Lucas POVMy chest pounded as I waited for Katherine’s reply to my proposal. Still, as the seconds stretched into a minute, I felt a wave of desolation washed over me. Disappointment was all over her features. My fingers closed on the diamond ring I bought with her in mind. "I know I did not prepare a grand proposal. I didn't even think of a good speech. I am also sorry for rushing you." I began to explain. It was different from pitching project proposals for my business because this would change my whole life. It sounded like I was babbling. The truth is, this is my first marriage proposal. I never proposed to anyone because no one came to measure up to this gorgeous woman in front of me. No one came close to how she has affected me that even after five years, she was still the only one I wanted. As I waited for Katherine’s reply, I remembered what Duke told me. “We can’t touch Agatha because JQ Entertainment is protecting her.”Now, the faceless man who dared to antagonize
Katherine POVFor a moment, I thought he changed his mind, allowing doubt to creep in. But living in fear for too long makes one realize that there was a moment when she had to seize the moment and take a risk. Right now, I took a risk when I affirmed his question because he had become hesitant after asking the question. The glassy look on his face made me doubt if he was indeed serious with the proposal. But of course, raising your guard for a long time comes with a price -vulnerability. I tried to mask that weakness by pretending to be impatient, but inside, I was freaking out. What if he recalls the proposal?I grabbed his hand - the one with the engagement ring - to prove that the whole thing was not just a figment of my imagination. It was real. Lucas Sanders proposed to me. He had mentioned it previously but always tailed it with words that he would wait for my readiness. I realized no one was ready for anything. You take and accept things because they feel right. When L
Veronica POVI watched my friend meet our boss on her bridal walk at that spectacular spread by the beach. The white decorations embellished generously with varied shades of lavender were most appealing to the eyes.With the backdrop of seawater, the color seemed to translate into tranquility - a soothing balm for my soul.“You look maudlin. Aren’t you happy for your friend? Or maybe you are expecting her to suffer until now.” A man asked from the side.The accusation stung.The mocking tone in his voice left a bad taste in my mouth.Why was it
Oliver POVI followed Veronica toward the makeshift altar. We did not talk, and it worked just fine for me. Pachelbel’s Canon in D wafted in the air, and the processional began. After Lucas walked the beige-colored carpet, the coordinator nodded in my direction to indicate my turn. I squared my shoulders and began walking until I reached Lucas, and I stood beside him. We both face the end of the aisle to watch the rest of the entourage walk toward their seats. Then, it was Erin’s turn. Lucas smiled, watching Erin walk the aisle holding a cute flower basket made from dried rattan. From time to time, she stops to toss flower petals in the air before resuming her walk. When she reached Lucas, she smiled and made an okay sign. Lucas responded by giving her two thumbs up. Then, she lifted her arms to Lucas, wanting to be carried. Lucas indulged her. He grunted when he bent to pick her up, amusing the guests. Erin's arms surrounded Lucas's neck. Now, it was Veronica’s turn.
Veronica POV“I am okay here. Leave.” I told Oliver Manns after he parked his car outside a popular coffee shop in Berkeley.My eyes became alert as I surveyed the shop from our distance.“Stop being rude. I am not your driver, miss.” His tone brimmed with sarcasm.I decided to disregard it while I got busy unclasping my seatbelt.Despite getting into a frenzy, I hadn’t forgotten my manners. “Thank you,” I said, opening the door to my side to get out.Unfortunately, Oliver Manns opened his side of the door and was about to get out, too.&nb
Veronica POVBefore I put the paper I got from John, I tucked it in my memory, safe and secure. “Nanny Miller,” I said her name in my head countless times. I walked from the coffee shop to a nearby cab terminal when I heard a honk behind me. I sidestepped closer to the curb to resume walking when the car honked again. This time, I made sure to stop and let the car drive past me when I noticed that it was the same car Oliver used. The window opened, and Oliver’s face appeared. “Where are you going? Let me take you there.” He offered.I was surprised. I thought he had already left after dropping me off. Did he wait for me to conclude my meeting?I shook my head to thank him for the offer. I would rather go alone. This is a personal business and has nothing to do with our friends. “Thanks, but no,” I replied and resumed walking.I was already a few feet away from the terminal when I noticed the absence of cabs waiting for passengers. Oliver persisted. And the next thing I knew,
