All Chapters of All Shades of Passion: Chapter 191 - Chapter 200

Sheila POV. The security guards dragged my cousin off me before I could even process what had happened. One minute Zuki was sprawled beneath me on the airport floor, grinning like she hadn’t just robbed a seventy-something-year-old grandma in broad daylight; The next, two security officers had her by the arms, lifting her to her feet while she kicked her legs lazily like she was being carried to a spa appointment. “Watch the hair, babes,” she said airily as they hauled her away. “It’s freshly dyed.” I stared after her, rooted to the tile floor, clutching the old lady’s purse like it was a live grenade. This...this pink hurricane was my cousin? I blinked, unable to believe it. In the background, a Christmas Carol played softly, punctuating the moment: jingle bells... jingle bells... jingle all the way. I was dumbstruck, bells ringing in my head. When I finally forced my legs to move, the third security guard waiting, shuffling from foot to foot, took me straight to the

Sheila POVMy eyes slid over him with appreciation.Tall, warm brown eyes, light brown skin, dark curls cut neat, shoulders that filled out his T-shirt very nicely. He smelled like laundry detergent and something faintly citrusy. I've known Bobby since highschool, for over 8 years and I still got butterflies in my tummy whenever I saw him. His smile lit up when he saw me.“Sheila,” he said.“Hi,” I said, and my voice did that soft thing again. Traitor.He pulled me into a hug. His arms wrapped around my shoulders, his chest firm against me for a brief second. My lungs forgot how to work. My pulse did something stupid.I tried to hug him back like a normal friend and not like I wanted to melt into the floor.He pulled away with the same easy grin, then looked at Zuki. “You brought company.”“This is Zuki,” I said quickly. “My cousin. From London. Zuki, this is Bobby. My friend.”“Nice to meet you.” He gave her a polite smile.Zuki’s gaze flicked over him, slow and assessing. “Very ni

Sheila’s POVWe got home later than I planned. The drive from Bobby’s place had felt like forever, even though it was only twenty minutes. My head replayed the basement over and over. Zuki against the wall. Bobby’s hands on her. Their mouths. His eyes when he turned and saw me.We stepped inside the house, and I dropped my keys in the bowl by the door. Zuki kicked off her shoes in one smooth move and flopped into the couch like she owned the place.I just stood there.She turned her head and watched me. “You look like somebody ran you over with a bus, then reversed.”“Thanks,” I said dryly.“You're welcome.”Before I could say more, my phone rang. I looked at the screen.Mum.I swallowed and picked up. “Hi, Mum.”“Did you pick up Zuki? Is she with you?” My mother's voice filtered from the other end of the phone, stern and firm.I glanced at the couch. Zuki did a two finger salute in my direction.“Yes,” I said. “We just got back.”“Good,” she said. “Any issues? By now you must know w

Sheila’s POVTen minutes later, I stood in the living room, already regretting my life.Books balanced on my head, back straight, arms loose at my sides. Zuki sat on the couch with her phone, counting.“Go,” she said.I tried to walk across the room without dropping anything. After three steps, the top book slid and hit the floor.“Again,” she said, trying not to laugh.“You are enjoying this too much.”“Yes,” she said. “Again.”By the time I managed a full, somewhat smooth walk without books falling, my neck hurt and my pride was in pieces. But I had to admit, my steps did feel different. Less heavy. More… aware.“Good,” she said finally. “You are learning.”“Finally,” I sighed. “Can we stop torturing my spine now?”She picked up the books. “For today.”“What is next? How to breathe attractively?”She gave me a slow look. “We can work on that later. For now, makeup.”I groaned. “I knew it.”“Sit,” she said, patting the couch.I sat. She went to her bag and pulled out a small zip pouc

Sheila’s POVTwo days later, I stood in front of the mirror and tried not to panic.Zuki had picked my outfit. Simple black jeans that actually fit. A soft, pale top that showed my collarbones but not too much. My hair was down for once, brushed out and falling over my shoulders. Light makeup. Lip balm again, eyes slightly defined.I still looked like me. Just… edited.Zuki appeared behind me in the mirror and rested her chin on my shoulder.“You look good,” she said. “Like the main character who doesn’t know she’s the main character yet.”“I feel like a fraud,” I muttered.“Good,” she said. “All hot people feel like frauds at first. It means you care.”“That sounds fake.”“Everything is a little fake,” she said. “We’re just picking the fake that helps you.”She stepped back and grabbed her bag. “Let’s go. I’m hungry. And your training arc awaits.”We drove to a small café about fifteen minutes away. It had a glass front, warm lights, and a little bar area to the side. Not too crowded