Novel-novel oleh HA. Bloom

ArabellaThe next morning, I woke up earlier than expected. Sunlight leaking through the blinds, brushing warm fingers across my face. For a second, I just lay there, confused. I never woke up this early. Then it hit me. I'd slept early.After meeting with Dr. Khalid last night, Ruth and Sky had practically dragged me out of the hospital and sent me home. When I got home, I didn't bother pulling the sheets over me as I hit the bed.A yawn escaped my mouth. My head didn't throb like it usually did when I woke up, and my muscles were relaxed. Huh. So that's what rest felt like.I dragged myself out of bed, stretched until my joints popped, and headed straight to the bathroom. A long, warm shower later, I threw on a simple pair of shorts and a huge t-shirt that nearly swallowed me whole. Comfort over everything.As I stepped out of the room, I sent Ruth a quick text: How was your night? Then paused, scanning the hallway.Silence.No trace of life anywhere. Again.I moved through the hous

ArabellaMy steps were unhurried as I walked through the hospital hallways. My movement was laid-back but my face was twisted into a frown.Mark had sent me more work through email, and he insisted I send the results to him early tomorrow.So much for a good night's rest tonight.The past week and a few days had been quite hefty both at home and at work.I didn't know how I managed to pull through the day at work today. Despite the flurry of meetings and the dull ache that settled in my spine, I was still poised — like I hadn't spent the previous night in a stiff hospital chair watching my mother for hours. She underwent a successful surgery last night.I was happy. Really.Finally, Ruth would stop worrying all the time and my mom would leave the hospital. She'd been admitted for almost five months.Even I could relax after so long. For the past year, all I did was worry about covering bills and paying debts. It felt good to be free.Family aside, Steph had been out of town for a week

AdrianThe elevator came to a stop with a soft ding. I stepped out, my mind reeling with thoughts as the lobby passed by in a blur. The cool city air hit me the second I walked out of the buildingMy jaw was tight. My fists were clenched like I needed to punch something, someone — myself, maybe.Sky was the last person I expected to see tonight.How long had it been since I last saw her? Five years? A hollow chuckle slipped past my lips. Pathetic. We used to be close – like two peas in a pod.She'd moved in with my grandparents around age ten. She was dumped there, actually. Her parents had a better child to raise, and thanks to their friendship with my family, Sky ended up with us. She became the little sister I never asked for and I'd never regretted it.When she said she wouldn't speak to me again back then, I thought it was another joke of hers. Turns out, it wasn't. I called a few times. Then stopped.I told myself I didn't owe her an explanation for hurting her best friend. A pa

Arabella"Why did you have to ask him to stay?" I sighed, turning away from the door where I watched Adrian speaking to Gabriel. He was giving the man some serious instructions while lounging comfortably on the couch."This is the least we can do to appreciate his help," Ruth murmured, twisting open a can of tomatoes. She was preparing her special recipe for pasta and meatball sauce. Simple, but always delicious."The help being what I'd earned," I emphasized the word earned. "The money I earned for being his fake wife, in case you've forgotten." Muttering under my breath, I reluctantly moved toward the boiling pot on the stove. Ruth paused for a moment, her lips curling into a lopsided smile."You weren't thinking this way when you were weeping in his arms," she teased, sighing dramatically. "Ah... I used to have strong arms for myself too, back in the day."A sharp gasp left my lips."What are you saying?" Heat burned my neck. For some reason, Adrian's scent — trapped in my memory —

Arabella"No! Don't touch her!" Ruth's voice cracked with panic, stepping between me and the man moving forward.But he didn't stop. None of them did.The largest of them grabbed my arm roughly, yanking me forward like I weighed nothing. My cry of protest got swallowed in the chaos — Ruth yelling, me struggling, his fingers digging in so hard I was sure they'd bruise."I said let go!" I shouted, jerking away, but the other man stepped in, grabbing my other arm."Stop it! Please!" Ruth's voice was shaking now. "Give us more time, please!"The man only smirked. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach as I was tossed forward. Pain stung my skin from the men's harsh grip, my eyes welling with unshed tears. Had Adrian even seen my text?It was funny. After all my efforts, I was still going to end up caged by this monster. My heartbeat was erratic, and a lump formed in my throat. The urge to let it loose was a tick away. I couldn't take this anymore.Just as they were about opening the door

AdrianA minute. That's all it took.One minute of silence. One call cut too quickly. One word — Amor.My fingers tightened around the phone. Something was wrong. The way her voice had dropped, the rushed tone, the way she snapped. And then that voice in the background."Sir, the call was traced to her apartment" Lana reported, walking into my office. My jaw tightened as I stood up slowly, the chair scraping against the floor. I barely noticed it."Ask Lennon to take over the meeting," I told her and she nodded, stepping aside as I headed to the door. My steps were fast and deliberate. I had to get to Ara as soon as possible.She said she wasn't in trouble. She lied.My heart pounded in a rhythm I hadn't felt in years. Not fear. I didn't do fear. But rage? That was second nature. And right now, it was clawing its way up my throat.The elevator ride was fast. Gabriel was ready with the car when I arrived at the underground parking lot. Lana must've informed him of where I was headed so