"Sophie. It still feels so clear in my head, those days," Marc whispered, his gaze shifting and fixing on me.What was this old man planning, and why did he bring me here? Adrian's mother?My gaze raised to meet the image again, only to find them dropping down after as I shivered in fear, from the eyes of the decapitated bodies surrounding her.This? I knew that everyone in this family was bloodstained and crazy, but yet, why did this image of witnessing those two brothers' mother leave a shocking sight to me?"Are you scared?" A voice snapped me as my eyes were on Marc. His steps grew closer; I found mine retreating only to stumble as beside me gazed upon a bone—wait, they were real! I jolted up immediately, colliding with Marc."What...?" I wanted to utter, only to watch him retreat a bit from my side. His eyes scanned the wall back as I watched a smirk lit from that crazy old man's lips."She was one of a kind, I would say, but really, I thought by now you must have been used to ou
[Adrian’s POV]"Doesn't this feel so amazing, Adrian?" A voice snapped my attention to Elena, a smile lighting up her lips."Yeah, it does," I managed a reply, only to watch her gaze still fixed on me."What's wrong, Adrian? Are you not happy with all this? Don't you want us to spend more time...or--" she questioned, her gaze dropping immediately, the smile wavering away."It's not that, Elena," I replied. It wasn't really about any of this. I just found it hard shaking off the questions that swirled my mind, which were left unanswered by Sierra. I mean, where did she go to last night? She never returned to the mansion. What if, just what if, Uncle Marc was to find out? Now, that would be a fault in my plans, every single one of them, and the wealth I wished to attain, my father's property and everything. I just can't imagine those dreams crumbling down into ashes. I had picked her for this agreement because I found her usefulness and someone who wouldn't cause me more trouble further,
[Sierra's POV]"Is she going to be alright?" whispers reached my ears as my eyes sprung open, only to find myself lying on the bed. I tried to stand up and give the room a proper scan. Pain shot through me, coursing through my veins, leaving me numb. My gaze landed on my already bandaged right hand. It hit me then - the scene with that crazy old man, his actions. Why did he do that? And what was he blubbering on about?A 'Sohoe'... I cared less about what he meant by that, but I found myself curious nonetheless.I had thought maybe he had found out my true identity and the fact that I wanted to bring down Dominic. The feeling that washed over me at the mere thought, but now I found myself in a new story, one that I had no idea about.A creak from the door caught my attention, and my eyes scanned the room, witnessing Uncle Gavin as he walked in. A flicker of a smile painted his lips, though I couldn't deny the paled look in his eyes."You're awake, dear." I heard him mutter, and before
"It's okay, Dominic. Let's go out and have a talk," Uncle Gavin interjected, standing up. As Marc turned and left the room, followed by Uncle Gavin. I noticed Dominic's gaze still fixed on me, with raised brows before finally leaving.As I found myself alone in the room, I released a sigh. Even with all that Uncle Gavin had said, I had no idea what this was all about and why I was chosen as the new Sohoe. I wasn't even a daughter-in-law of their blood-stained family. This was just a contract, and I would never be such in the first place. This place had always been hell for me, with every single day passing by, and it seemed this hell was increasing even more.I was quite sure Adrian would have heard of it and was possibly on his way back. A reminder of the questions he had thrown at me when I came back this morning.But honestly, what should I do now? Even though I had no idea about this Sohoe thing, I could tell it was a big issue and one that would draw many eyes to me. Nate turned
[Dominic's POV]"Why did you make her the new Sohoe, Uncle Marc? Why?" I questioned, but all I received from him were those darkening glares. I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me. Yet, should I say I was disappointed in the same person I considered a powerful man who still left terror in his wake? Someone I wanted to surpass in power and reach greater heights than he ever did. How could he make Adrian's wife the new head of the De Santos family? How could he take such a drastic step without informing me, Adrian, or any of the other families? This was a matter that held every one of our concerns."I owe you no explanation, Dominic. She is the new Sohoe, and that's final. Understand?" he declared, yet my gaze remained unwavering. This was a death wish, I knew. He could have me killed at any moment. Even though I had the power and connections, I was in his territory, and that was something I couldn't deny. This was something I couldn't just take lightly. I held some suspicion
[Adrian’s POV]“Come on, Adrian, let’s dance,” Elena said, leading me to the dance floor.I found myself swaying with her as we danced at one of her friends' events. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the words of the stranger who called me back then. I still needed to know who he was.“What happened, Adrian? Anything wrong?” Elena asked, snapping me out of my thoughts as her gaze met mine. I forced a smile. “Nothing, Elena. Let’s dance,” I replied.This was something I would have to handle myself and see if it was truly Dominic who plotted this or if it was just a sham from one of our enemies. One way or another, I would make sure to beat them at their own game and show them that I am not as weak as they perceive me to be.“So tell me, Elena, any further plans?” I asked, trying to let go of my thoughts for the moment. For now, I needed to help Elena forget her past life and create new memories.“My plan?” she questioned.“Yeah, you mentioned planning to settle here for the meantime. I just wan
[Sierra's POV]In a blink, I felt a grasp on my wrist as he whisked me into his room, scanning the passage before shutting the door after us.“What are you doing here, Sierra? Don’t you know how dangerous it is if you are seen here? You could have both of us killed!” he sneered.But I had my reasons. I knew it was risky meeting up with him, especially here in the mansion. I had no other choice; I needed answers, and he seemed like the only one I saw that I could get some from.“What is a Sohoe, Nate?” I questioned.“What? What do you mean by a Sohoe? I know nothing of such! Now leave, Sierra; you must not be seen here with me.” he uttered.“Just answer me, Nate. I deserve answers, Nate. I deserve them all.”“Fine. A Sohoe, from what I have heard so far, is a title given to the women in the De Santos family. Only one is chosen for such a title, and the tradition has gone on in their family for many years,” He explained, but I needed more information than the little he had just told me.
