“Hello, everyone,” Lyra said as she clicked the glass cup in her hand to call everyone’s attention.She stood at the front, making sure all eyes could see her. Smiles flourished over her face like glowing crystal.“I want to announce today… As y’all know, it’s my birthday we’re celebrating, but even more great news is that finally, with the help of Damian Kade…” she said as she gave him a knowing glare,“I’m now the new owner of the Everlight property,” she said.What?Is that true?The crowd quickly whispered. The Everlight property was no small deal—that even at the last auction, it couldn’t be bought at any low price. Everyone now stared at Damian in awe, as if he was now a god.“What? Lyra didn’t tell me this,” her mother Nola said in a surprised tone.“When did she start to keep secrets?” she added, her tone like a whisper but loud enough for Benedict, who was next to her, to hear.Her daughter had never kept things from her before, but this time, a very big one was kept from he
“Others are welcome, but you, Adrian, you’re not welcome here,” Benedict said in a menacing tone as he pointed his finger at Adrian.Nola quickly pulled his hand back, a fake smile on her face.She knew what that could mean for her daughter’s image. If she dared offend someone like Vivienne, she could easily cause Lyra’s whole business to come crashing down if Vivienne decides to react to it.So she wouldn’t be foolish enough to talk down on her the same way she does to Adrian.“It’s okay. You’re welcome,” she said, her tone hesitant. Just then, she pulled Benedict’s aside with her.Then she pulled out her phone to make a call.The smile on Clara’s face didn’t fade; her face was still filled with so much of it.Adrian was even more curious now. Could it be that the injection is making her react this way because she hasn’t met with a man yet? Adrian thought. He already knew the answer—and that’s exactly what the situation was.“Clara, are you okay?” Adrian asked, his tone almost like
Sharply dressed in a blue suit, hair neatly combed, and eyeglasses that exudes the standard of an elite-level high class—Adrian majestically walked into the hall. As he opened the door, the ray of morning sunlight greeted his shoes that shone with pleasure. His wrist could be seen carrying an expensive gold watch.The first to notice the figure was Nola.“Wow!”She muttered out loud, and her voice made others trace where her eyes were looking.Her expression was clearly pleased and happy with the approaching figure. Even though she hadn’t confirmed who it was yet, she was already interested.“Hey, you,” Nola pointed at a lady in uniform that signified her duty as a worker for the event. A tray could be seen in her hand as she served guests just arriving.“Bring that tray,” she yelled at the young lady, collecting the tray to serve the special guest that was coming in, she thought.Whispers quickly filled the air. A few people were already present at the hall. These were Damian’s frie
After a moment of deliberating within him whether he should pick the call or not, he watched as the call ended. Just when he sighed, about to dip his phone back into his pocket, the call came again.With a deep breath, he finally picked the call and placed the phone to his ear.“Hello, Adrian.” Her voice was still the same as when they were together. Adrian had always cherished her for her beauty and innocent voice. Now, what he once adored was something he wished he hadn’t made the mistake of falling for.He didn’t say a word, lost in thought about her.“I know you can hear me, and I want to say I’m sorry about the other day… I shouldn’t have slapped you,” she said, admitting her mistake. It was something about her—she lashed out when angry and apologized later.“I promise not to do that again,” she added.“It’s okay. I understand,” Adrian’s voice came, cool and mature.It was one of the things she liked about him. Even when he was misunderstood or mistreated, he’d still say he under
Clara in her room slammed the door behind her as she rested her back against it.Her heart was pounding faster than the clicks of a wall clock. The weight of everything gowned her like a heavy armor dress. She slowly slid down to the ground and could feel something raging inside her like fire.It happens to her in times when she’s in shock or under stress—it triggers her pain.“Clara, please open the door. Come on, you know we’re in this together,” Mr. Smith said, still hoping to help his daughter process the moment. He stood outside, softly knocking at the door, but got no response.A lot of possibilities ran through his mind.“Dr. Adrian, please…” Mr. Smith said from upstairs, looking down at Adrian.Adrian rushed upstairs.“I… I don’t know what to do…” the old man said. His heartbeat could be heard.Within the blink of an eye, Adrian kicked the door open.As the door broke open, Clara could be seen on the ground, already passed out. The door had hit her with the force Adrian had ap
Even if Jacob hadn’t betrayed her trust, she probably couldn’t be his wife—not with her mysterious situation. She even felt shame that she couldn’t feel normal like anyone else could. Even if she tried to let a man in, she wouldn’t feel anything enjoyable—rather, a pain as hell. Even though she hadn’t tried it before, she could tell from the pain she felt every night. Thinking of how she’d keep a man bound to loyalty wasn’t easy. Since she wouldn’t be able to fill that gap, it was best to end things, Clara thought. Her thoughts made her unable to register the words Jacob was saying. It was as though she could understand that he was pleading for a second chance—to prove his love and still wait till whenever she was cured so they could move on with life. But no, I won’t hold him back, she said in her mind. “Clara, please… Clara, are you listening?” Jacob asked. After a moment of pouring out words, he finally noticed how her posture was slightly off and could tell she wasn’t listening.