Lana POV Who sent me this box? Mr. Jan, who had brought it in, stood there in disbelief, staring at me. I held the letter tightly, turning to send him away. "Mr. Jan, you can leave now; I’ll handle it from here," I said with a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes, feeling the weight of the anonymous letter. "That's fine, Mrs. Lana. I'll be at the reception if you need anything," he replied. "Of course, Mr. Jan. I need to get home and prepare for the evening," I said with a weak chuckle, adjusting my handbag and slinging it over my shoulder. I sighed, looking at him. "I have to get home; Caroline and I are spending the night together, and she’ll be furious if she finds out there’s no food." We both laughed as I finished explaining things to him. "No problem, Mrs. Lana." Once Mr. Jan left, I couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety. The note loomed large in my thoughts. Who could have sent it? I slipped the note into my pocket and headed out of the office, my mind racing. As I drov
Lana pov What does he even want with Caroline? It's exhausting when some random dude I’ve never met thinks he can just waltz in and demand her in exchange for my son. How can I trust he even has my kid? “Mr. I-have-no-idea-what-you're-up-to, how can I believe you’re not just playing some twisted game?” I rolled my eyes, hands on my hips, waiting for him to say something that might make sense. “I’m not pulling any tricks to get your attention, Mrs. Lana. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about your feelings,” he shot back, stepping a little too close for comfort. I smiled, but inside, my heart was doing a wild dance of uncertainty. I shook my head slowly. “No way, I can’t do that. Caroline is…” I hesitated, ready to walk away when he grabbed my arms and spun me around. “Don’t even think about walking out on me. I’m not here to negotiate; I’m here to claim what’s rightfully mine.” “Let go of me! Who the heck do you think you are? Caroline doesn’t even know you, and you’re trying to sn
Caroline pov “Hey! I know you don't have Lana's child. You're trying to play smart by dragging her into your pathetic building. I won't be showing up, so you can take your nonsense and shove it.” I shouted, my voice dripping with anger, as my feelings burst forth. I understand what Alex is capable of and how he operates. He might just be trying to use me for his gain; I've seen that behavior before. “Listen, Caroline, I have every right to ask where you live because if I find you, it won't end well.” He threatened me over the phone, but I wasn't fazed. He doesn't control me, and his threats don't intimidate me. I laughed softly, thinking, “You're trying to scare me over the phone? How ridiculous is that?” The line went quiet, and for a moment, I thought he had hung up. But then, his voice returned, low and threatening. "You think you're smart, don't you, Caroline? Let me make this clear: I don't issue threats. I make promises." A shiver ran through me. "And I promise you, if
Donovan pov I sat on the couch, awaiting my son Bryan to get dressed for school, yet my thoughts were consumed by Lana. It had been some time since she last visited the office, and one might wonder how I was aware of this; perhaps it was simply an intuition. A smile crept across my face as I reflected on my foolishness for dwelling on something so improbable. I struck my fist gently against the couch and leaned forward, staring at the floor. At that moment, the television, which had been displaying a blue screen, suddenly began to broadcast sound, capturing my attention. The news reported that Caroline was missing, and Mrs. Lana was attempting to conduct a collaborative investigation regarding her friend. This revelation piqued my interest, prompting me to lift my gaze. It was absurd; both Caroline and Lana were receiving their just deserts at this moment. Sarah's voice trembled from the staircase; she had been feigning illness for several days, likely preoccupied with thoughts ab
Lana pov I attempted to rise after providing my complete account to the police. My body was weary from the stress I had endured over the past few days. I could hardly fathom the torment that those criminals might have inflicted upon her. "Mrs. Lana, do you believe you can manage the absence of your friend on your own? Will you not require the assistance of security personnel at your residence?" inquired the officer in charge of the case, his voice steady and his gaze fixed upon me, maintaining an air of levity. My eyes were bloodshot, and blinking had become a challenge; I could hardly manage a nod. "I can handle the inspector," I replied, my voice trembling as I dragged my feet toward the station's exit. Where could the kidnappers have taken Caroline? This thought consumed me as I slowly lifted my legs, feeling a growing discomfort in my arms. The sensation was alarming; the pain coursing through me was anything but ordinary. Suddenly, I let out a loud moan and crouched down quic
Caroline pov A substance had been applied to my lips, rendering me unable to utter a word, while my legs were bound with a rope that pressed painfully into my skin. I found myself alone in a dark room, unable to endure the agony of electric shocks, my hair resembling a wild, unkempt mass. I fought against my bindings, but they only pressed harder against my flesh. The oppressive darkness enveloped me, turning each breath into a laborious task. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from outside the room. The door creaked open, allowing a narrow beam of light to pierce the gloom. A shadowy figure stood over me, its features hidden in the darkness. "Welcome, Caroline," a deep, gravelly voice intoned. "You are quite the valuable asset." I attempted to respond, but my lips were sealed with duct tape. A wave of panic washed over me as I struggled to catch my breath. The figure extended a hand, tearing the tape from my mouth. "Water," I rasped, my voice barely rising above a whispe
