LOGINCharles We walked inside together and I greeted her mom by the foyer. She was excited and I had to also keep a bubbly attitude. “Did you sleep well?” I asked in the sweetest way I could. “Yes. Now that we're together.” She smiled and we walked into her room. The door closed behind us. Her room smelled like vanilla and something sweet. I knew her cologne and scent. She seemed to have changed her room setting. She giggled. “I decided to rearrange. I was getting bored of the former decor. Do you like this one?”“Uh. Sure.”Before I could set my keys down, she was already on me. Her mouth found mine and she kissed me. Her hands were on my shirt, pulling. I didn’t stop her. We stumbled and landed on her soft bed, still kissing. I could feel her fast heartbeat against me. I pulled back an inch. “Are you okay?” She smiled and nodded. “Yes.” I stared at her for a second, then exhaled. “Lily’s coming soon.” Her smile faltered just for a second. She propped herself up on her
Charles The house was quiet when I got home. I just came back from Sloane's house and handed her the things she'd requested. Then I went upstairs to sleep straight. I was too tired to scroll through my phone. All I wanted to do was rest. Morning came fast. I don't think I was supposed to be awake but my phone buzzed and rang countless times. I was already enjoying my sleep. I groaned and checked my phone. Sloane, 3 missed calls. 7 messages. Where are you?I need you to come.Don’t ignore me CharlesMy face contorted as I read through the message. This early morning? I switched the phone to DND and the phone on the bed. I’d already stopped by yesterday. Dropped off what I promised. Groceries. Vitamins. Money. Now she wanted me there too. So weird of her. I closed my eyes and continued sleeping but the image of Darcie came up. Now that I couldn't go back to sleep, I yawned and opened my eyes. Then I grabbed my phone again. I began to reply to all of Sloane's texts. Before Lily,
Darcie He wrapped his hands around me and our hug became more warm. We stayed for a while and Lily left the room. “Charles.” I said his name again. He detached, one hand cupping my face, the other thumb brushing my shoulder. “You good right?” I forced a smile which was obvious. “S-sure.” I hated how small my voice was. I couldn't even express myself. “Are you leaving?” A short smile was plastered at the end of his lips. “Yes.” “Why? Can't you stay for the night?” I gently bit my lips, holding still in expectation. My eyes were pleading. “Darcie.” He kissed my forehead, then held my hands. “I wish I could. But not tonight. Okay?” I looked down in disappointment. He lifted my jaw slightly. “I'll make it up. I promise. But there's something important I have to do. Okay?” He hugged me one more time. “I'll come see you again. You're safe here.” I nodded. Lily was back again and she grabbed Charles' hands. “Time to go. Hope you two lovebirds have said goodbye.” He rolled h
Charles Her hands moved slowly and she grabbed the spoon. She began to eat. Very slowly. I watched her. I wished everything could just be okay. I wished she'd just be okay. She ate just a little portion and I helped her cover the rest of the meal. As I did, she kept on licking ice cream, obviously enjoying it from the look on her face. I was fucking tired of staying in the garden. I didn't understand why she liked it here. The doors opened and Lily walked from the aisle towards us. “Oh, you two. Why garden?” She placed her hands on the table. I sighed. “I tried, She doesn't want to leave the garden.” “Really?” Lily faced her, then me again. “I don't know. She's been like that. Always sitting here but I've never seen her eat here before.” Lily placed one hand on Darcie's arm. “Hey.” Her voice was gentle. “Darcie, can you come inside? Please. Come on, I know you love it here but it's more comfortable inside.”I don't think it would work. She didn't agree. Suddenly Darcie nodded her
Charles. I just lied to Sloane about going to the hotel in my name to inspect things. She insisted on coming but I didn't. I told her I'd be back very quickly and that I would get things for her. She finally agreed and I left her house. Foolish girl. My jaws clenched as I started the car, heading to Lily's place. I don't believe her one bit. Everything screamed suspicion. That's why I wanted Lily to look after her and tell me if she really is pregnant. I stopped at a supermarket to get things to Darcie. I got clothes for her because Lily told me she gave Darcie her clothes to wear. I bought her favorite snacks, clothes, some undies, and toiletries. I also got a new phone from the gadget store. Lastly, I got ice cream and food for both Lily and Darcie. The bags filled the back seat and I drove till I got to Lily's gate. She was already out because I texted her to come open the gates. She did and I drove in. “Oooh. You came here prepared.” She helped me in carrying some bags. “Of
Charles I didn't know how much to believe Sloane. The more I keep trying to resist her and my family, the more they keep putting pressure on me. Maybe I should just play Sloane's game. Pretend I love her and agree to the wedding. I'll talk to Lily to help me confirm if Sloane really is pregnant. If I find out she's lying even with the paper, I won't marry her anymore. “You know what? Fine. I'll…. I'll consider it.” The words irritated me. It came out with bitterness.“Really?” “On one condition.”Her smile widened. “You won't hide anything from me. No secrets. Whatever information you have with Scott or Genevieve, you must tell me.” My jaw set. She hesitated. I grabbed her arms. “Talk!”“I…I don't have anything to do with Genevieve.”I laughed. “You must think I'm stupid. You really must. Have you forgotten that you and her recorded every single thing you did to Darcie? As from today on, if you don't obey or do what I say, I will upload the video on the internet.” “No. Please.”
Price of a SignaturePOV DARCIEI didn’t sleep. Every time the house groaned or a car passed by the tall iron gates outside, my eyes snapped open, darting toward the door that no longer had a lock. It was a psychological game, and I was already losing.At 6:00 AM, my alarm went off, but I was alre
New AccessoryPOV DARCIEThe Sterling gate wasn’t just a gate; it was a physical punch to the gut. Black wrought iron, taller than two men, closing behind me like a trap. Like the final nail in the coffin of my old life. My dad had promised we’d work things out. He’d promised the house, my school,
DarcieMy chest tightened as people gathered round. Some, staring in shock or pity, some, taking my situation as mockery. My head dropped down to the floor, my whole body was trembling like I wanted to faint. I held back the tears. Constantly reminding myself to survive. It's just a phase. The red
Breaking PointPOV DARCIEThe Senatorial dinner was a slow-motion car crash.I stood in the corner of the dining hall, dressed in a black skirt and a white blouse that felt like a costume. My job was to be invisible until a glass needed refilling or a plate needed clearing. It was dehumanizing, bu







