ANYA I swallowed hard, barely daring to believe what I was hearing. “Would I really be free from him?” Evans’ voice softened. “As long as we get all the evidence, yes, you’ll get your freedom, Anya. I promise you, as your best friend, I won’t rest until I rescue you from the clutches of that old-fashioned monster.” Tears welled in my eyes. I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying to keep my sobs quiet. “But you need to be very careful,” Evans continued. “Don’t give him any reason to suspect you. Be obedient and calm for now. That way, you’ll have access to his bedroom and office without raising suspicion.” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I... I’ve already been in his bedroom.” Evans’ breath caught. “What did you see?” I hesitated before answering. “There were guns... blood... hidden behind a cupboard in his room.” There was a pause before Evans spoke again, his tone grim. “It’s not enough, Anya. That’s bad, but not solid evidence. Considering how rich and power
ANYA I stayed in my room, staring at the ceiling, feeling both bored and anxious. My heart kept pounding as thoughts raced through my mind. What was Hunter planning to ask me to do? What if I messed up our plan? If I failed, Evans could be in danger. And Cross... would I ever get to be with him if things went wrong? There was a soft knock on the door. "Mrs. Hunter?" Marie’s gentle voice called out. "Lunch is ready." I didn’t move. "I’m not hungry," I muttered without opening the door. "Are you sure? I can make you something special if you’d like." "No, Marie. I’m fine." There was a long pause. I thought she had left, but then she spoke again. "Please, Mrs. Hunter, if your husband finds out you didn’t eat, he might fire me." That made me sit up. I hadn’t thought of that. "Just tell him I ate," I said, trying to reassure her. "He doesn’t have to know." Marie hesitated. "I can’t lie to him. Mr. Hunter hates lies. And... there are cameras in the dining room and kitchen.
ANYA My heart pounded as I stepped out of my room. Hunter was waiting just outside, leaning casually against the wall in blue silk pajamas. He looked so relaxed, but I wasn’t fooled....there was always something calculating behind those eyes. Dinner had been tense. I barely tasted the food. After he told me earlier that I couldn’t bathe with my clothes on, I’d bolted out of his room like my life depended on it. But instead of getting angry, he’d simply called after me, telling me to join him for dinner. I had no choice but to obey. The tension was suffocating as we sat across from each other. My hands felt clammy, and I tried to act normal, but it was impossible with Hunter watching me so intently. Halfway through the meal, a car horn outside caught my attention. Hunter’s eyes lit up. "It’s here," he said with a smirk. I followed him to see my new Porsche 911; a sleek, metallic gray sports car gleaming under the outdoor lights. It looked like something out of a movie..
ANYA When I stepped out of the bathroom, the cool air from the AC was a relief against my freshly cleaned skin. The earlier stifling heat had been replaced by a soothing chill. I felt calm for a second....until I noticed Hunter watching me. He lay on the bed, his head propped up by his hand, eyes sharp and unwavering, a small smile playing on his lips. I wondered how he stayed unaffected by the heat earlier. His expression hadn’t changed at all, as if he thrived in making me uncomfortable. I walked over to the bed and lay face down, pressing my cheek into the pillow. My eyes fluttered shut as I forced myself to breathe evenly, pretending to sleep. But I could feel his gaze, heavy and unapologetic, burning into me. Still, exhaustion finally pulled me under. The dream came swiftly, vivid and terrifying. Hunter was standing a few feet away from Evans, who was on his knees, hands raised as if pleading for his life. "I warned you to stay away from my wife," Hunter’s voice r
ANYA The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, warming the room as I stretched my arms lazily. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the brightness. That’s when I felt someone's eyes on me. I turned my head slowly and nearly swallowed my tongue. Hunter stood near the window, hands casually tucked into his pockets. He was dressed in a sharp black suit that hugged his body perfectly. His hair was neatly styled, and he looked like he had just stepped out of a luxury fashion ad. His smile was slow and wicked. “Good morning, Cherie.” I swallowed and sat up, quickly rubbing my face as if that could wipe away the awkwardness. “Good morning, Hunter.” He took a few steps closer, his gaze warm and teasing. “How was your night?” There it was....that amused tone that could make anyone think he was harmless, but made me uncomfortable because I knew what he was capable of. The memories of last night hit me like a tidal wave—the nightmare, Hunter comforting me, his lips on m
ANYA I nodded and leaned closer to Hunter. My heart was racing like I’d just run a mile. I gave him a quick peck on the lips, hoping it would be enough to make him stop. He smiled, amused, as I pulled back and reached for the door handle. I twisted it, but it didn’t budge. I froze. The door was locked. I turned to him, frustration bubbling up in my chest as I thought, “Seriously, Hunter?” His grin widened. “I’m sure you can do better.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper. “Come on, Anya. I taught you how to kiss last night, did you forget so soon? Close your eyes this time.” I stared at him, speechless. He was unbelievable. But before I could argue, his hands gently cupped my face, brushing my cheek. Something in the way he touched me made my nerves melt away. I closed my eyes. Slowly, I leaned in and kissed him again. This time, it was different. His lips pressed against mine softly at first, then deeper, more intense. His arms wrapped around my back
