SEVASTIANAs I walked out of Neo’s room, the ghost of Celestina’s amused smile still lingered in my mind. She had a way of pushing every single one of my buttons without even trying. It wasn’t just her sharp tongue or her self denial, it was the way she always seemed to draw me in, like she was daring me to figure her out.I leaned against the hallway wall, running a hand through my hair. Damn.That woman was a mystery wrapped in fire and chaos. One minute, she’s soft and maternal, stroking Neo’s hair and calming his fears. Then next, she’s cutting me down with her sharp words and those quick-witted retorts. And God help me, it made me want her more.Her laugh had echoed in the room, light and teasing, and it was still ringing in my ears. I hated how much power she had over me, how her presence could twist my focus and drag me into her orbit. Esa mujer... She was a hurricane, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to survive her hurricane she could bring. I started walking toward the stairs
NATASHAAfter Elena informed me that Sevastian left the villa, I already have a hunch that he might also find Neo’s drawing intriguing, especially when he also knows that Neo is not a child who can easily share something about his past. When I arrived at my son’s room, I knew he was there listening to our little conversation. He might hide when I left the room but I was not stupid for not noticing his shadows, however, I didn’t pay attention to his petty little actions because I was busy with the things I wanted to know. I stride and move toward the balcony, wrapping my shawl around my shoulders as I step outside. The night air was cool and carried the faint scent of jasmine from the garden below. The moon hung heavy in the sky, its pale glow a stark contrast to the dark horizon. I crossed my arms, staring at the shimmering light reflecting off the dew-kissed grass.By this time, Sevastian may know the truth, right? Silas gave me information that Sevastian was already meeting wit
CELESTINAI pushed the pedal harder, the engine of the car roaring as I sped through the night. The rush was palpable, adrenaline pumping through my veins. It wasn’t just about the thrill of driving, it was about reaching the mansion quickly. Because I knew that my father already knew that Sevastian and Natasha were sniffing around, and investigating my past. I couldn’t let them dig deeper into the things that had stayed hidden for so long.And damn. I didn’t know that Neo’s drawing would trigger it all. That innocent sketch, which he didn’t realize held so much weight, had already raised too many questions about my twin sister. About things I wasn’t ready for anyone to know.I hadn’t anticipated that this would be the moment everything would come crashing down. But it was already too late. Once my father was alerted, there was no way to stop his rage. The familiar, comforting hum of the Lamborghini’s engine kept me focused, my mind racing faster than the car. I didn’t think o
CELESTINA As I stared madly at my twin sister, suddenly two men came inside. My heart skipped a beat. "Bring her down," Valeria’s voice rang through the silence, cold and final.I barely had time to react before two of her men grabbed me by the arms, yanking me from my spot. I fought against their hold, my nails biting into their flesh, my heels digging into the floor as I tried to resist. I won’t go down without a fight. I won’t let that murderer win.“Let me go!” I hissed, thrashing, kicking, doing everything I could to free myself. I fought like a wild animal, desperate to hold onto whatever shred of dignity I had left. But they were stronger and bigger. The men laughed, holding me tighter, dragging me down the long corridor toward the basement. The cold stone walls echoed with the sound of my struggles, but there was no one around to hear.“Valeria!” I yelled, glaring over my shoulder. My voice was hoarse, raw with fury. “What the hell do you think you're doing?!”The last
VALERIAAs I ascended the cold stone steps, the metallic scent of blood still clinging to my skin. Suddenly, I met with a familiar figure standing just beyond the hallway.Carson Valeztina, my foolish father who’s only know to follow my command like a fucking dog. His face was drawn, the creases on his forehead more pronounced than usual. His sharp, watchful eyes flicked over me as if searching for any concern, hesitation, and regret that he would find none.“What’s the matter?” I asked, my voice flat, devoid of warmth. Whatever it was, it had better be important.“The Ortega’s are making their way here,” he replied, his tone tense.The Ortega’s… Interestingly, my dear twin sister was strongly told that he wouldn’t come to save her and yet, he brought that whole Ortega’s clan to come to our mansion? So, they had finally taken the bait. How cutesy. My lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. “Great. Prepare everything.” I straightened my spine, rolling my shoulders, already shift
CELESTINAThrough the dim glow of the basement, my eyes were fixed on the screen before me. The television was embedded into the stone wall. It was too perfect and intentional, as if built for the sole purpose of tormenting me.And it was working.The grainy black-and-white footage showed the entrance of the mansion, where he walked in.Sevastian Ortega stormed inside, his sharp, furious presence making Carson step back instinctively. Behind him, the Ortega men followed, moving like shadows. Silent, deadly, unwavering. They filled the grand foyer, tension crackling in the air like a live wire.I sucked in a breath, gripping my chains, my heart slamming against my ribs.Sevastian’s jaw was clenched, his dark eyes filled with unrestrained fury. I had never seen him like this so untamed and lethal.Carson moved to block the stairs, his expression unreadable, but I knew him too well. He would never simply allow Sevastian to barge in.“Where is she?” Sevastian demanded, his voice cut
