The Wrong Bernardi
Maya de Cruz thought the worst thing that could happen before her wedding was catching her fiancé cheating on her.
She was wrong.
One reckless night with Rhysand Bernadi, her fiancé’s dangerous older brother, changed the course of her entire life. By morning, Maya disappeared without a word, carrying a secret powerful enough to destroy two old-money families.
Five years later, Maya has rebuilt herself in Los Angeles as the owner of De Cruz Atelier, a luxury event company trusted by celebrities, billionaires, and people rich enough to turn scandals into PR strategy. Her life is controlled, successful, and carefully protected around the one thing that matters most: her son, Aiden.
Then Maya is hired for the biggest project of her career.
Designing Rhysand Bernadi’s wedding.
Rhysand is no longer the reckless heir she left behind in Hawaii. He’s colder now. More powerful. More dangerous. And the moment he sees Maya again, it becomes painfully clear that neither of them ever truly moved on.
As old attraction resurfaces, family tensions explode, and anonymous threats begin appearing around Maya’s life, the past she buried starts clawing its way back to the surface. Because someone knows what happened five years ago.
And someone has been watching Maya for much longer than she realizes.
The problem is no longer just the wedding.
It’s the little boy with Rhysand’s eyes.
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Chapter: bedtime first, catastrophe laterAfter dinner, Aiden once again experienced something he had considered a personal insult for the past four and a half years.Sleepiness.He sat in his chair with his chin almost touching his chest, still holding half a roasted potato that hadn’t moved in maybe two minutes. His black hair was still slightly damp from his bath, his bangs falling softly over his forehead, his cheeks pink and warm after a full day of swimming, running, arguing, eating, then swimming again like his small body had signed a contract with chaos.“Aiden.”His eyes opened a little. “Hm?”“You’re asleep.”“No.”“Your eyes are closed.”“I’m thinking.”“With your mouth open?”He immediately closed it.Elma laughed from across the table.Aiden lifted his head with an amount of effort that looked extremely expensive, then turned to Rhysand, who had changed back into a white shirt and dark pants five minutes ago, his hair neat again, his face far too handsome for a man who had been used as a horse a few hours earlier
Last Updated: 2026-09-18
Chapter: our years from the other sideSomething shifted in my chest.Small.Uncomfortable.I opened my mouth, fully intending to say something clever because that was apparently the primary function of my tongue in emergencies.Nothing came.Shit.I looked at my son again.Four years.Aiden had existed for four years.He had woken up too early, hidden the remote in the refrigerator, convinced Abuela to buy a Swiss race car, decided dinosaurs had personalities, learned to talk, run, swim in upside-down goggles, and believed his father was somewhere making money.While Rhys had no idea there was a tiny life with his face moving through the world.I had always looked at those four years as something I built on my own.Our home.Our routines.Little victories that didn’t need anyone else.And they were.But from where Rhys stood, those same four years probably looked different.Not something he had walked away from.Something that had passed by before he even knew he was supposed to chase it.I hated new perspectives.They al
Last Updated: 2026-09-17
Chapter: golden hourAfternoon settled slowly over Rhysand’s house, bringing golden light through the tall windows of the living room and making everything look calmer than it actually was.Aiden had finally crashed. Not gracefully.He’d spent almost an hour in the pool claiming three illegal victories, using Rhysand’s head as transportation, swallowing half a glass of water because he’d tried blowing bubbles while talking, then refusing to admit he was tired until his own body staged an intervention.Now he was asleep on his side across the long light-gray sofa, his black hair still damp and falling messily over his forehead, his cheeks flushed from the sun and swimming, one small leg tucked beneath him while both arms wrapped around a large cream pillow that probably cost enough to cover several months of electricity at my first apartment.The pillow belonged to him now. I could tell by the way he was hugging it like if anyone tried to take it, his lawyer would call.I sat on the sofa across from him wi
Last Updated: 2026-09-16
