KENNEDY
My arrival at the JFK Airport was overwhelming. With my disguise, keeping my head down, my blending in didn’t work. I didn’t know how did people know about the time of my arrival.
I received flowers, people took pictures of me and gave me a warm welcome, which I wouldn’t ever get used to it. Thankfully, I spotted my dad instantly.
“I missed you both.” I hugged Dad first, then Mom. I didn’t know how much I missed them until I was already in their arms.
“Follow me. You’re now officially a celebrity, sweetheart.”
“How did they know my arrival?”
“I don’t know. I think the princess just posted her picture and you together. Her followers must have figured it out,” Mom explained, taking bouquets from me. “Get in the back of the car.”
“What about that SUV?” I noticed the black SUV parked just right beside their car,
“That’s a diversion. Hurry up.”
“Thanks.” I climbed in our old fami
THAYERGod, I miss her.But I couldn’t get out. I was stuck with work, and my family was expecting me for a public appearance. It wasn’t new to me. I had no issue with that until I found love who lived on the other side of the world.I checked my phone and scanned through her friend’s Instagram. Apparently, she got her own fan club. But her friends had no recent post with her on it.I shoved my phone back into my suit pocket when my mother approached.“How are you holding up, honey?”I smiled. “We didn’t break up, Mom. She’s just spending holidays with her family.”“I know.” She squeezed my hand. “Next holiday, you and Kennedy will be spending together at this very same room. Just have little patients.”“I’m fine. Really.” But my voice didn’t go with my words.“You will be.&
KENNEDY Grinning, I put my phone down. I just talked to Thayer. I hadn’t realized how much I loved him until he was miles away from me. God, I missed him already, but I also missed being with my friends. “So, you’re leaving?” Siena asked, pouring a liberal amount of milk into her coffee. “Since when do you prefer a cow over almond?” I looked down at her creamy cup. “Since today. What’s your deal, Siena?” Serenity asked, curling her bronze hair around her finger. “Nothing. Just our friend is gonna be in the other part of the world with her prince charming,” she said incredulously. “We can just be supportive and be happy with her decision.” Her brow arched. “She loves her job, Serenity. Then prince charming came along. I mean they barely know each other and now look at her. She just broke up with her asshole ex, yet she’s like under the prince's spell. How convenient? Now, she’s in love. isn’t it crazy?” She snorte
THAYER The entire country was celebrating. My family was beyond relieved. We just did a video call with the King. My grandfather was still weak but managed to wave to the camera. His speech pattern was still slurry, but he could remember us. Thank God. I sighed in relief again. I felt a million tons lifted off my shoulders. My heart filled with contentment and happiness. I wiped my face, not knowing I just cried. This time, it was tears of joy. Grandfather and I were very closed. We shared this special bonding since I was named after his father. That was why he called me Camren instead of Thayer. “I’ll address the people,” my father said. “Good idea,” I agreed. “This is great news, son. A wonderful gift. The best gift we’ve received so far.” I saw the excitement and happiness flowing in my father’s eyes. “I couldn’t agree more, Daddy.” Our PR had already call
KENNEDY“You destroyed me. Bitch.”I had not been able to process what just happened. Why Thayer had gone insane, cursing the living shit out of me?Serenity and Siena barged into my room. I looked at them through my blurry vision—they were wearing the same expression on their faces—pain and sorrow.In silence, Siena picked the remote control and turned the tv on. My picture flashed on the screen.***It hurt when people judged you something you didn’t even do, but no one could ever imagine what I’d been going through for the last couple of hours, knowing the man I loved had hated me for ruining his life—their lives.I cried into my pillow.My life was ruined. My career was over because of something I had nothing to do with. My name, family, and even my friends were all tangled with the mess I didn’t even do. That was now people could easily judge m
THAYER “Where’s my son?” I was startled by my father’s words. Then I froze like a corpse when I sensed him behind me. He was probably with my mother. I ruined everything. Now, I realized what I just did. I probably lost the woman I loved as well. “Son?” I was fucked-up mess. Shaking, I turned around to face my parents and the consequences I would face. But it wasn’t what I saw before my blurry eyes. “How are you holding up?” my father asked. I shook my head. My emotions were everywhere. What had just happened was like a freight train running over me. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to erase those images out of my mind. Jealousy stabbed me in my chest, and I lost control. I just couldn’t bear someone or those men touching Kennedy. A hot warm liquid rolled down my face. I bit the trembled on my lip, wiping off the tear on my face. “Honey, we’re gonna fix this. Ash is already asking th
KENNEDYMy pulse raced as my Gmail popped on my phone. I had a new email from Mom.I opened it to read the message. I hadn’t contacted my parents other than an email, telling them that I needed some space.My heart sank.I drew a deep breath, let out, and dialed Mom’s number. She picked right away as if she was expecting my call.“Hey, Mom.”“Honey. Oh, thank God. Where are you? You made us worry.”“I’m fine, Mom. Tell Dad not to worry. I’m having fun, actually.”“Having fun? What kind of fun, honey?” It was Dad. Maybe she put the speaker on.“If I tell you both, could you not tell anyone where I am? I need some time for myself before I come back. But don’t worry, I am doing great.“Can you tell us now?”“I’m in Dubai.”“Dubai? In the Mi
THAYER “Son, where are you? You’re supposed to land two hours ago?” Right on time. We just touched down. The reverse thrust break roared against the airstrip. “I apologize, Dad, but we just landed.” I unbuckled my seatbelt. Ash and Lud were already on alert, gathering the luggage from the bin. “You never call me dad if you won’t apologize or ask a favor, Thayer.” He inhaled audibly to the mouthpiece. “You’re right, Dad. I’m not asking for a favor, though, but an understanding from you. And you know exactly where I am right now even before we land.” I climbed down the airstairs. The memories of how I met Kennedy sprung in my mind. “Very well, then. Are you going to see your grandfather?” “Yes. That’s a part of my plan. Any message you’d like me to relay to Grandfather?” “Just tell him that we can’t wait to see him.” “I’ll relay your message, Dad.” “I won’t get in the middle of whatev
THAYER “What’s next?” Lud asked. My gaze flew up to Lucas when he cleared his throat. “We’re not entirely honest with you. You can’t blame us for protecting our daughter, you know. And we made a promise to Kennedy that we won’t tell anyone when someone’s asks where she is.” My chest expanded with hope. “Where is she?” “You can tell her that Lud is very resourceful. Even if she hides in Mexico’s Naica Mine, I will still find her.” Lud managed to lighten up the situation. “How can we find her?” Ash came and joined us in the lounge. “I emailed her two days ago, and she called me using a local number there. She said she’s with a guy named Talal.” “Who the —” I cleared my throat. “Who is Talal?” “Name’s sounds like Arabic. Middle Eastern,” Ash surmised. “Yeah. That’s correct. Talal guy is an instructor.” I chuckled. A small smile spread on my lips. “I know where to