As I sat in my cell, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness wash over me. It had been a year since I'd been incarcerated, and I'd given up on the idea of ever being free again. But then, suddenly, I heard the guard call out my name. "Delilah, you have a visitor," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. I looked up, surprised, and wondered who it could be. I hadn't had a visitor in so long, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to have someone come see me. As I stood up and made my way to the visiting area, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, it was Raphael. Maybe he'd finally come to his senses and realized that he loved me, not Riezel. But as I walked into the visiting area, I was surprised to see Claus sitting there, waiting for me. He looked different, humbler, wearing a simple sweater and a gentle smile on his face. For a moment, I just stared at him, unsure of what to say. But then I remembered myself and walked over to him, trying to comp
As I walked back to my cell, my mind was racing with thoughts about my conversation with Claus. I couldn't believe what he had proposed - marrying his father in exchange for his help in taking revenge on Riezel and Raphael.I sat down on my bed, staring blankly at the wall as I tried to process everything. A part of me was tempted by the offer - the thought of finally getting revenge on those who had wronged me was tantalizing. But another part of me was horrified by the idea of marrying a man I didn't love, and potentially harming his mother in the process.I thought about Claus's words, about how he would do whatever it took to make sure I was happy. But at what cost? I didn't know if I could trust him, or if he was just using me for his own gain.As I sat there, lost in thought, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pulled into a web of deceit and manipulation. But at the same time, I couldn't deny the sense of hope that Claus's proposal had given me. For the first time in
As I stood there, basking in the warmth and freedom, a familiar voice interrupted my reverie."Delilah," the voice said, low and smooth.I turned to my left, and my eyes landed on a figure I knew all too well. Claus was standing behind a sleek black car, wearing a casual black leather jacket and eye sunglasses. He looked every inch the wealthy and powerful man he was.I felt a flutter in my chest as he walked towards me, a small smile playing on his lips. He held out a small, white object, and I took it automatically.It was a tofu.I looked at Claus, confused. "What's this for?" I asked.Claus chuckled. "You need to bite it," he said. "So you'll never come back to this place again."I raised an eyebrow. "Where did you learn that?" I asked, skeptical.Claus grinned. "I saw it in a movie," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.I laughed, despite myself. "You're ridiculous," I said, shaking my head.But Claus just smiled, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. I took a bite of
As the airplane soared through the sky, I sat beside Claus, who was sleeping soundly. I, on the other hand, was wide awake, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions.This was my first time on an airplane, and I couldn't believe how surreal it felt. I looked out the window, watching as the clouds drifted by, like cotton candy tufts carried by the wind.I felt a sense of wonder and excitement, mixed with a dash of fear. What lay ahead? What would my new life be like? Would I be able to leave my past behind and start anew?As I pondered these questions, I couldn't help but think about Claus. Why was he doing this for me? What did he hope to gain from helping me escape my past?I glanced over at him, watching as he slept peacefully. He looked so calm, so serene. I, on the other hand, felt like a tangled mess of emotions.As the plane hit turbulence, I felt a jolt of fear. But Claus's hand instinctively reached out, grasping mine in a reassuring grip."It's okay," he murmured, his eyes st
As we sat in the luxurious room, Claus handed me a box. "I got you something," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.I took the box, feeling a sense of excitement and curiosity. Inside, I found a beautiful dress, made of silk and lace. It was a stunning shade of blue, and it seemed to shimmer and shine in the light.I gasped in amazement, feeling a sense of delight. "It's beautiful," I said, holding the dress up against me.Claus smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "And I also got you something to go with it."He handed me another box, and I opened it to find a pair of high heels. They were sleek and sophisticated, and they seemed to match the dress perfectly.I felt a sense of gratitude towards Claus, but I also felt a sense of discomfort. I was a simple girl, and I was used to wearing simple clothes. I didn't feel comfortable wearing a dress and heels, but I didn't want to hurt Claus's feelings either."Thank you," I said, trying to soun
As we glided through the streets of Rio, I suddenly spotted a rented bicycle parked by the side of the road. It was a bright blue bike with a wicker basket attached to the front, and it looked like the perfect way to explore the city.I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, and I leaned forward to tap on the glass partition that separated us from the driver. "Stop the car!" I exclaimed.Claus looked at me in confusion. "What's wrong?" he asked.I didn't answer him. Instead, I flung open the door and jumped out of the limousine, hurrying over to the bicycle.Claus followed me, his expression bewildered. "Delilah, what are you doing?" he asked. "We have a limousine. Why do you need to ride a bike?"I didn't look at him. Instead, I turned to the man who was renting out the bicycles and asked him how much it would cost to rent one.Claus's eyes widened in shock. "Delilah, you can't be serious," he said. "We're in the middle of a trip. We don't have time for this."But I just looke
