Chapter: Chapter 099Ernesto leaned back in his chair, went silent for about a minute, sighing, his eyes focused on some point beyond the room, twisting his lips as if fighting to keep his cool. His fingers drummed on the dining table.And Antonio, on the other hand, was very patient.Finally, Ernesto looked his way. "So you don't mind me introducing her to the family?"Antonio grimaced. "No, I was being sarcastic.""Oh." Ernesto mouthed. "Makes sense.""Ernesto!" Antonio snapped, but Ernesto spat back, his voice rising, his fist connecting with the table."What do you want from me, Antonio? To apologize? I got you another step-sibling. Sorry, you're not getting that from me. And how the hell did you find out about Diane?""Can someone please make me understand? Who's Diane? I've heard 'family' like twice now... because last I checked, my family tree had a few less branches and a lot less baggage." Abuelo cut in, his gaze still darting between the two. Waiting, but it seemed neither of them was in a hur
Last Updated: 2025-07-10
Chapter: Chapter 098Camila's protests died on her lips as Antonio's hands found their mark, his fingers expertly finding the places that made her shiver and made her forget all about alarms and meetings. Her "no, no, no" dissolved into a breathless moan as he leaned in against her neck. The fight simply evaporated.It was always like this with Antonio – his mischief, his touch, the way he just knew what would make her melt. One minute she was all professional resolve; the next, she was a happy tangle of limbs again, just like earlier, lost in the rhythm of his body against hers, the scent of him, the intoxicating heat."One more round" had turned into several.The alarm clock was silent now, probably having screamed itself hoarse and given up. Camila lay tangled in the sheets, Antonio's arm heavy around her waist, his head still nestled comfortably against her breast. A soft, satisfied sigh escaped her. She stretched a bit, feeling the ache in her muscles.She glanced at the clock on his bedside table: 7
Last Updated: 2025-07-09
Chapter: Chapter 097Camila was a happy tangle of limbs with Antonio in bed, lost in that post-sex haze. His soft breathing filled the quiet space, his head resting right in her cleavage, his cheek against her skin. He always did this after each round, using her breast as a pillow. It was weird but cute. Now, staring at his sleepy face, she couldn't ignore how adorable he looked sleeping like a baby with no care in the world.She brushed his hair back, real slow at first, but then just ended up stroking his head.How could someone be so greedy? Like, totally lost in the moment, completely forgetting about the mountain of reports, calls, and work waiting sharp at 8 AM? She wiggled a bit, snuggling closer, feeling his hip tucked against hers. It's not like she didn't have fun. Every touch, every kiss, every breathless second was awesome. But as the early morning hours just kept slipping away, her brain, always the practical one, started adding up the cost. Not money-wise, but in lost sleep and the total scr
Last Updated: 2025-07-07
Chapter: Chapter 096Jose and Julie just kept at it, sharp words flying back and forth. Jose's jaw was clenched, spitting out every syllable like it was a tiny, painful jab. Julie, though, was really losing it, her voice getting higher and higher. She even lunged a bit, not exactly at him, but as if the pure force of her anger could somehow make him take back what he'd said.Then, clatter!Diane's crutches hit the floor. Both Jose and Julie froze, heads snapping over to the sound. Diane didn't say a word. She hopped a few shaky steps, picked up the crutches, steadied herself, found her balance, and then, with this weird, quiet determination, she started to drag herself away from the couch. She moved right between both of them.Their eyes, totally fixed, followed her. She didn't even look at them, didn't make a sound. Her gaze was just straight ahead, like she was looking at something way past the messy living room as she headed for her bedroom."Diane—""Nope, don't even explain." Diane snapped, cutting J
Last Updated: 2025-07-07
Chapter: Chapter 095Jose and Julie had spun around, but Diane just stayed put, her crutches clutched tight in her hand. Her eyes were glued to her parents, wide and fixed, like a five-year-old watching her folks fight for the very first time. Was this what the disability did to her, making her seem so fragile, so helpless, so weak?"And why are you here?" Julie was the first to speak, her voice sounding like a knife's edge. "I don't remember letting you in."Camila chuckled. "Relax, I'm not the reason you two are going at it, so ditch that tone." She smiled, her voice calm even though she knew she was adding fuel to the fire right now. She caught bits and pieces of the argument, enough to know it was heavy, but she couldn't just jump to conclusions. Was Jose seriously kicking Julie out? Whoa. That was not what she expected from these two, who always seemed glued at the hip. What could possibly be the root of this blowout? It was something Camila absolutely wanted to find out.Jose, still poker-faced, fin
Last Updated: 2025-07-05
Chapter: Chapter 094It's been exactly a week since Jose's abrupt, "Gotta go. We'll pick this up later, alright," and the line went dead. And since then, nothing. No texts, no calls. Even when Camila called, it went straight to voicemail every single time. And Cole? Since then, he didn't really say much. He didn't even bother to check in, aside from one quick call asking if Jose was reachable. Camila has even thought about just throwing in the towel, closing the whole case. It feels like a losing battle, right? Even if she hated to admit it. Maybe if she hadn't even tried to fight for her inheritance, maybe Jose wouldn't have flipped out or bothered to drop the adoption bomb. Now, she's standing in front of Julie's home, on the porch, about to knock. It's 7 AM. Yeah, early, but this is the surefire time to catch those two busy bees before they buzz off to their respective morning routines. Camila figures if she wants some real talk, maybe some closure, and definitely someone to just vent to about all
Last Updated: 2025-07-05
Chapter: 021: Petite Peyton AXELMy head aches; there's a dull throb behind my eyes that no amount of sleep seems to fix. It's not just the usual hangover; it's the aftermath of everything. Of last night. Of Peyton. God, what a mess. A mess that was totally enjoyable.And all I can think about is having her stand naked in front of me, grinding her thin curves while she fingers herself. Licking those fingers will be so damn sexy. We never got to try that. Fucking in the counter won't suffice. We're mostly lying down with her on top, flashing those bouncy tits begging to be touched.Her petite frame is the kind that would've been perfect for the runway if she were just a few inches taller.I walk into Raphael's room and flop onto his bed. The springs groan under me. My brother's at his mirror, practically hugging his reflection while he messes with his tie. He's always so serious about everything, even getting dressed. Every little tug, every tiny fix he makes, it's like the world depends on that tie looking perfe
Last Updated: 2025-07-10
Chapter: 020: So, out of all the goddamn people? You chose Axel?~~PEYTON~~The next few minutes? Should I call it a crossfire or a full-blown verbal assault? Odin's voice rises with each word. He doesn't need to say more; the underwear in his hand screams volumes.Accusations fly, assumptions that are so far off the mark they are almost laughable if they didn't cut so deep.There's no winning this. Not when he's holding the evidence. He storms around the entryway, gesturing wildly, while I stand frozen, feeling the blood drain from my face. Every glance he shoots me is like a punch. Every word like a slap.And you know the funny thing about all of this is that he's furious, beyond furious, and it's not just because of a stupid, misplaced piece of underwear. It's his assumptions; it's like he's trying to piece together a killer puzzle. A puzzle that isn't so hard to solve."Are you just going to stand there, Peyton? Or tell me how this ended up in a box from my mother?"Odin's voice is dangerously low, his eyes drilling into mine. He waves the lace
Last Updated: 2025-07-09
Chapter: 019: Girlfriend ~~PEYTON~~ OLIVIA: You've forgotten about me, you ungrateful child. You and I need to have a serious talk. Tucked right there between Odin's increasingly frantic messages, a new text catches my eye. Sent just an hour ago. From my one and only stepmom. My stomach clenches hard. Just as I think I'm getting a handle on this messed-up morning, she has to pop up. A fresh wave of pure dread washes over me. This is different from the annoyance Odin always causes. This is a deeper, colder kind of unease, the kind that whispers your problems are just getting started. Olivia. Just thinking her name sucks the air right out of me. She's a master manipulator, always finding a way to make me feel like I owe her, even when she's the one who makes my life a living hell. "You owe me, Peyton. I took you in when no one else would." Her exact words, sharp as daggers, echo in my head. I practically fly down the stairs, not even thinking about covering myself anymore. All I feel is this fresh anger s
Last Updated: 2025-07-03
Chapter: 018: Un-morning visitor~~PEYTON~~And before I can even process the shift, his cock springs free. He enters deep inside me, filling me completely. It's like he reaches an innermost wall too sudden for me to even cry out in pleasure or pain. My mouth just hangs open as I wrap my arms around him like my life depends on it.He finally groans, a deep vibration in my ears that makes me shiver as he keeps stretching me like I'm some kind of elastic.I can't hold back the cry in my voice as it feels like his dick is shredding me apart in a way that makes me want to push him away and pull him in at the same time.Damn it, I hate how he's making me feel.He clutches his palms on my butt, pressing on it as he shoves his dick in and out of me. Slow at first, but it doesn't take five seconds before he speeds it up, slapping my skin against his.My core is dripping, my legs are shaking; moans I try to suppress explode in my throat as orgasms rip through me."Keep doing it, I'm coming." The plea comes out before I can st
