“That’s beautiful” I heard someone say behind me. The paintbrush fell from my hand and I spun around. My eyes locked with Tyler and he had an unreadable expression on his face.“What are you doing here?” I questioned slightly and I picked up the brush to wash the paint off.“I woke up a few minutes ago, Charlotte said you were here all night.” He informed me sheepishly. I frowned. That would explain all the snacks and fruits I found outside the door. That woman was putting extra effort to ensure I was alright, in a way, I loved it.“I couldn't get any sleep,” I admitted softly as I soaked the paintbrush in blue paint and resumed work.“Why?” Tyler asked. I heard him take a step toward me.“I can’t explain it,” I confessed as I made a particular thick line in the painting, something that did not fit it but would blend in anyway. I licked my lips as I continued painting, this was my fourth design and I was sure it was late now. “Is Leonardo still around?” I asked as I paused painting b
A notification from my phone was the first thing that had me spiraling back to reality, I resisted the urge to jump and instead reached for it, it had been right beside my canvas. I felt the sides of my lip curl upwards as the credit alert burned into my memory. I had just been paid my first installment and boy, I was ready to do a few things. I groggily stood up and ran my hand through my hair, I had a nagging ache at the back of my head and to be honest, the only thing I wanted to do was lay down, but unfortunately, I had work to do.I glanced at myself through the mirror in my workshop, I looked pale and exhausted, there were bags under my eyes though, nothing a few touches of makeup couldn’t fix but the reality was... There were bags under my eyes and the more I stared at them, the stronger the urge to curl up somewhere, I shrugged the feeling off, I had a lot of things to do today and the sooner I got started, the sooner I could get to work.I strolled out of the workshop and do
I hummed one of Derek’s favorite songs as I waited in the car for Leonardo. Sure enough, a few minutes later he slipped into the driver's seat and drove down the estate to a mall, that he assured me was a few blocks away. Leonardo seemed to have a proper grasp of the houses around here, it was nice to know that I wouldn't be getting lost. But for some reason, this place felt familiar, it was almost as if I had been here before, the feelings seemed unrealistic, but it was there. “We’re here.” Leonardo broke through my thoughts and I exited the car. “Thank you,” I said softly. “I’ll be fine ok my own, is there anything you need that I could get you?” I asked. “No, I’m perfectly fine ma’am, thanks for the consideration.” I simply shrugged. For some reason, I never knew how to properly react to people appreciating or thanking me for anything. It had been a few years since I stepped into a Mall. After Derek’s death, I neither had the funds nor enthusiasm
The insides of my stomach did a little dance as Adam’s industries building came into sight. I licked my lips and glanced at Leonardo so simply smiled at me, I mirrored his expression and got out of the car.A scent I could not recognize filled my nostrils. Unfortunately, I did not have a word to describe every single scent that graced my nostrils. The leather bag I had gotten from the Mall, hung over my shoulders, my phone and credit card were the only things in it. Along with a particular perfume, I fancied. In my other hand was a suitcase with a few of my paintings in them. This time, the receptionist was sickeningly sweet, it made me wonder if she had mended her ways or if she had been punished severely for the events of the other day, the thoughts didn’t linger in my mind for too long because Daniel casually walked towards me and my attention was averted to him. “You’ve arrived.” The man said in a delightful tone.“Yes, I arrived a few minutes ago, Is Mr. Adams in?” I ask
I spent the remainder of the day being shown around the new workspace, meeting my colleagues, and finally being introduced to the Head designer, His name was Marcus and he was quite a gem if I was being honest.I sighed as I slacked against the car seat, Leonardo wordlessly drove down the road, and for a few minutes we stayed quiet, no words were spoken just the sound of tires rolling against the ground and my thoughts.“Next, We’re going to the hospital,” I breathed, The day had almost taken the wind out of me but I knew I would need to recharge because with Rye? Things tend to go from bad to worse. “Is something wrong with you, Ma’am?” Leonardo asked. I raised an eyebrow at him,“It’s Miss Danielle, and no, I just need to see someone there,” I finished. Leonardo didn’t say anything after that, He just drove down the road and followed my instructions.Although I had a million questions to ask Rye about our father’s death, I also wanted to see if she was alright, the conversation coul
“Are you blind?” Rye spat in a condensing tone. “Jared here, is my boyfriend and we have been together for two months now.” She added as he walked towards her and stayed by her side.I stared at them for a few minutes, simply consuming the sight in front of me before I burst out laughing “This—“ I began as I tried to control my breathing “This is a joke right? You and him…? You look ridiculous” I pointed out,“You just sound like a jealous ex girlfriend.” Rye added and I snorted.“I was never his girlfriend,” I said as I laughed. The sight was just so pitiful and ridiculous. “But I see that you have a thing for men who like to hide behind woman. Because that’s exactly what he is doing, right Jared?” I spoke casually.“I won’t allow you to disrespect me, Danielle.” He spoke harshly.“Respect is earned Jared. And I’ll believe you when you don’t hide my eighteen year old sister.”“Step sister.” Rye corrected. “Don’t let her get to you Jared, She has this way of manipulating people with
“Step out of it, we’re leaving.” I spat as I got into the car, Leonardo nodded and did as I had said.I bit hard on my blistered lips and begged myself not to cry because it wasn’t worth it. Rye didn’t deserve it, She didn’t deserve any of my tears and I honestly deserved better. My eyes stung with tears and I ran my hands through my hair, it was about time I stopped letting people’s words get to me. That time was now. Right.“I need you to take me home. Did you drop off the things?” I asked Leonardo. He nodded but his gaze never left the road. He seemed to be a very responsible driver.“So how did you start driving? You know, working?” I asked awkwardly. “Oh, um, I normally participated in car races, I met Mr. Adam after one of those races and he offered me a job. The pay was really good and it was nice to not have to gamble a win even though the adrenaline was quite satisfying” Leonardo explained briefly.“Do you like the job? Working as my Driver?” I asked, I needed to get my mind
The silence in the room was choking. I felt my lungs tighten and my fists clench, My eyes stung and my feet curled. “Danielle...” Charlotte trailed off as she held my hands tightly, I could see the gears in her head move as she struggled to think of words to comfort me.“Don’t,” I stopped her in her tracks “Don’t try to console me with false hope, or words that don’t give me an actual explanation,” I added and stood up. I could feel her eyes on me as I took a few steps forward.“Charlotte, Have you ever wanted it all to stop?” I asked, I wasn't sure why I had asked, because I knew she would not be able to understand, no over did,“What? The voices in your head or people?” My eyes widened at her response and I felt her hand around my torso. “Danielle,” Charlotte whispered into my ear, “I don’t know why or who made you so upset...” She turned me towards her and her eyes glistened. “Don’t let them get the better of you,” We were so close at the moment. If it was anyone else, I would ha