I sat on the swivel chair, occasionally checking if my friends had unblocked me. I don't know if I said or did something wrong for them to behave this way towards me. They blocked me without giving any explanation. I gritted my teeth when I saw my mother calling. I took a deep breath before answering her call. "What are you doing, Caroline? Alexander told me everything. He said you're refusing to go on a date with him. He's your-" "He's what? My boyfriend?" I interrupted her. I took a deep breath and smiled. "He's not my boyfriend, Mom. Why are you so insistent on that guy? I'm tired of arguing with you." "He's your boyfriend, Caroline. It would help if you dated him. That's an order from your mother! Or else -" "Or else, what? Are you threatening me to take all my cards or block them all? Don't you have any other reason, Mom? Even if you take all my money, I don't care! I won't date him!" I exclaimed angrily. "We need him, Caroline! We need their help for our company! We're on
Two weeks have passed since I last saw Miguel. He's on leave to help his mother take care of Michelle. I wanted to visit the hospital, but I couldn't leave as Alexander was always following me. For now, Mr. Berto is my temporary bodyguard and driver while Miguel is away. Alexander now picks me up and drops me off whenever I finish work late. Alexander's sudden change surprises me. I never thought I could spend a week with him without arguing or raising my voice at him. I'm still getting used to all his actions. I am pleased with the positive feedback from my coworkers about Alexander. Even they are surprised because he always smiles when they greet him. "Hi, Love. How was your work?" Alexander asked as he kissed my forehead. He had just returned from the rehabilitation center. "It's okay," I replied while focusing on my laptop. "Are you hungry? I'll order our food." I looked up at him. He was already seated on the couch. "I want to eat pizza," I said and returned my gaze to my l
"Miguel..." I tried to interject with logic, but it came out as a moan. I placed my hand on his shoulder. His kisses returned to my lips, but this time with more intensity. His right leg is now positioned between my thighs, hitting a sensitive spot. With his passionate kisses, I reciprocated eagerly. I lost myself in the moment, not even realizing that I instinctively moved my waist to feel him more. "Miguel, we're in the..." my rational mind attempted to protest, but it was the last straw. His response was to lift me onto my table. There was barely enough space, and things were falling off, but he didn't care. He placed me on the table without hesitation. I cursed in my mind as I thought about the documents I still needed to read. "Is this what you wear when you're with your boyfriend?" I swallowed hard. He tightened his grip on me. "No. He's not my boyfriend. You know I don't like him." I blinked rapidly, feeling a flutter of anticipation. His hand moved from my waist to the s
I looked at myself in the large mirror before leaving the office. "My suit is so wrinkled," I said to Miguel as we entered the elevator. He took off his suit and handed it to me. "You can wear my coat," he said, draping it over my shoulders. "This wouldn't have been wrinkled if you knew how to control yourself," I glanced at him. His hand slipped into his pants pocket. He chuckled. "Why didn't you stop me? I'm not the only one who couldn't control myself, Caroline." I raised an eyebrow at him. "It's fair now. We're fuck buddies, as you said. We can't just do that whenever you want. I have needs too." I gave him a stern look. "Be careful with your words. Someone might overhear you." He just laughed at me. I rolled my eyes and put on his coat. The elevator rang, and the doors opened. Miguel stepped out first, and I followed. I walked quickly, noticing that the surroundings were getting darker. I held onto Miguel's arm. He furrowed his brow, looking at my hand tightly gripping hi
I continued to gaze at him, not expecting him to confess so soon."I like her, Caroline. But liking her is a big mistake," he said."Why? There's nothing wrong with loving someone," I remarked."We're not meant for each other. I thought I could easily forget my feelings for her when she went abroad. But no, I longed for Love Rein's presence back then.""Hey, you shouldn't have rejected her feelings for you. What if you were the reason why she went to another country to study? What if you admitted to her that you both felt the same? There might have been a chance for you two."I felt Miguel slow down the car. The surroundings were quiet, with only a few cars passing by."I have no intention of confessing to her. I chose to hide my feelings for her. She doesn't know I have feelings for her." "Maybe this is the right time for you to tell Love Rein how you truly feel, Miguel. This is your chance." Miguel shook his head. "It's too late. She's getting married." I bit my lower lip. Miguel
I first went to our home’s mini-bar to drink alcohol. I didn't like what Cecile said before she left the living room. I poured myself some whiskey. I drank it straight from the bottle without bothering to get a glass.I closed my eyes as I remembered what happened to Julian, my gay friend. He's gay but dresses like a man. He doesn't wear feminine clothes, so sometimes people mistake us for a couple when they don't know Julian's real gender.Julian works in our company as an accountant. Julian had just started his job when Alexander began pursuing me. Julian is aware of Alexander's actions. However, Alexander isn't aware that the man I'm always with when I go out shopping is gay. I had no idea that Alexander followed him, beat him, and almost killed him after finding out he was gay. I only found out about what happened to Julian when he went abroad for treatment.I took another gulp of whiskey from the bottle before returning it to the mini-bar. Until now, the pain of what happened to
