“Get rid of it,” Nicholas said in a drunken tone. Reyna stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, as Nicholas’s words hung in the air like a heavy, toxic cloud. The scent of alcohol on his breath added an extra layer of bitterness to the atmosphere. She had never seen him like this, and a cold shiver ran down her spine.“Get rid of it,” he repeated, his voice slurring with the effects of the alcohol. Reyna’s mind raced, trying to process the cruelty in his words. She thought about their shared dreams and the promises they had made to each other when they exchanged vows. Now, everything seemed to crumble around her.“No,” she finally said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her. “I won’t. This is our child, Nicholas. How can you even suggest such a thing?”Nicholas’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint surfacing as he took a step closer. “Our child? This…this was not part of the plan, Reyna. I can’t have a child right now. It will ruin everything I’ve worked for.”
Reyna stood frozen at the top of the stairs, Nicholas’s chilling words echoing in her mind. He wanted to silence her, and protect his reputation at any cost. She knew then that she could no longer stay under this roof—it had become a den of lies and danger.Steeling her nerves, she retreated into the bedroom and closed the door firmly behind her. Her suitcase lay open on the bed, where she had hastily packed her most essential belongings. Glancing around the lavish room that had once felt like a sanctuary but now only brought pain, she said a silent goodbye to the remnants of her old life.She slipped on a long coat to disguise her belongings and paused at the bedroom doorway, straining her ears for any noises downstairs. Hearing only muted voices from the parlor, she took a deep breath and crept towards the stairs.Heart pounding, she descended one careful step at a time, gripping the banister so tightly her knuckles turned white. At the bottom landing, she peered into the parlor and
Six years had passed since Reyna fled from Nicholas in the dead of night. Those first few years of hiding and rebuilding her life had been the hardest, but now she felt strong and independent. Her vineyard and winery in the countryside were thriving, with distribution deals in few cities. Most importantly, she had her daughter Mia, now aged 6, who brought her endless joy. Reyna had poured all her energy into her business and raising Mia, determined to prove to herself and Nicholas that she didn’t need him. Reyna was ready to take her business to the next level by expanding into the city that held her worst memories—the same place where Nicholas wielded the most influence. “Are you sure about this, Aunt Mildred?” Reyna asked as they drove into the city, Mia babbling happily in the backseat. “What if we run into him?” Her aunt patted her arm reassuringly. "Now, it’s been 6 years. That sneaky snake’s claws have surely loosened by now. You have every right to do business here, so chin
Reyna wheeled the shopping cart through the school supply aisle, Mia skipping happily at her side. Her daughter’s wide-eyed wonder at the array of colorful backpacks, lunchboxes, and notebooks brought a smile to Reyna’s face. “See anything you like, Mija?” she asked. Mia immediately darted for a sparkly pink backpack shaped like a unicorn. Reyna chuckled. Her little girl had simple tastes. As Mia babbled excitedly about her impending first day at a new private school, Reyna felt a swell of bittersweet emotion. Her baby was growing up so fast. She wished she could freeze this innocent moment forever, before the harsh realities of the world encroached on Mia’s joy. Rounding the corner, Reyna collided straight into another shopping cart, jolting her abruptly from her reverie. “Oh goodness, my apologies!” a familiar voice exclaimed. Reyna’s stomach dropped as she looked up at the heavily made-up face of her cousin Olivia. Beside her cowered Olivia’s son, Anthony, peering at Reyna throu
Reyna hesitated, resentment warring with longing for parental approval, which she still unconsciously craved. At last, she managed a tentative greeting. “Mother, Father, it’s been a while. You both look well.” An awkward beat passed. Elisa arched one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Come now, Reyna; let’s not play pretend. We all know exactly why we haven’t spoken in years. You selfishly put your…love life ahead of this family’s good name and status.” Carlos clenched his fists at his wife’s side. Reyna blanched, feeling again like a naive teenager unable to meet their exacting standards. Some wounds never heal, no matter how much time passes. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. What could she possibly say after all this time? Elisa gave a thin smile of satisfaction at having rendered her speechless once more. Elisa gave a thin smile of satisfaction at having rendered her speechless once more. “Such a pity to witness the ruins of potential,” she lamented dramatically. “Why, jus
Nicholas scoffed at Reyna’s resistance. “Don’t play coy, darling. After all these years apart, you still want me as much as I want you.” He ran a finger along her jawline, smirking as she flinched away in revulsion. “I want nothing from you,” Reyna spat, slapping his hand away. “You made it clear whose side you chose when you tried to kill me. I’ll never let you near Mia.” Nicholas’ eyes darkened dangerously. “That little accident wasn’t personal, just bad luck. But now I’m her father, and it’s my right to see her.” “You signed away your rights when you decided we meant nothing to you.” Reyna stood firm, refusing to back down despite the threat radiating from Nicholas’ towering form. His hand shot out, clasping her wrist in a vice grip. “Wrong answer, darling. I always get what I want in the end.” Reyna bit back a cry of pain as Nicholas’ fingers ground into her flesh, sure to leave ugly bruises. Before she could retaliate, a low voice cut through the night like a razor. “I sugge
Olivia gazed out the window of the lavish mansion she shared with her husband Nicholas, a perfectly manicured brow furrowed in thought. Ever since his failed attempts to get Reyna and that brat Mia under his control, Nicholas has fallen into a sullen mood that has ruined all her careful plans. No matter what, she was never one to be deterred by small setbacks. Where Nicholas failed, Olivia would succeed through her cunning wiles. After all, she hadn’t clawed her way from humble beginnings by being meek. It was time to remind dear Nicholas, whose ambition drove their empire and whose charms kept him beholden. Smoothing an immaculate skirt, Olivia entered the study where Nicholas nursed a scotch, glaring moodily into the crackling fireplace. “Still sulking over that shrew, darling?” she remarked sweetly, perching on the arm of his chair and running delicate fingers through his hair. “Forget her; she’s beneath us now.” Nicholas grunted, not pulling away but making no sign of what he he
Mia’s tantrum exhausted her. Aunt Mildred rocked the little girl until her tears slowed, then lifted her onto the plush sofa, wrapping a soft blanket around her shoulders.“I’m sorry, Auntie,” Mia sniffled. “I didn’t mean to get so upset.”“Oh, sweetheart, you have nothing to apologize for.” Aunt Mildred tucked a strand of Mia’s hair behind her ear. “You are allowed to feel however you feel. But remember, it’s not other people’s job to understand. The only thing that matters is that your mommy loves you so very much.”Mia nodded, leaning into her aunt’s embrace. “I love Mommy too. More than anything.”Aunt Mildred smiled. “I know, darling.”Just then, the front door swung open, and Reyna breezed in, arms loaded with groceries. “Sorry, I’m late! The store was absolutely mobbed.” Spotting her daughter curled on the sofa, she frowned. “Mia, what’s wrong?”Mia bit her lip. “Just… some kids at school were laughing about me not having a dad. But I’m okay now.”Reyna’s expression softened. S