Chapter: if i can’t see it, it can’t ruin meRhysand looked at me with what was probably supposed to be a threatening stare, except the effect was slightly ruined by the four-year-old sitting on his shoulders in upside-down goggles, steering his head like a warhorse.“You’re recording this in your head.” He narrowed his eyes.“Already in permanent storage.”“Mami!” Aiden called. “Look, I’m tall!”“You’re sitting on a man over six feet tall.”“I’m a giant.”“Technically, a parasite.”He didn’t know that word, so he chose to ignore it.I opened my laptop again.Inbox.Work.I had a company.Thirty-two unread emails, two vendor crises, one call that needed to be rescheduled, and possibly the biggest wedding in the history of my company, whose groom had just told the bride they needed to talk tonight.Normal.I read one line.Rhys’s phone vibrated on the table beside the lounger next to me.I looked at the screen because I had eyes, and curiosity had never once been recognized as a sin in the de Cruz family.BOARD CALL.Rhysand didn
Last Updated: 2026-09-15
Chapter: karma, now with chubby thighsI found them at the pool seven minutes later.Seven minutes had been enough for Aiden to change clothes, put on a swim vest that could probably fit a kid two grades above him, wear his goggles upside down for the second time that day, and decide that Rhysand’s private pool was now the official venue for aquatic Formula One.“GO!” Aiden pushed off the wall with both little feet.Or, more accurately, tried to.His body moved maybe a foot before the blue vest popped him back to the surface like an expensive cork, while Rhysand, who was in the imaginary lane beside him, hadn’t even started swimming yet.I stopped at the glass door.Elma sat at the edge of the pool with both feet in the water, sunscreen beside her. She looked at me. “I tried fixing his goggles.”“I believe you.”“He said aerodynamics.”I looked at my son.The goggles were still upside down.“He’s swimming.” Elma shrugged.“AIDEN.”He turned in the middle of the pool. “Mami!”“Your goggles.”“They’re good!”“They’re upside
Last Updated: 2026-09-14
Chapter: professionally speaking, this is a nightmare“What?”Rhysand didn’t repeat himself.I stared at him for another few seconds, waiting for something. A smile. A wink. Some tiny indication that what he’d just said was part of his chronic condition known as annoying Maya de Cruz for personal entertainment.Nothing.“Don’t you dare call off your engagement.”Now he really looked at me.I let out a laugh because his face somehow made me feel like I was the one saying something ridiculous.“Seriously, Rhys. Don’t stand there after a fifteen-minute conversation about Aiden and decide, wow, apparently the best solution is to blow up a seven-figure wedding that’s already halfway planned.”“I didn’t say it because of a fifteen-minute conversation.”“You said it immediately after a fifteen-minute conversation.”“Timing isn’t causation.”My hand almost went for the glass.He saw that, and the corner of his mouth twitched. “Don’t.”“You know how much I love it when men give instructions to my hands.”“I’d prefer my glassware intact.”“Excelle
Last Updated: 2026-09-13
Midnight Ties, Ruin Touch.
Jasmine Vargas accepted Mark Morelli's proposal because he was a good man who she believed would make her always happy.
But everything took a different turn when she crossed paths with Tristan Morelli once again.
Tristan Augist de Morelli, Mark’s older brother, is a stark contrast to his brother. Tristan, Italy's wealthiest billionaire and the president of the Cassa di Morelli. She remembers him as a deceitful mobster who took her innocence and callously left her the following day.
His arrival five years ago caused havoc in Jasmine's life. It was Tristan who leaked her identity to the 'Lopez', leading to her bestfriend being murdered. Now all Jasmine wants is to avoid meeting the man who has ruined her life because she knows Tristan wants to complete his unfinished mission of destroying her family's cartel.
A true hedonist, Tristan Morelli is wrapped up in all the splendor of nature.
Unlike Mark, Tristan is darker, colder, and more intoxicating. His confidence is powerful, and his undeniable charm and irresistible attraction make him a dangerous temptation.
Jasmine finds herself grappling with his irresistible charm and the destructive cycle he drags her into. Every attempt to push him only strengthens his obsession. Her resistance seems to fuel his desire even more.
Tristan's relentless nature awakens a deep darkness in Jasmine, a side of her she never knew was there. In the midst of struggling with her demons, Jasmine is determined not to let him be her ruin.
