm going to make sure you're released.” Feebeee’s voiced out, announcing her presence in the process and at once I grabbed her hand. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I tried to speak but my tongue was heavy so I couldn't move the organ. “How am I going to repay you?” I asked when I finally found my tongue. “I don't even know you yet you…” “You were accused wrongly; you don't deserve to be locked behind bars.” She shrugged.

Cross’ POV “You mean Cross Voss is your boss?" I asked with a raised brow, trying to sound all natural but my heart was slamming against my chest mercilessly. Judging by the crispness of the magazine, I knew it was a new one but I couldn't bring myself to ask her for it.For months, I have been off the radar thinking that they have forgotten about me already, how wrong I was. The press was a dangerous organization. No matter how you try to steer away from them, they always find a way of popping their heads before you.“I think this line explains why he hasn't been at work for several months now." She mouthed, bringing me back to the present. With my brow raised at her, I asked, "What's the reason?" “He is crippled and no one knows where he is, not even his family." She replied. “I bet his family is behind this, they must have been looking for him so they decided to employ the power of the press." She mumbled. Taking a deep breath, I was relieved when she didn't press further bu

Cross's POVThe frown on Mulan's face deepened as she glared murderously at me. If she doesn't stop glaring, I was going to end up dying, not on the operating table like I had instigated but right here and now.“Are you trying to kill me with your eyes?" I mouthed, watching as her lips twitched to the side. She was getting even more angry now. The only reason why she was yet to flare up was because we were in public and for that, I was grateful. “Why are you acting like I said sometimes out of the ordinary?" I huffed. “Getting into surgery is a gamble, you either lose your life or you retain it." Reaching for her hand, I tried to give it a soft squeeze but she pulled away, still glaring at me. “Come on, you are getting worked up over nothing." I laughed, tossing my face towards the window only for her to tug my arm.“Have you lost it?" She gulped, trying to remain calm but it was to no avail. Her breathing was erratic and it would be a miracle if she didn't pass out. Pushing he

Mulan’s POVFinally, it was the eve of our trip to Germany. All through the day, I have checked and rechecked everything we will be needing for the trip. Kaiser on the other hand was indifferent. Of course I was forcing him to go for surgery against his will but still I had a price to pay. Sitting at the edge of my bed, I was staring at the screen of my phone. I had already dialed my mother's contact, all I needed was to press the call button. With a deep breath, I did and after two rings, the lines connected.“Mulan?” My mother’s soft voice filtered into my eardrum. I had missed her so much so I was giddy with excitement.“Mom.” I shrieked, “How are you?”“I should be asking you that.” She retorted. “You have been so busy these days that you barely have enough time to talk to your mother." “I'm worried about you." She added, her tone mild and almost breaking. “I'm fine mom, you don't have to worry about me." I paused and with a tone tingling with excitement, I said, “I will be

Cross’s POVWheeling my chair through the hallway, I scrunched my nostrils since the sterile scent of disinfectant which clung in the air was messing with my brain. I hated hospitals, and this was just one of the numerous reasons. The private medical ward which was separated from the rest of the building was specially designed for the elites. It screamed luxury which didn't make sense to me but that was the least of my concern.Taking the last bend to Doctor Randy's office, I let out a low sigh, already imagining the look of amusement that would be on his face when he sees me.For months, he had been urging me to go for surgery but I refused and now, I suddenly changed my mind, all thanks to Mulan.The thought of her made a smile appear on my lips but I quickly wiped it off.Getting to his office, I connected my fist to the door before pushing it in and letting myself into his large office. It was clear he had been waiting for me because he was leaning against his desk with a smug

Mulan's POVStaring at him with my eyes almost popping from its sockets, I didn't say anything. My tongue was glued and I couldn't react as I had been frozen in place.What I had expected was, we would end up having a fallout since he has asked me not to mind him but it turned out to be the direct opposite. My joy knew no bounds, I was literally floating in the air as relief washed through my entire body. "You will?" I muttered when I finally found my tongue."Yes." He affirmed only to tilt his head to the side like he was having a second thought. I was almost running my mouth when he locked eyes with me, "On one condition," He said. "Anything." I blurted without thinking.Reaching for my hand, he caressed it for a while. "Our contract will be ending in a few months.” He mumbled while I gulped.He was right about that. Though we were not cut out for each other, I was going to miss him terribly. But I got compensated already; my family was already paying for putting my mother and

Mulan's POVSliding my phone from my ear, I groped my way towards the wall and then placed my back against it. This wasn't the first time Doctor Randy was saying this but each time he does, I always felt cold chills running through my spines. I was terrified but I couldn't do anything.Kaiser was refusing to get surgery for reasons best known to him. Now, this wasn't just about fulfilling my part of the contract, I really wanted him to walk again. Snapping my eyes shut, I pulled away from the wall and with slow but deliberate steps, I made my way to Kaiser’s room. Placing my ear against the door, I was hoping to hear even the slightest noise as these days, he barely gets a wink of sleep.But the room was drowned in a deafening silence, causing me to wonder what the issue was.Pursing my lips, I grabbed the handle and then twisted it, causing the door to creak open. I was about to run away in fright until I saw the wheelchair was empty and he was lying on his back. Cautiously so I