My eyes caught sight of two men walking in after. They stood beside Adrian, one armed with a shotgun.“Who dares to call my name in such a tone?” Marc made his way toward Adrian. “Oh, it's you.”“Why, Uncle Marc? Why would you do such a thing? Tell me it’s a lie. How could you make my wife... How could you make Sierra the next Sohoe of the De Santos family without even caring to consult me first?” Adrian sneered as the old man let out a slight chuckle. “Consulting you? I decide what goes on in this mansion. All is based on my rules, or do you plan to go against them?”I watched their eyes locked on each other, reminding me of the same scene, the same aura that left Dominic's side after walking into the room back then, confronting Marc.“And I am her husband, Uncle. She is my wife, and therefore, I own all the rights to know.” Adrian uttered, causing me to scoff at his words.“Husband?” But yeah, I guess things had to be taken this way.“Stop this now, Adrian,” I heard Dominic cut in,
In that moment, I caught sight of a stranger walking up to Damarc side as he whispered something into his ears, which led to a change in his expression. I watched him leave a scan around the room as though he was searching for someone. His eyes brushed through my side, but I could feel a side of me hoping to hide from his gaze, but that wasn't of any use; that was just going to increase a side of suspicion. He had no idea who I was anyway and why I was here. Not long after, he stood up from his seat as the two men escorted him to a room. "Where is he heading to?" I wondered, thinking maybe he was already leaving. I surely couldn't allow that now. Taking some steps, I followed up his movement, leaving a scan back with my pistol slowly pointed out as my finger closed in on the trigger, ready to pull. I forced a push, entering the room in a hastened speed, only for it to turn out to be a hallway. The lights were red, making it hard to have a clear view. My pistol already pointed up a
[Dominic's POV]"So, tell me, Nate, you had stopped my steps back then, mentioning this same Sierra we have been searching for quite a long while... So, have you gotten her in control now? Where is she?" I asked.Even though i was yet to forget the issue with Adrian's wife and my men that i had brought from the club.I can still remember the silence that went through after one of them mentioned Adrian's wife's name. The same screeching tires sound...Yet, she claims not to know anything, but was I really right? That she was the one who killed them?I had my doubts, but should I then deny my men's last words? I had ordered some men to go in search of their bodies, tracing their cellphones to the last places where they called. The men caught no sign of any dead bodies, which only brought more doubts to my mind."She has been taken care of, boss. You don't have to worry about her..." I heard Nate utter, but did I just hear him wrongly? What does he mean by she has been taken care of?"Wh
I watched as Nate left the room. He had just received a call from Dominic. I had little idea of what they had discussed, but it seemed important, judging from Nate's expressions and the fact that he left no words or further questions before leaving the room.I sat down on the bed and watched the luggage."So this was it... I was going to take on this mission and leave for Las Vegas," I thought.With some minutes gone by, I stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs. Only to catch sight of some of the maids approaching with my luggage in their grasp.Awaiting my presence at the mansion doorstep was Marc."Good to see you are ready," he said with a weird smile. I left no words, only a glare, but then scanned around as I caught sight of many armed men stationed, which left me wondering what their presence was called for."I'm very sure you are going to do good in this, your first mission, and bring glory onto the De Santos name," Marc continued, drawing my focus back to him.I le
"Tell me, is it true?" Adrian questioned, "That you are leaving for Las Vegas? Answer me, Sierra."I could see that even with his wounded, bandaged body, he was still eager to know everything going on and wanted answers from me. I also couldn't believe it when Marc uttered it from his mouth."This company is based in Las Vegas, so you are to travel back to Las Vegas today and begin your mission," Marc had said.Those words were something I never thought I would hear. It seemed he wasn't one to take things slow.But I never thought I would be returning to Las Vegas, even though it was to be expected."I wasn't the one who decided that, Adrian," I replied, hoping to take some of my clothing, but Adrian remained blocking my path as he approached me hastily. My back was pressed against the wall. His eyes fixed on mine."You have begun to act different now, haven't you? Don't forget where you are coming from, the deal we both had. You are to act as my loyal wife at all times," he reminded
