The next day was chaotic. I woke up late because I spent most of the night drafting my final proposal. I rushed to the university, not even bothering to look nice. I just threw on jeans and a crop top, grabbed my bag, and bolted out the door. The sky was covered with thick grey clouds, growling in the distance. Rain was predicted, and I hoped it would come to break the oppressive heat and humidity.I arrived late to class, but since it was the last session before finals, the professor didn't mind. After class, I rushed to submit my proposal, determined to access this research next semester. With the proposal finally submitted, I felt a huge burden lift from my shoulders.On my way to the next class, I bumped into Alex. “I was looking for you everywhere yesterday. You left without taking your notes back,” he said.I bit my tongue, “Yes, I’m so sorry. Yesterday was hectic,” I explained, sparing him the details.“Thank you so much, Harper. These notes were a lifesaver,” he said, handing
I blinked and frowned, gazing deep into his eyes, searching for sincerity, and I found it. Yet, my trust issues persisted, a voice in my head screaming that he was faking it. My emotions churned so strongly within me that I disregarded our position. I was pressed against the wall, feeling its coolness through the light fabric of my shirt. Atlas stood mere inches away, his hand still caging mine above my head, towering over me. I caught a whiff of the soap he used, its freshness mingling with the tension between us. His breath brushed against my face, his furrowed brows and intense stare locked onto mine.“Please, Harper,” he whispered again.I gulped, feeling the lump in my throat as tears continued to streak down my face. I ceased my resistance, my voice shaky but resolute. "I heard everything, Atlas. I can't stay here. You need to understand," I told him softly. His grip on my hands loosened, allowing me to break free, yet neither of us moved apart. We remained close, his breath sti
When Jess and I arrived at the club, Alex was already waiting for us. He had recommended this exclusive venue, which I had heard about before from Atlas. I had asked him to bring me here in the past, but he always said I was too young. Now, finally, I was old enough to be here. The club had a strict over-twenty-one policy, and tonight, I met that requirement."This club is so exclusive. How did you manage to get us in, Alex?" Jess asked, clearly impressed.Alex shrugged casually. "My elder brother is a member, so am I," he replied nonchalantly. I was excited to finally get in. Being able to finally experience this place that had been off-limits before added to the specialness of the evening.I decided to forget about all the mayhem taking place in my life and just have fun with my friends. Well, I wouldn’t call Alex a friend exactly, but he’s getting there. He seems like a nice guy—not too shy nor over the top. I genuinely enjoy his company.Once inside, we were guided to the VIP loun
I was furious with Atlas for disappearing after what had happened between us. Once I calmed myself down, I stepped out of the dark corridor. I could see Alex and Jess on the dance floor, but my eyes were searching for the honey-brown-eyed devil who had ignited a fire in me and then vanished as if he had never been there. My frustration grew as I scanned the crowd for his familiar face but found nothing. He didn’t have the right to make me feel this way and then just disappear.I glanced up at the balcony of the exclusive lounge area. I knew he must have gone back there, but when I tried to get up, I was denied access since Alex wasn’t with me. I groaned in frustration and gave up. The rest of the night, I sulked and kept looking for Atlas, but he never reappeared.As expected, by the end of the night, Jess and Alex were completely wasted. It took some time to guide them to the car and help them get in. Not knowing where Alex lived or where his car was parked, I decided to bring him ba
Harper Miller I was just ten years old when I watched as my parents' coffins were solemnly lifted, their faces hidden from view forever. Their lives ended abruptly in a plane crash while en route to a meeting. Meanwhile, I found myself in the care of Mr. Benjamin Cooper, a close friend of my father's from childhood. Initially intended as a short stay, my time with Mr. Cooper stretched into several years as he became my legal guardian following my parents' tragic passing. In my youthful naivety, I clung to the hope that my parents might one day return, but as the years passed, reality sank in. I slowly came to terms with being the lone survivor of the Miller family. I was never formally adopted by Mr. Cooper, though the reasons remain a mystery to me. Nevertheless, his love for me was unwavering. He was a kind-hearted man, much like my own parents. A successful businessman, his days were often consumed by work, but he always made time for us – for me, Amanda, and Atlas. Atlas, the e
“He has a girlfriend,” I whispered to Jess, my dearest companion, as I absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair around my finger, my gaze fixed on the ceiling above. She's the only friend I've truly connected with. Making friends has never been easy for me, but with Jess, it was instantaneous. Our bond, forged over four years, has made us inseparable. Usually, she's the one who visits me at Atlas's place, but today I find myself at her house, unable to bear the idea of staying home while Atlas's girlfriend moves in today.Jess let out a weary sigh, her eyes briefly leaving the pages of her book to meet mine. "You've been repeating that for a fortnight now, Harper," she remarked, her tone tinged with gentle exasperation, before diving back into her literary world.She's correct. I've been avoiding the truth for the past two weeks. I've attempted to steel myself for the moment I catch sight of Atlas with her, yet I've been unable to confront it. Today marks the culmination of my dread –
I’m not entirely sure how I ended up in the same bed as Patrick. Neither of us intended for it to happen, but we were both in need of affection, and the drinks we had earlier certainly played a part in our decision. I’m still uncertain if I’m happy about what transpired between us, but at that moment, it felt right.I shuddered as his fingertips caressed the exposed skin of my back, tracing a tantalizing path from the base of my neck down to the small of my back. With eyes closed and teeth gently biting my lower lip, I lay prone, my hands gripping the crisp white sheets beneath me.His touch wandered further, his palm grazing my bare bottom before settling on my thigh, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from me. As his hand inched closer to my most intimate parts – still aching, dripping, and sensitive – anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the remnants of our earlier passion.Leaning in close, his voice husky with desire, he murmured, "One more time?" With a weak smile,
Atlas was unusually talkative tonight. I had never seen him so animated and full of energy. It almost seemed like he was making an effort for Eva and me to get along, though let's be real, there wasn't much about her I didn't like aside from the fact that she now shared a home with the man I love so desperately. Eva appeared genuinely pleasant, and that annoyed me. I wanted so badly to find fault with her, but she gave me no reason to.When I first descended the stairs, she greeted me with a soft smile. Even when I apologized for missing her moving-in yesterday, she brushed it off with a wave of her hand and a chuckle, "No worries at all. I understand life gets busy, and besides, I wouldn't expect anyone to drop everything for me. We all have our lives, so don't fret. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said graciously.Seeing the proud and affectionate look on Atlas's face whenever he looked at her only fueled my resentment. Inside, I seethed at the sight of them together. My heart bur