LOGINThe name left Miranda’s mouth like she had forgotten how to breathe properly.Noah stood at the end of the hallway, one side of his face still freshly dressed. He looked like he had run out of the hospital with unfinished treatment.Because he had.Colin stood beside him, face hard, eyes moving from Miranda to Adrian, then to Richard, then back to Miranda.Noah didn’t move.He didn’t even blink.His eyes were on Miranda like the rest of the world had suddenly become background noise.Miranda’s heart dropped into her stomach.No.No, no, no.How much did he hear?Her lips parted, but nothing reasonable came out.“Noah, I…”Noah took one slow step forward.His voice was low.“Did you mean everything you just said?”Miranda froze.Her throat closed.Colin looked away briefly like even he knew this was too naked to watch.Noah’s eyes stayed on her.“Everything you just said,” he repeated. “Did you mean it?”Miranda swallowed.Her mouth opened.Closed.Opened again.“I… I didn’t know you w
Richard’s mind stopped working.For one second, he forgot every lie he was supposed to tell.Forgot Adrian was somewhere outside, waiting for his grand entrance like a devil with timing.All Richard saw was Miranda.Breathless, terrified, and now confused. His mouth opened before his brain could stop it.“How did you get here so fast?”The room died.Melissa’s hand slowly dropped from behind his neck. Then, very slowly, she pushed herself away from him.Richard felt the separation immediately.Melissa stared at him.Miranda was still standing by the door, one hand against the frame like she needed it to stay upright.Her eyes moved from Melissa to Richard.Then back again, waiting for any of them to tell her what’s going on.Richard stood also.“Melis…”Melissa cut in first.“You knew she was coming?”It was a catch. Even Richard’s guilty expression confirmed it. Melissa’s face shifted.“Wow?” Melissa mumbled. He couldn’t look at her.Miranda took a small step inside, directing her
Richard stared at Adrian, who looked too innocent for the chaos he’s capable of. Adrian stood near the window, one hand tucked into his pocket, his eyes moving lazily between Richard and the quiet street outside Melissa’s apartment.“You’re wasting time,” Adrian said.Richard looked up sharply.“I know what I’m doing.”Adrian’s mouth curved. “Do you?”Richard didn’t answer immediately.That was the problem.He didn’t know anymore.The plan had sounded simple when Adrian said it.Get Miranda out.Get her away from the Jones Mansion.Make sure she came alone.Let Adrian “run into her” like it was some grand coincidence.That was all.No violence. No chaos. “Please, you know this is the only way Miranda can come here.”Richard hated how easy Adrian made terrible things sound.“How sure are you that she’ll come alone?” Richard asked“That’s the whole point of getting you involved. You need to make it seem like Melissa was the one asking her out for an important talk and does not want a
Colin stared at Noah for a long moment.For someone who usually had an opinion about everything, Colin was taking an unusually long time.Finally, he sighed."You know what? After thinking about it… I stand with whatever Miranda wants."Noah blinked. That wasn't exactly the answer he had been hoping for.But it wasn't a rejection either."So, you’re saying you agree that we can be together..."Colin pointed at him."If she likes you…"Noah nodded rapidly… excited. He looked seconds away from jumping over the desk.Colin rolled his eyes."Then I won't stand in the way."Relief washed over Noah. A genuine smile spread across his face."Thank you.""Don't thank me yet."The smile froze."What now?"Colin folded his arms."I still haven't approved anything."Noah groaned dramatically."You just said…""I said I stand with whatever Miranda wants. The distinction was very clear.”Noah sighed."Fine."A brief silence followed.Then Colin spoke again."Although… I do think Miranda might like
Noah stared at Colin for a second.Then another.Then he slowly rose from his chair.Colin frowned.“What are you doing?”Noah pointed at him.“Take three steps back.”“What?”“Three steps, Colin.”“Why?”“Because I'm worried about your reaction.”Colin blinked, his anger already building up. “Does this have anything to do with Melissa?” Colin asked. “Huh?” Noah was taken aback. “Is the person you’re in love with Melissa?” Colin repeated his question. “What? No! No! No way. What do you mean?” Noah blurted out the words, literally in shock. Colin is visibly relieved. He put his two hands on his forehead, his heart beating very fast. “What’s this about?” Noah asked, still confused. “You scared the shit out of me,” Colin responded. “Wait… why are you concerned about my reaction then?” Colin added. Noah sighed heavily.“Well…”He stepped backward himself.One step.Two.Three.Far enough to run if necessary.Colin narrowed his eyes.“Why are you being dramatic?”“You once threw a
For one horrifying second, he genuinely thought he might have to answer his mother's question. Maybe just tell her the truth; he’s still pursuing Melissa. Unfortunately, he had absolutely no idea how to answer it in a way that won’t make the situation awkward or complicate things for Melissa. She’s still Miranda’s best friend after all. And judging by recent events, it might have already been affecting the girls’ relationship.Thankfully, before he could embarrass himself, Mr. Jones stepped in."Oh, leave the boy alone."Mrs. Jones looked at her husband."What?"Mr. Jones shook his head."It's too early. They've just got together. Let the children enjoy themselves first. Don’t add the pressure of meeting the parents yet. That's exactly how parents scare relationships away."Mrs. Jones narrowed her eyes.Colin immediately nodded."Exactly, Mom."Mrs. Jones rolled her eyes. She didn’t exactly agree with them, but she had no choice but to let it go. “Don’t stay out late,” She reminded
Noah’s eyes lingered on Melissa for a fraction longer before he finally spoke. His calm voice cut through the thick tension in the room. “That…” he said, pausing slightly, “was what Melissa told Colin when she rejected him.” Melissa’s stomach dropped, her eyes narrowing sharply toward Noah, a si
Melissa stepped cautiously into the Jones mansion, the polished floors gleaming beneath her feet. She had visited before, yes, but the atmosphere this time was different. It was subtle at first… the way the butler greeted her and the soft smiles she received from the staff, but she could feel it i
“Huh?” Colin could swear on his life he heard Melissa mumble something. But now she’s just staring into space even though her eyes are on him. What she said under her breath was not his priority, though. He needed to hear her actual response. Colin’s heart was pounding as he waited for Melissa’
Vivian didn’t look like she heard what Adrian just asked. But in reality, she did. She was just pretending not to. “Vivian!” Adrian’s fists clenched as he glared at Vivian, his pulse thundering in his temples. “What do you know?” he demanded, voice sharp and filled with barely restrained rage.







