Chapter: Chapter 112FEW MONTHS LATER The courthouse papers were tucked away in a drawer, a small stack of officialdom that now made Camila's life feel both more and less complicated. Less because she loved the feeling, the new place, and the time off work she got, even though she was practically a CEO. She's a workaholic, so this became a vacation—a much-needed break from work after her recovery. Now that she was officially Mrs. Antonio De La Cruz, the weight of everything had finally begun to settle. She was in the kitchen, humming softly when Antonio wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his cheek on her shoulder as he watched her slice an avocado. A simple lunch she decided to toss together. The place was quiet, just how they liked it—no bunch of staff running around unless it was during designated hours. They had agreed to keep it free of full-time staff, with cleaners coming only a few times a week. It was a simple luxury they both enjoyed; some nights they cooked together, but most nights,
Last Updated: 2025-08-01
Chapter: Chapter 111Camila woke up feeling a heavy weight around her back, like the feeling of someone holding onto her. Looking down, she saw a pair of strong arms wrapped around her. She didn't need to look to know who it was already."Hola," Antonio whispered in her ear and kissed softly on her earlobe.Camila almost giggled, squeezing his arms that were around her stomach. As her hand skimmed the fabric, her mind instantly flashed back to the news, and her smile dropped."We lost the little one," she sighed, trying to sound calmer than she felt. "The name Miguel would have suited him. I like imagining how he'll look in my head—half me, half you. He gets your nose. I prefer your nose to mine, and then he gets my blonde hair.""Camila," Antonio began, but she wasn't finished."A male blonde would be nice in the family. I was also hoping he wouldn't take my personality, especially my temper. And I didn't want him to look like any of his grandparents. Ernesto—yuck." She recoiled and trailed off, staring
Last Updated: 2025-08-01
Chapter: Chapter 110The gunshots still rang in Camila's head, even though the sounds were long gone. She clenched her jaw, biting her lips so hard that she tasted blood. Emily wasn't moving. Perez was bleeding out. Her brain just... couldn't deal with what was in front of her. Everything felt numb.But then, she had to move. She was free, kind of, just to get rid of the cuffs and the duct tape. She started dragging herself. Her hands were still tied, the cuffs digging in, but she used her legs, pushing and wiggling across the muddy ground. Every inch hurt like hell, but she just focused on Perez.When she finally got to him, he was flat on his back, eyes half-open, breathing shallow and ragged. He was still alive but barely. She wasted no time and immediately dipped her cuffed hands, reaching into his pocket, hoping he had the key.She fumbled with the jagged edge of what felt like a key; her cuffed hands were awkward and stiff within the confines of his pocket. Her fingers, numb and sore, struggled to
Last Updated: 2025-07-31
Chapter: Chapter 109The door burst open, and a swarm of police officers rushed in, flooding the room. Guns pointed, the whole room surrounded. Red laser dots danced across faces and chests.Everything just... stopped. The yelling, the arguing, the frantic movements—all of it froze like the air sucked out of the room.The cops fanned out as they took in the scene: the crumpled bodies on the floor, the vomit, and Alejandro heaving and coughing up whatever was left in his stomach.The officers' eyes then landed on Ernesto, who still had his gun pressed to Alejandro's head, and on Madison, who was standing there like a ghost, her hand shaking so hard the pistol looked like it might fly out of her grip. The chaos wasn't gone; it had just changed uniforms.***The outside air was a shock to Antonio's face: cold and thick with the sound of a dozen sirens all screaming at once. His hands were cuffed behind his back, and the metal bit into his skin. He was being pushed along by a cop who smelled like old coffee a
Last Updated: 2025-07-29
Chapter: Chapter 108A couple of masked men swarm in, guns raised and ready. They were the remaining men of Alejandro stationed outside on the lookout. These guys moved with a quiet, practiced ease. The large room suddenly feels too small as they spread out, surrounding them completely.They ignored the bodies on the floor and the heaving Alejandro. All eyes and all gun barrels were on Ernesto. It was as if they didn't notice Antonio with a gun, or that he wasn't sensed enough of a threat. He just stood frozen, the pistol by his side.Ernesto’s glare was enough to bore a hole through Antonio’s skull. He kept his gun pressed to Alejandro's head, his hands steady as ever.Glancing over every face and seeing how ready they were to cock their guns, Ernesto gritted his teeth."Antonio," he muttered under his breath as he pulled Alejandro off the ground and hooked his arm around his neck.The masked men flinched, their gun barrels wavering for a fraction of a second. The silence returned, but this time it was d
Last Updated: 2025-07-28
Chapter: Chapter 107"You're gonna frame me, and you're telling me to my face," Antonio said.Alejandro grinned wider, a smile that made the air feel heavy. "Why not? You're a smart guy. I figured you'd appreciate a little heads-up. A man needs to know his options."Before Antonio could respond, a new masked figure slipped into the room. He whispered something to one of the guards standing next to Alejandro on the right side, right next to Abuelo's body. And the two men made a switch. A shift change? Antonio didn't think that was necessary."This wine is boring me," Alejandro said with a sigh, holding up his half-empty glass. "Get me another one."The new masked man nodded, took the glass, and walked to the bar. He turned his back to the group; he looked like he was lost in thought for a bit before he reached for a bottle and began pouring.Antonio was positioned at the edge of the couch, never taking his eyes off the new guy. He was acting odd, slightly out of place, and too slow to fit the job.Though A
Last Updated: 2025-07-27
