The airport was bustling with activity, the echoes of announcements mixing with the chatter of travelers. Olivia stood outside, clutching her suitcase as the cold night air bit at her skin. Her heart was pounding. She checked her phone for the umpteenth time, confirming her cabโs arrival time. The minutes dragged. Every second felt like an eternity as her mind raced with thoughts of the past few weeksโof the humiliation, the pain, the suffocating obsession that had clung to her life. She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. This was her chance to leave it all behind, to start over. The headlights of the cab finally pierced through the darkness. The driver rolled down his window, asking, โMs. Brooks?โ She nodded and climbed in, her suitcase placed neatly in the trunk. The driver adjusted the rearview mirror, giving her a quick look of reassurance, but Olivia remained silent, staring blankly at the passing streetlights. Her phone buzzed in her lap. She hesitated before flipping
Sebastianโs grip on Olivia tightened as she struggled against him, her body stiffening in his arms. Her breath came in shallow, panicked gasps as she instinctively pushed at his chest. She was disoriented, the weight of the world pressing down on her as she tried to make sense of what was happening. โNoโฆ please,โ Olivia murmured weakly, her voice trembling. She wanted to fight, to break free, but the disorientation from fainting, combined with the heaviness in her chest, left her powerless. Her limbs felt like lead as she hung there in his arms, her head lolling to the side as she tried to gather enough strength to resist. Sebastian didnโt respond, his expression unreadable. His hands cradled her with a gentleness that contrasted with the force he used to hold her close. His eyes lingered on her face, tracing the lines of her features as if committing every detail to memory. His movements were deliberate, steadyโalmost tender, but there was an unmistakable hunger in the way he held
Olivia sat on the edge of the sofa, her posture tense, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The dim lighting of Sebastianโs spacious study cast long shadows across the room, amplifying the unease that hung in the air. She gazed at him, her brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. The weight of unanswered questions had grown too heavy to bear. โIโve had enough,โ she said, her voice sharp but trembling. โEnough of your cryptic words, your vague gestures, and your riddles. If youโve got something to say, Sebastian, then just say it. Get straight to the point.โ Sebastian stood by the large window, his silhouette framed against the backdrop of the dark, sprawling cityscape. His shoulders stiffened at her words, and for a moment, he didnโt turn to face her. Instead, he gazed out into the night, his hands clasped behind his back, as though drawing strength from the world beyond the glass. Finally, he sighedโa long, slow exhale that seemed to carry a burden he had been holding
Olivia stepped back instinctively, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and disbelief. She clenched her hands tightly at her sides, her breathing shallow. โYou donโt own me,โ she said, her voice trembling but defiant. Sebastianโs expression darkened, his intense gaze pinning her in place. The air seemed to grow heavier as he took a deliberate step closer, the space between them shrinking. His presence was overpowering, the quiet menace in his demeanor sending a shiver down her spine. โYou donโt understand, little bird,โ he said, his voice low and dangerous. He leaned in slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. โYou donโt have any choice. You were mine the moment I saw you.โ Olivia felt the walls close in around her, the room suffocating with his words. โYouโre insane,โ she whispered, her voice cracking as she stumbled back. Sebastian tilted his head, a ghost of a smirk curling his lips. โCall it what you will,โ he said, his tone eerily calm, โbut it wonโt change anything.โ His
The morning light seeped through the grand, floor-to-ceiling windows of Sebastianโs mansion, bathing Oliviaโs room in a muted glow. She stirred awake, her mind clouded by the chaos of recent events. Her heart felt heavy as the memories came rushing backโSebastianโs dark declaration of possession, the way his intense gaze seemed to pin her down, and the realization that she was no longer free. Olivia sat up in bed, her fingers gripping the silk sheets. Her reflection in the ornate mirror across the room caught her attention. She looked pale, her eyes carrying the weight of sleepless nights. She let out a shaky breath, pushing herself to stand. Moving to the window, she pulled back the delicate lace curtains. The mansionโs sprawling gardens stretched before her, meticulously landscaped with precision. But what caught her attention were the men stationed at various points. Dressed in black suits, they blended into the shadows, yet their presence was unmistakable. Each was armed, th
The grand dining room is bathed in soft morning light streaming through tall windows. Olivia hesitates at the entrance, her gaze sweeping over the opulent setup. A long table stretches across the room, covered in a white tablecloth and adorned with an array of dishes. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and brewed coffee fills the air. At the head of the table, Sebastian sits casually, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Heโs sipping from a porcelain coffee cup, his eyes flickering toward Olivia as she steps in. โGood morning, little bird,โ he says softly, a hint of amusement in his tone. Olivia freezes at the nickname, her stomach twisting uneasily. Despite her apprehension, she forces herself to walk forward. We just wished each other,โ she snaps then sit, her voice guarded. Sebastian gestures to a chair near him. โCome, sit. Breakfast is ready.โ Olivia glances at the table, her eyes widening in shock. Every dish in front of her is something she lov
