Ever since she was a little girl, Imogene Grey had loved vintage or cottage-core fashion. The seventeen year old girl had spent all her savings on cute dresses she felt anxious to wear in public. Frilly stockings and pastel dresses which had skirts that went down to her ankles filled half of her closet. She had gone through countless pairs of Mary Janes and Doc Martens. This girl was committed. However that life had been stripped away from her when she went on a walk in a nearby forest. 
After walking into a portal taking her to an alternate reality with a lack of today's modern machines and appliances, she became the lady in waiting to the future heir of the throne. The only way for her to get back to her old reality was to find the perfect suitor for the princess. However, things start to get tricky when she falls for the princess and is forced to pick between this reality or her home one.

I wake up in a cold sweat. I'm lying on something soft but I remember passing out on my living room floor. I sit up slowly glancing around, but I can't see anything. It's pitch black in here. Maybe it really was a dream. It seemed so real.

I crawl to the end of the bed moving my hands in front of me I feel a silk cloth. This isn't my room. I pull it aside and have to shield my eyes from the bright light that comes through. Did this really block out that much light? When my eyes adjust to the light I look around the room. A giant mirror spans the left wall along with a huge window. To my right there's a door. Where am I?
I climb off the bed. The walls are painted black making the room appear smaller. There's a vintage dresser sitting in front of me and above it is a beautiful painting of angels falling from heaven. I walk towards it; I just can't take my eyes off it.
Somewhere in the back of my head a voice is screaming at me to get out of here. I shake my head glancing at the door. I can't go that way. Someone could be waiting for me right outside the door. I walk quietly towards the window. Damn! I'm on the third floor. I curse under my breath. Actually that tree looks pretty close. Maybe if I can reach it...
"Are you feeling better?" I spin around at the sound of the guys voice. He's the same one from last night. He had chin length pitch black hair that almost covers his red eyes. He's wearing a Pierce the Veil t-shirt and black skinny jeans. I didn't realize it last night but he's pretty young. Around my age I'd guess. Maybe twenty at the most. I try not to think about the meaning of his pale skin and red eyes. It's impossible.
I glance behind me at the mirror. I briefly close my eyes when I don't see his reflection. I back up against the window feeling for the latch to unlock it. I can't stay here knowing what he is. It'd only be a matter of time before he...
"Oh come on." He sighs when he hears the soft click of the window unlocking. I ignore him. If I can just jump out to that tree I can climb down. I slowly side the window open as I keep a close eye on him. "You're not really going to do that are you?" He takes a step towards me.
"Stay away!" I put one foot on the window's ledge then the other. I brace myself to jump but arms wrap around my waist pulling me back inside. I struggle to get away and he pins me against the wall. I almost can't breathe with how hard he's holding me there. "Let me go." I whisper.
"I'm not going to hurt you." He says gently. "Now I'll let you go if you promise not to run." I nod slowly and he lets me go. He's shown me that he's too fast for me to try to get away. He was on the other side of the room when I was about to jump.
"Take me home." I demand quietly.
"I can't do that." I glare at him.
"Well why not? Why did you even take me in the first place?" He sighs.
"I couldn't just leave you there. You passed out...that guy wasn't alone. More would come because of all the blood. Even if you would have called the police they wouldn't have gotten to you first. I wasn't going to let them kill you." I lost some of my fire and a shiver runs down my spine. 
"I could have taken care of myself." I'm pretty sure I couldn't, but he doesn't need to know that. I just can't wrap my mind around this. This should all be impossible.

"You were passed out. They would have killed you before you came around."
"How do I know that you didn't bring me here to kill me?"
"If I wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead." He says rolling his eyes.
"What? So you want me to thank you for saving my life...I would be better off if I'd just died with them. They were the only family I had left. Did it ever occur to you that maybe I didn't want to be saved?" I look away. "Just leave me alone...I promise I won't run." ​

Arabella hardly ever left home. When she finally accepts her friends invitation to go out she comes home and finds something she never thought could have existed.

C H A P T E R 4


Today is the first day of school. 

I am now wearing a maroon coat with the gold linings on the shoulder length and a gold crown logo on the right side, the school's logo was sewed well and nameplate pinned above it , inside of the coat is a white long-sleeve polo and a gold necktie. The upper clothe is partnered with a maroon short high waist pleated skirt. I choose to wear a knee-high white socks and black heels.

There's no name written on the nameplate, according to the one who send it to me. My name will appear if I finally introduce myself in the class. So cool, right?

For my looks, I put sunscreen on my heart shaped face, clay blush to brighten my cheeks, brush my thick eyebrows, curled my eyelashes and put mascara on, liptint even I have natural red lips, tack it with powder and sprayed facial mist. I just let my ash-brown wavy hair down. I pick my vintage-inspired Louis Vuitton bag.

I look at the mirror to see my whole body. 

"Perfect!" I giggled


I'm alone, why? Because I'm late. I meant to be late. So, I don't have to wait for my turn to introduce myself.

When I got in the Bldg. 2 (Athena), I took the elevator, because the room is located on the 9th floor.

Bldg. R 374 that's the room name. As a respect to the teacher inside, I knock three times. The door opens.

"Good morning, Ms. Lendezma. I'm sorry for being late. I actually lost direction, that's why." I'm such a good liar, ayt?

"Are you the transferee?" I nodded 

"Okay class, the new student just arrive so please hear her out as she introduce herself."

I look around, a typical classroom with two aircons, about 50 chairs and tables, and big whiteboard. Unfortunaty, the so-called HEXAGON are here with the bitch in white.