Caroline pov “Release me! Where are you taking me, exactly? You scoundrel!” I groaned as I struggled to free my hands from his grasp; he held me so tightly that I could feel his fingers pressing painfully into my skin. Each moment he held me intensified the pain. I could only hope that Lana would come to my aid soon, as my thoughts were consumed by despair. Who is this man to determine my fate? What kind of love is he referring to when he utters those words? I LOVE YOU, CAROLINE. It’s absurd! I have no regard for his trivial emotions. How did Alex come to associate with this man? I could recall him clearly, yet the fact that he spoke of love left me utterly perplexed. He forcefully threw me into the car and slammed the door shut, the sound reverberating throughout the area. I curled up in a corner, trembling and wishing for a miracle to occur—whether now, later, or someday, I was simply hoping for now. As I glanced out the window, I saw him standing tall beside my door, not yet t
Lana pov It has only been three hours since we rescued Caroline from the clutches of those ruthless kidnappers, yet I find myself pondering the nature of her connection to them. My thoughts persisted as I made my way to Caroline's hospital room. She was taken to the hospital after fainting on the street where we found her and Alex. As I pushed the door open, I leaned against it, observing her as she slept peacefully. It was evident that she had not rested for days, likely consumed by thoughts of how to escape her captors. Poor Caroline; I can only imagine how her sharp tongue may have provoked the kidnappers. I chuckled to myself, acknowledging her tendency to irritate others. Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my reverie. I turned to see Jenkin. "Ma'am Lana, you have been watching Caroline for quite some time. She will recover," he said in a soothing tone, reassuring me about her condition. I nodded, determined to dispel my feelings of anxiety regarding her
The Truth Unfolds Lana’s POV I sat in the living room, the weight of everything pressing down on me like a heavy blanket. My mind spun with all the revelations from the past few days—Leo’s betrayal, Sarah’s twisted games, and the danger we were all in. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and I had no idea who to trust anymore. Donovan stood by the window, his face unreadable as he stared out into the night. The silence between us was thick, and I knew there was more he hadn’t told me yet. I could feel it in the air, a tension that seemed to tighten with every passing second. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and strained. "Lana, there’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago." I looked up at him, my heart pounding. "What is it, Donovan? I don’t think I can handle any more surprises." He turned to face me, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and determination. "Remember when we thought I couldn’t have children? When we believed I w
Truth Lana’s POV My hands shook as I stood over the knife, my heart pounding. The air felt thick with tension, and I could hardly breathe. Leo was still wrestling with the stranger on the floor, and I knew I had to act fast. “Get off him!” I shouted, hoping to break through the chaos. Leo glanced up, his face smeared with sweat and determination. “Lana, I can handle this! Just—” But before he could finish, the stranger threw him to the side. Leo hit the wall with a loud thud, and I winced at the sound. “Now, where were we?” the man said, grinning menacingly. I tightened my grip on the knife, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Who was this guy? Why had he come here? “Get away from him!” I yelled, stepping forward, ready to protect Leo at all costs. The man turned his gaze toward me, his smile widening. “You think you can stop me? You don’t even know what’s happening here.” “What are you talking about?” I snapped. He straightened up, brushing off his clothes like he
The Storm Lana’s POV My heart raced as I looked from Donovan to Leo, who was blocking our only way out. The air was thick with tension, and the darkness felt like it was closing in on me. I had never been so terrified in my life. “Lana, listen to me!” Donovan said urgently, his eyes fixed on me. “We can’t let him get to you. We need to stick together.” “Together?” Leo sneered, stepping forward. “Do you think that will save you? You’re both just pawns in my game.” “What game?” I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady. “What do you want?” Leo grinned, but there was no warmth in it. “I want everything. You, Lana. Your trust. Your love. I want to destroy Donovan, and you’re the key to making that happen.” I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. How had I misjudged him so completely? I had thought Leo was my ally, someone I could trust, but now he was showing a dark side I had never seen before. “Lana, don’t listen to him!” Donovan shouted, stepping protectively in front of me. “