Olivia sat in the sunlit room, her eyes fixed on the sprawling garden outside. The morning had passed in a blur, and the weight of the past days settled heavily on her chest. She was trapped, her escape plans thwarted by the suffocating security Sebastian had surrounded her with. A soft knock broke her reverie. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, revealing a team of women holding makeup kits, brushes, and garment bags. One of them, a tall woman with strikingly sharp features, stepped forward with a professional smile. "Miss Olivia, Mr. Sebastian has sent us to prepare you," she announced in a measured tone. Oliviaโs brows knitted in confusion. "Prepare me? For what?" The woman didnโt respond directly, her smile remaining fixed. Instead, she gestured for the team to enter. One by one, they filed in, setting up their tools like a battalion readying for battle. "I didnโt ask for this," Olivia said, her voice sharper now. She stood, a sense of unease coursing through he
The hall was resplendent, decorated in hues of gold and ivory, with hundreds of candles casting a warm glow over the ornate floral arrangements. Guests mingled, their chatter and laughter blending with the soft strains of a string quartet playing in the corner. Olivia stood at the far end of the room, dressed in an elegant white gown that shimmered faintly under the light. The intricate lace detailing hugged her frame delicately, and the veil pinned in her hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back. Her heart pounded, but not from the occasion. She glanced at the man beside her. Sebastian was immaculate in his tailored suit, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His hand rested lightly on her waist, a gesture that made her both uneasy and tethered. As the evening unfolded, Sebastian guided her through the crowd, introducing her to important faces she didnโt know, smiling and conversing with calculated ease. Oliviaโs focus wavered as she tried to keep her
In the far corner of the dimly lit room, partially obscured by a tall, cluttered shelf, sat a girl who seemed to exist within her own serene world. Her posture was unnervingly still, reminiscent of a statue carved from exquisite marble, yet there was an unmistakable aura of quiet intensity that surrounded her. She wore a form-fitting white bodycon dress that hugged her silhouette with delicate elegance, the pristine fabric untouched by the dust and grime of her gritty surroundings. Her hair tumbled down in soft, cascading waves, the strands catching the faint glimmers of light that managed to pierce the room's shadowsโeach one shimmering like spun silk.She appeared completely absorbed in her own thoughts, oblivious to the presence of others around her. With her head slightly tilted downward, her gaze remained fixed on the worn wooden floor, as if it held secrets only she could decipher.Not far away, hidden in the embrace of the roomโs partial darkness, stood Salvatore. He felt his b
The bass thumped relentlessly through the walls of the dimly lit hall, its reverberations creating a pulsating heartbeat that matched the frenetic energy of the scene. Colored lights danced and flickered across the enthusiastic crowd of students, whose laughter mingled with the beats of the music as they swayed, twirled, and captured moments in selfies. The Fresherโs party was in full swingโa vibrant whirlwind that welcomed the new batch of students into the exhilarating world of campus life. Salvatore and Ethan stepped through the entrance, momentarily pausing to absorb the electric atmosphere. Salvatore exuded a confident air, his neatly styled hair and tailored outfit setting him apart from the casual crowds, while his amused smirk hinted at his eagerness to dive into the festivities. Beside him, Ethan adjusted his glasses, his eyes wide with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, clearly both enchanted and slightly overwhelmed by the chaotic interplay of music and conversation swir
It had been a week since college began, and the city buzzed with excitementโtonight was finally the night of the Freshers' Party, an event that promised to be a whirlwind of introductions and new friendships.Salvatore stood in front of the mirror, his heart racing as he carefully adjusted the collar of his navy-blue shirt. The fabric felt crisp against his skin, and the faint scent of his cologneโa fresh blend of citrus and cedarโlingered in the air, filling him with a sense of confidence. As he gave himself one final look, he ran his fingers through his hair, ensuring every strand was in place.From the kitchen, the soft clattering of pots and pans accompanied Oliviaโs warm, encouraging voice as she reminded him not to forget his wallet. Her tone was nurturing, a blend of motherly concern and excitement for the night ahead. โYouโve got your wallet, right?โ she called out playfully.โIโve got it!โ Salvatore replied, his voice eager. He grabbed the wallet from the desk, feeling its fa
