Carina’s POVThe moment I walked into the dining room, I could feel the tension in the air. The clinking of plates and low murmurs stopped as everyone turned to look at me.“Finally,” Antonio sneered, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. “We thought we’d have to drag you down here.”I forced a tight smile. “Sorry, I was busy reorganizing my closet.”Miguel raised an eyebrow. “Reorganizing? You don’t even have that many clothes.”“Maybe I like things neat,” I snapped back, already feeling the heat rising in my chest.“Yeah, neat,” Antonio muttered under his breath. “Or you’re hiding something.”I shot him a glare, but before I could respond, Rodrigo chimed in. “Stop wasting everyone’s time and just sit down, Carina. Dinner’s already cold.”Biting back a retort, I pulled out a chair and sat down. The tension at the table felt like a storm waiting to break. Mum was sitting at the head, her lips pressed into a tight line as she picked at her food. Our stepdad, David, was tryin
Carina’s POV“Your mother,” he began, his voice heavy with emotion, “she loves you. She loves you more than anything. And I love her. More than anything. Seeing all this tension in the house... it hurts her. She doesn’t show it, but I can see it. It’s wearing her down.”Guilt gnawed at my chest, but I didn’t say anything.“I know my sons aren’t easy to live with,” David continued. “And I’m not asking you to be a saint or to forgive everything they’ve done. But for your mother’s sake... could you try to keep the peace? At least a little?”I bit my lip, conflicted. “David, it’s not just them. It’s this whole situation. I feel like I’m suffocating here. I don’t belong, and they make sure I know it.”“You do belong,” he said firmly. “Your mother and I want you here. You’re part of this family, whether the boys like it or not. And I know they can be cruel sometimes, but deep down, they’re good kids. They just... don’t know how to show it.”I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “It doesn
Carina’s POVThe countryside stretched out before me, rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight. The air outside was fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of wildflowers and grass. Inside the car, there was a silence between Ethan and me, but it wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of silence that let my mind wander.“Hope you’re enjoying the ride,” Ethan said, breaking the quiet. His voice was warm, reassuring, like it always was.“Yeah, sure I am,” I replied, though my tone was distant as I gazed out the window. My eyes lingered on the open fields, the scattered houses, and the occasional flash of people going about their lives.I kissed the city my final goodbye.Just hours ago, I had snuck out of that house. It felt like both a victory and a loss. I remembered the way the cool morning air had hit my face as I tiptoed past the porch and down the driveway. My heart had been racing, my breaths shallow and quick. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind outside had felt like it
Carina’s POV“We’re here,” Ethan said softly, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts.I opened my eyes slowly, realizing I must have dozed off during the drive. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the sight before me. The car had stopped in front of a charming little bungalow. It wasn’t grand or luxurious, but it had a cozy, welcoming vibe.“Willow Creek,” I murmured, stretching as I sat up in my seat. The town was quieter than I’d imagined, with wide streets and small shops lining the main road. “Hmm, I hope this place is kind to me.”“You’ll be fine,” Ethan said with a grin, stepping out of the car. “Come on, let’s get your stuff.”I stepped out and inhaled deeply. The air felt different here, fresher, lighter, almost like it carried the promise of a new start. Maybe it was all in my head, but I needed to believe that this was the right decision.The bungalow stood proud in front of us, painted a soft cream color with blue shutters. It had a small porch with two rocking chairs and
Carina’s POV_Ten Years Later_“Ma’am, you have a call.” My secretary, Lisa, stepped into my office, holding the phone. Her voice was polite but carried a hint of urgency.I glanced up from my desk, slightly irritated at the interruption. “Who’s on the line?” I asked, pushing my glasses up my nose.“I’m not sure, ma’am,” Lisa replied. “I think it’s from the school.”My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly composed myself. “Alright, hand it over,” I said, reaching for the phone.“Good day, ma’am,” a voice on the other end greeted. It was soft and professional. “This is Mrs. Lee from Willow Creek Academy.”“Good day,” I replied, already bracing myself for what was coming. “How may I help you?”“We noticed a new driver came to pick up your children today,” she began cautiously. “We wanted to confirm if this change was made with your approval.”“Oh, yes,” I said, nodding to myself. “I changed the driver yesterday. I needed someone more competent for my boys.”“Understood, ma’am,” Mrs. Lee
