“Barlough?” Jamie asked in surprise. “Is that where you’re from?”  “Why do you sound so surprised?”  “Because I’ve known that place my entire life.” He said, “I have quite a lot of friends there. I never expected that you would be from there too.”  “Then perhaps you’ll know my parents too?” Emma mused, “George and Isabella Payton?”  “Doesn’t ring a bell,” he added quickly. He already knew of her parents and had done a thorough research about their origin. They have lived there their entire lives and were barely involved in any conflicts in town. They were the few humans who did

He felt his blood boil as he gripped the steering wheel. Pressing on the accelerator, Jamie let the speed calm his nerves. Emma’s recent phone call was still playing in his head and as he reminisced her words, he felt as though his blood boiled. Consumed by anger, he found a desperation to destroy something, watch it crumble in front of his eyes just so he could find an outlet. However, he struggled to place an object that he could direct all his frustration to. When he came to the bottom of it, he realized that only found himself to be responsible for everything. How could he let himself be so gullible? He should’ve seen this coming. Out of desperation to meet Ben and find out important information, he overlooked the fact that it was precisely this that Ben was aiming for and he merely fell prey to it. At the very least, he should’ve asked for Tom to accompany Emma to the restaurant, or asked Elena to come home instead. Letting her go alone was out of the question all these days for

“What was that phone call you had to make last night?” Emma asked as she looked ahead into the sky. The sun was fast approaching the horizon and within a few minutes time, it would completely disappear from the sky, leaving behind traces of its presence. Jamie glanced at her with wonder, surprised by her sudden question. She has been eerily quiet the entire day, remaining inside her room for most part. In fact, she seemed so aloof that when he offered to take her up to the terrace, he was sure she would decline. Surprisingly enough, she agreed, but he didn’t count on her speaking to him at all. “It was my father,” Jamie said, earning a curious glance from her. “Oh?”“Yeah.” “Does he have a hand in this?” A chortle left his mouth, “No, he has far better things to take care of than help someone with their personal vendetta.” “Thank god.” “Anyway, I called him to find out what he knew about your uncle. I told him he wanted to meet me yet stood me up.” “Is your father going to be

As she got off the bus at Leanor street, Barlough, Emma felt as though she traveled back in time to her childhood. Despite the many new constructions and changes in the layout, the city of Barlough retained its originality and aura, making her feel like she had never left the place. It was the same bus stop that Emma stood at for years as a child, waiting to go to school. It was the same place where her father would drop her off before he set off for his day, and where her mother would pick her up at the end of hers. As she looked back, she realized that she only had fond memories of this place. Only the end for them was bitter. Tipping the conductor, Jamie came to stand behind her, entwining his fingers with hers. As she felt his familiar touch, she gave him a quick smile. “This way?” She asked. Nodding, he stepped ahead to lead the way. Jamie had already booked a hotel room for their stay here, and he made sure it was in the familiar part of the city for Emma. She couldn’t be mo

Much to her dismay, when Emma’s eyes fluttered open after a well rested nap, she found the spot beside her empty. She felt a disappointment instantly fill her chest as her eyes found no trace of Jamie inside the room, nor could she hear his presence in the bathroom. When she got up to look for him on the balcony, she found a small note on the desk by the side of the bed. ‘I’ll be back by 8. Order food in if you’re hungry but don’t step out. Call me if you need anything.’ Emma rolled her eyes at his message which reminded her of her middle school principal’s notice. Direct, demanding with zero sense of politeness. That was Jamie in a nutshell. How was she going to survive the next two hours locked inside the bedroom? She could attempt to sneak out, but Emma