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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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
I felt a pang of relief after Manager Amelita left. But that relief quickly faded when I remembered what she had said—Miguel’s office was right next to mine. The thought alone made me want to go home to the condo.Frustrated, I forced myself to focus and began reading the hotel’s financial records.Halfway through, a wave of drowsiness washed over me. I glanced around, hoping to find a coffee maker, but there was nothing. The office was sparsely furnished, containing only a few essentials.A sudden knock on the door made me look up. I adjusted my skirt, noticing it had risen slightly, before making my way to the door.My grip on the doorknob tightened the moment I saw Miguel standing there. His forehead creased as soon as he laid eyes on me. Without a word, he handed me a stack of documents. I swallowed hard before accepting them.“Good day, Sir—”“Read and review these documents. Prepare a financial report. I need it on my desk before ten tomorrow morning.”I stared at the sheer volu
I didn’t understand what Miss Yollie was saying. It felt like I had gone deaf. My eyes remained fixed on Miguel, my body frozen in place. I only looked away when she nodded.Miss Yollie handed him my resume. I clenched my fists as I watched him scan the contents. My heart pounded when I noticed the frown forming on his face.“He will be your boss, Miss Caroline. We assigned you to his company because—”“Isn’t there another company that needs an accountant, Ma’am?” I interrupted, my voice tight.Miss Yollie blinked, surprise flashing across her face. Then, to my horror, she looked amused. She hesitated before responding.“For the meantime, you will work at the hotel they own—”“Just assign another accountant if she doesn’t want to work at our hotel, Miss Yollie,” Miguel cut in coldly. “We don’t force people who don’t want to work with us.”I looked up at him as he emphasized the last word, his gaze locked onto mine. I swallowed hard.“But she’s the most qualified applicant for your hot