Will she find the strength to break free from Tristan's grip, or will she give in to the darkness he brings into her life?
Moreover, he’s the catalyst for all the chaos that destroyed her life five years ago. Will Jasmine once again lose herself and let Tristan wreak havoc on her life?
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Chapter: V: Mr. Wrong"This is very good, Mark." His family villa was on the beach, which gave a beautiful view of the sunset and the calm ocean in the distance. This villa was no different from Xavier's house, but I preferred and was comfortable at Xavier's place because it was my brother's house.I stepped slowly onto the balcony while Mark dropped one of my backpacks on the sofa. "Thank goodness. I was afraid that this view would disappoint you.""Nothing is disappointing about the beach. I love the beach." I replied, turning to him.He looked surprised. "You like the beach? I thought you liked forests,""I like both," I replied, tilting my head. "I've already told you about that.""I forgot, baby." He leaned closer, kissing my forehead. "How about we get ready so we can go straight to the party?" he offered.I nodded while holding back the slight disappointment in my heart. Damn it, I knew all about him. I still remember not liking the beach or the forest. He never paid attention to nature like me. He
Last Updated: 2024-08-22
Chapter: IV: Mr. Right"Tell me how you cried?" Maya asked when I had just come out of the room. She was sitting at the dining table with her laptop in front of her.I shrugged. "I'm not crying. No one cries." My aunt was crying hard, but it was just an act because after we got home and Grandma entered her room, she gave me the biggest smile ever."Your grandpa must be proud that you guys are that strong." She quipped.I laughed. "Yeah, he didn't want anyone to cry when he died," I replied as I stepped towards the kitchen counter and made coffee.Our apartment was a wide one-room style, so the living room and kitchen were only separated by a short partition. Then, there were only three rooms: my room, Maya's room, and the food storage. It was so different from the shabby, cramped apartment we had in Juarez. I had tried to keep things different from what we had in Juarez five years ago."Do you want coffee?" I asked."No. I'll just buy it on my way to work." She replied. "I've also made six sandwiches and
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: III: All my love"When are you going back to California?" Papa asked as we relaxed in the living room. I rested my head on Papa's shoulder while Mama was on his other side, busy with her phone, her feet on Papa's lap, and Papa massaging her feet."On Friday," Theo replied. He sat back without turning his head, still looking at his tablet. "I have a flight to San Diego, and they're coming with me," said Theo, my second brother. He is a pilot working for the airline owned by Papa. "Maybe we'll take a short vacation at Xavier's house."Xavier, who was playing a game with Aaric, snorted loudly. "You think I'll let you?""Whether you do or not, we're going there anyway." I replied.Aaric whistled in agreement and Xavier smacked him lightly on the head."Don't be stingy with your siblings, Xavi," Mama said lowly, shaking her head. "Be a good big brother.""You're the oldest here and you're still immature." Papa chuckled and shook his head while Xavier pretended not to hear and continued playing GTA on the P
Last Updated: 2024-08-10
Chapter: II: What a tears"A woman was found dead in her room two hours ago. The police are trying to investigate." The female reporter's voice became a summer background. I leaned against the kitchen at home, staring at the television screen that Papa had deliberately placed at the far end of the kitchen.The reason is because Mama likes to spend time in the kitchen when Papa is busy outside with his work, Mama likes to cook, make cakes, make snacks when she is bored. Not wanting to make Mama even more bored, Papa put another television in the kitchen. An act of love that set the standard for me when I was looking for a man.We grew up in a Colombian mafia cartel family, but our family was far from the stereotype that people grew up with. There was no violence in our family. It probably started with the sweet gestures Papa always made to Mama. Anyone could see the love in Papa's eyes for Mama, and then that love poured out on us, their four children. Plus, being the only daughter in Papa's family, I was alway
Last Updated: 2024-08-09
