10Camila’s eyes were already teary.“I didn’t get married to you just for marriage’s sake. I practically bought you because your father sold you to me. And he hasn’t told you, but I will. He borrowed a huge sum of money from my family to fix his upcoming project before he had an accident. He said he would give me anything, and I said I wanted you. I don’t think your parents told you that,” Alejandro smirked.Camila shook her head, refusing to believe it. How could her parents sell her? And come to think of it, how did Alejandro come from nowhere and offer to help them from bankruptcy? How had she never thought this through?“Go and change, Camila. Five minutes is all you get,” Alejandro ordered and called another worker. “Lead her to the dressing room,” he said.The worker took Camila along, and she could not argue. Camila put on the stripper’s wear and could not look directly in the mirror. She was practically naked. The bra was half-covered, showing half of her present, and the g-s
11"I see what's going on. You badly want me to punish you, and I will help you with that," Alejandro leaned back in his chair."All of you leave and don't come back until I say so," he ordered the maids, who promptly obeyed.Camila watched the maids leave from the corner of her eye. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered what Alejandro would do, but she remained glued to her chair. No matter what happened, she had decided not to show any sign of intimidation in front of him.When no traces of the maids could be found, Alejandro stood up from his seat and moved in front of Camila. She stared back at him with a daring look. Suddenly, he grabbed her by the neck and roughly pulled her up.Camila tried to process what was happening or where they were going until her back harshly hit the wall."You've been so stubborn. I should put you in your place," he said, forcing one of his hands into her mouth. Despite her resistance, he made sure his hand went deep into her throat. She struggled t
12 Elijah, Ace, Easton, Alan, and Jeff run the cyber team. They have been to several game shows and live streams and never fail to return with an award.The boys are recognized everywhere but they go to school at Briarwood. Elijah is the leader of the group and the hottest. He's tall enough to be a high school dream guy, and he has a cute smile that drives the girls crazy.Ace is a hot Asian guy. Black is his favorite color, and he gives off hot goth vibes with his straight hair covering his eyes. He loves rings so much that he pierced his ears, nose, lips, tongue, and even his belly button.Easton is the playful guy. Apart from gaming, he is also a model and the tallest guy in the group. He has been on several magazine covers and banners, even on the school advertisement banner.Alan is another handsome member who loves tattoos more than his life. His neck, arms, and chest are covered in tattoos, adding to his hotness.Jeff loves to be random and casual, but wherever he goes, he's al
13EVENING, CYBER HOUSE **The lights were dimmed blue, filling the room with a crowd holding posters, colored lights, and banners of the Cyber Boys' pictures and cute messages. "Go Cyber Boys!" "You can do it!" "I love you, Elijah!" "Bring back an award as always!" "I breathe for you, Cyber Boys!" "Cyber Boys!" "Ace!"The chants came from the Cyber Boys' fans who were currently watching them play a live game. They wore their gaming uniforms, a white and purple mix that made them look like robots."The Cyber Boys are taking the lead again. Elijah is blasting his opponent, showing off another new skill no one knew existed.""Oh, Ace is coming in with his usual triple kick!""OMG, what is Jeff doing? Would you look at that high jump? That's the highest his character has ever jumped!""Now Alan is coming in with his speed. Wait, he is joining forces with Easton.""And they are almost finished!!!!"The crowd screamed even more when a huge "Game Over" appeared on the screen. The win
14 "Why are you still awake at this time?" Alejandro asked without turning to look at her."Not like it's any of your business, but if it will make you feel better, I came to drink water," she replied and walked to the fridge while Alejandro's lips curved into a smirk."Why are you awake at this time?" Camila asked while pouring water into her glass.She heard him let out a throaty chuckle."You really want to know that?" he asked. She wasn't looking back, but she could tell he was already looking at her. She pushed the glass to her mouth and tried taking a sip.His footsteps came close to her, and she suddenly felt his shadow at her back. His strong arms went to her waist and pressed her back close to him."You've been on my mind all day," he whispered."I... have?" Camila sounded nervous and curious at the same time."Hmm," he sniffed her neck, and her body stiffened in his arms. "I can't stop thinking about this morning and that face you made when you were about to c*m. I want to
15 Camila yawned tiredly as she worked on a sketch. So many papers were on her desk, and more were still coming. Her phone rang; it was her mother, and she quickly answered, having not spoken to her in so long."Camila, my dear, how have you been?" Sofia asked from the other end."I'm good," Camila replied, squeezing another piece of paper and throwing it on the floor."How is marriage treating you? I hope Alejandro isn't giving you a hard time?" Sofia asked worriedly."He is giving me hell, and I hate it here," Camila wanted to tell her mother, but she kept it to herself for reasons she couldn't explain."Everything is fine, Mom. How is Dad doing? I hope he's not falling sick again?" Camila asked about her father.Sofia sighed."Mom?" Camila called again."He's sick, Cami. He couldn't go out today because his condition has worsened. He's sad because the company is really suffering," Sofia sniffed, trying to hold back her tears."Everything will be fine, Mom," Camila could only say.
