NancyThe headache was excruciating, throbbing like a hammer against my skull. I woke up groggy, trying to focus my vision on my surroundings. The place was dark and filthy, with the pungent smell of mold and dirt filling my nostrils. When a cockroach flew past my face, I screamed and sat up quickly, panting and terrified. Rats scurried along the walls, their eyes glowing in the dim light. My eyes were watering as I tried to get my bearings, but everything seemed like an endless nightmare. I heard footsteps approaching, and I held my breath, hoping for some relief. Instead, I heard voices echoing down the hall. "I already said that no one should enter that room but me!" Bruce's voice reverberated off the walls with anger. "Yes, sir," I heard a female voice respond with trepidation and recognized the voice as that of Elyse, the maid at the Mortons' mansion in Denver. Since I had lived in that place for half my life, I could recognize the voice of a simple maid. "I understand. I'm no
Glory MortonI was sitting at the dinner table, trying to pretend everything was normal, but my heart was sinking. The Mortons' dining room was always a spectacle of opulence: crystal chandeliers shone above us, casting sparkling reflections on the long, polished mahogany table. The aroma of roasted meat with fresh herbs and caramelized vegetables should be comforting, but today it only served to increase my discomfort. I looked around the table, trying to find any signs of concern on the others' faces. Everyone knew that Bruce had dragged Nancy back home and locked her in the underground room. My husband, Charles, was sitting at the head, enjoying his red wine, oblivious to the situation. It was as if he didn't care that his daughter-in-law was being held prisoner. Peter, Bruce and Nancy's ten-year-old son broke the silence. "Dad, when can I see Mom? I miss her."Bruce wiped his mouth with the linen napkin, his expression as unfazed as ever. "In the right time, Peter. Now she's rec
Amber I couldn't believe the silence that came over my house that morning. It was the day after the chaos when my father dragged my mother back to Denver. I took a deep breath, enjoying the tranquility. Things seemed to be back to normal, or at least what I considered normal. Finally, I had done something good. By saving my parents' marriage, I had restored order to our family. There was no logic whatsoever in my mother's inhospitable behavior. Peter was there at home waiting for her, and she had decided to act like she was my age? It was all so shameful that the best thing I could do was hope that it wouldn't leak to the media and destroy my career. I couldn't help but feel a little satisfied. That guy, Jake, my mother's lover, had gotten himself into trouble. I knew my father had dealt with him on the terrace, and his henchmen had disposed of the body. I did not care. Jake had chosen the wrong woman to get involved with. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and immediately
AmberThe day dawned gray, reflecting exactly how I felt inside. The news about Kris and my father's note echoed in my mind like an endless nightmare. I couldn't find the strength to get out of bed, much less to meet my friends. My life, once perfect and immaculate, was crumbling before my eyes. I couldn't sleep at all the night before, tossing and turning in bed, wracked with guilt. As the sun began to illuminate the room, a feeling of hopelessness came over me. The guilt of having handed my mother into the hands of a man as monstrous as my father was consuming me. Still lying down, I picked up my cell phone and dialed the number of the mansion in Denver. My intention was to talk to my mother, but I knew I needed to be subtle. The maid answered on the third ring. "Hello, Morton Manor," said the maid, her voice soft and subservient. "Pass it to my brother, now," I ordered without even greeting her. I wasn't in the mood for formalities or pleasantries. "Yes, Miss Amber, one moment
AmberThe day of Kris's wake arrived like an inevitable storm. I knew I needed to go to keep up appearances. The public believed that Kris and I had dated for three years, and any sign of disrespect to her memory would be a disaster for my image. I wore an elegant black dress, applied impeccable makeup, and looked at myself in the mirror. My image was perfect, but inside, I was broken. The ceremony took place in a luxurious funeral hall, surrounded by white flowers and soft candles. The familiar faces of Kris's friends and acquaintances were there, all with expressions of sadness and compassion. I walked around the room, feeling their eyes fixed on me, evaluating every movement, every expression. I sat in the front row, next to Kris's family. The words of comfort and whispers of condolence seemed distant, as if they came from another world. My mind was miles away, trapped in the memories and guilt that haunted me. Then I saw her: Alexis Cline, Kris's girlfriend. She was walking tow
GloryI looked in the mirror one last time before leaving. I was nervous, but there was also a flame of excitement in my chest. Likewise, I dressed carefully, choosing the dress that Harald always liked—the one that subtly highlighted my curves. I used the perfume he loved—a sweet and enveloping fragrance that always made his eyes shine with desire. And underneath, the most daring piece in my wardrobe: the red lace panties that he loves, an intimate secret that fuels our fantasies. I intended that even though Candace and Charles were there, Harald and I would find a way to catch up. After so many years of maintaining this affair, he and I were professionals, sneaking out without being noticed and showing up again as if it were nothing. That was how we had managed to keep this relationship hidden for more than five years. And I was missing him; so many weeks had passed. At first, he even contacted me even though we couldn't see each other anymore, but lately, Harald didn't even call
GloryCandace's announcement still rang in my mind as I tried to process the news. "We're so happy," she said, beaming. "Having a baby is a dream come true for both of us; you know, this issue kept us up at night when we were still living in the mansion.” She had her arms around Harald's arm like the lovely wife she pretended to be.Charles smiled excitedly. "That's wonderful! You said that the pregnancy would appear as soon as you tried new environments, right, dear?" He was smiling at me. “We're going to have another grandson running around the house; the more Mortons in the world, the better.”"Yes, a baby is always a source of joy," agreed Harald, but his smile seemed forced. I could see the tension in his eyes even as he tried to maintain his composure."Glory, you will be like a godmother to our baby," Candace continued, with a teasing glint in her eye. "We can go shopping for baby things together, it will be so fun! I would love your help decorating the baby's room.""Of course
CandaceOn the outside, she smiled at Charles as she made fun of him. Every word and every gesture, carefully calculated, but inside, I burned with hatred. My eyes followed Harald and Glory, who had moved away from the table under the pretext that Harald wanted to show his father something in the office. I knew that was just a way for Harald to escape and go after Glory.He kept his smile as he watched them from the corners of his eyes. They didn't take so long as to not arouse suspicion, but that didn't stop the fire of anger from burning inside me. The pain of betrayal was unbearable, but I hid it well. Charles, next to me, continued to talk excitedly about plans for the baby, completely oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.I took a deep breath and got up, inviting Glory to go to the kitchen. "Glory, come help me with something in the kitchen. It'll be quick."She hesitated for a moment, but eventually agreed, following me into the kitchen. As soon as we entered, I closed the d