I don’t even know how long I cried for that night but then I eventually passed outI was awoken by the sound of Beatrice gasping in surprise as she saw me, still laying in the same position Ryan had left me after he raped me“Oh my God what happened ?” she asked but it was quite apparent from her facial expression that she already deduced what had happened to me.Without waiting for my answer she helped me up and took me straight to the bathroom where she gave me a bath and administered some first aid to meAll I did was sit there like a husk of my own self staring at my reflection in the mirror as she tried her best to help me.My face was completely battered with bruising and little cuts from his ring as he slapped me, I couldn’t even recognize myself and I doubt anyone who knew me would be able to either.My eyes were also so swollen from my excessive cryingI looked like I had been in a terrible car accident, but this accident didn’t involve any car, just my dear husband.After sh
We laid in my bed tangled in each other embrace, our bodies completely spent.My mind was running a hundred and ten thoughts at a time.Why was my life so complicated? Was one of many question that kept churning in my head.Why wasn’t it easy ?Am I being punished for killing someone in self defense?Frankly I was still trying to fully understand the situation I was in, I was blackmailed into being married to someone I didn’t know by my mother, while I was in love and even pregnant for my step brother, after being raped and being beaten to a pulp by my husband I was nursed back to health and now just had sex with the man I called Dad, my step father.I think having sex with my step father was me trying to unconsciously get back at my mother.I’m I tempting faith but honestly I don’t think my life can not get anymore complicated and fucked up as it already it hell I don’t even fully understand what’s going on.My life was an enigma even to me.As I tried to get up Mr Jaxon gave me a kis
Maxwell's face turned pale, and I could see the anger building up in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. Without saying another word, he walked over to the fridge in his room, opened it, and took out a bottle of water.He unscrewed the cap with a swift, almost violent motion and brought the bottle to his lips, gulping the water down his throat in large, hurried swallows.I stood there, watching him, my heart pounding in my chest.The silence between us was thick and heavy. Maxwell finished drinking the water and tossed the empty bottle into the trash can. He walked over to the sofa and sank into it, his eyes fixed on the TV. He picked up the remote and turned it on, flipping through the channels as if we hadn't just had a life-changing conversation."Max, please talk to me," I pleaded, my voice trembling.He didn't respond, his eyes glued to the screen. The flickering images from the TV reflected in his eyes, but I could tell his mind was somewhere else.I could
Maxwell was about to say something when my mother, Bianca, came into the sitting room. "What is going on?" she asked, her voice sharp."Nothing, Mum," I said quickly, trying to clean whatever tears I had on my face."You both have started fighting again. Don’t you know you both are siblings?" she said, her tone accusing.I just ignored her, even as she spoke. "See her speaking as though she cares," I thought to myself. Meanwhile, Maxwell formed a fake smile and said, "We're cool, Bianca. Nothing's wrong between us."Bianca narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced. "It doesn’t look like nothing. Anastasia, your face is red from crying.""I’m fine, Mum," I insisted, trying to sound firm. "Just a bit emotional, that's all.""Emotional about what?" she pressed, crossing her arms. "Maxwell, what did you do?""I didn’t do anything," Maxwell said, still trying to keep the peace. "We were just talking about some... personal matters.""Personal matters?" Bianca repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Wha
axwell didn't answer her. He just rushed out of the house, carrying me to his car. I knew I was still conscious, but I was already passing out as everything started becoming dark."Hey, hey, stay with me," Maxwell said, trying to keep me awake. He gently placed me in the back seat. I fell like a bag of salt, too weak to say anything. He quickly closed the door and drove out of the compound.As we sped down the road, Maxwell kept glancing back at me."Hang in there, Ana. We're almost there," he said.I could hear the worry in his voice, but I couldn't muster the strength to respond. My vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping in and out of consciousness."Stay with me, Ana. Just a little longer," Maxwell urged.The sound of the car engine and the hum of the tires on the road were the only things keeping me tethered to reality. I focused on Maxwell's voice, using it as a lifeline."We're here," Maxwell said, pulling into the hospital parking lot.He quickly got out of the car and rush
I woke up feeling incredibly dehydrated. My mouth was dry, and I felt weak all over. I could barely move, and my head pounded with a dull ache. As I tried to gather my thoughts, a nurse walked up to me, her face kind and concerned."Are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle."I... I think so," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just really thirsty and weak."The nurse nodded and handed me a glass of water. "Here, drink this. It'll help."I took the glass and drank greedily, the cool water soothing my parched throat. After a few sips, I felt a little better. "Thank you," I said, handing the empty glass back to her."You're welcome," she said with a smile. "Is there anything else you need?"I nodded. "Have you seen Maxwell?""Maxwell?" she asked, looking puzzled. "Who is Maxwell?""He's my brother," I said, trying to sit up a bit more. "Tall, dark hair, always looks worried."The nurse thought for a moment. "Oh, yes, I remember him. He was here earlier.""Where is he now?" I
