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 stair
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 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 seeing 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 moved toward the balcony, wrapping my shawl around my shoulders as I stepped 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 with his trusted man Rocco. Suddenly, I heard a knock comi
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
SEVASTIAN I stood there, watching Natasha as she held Celestina in her arms. For a moment, I almost didn’t recognize her. The cousin I knew was not someone who offered gentleness to anyone except to her children. She is not soft and definitely was not gentle. She was a woman who spoke with knives and carried death in her shadow. The kind of person who never bent, and never yielded to anyone.Yet here she was, whispering to my wife with a quiet patience that I had only ever seen directed at one person before, to her son, Neo.Something twisted in my chest.I had witnessed Natasha send men to their deaths without so much as a blink. I also had seen her coldly step over the bodies of those who had crossed her. And after losing Noe, Neo’s twin brother, she had only become more ruthless and cold. Her rage had hardened into something unshakable, a force that could tear through anything in her path. She didn’t mourn with tears. She mourned with vengeance.But now…Now that she held Cele
CELESTINAThe door clicked shut behind Sevastian, leaving only Natasha and me in the dimly lit room. A heavy silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken thoughts.I patted the edge of the bed, silently asking her to come closer. She sighed, clearly hesitant, before finally sitting down beside me.“I assume there’s someone in your family who knows about hacking,” she said, her voice low but certain.The question caught me off guard. My fingers tensed against the sheets. She wasn’t asking out of curiosity, she already knew the answer. I hesitated, unsure if I should confirm it aloud, so I simply gave a slow nod.Another beat of silence came. Before I could say anything, the door creaked open again. Sevastian stepped inside, holding a tray with a glass of juice and a plate of sandwiches.Natasha arched a brow at him, her expression unreadable.“What?” he asked, feigning innocence as he set the tray on the bedside table. His gaze flickered to me. “You didn’t eat dinner, right? So,
SEVASTIAN I couldn’t wait enough to go back home. My mind raced, my hands gripped the wheel with a fury I couldn’t contain. Every mile between me and Natasha’s house felt like an eternity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, about my wife, Celestina Ortega.What the hell happened? Why hasn't Natasha informed me yet? I bombarded her with messages and calls but she didn’t answer. When I finally arrived, my body was already taut with tension, the kind that only came when I was about to face something dangerous, or something that could shatter me.I stormed into the house, barely sparing the staff a glance. I had one focus, and one focus only.“Elena!” I barked as I crossed the foyer, my voice sharp as a whip.The head maid appeared quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she approached. Her eyes darted nervously, sensing the dark storm brewing inside me.“Where is she?” I demanded.“M-madam Celestina is in the guest room, sir.” Elena stammered.“Follow me.” I snapped, not needing an
SEVASTIAN I couldn’t wait enough to go back home. My mind raced, my hands gripped the wheel with a fury I couldn’t contain. Every mile between me and Natasha’s house felt like an eternity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, about my wife, Celestina Ortega.What the hell happened? Why hasn't Natasha informed me yet? I bombarded her with messages and calls but she didn’t answer. When I finally arrived, my body was already taut with tension, the kind that only came when I was about to face something dangerous, or something that could shatter me.I stormed into the house, barely sparing the staff a glance. I had one focus, and one focus only.“Elena!” I barked as I crossed the foyer, my voice sharp as a whip.The head maid appeared quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she approached. Her eyes darted nervously, sensing the dark storm brewing inside me.“Where is she?” I demanded.“M-madam Celestina is in the guest room, sir.” Elena stammered.“Follow me.” I snapped, not needing an
SEVASTIAN I couldn’t wait enough to go back home. My mind raced, my hands gripped the wheel with a fury I couldn’t contain. Every mile between me and Natasha’s house felt like an eternity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, about my wife, Celestina Ortega.What the hell happened? Why hasn't Natasha informed me yet? I bombarded her with messages and calls but she didn’t answer. When I finally arrived, my body was already taut with tension, the kind that only came when I was about to face something dangerous, or something that could shatter me.I stormed into the house, barely sparing the staff a glance. I had one focus, and one focus only.“Elena!” I barked as I crossed the foyer, my voice sharp as a whip.The head maid appeared quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she approached. Her eyes darted nervously, sensing the dark storm brewing inside me.“Where is she?” I demanded.“M-madam Celestina is in the guest room, sir.” Elena stammered.“Follow me.” I snapped, not needing an
SEVASTIAN I couldn’t wait enough to go back home. My mind raced, my hands gripped the wheel with a fury I couldn’t contain. Every mile between me and Natasha’s house felt like an eternity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, about my wife, Celestina Ortega.What the hell happened? Why hasn't Natasha informed me yet? I bombarded her with messages and calls but she didn’t answer. When I finally arrived, my body was already taut with tension, the kind that only came when I was about to face something dangerous, or something that could shatter me.I stormed into the house, barely sparing the staff a glance. I had one focus, and one focus only.“Elena!” I barked as I crossed the foyer, my voice sharp as a whip.The head maid appeared quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she approached. Her eyes darted nervously, sensing the dark storm brewing inside me.“Where is she?” I demanded.“M-madam Celestina is in the guest room, sir.” Elena stammered.“Follow me.” I snapped, not needing an
SEVASTIAN I couldn’t wait enough to go back home. My mind raced, my hands gripped the wheel with a fury I couldn’t contain. Every mile between me and Natasha’s house felt like an eternity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, about my wife, Celestina Ortega.What the hell happened? Why hasn't Natasha informed me yet? I bombarded her with messages and calls but she didn’t answer. When I finally arrived, my body was already taut with tension, the kind that only came when I was about to face something dangerous, or something that could shatter me.I stormed into the house, barely sparing the staff a glance. I had one focus, and one focus only.“Elena!” I barked as I crossed the foyer, my voice sharp as a whip.The head maid appeared quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she approached. Her eyes darted nervously, sensing the dark storm brewing inside me.“Where is she?” I demanded.“M-madam Celestina is in the guest room, sir.” Elena stammered.“Follow me.” I snapped, not needing an
VALERIAThe door slammed shut behind Sevastian and his men, and the mansion felt like a hollow shell. The weight of the silence suffocated me, and I couldn’t stop the raw, burning anger rising within me.How could he know?I couldn’t accept it.Not the humiliation. Not the fact that Sevastian Ortega had seen through my entire fucking game.I had spent so much time perfecting my act, pretending to be Celestina but in the end, I was nothing but an imitation. A failed attempt.I could still feel the sting of his grip around my neck. The suffocating pressure of his fingers cutting off my air, cutting off my control.It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was supposed to win. I was supposed to take her place, make him mine. But instead, I had been exposed weak, powerless, and beneath him.I couldn’t control the anger that surged within me.My hands, shaking with fury, grabbed the nearest object in my path, a vase. I hurled it across the room, watching as it smashed against the wall, shar
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