authorjaspaul

[authorjaspaul]

Buried Desire- Chapter 3

(Jason)

"Eldest young master?" The ringing of bells brought me out of my thoughts. It is embarrassing to catch my sleep here... in my bathtub. I quickly washed up and got out of it. Water dripping from my body wetted the floor.

"Yes?"

"Nothing, sir. We are getting late for the grand arrival...." I sighed. Yeah, my own wedding schedule skipped my mind. I never wished for it to be this extravagant, but my grandfather insisted that the first marriage of the Lords family should be the talk of the town. I shrugged... What is marriage without love?  I grew up witnessing the love between my mom and dad, Uncle George and Aunt Carolyn, the Aunts and Uncles of our family, but the person I loved never cared for me... She was rather busy with that boyfriend of hers... I sighed. It has been seven years, and even though I hate her for breaking me, still, a part of me wishes to see her, to hold her in my arms.

"Ha, why would she?"She is happy with her current life and achievements; she might come here to mock me for my unhappy life and ridicule me with her laughter, which could never be solely mine.

It's fine... It's all in the past now.... I want to move on for the better.

"Sir, your formal attire..." The family's traditional dress. This dress is designed when we debut in higher society. Are we living in some periodic drama? I am sure to break it when the time comes, but Grandpa will never allow it till his last breath. The first was a sky blue shirt with white trousers, a tie following the suit. The next came an embroidered teal vest with golden embroidery. The third layer was the trench coat again pinned with sapphire gems. I rolled my eyes. An emerald pinned it in place. The color reminded me of her eyes.... Green doe eyes.

Her favorite color was blue... to be exact, sky blue.

My wolf cut hair was slicked back to prevent it from popping out. It was already tiring. Dark brown Beluti went perfectly with it. With a watch in my hand, I was more than ready.

"All done, sir", the servants left the room. I went into the bar to get some liquor. It is the only thing that will help me keep my sanity.

"All hail the groom, Mr. Jason Andrew Lords..." Josh burst into the room with similar attire, with the only difference in color. His was marron. His mock echoed the room with Leo following shortly behind him, smirking at our little brother.

"Already hitting nerves, huh?" He took the bottle from my hand and gulped it in.

"It looks more like yours than mine..." I sat on the sofa. Josh sat in front of me.

"Leo said we should go together... as always. Today is important though...."

"Yeah, this seriousness is fucking killing me", The last drop emptied into Leo's mouth as he placed the bottle on the table.

"Careful! I don't want you to look like a drunkard today"

"You are speaking as if you thought otherwise", Leo smirked, "Don't worry, I will not ruin your perfect evening".

I shrugged. I know he can hold his liquor well, but his eyes seemed wary... Seems like a part of my brother died that day. That very look on his face is a complete contrast to the pain he hides in his eyes.

"Hmm... have all the guests arrived?"

"Yeah....", Leo was never the one to get into details but Josh got the hint.

"I heard sis-in-law has arrived..."

"She is not your sis-in-law, Josh. It would be better if you would stop calling her like that....", It was frustrating.

"But still she will always be my sis in law, whether you marry her or not." He emphasized.

"And...? I don't remember anyone sending her an invitation though...."

"She came with Harsh Jeyt as his female companion...", I felt an uncontrollable anger flooding my veins.

"WHAT THE HELL?", my voice rose volumes, "With that bastard? Has she lost it? He is...." She is really mad. How can she come with him....? Does she not know what kind of person he is?

"Also, someone was accompanying her today.. What was it?.. Yeah, Sharon. Sharon Dsouza... Same surname and similar looks... but I don't think she has ever mentioned a sister before...." Josh was in deep thought.

"That must be her New York cousin. Her only uncle's daughter", I remember her visiting Mumbai when we were young.

"Ohh... you know a lot", I really liked to kill that smug look on Josh's face.

"She must not have come here just for the wedding, after all her dad..." Leo was interrupted by the sudden outburst at my door. Does no one in my family know how to knock? Where are the manners?

"It is getting late. What are you all doing here? Gossiping men...", My blood sister Betty snickered.

"I know that there are perfectly two minutes fifty-six seconds to go, until I am majorly wanted..." I glared at her. All bonds broke the day she supported Alisheba to enter the mansion.

"It's good to know you are still sane", She gave a pointed look at the wine bottle, " Get your asses down after your so called two min peace", She slammed the door hard. Betty....

"Betty is always like that.... Right? But why does it seem like she is bothered?"