Last Updated: 2025-07-02
Chapter: 017: Control My mouth meets his with a force that probably rattles his teeth. The initial shock is on his side this time. His lips are soft, surprisingly so, and taste faintly of mint and something else. Something that tastes wild, a glaring warning that this is a dangerous addiction in the making. Kissing Axel feels different. I'd had my fair share of kisses – awkward high school crushes, the lingering sweetness of first dates, the deep familiarity with Odin. But this… this is raw, unpolished, and unapologetic, a direct current of pure sensation. There's no pretense, no careful thought behind it, just a powerful, undeniable connection of mouths and tongues. It's the kiss of someone who knows exactly what they want and isn't afraid to take it, and for once, that person is me. His hands, which had been gripping my forearms, slowly relax, then rise to cup my face. His thumbs brush over my cheekbones, a surprising tenderness that sends a jolt through me. It almost makes me falter, but I can
Last Updated: 2025-07-02
Chapter: 016: This is payback ~~PEYTON~~ That confession... was stupid of me. Really? Axel, my boyfriend? Words just kept coming out without my brain granting permission. I know I've thought about it at some point, especially in anger, but to blurt it out like that, in front of him, was a whole new level of self-sabotage. The good thing is... I'm keeping a straight face; there's no turning back. I already said the word, so... why not keep it going? Axel is speechless for the first time. Or probably thinking of something sarcastic or mischievous to say. Worst of all, he'll say something that will make me want to hit my head on the counter. He finally responds with a snort. "Boyfriend? Or do you mean sex partners?" My jaw tightens. Of course. This is Axel. Predictable, but it still manages to sting. "Is that all you heard, Axel?" I shot back, my voice surprisingly steady despite the tremor in my hands. "What else was there to hear? You just confessed to... well, that...." He trails off, eyes narrowin
Last Updated: 2025-07-01
Chapter: Chapter 257: The beauty of a new life and living in the present Zack stared at his tablet for what felt like forever, hesitant. He was finally going to see the one who was behind his accident. But now the weight of the moment pressed down on him. He knew this call could change everything, reveal a face he might recognize, or a stranger he would despise. He wasn't sure he was ready for either.Ivy was by his side, squeezing his arm tightly and encouraging him to do it. "Come on, Finn made this possible for you, so... let’s get it over with," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and nudging him to tap on the screen."Alright," he said finally, but as Ivy attempted to speak, a loud cry came out from the room."Lucas again," she growled and got up, placing a soft kiss on Zack's cheek. "Be right back."With that, she left, and Zack decided to get it over with as Ivy had said. He tapped on the screen, and there just what he had feared stared right back at him.Those familiar emerald eyes..."Chris. So it was really you," Zack whispered, disbelief
Last Updated: 2025-03-25
Chapter: Chapter 256: Make it happen THE NEXT MORNING, Ivy and Zack made their way downstairs, luggage in tow, with Lucas giggling in his stroller. Lucas was babbling excitedly, clearly sensing the adventure ahead, and Ivy couldn't help but smile at her little boy's enthusiasm. Although she was still a bit hesitant about leaving, Zack's and Lucas's enthusiasm was infectious.But she had to agree a vacation would benefit them all.Just as they were about to head out the door, Xavier, their butler, rushed in, looking flustered."Wait, please!" Xavier exclaimed. "We have a visitor."Ivy's eyes narrowed, her smile faltering. "Who is it?"Xavier hesitated before responding. "It's... your..." Before he could finish, a voice cut in."Zack has woken up all this time, and you didn't bother informing us," Henry walked in, the old man right beside him.The moment he set eyes on Zack, he went straight to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay, son..."Zack, caught off guard, returned the hug, a mix of surprise and conf
Last Updated: 2025-03-25
Chapter: Chapter 255: Take a break "Ivy, remember when I took Roy outside?" Zack said, and Ivy frowned. "Yes, of course." "I thought... I thought I saw Chris. Briefly. Just a glimpse." Ivy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Chris? But... he hasn't called since that day..." "Exactly," Zack said, his brow furrowed. "But what if... what if... I don't know...?" Ivy shook her head, dismissing the idea. "Zack, that's impossible. Didn't you say he was an imposter?" "I'm starting to doubt that 'imposter' theory," Zack said. "It's too convenient the way he operates in the shadows... it's shady." Ivy's eyes narrowed, having a hard time processing everything. If he wasn't an imposter, then why hadn't he reunited with Zack? Why was he hiding? "What if... he has a vendetta? Against you?" Ivy sprang from the bed, her head filled with fear gnawing at her. She knew what it felt like to be wanted dead, and now Zack, this childhood friend... if it's true, then it's even worse than she imagined. "Maybe we should tell Finn every