As we explored the night market, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Every stall and vendor seemed to offer something new and exciting, and I couldn't wait to see what was around the next corner.Claus followed silently behind me, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched me discover the wonders of the market. He seemed to be enjoying himself, but he was also content to let me take the lead, following me as I wandered through the crowds.As we walked, I marveled at the colorful stalls, each one overflowing with exotic goods. There were vendors selling handmade jewelry, intricately crafted from silver and gold. Others offered beautiful textiles, woven from vibrant silks and cottons. And then there were the food stalls, filled with the most delicious smells and tastes.I stopped at one stall, mesmerized by the vendor's skill as he expertly juggled a trio of juicy pineapples. Claus chuckled softly behind me, and I turned to grin at him, feeling carefree and joyful.Next, we came ac
After my transformation into Ava, Claus and I sat down to discuss my future plans. He had been instrumental in helping me start anew, and I was grateful for his guidance and support."Ava, I think it's time for you to start thinking about your future," Claus said, his eyes serious. "You've got a new identity, a new face, and a new life. What do you want to do with it?"I thought for a moment, considering my options. I had always been interested in business, but I had never had the opportunity to pursue it."I want to learn how to run a business," I said finally, my voice firm. "I want to be able to take care of myself, to be independent."Claus nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "That's a great goal, Ava," he said. "And I think I can help you achieve it."He pulled out a brochure from his pocket and handed it to me. It was from a prestigious university, one that was known for its business program."I've already enrolled you in the university's business program," Claus said, hi
As we stepped off the plane in New Zealand, I could feel the weight of our past tragedies slowly lifting off our shoulders. The crisp, clean air and the stunning natural beauty of the country seemed to envelop us in a sense of peace and tranquility.Raphael and I had decided to take a vacation to New Zealand to refresh our minds and hearts. We wanted to leave behind the memories of the past and start anew, and what better way to do that than in one of the most beautiful countries in the world?We spent our first few days in Auckland, exploring the city and its surroundings. We visited the iconic Sky Tower, where we took in breathtaking views of the city and harbor. We also walked along the waterfront, enjoying the street performers and food vendors.But it was when we left Auckland and started exploring the rest of the country that our vacation really began to take off. We rented a car and drove to Rotorua, where we spent a day exploring the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu. We marvel
Riezel's voice was tearful as she asked Raphael, "Do you still love Delilah? Even though she's changed her name, even though her face is not the same? Does your heart still beat for her?" Raphael's eyes never left mine as he looked down and nodded without hesitation. It was as if he was confirming his love for me, no matter what name I went by or what I looked like. Riezel's face contorted in agony as she broke down into tears. Her body shook with sobs, and her voice was barely audible as she asked Raphael again, "Did you ever love me? Did you ever care for me? Did your heart ever beat for me?" Raphael remained silent, his eyes still fixed on me. He didn't even glance at Riezel, and his silence was deafening. Riezel's tears continued to flow as she begged Raphael to answer her. But he just shook his head and said, "It's all my fault, Riezel. If there's anyone you need to punish, it's me, not Ava." Raphael took a step forward, his eyes locked on Riezel's. "I'll take the blame for
As I slowly opened my eyes, I was met with the familiar sight of the Montenegro hacienda's bedroom. I was lying on the bed, my head pounding with a dull ache. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to lie back down.As I looked around the room, I realized that I was alone. There was no sign of Claus, no sign of anyone. I tried to call out for help, but my voice was hoarse and barely audible.I struggled to get out of bed, my legs shaking beneath me. I stumbled to the door and began to pound on it, calling out for someone to help me. But there was no response.I pounded on the door for what felt like hours, but no one came. I was starting to get desperate, starting to feel like I was trapped.And then I remembered the staff. They must have been instructed not to help me. Claus must have told them to leave me alone.I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I was trapped, alone and helpless. I slid to the floor, tears streaming down my face.Raphael. Oh, Raph
As Raphael drove the car, I sat beside him, feeling worried and scared. The events of the party were still fresh in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.Raphael glanced at me, concern etched on his face. He saw the paleness of my skin, the shock still evident in my eyes. He reached out and held my hands tightly, trying to reassure me that he was there for me, that I wasn't alone."Where are we going?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Raphael smiled softly. "Somewhere no one will find us," he said. "Just rest, Ava. You need it right now."I tried to lean back and rest my eyes, but my mind was racing. I couldn't forget what I had witnessed at the party. The image of Markus's lifeless body, the sound of Riezel's screams, it all kept replaying in my mind.As I drifted off to sleep, I had a nightmare. The party was repeating itself in my mind, and I was reliving the horror all over again.When I woke up, gasping for breath, I found myself in an unfamiliar room.
