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 silently walked back to the mansion after retrieving the rest of my things from the condo. My eyes were heavy, on the verge of spilling the tears I had been holding back.I sighed as Miguel’s last words echoed in my mind, cutting through me like a blade.“If cutting me off helps improve your life in any way, I support it. If you do not see the value of having me by your side, I will not try to convince you. I thought you loved me too. But you just used me. Yes, my job is just a bodyguard, but that does not mean I don’t deserve to live. You’re insulting me, Caroline.”I was his first girlfriend, but that didn’t mean I had to be his last. He would find someone else—someone real. He would like her the way he liked me. Or maybe even more. He would love her, and she would be there for him in a way I could never be.Meanwhile, I was marrying someone I didn’t even like.But what if… what if I could learn to like Alexander eventually? What if, once I forgot about Miguel and focused all my a
I raised my hand, letting the engagement ring gleam under the blinding flashes of the cameras. My eyes squinted as reporters snapped photos, one after another. It wouldn’t be surprising if we were on tomorrow’s headlines again.“Miss Caroline, is it true that you had a romantic relationship with your personal bodyguard?”“If you’re engaged, why did you break up with him? Does this mean you cheated on your boyfriend?”“For a follow-up question, what really happened—”“We were never in a relationship,” I interrupted, gripping the microphone tightly. “Miguel and I were just friends.” I brushed my fingers through my hair, fixing the strands that had fallen out of place. “I don’t know who started these false rumors, but people are putting malice into something that was purely friendship.”“Is it true that you paid for his brother’s surgery, Miss Caroline?”I froze.How did they know that?I clenched my fists as my mind replayed the name I had heard earlier—Love Rein Dela Vega.My grip on t
I shoved the letter and check back into the envelope, my hands shaking as I bolted out of my office. My heart pounded wildly as I scanned the area, searching for Miguel.“Ma’am Caroline, I just finished mixing your coffee—”“Who gave you this?” I demanded, cutting Lena off.She blinked in surprise. “I just got it from the guard, Ma’am. I don’t know who—”I didn’t wait for her to finish. I ran toward the elevator, nearly colliding with my colleagues. My pulse was racing, my desperation mounting.Damn it.The first elevator to arrive was packed. Frustrated, I turned on my heel and dashed toward the stairs.By the time I reached the ground floor, I was breathless. My gaze darted around the lobby, but Miguel was nowhere in sight.My phone vibrated in my pocket. I yanked it out, my hands trembling as I checked the message.From: 0910****011I’m sorry for tarnishing your image. I never realized that loving you would be so challenging. I believed our feelings were mutual, but it seems I’m th
The days passed quickly, blending into a monotonous routine of home and office. Daddy forbade me from going anywhere else, following Mommy’s orders as if I were a prisoner in my own life. They despised me for cutting off Miguel and for the rumors of me kissing different men.“Ma’am Caroline, Sir Samson asked if you could attend an art auction tonight,” Lena informed me as she placed my coffee on the desk.I sighed, stirring my drink. “Do I really have to go?”“He has a meeting with the investors, Ma’am, and Ma’am Glenda is still in Belgium with your brother,” she explained.“What time does it start?” I asked, signing documents without looking up.“Seven in the evening. The Mercedez family is invited as well. Sir Samson wants you to go with them.”My pen froze mid-signature. I lifted my gaze to Lena.“Is my attendance mandatory?”“Yes, Ma’am.”I glanced at the clock—already past three in the afternoon. Letting out a deep sigh, I gripped my pen tightly.“Fine. You’re coming with me,” I
Everyone was looking at him as he raised the paddle. I grabbed a tissue and wiped myself.“Miguel?” Alexander said when he realized who was next to me.“We have an opening bid of 500,000 pesos. Do I hear 600,000 pesos?” the Auctioneer asked.“600,000,” Alexander said and raised his paddle while still looking at Miguel.“600,000 from Mr. Mercedez -”“One million.” Miguel raised his paddle.I didn’t know how to react. Why was he wasting money on an old painting?My gaze dropped to the name on his table. “Miguel Damien Montevallo...” I turned back to Alexander as he raised his paddle again.“Two million!”I saw Miguel grin before he looked at us. I swallowed a few times. He had changed so much. It wasn’t obvious that he was a bodyguard.“Look at him, Caroline. He was so quick to find someone to replace you. The idiot hit the jackpot, it looks like a Sugar Mommy replaced you,” Alexander said laughing.“Shut up!” I scolded him irritably.“Is there anyone else competing for two million?” th
Our jaws dropped in shock. I couldn't take my eyes off Miguel.“H-He’s your son?” Tita Portia stammered, pointing at Miguel in disbelief. “How could you have a child, Don Ernesto? You don’t even have a wife!”Don Ernesto merely chuckled. “Portia, my wife and I have been separated for a long time. The media only knows what I allow them to—an old bachelor with no family. But let’s not talk about that now. I’m just happy to see you again.”She turned to Miguel. “Hijo, you didn’t tell me you knew them.”Miguel’s expression remained unreadable. “I didn’t know you knew each other, Dad.”Tito Rafael and Tita Portia still looked stunned, their eyes flickering between Miguel and Don Ernesto.“If you don’t mind, we’ll take our leave,” Don Ernesto said smoothly.We watched them walk away, disappearing into the crowd. My mind was still reeling when my phone vibrated. Seeing Daddy’s name on the screen, I sighed and answered.“How’s the auction?” he asked.“Boring,” I replied lazily. “It just ended
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