lCarina’s POV“Oh, let’s see,” he said, counting off on his fingers again. “You’re brutally honest, fiercely independent, and you have this terrifying ability to read people like a book. Most men can’t handle that.”I smirked. “Sounds like their problem, not mine.”Ethan shook his head, still smiling. “You’re impossible.”“And proud of it,” I said, holding my head high.“Funny how life works out,” I murmured to myself, looking out at the city skyline.From a scared, pregnant girl with nothing to her name to a successful CEO raising two incredible boys.I thought about Sarah and Jake, who had given me a place to stay when I had nowhere to go. About Ethan, who had been my anchor through it all. And about my boys, who were the reason I worked so hard every single day.“Life is good,” I said again, a smile spreading across my face.But deep down, I couldn’t shake one lingering question: What’s next?*******The door to my office burst open, and before I could react, my twin boys, Liam an
Carina’s POVI took a deep breath as I stood outside the boardroom. My heart was still racing from the conversation with my boys, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. This meeting had to go well. Investors were here, and everything was riding on our next project.I pushed the door open and stepped in. Every head turned to me. The room was full—board members, department heads, and, of course, the investors. They all looked sharp in their suits and polished expressions, except for one man in the corner who seemed more interested in his coffee than the meeting.“Apologies for being late,” I said with a small smile. “Thank you all for your patience.”One of the investors, Mr. Roberts, a man in his sixties with a salt-and-pepper beard, raised an eyebrow. “We were just about to start without you, Ms. Carter.”“I wouldn’t blame you,” I said as I took my seat at the head of the table. “But I promise to make up for lost time. Let’s dive right in, shall we?”There were a few murmurs of agree
Carina’s POVI sat in my office, staring blankly at the desk in front of me. My mind raced with thoughts I couldn’t quiet. How could this happen? The investors were from my stepfather’s company. It didn’t make sense. Did he know it was me? Or worse, did his sons know?The very thought of them made my stomach twist. I didn’t want to see them—ever. I gripped the edge of my desk, my knuckles turning white.“What are the chances?” I muttered under my breath. “Of all the companies in the world…”A sharp cough broke through my thoughts. Startled, I looked up to see Lisa standing at the door.“Lisa! I didn’t hear you come in,” I said, my voice shaky.She gave me a knowing smile. “That’s because you were miles away, boss. Are you okay?”“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile. “What’s up?”“I just came to let you know the driver has taken the boys home. Your meeting ran long, so I figured it was best to get them settled.”I exhaled a small sigh of relief. “Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate that.”
PROLOGUESkyla’s sister, Brianna who was in love with Antonio arrived. They had Lisa locked up while they both dragged Carina to the edge of a rocky cliff even as Carina struggled against the hands gripping her arms. The rocky cliff’s edge looked so dangerous, even as thorns shone from below."Let me go!" she screamed, thrashing against the cruel grip of the Skylar and her sister Brianna.The first woman, Skylar, laughed darkly. "Oh, sweet little Carina. Did you really think we’d let you ruin everything?"The second woman, Brianna, leaned in closer, her breath warm against Carina’s cheek. "You took everything from us. And now, we’re making sure you never come back."Carina’s heart pounded so hard she thought it might explode. "I don’t even know you! What the hell are you talking about?"Skylar’s grip tightened, nails digging into Carina’s skin. "Oh, but you do. You just don’t remember. You stole them. You made them look at you like we never existed. You turned them against us!"Briann
CHAPTER 126Carina’s POV"What's the noise all about?" Skylar's voice cut through the air, smooth and sharp, as she stepped out of the shadows. Two men flanked her, their eyes cold and unreadable.Lisa, who had been running her mouth nonstop, suddenly shut up. Her whole body went stiff as she sized up the situation. And from what we saw? Skylar wasn’t here to talk. She was here to make sure we didn’t leave in one piece."Shit," Lisa whispered under her breath, barely moving her lips. Her hand brushed against mine, fingers trembling slightly. "What do we do?"I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering in my ears. "I have no fucking idea."Skylar took a slow step forward, her smirk widening. "You know, Carina, I expected you to come alone. But I see you brought a little… insurance. How sweet."Lisa scoffed, but there was tension in her voice. "Yeah? And I see you brought muscle. Real fair fight, huh?"The man on Skylar’s left—a tall guy with a scar running down his cheek—cracked his knuckles.
