“Sign the papers, Estella.” Marco’s voice dripped with cold indifference as he slid the divorce papers across the table, his gaze locked on Claudia standing smugly by his side. “Did you really think a nobody like you could keep me?” Estella swallowed her pride, forcing herself to meet his eyes despite the burning humiliation. The family she had fought to belong to had become her greatest enemy. Claudia smirked, leaning closer. “You should be grateful. Letting you go is the kindest thing we’ve done for you.” **** When Estella married into the powerful Valdez family, she believed in a love strong enough to conquer any storm. But after years of enduring Marco’s cruelty and twisted schemes, she’s cast aside, humiliated, and left with a shattered heart. Yet, when Estella crosses paths with Alejandro, Marco’s ruthless rival. With Alejandro’s guidance, she reclaims her life, finding strength she never knew existed. Together, they plot to dismantle the very family that tore her apart. But revenge is a dangerous game, and as her quest unfolds, she faces betrayal, tragedy, and a conspiracy far deeper than she imagined. In a world of deceit and broken promises, Estella will discover that survival means more than escaping her past. It means learning to wield her pain as power—and showing those who wronged her that the quietest heart can hide the fiercest storm. But as she edges closer to revenge, a final tragedy strikes, threatening to strip her of everything. Can she rise from the ashes, or will she become a pawn in a game more twisted than love itself? Will Estella’s journey be one of redemption or destruction? Only time will tell in this gripping saga of betrayal, vengeance, and forbidden love
View MoreWarning: This chapter contains graphic content, including self-harm, that may be triggering for some readers.If you're struggling with mental health issues, please take care of yourself and consider skipping this chapter.Alejandro POVThe snow started falling a few miles away from the estate, covering the road and slowing my progress. It hadn’t been snowing when I left home, but now it was heavy flakes covering the windshield and muffling the sound of my tires on the secluded drive.I cursed under my breath, gripping the steering wheel tighter as I turned into the long, winding driveway of the mansion. This place was old money through and through: a large plot of land in the middle of nowhere, towering oak trees lining the path, and a mansion that looked more like a fortress.The entire property’s lights were out, save for a faint glow coming from a single window on the second floor.When I reached the entrance, I slammed the car door shut and jogged to the grand stone front steps.
Estella Mia’s blank stare still stuck with me as I walked back into the house, locking the door behind me. The whole house was silent, the kind that made every creak of the floorboards echo louder than it should. What the hell was Mia doing out there? Sleepwalking? Spying? I couldn’t figure it out, but the way she just stood there, staring, still gave me chills. I tried to shake off the thought. She’d been weird since the moment she started working here. I sent Alejandro a quick message: Are you almost there? Is she okay? I sighed, heading to the bedroom. My dress clung to me uncomfortably after the long day, and I peeled it off, tossing it onto the chair. Sliding into the bathroom, I turned on the shower, letting the hot water soothe my tense muscles. The warm spray did little to calm my thoughts. My mind was a whirlwind of suspicion and unease. I had just been proposed to. I should be euphoric, floating on air, but instead, I felt restless. When I stepped out of the shower,
Estella“She just collapsed, Alejandro! One minute she was fine, and the next—oh my God, what do I do? I called an ambulance, but they’re taking so long. She’s just lying there!”Alejandro pinched the bridge of his nose, his jaw clenched as he paced. “Camila, just take a deep breath. Did you check her pulse? Is she still breathing?”“I-I didn’t want to touch her,” she stammered. “What if I make it worse? I don’t know what to do, Alejandro. I’m scared. She hasn’t even opened her eyes! Please what should I do?”“Stay with her,” he ordered, his voice firm. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”Alejandro’s expression was unreadable as he slid his phone into his pocket, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. I know what he is feeling. He told Lucia is like a mother to him. Losing her is like reliving the lost of his mother.“You’re going?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.“Yes,” he said shortly, grabbing his keys from his pocket.I stepped in front of him. “I’ll come
Estella POV“Let’s just go home,” I said. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and I’m just… done.”Alejandro shot me a sidelong glance. “When was the last time you let yourself just stop and breathe?”I huffed out a small laugh. “I’ll stop and breathe as soon as we get home.”“Then it’s my job to make sure you get it,” he said firmly, wrapping an arm around my waist.As we neared the corner where Clara stood, I spotted her slouched against the wall, arms crossed.“Hey Clara?” I asked, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”She straightened immediately, plastering on a forced smile. “Yeah, fine.”I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t look fine.”“I’m fine,” she insisted, waving me off.I hesitated, my concern growing, but before I could press further, she shook her head and chirped, “ Are you going? Just go and have a rest. I’ll handle everything.”I studied her, then gave a small nod. I will make sure to find out what is up with her. “Make sure everyone leaves safely, okay? And… I will get Raul stay
Estella POVI walked through the remnants of the event, seeing guests off and thanking them for sticking with me, believing me.I was about to suggest to Alejandro we leave when Elliot Harrington appeared in my path.Elliot Harrington, of Vanveau, the company that had yanked their partnership the second the rumors started. His cocky smile was a reminder of how easily people could turn on you when it suited them“Well well Estella,” he said. “I have to say, tonight’s event was nothing short of extraordinary.”“Extraordinary enough to make you regret pulling out of our deal?” I replied, arching a brow.His smile faltered for a split second, but he recovered quickly. “A lapse in judgment, I admit. One I deeply regret. That’s why I’m here—to assure you that Vanveau is still very interested in partnering with Estrella Designs. The deal stands if you’re willing.”I crossed my arms, keeping my face neutral. “Funny. I seem to remember you being the first to jump ship when the rumors started.
