[Vivienne]I call Rosita right away.She picks up on the first ring.“Hey, Viv. You okay, right?” she says hurriedly, as if she’s been waiting anxiously for the answer.“I am. What’s going on with you? What’s with the cryptic text? Is everything okay?”“Uh… I don’t know how to say this,” she sounds stressed. “Why don’t you come to my office so we can talk about it?”“Ro, you’re scaring me now. Just tell me what’s going on.”“I want to. But I probably shouldn’t. Just get here, and we can talk all about it.”“Ro—”“Please, Viv. Just listen to me this once. I promise I have a very good reason.”I take a deep breath and decide to trust her. “Fine. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”The drive to Rosita’s store is nerve-wracking. The knots in my stomach keep tightening and tightening. The moment Marcus pulls over in front of her store, I’m out of the car like a shot, eager to make sure she’s alright.When I reach the front desk, Gigi guides me to Rosita’s office. I open the glass door and
[Vivienne]I’m pacing the room like crazy, having no idea what else to do. It’s as if my brain is on fire, and my feet need to keep moving. If not, I’ll go crazy for real. I shake my head.“Who would do such a thing? This… disgusting… act of… what? Ridiculing me? Hurting me? Demeaning me? What’s the motive here?”“Well, with the kind of comments coming in, it’s obvious whatever the motive was, they’ve certainly achieved it. And I can’t believe this post already has more than a million views and has been shared by another million. This is ridiculous.” She glares at the screen, still scrolling through social media to keep me updated.I turn to face her, anxious. “Are the comments still coming?”“Yes,” she sighs, running a hand through her hair. “And they’re getting worse. I’m so sorry, Viv. You don’t deserve this.”I know I don’t. In fact, no one deserves this. But that’s the question I need to answer: who would do such a thing? I have to find out the truth and put an end to this madnes
[Vivienne]A few hours later, all the social media platforms have calmed down.Rosita and I try to reload the pages of the posts, but they all seem to have been taken down.“Oh, my God, they did it,” Rosita and I say simultaneously, looking at each other.We’ve shifted from her office to her nap room since neither of us had the strength to deal with this while standing anymore. She sits up instantly, her energy back to normal.“This is crazy. How long has it been? Two hours at most?” She checks the time, and I can’t help my own curiosity.“I don’t know, but I’m just glad it’s over,” I sigh, forcing myself not to look at my phone. I really don’t want to see that post again while scrolling. I have to admit, I’m equally enraged and scared because of this stupid scandal.“Same,” she says, her shoulders also drooping with relief. “You should call Elijah and ask him how he did it.”“I really should, shouldn’t I?” I nod, realizing Harvey and Elijah deserve more than just a thank you. Maybe I’
[Vivienne]I end the call and look back at Rosita.“What the hell is going on?” she asks, and I feel like she’s reading my exact thoughts. “Who took down the posts then?”“I have no idea,” I say, shaking my head, unable to solve this mystery that’s already giving me a headache. “It’s weird, though. My brother and Elijah could’ve made it go away, but they didn’t. They were too late. Someone else got to it first. But why? And who would go to such lengths to help me? It makes no sense.”“Well,” she shrugs, “the good thing is those stupid pictures are down, so I guess there’s nothing to worry about?”“I know, but still. Who would do that?”“Maybe someone realized they were fake and stopped it before it got too out of hand. I mean, there are still good people in the world, right? Not all of us are villains.”I wish I could believe that. But it’s too hard to accept that some stranger did this for me. It feels too far-fetched. “No. I think someone I know did this. And I want to know who that
[Vivienne]When I get home, I check my emails and find Lola’s right in the middle of all the others I still need to read. She must have sent me the list of customers who are returning the pieces they bought, claiming they were sold fakes.What a ridiculous scheme. Did they really think we wouldn’t suspect a thing?I shake my head and head to my room. I put my phone on the charger and grab something to eat before finally heading into the bathroom, planning for a quick shower. Although that might take me some time—I really need to get into that tub right now. All the stress from today has seeped into my bones, and I need to relax.I strip off my clothes and sink into the warm water, letting the heat wrap around me like a cocoon. It feels like the first real moment of peace I’ve had all day, and it feels great to have this moment to myself.I lean my head back against the edge of the tub, closing my eyes for a moment.Too bad, my mind keeps racing back to that mystery person.Who the hel
[Vivienne]I blink a few times, trying to wrap my head around the scene before me.“Anna?”She’s sitting right there, slumped on the floor, her entire body shaking, loud sobs racking through her.I look around, trying to understand what the hell just happened. My gaze lands on the old man, now unconscious on the floor, and I realize how quickly everything unfolded.Somehow, I push myself off the floor and race to my bedroom for my phone. I call the guards and tell them everything. After they assure me they’ll be at my place as soon as possible, only then do I rush back out, only to find Anna now trying to pick the old man up. His lifeless hand slumps around her neck as she struggles to lift him, but she fails miserably against the man’s enormous size.She keeps stumbling but doesn’t give up, not even once.I have no choice but to help her. Despite my reluctance to be anywhere near him, I offer support from the other side, and together we manage to toss him onto the nearest couch.He l
