Semua Bab One Obsession --Two Redemption : Bab 11 - Bab 20

CRYSTAL POV I didn't do anything to deserve this treatment. I'd always thought my art was an escape route to love but this shows that it isn't—the love and praise people gave towards my art was conditional.I was waiting for the impact of the things thrown in my direction but I didn't feel anything hit me. I looked up to the tall person who was shielding me.“It's okay. Just ignore them,” he said, looking into my eyes,I bowed my head quickly, letting my hairs fall forward to mask the tears welling in my eyes. Somehow,I suddenly felt like running away from the crowd and going home to cry myself to bed and lock up like I always did.We finally entered the courthouse and sat at the reception. Tears clouded my eyes, not making me see the person who saved me from the mob earlier clearly. I dabbed my teary eyes with the handkerchief given to me and clearly saw that my saviour was the CEO of RawHaus Art company, Jaden Zenor.My eyes widened immediately, “Mr Zenor, what are you doing here?”

CRYSTAL My fear is not the work. I feared what came with being seen. With being in the spotlight.This fear has made me lose trust in something like this. All I want is to do art low-key without platforms that would turn against me over a lie– like they had done last time over something I hadn't done.What if it happened again? What if one mistake, misunderstood comment,or a painting taken the wrong way made them come for me all over again?I felt chill accompanied with fear. The idea of working with RawHaus, Jaden Zenor’s Company, felt like standing at the edge of the cliff, knowing how easy it was to fall.That's when Ella's words echoed in my mind:“You don't have to be like them to belong. Maybe you are here to help change,shift things instead,”What if being seen wasn't a risk but a way I can gain grounds? I let out a slow breath. Maybe I should let go of my fears and be brave instead. And maybe,for the first time,I can be seen– on my own terms.Maybe … she was right. I had let

CHAPTER 15CRYSTAL I think I didn't hear him well, “Where and who is holding a housewarming party?” I asked, praying that I might have heard wrong.“You are hosting us to come celebrate with you in your new apartment,” Drake said, flashing his sultry smile.My brows furrowed, “Is that necessary?” I asked, trying to dissuade them but their response won't change.Everything in me wanted to scream no but how could I say that to both of them without sounding rude.Drake chuckled, “Sounds like we have a plan. Can't wait to see where you live.”Really? I knew I had messed up. My mind was in a jumbled mess as I was thinking about it. The contract was signed and excused myself from the office and went down to my studio. I pulled out my phone and dialed Ella's number. She picked on the second ring. “Hey babe,how is the work going?” She asked. I can imagine her smiling now.“ Bad…I'm good,” I said, nervously.“Breath in and out and tell me. What's wrong?” Ella's calm voice boomed from the ot

CRYSTAL A cold shiver ran down my spine as I read the message. I was so foolish to think that the stalker had given up on stalking me.It was an unknown number. The stalker has always used multiple numbers to reach me which is why I couldn't get them traced. No matter how badly I craved caffeine right now, I'd still skip it.I disposed of the cup of coffee and returned back to work. The day blurred with more work, searching for the befitting theme for the project.I raised my head from the work I have been on for hours. Pain shot through my neck due to excessive straining.I stood up to stretch my tired body when I saw a bunch of lavender flowers.‘Who could have brought this here?’ This was the second time stuff is being delivered to me in a day without me knowing who's behind it.My racing heart calmed as the scent hit my nostrils —fresh, floral and slightly sweet scent with herbal and woody undertone. Lavender.A small smile played on my lips as I admired the delicate spike of pu

CRYSTAL POV All that was on my mind was Jaden showing up. I imagine him entering my apartment with his charming aura, looking so handsome as ever. Even with him not here yet, I felt nervous, if only he knew the effect he has on me. It was Jack. My heart sank because he wasn't the one I had expected to see. Jack noticed my sunken expression and heard me by the hands as if I would send him out of my apartment if he didn't apologize to me. “I know you are still pissed at me. I'm sorry, Okay,”he said, remorsefully. “ I'm okay and I'm not pissed at you,” I said, matching his eyes— trying to cover the glooming facade around me. He brought out a bag filled with gifts, “ You didn't have to—” I said,my hands over my mouth in surprise. “Anything for you,” he said,his tone husky enough to turn a woman's head but it didn't work for me. I only see him as a friend,nothing else. I gave him a broad smile, “Thank you,” In the kitchen, Ella moved like a seasoned chef in her domain. Th