LANAWhen I heard him say those words, shock and confusion washed over me. I knew my mom too well; if she found out I was the reason Bernardo had died, she'd do something reckless that I'd regret for the rest of my life."Iâm begging you, please donât kill him," I pleaded, anxiety lacing my voice.He grabbed my arms, slamming me against the wall, then leaned in and captured my lips with a fierce, possessive kiss. It was deep and overwhelming, leaving my head spinning and a sting on my lips when he finally pulled away."Donât ever mention another man's name with your lips," he warned, his tone stern.I stared at him, momentarily dazed. When I finally regained my composure, he commanded, "Return home with me."I nodded, obediently allowing him to take my hand and lead me out of the apartment. My heart raced as I scanned the area for any sign of Bernardo."My men took him away," Maximum reassured me. "They wonât kill him, I promise."I nodded, but unease settled in my chest as we got int
LANABut I couldn't.Anxiety coursed through me, causing my hands to tremble as I attempted to call him. He didnât pick up, and my chest tightened with fear. I paced around the bedroom, sending him a text, but there was still no response.Frustration bubbled up, and I shouted, "Pick up the call! Pick up the damn call!" But Bernardo remained silent. A wave of dread washed over me at the thought of Maximum returning to find out that I had slept with several men for money. The videos Bernardo had made were probably now online, and I had no idea how they got there.What would Maximum do? He would go crazy and could hurt me. I quickly began stuffing my belongings into a travel bag and booked a train ticket back to New York.I rushed out of the room, bags in hand, and hurried down the stairs. When I bumped into the housekeeper, I felt suffocated and terrified.She looked at me, confusion etched on her face. "Ma'am, are you moving out?"I nodded and shook my head, overwhelmed. I opened my mo
LANAWith panic, I bent down and picked up my shattered phone, my heart racing and adrenaline surging through me.The screen was already cracked.Trembling, with tears brimming in my eyes, I asked in confusion and heartache, "What have I ever done to you? Why do you hate me so much?"Bernardo's manic laughter echoed from the other end of the line, mocking me mercilessly. "Lana, I told you you'd regret this. If you had just stayed home and helped me make money, none of this would have happened. You brought this on yourself."Anger bubbled inside me, but I felt helpless. I managed to weakly ask, "What do you want?"His laughter became even more grating as he shouted, "Itâs too late, bitch! If you hadnât sent your sugar daddy after me, I might have considered it. Now, youâll have to deal with the consequences."He hung up, leaving me standing there, phone in hand, lost in confusion. My heart tightened as I weighed my options.I decided to call him back. My heart raced with anticipation a
LANAThe voice was all too familiar.I turned sharply, locking eyes with a pair of cold ones behind a maskâMaximum.Without thinking, I dashed toward him, not even realizing that Pedro had released his grip on me until I was wrapped tightly in Maximum's arms, burying my face against him."Maximum, who did you say is your girl?" I heard Pedro ask, his tone layered with meaning.I instinctively tensed.Maximum patted my back and replied, his voice icy, "Lana is my girl. Your opinion doesnât matter."My heart warmed at his words, and I looked up to see his masked face."Your girl? A woman who sleeps with men for money? Are you so unattractive that you had to settle for a well-known New York prostitute?" Pedro taunted.Agitation surged within me. I wanted to deny it, but Maximum's comforting touch eased my tension.He met Pedro's gaze calmly and said, word for word, "As I said, your opinions and ideas are irrelevant and won't change anything."I glanced back at Pedro, whose shocked expres
LANAHe cupped my chin and said, "Your past is your past. You can check online now."As he turned and walked away, I was left in stunned silence, watching him open the door and disappear. When I finally came to my senses, I remembered his words.I quickly pulled out my phone and checked all the major social media platforms, but to my shock, I couldn't find any of the videos or even the trends that should have been there. I was both shaken and exhilarated. I dashed toward the door, eager to find Maximum, but when I stepped outside, his car had already driven off into the distance. Helplessly, I watched it vanish.I called him repeatedly, but he wouldnât answer. Feeling dejected, I decided to grab a bite at a nearby restaurant. Even as I sat down to eat, I couldnât focus on my meal, my mind racing. I called him again, but still no response.After paying for my food, I stood up to leave and ran into Pedro.It felt too coincidental, especially with the wicked smirk on his face and the kno
LANAI'm not sure when my emotions spiraled out of control.I sprinted toward him, wrapping my arms around his neck tightly. The embrace felt possessive, and I poured my heart into it.I hadnât realized how much not seeing him for just an hour had affected me."I'm sorry," I whispered in his ear.In response, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.We stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. I lost all sense of time; I just didnât want to let go."Make love to me," I murmured weakly against his arm.He didnât reply, but lifted me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, burying my head in the crook of his neck.I shut my eyes tightly, ashamed to open them and see the judgmental gazes around us.All I could hear were voices and the sound of his footsteps.âWow! What a bold couple!â someone exclaimed, their surprise echoing in the air.My cheeks flushed as he carried me to his car. I stayed in his arms, refusing to let go.The driver started the car, and
