~~~~~~FIVE YEARS LATER~~~~~~~"You know Mum, a friend at school told us that he bagged into his mother's room this morning, and his father jumped out of bed just to excessively nag at him. He is the big guy in my class and I was beyond shocked when he came into the classroom weeping" Noah narrates innocently, with his eyes shimmering in concern as he recalls his friend's situation in the morning. He and his twin, Noelle were just back from school and were descending from the staircase on their way to watch cartoons after a cold shower. They just wouldn't quit talking about every single thing that happened in school to their mother who also listened attentively. "Truly, he wasn't supposed to dash into his parent's private room. Something important must be going on in the room for his father to nag at him to the extent of crying" Raina explained trying as much to respond perfectly so that he wouldn't ask more questions as they all settled on the couch. "You won't believe what Noah did
~~~~~~For the past 35 hours, Raina waited patiently while trying not to make her kids suspect her dilemma. She called and messaged both Gerold's phone number and that of Mrs. Alexander, but there was no response. She felt a gut feeling of an upcoming bad occurrence after her daughter ran to her room the night before while sweating profusely and crying about them being tormented by a devilish creature in her dream. Raina had slept in their room and lured them to sleep as Noelle kept murmuring for her not to let them go. Ever since then, she considered her daughter's revelation and the message from Mrs. Alexander as a threat to their life. She realized that she was despised beyond what she had imagined, even though throughout the last few years, she had tried her best to form a bond with them but had given up after Gerold's restriction. Raina sighed in anguish as she thought of escaping again. She doesn't want to be a coward again, or else she would continue to do that for the rest of
"If only you knew the situation of your children, you wouldn't have quivered as if you just saw a ghost," Jude muttered in a distant tone as his eyes emitted pure disgust and contempt. He had declined to meet Raina since the day before when she was still unconscious because he knew he might do more than he was persuaded to. He sauntered to sit on the single couch in the room and observed the way Raina shook at the mention of her kids. He smirked in satisfaction and uninterestedly intertwined his fingers on his crossed legs. "Mrs. Gerold Bellingham," Jude called in a calm voice that held so many weights. "You might not be seeing me for the rest of your interrogation, which means I am the only one capable of saving you and your children in this situation. The whole family thinks I am eager to take revenge on my uncle's wife after she was accused of attempting to murder him," he explained and rubbed his jaw. Raina scoffs and smiles sadly which makes him surprised but he pretends not to
"Jude have you seen the new grade 4 assistant dance mentor?!" Jacob clamored in astonishment, earning a deep exhausting groan from his companion, Jude. "Man, I'm trying to get something stuck in my brain for the upcoming exams. My parents threatened to ban my social media account and limit my credit card. They keep blackmailing me with their business and me being their heir shit!!! " Jude whines, leans back in his wingback chair, and stretches his muscular arms under his head. He had gotten distracted already. They were at their special building. Apparently, it was built for Jude, Jobe, and Jacob, who were popularly known as the "JKINGS" It's a dwelling meant to relax and refresh themselves, but they often do the opposite. The JKINGS are the most influential young dancers both in Dream High and on social media, with Jude as their leader. The edifice was built especially because they are hot- cakes. They sneak in girls and have fun at any time they want, and even if they were caught
Raina gulps, wipes her puffy eyes and nervously adjusts her suit trousers "I was speaking on a friend's behalf. Don't think much of what you heard because it's nothing related to my circumstances" she rushed out with a pleading tone, knowing how corny the spoiled brats can be. Every single mistake from you matters to them.Jude's heart thumps funnily the moment her eyes meet with his. All the time she was sprouting words to cover up her situation, he watched the movement of her lips. It was an inducement at first sight. The cigarette didn't make him feel good from the bad morning which was primarily provoked by a paramount argument with his parents regarding his studies. He was frustrated that nothing seemed to go the way he wanted, but surprisingly, Raina's perfect pouty lips seemed to be the dose he could consume to make him feel good. He doesn't like the feeling but he couldn't deny his wish. Jude groans internally and quickly feigns a nasty expression. Normally, he would have
Raina walked away from the spot and the car did the same. It continued like that until the front seat automatically and dramatically opened, indicating for her to go in. She bent low to appreciate whoever it was until her eyes caught Jude. Her lips shut like they were tied and she angrily and hurriedly walked away to the station. Jude put on his big sunshades and alighted from the car. He was in a casual black outfit but even so, the other people at the station were stunned by his charismatic steps towards Raina. They didn't know he was Jude as he also made sure to back them.Jude stood at Raina's front and carried her in his arms. She whimpered and wriggled her legs until he whispered "Don't make a fool out of yourself. People are watching" Raina curls in his arms and tries to hide her face in embarrassment. Jude slightly bowed and groaned out because of the odd stares from mostly the older men "She's my girlfriend, We fought " he mouthed to clear their confusion. It worked as th
"Father" Raina unexpectedly cut in. "No disagreement " he snapped with a strict tone of finality."He has informed his parents about the progress of his relationship. In fact, he gave me your engagement ring since you stubbornly walked out on him the other day he planned to propose to you. So…you can't blame him. It's a great honour that someone that influential is willing to be my in-law, my dear daughter." her father emphasized without any bother of her current situation. She couldn't breathe properly as she was experiencing a mini-panic attack at that moment.It felt like the world became still. She couldn't bear to take in the news. She ain't interested in lovey-dovey but never for once thought her love life would turn out this way. A proposal through her father? Marriage with someone she doesn't love?"This isn't different from a paedophile father" she finally breaks down in a shaky voice. She had been strong but not anymore as it seemed it was getting real each day. "You are b
Raina retained her breath as she was unfit to admit that he had just made such a statement without constraints. "Why would..you…say something like that?" she stammers slightly, feeling embarrassed. "It is what it is" he reacted with a straight face. Blank. "Ok then, even if the younger person does it good" she gorges and looks outside. It was abruptly getting sizzling even when the weather was average. Jude gait off the car again and Raina grinned softly at his childishness. She keeps stealing glances every chance she gets to see that he has a scowl on his face. After some winks of silence, Raina thinks it's better to ask about the situation of things in his house before they get there. A typical parent would question their child about an outsider's visit early in the morning. She thought. "Jude," she calls in her usual melodious tone but he refuses to answer as he wasn't sure he heard her call him. She called him again, and he gazed at her side, not her face as he was still fe