"Miss, introduce yourself." Ms. Lendezma said

"I'm Xena." I said my name, but some of them frown

"Is that all, ahm... Xena?" 

"Ms. maybe she's just an ordinary girl from the town. I was wondering where did she get her uniform." I smirk, really an ordinary wearing a maroon? 

Our uniforms represent our rank in the society of Androma, wearing a maroon means you have all the power and wealth. 

"Xena, can you say your full name, family background and such." I was about to roll my eyes but I stop myself from doing it.

"I am the ONLY DAUGHTER of Marcus and Antonia WERTHEIMER. I'm Xena Ingrid WERTHEIMER. Our family ranked second in  Asia and placed 10th in the list of the most influential families in the world. Is that enough?" I face the teacher who's now looking at me with admiration. Oh not only her but the majority of the class are. 


"O-M-G! XENA YOU'RE BACK!" Amber shouted that's why everyone come back to their senses. I just rolled my eyes at her. The curiouscats started mumbling murmurs.


"Can I take my seat now, Ms. Lendezma?" 

"Yes, of course you can Ms. Wertheimer." then she slightly bowed her head


The six of them are seated in the last row. I didn't bother to glance at them. I choose the available sit beside the window.

"Why don't you seat with Hexagon, Ms. Wertheimer?" Ms. Lendezma ask

"No, I'm fine here. The seat that should be mine was taken already by someone. And besides, I don't want to look a seat-STEALER, so its better to sit here instead." I said, everyone gasp and look at the girl who can't look at me. 


"Oh, okay. If that's what you want."


I can see that some of them are now, shooting daggers to the girl seated between Austin and Amber. Not minding if one of the Hexagon might see him/her.


Should I be happy about it? Of course, I should.

Melodiam Academy is an elite school at the town of Androma for the children of nobles. Where the ordinary townsmen wishes their offsprings to get in.


But, unfortunately those who are poverty-stricken and has a low intelligence quotient (IQ) does not have the chance. 


This only certify that if you are


powerful,


wealthy,


and


smart


you are qualified to be a student of MA.



Let me ask you,


will you still enroll despite of the 'must-have'?

---

"What the heck is your problem, Xena!" he shouted at me, I lost count how many times he did it. He doesn't even call me Ingrid, he was the only one who calls me at my second name. No one does, only him. Now it hurts so much! 


"You! You are my fckin' problem, Alastaire! What did I do, huh? What the fck did I do that you're so mad at me?!" I shouted too, 


I can't hold back anymore. Its killing the hell out of me. I want to understand him, but I can't get where this is all coming from. Also, that effin' btch always puts herself with the issue even she's not part of it. Ghad! What a attention seeker btch!


"Me? You know what?! You should've not came back! You just make things worse! Just go back to where you are for the fckin' years ago! When you left Androma that night, you cutted all the strings and connections with me. So, don't you dare messed Hexagon again or Alessia. Get lost!" he then turned around and leave me shocked


That is the most painful words I heard since I studied here. He always stopped himself from bursting out, but I think I pushed him to his limits. I really did and now he hates me so much. So much that he wants me lost, he wants me to go back where I was before. 


Tears started to come out, the students who are passing by looks at me with curiousity and pity. Damn! I don't need that! 

