Camila sat in front of the mirror with her eyes closed, allowing her makeup artist to work on her face. There was no other way out; she had to get married. It was for the sake of her sick father, her family business, Perez Innovation Design. She was the only one who could save her family from crumbling after so many years of struggling to stay on top.She wouldn't have minded getting married if only the groom wasn't Alejandro Ruiz, the boy she once rejected during their childhood—a memory that haunted her no matter how hard she tried to forget.She could still see the hurt in his eyes when she told him no. She had liked him, but she was the beautiful Camila Perez, everyone's crush, and he was seen as a disgrace. Camila would always remember the day he knelt, offered her a flower, and asked, "Would you be my date for the Valentine's party?"Camila looked around, surrounded by people on all sides. She could already picture the look of disappointment on her face if she said yes. One wron
"I'm sorry I'm late," Alejandro casually walked towards the altar where Camila stood in her wedding gown, her veil covering her face. "I had to attend some business meetings. I hope I didn't miss my wedding?" He sounded unapologetic as he spoke.Camila gazed at his face carefully. He had changed a lot from how she remembered him. Gone were the chubby cheeks and acne, replaced with a sculpted jawline, smooth skin, and a well-built body, visible underneath his suit.Alejandro had grown taller, probably six foot three, and there was something different about him. He wasn’t that vulnerable boy anymore; she could see it in his cold, serious eyes."Outrageous! How can he attend a business meeting on his own wedding day?""The nerve of him to show up wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo!"People murmured among themselves, but Alejandro didn't seem to care. He just wanted to get the wedding over with."Since the groom is here, we may proceed," the priest said, stepping forward while holding his
3He didn't look the same as he did in the church earlier. His face had gotten darker, his eyes colder, and the energy surrounding him seemed more tense. For some reason, Camila felt like she couldn't breathe.What happened to: "Trust me mom and dad, I will take care of your princess"?"I want you to understand the concept of this marriage," he said, giving her a serious look. "We both know this is a loveless marriage, and I only agreed because I also need your father's help. So, don't expect much from me now that you're here," he told her.Camila wanted to open her mouth and say something, but she couldn't. Instead, she just nodded."Rule number one: Don't touch what isn't yours," he stated.Camila looked confused and angry at the same time. What did he mean by "Don't touch what isn't yours"? It seemed like Mr. Ruiz had forgotten she was also from a rich family, and all this gold didn't faze her. For some reason, she wasn't courageous enough to say what she was thinking."Rule number
Camila was woken by her ringtone. She stretched and squinted her eyes open. Her arms still ached from carrying the heavy luggage last night. The bags were still on the floor where she had dropped them as soon as she got to her room. She reached for her phone on the nightstand.It was Isabella calling. Camila rolled her eyes as she answered."Sis, happy married life! How was your first night at your husband's house? Are you sore? Did you do the deed?" Isabella bombarded her with questions."Isa, give your sister a break. She just got married, and you're already grilling her," Camila heard Sofia's voice, along with the sounds of frying and kitchen clatter.Camila could guess what was going on: her mother was making breakfast, and Isabella was present but glued to her phone. If she wasn't recording for her lifestyle vlogs, she was making calls or video chatting.Camila couldn't help but smile. It had only been a day since she left, but she felt like running back to her family."How are y
Camila came down to join Alejandro for breakfast after dressing up. He was crossing his legs and flipping through his magazine, but the moment he sensed her presence, he stopped and eyed her from head to toe.Camila felt uneasy under his gaze. "Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, confused and unsure."The real question is, why are you dressed like that?" Alejandro shot back."What do you mean?" Camila looked down at herself. She was wearing a big tee with joggers and her favorite fluffy animal slippers. It was her go-to outfit when she had nothing to do or when she decided to work from home."You can't dress like that if you're going out with me," Alejandro replied."Where are we going, then?" she asked again.Alejandro sighed and closed his magazine, as if her question bored him. "We are going to the company. You're my wife now, and I want you to involve yourself in my business.""I have my own business," Camila replied angrily.Alejandro only smirked. "That isn't why we
Alejandro smirked, suddenly letting go of her hand and reaching for her waist, pulling her close to him. His sudden move made her eyes widen."What the hell, Alejandro!" Camila tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip, leading her toward the company entrance. The security guards at the door immediately opened it for Alejandro."Let me go," Camila whispered through gritted teeth. He held her waist tightly, and everyone was watching."Congratulations, Mr. Ruiz.""Happy married life, Mr. Ruiz.""Congratulations on getting married, Mr. Ruiz."Every employee that passed greeted him, but he didn't respond. He pulled Camila into the elevator before finally letting her go. Inside, she used the small mirror to check her face, fixing her hair and clothes."I told you I don't like being controlled. If you want my respect, you have to respect me too!" she scolded him.Alejandro rolled his eyes. "You don't deserve my respect. I married you to do you a favor. You practically owe me. I bought y
