John’s POV At the end of dinner, we said goodbye to Cassie and her family. My father made mention of speaking to me, however, and I raised my hand in mute request that he not proceed."I don't want to hear any more. I did the shit you guys wanted, so just for today, I ask.... Don't.talk.to.me." he said slowly, turning away with the intention of walking out of there."Is that manners, John?" my father scolded me. I turned and faced them, impatience expressed on my face."I just wanted to know something.... "I spun on my heel, facing them again. "How old do you think I am? You want to decide when I'm going to get married, what it's going to be like, what I'm going to do... That's it!" I exclaimed. I felt another twinge of pain in my head. "Mom, what was that ridiculous scene with Helena? You have exceeded all limits of common sense! I haven't left here yet because of YOU, because when Dad travels, I'm afraid to leave you alone because of your fainting spells. My apartment is there, loc

I shook my head to push those memories away and laughed humorlessly as I remembered how stupid I was. At first, being with Bryan did not involve anything outside of attraction, however, our involvement began to evolve. From kissing, to making out. From kissing, to cuddling, to sex. From sex, to affectionate moments of hugging and sleeping together. As time went by, I acquired feelings for him, and was even able to forget the uncertainty I had about John. I didn't notice that I was made a fool of, I didn't notice that he always had an excuse not to go out with me in public, I didn't notice that he never introduced me to his friends because he was ashamed of me. Ashamed to admit that I was dating the daughter of the maid of one of his friends. I got off the bus and entered the condominium, greeting the doorman and heading towards the mansion. I noticed unfamiliar cars in the garage and frowned, trying to remember if there were any events at the Carter residence. I left my books o

I got out of the car and decided not to go into the house. I went straight to the garden, the only place I could calm myself down. I grabbed a pack of cigarettes, took one out of it and lit it. I took a long drag as I walked among the plants, and the scene I saw when I reached my destination was almost like a rush, if it wasn't for the presence of my dog. Just as a few days ago, Helena was sitting on the bench. This time, she was hugging her legs that were curled up close to her body and her head rested on her knees. She didn't look well. I approached, drawing the attention of Benedict, who raised his head to look at me. The girl followed the gaze of the dog beside her and stopped at me, her vacant expression staring at me for a few seconds as I approached, then quickly looked forward again. Bento got down from the bench and lay there on the floor, leaving the place next to Helena empty. I sat there and she didn't even move.Silence.I took another drag on my cigarette, releasing

"First, check for me if he is warm" I did as I was asked and gently placed my free hand on his forehead."No, Doctor. He's breaking out in a cold sweat, only.""Okay. Now, close the curtain. Keep it dark, all right?" I hurried around the room, closing the curtain that covered the huge window in John's room. I looked at him, who still had his hands on his head and his eyes closed.He grunted again, turning over in his bed, and I felt my heart squeeze."There. Now what?" I questioned, sitting up in the vacant space on the bed, not taking my eyes off the man in front of me. "Take a bag of water or a cloth and soak it in the cold water. Once that's done, put it on his forehead. I'm on my way.""Okay. Thank you, Doctor" I spoke, already walking down the stairs, almost tripping over my own feet.I ended the call and, without the patience to look for the water bag, grabbed a clean cloth from a drawer and soaked it in the cold water. I returned to the room like a hurricane, sat down next to

John's POV"What's up?" greeted Bryan, making room for him to enter."Holy shit, you look awful. Are you sure you've improved?" he said, analyzing me in an exaggerated way."Fuck you" I laughed and sat down on the couch, paying attention to some game playing on the TV, and my friend unceremoniously plopped himself down in the chair in front of me, interlacing his hands behind his head in his usual nonchalant manner."Seriously, tell me straight what's gotten into you.""I don't even know. I woke up feeling a little sick and it got worse as I packed my things for the trip.""And how did you handle the meeting your dad told you to go to? Bryan asked and I ran my hands over my face in exhaustion, already anticipating the reaction Mister Henrico would have when he found out I didn't go on the trip."Dude, I sent a lawyer from my office to go in my place.""Being the boss's son has several advantages, my friend," he joked and I nodded with a certain disgust. The truth is that I hated this