Keith sat at the bar, lost in thought, swirling the ice in his glass of scotch. He was left with a sense of inner turmoil after speaking with his father. “Hey!” Genelia approached him. “Everything alright?” “Yeah!” “Are you disturbed?” She arched an eyebrow. “It’s Dad and his stupid condition!” Keith let out a sigh. “Mind sharing with me?” Genelia smiled sweetly. “He says if I ask Cara to quit her job, he will think about our relationship.” Keith took a sip of his drink, and Genelia’s smile was replaced by a look of concern. She was unsure of what Mr. Wilson’s true intention was. “So, what did you decide?” Keith shook his head. “I don’t know! It’s strange how my parents were okay with Natalie, but seem to have an issue with Cara! Even Mom is against my decision this time.” “In my opinion, it would be wise to allow Cara to work. She seems an ambitious girl and you should not stop her.” Genelia voiced her thoughts, and Keith shifted his focus to her. “You seem to know a lot abo
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore lulled Cara as she lay on the sand, gazing up at the twinkling stars in the night sky. “Daddy, why do you leave me? I miss you so much!” Little Cara asked her dad as he came to spend some time with her taking a break from his work. “But Daddy comes to see you every month and spends ten days with you!” He answered. Little Cara pouted and glanced up at him. “Why not spend twenty more days with me?” She asked, and her father chuckled. “Because Daddy has to work and earn money! He is very busy the other twenty days.” He pressed his lips in a straight line. “Why do you have to work? Aren’t we rich?” She asked innocently, and he smiled. “Daddy wants to earn more money for his munchkin so that she can buy more dolls, ice-creams…” He said. “Disneyland!” she exclaimed, her hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. “Yes, Disneyland!” He chuckled. “But why do I have to live far away from you?” She asked. “Because you’re my precious possession
Janet’s hands were tied behind her back with rope and the duct tape sealed her mouth. With a gun pressed against her temple, Sebastian’s men forcefully pushed her forward, causing her to glare at Sebastian before begrudgingly moving ahead. Upon her arrival, she directed her gaze toward the chief, who was in the middle of a conversation with Sebastian. Sebastian’s eyes darted quickly to her before returning to the police chief in front of him. “Where is my mother?” “Somewhere safe!” The chief smirked. Sebastian’s face was flushed with anger. “Now that Janet is in front of you, I want my mother back!” Janet turned her gaze towards him. “If you drop her at Genovese Mall, you can take Janet along with you.” “What if I disagree?” The chief lifted an eyebrow and Janet glared in his direction. Sebastian clenched his jaws but remained calm. “Then this city will witness something worth remembering for ages! And you would get some work to do.” He smirked. “Don’t push my buttons. Call your o
{MATURE SCENE AHEAD] After taking a long shower, Cara walked into the room in her bathrobe and began humming a tune. She rummaged through her closet and found the perfect red dress for the evening. She changed into it and opened the first drawer of the dresser to take out the golden dangles. Once she was done with her makeup, she sprayed perfume on herself when Milo started to bark at her. “Yes, I remember!” She sprayed perfume on him and he did a happy dance. “Okay, how am I looking?” She turned to Milo, but the latter walked out of the room wagging his tail. She sighed and followed him out. She turned the lights dim in the hall and lit the scented candles turning the ambiance romantic and walked into the kitchen to take out lasagna from the microwave and placed the dinner nicely on the table near the big window from where they could see the bustling rush of the New York City. Cara looked around and everything was spot on, just like she wanted. “This is perfect! Keith is gonna lo
As Cara slowly opened her eyes, she felt the warmth of Keith’s smile greeting her. Reality hit her like a ton of bricks, and she sat on the bed with a sudden jolt. “Easy, babe!” As Keith touched her face, she felt a shiver run down her spine. “You’re all red and sweating! Are you alright?” “Yeah….” She gently took his hand off her face, turning away to gather herself. Keith stared intently at her. “I read Lydia’s text on your phone.” Cara looked back at him. “She asked if I liked the surprise!” His lips flatten into a straight line. “And you figured out that the scented candles, dinner, and everything were for you?” Cara asked. “I’m sorry!” Cara snorted. “I’m tired. Let’s shift this discussion to later!” With a swift motion, she kicked off the duvet and stepped down from the bed. “I have a meeting so….” His words were drowned out by the loud thud of the bathroom door shutting. Cara watched the water flow from the tap into the washbasin, creating ripples on the surface. She glan
“Every time I try to be happy, they find a way to crush it. I’m convinced that I’ll never find joy. Maybe I’m born to lose everything.” Cara was absorbed in her thoughts as she made her way to the café. “Dad, the suffering doesn’t scare me! But how long is my punishment? Is my fate solely composed of suffering?” “Babe!” The sound of Keith’s voice caused her head to sharply pivot towards him. “I was waiting for you! Why aren’t you picking up my calls?” “I went out to get some fresh air.” Defeated, she answered. “Are you alright?” Cara nodded slowly in response to his question. “Okay. I’ve brought you something. Hurry up and change. We don’t want to be late for dinner!” He handed her a shopping bag. “Keith, I’m not in a mood!” “Please! I’ve planned everything. Don’t turn down my request!” Cara finally gave in to his pleading gaze and walked inside to change. Unaware of Keith, a man approached his car with caution, peeked through the window, and then ran off. “The file is in his c
