I only intended to save him. It wasn't that I cared who wanted to throw themselves at him—no, my focus was solely on protecting my children. Another woman in his life was a threat to their happiness and future. They had only just started to love him, to trust him, and I couldn't bear the thought of his attention being snatched away by some newcomer.My children deserved his unwavering love and devotion. After all, he had been largely absent and useless for so many years. Now that he was finally making an effort to be a father, I wouldn't allow some witch to swoop in and try to claim him. Not on my watch.That tiny, insistent voice in the back of my mind whispered, 'Or you could just admit that you don't want another woman's hands on him because he's yours.'I scowled, irritated by the truth in her words. 'Dear subconscious, don't you have better things to do than torment me with your brutal honesty?''Telling you the truth is what I choose to do with my time,' she retorted unapologeti
A wistful smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I gazed up at the night sky, feeling the cool breeze caress my skin. Ferris had brought me to our special place, a secluded corner of the park that had become a sanctuary for our group of friends.This was where Ferris and I had first discovered the spot, and we had later shared it with the rest of the guys, transforming it into our own private haven. The memories of the countless hours we had spent here, laughing and sharing our dreams, welled up within me, causing a prickling sensation behind my eyes."Here, I found it in my car!" Ferris exclaimed excitedly, stretching out a can of soda towards me. I quirked a brow at him, a hint of amusement playing on my features."What? How long has that been in your car?" I asked, unable to resist the urge to tease him.Ferris bit his lip, his gaze shifting upward as he pensively counted on his fingers. "Erm… yes! That time Link and I went to a basketball game!" he declared, his eyes lighting u
I stared at Ferris with a sarcastic smile, waiting for him to provide his glorified excuse. I was infuriated that not only was he advocating for the man who had ruined my life, but he didn't even seem angry about it.I knew Ferris well. He was the kind of person who was true to his conscience, no matter what. He didn't like to suppress his emotions or deny the truth, and that was one of the many things I both loved and hated about him. If he was trying to be an advocate, then it must be something he had thought about for years, and most importantly, it had to be true. That alone was enough to make me furious. I didn't want to know what had happened to Rominic after what he had done to me. He could rot in hell for all I cared.Ferris inclined his head upward and smiled at me, a hint of sadness in his expression. I returned his smile with scorn. He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back on his hands. "Aren't you going to say anything?" I prompted."Haven't you noticed that something is
Ferris parked the car at the gate of what was supposed to be my home. After my emotional outburst, he never mentioned it again, simply taking me back home in silence. The awkward quiet reigned in the car, allowing depression and anger to dominate my mind.I knew I was being inconsiderate, but I also felt I deserved to be. What irked me was that Rominic had to suffer too. If he hadn't, my heart wouldn't have considered him for a second. But knowing he had gone through hardships, and that there was a chance he loved me, was making my heart turn against me.I was angry because I felt sorry for him, yet I also wanted to end everything. But I would never forgive him, not after what he had put me through. The fact that my children were ill, that we lived from hand to mouth, that I faced humiliation as a beggar — none of that mattered. The fact that he had ruined my life could never be forgiven or forgotten.Could he erase the memories of me using my body as a last resort to save my children
I keep a smile plastered on my face as I slowly drag the zipper down the back of my dress, peeling it off my shoulders and letting it pool at my feet. I'm left standing in just my underwear, but that doesn't last long. With a few deft movements, I unclasp my bra, push the straps off, and toss it aside.The look of horror that washes over his face when he sees my once smooth, unblemished stomach now covered in scars is deeply satisfying. "Can you see?" I ask, my voice dripping with a mixture of anger and resignation. "This is what I've been hiding under my clothes. See these?"I turn around, exposing the angry red welts and lash marks across my back. "I got these when I willingly participated to be the sex slave of a wealthy psychopath. He doesn't sleep with the women, but he derives pleasure from their pain and the sight of their blood. All I had to do was take whips on my body and cry like there's no tomorrow, and I get the complete money to start Zayne's treatment."I point to a par
Rominic's viewpointI now truly understand the depths of Lavender's bitterness and pain. The scars that marred her body were a constant, physical reminder of the horrors she had endured, and the emotional and mental scars were even deeper, seared into her very consciousness. I felt a deep pang of guilt, knowing that my actions had been the catalyst for so much of her suffering.I desperately wanted to fix it, to make her forget the trauma and pain she had experienced. But I knew, deep down, that such a thing was impossible. The idea of using hypnosis or some kind of memory-wiping machine crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. That would be a selfish and greedy act, robbing her of her own experiences and freedom.No, if I truly wanted her forgiveness, I would have to earn it through patience and understanding, not through force or manipulation—but I knew it'll be impossible to fully control myself. The temptation to hunt down every single one of the men who had hurt her, to unlea
The greatest thing about acceptance is that the moment you embrace it, you feel an immense sense of relief, and the healing process begins. At least, that's how it was for me. I woke up with the most excruciating headache I'd experienced in ages — I couldn't recall the last time it had been this severe. Yet, the lightness and peace I felt in my heart made the pain seem like nothing.Granted, Rominic had panicked and ended up taking me to the hospital, but it was ultimately a good thing. Rominic was driving us back home, his expression quiet and concerned. I couldn't help but wonder if he was worried about me.I had decided to start accepting things as they were, determined to stop denying reality and simply deal with it. I had been slowly losing my grip, and it had terrified me. Rominic was right — we both needed psychological help, and I was considering getting some."Serenity came to me last night," Rominic said calmly. I turned my head to look at him, and I was struck by the grim e
I loathe that my children are my greatest weakness. What's worse is that Rominic, my not-so-greatest enemy, is fully aware of my vulnerabilities and has mastered the art of exploiting them for his own benefit.I mentally snorted at the thought. Is there anything this man doesn't know how to use against someone? Manipulation and scheming seem to be ingrained into the very fabric of his family. It's as if they were born with the innate power to be domineering, manipulative, silent as deadly snakes, and untreatable psychopaths. I've never encountered a family where madness is their second nature, but the Verlice clan has proven that it is indeed possible.To the outside world, they present themselves as cold, calculating billionaires, business tycoons, and intellectual giants. But only those who have experienced or witnessed their madness firsthand know the true nature of this family. Their dynamic is truly freakish, yet I still found myself falling in love with Rominic.I vividly rememb