CELESTINAAs I watched them, my heart torn into pieces. Suddenly, Sevastian’s shift was instant.The next thing happened was his entire expression hardened into something cold, and dangerous.Velaria barely had time to react before he moved.Without warning, his fingers locked around her wrist in an iron grip. A gasp slipped from her lips, but Sevastian wasn’t in the mood for games.With effortless strength, he yanked her forward then threw her onto the bed.My breath caught in my throat as I watched the scene unfold through the screen, my tears blurring the black-and-white feed.Velaria let out a sharp off as she hit the mattress, but before she could recover, Sevastian was already on top of her.He moved like a predator, controlled, precise, and dominant.His knees pressed against the bed, his weight caging her in as his hands pinned hers above her head. His grip was tight, unyielding, and his body towering over hers.“Is my warning a joke to you?” His voice was low, filled with so
SEVASTIANA faint glow pulsed against my wrist.It was subtle, barely noticeable but to me, it was a signal loud as a gunshot that Natasha had successfully done it.Celestina was out.Relief flickered in my chest, but I didn’t let it show. Not yet, while I’m facing this witch. Velaria was still beneath me, her lips parted, her eyes filled with something wicked. Huh. This bitch she thought she had successfully fooled me, what an idiot and foolish woman she is. Before she could reach for me again, I moved.My hand shot up, wrapping around her throat in a brutal grip.Her smirk vanished.She gasped, her nails clawing at my wrist as she tried to pry me off, but I tightened my hold, watching as her face twisted from arrogance to panic.“Did you really think I wouldn’t know?” My voice was a deadly pan.Velaria choked, her fingers scrambling to push me away. She was strong, but I was stronger.I leaned closer, my breath fanning against her ear.“You disgust me.”A small, pitiful sound e
SEVASTIANI’ve been inside Hector’s penthouse for a couple of hours now, lurking inside of his disgusting small house, and every passing second with him breathing the same air as Celestina makes my blood boil. I was itching to put a bullet between his eyes the moment he stepped in with her like he owned the damn night.They probably didn’t know I was already here watching, waiting. But neither of them said a thing. I kept my eyes fixed on Celestina as she disappeared into one of the rooms, her figure slipping behind the door like a dream I couldn’t reach.Then I turned my attention back to the bastard who thought he could play God.“Celestina, do you want red or white?” he called out, smug and casual like this was some kind of date.“Red. Make it strong,” she replied from behind the door.“Got it!” he said, wearing a smirk that made my fists clench. Then I watched him, that smug little prick, slip something into her drink. A small white capsule, crushed into powder, stirred into th
CELESTINAAfter weeks of finalizing the plan, everything was finally set into motion. I'd started going out with Hector more frequently, attending every event he dragged me to, dressed to the nines and playing the perfect, obedient little lover.There’s a saying: keep your enemies close and strike them without realizing it. Right now, I sat beside Hector at some fancy, overpriced event filled with mafia rats dressed in tailored suits, each one pretending they weren’t covered in blood beneath their silk shirts. My arm curled around his, and I forced my lips to twitch into a coy smile as we made our way through the ballroom.Everyone seemed fooled. Everyone… except the man sitting across the room, lounging like a king in his fortress of shadows, his fingers wrapped lazily around a glass of whiskey, his eyes fixed on me.Jack Kostov.He was watching me — no, studying me. Like I was a riddle he already knew the answer to.I turned my head slightly, pretending to listen to Hector talk a
VALERIAThe air thickened as if the walls themselves were holding their breath. I couldn't stop staring at Victoria.So much of what I thought I knew about her shattered the moment she uttered those words. ‘And now… so are you.’Her voice didn’t rise. It didn’t need that quiet weight she carried sank deep, like stone tossed into still water, rippling all the way through me.I swallowed hard, trying to find something to say. Anything. But my throat felt dry, like ash was lodged in it.“You were… dragged,” I murmured finally, repeating the word like it would somehow make sense of all this. “And you didn’t fight it?”Victoria turned to me, eyes cool but not cold. “I did,” she said. “In every way I could. But when you’re young and someone like Jack sees something in you, it doesn’t matter how hard you kick. He doesn't pull you in. He lures you… until you think you’re stepping into light, only to realize it’s just fire dressed as gold.”Her words settled inside me like smoke.I looked