A week later, Looking at herself in the mirror, Cara combed her hair with slow, deliberate strokes. The bandage was taken off, and she appeared to be in much better condition. “I’m running late, babe! See you in the evening.” Keith gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left in a rush. “Take care!” She said as the bedroom door closed. Just five minutes later, her phone rang and Cara struggled to stand up, limping slightly as she made her way to the bed and answered an unknown number. “Hello, sweetheart!” Jason spoke. “How’re you now?” “What do you want?” “Do you like playing dumb or what?” He asked. “I want one million dollars!” “Give me some time!” She said, “I got into an accident last week!” “Oh, yes! I forgot to ask you something. For a woman who is swinging in the arms of one billionaire to another, why is it so difficult for you to arrange one million?” Jason asked. “Keith isn’t a billionaire!” Cara sighed. “And who is this other billionaire you’re talking about?” “Why
Gradually, Cara’s forehead became dotted with beads of sweat after she drank the orange juice. Her heart rate picked up pace, and she dragged herself to the restroom, only to be hit with a sudden jolt of pain in the back of her head. “Mom, please don’t go!” Keith tried to stop his mother, his eyes frantically searching for Cara, but she was nowhere to be seen. “Son, I doubt she’s interested in meeting.” She withdrew her hand from his grasp. “You always disregard our wishes and expect us to comply with your decision. We had hoped you would steer the Ascent Group, but you decided to join the police force. You didn’t heed our warning about Natalie’s true nature and had to learn the hard way. Once again, you’ve found a girl who doesn’t meet our standards, and I fear you’ll end up embarrassed again.” Keith attempted to contradict her, but she shut him down. “Learn from Aries. He values his family’s reputation the most. He wasn’t really into Isla, but he proposed to her anyway because her
“Let me go!” I cried out in terror as they threw me onto the freezing floor of the dungeon, and I observed the silhouettes of five towering figures looming over me in the dim, wavering light. One of them made a call to my father, Connor Blair. The closest ally and confidant of Anton Genovese, the most feared Mafia King of New York City. “If you’re willing to see Janet again, just do as I say!” The sound of their menacing voices on the phone call sent a shiver down my spine. “Let’s see who you choose between your precious daughter and loyalty to Anton Genovese.” He finished the call and glared at me with murderous eyes. Despite the threat of harm, my father remained loyal to the Genovese family and made the decision that left me to face the consequences of their anger alone. Realizing that I was now worthless to them, they resolved to present me as a gift to the Russian mafia to enhance their alliance in their struggle against Genovese. They handed me over to a group of Russian arme
One year later, ~Veronica~ Today, for reasons I cannot fathom, my mind wandered back to the words Jasper spoke to me years ago. ‘Cara, the savior in a difficult situation, isn’t always the hero. The world we live in is not always kind, and not everyone you trust is virtuous. How come you are so gullible?’ As I reminisced about the past, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, realizing how naïve I was back then. Or perhaps now I am wise enough to decipher the true meaning behind his words. As I take a stroll down memory lane, I am reminded of the angels that entered my life at just the right moment to rescue me. I would have died that night if it weren’t for Megan Morgan taking me in. Sandra consistently had my back and ensured I never went to bed hungry. Keith, who made me feel special even for a brief amount of time, and left behind all the differences between us in the past, I respect him for that. He made me experience love for a small amount of time and I am thankful for all th
Gianna’s white halter dress fluttered in the wind as she paced outside her apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. Glancing at her wristwatch, she groaned, realizing that Keith was already twenty minutes late and her stomach grumbled with hunger. “I better go back inside and grab a bite,” she thought to herself and turned to head back into the apartment complex, letting out a sigh. However, a black range rover pulled up next to her, causing her to roll her eyes. She crossed her arms over her chest and fixated her gaze on the car door. Keith stepped out in a neatly tucked white shirt and black pants, spiking his hair to perfection. But it wasn’t him who caught her attention. Elijah made quite the entrance as he stepped out of the car, looking dapper in his black suit and carrying a bouquet of red roses that were almost as tall as he was. “Dad, help me!” Elijah struggled to hold them, and Keith sighed, bending down to take them from him. Elijah breathed a sigh of relief and fl
