I was frozen in my seat. I couldn't move. I didn't know how to react."Caroline Anastasia Brooks is dating his bodyguard," Violeta repeated while showing me her phone."W-What does this mean, Caroline?" Julia asked while her eyes were on Violeta's phone. "You were on the news, but they didn't put a picture of your so-called bodyguard.""T-That's not true. I'm not dating my bodyguard," I defended. I stood up to check the news they were saying about me. "Where did this news come from? And who is spreading false information?"I bit my lip so hard when I remembered Miguel. I had no plans to deny our relationship but I couldn't help but worry for him when I also remembered what Miguel said last night. I don't want his life to be in danger just because of me. For now, I'll try my best to keep our relationship. It was too early for the public to know about us.I looked at my phone when a series of messages arrived. My heart beat faster when I saw Daddy's name calling me on the screen. Everyo
I looked at Alexander’s parents who were stopping their son from hitting Miguel when he saw me.“You’ve never contributed anything good to this family!” Cecile was furious. She stood up and walked towards me. “You’re nothing but a disgrace! You’re even embarrassing Alexander’s family!”“Shut up, Cecile!” Daddy folded his hands. He couldn’t look at me because his eyes were on Miguel. “It’s not right if we scold your sister. We need to calm down and listen to her complaints about the news circulating in the media that she and Miguel are in a relationship!”“If I’m flirty, this kid outside is even flirtier!” Cecile stormed back to her seat next to Mommy.Cristy gave me my own chair and placed it in front of me. I carefully put down my bag before looking at them. I closed my eyes for a few seconds after glancing at Miguel.“Miguel has already told us about you, hija. We also want to hear from you if there is any truth to all the things he confessed to us.” Daddy’s voice calmed down.I was
My lips parted and I looked at Cecile.“She can’t bear a child?” I asked hoarsely.“Yes, Caroline. I can’t have children,” Cecile said while sipping her coffee.“Your sister has many issues. We don’t want trouble. We also don’t care if you’re Samson’s illegitimate child, hija,” Tita Portia added.“You’ll just give us a grandson, hija. You can file a divorce after giving birth,” said Tito Rafael.“Are you crazy? You will get us both married because you want to have a grandson?” I sighed. “I will never marry your son!”“Caroline, watch your words!” Mommy scolded.“Why don’t you stop me from forcing that marriage? You can find someone to take care of your grandson. Why me?” I turned to Daddy. “I will not marry him. I don’t care if I lose my inheritance, lose my job, and you reject me as your daughter! This is not the life I dream of. I want to have freedom in who I love and marry, Dad!”I looked into Daddy’s eyes, hoping he would change his mind. I was still his daughter. I wiped the tea
“Miguel, where are we going if you let me go?”I opened my eyes and held my chest as I felt my heart beating rapidly. I looked at the wall clock—it was past ten in the morning. I glanced around the room, searching for Miguel, but he was nowhere to be found. I sighed upon realizing that it had all been just a dream.I got out of bed and put on my clothes. After drinking some water, I attempted to go back to sleep, but no matter how hard I tried, sleep wouldn’t come to me anymore. I grabbed my cellphone and checked messages from friends and coworkers. They were all shocked and couldn’t believe the news spreading about us. They kept asking if there was any truth to it.I stared at Miguel’s number, debating whether to call him to see how he was. I wanted to go to his room, but I couldn’t. If I went there without a valid reason, people in the mansion would surely start speculating—especially my family, who would be even more surprised if they found out that I had gone to his room.A sudden
I looked at the alleged photos sent to Daddy one by one. I covered my mouth when I saw some of the pictures of Miguel and me together.“Someone sent these photos. I just saw them now. How are you going to explain all this, Caroline?” Daddy’s voice trembled with anger. “I don’t even know how many people saw these photos before they were sent to me. You’re an embarrassment, Caroline. I raised you well, and this is how you repay me? Falling for a bodyguard?”I clutched my other cheek when Daddy slapped me again. This time, it was harder, and I immediately felt the sting. I kept my head down, my eyes fixed on the scattered photos.“Is that why you refuse to marry Alexander? Because he’s the one you want to marry instead? What—did something happen between you two? I trusted you, Caroline, but look at what you’re doing! A bodyguard?!”I couldn’t answer. It felt like there was a lump in my throat, blocking my voice. My mouth refused to open, not even to utter a single word. I sank to the flo
I looked out the window, peeking at them as they spoke with Daddy, who had just woken up. I thanked God that his breathing had returned to normal. They had postponed the press conference because of Daddy’s sudden difficulty in breathing. I found out that the press conference was supposed to be for Alexander and me—our parents wanted us to announce the engagement ourselves to cover up the issue about Miguel and me.I wanted to go inside to see Daddy, but Mommy and Cecile wouldn’t let me. They said his blood pressure might rise again if he saw me. I had no choice but to watch from afar as they happily played with him inside. Once again, they made me feel like I wasn’t part of this family. I didn’t insist on going in because they were right—it was my fault that Daddy had a heart attack earlier. And Mommy was right, too. When she scolded me earlier, she made me realize that all I’ve ever done is bring trouble to our family. I was always the problem. I am their trouble.A bitter smile form
I buried my face in the steering wheel while waiting for Miguel to answer my call. No matter how bad my family is, I can’t leave them for just one man. Maybe this is my fate—I need to marry someone I don’t love.“Baby?”I gasped when he answered. I quickly wiped my face.“Where are you? We need to talk,” I said, holding back my tears.“I’m at the hospital. How are you?”I couldn’t answer right away. I didn’t even know how I was. I felt so heavy.“They already know about us. Let’s meet. I’ll pick you up there. Wait for me outside the hospital,” I said before hanging up.Tears spilled down my cheeks. I needed to make a decision. I had to choose between them.Only when I calmed down did I get ready. I put on light makeup to cover the marks on my cheeks from Daddy’s slap earlier.When I arrived at the hospital, I immediately saw Miguel standing near the taxi stand. He waved when he noticed my car. My chest tightened again at the sight of his sweet smile. I took a deep breath—I needed to b
He cursed when he realized he couldn’t stop me. He exploded in my mouth. I stayed there, making sure I cleaned him up. He sat helplessly in his chair, still feeling the sting of his release.I got up, licking my lips as I met his dazed gaze. His head was tilted back against the seat, his eyes heavy with exhaustion and desire. He reached out, stroking my hair carefully, then bit his lower lip.Without hesitation, I slipped off my panties. I was wearing a skirt, so it was easy. I tossed them into the compartment, then straddled him while he was still very erect.“What the hell, Caroline—”I cut him off with a moan. I was so wet that he slid into me easily, despite his size. I winced as I settled on his lap, taking him in completely. He filled me so much that just having him inside me made me convulse with pleasure. I started moving, riding him, grinding up and down. My sanity slipped away. The pleasure spread through me like molten lava, melting everything in its path.“I’m so sorry,” I
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