“How long have you been standing there?” Trevor questioned his son, his voice sounded cold and intimidating. Atlas gazed at his father with the same level of coldness freezing his eyes.“Just enough for the baby part.” He uttered. “So…” his deep set of icy pairs bore into mine. I swallowed as I blinked before I looked away with intention. But then, he aggressively walked towards my direction! It literally alerted everyone, especially his father who was fast enough to block him and then there’s Duke who pulled me to his arms, as if trying to protect me from any harm Atlas could bring. “You stubborn man, stay where you are!” Trevor thundered. “Everybody against me, huh?” Atlas chuckled dryly. I bit my lip as I felt a quick kick in my heart. Duke’s arms were still wrapped around my arms. I dared to move just to take a quick glance at Atlas but then, immediately regretted it after I saw the glooming darkness in his eyes, something in his expression told me that he was already murderin
I was gazing blankly at my reflection in the vanity mirror, there’s nothing I could feel inside my chest but hollow. At last, the hired makeup artist was done putting highlights on my face and when she’s finally out, I got the clear view of my mother who’s been combing my natural wavy hair for some minutes now.“Such a gorgeous bride, my dear.” She complimented, smiling.My lips curved a little. She softly raked the ends of my hair using the hairbrush, her face looked peaceful and in those light brown orbs, I saw a dancing happiness. Of course, she’s happy. They’re happy for their most anticipated day has finally come today. The Howard family’s dream was about to come true which was mom’s dream too and… my greatest nightmare.Back when I was still her little girl, I would always imagine myself walking down the aisle, wearing the most beautiful gown a bride could ever have in her most special day. In my childhood dream, I’d be marrying the love of my life, the man who would take my hea
If there’s one thing I’d surely regret in this life, that’s when I knew I could’ve prevented it from happening but instead, I made him go for it. Hence, he didn’t attend to my wedding. Was he drunk? Did he perhaps see it coming? Was it… a suicidal stunt?Oh, God. You’re really a damn big idiot, Cameron.“Hey, Bev!” Duke called but I intended to ignore him to follow Rainer, Atlas’ cousin who was rushing to their SUV together with other Camerons. “You goin’?” Trevor asked as I leveled his steps. “Hell, yes.” So that if I happen to know how horrible it got him, I’d have my reason to beat my own self at home.I never looked back at any of the Howard who kept on calling me to go back and stay with my groom. Fuck that! I didn’t marry him just to be his sidekick. Then, I saw Hailee who gave me a supportive nod. I nodded back and slid myself inside the van, mom was already sitting in there beside Trevor whose expression can’t be fathomed. Everybody was silent in the car and only the sound
Sometimes it’s better to let go of something temporarily just so you wouldn’t have to lose it permanently. As long as I want to be selfish, it came to me that I wasn’t the same old Beverly anymore who was ever so persistent to force things to go on her way. After all, it was for the greater good and who am I to question their decision when I have no rights to in the first place? So, this is how it should be... I already expected it before I slept that night but still, I was surprised to see the busy people in the villa when I purposely visited the next day to pick up some of my things there. I fixed my gaze on the two bulbous bodyguards upstairs who were currently carrying three black suitcase and travel bags. Behind them was Trevor Cameron whose expression the usual emotionless yet screams authority; a reminder for everyone in the room that he’s the honorable patriarch molded with power and superiority. I took a few little steps to walk pass through the busy helpers scattered all
“What are you waiting for? Just do it, Bev.” Hailee kept on convincing me. I looked at her, apprehensively. “B-But I’m scared. What if-“ Before I could finish my words, she already cut me off.“Oh come on! It’s normal to feel scared but there’s no point if you’d continue being like this. So, try it now. If you never try, you’ll never know.” She then showed me her warmest smile as she caressed my arm.Her smile and her soothing voice were too comforting, and she’s really a great convincer—there’s no doubt on that. In the end, I found myself walking inside the restroom with a troubled mind. My heart never stopped beating so loud, it only worsened as I closed the door and sat on the toilet bowl. It’s as if any minute by now, I’m going to collapse due to the anxiety lingering through my system. I just know I never saw this coming. No one ever did. I just woke up one day and I started feeling the symptoms. God knows how hard I tried to ignore it and disregard the possibilities. But late
TWO WEEKS AGO“Come on, Hail!” I pulled my friend just as we entered Pentagon, the Torryn Hills’ one and only high-end club. Particularly, me and Hailee’s favorite place in the entire city. We immediately blended in the crowd. We headed to the island bar without further ado. I don’t know. I just feel like I want to get wasted tonight.The cool ambiance was giving, the loud noise, upbeat music done by the DJ, and the smells of different liquors and smokes from cigar and vape were all mixing up into the air. It’s just so perfectly giving. Definitely something I’ve been craving for since a week by now.“Whoa, whoa! Hey, you chill, girl.” Hailee reacted as I drank my Tequila shot one after another, straight to my throat.“What do you think? Did my alcohol intake improve? Is it passable now?” I grinned at her. She frowned. “Honestly? Still sucks,” Ouch. “Well, anyways, let me guess…” she shook the ice cubes in her shot glass. “You had an argument with your mom again, that’s why you’re dr
