Semua Bab FATED to SIN, BOUND by TIME: Bab 1 - Bab 5

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