He shoved me outside, and I nursed my wrist, wincing at the sharp pain. The secretary rushed towards him, but Kyle's anger was palpable.
"So you let her in?" Kyle snarled, his eyes flashing with fury.
Before the secretary could respond, Kyle stormed towards me, still wrapped in his towel. His gaze blazed with intensity.
"This is the last time you set foot in this house," he growled. "Else, you'll regret it."
He turned and disappeared inside, leaving me seething. The scene felt like a cliché movie moment ,being thrown out of the house.
The secretary approached me, his expression cautious.
“I think you should leave now." He said
I glared at the closed door, then at him.
"Tell him I'll be back."
With that, I turned and left, determined to uncover more about this Kyle Prescott. I knew just the person to help me.
****
"Wait... What?!" Vivian exclaimed, eyes wide with shock. "You're carrying Kyle Prescott's child?"
Her disbelieving gaze locked onto mine, and I sighed, unsure where to begin.
"I thought the video was fake," Vivian muttered, still stunned. "The man in that video... was Kyle?"
I nodded, and Vivian's expression turned urgent. "So, are you ready to tell me everything now."
I hesitated, recalling Amy's confession.
She had drugged me at the party, orchestrating the events that led to this moment. A chilling thought crept in, had Amy planned this with Kyle?
But Kyle hadn't known I was the woman from that night until I revealed it to him. How did Amy arrange this?
Vivian's concerned voice snapped me back to reality. "Naina, are you okay?"
I took a deep breath. "Vivian, I need your help."
She nodded without hesitation.
After sharing every detail, Vivian agreed to help me. Her knowledge of the Prescott family would prove invaluable. After having a conversation with Vivian and telling her everything, she agreed to help me with my plan.
"You know, Naina, even though Kyle is the heir, his grandmother, Chairwoman Prescott, holds the highest authority in the family," Vivian said. "She's the one person Kyle might actually listen to."
I nodded, determination growing within me.
"Then that's who I need to meet," I said.
Vivian nodded gently. "But the Prescott family is notorious for their ruthlessness." She said and I just managed to smile
***
As I stepped onto the Manor's grounds, the imposing stone facade loomed before me, its grandeur intimidating. Unlike Kyle's modern mansion, this estate exuded tradition and power.I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the encounter ahead. Ascending the steps, I reached for the door knocker, but the heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a tall, stern-looking butler.
"May I help you?" he asked, his tone cold and formal.
His skeptical gaze lingered on my disheveled appearance and determined expression.
"What is your business here?" he pressed.
I straightened my back, refusing to be rattled. "I'm here to see Mrs. Prescott."
The butler's eyebrow raised slightly, surprised I knew the matriarch's name.
"And what exactly is the purpose of your visit?" he asked, his tone dripping with skepticism.
I prepared myself for his doubt. "It's personal. I have something important to discuss with her."
The butler's eyes narrowed, gauging my intentions.
"I'm afraid the chairwoman isn't accepting visitors at the moment," he replied stiffly.
Frustration surged within me. I'd come too far to be denied.
"Please," I implored, my voice strained. "It's imperative I speak with her. It's urgent."
The butler remained unmoved.
"I apologize, but my instructions are clear: no visitors."
My frustration boiled over. I took a step closer, meeting his gaze.
"Listen, I've gone through a lot to get here. I need to talk to Mrs. Prescott, and I won't leave until I do."
The butler's expression softened slightly.
"I'm afraid she has specifically requested no visitors today, ma'am," he reiterated. "I cannot go against her wishes."
Desperation crept in. I couldn't give up now.
"Is there anything I can do to convince you to let me speak with her? Something I can tell her?"
I held my breath as the butler pondered my request. His lips were pursed, and his expression unreadable.
"Please," I silently pleaded, "just let me see her."
Finally, he spoke. "I'll ask her if she's willing to see you. But I make no promises."
My heart pounded in anticipation. This was my chance.
"Thank you," I replied, gratitude lacing my voice.
The butler studied me a moment longer before nodding. "Wait here."
The door closed, and I was left alone on the doorstep. The silence stretched out, each passing moment feeling like an eternity.
My mind wandered, imagining the worst. What if Mrs. Prescott refused to see me? What if she didn't believe me?
But I pushed those thoughts aside. I had come too far.
After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open again. The butler's expression was stoic.
"She will see you in the garden," he informed me. "But she is not pleased."
I let out a sigh of relief, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"Thank you," I said, steeling myself for the encounter. "I understand."
The butler stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter. I took a deep breath, composing myself as I followed him through the grand foyer.