---

The next week goes much better for Nickola. Things are going well with Miles. Her urges to contact Herring are almost nonexistent. The fact that this weekend is Ros' wedding is helping redirect her thoughts. She meets Vanessa at the mall.
"So tonight is the bachelorette party?" Vanessa ask.
"Yeah. We're going to the club first then to a hotel after. She's got some family coming from out of town."
"Been so long since we've been to the club." Vanessa says.
"I know. It seems so long ago."
"How are things with Miles?" Vanessa ask as they step onto the escalator.
"Good. We're taking things slow," Nickola says nodding.
"Oh. So you two haven't," Vanessa pries.
"No. I mean we've messed around."
"It's been what? Two months."
"That I've known him. We've only been together for two weeks," Nickola clarifies.
Vanessa stops in front of the entrance to Nordstrom. She crosses her arms over her chest. "You ain't feeling him."
"Why you say that?" Nickola's feels flush.
"I'm not saying you have to give it up. But it's been two months and you're not crazy about him yet," Vanessa is surprised.
"I like him. He's just not who I would typically go for." She turns to walk into the store.
"No he is not," Vanessa says as she followers her in.
They find the section with dresses. "Here it is," Nickola removes the dress from the rack. An a-line knee length navy blue dress. It's a sleeveless vintage slim fit with a shirt collar.
"Oh. I like it!" Vanessa squeals.
Nickola tries on the dress. She comes out of the dressing room and models it for Vanessa. She stand in front of the mirror.
"You look beautiful friend. You can't be looking better than the bride. They're gonna ask you to leave Nikki."
Nickola smiles. "You're silly." She turns to view the back of the dress in the mirror. "Now I'm afraid of Miles reaction."
"Girl! He won't be able to control himself."
The two go for frozen yogurt before parting ways.
                                   =============
Later in the evening. The ladies meet at the hotel and a limo takes them to Crown One. They enter through the VIP access line and head to the lounge Ros reserved. Her excitement along with her outfit draws some strange stares. She's rocking a white tube top covered with a black crop leather jean jacket. Her black jeans have rhinestones that outline the front and back pockets. Attached to the tiara on top of her head is a sheer lace veil. Written in black script on the front of her top are words Bride to be. A round of long island ice teas are brought to the lounge. The six ladies grab their drinks and head to the dance floor. Ros makes a request at the DJ booth. Nickola's eyes go wide and her mouth drops slightly.
"Que pasa?" Ros ask turning to see where Nickola's looking. "Is that Herring? Who's that girl he's with?"
"I don't know," Nickola still looking as if she sees a ghost.
"Don't worry about him. Just try to enjoy the night."
The song Ros requested plays. She grabs Nickolas arm and yells, "Woo!" The ladies dance together with their drinks in the air. Nickola can't help but look every so often in Herrings direction. They are definitely here together. The way she's hanging all over him. At least he looks uninterested in whatever she's saying. She's pretty. I wonder where they met. What am I doing? I'm with Miles now.
Ros notices Nickola is still staring at Herring. "You going to be okay?"
"Yeah," jerked from her thoughts.
"Don't let it get to you."
"I'll be fine. This is your night." She holds her drink up. "To Ros."
"To Ros the ladies repeat." They all take a swallow of their drinks.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom," Nickola says to Ros.
The crowd has thickened and she has lost sight of Herring. She makes her way to the bathroom. "Nickola," someone in the crowd calls her name.
She turns around. "Hey Herring," slightly nervous.
"Are you here with Vanessa?" He looks around.
"No. It's Ros' bachelorette party," she turns to look at the girls.
"Oh," he says looking in the same direction. "How have you been?"
"Good. You?" she finds it hard to look at him.
"I'm good."
"You here with Bronze?" His cologne intoxicating her.
"No, I'm." The blonde interrupts them locking arms with Herring. "This is Krista. Krista, Nickola," he sounds caught off guard.
"Hi," Krista says curiously.
"Hi," she says to Krista. There's and awkward vibe. "Well it's good seeing you,"  she says to Herring and walks away quickly to the bathroom.
"How do you know her?" Krista ask.
"She and my stepmum are friends," he watches her walk away.
Nickola looks are herself in the mirror. She takes a deep breath. Ok girl. Get it together. She rejoins the group and manages to enjoy the rest of the night.
                                                            ==============
Wedding day at Saint Thomas Aquinas church. It's exactly how Nickola envisioned a Cathlolic church would be. High ceilings with wooden pews. Floors that creak with every other step. The virgin Mary carved in stone. A large gold table in front of the lectern. Even a set of gold organ pipes. Anticipation on the faces of the attendees as they await the entrance of the bride. Both sides of the church are filled. Juan's leg shakes nervously as he watches for his wife to be. Their two daughters litter the aisle with burgundy flowers.
Nickola reminisces of her wedding day. The chaos of making sure every detail was perfect. The smiles as she walked down the aisle. The tears in Wes eyes as he said his vows. She looks at Miles and tries to imagine life with him and Devaun. Her daydream is cut short. The pianist begins to play Ave Maria. The attendees stand in honor of the bride. Ros is wearing a soft white sweetheart neckline dress. With a scalloped hem, beaded sash, and a lace back up. Her chapel train also has lace. Diamond drop earrings to match the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. The ceremony keeps true to Catholic tradition. With hymns, mass, prayer and blessing.
The celebration continues with a reception at the hotel. White and burgundy centerpieces sit on each table. Rhinestones are scattered around the centerpieces. A chocolate fountain surrounded by bananas and strawberries. In walk the bride and groom. Shortly after, the staff excuses each table to the buffet.
"You've been quiet tonight," Miles says.
"All this is...bringing back memories," Nickola says softly.
There is little said as they eat. Being at the wedding is making her question her relationship with Miles. Ros and Juan step on the dance floor for the newlywed dance. After, the DJ invites everyone to dance. Zara finds a group of children and they all move their bodies to the beat. The Macarena plays.
"Let's dance," Miles hold his hand out for Nickola.
"I thought you weren't a dancer?"
"This is different," he explains.
She smiles and puts her hand in his. Once on the dance floor, her mind is clear of the previous doubts of Miles.

Widowed Nickola is ready to give love a second chance. She meets single father Miles who is an aspiring business entrepreneur. But there's an undeniable attraction to British model Herring who is fifteen years her minor. Unfortunately, Herring is the stepson of her best friend Vanessa.