[Vivienne]My head throbs, trying to process everything Anna just told me.I don’t think I can handle any more shocks or surprises. I just want to sit down, close my eyes, and stop thinking about the disaster this day has become.But I can’t. Not yet. Not when Anna is still here, crying, with that unconscious man snoring on my couch.Thankfully, the guards arrive just then with the building caretaker, Mr. Johnson, a lithe man with a half-bald head and sleepy eyes.“We’re here, Ms. Sinclair. I personally want to apologize for the oversight by the guards, who clearly didn’t do their job.”“Hey, we did our job just fine,” one of the guards rolls his eyes, clearly not agreeing. “He had the pass. That’s why we let him through.”The other guard checks the old man’s pockets and grunts when he finds something. “Here it is,” he says, turning around to show the pass. “See? Not our mistake. The guy had the pass, like Max said.”I glance over my shoulder and see Anna looking terrified. She meets
[Vivienne]My eyes hurt like hell, but I keep them open, not wanting to fall asleep in front of the police officer.“So, let me get this clear,” the man says, not looking even remotely interested. “You’re here to report a missing person—someone I’ve already told you isn’t worth reporting?” he looks at Anna, frowning. “Listen. I get that you’re worried, but this is just a waste of time. I know your neighborhood like the back of my hand. No boy ever goes missing there. They just leave home because they don’t give a crap anymore.”“You’re wrong,” Anna’s voice cracks as she fights to hold back the tears. “Javier isn’t like that. He’s a good boy. He keeps his head down, never causes trouble.”“Well, that’s what every family thinks,” the officer grunts, shifting his bulging belly, which is spilling out from between the gaping buttons of his shirt. “That their kid’s the best. That they do nothing wrong. Then, boom—they’re thieves, or worse. Stealing, messing around for kicks.”“How can you s
[Vivienne]My feet come to a halt, and I freeze where I am.Did I just… hear that?I can’t even be sure. There’s so much going on in my head that if someone told me I was hallucinating, I wouldn’t even be surprised.The only difference? It doesn’t seem like I am.I know I heard that. And I know, I know that voice.I turn around, brows furrowed, and take another moment just to look at the woman on the bed.“Did you say something?” I ask, slowly walking back to her, curious as to how the hell she knows my name.But the woman is silent once again, the lines on the screen making no different patterns.Maybe I did hallucinate that…I shake my head, ready to leave, when, from the corner of my eye, I notice a small movement of her hand.Her fingers—trying to lift, trying to say something.I move closer to her bed.“Hey.” I reach for her hand, hoping to calm her down. “You’re okay. It’s all going to be okay.”I don’t know if the words coming out of my mouth right now are true or a lie, but sh
[Vivienne]The nurse leads me to the operating theater first but asks me to wait outside.My hands shake as I stare at the door, wondering how Harvey must be doing.How the hell did he get into an accident? Who was the woman with him? Why did he skip work? And what the hell was he doing on the west side of the city? We don’t even have any offices there.That area is basically filled with schools, colleges, and other educational institutes."If you need anything else, I’ll be at the reception," the nurse says, ready to leave and get back to her work.I don’t let her, though.I speak before she can even turn. "How long is it going to take?"She understands what I mean by it—she must face situations like this every day. "Nothing can be said for sure right now. And I understand that waiting feels difficult, especially when your brother is in there. But trust me, the best thing you can do right now is let the doctors do their job. They will tell you everything once they’re done treating yo
I decide to pick up my things from Harvey’s place and head back to our grandparents’ house.It’s the only place where I can think clearly and have some peace to myself.God knows I need a moment to just breathe.So much has happened in a single day—my body and brain both need a well-earned break.When I arrive at his place, Mimi still hasn’t returned from school.Good. Because if she had tried to stop me one more time with those big, adorable eyes, I probably would have changed my mind. That girl has some serious charm. No wonder Harvey can’t resist any of her demands—same goes for my parents.Dad once told me that when he took her to his office—back before he retired—she demanded to play loud pony-themed music and made everyone dance, as if the entire company had thrown a party just for her.Easy to say, the employees couldn’t have asked for a better break—or a better boss.Anyway, I grab my stuff and get back into the car, making sure to leave a text for Harvey so he knows my unexpec
