CAROLINE'S POV I slowly opened my eyes when I felt a cold hand touch my face. My vision was still blurry. "You're awake," I heard a familiar voice. My eyes widened when I saw Ken Salazar's face. "Good morning, Baby." I sat up abruptly and quickly got out of bed. I hugged myself. "Where am I? Where did you take me?" I asked anxiously. I looked at myself. I was wearing different clothes. "I brought you to my house, Caroline." He answered coldly. He tried to touch me, but I quickly stood up and got off the bed. "Don't touch me! Stay away from me!" I shouted at him. He smirked and stood up. He fixed my bed. "What's wrong, Caroline? I just took you away from your boyfriend. We both know he's a bad guy." "Do you want me to thank you for what you did? You're doing the wrong thing, Ken. Take me back to my family!" "No! I can't take you back there. Stay here, Caroline. You're mine!" His voice suddenly became louder. I stepped back. "You're mine. I won't let you go to any other man!"
I slapped Ken hard when he tried to kiss me. "I'll never be your bride!" I shouted angrily, and I was about to slap him again, but he caught my hand. "You're my bride, Caroline! Three days left, and we'll get married!" Ken said, tightening his grip on my hand. "Let me go!" I complained, trying to pull my hand away from him. "I don't love you! We can't get married! Marriage is for two people who love each other, Ken! You're not the one I love!" "That's not possible! You should only love me..." He stroked my cheek. "I won't let any other man have your heart!" "Let me go, Ken! I don't love you! You're crazy!" "No!" he yelled angrily and pushed me roughly onto the bed. My heart raced when he suddenly took off his long white white sleeve. "You're mine. I own you, Caroline." I quickly stood up as he approached me. I was about to run, but he grabbed my dress. I hugged myself when I heard the ripping sound of my dress. I fell face-first on the floor when I tripped. When I looked up, Ke
I nervously stepped out of the bathroom, seeing the phone's owner. She was taking down the dirty curtains in the room. I clutched my chest. "Are you okay?" Ken asked me. He helped me walk to the soft bed. "I was worried when I heard you were feeling unwell. Did you eat something you didn't like?" I looked at him. His eyes were full of concern. If I hadn't experienced trauma with him, I would have thought he was sincere. I removed his hand from my waist. "I-I'm fine, Ken. I'm feeling a little better." "Does anything hurt? Do you want me to call our family doctor for—" I put my two fingers on his lips to silence him. "No need. I'm fine. Don't overreact." I looked back at the old maid. My eyes widened when I saw her fumbling in her pocket where she put the phone. I just focused my attention on Ken. "I'm going to rest for a while, Ken," I said, pretending to be weak. "Are you sure you're okay? I'll call Dr. Whale to check on you." I grabbed Ken's hand as he was about to leave. He
I woke up when I heard something fall and break. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep. "Have mercy on me, Ken. I'm suffering—Ah!" I peeked through a small hole when I heard the woman who helped me earlier cry out. My eyes widened when I saw Ken. The woman's hands and feet were chained. He was undressing her while she cried. I was about to stand up, but the woman suddenly looked at me. She shook her head. "Stop it, Ken. I'm so tired. Just let me go," the woman pleaded. "No, Clarissa. I won't let you go until I see Caroline," Ken said. He kissed Clarissa on the neck. She struggled, but Ken just laughed. "I'll only let you go when we're married. I'll do to her what I'm doing to you." "You're a demon! I thought you were an angel who fell from heaven. You're the devil's son!" Clarissa shouted angrily. "Just watch your words, Clarissa. You're still my wife," Ken said, which shocked me. "In the eyes of God, you're not my husband! You're a criminal! Our marriage is fake!" Clarissa stru
I quickly closed the door after we went out. The door was double-locked, so it would be hard for him to open it since we had the key. "Just leave me, Caroline. Run away. Save yourself," Clarissa said as I helped her down the stairs. "I won't leave you here. We'll get out of this together, Clarissa!" I adjusted the blanket wrapped around her body. "Just trust me," I whispered. "Ma'am Clarissa!" When we reached the bottom, we stopped walking and looked to see who was calling her. I closed my eyes when I saw Ken's men heading towards us. "Run away, Caroline. Just leave me here!" Clarissa shouted. She pushed me away from her. I pulled her instead of leaving her and letting Ken's men catch up. "I'll never leave you here!" We worked together to open the door with Clarissa. We both fell when Ken's men suddenly fired. I stood up and tried to open the locked door. I smiled when I managed to open it. I helped Clarissa stand up until we got out. Ken's men chased us. I looked at Clarissa.
