Chapter: Chapter Fifty TwoIt didn’t take long.Barely a few minutes passed before the sound of fast footsteps echoed through the back lot. Heavy, furious, wild. Camilla stood up quickly, her eyes flicking toward the corner.Theo appeared.His chest was rising and falling fast, like he had sprinted the entire way. His hair was a mess, his face pale, his eyes wide with something between rage and pure terror.The moment he saw me—His expression cracked.Not into sadness.Not into fear.But something darker.“Sofia!” he shouted, storming toward me.I barely had time to stand—Camilla’s hands were still on my back—before Theo reached us.He didn't slow down, didn't hesitate. The raw, violent shock of seeing his face contorted by something so cold hit me before his hand did.He grabbed my throat with a speed and ferocity that stole my breath instantly. His fingers dug deep into the sides of my neck, cutting off my air and pinning me against the cold brick wall behind me.“How could you, Sofia? How could you!”The wo
Last Updated: 2026-04-30
Chapter: Chapter Fifty OneArzhel’s eyebrows pulled together the moment he saw my face. Camilla stepped closer, her eyes scanning me like she was trying to understand why I looked like I had been ripped open.“Sofia… what happened?” Camilla asked, her voice soft but urgent. “Why are you on the ground? Where’s Martha? Where—”I couldn’t speak.My throat felt tight, my chest crushed. I lifted a shaking hand, pointing in the direction the car had disappeared. My finger barely stayed steady. My whole body felt weak, like my bones couldn’t hold me up anymore.Arzhel turned his head sharply, following where I pointed. “What is it? Sofia—talk to us. What happened?”I opened my mouth, but the words broke apart before they came out.“Mar…” My breath trembled. “Mar—tha…”Camilla’s eyes widened immediately, her hand flying to her mouth. “Where is she? Sofia—where is Martha?”“She—she—” My breath hitched, my voice barely a whisper. “They… took her.”Everything inside me spun. My vision blurred. The world tilted.Camilla gr
Last Updated: 2026-04-30
Chapter: Chapter FiftyI held Martha’s small hand tightly, my fingers curled around hers as if letting go for even a second would shatter everything. She was talking softly to her bear, swinging our connected hands back and forth, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me. I kept my face calm, my smile gentle, my voice steady—every expression carefully measured, every word chosen like it mattered more than breathing.Theo thought I was scared.He thought I was following.He thought he was in control.But he didn’t know the truth. He didn’t know how long I’d been planning this. How many nights I sat awake, staring at the ceiling with panic twisting in my chest, realizing that the only way to protect my daughter was to disappear. Not temporarily. Not halfway.Completely.And the only way to disappear… was to make Theo believe I was choosing him first.We slipped out of the line slowly, almost casually, right as Theo’s phone rang. He turned his back to answer it without thinking, without suspicion, ass
Last Updated: 2026-04-30
Chapter: Chapter forty nineThe day finally arrived.Two weeks had passed since the chaos, two weeks of planning, waiting, and keeping everything tight. Every detail had been checked and double-checked. My private jet was ready on the tarmac, engines humming quietly in the cool morning air, a symbol of escape and safety.Martha bounced beside me, small hand gripping mine tightly. Her excitement made me smile despite the knot in my chest. She had no idea how heavy this move was for me—or for Sofia.“Daddy,” she said, eyes wide, “Mommy is coming too?”I glanced at Sofia, who was standing near the luggage, her face carefully neutral. I could see the tension in her jaw, the way she shifted from foot to foot. This wasn’t just a trip for fun. Every step, every move, was for her safety—and for Martha’s.“Yes,” I said gently, squeezing Martha’s hand. “Mommy is joining us.”Martha’s face lit up. “Yay! I can’t wait!” She giggled, spinning a little before planting herself back by my side.Sofia’s expression softened for a
Last Updated: 2026-03-12
Chapter: Chapter forty eightSofia guided Camilla deeper into the living room, their voices dropping to low whispers the moment the door shut behind them. I watched them for a second—just long enough to make sure Camilla wasn’t about to lunge back at me again.But I didn’t follow.I didn’t care enough to listen.Their voices were muffled anyway—soft, shaky, full of whatever excuses, panic, or nonsense they wanted to spill out. Camilla’s trembling tone. Sofia’s calming one. Two people trying to clean up the mess they created.I had better things to do.I had bigger problems than whatever they were whispering about behind a closed door.I glanced back toward the hallway. Martha’s door was cracked open, her small face peeking out, eyes wide and worried.I lifted a hand, motioning gently.“It’s okay, Marth,” I said softly. “Stay inside. I’m coming.”She nodded and slipped back into her room.Good.The last thing she needed was more chaos.I turned away from the living room—away from the fading murmurs of Sofia and Ca
Last Updated: 2026-03-12