Illustration by Caesarea Hendricks

Mo Yuanxiu chuckled and turned away, saying, "Put on your clothes properly and get downstairs. I'm usually not in the mood to discuss serious matters on an empty stomach."
Lu Manman glared at Mo Yuanxiu's back.
This man.
He was vile!
She shoved the blanket aside in annoyance, and buckled her bra again. She then adjusted her t-shirt. The slim-fit jeans on her were still alright, and her crystal stilettos were lying messily on the floor. She put on her shoes, and then checked them left and right before entering the bathroom.
In the bathroom, she saw herself in the huge full-length mirror—pale face, dark eye circles, and all. She had no idea what she had done last night, but besides her evident lack of energy, she had no injuries whatsoever.
But Mo Yuanxiu's body…
Her eyes flickered. There was no need for her to think so hard about things that didn't really matter.
After a quick wash and rinse, Lu Manman left the bedroom for the living room downstairs.
On the left of the living room was a dining room and an indoor garden with glass panels all around. Mo Yuanxiu was sitting at a black vintage style dining table, and having breakfast while sipping some floral tea. Dining beside him was a middle-aged man, who appeared to be a butler.
This man really knew how to enjoy life.
Lu Manman walked over, and the butler politely bowed. "This is Miss Lu's breakfast. If it isn't to your liking, I'll get the kitchen to prepare another set for you."
"Thank you, I'm not picky."
"Please enjoy." The butler smiled with much respect.
"You may go," Mo Yuanxiu ordered the butler.
"Yes."
The butler left.
Lu Manman sat down and looked at the luxurious spread of breakfast. She had no appetite at the moment, and did not even pick up her silverware. She directly said, "I don't mind talking while you eat."
"So…"
"I don't want to waste my time." Lu Manman looked at him. "Mo Yuanxiu, let's collaborate."
Mo Yuanxiu elegantly wiped his lips and looked up. "Go on."
"You want to have a proper career, I can help you with that. Given the Mo Mandate's influence in Wen City, it's practically impossible for you to outdo Wen Yun. But with the help of our Lu Family, you might just have a chance." Lu Manman looked at Mo Yuanxiu very seriously.
Mo Yuanxiu looked at this woman, as if he was thinking deeply about something. His eyes narrowed. "How could you tell that I wanted to have a proper career?"
"I understand you more than you think," Lu Manman said.
"Am I at a disadvantage then?" Mo Yuanxiu sneered.
"You should feel lucky that I'm choosing to work with you."
"Name your terms." Mo Yuanxiu looked back at her.
"Simple. I want to drag Wen Yun and the entire Wen Family down from the political arena, leaving them with nothing. And I need your help!" 
"You think so highly of me?"
"I've said it before. I understand you more than you think." Lu Manman looked closely at him.
What a joke, she'd lived an extra seven years previously. It wasn't all for nothing!
In her previous life, she had given her all to support Wen Yun in his career, and Mo Yuanxiu had been the one nemesis he had. Moreover, Mo Yuanxiu was surprisingly resilient!
"Alright," Mo Yuanxiu suddenly agreed.
Lu Manman looked at the curl of his beautiful lips. She wasn't the sort of woman who liked to reveal too much of her emotions. Even at her highest and lowest, she maintained her composure. This was a way of protecting herself when she handled matters, and also a demonstration of her good upbringing.
At this point, she kept her pride and charisma as she said, "Mo Yuanxiu, from today onwards, I will help you in your career, and you will help me kill the devil!"
"A promise, worth a thousand words."


In her seven years of marriage, she and her husband click perfectly well, sharing a loving and sweet relationship.

However, in the end, all of this was just a mirage.

She had given up everything for the sake of her marriage, only to be killed by her husband's meticulous planning.

That day, Lu Manman died in a car accident while less than two months pregnant. All her assets fall in her husband's hands. Luckily, God helps her.
After the car accident, she is reborn by accident. When she opens her eyes
again, she is back to when she was still unmarried.

Lu Manman's sharp eyes narrow and her bloodthirsty smile is like a poppy flower, magnificent and peerless. Facing the person who knocked her down in
her previous life, she makes a shocking request for compensation: Marry me.
The man smiled: I'm the man with the worst reputation in the city. 

However, she doesn't care. In this life, she wants to break off the engagement with the scumbag and expose all his schemes to protect her family.
After she gets married, she realizes that this man with the worst reputation
doesn't seem to be what the rumors say?

Aimon de Bertille (house of bright) is a famous condominium with 15 floors not including the roof top. Many popular celebrities and rich tycoon dream of being able to live in one of the condo unit of this building. Unfortunately for them it will continue to be just a dream. 

Aimon de Bertille is not an ordinary condo. Tenants were undergone a carefully screening with the owner face to face. Claire Brillante was a well known billionaire and is at top 2 riches man/woman in the world. She love adventure as well as bright and shining things. Most of all, she was a treasure Hunter and sometimes post as a scavenger. While she was doing fun things around the world, she also met and have known many mysterious and famous personalities. Some of them were hidden masters that no where to go or are not satisfied with their living situation. That's how Claire thought of something. 

She created Aimon de Bertille for them. People who were rich, beautiful and masters of their own trade. She built a home that can satisfy both their wants and needs.

This is Aimon de Bertille. People living here is no where near ordinary people. So, even if the security in this condo is super tight does not mean that the tenants were weak chickens and gentle rabbits. They were all wolf and foxes hiding in sheep clothing.

That's why this condo have everything and all of it was luxurious. From the first floor up until the top was meticulously planned out and we'll designed. 

The first floor was for reception, it was the floor for management and utility. The security also roomed in first floor. The second floor is composed of restaurants, there is also a bar and a huge space for the tenant to get together for partying and having fun. The third floor is the gym. Not only that, there's also the game room, an indoor court for many ball games. From floor 4 up to 15 were all condo units. There was only two unit for every floor. It was arranged like that, so that there was enough room to place whatever items the tenant will have in their own unit. The top floor have pool and jacuzzi. An observatory room was also places in the roof top for star gazing. Let's not forget the underground the floor 0, the training grounds. It has two floors, the upper and the lower ground. The upper ground was created for equipment and maintenance facilities (literary equipment; weapon and magical equipment, items and devices). The lower ground was for general training grounds. 

*

Momo was laying relaxing inside the bathtub. Steam keep rising as she soaked herself in warm water soothing her muscles. When she feel that it was enough, she open her closely tight eyes revealing a dewy wet ruby eyes with a glimmering golden ring from sleepiness. She yawn as she stands up while white soft towel flew over covering her body.

She went out of the bathroom, and opens the door to the left which is the door to her cloak room. A large mirror was standing at the end of the room occupying the whole wall. Two large black wardrobe was place facing each other. And beside of left wardrobe was a large white shoe cabinet where many different shoes and boot where placed. 

