Two days later, Victor stood before the full-length mirror in his bedroom, adjusting the pristine cuffs of his midnight-black suit. The tailored Italian fabric hugged his broad shoulders and tapered perfectly at his narrow waist, highlighting the lean, muscular physique he'd maintained through rigorous training. Five years of rebuilding himself had transformed his body into a weapon—efficient, powerful, and deadly. His facehad hardened into sharp angles and shadowed hollows. A thin scar traced his jawline, barely visible unless you knew to look for it. His dark eyes reflected nothing, giving away none of the storm that raged within him. Victor straightened his red tie and exhaled slowly. Tonight wasn't just about information gathering. It was about returning to the grave Xavier had dug for him. When he finally stepped out of his room, he found Jordan, Maria, and Gerald waiting in the foyer of the penthouse. Their reactions were immediate and varied. Maria's eyes widened, a sof
Selena hummed softly as she applied the final touches to her makeup, her mind still lingering on the afternoon she'd spent with Miguel. The memory of his laughter warmed her from within as she reached for her lipstick. "Mama, look!" he had shouted earlier that day, proudly holding up a drawing of what appeared to be two stick figures—one tall, one small—standing before a house with an impossibly large sun beaming down on them. "It's beautiful, mi vida," she had whispered, fighting back tears as she gathered him into her arms. Four years old and already so talented, so perfect. "Is this us?" "Yes!" Miguel had nodded enthusiastically, his dark curls bouncing. "And that's our house. The one you said we'll have someday." The promise she'd made him—a real home, just the two of them, far away from Xavier's watchful eyes—felt both like a lifeline and a cruel fantasy. Every Saturday, these precious hours with her son were all that kept her going, all that made the rest of her captivit
The sleek black limousine pulled away from the curb, carrying them through the glittering city toward Xavier's mansion in the hills, where the masquerade ball awaited. Selena stared out the window, trying to lose herself in the blur of lights rather than dwell on the significance of this day. Five years ago, she had committed the ultimate betrayal. Five years ago, she had looked into the eyes of the man who loved her and watched as he had been shot—once, twice, three times—watching as shock, pain, and finally understanding flooded his gaze before he crumpled to the floor. Xavier's phone rang, interrupting her dark thoughts. He checked the screen and a lascivious grin spread across his face before he answered. "Valentina," he purred into the phone, not bothering to lower his voice. "I've been thinking about you all day." What followed was a conversation so explicit that Selena had to fight the urge to open the car door and throw herself onto the freeway. Xavier described in gra
Victor stood at the entrance of the grand ballroom, his mask concealing the scars that told the story of his resurrection. The opulent display of wealth surrounding him—crystal chandeliers, ice sculptures, and the elite of the criminal world draped in designer fabrics—only fueled his determination. He scanned the crowd methodically, his crew flanking him. "See anything you like, boss?" Jordan whispered, adjusting his silver mask. His eyes darted appreciatively toward a group of women by the champagne fountain. Maria elbowed him sharply. "We're here to work, not for you to find your next disappointment," she hissed through her mask. "Children, please," Gerald muttered, his voice low and measured beneath his mask. "This isn't a playground. Victor needs to concentrate." Jordan rolled his eyes. "You're not my father, old man." "Thank heaven for small mercies," Gerald replied dryly. "Now behave yourself before I make you wait in the car." Maria stifled a laugh, but her amusement fade
Xavier stood among his guests, a crystal glass of aged whiskey in his hand as he laughed with practiced charm. His golden mask, adorned with small emeralds at the corners, caught the light as he tilted his head. "Mayor Collins, I'm honored you could attend tonight," Xavier said, clinking glasses with the shorter man. "Your support for the new development project means everything." The mayor chuckled, his jowls shaking beneath his simple black mask. "The pleasure is all mine, Xavier. Your donations to the city have been most... generous." "We all must do our part for the community," Xavier replied with a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes. As the mayor launched into a story about his golf game, Xavier's attention drifted across the crowded ballroom. That's when he saw him—a man in a midnight black suit with a matching mask, standing perfectly still amid the swirling dancers and mingling guests. Just watching. Even from a distance, Xavier could feel the intensity of that star
Selena felt the room spinning as her lungs screamed for air. Xavier's fingers dug deeper into her throat, his face contorted with rage and fear. "Did he approach you at the ball?" Xavier demanded again, his voice low and dangerous. "Has he contacted you before tonight? Tell me!" She clawed weakly at his wrist, dark spots dancing at the edges of her vision. Xavier leaned closer, his breath hot against her face. "If you're lying to me, Selena, Miguel will pay the price. Your precious little boy will suffer for your betrayal. Do you understand me?" At the mention of her son's name, terror surged through her body. Selena nodded frantically, ready to confess everything—the dance with Victor, the photo he'd seen, every word they'd exchanged—anything to protect Miguel. Just as she opened her mouth, the door burst open. One of Xavier's bodyguards rushed in, breathless and agitated. "Sir, we have a problem," the man announced, oblivious to the scene before him. "The security system
