Page 1 of Deadline for Love

Chapter 1

‘In a sea of luscious ginger locks, radiant and fair, sunlight dancing, casting an ethereal glare. Eyes devoid of life, fixed upon the sky, gray as the heavens, where clouds drift by. Naked skin so pale, a canvas of clouds above, but my artwork doesn’t shine like your love. Lips so full, beautiful, and true, give me a chance, and I’ll cherish you.’

A slight shiver ran down my spine as my eyes scanned this piece of paper, which looked neat and clean. No damaged edges and no dirt on it. It was well prepared and smelled of flowers when I took it out of the envelope.?

With a heavy sigh, I put the letter back on my desk.?

It was the fourth time I had received such a letter with an envelope decorated with aster flowers. There was no indication of who had written these creepy rhymes.?

“Eyes devoid of life, fixed upon the sky… oh my God,” I muttered, turning the paper, searching for the name, but only my name was given as the recipient.?

Why would someone send me something like this? Always describing lifeless body parts… and ending the poem by asking for a chance to cherish or love someone… Maybe he was addressing me at the end? I don’t know.?

“Oh dear, Bella, another creepy love letter?”

A voice sounded beside my ear, making me jump from my seat. My heart was pounding hard, but I quickly recovered from the small shock as I recognized the voice. I met beautiful amber eyes. She started to chuckle because of my reaction until she broke out laughing. Her funny, laughing face made me sigh yet again. She had even doubled over with laughter, holding onto her stack—Amara Williams, my best friend.?

“When did you get here?”

The laughing stopped and she stood up straight in front of me.?

“Have you checked the time?”?

Her gaze became severe, and she pointed her finger at the window to show me darkness was already in the sky.?

I hadn’t even lifted my head since I sat at my desk. I still had many articles to write, facts to check, and pictures to add. My deadline was getting closer and closer.?

“I’m happy you’re taking your work seriously, but we still have our appointment today!”?

Oh right... we did have something...?

Only now did I notice Amara’s outfit. She wore a beautiful strapless beige silk dress that went down her ankles. Her shoulders were covered with a cream scarf, but you could still see her reddish-brown skin. She had light makeup on, and her natural curly brown hair was loose, with a beautiful barrette holding a strand behind her ear. She looked fabulous.?

Looking at her, I felt proud—she was more beautiful every year.?

We had known each other since kindergarten, and our friendship grew stronger as time passed. Of course, sometimes we had silly little fights, but after each obstacle, we kept getting together, stronger than ever.?

With a grin, I sat down again and organized my documents.?

“You look gorgeous,” I said swiftly, turning my attention to my computer.?

“I can’t believe you aren’t ready to go. You promised me!”

“You mean the double date that you’re forcing me to go on?” I corrected after thinking about what kind of date it was.?

She had to grin, which showed off her gleaming white teeth.?

I knew that grin too well. It was the ‘she couldn’t talk her way out of it, but she’s still going to go through with it’ grin.?

“You haven’t been on a date in four years. Justin’s friend is pretty good-looking and has a great job. He would be totally your type!”

I stopped my movements and held my breath for a second.?

“He is awesome, I swear!” she tried again, but I let my breath out long and audibly annoyed.

“I thought this was about you not liking being the third wheel on their man-dates?”

Then I narrowed my eyes and glared. Her reason now sounded completely different, like it was an attempt to set me up even though I wasn’t interested!?

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