In front of the mirror at the end of the room was a big space with a long grey sofa with black outline in both sides. In the center was a small stage, it was a black stage with a grey circle in the middle. Contrasting the color white carpet it looked very eye catching. Momo walked towards that stage and stands on it. She looks straight at the mirror and then turn around. She gazed at the wardrobe and the shoe cabinet in the room and snap her fingers.

The towel that was covering Momo's body fell down. The wardrobe door opens, specific clothes emerge and flew directly towards Momo for her to wear. The same thing happened to the cabinet where the shoes are located.

*

A dark wide room, a black ceiling and a checkered black and white floor. The wall is colored red below it to the floor is a square wood designed. A complete Victorian gothic style room. Surprising, despite it being dark with no lighting you will be able to see entirely everything. The room have many passage but it only have one door. And that was the entry door from outside. All other passageway was only covered by two thick red curtains that was parted by a black ribbon tying it elegantly.

It was like a maze, one entry lead to many pathway. If intruded by uninvited guest, the room will distort making everything look the same. If one failed to get the owner's permission then they may be forever trap in this mystic room. 

There was one way that would take you to the bedroom. It was a smaller room compare to others. It was a semi circular room, where the large red and black king size canopy bed was placed in the middle of the straight flat side of the wall. There was red carpet under the bed, there was no other furniture aside from it. In front was four passages connected to different rooms.

If you take the third passage from the left, it will lead you to a long corridor. At the end of it was a lone entryway. Inside was a wide circular room with only one entrance. A room full of humanoid dolls small and large sitting on the cabinet and on the floor. On the table was a scattered part of the humanoid doll. Either it did not belong to anything or was just about to become part of something. 

Beside one of the cabinet is a large vintage clock.
Tick tock, tick tock. Clang! Clang! Clang! 
The clock chimed and rung across the room as the longer hand turn and point it's hand at 12, while the shorter hand was pointed at 8. It rung for a while as it signify that it was already 8:00 in the evening. 

All the humanoid doll looked at the clock. They did not move their head only their eyes moved to glare at the noisy clock. As the chimed stop, many different voice sounded from different directions. Different gender with different tone and ranges of voice. They giggled, some laugh loud.

Not long after,  all of them just stopped went they sense their master coming from that one passageway.

A young man with silver hair and red eyes emerge from the only entrance in the room. Under his eyes was filled with thick black eye liner. His bangs was tidied up a two hair clip on one of the side. On his neck was a black chocker, right on his left ear was a red gem stone earing the same color as his eyes. He was wearing a wide tight black T-shirt that slipped down to one of his shoulders and a red checked knee short with a leather strap place on his right thigh. He wears a black leather belt with chains that partnered clearly on his high length leather boots with the same design and accessories. 

He looked at the clock that stopped ringing then looked around the room. Specifically, at the dolls that resting from everywhere in the room. As he glance around the eyes of the dolls as well as their head move all at the same time pointed at his direction. The humanoid dolls that was now quietted down from their master's arrival started getting noisy again. 

They started to say the same sentence. Like a chant repeatedly being recite.

"The twins are back, it's now eight o'clock. It Time to them flock."

"The twins are back, they're back, they're back".

"The twins are back, it now eight o'clock, eight o'clock???" The dolls suddenly stop reciting their words. They titled their heads thinking that something seems wrong. As if finally switching on the light bulb, the dolls went wide and directly turn their heads to the direction of the clock. Their eyes glare fiercely at the old clock as if they want to tear it apart.

They saw the large hand pointed at 1, meaning it's not 8 o'clock anymore. Their sudden realization made a chuckled out of the young man's think and pinkish lips. The young man gave all his dolls a gentle smile reassuring them that it was fine. The dolls giggles as they received their masters smile. Then young man turn around walking from where he came from exiting from the room full of humanoid dolls. 

He walked through the long corridor. Along the way the long hallway slightly distorted, the pathway that should lead to his bedroom became a dead end. Seeing the end of the path, the young man did not stop but continue walking his way towards the wall. With only a slight distance to the wall, the young man can't help but put on a gentle smile. A hint of mischievousness flash across his red eyes as he stared straight a head. A door suddenly appeared in the wall, it opens up immediately and the young man went through without any obstacle. 

"The twins are back, everyone will flock again at 8 o'clock...hmm". He giggles after reciting the chant his dolls composed just a while ago. I think the word flock is used for birds? He thought as he went his way towards the elevator.

The door the young man exited stays opened, until the young man disappeared into the shadows, only did the door closed and was automatically locked from the inside. On the door was a number curve in gold that signifying the tenant unit number, 402.

Zyair, a person who careless about everything and anything, and someone who have a great temper– was tricked by his lover into playing a certain game. 

Qantas, who only cares about one person– who escape without second thought– finally coaxed this person to play a certain game.

One day...

Qantas: "I can't play today, so play by yourself."

Zyair: "...fine!" 

Although relucant, Zyair still went to play by himself. 

Then, Zyair with wide eyes, looked at his avatar that was lying at the glass floor, bath with its own blood, while being gnawed by countless mice.Then looked at Cinderella laughing hysterically with her gorgeous gown and glass slipper. 

Zyair: "??!!" Bloody hell!! How did he die?!

Suddenly...

His screen went black.

And he felt a sudden hard thump from his chest and passed out.

When he opened his eyes again, Zyair almost erupted like a volcano. 

But Nix, a senior player came to him and reached out his hand. 

Grinning, Nix said: "You're interesting. From now on you're my new friend."

Zyair fuming red with anger: "F*ck off! Don't you dare touch me with that filthy hands of yours!! I don't need your help!! And erase that grin, it's annoying."