I clung to Miguel's waist. It felt like electricity coursed through my body when he held my hand. I peeked at Ken. I swallowed when I saw his men surrounding us. "We're cornered," Alexander whispered. "You'll give them to me, or I'll kill you right here on my territory," Ken threatened. I felt Miguel's tight grip on my hand. "Let's see who dies first," Miguel challenged. My eyes widened when I heard a loud explosion at Ken's mansion. Everyone turned to see the burning house. "What the—Ah!" Ken shouted when he looked back because Miguel shot his left leg. His men immediately helped him. Clarissa wanted to go to him, but Alexander quickly stopped her. They all fired at Ken's other men. I covered my two ears and closed my eyes. I almost fell when Miguel pulled me away. I heard his sharp curses when they suddenly fired at us. We took cover behind a large hardwood tree. So did Alexander and Clarissa. "Do you know how to use a gun?" Miguel asked me. I widened my eyes when he handed
Alexander clung to the seat as I tied the cloth around his shoulder. He cried out in pain as I was finishing. "Damn it! I'll kill them all!" he muttered. He shook his head against the seat. He was catching his breath. "Hold on tight!" Miguel shouted. I cursed when he suddenly turned. My soul almost left my body because of how fast he was driving. I was barely able to move because I was afraid of falling. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw a road. There were many passing cars. When I looked at the enemy's car, they suddenly stopped. "We'll go straight to the nearest hospital to get the bullet out of your shoulder, Sir Alexander." Miguel sped up even more. Alexander didn't speak, so I answered. "Okay, Miguel. Alexander's turning pale," I said. "I'm fine. Don't stop, or the enemies might catch up. Just go straight home. I have my doctor there. He'll treat me," Alexander said. He sat up straight. I cringed when he suddenly pulled me and hugged me. I just let Alexander. I didn't
I wrapped my arms around Miguel's neck and followed the movement of his lips. I felt his hand moving on my back. He was writing something, but I didn't understand because I was busy kissing him.He suddenly stopped kissing me. I looked at him. "This is wrong," he said. He took my hand, which was wrapped around his neck."W-Why?" I wrapped my arms around his waist. "I thought you missed me?""What we're doing is wrong, Caroline," Miguel said hoarsely. It felt like cold water was poured over me in embarrassment. He held my two legs. He stroked them."Is there a problem, Miguel?" I asked. I searched for his eyes. He didn't want to look directly at me. "Don't you want to? Are you tired of me?""You are my problem, Caroline," he answered. I felt like I lost all my strength. "What we're doing is wrong. You have a boyfriend, and everyone knows it. I don't want to reach a point where anyone finds out what we're doing. I don't want to ruin your and your family's reputation.""Is that all you t
MIGUEL'S POV "You're just her bodyguard," the guy flirting with Caroline laughed. He tried to touch Caroline's arm, but I quickly grabbed his hand."Don't touch her if you don't want to meet St. Peter," I threatened. I pulled Caroline away from him.Nico smirked. I’d wanted to punch him since I saw them kissing. I felt betrayed. I knew Caroline wasn’t mine. I confessed my feelings, but that didn’t mean she liked me too.“I can take her to my condo. Caroline and I talked earlier. She wants to go with me,” he said proudly.My blood boiled with anger even more. I had to control myself because my friend owned this bar. I didn’t want to cause a scene.“I’ll take her home. She doesn’t need to go with you. She’s drunk, she doesn’t know what she’s doing and saying.”I gasped when Caroline hugged me. She was smiling while touching my stomach. I waved to Tommy when I caught his eye. He owned this bar.“Is there a problem, Miggy?” he asked, looking at Nico. “Is this your boss’s son? Seems like
