Chapter: Chapter 66I slipped through the back door while Lily was still running down the street, probably crying her eyes out. Good. That’s what needed to happen.I took the stairs two at a time, trying not to think about the times I’d climbed them to sneak into her room. The nights I’d listened for her parents’ footsteps before creeping down the hall to slip under her covers and hold her until she fell asleep.That was over now. Had to be over.My room looked the same as always, but it felt different knowing I was about to strip it bare. I pulled my duffel bag from the closet and started throwing things in without much thought. Clothes, toiletries, the few books I actually cared about. I took the volleyball trophies on the shelf and the photos pinned to my bulletin board. Let Mr. and Mrs. Graves wonder what happened to their perfect foster son. Let them think I was just another ungrateful kid who ran off without explanation.My phone buzzed on the dresser, and I already knew who it was before I looked
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-08
Chapter: Chapter 65I’d thrown myself onto my bed and cried until I couldn’t anymore, until my throat felt like I’d swallowed glass and my eyes were so swollen I could barely see. The pillow was soaked and my face felt puffy and hot, but the tears had finally stopped coming. Now I just felt hollow.I kept replaying his voice saying those words. “You weren’t supposed to hear that, but since you did, I guess it saves me the trouble of figuring out how to bring it up later.”“The bet was Tyler’s idea.”I grabbed my pillow and screamed into it again, but no sound came out. My voice was completely gone.My phone buzzed on my nightstand. I reached for it without thinking, hoping maybe it was him calling to tell me this was all some sick joke, that he hadn’t meant any of it. But it was just Naomi.“Girl where are you?? Your coworker said you left work early and you’re not answering”I stared at the text until the letters blurred together, then turned my phone off.I rolled over and buried my face in the comfort
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-07
Chapter: Chapter 64I stepped out from behind the shed, and they both turned to look at me. Maya’s expression shifted to something that looked almost pleased, like she’d been hoping I would overhear. Luca’s face went completely blank, all the warmth and affection I was used to seeing there just… gone.“What are you doing here?” he asked, and his tone was so casual, so unconcerned, that it made everything worse.“Are you for real? Is that seriously what you’re going to say right now?” I was shaking all over, fury and heartbreak warring in my chest. “That’s what’s important here? I brought you lunch, you bastard”I looked at him, waiting for him to deny it. To tell me this was all some misunderstanding.Luca looked at Maya, then back at me.“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” he said simply. “But since you did, I guess it saves me the trouble of figuring out how to bring it up later.”“Bring what up? Luca, what is going on? We were fine this morning. You held my hand under the fucking table during breakfa
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-06
Chapter: Chapter 63I woke up the next morning in a good mood with that fizzy feeling you get when everything in your life seems to be falling into place. Luca had his scholarship, we had our plans, and for the first time I felt like we were actually going to make this work.I was eating a leftover pizza around noon, when an idea hit me from nowhere and scrolling through my phone. Luca would be finishing up with his afternoon group of kids soon, and he’d mentioned being too busy to pack lunch. Perfect excuse to show up with sandwiches and maybe steal a few minutes together before I had to get ready for my evening shift at the pool.I bought two turkey clubs with extra pickles the way he preferred them and walked the few blocks to the community center, already imagining how his face would light up when he saw me. Maybe we could sit on the bleachers during his break and watch the little kids attempt volleyball serves.But when I got to the outdoor courts, I stopped walking so abruptly that I nearly tripped
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-05
Chapter: Chapter 62My phone buzzed with a text from Naomi asking how the parents-are-back situation was going, and I was in the middle of typing back a summary of this morning’s mortifying kitchen conversation when Luca reappeared.He was grinning like he’d just won the lottery.“Well?” I asked as he slid back into the driver’s seat.“It’s official.” He held up a packet of papers with official-looking seals and signatures. “Full ride to Washington State University. They’re even covering books and meal plans.”I threw my arms around his neck, genuinely thrilled for him. This was everything he’d worked for, everything he’d dreamed about since he started playing volleyball seriously.“Luca, oh my God! This is incredible! I’m so proud of you.”“It feels weird,” he said, hugging me back. “Like, this is actually happening.”“You deserve this so much. All those hours of practice and training and putting up with Coach Martinez yelling at you—it was all worth it.”He hugged me back, burying his face in my neck f
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 61I woke up feeling like I’d been wrung out and hung up to dry, which was probably what happened when you spent half the night alternating between guilt about fighting with your boyfriend and relief that you’d made up. The whole thing felt like emotional whiplash, but at least we were okay now.And now I was lying in bed trying to figure out how to face my parents after the mortifying conversation Mom and I were apparently going to have.The smell of pancakes was drifting up from the kitchen, which meant Dad was in a good mood. He only broke out the blueberry pancake recipe when he was feeling accomplished about something, probably still riding the high from successfully navigating Great-Aunt Millicent’s legal mess without anyone getting disinherited or arrested.I dragged myself downstairs in shorts and a tank top, hoping I could grab food and disappear before Mom ambushed me for round two of the most awkward mother-daughter talk in history.Luca was sitting at the kitchen table, scrol
Huling Na-update: 2025-08-02