Still grinning, Nix decided with a nod: "that's fine too, I'll follow you instead."

After how many games they played.

Zyair who's hair was rising from intense anger: "Here you are! I finally found you, motherf*cker!!"

Qantas who finally appeared, smile brightly at Zyair: "How are you? Did you enjoy playing alone? It's fine now, it took a while but I'm not going anywhere anymore."

Zyair who was immediately coaxed: "Really?"

Qantas: "Yeah. So don't escape from me, ever again."

The neglected Nix: "hey! Are you finished? He didn't play alone, mind you. He played with me~ and I enjoyed it a lot~ and~ I don't mind playing with you too~ want to try threeso–"

Nix looked down and saw his torso being bind by many red strings. Then he look back and saw someone's expressionless face.

Yayoi: "Dare to say more?"

Nix erase his flirtatious grin, he became quiet. A soft smile appeared in his face: "Come here. I need a hug."

While hugging Yayoi, Nix suddenly reminded: "But the way, Zyair. If you still want to beat me up, I will welcome you anytime.

Confused, Zyair went to asked Qantas.

Qantas: "It's alright. You should forget it. You won't be able to beat him anyway."

Zyair: "oh." ಠ益ಠ

...

...

...

This is a story about four people's lives. How they went to chase love and how they run to taste freedom. How they found their missing heart and how they finally found where they they trully belong.

WARNING!! This novel is a bl novel full of the author's brain hole. This series may not be suitable for many readers.

TRIGGER WARNING: PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

DEPRESSION

SUICIDAL PROTAGONIST

GORE

GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE

...

(A/N: The cover picture ain't mine, btw. I just edited it, and belongs to respective owners!!)

(◍•ᴗ•◍)

CEO Jun Hara's house
On the west side of Harbor City, a gated house with a stone fence stood tall and glamorous. Green grass surrounded the big house and a colored fountain sat in front of the front door. A combination of yellow and white lights illuminated the interior of the house where vintage-elegant was the theme.
Mr. Hara casually browsed the tablet on his hand as he sat on the sofa. A crease formed on his forehead, evidently bothered by the email that he was currently reading. The light clacking of heels echoed in the living room as Margaret entered the room with a huge smile on her face. 
"What are you reading, daddy?" Margaret leaned over to see what her father was looking at but she was only able to glance at the tablet before he closed the screen and turned to her. "Mm, you're home?"
"Yes." She walked around the sofa and sat next to her father with a sigh, "I'm exhausted."
"Why? What did you do today?"
"Oh, nothing much really… Just out shopping with the girls." She turned to her father and met his gaze. "What are you thinking about, daddy?"
"It's nothing, I'm just wondering what Chairman Park is going to say on Monday," he answered, placing the tablet on the coffee table in front of them.
"You're going to meet Damien on Monday? Why? Can I come?" Margaret immediately straightened up, a glint flashed across her twinkling eyes upon hearing Damien's name. She had just read the articles online before she arrived home. The original write-ups had been taken down, however, the news had already spread so widely that netizens were still talking about it.
She didn't like that Damien and that woman he was with in the afternoon were being talked about like they were a celebrity couple. But that was just a temporary thing. She knew that this would cause a ruckus with the board knowing that they wouldn't want their company's image to be tarnished. Once that happens, kicking Young Corporation out of the picture was going to be easy.
"You haven't… Hmmm… Don't search anything online for now, okay? Crown Resort Group requested a meeting with all the bidders of the project on Monday. Also, we've talked about this. It's better if you don't go anywhere near Damien Park." Jun Hara studied his daughter's face as if he was trying to search for something before probing, "You didn't see him, did you?"
"Of course, not, daddy. I told you… I'm fine now. I promised you that I would stay away and I did… I haven't seen him at all. I swear." A charming smile cast her face, looking so angelic as she lied to her father's face.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, Jun Hara nodded and patted Margaret's head. "Good girl."
"So… I really can't go with you?"
Her father only eyed her and she pursed her lips into a thin line, raising her hand in surrender as she got up. "Okay okay… I was just confirming. Fine… I won't go…"
"Mm. Have you eaten dinner?"
"Yes, Dad. I'm going up to my room now." She pressed a kiss on her father's forehead before happily strolling towards her bedroom with a wicked grin on her face.
Jun Hara watched as his daughter walked up the stairs with worry written all over his face. "Don't forget to take your medicines. Good night."
"I won't, daddy. Good night!" Margaret disappeared from his sight and she entered her bedroom, locking the door behind her.
The yellow light that softly brightened her bedroom made the whole place look serene and calm. Her bedroom had shades of pink and white on the walls, the curtains, and even the drapes on her canopy bed. Margaret Hara had this adorable and innocent persona; one look at her and you'd want to be friends with someone as cute as her.
With a smile on her face, she went to her dresser and sat in front of the mirror. She looked at herself, turning her face from side to side as though she was examining her appearance. Picking up a wooden paddle brush, she started to brush her hair carefully, humming to the tune of Lullaby by Krzysztof Komeda.
When she was done, Margaret washed up and changed into a floor-length white nightgown and padded towards her tall dresser, pulling the topmost drawer open where untouched bottles of pills worth a few months were kept hidden. She glanced at her reflection on the mirror next to her and smiled before briefly looking at the medicine bottles again. Then she closed the drawer and went to her bed. Daddy wouldn't know if she missed a few pills or so anyway…
There were a few stuffed toys on her bed but she grabbed for the baby doll as soon as she crawled to the middle of the bed and cradled the baby in her arms. "Hey, baby… did you miss mommy?" A gentle smile formed on her lips as she softly caressed the baby doll's face. "I saw your daddy today… He was out with someone else but that's okay... He'll be back, I'm sure of it. I'll make sure of it."
Margaret got settled under the covers and turned off the lights. It was still and quiet and the only sound that could be heard was another round of humming from the same spine-chilling tune that filled her room—"Lullaby"
"I wanna see your daddy again soon… What do you think I should wear?" she casually asked the baby doll in her arms as if she was expecting it to respond.
Margaret Hara left Esmea almost a decade ago. Everyone—except her family—thought that she left for Japan to manage their business there. While that was partly true, no one else really knew what happened to her all these years. 
Now, she appeared as if she was a normal, beautiful woman in front of her friends—and only the walls of her bedroom and the doll in her hands truly knew what happens at night when she's all by herself.
"Hush now, baby, don't cry… Daddy and mommy are going to be together again soon. We'll be a happy family," Margaret softly said and then started, "La la la la la la la la la la…"