"It must be her... her name is enough to get on her nerves", Leo got up from his seat.

"It's better if we move our butts down"

"I thought you never feared her... at least", Josh giggled at me.

"It's not her I fear.... It's Grandpa. I don't want to end up in Forbidden for something so silly."

He is right. Betty has his favor, so anything may happen. How did she become grandpa's pet anyway... She surely knows to climb the ladder.

"Yeah, bro... let's move our..."

"Don't say it, Joshua Alex Lord. We know" He is like a cute puppy who could be harmed in this cruel world... My sweet, innocent brother!... I shook my head. I hope that this evening will get better.

We walked downstairs. Our servants followed us to the main door.

"Look here... is it alright?" The smuggled giggling of Alisheba ran in my ears as an alert. Shouldn't I meet her at the banquet hall?

"Jay.." She ran to throw her arms around me, which I totally avoided.

"You... what are you wearing?" I gritted my teeth, looking at her dress. She had a sequined cream dress with a sweetheart cut. Backless and high slit? Is she going to a brothel? Though I am in no position to judge her, it's better if she breaks the marriage with her own actions.

"Who told you to wear this thing?", The maid near her was shaking in fear. Of course, I know that it must be Alisheba who would have insisted in wearing this dress. I can not believe that I once used to date her... How much of a fool was I !

"Jason, I felt that this one would be..."

"Get her a cloak", I ordered one of the maids. She went running in and came out within minutes with a feathery white cloak.

"Wear this one over your dress and do not remove it till you reach here back tonight. Do you hear me?"

Josh giggled while Alisheba glared at him.

"What if I...."

"No ifs... Ms. Alisheba Pereira. Your decision to marry me would be put aside... if that's what you want." I do not want to see her pitiful face behind all the nasty things she does.

"Don't be such an asshole with her, Jason Lord", There comes her savior,  Betty. She was again falling into her fake pretense.

"We don't have all the time in the world", I strode first to the limo, which was already waiting for us. I went in, followed by my siblings and Alisheba. The chauffeur helped her get in with her dress. I can not believe that she chose to wear such a revealing dress on her first major appearance as my fiancée.

"Jason... I am sorry. I did not mean to disrespect you or something....." She tried to push her way with me. She is seriously choking me.

Just why does the Banquet hall seem too far today?

"Don't touch me.... We are reaching the place", the limo stopped in front of our banquet hall. All the guests shifted, making way for our entrance. I breathed relief.

Keep face for the family. It was already sucking me to hell. I nodded to my brothers and got down first, followed by Alisheba. She placed her arm on my elbow as we walked behind the elders, as our arrival was announced.

Let's get over with this....

[authorjaspaul]

Buried Desire_Chapter 2

Why am I sitting next to Harsh again?

It's not that I dislike him or anything, but my gut always warns me to stay away from him for some reason. Too clingy is not my type. He is a womanizer, no doubt about it. With his looks, he can get anyone he wants, so why is he sticking with me? The very thought is frustrating. For the past one hour, I have already lamented my decision innumerable times. Maybe some other way would have worked. The only thing giving me solitude is the presence of Sharey. Though I will never tell her about it, I am grateful.

"Tell me..", he shifted awfully closer to me, brushing my shoulders to the window panel, "How come you agreed to my proposal? I thought you would decline it..." He is right, though. I rejected it when Sharey informed me. Come to think of it, I could not trace the ID.... with my years of coding and hacking... Still, I could not crack this one. The ID is created using a different method, which makes it impossible to track. Maybe, it's time I ask him to help, but will he...

"Marianne?", his loud voice brought me out of it. His question still stands.

"I... I just felt like it. I vowed to return after I become successful anyway" It was a pure lie. I hated it. It always reminded me of that day.

"Is that the only reason?" His eyes narrowed. What should I say to put him at ease?

"Yeah, and what else? Are you regretting your offer?" I loved teasing him, but I wanted to know their plans. Once I enter, there is no turning back. I want to look beyond the person whom I once trusted my life with and see what he has up his sleeves this time.

"Hmm... Then I am sure that you will not be disappointed", he winked. Gross! He does that to every other woman. Harsh is one of the partners of the Lords Empire. He is bound to be invited, but why invite me? Does he think that this will make me close to him? If not anything... it will pull me far from him. He is a likable person; he is a master in negotiation, and the company has risen from its brink of death because of him. He is a guy every woman will fall for. Correction- Every woman who does not know his true nature. His weak point- women. Rumors don't justify his beauty; he is far more handsome and mature for his age. Sometimes, it is as if he created his Casanova personality on purpose.

