LOGINRicardo's eyes dropped to Tarzan's clenched fists. They were still bleeding from the faces he'd smashed through to reach Lord Ricardo's bedroom. Blood dripped slowly from his knuckles onto the floor. "Tarzan, say something! What happened to Lena?" Rosa snapped impatiently. Tarzan ignored her, still glaring at Ricardo like he would snap his head off his neck. Tears had carved tracks down his cheeks, but he didn't wipe them away. He didn't even seem to notice them—too consumed by rage to register the grief flooding his face. Rosa started sobbing and made to stand from the bed, her heavy body making her groan. Ricardo held her back. "Let go of me, Ricardo. I need to make sure Lena is okay. Tarzan isn't acting out like this for nothing. I need to go to Lena's place and see for myself." Tarzan's eyes shifted to her then he scoffed. Rosa froze, feeling disrespected by that sound he made. "Isn't it too late for that?" he muttered. "You're heavy now—you must have been
AUTHOR'S POV Ricardo and Rosa lay in bed, both suffering from sudden insomnia despite the success of the welcome dinner they had hosted for Lena. Rosa sighed. Ricardo was behind her, his arm draped across her waist. He pressed a soft kiss to her neck and breathed aganist her skin. "What troubles you, my love?" "I can't seem to sleep," she whispered. "Why? What troubles you? Please talk to me," Ricardo replied softly. Rosa sighed again. "At first, I was worried about how she would take the news about Andre and the girls not being related to her. I'm glad she was able to get past the and happily interacted with the relatives we invited. That heavy chapter has been turned and settled. However, I can't help but think about how broken she will be when she eventually learns the truth behind her baby's death—and how Andre drugged and violated her multiple times while she was grieving." She sobbed. "I just can't bring myself to imagine it. You saw how shaken she was just by knowing
My heart immediately rejected the idea. No, It would only make everything worse. And if Father had gotten the information from the doctor. Wouldn't they have told me? Wouldn't they have said something if the doctor had confirmed that what I remembered was real? So this may simply my fear taking advantage of everything Father had revealed tonight. Maybe my mind was connecting things that had no connection at all. I took a deep breath. "That's it," I whispered to myself. "I'm overthinking." I turned on the tap and splashed cold water onto my face, hoping the cold water would calm my racing heart. Then suddenly— The bathroom door opened. "Lena." I froze and slowly turned towards the door.. Don't cry, smile. I took a slow breath. "Babe...." I said flashing a smile. Tarzan stood in the doorway, giving me the look that told me he was curious by also unhappy. "I just had to use the bathroom, I will be right back." His expression didn't change. "You w
LENA'S POV After the party, everyone has returned to the place of rest, but I couldn't fall asleep. I lay beside Tarzan, staring into the darkness, my mind refusing to quiet down. My heart has been heavy since dinner, not just about Andres and his sisters leaving. But something else. I didn't want to bother Tarzan with it when I didn't even know if there was a problem to begin with. I had tried not to think about it but it was impossible. I had believed Andres was my half-brother, the past year. That belief had been the only thing that allowed me to dismiss certain thoughts and convince myself that some things could never have happened. It was morally unimaginable. Something I couldn't even allow myself to consider. But now... Father had also revealed that he had worked with the doctor who was in charge of our family clinic. The same doctor who had told me it was nothing to worry about. How can he trustworthy? Now the horrifying possibility I had buried deep inside my m
"I need some air," Lena said suddenly, rising from her seat. "I'll be right back.""Lena—" Rosa started."It's okay, Rosa. Give her some time," Rita told her sister."I'll go with you," I interjected, already on my feet.Lena looked at me, and for a moment, I saw gratitude flash across her face. She nodded slightly, then turned and walked toward the terrace doors.I followed her out into the cool night air, leaving the muted whispers of the dining hall behind. She was leaning against the railing, her back to me, shoulders shaking with silent sobs."Lena," I said softly, approaching carefully.She didn't turn around."I really thought I was going to see them again. I bought gifts and everything. I rehearsed what I was going to say. I was hoping I'd be able to convince them to take me back as their sister. Now I just feel... mixed up.""I know you bought them gifts," I said, moving to stand beside her. "I saw them in your suitcase. But like I told you before—they don't deserve your love
Lena’s expression softened.She reached across the table and rested her hand over mine.“You thought I was keeping secrets from you?” she asked, sniffing. “After everything we’ve been through?”I swallowed hard. “I did. And I’m ashamed of it. I let my own insecurity poison my head again.”She gave a small, watery laugh that held no humor. “I didn’t know any of this. I swear it. If I had… I would have told you the moment I found out. You’re the only person I’ve ever trusted with every part of me.”Ricardo cleared his throat—a sharp, deliberate sound that pulled our attention back to him.“The two of you will have time to sort this out later,” he said. “Right now, Lena, I want you to know that you are loved. The only thing that has ever mattered is that you are home now, surrounded by people who adore you.”Victor nodded and stepped forward. “True. I have a daughter too—I’d like you to meet her. She’s been a thorn in my flesh, but recently she’s been well-behaved. So you have many rela
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
I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering against my ribs.Tarzan just sat there, arms crossed over that broad chest, the black nose mask and cap making him look more like a celebrity dodging paparazzi than a cousin paying a visit.Oh God, make him play along. Please.My marriage is about to be restored
LENA'S POV What a day... I drifted through the rest of my shift like a shadow, barely present. Julia and the girls noticed. They gently pulled me aside and told me to take a break—they'd cover for me, they wouldn't say anything to the boss since she's still on maternity leave. I whispered a sh