CHAPTER 125Carina’s POV“Shit..." I muttered, squeezing my eyes shut as Lisa pressed another cotton pad against my wound. The sting burned straight to my bones. "I just remembered... Deven!" I winced, gripping the edge of the table. "I’m supposed to meet Skylar today! We have an appointment."Lisa froze. Her hand, still holding the antiseptic, hovered over my skin. Her face darkened, brows pulling together in a deep frown. "Carina..." she called my name, slow and serious, like she was afraid of what I’d say next.I blinked. It had been a long time since she used my name like that. Not 'girl' or 'dumbass'—but my actual name. My chest tightened.Lisa placed the antiseptic bottle on the table, leaning forward, eyes locked onto mine. "Skylar is pure doom. You know that, right?"I swallowed. "Lisa, she said she can help me sever the bond... If I do that, I’ll finally know the whole truth."Lisa, who had been quiet in the corner, suddenly scoffed. Her voice was sharp, almost bitter. "It’s
CHAPTER 124Carina’s POVI had to leave this restaurant. The air felt thick, and something in my gut told me I shouldn’t stay here too long. I glanced toward the entrance just as a group of rogue wolves came in. They were rough-looking—like they’d been on the road since morning. Clothes dusty, eyes hollow, their energy was off.Weird set of people.I lowered my gaze, pretending not to notice them as I reached for my watch and jewelry, slipping them into my bag. I didn’t want any trouble. If they saw anything shiny, they might think I had something worth taking. Best to play it safe.But as I was tucking the last ring into my bag, I heard a voice behind me. Low. Rough. Dripping with arrogance.“Pretty girl, come closer.”I stiffened. My grip on my bag tightened. I didn’t turn around. Maybe if I ignored them, they’d leave me alone.“I said, come here.” His voice was louder now. More demanding.Lisa tensed beside me. “Don’t,” she whispered. “Let’s just go.”I swallowed hard, still refusi
CHAPTER 123Carina’s POVI didn’t even know what to think at this point. My mind was a fucking mess. My head was spinning. My heart was pounding so damn hard I thought it might burst.Rodrigo. My stepbrother. Skylar. His ex-wife. And now this? What did it even mean?Lisa’s voice snapped me out of it. “Carina,” she said, her tone sharp. “What if—” She hesitated. “What if he was actually working with Henry?”I stared at her. My throat felt dry. “No,” I said, but it was weak. It wasn’t convincing. Because deep down, I knew—It was possible.Lisa slammed a hand on the table. “Think about it! Henry kidnapped your son. Henry works for someone. And now we find out Rodrigo’s past is tangled up in some shady-ass shit? What if it’s all connected?”I shook my head, standing up and pacing. “No, no, no. Rodrigo might be a lot of things, but would he really do this?”Lisa’s eyes darkened. “Do you really wanna bet your son’s life on that?”That hit me hard. My stomach twisted. I swallowed down the f
CHAPTER 122Carina’s POVI didn’t answer. My heart pounded as I stared at the words written in thick, dark ink. Words I never thought I’d see.Rodrigo was behind your son’s kidnap.I swallowed hard. Looked up at Skylar.She nodded. “Now do you believe me?”I read the words again. My hands shook. My breath caught in my throat. My head was spinning like I was about to pass out. What the actual fuck?Rodrigo was behind your son’s kidnap.My stepbrother?No. No way. That was impossible. Rodrigo may have been an asshole, but this? Kidnapping? My son?I looked up at Skylar, my voice barely above a whisper. “What the fuck do you mean?”She crossed her legs, completely unfazed by my reaction. “Exactly what it says.”Lisa snatched the paper from my hand, her eyes scanning over the words. Then, like a bomb exploding, she lost it.“Are you fucking kidding me?” Lisa threw the paper onto the table, glaring at Skylar like she was ready to rip her apart. “You come in here with this bullshit, expecti
CHAPTER121Carina’s POVLisa strolled in just as the investors walked out, her hands clapping softly, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Damn, Carina. That was close. We almost lost that deal."I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms out. "Nah. I had it under control."Lisa scoffed, dropping into the chair beside me. "Oh, please. You were sweating bullets. I thought for a second Benson was gonna eat you alive."I smirked. "And yet, here we are. Deal signed. Money in the bank."She laughed, shaking her head. "You and that big mouth of yours. You stress me out.""It’s part of my charm," I said, winking at her.Lisa rolled her eyes before standing up and walking over to the coffee machine in the corner of the room. She grabbed two mugs, pouring the steaming liquid into them. "Here. You need this more than me."I took the cup gratefully, inhaling the rich scent. "You’re a lifesaver."Lisa plopped back into her seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Alright, now spill. Why the
CHAPTER 120Carina’s POVGetting to the office, I barely parked the car before jumping out, my heels clicking hard against the pavement. My heart was pounding. My hands were sweaty. I was so late.Lisa was already outside, standing near the glass doors, her arms crossed tight over her chest. Her eyes locked on me the second I got out. She didn’t even wait for me to say a word."You’re late, Carina," she snapped, marching towards me.I tossed my keys to her, nearly dropping them in the process. "Help me repark. No time for that now," I rushed, already heading towards the doors.Lisa caught the keys but didn’t move. "You can’t just run in there without knowing what’s going on!" she hissed, grabbing my arm.I stopped, breathing hard. "What? What do I need to know?" I asked quickly, looking around like the investors could pop up at any second.She let out a sharp sigh, glancing towards the meeting room. "They’re pissed. Been waiting too long. Mr. Harrington already checked his watch three
CHAPTER 119Carina’s POVInstead, I just kept my eyes on the road. “I just want to keep you both safe,” I said softly.Liam had his head down. “Safe from what?”I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.More silence.Then, a small voice.“Are you mad at us?” Leo asked, his voice though was kinda shaky.My heart squeezed. “No, baby,” I said immediately. “I could never be mad at you.”“Then why do you always sound so angry?” Liam asked, his voice cracking.I let out a shaky breath. I felt somehow but I just pushed the feeling away. I couldn’t cry. Not now. Not in front of them.“I’m not angry,” I whispered. “I’m just… tired.”They didn’t say anything after that. They just sat there, the silence wrapping around us again.I sighed and focused on the road, my chest heavy.I needed to fix this. But I didn’t know how.It was a really long ride home. The roads were quiet. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, my mind heavy with thoughts.Thinking so deep, the conversation with my mother, the way Li