ANYA Cross stared at me, his eyes wild with disbelief. "What? So the rumors are true? How could you? How could you marry someone else when you know how I feel about you, Anya?" His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt my throat tighten, but I forced myself to breathe. I turned away from him, staring blankly at the wall as I tried to find the right words. "It wasn’t my choice," I said softly. Cross's footsteps moved closer until I could feel his warmth behind me. "What do you mean?" His voice was softer now, filled with confusion and hurt. I closed my eyes, remembering every terrible moment. "Hunter showed up at my house the next day. He threatened to destroy my father’s company if I didn't marry him, Cross. He said he’d crush everything my father built. My dad almost had a heart attack. I couldn’t... I couldn’t let that happen." My voice broke, and I bit my lip to stop it from trembling. Cross’s hand gently rested on my shoulder. "Anya... I’m so sorry." I tu
ANYA I exhaled slowly and tucked my phone into my bag. My nerves felt frayed, but I didn’t have time to waste. I said goodbye to Cross and left the library quietly, keeping my head down as I walked toward the exit. Once outside, I pulled out my phone again and called Evans. He picked up after a few rings. "Anya? I saw you earlier but kept my distance. Is it safe to speak now and are you okay?" he asked, sounding concerned. "I’m going to Hunter’s office," I told him. "I have to talk to him... and I might not get this opportunity again. Perhaps I should go ahead and plant the cameras like you mentioned. The only problem is that there may be cameras in Hunter's office and bedroom. I don't want to get caught before our plan even begins." "About that....I thought of it and came up with something to take care of that." I sighed in relief, "Really, thank you so much, Evans." Evans was silent for a second. "You’re sure about this today?" "Yes. I shouldn't waste such a good opp
THREE MONTHS AGO Maya Suarez sat cross-legged on the carpet, helping her 12-year-old sister, Star, with her homework. Laughter bubbled between them as they joked over math problems in Star’s brightly colored room. For a brief moment, everything felt normal and safe. Then came a knock on the door. “Maya,” her stepmother’s shrill voice called. “Come out here. Now.” Maya stood up, exchanged a glance with Star, and stepped outside. Her heart sank the moment she saw him. Standing beside her stepmother was a man nearly twice her age—big-bellied, sweat-stained, and grinning beneath a thick mess of unkempt gray beard. His eyes were beady, too close together, and he looked her up and down with undisguised hunger. “What is this?” Maya asked flatly. “Cat?” Cat, her stepmother, beamed. “Maya, you remember I told you about the handsome man you’re going to marry? This is Angel. He came to see his bride. We’re going to start planning the wedding.” Maya recoiled. “What marriage? Liste
After Ruby accepted Hector’s proposal, he stood up, taking her with him, and crashed his lips against hers, pouring every ounce of love, pride, and joy into that kiss. Around them, the room erupted in claps and cheers. Carlos whistled, Hunter grinned and clapped with both hands, while even Manuel gave a crooked smile and joined in. And to Ruby’s surprise, Anya clapped the loudest. The moment Hector pulled back from the kiss, Anya squealed in delight and rushed toward Ruby. “I’m so excited! Welcome to the family!” she said, throwing her arms around Ruby. Ruby blinked, caught off guard. She’d seen Anya earlier, tucked slightly behind Hunter, but now seeing her up close, she was stunned by how young she looked. She smiled as she gently pulled back and glanced at the ring on Anya’s finger. “Wait… you’re married?” Ruby asked with a surprised laugh. “But you look so young!” Anya giggled. “I am! Nineteen years old and married to Hunter Steele.” She said it with pride, like a girl
Ruby couldn’t stop smiling as she held Hector’s hand, their fingers intertwined like they’d been molded that way from the start. The past one month had felt like a fairytale—a soothing balm to every scar life had left on her. She had never known peace could feel like this. Being with Hector was like waking up to sunlight after years of cold storms. He treated her like the most precious gem in the world, never raising his voice, never letting her lift a finger when he was around. He always knew exactly what she needed—even before she said it. He was soft with her in ways no one else had ever been. The man the world feared—the cold, ruthless mafia boss known for his brutality—became someone entirely different when he was with her. He was gentle, warm and patient. Even Camilla, who had once pointed a gun at Hector’s head, eventually had to admit that Hector brought out the best in Ruby—and perhaps, Ruby brought out the best in him too. Her father had adjusted well to the ne
