Carina’s POVWow… Finally, I’m here,” I murmured to myself as I drove into the city after three hours on the road. The city hadn’t changed as much as I thought it would. It was almost still the same way Ethan and I had left it years ago. The familiarity brought a strange mix of comfort and anxiety.I tightened my grip on the steering wheel as I navigated the streets that once felt like home. “Things really don’t change much, do they?” I muttered. My eyes darted to the sidewalk, where kids laughed and chased each other, their carefree giggles echoing through the crisp air. The sight tugged at something deep within me.“At least I’m coming back with a better life and a better car,” I thought, glancing at the sleek dashboard. It was a small consolation, though. The nagging thought of facing my mother lingered like a dark cloud over my head.“What if she’s pissed?” I voiced my fear aloud, though no one was there to hear me. “What if she’s all crazy and starts throwing blame around?” I exh
Carina’s POVThe party was actually going as planned—a little too well for my liking. I leaned against the edge of the dining table, holding a glass of sparkling wine that I’d barely sipped. The house looked almost the same as I remembered, with a few modern touches here and there—sleek light fixtures, minimalist furniture, and abstract art that screamed “new money.”I glanced toward the dining area and smiled bitterly. Memories of my mother’s constant yelling during family meals flooded back. “Elbows off the table, Carina!” she’d snap, or “Can’t you chew without making a sound?” Those memories felt like tiny pinpricks against my skin, reminders of why I’d left. I had no regrets about running away from this house. None at all.But tonight, my mother was… different. Too different. She was all smiles, her laughter ringing out above the chatter of the guests. It felt unnatural. This wasn’t the woman who used to explode at the smallest inconvenience. Was she pretending? Or was there somet
Carina’s POVThe party dragged on longer than I expected, and I was utterly exhausted. My cheeks ached from the forced smiles, and my voice was hoarse from greeting countless strangers who seemed more interested in making small talk than actually knowing me. Distinguished guests, high-profile business associates, and socialites filled the house like it was some grand gala. It felt overwhelming, suffocating even.I started to wonder if this was the real reason my mother had wanted me to come back. Was this party just her way of parading me around as her long-lost daughter? The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.“Carina, come, there’s someone else I want you to meet,” my mother’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She appeared at my side, her bright smile plastered across her face as if she hadn’t noticed how drained I looked.I hesitated, forcing a polite nod. “I… I’m actually feeling a bit dizzy,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady. “I think I need to take a break.”She tilt
Carina’s POVFinally!” I said, even as I closed the door after the last guest stepped out. “Phew! That was a really long day,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head as I turned around. The sitting room was eerily quiet, almost too quiet, with an odd tension hanging in the air. But I didn’t care. All I wanted was to go upstairs, crash on my bed, and leave this house first thing tomorrow morning. I couldn’t imagine staying another night under this roof.“Carina!” My mother’s voice called out, sharp and clear, just as I reached the stairs.I froze, my foot hovering mid-step. “Why is she calling me now?” I thought, glancing over my shoulder. My mother stood by the wine stand, sipping a glass of Four Cousins. Her posture was stiff, and her expression unreadable, but there was something about her tone that made my stomach churn.“Come sit with me,” she said, her voice carrying an edge I hadn’t heard all night.I hesitated. “Um, give me a minute. Let me get my phone upstairs,” I said quickly
Carina’s POV“So, who is the father of the child?” my mother asked suddenly, breaking the long, tension-filled silence.I froze. The question I’d dreaded for years was now hanging in the air, suffocating me. My lips parted, but no words came out. What could I even say? How could I tell her the truth—that not one, but three men could potentially be the father? And not just any men—my stepbrothers. The thought alone was enough to make my stomach churn.“Well?” she pressed, her tone sharper now. “Don’t just sit there staring at me. Answer the question, Carina.”I swallowed hard, avoiding her gaze. “I don’t want to talk about it.”“Excuse me?” Her voice rose, the disbelief evident. “You don’t want to talk about it? Carina, I am your mother! I have every right to know who the father of your child is!”I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar anger bubbling inside me. “You think being my mother gives you the right to interrogate me about my life?” I shot back, my voice trembling with frust
Carina’s POV“In fact, I need to clear my head! If you’re looking for me, I’m upstairs,” I said sharply, my voice laced with anger.“Wait!” my mother called out, her voice unusually urgent. “I have something to tell you.”I stopped mid-step, my hand gripping the stair railing. I turned slightly, glaring at her. “What is it?” I asked, irritation dripping from every word.“I never fully told you who your stepfather is,” she said, her tone hesitant.At the mention of my stepfather, I froze. My heart skipped a beat, and I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?” I asked cautiously, trying to keep my voice steady.“Come and sit down,” she said, gesturing to the sofa.I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “No, I’ll stand. Just say whatever it is you want to say.”She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Alright,” she said quietly. “But this isn’t easy for me to say.”“You’ve already dragged me into this mess, so just spit it out,” I snapped, my patience running thin.“Fine,” sh
Carina’s POVI was back in my room, I didn’t even know what to think. At this point, I started feeling like coming home was really a bad idea. Because why was all this happening at once? All these truths coming to me just now—like, why? What was I supposed to do with all this information? I was so stressed and tired that I felt my chest tighten with every breath I took.Even as I sat on the edge of my bed, the room spinning slightly, one thing became clear: I wanted to leave this house. I wanted to run far away and never look back. My mind was still racing when my phone buzzed on the nightstand. For a second, I stared at it, dreading more drama. Then I saw the name: Ethan.“Oh my God, the kids!” I muttered, snatching up the phone. I hadn’t even thought to call Ethan to check on my boys, Liam and Leo. Just because of all this drama...“Ethan, hey,” I greeted as I picked up the call, already feeling a small wave of relief wash over me. “Sorry I didn’t call earlier. How are they?”Ethan’
Carina’s POV“I’m just really pissed. I think coming back was, and still is, a mistake,” I muttered to myself as I yanked open my closet, pulling out clothes and tossing them into my suitcase without care.“I’m leaving this place first light,” I declared, my voice resolute even as tears rolled down my cheeks. My hands trembled as I folded a blouse, anger and frustration coursing through me like wildfire.The room was silent except for the rustling of fabric and the sound of my own sniffles. Each piece of clothing I packed felt like a weight being lifted off my chest. Still, my heart ached with each item I shoved into the suitcase. This house, this family, this… life wasn’t for me. It never had been. I wiped my face with the back of my hand, determined to hold myself together.Then, my phone rang, cutting through the oppressive silence. I glanced at the screen. Lina. My PA. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn’t want to pick up. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to talk to anyone. But w
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