51
Hades lounged on the couch of my office. Meanwhile, I sat on the adjacent armchair, her nose buried in a thick novel. The room was filled with the soothing hum of Hades’ game and the faint rustling of pages as Fertine turned them.
Hades glanced up from his game, his eyebrows raised in amusement. “Fertine, do you ever get tired of living in your own little bookish world?”
Fertine peeked over her book, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, Hades, don’t you know? Books take me on grand adventures, introduce me to fascinating characters, and expand my horizons. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
Hades scoffed playfully. “Adventures? You mean those imaginary things you find between pages? I prefer the real deal, like exploring virtual realms and battling dragons with a controller in my hand.”
Fertine laughed, her eyes twinkling. “Virtual realms can’t compare to the depth and richness of a well-crafted story. I can visit different worlds, experience countless emotions, and gain wisdom from authors who have delved deep into the human condition.”
Hades leaned back, a smirk forming on his face. “But you’re missing out on the excitement of multiplayer games, the thrill of competing with friends in fast-paced action. It’s a whole different level of engagement.”
Fertine tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “True, gaming can be exhilarating, but it’s still a temporary rush. Books offer me a chance to reflect, to ponder life’s complexities, and to explore the depths of my own imagination. It’s a journey of self-discovery.”
Hades grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. “Well, while you’re on your self-discovery quest, I’ll be saving the world as a badass warrior.”
Fertine chuckled, closing her book momentarily. “Ah, Hades, you may slay digital foes, but books can empower me to conquer real-world challenges. They teach me empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. Besides, I’d rather wield the power of words than a virtual sword.”
Hades nodded, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “I guess I never thought about it that way. You’re right, there’s value in both realms—your bookish adventures and my virtual conquests. We’re different, but that’s what makes us a great team, isn’t it?”
Fertine smiled warmly, her love for her brother shining through. “Absolutely, Hades. Our differences make us stronger together. You keep me grounded in the present while I help you explore new perspectives. We’re a dynamic duo, navigating life in our own unique ways.”
Hades playfully nudged Fertine’s arm. “Well, while you dive back into your book, I’ll go conquer a few more digital worlds. But remember, the next time you finish a story, I’ll be here, ready to hear all about your grand adventures.”
Fertine grinned, her eyes sparkling. “You’ve got a deal, Hades. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll convince you to join me on a literary quest or two.”
As the siblings settled comfortably into their respective worlds—one with a controller in hand, the other engrossed in words—they found solace in the unique bond they shared. The banter and playful exchanges were a testament to their connection, a reminder that even in their differences, they were bound by a love that could withstand any virtual or fictional adventure that came their way.
“Hey, what are you reading?” Hades asked.
“A book,” I told him. Showed him the book cover.
“Kinky Life?” He chuckled.
“Isn’t that the wrong book to read? Are you sure about that? Won’t that trigger you?” He asked.
He grabbed the book from me and read it.
“Four years later, Tamantha became a successful fashion manager, she built her own fashion magazine. Her parents are better now and she is ready to take revenge on everyone who bullied and wronged her, including Joey, the man he once loved. Joey and Harley meet again in a fashion convention where Joey mistaken her for a model because of her sexy figure and sense of fashion. She knew that Joey was shocked to see her.”
He looked at me. “Are you sure you should be reading this?”
“I don’t like crime stories.”
“It doesn’t have to be crime stories, Fertine. A normal one is okay.” He said.
“Yes but it is boring.” I said as I lay my back on the chair.
“The chubby girl is gone, she’s much healthier now, her body is toned and hot. Though Joey is shocked he let it subside he still doesn’t forget what Harley did to her, she left him without saying anything. While Harley is going to compete with Weston’s company in the fashion industry, she wants to be on top and prove that she can do anything without Joey’s help, without using someone’s fame or wealth, that she can do it on her own. Because of Harley fashion magazine who took over the whole world, Joey’s older company struggled. How is this entertaining? I should have suggested to your psychiatrist to make you play golf so I have someone to bring every Sunday.” He said laughing.
“Well it is very sad for you Hades because golfing won’t help me. Besides, I don’t think it is safe for Nona.” I said to him,
“This book is not healthy for her either. What will happen if she sees this? Kinky stuff?” He chuckled.
“Oh shut up, Hades. I won’t let her see it besides I bought a lot of books too. And I keep it hidden so Nona won’t see.” I reasoned.
He looked at the book and read it again.
“Harley sent the divorce papers to Weston but he didn’t sign it, he wants Harley to live with him since they’re still married but Harley disagrees with it. The next day Joey saw Johnny and Tamantha together making him jealous, he thought Johnny is the reason why she doesn’t want to be with him, that’s why she wanted to get divorce instantly. One drunken night again, both of them bet that they don’t have any feelings for each other, they prove themselves wrong when they end up in bed in the morning. They talked about the divorce that they should have. They sort and figure it out and soon reconcile. Soon enough they both realized the misunderstandings and fights that they had before. Both of them thought that they could start a new chapter of their lives, leaving all the miscommunication and mistakes behind.”
“How is this?!” He said.
“Oh shut up and leave. I need my peace of mind, Hades.” I grabbed the book and continue reading.
Before they can even say they are back together after years. Johnny confessed that he likes Harley and is willing to do anything for her. While Harley is shocked, Joey is furious, he knows his brother wants to take everything but he won’t let him. Jade, Joey’s ex-girlfriend, told the media that she’s pregnant with Weston’s child. They faced Joey’s parents to settle all the things that happened before and clear all the miscommunication they had. Joey’s father refused to accept them but his mother was happy for them and forgave Harley uncle but Jade’s pregnancy keeps them away from they’re happy ending.
Harley couldn’t believe that Joey really had a child with her so they decided to think for days and give space to each other and think everything through. Jade sent the ultrasound of her baby to Harley house, sadness crept into her heart. When she thought that they could be together again, disastrous things happened.
She thought that maybe they’re not really for each other. She decided to sign the divorce papers and gave Jade her happy ending. Harley doesn’t want the child to suffer, she wants the child to have a complete family and she will not stand in the way. She packed her bags and booked a flight back to Australia to be with her uncle and start again. Johnny finds out about it and he stops her. Though Johnny wants to be with her, he knew that Harley would be happy in his brother’s arms.
He told Harley that Jade’s baby is his, not Joey. They had a one night stand before Jade got pregnant. He doesn’t want Joey to be the father of his child but Jade insists that it was Joey’s child because she is obsessed with him.
After Harley learns the truth she still proceeds to the airport. Even though it’s not Joey’s child, still, they won’t be together because his parents won’t accept them. Right before she boarded her flight Joey showed up in the airport, bending his knee and asking her for marriage. Weston learned from his mistake, he won’t let Harley leave her again. He doesn’t want a divorce with her. He wants to marry her again, this time they’re both conscious and not drunk.
He wants a life with her, he knew it the first time they shared they’re kiss, he’s too stupid to ignore it back then that’s why he won’t let her go now. Tamantha tears up while nodding her head. She accepted his wedding proposal.
Everyone at the airport cheered for them. Days later they appear on the news in every television. A month later they become wife and husband for real, they’re not drunk anymore. They started to love independently while Joey built his own business.
Harley gets to do her passion and write in her fashion magazine.