The man who I fucked last night is my stepbrother? Is this some kind of a fucking joke?I removed my eyes from the danger of his gaze and shifted it to my mother’s face. My heart was in my mouth as I gathered all of my courage to speak up after a moment of deafening silence.“Tell me you’re kidding, mom.” I said in a controlled voice. She raised an eyebrow at me, as if my words sounded ridiculous to her ears.“I’m not kidding, Bev.” She stared at me for a second before I got to see her sarcastic smile. “Oh, I get it now. Of course, I should’ve saw that reaction coming. We’ve already talked about this matter but I guess, we just couldn’t understand each other.” She toned bitterly.I swallowed hard, not because I was affected by her words. But because I could clearly feel those intense stares from that man named… Atlas.What’s with his stares, by the way? He must stop doing that! It’s as if he could remember what happened last night between us.Or… maybe he really could.My eyes widened
“I can’t believe you!” I looked angrily at my mother. Her expression didn’t even change. It remained apathetic and it was annoying.“What are you ranting about, Beverly? Can’t you see? Everyone already moved on! Why can’t you just do the same and accept the fact that things will never be the same anymore?” She said in a calm tone. My lips parted because I found it ridiculous.Just how could she say that?This woman standing in front of me was once my anchor, my supporter in almost everything. She was my first best friend before Hailee, I actually idolized her more than my Daddy. But now, I just… I just couldn’t see her as that woman anymore. For me, she became nothing but a selfish woman who neglected her husband to be with her other man. All I know is, it was never my father’s fault that our family got ruined. It’s hers.“You know what? Fuck your decisions! They are nothing but bullshits to me!” I hissed. Her eyes widened a little bit.“Will you stop being a brat? Or can you at least
Sometimes it’s better to let go of something temporarily just so you wouldn’t have to lose it permanently. As long as I want to be selfish, it came to me that I wasn’t the same old Beverly anymore who was ever so persistent to force things to go on her way. After all, it was for the greater good and who am I to question their decision when I have no rights to in the first place? So, this is how it should be... I already expected it before I slept that night but still, I was surprised to see the busy people in the villa when I purposely visited the next day to pick up some of my things there. I fixed my gaze on the two bulbous bodyguards upstairs who were currently carrying three black suitcase and travel bags. Behind them was Trevor Cameron whose expression the usual emotionless yet screams authority; a reminder for everyone in the room that he’s the honorable patriarch molded with power and superiority. I took a few little steps to walk pass through the busy helpers scattered all
If there’s one thing I’d surely regret in this life, that’s when I knew I could’ve prevented it from happening but instead, I made him go for it. Hence, he didn’t attend to my wedding. Was he drunk? Did he perhaps see it coming? Was it… a suicidal stunt?Oh, God. You’re really a damn big idiot, Cameron.“Hey, Bev!” Duke called but I intended to ignore him to follow Rainer, Atlas’ cousin who was rushing to their SUV together with other Camerons. “You goin’?” Trevor asked as I leveled his steps. “Hell, yes.” So that if I happen to know how horrible it got him, I’d have my reason to beat my own self at home.I never looked back at any of the Howard who kept on calling me to go back and stay with my groom. Fuck that! I didn’t marry him just to be his sidekick. Then, I saw Hailee who gave me a supportive nod. I nodded back and slid myself inside the van, mom was already sitting in there beside Trevor whose expression can’t be fathomed. Everybody was silent in the car and only the sound
I was gazing blankly at my reflection in the vanity mirror, there’s nothing I could feel inside my chest but hollow. At last, the hired makeup artist was done putting highlights on my face and when she’s finally out, I got the clear view of my mother who’s been combing my natural wavy hair for some minutes now.“Such a gorgeous bride, my dear.” She complimented, smiling.My lips curved a little. She softly raked the ends of my hair using the hairbrush, her face looked peaceful and in those light brown orbs, I saw a dancing happiness. Of course, she’s happy. They’re happy for their most anticipated day has finally come today. The Howard family’s dream was about to come true which was mom’s dream too and… my greatest nightmare.Back when I was still her little girl, I would always imagine myself walking down the aisle, wearing the most beautiful gown a bride could ever have in her most special day. In my childhood dream, I’d be marrying the love of my life, the man who would take my hea
