(Violet's POV) The feeling of rough ground scraping my legs wakes me up and I find myself in a lowly lit structure. My eyes slowly adjust and I can make out the extensive amount of dust coating the floor and floating through the air. The room was moderately big from what I could tell and lacked any kind of natural lighting. The door, to which I came to find was behind me and out of sight, creaked open as someone walked along the crunchy ground. “Took you long enough,” a distant voice grumply remarked in response to my movements. I go to move my arms, but am quickly met with the realization that they are restrained behind me. Memories of before I fell unconscious rush through my mind in a haze and a dull ache turns sharp as a throbbing begins. “What’s going on? W-where am I?” I struggle to question as the unidentified person gingerly walks over, flashlight in hand. “Oh, can’t you come up with something more original than that, dear niece?” Bella remarks once more, now standi
(Leo's POV) After a few phone calls and some vague hints as to the contents of the press release, I find myself standing in front of a room full of reporters. The hushed whispers turn to silence as I take my place before the mic and prepare for what is about to come. “As you all know, a few months ago there was a tragic accident involving a plane leaving Columbus airport. The unfortunate incident claimed many lives and left the public baffled by the lack of sufficient information provided,” I speak, the words previously planned out carefully. “I am here to say that Whitlock Enterprises is completely responsible for all actions leading to the plane’s malfunction mid-flight,” I confidently state. The room erupts into chaos as each reporter rushes forward with questions and accusations. “Further details will be published soon. That is all,” I respond, nodding my head before security escorts me out the bustling room. After escaping to the quiet of the adjacent hallway, I lean back
(Leo's POV) The light pierces my eyes as I stand with both hands in the air. The click of heels echoes through the empty warehouse as Bella takes a few steps toward me. “I knew I didn’t like you,” my voice growls. Bella wears a smug grin as she chuckles in response.“A fair observation, if not a little rude,” she comments, a repulsive amount of confidence coating her words.“If it’s money you’re after, this was beyond unnecessary,” I firmly state. My plan was simply to get Violet safely out of here before this lunatic lost it for good. To do that, I would need to buy time and find an opening.“Oh, I’m looking for something much more fulfilling than some paper bills. Not that I would expect some pampered rich boy to understand,” Bella cryptically replies, her words slowly making less sense.“Was it you who ordered me to take the fall for the crash? I don’t understand what you could gain from something like that,” I question further.A cruel laugh erupts from Bella as she cackles to h
(Third Person POV)FlashbackThe sunlight beams down on a young Bella as she nearly skips down the street on her way to surprise her lover. A homemade lunch box in hand and a vacation planned for their pre-wedding honeymoon, Bella hummed happily in pure bliss.However, her joy was cut short upon the suffocating sound of fire trucks and ambulances racing past her on the road. The air ahead was polluted with thick black smoke and a bright orange glow. The lunchbox falls to the ground with a thud as Bella runs with a fear unmatched towards the source of commotion, but her fear was not prepared for what she found.The building was crumbling in a terrifying display of flames and ash, devouring anything within its grasp. Bella’s heart pounded into her ears as she shoved past, desperately searching for that one familiar face.After her search proved futile, a hand grasped her shoulder and she was met with a remorseful face. The officer held his hat in his hand as he lowered his gaze to the
(Violet's POV)Present DayThe bang of the gun rings in my ears as a high pitch tone drowns everything out. Aunt Bella’s unnaturally still body was crumpled on the floor, the gun she held lay beside her legs.“Violet!” Leo screams beside me. Though the sound was dull, I could hear his ragged breaths as he gently wrapped me in his embrace. Leo kept glancing back towards the door, his expression one of forced composure. Still numb, I glance over his broad shoulder to see an older gentleman leaving the doorway. Lifting me into his arms, Leo carried me through the dusty room and towards the warmth of the early evening. I squint as the glow radiating from the sunset hurts my pupils and the ache in my head radiates towards my chest.Leo sets me down on a nearby stone barrier before hesitantly turning to look back. Mr. Whitlock meets his son’s gaze as they lock eyes, a strange energy passing between them.“Why did you do that?” Leo asks in disbelief. Daniel does not respond, his face blank
(Violet's POV)The next few weeks flew by in a flash of chaotic events. Aunt Bella’s true intentions were broadcasted around the city leading to an endless stream of rumors and theories revolving around Whitlock Enterprises.Mr. Whitlock’s trial for her murder was suppressed by the press to the best of their ability, but was ultimately made completely public and later passed as self-defense.However, it came to light that Daniel had built an empire built on various illegal wrong doings, resulting in a life sentence in prison.During this time, Leo refused to speak about anything regarding his father and completely devoted his attention to readjusting the shards of his company.Being the heir to a crumbling empire, he found himself helping dismantle it rather than salvaging.As for me, it turns out between watching someone die before you and learning that your family was behind your trauma makes it hard to sleep at night.The only solace I find is in the gardens and in Leo’s arms at ni
The white of the wedding dress glistened in the warm sunlight as I stared at my hollow reflection. Aunt Bella is humming as she rearranges my hair, occasionally saying words to convince me this was a wonderful day, not that I believed her in the slightest. As she places the final wave into the bun, there is a knock at the door. “Ms. Bennet, it's almost time,” the wedding organizer speaks with oblivious enthusiasm. I nod to signal my understanding and step closer to the nearby window. My body is completely numb as I recall not even three days ago, before my life was ripped to pieces. The airport in Columbus, Ohio is as clustered as ever with frantic humans running from one flight to another. “Violet, are you sure you're alright with us leaving early? Your father and I can call out sick,” my mother sincerely asks, a gentle tone in her voice. I smile as she strokes my dark hair, knowing full well I wouldn't ask them to lie for me. “Yeah and if that doesn't work we can just
(Leo's POV) I watch as Violet is dragged away by her domineering aunt. As the events of the day replay in my mind, and the image of her tear stained face lingers, a stern looking man walks toward me. “Father, I can explain,” I start to say before he holds up a hand and squints, his expression blank. Disappointment is evident in his eyes and I brace for the onslaught of criticism he has lined up for me. “You know better than this, Leo,” he begins with a cold edge as he continues with the usual lectures. “The company's image is what makes us move forward. If news got out that your bride tried to flee, we would be a laughing stock. I'm only allowing this union because her father was an executive director and you need their trust. Don't let anything like this happen again.” “Yes, father. I will personally see to it that Ms. Bennet goes through with the wedding,” I respond with a distant monotone. “You better. I didn't raise you to be a failure,” he spouts before wobbling back to t