Last Updated: 2025-03-25
Chapter: Chapter 254: When it comes to enemies, Albert is the only one on my mind"Lucas, I'm home!" Zack announced as he stepped into the familiar warmth of their living room. Ivy smiled and quickly got beside him. "Careful, Zack," she cautioned, her hand lightly touching his arm. "Remember, you're still recovering." "Now you want me to be treated like a fragile piece of glass, huh?" Zack said with his usual smirk, and Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Yeah, that's what you are right now." Zack smirked, closing the short distance between them. "Is that so?" Ivy stepped back, a blush creeping into her cheeks. "Zack, this isn't the right place to... you know, do your usual thing..." She then said with gritted teeth, "Maria and Lucas are coming." Zack turned to find Maria smiling his way. She bowed slightly and then placed Lucas on the ground. "There he is," Zack said, his voice softening as he knelt down. He extended his arms, a wide, welcoming smile on his face. "Come here, buddy. Daddy's home." Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between Zack and
Last Updated: 2025-03-24
Chapter: Chapter 253: Zack?"Zack, tomorrow's a big day. Lucas is hitting nine months," Ivy said, her voice soft as she gently ran her hands over Zack's. "Can you believe it? Nine months already?"She tried hard to grin, but what came out was a pathetic smile. "I... started him on complementary foods, you know. He seems to really like mashed sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon. He makes the funniest face when he tastes something new, but sweet potatoes are definitely his favorite."Ivy chuckled, despite knowing that Zack couldn't hear her. The sound was more for her own benefit, a way to release some of the tension and sadness that had been building up inside.But as she looked at Zack's still face, her expression shifted. Her smile faltered, and her eyes welled up with tears.Ivy's sigh turned into a sob, and she buried her face in her hands, letting the tears flow.She had hoped Zack would wake up before their son turned seven months, but now he was nine months, still trapped in this limbo.He didn't get to
Last Updated: 2025-03-24
Chapter: Chapter 252: Believe you?SIX MONTHS LATERIvy's hands trembled as she held the phone, Bryan's voice sounding at the other end."Ma'am, we found him last night," Bryan said, his tone gentle but firm. "The driver who hit Zack. We've got a positive ID."Ivy's breath caught in her throat. Six months of waiting, wondering, and fighting for answers. Finally, she was going to get some justice."Who is it?" Ivy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.There was a pause before Bryan responded, "Marcus Thompson. The police are bringing him in for questioning. They're going to push him hard to see if he'll talk."Ivy's grip on the phone tightened. "Will he talk?""There's a good chance he might," Bryan said. "Thompson's got a history of criminal activity. He's been in and out of jail for various offenses. If the police can leverage that, he might be willing to cooperate."Ivy's mind was racing. "How soon can they get him to talk?" She wanted to wipe that smug look off Albert's face.Bryan hesitated before responding, "W
Last Updated: 2025-03-24
Chapter: Bonus Chapter A month had passed since we left Paris. Our little family had settled into a cozy villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Well, we moved in for the wedding, actually. Now, standing in front of the mirror, I smoothed out my lace wedding gown. My heart fluttered as I thought of Xavier waiting for me at the altar. "Sarah, you look stunning," my maid of honor said, adjusting my veil. Who else would it be? It's my best friend, Helen. I smiled, feeling like a princess. The ceremony was intimate, with only close friends and family attending. "Hey, kiddo." A voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing a smile to my face. "The guests are waiting. Are you just gonna sit there and admire yourself?" Juniper appeared at the door, crossing her arms and wearing a feigned frown on her face. Juniper had helped out with the wedding planning; she even brought her kids along. Although I was grateful for her expertise, her planning ways exceeded Xavier's budget, but he didn't complain. "Juniper, you'
Last Updated: 2024-11-21