16 BRIARWOOD SCHOOL**"Isa, have you heard the latest news today?" Chappell asked as soon as Isabella arrived."What news?" Isabella asked."There are pictures of you and Elijah from Cyber Boys holding hands, and everyone is going crazy!" Gloria quickly told Isabella."Hey, I was going to tell her that," Chappell glared at Gloria."You were too slow, sorry," Gloria mocked, and they both started slapping each other's hands.Abby rolled her eyes and moved toward Isabella."Seems like things are starting to move for you and Elijah. You've waited for two years, and I thought it was just a fantasy," Abby said."Well, it's happening now, and nothing is going to spoil things for me," Isabella smirked."Yeah, nothing except for... her," Abby looked forward, and Isabella followed her gaze. The person coming was the blond, perfect Valeria Ruiz. It felt like a heavenly light shone specially on her, making her entrance even more dramatic." Valeria, I love your hair!" Oh my God, she's using Deb
17 Alejandro was in his office going through some files when his door opened and Camila barged in."Even my dad knocks before he enters," Alejandro said without sparing her a glance."Isn't that why I'm your wife?" she clapped back and dropped the badge Sandra handed to her on his desk."You were behind it, weren't you?" she asked, but he did not reply."I'm a little happy that you still have some empathy left in you. I was starting to think you were a monster," she mumbled, but it was loud enough for Alejandro to hear.He stopped the work he was doing and stared at her. "Here's the thing, wifey, I don't want you to flatter yourself. I take work very seriously here. Sandra broke the rules, and she's facing her punishment for it," he explained, then glanced at her from head to toe.She was wearing a blouse that showed her cleavage a little, and his eyes darkened."Do you even go through the dress code?" he asked."What's wrong with the way I dress?" Camila frowned."Everything," he re
99 (Final)SOME DAYS LATER: RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE**Alejandro sat at his desk, engrossed in his work, ignoring the persistent knocking on his office door. Finally, Diego stepped in."Good afternoon, boss. I hope you had a good night," Diego greeted, holding an envelope in his hand. "I won’t take up much of your time. I just came to drop this."Diego placed the letter on Alejandro’s desk."I promised that once I helped take Rafael down, I’d leave right away. Now that I’m finally reunited with my family, I—""Look at these three dining options and tell me which one looks best," Alejandro interrupted, turning his laptop toward Diego.Diego blinked in confusion. Was Alejandro not even listening to him? He leaned closer to inspect the screen."They all look great, but this one in the middle stands out," Diego replied, pointing."Good. I want you to book it for tonight," Alejandro ordered, his tone dismissive."But, sir—" Diego started to protest, but Alejandro cut him off with a stern look."Y
98Alejandro paced back and forth in the hospital hallway, his anxiety growing with each passing second as he waited for the doctor to emerge from Camila's ward."You should sit, Alejandro. She's going to be fine," Sofia said softly, her voice filled with reassurance.He glanced at her but didn’t reply. Just then, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped out. Alejandro’s face lit up with a mix of worry and hope."Mr. Alejandro Ruiz," the doctor called."What's wrong with Camila, Doctor?" Alejandro asked, his voice laced with panic."She's going to be a mother, and you're going to be a father. She's four and a half weeks pregnant," the doctor announced with a warm smile.Alejandro froze."What? Can we see her?" Isabella asked eagerly."She's sleeping right now, but you can visit her once she wakes up," the doctor replied before walking away.Isabella and Sofia hugged each other joyfully, their faces glowing with happiness. They turned to Alejandro, who still looked stunned."Come
97SOME DAYS LATERThe alarm blared endlessly, and to Camila, it sounded like wedding bells. But instead of excitement, it brought a heavy sense of dread—a nightmare she wished she could wake up from.“Miss, it’s time,” the maid said softly, gently tapping her shoulder.Camila groggily opened her eyes. A wedding gown stood prominently on a mannequin, and hairstylists and makeup artists were already bustling in the room, preparing for the day.“Congratulations, ma’am, you’re getting married today,” they greeted her in unison. She forced a smile in response, though her heart weighed heavily.Dragging herself to the shower, Camila let the water cascade over her. She tried to gather her thoughts but couldn’t stop the questions swirling in her mind. How did it come to this? How did everything go so wrong?Realizing she had been in the bathroom longer than expected, she quickly turned off the shower and wrapped herself in a robe. As she stepped out, the room was empty—the dressers had gone.