Chapter: Bonus ChapterHazel's POV The lobby of Weller Tower hummed with activity as I pushed through the revolving doors, nodding to the security guard. I bypassed the crowded main elevators, swiping my keycard at the executive lift. Some perks of being Cassian Romano's daughter never got old, even if I'd fought like hell to make my own name in this business. "Morning, Ms. Roman," the receptionist called as I stepped onto the top floor. "Mr. Weller is expecting you." "Thanks, Diane," I said, already mentally reviewing the island sale documentation. I caught my reflection in the glass wall of my office. At twenty-four, I'd mastered the art of power dressing, though I still fought the urge to fidget with my sleeves when nervous. James waved me into his office as soon as he spotted me. "Hazel! There she is, my star closer." His silver hair complemented the classic, old-world aesthetic he maintained despite the office's modern design. James was old-school in the best ways….he still preferred handshake
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-29
Chapter: Epilogue Two Decades Later Cassian's hands gently worked at the blindfold covering my eyes. His fingers brushed against my temple, sending familiar shivers down my spine….twenty years together and he still had that effect on me. "Open your eyes, darling," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating through me as the blindfold fell away. I blinked against the sudden brightness, my vision adjusting to reveal a stunning sight...a magnificent island stretching before us. A sprawling modern mansion with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Lush tropical gardens surrounded the property, dotted with elegant pavilions and infinity pools that seemed to melt into the horizon. "Oh my God," I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. "Cassian... you bought an island?" His arm slid around my waist, pulling me against his solid warmth. When he grinned, that same boyish smile that had captured my heart decades ago now framed by distinguished salt-and-pepper stubble, m
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-29
Chapter: Chapter 122: Red LedgerCassian's POVI stared at my phone, the message from Viktor burning into my retinas. Twenty million on my daughter's head. Twenty fucking million."Cassian?" Aria's voice floated up from downstairs. "Your pancakes are getting cold!""Coming!" I called back, forcing my voice to sound normal as I quickly typed a response to Viktor: Call me in 30. We need to handle this. Now.I locked my phone and headed downstairs, working to keep my expression neutral. Grace was perched on her booster seat, chocolate smeared across her face as she devoured her pancakes. Aria stood at the counter, pouring coffee into my favorite mug."There you are," Aria said, sliding the mug toward me. Her smile faltered as she caught my expression. "What's wrong?"I shook my head slightly, my eyes flicking meaningfully toward Grace, who was happily stabbing another piece of pancake with her fork."Nothing," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just something with Viktor."Aria's eyes narrowed. She knew me too well. "Something?
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-26
Chapter: Chapter 121: MonstersCassian's POVSomething warm nudged my arm, pulling me from the haze of sleep. I blinked against the early morning darkness only to find a pair of wide, innocent eyes staring back at me. Hazel Grace’s curls wild from sleep, was standing beside our bed, clutching her favorite stuffed rabbit."Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "There's monsters in my room."I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "Monsters, huh?" I asked, keeping my voice low. Aria was still asleep beside me.She nodded, her small face deadly serious. "Big ones. With teeth. You have to come and kill them.""Alright, lead the way," I said, sliding out of bed as quietly as possible. I threw a glance at Aria, making sure she was still asleep before taking Grace's small hand in mine.Her fingers wrapped tightly around mine as she led me down the hallway, her small feet padding softly on the floor. The house was quiet except for the distant hum of the heater. Her room was dim, lit only
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-26
Chapter: Chapter 120: Line He CrossedThe private room was tucked away in a building that looked like it hadn't seen the light of day in years. Perfect for these kinds of meetings…far from prying eyes, with soundproof walls and thick, tinted windows. Viktor and Xander had already swept the area. Everything was clear.I stepped inside, greeted by Viktor's silent nod and Xander's usual stoic demeanor. They were as loyal as they came, and I trusted them with my life. Which, in this line of work, was no small thing."Bernard's waiting inside," Xander said, leaning against the wall. "Been pacing for a while now. Got a real smug look on his face."I nodded, my jaw tight. "Let's change that, then."Xander opened the door, and I stepped inside the dimly lit room. Bernard was sitting at the far end of the table, his arms casually draped over the back of his chair like he had all the time in the world. Looking far too comfortable for a man who should've known better.Middle-aged, with a gut that spoke of too many years spent behin
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-24
Chapter: Chapter 119: The Line You Don’t Cross Cassian's POV The plane touched down with a dull thud, jerking me forward as the wheels screeched against the runway. It felt like years since I'd left the States, even though it had only been a few months. Switzerlandwas supposed to be a fresh start for us—for Aria, for Grace, and for me. But no matter how far you run, the past has a way of creeping back in. Switzerland seemed a million miles away. Peace seemed a million miles away. I checked my phone the moment I stepped off the plane. It had been off for the entire flight, but as soon as I turned it on, Viktor's name flashed on the screen. I answered on the second ring. "Where'd you park?" I asked the moment I answered, skipping the small talk. "Third row, black SUV," Viktor replied in his usual curt tone. "Xander's waiting by the meeting point. I'll be out front." "Got it," I said, hanging up without another word. The moment I stepped outside, the familiar humidity of home hit me like a slap to the face. The air fe
Huling Na-update: 2025-05-21
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak
"Sign the papers, Estella."
