I was currently snuggled between Nathan and Tyler. We were back at our house and my dad was dealing with the situation that happened at the company.

I was tucked in a blanket on the couch. After the events that happened hours ago, everyone was either yelling on the phone or pacing back and forth.

Alex and Gabriel went to god knows where while each grabbing a pistol from my father's weaponry.

"Miss Vanderbilt, dinner is served." One of the maids announced.

"Grace I think I'll pass tonight. I don't feel like eating tonight." I replied to her.

"Of course, Miss," Grace says while clearing the table.

"Come on then, we'll wait for you till you fall asleep," Tyler suggested.

"Oh..no it's okay. That's not necessary, I'm pretty sure you're both tired." I tried to reason.

"Talia, it's not up for discussion," Nathan says while helping me up.

"Goodnight sweetheart." My dad yelled out.

"Night daddy," I replied while going up with the boys.

I was already changed into my PJs when I arrived so I just got into bed. The boys sat on either side of me and caressed my hair. They were true to their words and sat with me till I fell asleep. Soon, my mind fell into the darkness.

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The school was different today. Today Wilson Prep was covered in decorations of white, red, and green.

A cheerleader was standing on a chair yelling out, "Tickets for the Winter Formal available!"

Out of curiosity, I walked over to the booth to see the details.

"Heyyy Talia. Are you coming to the Winter Formal?" A cute guy with dimples came and asked me.

"Uhh, we'll see. Depends on the situation then. I really don't feel like going to any social gatherings for the time being." I replied shrugging.

"Oh, I understand. A girl like you is busy with stuff like these. Don't worry, if you do decide to come here," he took out a ticket and gave it to me, "A little gift from me when you changed your mind.

I nodded politely and he walked back to the booth. I stood at the entrance of the school reading the ticket. Winter Formal, this Saturday, 6 pm, dress code formal. 

I walked into class to find only Tyler, Alex, and Nathan there. They looked dashing in their Wilson Prep blazers and ties. I took my usual seat and took out my books.

"Where's Gabriel?" I asked.

"He had some business...to attend to," Alex replied.

"Oh? This early?" I asked shocked.

"Yeah. You know Gabriel. We can't change his decisions when he put his mind on something." Tyler says while tipping his chair back.

The teacher soon then came in and we all paid attention. Even though we had money that could last our lifetimes, we needed to uphold our reputations as model students.

The boys haven't taken over their fathers' positions yet but when they do, they needed all the knowledge and information they can get. The business was tough and it was a dangerous game. But they knew how to play it, in fact, they played it pretty well.

Lunch finally came around and the cafeteria was filled with whispers of students talking about the winter formal.

I took my seat next to Alex and sighed.

"Are you guys planning to go to the winter formal?" I asked.

"Maybe, maybe not. Depends." Alex replied, his face unreadable.

"And what's the point. My parties are better than them anyway." Tyler grinned.

I slapped his arm and gave him a playful scowl.

"Tyler, it's not about how much booze you can fit in the room, it's about keeping our reputations as model students. What will become of us if we have no records of attending any school events?" I explained.

"Hm..you got a point there. Oh well, might as well find my suit and tie." Nathan smirked.

"Plus, admit it or not, we need it." I sighed.

When the final bell rang signaling school was over, I found Jackson and Drake standing at the entrance of the school.

I don't know what came over me but I ran to them and embraced both of them. They both froze because of shock.

People were staring now but who cares, I was the one that almost die yesterday in the hands of a pea brain dick while they probably were getting manicures at the mall.

"You guys totally saved my life yesterday. Thank you!" I beamed.

"Your welcome Miss. Plus...it is our job to make sure you don't die." Jackson says.

"Well, you're probably right but you don't have to be so blunt about it." I chuckled.

Then I saw it! I hint at smiles on their faces while the corners of their lips turn upwards.

"Don't worry, I won't tell my father that my 2 very tough bodyguards couldn't stay emotionless. It's our little secret." I whispered into their ears.

After I was satisfied with teasing my 2 stone-faced bodyguards, they drove me back home but not without a stop at the milkshake drive-in.

I really needed the sugar after what a shitty week I've had.

When I got into the house, my eyes nearly bulged out when I saw Tristen wiping the blood off a knife.

"Tristen! Is that blood? Why-why do you have it?" I asked stunned.

"Talia?" He looked surprised.

"Merda, I forgot she'll be home." He muttered for himself.

What set shivers into my body was the loud scream I heard from the basement.

"Tristen! What is going on? Who's down there?" I asked.

Tristen speed walked over to me and embraced me in his arms.

"It's nothing you have to worry about Tal. I'm going to take care of it. Promise me to stay in your room now okay?" Tristen spoke softly to me.

"What?" I breathed out.

"Promise me. Talia." Tristen says it more sternly this time.

"Okay, I promise," I replied.

He nodded his head and walked out of the room. I saw a few of his men following him and I ran up to my room.

For extra precautions, I even locked the doors.

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Before bed, I was doing my homework before I heard a knock on my window. Holy shit! This is not good. Did I even lock the windows? I haven't! Then why doesn't the person come in? Maybe it's tormenting me slower instead of barging in? Ugh! What good will locking the doors do now?

With slow steps, I slowly went over to the window. I felt shocked and relieved when I saw Gabriel.

I opened up the window and let him in. Then it was like the wind was knocked out of my stomach.

Gabriel was covered in injuries and cuts all over. Red blood marks covered his body and over his beautiful face.

But in my life, I knew there was one thing I could only say at this moment. I'm glad he doesn't have bullet holes in his body.

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Hey guys,

I know this update has been a little late but I was busy with all the school works I'm revising before it opens back.

For that, I made this chapter longer as in appreciation to your patience.

Thank you for 50k and the votes. Wow!

Follow me for more updates and news!

Laura 🪐✨