The Girl that Burst (Bliss Book 2), page 1
The Girl that Burst
Veronica Soliman
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2017 Veronica Soliman
Book 2 Selfless Series
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1: Flowing Rivers
Chapter 2: Meeting Carnegie
Chapter 3: The Proposal
Chapter 4: Noticed
Chapter 5: Lost and Found
Chapter 6: Wedding Flowers
Chapter 7: The Sleeping Pact
Chapter 8: Devils in Disguise
Chapter 9: Green Tomatoes
Chapter 10: Guilt
Chapter 11: Fortune Telling
Chapter 12: Understanding Boundaries
Chapter 13: Temptation
Chapter 14: Far from Alone
Chapter 15: Lost
Chapter 16: Invective
Chapter 17: Carnegie’s Girl
Chapter 18: Shadows
Chapter 19: Only the Dead that Can Live
Chapter 20: Misunderstood
Chapter 21: Shallow
Chapter 22: Empty Dreams
Chapter 23: Flaky Feelings
Chapter 24: Truth Be Told
Chapter 25: Sleepless
Chapter 27: Yours and Mine
Chapter 28: Emotional Being
Chapter 29: Absolutely Uncertain
Chapter 30: The Poison Inside Me
Chapter 31: Strong Words
Chapter 32: Carnegie’s Smile
Chapter 33: Hallucinations
Chapter 34: Mad World
Chapter 35: Disorganized
Chapter 36: Facade
Chapter 37: Disrespect
Chapter 38: Under the Weather
Chapter 39: Chains
Chapter 40: Torn
Chapter 41: Discovering Shame
Chapter 42: Criminal Lies
Chapter 43: Shapeless
Chapter 44: Exits
Chapter 45: What Eleanor Wants
Chapter 46: Baby Blues
Chapter 47: A First for Everything
Chapter 48: When Nature Runs Its Course
Chapter 49: Heinous
Chapter 50: Darkness Within
Chapter 51: His Lies
Chapter 52: Hatred
Epilogue
Prologue
My blonde hair flew in the breeze as I stood beside my graduating class. We wore our red graduation caps, awaiting our names to be called. I smiled proudly; I'd finally done it: completed my business degree and went through hell for four years. And I was ultimately prepared to take over my family's business, of course with the help of my older brother.
I sighed eagerly, watching everyone get called up one by one.
"Pure Bliss." The speaker called as the brunette made her way to the stand, a wide smile on her soft features. That girl had been through a lot and it's a miracle that she is still smiling.
We'd graduated together as good friends and have become better friends since high school. I watched her as she shook hands with the president of our class at Stanford and several other people and walked over to her seat; her fiancé walked up beside her, planting a kiss on her lips. She smiled, blushing as though it were their first kiss once again.
They were super cute, but I never understood why Noah, one of the hottest, but ultimately shy guys, went for her when girls like me existed.
They were barely in the last name letter B's and each person was painfully slow as they walked up to the stage to get their bachelor's degrees. This was going to take forever.
I felt shaky and nervous as I spotted sharp brown eyes staring at me. My boyfriend, Christian Anderson. We had a history. A long painful and somewhat tragic history; one that Pure Bliss had gotten involved in, but in the end he chose me.
Sort of.
I watched as my classmate's names were being called and each one made their way to the stand. The sun warmly looked down on us as the wind left soft kisses all over; everything seemed so perfect for a graduation ceremony outdoors. Especially with the small birds silently chirping and the cotton candy clouds floating away slowly.
"Eleanor Hays." The speaker finally announced my name. I stood up, running eagerly to the podium smiling brightly as I shook the speaker’s hand, along with the other people on stage, and walked to my seat. If only Christian would come up to me and kiss me like Noah did with Pure.
I felt somewhat envious. They'd only dated the last few weeks of senior year and went off to separate colleges, he'd come by on the weekends. Seven months ago, he proposed finally after three years of them dating. It was adorable. The cutest thing ever.
Pure told me he took her to the bar where they had first met and he had had it decorated fantastically. His family was there and so was hers and after a couple hours, they all drove to the beach where he proposed in the sweetest manner possible- but that’s a story for another time. It was cute and I've been envious since.
"We will now congratulate our graduating class of 2015!" The speaker yelled as we all stood up and threw our caps into the air. "WE'VE DONE IT," our valedictorian yelled into the microphone, going wild as he tossed his hat into the crowd.
Everyone gathered in their groups of friends and family and began taking pictures. I solemnly wondered what they would’ve done if technology didn’t exist. My older brother Jason walked up to me with mom, dad, and Christian.
"My little sister is all grown up," Jason laughed, hugging me and messing up my hair as mom and dad took pictures. Everyone seemed overwhelmingly happy and I loved this calming happy mood sparingly spreading through the perfect air.
"I can't wait for you to run our law firm!" Dad announced, hugging me tightly as he tried to disguise his tears.
My dad owned Hay’s Law firm, a billion dollar company that I didn't really care to own. I never wanted to be a lawyer. I've always wanted to be a chef, but I can't cook to save my life- so I guess this is the next best option.