Gianna glanced at her watch when she heard Elijah sitting next to her in the car. “You shouldn’t have disturbed Dad. He is always busy with work. He doesn’t like anyone interrupting him.” Keith’s attitude agitated Gianna. “If he refuses to support his son, how will my therapies be successful? I’m a doctor, not a magician!” As soon as the ten minutes were up, she gritted her teeth in frustration. “It would be wise for me to withdraw from this case.” She contemplated as Keith got into the car. “Hi!” he smiled and then his eyes moved to Elijah. “Why did you go to see the doctor alone? Why didn't you call me?” “I didn’t want to disturb you,” Elijah lowered his head. As Keith opened his mouth again, he caught Gianna's eye, and she gestured for him to take a deep breath and speak calmly. Keith followed her and put his hand on Elijah’s head. “Eli, are you upset with me?” “No,” he didn’t meet his eyes. Keith's internal conflict had been brewing, and he finally decided to confront the iss
Aries pushed the plate of cookies forward. “Here,” “What do you mean?” Veronica lifted an eyebrow. A puzzled expression crossed Aries’s face. “Do you think I am cheating on you?” A look of hurt crossed her face and Aries could see tears swimming in her eyes. “Aries, I go to Keith’s place to spend some time with Elijah. Since you weren’t here, it’s hard for you to comprehend the special bond that Elijah and I share. I don’t want him to hold any grudges against Chase because I am too busy to give him the attention. It has nothing to do with Keith. I find him occupied with work in his office whenever I’m at his place. It’s just that today…...” Aries grabbed a cookie and stuffed it into her mouth. “Hold your horses, sweetheart!” He placed his hands on either side of her and locked his gaze with hers. “When did I say you’re cheating on me?” He lifted an eyebrow. “You’re still so stupid!” He playfully smacked her forehead and let out a chuckle. She takes the cookie out of her mouth. “I
Elijah stood beside Veronica outside the principal’s office, absentmindedly tracing circles around her wedding ring with his thumb. “I’m sorry Veronica. I’ll never do this again.” She heard him say and looked down at him. “Sweetie, you are always so calm and patient. What went wrong?” Veronica ran her fingers through his hair. “He said bad words about Mom.” Elijah lowered his head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Everyone in school thinks you’re my mom because I told them you’re marrying my dad!” He answered “They saw your wedding pictures on the internet and mocked me. They said I deserved to be motherless and I’ll always be miserable. Am I miserable, Veronica?” His sad eyes met hers as he looked up. “Of course not! Did you know your mom loved you the most?” She caressed his face. “And I love you. So much!” She planted kisses on his cheeks. “We all love you, baby!” The sound of heels clicking in the empty hallway caught their attention, and their eyes shifted to the woman in
“Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Baby Shark…” Chase stole a glimpse at his father, who let out a frustrated groan after listening to the same song repeatedly. Chase’s face lit up with a wide smile while munching on another fruit snack, and he redirected his focus to the screen. “Mommy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Mommy Shark…” “Fuck, I can’t take this anymore!” Agitated, he got out of bed and began pacing the room. “Stop playing this song or I’ll turn into a shark!” His glare made Chase twitch his mouth. “Go to sleep!” “No,” Chase shook his head. “Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo… Daddy Shark…” “Daddy Shark!” With a loud exclamation, Chase raised both hands into the air and began swaying his body to the tune. Veronica couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as she watched the father-son duo. “You’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” Aries gazed at Veronica with eyes full of accusation. The baby shark song looped again in the back
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] ~Veronica~ As I rolled down the window, I couldn’t help but gaze out at the roads, trees, cars, and buildings speeding past me, just like the faint memories of my past life that seemed to fade away with each passing moment. It was all on a loop again. Cynthia and Alfred beating me up and kicked me out in the dead of the night. Encountering Keith and finding a short-lived sense of comfort. Meeting the captivating grey eyes right amidst shattering glasses. Aries saved me from the crossfire, risking his life. Keith’s rejection. Losing my baby. The club Flames of Sizzling Desires and the night Aries claimed me. “I have a question!” Keith’s voice seized my attention, causing me to face him next to me. “The news of your wedding left Elijah feeling very melancholic. He thinks you’ll stop visiting him.” He chuckled. “And he awakened some questions in me that I’d like to know from your stance!” His eyes settled on my face and I wondered what was in his mind. “Look, d
“Why isn’t she picking up the damn calls?” Aries let out a frustrated sigh. “Are you sure she went to meet Cynthia?” His gaze shifted towards Isla. “I don’t think she would dare go to her. But it’s habitual for her to switch off her phone whenever she’s doing something that’s prohibited.” She pursed her lips in contemplation. “No, she won’t go to her ever! I should go and check.” She turned on her heels. “You’re not going anywhere!” They heard Liam’s firm voice. “The last time you visited her, you experienced a severe bout of depression.” Aries’s eyes moved to Isla. “But I’ve recovered! I don’t have any such issue. In fact, I don’t need medicines ever since Chase stepped into our life.” Her eyes briefly shifted to Chase in Aries’s grasp before settling on Liam. “I must check. It’s my mother who made Veronica’s life hell.” “The answer is still a firm no! I don’t want you anywhere near that evil woman. All she does is ruin people’s lives.” He finished his drink and made his way out