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: the Devil moved in next doorAiden was already home, dragging half the beach in with him. Sand clung to his sandals, his clothes, even his hair, leaving a trail across the floor like he’d personally relocated the shoreline. Elma, completely drained, didn’t even argue.She kicked off her sandals and headed straight to her room, muttering something about needing five minutes and a shower before she collapsed.Aiden walked in with a bright, excited grin, eyes practically glowing. He moved closer to the island and rose onto his toes, trying to see the cake. His little nose lifted while his eyes followed the glaze dripping down the sides.“Pretty,” he said.“Thank you.”“I made a card.”He pulled a folded piece of paper from the pocket of his shorts. It was crumpled, with what looked like a tiny tire mark along one edge. When he unfolded it, I saw two cars.One red.One black.Both had wheels that were much too large, lines behind them that were either smoke or speed, and two stick figures standing nearby.The first
Last Updated: 2026-07-13
Chapter: the rich man who knows carsBy the next afternoon, my kitchen smelled like lemon, olive oil, garlic, and one polite decision that was probably going to cost me more than dessert.I stood at the kitchen island with my hair clipped up badly, a few strands still falling around my face because apparently even my hair refused to cooperate with authority. A white apron was tied around my waist, and three lemons sat in front of me like they were about to be interviewed for an important position.Outside the big windows, evening settled slowly over the ocean.The sky was still pale blue, but the light had started turning gold across the countertops. The terrace door was cracked open. Salty air drifted inside with the sound of children out on the street—small wheels rolling over pavement, laughter, and the occasional horn I had become extremely familiar with.BEEP.I stopped zesting the lemon.BEEP. BEEP.“AIDEN!” I yelled from the kitchen.“THAT WASN’T ME!” Aiden yelled back from somewhere in the distance.Then the horn
Last Updated: 2026-07-13
Chapter: a small car, a familiar smileHe’d already had a bath.His hair was still a little damp, his thick fringe falling messily across his forehead. He wore a navy pajama set covered in tiny cars even though the sun hadn’t fully gone down yet, and one of his clogs was on properly while the other barely clung to his feet. Rhysand’s face, if he still believed dinosaur-shaped soap had feelings.He ran down two steps.“Walk.”He slowed down dramatically for exactly two steps, then started running again and crashed into my legs in a full-body hug.“Mami, look at my car!”“I see there’s a new vehicle on this property without zoning approval.”“It’s a sports car.” He grabbed my hand with both of his. “Come. Come. Hurry. But not too fast because Elmo said I’m not allowed to run.”Elma appeared in the doorway wearing loose shorts, an oversized green T-shirt, and her hair in a high ponytail.“Maya,” she said with a long sigh, “I just want to say upfront that this was not my idea.”Aiden looked back at her. “Elmo’s boring.”“I’m b
Last Updated: 2026-07-11
Chapter: someone knows what he likesI got back to the office at 1:40 with barely any lemon ricotta pasta in my stomach and one of Rhysand’s questions stuck in the back of my mind like a price tag someone had forgotten to peel off.I walked into Cruz Atelier and took off my sunglasses.The office didn’t give me time to think about Rhysand any further, which was one of the many reasons I loved my job.At two, I joined a video call with a Malibu client who had suddenly decided she wanted to move her welcome dinner from the terrace to the private beach because one of her friends had gotten married on a terrace the week before, and now terraces felt “emotionally used.”I stared at the screen.She stared back at me from her house in Bel Air, her blowout perfect, a tiny white dog sitting in her lap.“The beach is in the evening high-tide zone,” I said. “If we move dinner down there, dessert could turn into a marine rescue operation.”“But the pictures would be beautiful.”“Pictures of your guests running from the waves while c
Last Updated: 2026-07-11
Chapter: no blood on the tableI let one second pass.Then two.In my lap, the nail of my thumb pressed into the side of my index finger, neat and hidden beneath the white napkin.“Yeah,” I said. “One night. You’re supposed to have a good memory. Keep it there.”“That’s not an answer.”“Correct. It’s a closed door.”“I can wait outside it.”“You hear a building’s for sale and just buy the whole thing, don’t you?”“If I want it badly enough.”“You don’t get to buy your way into my life, Rhysand.”His smile faded slowly. “I’m not trying to buy your life.”“But you’re asking for my home address, household composition, minor dependents if applicable, my son’s birthday, and a complete timeline of what happened after I left your bed.” I counted each one on my fingers. “Very normal. Very relaxed. Practically a customer satisfaction survey.”“I didn’t send the household composition email.”“Your security team used the Bernadi name. That’s enough.”“They’ll stop.”“The request is already in my inbox, and my inbox has a long
Last Updated: 2026-07-10
Chapter: the past had your handsI reached for my water again. “Miss a proper breakfast.”“Breakfast.”“Important meal.”“You weren’t thinking about breakfast.”“Stop reading my mind.”“I don’t need to read.” He leaned back slightly, but his eyes stayed exactly where they were. “You stopped right before mentioning that night.”I smiled sweetly. “You’re very confident for a man who was only an additional mistake in an already busy week.”His smile did not disappear. If anything, it grew lazier. “Mistake?” he said.“Expensive mistake,” I corrected. “No offense. You have good finishing.”“Do you always review your mistakes like that?”“Only the ones with egos large enough to require a rating.”He laughed under his breath.The sound got under my skin before I could shut the door.Damn him.Five years, one child, one company, and several thousand invoices later, and my body was still too quick to remember things that had no business going into a spreadsheet.“Funny,” he said. “I don’t remember that night as a mistake.”I
Last Updated: 2026-07-09
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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