I smiled at the camera as Christian stood beside me. "Let's get out of here." He whispered dangerously as he held my hand.
In freshman year of highschool, I'd lost my virginity to him. He then spent the next three years with me in an on and off relationship or spent it trying to make me jealous, all the same, I had gotten back with him weeks before college graduation.
"Congratulations!" Pure walked up to me with her little brother, Luke in her arms and Noah holding her waist. They were cute together. She handed Luke to Noah.
Noah was stunningly gorgeous, I must admit. He could've been a model if he set his mind to it. He had the most beautiful gray eyes that anyone had ever seen and stunning light hair surrounding smooth skin so much so that he resembled a god.
I smiled at their happy faces as they walked away. Her little brother bouncing around. He was four years old now. I remember in highschool he'd just been a fetus.
"You can now work for me." Dad said, "Remember Eleanor, it's not just because you're family that I give you this position, if you don't do your best, I will fire you." Dad warned as I brushed it away. Empty threats.
I smiled mischievously as Christian grabbed my wrist and pulled me aside. He had this thing against public displays of affection. I never understood why because four years ago he'd tied Pure up to the bleachers and forced her to kiss him if she wanted to be set free. It was a sick joke.
We stood beside the Stanford library wall as he pushed me up against it. Ravaging me as though I were a toy he wanted to explore. And he did, many times actually. But what I felt for him now was nothing. In highschool I recall him always trying to make me jealous by going after the next prettiest girl. I hated him for it. But he was a classy guy and I fought for our relationship long and hard.
He pressed his lips on mine as his hands began unzipping my graduation gown. I pulled away immediately. I don’t know what came over me but an overwhelming feeling told me to stop, told me that I don't want this. None of this. I began walking away, I had no feelings for him anymore. He'd cheated on me, broken my heart more times than I could count and I stayed with him because I felt comfortable in his strong arms. But those arms felt like serpents around me, strangling me.
"Eleanor!" He shouted, jogging up beside me and reaching for my wrist. I must be on my period because I normally do not undergo this many mood-swings in one day. I felt anger fueling my emotions as I turned around sharply to be met with his calm brown eyes.
"Look Christian, we've had our fun. But this relationship is going nowhere. You're not the type of guy to commit to one girl. I love you but I'm not in love with you. At least not anymore."
Some may call me a bitch. I say that I have a strong opinion and know what I want. And Christian Anderson is not what I want. Noah was who'd I'd wanted in sophomore year of highschool but nobody knew because I'd kept it a secret. There always comes a point when every girl had a crush on the hot guy who never tal ked to them. Until lucky little Pure got him.
Nevertheless, I will be twenty one years old in a few weeks and when I turn twenty-one, I'll be hitting a bar trying to forget the last eight years of my life.
That was until my father hit me with the biggest baddest news a twenty-year-old girl could ever hear.
Within the hour and after I'd gone home, my parents took me aside, and away from Jason's prying ears to explain to me a stupid, stupid business contract they'd made exactly five months ago.
Apparently they were going bankrupt because some idiot decided to sue our law firm and it cost us twelve-million-dollars which we would not, and could not afford to pay. We may have been rich, but not that rich. Apparently, my dad has friends in high places and arranged a secret contract with the Carnegie family. They were the country's fourth richest family and under these circumstances, my father, without consulting me first, sold my soul to the damn devil.
Carnegie Hall, the Carnegie family business name, made a deal with my father under the understanding that I would be wed to the eldest son in the Carnegie household hoping that I could produce an heir to all the Carnegie riches. And my parents hadn't felt the need to inform me. Until the happiest day of my life, my graduation- which they completely and utterly ruined.
"Are you serious?!" I yelled, "Why didn't you tell me about this before deciding to throw me under the bus?! I've never even met the guy, he could end up being an old Troll or worse," I gasped, "what if he looks like the hunchback of notre dame?! What if he’s mean to me?! Did you even think to ask me?!" Apparently, my mom thought this was amusing and my dad as began laughing as well.
"Look Eleanor, we had to do what was best for the company, our company sweetheart. You'll learn soon that sometimes you have to make sacrifices. And after the debt is payed off, you can divorce the guy for all we care and the heir part is totally optional," Mom winked then her face became more serious as she processed what I’d said. "Who cares how he looks? He's rich! And their family is helping us with a silly little string attached. I don't even know why Mr. Carnegie picked you to marry his son, but we sure are lucky he did. Otherwise, we’d have to declare bankruptcy!" My mom scoffed.
Picked me? What's so wrong with me that my mom had to scoff when she said he chose me?
"So a stupid company is more important than your only daughter?!" I shouted in anguish. I wanted to punch a wall or better yet, my parent’s smug grins.