The next day at school, Salvatore strolled through the bustling hallways with his usual calm demeanor, the noise of excited chatter filling the air alongside the faint, lingering aroma of cafeteria coffee. He scanned the crowd and soon spotted his friendsโEthan, Liam, and a few othersโgathered near their lockers. They were animatedly discussing the upcoming Freshers party, their voices rising and falling in enthusiasm.โDude, itโs next week!โ Ethan exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels, his eyes alight with anticipation. โThe theme's gonna be epic! Just picture us strutting around in bell bottoms and flashy shirts!โโOr picture you embarrassing yourself on the dance floor again,โ Liam retorted with a playful grin, the banter sparking laughter among the group.Salvatore chuckled softly at their banter as he approached them, feeling a sense of belonging. But the moment was interrupted by an unexpected sensation that made him pause.Across the hallway, near the staircase, Isabella
The dining table was set as it always was, exuding warmth with steaming dishes, gleaming cutlery, and the gentle flicker of candlelight casting playful shadows on the walls. Yet, there was an unshakeable sense that something was amiss.Salvatore occupied his usual spot at the table, but his demeanor was noticeably offโhis back rigid, and his gaze far away, as if he were peering through the window into another world. His fork moved listlessly across his plate, tracing circles rather than delivering food to his mouth.Sebastian, seated beside him, sliced into his meat with deliberate precision, studying Salvatore in silence. Across from them, Olivia offered a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting both warmth and concern.โLong day?โ she ventured, trying to keep her tone light and conversational, but the tremor of worry underlined her words.Salvatore blinked, coming back to the present as if surfacing from a deep sea of thought. โYeah. Just tired,โ he replied, his voice a little too monoton
The class had commenced, but Salvatore's mind remained adrift. He sat at his desk, elbow propped up, his eyes half-focused on the front of the room, where the professorโs voice melded into a monotonous hum that played in the background, drowning out any sense of engagement. His thoughts clung to a moment that had unfolded just beforeโthe moment she walked in. Isabella. She hadnโt made a grand entrance; there were no dramatic flourishes, no shaky nerves or bright smiles typically found among freshers. Instead, she had entered with an almost ethereal calmness, her posture poised and unyielding, her expression an unreadable mask that intrigued him. His friends were quick to notice her, as they always were in this first week of university life when the thrill of ragging was in full swing. They peppered the newcomers with questions designed to elicit embarrassment, but it was clear they were merely testing the waters, nothing vicious or malicious. Then, it was her turn. Just her voi
The laughter around the bench intensified, a vibrant mix of stories and ideas flowing among the boys, each tale more outrageous than the last. Their excitement seemed to sizzle in the air, building palpable energy with every second. Meanwhile, Salvatore leaned back, stretching his legs out and letting his gaze drift skyward, where fluffy clouds lazily meandered across the blue expanse.Ethan nudged him playfully. โSo? You in or what?โSalvatore popped his gum, the sound sharp against the growing chatter, and replied with a casual flip of indifference, "If you guys want to, then fine. Do what you want."That reluctant permission was all they needed. With a wild cheer that echoed off the walls, the boys sprang up like wolves released from a cage, rubbing their palms together in eager anticipation as they made their way toward the row of benches near the auditoriumโwhere freshers nervously gathered, unsure of their new surroundings and awaiting the assignment of their orientation groups.
The morning sun poured over the sprawling school grounds, casting a warm, golden light that danced across the cobbled courtyard. Students buzzed around in animated clustersโsome engaged in lively conversations, others rushing to their classes, while a select few lingered in anticipation, awaiting the arrival of one person: Salvatore. Then, as if on cue, the heavy gates creaked open. Salvatore stepped inside, exuding a natural charisma that turned heads effortlessly. He stood tall, with dark hair slightly tousled by the breeze, lending him an air of casual sophistication. His crisp white shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing strong, muscular forearms that could make half the schoolโs population momentarily forget how to breathe. The school blazer hung carelessly over one shoulder, and a leather strap from his backpack was slung over the other, accentuating his relaxed demeanor. Instantly, a chorus of gasps erupted from the surrounding students. โHeโs here!โ one girl exclaim
Salvatore Massimo was eighteen, yet he bore the weight of a man living a life much longer than his own. He was not the type to draw attention to himself; instead, there was an intense depth in his eyes that suggested he comprehended everything around him while holding onto every detail tightly. In the school's bustling corridors, he maintained a measured distance, embodying a kind of coolness that seemed effortlessโan air of untouchable confidence that set him apart. Yet, within the tight circle of friends he chose to engage with, a different Salvatore emerged. He would share laughter, deliver witty quips, and wear a smirk that hinted at secrets he was unwilling to disclose. Beneath this facade, however, lay a palpable tension, as if he carefully curated parts of himself, denying even his closest friends access to the totality of who he was.Salvatore's childhood was steeped in a paradoxโa home that thrived in silence, echoing the storms of conflict and passion that had long since sub