96"Yes, I’m pregnant, and I came here to see George’s family. It’s a long story, Mom. Please, let me explain later," Lucia replied, cutting the call despite her mother’s protests.She met George, who was chatting with his mother."Lucia, my dear, you’ve been standing for a while. Would you like to sit?" Juliana asked with her attractive Polish accent."I’m good," Lucia replied."No, dear, please sit," Juliana insisted, guiding Lucia to a chair. "Pani Karolina, please bring Lucia some tea," she instructed, and Karolina appeared moments later with a steaming cup of tea."Hang in there, Mrs. Lucia Williams. The food will be ready in a moment," Karolina said kindly."Thank you," Lucia smiled and turned to face George."Darling, can I talk to you for a second?" she asked."Sure, I’ll excuse you both," Juliana said, stepping away.George sat beside Lucia. "Honey, what’s the matter?" he asked."My friend Camila isn’t doing well. Her family is being held captive by Rafael Marcus, and she’s g
95FEW DAYS LATER**A few days had passed, and a lot had happened. Alejandro left Camila with Rafael and returned to his company. The place was desolate; nearly everyone had resigned, and he had lost most of his contracts but couldn't do anything about it.It was the usual, uneventful day. Alejandro stood in front of his window, staring into nothingness. The company was empty. He had no idea where to start or how to convince anyone to return, but that wasn't what was truly bothering him.He still couldn't believe he wasn't with Camila. He had signed the divorce papers and left her with Rafael. Even now, he still questioned whether he had made the right decision. He wasn't a fool; he knew why she said what she did. Rafael probably had her family under his control in some way, and Alejandro wouldn't be selfish enough to let him hurt them."Boss," a familiar voice called. Alejandro didn’t bother turning to look at the person."You should be lucky I haven’t had you arrested yet you still
94"Is she really worth it, Alejandro? Everything you’ve worked so hard for—your company—does it mean more to you than her?"Alejandro glanced at Camila, then at the documents, torn between two impossible choices."You're wrong, Rafael! I didn’t just think about it—I worked hard for that company. I deserve everything. Every damn thing!" Alejandro yelled, his eyes reddening with rage."No, you didn’t, you bastard! Everything belongs to me! Grandpa was supposed to give it all to me, but I don’t know why you came along and ruined everything!" Rafael shouted, then turned to Camila."He didn’t tell you much, did he? He never told you how he barged into my life, stole the affection of my family, and convinced them to change the will," Rafael said angrily."I didn’t have anyone change anything!" Alejandro shot back. "Everything happened because apparently, everyone was okay with it. I did more good for your family than you’ll ever admit."Even though Camila was gagged, her confused and curio
93Camila felt her head pounding as she struggled to open her eyes. She realized she couldn’t move her hands or legs and felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort. Her eyes finally fluttered open, and her heart nearly stopped.She was tied to a chair, positioned dangerously close to the edge of a steep cliff. Before her, several men knelt on the ground, their faces familiar from earlier."Baby, you're awake," Rafael said, stepping closer to her. He gently touched her face, his fingers brushing the bruise beneath her eye."Does it hurt?" he asked softly.Camila remained silent, too terrified to respond, her mind racing to guess what Rafael had planned."Which one of these men hit you?" Rafael asked, his tone icy as his gaze shifted to the men.Camila hesitated, her eyes slowly scanning the group. The man in the middle looked petrified, but she reluctantly pointed at him.Rafael smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately before grabbing the man by his collar and yanking him to his feet."W
92 George turned, his face lighting up with a mixture of joy and worry.“Baby,” he greeted, walking over and giving her a quick peck on the lips.Perri scoffed audibly and looked away.“Why are you up so early?” George asked, concern lacing his voice.“I’m not that early,” Lucia said, pouting slightly.“You should still be in bed, resting like the princess you are,” he said, touching her stomach gently. “Are you hungry?”“You’ve been feeding me so much lately, George. I might lose myself,” she teased.George smiled. “You could never lose yourself in my eyes. Look at your skin—you’re glowing already,” he said, leading her to the kitchen.“So, what are you up to?” Lucia asked as they entered.George sighed, setting water to boil. “I’ve been thinking about what your dad said—about whether I can provide for you and the baby—and I’ve made a decision.”“What decision?” she asked curiously.“I’ve always wanted to be a chef, and I’ve been saving for years. I’m planning to open a small roads
91 THERESA'S HOUSE***“Careful,” George said, holding Lucia’s hand as she stepped out of the taxi.“I’m fine, George. I can manage,” Lucia replied, smiling softly. Since discovering her pregnancy, George had been overly protective, not even letting her handle simple tasks.As they entered the house, George began, “Mom, we’re—” but stopped abruptly when he saw Lucia’s father seated on the couch. Instinctively, he positioned himself in front of her.Mr. Landon smirked. “Hiding my daughter from me, George? You didn’t think I’d find you?”“I’m not going anywhere with you, Dad. I’m surviving just fine without you,” Lucia said through clenched teeth.“Surviving? Look at yourself, Lucia! Your clothes, your skin—you’re barely holding on,” Mr. Landon retorted, disgusted.“I don’t care! I look better than ever, and I’m staying here,” Lucia snapped, standing her ground.“You don’t belong here, Lucia. It’s not too late to come back home—where you belong,” Mr. Landon insisted.“If she believes st