"Now listen here young lady, that company is the reason we are living under this roof and getting food to eat every day. The company is what pays our bills! Do. Not. Disrespect. It." Dad yelled back as I stormed out of the house. I hopped into my car and sat in there for a while. I hadn't chosen it. None of it. I moved from Florida to California to go to Stanford to get away from my parents. Instead, they followed me, deciding it would be best if they bought a house beside the school, declaring I move in with them.
I understand it's for the good of the family. But marriage is a holy ceremony and vows are made. I can't do this. I won't do this. A knock on my window broke my train of thought as Jason's familiar face appeared. I opened my window enough to see his face, but not far enough for him to reach inside and unlock the door.
"El, I know what they did was wrong, but it was a private business contract without government authorization and you may as well know that Carnegie Hall has very powerful people. After you left I overheard them saying that if you don't go through with it, they will demolish our family name, our company and send us to live on the streets. And they'll be sending mom and dad to prison for the rest of their lives. Is that what you want? Rich people in high places can make false claims and make false evidence if anything Eleanor." Jason seemed worried as I stared at him in disbelief. Was he serious?
"Good, they deserve it." I mumbled, crossing my arms like a child who didn't get her way.
"El, you don't understand, it's not going to be in America either, the Carnegie's aren't the kindest people, I wouldn't doubt they would send them to a concentration camp in North Korea or somewhere like that. And what's going to be so bad about marrying a guy, paying off our debt and then divorcing him? Be rational about this. Don't go straight to your foolish godly stuff." I hadn't believed in anything until years ago when one of my good friends, Brad, took me to his church and showed me a whole new side of life. A side I enjoyed very much.
"Til death do us part." I stated as Jason gave me a confused look, "It's part of the vows, and I keep my word. I am not marrying a stranger. And I don't care what happens to this stupid family. Who the hell is dumb enough to make a deal with a Carnegie anyway? It’s worse than making a deal with the devil himself!"
"Well, just meet the guy first. If you hate him, then I'll stop bothering you. I don't agree with this either, but it's for the best. And after your breakup with Christian today, I think… " He began but I paused him. How did he know about that?
"Go away. I'm leaving." I announced, unable to stand the pain of hearing Christian's loveless name.
"Eleanor, just think about it please, I don't want to lose our parents." Jason's voice cracked, he turned round to sneeze as I started the engine, shutting the window before he could get another word out. I couldn't bear to see Jason, above anyone else, in any sort of pain. He was my only brother, he'd stood up for me and backed off when I needed him to.
"Fine," I mumbled to myself. "I'll do it," I said.
But I have no intention of fulfilling this. Sure I'll meet the guy for Jason's sake, but after that, I'm moving far, far away.
Chapter 1: Flowing Rivers
I glared at the street ahead as I drove furiously. How dare they?! Why would they? How could they even do this to me?
The only person I could think to go to was Christian. Too bad I'd broken up with him, but I know Christian, he'd take me back as though I were oxygen to his very own lungs. I pushed my feet onto the gas pedal, going as fast as my car would let me. I felt like if I turned the steering wheel, even slightly, I might crash at this speed.
That's what I want to do: crash and burn. But after four long years at college, it would be like the tip of a broken pencil, pointless. My phone buzzed. I can't look at it I'm driving. I annoyingly thought to myself feeling rebellious as I grabbed my phone and parked on the curb. Semi-rebel.
Brad. I'll go to Brad. Brad was one of the greatest people I've ever met. We met in high school and he was super friendly and adoring toward everyone.
Hey, sorry I couldn't be there to see you graduate! Congratulations! So happy for you. He'd texted me so cheerfully as he'd been stuck in Florida. I smiled widely. I missed Brad, he was an amazing friend.
A small smile formed on my face and I felt as though the only person I could speak to about this was Christian. I made a U-turn and began my drive to Christian's. I knew he wouldn't care that I was here. I parked outside and took a calming breath. It was strange how all of us, well most of us, had applied and gotten accepted to a school in California.
I took a deep breath, awaiting telling him exactly what happened, and hoping he would offer me a shoulder to cry on. I looked reluctantly at my car door as I pulled the handle, pushing the door open and walking out into the cold air. It was strange to have cold weather in California, especially in the spring.
I took a deep breath as I walked to his door and knocked.
No answer. I turned on my heel, ready to walk away, until the door flew open.
"Eleanor. What're you doing here?" Christian smirked, breathing heavily, as he opened the door. I turned to look at him, his hair was a mess and his bare chest showed the small trickles of sweat, a clear sheen of it laced his forehead. My heart suddenly fell. It may have not been evident to anyone else, but I could tell he had his sweatpants on backwards. Was he just with someone?
I stumbled backwards, the thought officially registering in my mind as I saw blonde hair pop up on his couch. Has he been cheating on me this whole time? Again? I felt tears stinging my eyes as I wiped away aggressively.
"Eleanor,” he said, no remorse in his voice, “it was bound to happen eventually, better you find out now. What the hell are you doing here anyway?" He asked, running his fingers through his hair.
My jaw trembled, my eyes watering as I began speaking and only two words in my mind could be processed. My quivering lip began moving, but I couldn't make out what words were being said.