“She’s good, she will be here any moment from now”, he said.Suddenly, I noticed something unusual. Despite the tense conversation, Maxwell was smiling. His grin was so wide, it seemed out of place. "What is it?" I asked, surprised by his sudden shift in mood. "Why are you smiling?"Maxwell's smile grew even wider. "Guess what it is, love."I looked at him, puzzled. "Tell me, please," I said, my voice soft, trying to coax the answer out of him. "You know I'm not good at guessing.""Just guess, babe," he said, leaning down to kiss my forehead. I loved it when he did that; it was sweet and comforting, and it always made me feel special."Okay, okay," I said, thinking hard. "Hmm... what could it be?" I looked at his face, trying to read any clues."Come on, try, baby," he urged, his eyes twinkling with amusement.I took a deep breath. "Did you get a new job?" I guessed.Maxwell shook his head, his smile never fading. "Nope, try again."I frowned, thinking harder. "Did you buy something n
They both turned to look at me, tension crackling in the air."Please, just leave," I said, my voice strained. "You're both giving me a headache."Maxwell shot Ryan a deep, penetrating gaze, and Ryan returned it with equal intensity. Without another word, they both stormed out of the ward, slamming the door behind them.I slumped back against the pillows, feeling the weight of the situation crash down on me. "God, I'm in a mess," I whispered to myself as tears began to flow. "What have I gotten myself into?"I glanced around the sterile hospital room, the beeping of the monitors the only sound breaking the silence. How was I supposed to control this situation? Ryan and Maxwell were at each other's throats, and they had no idea that Mr. Jaxon, Maxwell's father, was also in the picture.The thought made my stomach churn. "God, I'm a mess," I repeated, the tears streaming down my face. "How will I manage this?"Married to Ryan, pregnant with Maxwell's child, and having a forbidden relati
“I'm so sorry Anastasia.” I hear Maxwell whisper, still not looking at me but I can see the glistening oftears in his eyes. “You might never forgive me but I'm so sorry Ana, I should have known you wouldn'thave done something like that, I should have trusted you.” Maxwell says and I wanted nothing more thanto be in his arms in these times.“No, I lied, you were in pain and you were being manipulated.” I say, I was hurt and I wasn't about to healanytime soon but Maxwell was as much as a victim in this, I have no idea how he must have felt all thetime he spent thinking the woman he loved killed his child.1“Thank you so much Ana, he's the greatest gift and redemption.” Maxwell says sniffling so hard.I hold my hand out towards him. “Come here.” I whisper, my own eyes glistening with tears.Maxwell slowly walks towards me like he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. He kneels infront of me.I hold his broad shoulders closer to me and Maxwell looks like a child whose guil
“Oh God,” I mutter to myself when I suddenly feel a hard push on my abdomen.“You have got to be kidding me.” I whisper to myself when I feel water underneath my thighs.What was happening? Panic suddenly filled my every pore. I felt more fear than I did the overwhelmingpain in my very gut.I needed help and fast, the baby was coming. I groan out loud and try to push myself up when another bultof pain decided to rack through my body.“Ana? Ana!!” I hear screams of my name coming from outside of the house, my already pulsing heartnearly stopped the moment I recognized who the voice belonged to.“Maxwell.” I whisper to myself, too weak to speak any louder.“Ana.” Loud footsteps march past the open wide doors and a disheveled looking Maxwell stands directlyin front of me.Confusion takes over his features first and then shock as his eyes access the situation and mess in theroom and then fear as he watches me bleeding out on the floor.“Ana?” He calls running towards me. “What happen
“What did you just say to me?” Ryan asks, clicking the gun at me.“What, you can dish out food but you can't eat it?” I ask him. “I said you are a daddy pleasing bastard youknow that or don't you?” I say and Ryan angrily takes long strides towards me, pointing the gun directlytowards the side of my head and I glare at him instead of shrinking away in fear.“Do you know what will happen to entire family if Dominic Garcia finds out something happened to mein your home, you could have it all covered up with the law but he will find you at the end of the day andhe won't stop until you are rotting six feeth underneath.” I stubbornly state, I wasn't so sure about all that Ijust said but one thing I knew was Dominic Garcia was immensely protective for a reason quite unknownto me.Ryan needed me so I knew he wouldn't pull the trigger unless his bipolar self and easily angeredtemperament was too much for him to handle.“Ryan please stop.” Beatrice begs coming to put a hold on Ryan's sho