Victor stood watching Selena's tense and departing form as she disappeared amongst the people dancing in the ballroom, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. A familiar laugh cut through the ambient noise, drawing his attention. Xavier. He traced the source to see his former friend standing with the mayor of the city, both men engaged in what appeared to be an amusing conversation. Victor gritted his teeth as he watched the bastard, someone he had once considered his brother. As though sensing his gaze, Xavier suddenly turned, and their eyes met across the crowded room. Victor saw recognition dawning in Xavier's eyes, a flicker of confusion followed by disbelief spreading beneath his ornate mask. *Fuck.* The moment Xavier was distracted by the mayor turning to him with another comment, Victor used the momentary diversion to slip away, tapping his earpiece to signal the rest of his crew. "I've been made. Clear out. Now," he murmured, his voice low and urgent. "Are you
Miguel sat cross-legged on his bedroom floor, clutching his favorite blue crayon between his small fingers. His tongue poked out slightly from the corner of his mouth as he concentrated on adding the final touches to his drawing. "Mommy will like this," he whispered to himself, tilting his head to examine his artwork. The drawing showed two stick figures holding hands beneath a bright yellow sun. One tall with long black hair, one small with a big smile. Miguel and his mommy. He sighed, setting down the crayon and looking around his room. It was big—too big for a four-year-old boy. The walls were painted a soft blue with clouds near the ceiling. His bed was shaped like a race car, with red sheets and pillows that matched the carpet. Shelves lined with toys and books covered one wall, and a small desk sat beneath a window with heavy curtains that were always kept closed. Despite all the toys, the room felt empty. Lonely. "I miss Mommy," Miguel said to his stuffed bear, Mr. Gr
Victor sat alone in his study, the lights off, only the moon casting silver shadows across the room. Selena's diary lay open on his desk, her words like ghosts haunting the space between heartbeats.He reached for his glass of whiskey, but his hand shook so badly that it slipped from his fingers, shattering against the hardwood floor. Just like everything else in his life—broken, sharp, dangerous to touch.Five years of hatred. Five years of plotting revenge against Xavier, believing Selena had willingly betrayed him. All while she had been protecting their son, enduring God knows what horrors to keep Miguel safe."I didn't know," he whispered to the empty room, his voice cracking. "I didn't know."Something hot and wet slid down his cheek. Victor touched it, surprised. He couldn't remember the last time he had cried. Not when his mother died. Not when he was sent to prison. Not even when he believed Selena had chosen his enemy over him.But now, alone in the dark, the tears came like
Miguel's question echoed in Victor's mind long after he'd tucked his son into bed. Don't you want Mommy to come home? The truth was, Victor didn't know what he wanted anymore. For five years, anger had been his compass, pointing him forward when nothing else could. But now that compass was spinning wildly, unable to find true north. The next morning, after checking on Miguel who was still sleeping with the gold locket clutched in his small fist, Victor found himself standing in the doorway of Selena's empty room. He hadn't been inside since she left. Hadn't wanted to. Now he stepped in, the door clicking shut behind him. The space still smelled faintly of her jasmine perfume. Victor ran his fingers along the dresser top, expecting dust, but the servants had kept the room cleaned. As if expecting her return. He opened a drawer, not sure what he was looking for. Empty. She had taken almost everything, leaving behind only what she had arrived with—nothing. In the closet, a s
The morning sun filtered through Miguel's curtains, painting warm shapes on his bedroom floor. His eyes fluttered open, small fists rubbing away sleep. For one peaceful moment, everything was normal.Then he remembered yesterday's adventure with Mommy. Her extra tight hugs. The way she kept touching his face like she was trying to remember every little part of him."Mommy?" he called, climbing out of bed.When no answer came, Miguel padded down the hallway in his dinosaur pajamas, his small feet silent against the marble floor. He pushed open the door to his mother's room.Empty.The bed was made, perfect and untouched. No clothes in the closet. No brush on the dresser. Nothing to show his mother had ever been there at all.A cold feeling spread through Miguel's chest. He ran to the kitchen, to the garden, to all their special places."Mommy?" His voice grew more frantic with each call.He found his father in the study, talking in a low voice with Gerald."Where's Mommy?" Miguel deman
