Chapter 11 I have never liked remembering what happened, and this is the first time I’m sharing the events of that night. "I was born into a middle-class family in Mexico, where both my parents were Mexican. I’ve been told that I have my mother’s eyes, though I wouldn’t know for sure since she abandoned us when I was just three years old. My father raised me until I was nine, and we actually moved to the U.S. when I turned eight, as he had secured a good job." I continued to tell Ace, “One night, my dad was driving— the roads were icy, but we were almost home. It all happened so fast that I can barely recall the incident. All I remember is my body flying out of his blue van and hitting a streetlight far from where I was thrown.” “I cried as I watched it explode into flames. I remember waking up in a hospital room; my left arm was in a cast, and I had a few bruises here and there. I gradually realized what had happened when I saw a doctor speaking to a woman in a
Chapter 12 Whispers floated just beyond my bedroom door, pulling me from the haze of exhaustion. Ace had fallen asleep beside me, but now he was gone, leaving only the faint impression of his warmth on the sheets. I glanced at his phone resting on the night table—1:05 am. No wonder my eyes felt like a dozen pins were poking them; the weight of the night’s revelations had drained me, and now the whispers only added to my growing unease. "It won't be long before they locate us. We need to move," someone said urgently. "Get the men ready; I'll get Joeniya," came the swift reply. Then Ace burst through the door, his expression a mixture of urgency and concern. "Hey, sleeping beauty. I want to apologize in advance." I pushed myself up, running my fingers through my tangled hair, confusion etching my features. "For what?" I asked, sensing the gravity in his tone, an instinctual tightening of my gut warning me that whatever came next wouldn't be good. Ace let out a heavy si
Chapter 13 Rico thought it would be a great idea for us to find something fun to do while he prepared his favorite Russian dish. However, Micah's idea of fun isn't enjoyable for me because I end up getting hurt. I dodged one punch aimed at me, only to be met with another one coming straight for my face. "Ouch!" I yelled, instinctively placing my finger on my bottom lip, which was now bleeding. "Hey, take it easy on her!" Ace shouted at his brother, his gaze fixed on my bruised lip. "I've always wanted a sister," Micah said. "What for, so she can be your personal punching bag?" I retorted. "Well, no," Micah replied. "I'm sorry, Joe Joe, but you need to practice. Besides, you said I shouldn't take it easy on you." "I'll handle you later," Ace seethed, tugging me out of the training room. "It's a good thing I didn't let him near the gun; Jake was probably right." I recalled how earlier Jake had insisted I didn't need the training, arguing that I was in a safe pla
Chapter 14 The house was absolutely beautiful, a single-story gem painted a warm shade of yellow. It featured five bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a washroom—nothing overly extravagant. According to Ace, the beach was located just behind the house, and I would be able to see it in a little while. He was in the kitchen, busy unpacking the food he had bought, while I admired the beauty this house had to offer. The walls were adorned with art featuring flowers and various nature scenes, and a large seashell hung above the sleek black couch in the living room. I never wanted to leave this enchanting place. I was engrossed in a quote written on the bedroom wall when I felt Ace's presence behind me, followed by his arm snaking around my waist. His breath brushed my neck like a soft whisper as he asked, "Do you like it here?" "I love it, Ace. Can we stay here, like this forever?" I asked, feeling the warmth of his embrace and the serenity of the moment
Chapter 15 It's been four weeks since Ace and I went to the beach house, and Micah has been acting a bit strange. With neither Ace nor Rico around, I need to find out what's bothering him. "Are you sure you're okay?" Micah asks, holding back my hair as I gag my breakfast into the toilet. "I'm fine; it's probably just the flu. What about you?" I say as I flush the toilet. "You look a little pale. I think I should call Ace to take you to the doctor." "I'm fine, Joeniya. You're the one I'm worried about," he responds in between coughs. "It's just a little nausea, Micah," I said, feeling his forehead; this isn't his normal temperature, I thought. "Micah, you're burning up, and your breathing isn't—" Before I could finish my sentence, I found myself puking again. Micah sat in the corner of the restroom, watching as I rinsed my mouth, his eyes filled with concern. I could sense something was seriously wrong with him, and I wasn't going to sit idly by while his symptoms worsen
Chapter 16 How could this happen to me? I'm only nineteen and feel completely unprepared to raise a child—I can barely take care of myself. How am I supposed to care for an innocent baby? Will I even be a good mother? Considering my current circumstances, I know that Ace and I are not ready to raise a delicate child. What will he say if I share this with him? "I'm not ready for a baby. We are not ready for a baby," I whisper, brushing my hair back with trembling fingers. Just then, I hear Ace's voice from a distance, "Hey, I've been looking all over for you." I quickly wipe my eyes and clear my throat, struggling to compose myself before responding. "Yeah? I just needed some air," I lie, avoiding his gaze. Ace sat beside me and wrapped his arms around me, his warmth enveloping me as he whispered, "I miss you," planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. The silence hung between us for a few moments before he tenderly brushed my cheek with his thumb, his gaze searching mine. "H
