Chapter: Author's NoteOkay, is no one gonna talk about the fact that Hilda basically beat the crap out of Evelyn before "rescuing" her?? Like, I'm seeing all these comments about how sweet it is that Hilda is bringing Ava to her mom, but y'all are just glossing over the part where she attacked Evelyn first! I mean, I get it—Hilda's trying to play both sides here, making Susan think Evelyn's dead while actually setting up this mother-daughter reunion. But did she have to be so brutal about it? 😅I swear, you guys are too forgiving sometimes! Anyway, next chapter's gonna be intense. Don't miss it!
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Chapter: 84 Blind SpotsDamonCatherine's words hung in the air between us. Are you blind?I stared at her, trying to make sense of what she was implying. A cold weight settled in my stomach as her meaning became clear."Catherine," I said carefully, "do you realize you're calling Dr. Graham your child? We both know she isn't. Just yesterday, you wanted her away from Susan. Now you're calling her your child?"Catherine looked at me like I'd just said something absurd. Her eyes, previously sharp with accusation, now held only confusion."What are you talking about?" she asked, her head tilting slightly.I watched her face, searching for any sign that this was an act. There was none. Just genuine bewilderment where moments ago there had been clarity."Catherine..." I hesitated, unsure how to approach this. "Evelyn isn't with us anymore. You know that, right?"Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"I ran a hand through my hair, struggling with how to respond. For years, I'd lived with the gnawing guilt
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Chapter: Author's NoteDon't worry, I don't intend to bore you with more backstory! I know you're here for the action. Just needed to establish Hilda's history before we get back to the main storyline. Next chapter we'll jump straight back into the present situation with Evelyn and Ava. The real drama is just getting started... 😈Also, keep an eye out - new update coming by lunch break today! Stay tuned!Guys, I really need to know what you're thinking as you read this! Drop your comments below - especially how you feel about Hilda. Did you expect her backstory to be this dark?Oh, and I've been thinking about creating a Discord group or maybe a Patreon where we could chat more directly about the story, share exclusive content, maybe even early drafts. Would any of you be interested in that? Let me know in the comments, yeah?
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Chapter: 83 Blood ReunionHilda"Keep her away from Ava," Susan ordered, clutching her bedsheets. "That's all that matters now. She can't be allowed near my niece."I nodded, processing this new information. I'd already suspected something unusual about Dr. Graham's interest in Ava, but this explained everything.That night, I couldn't sleep. I sat by the window, watching the moon rise over the trees, the "condemned" tattoo on my hand stark in the pale light. All this time, I'd been keeping a little girl away from her mother. Letting her believe she'd been abandoned.And for what? So Susan could play happy family with someone else's kid?I sat alone in my room, carefully weighing my options. Susan's condition was improving under Dr. Graham's treatments, but this presented a problem—the Luna's paranoia was growing alongside her health, making her increasingly volatile and unpredictable.Susan's protection had been my lifeline for three years, but that protection depended entirely on Susan's position and power.
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Chapter: 82 The AssignmentHilda"This is Ava," Susan said, gesturing to the small girl sitting on the floor. "My niece. You'll be taking care of her from now on."The child looked up from her blocks, dark eyes curious but wary. She couldn't have been more than two years old. Tiny fingers clutched a red block, frozen mid-motion as she assessed me.I stood in Susan's private quarters, still absorbing this unexpected development. Two years had passed since our hallway encounter. Two years of following orders, staying invisible, surviving."I don't know anything about children," I said.Susan's lips curved into that not-quite-smile I'd come to recognize. "Don't worry. I'm not asking if you have experience with children. I'm telling you this is your new responsibility."Ava returned to stacking blocks, apparently deciding I wasn't interesting enough to hold her attention. A small tower grew under her determined hands."What happened to her previous caretaker?" I asked."Reassigned." Susan's tone made it clear that
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Chapter: 81 The Condemned HandHildaThe needle buzzed against my skin. Each prick sent tiny bursts of pain through my hand, but I'd felt worse. So much worse."Kind of intense for someone your age," the tattoo artist said, wiping away excess ink.I kept my left arm extended on the padded rest. "That's where I want it.""Most people hide the meaningful ones.""I need to see it every time I reach for something," I replied, watching as the letters took shape across my knuckles. "A reminder of what I am."The artist snorted, shaking his head. "Dramatic much? Let me guess, early twenties? Everyone your age thinks they're carrying the weight of the world."I didn't respond. Let him think what he wanted.The cramped tattoo parlor smelled of antiseptic and cigarettes. The buzzing needle provided the only consistent sound, occasionally interrupted by muffled voices from the street outside. Perfect anonymity in a place where nobody asked real questions.The artist—a middle-aged man with more ink than bare skin—studied my fa
Last Updated: 2025-07-15
Divorced My CEO Husband, He Came Begging
In the glittering world of high finance and luxury penthouses, Maya thought she had it all. A fairytale marriage to a powerful CEO, wealth beyond imagination, and the promise of a perfect life. But beneath the polished surface lies a web of deceit, manipulation, and shattered dreams.
