The stranger swallowed and shifted on her foot, not answering my question. I’ve seen her before, though not in person. Her face was familiar. “Who are you?” I asked again.“Miss Valentine?” Her voice wavered, her eyes shifted with discomfort.“That’s me.”“My… I…” She stuttered, her hands fiddling with her coat.“Why don’t you sit first?” I suggested, and she nodded before moving to occupy the single couch beside the table. By now, my friends had filled out the living area with puzzled looks.“I’m Madison. Madison Brooks.”That name rang a bell. “Wait, Madison as in the girl who caught photographed with Pierce.”“Y-yes.” Her uneasiness grew while I wondered what she wanted to do with me.“Why are you here?” Noah asked and came to sit beside me. The living room was soon occupied with m

~Riley The back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working. What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father. All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father. I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector. That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk. What hurt me

"Why are you looking at me like this?" Riley asked with a suspicious look.I bit my lip, averting my gaze. How am I going to ask him?“There is something we need to ask you?” Noah drawled as I cast an uneasy look at him. He pulled out his phone as my frown deepened. I watched as his fingers typed away on the keypad. “Here,” Noah slid the phone to Riley. “Have you seen this man before?”My posture relaxed and stiffened simultaneously at this question. Relaxed because we wouldn’t offend Riley if he isn’t Hector’s son. Stiffened wondering what if Riley is, in fact, the illegitimate son of Hector?"Yeah, that's Uncle Hector. Mom's friend," Riley said, returning the phone. "Why do you ask?" His eyes swept through everyone in the room before locking with Noah’s.Our eyes were glued to his face, unable to believe that we had the heir among us all this time. That explained why his mother wasn't affected when Irwin targeted my friends. Hector must've done something.Noah asked for my phone an

"Trixie! Are you ready, girl?"A bark came as a reply from the living room, drawing a chuckle from me."Grandma, I am going to Alec's place. I'll message mom on the way.""Sure, honey. Will you be back for dinner?""I'm not sure, grandma. I'll call you, okay?""All right, my dear. You take care now.""I will. Don't forget your medicines.""I won't."I kissed her cheek before leaving the warm comfort of her home. She followed. "Where's grandpa?""Oh, it's Saturday. He went to meet his old buddies in the diner.""That's great. See you later, grandma.""Bye, sweetie."I hopped in mom's car and tightened the seatbelt around Trixie. Mom gave me her car since Nolan mostly dropped her at the office. I expected her to move in with him as soon as the divorce was finalized.I picked Tracy and Sana from the B2 bus station before continuing onwards. The drive towards Alec's home took thirty minutes through the traffic. The guys stayed over last night."Where's Jen? I thought she'd be with you guy

The morning was warm and pleasant as usual. A thrill coursed through my veins when I thought about my wedding with Noah. We hardly had two days left. We haven’t met mostly due to his practice, and we also kept Riley’s warning in mind. Our nights were usually spent talking, sexting and what not’s. A smile tugged at my lips when I thought about Noah’s sensual messages. We won’t meet until the very moment of the wedding itself. Something about the bad omen. Though we would travel in the same jet, I wondered how our friends would keep us apart. A knock distracted me and my frown deepened wondering who would come at this time of the day. It was still early–9:30 in the morning. Mom has left for work while Grandpa and Grandma has already left for Hawaii with Noah’s sisters and parents to supervise the wedding arrangements.My frown turned into a scowl when I came face to face with Irwin. “What are you doing here?” My voice came colder than I intended it to be.“I just wanted to talk,” he r