LANAI opened my eyes and craned my neck to see Maximum standing behind me. His arm was wrapped around my waist, and surprisingly, I felt no discomfort in his embrace."Maximum, you're holding my woman," Pedro said, his voice icy, his eyes blazing with fury.I felt Maximum lean in and nibble my neck, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine. I leaned into him, craving more of that warmth."She doesnโt seem to agree with you," Maximum replied, pausing his playful teasing.Pedro clenched his fists and lowered his gun, narrowing his eyes as he warned, "Why protect a whore? Sheโs up for sale. Is it wise to make an enemyโฆ?"Maximum cut him off coldly, "One more word, and your corpse wonโt make it to New York."I was taken aback by the power behind his words; Pedro stood there, seething but silent. I glanced at Maximum, intrigued by the strength that could silence a mafia boss. He simply smiled and said, "Darling, letโs go home."My cheeks flushed at his endearing words. He often seemed
LANAWhen I saw his face, I was rendered speechless. My eyes widened in disbelief as I blinked twice, wondering if what I was seeing was real.His lips curled into a smirk, and he chuckled before asking, "Why are you speechless?"The corners of my mouth twitched. It was only natural to be at a loss for words when my expectations had been completely shattered. Why on earth did a man have such a stunningly beautiful face?Clearing my throat, I finally managed to say, "Youโre really pretty."He sighed ruefully and pulled a mask over his face. I was left searching for words. Was he embarrassed by his looks?"Thatโs why I always wear a mask," he explained, standing up. "Men always hit on me."He turned and walked toward the door, and I tensed, worried Iโd upset him. "Are you mad at me?"He paused and glanced back, shaking his head. "No, Iโm not. Goodnight."Then he opened the door and left. Once he was gone, I made my way to the kitchen, realizing just how hungry I was. I devoured a big pl
LANAI looked around the room, searching for my handbag so I could make a call, but I couldnโt find it. Frustrated, I leaned against the wall and sat down, lost in deep thought.The creaking sound of the door caught my attention, and I got to my feet. My legs shook, and I struggled to maintain my balance.Before I could steady myself, Bernardo walked into the cell room, wearing a smile that wasnโt really a smile.โHey, Lana! Why are your legs trembling so much? Are you having an orgasm while thinking about me?โ he asked with a smirk.I felt a wave of disgust churn in my stomach at his crude comment. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure as I stared at him.โWhat do you want?โ I asked coldly. He looked at me and laughed, a chilling sound.He slipped a hand into one of his pockets and then looked at me silently for a moment before sneering. โLana, you didnโt realize where you are and the situation youโre in. Let me tell you: you are now a slaveโa complete slave without right
LANAI was terrified, knowing that Pedro was a brutal and ruthless man. If he bought me, my life would be in grave danger.Suddenly, another voice rang out, "Twenty-five million dollars!"More bids followed, each one making my anxiety spiral. Pedro was outbidding everyone, and my panic grew. Then, a calm voice cut through the chaos, "One hundred million dollars."My racing heart suddenly steadied, leaving me confused. The voice sounded familiar, but I couldnโt place it. Just as I was trying to figure it out, the auctioneer declared, "The winner of the bid is M."As my cage was lifted away, a wave of weakness washed over me, and before I could process what was happening, I blacked out.When I finally opened my eyes, I found myself sleeping on a bed that felt incredibly comfortable. The bedding was all white, and my head on the pillow had given me a wonderful dream.As I continued to enjoy the feeling of having a peaceful sleep, I suddenly remembered that I had been sold to someone. Pan
LANAHe pinned my arms above my head and locked his gaze with mine. With a devilish smirk, he parted my legs with his hand and sniffed me."You smell so good," he said, leaning forward to kiss my neck. I couldn't lie still; I tried to move, but he warned me, "Don't move."My chest heaved with longing in my eyes.He nibbled on my neck and took his time exploring my body. As he fondled my breasts and teased my nipples, he lowered his hand and began to undress me. I was so aroused that I could hardly stay still.I grabbed him and pulled him down, hugging him tightly and refusing to let go."Please, I need you," I pleaded.Hearing this, he held my waist as I unbuttoned his white shirt and took it off. My fingers traced his well-defined chest and muscular abs."Youโre so hot," I complimented shamelessly.He groaned in response, and I could feel his excitement building. I realized that sweet words drove him wild.I took off his briefs and grasped him, feeling his hardness in my hand. "You l
LANAWhen I heard Bernardo's familiar voice through the phone's speaker, my chest tightened."What does it matter to me if she dies or lives?" I shot back, uneasy.Bernardo sneered from the other end. "You're living happily and have forgotten about us, but let me remind you, Lana: if your mother dies, I'll make sure the world knows how cruel you are. We can't pay for hospital bills, y..."I hung up the call abruptly as the door creaked open. I quickly switched off my phone and turned to see Maximum walking in.He had stopped wearing his mask at home.I could see every expression on his face: the raising of his eyebrows, the subtle movements of his lips."Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched in his voice.I shook my head and nodded at the same time, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. The corners of his lips twitched slightly.I stepped down from the bed, walked up to him, and wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs circling his waist.He squeezed my waist in response."Make l