As the cracks in her golden cage begin to show, Maya discovers that the price of her apparent success is her very identity. Trapped between familial expectations and a husband's cruel indifference, she finds herself fading into the background of her own life.
But a chance encounter at a company gala sparks something long dormant in Maya – a fierce determination to reclaim her worth. As she navigates treacherous waters of family loyalty, marital obligations, and self-discovery, Maya must make a choice: continue living a lie or risk everything for a chance at true happiness.
With each step towards freedom, the stakes grow higher, and the dangers more real. In a world where appearance is everything, Maya's journey to find her voice threatens to topple empires built on secrets and lies.
Will she find the strength to break free from the chains of expectation? Or will the price of her rebellion prove too high to bear? One thing is certain – in the game of love and power, nothing is ever as it seems.
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Chapter: Author's NoteDidn't think I'd be in tears after my last chapter.Writing this book has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I poured my heart into every page, and honestly, I fell in love with this story and these people along the way. More than I expected, this book helped me process my own issues and work through things I didn't even realize I was carrying.Most of the time, I end up writing about myself without meaning to. The emotions, the struggles, the small victories—they all come from somewhere real. And sharing that with you through fiction has been healing in ways I never anticipated.It's been such a joy coming this far with all of you. Seeing your comments, feeling your support, watching this story grow—thank you for taking this journey with me.If this book touched you in any way, please drop a review and vote to keep it visible for other readers who might need this story too. Your support means everything to me.And if you're ready for more emotional chaos, check out
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: Side Story: The VisitMayaThe call came on a Tuesday while I was reviewing budget projections for the foundation. Unknown number, but something made me answer it anyway."Ms. Vega? This is Dr. Sarah Winters from Meadowbrook Psychiatric Hospital. I'm Daniel Russo's primary psychiatrist."I set down my pen. "Is he dead?"Daniel had been transferred from prison to Meadowbrook six months ago after he'd started hurting himself and attacking other inmates. The news had reached me through Vincent before he'd left for his book tour—just a brief update that Daniel's mental state had deteriorated to the point where the prison system couldn't handle him anymore."No, no, nothing like that. But I'm calling because he's been asking for you. For weeks now.""I'm hanging up.""Please wait. There's been a significant change in his condition that I think you should know about."I leaned back in my chair. Through my office window, I could see Troy setting up canvases for the next showcase. Normal life. The life I'd built w
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: Six Months LaterMayaThe foundation office smelled like coffee and paint thinner. Not the most professional combination, but it was becoming familiar. I walked through the main workspace, stepping around canvases and easels that had become a permanent fixture since Troy started bringing his artists here."Maya, thank God you're here." Olivia appeared at my elbow, tablet in hand and that slightly frazzled expression she got when dealing with creative personalities. "We have a situation with the gallery space.""What kind of situation?""The kind where Jenna decided the lighting is 'emotionally wrong' for her pieces and Marcus thinks we should just hang everything in the dark."I sighed. This was the kind of problem I never could have imagined six months ago. Back then, the foundation was mostly theoretical. Now it was very real, with very real artists who had very real opinions about everything."Where's Troy?""Conference room, trying to mediate. But I think he's about to strangle someone."I followe
