The news that Madam Katie had bequeathed all her properties to Carina spread like wildfire, even reaching the prestigious Westwood household. The revelation struck like a lightning bolt, igniting a storm of emotions and confrontations.“Adopted daughter! When did that even happen?” Mr. Westwood bellowed, his voice echoing through the grand halls of the mansion. His face was flushed with a mix of disbelief and anger, his usually composed demeanor shattered.Mrs. Westwood, sitting elegantly in the drawing room, responded with a calmness that increased the tension in the air. “Didn’t you disown her? Why are you getting all worked up?” she replied, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm and challenge. Her eyes, however, betrayed a flicker of something deeper—perhaps regret, perhaps a resigned acceptance of the familial chaos.Alex, the eldest Westwood child, scoffed as he entered the room, unable to hide his disdain. “Mom… What do you mean disowned her?” he asked, his voice dripping with i
I sat in front of my vanity, brushing my hair and getting ready for the press conference. The mirror reflected a face I hardly recognized anymore. I had been through so much, but today was a new beginning. A knock on the door broke my thoughts, and Leah walked in, her small frame hesitating for a moment before rushing towards me. She wrapped her arms around my waist, and I held her close."Mommy," Leah said, her voice muffled against my shirt. "I missed you so much."I kissed the top of her head, feeling the warmth of her little body against mine. "I missed you too, sweetheart. More than you can imagine."Leah pulled back slightly, looking up at me with tears in her eyes. "Was it hard for you when you were away?"The question took me by surprise, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "It was very hard, Leah. But what about you? Was it hard for you?"Leah's face crumpled, and she started to cry. "It was terrible, Mommy. They sent me to a boarding school I didn't want to go to. And Dadd
As the press conference wound down, I answered a few more questions, each one bringing a sense of closure and new beginnings. When it was finally over, I felt a rush of relief. I had faced my past head-on, and now it was time to move forward.Martins walked up to me, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "You did great, Carina," he said, his voice full of warmth. "Are you okay?"I nodded, feeling the support and love in his words. "Yes, I am. Thank you for being here." “ I mean,We have to make it look real” Martins said making sure Leah was still outside with the bouncer that took her to the restroom. “ Yeah…” “ The way you said…I am in love with Martins,It felt so real” ‘ Shut up, Martins…Leah is coming” I tried to hide my reaction but my face was red. As we left the venue, Leah skipped ahead of us, her spirits high. I watched her, feeling a sense of peace. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where I was in control of my destiny, surrounded by those who truly love
Nelly and Luke sat in the living room of Luke's house. The atmosphere was tense, with an underlying current of unease since Carina's return. Nelly, dressed in a sleek, black dress, fiddled with her engagement ring. She looked at Luke, who was pacing back and forth, his face twisted with frustration."Luke, we need to start planning our wedding again," Nelly said, her voice tinged with irritation. "We can't let Carina's return stop us from living our lives."Luke stopped pacing and turned to face her, his eyes blazing with anger. "Are you serious, Nelly? You think we should be focusing on a wedding right now?"Nelly crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, Luke. We've been through so much to get here. Why should we let her disrupt everything? She's been gone for months. She’s dead to me."Luke clenched his fists, struggling to keep his temper in check. "Carina is back, Nelly. She's a threat to everything we have. She’s not just gone. She’s here, alive, and more powerful than before.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress one last time. The sleek, emerald green gown hugged my curves perfectly, and the diamond necklace around my neck sparkled under the light. Tonight was an important event, and I had to make an impression."Mommy, you look so beautiful," Leah said, peeking into the room.I turned and smiled at her. "Thank you, sweetheart. Are you ready?"She nodded eagerly. "Yes, I am. Can I come with you?"I knelt down to her level and brushed a stray curl from her face. "Not tonight, darling. This is a grown-up event, but I promise I'll tell you all about it when I get back."Leah hugged me tightly. "Okay, Mommy. Be safe.""I will," I assured her, giving her a kiss on the forehead.As I arrived at the venue, the paparazzi and reporters swarmed, their cameras flashing and questions flying. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, a confident smile plastered on my face. This was my moment."Miss Carina! Over here!""Carina, who are you wearing t
The room was grand, with high ceilings and intricate chandeliers that sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. Martins and I walked in together, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back. We were a united front, and I could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on us. Luke and Nelly were already seated, their faces tense and uneasy."Welcome, Carina. Martins," Luke's grandfather, Robert, greeted us warmly as we entered the dining room."Thank you for inviting us," I replied with a polite smile, taking a seat next to Martins." I am a man of modern days so you can comfortably call be Robert, Grandfather sounds so old , Don't you think so ?" " Sure" I smiledLuke looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. His eyes darted between Martins and me, a mix of jealousy and anger etched on his face. Nelly, on the other hand, looked like she was trying her best to hold onto some semblance of composure.As we settled in, the butlers began serving lunch. The tension in the room
