She turned around to leave but halted at the door, tilting her head. "Sarah, if I were you, I would leave this house now and fast," she said, probably as a warning, her voice dripping with malice. "And why should I leave now and fast?" I asked, mimicking the tone of her voice, trying to act all calm and collected. She chuckled, the sound cruel and whispering of secrets, probably a new torture to unleash. She flashed me a smile without responding and made her way out of the room. With a loud bang, she slammed the door behind her, leaving me drowning in the meaning of her vague words. What is she planning to do now? As if messing with my closet wasn't enough... My heart started pulsating with implications; I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as a pang of unease washed over me. I couldn't help but feel concerned by her words from earlier. Why does she want me to leave? No matter how I tried pretending to be nonchalant, her last words kept hitting me like a hammer, breaking d
As I followed Mr. Clinton, Erin's hand slipped into mine, her grip tight. I tried to shake her off, but she held firm. "Let's go, Sarah," she whispered with her usual smile.Mr. Clinton led us to a small study off the main hallway. The room was dimly lit, with only a single bulb casting a warm glow upon us. He gestured for us to sit, and I reluctantly took a seat, trying to extricate my hand from Erin's grasp."So, Sarah," Mr. Clinton began, his voice stern. "I hear there have been some... issues with your behavior.""What issue?" I demanded, trying to get my tone steady despite Erin's grip tightening around my arm.Mr. Clinton's eyes narrowed at me as he noticed my struggle with Erin. Then his gaze shifted to Erin, whose expression was unreadable."There is something going on between the two of you. I know I said that I wouldn't intervene, but I can't help it; you two are acting strange." He said, eyeing us suspiciously, his gaze darting between the both of us. "I noticed something,
Her loud outburst reverberated all over the room, her breath ragged as her anger crawled to the surface. "You had no idea how your kind ruined my life," she said through gritted teeth, her voice cracking. "My mother had to go through all of that because of people like you who think their beauty is a free pass." "Erin... I..." I started, my voice hesitant. Erin's gaze snapped to mine, her eyes blazing. "Don't. You. Dare. Sympathize. With. Me. Don’t justify your fake love," she spat, shortening the distance between us. "Erin, I understand your pain, but don't you think you are taking this too far?" I raised my voice with a hint of exasperation. Then I let out a sigh and added softly, "I have nothing to do with your past, and you can't lump me in with them. I'm not—" "Save it!" Erin spat, her hands shaking. "You're just like them – using your looks to manipulate, to control." I swallowed hard; her words pricked me like a thorn trapped in my skin. But I saw beyond her anger; her
"What? You did?" I asked as my eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"He nodded and averted his eyes away from me. His expression turned thoughtful. "I decided to eavesdrop since it was obvious there was more going on than met the eye."I let out a sigh of relief; it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my head. He saved me the long explanation; I wouldn't have to convince him anymore."But wait, you heard our conversation and you didn't barge in to confront her? Why?" I asked, curious as I stared at him intently.He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared into nothing in particular. "Well..." he began, his voice hesitant. "I knew Erin for years. I mean, I thought I knew her, but I guess she is not the same girl who worked for me for three years," he replied, his voice dripping with disappointment."I thought I knew her too," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Still, inside, I was beaming with relief. Now that Mr. Clinton knows, she will be too afraid to continue p
XAVIER'S POVI stood outside Erin's door, my fist clenched and ready to knock. The morning sunlight streaming through the hallway windows did little to ease my tension. Yesterday's revelations still simmered in my mind—Erin's calculated games, Sarah's unwitting vulnerability. I wouldn't let it continue.My knock was firm, a declaration of intent. Erin's door creaked open, and she gazed up at me with feigned innocence. And I saw right through it."Can I come in?" I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible, but my intention was very clear. My gaze was burning with intensity.Erin nodded with a wry smile and allowed me in; her fingers were clinging together, her lips pressed into a thin line.I also saw right through that; she was feigning nervousness.I took a deep breath to control my emotions; my gaze returned to her, my expression calm and collected, but I was inwardly brewing with anger."Erin... what did Sarah do to you? Why do you want to hurt her?" I locked eyes with her, and
XAVIER'S POV I gave my last warning and turned to leave. Erin stood in defeat, her gaze fixed and piercing at my back as I walked away. I climbed upstairs, my mind still reeling from the confrontation with her. The tension in my body began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief. I had protected Sarah, and that's all that mattered. What I said to her was overly harsh, but I couldn't help it. She didn't deserve a second chance after all that she spilled out last night. As I reached the top, I saw Sarah standing in the corridor, her hair tied up in a ponytail, revealing the delicate curve of her neck and her flawless skin that seemed to glow in the morning light as it danced before my eyes. The allure was irresistible, stirring desires I'd long suppressed. My pulse quickened, and I looked away, fighting the urge to touch her, revealing my infatuation, and the familiar struggle resurfaced: duty versus desire. The moment she noticed me, a warm smile spread across her face. "G
**SARAH'S POV** I led Miss Ross to the dining room, breathing a sigh of relief as it seemed my playful distraction had worked. Soft morning light streamed through the window, brightening the room. With my arms still wrapped around her shoulders, I gently guided her into a chair. She settled into the seat, crossing her arms, her eyes losing their tense edges. "Let me go make you some steeped tea first," I said with a wide smile, turning towards the kitchen. "Make it two cups," Miss Ross added, her voice softer now. "At your service, madam." With a smile, I flashed a jaunty salute and whisked into the kitchen. As I prepared the tea, I heard faint footsteps approaching, mingling with the sound of clinking dishes. I tilted my head to the doorway, and my gaze met Erin's as she sauntered into the kitchen. A suitcase rolled beside her, accompanied by a small purse clutched in her hand. Her face was a mask of neutrality, eyes fixed ahead, and lips pressed into a thin line. The only
Mr. Clinton approached us, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Is there a party going on?" He raised one eyebrow, his voice laced with amusement. Miss Ross dropped her mug in the sink after gulping down the whole cup of tea in one go. "Yeah, tea party. Too bad you came late." She rolled her eyes, brushing past him as she gently slapped his shoulder. The moment she walked out of the kitchen, my eyes locked on him, a sly smile spreading on my lips. "Would you like some tea?" I purred softly, biting my lips, my shoulders raising seductively. "Or perhaps you would like to continue with what we were doing earlier before...your mother interrupted." His eyes never left mine as his expression remained unreadable, but it did well to conceal the effect I had on him. His gaze was drawn to my face, precisely my lips, as I spoke. And for a moment, I felt his desire burning in his gaze, but it disappeared the next second he looked away. "I don't want my mother to..."