LANAI knew he was hurt and disappointed, and I didnât want him to meet my mother for reasons I couldnât quite articulate. Taking a deep breath, I opened the ward door to find my mother cutting an orange."Lana!" she beamed at me.A wave of disgust washed over me. Her smile wasnât for me; it was because my biological father was back in her life."When were you going to tell me, Mom?" I asked, my voice shaky before I even realized it.Her expression shifted to confusion. "What are you saying, Lana?"Tears brimmed in my eyes, and I fought to keep them at bay. I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I wiped my eyes and glared at her. "You know what I mean. Stop trying to fool me. Heâs the reason youâre in the hospital, right? Heâs why youâve been acting so strange, right? And now youâre trying to be a good mother?"My voice cracked as I finished my tirade, and the weight of my hurt felt like a tight band around my chest.For three long minutes, she sat in silence, her ey
LANAI looked him in the eyes and said, "The Lana you knew is the one my stepdad sold to you. I donât sell my love or my body."Taking a deep breath, I added, "I love him for who he is, not for his wealth."As I moved toward the door, reaching for the doorknob, he suddenly burst into laughter.Confused, I turned back to him, wondering what was so funny."Lana, who are you trying to fool? Love doesnât exist. Itâs just a lie people use to manipulate and cheat you emotionally," Pedro said, his tone unwavering.Looking into his eyes, I realized he was irredeemable. He had been so broken by love that he had given up on it entirely."No matter how many betrayals and heartaches I face, I still believe in love. We all get hurt loving the wrong people, but when we love those who love us back, we realize love is a beautiful thing," I replied.He fell silent, and I couldnât tell if he was contemplating my words or simply dismissing them. I desperately wanted to leave.I opened the door and stepp
LANAThe car sped down the streets, and frustration bubbled inside me. I made a quick decision and booked a taxi on my phone. Just as I was about to get in, Pedro approached.âLana, look at how he abandoned you. He doesnât care about you like you care about him. What did you do to make him ignore you andââI spun around, cutting him off. âShut up!âI didnât realize my eyes were brimming with tears until I saw the surprise in his gaze. I faced him defiantly. âWhy are you doing this? Itâs not just hurting me; youâre ruining my happiness. When I was at my lowest, he came to me. He healed me. He gave me a reason to smileâĶâI wiped my tears angrily. âWhat youâre doing is trying to come between me and the person who gave me a chance to live a normal life, a chance to love and be loved.âHe stood there, speechless. I couldnât tell if he understood, but all I wanted was to see Maximum and explain everything.As I reached for the car door, Pedro grabbed my wrist. I turned to him, my expression
LANAI thought that would make Pedro give up, but when I returned to school after the weekend, I was taken aback by what happened next.A young man approached me, someone I had never seen before. "After school today, youâre going to get a big surprise," he said mysteriously.âWho are you?â I asked, but he simply turned and walked away, leaving me puzzled and unable to figure out what he meant.As I entered the school through the gate, I couldnât shake off the feeling of anticipation.Later that day, after school, I began to hear music. A voice was singing, and I couldnât quite make out the words.âHeâs so handsome! Who is he singing for?â I overheard a girl whisper to her friend.A sense of dread washed over me, and I quickened my pace toward the exit. When I stepped outside, I was stunned to see a van parked nearby, surrounded by speakers and musical equipment. A whole band was set up, and there was Pedro, holding a microphone and singing.My heart sank when he spotted me. There was
LANAI instinctively frowned as I looked at the flower bouquet and the card the girl was holding. I already had a good idea of who had sent it."I have a boyfriend," I told her firmly.But she acted as if she hadnât heard me. "The young man over there wants you to have it," she replied calmly.I turned to see Pedro leaning against a pillar, a smile on his face. He waved at me, then lowered his hand."Tell him I have a boyfriend," I reiterated, then turned and walked away without looking back.After school, I stepped outside to find Pedro waiting for me at the gate. To my dismay, six other people stood nearby, all holding flower bouquets and cards. The sight was overwhelming, and I felt a mix of frustration and discomfort knowing they were all there for me.I approached him, knowing he wouldnât let me slip away easily."Pedro, why are you still here?" I asked, my irritation bubbling just beneath the surface.He smiled warmly, a look that sent a shiver down my spine. I was used to the c