Chapter: Chapter forty sevenI walked down the hall, each step heavier than the last.All that anger… all that noise… and underneath it, the only thing that mattered was the small, quiet sob coming from Martha’s room.I stopped at her door.For a second, I just stood there, hand on the frame, letting the guilt settle thick in my chest. Then I pushed the door open slowly.She was on the bed, knees pulled to her chest, face buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook with every quiet cry.“Marth,” I said softly.She flinched at my voice.That hurt more than anything Sofia had said.I stepped inside, careful, slow, like approaching something fragile.“Hey,” I murmured, kneeling beside the bed. “Look at me.”She didn’t.So I tried again, gentler.“Martha… I’m sorry.”Her crying slowed—just a little—but she still didn’t lift her head.I let out a breath, rubbing a hand over my face.“I shouldn’t have shouted at you,” I said, voice low, honest. “You didn’t deserve that. None of this is your fault.”She sniffled.I reached
Last Updated: 2026-03-12
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty sixTheo’s POVEvening came too soon.Sofia was already ready, baby Martha bundled up in her arms. The sight of them by the door, prepared to leave, made something in my chest tighten. I wasn’t the type to dwell on emotions, but this—this was different.I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe I wouldn’t get to watch my daughter grow.I might miss her first babbling, the first time she sits up, the moment she learns to crawl, her first steps—every milestone, every little thing that parents are supposed to witness. I might miss all of it.And the worst part? I had no one to blame but myself.Sofia adjusted Martha’s blanket, making sure she was warm. She hadn’t said much since we got back from the hospital. She barely looked at me unless necessary, keeping her focus on Martha. I understood why. I hadn’t given her much reason to believe in me—to believe in us.But now, with them standing at the door, ready to leave, I felt something close to desperation clawing at my chest.
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty fiveThe next morning, I woke up feeling like a stranger in my own life. The weight in my chest hadn’t lifted. It was still there, heavy and suffocating, but I had to keep moving. I couldn't afford to stop.I dragged myself out of bed, my body aching as I made my way to the bathroom. The shower water hit my skin like a cold reminder of everything I was leaving behind. I let it run over me, trying to wash away the exhaustion, the pain, the fear. It didn't help.Once I was done, I dressed quickly. A simple outfit, nothing too fancy. I didn’t have the energy for anything else.The hospital. I had to get Martha. She was strong now. No longer in the NICU. She was ready to leave.I picked up my phone and called a cab. I couldn’t drive, not with the way my hands were shaking. The thought of Theo following me made my stomach tighten, but there was nothing I could do. He was a part of this now.I heard a knock on the door just as I was finishing up. I opened it to see him standing there.He didn’t
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty four Sofia's POVManchester.A fresh start. A life away from the blood, the lies, and the war that had shaped every part of me.It was what I wanted.Wasn’t it?I looked down at my hands, my fingers still curled into fists. I forced them to relax.I should have been relieved. The contract was over. The chains that had bound me to him were gone. I could walk away, take Martha, and never look back.But instead of relief, all I felt was… empty.I lifted my eyes to him. His expression was blank, but I knew him well enough to see what he wasn’t saying.He meant it this time. He was letting me go.No more fights. No more power plays. No more waiting for him to change the rules.I swallowed, my throat tight.This was it. The moment I had fought for, the moment I had dreamed of.So why did it feel like my chest was caving in?I forced myself to speak. “You really set everything up.”His nod was almost imperceptible. “You and Martha will have everything you need.”I hesitated. “And you?”He exhaled
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty threeThree Days LaterThe air was thick with grief. The cemetery was silent except for the occasional rustle of wind through the trees, the distant sound of birds chirping—too peaceful for a day like this.Two graves.Two names carved into stone.Martha Rodriguez.Javier Vargas.One was my mother. The other was the man I had killed.Sofia stood beside me, dressed in black, her face unreadable. She hadn’t spoken much since I told her we would be burying them together, giving her father the funeral he had been denied. I wasn’t sure how she felt about it.Maybe she didn’t know either.She had barely looked at me since that night in the NICU. Since I had finally let her go.I glanced down at the caskets. One was polished mahogany, sleek and expensive—exactly what my mother would have wanted. The other was simpler, darker, almost as if it carried the weight of the sins attached to it.Javier Vargas had died a traitor. A man I had buried in secrecy.Now, he was finally being laid to rest.Sofia
