Verania's Point of View Arriving at the hospital, Ares was immediately greeted by his parents, Uncle Stan and Aunt Charlotte. I noticed Olivia was with them as well. I wasn't surprised when our eyes met, and she gave me a disdainful look."Are you okay, dear?" Aunt Charlotte anxiously asked Ares. I shifted my gaze to them, and my lips quivered, especially as Ares looked at me with displeasure while Aunt Charlotte examined him."I'm okay, Mom. We were supposed to go home, but Vera insisted that I should be checked by a doctor," Ares explained, causing Aunt and Uncle's eyebrows to furrow, their attention shifting to me."What about you, Verania? Are you also alright?" Aunt asked, her eyes scanning my body."I'm fine," I replied softly. "Ares needs to see the doctor. He was hit on the head earlier and needs to be checked.""Alright, Verania. Charlotte and I will take care of him for now," Uncle Stan said, reassuringly patting my shoulder before they left.Olivia remained, her gaze still
Verania's Point of View"He's inside, always busy with the piano. Mom enrolled him in piano class, and he's been really enjoying it," she explained, and I nodded like a child.We were currently eating when Congressman suddenly arrived. I felt a sense of nervousness; I don't know why, but Congressman Donatelli's presence always felt intimidating. I'm not sure if it's just me who feels this way.However, my eyes shifted to the people following Congressman—was that Clara?As they approached, I realized it was indeed Clara and Sandra. Did Alder invite them too? Or is it just a coincidence that they're coming here now?"Oh, Ares, how have you been?" Congressman quickly asked upon reaching us."I've been good," Ares replied politely, and Congressman turned to us."I'll go ahead, I just peeked in here because there were a lot of people, I thought someone else came. By the way, Ares, say hello to my Dad for me!" Congressman said cheerfully before chuckling slightly and leaving for good."Ate
Verania's Point of ViewAnother pleasant day lies ahead of me. Ares and I were left with the household staff in their home, so I'm starting to get a bit bored. There's just nothing much for me to do here."Ares!" I called out loudly to him.We were currently inside the office and study room in their house. It's my first time entering this room, despite spending a few months with them. It's like a restricted area; I can only enter with permission, like today, when Ares allowed me in."Are there comics here? Or maybe some joke books or something?" I asked, curious, scanning the bookshelves I passed by.He arched an eyebrow and looked at me."We only have novels here and some children's books, but what you're looking for, we don't have," he answered seriously, and I pouted."So, what are we going to do here?" I asked, turning to him quickly.I'm not really into reading, so I didn't bother checking the other contents of their bookshelves."Dad asked me to organize the books in this sectio
Verania's Point of View"Why, do you like me?" he suddenly asked, momentarily silencing my lips, and quickly turned to him to briefly exchange glances."You're so full of yourself, dude," I whispered, chuckling, but he looked serious.Tss, he knows I have a different boyfriend and yet he asks that. Crazy! I could've left Alder if I liked him!As I mounted my motorcycle, we headed home, but before that, we stopped at a fast-food joint to grab lunch. It was already one in the afternoon, and I was feeling the hunger.After eating, we continued on our way home. I was driving when a heavy rain poured."Oh great!" I muttered and quickly stopped the motorcycle at a side where I could park. It was beside a waiting shed, and we took shelter."Should we wait here for a while?" Ares asked, most likely surprised by the abrupt halt."No, we need to get home. It's not safe for just the two of us here," I said and opened the storage box of my motorcycle.There, I found the raincoat I often used, whi
Verania's Point of ViewI'm still lying on my bed, unmoving from the position I was in earlier, wrapped in Ares' embrace. I felt like a statue, remaining there while Ares slowly woke up.As my gaze remained fixed on Ares, it involuntarily shifted when I heard my door open.My eyes quickly darted in that direction, and there stood Olivia, her eyes wide as saucers when she saw the scene in my room.She just stood there, and as for me, I became even more rooted to my lying position. Damn it, Ares, why did you have to sleep beside me? This is bound to be a misunderstanding.I felt so embarrassed that I wanted to hide under my blanket."Good Morning, 'Liv!" Ares greeted cheerfully, a wide grin on his face as he looked at Olivia.Olivia furrowed her brow, shaking her head as if trying to convince herself that what she was seeing wasn't real."What is the meaning of this?" Olivia nearly raised an eyebrow as she asked us.I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes tightly, feeling the embarrassmen
Verania's Point of ViewWhy does it feel like this, huh? I didn't do anything wrong to her. In fact, I'm not at fault for her breakup with Ares, so why do I carry this sense of guilt? Why does the burden of blame weigh on me, even when I haven't done anything to harm her?"Why not consider rekindling your relationship?" Olivia's voice softened as she inquired.Once again, they fell into silence, but I kept my gaze trained on Ares. I was determined not to let my eyes waver from them, despite the itchiness compelling me to glance at Clara."Why shouldn't I consider it?" Clara echoed Olivia's question."I don't know, she's moved on. She's set her sights on someone else," Olivia explained, prompting my itchy eyes to return to Clara.Her eyes were fixated on Ares and Bernice. Clara forced a smile to grace her lips, yet it seemed like a mere facade. The undertone of sadness was hard to miss, a layer of hidden emotions beneath that strained smile. "That isn’t the girl I thought that Ares li
Verania's Point of ViewEven in Clara's absence, I find myself unable to attain serenity, and the reasons for this disquiet elude me, casting shadows upon my contemplations.Undoubtedly, my current state is partially a consequence of acquiescing to Clara's desires. Truth be told, I am reluctant to assist her, for I anticipate another wave of Ares' ire crashing upon me. I have grown accustomed to his vexation, but should I proceed with Clara's request, I am certain Ares' fury will reach unparalleled heights.A sigh escapes my thoughts, burdened by the weight of consideration. It is undeniably stressful, for I recognize the immense help my compliance could be to Clara, yet my conscience restrains me relentlessly."Are you alright?" I was nearly startled at Ares' sudden appearance by my side."Huh? Y-Yes, of course!" I reply, my response accompanied by a hand instinctively pressed to my chest. "Did I startle you?" he inquires, a smile playing on his lips.I quickly nod in response, atte
Verania’s Point of ViewWe were currently on the road when I spoke up again."Why do you refuse to hear my answers?""I know what they are. They're all indirect rejections," he responded seriously, raising an eyebrow."Then that must be a sign for you to stop your feelings for me.""Is that a joke?" he asked, still serious."Nope. Did it sound like it was a joke?" I queried him while my eyes were fixed on the road."It's not like avoiding love is easy," he retorted, and I glanced at him for a moment.Well, maybe it's not, but if he tries, I think he can manage it. His feelings for me are still fresh, and I know that once he finds someone better, he'll immediately forget about me."By the way, what are your plans for the wedding?" he suddenly asked, opening up a new topic that made me quiet for a moment.A few minutes passed before I could come up with my answer."I don't really think about it," I stated, and we fell silent once more. I took the wheel once more, aiming to divert my at