Chapter: 036: Yeah, what are you saying?~~PEYTON~~It took Mr. CEO two good weeks to get back to the office. It's a cold Monday morning, and I'm standing at his desk, his coat in my hand, ready to welcome him back. The moment he steps in, a smile stretches across my face. But I immediately feel stupid for it—it's too wild, too eager—but I can't help it. My heart is pounding with relief. He seems okay, and the whole incident was under wraps, which means I can keep my job. All's good."Good morning, boss. Welcome back, and how are you..." I stop myself fast. I remember the cold fury he'd shown me, the way he'd slammed the car door in my face. He's not the type to appreciate overt concern or small talk. So let's make these early hours of the day a success."I'm sorry... shouldn't have asked," I mutter, but that's when it occurs to me that the asshole isn't even paying attention.He blinks at me once and scans the office, taking in every detail from the ceiling to the tiles.I hold my breath.I'd spent hours making sure everyth
Last Updated: 2025-08-28
Chapter: 035: On vacation ~~PEYTON~~I have Axel spy on Natalie’s schedule and when she will be visiting the hospital so I can go simultaneously. I'm not avoiding her this time. I need to face her, and, more importantly, to look her in the eye and try to apologize for the things I said. I know she will be furious, but I have to try. It's the only way I can even begin to make things right.Whether Odin hurt me or not, the words I said were very inappropriate and harsh.I bake brownies after watching tons of tutorials, even going as far as subscribing to a channel to cook professionally and whatnot. It stole my weekend, but it'll be worth it.I stand by the door, brownies in one hand. The smell of disinfectant and anything clean wafts into my nose. My heart is pounding, my lips are pressed together as I remind myself that she's just a human being, not a goddess.A moment later, I enter. Thankfully, I see her right next to Odin with machines beeping all around him. She's stroking his hand; her eyes are red, and h
Last Updated: 2025-08-12
Chapter: 034: Keep this under wraps ~~PEYTON~~ I scramble for the phone on his desk, my hands shaking as I grab it. I run back to him, kneeling to place it in his outstretched hand. He's usually composed, but now he's fumbling as he dials a number. He keeps his gaze locked on his leg as it rings. I catch the muscle in his jaw twitching. He looks less like the formidable CEO from a few hours ago."The bionic is acting up again. I'm at the office, and I tripped," he grits into the phone, glaring at his leg.Bionic? He wears a prosthetic. Why didn't I notice sooner? It must be advanced, or maybe I was too distracted by his face to notice. What kind of accident did he have to make him lose a leg?"Peyton."His voice jolts me back."Yes, Sir! Should I call for help? The ambulance, maybe?""No." He grimaces. "Does it look like I'm dying?"I shake my head."I don't need an ambulance. Just get here." He hangs up and looks at me, the desperation in his eyes replaced by that familiar, cold fury, but softer."My car. Get the driv
Last Updated: 2025-08-10
Chapter: 033: Vulnerable ~~PEYTON~~I'm not in the wrong place, am I? Because I'm starting to feel like I've made a wrong turn somewhere, maybe a whole series of them, that led me right back here. His stare isn't a simple look. It feels like he sees through my cheap suit and the exhaustion in my eyes, all the way to the pathetic reality I've been running from.Did I really trade everything—my pride, my sanity, my life—for a marriage that feels more like a prison? Is this what it all comes down to? All the fights, all the bills, and nights alone, just to end up standing in front of him, feeling like an absolute fraud? He's not just looking at me. He's making me look at myself."Your stares are making me uncomfortable, sir." I clip, my face is cold too cold to show your boss.Raphael finally shifts, twirling his chair around and back. He sighs like he's exhausted just from looking at me."You won't last one week anyway, so let's get this over with," he says with both hands clamped on the table."Now my rules. N
Last Updated: 2025-08-08
Chapter: 023: No coming back ~~PEYTON~~Instead of a warm welcome, I was greeted by an overly formal and intimidating HR manager. I was given a huge stack of paperwork and a complex employee handbook that's more about rules and regulations than company culture. Next, I was led to the CEO's office. My heart almost jumped, but luckily he wasn't there. Instead, I meet the Chief of Staff, a no-nonsense woman named Elena. Elena is my immediate superior and the one who will actually be mentoring me during the probation period. Elena explains that the CEO is too busy to meet me right now and that her job is to make sure nothing and no one ever bothers him until noon. Now flash to the present; my legs are aching from walking for almost an hour on this stupid tour. The entire casino is huge, and I've been shown around the whole place in one hour. Can't this be cut in half or something?My feet feel like they're going to fall off any second. These heels are killing me. Why didn't I wear flat shoes? Yeah, because I wanted
Last Updated: 2025-08-07
Chapter: 031: You don't want to meet him~~RAPHAEL~~Axel's caption is a simple, arrogant "Breakfast view."My thumb hovers over the notification, a familiar mix of annoyance and curiosity stirring in my gut. Axel, again. He posts more than a teenager. I usually ignore it, but this time, I can't. Something feels different. I tap the screen.And the image fills my phone: Axel's face, damp hair, and that smug grin, his arm wrapped around Peyton's neck. It's a headshot, framed by the mirror. I ignore his face and go straight to hers. Her smile is small, almost fragile, and her eyes are a little too wide, a hint of confusion in them that I know all too well. 'Cause she must be a confused person having an affair with someone like Axel. He's a glaring red flag.I zoom in, my gaze fixed on her. I see a spiral of ink on my brother's shoulder. I thought I was the only one ashamed to show my scars. What happened to "The scars are what make you a man," huh? Guess my idea of "scars make you different" finally caught up with him. Idiot.
Last Updated: 2025-08-06
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
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
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