Marco slid the divorce papers across the mahogany table, his eyes fixed on Claudia, who hovered by his side with a victorious smile. "Did you really think a nobody like you could keep me?"
Estella's throat tightened as she forced herself to meet his gaze. The diamond on Claudia's finger caught the light—his best friend now wearing what should have been hers forever.
"You should be grateful," Claudia murmured, resting a hand on her belly. "Letting you go is the kindest thing we've done for you."
When Estella married into the powerful Valdez family, she believed in love conquering all. Instead, she found herself cast out, Helena Valdez herself showing her the door when Claudia announced her pregnancy.
Then Alejandro De Luca appeared—Marco's sworn enemy offering an unexpected proposition. "A contract marriage," he said simply. "You get protection. I get revenge."
Together, they plotted to dismantle the very family that had humiliated her. With each calculated move, Estella reclaimed pieces of herself she thought lost forever.
But revenge is a dangerous game. As their plan unfolded and tragedy struck, Estella discovered that survival meant more than settling scores—it meant learning to wield her pain as power.
The quietest heart, after all, often hides the most dangerous storm.
Basahin
Chapter: Epilogue: The Secrets We KeepFive Years LaterEstella had insisted on having the windows open despite the doctors' protests—she needed to breathe something other than antiseptic and fear."Almost there," The matron encouraged from between her legs. "One more big push, Estella."Alejandro's hand was nearly crushed in her grip as another contraction seized her. The twins had decided to arrive three weeks early, sending them rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night."You're doing amazingly," Alejandro murmured against her temple. The entire pregnancy had been classified high-risk from the beginning.Estella bore down with a primal scream, feeling the first baby slide from her body."It's a boy!" The matron announced, lifting the wailing infant for them to see before placing him on Estella's chest.She touched her son's dark, wet hair. "Hello, little one,"The moment of joy was short-lived. The monitors beside her bed began beeping erratically."Blood pressure dropping," a nurse called out.The doctor in ch
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-11
Chapter: 216: Almost HomeThe following weeks were filled with medical tests, therapy sessions, and small but significant milestones.Three weeks after waking, he took his first unassisted steps, gripping the parallel bars with so much intensity as he forced his atrophied muscles to cooperate. I watched from the sidelines, heart in my throat, as he pushed through pain that would have stopped a lesser man."Fuck," he growled through gritted teeth when his legs threatened to give out halfway through. "I'm not stopping."His physical therapist—a no-nonsense woman who'd quickly learned to match his intensity—nodded approvingly. "Two more steps. You can do two more."He did three before collapsing into the wheelchair afterward with sweat pouring down his face."Next time I'll do ten," he promised, breath coming in harsh pants.I handed him a towel, leaning in to whisper, "Watching you fight like this is incredibly sexy, you know."His exhausted laugh was all the reward I needed.By the six-week mark, he was walking
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-10
