All Chapters of FATED to SIN, BOUND by TIME: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Arielle's POVIt was already 8 PM and dark outside; I could see that through the open window and drawn curtains.The air in the small, modest living room crackled with anticipation as I sat beside my older sister, Soraya, who looked very serious.My heart was beating rapidly, and I had a lot of questions going through my mind. Our mother, Evelyn, had called a family meeting—something she never did unless it was very serious.To say I was nervous was an understatement; I felt scared because the last time she had called such a meeting was when Dad was in the ICU.Unlike the last time when I had to rush to the hospital with my sister dressed in pajamas, this time I had dressed in my casual clothes while my sister wore her favorite dress. It was stupid of us, but we were thinking ahead, and perhaps the same thing, and I felt like we were more than prepared this time."I'm glad you are both here," she said softly, then cleared her throat. She stood behind the dining room's table, tall and

Arielle's POV"Better," I said to myself as I looked in the mirror.After breakfast and taking a bath, I felt refreshed, and since classes were starting later, I had an hour or so to myself."What to do?" I whispered as I turned and looked at my bed.Instantly, I smirked and rushed to grab my phone, which was there.There was no better way to entertain oneself without the internet; at least that's how it was for me.As soon as I unlocked it, I frowned deeply. My phone battery was flat, and that was all thanks to Evelyn.She could afford a phone charger, yet she refused to buy one and always kept mine prisoner in her study.It was no big deal most of the time, but at times it was a little unbearable.I sighed heavily and slowly walked out of my room to go to her study. Once I reached the door, I wrapped my hand around the doorknob and pushed it open.Instantly, I held my breath. Cassian stood by the window with a phone to his ear. He wasn’t wearing a shirt anymore. He wore a black tank

Arielle’s POVI lay on my bed, tangled in sheets that I couldn't bring myself to fix. My mind was restless, and my heart beat louder than ever.Cassian.That name had become a curse for me.Every time I blinked, it was him I saw. The way he moved and smirked whenever things went his way. The way his dark, tousled hair shifted whenever he made a move. The low chuckle and rumble of his voice.And God! Those tattoos I was never meant to notice.I rolled over, pressing a pillow to my chest with a heavy sigh.Why the hell was I thinking about that jerk?He was definitely going overboard with his words and deliberately trying to get a reaction from me to make himself laugh.Wait, he wasn't just any jerk; he was my stepfather, and that thought alone made me feel terrible.I was beginning to hate myself for noticing him in a different way and for beginning to feel like this.I was trying so hard, but I couldn't help but remember the way his eyes had lingered on me too long when I asked him th

Cassian’s POVWhat the hell was happening to me? This was the first time that I couldn't fall asleep the whole night, no matter what. Not even for just a few minutes."Fuck," I muttered as I moved and sat at the edge of the bed, shirtless, my suit pants half-zipped.Across the room, Evelyn slept soundly—unaware of the storm I was choking down.Arielle. She saw me.I hadn’t meant for it to happen. God, I hadn’t even planned on touching myself—not in this house, not under this roof, not after all the promises I made to myself. But then, when I walked into the bathroom, which was filled with Evelyn's scent, I couldn't help but imagine what Arielle's scent would smell like. It was obviously a sweet, subtle scent that would cling to the air. That stupid vanilla scent that she always had on was all I could think of in that moment. That vanilla scent always lingered like temptation in every hallway whenever she passed or walked in.And her voice… her laugh… her bare legs as she passed by

Arielle’s POVThe car rolled to a gentle stop in a quiet part of town, surrounded by tall trees and a cozy, open-air café.I blinked, then looked at him in surprise.“Cassian, this isn’t home,” I murmured.“No,” he answered, then glanced at me.“It’s definitely a café,” he said as he got out.I frowned deeply, then sighed heavily.Why were we even here? Was he meeting someone else?Those thoughts troubled me, but I couldn't even bring myself to ask. All I could do was watch as he walked around to my side and opened the door for me."Thanks," I whispered as I stepped out, a little hesitant, trying my best to calm my pounding heart."You are welcome, princess," he responded and then went on to close the door.I stood frozen in place, looking at him in disbelief."What...?" I whispered."Is there a problem?" he asked, with a brow raised."No. I just thought I heard something," I answered and then chuckled nervously.It was obvious I was hearing things too. Perhaps it was because of the a