Luke’s POV
The morning was beautiful outside—bright sun, a soft breeze, and the busy streets already filled with people rushing to work, cars hooting, and voices blending into the usual city noise. But in my bedroom, none of that seemed to exist. It was quiet… too quiet. Maybe because my mind was somewhere else.
I sat on my single bed, holding a picture frame in my hands. My mother’s face stared back at me with that warm smile I missed every single day. I sighed, brushing my thumb over the glass before my fingers moved to the small green pendant hanging around my neck. I held it gently.
This pendant… my grandmother had given it to me after my mother passed away. She told me that my mother wanted me to have it—that her ashes were inside it. “Always wear it, and never take it off,” she had said. And I hadn’t. Not since I was a kid. It was the one thing I had left of her.
As I stayed lost in my thoughts, staring at nothing, a voice suddenly snapped me back to reality.
“Luke!” my aunty called from the kitchen.
I blinked, setting the picture frame back on the bedside table. Taking a deep breath, I got up and walked out of my room. She was in the kitchen packing a lunchbox for me to eat along the way. When she closed the lid and handed it to me, I smiled softly.
“Thanks,” I said, tucking it into my backpack.
We headed out of the apartment together. She walked beside me, talking and laughing about small things, trying to keep the mood light even though we both knew today was hard for us. When we reached the bus station, she helped me with my suitcases and went to buy a ticket.
And just like that… it was time.
She turned to me, eyes already shiny with emotion. We shared a tight hug—one of those hugs you don’t want to end. She pulled away too quickly and turned around, probably so I wouldn’t see her cry.
“Take care of yourself, Luke,” she said, her voice breaking slightly.
I swallowed hard and nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. We were both sad, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to go. My grandmother—who I had always called Mom—was living alone now, and it was time I went to stay with her and take care of her.
I boarded the bus and found a seat by the window. As soon as I sat down, the driver started the engine. The bus pulled away from the station, taking me toward a new chapter of my life.
...........
Later that evening, we were still on the road. The ride had started in the morning, and I knew I wouldn’t reach my destination until the next day. The sun was already gone, and the sky outside the window had turned dark, the bus filled with quiet breathing and soft snores from tired passengers.
We finally made a stop at a petrol garage. The bus lights came on, waking a few people. Those who wanted to stretch their legs or buy something slowly got off, and I decided to do the same.
The air outside was cool when I stepped down. I headed straight to the toilets, took a quick pee, and washed my hands before walking into the small store. I grabbed a packet of chips—something to munch on for the rest of the ride.
As I made my way toward the counter, I heard the bus driver talking to the store owner in a low, serious tone. The driver’s eyes were scanning around the area as if he was looking for something… or someone.
A moment later, he raised his voice, loud enough for everyone inside to hear.
“Everyone back to the bus! Quickly, please. We can’t stay here. This area isn’t safe this late.”
The mood shifted immediately. People rushed to the counter, paying for their things as fast as they could. I hurried too, handing over the money and practically jogging back to the bus.
The moment the last person climbed inside, the doors shut and the driver pulled out of the garage with more speed than before.
I sat down, fastening my seatbelt as I tried to make sense of his words. Not safe? What did that even mean? What could possibly be out there?
I stared out the window for a moment longer, but when I couldn’t come up with an answer, I pushed the thought away. No use worrying about something I didn’t understand.
I slipped on my headphones, pressed play, and let the music drown everything out until my eyes grew heavy. Before long, I drifted into sleep, unaware of what the night held ahead.
.......
Sofia’s POV
The morning was calm and soft. I was wrapped in a warm, peaceful dream when suddenly my alarm blared loudly, shattering the quiet. I groaned and slapped at it, finally turning it off, my brows furrowed in annoyance.
Blinking my eyes open, I caught the faint light seeping into my room. Then there was a gentle knock at the door.
“Come in,” I mumbled in a sleepy voice, still half-dreaming.
The door opened to reveal a beautiful woman in her thirties. She walked in confidently, the sharp click of her heels echoing across the marble floor. Her outfit was perfectly formal—a fitted skirt that showcased her long, elegant legs and a matching blazer, paired with classic black-and-white stilettos.
“Good morning, Sofia,” she said with a soft smile.
She glided toward the curtains and drew them open, letting the morning sunlight flood the room. My eyes squeezed shut against the brightness, and in my sleepy haze, I muttered, “Mom…”
She smiled and walked over to my bed, gently pulling the duvet off me. I yawned, blinking up at her as I tried to wake up.
She crouched slightly, ruffling my hair playfully. I dodged, laughing half-asleep, but she persisted, her fingers finding their way through my messy strands.
“Time to wake up, princess,” she said, still smiling. “Go wash up and get ready for breakfast.”
I sighed, stretching my arms over my head, letting the sunlight warm my skin as I swung my legs off the bed. The room was huge, beautifully decorated in soft shades of pink. Everything—from the walls to the cushions—was pink, dreamy, and girlish, just how I liked it.
Morning had officially arrived, and I knew it was going to be another busy day… but for now, I let myself savour these small moments with her before starting the day.
.......
After washing up, I made my way to my walk-in closet. It wasn’t just a closet—it was like a*****e. Endless racks of dresses, shelves of shoes, drawers full of lingerie, and sparkling accessories. I stepped inside, naked, feeling the morning air against my skin, and let my eyes wander over all the choices.
First, I picked out a dress, something soft and playful, perfect for the day ahead. Then I moved to the undergarment section, choosing the ones I liked best. My eyes drifted to the shoes next, scanning the collection before finally selecting a pair that would match the outfit.
I walked out to the vanity and dried my hair, letting the warm air brush over my damp strands. Once done, I slipped into my clothes and shoes, looking at myself in the full-length mirror. Satisfied, I strutted out of the closet.
The stairs were long and grand, lined with a thick red carpet that made me feel like royalty. Above me, a massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, glittering as it caught the morning light. I walked down slowly, savoring the beauty surrounding me, until I reached the dining room.
My father was already there, seated at the head of the table, absorbed in his newspaper. I leaned over and stole a quick kiss on his cheek. His face lit up with the biggest smile, and he greeted me warmly.
“Good morning, princess,” he said, adjusting his spectacles, making him look every bit the sharp businessman he was.
I slid into my chair next to him, grinning widely. He raised an eyebrow.
“What’s with that look? Are you in love with me now?” he teased.
We both laughed, and I leaned closer, smiling mischievously. “You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. I just wish I could marry you!”
Just then, my mother walked in, catching my words. She smacked my arm lightly. “I am never going to share your father with a kid!”
I laughed, rubbing my arm where she had hit me, and she joined in, smiling. The warmth in that moment made me feel like nothing could go wrong.
Breakfast was served by Aunty, our middle-aged nanny. She greeted me with her usual big smile, and soon we were all seated, eating together. The chatter was light, playful, and full of laughter—the perfect start to another day.