"Why are you thinking when an eligible bachelor is right beside you?" I glared at him.

"I..."

"I will kick your butt hard to let all your handsomeness out of the window, Mr. Jeyt", Sharey answered from behind. I nearly forgot that she was sitting behind me.

"It is bad to eavesdrop, Sharey..."

"Drop the act, we are not close, Mr. Jeyt. The next time you call me, that will be the last time you have your voice", I giggled. Sharey does not make void promises. It is hard for her to like a person. She is known as The Beast in her college.

Harsh stopped speaking till the very end. The flight went smoothly. I snoozed a little, catching my long-lost sleep. It was hard for me to keep my nerves. After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the Mumbai airport. The captain's voice echoed through the speakers announcing our arrival. My eyes were fixed on the morning sun. It was shining too brightly... Will I be able to escape the rainy season? I just have to get the things done and leave. Who wants to wait till the wedding?

Wedding......

What a surreal feeling! The word was foreign to me. I once wished for a life with him, but it all ended in betrayal. What is marriage without love? I never thought he would marry. Perhaps, I should leave my past. It's time I move on for good. I will leave everything out this time and start anew.

We reached for our awaiting car. Harsh opened the door for me.

"Thanks. I think I will take my own, I walked to the car parked next to his.

"Are you sure? You do not have an invitation, and going with me would be the safest option." his words had an edge.

"It's not like she needs your protection when she has me", Sharey went to pick up my luggage. Seems like she returned earlier than predicted.

"But...."

"I need my own car for travelling. It's not the first time I'm here." I practically lived my life if not for the seven years. The car was a blue cabriolet. I requested for shipment here to travel with ease. It will help me relax in a tense environment and mainly... Easy to escape.

"If you say so", I dismissed the chauffeur and got in the driver's seat. Sharey followed my suit in the passenger seat. I missed driving. Company Chauffeur always drove me to places in New York. I barely had time to relax.

"Good to go?", Sharey asked.

"Yep," The engine roared to life. Though I can drive with my eyes closed to the Lords Mansion, I followed Harsh. All our luggage was in the SUV, which closely followed us. The view was breathtaking. This is the advantage of having a seaside house. The sea, the sound of oceans.. I miss them all. The very thought dropped my face, dipping me in sadness. Even I had a seaside house once..... The traffic was still the same in Mumbai... it never ceased to amaze me, and the city itself teemed with life.

"So, what are your plans?" Sharey broke the silence. I never wanted her to come with me in the first place, but she is here. Still, I do not wish her to dig her pit alongside me.

"Nothing. Just small visits and shops... and enjoying our vacation"

"I don't think that was your plan when you said yes." The signal stopped. I exhaled.

"I...I don't know Sharey.....Let's look around first?"

"Another time." She has a valid reason. All places held memories for her, too. How could I forget that!

"Don't worry, Sharey. I will be safe. You can not beat me at the place where I grew up....", and became unfamiliar with. This is where I grew up for 18 years... but still, it feels far out of reach.

"We have arrived." Sharey's mouth gaped open at the mere sight of the gate. The large gate had lion heads carved at the top of the gate with a golden lining. The enormous black gate opened. The security guards stopped us to check our IDs.

"Ms. Marianne Dsouza?" I opened the window to reveal ourselves. Sharey waved.

"Okay... you must be Ms. Sharey Dsouza.", Sharey felt angry. It must be the artwork of Harsh pissing her off.

"I think there is some misunderstanding. It's Sharon Dsouza... Not Sharey"

"Oh... Sorry ma'am. We will make the required changes. Please, this way", I drove right where they were headed. The security was tight.... As expected of the family. Any miscommunication or scandal can break their reputation. I even noticed some reporters trying to climb the electric wall. They should know that current passes through outer walls. It is more like a military camp than a mansion.

"You are good to go. Please retire to the guest house on your left side, two miles from now. Your luggage will be sent to the allocated rooms. Thank you for your cooperation", I nodded and drove ahead of Harsh. I was tired from travelling, and jet lag took a hit.

"This place is so huge and beautiful", Sharey exclaimed at the beautiful rowed gardens on each side of the roads. Trees provided shade from the sun, making it unforgettable. A cool breeze hit our hair gently. I smiled.

"Of course it would be. They are not just rich... but wealthy. Money is flowing here from the past three generations."

"Ah... I see. What is that?" She pointed to the building on the right side.