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty twoOne Week LaterMartha was still in the NICU. She was stronger than she had been, her tiny body fighting every single day, but she was still so fragile.Sofia never left her side.She sat in the recliner beside the incubator, eyes locked on our daughter. Her body was still recovering, her movements slow and careful, but she didn’t seem to care. The doctors and nurses had to remind her to rest, to eat, but she only did so reluctantly, as if every second away from Martha was a second wasted.And me?I stood just outside the room, watching.I had been inside, had held Martha once under Sofia’s insistent gaze, but I still couldn’t shake the fear that gripped me whenever I looked at her.She was so small. Too small.What if I wasn’t enough?What if I failed her, the same way I had failed Javier?The guilt sat heavy in my chest, an anchor I couldn’t shake.“Rodriguez.”I stiffened at the voice behind me and turned to see Dr. Reyes watching me with a knowing expression. He was an older man, h
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: Chapter one hundred and forty oneTwo Days LaterSofia had improved. Her color was better, her strength returning bit by bit. She still moved slowly, but there was determination in her every action.And today, she was ready.I had done everything to delay this moment. Avoided every conversation about when she could see the baby. But the doctor had given his approval this morning, and there was no stopping her now.Me?I hadn’t even gone to the NICU.I told myself it was because Sofia should see the baby first. That she should have that moment before anyone else.But deep down, I knew the truth.I couldn’t bring myself to face the child.Because what story could I tell them?That they were born from violence? That their existence was a cruel twist of fate? That the first breath they took in this world was surrounded by tragedy?I didn’t even know the baby’s gender.Sofia didn’t notice my hesitation. She was too focused on getting out of bed, on making it to the wheelchair the nurse had brought in. Her fingers trembled
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Don’t Tell Our Parents
“If you’re going to dig your nails into my back to make him watch, sweetheart, at least do it right. Make him think I’m actually tearing you apart.”
The Plan: Fake-date the university’s star hockey player to drive my cheating ex-boyfriend, Leon, completely out of his mind with jealousy. It was supposed to be a simple, transactional arrangement. He needs a tutor to keep his GPA high enough to stay on the ice, and I need the ultimate weapon of mass distraction to get revenge on my ex and my backstabbing best friend.
The Catch: I didn’t know the arrogant, tatted forward who practically rules the campus arena was him—Lael De La Fontaine. The exact same guy I mistakenly drenched with a bucket of ice water while he was caught in a scandalous hookup with our assistant coach. And the exact same guy who just sat down across from me at my mom’s official engagement dinner.
When our parents happily announce their upcoming marriage, the smug, wicked grin on my new stepbrother's face tells me everything I need to know. He has absolutely no intention of letting me off the hook for ruining his shirt—or for discovering his darkest secret. If anything, he’s thrilled.
Now, we’re sharing a house by weekend, a library table by afternoon, and a filthy, breathless lie by night. But between the bruising grips on my hips meant for the crowd and the venomous, needy promises he whispers in my ear during "study sessions," the lines of hatred are bleeding together.
He’s supposed to be helping me play my ex. So why does it feel like the billionaire's son is rewriting the playbook just to keep me for himself?
Read
Chapter: Chapter Twenty FiveI didn't even realize when sleep completely carried me away. Between the insane game, the arena drama, and dealing with Coach Irene in the parking lot, my body just completely shut down the second my face hit the mattress.I was pulled out of my deep sleep by a soft, polite knock on my bedroom door."Miss Avery?" a gentle voice called from the hallway. "Dinner is served downstairs."I blinked my eyes open, rubbing my face in confusion. The sky outside my window was pitch black, meaning I’d been passed out for hours."Yeah, sure," I mumbled with sleepy eyes, my voice raspy from being asleep. "Give me five minutes.""Of course, miss," the maid replied before her footsteps faded down the hall.I dragged myself off the bed, letting out a massive yawn as I stretched my stiff arms. I quickly caught a glance of myself in the mirror—my hair was a messy, wild nest on one side, and my cardigan was completely wrinkled. I ran a hand through my blue hair, and tried to smooth down my clothes.Feeli
Last Updated: 2026-08-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty FourMy mom appeared from around the corner of the hallway, holding a stack of glossy wedding magazines. The second her eyes landed on the two of us standing in the foyer, a bright, hopeful smile broke across her face."Oh, perfect!" she said, bustling toward us. "You guys are back just in time!"Before I could even open my mouth to answer, Lael took a smooth step back toward the open front door, grabbing his car keys out of his pocket."Actually, Karen," Lael said, giving my mom an effortlessly charming smile that totally disguised his eagerness to escape. "I just remembered I have something I need to go take care of with the guys.""Oh," my mom said, blinking in surprise. "Right now?""Yeah, team stuff,” Lael drawled, flashing me a quick, mischievous smirk before slipping out the front door.A second later, the heavy wooden door shut, and I heard his car engine roar to life in the driveway before he completely zoomed off down the estate.My mom let out a soft sigh, watching the door clos