The tension in the room thickened as Vivian’s father strode in, his presence commanding every ounce of attention. His tailored suit was impeccable, his silver hair gleaming under the spotlights. He scanned the room, his piercing gaze settling on Vivian, who was still struggling against the guards.“Daddy!” Vivian’s voice cracked as she broke free from their grip, staggering toward him like a child seeking refuge. “Look at what they’re doing to me! She humiliated me in front of everyone. She’s lying daddy! You can’t let them treat me like this.”“Vivian.” His voice was a low rumble, full of warning. “Enough.”Her confidence faltered for the briefest moment before she doubled down, her voice rising hysterically. “Enough? You don’t understand! She did this all… to ruin our company. Estella thinks she’s so perfect—she thinks she can just waltz in and—”“Stop.” His single word silenced her tirade, leaving her mouth agape. The crowd murmured in disbelief, the sight of the mighty Vivian Cadw
Estella We were still on the stage, under the blinding lights and sharp gazes of the elite, all I could focus on was Vivian. She was seething, her face twisted in rage as she lunged toward me. Her voice was shrill as she screamed, “You think you can humiliate me like this? You don’t know who you’re messing with, you bitch!.“Alejandro moved to my side in an instant, his hand firm on my waist. The heat in his eyes told me he was one second away from ripping Vivian apart. “Calm the fuck down and get lost, Vivian. That’s enough.”But she wasn’t calming down. If anything, Alejandro’s intervention seemed to spur her on. Her wild eyes fixed on me, and she sneered, “Of course, your knight in shining armor. Always rushing to save you, isn’t he? Just so you know you’re nothing without him!”She grabbed a glass from the nearby refreshment table. Before anyone could stop her, she hurled it with all her might—straight at me.“Estella!” Alejandro roared, stepping in front of me.The glass shatter
It wasn’t every day that a promising startup like Estella’s Designs announced a partnership with a powerhouse like Cadwell Enterprises. The venue was packed with industry elites, media personnel, and potential investors, their eyes darting between the stage and their phones as they live-tweeted every moment. I stood behind the curtains, trying to calm my racing heart. Vivian’s figure loomed just a few feet away. She looked every bit the goddess she pretended to be, but I knew better. Vivian turned, her expression smug. “Nervous, Estella?” “Excited,” I replied, my smile bright. “Oh, you should be,” she said. The applause quieted as Vivian took the mic. Her crimson gown shimmered under the lights, perfectly coordinated with her aura of smug confidence. “Good evening, everyone,” Vivian began. “This partnership,” she said, her voice dripping with faux sincerity, “is about more than business. It’s about second chances.Estrella’s Designs has had… let’s say, its fair share of cha
EstellaThe black car waited in the underground parking lot, its windows tinted. Alejandro leaned against the passenger door, his arms crossed.“You were in there too long,” he said the moment he saw me approach, his gray eyes scanning me.“I had to make it convincing,” I replied, walking up to him. The tension in my body from the meeting with Vivian hadn’t fully eased, but seeing him standing there, waiting for me, calmed me in a way I couldn’t explain.He tilted his head. “Convincing, huh? Did she take the bait?”I nodded. “Hook, line, and sinker.”He smirked, opening the car door for me. “Good. Let’s move on”I slid into the car, the leather seats cool against my skin. He followed, shutting the door behind him with a solid thud. Raul, sitting behind the wheel, nodded at me in acknowledgment before starting the car.“Where to?” Raul asked, glancing at both Alejandro and I through the rearview mirror.“The address you gave Estella earlier,” Alejandro replied.The café was tucked in a
I tilt my head toward the mirror, squinting to see if the makeup covers the red mark. The foundation smooths over the skin fine enough, but somehow, I can still feel it—a prickling reminder right there on my cheekbone. I dab another layer, then another, the brush pressing harder until my jaw clenches. He didn’t even flinch. I shake the thought away, pulling back to check my work. The mirror reflects something close enough to perfect, so I force a smile. I pick up my phone and tap into it. This—decorations, outfit, everything—has to mean something. Tonight’s the night. As the camera goes live, I tilt my face just right, adding a little shimmer of joy to my eyes. I’ve practiced the smile enough that it comes naturally. “Hi, everyone! Welcome back to Estella’s Living,” I chirp, waving. “Tonight’s a special night. It’s our five-year anniversary, and I thought you’d all love a little peek into the surprise I’ve put together for him.” I adjust the angle to show the beautifully arrang...
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments