When Damon gave me two choices, I was sure to pick the first. But then, maybe it's true that it takes last minute to change a person's mind.I realized no one searches for me. They were probably fine despite knowing i wasn't around. No one really cares even if I disappear right now. A dry chuckle came out of my mouth. Damn. I've never been so down as this... I felt like everyone turned their back against me, even the people I treasure the most. I felt like however I try to set things right, they'd only see the numbers of my failure. I don't think I'll ever be good enough. Was it so hard to trust my words?I checked my phone to see if there's any new message in my inbox. Actually, there are. From Hailee and Lancer; both updating me about their vacation. With a heavy chest, I reacted heart on the photos they both sent in our group chat where only the three of us were members. I tried to scroll in my news feed but the moment I saw a video of that scene in the hospital posted by someon
"Well, then..." I took a sharp breath and forced a smile.Locked in Atlas's arms was Ashanti smirking victoriously. I had to control myself from giving her a slap regardless of everyone's watch and just walked out of that space without leaving any more word. If they felt disappointed then, they disappointed me too. What can I still do? They won't believe a single word I spout! Instead, she got them in her hands, effortless."Beverly? Where are you—hey!" I saw Train together with Rainer and their other cousins but I was too determined to get away from everyone at this hour.They called out my name once more but my self control was strong enough not to look back. I knew they've seen the tears cascading my face. It's fine. What's the point of yapping the matter? As if they'd believe any word I'd say. Just like the rest, they won't think bad of her. That's how she brainwashed everybody. Fucking successfully! I just couldn't accept Ria's included, too...Now, my daughter hates me because
"Why is this happening?" I could only whisper to myself.We just arrived at the hospital and Trevor immediately approached his brother, Dr. Fred Cameron to ask about my mother's current condition. I stood to listen too. He said it was the kind of heart attack that already happened before but it's fatal now and assurance cannot be just guaranteed.It was concerning to hear. I didn't know we'll get back to this situation once again. I still have a lot to think about and then here's another one..."Or something probably triggered her weak heart..." Dr. Cameron continued which definitely caught my attention.Something triggered? Or must be... someone. Then, who could it be? And what could be the motive?I don't want to quickly jump into conclusion but my instincts can never go wrong. I felt like there was a foul play here. Because she won't just get a heart attack for no specific reason. There must be a whodunnit behind it."She might wake up later or tomorrow and I'm sorry to break it to
"Howard family were set to face multiple serious cases involving each of the family members. Duke for aggravated assault, Sarah for child abuse, Daniel as part of an underground group involving drug trafficking and money laundering..." "That classless witch! How dare she lay a finger on my precious baby Ria! I'll make sure to taint her reputation in the motherhood community by any means possible!" Train had to pause from completing his sentence to give way to mom's aggressive reaction."Barbara, calm down..." She was only silenced when Trevor caressed her with comfort."Err, what about the other two Howard siblings?" I asked Train, more like urging him to continue.He cleared his throat and reclaimed seriousness. "Cambridge both expelled Dustin and Pauline Howard. Dustin, for allegedly cheating on major exam and Pauline for cyber bullying and harassing her classmate." The information made me blink for a second. Whoa. That's one hell of a problematic family."They're worse than what
"What's with these buffed minions?" He pertained to Atlas' men who diligently positioned themselves around him. His smirk hinted with mockery as his gaze stopped at Atlas who was slightly blocking my body from his view. "Hah! And you've brought your greatest soldier, I see."I clenched my fists and eyed him boldly."How dare you attempt to escape from your nasty deeds! You've always been a coward, Duke! You think you can get away from every damn thing you've put me through? You almost killed me, you dumbass!" My fingers were shaking, the urge to steal a gun from one of these men and shoot him was too strong.But I don't want his filthy blood to taint my hands so I must control this anger before I could break loose."Beverly." I stilled and as if a spell, Atlas' authoritative voice automatically calmed me down.I inhaled sharply, stepped aside and let him face Duke who stayed cool on his ground. "Quit being a hero, Cameron. Why are you so persistent in helping that bitch? You can't ev
Ashanti often visits the villa because of Atlas, that’s what it seems to me. In the first place, why is he so dedicated to stay here when he could just spend his time in his penthouse? So that I won’t be seeing him together with his fiancé all around the corner!It reminds me of his words way back years ago. The penthouse that he bought and its future purpose as he told me. They all make sense now. His plan, everything’s going in their right places, huh. That’s all he ever wanted, anyway. A family of his own. Someone who’s willing to fight for him, be with him through thick and thin. Someone as brave as him who’d gladly take his hand against all odds, as daring as him to break even the toughest rule.He found her. Good for him.“Uh, Bev?” “Hmm?” I only hummed as a response to Lancer without putting an effort to look at him as a funny clip on the internet distracted me a bit.“You sure he doesn’t remember?” Lancer asked. It easily pulled my attention back to him and Hailee.“Yes. Why?
I can’t believe what just happened. That was out of my expectation from her. So she’s a graceful saintess in front of others but a cunning witch when it comes to me. I should’ve known it. From the start, something’s really off about her. Now that she directly proved it, I have to be cautious around her.I was in the middle of eating the peeled tangerine while overthinking about where did Ashanti learn the real connection between Atlas and Adriana and how could she seemed so knowledgeable about our past when as a matter of fact, only a few knew about it; mom, Trevor, Hailee and Lancer… and the Howard family. The more I think about it, the more it doesn’t make sense.If it’s among the Howard, still, it’s impossible. As far as I know, they weren’t acquainted to the De Niros. The question is who could it be? Perhaps I’m missing something?The sound of the switching knob distracted me from my river of thoughts. I turned my head to the door’s direction as it revealed Atlas. Lips pressed in
In the midst of an endless darkness, I suddenly heard indistinct voices from afar. Slowly, my senses crawled back to me and the first thing I did was to open my eyes. The intensity of light given by the all-white ceiling made me close my eyes again. I winced but somehow… couldn’t completely feel my body as if they’ve gone numb.“Waaah! Mom’s awake! Mommy!” Although I could barely hear the voices properly, I was certain whose voice was that.I blinked and tried to stretch my lips for a smile despite the sting on its side that I could seriously feel. In a snap, Ria was already hugging me while her face buried on my stomach. It was tight, like she’s afraid if she ever holds back, she would lose me all of a sudden. Heart warmed, I reached for her back to give it a gentle rub.“You came back! Thank you! Thanks for coming back, mom. I thought… I-I thought we’ll lose you. I thought I’m gonna lose you!” Ria lifted her small face just for me to see her overflowing tears, her nose and cheeks we
“I’m gonna miss you two again!” I watched Adriana while she was hugging mom and Trevor.“We’ll go now.” I kissed mom on her cheek. She touched my back.“You sure Duke won’t come here to fetch you two?” She asked, a bit bothered. I only gave her a light smile. Mom, if you only knew how “busy” my husband was, that he could barely make time for “his family”.I held Ria and I find it cute that we happened to dress identically today, justifying the fact that she’s indeed my mini-me. As I was about to pull her with me so we could make our leave, rushing Atlas successfully made us halt. I turned to his way, looking so puzzled and at the same time, flushed at his current get-up. He looked so neat and gloriously handsome in those white v-neck polo sleeves and belted dark brown slacks. Two of his polo button were down, exposing a little sight of his bare skin. His hair perfectly combed clean, although a few strand kept on falling on his forehead, touching his thick brows but then, it only comp