Chapter 17 I lost track of time, disoriented and unsure if it was even the same day when ice-cold water suddenly drenched my hair and soaked my blue t-shirt, pulling me from a haze. Blinking away the droplets, I found Paul looming over me, a wicked grin playing on his lips as I realized I was tied to a chair, my cheek still burning from that brutal slap. My mouth was bound, silencing my cries for help, and I felt an overwhelming weakness wash over me. Panic gripped my heart as thoughts of my baby flooded my mind; the innocent little soul didn’t deserve to suffer through this nightmare. "Look what you made me do to your pretty little face," Paul sneered, studying my features with twisted satisfaction as I rolled my eyes in defiance. "Ace will know I mean business. Get him on the screen." He commanded the man beside him, who obediently went to work on a large console. Moments later, Jake’s head appeared on the screen, tension crackling in the air, while I noticed Ace distrac
Chapter 18 I watch as the men approach me, their faces adorned with sinister smiles. Paul appeared pleased with the orders he had given them. “Just give her a single shock, boys, then take a break. We need to be ready for when that jerk boyfriend shows up with his entourage.” Instead of worrying about being electrocuted, I focused on Ace. He had been preparing to confront his cruel uncle ever since they killed his mother, and I believed he could take them down along with his men. One of the men, who looked to be in his early twenties, approached me. He brushed his black hair back, his striking blue eyes locked onto mine. "I'm Malik. And you are?" he asked, with a hint of pity in his voice. "Do you always make conversation with your victims?" I seethed, my gaze fiercely piercing into his face. "I just thought you were cute and wanted to help you out of this situation; after all, I'm Paul's right-hand man." He casually twirled a lock of my hair around his finger. "Ge
Harper RostovRide For You "I really hope this is the one. I am so exhausted and I have a test to study for." Ophelia says as we walk up the driveway of a four-bedroom house with our realtor Xandra leading the way. We have been viewing apartments and houses from eight-thirty this morning and it is now three forty-four pm. Who would have thought that it would take so much time and energy to find a decent place to live? It made it even more difficult because we all had different tastes and preferences."I agree. My feet are killing me." Olivia says."I can guarantee you, ladies, this one is my favourite and I am sure you will like it too," Xandra says. She removes the key from her purse and opens the door. We followed her in and looked around. So far, so good. I thought as I looked around the big empty space."Didn't she say the same thing for the last two?" Tamia whispers to me as we continue to follow behind her."She said that for the last three." I correct her and she rolls her eye
Harper RostovRide For You As soon as the door closes behind us Parker turns to face me. His hands were tucked into the pockets of a jean jacket he wore. "Can I get a hug?"I roll my eyes. "Do you think you deserve a hug? You ignored me for days Parker, then you just show up here pretending as if everything is okay."Parker cast his gaze downwards and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm sorry Harp, I was in a tough situation." His eyes met mine. "Shouldn't I get a hug for facing my fears and going on a plane just so I can be with you?" He did deserve a hug. I was just being stubborn. He could have still replied to my messages to let me know that he was not alright. "You are such a brave boy, come here," I say playful with open arms.Parker smiles sweetly and pulls me into his arms. I melt away in the comfort his body provides and the amazing scent that comes from his body. It was just so intoxicating. "I missed you, Harper." He whispers."I miss
Harper RostovRide For You*Present Time* The girls and I were in a serious conversation regarding a book Ophelia's mom left her. She had confided in us after we promised to always remain friends. I would never have thought that Manny was so cruel and that Ophelia had gone through half of what she did. No wonder they say that you should never judge a book by its cover."I think you should forgive your mom. She was in a tough situation." Olivia shares her opinion.Tamia shakes her head while throwing peanuts in her mouth. "It is not my decision to make, but I wouldn't. My daughter would have been more important than money. The best thing she could have done was take you with her and run for the hills.""Right!" Ophelia says pointing at Tamia as if that was the best thing she heard all night. "That is what I said to Kain. What do you think, Harp?"I slumped further down on the couch and thought about the situation. Her dad wanted to harm her mom, so she left. Leaving
