AliyahI knew I shouldn’t let Stelle get to me. I am a princess! I shouldn’t stoop down to her level.But Goddess, she was just too much. The way she provoked me was enough to set my blood on fire.“Hey, are you okay?” Janice asked softly.I turned to her and nodded. I didn’t want her to worry more than she already was. She had always been on my side, and honestly, that was enough to make me calm down a little.“Have you picked one already?” Chloe cut in, her voice full of excitement. “The dresses here are gorgeous… except, of course, for some ambitious people who just walked in.” She darted a quick glance in Stelle’s direction, then rolled her eyes so dramatically it almost looked like a full circle.That made both Janice and me laugh, especially when Chloe exaggerated it like an actress in a comedy movie.“Anyway, let’s go. They just brought in new stocks. Who knows, maybe we’ll find something better there.”We left the fitting area right away and headed back to the display racks. J
AliyahThe moment we stepped inside the boutique, we were welcomed by the cool whisper of the air conditioner and the distinct scent of brand-new fabric, as if it were inviting us to spend more than we had planned. Huge mirrors framed the walls, and sleek racks lined every corner, filled with everything from formal wear to casual pieces, and, of course, the glittering gowns that seemed designed only for the rich and glamorous.“Wow,” Janice gasped, her voice bubbling with excitement as she practically hopped in place. “I feel like I wanna buy everything I see!”I shook my head but couldn’t help laughing. “Are you sure about that? Your allowance might disappear in a snap.”“Totally worth it if I end up looking stunning at the party,” she shot back with a playful wink.“Guys, focus!” Chloe cut in, holding up two dresses in front of her, one royal blue cocktail dress and another sleek black bodycon. “Which one suits me better? This, or this?”“Hmm…” I took the blue dress from her hands a
Aliyah“Did something happen?” Chloe’s brows furrowed as she asked me that question, her eyes fixed on mine like she was trying to dig through my soul. She wouldn’t even blink. Beside her, Janice just stared at the two of us, her forehead also creased, clearly clueless but eager to join the conversation.“Huh? What do you mean by that?” I asked back, confused and slightly annoyed, because honestly, I had no idea where her question was coming from.We were at the school ground, sitting under the shade of a huge tree. We had just come back from breaktime, and luckily, both our next subjects were free since our professors were absent. So here we were, killing time, just hanging out before our next class.“I don’t know, okay?” Chloe shrugged, though she didn’t break her stare. Her eyes were too sharp, as if she could read something I couldn’t hide. “But you look… different. I can’t exactly point it out, but you’re not the same as usual.”My frown deepened. “Different? Like… how?”“Like…”
Aliyah“Aunt Avery…” My voice was barely above a whisper, almost swallowed by the faint clinking of cutlery in the quiet dining room.We sat across from each other, the golden glow from the chandelier spilling soft light across the polished wooden table. Shadows from the candle-like bulbs flickered gently, casting warmth on Aunt Avery’s face. The smell of roasted meat, herbs, and freshly baked bread filled the air, yet everything tasted bland to me. My stomach twisted as if it knew I wasn’t here to enjoy food.The heaviness in my chest was unbearable. Every spoonful I forced down my throat seemed to harden into stone, pressing down on me like a weight I couldn’t shake.“Yes, dear…” Aunt Avery’s voice broke through my storm of thoughts. She looked up from her plate with that gentle smile she always wore when she spoke to me. Her tone was soft, warm, nurturing, as if she could soothe away all the fear in the world if she chose to. But tonight, her kindness didn’t comfort me. It only mad
Mature ContentAliyahWhen I finally gave in to Xavier’s kiss, it felt like the entire world disappeared. All that was left was the heat of his lips against mine, and the wild beating of my heart that seemed like it was about to burst. Every touch of his mouth left an invisible mark on me, like he was branding me, silently telling me, “You’re mine, only mine.”“Xavier…” I breathed his name out in a soft whisper, almost running out of air when he slightly pulled away, his eyes locking on me, full of desire and love all at once.“Say it again,” he demanded, his voice a little husky, heavy with emotion.“Xavier,” I whispered once more, this time weaker, but filled with even more feeling, like his name was the only word that mattered.A smirk tugged at his lips before he leaned down again, claiming my mouth with a kiss that was more desperate, more intense, as if he didn’t want this moment to ever end. His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer until there was absolutely no space left b
AliyahIf only I could, I would have pulled time forward just to end my class faster. I had been restless in my seat for hours; every passing minute felt three times longer than yesterday. The sound of the wall clock didn’t help either, its ticking almost mocked me, stretching the seconds like torture.Is this really what happens when you’re too eager to see the person you love? I couldn’t help but smile at my thoughts while taking my things, moving with a kind of impatience I could barely hide. The moment I stepped out of the university gate, I already felt lighter. I texted Janice: “I’ll go ahead, I just need to check something.” Her reply came fast: “Okay, take care.”I put my phone back in my bag, and my hand tightened on the strap as I walked, every step carrying the bubbling excitement inside my chest. I was on my way now, already searching the corner where I knew Xavier would be waiting. One thing about him was that I never had to worry about him being late.My smile was ready,