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
I was catching my breath after Miguel ate my pearl of the Orient. He unbuttoned his pants. His large manhood was exposed, as if ready to go to war. My cheeks flushed as I remembered what I had done before. I sat properly, watching him undress his boxer shorts. I repeatedly bit my lip as he took off his boxers. His manhood stood erect. I wanted to touch it, to taste it, to play with it. "Is this your way of courting me?" I asked. My gaze was still fixed on his manhood. "Don't you like it?" He held his manhood. "I'm just curious why you didn't agree to be my boyfriend. You still want to court me," I replied. "Don't answer me because you know I have feelings for you. I want us to have mutual feelings before you answer me. I'm not rushing you. I want you to think about your decision carefully. I don't want you to regret your decision, Caroline." I couldn't speak. I was tongue-tied by what he said. He made a point that mutual feelings are important before I answer him. But in my case
I lent Miguel some clothes. I have plenty of large garments that I don't use anymore. I also finished tending to his wounds and bruises. "Why don't you just sleep here? Stay with me," I said while preparing some milk. I got some food from the mini-fridge and placed it on the table. "You know that's not possible, Caroline." He stood up and helped me carry the food. "Someone might see us. I also need to go back to my room in case your Dad looks for me." "I'll lock my room. They won't be able to open it because it's locked from the inside." I peeled an orange. "What you're thinking is dangerous. I don't want to lose my job, and I don't want to ruin your life if they find out about us." He fed me a piece of chocolate. "Just for tonight. Please, Miguel. I'm scared to sleep alone, especially since the police haven't caught Ken yet, and all the policemen who were with you died earlier." He held my hands. "I'll leave once you fall asleep." "Don't you want to sleep beside me?" I tried t
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
I ordered Daddy’s men to get him some water. They tried to approach him, but his men blocked their way.“Samson, we’re not in a relationship—”“Are you still going to deny it even now, when it’s already too late?” I asked Glenda. I helped Daddy sit down, relieved that he let me assist him.When the men I had sent returned, I immediately gave Daddy the water. Once he felt a little better, I took his cellphone and searched for his personal doctor’s number.“Come to the company right away. Daddy needs you,” I ordered before hanging up.“This is your fault! He’s struggling again because of you—”“Shut your mouth, Cecile!” Daddy scolded her authoritatively. I grinned to myself.“Daddy, she’s just trying to stir up trouble! Why are you believing that woman? We’re your family!” Cecile shouted.But Daddy suddenly laughed, catching my attention. “Family? Can we even call this a family after what I just found out about your mother’s betrayal?”“You cheated on Mommy first, Dad!” Cecile shot back
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