I poured water into my glass and took a sip. I arranged my utensils. I felt hungry, but suddenly lost my appetite."I'm done. Enjoy your breakfast. I'll go change now," I said before standing up."You’re done already? Why did you eat so little? Are you on a diet?" Mommy asked, looking at my plate. "You need to eat well; you might get sick. What will Mr. Mercedez think? He might think I'm a neglectful mother."I sighed. I thought she was concerned about me. She was more concerned about what the Mercedez family would think if I got sick."I'm full now," I said with a smile."Don't worry about her, Mom. She's grown up; she can take care of herself," Cecile interjected before taking a sip of cold juice."Just let her go. She still has to work," Daddy said coldly. I just smiled at them before turning away."Anyway, she needs to work because she's not part of the—""Cecile!" Daddy snapped.I immediately looked at them. Cecile maintained her smile, one hand covering her mouth. I clenched bot
"Good morning, Ma'am Caroline!" Nika greeted me as I entered the meeting room. She then turned to Miguel, who was following me. "He's my bodyguard," I said and glanced at Miguel. His face was serious as he looked at me. "This is Nika. She's Daddy's secretary," I introduced. Miguel smiled before speaking. "Good morning, Ma'am Nika!" Miguel extended his hand, which Nika readily accepted. Nika's gaze lingered on Miguel. She was almost reluctant to let go of his hand. She had a big smile as she looked at Miguel. I cleared my throat and smiled at Nika when she noticed me watching them. "Nice to meet you, M-Miguel," Nika said, still with a smile on her lips. "Miguel, you can carry my bag now," I told Miguel, and he nodded. I scanned the room. My eyes widened as I noticed the female employees looking at us. I walked towards them, following their gazes until I was a few inches away from Miguel. I swallowed and covered my mouth as all the women focused on Miguel. I coughed, trying to reg
I let out a loud laugh as Cecile fumed, her face red with anger. The important people had already left the company, leaving just us behind. She ran her fingers through her disheveled hair and glared at me with pure hatred.“Are you kidding me? Don’t you have anything better to do with your life? What the hell are you doing here? Weren’t you the one who said you’d forget about us as your family? Then why are you here now?”“Throw this woman out if you don’t want to—”“Aunt Glenda, I’m not the one who should be leaving,” I cut her off with a smirk.“W-What? You just called me Aunt?” She gasped, disbelief etched across her face.“What else should I call you?” I raised an eyebrow. “Aunt? That works, since my mother was your sister.”“Caroline, what are you talking about?” Daddy interjected, his voice sharp. “Watch your tone when speaking to Glenda. And who told you that she and your mother were sisters?”“Why, Dad? Did I say anything offensive?” I gave him a bitter smile. “Am I still supp
“Good morning, Kalix,” I greeted him as he saw me cooking in the kitchen.“Mommy?” he said, his eyes widening in surprise. He had grown used to me being locked in my room, crying and refusing to eat. “Good morning, Mommy!” His smile stretched from ear to ear before he ran toward me.I welcomed him with a tight hug, savoring the warmth of his laughter.Lena, Belen, and Norma could hardly believe their eyes when they saw me up early, cooking breakfast.How could I not be productive?The videos I uploaded were starting to go viral.I couldn’t wait to see Cecile swarmed by reporters, forcibly removed from her position.Even in the bathroom, I found myself singing as I showered.I couldn’t stop thinking about how they would handle the scandal that Cecile and Alexander had caused years ago.After all, she was the one who dragged Alexander’s name into the conversation—even though he had been dead for a long time.---“Ma’am Caroline!” Lena’s urgent voice came with a series of knocks on my do
I had been locked in my room for an entire week. Even the simplest tasks—bathing, wiping myself—felt like a struggle.I had lost my appetite.All I did was drink water.I was ashamed. Ashamed of Lena and my two helpers, who had to witness me like this.But I was also grateful. They were taking care of Kalix.At least someone was.---“Ma’am Caroline, I cooked your favorite food,” Belen said as she entered my room, smiling. She carried a tray of steaming dishes.The rich aroma of pork stew filled the air, mixing with the scent of other familiar foods she had prepared.But I felt nothing. No hunger. No interest.Even if she cooked all my favorite meals, it wouldn’t change anything.“Just put it on the table, Belen,” I said, my gaze distant.She hesitated before placing the tray on the bed instead.“Eat while the soup is still warm,” she coaxed gently. “You might not want it later if it gets cold.”I glanced at the table.The food they had brought me this morning was still there—untouche