LANAMy heart raced, and my face went pale. The hand gripping my phone trembled as fear coursed through me, my lips quivering."What have I ever done to you?" I asked, a dull ache settling in my chest. I knew my stepdad too well; he was likely serious about his threat.He sneered coldly. "Just return home, and everything will be fine."He hung up, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I lay on the bed, unable to sleep the entire night, consumed by worry that Bernardo might reveal my past to Maximum.I had no idea when I finally drifted off, but when I opened my eyes, I found Maximum hovering over me, his palm gently brushing the sweat from my forehead.I instinctively moved closer and hugged him tightly. "I missed you so much," I murmured, squeezing him even harder.He patted my back soothingly, silent yet comforting. My tense nerves began to relax, and he pressed a soft kiss on my face, holding me close."Promise me you won't leave me," I pleaded, gazing deeply into his eyes.He smiled,
LANAI pulled my gaze away from the apartment and turned to my stepfather. "What happened to Old White?""Her funeral was a few weeks ago," Bernardo replied.A wave of sorrow washed over me at his words. I stood there, lost in memories of all she had done for me. She had always offered me food when I was hungry and even volunteered to enroll me in school, though my mother had strongly opposed it. I recalled the thoughtful gifts she had given me on my birthdays.But now she was gone. Tears began to roll down my cheeks before I even realized it.I turned to Bernardo, wiping my tears, and said, "Take me to her grave."He looked at me, disbelief etched on his face. It seemed he hadnโt expected me to abandon our original purpose for this. "Lana, sheโs gone. Thereโs nothing you can do about it. We can visit her another time; we have serious business to attend to."I shot back, "Are you taking me there or not?"His response caught in his throat, and he stared at me, a mix of emotions playing
LANAMaximum didnโt finish what he wanted to say, but I could sense his meaning, and it shook me to my core.He turned off the television and walked toward me, pulling me close and kissing my forehead. โDonโt be scared, Lana. I promise Iโll come for you. Weโre going to get married.โI looked into his eyes and nodded. โI believe you,โ I replied softly.A smile spread across his face, and he kissed my forehead again before saying, โYou can leave now.โI felt a wave of reluctance wash over me, but I knew that staying would only provoke my father further. I turned toward the door, glancing back more times than I intended.As I descended the staircase and stepped outside, I was met with a scene of chaos: rows of police cars lined the street, and helicopters hovered above.A small smile tugged at my lips; I never imagined such a grand display was all for my return.My gaze swept over the crowd until I spotted my dad, deep in conversation with someone. When he noticed me, he abruptly halted
LANABefore I could escape, Mark grabbed my arm. I tried to push him away, screaming, "Let go of me!"He turned and slapped me hard across the face, leaving my head buzzing. "If you don't want to get hurt, you'd better cooperate and behave."My ears rang from his fierce warning, and I struggled to keep my eyes open as he dragged me down the mountainside.When I looked around, he was already pulling me into a cave. Armed men with guns surrounded us, and I knew I had to plead for mercy. "Mark, think of your friendship with my dad. Please let me go."He laughed, looking at me with disdain, then ordered his men, "Tie her up."He shoved me to the ground, pain shooting through my body from the impact. I looked at him with resentment, but he ignored me and walked away.Once I regained my senses, I found myself being tied up with ropes. No matter how much I struggled, they easily restrained me and forced me into a corner.I had lost track of time in the dark cave. My body ached, and exhaustio
LANAI didn't completely trust what Maximum had said about my father, but in that moment, I realized it was crucial to help my mother break free from her one-sided love for him.I took her hands, and for a brief moment, she seemed present. To my surprise, she smiled brightly, and I felt a flicker of confusion at the sudden warmth in her expression."Mom," I said softly.Suddenly, her eyes filled with tears as she replied, "Iโve been waiting for this moment, Lanaโthe day you finally forgive me."I was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.I squeezed her hands gently and said, "Mom, what if youโve been living a lie? What if everything you believe about Dad isnโt true?"Her expression shifted to one of confusion, and I realized she had no idea what I was trying to convey. I pressed on, "Consider this: what if Dad doesnโt love you? What if heโs been using you to achieve his own goals? What ifโ"Before I could finish, she jerked her hands away, her eyes narrowing with fury.She lea
LANAAfter living with my mother for so many years, I could easily tell when she was lying; her body language gave her away.I sneered, "Stop trying to fool me, Mom. The Lana you knew is gone. If you think Iโll fall for your lies, youโre dreaming."My mom wasnโt shocked. Instead, she became furious and snapped, "What kind of daughter are you? Arenโt you worried that your father hasnโt kept his promise? He hasnโt even introduced me as his fiancรฉe to any of his friends, but heโs been flaunting you around?"I shrugged nonchalantly. "Not my problem, Mom. Youโve spent years in street fights and passed out drunk in bars. Do you think Dad wants to show you off with that history?"She froze at this, and I realized sheโd either forgotten her past or was choosing selective amnesia. Did she think her past actions were forgotten just because she claimed to have changed?With a sigh, she asked, "Lana, are you going to judge me like everyone else?"I yawned, stretched, and replied, "Mom, Iโm tired.
