Chapter 1

I was busy scanning the newspaper when my eyes landed on his face. I gave a bitter smile—still handsome, still emotionless.

"Cassandra? Let’s go, or someone might take our spot. Careful as you stand up," said Lory, my only friend in this world. She stood at the door of my small house, holding a basket of goods. I set the newspaper down, grabbed my basket filled with soman and bico, and smiled at her.

"Ready?" she asked. I nodded.

When we arrived at the market, all the vendors stared at me—just me. I lowered my head as I headed to my stall, hearing their whispers clearly.

"Here comes the disgraced one."

"There she is, the curse to our market."

"She’s pretty, but such a fool."

"You said it."

"Shh, lower your voices. She might hear you."

I sighed as I set up my goods, ignoring their gossip. They didn’t know anything, and I was used to their cruelty. No matter how much it hurt, I refused to show it. I wanted to seem strong, even though deep down, I felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly. My life was a mess—I already knew that.

Months passed with the same routine. The only change was staring at his face on newspapers, billboards, and TV. Today was no different. I was watching my favorite show while eating an apple when breaking news interrupted.

"The world’s most famous and wealthy bachelor was spotted at his airline company. Sources say Mr. Smith is headed abroad for a private life and will manage his empire in Italy, staying there for at least two months. It’s unclear what sparked this sudden decision. This is Katie Tiangco for showbiz news—stay updated via F******k, Twitter, and YouTube. Thank you, and good day to all."

I bit my lip. He’s leaving the country. What’s he planning? His private life?

Even surrounded by bodyguards, the camera still caught his striking looks—he hadn’t changed. If anything, he looked even more muscular.

Six months after that news, I was at the mall with Rea for window shopping, mostly to enjoy the air conditioning. I hadn’t heard anything about him since then.

"Look, Cassandra! It’s Mr. Dark Zacchaeus Voughnn Smith on the screen. Who’s that woman with him? She’s gorgeous."

The news was about him again, this time with a stunning woman by his side.

"Today, we introduce Mr. Smith and his fiancée. They wanted to share the exciting news about their relationship."

I froze in my seat, staring at the giant screen in the food court. His face, once dark and emotionless, was now lit with happiness. He gazed at the woman beside him with pure love. His authoritative voice was filled with joy as he answered the reporter’s questions—a sight I never thought possible.

"So, Mr. Smith, when’s the wedding?"

"Soon. Very soon."

"We’re thrilled you’re back in the Philippines with your fiancée, Mr. Smith."

"I’m happy to be here as well."

"How’s life treating you, Mr. Smith?"

"I’m incredibly happy. I’m with my beautiful fiancée, who will soon be my queen."

He kissed her cheek, making her blush as she playfully slapped his muscular arm. Even the reporter giggled.

I bit my lip as he laughed—the man I thought was heartless and cold had found happiness. I thought I could forget his face, everything about him, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. His presence haunted me, the pain he caused still fresh in my heart. I remembered every detail of that night. The moonlight was the only witness to what happened. It had changed my life into a nightmare, one that plagued me every night.

I wanted to speak out, scream to the world, but I knew no one would listen. No one would believe me. I wanted to report him, but I was terrified. Terrified they would twist the story because I had no power. I was voiceless. Forever voiceless. No one knew but me. I was a victim of a bitter experience, and even though the words people threw at me stung, I stayed quiet. I didn’t want trouble. I endured it because I knew the truth—I was just a victim of a cruel fate.

"You two are such a perfect couple. So sweet."

A tear fell down my cheek as I stared at his wide smile. I gently touched my swollen belly, forcing a smile as I remembered his final words that night.

"Get her out of my sight. I don’t f*cking need her anymore."

I guess it’s time to finally forget him and everything about my past, no matter how hard it may be. I’ll bury it deep inside, even if it hurts. And I’ll remain voiceless. A silent victim.

Because I was pregnant by a notorious mafia lord, and I can’t do anything but accept my melancholic fate.