Chapter 33

MONIQUE

Over the weekend, I spent some much-needed time with Sophie, my only real escape from the chaos surrounding me. With Sophie, everything felt simple. She had this innocence that I clung to—a break from the manipulation and lies that filled the rest of my world. We spent the day having brunch and strolling through the park, and for a few hours, it was easy to forget about everything else.

But then my phone buzzed, and reality came crashing back in. It was my reminder telling me about my regular visits with my godfather.

After parting ways with Sophie, I made my way to Don Antonio's mansion. As always, the place was a fortress—an empire of wealth and influence.

I found him in the garden, tending to his roses. He looked up when I arrived, his weathered face breaking into a broad smile. "Niña, my dear. Always a pleasure." He opened his arms, and I leaned into his embrace, a familiar warmth that reminded me of my father, no matter how hard I tried to suppress all memories of him.

We