I sat in the dimly lit room, my heart racing as I recounted every detail of my conversation with Markus to Claus. He listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information.When I finished, Claus leaned back in his chair, a calculating look on his face. "We need to make Markus silence," he said, his voice low and menacing.I felt a shiver run down my spine as I heard his words. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.Claus didn't answer me directly. Instead, he leaned forward, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Let's just say that I have ways of dealing with people who become a problem," he said, his voice dripping with malice.I felt a wave of fear wash over me as I realized what Claus was suggesting. "You're not going to try to kill him, are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Claus didn't answer me. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, a cold smile spreading across his face. "Let's just focus on our goal, Ava," he said. "If I find
As I walked into the bathroom, I didn't expect to see Riezel waiting for me. But there she was, her eyes blazing with anger and hatred. She pushed me against the wall, her hands closing around my neck like a vice.I struggled to breathe, but Riezel just leaned in closer, her face twisted in a snarl. She was enjoying this, enjoying the power she had over me. She was going to kill me, and she was going to enjoy every moment of it.But then, something inside me snapped. I started to giggle, and then I laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. Riezel's eyes widened in surprise, and she backed away from me, looking at me like I was crazy.And maybe I was. Maybe I had finally lost my mind after everything I had been through. But I didn't care. I was beyond caring.Riezel's voice was shaking as she asked me, "What's your relationship with my husband?"But I just smiled, a cold, calculating smile. I tied my long hair back, and then I started to walk towards Riezel, step by step.I didn't answer her q
As I walked into my condominium, I couldn't shake off the feeling of anger and resentment that had been building up inside me. I hurriedly made my way to my secret room, my heart racing with anticipation. And as I opened the door, I was met with a surprise that made my blood boil.Claus was sitting in my chair, a look of calmness on his face. But as soon as he saw me, he turned around, a hint of surprise in his eyes. I didn't give him time to react, though. I immediately grabbed him by the collar, my fingers digging deep into his skin."What did you tell Raphael?" I demanded, my voice low and menacing. "What lies did you and Riezel tell him to make him break into pieces like that?"Claus looked at me, confusion etched on his face. "Ava, I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying to calm me down.But I wasn't having it. I pushed him away, my hands shaking with anger. "Don't lie to me, Claus," I spat. "I know all about it. Raphael told me everything."Claus looked at me, s
As the sunset approached, Raphael and I settled into the sand, his arms wrapped around me, holding me close. The sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple, a breathtaking sight that seemed to match the emotions swirling inside me.As we sat there, watching the sun dip below the horizon, I felt a sense of sentimental wash over me. I couldn't help but think about the journey I had taken to get to this moment, to be back in Raphael's arms. All the pain, the heartache, the struggles – it had all been worth it, because in the end, I had found my way back to him.But as I gazed into his eyes, I couldn't help but wonder – if he knew everything, would he still love me? Would he still accept me, flaws and all? Or would he turn away, horrified by the secrets I had kept hidden for so long?I stared at him, lost in thought, and Raphael noticed. He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?"I hesitated, unsure of how to an
As we finished our meal at the restaurant, Raphael suggested that we head to a nearby hotel to continue our conversation in private. I agreed, and we hailed a taxi to take us to the hotel.As we rode in the taxi, Raphael's hand brushed against mine, sending a spark of electricity through my body. I turned to him, our eyes locking in a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words.When we arrived at the hotel, Raphael paid the taxi driver and we stepped out onto the sidewalk. The cool evening air was filled with the sounds of the city, but all I could focus on was the man standing beside me.We walked into the hotel lobby, and Raphael approached the front desk to check us in. I stood beside him, my arm brushing against his as we waited for the receptionist to hand over our room key.As we made our way to the elevator, Raphael's hand found its way to the small of my back, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I leaned into him, my head tilting up to meet his gaze.The elevator