Oliver POVI was leaning on a wall, a few feet away from Veronica and the woman she called Nanny Miller. She was crying, and her tears inexplicably tugged at my heartstrings. But every time I thought about seeing her meeting secretly with John Quinn, I could not help suspicion gnaw at me. I can’t figure her out, and it’s making me crazy. Is she a friend or a foe?Nanny Miller gently wiped Veronica’s tears away before loving tucking the loose strands that escaped her ponytail to the back of her ear. It was a gentle gesture borne out of love. “How have you been? I returned to that house, but they told me you were gone.” Veronica sniffed and wiped her face with the palm of her hand. Nanny Miller had this gentle look while she stared at Veronica’s face.“There was no point in staying when you left.” Nanny Miller said, smiling. She was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were wise and warm. She looked like she weathered a few storms in her life and came out stronger. Veronica held Nanny M
Veronica POVI went inside my unit morosely, thinking about what happened at the monastery today.Without bothering to turn on the light, I slumped on my sofa, feeling drained. The events of the day washed down on me. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that this reunion would turn out to be a permanent goodbye? I remembered what Nanny Miller told me earlier. “Forgive, and let go.” Who should I forgive? My father? His wife? And their son who did not consider me family and instead treated me like a servant in their house?If I did not learn how to hustle, I wouldn’t be able to finish high school because his wife did not want me to learn. They said that servitude is my calling and that nothing good will ever come out of me. That’s why I strove to be better and live well. I learned how to fight to live because who else would do it for me?The only consolation I had was Nanny Miller. She was the only reason I lasted eighteen years in that house. I shook my head and sighed
Veronica POVIt was some minutes later before I decided to move, horrified to the realization that I stink. I pulled on the neckline of my dress and grimaced, smelling the stench of stale alcohol. I almost puked. I wondered what Oliver might have thought earlier. “I was such a turn-off,” I mumbled while tracing my way to the bathroom to shower. Then, I got ready for work. Before leaving, I went to the kitchen for a much-needed coffee intake. I sat down on the kitchen chair, trying to play in my head what happened last night before I passed out due to drunkenness. At about the same time, I remembered Nanny Miller's notebook and ran to the living room in search of it. In a flurry of emotions yesterday, I had forgotten all about it. It took a full minute before I found it wedged between the armchair and the side table. I wondered what secrets it held. After putting the notebook in a safe place, I came out of the room just as the tea kettle whistled, indicating the water had rea
Veronica POV"Just kidding, I already signed everything to John so I am back to my old poor self," I told him before letting go of my glass. It rolled on the table and was about to fall off the floor when Oliver caught it in time. “That’s a neat trick!” I slurred because his eyes never left mine. Oliver looked like he was between believing and dismissing my claim.Who cares what he thinks? Certainly not me. I patted the smooth wooden finish of the kitchen table before placing my crossed arms atop it for my pillow. I felt sleepy all of a sudden. I kicked my shoes off to get more comfortable and rested my face on my arms with my eyes closed. Then, I remembered to leave instructions to Oliver Manns. "Don't forget to lock my door when you leave." I reminded Oliver, angling my head slightly to focus one glassy eye on him while the other was shut. It was a quick look because I could not stand the overhead light. I closed my eyes once more. I did not know anything after that.So
Veronica POVI went inside my unit morosely, thinking about what happened at the monastery today.Without bothering to turn on the light, I slumped on my sofa, feeling drained. The events of the day washed down on me. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that this reunion would turn out to be a permanent goodbye? I remembered what Nanny Miller told me earlier. “Forgive, and let go.” Who should I forgive? My father? His wife? And their son who did not consider me family and instead treated me like a servant in their house?If I did not learn how to hustle, I wouldn’t be able to finish high school because his wife did not want me to learn. They said that servitude is my calling and that nothing good will ever come out of me. That’s why I strove to be better and live well. I learned how to fight to live because who else would do it for me?The only consolation I had was Nanny Miller. She was the only reason I lasted eighteen years in that house. I shook my head and sighed