"Today, I choose you. And I'll choose you over and over again. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat, I'll keep choosing you.” -A

What would happen when a top assassin with a tragic background suddenly wakes up losing her memory after a long coma?
 
Five years after living her new identity, Katherine meets many misfortunes. With the help of her friend, she takes on the role of a secretary-slash-assistant for the country’s popular bachelor, Damien Park, Aka the Resort King. But who would have thought that on her first day of work, her boss would end up being her bane of existence?
 
With a smirk on his devilish, handsome face, Damien drags her to his office and presses her against the wall until his face is just inches away… “How dare you show up in front of me five years late?”
 
Surprised by the forceful antics of the man in front of her, Katherine blurted, “Mister Whoever you are, let me go!”
 
“What? Whoever... I am? Kitten, you better not think that you can get away with feigning ignorance. After disappearing that night, I thought you would already be on the other side of the world. Is being my secretary another one of your lies? Laughable.”
 
Katherine’s fate from then on entangled with his as she began to spend more time with him. The more she does, the more her true self is revealed... and this would scare her. 

Will she allow herself to fall in love with him? 
 
***
 
Twirling the knife in her hand skillfully, Katherine stared daggers at the man before her. As she stands from her seat, she stabs the knife on the wooden table in front of her in a bang!

Tied up with his hands behind his back, yet the man before her didn’t seem to feel a bit of fear.
 
She saunters wearing only her lace underwear and a white long cardigan over it, a small sexy smile appeared on her face. Her fingers gently caressing the chin of Damien Park as her sweet voice resounded out in the room. “I never would have thought there would come a day where I would be facing you 
like this... Mr. Park, would you like to see me dance?”
 
Chuckling slightly, Damien finds her provocation very tempting. "Let's see what you've got."
 
Discovering the secrets and unfolding the truth of her past, will she spare Damien's life or will she kill him?

•••

Future Plan: Femme Fatale Series

~~~~~~~~~~

Other Works:

•Serendipity - A Chance Encounter (Complete-Ongoing revision)

•The Mafia Prince's Naughty Angel (Ongoing)

~~~~~~~~~~

Join me and follow all my socials:
linktr.ee/nixxxie

*cover is mine.* Please don't use it without permission.

Proofreaders:

filledelisle
Swaning

YP Entertainment, Seoul
"Behind the scenes, Day-1....3.2.1.Start." The cameraman says.
The room was pretty large. The floor was wooden. It was dimly lighted in the vintage shade. There was a huge mirror along the length.
"So it's Day-1 of the dance rehearsal. And here's Zeal." The cameraman says ending the panorama view of the room at Zeal. He was wearing a black, half sleeves t-shirt with black track pants and black shoes. His attire was a little sporty but it looked comfy. And obviously, Zeal's body looked too seductive in it.
"Hello everyone." He says waving towards the camera. "Today's the first day of Behind the scenes. So I am gonna show you how I am like, behind the cameras. I am a little messy, hope you can tolerate it." He says, moving his fingers through his hair and then giving a to die for-wink.
"So, I am pretty excited for today, pretty nervous too." He continues moving far from the camera.
Both Zeal and cameraman chuckle on this.
"So today I am gonna meet my new dance instructors. I heard they are pretty famous. I hope I don't make any mistakes." He says smiling.
"What are you gonna show your fans till they come?" The cameraman asks.
"So I am gonna show you, show you some of my moves." He says.
"Ya, that'll be cool." The cameraman says.
He smiles and moves back and then a part of the new song plays. He performs his footwork gracefully and then stops.
"So should I do it like this?" Zeal asks, performing the last part again.
"Maybe." The cameraman says.
He then moves in a loop and then sits down on the wooden floor.
[Cameraman starts getting goosebumps from Zeal's cute-hot side.]
"So I am trying to look cool." Zeal says shyly.
"You are cool." The cameraman says, still suffering from goosebumps.
Zeal laughs.
"I heard your dance partner's Sua?"The cameraman asks.
"Ya, actually we have collaborated on some songs." Zeal says
"So, what do you think about Sua?"The cameraman asks.
"That's, that is a difficult question, I think she'll make a nice friend. Ya, a nice friend. We both shot two M/Vs together. She is nice, I guess." He says smiling brightly at the end.
"I think..." The cameraman is about to say something but he stops.
"So I am waiting for Sua." He says.
"And I am right behind ya." She says bending till his face, keeping her hands on his shoulder. She was wearing black-Puma shorts coordinated with a black-Puma, see-through crop top on a black-Puma sports bra. Her shoes had a little slope. Her hair was in two tight braids. Zeal tilts his head to look at her. Their lips were just a few centimetres apart but both pretend as if nothing happened. Zeal turns his head back, towards the camera.
"Hello, she says making a finger-heart for her fans. I promise you I'll give a new introduction every time." Sua says smiling looking at the camera and then at Zeal.
Then, both Sua and Zeal laugh looking at each other.
"Selena and Brad!" Sua gets shocked as she looks at the Choreographers approach them. Her eyes glitter with happiness. Zeal also looks at them in awe. The best choreographers were going to teach them. The video was surely going to be a hit.
"In Position" The male choreographer says clapping. The female choreographer stands beside him. The cameraman moves into a corner of the room. 
They take their positions. Sua lays her hand on his shoulder. Zeal gently takes her other hand in his hand and then circles his other hand around her waist. They both look in the mirror.
"Shoulders back, long neck. Stomach in." The female choregrapher says coming closer. She keeps her hands on Sua's shoulder and then shapes them into the perfect position.
"Higher, Arms higher. Pull up."The male choregrapher says, observing them closely.
"Don't sickle." The female choregrapher says to Sua laughing. She could see her shyness.
"And Smile." She says, and the music turns on.
"I look into his eyes, they are deeper than I thought." Sua thinks. She had a smile on her face. But she was nervous. 
Sua tries to move like the choreographer says but her moves looked to stiff. Zeal suddenly bends down and reties her shoelaces, a little loose. Sua looks at him. He stands back and bends a little, he supports her by keeping his arm on her back.
"Now try it." He says looking in her eyes with a very faint smile. He holds her wrist, the moves his hand to her arms. "This part has to be stiff not your wrist." He says patting on her elbow. The step comes out perfect.
He then bends and touches her thighs. "You have to bend a little towards me." She puts her hand on his shoulder for support and twists her waist towards him.
"Perfect." The female choreographer says.
He lets go of her waist and then syncs her fingers into his. "Move your left feet forward." He says moving his right feet back.
"Now move your left feet back." He says moving his feet forward. She moves the wrong feet and he falls a little back. He gains his position in the wink of an eye.
"Try it slowly. Right forward." He says looking at her feet. He rolls her but she loses her balance. She falls towards him but he pulls her back. He moves his head slightly in a no and then lets out a chuckle which reveals his teeth and lips in a beautiful smile. He moves his hands away from her for a few seconds.
He then moves them back and looks into her eyes and teaches her again.
He holds her waist during the loop but when she comes back to him he falls as she puts more of her body weight on him. She falls on his stomach, his t-shirt had rolled up. His knees were in a triangle on the floor and he still had one of his hands around her back supporting it. He closes his eyes for a minute and engulfs the pain. She quickly stands up her hands on her waist. "I am sorry. I am extremely sorry." She says moving aside biting her lower lip. She rubs her eyebrow in awkwardness.
The male choreographer rushes towards him. He lends his hand to Zeal for support and then pulls him back on his feet. He was pressing his stomach with his hand.
"I think you should take a break. You made enough progress today." He says. He could see the pain Zeal was trying to hide behind his face.
"You were amazing, it didn't look like your first time." The female choreographer says quickly catching up. She then moves to Sua and keeps her hands on her shoulder. Sua was looking at her feet. "It's ok. You were great. I know you can do it. "
Sua looks up and nods her head.
"Yeah, you just need to practice maintaining your balance, otherwise you were all good." The male choreographer says as the female choreographer looks at him. He walks to a corner and sits on the floor leaning beside the wall. He opens his bag and searches for his phone. He opens the gallery. He looks at the photos.
"I am jealous of the people who get to see you every day?" He thinks as he looks at her. He keeps scrolling through the memories. The pictures he had taken when she was asleep. Those intentional candids.
"I should have hugged you tighter the last time I saw you." He thinks as he looks at a video.
"Drink it." A voice says.
He looks up to see Sua holding a vitamin drink.
He takes the bottle and loosens the cap.
"Did you drink something?" He asks.
He takes her silence as a no and speaks, "Drink half of this."
She sits beside him and takes the bottle. He goes back to looking at his phone.
"He is just a crush. I'll forget about him after we stop seeing each other. At least it is what I hope." She thinks.
a little tightly and rolls her away from him. He looks at her and then rolls her towards him. She wraps one of her hands around his neck and holds his hand with the other. They step back and then to turn to the left. She bends backwards in a half loop and then he pulls her back. His hands had moved to her waist. She puts her palms on his shoulders and then twists it along with her legs. He does the same. They do their footwork and she turns, her hands in his hands. She tilts her head to look at him. He also turns his face a little and for a fraction of nanosecond, his lips brush across her cheeks. She rolls away and then rolls in towards him coming back to the first position.
The choreographer replays the music and this time when they finish the choreographers start clapping.
They release each other's hands.

Everyone is in the same game; just different levels,  dealing from the same hell; just different devils. 

Many lives, one story.
Hanzo Ken, an extraordinary high schooler, the upcoming CEO of the world’s biggest company, with life looking all glitter..but what about the real side? 
Zeal, the glamour of the entertainment industry. Is the smile of the king of K-pop real?

Is what visible to the eyes the truth?
Can you love without feeling pain?
Ambition or Love?

A tech.. An idol. An unordinary girl. A healer. All together. Rain.

Every scar has a story.
 
Every person you know, has a person you don’t know.
Every person you meet, is fighting a battle you know nothing about.





Note: All the characters and place in the story are purely a string of imagination. The matching of names in real life would be coincidental. Several references have been taken from the internet. All rights have been reserved.

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