"Oh.. That is the servant quarters. The servants, once they enter the service, can not leave until they have a family emergency or permission to go out. They stay there. It becomes easier to serve the family and cuts out their traveling time."

"Yep... I totally understand the bicycles stationed beside the building", she laughed.

"God... you don't know how big this area is! I still remember how I used to get lost...." I became silent. I remembered the time when I got lost in the woods behind the mansion and Jason came to my rescue along with Josh, Sherel, and Leo. Betty and I never had a good relationship from the beginning.... Even though I don't know why that is. I sighed. My heart ached to see them. It has been such a long time.... I wondered if our relationship was still the same.

The sound of the horn broke my thoughts. The rear mirror showed Harsh catching up. I rounded in front of the Guest house. It was not a normal guest house but rather a whole hotel. The Mansion usually had business partners always coming up from abroad. So, this place was modified since not everyone was allowed to enter the inner mansion.

My car was taken to the valet parking. Our arrival was already announced as the Concierge came to welcome us.

"Good morning, welcome to Lords Mansion. I hope you are Ms. Marianne Dsouza and Ms. Sharon Dsouza. Please, let me show you your rooms", I smiled and greeted her. "This way", she walked in front of us. As we boarded the capsule, I could see Harsh's eyes on me. I waved him bye and mouthed the words See you later.

"Your luggage will arrive shortly. This is your room, Ms. Marianne Dsouza and the room next to yours in Ms. Sharon's. All necessities are already filled in your room. If you need anything, just dial one in the cordless provided to you"

She swiped the card to open the room. The room was breathtaking. It perfectly viewed the gardens and part of the mansion. The room was vast with a closet to the right, adorned with a bathroom and a restroom. It had a balcony and a guest room. It would be easier to get dressed rather than cross the whole room.

"I hope you like your stay here. Here is your card." She placed a small black card giving me access to the room. After a short bow, she left.

"What is her name? We did not ask her", Sharey entered my room. She should have given us a single room.

"They won't anyway.... Never speak of things of least importance. That is the first rule for servants here."

"Oh...", she jumped on the sofa and took out her tab.

"Finally..."

"Uh uh.... You are not going to play your video games now", I opened the closet to see perfectly aligned basic dresses for various occasions. A bathrobe hung at the far end.

"Sis...... Please..."

"No. You think I did not notice you playing from the start of the flight till the end. Your black eyes are reaching the ground. Go and grab some sleep."

"Siss..."

"I said No! And don't hiss it," she stomped her feet on the ground.

"Tab remains here", I shouted back.

"Humph....", the loud bang on the door affirmed she left.

I went back to the room to check the Tab. Small devil... she took the tab with her even when it's a clear no. I sighed.... I can not do anything about that.

I took my mobile and searched for that contact. It's been such a long time that my fingers trembled to dial it. After three rings, he took the call.

"Long time.....", I relaxed. His voice is calm, so..... We are supposed to be good.

"I need you to trace something for me, can you do it?", I faced the garden bustling with life and decoration.

"What?"

"You will see it shortly." I want to know the purpose of calling me out here.. I smirked....

Let the game begin.

[authorjaspaul]

Buried Desire_ Chapter 1

"You are not wearing that?", Sharey eyed the red peplum dress lying on my bed. Sharey is my cousin sister and a competent assistant to me. Though a tomboy, she updates me on fashion trends. She makes me feel at ease.

Sighing, I glanced at that dress. The outlaid dress is a gift from Harsh, my co-partner and CEO of GC. He is a major investor in our project, Angel & Devil, a thriller action video game loved by everyone in the whole world. It hit the charts for the whole month and quadrupled our profits. Though wearing it to the press conference will make my doe green eyes stand out but I am doubtful he has no other intentions. I have known him since our junior college days, and he makes certain things obvious, which I do not like. This is just one of the things that he will tick off.

I tossed my bathrobe.

"No. Get me my formals. I am not his female companion", Sharey giggled, while going in to bring my formals. She enjoys it whenever I go against him. God forbid our collaboration skyrocketed, but her dislike is still present.

"Here", She got my white shirt with its black trousers and a beige blazer to go with it.

I got ready for the day. This was my dad's dream project, our dream project soaring high. If only he were here to celebrate with me, tears threatened at the mere thought of him.

"You want this? Or this?" She held two sets of earrings with a solitaire matching each. My eyes instantly went to the diamond. It was not too glamorous, but elegant.