Selena traced her finger along the small apartment's living room window. It wasn't much—two bedrooms, a tiny kitchen, plain walls that needed painting. But it was hers. A place Xavier had never known about. A place Victor couldn't find.She signed the lease with shaking hands."You can move in next week," the landlord told her, handing over the keys.Next week. Seven days to say goodbye to her son.The drive back to Victor's mansion felt endless. Each mile bringing her closer to the hardest decision of her life. But there was no other way. Miguel needed peace. He needed his father. And Victor would never heal with her there, a constant reminder of betrayal and lost years.The next morning, Selena woke Miguel with kisses on his forehead."Let's have an adventure today, just you and me," she whispered.Miguel's sleepy eyes brightened. "What kind of adventure?""A special one. Our secret."She dressed him in his favorite blue shirt and packed a small backpack with snacks and his toy bear
The hospital room was quiet except for the steady beeping of monitors. Maria sat beside Jordan's bed, her fingers gently wrapped around his limp hand. Four days had passed, and still he hadn't opened his eyes."You know," Maria whispered, thinking he couldn't hear her, "I never told you this, but that night in Barcelona... when you took that bullet for me?" She swallowed hard. "That's when I knew."She traced the outline of his bruised knuckles. "I've spent so long pushing people away. Especially you. God, I was so stupid."A tear slipped down her cheek. "Just wake up, Jordan. Wake up so I can tell you that I-""That you what?"Maria froze. Jordan's voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper, but his eyes were open—those familiar blue eyes watching her with a hint of their usual mischief."You jerk!" Maria gasped, nearly knocking over her chair as she jumped up. "How long have you been awake?"Jordan's split lip curved into a painful smile. "Long enough to hear you being all mushy. Didn
Maria's fingers trembled as she held Jordan's limp hand. The steady beep of hospital machines filled the sterile room. She hadn't left his side in three days. "You idiot," she whispered, her thumb tracing circles on his bruised knuckles. "You just had to play the hero." Jordan lay still, his face swollen and discolored. Tubes ran into his arms. A breathing mask covered his nose and mouth. The doctors had been clear—his chances weren't good. Broken ribs. Internal bleeding. Severe dehydration. His body had finally given out the moment they'd reached safety. Maria closed her eyes, the memory washing over her again. That second kiss. The way his arms had wrapped around her, pulling her close like she was his anchor in a storm. Then his eyes rolling back, his body crumpling to the ground. "Don't you dare die on me," she said. "Not after everything." A knock on the door made her look up. Gerald stood there, his side bandaged beneath his shirt. "How's our boy?" he asked, moving slowly i
"No! Mommy! NO!"The scream tore through the quiet mansion, jolting Victor from sleep. He was moving before his mind fully registered what was happening, feet hitting the cold floor as he ran toward his son's room.Miguel was thrashing in bed, tears streaming down his small face, fighting some invisible enemy in his dreams."Miguel." Victor sat on the edge of the bed, gathering the boy into his arms. "Wake up, mijo. It's just a dream."Miguel's eyes flew open, wild with terror. For a moment, he didn't seem to recognize Victor."You're safe," Victor murmured, rubbing small circles on the boy's back. "No one can hurt you here."Miguel's small body was hot with fear, his heart racing against Victor's chest. "The bad men were taking Mommy away again," he whispered.Victor closed his eyes, feeling his son's pain like a physical thing. "Your mommy is safe too. She's just down the hall.""Can I see her?" Miguel pleaded, his voice small and lost.Victor hesitated. It was past midnight. The ru
The helicopter blades slowed as they landed at Victor's estate. The night had been long. Too long. Bodies had been cleaned up, loose ends tied, and wounds patched. Victor carried a sleeping Miguel in his arms, the boy's small head resting against his shoulder. Each breath from his son felt like a miracle—a child he hadn't known existed just weeks ago. Behind him, Selena limped up the marble steps of the mansion, her face still bearing the marks of Xavier's cruelty. Thomas helped her walk, his own shoulder bandaged where the bullet had torn through. "Put her in the east wing," Victor told Gerald without looking at Selena. "She'll have everything she needs there." Something flashed across Selena's face—pain, understanding, resignation. She said nothing as Gerald led her away, her eyes lingering on Miguel's sleeping form. Victor stood in the grand foyer, his son in his arms, watching her disappear down the hallway. The space between them felt like miles. --- Three days passed in st
The sudden patter of small footsteps made everyone freeze. A tiny figure appeared in the doorway, his eyes wide with fear and confusion.Miguel stood there clutching his teddy bear, Mr. Growls, to his chest. His small face crumpled at the sight before him—blood, guns, and the adults who were supposed to keep him safe all looking broken and desperate."Mommy?" His voice was small and scared when he noticed his mom being held at gunpoint.Selena's face drained of color. "Miguel! No!" she whispered.Xavier's attention snapped to the boy, his eyes lighting up with sudden calculation. The gun in his hand wavered, then slowly turned toward the child."Come here, boy," Xavier called, his voice honey-sweet despite the madness in his eyes.Victor noticed the shift, saw the way Xavier's body language changed. For all his cruelty, Xavier must have grown fond of the boy who had once called him uncle. It was there in the slight softening around his eyes, the hesitation in his trigger finger.Migue