Sincere apologies for the much delayed update. I work full-time and was caught up with reports and such. Thank you so much to those who waited for this chapter <3
It was a bright morning. Journee awoke to the smell of brewed black coffee and freshly toasted garlic bread. Climbing out of bed, she was led purely by her stomach’s instinct as she walked out the door and headed towards the delicious scent of baked beans, roasted tomatoes, grilled sausages on a bed of button mushrooms and she sincerely hoped there were sunny side ups too! “Good morning! Isn’t it a lovely day for a tour?” the host beamed at Journee as she set a large plate of breakfast down. “Good morning. These smell absolutely delicious.” Journee dug in and little moans escaped her lips as she relished each and every bite. After some moments, she realised that in her hunger daze, she failed to check her outfit. Embarrassed, Journee hesitantly looked down. This kind lady hasn’t said anything or looked at me weirdly yet. Maybe I got dressed without realising it? Did I lose parts of my memory? She remembered her conversation with Ma’oz on how demons had been wiping out memories to
Journee woke with a gasp. Cold sweat ran down her back and the sides of her body. Where am I? The last thing she remembered was watching the past unfold with Ma’oz. “Hello?” She called out but the echo seemed to only return in her direction. It is as if I’m calling out to myself from the other end of this emptiness. “Is anyone there?” She tried again. This time, there were multiple versions of herself staring back at Journee. Nearest to her, was a mid-teens self. “Greetings, Journee. Isn’t this wonderful? You have pulled yourself out of depression. Good for you!” She smiled and faded away. On the right was 10-year-old Journee. “Did you ever meet our Dark Prince? Who is he?” Cheerful and filled with hope, her eyes shimmered with love. “Are you married to him yet?” In front, far-off in the distance, Journee could hardly make out who it was. She was dressed in white and gold. Hair teased into a low bun. She knew the situation might be dangerous. Keeping my distance would be the
Journee’s POVI was in my inner world, watching the most romantic end to a beautiful couple, only to be woken up to a fowl memory. As I am waking up, I feel hands all over my body and a pair of lips kissing me.UGH! My first instinct is to punch this son of a bitch. Opening my eyes, I am surprised to see that my molester is Ma’oz.“WHAT THE HELL?!!”“Just what do you think you’re doing?!” I yelled at him. My voice echoes through the room., creating ripples in the stream of water near me.Without answering, he simply blinked. Unsure how to react next.“You better have a good excuse for groping me like that while I was passed out!”The darkness in his eyes change. From a raging tempest of desire, it has become smouldering cores of hell. Every molecule in my body screams danger as it shakes and shivers. Fear grips me again but I refuse to cave in!“Don’t you dare intimidate me!” I rise up to face him squarely. Standing toe-to-toe, I am now staring fiercely into his eyes, daring
Journee’s POVHow could I have forgotten the legal binding vow I made? We continue to walk in silence. Ma’oz can fly us to the portal within seconds, but I know he is giving me time to think.Guilt builds up within me like a rising mount of bile.I have never cared for Montgomery, not even when he went into a coma…I was preoccupied only with what would happen to me instead.“That is not how a righteous person behaves. You must care for everything thing, even the smallest ant.” I imagine my mother reprimanding me if she were still alive. “Disgraceful! Unrefined! Faithfulness and loyalty are the key principles of our family and you dishonoured them!” My paternal grandfather would surely voice his displeasure and potentially disown me.Even though I would never love Montgomery, I should never have had an affair with Ma’oz. What was I thinking?! My steps feel heavy as I ponder my sin.Ma’oz chuckles suddenly. Turning to face me, he places a soft kiss on my lips and lifts my chin to face
Journee’s POV I don’t know what happened. One moment, I was putting on fake smiles, introducing my father to some guests whose name I don’t remember. Next, I find my father in the pond. It has been freshly stocked with Koi. It’s a lucky thing, I guess. At least he didn’t hit his head and have a concussion. However, no one seems to understand that my father cannot swim! A few of the household staff have come forward to help him, urging him to reach out to the rescue buoy they have thrown in. I scream and lunge forward to dive in and save my father. Several hand hold me back. “You’ll only soil your dress. Wait for the servants to handle the matter, dear.” A distinguished looking man told me. “No harm, no foul. Every party needs a little drama to make it exciting.” A lady around my age winked at me. I felt like screaming at them, but no sound escapes my lips. What on earth is wrong with these people?! How cruel can they be? Is that how they garnered their wealth? By having a sadi
"Is that a tear I see?" teased Mother, raising an eyebrow playfully. Despite being only ten, Journee was proud and unable to easily reveal her emotions, retorted, "What? No way!" "Alright, my honey bunny, time for lights out." Titanic is such a heart-wrenching movie... Why did the lovers have to part? Couldn't they have stayed afloat together? Or could benevolent spirits in the sea have saved them? But spirits don't exist... And if they did, maybe they caused the ship to sink because they're evil! Journee reasoned in her dimly lit room. Her eyes heavy with sleep. Her heart sank as heavily as the Titanic into the ocean. As tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, she surrendered to the embrace of deep slumber. "Never fear, my sweet angel. I will always love you," echoed a warm yet authoritative voice in the depths of Journee's dreams. "Return to me, my love. Please... do not forget me." These words caressed her soul, and as she felt the warmth of lips planting a kiss on her head,
The week flew by, seemingly too fast for Journee's liking. And just as the week was coming to an end, the same black car that had caused Dorthy's panic appeared again, this time right in front of Journee's house. Stepping out of the car were the members of her soon-to-be family. "Come here, my dear. Our previous meeting was far too brief. Let me take a closer look at you," the silver-haired grandmother beckoned. In a robotic state of mind, Journee mustered a smile and the grandmother, offering a false greeting. "It's good to see you again, ma'am," she lied. "Now, don't you think it's time for you to call me granny?" the grandmother insisted. Inhaling sharply, Journee obediently replied, "Yes, granny." "That's a good girl. Have you packed your things?" "Yes, granny." "Very well then. Robert, fetch her things. Say your goodbyes, Journee dear." A man in a black suit and shades silently entered Journee's house, resembling a character from the movie 'Men in Black' with his attire and
They arrived at The Datai where flower garlands and cocktails awaited them. "Welcome Mr. Lewis, Madam Lewis. We cannot express enough just how pleased we are to have you here again." The General Manager himself greeted us. What was his name again? What is there to bother. Montgomery was annoyed that his marriage to Journee would be delayed. Flying tomorrow would mean the vows will only be exchanged in the next 24 hours if they were lucky. Fuck! He briskly walked past the entourage who warmly welcomed the rest of the group instead. Montgomery headed straight to his chalet, ready to burry himself in work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montgomery Lewis's behaviour left Journee bewildered. How could he be so rude? Does the man have no knowledge of manners and etiquette, which are the steppingstones to heaven? Such arrogance. As she walked to the chalet she was to share with granny, Journey was starting to regret