7BRIARWOOD SCHOOL *****A red Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stopped in the parking lot. The car door opened, and a pair of Chelsea boots stepped out, catching the attention of the crowd outside.Isabella emerged from her red car, wearing her uniform: a white shirt, a black and red flare skirt, black pop socks, Chelsea boots, and a black jacket with the signature "B" for Briarwood Academy." Briar make way, the queen is here!"Welcome back, Isa!"" I love your boots, Issa!"" I love your hair! Can I get you coffee every morning?"" Can we be best friends, Isa?"Isabella walked into the enormous building, her chin held high, a proud and confident smile on her face. She was their queen, and she knew it."Isabella, I missed you," Chappell exclaimed, coming to hug her. Chappell was one of Isabella's three friends, known for her natural red curly hair that Isabella loved."I missed you too. Where are Gloria and Abby?" Isabella asked."Gloria can't make it today. Her curling iron exploded this mo
"I don't even work like this in my father's company," Camila frowned.Alejandro smirked, moving closer to her. He cupped her chin, making her look into his eyes. "This isn't your father's company, wifey. Your husband loves to work and loves hardworking women too," he pressed, walking back to his desk to get his telephone."Sandra, report to my office," he ordered. Sandra walked in. Her office was opposite his, but Alejandro preferred using the telephone. Even if someone stood by the door, he would still use the phone."My wife will join the architects. She called some of our work basic and cliché. I want you to keep a strict eye on her performance. Can I trust you with that?" he asked, giving Sandra a serious look."Yes, Mr. Ruiz. You can trust me," Sandra smiled.Alejandro smiled briefly and walked to Camila again. He gripped her chin and planted a kiss on her lips, making her eyes widen. She wasn't expecting that."Behave, wifey," he warned before leaving his office."Let's go, Cami
74Valeria burst out laughing. “You’re hilarious, Isabella. A real comedian.” She wiped a tear from her eye and stood, moving to another spot in the room.“You’re insecure, Valeria. That’s why you bully others—to cover up how bad you feel about yourself!” Isabella repeated.Valeria suddenly turned toward her, fury in her eyes.“Look at me, Isabella! I’m beautiful, I’m smart, I’m sexy! Why the hell would I be insecure?” she yelled, her face flushed with anger, startling Isabella.There was a tense silence before Isabella spoke softly, “I thought I might find something good to write about you, but I was wrong. You’re awful.”“I didn’t even try because, honestly, what good could I find in you?” Valeria scoffed.“How do your parents even like you?” Isabella mused aloud.“How does anyone like you? A shapeshifting tramp who stole her best friend’s crush and then dumped him for a gay guy,” Valeria huffed.“Is that all you’ve got on me, Valeria?” Isabella asked calmly.“You wish,” Valeria rol
73Lucia stood before him, completely naked save for the towel wrapped around her hair. His eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding as a wave of forbidden desire washed over him."Lucia... you did not just do this," he rasped, his voice heavy with lust."You can turn away... or take me to the counter," Lucia smirked. George wanted to turn away, but he couldn't tear his gaze from her. The most tempting part of her body was her small breàsts, with their perfectly pointed nïpples."Fuck!" George stormed toward her and lifted her up. He carried her to the counter, standing between her legs before pressing his lips onto hers in a deep, hungry kiss. Lucia wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with fiery passion.George’s lips moved from hers to her jawline, trailing kisses down to her neck. Lucia threw her head back, moaning."So good," she murmured.His hand wandered to her breàsts, squeezing them gently. "They’re small, but I love them, especially your pointy nïpples," he whisper
72 “If you’re incapable of managing this company, then maybe it’s time we vote for a new CEO or—”Alejandro slammed his fist on the table, finally fed up. “Or what?” he demanded, his piercing gaze silencing the room. “Who else wants to stand up? Go ahead, do it now!” His tone was icy. “Did I hear something about a new CEO?” he asked, chuckling to himself.“Mr. Marcel, Mr. August, Mr. Peterson—you three have been here the longest. Let’s say we agree to vote for a new CEO. Can any of you explain what it takes to run one of the world’s biggest companies? To make deals with both locals and foreigners, to come up with innovative strategies daily?” Alejandro challenged, his eyes daring them.The three men exchanged confused glances, unable to respond, which made Alejandro smirk.“Handling both local and foreign clients requires negotiation skills. I personally speak twelve different languages and am still learning more. Mr. Peterson, you were the first to stand up, and we’re currently work