All Lies Lana’s POV The night was thick with tension, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being watched. Sarah and I sat in the dim light of the cabin, huddled together as we planned our next move against Donovan. I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting back to the shadow I had seen outside. “Lana, are you even listening?” Sarah’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Sorry, I just…” I hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I keep thinking about Donovan. What if he is coming for us?” Sarah rolled her eyes, irritation flashing across her face. “Donovan is a monster. He will do anything to get to you. We need to stay focused.” As she spoke, I felt a knot tightening in my stomach. Something didn’t feel right. The more I thought about it, the more I began to question Sarah’s intentions. Was she really on my side, or was she just trying to protect herself? Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. My heart raced as I turned, ready to confront
Unexpected Lana’s POV The days following Donovan’s death—if it was even that—were a blur. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, each moment dragging on as I tried to process everything that had happened. Leo was gone. The thought crushed me. I could still hear his voice, his laughter, and his promises echoing in my mind. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall, my heart heavy with grief. Leo had fought for me. He had given everything to protect me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had failed him. I should have been there. I should have done something more. “Lana, are you okay?” Caroline’s voice broke through my thoughts. She stood in the doorway, concern etched on her face. I forced a smile, but it felt hollow. “Yeah, just thinking.” “Thinking about Leo?” she asked gently, stepping closer. I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. “I can’t believe he’s gone. He didn’t deserve this.” “I know,” Caroline said, sitting beside me. “He loved you, Lana. And you loved
The Truth UnveiledLana’s POVThe chaos in the cabin was overwhelming. I felt my heart racing as Donovan’s men stormed in, and I barely had time to process what was happening. The air was thick with tension, and I could hear the sound of fists hitting flesh, shouts of anger, and the shattering of furniture. I had to focus. I had to protect Sarah.“Sarah!” I yelled, scanning the room for her. She was pressed against the wall, eyes wide with fear. “Lana, get out!” she shouted, her voice trembling. “They’re going to hurt you!”I pushed through the crowd, trying to reach her. But just then, Leo stepped in front of me, brandishing an axe with fierce determination. “Stay back!” he warned, ready to defend us. Suddenly, I heard Donovan’s laugh cut through the chaos. “You think you can save her, Leo?” His voice dripped with mockery. “You’re out of your league!”Without warning, a loud crash reverberated through the cabin as the front door burst open. Donovan stood there, a twisted smile on
BetrayedLana’s POVRunning through the thick trees, I could hear the sounds of footsteps pounding behind us. Panic surged in my chest. We had to get away before they caught up. “Where do we go?” Caroline shouted, glancing over her shoulder. I didn’t have a plan. “Just keep moving!” I yelled back, adrenaline coursing through my veins. My mind raced as I tried to think of a way out. Leo and Jax were close behind, their faces set with determination. “We need to find shelter,” Jax suggested, his voice steady despite the chaos. “There’s a cabin nearby. If we can reach it, we might be safe.”“Let’s go!” I replied, pushing through the branches that scratched my arms. My breath came in quick gasps, but I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. As we ran, I felt a twinge of guilt for Sarah. I couldn’t deny the pain she had caused, but there was a part of me that wondered how she had ended up this way. Did she ever have a choice? “Here!” Jax pointed ahead, and I saw the outline
ReckoningLana’s POVThe sound of gunfire still echoed in my ears as I rushed toward Sarah, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I had never imagined my life would lead to this moment—facing the woman who had caused me so much pain. Jax was right beside me, his expression fierce and focused. “Watch out!” he yelled as Sarah fired again. I ducked just in time, feeling the heat of the bullet whiz past my shoulder. “We need to flank her!” I shouted, trying to think clearly in the chaos. I signaled to Leo and Caroline, who were hiding behind the trees. They nodded, understanding the plan. “On three!” Jax said, his voice steady despite the chaos. “One, two, three!”We all moved at once, rushing toward Sarah from different angles. She looked frantic, scanning for us, her gun shaking in her hands. “Get back!” she screamed, her voice breaking. But we didn’t back down. I felt a surge of courage. This was my moment to take control. I could see the fear in her eyes as she faced us, her brava
The Calm Before the Storm Lana’s POV I felt a wave of anxiety was right over me. A hidden island? What if it was a trap? But there was no other choice; we couldn’t go back to the city. As we approached the island, I noticed that the trees loomed like dark shadows against the night sky. “What’s on this island?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “A safe spot. I used to come here for quiet when things got crazy,” Jax replied, his eyes focused on the shoreline. We pulled up to a small, rocky beach. Jax quickly shut off the engine, and a heavy silence settled around us. I felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down. We climbed out of the boat and onto the shore, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. The air was thick with the scent of salt and damp earth. “Let’s find some cover,” Jax said, leading us into the trees. “We can’t stay exposed here.” As we walked deeper into the island, I felt a chill run down my spine. The shadows felt alive, shifting with every