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Ariel Chen, a college student, has experienced tragedy in her past. Her parents' death in a car accident left her in the care of her aunt. As she navigates college life at Maxwell University in Australia, Ariel feels an eerie presence lurking in the shadows. Every night, she senses being followed, and every day, she feels eyes upon her.
She feels like there's a shadow within her but where??
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Chapter 1
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SYDNEY ★» ROSE BAY ★» AUSTRALIA
A luxurious mansion could be seen in rose bay. The lights emanating from the house glowed in the dark making it so noticeable in the estate.
A limousine drove towards the gate and the gate opened. The car drove in and the gateman closed the gate before going back to his post.
The driver got down from the limousine and walked to the passenger's seat, opening the door for a beautiful, tall and elegant lady.
She got down from the car and took off her shades. Her cold look sent shivers down the driver's spine.
"Aunt Taylor" Ariel's calm voice called from the entrance of the house and her face loosened a bit.
"Ariel" She muttered and they both ran to each other giving each other a tight hug.
"I missed you" Ariel mumbled.
"I missed you more" Taylor replied and they broke the hug.
"I thought I told you to stop calling me Aunt?" Taylor asked with an arched brow.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to calling you mum. But I'll try to do so alright?" Ariel said with a smile.
"If you're not comfortable with that, you can call me Aunt. I won't mind at all" She said and Ariel smiled wider.
"Let's go inside, I made us dinner" Ariel said, taking the bag from Taylor.
"Sure" Taylor said and held Ariel's hand. They both walked into the mansion and Taylor smiled when she perceived the scent of her favourite food.
"You made me macaroni?" Taylor asked, facing her.
"Yup. After hearing that you'd return from the UK today, I decided to make you something yummy" Ariel said and Taylor smiled.
"Thank you dear" Taylor said and pecked her on the cheek.
"I'd go freshen up" She said and took her bag gently from Ariel before going upstairs.
Ariel smiled and went to the kitchen. She dished the food into the necessary plates before carrying them to the table.
She placed it down and went to get some utensils before arranging them on the table.
Taylor walked downstairs wearing a black nightgown and a black robe. She smiled when she got to the dining and she sat down.
"Enjoy" Ariel said and smiled wanting to go but Taylor stopped her.
"Where are you going?" Taylor asked.
"I want to go and sleep"
"Have you eaten?" Taylor asked.
"No"
"Why?" Taylor asked.
"The food was made specifically for you and not for me" Ariel said and Taylor dropped her spoon.
"What did I tell you the first day you came to my house?"
"You said that everything here is mine considering the fact that I am now your adopted daughter. You said if I wanted to eat, I could eat. If I want to hang out with some good friends, I should, but I should have a curfew. I should also try to call you mum" Ariel said.
"You're now my daughter Ariel, a daughter I've been longing to have and I know it's not easy for you to accept me as your adopted mum since you didn't quite know me. But then could you try?" Taylor said.
"I will try. I'm sorry" Ariel said, playing with her hair. That's what she always does when she's nervous or apologizing.
"It's okay. Settle down and eat, I have good news" She said and Ariel smiled going to sit on the chair that was rightly opposite to her.
"Dig in" Taylor said and Ariel smiled before starting to eat.
"Like I said earlier, I have good news" Taylor said.
"And what's that?"
"You've been enrolled into Maxwell University" She said and Ariel blinked her eyes.
"Are you being serious?"
"Yes naw. You're to pack your things into luggage and get ready for tomorrow. I'd be dropping you off by 6am" She said and Ariel's eyes widened again.
"But this school costs a lot, every single thing in there costs a lot, almost up to a million. Why did you waste all that money on me?"
"I didn't waste any money on you. It's my duty as your mum to provide the best education for you. If I have the money to take you to that school, what then is stopping me from using the money?" She asked.
"Thank you so much" Ariel said with a wide smile.
She got down from her chair and went to her, hugging her from behind.
"Thank you so much" Ariel said again and Taylor smiled a little.
"It's my pleasure"
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★» NEXT MORNING »★
The rays of the sun pierced through Ariel's eyes and she pressed her lids against each other.
She opened her eyes a little and stared at the ceiling. She saw her mum and dad's reflection on the ceiling and she sighed sitting up.
"Wakey wakey sunshine. It's time for college" Taylor said happily entering the room.
Ariel only let out a small smile.
"You don't look excited" Taylor said and she smiled again.
"That's because I am not"
One thing about her, she's blunt even though it hurts another person's feelings, she says the truth at all times.
"Why?" Taylor asked, her happiness dying down.
"I mean we've only been together for a year now and I'm leaving. It's saddening and I really don't want to leave" She said with a sad smile.
Taylor walked to her and held her face.
"Awwn Ariel. I'll make sure to call everyday and make sure we do video calls everyday. It'd be like we aren't even apart" Taylor said and Ariel nodded.
"Thanks mum" Ariel said and hugged her.
Taylor's eyes widened before breaking the hug.
"What did you say?"
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★» TBC »★