71“Ace... yes, give it to me, Ace... oh... Oh... God... yes... yes!” Chappell moaned, her body arching as she used a dildo on herself, her eyes fixated on a picture of Ace. The ecstasy in her voice was undeniable as she lost herself in the moment."This is so messed up. Did Valeria upload this?" Isabella muttered under her breath, quickly turning off her phone. She glanced over at Chappell, who sat frozen, staring at the screen as if in a trance."I'm really sorry about this video. It’s disgusting that it was posted, but don’t beat yourself up over it," Isabella tried to console her, but Chappell remained unresponsive.“That’s it! I’m going to find Valeria!” Isabella fumed, storming out of the room. She found Valeria chatting with Gloria and Abby, yanked her by the hair, and spun her around.“Why did you post that video?” she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.“Ouch, Isabella! Handsy much?” Valeria sneered, smoothing her hair back. “And you saw the video too?” she added, feignin
70••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lucia sat comfortably with George, chatting animatedly. She had no idea they were being watched."I don’t think he’s just her bodyguard," Fernando said, sipping his drink."Yeah," Chandler agreed, "looks like there’s something more going on between them."Fernando scoffed."Shouldn’t you call off the engagement? You’re not the marriage type, so how do you plan on treating my sister?" Chandler asked pointedly. "Plus, she’s a tough one."Fernando remembered when he first found out he was engaged. They were still in high school, and he had convinced himself he didn’t like her. She was spoiled, always getting whatever she wanted. He even made fun of her small breasts once, calling them peanuts."I didn’t know how to tell her back then that I actually like peanuts," he muttered under his breath."What?" Chandler gave him a confused look.Realizing he had said that out loud, Fernando quickly shook his head. His phone rang
69"That's what I thought, Lucia. You don’t have a choice, and I don't have a—" George's words were abruptly cut off as Lucia stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his.George’s hands instinctively gripped her waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he couldn't stop. His tongue explored her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her.When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless."Come to the party with me," Lucia said, her eyes pleading."I—""Please," she urged again before he could refuse. George nodded, and her face lit up with a smile as she took his hand, excitedly leading him inside.•••••••••The mansion was elegantly decorated and filled with the perfect number of guests. Although the music hadn’t started yet, people mingled and sipped their drinks."Okay, bye." Camila hung up her phone and faced the gathering. "Turn off the lights and hide under the tables! Dad’s coming!" she announced. Everyone quickly co
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A few minutes later, the house was fully decorated, and the cake was ready, sitting proudly on the table. The doorbell rang, and Camila opened it to find Lucia, who threw herself into Camila’s arms."I can’t believe you made it!" Camila exclaimed, hugging her tight."I told you I would, didn’t I?" Lucia smiled."Where’s your ‘bodyguard’?" Camila asked, using air quotes."He’s party-shy and refused to come in, but don’t worry, I’ll go drag him in," Lucia laughed, turning to leave but then paused. "And by the way, he really is just my bodyguard," she added with a smirk."Sure," Camila replied, giving her a knowing smile."I’m serious!" Lucia scoffed. "I’m not standing here to explain myself!" Then she left.Alejandro walked up and hugged Camila from behind. "Birthday decorations are exhausting," he mumbled.Camila smiled, holding his hands around her waist. "Haven’t you ever helped with birthday decorations for your family?" she asked."We don’t do that. We
67••••••••••••••••••••••••••••The next day, the security team helped Alejandro and Camila load their bags into the car. Peter hurriedly opened the door for them, and the ride to the Perez mansion began."My dad's going to wake up and find no one home. He’ll be so confused, but I don’t want him to worry too much," Camila mumbled.Alejandro rubbed her thigh. "He’ll be fine."Camila shared more stories about her father, and Alejandro listened attentively. Soon, the car stopped; they had arrived at their destination.Alejandro opened his door and then helped Camila out, leading her down."What time should I come back?" Peter asked."I’ll call you," Alejandro replied, grabbing their bags and heading inside. The house was quiet—no one had arrived yet."I guess we came a little too early," Alejandro muttered."We’re not early. It might take a few minutes to bake the cake," Camila said, setting down the bags she brought, along with everything she needed to bake."Do you need help?" Alejandr
66It was George.He glanced at her briefly before turning to face the men. "Leave, now," he warned."Or what?" the man with the knife sneered."Or this," George said, landing a swift kick to the man’s face. The second man tried attacking him from behind, but George caught his hand, twisting it until the knife fell to the ground.The first man stood up, trying to punch George, but George dodged his attacks, delivering several punches in return. The second man, now recovered, lunged at George, but George easily evaded him, throwing him into his friend.Realizing they were outmatched, the men retreated. George brushed himself off and walked back to Lucia."What were you thinking, coming here alone?" he shook his head, frustrated.Lucia, pushing some stray hair back from her face, looked down. "I’m still your boss. Just because you saved me doesn’t mean you can call me a fool," she muttered.George stepped closer, gently lifting her chin so she could look him in the eyes. His thumb wiped