Chapter: I: What a tragedyI joined the bustle at the pub as a bartender while one of my housemates, Maya, paced back and forth with orders. It was a big pub, but most of the people who came were gang members or people involved in criminal activities. Occasionally, a recently released prisoner would be seen here, too.This city was full of danger, but I was used to it. The life I grew up in was always surrounded by the dark business our family ran. Although Papa had kept the female members of our extended family away from this business, Abuelo or Grandpa, didn't care.Usually, he wanted us girls to serve as bait to trap men from enemy cartels, getting them killed at the hands of his men. This method always worked one hundred percent.However, this mission was different. He only wanted me to monitor the activities of the Lopez family, the cartel that controlled this town, and report everything to him. To do that, I had to live among them, disguised as part of the lives of Maya and Bianca, two women who had becom
Last Updated: 2024-08-01
Chapter: Prolog"Don't screw up, Jas." My grandfather's low voice echoed from our mutually connected calls. "We're screwed if this mission fails, and I'm not sure you'll survive."Perfect, Abuelo. That's very motivating.I closed my eyes, the wind blowing my hair loose. "I know. I'm trying." I said. "And I'll remind you that I never agreed to get into this game."'Tis already done," he replied calmly as if it wasn't him who forced me right at the senior high school graduation ceremony. "This has to be done. I'll be at Blooms tomorrow at two in the afternoon. You have to be there.""What about Papa, Mama and my brothers?""Your family still thinks you're on campus. If you don't mess up, our mission won't be exposed," he said.I hoped they would somehow find out what Grandpa had ordered me to do. Only they could stop my his ambition to control the Mexican cartel, which is why I had to be stuck in Juarez for six months."Understood," I said, and then he disconnected our call.I stared ahead, at the neig
Last Updated: 2024-08-01
A Touch of Madness
Sebastian Sanchez never wanted her, but that's not what led to their divorce. He cheated on her with her best friend and the pain in her heart was multiplied many times over. But, now Isabella Rossi has managed to escape the shadows of her past, building her own happiness after the bitter divorce from Sebastian. She had no time to dwell on all the things about the past that had hurt her. After all, she now had the center of the world that made her forget everything. However, her life is shaken up again when Sebastian reappears in her life, bringing an offer of much-needed financial help. Sebastian hasn't changed; he is still incredibly wealthy, strong, gorgeous, charming, and intoxicating as sin. With her business on the verge of bankruptcy, debts mounting, and daily needs Isabella is cornered between her immediate needs and her desire not to go back to her ex-husband. Isabella insists on keeping her distance from him, seeking other help and trying not to fall for his advances. The situation becomes more complicated for Isabella when Sebastian finds out the major secret she has been keeping. Stefano Archer Rossi; her son. The little blue-eyed one who bears a striking resemblance to Sebastian Sanchez. Sebastian was the most domineering man she despised. But how can she resist Sebastian's relentless pursuit? Using their child as the focal point, transform a traumatic history into a lovely one? There is a razor's edge between love and hatred, and Isabella sees it when they clash. Isabella risks dying if she gives in to this unusual desire and becomes entangled in a deadly game of love and hate.
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Chapter: EpilogFive years later.The sound of joyful laughter fills our warm living room. I rubbed my forehead, holding back a smile as I watched our twins, Athena and Azriel, run around yelling at each other. Both were still wearing the superhero costumes they got from Janet's birthday party, complete with fluttering red capes as they ran around the living room."Nana! Azzy! That's enough!" I called out, trying to be a bit chatty even though it was hard to hold back my laughter at their behaviour. "Stop chasing each other around the house. If you want to play superhero, do it in the garden!"Athena paused for a moment, looking at me with wide eyes full of innocence. But instead of obeying, the girl shook her head quickly, grinning as she turned to chase after her twin, who ran away. "I don't want to go outside! It's fun here!" she said, her cheerful laughter filling the room."Yes, but I will lose my sanity if you two keep shouting like this!" I tried to put on a angry face, but Azriel just jumped
Last Updated: 2024-11-05