Oliver POVI was leaning on a wall, a few feet away from Veronica and the woman she called Nanny Miller. She was crying, and her tears inexplicably tugged at my heartstrings. But every time I thought about seeing her meeting secretly with John Quinn, I could not help suspicion gnaw at me. I can’t figure her out, and it’s making me crazy. Is she a friend or a foe?Nanny Miller gently wiped Veronica’s tears away before loving tucking the loose strands that escaped her ponytail to the back of her ear. It was a gentle gesture borne out of love. “How have you been? I returned to that house, but they told me you were gone.” Veronica sniffed and wiped her face with the palm of her hand. Nanny Miller had this gentle look while she stared at Veronica’s face.“There was no point in staying when you left.” Nanny Miller said, smiling. She was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were wise and warm. She looked like she weathered a few storms in her life and came out stronger. Veronica held Nanny M
Veronica POVBefore I put the paper I got from John, I tucked it in my memory, safe and secure. “Nanny Miller,” I said her name in my head countless times. I walked from the coffee shop to a nearby cab terminal when I heard a honk behind me. I sidestepped closer to the curb to resume walking when the car honked again. This time, I made sure to stop and let the car drive past me when I noticed that it was the same car Oliver used. The window opened, and Oliver’s face appeared. “Where are you going? Let me take you there.” He offered.I was surprised. I thought he had already left after dropping me off. Did he wait for me to conclude my meeting?I shook my head to thank him for the offer. I would rather go alone. This is a personal business and has nothing to do with our friends. “Thanks, but no,” I replied and resumed walking.I was already a few feet away from the terminal when I noticed the absence of cabs waiting for passengers. Oliver persisted. And the next thing I knew,
Veronica POV“I am okay here. Leave.” I told Oliver Manns after he parked his car outside a popular coffee shop in Berkeley.My eyes became alert as I surveyed the shop from our distance.“Stop being rude. I am not your driver, miss.” His tone brimmed with sarcasm.I decided to disregard it while I got busy unclasping my seatbelt.Despite getting into a frenzy, I hadn’t forgotten my manners. “Thank you,” I said, opening the door to my side to get out.Unfortunately, Oliver Manns opened his side of the door and was about to get out, too.&nb
Oliver POVI followed Veronica toward the makeshift altar. We did not talk, and it worked just fine for me. Pachelbel’s Canon in D wafted in the air, and the processional began. After Lucas walked the beige-colored carpet, the coordinator nodded in my direction to indicate my turn. I squared my shoulders and began walking until I reached Lucas, and I stood beside him. We both face the end of the aisle to watch the rest of the entourage walk toward their seats. Then, it was Erin’s turn. Lucas smiled, watching Erin walk the aisle holding a cute flower basket made from dried rattan. From time to time, she stops to toss flower petals in the air before resuming her walk. When she reached Lucas, she smiled and made an okay sign. Lucas responded by giving her two thumbs up. Then, she lifted her arms to Lucas, wanting to be carried. Lucas indulged her. He grunted when he bent to pick her up, amusing the guests. Erin's arms surrounded Lucas's neck. Now, it was Veronica’s turn.
Veronica POVI watched my friend meet our boss on her bridal walk at that spectacular spread by the beach. The white decorations embellished generously with varied shades of lavender were most appealing to the eyes.With the backdrop of seawater, the color seemed to translate into tranquility - a soothing balm for my soul.“You look maudlin. Aren’t you happy for your friend? Or maybe you are expecting her to suffer until now.” A man asked from the side.The accusation stung.The mocking tone in his voice left a bad taste in my mouth.Why was it
Katherine POVFor a moment, I thought he changed his mind, allowing doubt to creep in. But living in fear for too long makes one realize that there was a moment when she had to seize the moment and take a risk. Right now, I took a risk when I affirmed his question because he had become hesitant after asking the question. The glassy look on his face made me doubt if he was indeed serious with the proposal. But of course, raising your guard for a long time comes with a price -vulnerability. I tried to mask that weakness by pretending to be impatient, but inside, I was freaking out. What if he recalls the proposal?I grabbed his hand - the one with the engagement ring - to prove that the whole thing was not just a figment of my imagination. It was real. Lucas Sanders proposed to me. He had mentioned it previously but always tailed it with words that he would wait for my readiness. I realized no one was ready for anything. You take and accept things because they feel right. When L