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
Donovan pov Sarah was in a hurry. Bryan is scheduled to take the next bus to school, likely around 7:20 a.m. “Donovan, you do not have the authority to dictate what I should do with my son. Please allow me some space. The last time you interfered, you disrupted my plans for taking Bryan to school, and now you expect him to catch the next available bus? Impressive!” she exclaimed in frustration, her high-pitched voice cutting through the air from the kitchen where she was preparing Bryan's lunch. I exhaled deeply, fastening my sleeves. My gaze fell on young Bryan, who was preoccupied with his watch, struggling to secure the clasp that would keep it in place on his wrist. "Hey, little man, do you need Daddy's help?" I inquired, my lips pursed as I attempted to button my sleeves, which kept slipping off. This was one of the aspects I disliked about Sarah; she rarely assisted with such tasks when needed. "Sarah, could you assist me with my sleeves?" "No, I can't. I'm extremely busy.
Lana pov “Mrs. Lana, could you please inform the press about what or whom you have been searching for?” I exhaled deeply, my heart racing even though Caroline was leading the interview. A sense of anxiety enveloped me as if my entire existence was being subjected to ridicule. It was an overwhelming feeling. “Lana, please focus and speak clearly. I have more pressing matters to attend to, understood?” she stated sharply while preparing the camera for recording. “Why are you so serious at this moment?” I let out a sigh, quickly rising to the couch to compose myself, attempting to ease the tension in my jaw and regain my breath. I have a rather unpredictable friend who fails to treat me with the consideration I deserve simply because she works in the media. “Caroline, can you please take this seriously? I need a moment to collect myself.” Standing in front of the camera is quite daunting. I require a moment to breathe. "Caroline, please," I implored, striving to steady my racing
Donovan's Pov I know we had discussed the issues that seemed to be coming in between our relationship, or so I thought when I overheard another conversation. I just returned from the office, heading towards my room, and it appeared Sarah was unaware of my presence at home at that moment. "No, how many times are we going to keep this up? I said I'm no longer interested, stop pressuring me." My brows furrowed, keep what up? "You have to stop calling me. You know very well that I'm married, Stefan." The color from my face drained upon hearing the name. My fist tightened unto the bag in my hand. But I didn't move, no, I wanted to hear what it was that she had to say. "Stefan." She gritted out and I could imagine her jaw clenching. I looked down at the bag in my hand. I thought to make her feel loved with how much she had been complaining about Lana lately. I sighed. "Fine, where would you like us to meet?" She asked and I heard myself chuckle mentality before I strode away be
Red Satin Lana's Pov Dressed in a red satin short gown, I spun, checking myself out in the mirror. My curled hair cascaded below my shoulders accentuating my look. My cheekbones were highlighted with the little brown blush I added to my cheeks and my lips were a moderate nude pink mixed with a bit of brown color. I felt beautiful, gorgeous, and confident, and I didn't think anything could beat the feeling. I walked towards my bed before taking a champagne stiletto heels with its glimmering strings. My well-manicured hands enhanced the look of my nude-colored nails, and when I stood again, an inch taller this time, I was proud of who I was looking at in the mirror. "Damnnnn." My head instinctively turned towards the origin of the voice. It was of course it was Caroline. A smile made its way to my lips. I couldn't help it. "You're about to steal the attention of every man the moment you walk into that restaurant." "Don't start," I said, giving her a playful glare. "I'm not st
Desperate Measures Donovan's Pov No, it wasn't just me. It wasn't the fact that I was clenching and unclenching my fist when I realized how these men kept ogling her while she was completely unaware, digging her fork into the vegetable on her plate. I shouldn't be feeling this way, but every moment I set my eyes on her it was like I was getting to know her all over again. She had sides to her that I just didn't know existed when we were still together. Married. Sighing, I dug my fork into my plate. I shouldn't be recalling the past. But sometimes, I wondered if she cared about it anymore. I hurt her, badly, and I hated myself for it, for letting the best thing that had happened to me go. "So Lana. How's work?" Bryan asked, breaking the silence as he tried to stir up a conversation. Lana looked up from her plate, gaze flipping between both me and my son before she looked back at her plate once again, nodding. "I guess. It's okay." She said, chewing on her vegetables. "Dad tol
Search Lana's Pov The thought of that night crossed my mind once more. Seeing Sarah with another man made it very clear to me that Donovan wasn't happy in his marriage. All he did with Sarah was tolerate her, probably for Bryan. The night she had hit me on the cheeks all because of Donovan didn't leave my mind. I guess Caroline was right, in some ways, but in this way, it was Sarah's story. The same way you got them could be the same way you lose them. Sarah was never faithful when she knew that Donovan had a wife, she went as far as hitting me in the face while Donovan stood there and did nothing. I chuckled to myself. Karma was indeed a bitch. I glanced up at Donovan whose eyes were on his wife who was occupied with the man she was speaking with, her eyes twinkling with wonder, a little smile playing on her lips. I sipped my juice through the straw. As a woman, I knew that look anywhere. She wasn't just noting everything he was saying, she was interested in that man. I ticked my
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