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: Unfinished BusinessMayaThe elevator ride down felt different than the ride up. Troy was grinning like an idiot, Olivia kept shaking her head in disbelief, and Vincent looked relieved in a way I'd never seen before. But I felt restless. Unsettled."Drinks," Troy announced as the doors opened to the lobby. "We're getting very drunk, very quickly.""It's three in the afternoon," Olivia pointed out."So? Daniel Russo is in handcuffs. That's worth day drinking."We walked through the lobby, past the usual afternoon crowd of employees and visitors. A few people stared as we passed—word was probably already spreading about what had happened upstairs.Outside, Alex was waiting by his car like he'd promised. He straightened up when he saw us, his face hopeful."Well?" he asked."Arrested," I said simply.Alex's face broke into a smile. "Really?""Really," Troy confirmed. "Led away in handcuffs like a common criminal.""Which he is," Olivia added.Alex pulled me into a hug, spinning me around once before setting
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: Justice ServedMayaThe boardroom looked exactly the same as it had during my last disastrous meeting here. Same polished table, same leather chairs, same view of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. But everything felt different now.Daniel was already seated when Olivia and I walked in, reviewing papers with that focused expression he got when he thought he was about to win something. He looked up as we entered, and his face broke into the kind of smile that used to make my stomach drop."Maya," he said, standing up. "You look well. Your little vacation must have agreed with you."I didn't respond, just took my seat across from him. Vincent stood beside my chair, organizing documents with his usual efficiency. Several board members were already present, murmuring among themselves about the urgency of the meeting."I have to say," Daniel continued, settling back into his chair, "I was surprised to hear you'd left the country so suddenly. Right after poor Fiona's tragic accident."There it was
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: The Day of ReckoningMayaThe apartment had never been cleaner.I'd been up since six, scrubbing surfaces that were already spotless, reorganizing drawers that didn't need organizing, folding clothes that had been sitting in my hamper for weeks. Anything to keep my hands busy while my brain ran through everything that was about to happen.Today was the day Daniel would be arrested.I kept saying it to myself, trying to make it feel real. Today. In a few hours. At the emergency board meeting he thought he was walking into as the victor.My coffee had gone cold on the kitchen counter hours ago. I'd poured three cups since waking up and hadn't finished any of them. My stomach was too twisted to handle caffeine anyway.The clock on the microwave read 11:47 when I heard the knock on my door. I dropped the dish towel I'd been using to wipe down already-clean counters and walked over to check the peephole.Olivia stood in the hallway, perfectly put together as always, holding what looked like a thick folder.I o
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Undercover in His Bed
Axel Yakov, a brutal mafia boss with blood on his hands, collides with Aria Blackwood, a woman desperate enough to sell her body and soul to save her junkie brother.
Aria's mission: spy on Axel, feed intel to his nemesis. But when Axel's raw magnetism and dominant presence ignite her deepest desires, the lines blur.
Their savage attraction explodes into mind-blowing sex, with Axel unleashing Aria's darkest fantasies. But as she falls for the man she's meant to destroy, Aria's caught in a web of lies, lust, and divided loyalties.
Axel, usually cold and merciless, finds himself obsessed with Aria. He wants to possess her, protect her, fuck her senseless – and it's making him careless.
With enemies closing in and betrayal lurking in every shadow, their intense affair could get them both killed. Or it could be their salvation.
