MasukArielle's POVI stood outside the company gates, shivering from the cold.I had lost track of how much time had passed.It felt like hours.For some reason, the large iron gates remained shut, and no matter how politely I pleaded with the guards, they refused to let me inside."I'm sorry, miss," one of them said apologetically. "Without permission from above, we can't allow anyone in. We also can't pass personal messages to the CEO."I found it strange.Surely, they could at least tell someone I was here.Still, I didn't argue.The guards were only doing their jobs, and getting angry with them wouldn't solve anything.So I waited.Every now and then, I took out my phone and called Cassian.The line would ring, yet nothing.He wasn't answering.After the fourth attempt, I slowly lowered my phone.He was avoiding me.A bitter smile appeared on my face."I really upset you that much..."Just then, the heavy gates slowly began to open.A black sedan rolled toward the entrance before stopp
Soraya's POV"This sure sucks," I muttered to myself as I drove aimlessly through the streets.I had no idea where I was going. All I knew was that I needed a drive.After throwing myself onto the bed to rest for a while, I woke up to a quiet room with no sign of Arielle. For a brief moment, panic almost took over, but I quickly calmed myself.She was probably taking a walk or chatting with someone."Did I really sleep that long?" I murmured as I pulled my phone out of my jeans pocket.It was already past five in the evening.There was a missed call from Mom and a message notification.I immediately called her back.She answered after the second ring."Finally, you've decided to pick up, unlike Arielle. So, are you still driving?" she asked worriedly."If I were driving, I wouldn't be able to answer the phone, Mom," I replied honestly.She let out a relieved sigh."Then are you safe?""I am. The hotel we're staying at is actually pretty decent.""I'm glad to hear that."I smiled."Mom
Arielle's POVPretending to still be upset over Darren's words turned out to be a brilliant idea.Even though I had already forgiven him, acting distant gave me exactly what I wanted: space from both Darren and Justin.Ever since that day, I had spoken very little in class. I only answered whenever it was necessary, then returned my attention to my books.Darren looked genuinely upset every time I ignored him. He would still try to make jokes now and then, hoping I'd laugh like before, but I simply smiled politely and continued with whatever I was doing.Justin, on the other hand, was different.He didn't try to force conversations.He didn't complain.He simply watched me with those calm eyes of his.Sometimes, I honestly felt like he knew I was pretending."What a handful," I whispered to myself while folding a few clothes and placing them neatly inside my travel bag.Finally...It was the weekend, which meant Soraya was taking me into town.More importantly, it meant I finally had
Cassian's POV"Someone seems to be in a very good mood," Slash said loudly to get my attention."I don't know what you are talking about," I answered, keeping my gaze fixed on the file in front of me."You know, you don't have to pretend with me. I can read you like glass."I finally looked up at him."Seriously... why are we even here?" I asked."What does that question mean?" he asked back with an innocent expression.I slowly looked around before lifting my hand and gesturing toward the lively bar.Just an hour ago, I had been comfortably seated in my office, reviewing documents on my computer while occasionally checking my phone for any messages from Ari.Then Slash barged into my office without calling or informing anyone.He claimed there was an important contract that needed my personal attention and insisted we discuss it somewhere outside because my family's company wasn't safe. According to him, there were too many cameras and too many ears.I found his excuse suspicious.St
Arielle's POV"Morning," Justin greeted as I tried my best to keep up my fake smile.I felt uncomfortable that he was right behind me, and even worse when the thought of him waiting for me crossed my mind.No... he wasn't like Darren. Justin was different. He had most likely arrived around the same time I did."Morning," I responded softly."Learn well, kiddo," Soraya's voice came from behind.I turned and shot her a cold look.She laughed shamelessly before driving away.For a second, I thought she had already left, but she had obviously stayed on purpose just to get a good look at Justin. I already knew she would interrogate me the moment I got home.Just imagining her questions made me want to spend the night somewhere else.Sadly, I had nowhere to go, and Mom would never allow it."Your friend?" Justin asked."No, that's my elder sister," I answered simply."I see. Being that gorgeous must run in your family," he said.I looked at him coldly.I knew exactly what he was doing, and
Justin's POV"What's the rush, Justin? You are very early today too," Raphael said as he leaned against the car with his arms folded.I glanced at him before shifting my gaze back to the college entrance.Only a few minutes were left before Arielle arrived."Seriously," Raphael continued, "have you taken a fancy to someone? You know you can tell me anything."I simply shook my head.Raphael was more like family than an employee. He was my closest friend and someone who had practically grown up with me.Back then, before my younger brother was born, I was an extremely quiet child. I hardly spoke to anyone and preferred staying by myself. My parents worried constantly because no matter how many toys they bought or how many children they invited over, I always kept to myself.Eventually, they decided to hire a nanny.But unlike every other family, they had one unusual requirement.The nanny had to have a son around my age.Many people found it strange, but my parents believed that instea
Arielle’s POVSilence came first in my darkness.Not peace. Nor comfort. Just… nothing.The burning in my chest was gone.The suffocating panic, the sharp pain every time I tried to pull in air—it all vanished so suddenly it scared me.I tried to inhale out of habit, but my body didn’t respond.Tha
Cassian’s POV“Next time, don’t fucking kiss me back—or look at me like that,” I snapped, my eyes fixed on the file in my hands. “It’s disgusting.”Tricia stood across from my desk, silent for a beat longer than usual.“How do you expect me to make it believable if I don’t?” she asked quietly.Ther
Arielle’s POV “Arielle, hand me that box,” Mom called out with her usual light smile.I picked it up from the counter and walked it over to her, returning the smile even though my chest felt tight again.“How do you find our new home?” she asked in her soft and hopeful voice.“It’s perfect,” I sai
Arielle’s POV The sound of the front door slamming echoed through the entire house like the world itself had snapped in half.My legs nearly gave out.One second, Cassian was in front of me, his eyes red and sorrowful, his voice breaking, calling me “the woman he loved” — and the next… he was gone







