I entered the massive room which was adorned with plush carpets, an enormous chandelier suspended right from the centre of the ceiling and luxurious sofa sets. Zen was already present there chatting and working his charm on various fashion designers. Shopping with Zen meant that in the palace itself, designers from all over the world displayed their designs in this huge room. Whether it was a new designer or an already successful one in the industry, it was a chance of luck. The dresses which I selected determined the designer's fate in the industry. Whichever dresses I accepted, it would boost the respective designer's career.I barely went shopping in stores to avoid the hassle of public attention. All that I needed was exhibited in the palace and I didn't even had to step out of the palace for anything except for fresh air.The place consisted of racks and racks of clothes of different fabric, shape, colour and design, all neatly arranged to skim through easily. There was separate

"Where's Emma?" I asked eagerly and the maid smiled."She's in the shed with Prince Charles," she said and left the room after bowing at me. I turned towards Anne, but she was still sleeping peacefully."Anne, my sister is here! Emma's back home!" I squealed excitedly and shook her sleeping figure, but she shoved me away."Mmm . . . Luke, go away," she mumbled in her sleep and I realized that she was really hurt by Luke. I thought of letting her sleep for some more time so I got up and slid a silky pink robe over my white tank top and skimpy shorts.I ran down the spiral stairs and straight out of the door before I bumped into someone. I looked up slowly and saw Noah who eyed me cautiously."What are you doing here early in the morning?" I asked in surprise and he scowled."That's none of your business," he muttered and my gaze followed his hand which was clutching a canvas board tightly. His pocket contained paint brushes of different sizes so he had been painting. I looked at him cu

I woke up in a jolt like my entire body had been electrocuted, gasping for breath. The room was so dark and I tried to get up, but my shoulder was aching. The curtains quickly drew open and harsh light fell on me. I rubbed my eyes roughly."Noah?" I murmured, but instead of him, I saw Zen's sandy blonde hair touching my forehead. He kissed me softly, but I froze. I pursued my lips into a thin line not allowing him to go any further. I didn't move my lips nor I had the energy to push him away. I never thought that Zen actually cared about me. I was rude to him from the past few months, but he simply ignored it and continued being his cheerful self. Only when I got shot did I notice that I really affected him, that he was indeed serious about me.Zen pulled away and a flicker of hurt passed through his face. I swallowed the lump formed in my throat and gently touched his jaw."Zen, I-I . . . listen, I don't lov--- " I stuttered, desperately searching for the right words. I was cut off w

Six months ago :"Emma, Wait!" I shouted as I ran behind my sister. Her long legs carried her swiftly and on the other hand, I struggled to match her speed.We ran towards the garden and both of us plopped down on the soft grass and sighed loudly. It was a bright evening and the sun was just setting. The birds were chirping and the entire palace was filled with our silly laughter.Today was my mum and dad's anniversary so they had already gone to the city's biggest hall where most celebrations took place. Most of the bodyguards and maids had accompanied them. The entire city was going to be present there. Emma and I were going to perform a dance, but our entry was much later. We were given time to rehearse in the palace itself and now that we had completed practising, we were just chasing each other and fooling around.I dug my hands deep into the mud and fixed a small plant which I had carried with me. Emma helped me to put some fertilizers."Emma, there's mud smudged on your cheeks,

I was sprawled on the bed, my pillow soaked with tears. I was so dehydrated and exhausted. Zen had helped me to cope up with my issues, but the moment he left and I was alone, I got those same dreaded thoughts back. Everything was my fault and I deserved to carry the entire burden on my shoulders.Countless maids tried to feed me, butI just couldn't swallow a morsel of food. My chest felt tight and I couldn't breathe properly. My eyes barely could open because of the puffiness and heaviness.There was a knock on the door and the next moment, the door flung open and in came my mum, unannounced. With great difficulty, I sat up on the bed, leaning against the wall. Mum strode briskly and sat on the chair erectly."Why are you here now?" I asked as mum never came up to me to ask or talk about my problems. The maids were sent instead of her. Dad was with Emma looking over her operation. I felt horrible for not being there for Emma. I didn't had the strength to face the challenges, but mos