Chapter: Chapter 106: Surprise SARAH'S POV "About what!" I snapped, my eyes blazing. Xavier held my shoulders to placate me, but I was beyond reasoning. My baby was at risk because of him, and he was lucky nothing happened to him or her. If something had happened, I would have... I stopped and forced myself to stay calm when I noticed my father's soft gaze.He leaned against the wall without speaking, letting me pour out my anger. Only when I was done did he finally speak. "I meant to say..." He hesitated, glancing at Xavier. "I'm... sorry."It was as if he forced those words right out of his mouth.I looked away, breaking eye contact, and Xavier gently stroked my shoulder again."Sarah, calm down. Don't stress yourself out, okay?"Yeah, I'm pregnant. I shouldn't stress myself out.I flashed him a soft smile and leaned on his shoulders, making sure to avoid eye contact with my father."Sarah, I'm happy for you," my father continued, despite my bad attitude. "Now that there's nothing else I can do, you're free to l
Last Updated: 2024-11-21
Chapter: Chapter 105: Triumph My eyes widened in shock as I found Sarah lying on the bed, pale and motionless. In an instant, my heart sank, and my world crumbled around me."Sarah?" I whispered, approaching her cautiously.My legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot, but I forced myself to move closer. William's presence faded into the background, irrelevant to the only thing that mattered – Sarah.I gently sat beside her, my hand reaching out to brush away the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. Her skin felt cold and clammy."Sarah," I whispered, my voice trembling.Her eyelids fluttered open, and our gazes met. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of life.But it was fleeting.Her eyes, once bright and full of laughter, now seemed dull and lifeless."Sarah, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Talk to me.""Sarah!" William, who had finally broken out of his stupor, rushed over to her side, shaking her gently, completely disregarding my presence.Then he froze, staring at Sarah, as the
Last Updated: 2024-11-20
Chapter: Chapter 104: Where's Sarah?XAVIER'S POV"Daddy, when is Sarah coming back?" Elizabeth had asked after I had watched as William's car disappeared, taking Sarah away from me. My heart felt like it had been ripped out. I couldn't believe I had to let her go.But I knew it was necessary. William's anger and determination to keep us apart were palpable.I crouched down to meet Elizabeth's height, her big brown eyes filled with concern. "Soon, sweetie. Sarah needs to go for now." I offered a reassuring smile."Where's William, her dad?" Harper chimed in, her brow furrowing. "Did the two of them leave?"I glanced up at Harper, who stood beside Hayden, his expression serious as if they were interrogating me.I let out a sigh and tried to simplify the truth. "Like I said, they're gone, but—" I was interrupted by Elizabeth whining. Her face scrunched up. "Why did Sarah leave without telling us? This is so unlike her."I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Sometimes, grown-ups need to figure things out. She
Last Updated: 2024-11-20
Chapter: Chapter 103: So he has a girlfriend in Paris, huh?With my curiosity piqued, I got off the bed and made my way to the door. Walking down the hallway, the sound of heels clinking on the floor grew louder, making me even more curious about who had come to visit. Ever since I moved in, we’ve never had visitors, and that thought only fueled my curiosity.I entered the living room only to find a woman and my father walking from the door. My father’s gentle smile was a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air moments before.Seriously? So I am the only downer here who won't get what she wants. I scoffed and quietly strode towards them.My eyes remained fixed on the lady, and I couldn’t help but keep my mouth wide open as I saw her intimate with my father. Her lips were pressed against my father's, and he responded with equal fervor, completely oblivious to my presence.So he has a girlfriend in Paris, huh?Way to go, Father; only you deserve happiness.I felt a mix of disgust and betrayal surging through me. I’ve learned to use
Last Updated: 2024-11-20
Chapter: Chapter 102: Get a guy!"Welcome to my humble abode. Don't you like the view?" My father's cheerful voice cut through my thoughts. Again. He kept interrupting my moping with his unnecessary small talk and fake enthusiasm. Can't he see I'm still reeling from the pain he's caused?I forced a glance around the luxurious penthouse apartment, trying to appear unimpressed. To be honest, it was quite breathtaking, but I wouldn't say it."It's nice, Father," I said flatly, my voice devoid of enthusiasm.My father's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered."I'm glad you like it. You'll be comfortable—""Cut the small talk,I wasn't done talking." I spat, cutting him off. I chuckled, still glancing around. "It's just that it's missing something."My father, sensing my fake enthusiasm, leaned close with a smile. "What do you think is missing?"A mischievous grin spread across my face as I replied, "My happiness."My father's smile froze, his eyes widening, caught off guard by my true intention."Sarah, co
Last Updated: 2024-11-20