I smiled and leaned in closer. He tried to kiss me, but I moved away. He tightened his grip on my waist.“Do you want to come to my condo?” he asked as he danced, pressing his body against mine.I suddenly thought, "I don’t know this guy. I just wanted to have fun, but I didn’t want to go with him."“I’ll think about it,” I answered. I continued dancing. I took his hand off my waist and put it on my shoulder.I was facing away from him as I danced. I stopped dancing when my eyes caught sight of Miguel. He was glaring at me angrily. I rolled my eyes and faced the guy again.“By the way, what’s your name?” I accepted the drink the waiter gave me.“I’m Nico. But you can call me babe.” He fixed my loose hair.I suddenly laughed at his cheesiness. “Nice name, Nico. I’m Caroline,” I introduced myself.“Let’s have another glass?” he asked.I immediately nodded. He pulled me to the bartender. We were given a glass of wine each. I frowned when I tasted it. It tasted different. This was the fir
The dark-skinned woman rolled her eyes. She looked me up and down again. I didn’t back down. I stared at her too. She was beautiful. Her skin wasn’t dirty at all. I just wanted to tease her. She had large breasts and a beautiful body curve.“Caroline?”We all turned when I heard Amira’s voice. My eyes widened when I saw what she was wearing. Her breasts were almost spilling out of her strapless dress. She walked towards us, holding a drink.“How are you? When will you revisit Michelle?” Amira asked. I swallowed when she suddenly hugged me.“You know each other?” asked the three women. Their eyes shifted between me and Amira.“Yes. She’s Miguel’s friend. She’s also the daughter of Miguel’s boss,” Amira answered. Amira’s forehead furrowed when she noticed the expressions on their faces. “Why are you looking like that? You look like the world has ended.”“You’re friends with this woman?” asked the woman with short hair. “She insulted us, Amira. She even called us smelly and said we smell
A man approached Miguel and put his hand on his shoulder.“I don’t care if you’re her date,” the man said, glancing at me. “I’m going to teach him a lesson!”My eyes widened as the man suddenly punched Miguel. But Miguel quickly dodged the punch, sending the man sprawling to the ground. I got out of the car and pulled Miguel away from the man.A few men approached us, presumably the man’s friends. They helped him to his feet.“Let me go!” the man yelled angrily and kicked the men helping him up.“Drake, that’s enough. You’re drunk. Don’t start any trouble!” shouted a man with dark skin and curly hair.“I’m going to teach that woman a lesson! How dare she call me a b-” He didn’t finish his sentence before he threw up.“Let’s just take him home. He’s drunk,” said one of his companions, who had slanted eyes. He looked at us. “Guys, please excuse our friend. He doesn’t know how to control himself when he’s drunk. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”Miguel just nodded. He put his arm arou
I excitedly entered my room. I searched for clothes in my suitcase that I could wear. I found a black strapless silk dress. I looked at myself in the big mirror. After I got dressed, I put on light makeup just enough so that the swelling of my eyes wouldn’t be noticeable.“I’m done!” I announced when I came out of my room. I furrowed my brow when I saw what Miguel was wearing. “We’re going to a bar.”He was wearing a black suit and black pants. In his outfit, he looked like a mafia boss, and he became even more handsome.“I don’t have anything else to wear, Caroline. You’re the only one who’s going to drink. I’m your bodyguard. I’ll watch over you while you’re partying,” he said gruffly.Sometimes I wonder if he works for my family. Since we became close, our way of addressing each other became casual. I can also show myself to him, the real me.He opened the car door for me. I immediately got in. I looked at myself in the mirror. I adjusted my eyeliner and eyeshadow.“Fasten your sea