Chapter: 215: Two Months Later, Still YoursWhen we broke apart, I rested my head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent beneath the antiseptic hospital smell. "Don't ever scare me like that again," I whispered."I'll try not to make a habit of getting stabbed in the heart," he replied dryly."This isn't funny, Alejandro." I lifted my head to meet his gaze. "I thought I'd lost you. I thought our daughter would grow up without her father."His expression sobered. "I know. I'm sorry." He squeezed my hand weakly. "How bad was it?""Bad," I admitted. "The knife nicked your heart. You lost so much blood... They weren't sure you'd make it through the first surgery." My voice caught. "And then you didn't wake up. Days turned into weeks, and you just... stayed asleep.""I'm sorry," he repeated. "For putting you through that. For not being there for you and Arielle.""You're here now," I said. The door opened quietly, and we both looked up to see Dr. Matthews returning, accompanied by a neurologist I recognized from previous consultat
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-10
Chapter: 214: The Sixty-Second DayTwo months laterThe hospital room had become my second home. The nurses knew my schedule better than I did—when I'd arrive each morning with fresh clothes for both of us, when I'd step out for coffee, which chair I preferred to sit in while reading aloud to Alejandro's unresponsive form.Sixty-one days of talking to someone who couldn't answer. Sixty-one days of watching for the slightest movement of an eyelid or the smallest twitch of a finger. Sixty-one days of hope slowly eroding into something that felt dangerously close to despair."The medical journal says coma patients show increased brain activity when family members speak to them," I said, turning the page of the medical text I'd been studying obsessively. "So I'm going to keep talking, even if I'm starting to repeat myself."Alejandro remained motionless. They'd removed his breathing tube last week when he started breathing on his own—a positive sign, Dr. Matthews had assured me. But his consciousness remained locked away,
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-10
Chapter: 213: One-Sided Conversations"Aunt Eleanor," I gasped, shocked to see her. In the chaos, I'd almost forgotten she'd been injured in the initial car crash where Arielle was taken."You look worse than me," she said weakly, attempting a smile that turned into a wince.For some reason, it was the sight of her—battered but alive, just like the rest of us—that finally broke through the numbness I'd been hiding behind. The tears came suddenly and violently, sobs wrenching themselves from my chest as she wheeled herself closer, reaching out with her good arm to pull me against her."I was so scared," I admitted between sobs. "I thought we were all going to die. I was scared history was going to repeat itself self. And this time Arielle, Alejandro—""But you didn't," she reminded me. "You saved them both."I shook my head, glancing at Alejandro's still form. "I didn't save him. He's still—""Fighting," Eleanor cut in. "Just like he always has. Just like you have."I cried until I had no tears left, letting go of the fear
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-10
Chapter: 212: The Silence That Hurts MostI must have dozed off despite my determination to stay awake, because the next thing I knew, someone was gently shaking my shoulder."Estella? Can you hear me?"I forced my heavy eyelids open to find Raul standing over me, his face lined with worry. Clara hovered behind him, her eyes red-rimmed."Raul," I croaked, my throat dry. "Alejandro?""He's out of surgery," Raul said. "It was touch and go for a while, but he made it through."Relief made me dizzy. "He's okay?"Raul and Clara exchanged glances."What aren't you telling me?" I demanded, suddenly fully awake.Raul sighed. "The damage was extensive. They repaired what they could, but... he's in a coma, Estella.""A coma? For how long?""They don't know," Clara said gently, stepping forward to take my hand. "All they said was the next 48 hours are critical."I struggled to sit up, ignoring the pain that shot through my body. "I need to see him.""You need to rest," Clara countered. "You're no good to him or Arielle if you collapse."
