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
Ken took a bucket of water and poured it over Sebastian. Seb slowly opened his eyes, blinking rapidly. His gaze darted to me—tied up, just like him.“Caroline!” he called out, struggling against his restraints. Then, his eyes landed on Ken. “W-Who are you? Where did you take us?!”“Secret,” Ken replied in a mocking tone.“Let us go! If I escape, I’ll kill you!” Sebastian shouted.“That is—if you make it out alive,” Ken sneered before delivering a sharp kick to Seb’s face.“Ken! Just let him go! I’m the only one you need!” I pleaded, thrashing against my restraints.Ken wasn’t satisfied. He punched Seb repeatedly, landing blows all over his body. My voice grew hoarse from screaming, but he acted as if he didn’t hear me.One of Ken’s men handed him a cigarette and a lighter. He took a long drag before blowing smoke into Seb’s face. Seb panted, trying to catch his breath.“Still no sign of him?” Ken asked the guards outside.“Not yet, Boss. Looks like that guy has no intention of coming,
Miguel sat on the ground, one hand restrained behind his back. He tried to stand, but Ken struck him again with the stick.“I’ll make sure you die today!” Ken roared.His men joined in, mercilessly beating Miguel. Ken delivered brutal kicks and punches before they tied Miguel to a large tree. They covered his head with a sack and continued the assault, hitting him relentlessly.I could do nothing but watch in horror, screaming and sobbing. My throat was raw, my voice hoarse.Ken laughed like a demon as he finally ripped the sack off Miguel’s head. Then, without warning, he untied him and violently dragged him into the old house where Seb was being held.---I woke up to the harsh sting of sunlight against my face. I hadn’t even realized I had fallen asleep. Instinctively, I tried to move my hands, but they remained bound. The ropes were too tight.“My Disney princess is awake,” Ken’s voice greeted me. He knelt in front of me, stroking my cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”My eyes locked on
“Why would their families blame me?” I asked, my voice trembling.Dad’s jaw tightened. “Because none of this would have happened if not for you, Caroline! Ken Salazar wanted to take you, and because of that, their lives were put in danger! If Miguel Damien Montevallo is dead—” his voice faltered, but then he pushed forward, “do you think the Mercedez and the Montevallo families will let us live? After losing their sons?”“No, Dad. Miguel is not dead! He’s still alive, and he needs our help!” I cried out, my chest tightening.Dad exhaled sharply. “We need to leave, Caroline. You’re leaving the country. Right now.”“I don’t understand! Why do I have to leave? If they’re going to blame me, then I’ll talk to them!”Dad’s grip on my arm tightened. I glanced at his men—they weren’t trying to put out the fire, nor were they attempting to rescue Miguel. They were surrounding us instead, as if preparing for an escape.“Let’s go,” Dad commanded. He took off his jacket and draped it over my shou
The car door opened, but I didn’t move. The bodyguard who stood outside refused to meet my eyes, staring at the door instead. I took a deep breath, gripping the seat beneath me.They were waiting. Waiting for me to step out on my own.When the bodyguard finally moved to enter the car, I instinctively backed away—but before I could do anything, the car sped off. The door shut with a resounding thud, and just seconds later, the whole vessel beneath me lurched.The cruise ship was leaving.I remained frozen, unable to process how everything had unraveled in a single day. Just this morning, I had woken up thinking everything would go back to normal. Now, I was exiled. Alone.My stomach growled, pulling me from my thoughts. I sighed, opening the duffel bag Dad had given me. Inside were essentials hastily shoved together—clothes, a cruise ticket, and enough money to last me for a while. Whoever packed it had been in a hurry.This was my first time on a cruise ship, and I hadn’t expected it
I cried until there were no more tears left. Until my body was too exhausted to sob.My mind kept replaying everything that happened between me and Miguel. He was always careful, always insistent on protection. But that night in the car… that was the last time.And now, I’m pregnant.This is my fault.If only I had controlled my emotions, if only I hadn’t let myself get swept away, this wouldn’t have happened. He never wanted this. Maybe he wanted me, but that didn’t mean he wanted a child with me.Tears blurred my vision again as my chest tightened with guilt. And worst of all… Miguel might be dead.Because of me.He sacrificed his life to keep me safe.And now, here I am, carrying his child—yet selfishly wishing I wasn’t. I didn’t plan for this. I wasn’t ready. I had spent the last few months running, hiding, traveling from country to country with no clear destination.I had never dreamed of becoming a mother. How could I, when I had never experienced a mother’s love myself? All my
“Happy birthday, Kalix…” I whispered softly, my voice hoarse from fever.Six years had passed. My baby was now five years old.We celebrated in our small apartment, just the two of us. I had a fever, but that didn’t stop me from cooking for him. I even managed to bake a small cake.Kalix’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he blew out the candle. The tiny flame disappeared in an instant, and he clapped his hands, eager to dig into his chocolate cake. He carefully removed the candle, his small fingers working with precision.“Mommy, you should eat, too!” he chirped, turning to me with his wide, innocent eyes.I smiled. “Thank you, Kalix! Mommy would love some.”Seeing him happy made all the struggles worth it.For years, I had devoted myself entirely to him. I had worked hard to become the best mother I could be, to learn how to love in a way I had never experienced myself. And Kalix… he was my everything. The love he gave me was enough. Seeing him thrive, content with just the two of u
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