Last Updated: 2026-08-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty ThreeLael rounded the front of the car, tossed his heavy duffel bag into the backseat, and slid into the driver's seat. Outside, Coach Irene stood frozen on the asphalt for a second before turning on her heel and hurrying away toward the athletic wing.He pulled the driver's door shut, the heavy thud cutting off the quiet ambient noise of the parking lot. He didn't immediately turn the key in the ignition; instead, he rested his wrists on top of the steering wheel and turned his head to look at me, those sharp blue eyes taking in my tense posture."What was that about?" Lael asked, his voice low and raspy from the cold air of the rink.I let out a dry, irritated breath, looking straight out the windshield. "Why don't you ask your concubine?"A beat passed, and then a slow, amused smirk spread across Lael's face. "Is that what we're calling her now?"I just rolled my eyes, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a verbal response, and leaned back into the leather seat.Chuckling softly un
Last Updated: 2026-08-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty Two“You think I’m here for the money?” I asked, scoffing as a dry, unbelievable laugh escaped my lips.Coach Irene crossed her arms even tighter, tilting her chin up. “What else would you be here for? Or did you blackmail him because you saw us in the corridor the other day?”I blinked, completely stunned by the sheer delusion coming out of her mouth.“You were jealous, weren’t you?” she pushed on, her sharp eyes digging into mine with pure venom. “You’re just one of those pathetic puck bunnies who couldn’t handle seeing him with someone else, so you decided to threaten him and expose us unless he played along with your stupid little fantasy.”Jesus. What was with everyone and this whole blackmail theory? First Chloe assumed I forced Lael into this, and now his own assistant coach was standing in a parking lot convincing herself I was some mastermind extortionist. Is that seriously what people thought of me?“First of all, I am not a puck bunny,” I said, taking a step forward and looking
Last Updated: 2026-08-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty OneThe rest of the game was a total bloodbath in the best way possible. By the time the final buzzer rang out, the North Ridge Ice Bears had completely demolished the Lakeview Wildcats 5-1.Lael had scored three of those goals himself, pulling off a literal hat trick like it was the easiest thing in the world.I mean, I always knew he was good. Back when Chloe used to drag me to games, I’d catch glimpses of him on the ice, even though back then I was mostly just trying to watch Leon and be a supportive girlfriend. But actually sitting right here at the glass, paying full attention to Lael and only Lael? It was totally different.He was insane on the ice. The way he read the game, the raw power in his skates, and the effortless way he commanded the whole rink was honestly hypnotic. Leon wasn't even in the same league as him, and watching the contrast between them made me wonder how I'd ever been impressed by Leon in the first place.The entire arena was shaking as students screamed, bange
Last Updated: 2026-08-08
Chapter: Chapter TwentyI made it to my lecture hall with about two minutes to spare. But the second I pushed the heavy wooden doors open, I realized my quiet life as a nobody on campus was officially over.Head after head snapped in my direction. The low hum of conversation in the room immediately died down, replaced by loud, furious whispering that echoed all the way up the tiered seating. People were pointing, staring, and checking their phones like I was some kind of walking main character in a movie.Yep, definitely popular now.I kept my chin up, pretending I didn't notice a single one of them. But as I started walking down the aisle to find an empty desk, my eyes accidentally landed on the third row.Sitting there in a light pastel cardigan was Chloe.She was glaring straight at me, her eyes narrowed into pure, bitter poison. If looks could kill, I probably would have dropped dead right there on the floor.But I didn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction. I just held her gaze for a split second
Last Updated: 2026-08-06
Chapter: Chapter Sixty EightChapter Sixty NineThree days passed in a total blur, and before I knew it, Friday morning arrived. It was finally time for the senior class camp trip. We were supposed to spend three whole days at a lakeside campground out in the woods, which everyone else was calling the ultimate end-of-year getaway. For me, I was just hoping it would be a nice break from all the stress at home.Zion had been acting like the perfect, sweet boyfriend the entire morning. When he picked me up, he insisted on throwing my duffel bag into the trunk himself, pulling me into a warm hug that smelled like clean laundry and expensive body wash. He was so genuinely excited about the trip, talking non-stop during the drive about the bonfires, the lake, and how glad he was that we’d finally get some time to just relax together.Driving up to the campground, the views were absolutely beautiful. The place was surrounded by massive pine trees and clear blue water. The second we parked, the atmosphere felt so aliv