"This way," the butler directed, leading me toward the unknown.
I trailed behind him, my heart pounding in my chest.
As we walked through the grand corridors, lined with exquisite artworks and antique furnishings, I barely noticed the lavish surroundings. My focus was fixed on the impending encounter.
We reached the double doors leading to the expansive garden, where Mrs. Prescott awaited. The butler paused, his hand on the handle.
"The chairwoman will await you in there," he said sternly.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. Meeting the butler's gaze, my resolve strengthened.
"Thank you."
The butler nodded curtly, opening the door for me to proceed. Squaring my shoulders, I summoned my determination and stepped into the garden.
The meticulously maintained paradise enveloped me , vibrant flowers and lush greenery surrounded Mrs. Prescott. She sat poised, her expression unreadable.
Approaching her slowly, my heart pounded in my chest. Mrs. Prescott's icy blue eyes studied me with skepticism, her stern face and pressed lips exuding disapproval.
Halting a few feet away, my palms sweated with nerves. Meeting her gaze, I fought to maintain composure.
"You're the one who insisted on seeing me," Mrs. Prescott said, her voice sharp and cold. "I assume you have a good reason for disrupting my peaceful afternoon."
My throat dried suddenly. No difference existed between her and Kyle – both cold. But I hoped she'd help.
Recalling my purpose, I steeled myself.
"Yes, I do," I replied, surprisingly steady. "I have something important to discuss."
Mrs. Prescott raised an eyebrow, her piercing gaze unwavering.
"Well, speak then. I don't have all day."
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts as I sat across from Mrs. Prescott. Her imposing presence and stern expression made my nerves flutter, but I knew I had to tread carefully.
"It's about Kyle," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "Your grandson."
Mrs. Prescott's expression hardened at the mention of Kyle's name, her eyes narrowing.
"What about him?" she asked, her tone guarded and wary.
I hesitated, unsure how to approach the sensitive topic. But I knew I had to be honest.
"I kinda met Kyle at a party," I started, recalling the night that changed everything. "We... ended up spending the night together."
Mrs. Prescott's eyes widened slightly, surprise flitting across her features before being quickly masked by a stoic expression. She didn't say anything, merely gesturing for me to continue with a subtle tilt of her head.
I took another deep breath, steeling myself for the reaction my next words would likely elicit.
"Well….
Mrs. Prescott's gaze sharpened, suspicion growing in her eyes.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" she asked, her voice laced with warning, her tone implying that I better be truthful.
I clenched my fists, summoning every ounce of courage.
"I came to tell you that I'm carrying Kyle's child," I said, the words tumbling out in a rush.
Mrs. Prescott's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line.
"A child?, you’re pregnant?” she asked , her tone laced with disbelief and skepticism.
I nodded, desperation creeping into my voice.
"Yes, and I went to confront him, but he threw me out," I added, the memory of Kyle's rejection still stinging.
Mrs. Prescott's expression turned skeptical, her eyes glinting with doubt.
"I've seen many women claim such things," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I'm not surprised."
My eyes widened, outrage flashing.
"I'm not lying!" I exclaimed, my voice rising. "Your grandson took my virginity, and now I'm carrying his child. I don't care if he wants me or not, but he should honor his responsibility."
Mrs. Prescott's gaze lingered, her expression unreadable.
"So, what do you want?" she asked finally, her tone still guarded. "Money?"
I scoffed, indignation burning within me.
"No, I want him to honor his responsibility," I replied firmly. “And I want you to help me make him listen”
After what felt like minutes, Mrs. Prescott smiled, a small, enigmatic smile.
"You're definitely different," she said, her words hanging in the air like a puzzle.
I furrowed my brow, unsure what she meant.
Different from whom? Different from what?
But before I could ask, Mrs. Prescott leaned forward, her eyes glinting with a hint of intrigue.
"Tell me young lady ," she said, her voice softer, "what makes you think Kyle will listen to me?"