“How long have you been standing there?” Trevor questioned his son, his voice sounded cold and intimidating. Atlas gazed at his father with the same level of coldness freezing his eyes.“Just enough for the baby part.” He uttered. “So…” his deep set of icy pairs bore into mine. I swallowed as I blinked before I looked away with intention. But then, he aggressively walked towards my direction! It literally alerted everyone, especially his father who was fast enough to block him and then there’s Duke who pulled me to his arms, as if trying to protect me from any harm Atlas could bring. “You stubborn man, stay where you are!” Trevor thundered. “Everybody against me, huh?” Atlas chuckled dryly. I bit my lip as I felt a quick kick in my heart. Duke’s arms were still wrapped around my arms. I dared to move just to take a quick glance at Atlas but then, immediately regretted it after I saw the glooming darkness in his eyes, something in his expression told me that he was already murderin
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Hail asked, her tone laced with utmost concern.I nodded weakly. “That’s what I have to do.” My own answer contradicted the will of my heart.She blew out an air. I gazed with a small smile, she slightly nodded before she pulled me for a tight embrace which I knew I badly needed right now before I left to make my way back home—that never felt like one.“Still, you have my support. I got your back, always.” She murmured.“I know,” my smile warmed up. “Thanks for letting me stay here. Thanks, guys.” I said next as I glanced at Harvin who was sticking with my best friend for days now. The dude’s down bad for her, I can tell.“Anytime, Bev. Anytime.” After my conversation with Atlas yesterday, he eventually left without saying anything right when I fired those words out of my raging emotions and undebatable bitterness. Watching him walk away caused me a heavy heart to carry but then, forced to believe it was for the better anyway and I was just doing
“You can’t change a man who’s not willing to be tamed in the first place.” Trevor’s word echoed in my ears.However, I was too wrecked to utter a single word, I couldn’t even look at him as my gaze seemed lock on the screen. He let out a sigh before he carefully took his phone from my weakening hands. I probably looked stupid in front of him right now. From a feisty cat a few minutes ago to a foolish kitten who suddenly lost all her courage to make a firm stand. Just one clip and I felt like I’ve lost my remaining cards.It was a big slap to me, a painful reminder that I must stay on my league and accept things completely because deep inside, I know there’s still glint of hope in me and silently, I was wishing… waiting for him to come back and fight for me cuz he knew that I could never do the first move. I couldn’t get rid of him because my heart foolishly hoped that he’s somehow, it wasn’t just lust for him and he seriously meant all those words and actions that were always the caus
“Hey…” she welcomed me with spread arms as soon as I arrived at her place.I didn’t waste a second and threw myself to hug her. Her embrace felt like the usual; warmth and very comforting.“Can I stay here? I don’t want to go home…” I sobbed on her shoulder. I felt her nod then, her fingers raked my hair while gently hushing me.“It’s okay. You can stay as long as you want.” She agreed. It relaxed me a little bit. “Let’s go inside. It’s raining, we’ll get both wet.” She chuckled.I released myself from her arms and let her pull me inside before rainwater drench us both. She was holding me like I was some kind of a fragile crystal she was afraid to put a crack on as she we reached the living room and sat on sofa. Her palm felt like feather while she continued rubbing my back, consoling me still until I slowly calmed down. When all of a sudden, I heard someone’s footsteps approaching our way and to my surprise, it was Hail’s bartender guy.“Here, drink this.” He stopped in front of me
About the what? Did I hear her say wedding?“Quickly now, Bev! They're waiting!”She didn’t even give me a chance to voice out my complaints as she hastily shut the door and left me being astounded. My original plan was to just stay in my room the whole day but now, it’s completely ruined. Two sides of my brain were fighting over what to do; one just wanted to play unbothered and let them wait there until dawn while the other kept on telling me to be matured enough and face them rather. I feel mixed up. I couldn’t weigh my emotions properly right now, everything’s frustrating me out! I just can’t believe mom has to involve in this, to make my life extra hard to live when she’s supposed to lighten it, of all people, she’s overqualified to understand me more because she’s my mother and I’m her only daughter. Just what else is there for her to disappoint me?In the end, I chose to do the latter as I decided to woman up. It took me ten minutes to finish my bath and another ten to get dre
I don’t know why things has to take me down overnight. I’ve already expected this one to come but still, my heart wasn’t ready for this. What they discovered between me and Atlas took a toll on them, especially on her. And this time, I’m afraid it might do her worse.“Is this yours?” Mom asked in a shaky voice. I bit my lip and looked down. “Tell me honestly! Is this really yours?!” she raised a tone now.I sobbed as I slowly nodded. “Y-Yeah…” guilt ran all-over my system. “But why are you here anyway? Come on, I’ll explain-“ I tried to take the photos from her but she purposely threw them away.My jaw dropped. Her chest moving up and down, rapidly. She’s angry, really angry. But my thoughts were cutting into half, I don’t want to risk her health again. She’s just recovering. As much as possible, I want us to talk about this with calmness. But how can we possibly do that if our emotions are strong enough to take over us?“Since when, huh?” she asked, her watery eyes travelled down to