The racetrack is packed to the rafters, a bustling, vibrant tide of people, and I feel a little overwhelmed by the noise and energy. People all around us are shouting, cheering on their favorite drivers as the machines roar down the track.In the midst of all this confusion, I hold Miguel's hand, and his little heart beats with contagious excitement.“Look there, uncle!” Miguel shouts, his eyes shining as if he were in front of one of his miniature toy races, but on a monumental scale.Unfortunately, all the good seats have already been taken.Then, with an eager smile, I decide to put him on my shoulders. “There you go, champ! Now you can see everything!”Miguel bursts into euphoric joy, his cries of excitement echoing through the crowd. The feel of his small body settling on my shoulders brings me unexpected joy. I look up to where his radiant face shines in the sunlight, and wonder if perhaps I did the right thing in bringing him here.“See? It’s all amazing, isn’t it?” I say, tryi
Slap!As my mother-in-law Dora's heavy hand collides with my face, a searing pain shoots through my cheek, jolting my head to the side. A surge of redness flushes my skin, intensifying the agony. Struggling to maintain my balance, I stumble backward, eventually collapsing onto the softness of the bed behind me. Instinctively, my hand darts to my throbbing cheek, the pain radiating through every fiber of my being."You pathetic excuse for a woman," she sneers, her words dripping with contempt. "My son's birthday is in two days, and you dare to show such incompetence by not having the party prepared?"She towers above me, her presence intimidating. Dora embodies the essence of Italian aristocracy, her tall, slender figure accentuated by a sharp nose and angular features."I've hired a party planner," I retort."As a Banks, you should be capable of organizing a celebration yourself!" Her words are laced with venom, each syllable dripping with disdain as she delivers her cutting remark.
Collapsing to my knees, I clutch at my hair, fingers tangling in the strands as if to anchor myself to reality. The weight of Ethan's deception crushes me, leaving me gasping for air amidst the wreckage of our shattered marriage. Every sound of their exchange feels like a cruel echo of my own naivety, a reminder that I was nothing more than a pawn in his game. As Ethan's footsteps echo up the stairs, each one carries the weight of our broken trust.Ethan never loved me! We got involved a few years ago. I was a young girl trying to make it in the big city. He was a famous billionaire. I tried to do the right thing at the time, but the right thing was to betray Ethan's trust.I did it.I paid the price for it.**The relentless rain in Los Angeles mirrors the turmoil in my heart as I shuffle towards the kitchen. Each drop that splatters against the windowpane echoes the tears I've shed since discovering the bitter truth about my three-year marriage — a illusion crumbling before my eye
Ethan's gaze lands on me, his expression steeped in irritation, as though blaming me for the mishap.Dora strides into the kitchen, her commanding presence accentuated by her piercing blue eyes and the elegant cascade of silver strands in her perfectly styled hair. Clad in a tailored suit that exudes sophistication, she announces, "Good morning," her gaze landing on me with an unmistakable intensity. "What's this? You're a mess, girl," she remarks, her tone dripping with disdain, leaving me feeling small and insignificant."I accidentally spat on her because the coffee was bitter. I will clean it all up," Mariah says."No need. Someone will take care of it later," Ethan intervenes, his indifference cutting deeper than any insult."Go clean yourself up," Dora orders me, her voice laced with contempt, "and call someone to clean up this mess." Her command reinforces my sense of worthlessness, leaving me to silently comply.I rush out, but Dora's words pierce through me like knives. "In
His black suit clings to him like a second skin, accentuating every sinew of his powerful frame. The fabric, sleek and impeccably tailored, molds to his body with a precision that speaks of luxury and sophistication. I straighten my posture, forcing myself to maintain composure in the face of the storm brewing around us.His blue eyes, usually so inscrutable, now hold a glint of something unreadable, something that sends a ripple of unease through me. Our gazes lock in the mirror, a silent exchange charged with unspoken words and unfulfilled promises. I want to break the silence, to confront him about the betrayal that hangs between us like a dark cloud. But the words stick in my throat, trapped by the suffocating grip of the tension that surrounds us.I feel his gaze linger on me, traveling from head to toe, like a predator assessing its prey. A shiver runs down my spine as his eyes roam over my form, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. I hate that he has so much power over me
"How am I interfering in your life?" "Your marriage to Ethan is a thorn in my side. So, let's cut to the chase, shall we? Ask for a divorce and vanish from his life," she replies."Why on earth would I do that?" I counter, my hands clenching into fists at my sides."So he can finally be with the woman he desires. Me," she sneers, her smirk infuriating as she steps closer, invading my space."If Ethan truly desired you, he would have ditched me. 3 years ago, he would have asked for your hand" "Is that what you believe?" she taunts, her gaze piercing as she closes the distance between us. "Is that why you turn a blind eye when I slip into his bed? Or wear his damn clothes?" Her smirk widens, a challenge in her eyes. "You know, Ethan even invited me to jet off with him next week. Picture this, baby, the two of us sipping wine in Italy for 15 glorious days," she continues, her words like daggers aimed at my heart. "Just like old times.""So it seems you've already got what you want. He'
What a bitch!"I didn't miss out. You trapped me!" I retort."Don't accuse me of something so serious. You probably fell asleep and forgot," she counters dismissively."I was ready! You cheated!" I lunge forward, propelled by a surge of raw emotion, my fists clenched in a futile attempt to reclaim some semblance of control.Slap!The sharp sting of Mariah's hand across my cheek reverberates through the room, leaving a searing mark of humiliation that serves as a painful reminder of my vulnerability in this twisted game of power and manipulation."Do you dare raise your voice at me, you insolent bitch? Understand that there's a new ruler in this domain, and it's me. You will show me the reverence I deserve," she declares, her eyes ablaze with victorious malice, each word dripping with venom. "Ethan made a mistake in the past when he chose you, but I won't let him make that mistake again."I raise my hand in a futile gesture of retaliation, fueled by boiling anger and the sting of betra
"Mrs. Banks!" His voice calls out, a last-ditch effort to halt my departure. But I am already charging out of the building, fueled by a potent mix of adrenaline and defiance.Outside, the rain pours down in torrents, drenching the city streets and creating shimmering reflections of the neon lights. Despite the gloomy weather, there's a sense of freedom in the empty streets.As I step onto the rain-slicked pavement, I am consumed by my urgent mission. I need a new life!As I make my way through the maze of alleys, the rhythmic patter of the rain soothes my frayed nerves, offering a moment of respite from the tumult of my thoughts.With every stride, my determination solidifies. I reach for my phone, fingers trembling with anticipation, and dial Drake's number. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't care." Drake's voice breaks through the line, clear and professional."Drake, meet me as soon as possible," I urge urgently, my resolve unwavering. "I am ready to claim what's rightfully m