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-09
Chapter: Chapter 31: The First Strike BackI wrapped my arms around myself, Adrian's shirt soft against my bruised wrists.Damien lingered in the doorway, eyes crawling over me in his father's clothes. "You can choose to end this now, Elle. Come back to me while I am still forgiving."My skin crawled but I forced a brave face. "The only place you'll see me is court. When I tell them exactly what you did."His smile turned cruel. "Your word against mine, baby. And we both know who they'll believe.""Get out."He blew me a kiss before following his mother.Beth hurried to my side the moment they left. "Mrs. Blackwell, are you alright?""Fine." My voice sounded hollow even to my own ears.Marla stepped closer, concern painted on her face. "Perhaps you should rest. You've had a shock."I looked at her—really looked at her. She is now playing the concerned servant."Get out of my face Marla." I stepped closer. "Before I slap the living daylights out of your face."Her eyes widened filling up with unshed tears. "I'm sure I don't kno
Huling Na-update: 2025-04-05
Chapter: Chapter 30: ConsequencesElleAdrian's arms were steel bands around me as sobs wracked my body. I couldn't stop shaking, the memory of Damien's hands still burning on my skin."Let me see." Adrian's voice was lethal as he gently pulled back, examining my wrists. Dark bruises were already forming where Damien had pinned me.His jaw clenched. "I should have killed him.""I'm fine—""You're not fucking fine." His fingers traced the torn edge of my shirt. "He touched you."I shivered, but not from cold this time."And why the hell are you soaked?" His eyes narrowed, taking in my drenched clothes."Marla." I tried for a smile but it wobbled. "Apparently I needed a shower."His expression darkened. "What did she do?""Nothing I can't handle." "Elle.""Really, I—" My voice cracked and fresh tears spilled."Come here." He scooped me up like I weighed nothing, heading for the stairs. Tom quickly looked away as we passed, but I caught the concern in his eyes."Adrian—""Shut up and let me take care of you."I pressed
Huling Na-update: 2025-03-21
Chapter: Chapter 29: ShatteredElle"What do you want?" I wrapped my arms around myself, too aware of how the wet shirt clung to my skin. "Why are you here this early morning?"He crouched in front of me, close enough that I caught the familiar scent of his cologne. The same one he'd worn when we—Stop."You know why. I know you would be up by this time and I want to talk to you before everyone wakes up." His voice was soft. Almost gentle. The way it used to be, before he turned to Vanessa."Don't." I shifted away but the tree blocked my escape."Elle." He reached out, fingers hovering near my cheek but not touching. Not yet. "You're shivering.""I'm fine." "Here." He shrugged off his jacket. "Let me—""I said I'm fine." But my teeth chattered, betraying me.He draped the jacket over my shoulders anyway. "I miss you." The words ghosted across my skin. "Every day, I miss you."I moved to stand but he caught my wrist. "Damien—""I made a mistake." His thumb stroked over my pulse point. An achingly familiar gesture.
Huling Na-update: 2025-02-25
Chapter: Chapter 28: ThornsElle The morning air bit at my cheeks as I jogged through the private gardens, my feet pounding against the gravel path in a steady rhythm with my racing thoughts. Last night replayed in my head - his hands, his mouth, the way he'd pulled away just when I wanted more.Asshole.Two could play at that game. If he thought he could just walk away after a kiss like that...My plan to work up a satisfying amount of righteous anger derailed when I spotted Marla watering roses by the fountain. Great. Just what I needed - Adrian's oh-so-devoted housekeeper with her perfect makeup at 7 AM.I slipped past her ,completed another lap turned to begin a new one. I just rounded the corner and collided with a wall of ice-cold water. "Oh!" Marla's shocked gasp would have won her an Oscar. "Mrs. Blackwell, I'm so sorry! I was just watering the roses and absolutely didn't see you..."I wiped water from my eyes, my thin running top now completely soaked through. "Really? Because the roses are behind you
Huling Na-update: 2025-02-24
Chapter: Chapter 27: RestraintAdrianI was half-listening to Harrison's merger proposal my mind kept drifting to Elle, wondering what she was doing now. Then my phone buzzed. It was Tom telling me she ditched him for a club."We'll continue this another time," I cut Harrison off, already standing."The stakeholders are expecting—""They can keep expecting." Mirage. Of all the places she could have gone. I knew the club well – too well. The kind of place where inhibitions disappeared under pulsing lights and overpriced champagne.The moment I walked in, I saw her. The dress she wore was pure sin, the fabric clinging to curves I'd been forcing myself not to think about. But it wasn't the dress that made my blood boil – it was the man leaning into her space at the bar, watching her laugh at whatever bullshit line he'd just fed her.Something primitive roared to life inside me. The careful control I'd maintained. Since that night in the library when I'd promised myself I wouldn't touch her again. Wouldn't complicate
Huling Na-update: 2025-02-22
Chapter: Chapter 26: Dangerous Games IIElleWe walked in tense silence through the club, the crowd parting instinctively before Adrian's imposing presence. Outside, the cool night air hit my flushed skin, making me suddenly aware of how revealing Sophia's dress was. Adrian's eyes darkened as he took in my appearance fully under the street lights, his gaze lingering on the expanse of thigh the hem barely covered.His jaw clenched. "Get in the car."Tom was waiting with the Bentley, his expression carefully neutral as he opened the door. I slid in without argument, suddenly exhausted by the whole night.Adrian joined me a moment later, the door closing with a soft thud that somehow sounded final.Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. "Are you going to lecture me all the way home, or are you saving it for when we have more privacy?"Adrian's eyes met mine in the dimness of the backseat, his expression darkening. "Oh, we'll have plenty to discuss when we get home. Starting with why my wife was at a nightclub dressed like that,
Huling Na-update: 2025-02-22
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