[Vivienne]Once I’m far enough that Avery’s screaming fades into the background, I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself.God knows what’s up with these Lawrences lately. Have they all sworn to make my life hell? To never let me have a moment of peace?I shake my head and push some loose dark curls out of my face.When I return to the table, I find Theo sitting alone.And my anger flares all over again.How could he do this to me? Out of all the women he could have dated, he chose her—the sister of my ex-husband? Did he have no respect for me? Did I not tell him what that family did to me?How could he ignore all of that and fall for a girl who is neither right for him nor anything like him?She’s just like her mother. Like Sasha. Evil. Pure evil.I still remember the day she threw that scorching coffee in my face at the café…Anyway, I take a deep breath and make my way to the table.Theo sees me approaching, and before I can say a word, he stands up, hands braced against the tab
I stare at her, unsure whether to laugh in her face or take her seriously.“End me?” I tip my head to the side, pushing her off me at the same time. “Do you hear yourself? You sound unhinged.”“You think I’m joking?”“Nah, more like you’re trying to be something you’re not.”“You think I can’t hurt you?”I roll my eyes. “Oh, please. You? Hurt me? Avery, you’re a spoiled little brat from a family of professional liars and melodramatic wannabe royals. The only thing you’ve ever ‘ended’ is a shopping spree when Daddy cut you off. So, forgive me if I find it absolutely hilarious that you think you’re some kind of threat.”Avery’s mouth drops open.She probably didn’t expect me to say something like that.I’m not surprised. I was never this sassy in front of Caden’s family. I was good, loyal, and completely dedicated. But instead of appreciating any of it, they always assumed the worst of me.And—shockingly—they still do.Anyway, now that she has nothing to say, I turn to finally get the h
[Vivienne]Avery looks just as surprised to see me.Her eyes widen, and she jolts to her feet, her face slowly turning pale.Theo probably notices her odd reaction, but before he can say anything, Avery quickly grabs my arm and giggles over her shoulder.“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for someone to arrive. I desperately need a lady’s help. Be right back!”And with that bizarre excuse, she drags me to the bathroom, shuts the door, and spins to face me—a crown of sweat already glistening on her forehead.“What the fuck are you doing here?” she snaps, glaring at me with those little brown eyes of hers.I raise a brow. “I could ask you the same question, couldn’t I?”“Oh, shut up!”“If that’s what you want.” I turn to leave. If she wants me to shut up, then I’d rather spend my time elsewhere.But of course, she doesn’t let me.She grabs my arm and yanks me back around—hard this time.I hiss and wrench myself free. “Are you crazy? You’re hurting me.”Instead of looking guilt
[Vivienne]When I reach the office building—invited by none other than Theo—I take the elevator to his office.His assistant meets me halfway and leads me inside.Surprisingly, the room is empty.“Sir is stuck in a meeting, but he assured me he’ll be joining you soon. Can I get you anything in the meantime? Juice, coffee, or something to eat?” the assistant asks courteously, a gentle smile on her pretty face.“Just water. Thanks.”She nods and steps out, leaving me alone.I take a deep breath and sink onto the sofa across the room—the only spot where my aching back might find some relief.Just then, I feel a small kick against the side of my swollen belly—a gentle reminder that my little one has started to move.I smile.It’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.The baby kicks started a few days ago, and God knows I’ve been dying to talk to someone about it. Maybe that’s why I wanted to invite Rosita over or visit Mom—just to share this beautiful news with her.But then Caden showe
[Rosita]I don’t like surprises.Not when they keep me this on edge.Ever since we left my office, Harvey has been as silent as ever. He insisted on driving himself, and when I asked where he was taking me, he told me to have some patience.Well, it seems I don’t have the energy for patience either.“Are you sure you’re not about to push me off a cliff or something?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and gazing at the scenery passing by outside the window.I hear him scoff out a small chuckle, the corner of his lips curving ever so slightly. “You have a bizarre sense of humor, you know that?”“You say that like it’s news to you,” I steal a glance at him—his hands gripping the wheel, his gaze steady on the road ahead. He’s always so composed, so frustratingly unreadable.I huff and lean back in my seat. “Are you planning to keep me in suspense forever, or are you actually going to tell me where the hell we’re going?”“Relax, Rosita. We’re almost there.”I don’t like that answer. I
[Caden]I walk out of the mansion and reach my car, already parked in the driveway.But I don’t get inside and move on with my day.No. I stop just before getting in and slam my fist against the roof of the car.Damn it! So close. I was so damn close to telling her everything. If only she had given me a chance.But can I really blame her? Is it really her fault for not giving me a chance now?The answer is no. I can’t blame her, and she isn’t at fault. I’ve wronged her in too many ways for her to believe that this time, when I speak to her, it comes straight from my heart. My words. My effort. My care.But does that mean I should just… give up?Absolutely not.I turn to face the mansion I just walked out of and mumble to myself,“You think I don’t want the child. But you couldn’t be more wrong. I have never wanted anything more in my life. But I have my reasons for holding back. I have a reason for not wanting to pass on my disabilities to our child—to keep them from suffering the sam