Ruby clung to Hector’s chest, holding him tightly as sleep slowly overtook her. With her arms wrapped around him and his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. By the time she opened her eyes again, the morning sun had already begun streaming through the curtains. She blinked a few times and reached across the bed—only to find it empty. She sat up immediately, heart racing. “Hector?” she called out, glancing around the room. “Hector?” Her voice wavered. Was it all a dream? Her hand flew to her lips—the place he had kissed her the night before. The warmth of his touch, the passion, the softness of his voice... it had all felt so real. Her eyes welled up with tears. “No,” she whispered, “It felt too real to be a dream.” Just then, the bathroom door opened. Hector stepped out with a towel slung around his waist, his hair damp and messy from a shower, water glistening across his chest. His skin was golden under the light, his sharp jawline
When Camila arrived home, the last thing she expected to see was Antonio leaning casually against her front door, arms crossed and a soft smile playing on his lips. For a moment, her heart softened at the sight of him—tall, and familiar. She walked up to him with a smile of her own and pulled him into a warm, slow kiss. He leaned into it, surprised but pleased. When they parted, he raised an eyebrow. "Okay," he said. "What was that for? You’re unusually sweet today. Should I be worried?" Camila chuckled as she fished out her keys. “I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe I’m just catching some of Ruby’s happiness. It’s contagious, I guess.” Antonio followed her inside, closing the door behind them. “Hmm. Ruby… happy,” he repeated with a dry laugh. “That’s good. Really good. But sometimes I wonder if you two came out of the same womb, with how strongly you feel about her.” Camila snorted as she dropped her bag by the couch. “You wouldn’t understand,” she said, walking into the kitche
Seeing Camila standing there with a gun pointed straight at Hector, Ruby instinctively stepped in front of him. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice sharp and protective. Without hesitation, she moved forward and snatched the gun from Camila, tossing it across the room. Camila’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I should be the one asking you that! Why is this monster in your room?” Hector smirked from behind Ruby. “Camila,” he said calmly, “you know, I never got the chance to say I admire your loyalty. It’s… impressive.” Camila glared at him, then turned to Ruby. “What the hell is going on here? Are you seriously sitting with a ghost?” Hector, unbothered, sat down and crossed his legs, silently watching the drama unfold. Ruby took a breath. “I’ll explain everything. Hector survived, Camila. He’s been alive… and he’s been protecting me. He’s not here to hurt me. He saved me.” “I still don’t get it.” “The bottom line is…” Ruby hesitated, then looked straight at Camila.
After the passion was spent, Hector pulled away and slowly reached for his clothes. The heat between them had cooled, leaving behind an echo of everything they’d shared—everything they’d lost and what still lingered in the air like a ghost. Without a word, he began to dress, his movements quiet, detached, as though what had just happened didn’t exist or had never meant anything. Ruby lay there for a moment, watching him. Her heart pounded against her chest—not from desire anymore, but fear. Fear that this would be the last time she'd see him. Fear that this was goodbye. She quickly got out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her as she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his torso from behind, pressing her face against his bare back. “Please, Hector,” she whispered, her voice already breaking. “Please… don’t go.” Hector froze. He didn’t move and said nothing. She clutched him tighter, her arms trembling. “Don’t walk away from me. Not like this.” He gently pried her hands
The house was quiet. The kind of silence that didn’t bring peace but stirred everything he was trying to bury. Hector stood by the window of his study, arms folded tightly across his chest, staring out into the vast backyard that once reminded him of freedom. Now, it only reminded him of Ruby. A knock came on the door. “Come in,” Hector said, his voice flat. The door creaked open, and one of his trusted men stepped inside. He looked hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he should speak. “Well?” “She came, boss,” the underling said quietly. “Ruby.” Hector didn’t flinch, but inside, something shifted. “She said… she needs to see you. Just once. She said it’s important. That if she sees you one more time, she’ll never bother you again.” He turned away from the window and sat on the edge of his desk, one hand rubbing his jaw. “Did she say what it was about?” “No. Only that it was important. She seemed sincere. Sad.” Of course she did."I told her you were dead, just as yo
Hector gently pried Ruby’s trembling hands away from his body, even though every cell in him ached to do the opposite—to turn around, pull her into his arms, and hold her close like he used to. But he didn’t. His voice was clipped, and unreadable. “I need to get rid of these bodies,” he said flatly, without looking at her. The moment she heard his voice, Ruby gasped sharply. It was like the air had been knocked out of her lungs. Her knees weakened, and her heart thumped wildly in her chest. It was him. It was really Hector. Alive. Breathing. Standing just inches from her. And yet… he wouldn’t even look at her. While her thoughts spun out of control—memories, regrets, guilt crashing all at once—Hector raised his phone to his ear and gave a cold order. “Come in. Bring two body bags with you.” Ruby remained frozen where she stood, staring at the blood pooling near her feet and the lifeless bodies of Eduardo and Selena. But none of it moved her. The shock that Hector was still al