“Whatever you’ve done, it’s not your fault, you are—”“You don’t fucking get it, Naina!” he snapped, his voice louder than he probably meant, and the second it left his lips, I saw the regret flash across his face. But I didn’t flinch. I didn’t shrink back. I just stood there, looking at him like I wasn’t afraid of the mess he thought he was.He looked away and his throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. “You two just…” he started, glancing at me, then at Kyle. The silence stretched, thick and heavy until he finally whispered, “I… I…”He couldn’t get the words out. I saw it then, in his eyes. He wasn’t just angry, he was breaking . Kyle took a step toward him slowly like he didn’t want to startle him.He reached out but Lucas stepped back, like Kyle’s touch would burn him.“She was right,” Lucas said quietly. “Even before Naina walked into my life… you were always my weakness.”Kyle’s brow furrowed “And because of you,” Lucas continued, “I’ve done things that can never be put back to
I walked over to him and stopped right in front of him.“You’re done listening to it?” I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.Lucas looked past me first towards Kyle then turned back to me.“And?” he asked flatly.I frowned. “And?” I repeated. “What do you mean by that?”“So he wasn’t the one who pushed me after all,” he said like none of it really mattered.My brows shot up, stunned by the indifference in his tone. “Did you even listen to everything?”“Yes, I did,” he replied. His voice softened slightly. “And I’m sorry… sorry you had to go through all that.”I blinked. That part of the recording where I’d been dragged and assaulted. He must’ve heard it. Maybe that’s what triggered that apology. But that wasn’t what this was about right now.“Don’t make this about me,” I said, stepping closer. “This is about you. And your brother…..He carried the guilt of being your killer for years,” I said “Do you have any idea what that must’ve done to him?”Lucas looked away. He wasn’t respon
Kyle stood up from the chair and walked out of his room, and I followed right behind. As we descended the stairs, Naky barked louder, pacing anxiously near the door. Kyle reached it and glanced at me briefly before unlocking and pulling it open.Standing there, was Ethan and beside him, to my utter disbelief, was Lucas.The moment our eyes met, Lucas stepped forward and rushed to me.“Are you okay?” he asked, his brows furrowed deeply with concern as his eyes scanned over me like he was trying to assess if I’d been hurt.Ethan stepped forward too, eyes wide with worry. “What are you still doing here?” he whispered sharply. “But before I could say a word, Lucas suddenly clenched his fist and, without warning, swung.His fist collided with Kyle’s jaw with a sickening thud.“Kyle!” I gasped, and his head jerked to the side from the impact, stumbling slightly as he lifted his hand to his lips. A smear of red painted his knuckles.Lucas raised his hand again, furious, but I threw myself b
When I entered my room, it was almost untouched. As if time had held its breath, waiting for me to return. The faint scent of lavender still clung to the sheets.I slipped off Kyle’s jacket, the warmth of it fading from my shoulders. Underneath, my top was still torn, the jagged edges around the neckline a brutal reminder of what had happened earlier. I looked at myself in the mirror and felt like I was staring at someone else. Someone scraped and bruised and silent.My fingertips grazed the torn fabric then I thought about what Mrs Prescott had said that the Prescott family was never hers to begin with.What did that even mean?Was she not really a Prescott? Or did she mean the power, the legacy, the control, it never belonged to her?But still… what kind of mother turns her daughter into an unstable person ? What kind of grandmother breaks her grandsons into pieces, molding them into shadows of who they could’ve been?She couldn’t die now. Not yet.Not until I knew the truth.Who we
I reached for the dial in the car and turned on the radio. Static buzzed through first, crackling like the tension in the air. Then a news reporter’s voice filled the car, talking about some political scandal or market drop, I didn’t care. I rolled the button, skipping past voices, until finally, a song began to play.Soft piano at first. Then strings. The kind of song that fills the silence too well, like it knows you’re breaking and wants to be gentle about it.Kyle glanced at me, confused, his brows slightly pulled together like he couldn’t understand why I was doing something so ordinary. But I didn’t say anything. Just leaned back, letting the music float around us like a blanket.“It’ll be okay, Kyle,” I said quietly. “It’s not bad to let it out… to feel it. All of it.”I reached over and turned the volume up louder, loud enough to drown out the world if it wanted to. Loud enough to feel it in our chests.And then I unbuckled my seatbelt.I didn’t want to crowd him. I thought ma
My head was still bowed, shaking from the ringing left by the gunshot. I hadn’t even realized I’d squeezed my eyes shut until the silence thickened again. When I looked up, my body tensed automatically at the sight in front of me.Mrs. Prescott was on the floor, bleeding, still alive , barely but whimpering like an injured animal. It was one of the officers who shot her right in the upper chest, just before she could pull the trigger on herself.Her breaths came out broken and wet, her chest rising in short, shallow bursts as blood began to spread through her blouse. Her hand twitched once, like she was trying to reach for something, maybe Kyle, or maybe the gun again. But she was too far gone.She tilted her head slightly in his direction eyes glazed over and dull and with one last burst of breath, forced out a word. “Monster…” And then her body gave out.The blood at her lips thickened. Her eyes stopped trying to blink.The paramedics rushed in, pushed us aside. They were fast..to