Luke's face flushed a deep red as he recounted the encounter, his eyes avoiding Mrs. Greenfield's amused gaze. "I didn't know her, and she was just so...clumsy. At first, I thought she was being dramatic, but..." He trailed off, his blush intensifying.Mrs. Greenfield's chuckle filled the line, her laughter warm and throaty. "Oh, Luke, you're so sweet."Just then, Luke's office door swung open, and Stanley stood in the doorway, a questioning look on his face. Luke's eyes met his, and he nodded discreetly. "I have to go, Mrs. Greenfield.""Okay, dear. Take care," she said, her voice still tinged with amusement.With a hasty goodbye, Luke cut the line, his face still flushed from the memory of Emily's unexpected faint and their unexpected lip lock.Luke asked, "What's up, Stanley?"Stanley approached him, his expression serious. "Are you aware of the new occupants in the penthouse?"Luke nodded, "Ava notified me already. I don't know what she's up to, but as they say...keep your friends
Luke stood at the penthouse window, his gaze lost in the cityscape below, his chiseled features a mask of contemplation. His handsome face was a picture of introspection, his eyes distant and troubled.Meanwhile, Ava ascended the stairs, her red sleeveless gown flowing behind her like a river of fire. As she walked, the occupants and staff couldn't help but greet her, their faces lighting up with respect and admiration. Ava nodded graciously, her smile radiant, her head held high with an air of quiet confidence. Inside, she felt accomplished, her mission to uncover the truth about Amelia's past a success.She stopped at a door, her hand on the knob, and pushed it open. Luke turned to face her, his eyes locking onto hers. Ava locked the door behind her, her gaze returning to Luke's face."Why are you here alone, Luke?" she asked, her voice husky and demanding.Luke's silence was readable, his eyes drinking in Ava's beauty. Her features were flawless, her skin radiant, her eyes sparkli
TEN YEARS AGO - SUMMERIt had been winter break and not everyone came by to school but it was compulsory they did participate in one or two extracurricular to make them more active. Emily on the other hand hated activities, apart from studying, she loved listening to music. She sat outside, her earpieces plugged in, her eyes fixed on her phone screen. A pink petals from the nearby flowers fell gently on her head, like confetti, as she watched Jackson perform on stage. She was completely absorbed in the video, her eyes shining with admiration. Jackson Timberlake was her idol, and she had watched every beat he had ever released, mesmerized by his talent and charisma.As she sat there, lost in the music, she felt like she was a part of something bigger than herself. Jackson's beats were her escape, her happy place, and she knew every lyric, every rhythm, by heart. She had spent countless hours listening to his tracks, imagining herself on stage with him, performing alongside her idol.
PRESENT DAYAs they got to the end of the staircase, Ava left Luke's side and approached the guests with a radiant smile. As she mingled, a guest greeted her, "Ava, you look stunning tonight!"“Thank you,”Ava would reply back. From across the room, Amelia's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Ava with jealous glares. She couldn't help but feel envious of the attention Ava was receiving.Amelia forced a fake smile and approached Ava, "Ava, you look good."Ava replied, her voice sweet and innocent, "Thank you, Amelia. You're looking lovely tonight as well."The exchange was identical to their first encounter, but the tension between them was readable. Amelia's eyes flashed with anger, her smile faltering for a moment before she regained her composure. The rivalry between them was still simmering, waiting to erupt at any moment.Jackson's eyes locked onto Ava, his voice filled with admiration. "Ava, you shine brighter with each passing day."He took her hand in his, his lips inches from ki
Jackson stepped outside, the cool night air enveloping him as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He took a long drag, blowing out a stream of smoke that disappeared into the darkness. The sound of the party faded into the background as he stood there, lost in thought.Ava approached him slowly, her footsteps quiet on the pavement. "Hey, Jackson, why did you come outside? There’s a hell lot of partying going on inside, and I’m sure you don’t want to miss out the fun."Instead of answering, Jackson turned to her, his eyes squinting slightly. "That tango song that you danced to... it reminded me of Emily."“Emily Greenfield?” Ava's expression softened. "Isn’t she the one who... passed away?"Jackson nodded, his voice low and husky. "She was my wife. We used to dance to that song when we were in high school."“Oh really?” Ava looked right ahead, “you must really miss her…”“Yeah…now I think about it, I do so badly.” Jackson slowly remove the cigarette from his lips and blows out anothe
After Luke disappeared from view, Ava pushed away from Jackson, her voice firm. "Stop, Jackson. Whatever mess you have, whatever guilt you carry, is none of my business. And never try to make a move on me again."Jackson's face contorted in regret. "Sorry, Ava. I didn't mean to—"Ava cut him off, her tone unyielding. "Just sorry, Jackson. That's all."With a swift turn, she excused herself and walked away, her heels clicking toward the closet. But as she reached for the door handle, a hand grasped her wrist, yanking her into the corner. Ava flinched, her heart racing, until she saw Luke's face... his eyes cold and icy, his jaw clenched in a fierce scowl.The contrast between his usual warm smile and this frozen expression sent a shiver down her spine. Ava's initial fear gave way to a gentle smile, hoping to thaw the chill from his face. But Luke's grip remained firm, his gaze unyielding, as if he struggled to contain a storm brewing within.Ava asked, "What's wrong, Luke?"Luke's vo
Ava sat comfortably in the plush sitting room of the penthouse apartment, sipping her coffee and lost in thought. The morning sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows highlighted the luxurious decor. Suddenly, the tranquility was disrupted by Luke's entrance. He strode in, wearing only a towel, his chiseled chest bare and glistening with dew. He had just taken his bath. Ava's eyes widened, and she coughed, spitting out her coffee. Gosh his body was like that of an idol. For years they’ve been staying together not once had she seen him half naked. The hot coffee spilling on her, Luke rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. "Ava, are you okay?" Ava's gaze lingered on his body, mesmerized by the defined muscles and the tantalizing glimpse of his tattoo. Her eyes seemed glued to the droplets of water trickling down his chest, her mind momentarily stunned. Luke's proximity and the intensity of his gaze only added to her discomfort. As she struggled to r
As the teachers and staff continued to fawn over Amelia Timberlake and Ava Richardson, a sudden scream pierced the air, shattering the tranquility. The group rushed towards the sound, their faces etched with concern. They burst into the classroom, where chaos reigned.Amelia's son, John, lay on the ground, blood trickling from his lips. Another boy, his face red with anger, stood over him, fists clenched. The air was thick with tension.Quickly the teacher rushed to separate the boys. "What happened here?" Mrs. White demanded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of panic.The angry boy, still seething, pointed at John. "He started it! He called my mom a liar!"Amelia's eyes widened in horror as she rushed to John's side. "Oh, my baby! What have they done to you?"Ava's gaze swept the scene, she wasn’t one to talk but she had questions, regardless she remained mute and just watched the show. What had ignited this violence? A question no one asked. “You….” Amelia's face contorted in