ANYA When Hunter asked me if I wanted to stay the night, it felt like the world had come crashing down around me. My breath caught as the gravity of what had just happened between us hit me like a wave. What had I done? I wanted to say no. I wanted to run out of his room, away from his intense gaze and the overwhelming feelings he stirred in me. But then, a sharp thought reminded me why I had to stay no matter what. I had to plant the cameras. I wasn't sure if I would get the chance to get back into his room. So I forced myself to nod, my voice barely steady. “Yes… yes, I would.” Hunter’s smile was soft but knowing, and I felt a strange mixture of relief and unease. I told myself to focus. First, I had to get Bernice back into the house. She was my priority. Hunter turned to his closet and pulled out a set of pajamas for himself. I rolled my eyes when I realized they matched mine....pink and white, with the same delicate floral pattern. The coincidence felt too intimate, but
BERNICE I woke up to the faint light streaming through the curtains. For a moment, I lay there, my head pounding and my body heavy, trying to shake off the haze that clouded my mind. As I sat up, the memories of the past week came rushing back, and I winced. As I vividly recalled that slap. My father’s voice thundered in my head as clearly as if it had just happened. “How could you be so incompetent?” he had roared, his hand striking my cheek so hard I’d stumbled back. I hadn’t even had time to respond before my brother, Cross, stepped forward, trying to defend me. “Come on, Dad...” But he hadn’t even finished his sentence before he got slapped too. “Shut the hell up!” our father barked, his glare cutting through both of us. He turned back to me, his face red with anger. “You had one job. Just one! Make Hunter Steele yours, and you couldn’t even do that. How could you let some random girl push her way to him? I am so disappointed in you.” My cheeks burned, not just fro
HUNTER Last night, as I lay in bed beside Anya, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looked so peaceful, her chest rising and falling steadily, her face soft and serene in the glow of the dim light. She had no idea how much she had changed me, how far I had gone for her. As I watched her sleep, my mind drifted back to the day that had set all of this in motion. I remembered the bar, the music, and then Anya....standing before me asking me to marry her. At the time, I thought she was insane. Who proposes to a man they barely know? But her courage and Beauty had intrigued me, so I agreed. What I didn’t expect was the whirlwind that followed. I recalled the day I went to her house shortly before we got married. I overheard her talking to her parents about a guy named Cross, saying she loved him and couldn’t live without him. Hearing those words felt like a knife to my chest. It wasn’t jealousy—I barely knew her then—but it was the principle. She had proposed to me, yet her hear
ANYA “Where the hell am I?” I muttered, my voice shaky as I sat up on the bed. My eyes darted around the unfamiliar room, taking in the white-colored walls, the plush white bedding, and the luxurious decor that looked nothing like Hunter’s usual style. I swung my legs off the bed, my heart pounding as I tried to make sense of everything. Was I still in Hunter’s house? The room felt so different, almost too perfect. Before I could spiral any further, my phone buzzed, the sound pulling my attention to the bedside table. I sighed in relief when I spotted it. I must have been shifted to a new room by Hunter. Picking up the phone, I noticed it was my brother calling. For a brief moment, the familiarity of his name on the screen grounded me. I answered quickly. “Hey.” “Anya!” His voice was warm but carried a hint of concern. “Just wanted to check on you. You okay?” “Yeah,” I replied, though my voice lacked conviction. “I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” He hesitated before respon
ANYA My mind raced as I thought about everything; my plans, my secrets, and the tangled web of lies I’d created. Bernice, Cross, Evans… the weight of it all pressed down on me, making my chest feel tight. Tears brimmed in my eyes, and I could no longer hold them back. I turned to Hunter, my voice trembling. “I want to go back, Hunter. I want to go back to San José.” He frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. “But why?” “I need to go back to school,” I said earnestly, trying to keep my voice steady. Hunter’s expression softened, and he smiled, as if my request was adorable. “Come on, cherie,” he said gently. “If I brought you here, it means everything back home is taken care of. Your education is covered. I’ve already put someone in your place who will keep your grades perfect while we’re away.” I stared at him, stunned. “You… replaced me? How could you.....” “It’s a win for you,” he said, cutting me off, his tone reassuring. “You don’t need to stress about school, so st
ANYA The tension in the room was suffocating, and I wasn’t sure whether to run or stand my ground. My heart was racing, my palms damp with nervousness. These weren’t just men....they exuded a level of power that was both intimidating and overwhelming. One of the three men, brown haired, who hadn't said a word, suddenly stood and spoke in a calm yet commanding voice. “Cut it out, guys.” He walked over to Hunter, his movements deliberate, and gently took the gun from his hand. Hunter hesitated for a moment, his jaw tight, before reluctantly releasing his grip on the weapon. The blond-haired man; Manuel, as I would later learn, smirked, seemingly unbothered by the near-death experience. Hunter glared at him, his eyes sharp and unrelenting, before turning his attention to me. “Everyone,” Hunter said, his voice firm. “This is my wife, Anya Steele.” The room went silent. Manuel’s eyes widened in shock, and he let out a dramatic gasp. “You got married? Oh my God!” He quickly tu
ANYA As I heard Hunter’s voice outside the restroom, my hands trembled so badly I nearly dropped my phone. Without wasting a second, I hung up the call, shoved the phone deep into my bag, and opened the door. “Hey, Hunter,” I said, forcing a smile that I prayed looked natural. Hunter’s gaze softened as he stepped closer. Without warning, he cupped my face and gave me a quick kiss. “What happened?” I asked, my voice shaky despite my efforts to stay calm. “Nothing,” he replied casually, though his eyes scanned my face like he was searching for something. “It’s just that you were taking a little too long. I guess I missed you.” His words caught me off guard, but I quickly recovered. “Well, I’m done here,” I said. “Let’s go.” Hunter smiled and took my hand, leading me back toward the hall. When we reentered the room, I froze at the sight before me. Manuel, the blond-haired one, had two nearly naked women draped over him, each sitting on one of his thighs. His grin was as w
ANYA My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn’t understand why. As I stared into Hunter’s intense eyes, it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared. Nothing else mattered in that moment. “I've never felt this way about anyone else before, Anya. It's the first time in my life that I can't imagine living in a world without someone—you," he said, his voice deep and steady. The words sent a shiver down my spine. 'He’s really in love with me,' I thought to myself, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. My mind flashed back to the evening I’d proposed to him at the bar. I remembered the way he had looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and amusement, and how he’d said, “Yes, I’ll marry you,” without hesitation. “Hunter, I…” I began, unsure of what I wanted to say. Before I could finish, he pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me. “Shhh,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He cupped my face gently, pulling me closer until our foreheads
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 a