Library Lies & Loud Hearts
The City Archive Library was a labyrinth of towering oak bookshelves and the scent of old parchment. Sunlight streamed through the high arched windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. It was the kind of place where you could hear a pin drop—or the sound of a heart breaking.
Dona sat at a secluded wooden table, a thick textbook open in front of her. She was wearing a cropped cream cable-knit sweater and a high-waisted plaid skirt, looking every bit the diligent student. But her mind was miles away. Every time she closed her eyes, she heard Ajax's deep voice confessing his love on the Ferris wheel.
"I want to be your boyfriend."
She snapped her book shut with a loud thud. Concentration was impossible. She gathered her things and hurried toward the exit, needing fresh air. But as she stepped into the main hall, she froze.
There was Ajax. He wasn't alone. Walking beside him was a stunning girl with long, flowing hair and a perfect smile. They were whispering and laughing as they headed for the doors.
A wave of hot, bitter jealousy washed over Dona. How could he? she thought, her vision blurring. He said he loved me, and now he's already moved on?
Before she could stop herself, she marched up to them and grabbed Ajax's arm, spinning him around.
"Dona? You're here?" Ajax asked, looking genuinely confused. The girl beside him blinked in surprise.
Dona ignored her, her eyes burning as she stared at Ajax. "Why are you here?"
Ajax let out a mocking little smile. "In a library? To study, obviously. Why else would I be here?"
"I wouldn't mind if you just admitted you were on a secret date," Dona spat, her voice trembling with a mix of mockery and pain.
Ajax's eyes widened. "What?"
The girl beside him stepped forward. "I think you have the wrong idea—"
"Wait!" Dona snapped, pointing a finger. "I'm talking to him, not you."
Ajax flipped his hair in frustration, a habit he had when he was losing his cool. "Dona, you're overreacting. Who comes to a library for a date?"
"Lovers!" Dona shouted, crossing her arms tightly. "Lovers choose quiet places like this for a date!"
Ajax's face began to soften as he watched her. Dona's bottom lip trembled. "How dare you break me again? When you said you loved me... finally, for one second, I was happy."
"Dona..."
"But you moved on the second I rejected you!" she sobbed, poking him hard in the chest. "How could you? I've been waiting for you for so long!"
Ajax didn't pull away. Instead, he smiled—a soft, genuine smile. On the third poke, he caught her finger in his hand. "Liar," he whispered.
He pulled her hand, drawing her into a tight, crushing hug. Dona gasped, her face buried in his soft cotton T-shirt.
"Who said I moved on?" Ajax whispered into her hair. "I still love you, Dona. I always will."
Dona's tears soaked into his shirt, but she couldn't help the small smile that touched her lips as she hugged him back.
Ajax pulled back just enough to cup her face in his hands. He looked at her with an intense, searching gaze. "Then why did you lie to me? Why did you say you had a boyfriend?"
Dona looked down, her voice a tiny whisper. "Do you think I'd just accept you right away? I wanted you to feel the same pain you gave me before."
Ajax tapped her nose gently. "You..." He laughed, shaking his head.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. They turned to see the beautiful girl standing there with a smirk. Dona immediately tried to hide her face in Ajax's chest, her cheeks turning bright red. I'm so embarrassed, she thought.
"My girl is a little shy," Ajax teased, wrapping an arm around Dona's shoulders.
The girl laughed. "Don't worry, girl. I'm his Senior. I was just helping him find some research papers. Don't misjudge him." She gave a little wave and walked away.
Dona looked up at Ajax, her eyes shining with relief, and finally, she gave him a real smile.
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The Serpent in the Family Tree
The Marina Private Trust stood like a fortress of secrets, its glass walls reflecting the harsh afternoon sun. Gabriella stood at the entrance, her heart racing. She looked effortlessly cool in high-waisted black trousers and a cream off-the-shoulder top, but her mind was sharp, calculating her next move.
"They won't give me the files if I just ask," she whispered to herself.
She slipped around to the back of the building, her movements quick and silent. Finding an empty breakroom, she snatched an employee uniform and an ID badge left on a table. Sliding on a pair of dark glasses, she blended into the crowd of bustling workers. No one looked up; everyone was too busy with their own lies.
Suddenly, her blood ran cold. Richardson, her uncle, stepped into the lobby, looking powerful and intimidating in a tailored charcoal suit. Gabriella ducked behind a pillar, her breath hitching. "Why is he here?"
She bolted toward the Records Keeping Area. She tried the stolen ID on the electronic lock, but a red light flashed: ACCESS DENIED.
"Who are you?" a voice demanded.
Gabriella spun around, her eyes widening. Standing there was Han, her cousin. "Han! You're here?"
"Gabriella?" Han looked confused. "Of course. This is our family trust."
Gabriella's world tilted. Their family trust? Before she could explain, an employee approached Han for a signature. As Han leaned over the desk to sign, Gabriella noticed his Gold Executive ID lying near his elbow. With the stealth of a cat, she swiped it while he was distracted.
"Granny told me about the Trust," Gabriella lied smoothly when Han looked back. "Since I'm studying finance, I wanted to see how it functions."
Han didn't look entirely convinced, but his assistant hurried him away for a meeting. "Look around then, Gabby. We'll talk later."
As soon as they vanished, Gabriella swiped Han's ID. The heavy steel door hissed open. She ignored the computers—the files from twenty years ago wouldn't be digital. She tore through the physical drawers until she found a dusty folder labeled ADOPTION: CASE 092.
It was the same document she had seen at Jasmine's, but with the missing pieces. Kevin's real mother was a woman named Marina. She had died during childbirth at a local hospital, leaving Kevin alone in the world until Jasmine adopted him.