Tamia LarsonBefore University I don't give a damn 'bout my reputationYou're living in the past, it's a new generationA girl can do what she wants to doAnd that's what I'm gonna do The song by Joan Jett was loud in my ears as I hopped around a few times. I didn't care that the music was loud, I would worry about being hard of hearing in the future. I punched the big brown colour bag a few times. This is what I do to relax and blow off steam. Gunner and I used to practice together, but he left a month ago to serve his country. I punch the bag harder a few times. Having a boyfriend who was in the army was tough. Not one day goes by that I don't worry about him. Boxing and beating on a punching bag helped me a lot, he taught me how to box. He said it would help to release the pent-up anger I had after my father left me, my mom, and my brother, for another family and he was right. "Mia! Tamia!" The distant voice got louder making me look in the direc
Olivia McDonald Going to University in another country was going to cost an arm and a leg. Luckily I have been saving for years, I did side hustles while going to high school so that I could pay for University. It was not legal to sell things on the school compound, but I did that just to get by. I sold snacks and sweets to my classmates so that they could have something to chew on during classes, even though we weren't allowed to eat in class. When the teacher started to suspect me, I had to find another way to make money so I started to sell pens and pencils. Then I upgraded to babysitting and washing cars. When I was in the tenth grade I started my small business called Liv's Collection, where I sell crochet swimwear that I made and also regular two-piece and one-piece sets that I brought from overseas vendors. That was a good business idea and I hope to expand in the years to come.Sometimes business was slow, but other times I received huge orders which was
Ophelia Keaten All of what took place led to this moment. My mother did not abandon me because she hated me, but she did it to protect me and secure what was rightfully hers. Manny Keaten threatened me with a marriage proposal and to take away all my possessions when the truth was that none of what he had belonged to him. My mother was the rightful owner of the oil company my father runs. She is the brain and the one who started it from scratch. Manny had been scheming against my mother to send her to a mental institution under pretenses, he wanted to steal all that she had and blackmailed her for crimes that he committed. When she found out she set her plans into place. As soon as I turn eighteen everything will go to me as long as I stay living with Manny. I'm not sure how to feel about my mother leaving me with a man who wanted to harm her, just so I can own billions the day I turn eighteen.The reason why Manny wanted me gone was that he could delay th
Ophelia KeatenBefore University I was unable to focus on the match. I kept replaying what Quin said to me and how she hugged me tightly as if she was not going to see me again. I was worried about her. She knew things that I did not and that scared me."Hello gorgeous, why do you look so worried?" I glance up at the tall and handsome guy in front of me. He held his jersey in one hand with sweat dribbling from his golden abs. My eyes met Kain's hazel ones before they moved down to his full pink lips that wore a smile. I snapped myself out of it and looked around me, People were leaving and the scoreboard had the scores 159 to 103. Miami Heat won and I missed out half of the game."Congratulations player. I would hug you, but you are all sweaty." I smile at him. He reached a hand forward and I took it, allowing him to pull me up."Thanks, baby, you know we bring the heat wherever we go." He grins showing his perfect white teeth.I roll my eyes and slap his torso. He t
Ophelia KeatenBefore University "Ophelia?" Someone says shaking me from my slumber. "Helia," The voice says again. I recognize that it was Quin. She is the twenty-four-year-old daughter of Leoni. The woman who took care of me. When my mother left she took over and treated me like I was her daughter. Quin and I grew up together. Even though we were not the closest she treated me like a little sister. Quin was strange, one moment we got along and the next she was distant as if she was hiding something and was scared I would find out. For my safety, I try not to get very close to her or Leonie. Sure they were there when I was a child, but as soon as I reached my teens I spent most of my time alone. The closer we were the harder it would be when they decided to leave me. "Leave me alone, Quin," I mumble and pull the blanket over my head. "Sweetheart it is noon and you haven't left your bed from morning. Your dad wants to talk to you, unfortunately, that
Ophelia KeatenBefore University If I had to sit through another photoshoot then I would go blind from the damn lights flashing from the camera and into my face. This was the worst part of being Manny Keaten's daughter. I only see him for a few hours every month and during those hours I was completely devastated. It was draining and nerve-wracking being around him. We might share the same last name and the same blood, but he felt like a stranger.We put on a great picture for the world to see. To them, my annoying stepmother, Camila, Manny, and I were the perfect family. My reality sucks, my life was far from perfect and there was only one person who made me happy. That is Ryan Johnson, my boyfriend. I met him two years ago at the grand opening of Vikings, a new club in Miami. We made things official six months ago and after leaving the shoot I will visit him at his penthouse. I had an early birthday surprise for him that just can not wait."Ms. Keaten th