Pearl's POVThe problem all started with the arrival of a friend from the past. I was in my office when I got a call from reception, informing me about a visitor from Anderson Limited. It wasn’t the first time we would be receiving someone from that company that apparently belongs to Lucas’ dad, so, I told them to direct him upstairs to my office.I got ready to receive this visitor in the best way that I could. I noticed Charlotte’s absence and that made all sorts of dirty thoughts come to my head. She was probably together with Lucas, the same person who claims I belong to him but the irony is he belongs to nobody, right? I rolled my eyes as I recollected his words.I sat down, awaiting the arrival of the visitor and hoping I’m able to do my best in the absence of Voldemort and his sex buddy. The door opened and I stretched my neck, trying to get a full look at the person. I squinted my eyes as he came into my line of vision, a huge grin appeared on his face as soon as he saw me.Th

PEARL'S POV“Are you planning on sneaking out of me when I’m in there?”“What?”Immediately after Lucas was done taking the soup, I suggested he had a bath to feel relaxed. He first cocked his eyebrow before he spoke.He moved closer, tucked some hair to the back of my ear, and leaned in, his lips grazed the skin of my ear and I swear that I felt cold immediately. “Don’t even think about it because you wouldn’t make it down the elevator before your ass gets dragged back into here,” I swallowed hard and stared at him. He smirked, the corners of his lips lifting lightly before he walked out of the room. Seconds after he left, I was rooted at the spot. If I had said no earlier, to his request of staying with him, what would’ve been the outcome? As he was taking a shower. I took a look around the room and decided to tidy the bed. I really didn’t have anything to do other than let Aurora know that I won’t be going home tonight. I heard the door opening behind me but I didn’t bother to t

PEARL'S POVThe air was still misty when I got to the empty large field that spreads out over the mountain that surrounds the city. It is mostly used once in a year when tourists come over for picnics and whatever. But in times like this, close to the end of the year, it's usually quiet.I walked over the green grasses, stepping on them gently with my boots as I stretched my neck, waiting for Lucas. Beads of sweat laced my forehead but they were not a result of any weather. They were evidence that I had walked straight from my house to the mountain. I had, out of anger, forgotten my credit card at home. Although Lucas told me to wait, I didn’t wait behind, I couldn’t risk my parents coming out of the house to meet me outside our neighbor’s home. I texted Lucas the address of my destination. "If only you had put aside your pride and waited for me." I jumped with a start and looked around only to see Lucas casually leaning against an orange tree. It was hard not to recognize him with

PEARL'S POVI looked up at the ceiling, thinking of what had happened the day before. What I'd done after what Lucas said.The truth is, I yelled at him not because I didn't trust him. I acted out of all the pain I'd welled up inside me and anger against him for leaving without a single word. He didn’t say a word until I got down from the car."Aren't you going to work today?" Aurora's drawling voice called and I fought back the lone tear that threatened to stream down my cheek."I'll leave soon," I answered, standing up with a deep sigh. "You don't sound too good. Are you okay?" Far from okay. But when she mentioned that Mom asked to see me before going to work, I was miles and miles from okay. As the warm water patted my silk hair, massaging my skin as well, I thought of what the summary of my life actually is. A working-class lady, aka being a slave to a dominant boss, who is striving hard to be free from her employer and her parents. "Mom needs to go for her weekly yoga class

PEARL'S POVThe sun was beginning to set but I didn't see any sign of Lucas. Has he forgotten he asked me to wait here? I picked my phone out of my back pocket, mentally hoping that Aurora is able to knock out my parent's inquisition about my whereabouts by saying I will be studying late at the library. My usual lie! It works every damn time.His phone rang once and then twice but he didn't pick up. I tried several times more but he didn't pick. I dropped my hands in disappointment, feeling defeated in the end. I'd have to go home. Looks like disappointing people has now become his attitude. But a part of me urged me to think about his words recently and the little I've learned about his personal life.First, when he tried consoling me, he spoke like someone who understood my predicament and has passed through that stage himself. And then he spoke of danger and safety. Coupled with what Jeenie or Jaimie had said about being a crybaby and only putting up an act in school.Is he really