เข้าสู่ระบบNatalie's pov “She sounds like she was amazing,” I said softly. We were still holding hands. It felt comfortable, his warmth felt familiar, not awkward. “She was,' he said gently, his brown eyes shining like melted chocolates. His thumb moved once across the side of my hand. “And she would've liked you.” I smiled. “You don't know that.” “I do," he said almost immediately. “How?” I cocked my head. “She liked people who talked back," he replied casually “Then she'd love me.” I agreed. He smiled. For a moment, neither of us said anything. Then he looked at my bracelet. “There's actually another reason I gave you that.” I raised an eyebrow. “Another reason? What's that?” “My mother chose it. I told her about you," he looked at me, his hands tightening a bit over mine My heart skipped. “Y..You told your mother about me?"I stuttered, not knowing how to take it. He looked amused by my reaction. “Not everything," he laughed. “No need to look so alarmed.” “What did yo
Natalie's pov Four more days passed and Kian was still being an asshole. Not the loud kind, the silent, brooding type and somehow, that version was worse. He didn't provoke me anymore. He didn't make sarcastic comments during lectures nor did he even speak to me if there was absolutely no need to. He barely even looked at me. If we needed to discuss the project, he did. He answered if I asked something, and I got a nod for my greetings at home. That was it. It should have made my life easier. Instead, it irritated me more than I cared to admit. Especially because Louis was becoming a much bigger part of my days. And unlike Kian, Louis actually seemed to enjoy being around me. That Friday afternoon, I was sitting outside the gym halls with Allison when someone dropped into the empty chair beside me. I looked up. Louis. He was smiling. “Hi.” “Hi,” I replied, unable to stop myself from smiling back. Allison looked between us. “I suddenly remembered that I have somewher
It was…the servant Celeste. Celeste stood in the doorway holding a small stack of folded towels, her expression mildly confused. “Ma’am Natalie? Your mother asked me to bring these.” I stared at her. For a second, I couldn't even form a response, I was completely frozen. Then I exhaled. “Right. Okay.” Celeste looked at me strangely. “Are you alright?” she asked, concern made the fine wrinkles in her face more evident. “I'm fine.” She glanced toward the laptop, then back at me. “You look frightened.” “I thought I heard something,” I lied, smiling to reassure her. “Probably the pipes again. They make terrible noises at night.” I nodded, though I wasn't convinced. She placed the towels on the small table beside my door. “Goodnight, ma'am.” “Wait, Celeste. Can I ask you a question? I just want to know if you know…” I trailed off. She hesitated, then nodded her head. “Research Division B-17,” I said, then watched her face. She looked at me, then shook her head. “Sorry. I
Natalie's pov “Natalie..” kian's voice sounded strange, quite different from its usual teasing lilt. I was frozen, a bit ashamed of what I was anticipating. The moment stretched, for a while, he just stared at me. And then my phone rang. I jumped, yelping a bit. Kian stepped back immediately. The tension shattered, like brittle glass. “It's my phone,” I muttered awkwardly, as though he needed an explanation on the obvious. I walked to the desk, then grabbed my phone from it. It was an unknown number. I paused, skeptical on whether I should take the call in front of Kian. He decided for me. “For heaven's sake just pick your call, princess!” Kian laughed, moving to my bed. I sighed then tentatively put the phone to my ears. “Hello?” A familiar voice crackled through. “Hey, who's this?” I responded. “Oh you can't tell from my voice? I guess you only just met me today. It's Louis,” The voice answered. “Louis?!” I called back, “how did you get my number?” He laugh
Natalie's pov “Not now, not now, not now!!” I yelled, yanking my bag, trying to get the laptop charger. As soon as I got it, I tried turning it on, my heart thumping against my chest.“This could be a breakthrough!” My voice sounded harsh in the quiet room. The laptop took a considerable amount of time coming back up.I typed in the words again, watching that small dot go in a circle as it loaded again. I could hear my breath, quick and loud as I waited in anticipation.Just the same moment when it finished loading, my laptop went off again. I paused, fear left goosebumps on my skin.Just then-Knock knock knock!!I squeaked, looking widely at the door. The pounding of my heart became painful.“Natalie?”Kian.I exhaled, standing up, and closing my laptop. I walked to the door, counting steps slowly, trying to will my heart to stop its incessant racing.I opened the door, only a width and stared at Kian. His eyes widened a little as he took in my appearance.“What's going on with you
Natalie's pov “Or maybe he… likes you?”I lifted my head from Allison's shoulder so quickly that my neck almost protested.“What?” I shrieked at her.She winced at me, then a slow grin started.“Don’t get mad at me yet, Natty," she said, her grin growing.“No, no, repeat that ridiculous statement,” I demanded, grabbing hold of her shoulders.“Ridiculous?” she echoed.“Completely ridiculous!” I affirmed.She leaned closer, lowering her voice as though she were about to reveal classified government information.“Think about it. He follows you around. He gets jealous when you talk to another guy. He nearly rearranged Ryan's face. He defended you in front of half the university.”“He's literally my step brother, Allison!” I protested, my face scrunching in bewilderment.“Yeah your ‘step- brother’. You both aren't related!!” She pointed out.“He also bullied me for months.” I reminded her, shaking her softly.She paused, nodding her head.“Okay. Minor complication.”I stared at her.“Mino
Natalie's pov That was it.I knew I wasn't going to let it slide this time.“Excuse me?” I asked, unable to help myself. My mother kicked me lightly underneath the table.I ignored her, I could feel my ears get hot. I clenched the spoon in my hands, trying to keep the emotion at bay.“You are wel
Natalie's pov “Must I be there?” I muttered, my voice coming out small.True to her word, before the end of the day, I was roaming the halls of a building fit to be called a palace by the sheer ridiculousness of its size.My mother was also nowhere to be seen, and I was led into a room by a man wh
Natalie's pov “Did he say 'the' Kian Lawley set you up?” Allison said, her words coming out breathless. I didn't reply. I ground my teeth, repeatedly counting my right fingers. “At least you won't be expelled. It's just a harmless prank, Natt.” “A harmless prank?! Allison, I was framed!” I s
Natalie's povFINAL YEARThe beginning of the end. As I stepped into the hallway of Bennington college, I grinded my jaw, the sharp pain that rose soothed me strangely.Students gathered in clusters, talking over each other. The chaos felt new, even when it was the same as always, at the start of