Chapter: 113 : War is OverSleepiness strikes hard because I haven't slept in two days. It’s crawls over my eyes, making them feel heavy, yet every time I close my eyes, flashes of horror always appear, stopping me from falling into a comfortable sleep. The clock on the wall ticked softly, breaking the silence of the night that felt too quiet. But suddenly, a rumbling sound came from outside. The sound of slamming doors and hurried footsteps. It gets closer, echoing up to my bedroom door, then...The door opened with a bang, and Killian walked in with a tense face. Without a word, he grabs my hand, gripping it roughly. "We're leaving now," he said coldly, his voice low but filled with a frightening haste."What happened?" I demanded, resisting his grip even though there was barely any strength in the resistance. "Don't ask too many questions," he said coldly as he dragged me out of the room, his steps quick, almost running.We walked down the creaking stairs through the narrow, dimly lit hallways. I tried to
Last Updated: 2024-11-04
Chapter: 112Isabella POV.I couldn't sleep. I couldn't close my eyes completely. I stared at the scenery behind the glass. I was expecting something. To someone to come and get me. Sebastian. I wish Sebastian were here.I hug my belly tightly, holding my babies. My chest feels tight, my heart beating wildly in the silence of the night that feels so foreign. Outside, the waves were constantly crashing against the cliff, making a sound that somehow made my body tense up even more. Beyond the windowpane, I could only see the dark, endless sea with no sign of life. Only my own shadow was faintly reflected, looking so fragile in the middle of this cold room.I rubbed my stomach lightly, trying to give warmth to my two unborn babies, hoping they could feel my false calm. "Everything will be okay," I whispered almost silently, more to calm myself than for them. But, I knew I needed to reassure them and tell them their mother would fight.My heart refused to calm down, pounding like it was rebelling
Last Updated: 2024-11-04
Chapter: 111The broken glass on the floor scattered like the shattered remnants of my hope with each passing minute without Isabella by my side. I stared at Marc and Diaz with a sharp look to make them tremble. My chest was beating hard, each beat full of anger and fear that couldn't be suppressed."Useless," I hissed, my voice hoarse and low. They both looked down, not daring to raise their heads.Marc tried to speak, his voice sounding weak, like a child caught in the act. "We've checked the small ports, contacted everyone who might know their whereabouts—""But it came up empty, didn't it?" I cut in, hitting the table so hard that Marc jerked back. "My wife is missing somewhere, and you guys can only stand here like fools!"I looked at Diaz, who gulped, his eyes troubled as he looked at me. But I didn't give him a chance. Every second without news of Isabella made my blood boil. To think that she might be trapped in the hands of a bastard like Killian... my mind was filled with images of a t
Last Updated: 2024-11-02
Chapter: 110My head throbbed violently as the harsh sunlight pierced my eyelids. Heavily, I sat up, trying to understand where I was. Rough wooden walls and small windows with dull curtains emitted light all around me, making this room feel even more alien and rough. My heartbeat quickened, panic creeping up from my toes to my head. This was not a room on our private island, not a place I recognized. The walls were weathered, and the overpowering scent of sea salt pierced my nose, mixed with the damp, unfamiliar smell of wood.The memories swirl, fragment by fragment, starting to return, like pieces of a nightmare creeping in slowly.The silent night on the island, Killian's sudden grip, the thin, cold smile on his face, then the hallways of the house echoing with unfamiliar steps. My memory stops at the moment he pulls me towards the boat, waiting at the dock, as I struggle, trying to escape. But all my efforts were in vain. Killian's grip was like an iron shackle I couldn't break.I stood uns
Last Updated: 2024-11-01
Chapter: 109"I'll be back tomorrow morning before you wake up." Sebastian's voice sounded lazy from our connected call. "I have so many things to take care of. I promise we'll have a good time once I'm done with all this. But I feel bad leaving you alone there."I chuckled softly. "Yeah, that's okay. There's Janet here. I don't feel alone."He chuckled on the other end of the line, his low laugh almost drowned out by the slightly crackling signal. "Yeah, my cousin with her... unique personality," he continued, his voice trying to sound serious but instead sounding full of warmth. "She'll probably set your whole life in pink if you let her. Just make sure she doesn't end up redecorating our house or... suggesting weird names for our baby."I smiled, imagining Janet, who could vigorously transform the house into a sea of pink, complete with flashy accessories. It was like relentless energy ready to fill every corner of the room, chasing away any loneliness I might feel while Sebastian was away. "T
Last Updated: 2024-10-31
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