I turned off the TV after hearing his answer.He moved on that fast?My grip tightened around the remote. It hadn’t even been a month since we broke up, and yet here he was, openly admitting to seeing someone. Did I really mean so little to him?My phone rang.I glanced at the screen—Mommy.I let it ring. Then, I declined the call. I wasn’t in the mood to hear any more excuses or justifications.The clock on the wall read past eight in the evening. I hadn’t even realized how quickly time had passed.I wasn’t going to sit around, drowning in my problems.Before going to bed, I booked a room at Isla Del Fuego. Tomorrow, I was leaving. I needed a break.---Welcome to Isla Del Fuego!The bright sign greeted me as I pulled my suitcase along the wooden pathway leading to the resort’s main area. The salty breeze kissed my skin, and the sun was shining brighter than I had anticipated. Damn it, I forgot to put on sunscreen before leaving the condo.“Good morning, Ma’am!” Two female staff memb
“Why are you here? Are you following me? Why do you always appear wherever I go?”I couldn’t hide the irritation bubbling inside me. Last night’s news replayed in my head—Miguel, moving on so quickly, as if our relationship had meant nothing.“Stay away from me, okay? Just find another spot. Don’t stay here,” I snapped.Miguel let out a short, humorless laugh. “Why the hell would I follow you? Who do you think you are?”I gritted my teeth. “Then why are you here? You really came to this island even though you knew I was here—”“I’m not following you, Caroline,” he cut me off, his tone sharp. “I didn’t even know you were here. I’m here for business. That’s all.”I crossed my arms. “Business, huh? Then do me a favor—leave me alone. Give me some peace of mind, Miguel. Go rest under another tree.”“The view is nice here.” He stretched his arms lazily. “And this is the biggest tree on the island. Not too hot, not too crowded. Is it a crime to stay here?”“It is a crime if you’re annoying m
The bikini I wore was neon green because I was going to a pool party. I paired it with a black blazer that reached up to my thighs. I put on thick lipstick and light make-up.While getting ready, I couldn’t help but dance when I heard loud music coming from the pool. It seemed like the pool party was about to start because I could hear people shouting and shouting loudly.I put my things back in my suitcase after getting ready. The music they were playing was so hyped. I was even more excited to go there. It felt like I was going to a club or a bar.When I arrived at the pool, the waiter immediately greeted me and asked me to choose a drink. I took a juice first because I had just finished dinner. I would drink later.I smiled as I looked around the entire pool. The pool was big. Many were bathing. Others were drinking on the side. I had just arrived but I wanted to take a bath right away. I returned the glass to the waiter and got another drink of juice.After a few minutes of lookin
I woke up gasping for air, my chest rising and falling in panic. My vision was still blurry, my body trembling.“Caroline! Caroline!”I clutched my chest, rubbing my eyes as reality sank in. I’m alive. I’m not dead.Slowly, I sat up, but my breath hitched when I saw my feet—red marks, the imprint of a hand that had tried to drag me under the water. My stomach twisted. Someone had tried to drown me.My thoughts scattered when I felt strong arms around me. For a moment, I just let the warmth seep into my cold body. But when I pulled back to see who had saved me, I froze.Miguel.He was staring at me, his brows furrowed, his jaw tight. Around us, a crowd had gathered, murmuring. I barely registered them.Before I could say anything, Miguel suddenly scooped me up in his arms. I gasped, but I didn’t fight him. Maybe it was the shock, maybe it was the exhaustion, but I just let him carry me to safety.My head rested lightly against his chest, and that’s when I felt it—his heartbeat. Strong.
I sat on the bed, running my fingers over the soft fabric of the oversized shirt I borrowed. Miguel was still in the shower. The sound of rushing water filled the silence of the room.My gaze landed on his phone when it vibrated on the table. I leaned in, curiosity getting the better of me. My chest tightened when I saw the caller ID.“Love.”My throat felt dry. My fingers hovered over the screen before I pulled back. I didn’t answer. I didn’t have the right to. I placed the phone back and quickly turned away when I heard the shower turn off.Miguel stepped out, rubbing a towel through his damp hair. “Are you okay? You look like you saw a ghost.”I hugged myself, feeling the cold air from the open window. Maybe I did.His sharp gaze softened as he took in my posture. “Are you comfortable in what you’re wearing?”I nodded. I wasn’t cold because of the clothes. I was cold because of something else—something I refused to name.My eyes flickered back to his phone. That name. That one word
I woke up to find Miguel no longer by my side. I had no idea what time I had fallen asleep last night. My eyes landed on his belongings—they were still there. I got out of bed and tidied them up before stepping out of my room.When I entered the bathroom, I walked straight to the large mirror and examined my reflection. My eyes were swollen. Good thing he didn’t notice me crying last night.A sharp gasp escaped my lips as Miguel’s words suddenly replayed in my mind. He’s getting married to someone else. He once wanted to marry me, yet now he was going to do it with another woman. I bit my lip hard as another wave of pain surged through my chest. The ache was sharp, stabbing, relentless.I opened the car window to get some fresh air, hoping it would ease my heavy heart. But as soon as I spotted Miguel outside, I quickly shut it again. He wasn’t alone.A woman stood beside him. His arms were wrapped around her waist.I forced my gaze away when I heard a knock on my door. I quickly went
Monica looked at us in surprise. I forced a smile as I removed Seb’s hand from my waist.Miguel coughed, drawing my attention back to him. “Let’s go, Mon. They’re on a date. Let them be,” Miguel said coldly. He smiled and pulled Monica away.“Enjoy! We’re going somewhere!” Monica called after him while waving at us.“Is she really your friend, or—”“Shut up! If you hadn’t treated me to a meal, I might have punched you,” I said irritably, then sat down to continue eating.Seb just laughed at me. He kept looking at me while we ate. He would stare at me and then laugh. I thanked him and managed to stop myself from kicking him under the table, even though I had been feeling a little nervous earlier.After we ate, Seb invited me to the island bar. He said he wanted to drink. I agreed to go with him, but I had no intention of drinking.We walked to the bar he mentioned, which was close to where we had eaten.“Are you really not going to drink?” Sebastian asked as we entered the bar.I cover
I woke up with my hands and feet tied. My mouth was covered. My eyes widened when I saw Seb—his hands and feet bound as well.I scanned the area. I had no idea where we were. The surroundings were filthy, smelly, and musty. The silence was deafening.My eyes snapped to the door when it suddenly opened. My heartbeat quickened as a man entered. He was wearing a mask.“I’m back, Caroline.”My eyes nearly popped out when he removed his mask and started taking off his clothes. I couldn’t recognize him—his entire body was covered in scars. A chill crawled down my spine as I took in his disfigured form.“I’m back, Anastasia!” He violently yanked off the cloth covering my mouth.“Ken?” I gasped, my eyes still fixed on his body.“Did you miss me?” he asked, walking toward me. “Look at me! Look at my whole body! It’s burned—because of you!”I cried out as he grabbed a fistful of my hair. “Let us go!” I screamed.“Why would I let you go? You will be the key to my revenge against the person who d
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