Breaking the Cinderella Rules

❁ STRANGER/LIKE TOMORROW WON'T COME

New chapter everyone :) I've finally chosen Paris as another place. Soon, they'll be going to London! :) But don't worry, the rest of the places would be used for the next book after this. Anyway, here's another chapter. I hope you like it. I'm in a rush right now. School is busy, and yes, I will be back for more!

Chapter 27—STRANGER/LIKE TOMORROW WON’T COME

Cinder

Song: Stranger by Bobby Kim (Doctor Stranger OST)

I walked like a stranger in the middle of a crowded street. Holding tightly to Andrew’s wrist, we squeezed through the crowd full of people. The rain was pouring mercilessly at us. Our umbrella shook as the wind blew hard. Freezing, we waited for the green light before crossing the road with a bunch of other people.

My boots splashed the water on the surface of the road. I stumbled as Andrew leaded me through the streets. My cheeks heated up as I saw the post lights shining the deep night. As soon as the rain stopped, Andrew took me to the most beautiful place on Earth.

When we turned around a corner, the Eiffel Tower appeared in front of me. The tower brightened the night sky with its golden lights. My eyes widened at the beautiful sight, and I couldn’t help the smile that was getting wider in my face.

If only he was here to see this.

I shook my thoughts. Ash was somewhere he needed to be. He was back home, safe and sound. Part of me felt happy that he was gone. With him gone, I wouldn’t be able to hurt him any further than he already was. He wouldn’t be in danger, protecting me from my own problems. Another part of me was crying, suffering. I wanted him here, right beside me. I’m not sure why. It seemed different without him.

It sounded selfish, I know. But I really needed him. He was the only friend who could make me laugh and excited at the same time. Although he never made it obvious, I realized that Ash was protecting me in every way he could. For some strange reason, whenever I saw his eyes, I was always reminded of the boy who once clamed my heart. I saw the image of Mason when I looked at Ash.

Impossible. Mason is gone.

“Paris,” I breathed, staring at the tower. “It’s so different here.”

Andrew laughed. “Yes, and very beautiful,” he added.

“So, can you tell me why we’re here?” I asked Andrew.

He grinned. “Our next target is here. They’re around the tower. I think they’re from some building around.”

My lips trembled as the words came out. “W—who are we going to kill this time?”

Andrew glanced at me. His eyes mirrored an apology as he pointed to a building. “It’s a few kilometers from here, not so far away but still far if we walk,” he explained. “But we’re not going to kill today. This night, we enjoy it the best we can.”

“Enjoy?” I asked, my voice rising. “How can I enjoy the night when I know my hands are going to be bloody the next day?”

He sighed and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Relax, Cinder. Remember, we’re killing these people to create justice.”

I sighed. “But it’s still wrong. I feel guilty, very guilty.”

Sliding his arm around my shoulder, he guided me around the perimeter of the Eiffel Tower. The tower was lighting brightly, but its beauty could not calm my troubled heart. I felt confused and disturbed. Dreaming, I wondered if there was another way to end the organization without hurting others.