"This one," it was tiring, going on about my appearance. The past Marianne would have just grabbed her jeans and a loose tee with her jet black hair raised to a high bun. Those days are in the past. Now, I stand as the CEO of GD Enterprise—one of the most soaring online game makers, ranking in the top 5 all over the world. I looked at myself in the mirror with pride filling my heart.

 I did it, Dad... Finally!

"Nervous?", Sharey held my hand. Her eyes looked excited but equally troubled.

"No... and yes, I am more than ready.", My black hair had its natural flow. I refrained from tying it. I took my Lois Vuiton and Rox while Sharey collected the required documents. We made our way to the ground floor with greetings pouring in from our employees. Yes, Today is a big day for all of us. To reduce the trouble of shopping, I own a penthouse on the top floor with a walk-in closet, filled with dresses I might require for all occasions. My nights are spent on work, so it's a plus one.

"Good morning.... Have a great day, ma'am.."

"Good morning," I wished back. Contentment filled my chest as I looked at my accomplishment. The Marianne, 7 years ago, is nowhere to be seen. My fingers clenched at the mere thought. A limo and company chauffeur greeted us as I raced in along with Sharey.

"Fifteen minutes to go", Sharey closed the door, and we took off. The press conference was held at our annual GD building, the main hub of collaborations, also the place where new games were released. I don't invite strangers to our main building. Life taught me the worst lesson. The Annual building is fifteen minutes away from the main, and that is where I laid my foundation. It still seems surreal that seven years have passed since my first time in New York.

"Ms. Dsouza, we are here", I knew that already. The crowd of reporters swarmed on both sides of the car. The continuous flash of lights blinded us. The car stopped at the entrance where Sharey got down first. She loves to disappoint them. I got down after her. The pile of questions buzzed in my ears. It is not something new, but still, It was uncomfortable. Bodyguards covered us while we made our way through the crowd to the entrance, where Harsh waited for me. Disappointment written all over his face.

"You did not wear it,, He stated. Knowing I won't wear it.... why go to the lengths of buying it then?

"To the right, Mr. Jeyt and Ms. Dsouza. All the authorized journalist and reporters have taken their seats", I merely nodded. My mind rushed with questions that would be put forth. It must be about the game and investment... and nothing else will be entertained.

Harsh's assistant, Mr. Cole, opened the door to the hall. Some gasped as we climbed the stage. I acknowledged the dignitaries on the dais and sat at my place next to Harsh.

The press conference started with our chief investors pouring in their inputs on the game and the company. I managed to still my yawn. Press conference always bores me to death... the makeup, dressing, and answering questions. I would rather be behind my computer and design another game.

"Over to you, Ms. Dsouza." The mic finally reached me. I raised my palm before I could be bombarded with questions. "Since many of them have already spoken much about everything, being the game designer, I would love to answer only three of your important questions. Take your time and then ask", I crowd went silent. Of course, now they have to rethink their questions about whether it is plausible to ask or not.

"Ms. Dsouza", a female reporter raised her hand first, "Ma'am, we would like to know your motivation and inspiration behind the game Angel & Devil." I smiled.

"Yes. Inspirations drive you, motivating you to run even when you can't at times. I thank my family and friends who supported me through thick and thin. Angel & Devil focuses on people hiding behind covers. You can never decipher them in the game, and so it is in real life. This game aims for people to believe in themselves rather than in other people to win....Both in-game and in life to rise in victory," she smiled. This day can get better...

"Madam", another male reporter raised his hands. I tilted my head to see his face.

"Madam, you are such a beautiful, smart young lady. So, do you have any plans on... marriage or having a boyfriend?" He hesitated. Harsh smirked beside me, glancing through the corner of his eyes. His plan was crystal clear and since he has taken the time to ask it.. I will surely answer

"Work is my boyfriend," Everyone giggled, "And will remain in the future too". With an invisible slap on his face, he sat down with an embarrassed face. Harsh has been giving me clues these and I don't know why he is trying so hard. I am not a fool to not understand his gestures, but I can not help but worry if there is any motive behind it?

"So.... last question?" I looked around the room. If not, I would just end the meeting and leave.

"Ma'am", another female reporter rose from her seat. 

So, the final question.

"I am sure you have heard about the engagement of Mr. Jason Lord with Ms. Alisheba Pereira. What are your thoughts on it since you were his best friend? After your father's death, you never returned to Mumbai. Can we assume that you will be going to his wedding? Is your relationship with him still par or sour?"

