LOGINBefore anyone could say another word, the sound of several cars approaching made us all turn toward the driveway. A convoy of black luxury cars rolled slowly to a stop in front of the mansion. My eyebrows lifted. "Who is that?" Hannah asked. Several men in dark suits stepped out first, scanning the surroundings before one of them walked toward the middle car and opened the rear door. Don Alejandro stepped out, his eyes landing on Valeria. His entire expression softened. Behind him stood a large man who looked like his personal bodyguard—dressed entirely in black, with dark sunglasses. Valeria's eyes widened. "Oh, no." Nora raised an eyebrow. "You know him?" Valeria sighed. "That's my father." "Your father?" Nora replied in disbelief. Don Alejandro had already started walking toward us, his bodyguard following closely behind. When he reached the entrance, his eyes immediately found Valeria. "My pumpkin!" Valeria covered her face with one hand. "Dad…" He opened his a
He laughed. "I expected you to say that. You don't have to worry. I'll handle everything concerning him—my own way." I breathed out slowly. "Thanks, Dad." "You are welcome. And Lena?" "Yes, Dad?" "Valeria did the right thing by coming to me. Please be kind to her." I sighed and glanced at the doorway. "I understand." "Good. I have to go now. My sweet Rosa wants my attention." I smiled at that. "Okay, Dad. Love you." "Love you too." The call ended. For a few seconds, I simply stood there, staring at my phone. Then finally, I dragged my legs outside, and everyone turned their faces to me. Nobody spoke. Then Nora broke the silence. "So…? Where did we stop?" I looked up, and my eyes went straight to Valeria. She was still standing quietly. "Valeria." She looked at me. I walked toward her, and as I got closer, she immediately tensed—probably expecting me to continue with the accusations. "I received a call from Dad, and I just realized I owe you an apology." Her li
"Sweetheart, you don't have to apologize for having a past."His voice came softly.A fresh tear slipped down my cheek."I know, Dad. I just…"My voice broke."I spent so many years believing that I had to deal with everything by myself. I got used to keeping things to myself because I didn't have anyone to tell."I wiped my cheek quickly, suddenly embarrassed by how emotional I had become."But now I have you and Mom, and I know that. I just… I think sometimes I still forget that I don't have to be alone anymore. And I don't want to bother you guys with my own problems."My father's voice became gentler."You are not bothering us. You are our child, Lena. For thirty years, you've carried it all on your own. Why would you think sharing it with us is bothering us?"I pressed my lips together, trying desperately not to cry again.Outside the room, I could hear the faint murmuring of everyone, probably arguing about Valeria's claim.My eyes landed on Tarzan, and I could see the concern w
There was a brief silence on the other end, then my father's deep voice came through."Lena."Something in his tone made my stomach tighten.I glanced toward everyone outside the door. Tarzan had stopped pacing. Nora and Hannah were watching me closely, while Julia stood beside Valeria, who was still wiping tears from her cheeks."Is everything okay?" I asked, trying to sound casual."I should be asking you that. I'm sure you already know why I'm calling. Valeria came to my place last night."My heart dropped, and I closed my eyes briefly.Of course. Valeria had already told him."Dad…""I'm not angry with you," he said quickly, before I could continue.That somehow made me even more nervous."You're not?""No. But I am disappointed that you thought you had to hide something like this from me."I swallowed hard. "I'm sorry. I was going to tell you.""When?"My fingers tightened around my phone."I just… I didn't know how. After the wedding, maybe. I didn't want to ruin your day with m
"Oh really I should believe you, just because you said so?"Tarzan was pacing now. I was certain he was trying to regulate his own anger.Meanwhile, Valeria was still swimming in tears."Why am I being judged without even being heard? Tarzan, don't you believe me too?""Stop right there. Believe you? You want us to believe you. You must think we're idiots, Valeria," Tarzan snapped back."At least hear me out," she replied angrily.The audacity of her to get mad."You know what? Let's hear what she has to say."I said to no one in particular and turned to her."Tell us, Valeria ,what were you whispering about with my ex-husband?" I asked, my arms folded.She hesitated."Your ex-husband approached me and offered me a fifty-fifty mission—to seduce Tarzan and get him so you two could get back together. I refused."Nora laughed in a sarcastic tone, as if she had held a grudge against Valeria for years.Valeria frowned tighter. "What's with her?" She turned to Nora. "Bitch, I don't even k
I stared at the three of them with curiosity. None of them looked amused. In fact, Nora looked furious.Valeria’s face had gone pale."Did she just call me a bitch? Do you know who I am?""I don't give a fuck," Nora replied, and walked straight toward us.Hannah spoke from behind her. "Lena, don't listen to her. She's a bloody liar."Valeria frowned. "Excuse me, who are you?—""No, you are not excused." Nora raised a hand. "You think putting on a sad face and trying to manipulate Lena will work?""Please, you guys, calm down. I'm sure we can talk things out," I tried to intervene."Lena, you shouldn't be asking us to calm down. This lady, whoever she is, is a snake! Julia heard it all," Jessie stated.My eyebrows lifted. Heard what?Tarzan folded his arms across his chest. "Valeria, explain. Now."She turned toward him. "I am confused. I don't know who these people are, and I have never seen them in my life."There was something in her tone that made me look at her more closely.Jessi
I met Mitch fifteen years ago at a coffee shop. I was sixteen, working as a store assistant and trying to look like I had my life together. I still remember what I wore that day. A faded white sundress scattered with tiny yellow flowers. Sandals laced around my ankles. Mitch was standing in
You will never truly understand heartbreak until it comes from the same man who once adored you—who protected you, who loved you without hesitation. “What’s the number?” My husband’s voice came from the doorway. I flinched and looked up. That’s how sad my life had become—the usual routine of ste
Suddenly, we heard the front door slam.Jake's head snapped up."Jake?!"Jake's wife, Sarah, called out as she stormed down the stairs like a hurricane in yoga pants and a messy bun. Her face was twisted with pure rage, eyes already red and glassy."You cheating piece of shit!" she screamed, pointi
The message I sent to my husband Mitch was left unanswered. Just like the ones I sent days ago… weeks ago. He had stopped replying to my texts. I scrolled through the one-sided conversation, my heart tightening at how pathetic it looked. Suddenly, a message popped up. Hoping it was his reply, I







