LOGINDarren’s POV“Maybe we should invite Jescyka,” I said, keeping my tone light and casual.The moment her name slipped out of my mouth, my chest tightened, the way it always did when I say her name like that or think about her.Mother looked up from the stack of files spread neatly across the desk. A faint but hard smile tugged at her lips. “Jescyka?” she repeated. “Who is that?”“I mean… we both know one Jescyka and” I was mid-sentence when she raised her hand, stopping me with ease, like it was practiced.“And why do we need her?” she asked again, this time slower, sharper.I exhaled through my nose. “She’s an architect, Mom. And unless I’m mistaken, we’re discussing an architectural project.” frustration clawing my chest, I've noticed since Marv brought Jescyka home, that mom might not like her.She hummed, uninterested, then closed the file in front of her as though the matter was already settled. “Oh. Then we’ll wait for Marv.”I frowned. “We don’t have to wait for Marv. This is bu
Jescyka’s POV“How do you feel now?”Ethan’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. The concern in his eyes was hard to not catch. He was closing the distance between us the moment I stepped out of the doctor’s room. He looked like someone who had been bracing for bad news and didn’t quite know what to do with relief.“I don’t feel anything,” I said honestly. “I feel… normal. Just, like normal.” He studied my face like he was searching for cracks. “Normal?” his voice rang back.I nodded. “Yeah, normal.”He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “Okay then.” After a pause, he added, “So… we’ll be going to my place or—”“I just want some ice cream.”He blinked. “Ice cream?”“Yes,” I said firmly, surprising even myself. “A cup. Or two.” “More like an unplanned ice cream date.” He asked playfully.That finally got a smile out of me. “Wow. A date? Sounds cool. I feel honored.”“It’s okay. Don’t just let it get to your head.” he jokedWe walked toward the driveway where the car was pa
Melissa’s POV“Hey, darling,” I called as I walked into the office, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor of his office. Normally, that was enough to earn me a smile—one of those lazy, charming ones he used when he was in a good mood. But today? Nothing came. No smile. No warmth.Just Marv, sitting behind his desk with jaws tight and his eyes fixed on the screen of his laptop like I wasn’t even there. He was definitely having a Jescyka day.“Marv,” I called again, slower this time, lifting a brow questioningly, as I stepped closer. Still nothing. Instead, he shifted slightly in his chair and deliberately turned his gaze away from me.I sighed inwardly. Great.I already knew where and how it was going to be.I just hoped—really hoped—it wasn’t about Jescyka again. Lately, every time he walked in looking like this, it was because she was still mad at him. He never cared this much about her, I don't know what changed. And somehow, consoling him had become my unpaid, full-
Darren’s pov“Someone is speaking to me. I mean… I’m crazy, am I? Darren. I heard a voice in my head.” Her breathing was wild and uneven, she kept twisting her fingers like they were the only thing keeping her sane.I barely understood what she was saying.“Jescyka… hey, calm down. Seriously, breathe,” I murmured, trying to balance her shoulders, but she kept pulling away, her entire body was trembling. Even if she had hallucinated kissing a ghost, she shouldn't shake that much.It took a whole minute—maybe longer—before she finally loosened up enough for me to lay her back on the bed. I eased her down gently, brushing her hair off her forehead, it was damped with sweat.“I’ll be right back.” I whispered, raising gently from the bed.I grabbed a glass of water and returned quickly.“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice came thin as if she was afraid it might break if she spoke too loud. She took little sips, her eyes were not focused, like she was somewhere different entirely.“You’l
Darren’s POVI drove out of Jescyka’s office with my head a mess and my heart punching my ribs like it was trying to pull out. Ethan might be just a friend to her, but choosing him over me everything made him my competition. He was gradually turning himself into my enemy without knowing, he better stay away from her. I didn’t even remember the dinner reservation I had booked, the one I spent half the afternoon organizing. My car somehow took control of my body, and before I knew it, I was already parking at home.The door hadn’t even closed behind me when Riley appeared from the hallway in some nasty lingerie — red, lacey, the dramatic kind she wears when she is calling for attention. She popped into my vision like a badly timed jump-scare.“Finally! Welcome home, sweetie,” she beamed, stretching her arms out for a hug.I stiffened. I swallowed down the disgust bubbling in my chest. “I… didn’t know you were coming.” I asked, why hadn't she just informed me before coming to stay. Jeez
Jescyka's povI had already made up my mind and told Darren bluntly that I'll be leaving with Ethan. I quickly jumped into Ethan's car and he drove us home to his house. I mentally prepared myself not to stay over at his place. Perhaps after everything I needed some alone time. So I took my own car, just as I dropped from his, I didn't even say a proper good bye. If I did he would offer to keep me safe at his place which I wouldn't be able to say no to. The air was thick with awkwardness as I slipped into my car but I didn't mind.The drive home felt like stretching a material band inside my chest. Every turn felt heavier. Every breath was doing way too much. I kept thinking about Marv—about everything he had put me through—and this stupid, ridiculous idea I had about using Darren to get back at him. A petty, childish revenge plan. But Jesus. At first it felt right but thinking about it now? It was a foolish idea. They were brothers with the same character they would both play with m