LANAHis words sent a chill down my spine, and I stared at him, unsure of how to respond.He must have sensed my turmoil because he continued, "Lana, I didnât mean to frighten you. I tried to keep it to myself, but I couldnât. Youâve consumed my thoughtsâI canât eat, drink, or think straight. My whole world feels meaningless without you..."I couldnât let him finish. "Please, stop," I interrupted, my heart racing.He looked at me, disappointment etched on his face. I stood up, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. "You know I have a boyfriend. Did Maximum put you up to this?"He shook his head and stood up too, his gaze steady. "Lana, this is about my feelings for you. Itâs not about anyone else. I hope you can understand that."The more he spoke, the more irritated I became. "Just stop, okay? Take me back to where you picked me up."I turned on my heel and walked toward the exit, desperate to escape the chaos in my mind. I was done with this conversation; he was only complicating eve
LANAMy mother smiled gently, and it only fueled my anger. I couldn't stand her hypocritical facade.It hit me hard that she wasn't denying the truthâmy heart ached as I realized that neither my biological father nor my mother wanted me.None of them wanted me.My dad had rejected me as an infant.My mom had turned her back on me as I grew older.I thought I could accept this brutal reality, but then the tears came.I hated feeling this way.I looked at my mother, a complete stranger in that moment. She sat there calmly, her face a mask of indifference.In that instant, I understood: my pain meant nothing to her."Are you sending me away just to win his approval?" I asked, my heart heavy with hurt.She stared back at me, her smile a hollow thing, and said, "Stop blaming him."I knew there was no point in talking to her anymore. I turned away, leaving with the remnants of my shattered heart.I was taken aback to see Maximum standing just a few meters away. I had thought heâd gone back
LANAI knew I was wrong, but I didnât want to admit it.Jealousy gnawed at me, knowing someone else had his heart. He had deceived me, making me feel like a fool.I just stared at him in silence, wrapping the duvet tighter around myself.He ran his fingers through his hair, frustration etched on his face. I could see the anger and confusion in his eyes, and my heart ached for him, even amidst my own turmoil.Turning away, I interrupted him, âLana, I know I was wrong to test your love and loyalty, bâââThereâs no need to feel guilty,â I cut him off. âIâve accepted my place in your heart and your life. I donât want muchâplease donât give me false hope.âI slipped off the bed and headed to the shower. After washing up, I emerged to find only breakfast waiting for me.Maximum was nowhere to be found. After I ate, boredom settled in, so I switched on the television.A female reporter appeared on the screen, her voice serious.âReporting from the scene of a recent crime, authorities are in
LANAShe looked into my eyes with a blank expression and said, "Youâre too emotional, Lana. We need to forget the past. Thereâs a brighter future ahead, and Iâve decided to be a good mother to you and a better person in general."As I stared at her, my heart ached, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Deep down, I knew her changes werenât for me; they were for my biological father. To her, I was just a stepping stone or an obstacle, and that realization cut deep.I replied, "I donât see a future with you. I hope you find happiness, Mom."I turned away and reached for the doorknob. Just as I was about to pull it open, I heard her voice behind me. "Lana, if you change your mind, you can come back. Iâll be waiting."In that moment, my resentment for her only grew.Fuck her and her plans for the future.As I stepped out of the ward, I saw Maximum leaning against the wall, hands stuffed in his pockets.When he opened his eyes and turned to me, his expression was blank. I couldn't decipher wha
LANAI opened the door to my mother's ward and found her sitting on the bed, dressed in a clean outfit. For the first time, her hair was neatly styled and treated. She looked so differentâso beautiful. I had always known my mom was pretty, but seeing her like this made me realize the version of her I had grown up with was just a shadow of her true self.âLana,â she called out warmly, a smile lighting up her face. She seemed calm, her voice soft and inviting.I could hardly believe my ears. I never expected my mom to carry herself with such sophistication and grace. In an instant, she felt like a refined lady, a stark contrast to the woman I had known all my life.Confusion washed over me. Why did she look so different? This was not the mother who fought in the streets, who gambled with thugs and could take them down whenever she wanted. This wasnât the woman who drank herself into a stupor, getting into arguments and causing chaos. That version of her had been a mess, someone I had le
LANAI glanced at my screen and saw Pedro was calling.Furrowing my brows, I wondered why he always seemed to call at the perfect moment. I reached for my phone and answered.âLana, I hope youâre not going to stand me up. Iâve already sent you the address. Itâs important to know the truth,â he said, his voice urgent.Nerves bubbled up inside me, especially after hearing Maximumâs words while he slept last night. I opened my mouth to ask why he couldnât just tell me over the phone, but before I could say anything, he hung up.Frustration washed over me. I lay on the bed, feeling restless. New York felt suffocating without Maximum around. Was I really so dependent on him that his absence made me feel lost?By 4 PM, I had dressed and left the hotel, taking a taxi to meet Pedro.When I arrived at the coffee shop, it was empty except for him, sitting by the window. He turned as I walked in and waved me over, a grin spreading across his face.I took a deep breath and approached, sitting dow