Daisy’s tearful eyes pierced through him, making him realize just how far things had gone. He had let his temper control him, and now his daughter was looking at him like he was a monster. “I—I didn’t mean to, Daisy,” Victor stammered, his voice hoarse, but Daisy wasn’t listening. She clung to her
**Warning Trigger: Explicit Content*** “Whiskey. Double.” The burn of the liquor was a welcome distraction from the thoughts brewing in his chest and mind. But the alcohol wasn’t enough to calm him. He needed more. Something physical, primal. His fists tightened on the glass as he downed the last
"By Thursday, I want everything finalized,” she stated coldly, her voice cutting through the low hum of the room. “We can't afford delays. The last quarter was barely acceptable, and I will not tolerate another slip-up. Am I understood?” “Yes, ma’am,” came the chorus of voices, though most of them
“Good,” she spat, stepping even closer, her eyes narrowing. “Because the answer is no.” Victor stood there, visibly trembling, but this time he managed to hold Racheal’s gaze. His lips parted, and for a moment, it looked like he was going to try and defend himself. Instead, his words came out despe
Racheal sped down the highway, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel, her mind racing as fast as the car. Jamal. Her son. Her world. The thought of something happening to him was unbearable. She tried to steady her breath, but it came out shaky, the anxiety gnawing at her insides.
It echoed in the hollow space between them, and for a moment, he felt his heart crack under its weight. But something in him—something raw and dark—snapped. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms as the anger, so long buried beneath layers of regret and pride, surged through him with a vi
Victor’s heart clenched, guilt slicing through him like a blade. He knew she was right—at least part of her was right—but that didn’t change the truth of why he left. “I know I failed him. I know I failed *you*,” he said, his voice rough, raw. “But I’m here now. And I’m not leaving. You can hate m
The shock of the punch left him dizzy for a moment, but the anger rising inside him burned just as fiercely. “Damian!” Racheal’s voice cut through the room, sharp and filled with panic. She rushed between them, pushing against Damian’s chest with both hands, trying to stop him from going in for ano
Racheal's eyes widened, filled with horror and disbelief. She recoiled, instinctively clutching Anna closer to her chest. "No… no, you don’t mean…" Her voice trailed off, her mind racing to deny the awful truth. "Oh my God!" She staggered, pressing a hand against her mouth, her fingers trembling as
Damian took a slow, hesitant step forward, his gaze never wavering from her. His eyes were filled with a longing so intense it could have brought the stars to their knees. He reached out, his hand trembling as he brushed his fingertips against her cheek, his touch warm and achingly real, grounding
But Anna kept crying, her tiny voice piercing through the calm rhythm of the ocean waves, rattling Racheal’s nerves. She tried everything—bouncing, rocking, singing softly. Nothing eased the crying. Feeling defeated, she finally set Anna down on the sand, her heart heavy, only for the little girl
**A Year Later** He was gone. Two words. They carry the weight of a world collapsing, the brutal truth that life can end without warning, without mercy. Death is so final, so unforgiving. They say it’s a thief that steals more than just a heartbeat. It takes away laughter, shared secrets, future
Victor’s eyes gleamed with delight, an almost feral hunger as he watched Damian crumble. He tilted his head, studying Damian’s broken form with a twisted satisfaction. “Oh, Damian,” he purred, relishing each syllable. “Look at you… crawling, sobbing, like a dog begging for scraps. It’s delicious.
What’s the matter, Rachel? Suddenly shy? I said fucking strip bitch! Fucking strip you fucking slut!” he taunted, cocking his head with cruel amusement. “Or do you need another… reminder?” Her breath hitched, her eyes darting to the man Victor had just killed, the blood still pooling on the cold fl
Rachel’s heart seized, her chest tightening painfully. “No!” she gasped, her voice cracking, terror rushing through her veins as she tried to grab her son swiftly before victor got a hold of him. But before she could move, Victor’s hand shot out, grabbing Jamal’s arm in a crushing grip. Jamal strug
Rachel’s chest heaved as she clung to Damian, her fingers digging into his arm as if he were the only thing anchoring her in this nightmare. Tears streamed down her face, her breath catching in her throat with each sob. Every fiber of her being screamed for Victor to leave, to take the darkness he
The chapel’s heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing Uncle Clark standing with a quiet strength. His arm was steady as he offered it to Rachel, his aged eyes glistening with emotion. His smile, both proud and bittersweet, told her everything: he had seen her rise from the ashes of a life that nea