I wanted to go with him to ease the problems I was thinking about. But I immediately changed my mind when I heard Love Rein’s name again.“Love Rein was asking what your favorite foods are. She plans to visit here.” Miguel sat on the floor.I closed my eyes before facing him. I forced a smile. “Did you tell her where I’m living now?”Miguel nodded. “She wants to be friends with you. There’s nothing wrong with that, I think -”“I need some privacy, Miguel! It would help if you hadn’t told her where I live. Why are you so impulsive? You didn’t even ask me if I wanted to be friends with her or not. I know you’re friends with her. You two have a history, especially since you have feelings for each other. You’re friends with her, Miguel. I’m not. You shouldn’t have told her where I live!”“I told her the address of your house, Caroline. I didn’t tell her you’re living in the condo,” said Miguel. I covered my mouth. “I won’t force you to be friends with her if you don’t want to.” He stood u
I stayed in my room all day. I wanted to be alone, so I told Miguel to go grocery shop for food.I opened my social media accounts, hoping my friends had unblocked me. My shoulders slumped when I saw that I was still blocked in their social media accounts.I created a new account. I followed them all and immediately sent them messages. I placed my phone on the table after I sent them messages on their respective social media accounts.I continued sipping the warm soup Miguel cooked. He’s a good cook. It was like I was eating at an expensive restaurant. I looked at the rice Miguel put on my plate earlier. I swallowed when I finished it all. It was the first time I ate that much rice again.I picked up my phone when I noticed someone was calling. I smiled with joy when I saw Avery’s name. I quickly answered it."Hello, Ave!" I tried to adjust my voice so she wouldn’t notice I had been crying. "Ave? Avery? Are you there?" I asked when she didn’t answer.I heard her clear her throat on th
I grabbed a large suitcase and packed my belongings. I took my car keys before leaving my room. As I opened the door, I saw Daddy standing by the side."Caroline, let's talk first. Don't leave—""We have nothing to talk about, Dad. You lied to me. You made me a fool!" I yelled, dragging my suitcase down the stairs. Daddy followed me. I quickened my pace. "What reason do I have to stay in this house, Dad? Mommy is furious with me. I don't want to add to her problems."I caught Cecile in the living room. She was watching TV, and her smile stretched from ear to ear when she saw my large suitcase."Want me to see you out?" she asked sarcastically."That's enough, Cecile! Don't talk to your sister like that!" Daddy scolded her."Why, Dad? She's the one who wants to leave the house. We're not kicking her out. But it's good that she's leaving so there will be fewer people to feed." She rolled her eyes.I smiled. My whole life, I've been trying to get their attention. Now she calls me a freel
Mommy lowered the glass she was holding. She grabbed another cigarette and lit it. It was like I wasn't even there in front of them."Why aren't you answering my question?" I turned to Mommy's friends. "Do you know anything about who I am?"They didn't answer. They just looked down. I gasped."Oh, there's Samson. We're going home, Glenda," Tita Monique said. She stood up and grabbed her bag.Mommy just nodded and took a sip of her cigarette. "Be careful on the road. Thanks for visiting. Just text or call me when we go to the casino again.""Are you leaving?" Daddy asked Mommy's friends when he arrived."Yes, Samson. Samantha and I have somewhere to be. We'll leave you for now," Tita Monique answered. She pulled Tita Samantha outside even though she wasn't done putting on her makeup."How are you feeling, hija?" Daddy asked me. He tried to hold my hand, but I quickly pulled it away."Are you my father from outside, Dad?" I asked. His eyes widened. He turned to Mommy and Cecile."What k