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Chapter: Side PieceAxel.I gave Natalya a soft peck on her forehead then placed her gently into her cradle as I hummed softly.She moved, which made my heart race, thinking she woke up again, but she only scratched her eye and continued sleeping peacefully. I sighed in relief then went out to shoo Mila to her bed as well.She complained about how she was now old enough to stay up late, but she yawned after that, her body betrayed her, and she went to sleep after that.I excitedly went to my room with my dear Aria who was waiting for me on our king-size bed. She grinned once I came into her view and she motioned for me to go join her. I did so without thinking twice."So what was it you said back on the beach?" she asked teasingly as she stared at me with her deep green eyes. She was so beautiful under the moonlight coming from the glass window."I see you still have no patience," I teased back as I pulled her close to me. She giggled as she leaned closer to me and placed a kiss on my chest."Hungry for
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: Epilogue IIAria."Malyška!" A deep voice rang out from nearby. I instinctively rose to my feet, glancing toward the source. Axel soon stood beside me, towering protectively. His arm wrapped around my waist while he cradled little Natalya securely in his other arm.Mila's eyes lit up with recognition and excitement. "Dima! Roman!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to them.Roman, ever the jovial one, engulfed Mila in a big bear hug while Dima, holding a festively wrapped package, offered a warm smile."Spasibo, Dima!" Mila said, accepting her gift with a grin.Nikolai, with a warm chuckle, murmured, "S dnyom rozhdeniya," before leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on Mila's cheek as he wished her a heartfelt "Happy Birthday." "Though I must admit, Roman chose the wrapping paper."Roman defended his choice, "Come on! Who doesn't love neon flamingos?""Neon flamingos are my favorite!" Mila exclaimed, dotting a kiss on Roman's cheek. Dressed in yet another of his impeccable suits, he looked every bit the ru
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: Epilogue IAria.Two years later.The tropical scent of plumerias surrounded me as I lounged beneath a shady palm, baby Natalya nestled next to me. She cooed, her tiny hands playing with a colorful lei draped over her lap. The vibrant flowers contrasted beautifully against her white sundress. Her striking blue eyes, the same hue as Axel's, were filled with wonder as they darted from one fascinating object to the next.Absentmindedly, I touched my barely visible baby bump, and a tingling sense of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness surged through me. It was still early days, but there was a gut feeling, or maybe it was a maternal instinct, that it might be a boy this time. Just thinking about how Axel's eyes shone when he first held Natalya did something to my heart."Ma-ma-ma," she mumbled, reaching out to hand me a plumeria blossom she'd plucked from her lei. Every day, her speech became clearer, though Axel had the pleasure of hearing her first clear "dada." A memory that still had him
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: Forever and AlwaysAxel.The sun was dropping low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. From up there, the lake house below looked like some damn postcard. But none of that mattered; my eyes were scanning the distance, waiting for the first glimpse of Aria.Nikolai was standing next to the towering tombstone of my parents that dominated the hill, intricately carved depictions of their glamorous selves captured forever in pristine marble that refused to dull, no matter the years it had endured. Simple lines, regal designs, and elegant inscriptions were a testament to their legacy and style. Ostentation was never their thing. They always preferred intimacy, a close circle. Just like that night – it was just us, family.Nikolai's face was more serious than the occasion called for. "You sure about this? Marriage is a life sentence, you know.""Fuck off, D," I growled, not in the mood for his philosophical shit right then. "You think I'd be here if I wasn't sure?"And then I saw her.
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: Princess for a DayAria."You look like a princess, Aria." Little Mila's voice was filled with awe, her eyes wide as saucers as she stared at me in my wedding gown.I looked back at the mirror, my reflection transformed by the elegance of the gown and the artful touch of make-up. For a fleeting moment, I did feel like a princess. Like someone who had stepped out of a fairy tale and into a beautiful reality.But this wasn't a fairy tale, and I knew it.This was real life.My life, and today was the first day of a new chapter. A chapter I'd be sharing with Axel, the complex, intriguing man who had brought so much joy, change, and even a bit of turmoil into my life."Thank you, Mila," I said, kneeling down to her level. "You make a pretty fantastic flower girl, you know? Almost like a little fairy.""Really? A fairy?" Mila's eyes sparkled as she took in the compliment. She clutched Max's leash a little tighter; the dog was also dressed up for the occasion, looking rather dashing in his miniature tuxedo.Ma
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: My QueenAria.Three months laterI was cocooned in warmth, draped in a sensation that felt both novel and intimate. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft beams across the room. As my eyes fluttered open, I remembered – this was what waking up with Axel felt like.Safe and secure.I was not used to it yet, not really.The past three months had been a whirlwind. We had moved out of the mansion and into this secluded lake house right after that day.That day was meant to be a celebration of Mila's birthday, a day of pure happiness. But instead, that day, Axel had severed his uncle's head from its body.And now he had remained silent about it.But I had overheard Nikolai and Roman discussing matters. The Bratva businesses had been shifted to their control, slowly winding down Axel's direct involvement. I knew they were cleaning up, trying to make things right in their own way.I pressed my naked body even closer to Axel's, savoring the touch of his skin against mine.Axel 2.0 seeme
Last Updated: 2025-03-26
Chapter: Promises at DinnerAvaNearly an hour later, Alex and my father finally emerged from the study, both looking relaxed and slightly flushed from the brandy. My father's eyes were bright with satisfaction, Alex's with something I couldn't quite read."There they are!" my father announced. "Been having an excellent chat, haven't we, Alex?""Absolutely," Alex agreed, his gaze finding mine across the room. "Your father is a remarkable man, Ava.""He has his moments," I acknowledged, noting the genuine warmth in Alex's voice. "But it's getting late, and it's a school night for Emilia.""Of course, of course," my father said. "But you must all come again soon. Next time I'll grill. Nothing like a man in a wheelchair handling open flames to really liven up a dinner party."
