Behind The Seams Novels & Stories

Sideways, as though crossing a doorway required keeping one part of herself turned toward escape until the room proved, inch by inch, that it would not close behind her differently than promised. The back door opened to Omar first, then the woman from the transport board, then finally the child. M.M. stepped inside without stepping fully inside, her left shoulder still angled toward the dark drive beyond. One small duffel hung from her hand. The other hand remained pressed against the tied strip of cloth at her wrist, checking it every few seconds as though the knot itself might disappear if she stopped paying attention.

They didn't share any sisterly bond. "Hey! I'm speaking to you. I hate to be ignored — you know this, right?" Rashida hurled. Her distasteful behavior hadn't just begun, but each barb felt like a fresh wound reopening. Each day brought a new, flabbergasting episode, leaving Zynah bewildered. Her sister was a master of disguise, a chameleon shifting colors depending on the audience. In front of their parents, Rashida would transform into the picture perfect sibling, showering Zynah with fake concern and smiles. But the moment they were alone, her mask would fall off.

I was to pretend this affair didn't exist and do nothing to stop them. Something wrapped its arm around my throat. I tore the contract into shreds. Nathaniel had kept the affair a secret for five whole years. That was something I didn't see coming. … It happened one night when I came home—three months had passed since our wedding. The first thing that greeted my eyes was a house turned upside-down. I saw torn clothes, undergarments, and questionable stains all over the ground. I walked into my bedroom. That was where I found Nathaniel in bed, naked with another woman. The scene hit me like a sledgehammer.

Grace spread her arms defensively. “Yes. She's not." Amaya spoke up too. I just stood behind them with a rigid heart. It was as if the cigar had wiped away my fear hormone. “Let me just follow her. I'll be back girls." I said with less concern, my voice deeper than usual. Grace turned to me, worries written all over her face.

Impossible! The dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, yet with an undeniable hint of allure. Crafted from the finest silk, it flowed like liquid midnight, shimmering softly under the light. The front was a vision of simplicity, with a high neckline and fitted bodice that accentuated her slender figure. But it was the back that truly took her breath away. The fabric dipped daringly low, exposing her back almost entirely, save for a delicate pattern of lace that crisscrossed in intricate, diamond-like designs. The lace was adorned with tiny, sparkling gemstones that caught the light with every movement, making her look like a star-studded sky. Mom's eyes widened with admirati

Then, my phone buzzed again with a notification. It was from Noah again, this time, an image text notification. In the photo that he sent, Asher was seated opposite a beautiful young woman, looking as if he was enjoying himself while chatting happily with her. The young woman was wearing the latest season of Chanel clothing, and the Hermès bag right next to her had to cost at least a million dollars. I could tell at once that these two belonged together.

But what amazed me most was that the whole kingdom was made using the crystalline-like structure that can also be found on the tip of Amansinaya’s spear, a majestic place indeed! Amansinaya turned her head back at us, “Come with me.” She spoke. We both nodded at her and followed her inside. My jaw literally dropped when I saw the inside. Whoa, this is so awesome! “Amazed?” She asked, proudly. The inside was very different from the outside! The antique furniture that made it aesthetically pleasing with the walls made up of bricks. An old-styled designed kingdom! I was about to remove my headgear when Amansinaya stopped me.

"Just be careful." "I will." "Because when intelligent people fall in love with impossible people—" She gestures vaguely toward my sewing project. "—things tend to unravel." I glance down at the fabric. The stitches. The delicate pattern forming beneath my hands. Love, I realise suddenly, is the most dangerous thread of all. Once you pull it—everything can come undone. Later that afternoon, I'm alone in the sewing room again. Ines went to meet friends. The flat is empty. My phone buzzes.

Today is really an exhausting day, I want to sleep so bad right now, but I have to prepare all of the necessary stuff that we'd be using in the mission. I took my blazer off and placed it on the couch, and went upstairs to my room. I took some of my clothes and the gadgets that I'll need. I took my medical kits and placed them in a small bag. I took my other gadgets, such as an extra laptop, a smartphone with a secured line, an earpiece, and my handguns and flash grenades. We might not need it since we're going undercover at school, but it can still be risky. In a mission like this, anything can go wrong at any time, which is why we can never trust others and sometimes not even ourselves.

SUNESIS'S POV The silver mask was cold against my skin. It felt completely different from the hot, stuffy air of the dressing room. I stood in front of the broken mirror, my hands shaking as I fixed my long black silk dress. I made sure the fabric covered my shoulders and arms perfectly. I had to hide everything from my neck down. Underneath the smooth cloth were the deep, ugly burn scars that ruined my body, the painful marks from the fire that took my family away.