As Carina and Martins stepped out of Robert's grand estate, the evening sky was a beautiful blend of deep blues and purples. They were discussing their plans for the engagement party when a voice called out from behind them. "Carina, wait!" Carina turned to see Nelly striding towards her, her face twisted in anger. Carina sighed inwardly, knowing this confrontation was inevitable. She squeezed Martins’ hand briefly before letting go. "I'll be right there," she told him softly. Martins nodded, understanding, and walked a few steps away, keeping an eye on the situation. "What do you want, Nelly?" Carina asked, her voice steady and calm. Nelly sneered. "I want to talk to you, alone." Carina raised an eyebrow. "Alright, let's talk. But make it quick." They walked a little way from the house, where they were out of earshot but still visible to Martins. Nelly wasted no time. "You think you're so clever, don't you?" Nelly spat. "Coming back from the dead to ruin everything. You're no
The Westwood family gathered in the living room, the tension palpable. Mr. Westwood paced back and forth, a deep frown etched on his face. Mrs. Westwood sat on the couch, knitting quietly, her expression calm and resolute. Alex lounged in an armchair, looking disinterested but alert to the conversation."We need to find a way to win Carina back," Mr. Westwood said, breaking the silence. His voice was firm, but there was a hint of desperation.Mrs. Westwood glanced up from her knitting. "Why, Charles? Why can't we just leave her alone to enjoy her life?"Mr. Westwood stopped pacing and turned to face her. "Because I love her, Margaret. She's my daughter."Mrs. Westwood sighed, shaking her head. "You didn't seem to love her very much when she was struggling. You only seem interested now that she's successful."Alex snorted, drawing their attention. "Dad's right. We need Carina. She's got the connections and the money. It would be stupid not to bring her back into the family."Mrs. Westw
Dear Diary It’s been three years since everything changed. Sometimes I still marvel at how quickly life can transform from chaos to calm, from pain to peace. I’m sitting in my room now, surrounded by the comforting hum of everyday life, and I feel compelled to capture this moment, to reflect on how far we’ve come, Everyday I wonder if it's a dream but I don't think I want to ever wake up from this dream,I am finally happy, Over the years things have changed but let me take you on the ride. Martins and I are happily married,Ohh and our wedding was the talk of the town, Every day with him feels like a blessing. We have twins now, A beautiful girl and a boy, Their laughter fills our home, and watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life, Leah won't stop thanking us for giving her siblings, She has settled into junior high school remarkably well. She’s blossomed into a bright, confident young woman, and I couldn’t be prouder, The stigma that her father was a murder
I felt a surge of excitement that I couldn’t contain. I wanted to share the incredible news about our engagement with the people who had supported me throughout this journey. Without hesitation, I reached for my phone and dialed Madam Katie’s number.“Hello?” Madam Katie’s warm voice greeted me.“Madam Katie! It’s Carina,” I said, barely able to keep the excitement out of my voice. “I have some wonderful news to share with you!”“Oh, Carina! What’s going on?” she asked, her tone immediately brightening.“I’m engaged!” I blurted out. “Martins proposed to me tonight here in Jeju, and I said yes!”There was a brief pause before Madam Katie’s delighted gasp came through the line. “Oh, Carina, that’s wonderful! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both.”“Thank you! I wish you could have been here to celebrate with us,” I said, my voice filled with happiness. “We had a perfect evening. The setting was beautiful, and the proposal was just as magical as I’d hoped it would be.”“I’m sure it
Martins and I had spent a perfect week exploring the island, soaking in its natural beauty, and trying out new experiences. Today was our last day, and I couldn’t believe how quickly the time had flown by. I’d been recording every moment for a special video, capturing the highlights of our trip.After finishing up my latest video segment about our visit to a stunning waterfall, I was excited to see what Martins had planned for our final evening. He had hinted at a surprise, and the anticipation made my heart race.As we walked back to our accommodation, Martins was unusually quiet, his gaze occasionally shifting to me with a secretive smile. I couldn’t help but wonder what he had in store. When we reached our place, he helped me get ready, making sure I looked my best for whatever the evening had in store.A private car soon arrived to take us to a special restaurant Martins had booked. The ride through the picturesque streets of Jeju felt almost surreal, with the soft evening light c