Last Updated: 2025-03-08
Chapter: Table TalkAvaThe dining room, like the rest of the house, was designed for accessibility without sacrificing aesthetics. My father wheeled up to a space at the head of the table where a chair had been removed. Alex held my chair for me, his fingers lightly brushing my shoulder as I sat—a casual touch that somehow felt startlingly intimate.Dinner was a surprisingly relaxed affair. The paella was delicious, the wine flowed freely, and conversation moved easily from business to politics to my father's latest hobby—adaptive gardening techniques he was developing for others with mobility issues."It keeps the mind active," he explained to Alex. "After the accident, I could have just retreated, let the world pass me by. But what's the point in that? There's still work to be done.""That's an ad
Last Updated: 2025-03-07
Chapter: Family TiesAvaAs we approached the front door, it swung open before we could ring the bell. My father sat in his wheelchair, his broad shoulders and commanding presence undiminished by his seated position. At sixty-five, George Silver was still an imposing figure, with salt-and-pepper hair and the same green eyes I'd inherited."There they are!" he boomed, his face splitting into a wide grin. "My girls... and the man brave enough to take on my daughter.""Dad," I warned, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Behave.""Grandpa!" Emilia darted past me, throwing herself into his lap with practiced ease. He hugged her tightly, then set her back on her feet with a theatrical grunt."Getting too big for that, peanut," he told her, though we all knew he'd never refuse
Last Updated: 2025-03-07
Chapter: ArrivalAva"Mommy! He's here!" Emilia's voice echoed up the stairs, a mixture of alarm and fascination.Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs. Alex was standing in the foyer, looking unfairly handsome in a perfectly tailored navy suit that highlighted his broad shoulders and trim waist. He was holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a gift bag in the other."Ava," he said, his eyes widening slightly as I descended the stairs. "You look... incredible."Something warm unfurled in my chest at the genuine appreciation in his gaze. I tamped it down quickly, reminding myself that Alex Russo was a master of manipulation. This was all part of the act."Thank you," I said, my voice more breathless than I'd intended. "You clean up pretty
Last Updated: 2025-03-06
Chapter: Crowning MomentAva."Seriously, Mom? That's what you're wearing?"I glanced down at my outfit—dark jeans paired with a simple blue blouse—then back at my daughter, who was regarding me with the kind of withering judgment only a nine-year-old could deliver."What's wrong with this?" I asked, smoothing the blouse self-consciously.Emilia rolled her eyes dramatically. "It's boring. You look like you're going to work, not dinner with Grandpa." She paused, then added with reluctant honesty, "And that guy.""That guy," I repeated, biting back a smile. "You mean Alex?""Whatever." Emilia flopped onto my bed, watching as I rummaged through my closet. "Grandpa's going to think you don't even care."I sighed, pulling out a burgundy wrap dress I hadn't worn in months. "Better?"Emilia's nose scrunched up as she considered the dress. "I guess. But you should wear the green one. The one Grandpa says makes your eyes look pretty."My heart squeezed at her concern for my father's opinion. Despite her occasional pre
Last Updated: 2025-03-06
Chapter: BoundriesAlexI turned to my computer, trying to focus on work, but my mind kept drifting. I found myself typing Ava's name into a search engine, scanning recent articles about her. Most focused on our engagement, but some highlighted her business achievements, her journey as a young widow raising a child while running a tech empire.One photo caught my eye—Ava at what appeared to be a school function, crouched down to Emilia's level, both of them laughing. There was such joy in their expressions, such genuine connection. It made something in my chest ache with a longing I couldn't quite identify.I closed the browser quickly, unsettled by my own reaction. This was getting too personal, too complicated. I needed to refocus, to remember why we'd started this charade in the first place.Business.
Last Updated: 2025-03-05
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