Scared And Scarred

4️⃣ 2️⃣

Author's pov

Alicia left for Clarice's home in the evening with two bodyguards as allotted by Lucas.

Clarice greeted Xia with a warm embrace. Together, they embarked on an evening filled with laughter and joy. They baked cookies together, their hands coated in flour as they shared stories and exchanged banter.

The fun continued as they engaged in a spirited game of UNO, the competitive edge adding an extra layer of excitement to their time together.

Amidst the friendly rivalry, Xia took a moment to reassure her father of her safety, her voice laced with affection and reassurance as she promised to join them the following day.

With the games concluded, Clarice took charge of the entertainment, syncing her phone to the Bluetooth speaker to fill the room with lively music. They surrendered to the rhythm, dancing with abandon as they twirled and spun across the floor. In the midst of their exuberance, Clarice emerged with refreshments, the cold drinks providing a welcome respite from the heat of their exertions.

As Xia eagerly indulged in her beverage, the room seemed to spin around her, the dizziness creeping in unnoticed until it became overwhelming. With a sense of urgency, she called out to Clarice for assistance, her world blurring as she struggled to maintain consciousness, eventually succumbing to the darkness as she collapsed to the ground.

At Ortiz's mansion

All the Ortiz men were sitting in the living room.

"Dad for years we lived alone but now without Xia, it feels so empty here," Yahel said.

"We weren't living, we were hardly co-existing without her. She reminded us that we are humans and taught us how to live like one." Issac said.

"Can't we ask her to return? I am not feeling good without her and I am already missing her cuddles. Even Ferocia refused to have dinner today." Felipe said.

"I know how you all are feeling. My emotions are no different. But we can't cage her for our selfish fears. She needs to live her life and we are just a part of it. We can't hijack all her time." Lucas made his brother understand.

"Lucas is right. Now stop sulking and don't you all have any work to get to?" Nicolas added.

They all went to their rooms but they couldn't sleep. They were feeling a void in their hearts. In their subconscious mind, they were avoiding the thoughts of history repeating itself.

They were scared though they had Clarice when she came home one day with Xia.

That day it was raining heavily, Clarice walked from school to home, so Xia offered her a ride in the car. Weather was getting worse so Felipe insisted on going to Ortiz's mansion first and when the rain stopped, the driver would drop her off. Everyone agreed to the plan.

Clarice stepped into the grand foyer of the Ortiz's mansion, where she was greeted warmly by the family members. As she gazed around, she couldn't help but marvel at the opulent surroundings, with exquisite furnishings and lavish decor adorning every corner. Taking in the sight, she found herself momentarily lost in admiration for their luxurious lifestyle.

As the evening progressed, Clarice found herself engaged in conversation with the members of the Ortiz family, sharing snippets of her own life story. She recounted the tragic loss of her parents in a devastating accident, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and resilience. She told them that now she lives with her adoptive parents. Despite the hardships she had endured, she spoke with grace and dignity, revealing her strength of character.

Moved by Clarice's story, the members of the Ortiz family listened intently, offering words of sympathy and support. They were touched by her openness and vulnerability, feeling a sense of kinship with this young woman who had faced adversity with such grace.

As the evening wore on, it became evident to everyone present that Clarice was not just Alicia's friend, but a kind-hearted and gentle soul. Their initial apprehension melted away as they witnessed her genuine warmth and sincerity, leaving them feeling grateful to have welcomed such a remarkable individual into their midst.

Yahel and Felipe even assured her to find them in case she faces any problems in the school or otherwise. They promised to treat her like their sister.

Unknown to them the same sweet girl would be the reason for the history to repeat itself. She would be the reason that their fears may come true.

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Happy reading :)