جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

Slap!As my mother-in-law Dora's heavy hand collides with my face, a searing pain shoots through my cheek, jolting my head to the side. A surge of redness flushes my skin, intensifying the agony. Struggling to maintain my balance, I stumble backward, eventually collapsing onto the softness of the bed behind me. Instinctively, my hand darts to my throbbing cheek, the pain radiating through every fiber of my being."You pathetic excuse for a woman," she sneers, her words dripping with contempt. "My son's birthday is in two days, and you dare to show such incompetence by not having the party prepared?"She towers above me, her presence intimidating. Dora embodies the essence of Italian aristocracy, her tall, slender figure accentuated by a sharp nose and angular features."I've hired a party planner," I retort."As a Banks, you should be capable of organizing a celebration yourself!" Her words are laced with venom, each syllable dripping with disdain as she delivers her cutting remark.

Ethan's gaze lands on me, his expression steeped in irritation, as though blaming me for the mishap.Dora strides into the kitchen, her commanding presence accentuated by her piercing blue eyes and the elegant cascade of silver strands in her perfectly styled hair. Clad in a tailored suit that exudes sophistication, she announces, "Good morning," her gaze landing on me with an unmistakable intensity. "What's this? You're a mess, girl," she remarks, her tone dripping with disdain, leaving me feeling small and insignificant."I accidentally spat on her because the coffee was bitter. I will clean it all up," Mariah says."No need. Someone will take care of it later," Ethan intervenes, his indifference cutting deeper than any insult."Go clean yourself up," Dora orders me, her voice laced with contempt, "and call someone to clean up this mess." Her command reinforces my sense of worthlessness, leaving me to silently comply.I rush out, but Dora's words pierce through me like knives. "In

"How am I interfering in your life?" "Your marriage to Ethan is a thorn in my side. So, let's cut to the chase, shall we? Ask for a divorce and vanish from his life," she replies."Why on earth would I do that?" I counter, my hands clenching into fists at my sides."So he can finally be with the woman he desires. Me," she sneers, her smirk infuriating as she steps closer, invading my space."If Ethan truly desired you, he would have ditched me. 3 years ago, he would have asked for your hand" "Is that what you believe?" she taunts, her gaze piercing as she closes the distance between us. "Is that why you turn a blind eye when I slip into his bed? Or wear his damn clothes?" Her smirk widens, a challenge in her eyes. "You know, Ethan even invited me to jet off with him next week. Picture this, baby, the two of us sipping wine in Italy for 15 glorious days," she continues, her words like daggers aimed at my heart. "Just like old times.""So it seems you've already got what you want. He'

"Mrs. Banks!" His voice calls out, a last-ditch effort to halt my departure. But I am already charging out of the building, fueled by a potent mix of adrenaline and defiance.Outside, the rain pours down in torrents, drenching the city streets and creating shimmering reflections of the neon lights. Despite the gloomy weather, there's a sense of freedom in the empty streets.As I step onto the rain-slicked pavement, I am consumed by my urgent mission. I need a new life!As I make my way through the maze of alleys, the rhythmic patter of the rain soothes my frayed nerves, offering a moment of respite from the tumult of my thoughts.With every stride, my determination solidifies. I reach for my phone, fingers trembling with anticipation, and dial Drake's number. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't care." Drake's voice breaks through the line, clear and professional."Drake, meet me as soon as possible," I urge urgently, my resolve unwavering. "I am ready to claim what's rightfully m

3 years beforeIt was a turbulent morning in downtown Las Vegas, just like all the others. The skyscrapers that were always awake in the city that never sleeps exuded money and power. This was a place where people would never feel at home, but they also wouldn't want to leave.It was still too early for the rest of the world, but not for the ambition of the casinos and clubs that opened their doors and showed the public the best of life: pleasure. The elegant buildings along the avenue had offices, nightclubs and residences. The eclectic mix was what characterized the city of sin, its vastness and love of novelty. Boredom would never settle in Vegas.Among the countless pleasures in the city of sin, the police departments also didn't rest. The phones rang tirelessly at the police station, especially on Saturday mornings.And in the middle of the hurricane that the department proved to be, Blair Collins walked through the reception. She felt out of place in that hectic environment, wit