CELESTINAIt’s been a week since the three of us took shelter in this mansion, our supposed sanctuary, though peace has always felt like a borrowed luxury in this life.Everything felt… normal again, at least on the surface. Victoria had returned to her usual poised, icy self mask on, spine straight, and words that are carefully calculated. Valeria still carried the weight of our shared trauma, but in her own way, she remained the same—sharp-eyed and remained skeptical.I lifted my teacup, sipping the warm liquid before placing it back on the porcelain saucer with a quiet clink. “I plan to return,” I said simply.Victoria didn’t even blink. She calmly placed her own cup down with that same elegance she always carried, as if nothing could ever rattle her. “Are you certain?” she asked, her voice was searching for certainty. “You think you can handle it now?”Her gaze pinned me, unwavering, the kind of stare that could strip you bare if you weren’t ready. But I was. “Yes,” I answere
SEVASTIAN“Sevastian, let him go!” Aunt Priscilla’s sharp voice echoed in the whole room. But I didn’t move nor follow her words. My hand was already fisted in Hector’s collar, dragging him up just enough for his feet to lift slightly off the floor. My jaw clenched so tightly I could feel the tendons stretching down my neck. My blood boiled, and my rage pounding in my ears louder than anyone’s voice.Yet this bastard dared to smirk. That smug fucking smirk like he hadn’t just signed his death certificate.“Didn’t you hear her?” Hector taunted, lips twitching in amusement, his voice thick with mockery.I wanted to crush his windpipe. Right there. Right now.I glared at him, as I tightened my grip. He chuckled like I was a goddamn joke to him. “It seems your godson doesn’t want to collaborate with the Savelli,” he said, glancing over his shoulder.My gaze followed.And there he was.Jack Kostov.Sitting comfortably on the leather couch like he owned the entire fucking city. One han
CELESTINAA gentle touch brushes against my face, it was light and careful.I felt the warmth spread through me, it was so familiar that I felt so hurt. Slowly, I opened my eyes and for a moment, everything was hazy and blurred. But I didn’t need a perfect vision to know who stood in front of me.“Found you,” she said softly, poking my cheek like she used to when I was little.I blinked as I adjusted my vision until the haze cleared. There she was, the same woman I used to see when I was a child. The woman who appeared in my fragments of memory and fading dreams. A phantom I once believed was just a trick my mind played to comfort me when no one else would.I shot upright, my breath catching in my throat, and without even thinking, I threw my arms around her.God… I clung to her like I was drowning and she was the last thing keeping me above water.I don’t understand. I didn’t understand why my eyes were suddenly burning, and why my shoulders trembled, or why I felt like something
VALERIAAfter Celestina found out the truth about our father, and his connection with the Ortega's, something inside her shifted. No, not just shifted. She changed completely.The weight of it was too much. Knowing that Jack Kostov, a notorious Russian mafia figure with his hands in nearly every syndicate imaginable, was not only our father but also tied to the Ortega family. Even I, who heard about it, makes me tremble. Because I also know how powerful that man is. No, he’s no longer human but a devil in disguise. His works, his business are all in-human. It is widely known how that man was haunted by the government yet they couldn’t even put him in prison because Jack was also protected by some governor, mayor, and even some personnel in police. That’s why he was known as the King of Mafia’s. Some of them admired him and other’s hated him, he had so many enemies yet he was still alive for some reason. And I knew, just like how I felt. Celestina also felt the same, we’re twins a
SEVASTIANIt’s been three months since I followed Hector all the way to Celestina’s apartment, and I still remember every second of that night like it’s carved under my skin.There are memories that blur over time, yet it’s still vividly reminding me that Celestina doesn't trust me or see me as her husband. I clench my jaw tight as I recall how her hand gently touches his face. I buried myself in alcohol hoping it could lessen but none of it eases the one I felt. Rather, I felt more resentful and hated everything that came into my mind. That night left a mark, and no amount of distraction or alcohol could scrub it clean.“You seem to be lost in thought,” Aunt Priscilla said, her voice slicing through the fog in my head. She sat beside me on the long velvet couch like we weren’t waiting for a goddamn lunatic to walk through the door.I barely turned my head. “Isn’t that normal these days?”She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.“He’s coming today,” Natasha chimed in from across the
CELESTINAThe silence felt unbearable.Victoria sat motionless, except for her hands gripping the blanket on her lap so tightly I swore the fabric would tear. Her knuckles had gone white, and the quiet weight in the air gnawed at my chest like a slow, twisting knife.Then Valeria broke the silence that consumed the whole room. “There’s one thing I want to know.” Her voice was low but sharp, different from what she usually sounds. That even I, was turned to look at her and startled by her sudden shift demeanor. Victoria lifted her gaze. Her expression didn’t shift, but something in her eyes flickered like she already knew what Valeria might ask. “Who is our father?” Valeria asked.The moment the words left in her mouth, I saw a raw reaction which I hadn’t anticipated. Victoria’s entire body stiffened, her shoulders rising slightly before trembling like a leaf clinging to a dying branch.It is the same reaction of fear and feeling I felt when I was inside of Neo secret room. “Don’