“That's good.” I mutter tiredly, seeing them all go down the drain was all I wanted but now it's actuallyhappening, I'm not that too interested.“I think a warrant should be going out for both your mother and step father any moment from now. This isbig Ana. Are you okay?” Jersey asks me in concern.“Yeah I guess.” Jersey says.“I'm going to bed.” Jersey says and I know she's only saying that because she feels the need to give mespace.“Thank you Jersey.” I tell her as she walks away and she gives me a smile.“Anytime Ana.” Jersey says.The next morning, I make up my mind but first, I'm making sure to get an official divorce from Ryan, Idon't want to forever feel like I'm in a bondage no matter how far I run. I want to be certain nothing holdsus together anymore.“Jersey I'm going out.” I tell her, getting my keys.“Where are you going?” Jersey asks knowing the store was closed for a long while.“To Ryan's, I'm going to get a divorce.” I tell Jersey determined as I step out of the
“What did you just say to me?” Ryan asks, clicking the gun at me.“What, you can dish out food but you can't eat it?” I ask him. “I said you are a daddy pleasing bastard youknow that or don't you?” I say and Ryan angrily takes long strides towards me, pointing the gun directlytowards the side of my head and I glare at him instead of shrinking away in fear.“Do you know what will happen to entire family if Dominic Garcia finds out something happened to mein your home, you could have it all covered up with the law but he will find you at the end of the day andhe won't stop until you are rotting six feeth underneath.” I stubbornly state, I wasn't so sure about all that Ijust said but one thing I knew was Dominic Garcia was immensely protective for a reason quite unknownto me.Ryan needed me so I knew he wouldn't pull the trigger unless his bipolar self and easily angeredtemperament was too much for him to handle.“Ryan please stop.” Beatrice begs coming to put a hold on Ryan's sho
“You fucking bitch, you really are out of your mind.” Ryan shouts at the top of his voice.“Do you have any idea what you have done, my entire life and family is in jeopardy, you will fix thischaos as soon as possible.” Ryan yells. “Your parents have been arrested, what kind of daughter are you?”Ryan asks staring at me in disbelieve and I scoff out loud.“You must have some sort of fucked up audacity to that to me Ryan.” I hiss at him. “You all used me tothe very last drop and then you framed me up to leave me to rot away and you thought I was going to sitby and watch it all happen, you fucking bastard.” I calmly tell Ryan.“Did you fuck him? Is that how cheap and desperate you were.” Ryan accuses.“I owe you no sort of explanation Ryan, you think whatever you want to, that's your problem. Sign theGoddamn papers.” I instruct pushing the papers towards him.Ryan picks the paper up, tearing it up into pieces while glaring harshly at me.“You are still my wife Ana, and you belong to
"That's good," I mutter tiredly. Seeing everything fall apart was all I wanted for so long, but now that it's actually happening, I find myself less interested than I expected.Jersey, standing across from me, studies my face carefully. "I think a warrant should be going out for both your mother and stepfather any moment now," she says quietly, her voice carrying a seriousness that matches the situation. "This is big, Ana. Are you okay?"I shrug, unsure how to answer. The truth is, I don't know what I’m feeling anymore. "Yeah, I guess," I say after a moment, trying to convince myself as much as her.Jersey doesn't seem to buy it. She watches me with concern, her brow furrowed. “You sure? It’s okay if you’re not, you know. This is... it’s a lot.”"Yeah," I repeat, softer this time. “I’m fine.”There’s a pause, thick and uncomfortable. Jersey looks like she wants to say something more, but instead, she rubs the back of her neck awkwardly. "I'm going to bed," she announces, and I know sh
“I would love to come along with you Ana, I don't think I've told you this before but I love to explore, I'vealways wanted to leave the country, relocate somewhere else, besides it's not like I have anything backhere or a family I'll miss. My job is the only thing I have and my job lies with you.” Jersey says chucklingand I let out a sad chuckles of my own.“But what about the business?” Jersey asks and I shrug in answer.“I have no idea but each step at a time, if I do decide to leave, we'll figure it out, together.” I say holdingJersey's hand closely to mine. I cannot possibly explain the relieve and joy that came at her answer, I feltwarm all over. I just needed Beatrice to also agree to come with me, I was not sure I was comfortable withleaving her behind with Ryan. She had motherly affection for Ryan so I would respect whatever decisionshe would make.Another thought immediately crosses my mind and I turn to Jersey with a mischievous smile on my face.“You know, I was also
Another thought immediately crosses my mind, and I can’t help the mischievous smile that spreads across my face. Jersey notices, raising an eyebrow slightly as I turn toward her. "You know," I begin, "I've been thinking." My voice has a playful lilt to it, though what I’m about to say is anything but a joke. "You’re really good at what you do in the jewelry business. Like, really good. You’ve been doing this longer than I have, and you know more about the inner workings than I ever could."Jersey's expression remains calm, though I can tell she’s wondering where this conversation is heading. She nods, a quiet acknowledgment of the compliment, but it’s clear she’s holding back a response, waiting for me to get to the point."You've taken care of the store long before I ever set foot in it," I continue, "and on top of that, you’ve always been the one looking out for everyone. You care so much about this place and the people in it." I pause, letting the words settle for a moment. “With