Last Updated: 2026-06-30
Chapter: Chapter Sixty SevenI opened my notebook, trying to focus on the whiteboard, but my mind was completely spinning.The rest of the school day went by in a complete blur. Before I knew it, the final bell rang, and it was time to face my next big challenge: Spanish tutoring at the Graves mansion.Driving Zion’s brand-new matte-black Jeep over to his house felt wild, but my nerves were completely fried because of the heavy crystal pendant still resting against my collarbone.When I finally pulled into the massive, familiar driveway of the Graves estate, I turned off the engine and took a deep, steadying breath. I hopped down, slung my backpack over my shoulder, and walked up the grand stone steps to the front door.I reached out and knocked.A few seconds later, the heavy door swung open, and Noah stepped out. He was dressed casually, looking effortlessly handsome but wearing his usual expressionless mask.The exact moment his eyes swept past me and landed on the giant, aggressive matte-black Jeep parked rig
Last Updated: 2026-06-30
Chapter: Chapter Sixty SixBut after a long, tense moment, he just sighed, pressing another quick kiss to my forehead before pulling away. "I have to head to the office before the bell. I'll see you at lunch, Sunshine."We watched him walk down the hall, his tall frame moving with absolute authority through the crowd.The exact second Zion turned the corner and was completely gone, Xalia turned to me, crossing her arms and giving me a serious glare. "Khi, why on earth would you use my name to lie like that? You completely put me on the spot!""I am so, so sorry, Xal," I groaned, running my hands over my face in pure exhaustion. "I totally panicked. I don't even know if Zion and Noah have reconciled yet after everything that happened, and I really don't want to use this necklace to cause more issues between them. Zion would have completely lost his mind."Xalia stared at me for a second, her annoyed expression slowly softening into a heavy sigh. "Fine, I am going to let it slide this time. Mostly because you’ve
Last Updated: 2026-06-24
Chapter: Chapter Sixty FiveI started the engine, the loud roar echoing through the quiet neighborhood as I backed out of the driveway, officially heading toward school.The drive to school went by way too fast. When I pulled into the student parking lot, the massive matte-black Jeep instantly drew stares from everyone walking by. I chose a spot near the edge and shut off the engine, taking a deep, shaky breath.As I opened the door and stepped down, I spotted a very familiar car pulling into a space a few rows over. It was Xalia. She parked her own car, turned off the ignition, and hopped out, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.I locked the Jeep and walked quickly over to her, trying to blend in, though driving a giant luxury vehicle made that completely impossible.The moment Xalia looked up and saw me approaching, her jaw dropped all over again, and a massive, hyped-up grin took over her face. She practically jogged over to meet me halfway."Oh my god, Khione," Xalia breathed, her eyes darting from me
Last Updated: 2026-06-24
Chapter: Chapter Sixty FourThe cool night air hit my face as we drove back to the hotel, ready to finally crash in that massive penthouse suite after the craziest, most perfect nineteenth birthday ever.The next morning, the bright California sun came piercing through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, waking us up way too early.The exact moment I opened my eyes, a throbbing headache hit me like a physical punch to the skull. My mouth felt completely dry, and my brain felt like it was floating in fog. Nineteen shots of tequila were definitely a mistake, and my lightweight body was paying the ultimate price for it now.I groaned, burying my face under the plush pillows, but I knew we couldn't stay in this luxury bubble forever.We all took turns scrambling to get ready, showering each to wash off the scent of the club and trying our best to wake up. Once we were finally packed up and standing in the hotel garage, Zion looked down at my pale face and rubbed my shoulder gently."I'll drop Xa
Last Updated: 2026-06-20
Chapter: Chapter Sixty Three"I got you, Sunshine," Zion whispered tightly, holding me upright as my head completely rolled back against his shoulder.A few random people from the crowd immediately rushed up to us, completely hyped from the show I had just put on. They were high-fiving Xalia and trying to get close to me."That was legendary, girl!" one guy shouted, giving me a massive thumbs-up. "Happy birthday!""Yeah, happy nineteenth!" a girl with bright pink hair chimed in, leaning over the noise of the music to look at me. But then her face turned a little serious, and she gave me a weird, knowing look. "Just make sure you don't let the nineteenth curse get to you.My blurred vision blinked, my drunk brain trying to process what she had just said. The nineteenth curse? Before I could even mutter a confused question, Zion’s entire body went completely stiff behind me.His grip around my waist tightened instantly, and the warm, protective boyfriend energy completely vanished, replaced by a cold, hard defensiv
Last Updated: 2026-06-20
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