Recalling things now, I could also remember her discussing with a man on the phone, the same time she had me kidnapped, as she also addressed him as "father."Could it be that this man was her father? But what does she mean by "don't harm Adrain"? Wait, don't tell me she was behind the reason Adrain arrived home in such a state.Should I really be jumping to such conclusions so fast? I hadn't even checked on Adrian yet to confirm things, but even so, I still find it hard to shake Elena's words."Don't hurt Adrain, Father, or else I will never forgive you for that. Just hold on and stay low while I handle things," she said, as I tried moving in closer, hoping to hear her words more clearly and maybe the response from the call. I accidentally stepped onto a metal plate, which left a clashing sound—one that brought a sharp turn from Elena.I hid myself away from her sight, leaving the area at that very moment as I distanced myself, stopping at a side."That was close," I muttered to myse
[Sierra's POV]"What do you think you're doing, Dominic?" Marc snapped, but Dominic remained persistent as his fingertips closed in on the trigger.In that moment, I caught sight of some men coming out of nowhere, armed with guns.But their actions afterward left me stunned as they stood in protection, their guns aimed at Dominic, ready to shoot."She is a traitor... I'm sure of it," Dominic uttered, declaring again."What has really gotten into you today? Don't forget she is now the sohoe the De Santos, and you should put some respect into that," Marc said, but even with all the words, they did little to Dominic as his eyes remained narrowed, locked onto mine."Are you going to speak, or do you want me to do that?" he started, making me wonder what he meant.I can't just say it's about the men at the club. I'm sure he doesn't know that; I have to stop showing any suspicious signs. But if it wasn't about that, what could it be?His expression changed for that moment, downcast, before
I heard a screeching sound, which caused my eyes to spring open. I found myself lying in wet mud as I tried to stand up. A sharp sting hit my head, and my legs buckled, causing me to stumble back down.Catching a glimpse, I watched a car drive off. I could hardly get a proper glance through the heavy rainfall blurring my vision.But I was sure it was one of Elena's dad henchmen."I will make sure to make them pay for what they have done. Those bastards, who do they think they are?" I thought."Adrian, sir..." I heard a voice that drew my attention. I had no idea that they had dropped me off right in front of the mansion.To know they even had the guts to do that, not scared if they were sighted and killed. Well, this was to be expected since I was dealing with Elena's father in the line.One of the men came rushing to my side as he helped me up from the muddy ground.I hated the sight of my own weak state. No, I wasn't weak; it was just them that played a cowardly trick. Being, i neve
[Adrian's POV]"Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who I am?" I threatened, yelling only to cough out more blood as a punch sank deep into my stomach."And how does that matter?" the man who had punched me replied.How dare he lay a finger on me, knowing very well that I am Adrian De Santos? He must surely wish for his death so much.My thoughts went back to leaving the club with those men ambushing me. Now I found myself in this room. They had kept me here for a while now, hitting me repeatedly.But they were nothing but cowards. I would make them pay once I found a way out of here."The boss is on his way, Felix," one of the men walked in saying. "You should stop now. You know he doesn't like messy work.""So their boss is on his way," I thought to myself. Finally, I would be able to know who had the guts to have me, Adrian De Santos, kidnapped.Who could that fool be?The man retreated a bit from my side, but his eyes remained fixed on mine. It was as if he was ready to
"What are you saying, Sierra? Tell me, who was it? Who did you kill? Is it Dominic...?" Nate questioned, but how could it be Dominic?Even though I wished for his death so much, I wouldn't have been so stupid as to go for a straight attack."No, Nate..." I replied, "It's the men...""The what?""I killed them, Nate. I just killed the men from the club; they saw me, so I had no choice. Now, I don't know what to do. What if they find out that I was the one who... no, I can't let that happen," I mumbled, as many thoughts came hitting me, leaving me worried and causing my legs to buckle."Hold on, Sierra. Just calm down; nothing is going to happen. I promised to protect you from any harm. I can't surely allow anything to happen to you now," Nate said. But where was he when the men at the club had sighted me, when I had no other option but to take action and stop them by killing them? Just where was he back then?"What am I going to do, Nate?" I asked again, hoping he would have an answer,