Kael's pov I feel like I'm going under a big water and there's no one to save me. My thoughts swirl in a suffocating storm, each worry and fear tangling together like a knot that tightens my breath. The weight of it all presses down on me, making my chest feel heavy, like an invisible load is crushing me slowly. Every time I try to think clearly, the problems seem to multiply, their presence looming larger than life.My mind races with the thought of ‘how to make things right’, but my body feels rooted to the spot, unable to move or escape the crushing weight of helplessness. As each day passes, the air feels thicker, hard to breathe, as if the thoughts themselves are stealing the oxygen from my lungs. Who can help me in a situation like this? Who could give me answers even if it is not all? Then I remembered professor Mike, my father's close associate from way back. He would know what happened five years ago and he wouldn't hesitate to give me answers.With less energy but new fo
Arian's pov For the first time in a long time, I stepped into school feeling refreshed and focused. My mind was cleared from all doubts since I accepted the fact that I wasn't Kael's priority. The only thing on my mind was to find the link between my uncle and Karl Palmer. Aside from that, I feel refreshed. It seems the universe has another plan installed for me. The atmosphere hit me like a slap in the face as I stepped into the lecture building. Students milled around the corridors, their whispers and furtive glances creating an air of unease. I scanned the scene, my instincts telling me that another rumor had spread like wildfire, and I felt a pang of sympathy for the person at the center of it all. I know what it feels like to be involved in a school rumor and I don't wish the pain on anyone. But before I could get away from them, and mind my own business, I heard someone mention Kael’s name. I stopped, trying to process what was happening.Why has his name become tangled in t
Kael's pov Hazel was coming.The thought alone sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt an overwhelming urge to run away. I glanced at my father, hoping to convey my desperation, but his sideways glance was like an anchor, holding me in place. His eyes seemed to say, "You're not going anywhere. Sit down." I felt trapped, my butt glued to the seat. The desire to disappear, to vanish into thin air, was almost suffocating. But I knew it was futile; I was stuck, forced to face Hazel and her annoying presence.Just as I was still thinking about it, her voice echoed through the place. Talk of the devil…“Kael!” she sang, her high-pitched voice adding to my irritation.Hazel glided across the veranda, her pale dress catching the breeze like a dress from some perfume advert. She didn’t even glance at my father; she just came for me, looping her arm through mine as if we’d planned it.“There you are,” she breathed, flashing a smile. “I was wondering when you’d invite me to one of these grown
Kael's pov The car finally stopped in front of Fairway Heights, my father’s idea of paradise. The lush green expanse of the golf field stretched out before me, an endless land of perfectly manicured grass. The beauty of the course was soothing but I was not in the mood for whatever I was about to do there.He didn’t even glance at me before stepping out of the car. “Straighten your shoulders" he said as if my shoulders were bent. “And remember who you’re representing.”If I consider who I was representing, I would intentionally be a nuisance to insult him. But I was there to represent myself. I could use the connection later or never. Who knows what the future holds. I straightened my shoulders as I followed him into the clubhouse. The first thing I noticed was that every man here wore the same brand of smug.Inside the lounge, the smell of cedar and old bourbon lingered. Three men in tailored golf shirts rose as soon as Karl Palmer entered.“Gentlemen,” my father greeted, his voi
Kael's pov When I stepped out of my mother’s office, I was exhausted. Not physically, but in that bone-deep way that drains you from the inside out. Talking to her about Arian, about my father, about everything I wanted to fight for had left me feeling raw. I scanned through the corridor, my eyes searching for a familiar figure, but he was nowhere to be found. I thought I might see him again but the anticipation that had built up inside me slowly deflated, replaced by a hollow sense of disappointment. I shoved my hands into my pockets and headed down the corridor, ready to leave the administration block behind. I told myself I’d look for him tomorrow, maybe the day after.I was halfway across the courtyard when I caught sight of my father. He stood near the parking lot, his tall figure unmistakable even from a distance. He wasn’t alone. There was another man with him, someone familiar, though I couldn’t place the face from here. Before I could get a proper look, the man climbed in
Arian's pov Kael and I might never find our way back to each other. The thought stung as the weight of reality settled on me, but I pushed it aside, redirecting my energy to something tangible which is the book festival.The festival would serve as my haven, a distraction from the ache in my heart. I will throw myself into the planning, maybe, losing myself in the world of works would help me find myself again.I tugged my bag higher on my shoulder and exhaled, determined to live with my new found purpose. But just as I rounded the corner, voices floated from a distance. Something in me stalled. One of those voices sent a shiver through me. It was familiar, but not in the comforting way.Curious, I slowed my steps and slipped closer to the source. When I saw them, I froze. It was my uncle, George.He stood by the side of the building, his hands shoved into his pockets, his head bent toward another man. My eyes narrowed as recognition dawned on me. The man beside him was tall, his p