All Chapters of Holding you close: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

CHAPTER ELEVENIAN'S POV Why is this crazy, unhinged bitch calling me again? I was certain I blocked her number. How the hell did she manage to get through?“I thought you were dead,” I bite out the second I press the phone to my ear, shutting her down before her usual tearful routine and guilt trips can even start to work on me.Through the receiver, I can hear her sniffling, her messy whimpers filling the quiet air. She walked away from me when I needed her most, leaving me in the dust—so why on earth is she resurfacing now?I need to put an end to this once and for all. Turning back, I look at Cal. He hesitates, his eyes wide with concern, but the sharp, rigid look on my face tells him everything he needs to know. He obliges, stepping back with a soft, silent nod that reminds me not to keep him waiting long.I walk slowly out onto the balcony, the night breeze sweeping across my face. What a contrast. Everything outside is calm, tranquil, and bathed in the quiet luxury of the est

CHAPTER THIRTEEN CALLUM'S POV Everything had been smooth. We ate in a comfortable, easy silence until Ian’s phone buzzed upstairs again.Who’s calling him this time? I prayed it wasn't Cora.I’d overheard enough of their earlier conversation to know she was his ex—the one who’d broken his heart. I needed a proper explanation, but I was doing everything in my power to stay calm. Just thinking about it yesterday had infuriated me so much I’d completely drained myself. I had to hide the jealousy gnawing at me. Just when I thought I was finding my footing again, this had to happen."Cal, give me a few minutes. I'm going to check the caller ID upstairs and be right back, okay?" Ian said, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze before turning toward the stairs."No stress, wait here while I connect the call," I told him.He halted the moment he heard me speak, pausing to listen to what I had to say. Satisfied, I tapped the smart-home console beside me. "Elena, connect me to the phone ringin

CHAPTER FIFTEEN IAN'S POV BellaWhat's she doing here anyways? I was so shocked to see her, like that cheap slut that saved me in the lounge. What is she doing here and why is she causing a commotion?I was trying to stay out of the spotlight, trying to keep my head down and play it cool, but the second her voice echoed across the room, all eyes shifted. She was standing right in the center of the floor, arms crossed, throwing accusations around like she owned the place. Every step she took just dragged more attention right to where I was standing, turning a quiet room into complete chaos. I couldn't tell if she was trying to protect me again or completely ruin me, but either way, she was making it impossible for me to slip away unnoticed. "Ian!""Class rep!""Scholar boy!"My name flew through the air as every single pair of eyes in the hall shifted away from Bella and locked straight onto me the second I stepped through the doors. The collective whispering swelled into a sudde

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN IAN'S POV "Come to Cloud Nine now."That was the exact message, but the sender was completely unknown. I quickly hurried to the elevator, jammed the button, and waited in tense silence until I reached the top floor.The doors slid open, and I met a young girl in her early twenties smiling brightly, but she suddenly stepped forward, obstructively blocking my path."Scholar boy," she whined, crossing her arms. "What's your business here?"I didn't answer. I just shoved the access card toward her, and her expression instantly shifted as she smiled again. Oh, I didn't realize I was popular even here with the board.Using the card in my hand, she scanned it against the panel, opening a hidden door before motioning for me to step through, slipping the card back into my palm as I passed.I stare in pure bewilderment—this place is screaming wealth, affluence, and power. Everything is sleek glass, dark marble, and high-tech elegance.Still rattled from the chaotic confronta

CHAPTER NINETEEN CALLUM'S POV I woke up in the afternoon feeling light and having a slight headache. I saw him beside me with bruised lips. I touched them slightly.What did I do back then to make him end up with bruised lips? I must have ridden him crazily."Callum, you need to control your temper when you're angry," I whispered to the quiet room, looking down at his sleeping face.The automated screen brightened up, and a notification popped in with a short message: Time for PE class, you don't want to miss it.Below it, the system added an unwarranted piece of advice: A moment to unwind the alcohol-fueled state you are in and get your head straight. Probably good to feel the presence of water, considering how long you slept."Thanks for the reminder. Just shut up, I know!" I yelled at the AI as I rushed to the bathroom, quickly washing my face with freezing water to clear the lingering haze.The cold splash helped, but as I pulled on my PE clothes, my head still throbbed in sync