(Memories)As I stepped into my unlocked dorm room, my exhausted eyes fell upon Penelope, who was completely engrossed in her artwork "I thought you were taking a break from painting," I asked, taken aback by her seriousness. She was usually the life of the party, so seeing her so focused was a bit strange "I was, but Tate called. She said she had an opening for my art and mentioned that new investors were in town" Penelope explained, briefly glancing at me. "What happened? You look awful." "I had a terrible day" I sighed, dropping down onto my bed. I checked my phone and realized it was already 11:30 pm. Exhaustion washed over me, reminding me of the long day I had ahead of tomorrow "I might need to borrow you for the whole day tomorrow" Penelope announced, her voice carrying a sense of urgency "The whole day" I asked. Both curious and hesitant. "Yeah" she responded , continuing to paint as she spoke. "I need to check out the art gallery venue. I want to find a perfect spot". "
(The art exhibition)I felt a sense of uneasiness as her gazes shifted uncontrollably giving me a death glare. It had been an hour since I arrived, and at first, she ignored me but later asked me to wait. So there I sat, admiring the structures and decor of the main office.“Maybe you could try calling him again, I have been waiting for hours,” I said, my voice getting irritated “You can't yell at me Miss, or I might have to call security, go back, sit down, and wait,” the hot brunette sitting at the receptionist's desk replied, her eyes glaring at me, before returning to her laptop.“Excuse me Lady but I never yelled at you,” I said, feeling my anger rise, she was pushing my patience to its limits. “I don't know or care, if this is how you treat other visitors, but am not one of them” I warned, my voice dead serious.She stared at me surprised, her gaze unmoving.“ when your boss comes back, tell him Gemini Victoria Saint stopped by” I added, noticing the surprise on her face“
(A white lie)My heart sank a little at the news. The painting held so much sentimental value to me and losing it felt like losing a piece of my mom."Why would you sell it?" I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice, a tinge of frustration seeping in. Tracy's smile faltered slightly, sensing my disappointment."Calm down G, you are yelling" Penelope's voice sooth in, trying to calm my enveloping anger "You don't get it, Penelope, that painting had my mom's initials, it was probably stolen and auctioned here, I bet Grandma doesn't have a clue of such a transaction, seeing she has been busy a lot" I chipped in."I'm sorry Victoria, I had no idea, and am currently not in charge of handling this stuff, I was asked by your grandma to organize the auction for some of the artwork in the house and I didn't pay attention to all the artwork that was brought in. And we can't just leave some artwork and focus on the newest, auctioning them out seems like the best way of handling them" she e
Reunion "I heard you came over," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. I watched her in horror, knowing that she was pretending, but her acting skills were so good that it only fueled my hatred for her even more."You should stay for dinner, my love," she continued, her words laced with cruel intentions. "It looks like you haven't been eating well. You appear so pale.""Well, when you have a thief in your midst, it's bound to happen, I suppose," I replied, my voice filled with anger. "Stealing artifacts seems to be her expertise, along with stealing my happiness."Before I could deliver a final blow to her verbally, a familiar voice interrupted me. It was Gustavo, standing behind me now, his gaze fixed on me. I couldn't believe what he was doing. Who gave him the right to interrupt me? I forced a smile and walked away, heading towards the front door."Gemini!" Gustavo called after me, catching my hands to stop me. His eyes scanned the surroundings to ensure we were alone.
(Inheritance)Since the incident at the birthday party, things have taken a turn for the worse. The meeting seemed to drag on forever, and I could feel the piercing stares of my dad and Gustavo directed at me. Were they looking at me?"Has Simon reached out to you, Gustavo?" my dad inquired with curiosity evident in his tone. Gustavo, seemingly calm despite their previous altercation at Simon's father's birthday party, responded, "No, sir.""I'm not paying all of you to simply say no. Figure it out, we need Simon here. He's a valuable asset that we can't afford to lose," my dad sternly addressed the room. "We need him before the next scheduled meeting. This meeting is adjourned.""Mary, is he inside?" I asked, concerned."He is. Should I let him know you're here?" Mary offered, reaching for the intercom."No need. It's urgent. I'll go in myself," I swiftly responded, noticing Mary's anxious expression. "I promise I won't get you in trouble."With a soft knock, I pushed open the glass
(Desires)Once again, I found myself in that very place I had sworn never to return to."Whisky or wine?" Simon asked from behind the bar."Wine, please," I replied.He approached me with a glass of red wine, offering it to me as he raised his for a toast."Cheers to... Is there anything else you'd like to add?" he paused, his eyes locked onto mine."Cheers to not caring," I said.A smile formed on his lips as he took a sip from his glass, then sat down on the couch behind him, pulling me down onto his lap.I perched uncomfortably, his pristine white sleeve unbuttoned halfway, revealing a hint of his chest and his disheveled hair contributing to his bad boy image.He was undeniably attractive, but I felt uneasy being in such proximity to him. I attempted to get up, but he tightened his grip, his hand resting on my thigh.I could feel his warmth and the intensity of his touch sent shivers down my spine. As we sat there, surrounded by the lit ambiance, the soft music, became a distant b
(A romantic gesture) (Gustavo pov)**********"You should get dressed,” I said, my voice tinged with urgency.She turned towards me with a mischievous smile. "We still have time," she whispered, pressing her lips against my neck. "Let's go one more round."Annoyed, I tossed her clothes towards her. "We don't have time for this," I insisted.For the past two weeks, I had been tirelessly working to secure those funds, knowing that one wrong move could ruin everything. The thought of being arrested for embezzlement sent a shiver down my spine.Gemini was still essential to my plans, despite how aggravating she had become lately. I needed her, whether I liked it or not."So, what's the plan?" Mrs. Ciara's voice interrupted my thoughts."It's simple," I replied, turning to face her. "You continue playing the role of Saint's devoted wife, earning his complete trust. We need access to those assets."Mrs. Ciara's voice dripped with contempt. "Saint doesn't easily trust anyone, especially when
(Not a request) ~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~As I sat down to eat, the sound of my fork clicking against the plate ruined my appetite. I couldn't help but shoot a glance at Simon. How was it that he always seemed to be everywhere?"Mrs. Saint, I have to say, this meal is divine," Simon praised my stepmother, causing her cheeks to turn a faint shade of red.I watched, annoyed, as she basked in his compliment. What a cunning charmer he was. I couldn't keep quiet any longer. I had to put an end to this charade."Just so you know, Simon, she didn't prepare this meal. She simply enjoys putting on a show in the kitchen, pretending to be devoted to it," I interjected, cutting short their moment of happiness.The entire house fell into a tense silence. I could hear a faint chuckle from the maid standing behind us, her gasp barely audible. My father's eyes filled with rage, capable of knocking victims to the ground. And as for Simon, a mischievous