My breathing stopped for a moment. Jason Lord.... How dare she mention his name in front of me? My fingers curled into a fist. Moreover, how did they know I had any relation with Jason Lord? I never mentioned it to anyone. I glared at Harsh, but he too looked perplexed.

Sharey's worried eyes found me. I took a deep breath to calm myself.

"Looks like people are more interested in my relations than my games. I think that this is not on the agenda for today's meeting. So, I end this meeting here. Thank you", It took me great courage to stand up and walk out of the door. People still persuaded me with questions.

"Marianne.... Are you..", Harsh held my arm, but I pushed him away, walking faster. This is how I am. I push people away whenever I feel vulnerable.

"Is it true that your late father, a betrayer and fraud?" "Did he betray his friend?" "What is your relationship with Mr. Jason Lord?" "Are you going to Mr. Jason Lord's wedding in Mumbai?"

My bodyguards pushed them back as I made my way to the car. Every question pricked my heart.. reaching my very soul.

"God, they are pests!" Sharey shut the door hard, letting out her frustration. She faced my tear-brimming eyes... "God, Marianne... are you okay?", She dabbed her napkin on my tears. I can not cry... I should not cry....

Memories flooded my mind. It took years for me to bury everything but a simple question about him.... His very name vibrated my inner core with anger, frustration, and hatred.

"I am good", I took my tablet from the sides and gulped it in.

"You are taking too many medications. It is bad for your health....", She looked worried, but I could not say anything to ease her. She knows me too well.

"Well... This will upset you more, but.... Mr. Cole asked if you could accompany Harsh as his female companion for the pre-wedding celebration of Jason Lord.... I already declined the offer... just letting you know about it"

"Okay....", I looked out of the window, remembering how my happy life turned dreadful in a day. I was tired... running from reality. My father's death remains a mystery to date. Though people believed that my father died in a car accident and my family shattered... it feels wrong to me. There is more to what catches the eye. My investigations did not bear any fruit. What the heck should I do? The tink from my mobile brought me out of it.

A message popped on the screen.

Another spam... The idea stopped when I read it. No way! There was no one alive who would know this except.... Him. Yes, how can I forget! Mr. Jason Andrew Lord. His very name disgusts me. Of course, he will not want me to attend, but if it is not him.... Then who knows about this? Does that mean... seven years ago....

"Sharey, call Mr. Cole and say that I agree to their offer"

"What!! Are you nuts? I thought you said you would never go back to Mumbai... to the place that took everything from you...."

"Don't I have everything now?"

"Everything you say? Is this an additional snack?", She pulled the sides, revealing the tablets I have been taking for the past many years.

"Sharey..."

"I will not allow it. I simply can not allow you to go through all of that shits again.....", her body trembled, "I will not allow it. No, you are not going. Why can't he let you live in peace?"

"Sharey", I locked eyes with her. For the first time, I have got a clue. If I thirst for justice, I have to enter the lion's den. That's the fact! I have no choice but to face it. I know that whoever is playing this game will surely want me to take the bait... and I want to risk it to know the truth too.

"I am going to Mumbai. It does not change the fact that I hate Jason but.... I have the right to know, don't you think?.... And it has been seven years since I last saw mom.....", She wanted me to lose, but I am never a loser.... The loser died the day the flight off Mumbai.

"Fine... But you are not going alone"

"Of course, Harsh will be..."

"I don't trust that guy. I am coming with you"

"Sharey... that..."

"Deal or no deal." It seems like stubbornness runs in our veins.

"Okay...." I reluctantly accepted. I can never say no to her, but somehow I felt anxious.......

[authorjaspaul]

Buried Desire

"Love is compelling. It takes hold of you without warning, consuming and ensnaring you forever."

It has been seven years since I saw him. I lost everything in a single night… Love, parents, and friendship. My father, a renowned Video game creator, died in a car accident under mysterious circumstances, leading my mother to lose her sanity. I stood in this bustling city, alone, but when I got an escape, I held it on like a coward, swearing never to step foot again.

But destiny had other plans…

I met him again, my once so-called best friend, at his pre-wedding celebration. It's best to avoid him (I tried) at every turn, but when we meet, sparks fly… I sink into his steel grey eyes, getting drawn into the darkness, my insides clench, drowning me further.

When mysteries of the past unfold, fate gives me a chance to know the truth- I grab it. This time, I am not a coward, cowering D'souza girl.

But my fears resurface as soon as I see him… My Buried Desire.

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of my imagination or fantasy. Any resemblance to an actual person or business, events, or local is entirely coincidental.