“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
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Lydia warned. Cara pursed her lips. All she could think about was the one million dollars to get rid of Jason, and it was the quickest way to get money in Keith’s absence. “Are you listening to me?” Lydia gave her a gentle nudge, and Cara looked up to meet her gaze. “Serving at private parties could be risky. Drugs, drunk men, orgy!” “I urgently need the money.” Cara lowered her head. “Is someone blackmailing you?” Suddenly, Jasper materialized out of nowhere. “What’s the reason for needing a lot of money? Why isn’t Keith helping you?” He fired one question after another at her. Cara’s heart raced as panic set in. “No one is blackmailing me! I need to pay off an old debt.” She answered, but Jasper’s skeptical expression made it clear he wasn’t buying it. “I don’t want to burden Keith with my issues!” Jasper struggled to interpret her behavior. “Does he even know about it?” “No.” Cara cut him off. “If you don’t want to help me. It’s alright!” H
As the taxi drove through the city, Cara’s phone lit up with a text from Keith. “I can’t wait to see you, my beautiful bride!” A smile spread across her face as she read his text. “We’ve reached!” The driver pulled over outside Cara’s old apartment building. “Thanks,” she stepped out quickly, her heels clicking against the pavement as she made her way into the apartment complex. “God, I hope she’s home!” She repeatedly pressed the doorbell until Meghan eventually answered the door. “Cara? Oh, my god!” She covered her mouth. “You look amazing!” Cara smiled. “Thanks! Can I come in?” she asked, and Meghan nodded, holding the door open for her. “I won’t take long. I’m here to take my mom and dad.” “Mom and Dad?” she arched an eyebrow. “I left their painting here since I had no place to stay during that time. But now I’d take them to my home. A house that belongs to me!” She smiled. “No need to brag about it!” Meghan sneered. “Just take your stuff and show yourself out!” Cara nodde
Present Day, Grayson Group of Hotels, New Orleans The evening at the restaurant was hectic. Many tourists and prominent figures from New Orleans were in attendance, prompting the staff to rush and deliver their utmost efforts. A man of dark complexion entered, clad in old jeans, a white t-shirt under a torn black jacket, and a black hat. He proceeded to sit down at the table positioned furthest away from the privileged attendees. With his shivering hands, he picked up a glass of water to quench his thirst, catching the attention of the manager. Noah, a young man in his early twenties, straightened his bowtie and prepared to begin his shift when the manager reached him. “I want that table vacant!” He said, pointing to the man who sat isolated in the corner. “May I ask why, sir?” Noah glanced at the man. The manager let out an exasperated sigh. “Look at him! How come the guards allowed him inside? He doesn’t fit in here. Our guest will be uncomfortable!” Noah nodded in acknowledgme
[MATURE SCENE AHEAD] Aries, in the midst of signing significant documents, was interrupted by a knock at his door. “Come in!” He handed over the closed file to his assistant as Noah entered the room. Aries shot a glance at him and settled back, a familiar smirk playing on his lips. “Yes!” “Si- sir, I…” Noah felt an immediate sense of intimidation from Aries’s relentless gaze. His aura was so powerful and overwhelming that Noah was losing his confidence. “I don’t recall you stuttering last night! Take a seat, Mr. Manager.” Noah settled into the seat opposite him. “I’m sorry to dis-disturb you!” “I don’t bite, Noah!” Aries gracefully offered him a glass of water. “You can talk to me.” “Sir, I lack the necessary knowledge and experience for this important position. I’ll mess it up. I would rather not be on your blacklist.” He eventually spoke. “Please hire someone else.” “Do you think you can suggest what I should do?” Aries took a long drag from his cigarette. “No… absolutely
“Mr. Grayson, we have an exquisite assortment for you!” The owner of the club smirked, and in the next second, ten women walked inside dressed seductively. “Wow!” James exclaimed, his eyes widening in awe, while Aries took a sip of his drink at the bar, his expression completely blank. “And they all are virgins! You have my words.” The owner said with determination. Aries glanced over at every dolled-up face. The silicon-filled Barbie dolls were flashing seductive looks, wishing to be selected by the billionaire. “I want Cara!” Aries said. The owner’s smile lost its vibrancy. “Cara?” He arched an eyebrow. Aries finished his drink. “Yes. Do we have any complications?” He asked. Suddenly, he was furious. His bloodshot eyes glared at the owner, and the latter appeared petrified. “No… no! Absolutely not! I’ll bring Cara for you.” The owner faltered in speech and departed with all the girls. “The redhead girl was hot as hell!” James remarked, adjusting his position on the elevated ba
“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