I cried endlessly after leaving the hotel, clutching the urn that was said to contain Mommy’s ashes. Unable to bear it any longer, I opened it.Inside, I found a small box. Wiping my tears, I carefully took it out, my hands trembling.A customized photo locket necklace. Old. Worn.My attention was drawn to the pendant. Slowly, I opened it—and fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.Inside was a tiny photo. I was crying when it was taken, and Mommy... Mommy was smiling.My gaze dropped back to the box when I noticed more pictures inside.“Mommy...” I whispered, my voice breaking, as I pulled out the photographs.They were of us—when I was just a child, unaware of the cruelty of the world.As I looked through them one by one, the ache in my chest deepened. It felt like I couldn’t breathe.She was probably gone.For all these years, I had never known what it was like to be loved by a mother. I had always searched for that warmth, that care.I only found out about her last night. Now, I was d
I sat down on the floor and immediately hugged the urn. I didn’t know whether to believe what Don Ernesto had just said. Just last night, Lena told me that my real mother was still alive.“My real mother is still alive...” I murmured, staring at the urn. “I just found out last night that she was still alive.”Don Ernesto took a deep breath. “She passed away peacefully two years ago, hija.”I clutched my chest as a sharp pain tightened around my heart. Breathing became difficult. I shook my head.“Mommy is still alive.” I forced a smile and placed the urn on the floor. “She’s not dead yet. I’ll find her. I’ll find a way to bring her back.” I took a deep breath, holding back the tears stinging my eyes. “I saw the video. I saw how my own family abused her. This isn’t funny, Sir. If you’re mad at me because your precious life was put in danger, then fine—I’m sorry. But don’t play with my mother’s life like this. This is not a joke.”“I’m not joking, hija. And I’m not angry with you either
I sighed. I wanted to leave. My bitter smile remained as my eyes stayed fixed on their intertwined hands.“We are dating, Caroline,” Cecile repeated, her voice laced with warning. “If you’re planning to take Miguel away from me, you know where to find me.”I covered my mouth, laughing. She’s acting like a jealous girlfriend when they’re not even real.“I have no plans to take him from you, Ate. I’m happy with my life now. I’m free. I can do whatever I want.” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear before continuing, “Maybe you’re forgetting—he was mine before he was yours.”I met her glare head-on. “So don’t talk to me like that, Cecile. I don’t make a habit of stealing. Unlike you… who has a history of taking what isn’t yours.”“What did you just say?!” Cecile shrieked. She raised her hand to slap me, but I caught her wrist mid-air.“Try it,” I dared, tightening my grip. “Hit me and see what happens. I’ve been holding back for so long, but not anymore. I won’t let you bully me
I searched for more articles, specifically about the Gutierrez family. That’s when I discovered the truth—Roxanne Gutierrez, my real mother, and Glenda, my mother-in-law, are sisters.Daddy was Chairman Ricardo Gutierrez’s right-hand man and the husband of his eldest daughter.After reading multiple sources, even though years had passed, I began to piece everything together.The fire in their mansion wasn’t an accident.Everything was planned.There was a strong possibility that Daddy married Mommy Glenda because he believed he would inherit the company through her. But instead, the company was passed down to Roxanne Gutierrez.Daddy had a relationship with Roxanne before… because he had evil intentions.A sharp pain pulsed in my temples. I pressed my fingers against my head, groaning. I glanced at the wall clock—it was already past three in the morning.And I still hadn’t finished my work.My mind was spinning. What should I focus on now?Should I finish my work? Or should I finish w
I felt my entire body tremble. It was as if my breath had caught in my throat, refusing to escape, after hearing what Lena had just said.“M-My real mother is alive?” I asked in disbelief, my voice barely above a whisper. My breath hitched when Lena nodded.“Inside that CD, you’ll see how they abused Ma’am Roxanne. They kept her locked up in an underground facility, but I don’t know exactly where, Ma’am.”“No… this can’t be true, Lena…” I shook my head, refusing to believe it.“They wouldn’t be hunting me down if I were lying to you, Ma’am Caroline.” Lena’s grip tightened on my hand. “I won’t force you to believe me. Just watch the CD. That will prove I’m telling the truth.”She took a deep breath before continuing. “At first, I didn’t understand why they were looking for me. But when they killed my parents, they left a note at our house. They said that if I didn’t return the CD, they would kill me too. Terrified, I ran away and hid.”I stared at the CD in my hands, my chest tightenin
When the woman left, I also made my way out, my chest rising and falling as I struggled to catch my breath. Back in my office, I grabbed a glass of water and took a few sips, but for some reason, I was still sweating. The air conditioner was running loudly, yet it did nothing to ease the heat I felt.I forced myself to focus, diving back into the financial documents to complete the reports Miguel had assigned me. It was almost six o’clock in the evening, yet I was still nowhere near finished. My shift had officially ended at five, but I couldn’t leave yet—I was waiting for Manager Amelita. She hadn’t shown up today, and I needed to ask her something. I didn’t want to make a mistake on Miguel’s report, or else he might humiliate and insult me.My phone vibrated on the desk, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw Belen’s name. I immediately answered.“Mommy, what time will you be home? I’m waiting for you so we can have dinner together.”I checked the wall clock