Carina and Martins prepared for their much-anticipated trip to Jeju Island, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and relief. They had dropped Leah off with Mandy, who was more than happy to look after her. Carina had managed to give Leah a quick hug and a few reassuring words before they left. The bittersweet feeling of leaving Leah behind was softened by the knowledge that she was in good hands. Mandy and Leah stood at the airport, waving goodbye as Carina and Martins made their way to the boarding gate.The airport was bustling with activity, but Carina felt a sense of calm wash over her as they approached the gate. She and Martins had been looking forward to this trip for weeks. It was their chance to unwind and escape the chaos that had dominated their lives recently.As they boarded the plane, Carina felt a flutter of anticipation. She and Martins settled into their seats, and Carina glanced around the cabin, noting the comforting familiarity of their private space. The pl
yMartins had sent a message about a special trip we were taking together to Jeju Island. I couldn’t wait to escape, even if just for a little while. As I approached the front door, I could already feel the excitement bubbling up inside me.Martins greeted me with a warm hug as soon as I walked in. His eyes sparkled with genuine happiness, something I hadn’t seen in a long time. “You made it! I was starting to think you might change your mind.”“Never,” I said, smiling up at him. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”We shared a soft kiss, and it was like the world outside ceased to exist. All the trials and tribulations seemed to vanish for that moment, and it was just the two of us. Martins took my hand and led me to the living room where soft music played in the background. He had set up a cozy space for us to unwind. There was a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket, and he poured us each a glass as we settled into a slow dance.The music was soft, almost ethereal, and as we swayed
The gala party incident had become the talk of the town. Social media buzzed with clips of the shocking revelations and the dramatic arrests of Luke, Claire, and Nelly. News outlets dissected every detail, and the public eagerly awaited the legal proceedings. Carina's bravery in exposing her tormentors was widely praised, but now, the focus shifted to the consequences for those who had wronged her.Claire was the first to be investigated. She sat in the interrogation room, her face a mask of defiance. Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, she maintained her silence."Mrs. Grant, we have substantial evidence against you," the lead detective said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Your best option is to cooperate."Claire’s lawyer, a sharp-eyed man in a tailored suit, leaned forward. "Claire, listen to me. The evidence is irrefutable. If you plead guilty and cooperate, we might be able to negotiate a lighter sentence."Claire’s eyes flashed with anger and fear. She looked at her l
I woke up on the morning of the gala with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Today was the day we would finally expose Luke, Nelly, and Claire for their crimes. But first, I had to make sure Leah was safe. Mandy and I drove to her niece’s house, where Leah would stay for the night. Mandy’s niece was a sweet, responsible young woman who adored Leah, and I felt confident she was in good hands. “Thank you so much for taking care of her,” I said to Mandy’s niece as I hugged Leah goodbye. “Of course, Carina. She’ll be safe with me,” she assured me with a warm smile. Leaving Leah behind, I drove to the event hall where the gala would be held. The place was a hive of activity, with people bustling around, setting up decorations, arranging seating, and checking sound equipment. Everything had to be perfect for tonight. I walked around, ensuring that all the preparations were on track. Satisfied with the progress, I headed back home where my fashion designer was waiting for me.
I sat in Madam Katie’s cozy living room, the weight of anticipation heavy in the air. Mandy, Martins, and Madam Katie were with me, all of us gathered to watch the video that Miguel had sent. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the screen in front of us. My heart pounded in my chest as I pressed play, and the recording started.Miguel's face appeared on the screen, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and determination. He began to speak, detailing his involvement in Luke’s dirty dealings, Nelly’s scheming, and Claire’s cold-blooded actions. As the video played, the room grew eerily silent, each of us hanging on every word.When the video ended, I looked around at the others. Mandy’s face was pale, her eyes wide with shock. Martins sat with his head in his hands, and Madam Katie had a look of grim determination.Martins was the first to break the silence. “I can’t believe it. My own sister... she killed her husband.” He looked up, his eyes meeting mine. “She acted so de
Carlos felt a strange mix of satisfaction as he walked into the headquarters of the Mexico police. After days of meticulous planning and gathering evidence, he was finally ready to bring Miguel down. The evidence he had collected was damning, enough to put Miguel away for life and bring justice for all his victims. Carlos handed over a thick file to the lead investigator, a stern-faced woman named Inspector Rodriguez."We've been looking for Miguel for a long time," Inspector Rodriguez said, flipping through the documents. "This is exactly what we needed."Carlos nodded. "I'm ready to play my part. I have been undercover as Miguel's right-hand man for some time now. I can lead him right into your trap."Inspector Rodriguez looked at Carlos with a mix of admiration and concern. "You know the risks, Carlos. If Miguel suspects anything, you're a dead man."Carlos's jaw tightened. "I know. But this is the only way to bring him down."The next day, Carlos slipped back into his undercover