But it was the blank space next to "Father's Name" that made Gabriella's skin crawl. She looked at the hospital records attached. The medical bills had been paid by a private account linked to... Richardson Lucien.
She shoved the file back, rushed out, and dropped Han's ID on the floor near the desk before sprinting for the exit.
A few minutes later, Han returned, searching for his ID. He found it on the floor, but something felt off. He noticed the Records Room door wasn't clicked shut. He stepped inside, his eyes narrowing as he saw one drawer slightly ajar.
He pulled out the file Gabriella had been reading. As he saw the name Marina, his jaw tightened, and a buried, jagged memory clawed its way to the surface.
Flashback: 8 Years Ago
A 15-year-old Han was screaming, throwing vases against the wall. He gripped his father, Richardson, by the collar. "You had another family? Other than me, Mom, and Christina?"
Richardson didn't flinch. He shoved Han's hand away with cold eyes. "If your mother's parents hadn't interfered and forced this marriage, Marina would be in your mother's place right now. Your mother is the interloper, Han. Not Marina."
Han's mother, Jannet, had stood there like a stone statue, her heart breaking in silence, while Granny sat on the sofa, clutching her chest in worry.
Back in the present, Han's hand trembled as he held the adoption file. He realized that the "Marina" his father loved wasn't just a mistress—she was the woman who had given Richardson a son. Kevin.
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The Heartbeat of a Secret
The silver moon hung low over Felix's mansion, a sprawling estate of glass and dark marble that looked more like a fortress than a home. Gabriella stepped up to the massive oak doors, her phone pressed to her ear.
She was dressed in a stunning, bodycon velvet gown in a deep wine-red color. The fabric was thick and plush, catching the dim light with every movement, featuring a sophisticated high-neck design and a dramatic open back. It was a dress that commanded respect—perfect for a woman hiding a thousand secrets.
"Don't worry, Uncle Xander," Gabriella whispered into the phone. "I'm here. I'll make sure Aunt Fiona doesn't get into too much trouble." She ended the call just as the door swung open.
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Chaos in the Living Room
Felix stood there, leaning against the frame. He didn't say a word; he just pointed toward the living room. Gabriella walked in, the heavy velvet of her dress brushing against her ankles, and immediately rolled her eyes.
The scene was a mess. Her Aunt Fiona and Felix's sister, Nancy, were sprawled on the velvet sofa, surrounded by half-empty bottles. They were giggling like teenagers.
"Enough, Auntie!" Gabriella said, snatching a glass out of Fiona's hand. "You've gone way past your limit."
"She was the heaviest drinker in our class," Nancy chirped, pointing a shaky finger at Fiona. "She can... handle it!"
Felix sighed, stepping over to his sister. "Enough, Nancy. Bed. Now." He gently hoisted her up, guiding her toward the stairs.
Gabriella turned back to Fiona, her voice softening with concern. "Uncle Xander is worried sick about you. You spend all your time with your friends and none with him."
Fiona scoffed, a defiant smile on her face. "Who says a married woman has to give every second to her family? A girl needs her friends, Gabriella."
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The Kitchen Sanctuary
A few minutes later, the house quieted down. In the kitchen—a high-tech space of stainless steel and warm yellow lighting—Gabriella cradled Fiona's eight-month-old baby boy. Across from her, Felix had swapped his cool exterior for an apron, carefully mashing food for the baby and four-year-old Scarlet.
Scarlet was running circles around the kitchen island. "I want to see Cocomelon!" she demanded.
"I'll turn the TV on for you, sweetie," Gabriella offered.
"I can do it myself!" Scarlet said in cute voice, sprinting toward the media room.
Gabriella wondered by Scarlet reply.
Felix chuckled, stirring the baby food. "Kids learn fast these days." He set the bowl down. "Let it cool for a second."
Gabriella looked down at the tiny boy. "Do you like boys or girls better? I love baby girls. They're so cute. But boys..." she nudged the baby's nose. "They become super naughty once they grow up."
Felix removed his apron, his gaze lingering on her. The dark red velvet made her skin look like porcelain. "I like both."
"Liar," Gabriella teased. "Men usually like baby girls."
Felix nodded slowly, stepping closer. "True. Every daddy treats his girl like a princess... and becomes her everything."
Gabriella's smile faltered as she thought of Frederick, her adopted father. Felix noticed. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I want a baby girl, Gabriella."
Gabriella felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She used one hand to gently push his chest back. "Why are you asking me?"
She quickly turned and placed the baby in his high chair. Felix smirked. "You're my future wife. Who else would I ask?"
Gabriella spun around, ready to argue. "You—"
She didn't see it. Scarlet's toy gun was lying right in her path. Her foot caught on the plastic, and she felt the floor disappear. She plummeted forward, right into Felix.
Desperate for balance, her hand latched onto his shirt. Riiip. Two buttons flew off. Gabriella's face crashed into his chest, her lips pressing firmly against his bare, warm skin.
Felix froze. His heart hammered against his ribs. Gabriella scrambled to stand up straight, her face burning, trying to ignore the electric tension.
She turned to bolt, but Felix was faster. His fingers clamped around her wrist, pulling her back. With a sharp tug, she spun into his space. Felix's face was deadly serious.
"What you said yesterday..." he whispered, searching her eyes. "Did you actually mean it? Are you truly willing to marry me, Gabriella?"
Gabriella looked up at him, the silence of the mansion feeling heavy. She could focus only on the fire in Felix's eyes and the sensation of his hand on her wrist against the soft velvet of her sleeve.
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To be Continued....
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