LANAStanding behind me was Maximum, my boyfriend, wearing an expressionless face. He reached out and pulled me into his arms, and I buried my face in his chest, feeling a mix of comfort and tension."Stop trying so hard. I will never let you have her," Maximum warned sternly, his voice low.I turned to glance at Mark. His face was dark, fists clenched tightly, clearly furious that Maximum had interrupted."Stop acting arrogant. Youโll never be able to marry her. The more you try to ruin my plans, the more painful it will be when I finally take her to the altar as my wife," Mark replied confidently, a smile creeping onto his face.I was taken aback by his stubbornness. Did he really think he could have me despite my relationship with Maximum? He certainly had a big heart."Really? Youโre sure I canโt marry her?" Maximum retorted playfully, a glint in his eye."Yes, you canโt," Mark shot back confidently.Then, in a shocking twist, Maximum dropped to one knee. The music in the backgrou
LANAWhen I heard the news, I was speechless. Though I had never shown much interest in my dad's business, I knew that Lionel's Corporation was publicly traded and ranked among the top twenty companies in the state."Dad, you don't need to do this..." I tried to reason with him, but he replied firmly, "You are my princess. You deserve this and more."I stood there, unsure of what to say next. My dad was incredibly stubborn; once he made up his mind, there was no changing it. I finally resigned myself to the fact that he wouldnโt be taking back the shares."Lana, are you coming home with me?" he asked.I hesitated. I didnโt really want to go back, but since he had made the effort to come to my place and made promises, I replied, "Let me just tidy up here, and Iโll come with you."He smiled and said, "Dress up! Iโll pick you up in an hour."Before I could ask where we were going, he had already left. I quickly cleaned my room, then headed to the bathroom for a shower, knowing my dadโs p
LANAI had no idea when I drifted into a deep slumber, and I couldn't recall if he had answered my question.The next morning, I was jolted awake by heavy footfalls and the forceful swing of my door.I sat up to see my dad bursting into my room, flanked by a team of security personnel. He looked down at me with a cold stare. "Where is he?"I rubbed my sleepy eyes, still groggy from sleep, and stammered, "Who?"Ignoring my question, he barked at the security team, "Search the room."Panic surged through me as I remembered last nightโMaximum had been with me, and we had sex. My heart raced when one of the guards opened the bathroom door."Dad, why are you invading my privacy?" I shot back, standing up in a mix of anger and anxiety.He glared at me, unfazed, and scoffed, "Where is he?"Frustration bubbled over. "Can you take a break, Dad? Heโs not here. Just stop this madness! If you donโt want me in your house anymore, Iโll leave!"With that, I stormed out of my room, hoping he would or
LANAI watched him narrate his struggles, his emotions palpable, and I couldnโt hold back my own tears. I broke down and embraced him tightly.โDad, thatโs enough. Iโm not blaming you for anything,โ I said, my voice trembling.He patted my back, reassuring me. โLana, I promise Iโll call it quits when the Wilson family shows no interest in settling scores with me anymore.โHearing those words filled me with relief and joy. No one had ever made such a sacrifice for me, and he did it without me even asking.โThank you so much, Dad,โ I said, reaching out to embrace him again.He stood up, but halfway to the door, he paused and turned to me.โLana, do you know why I donโt want you to end up with your boyfriend, Maximum?โ he asked, his expression serious.This was the answer Iโd been waiting for. โI donโt, Dad,โ I replied, eager to hear him out.He sighed, a deep, rueful sound. โI donโt want to end up a widow or be killed by a psychopath in the street. The life of a mafia is unpredictable.
LANAMaximum walked over and sat beside me, turning around with a smile. I returned the gesture, and he asked, "How are you doing, my love?""Perfect," I replied, grinning.He continued, "The food is going to get cold. Your father paid a lot for these delicacies; heโs truly a good man."Across the table, Mark was seething, his anger evident as his nostrils flared. I couldnโt decide whether to feel sorry for him or to laugh."Maximum, why are you still fighting against the inevitable? You know itโs impossible for you two," Mark said coldly, his forehead veins bulging.Maximum shot him a lazy look and replied, "Thereโs no other option. She and I are meant for each other. Donโt worryโwhen the wedding invitations go out, even the inconsequential will get one."Markโs fury boiled over as he slammed his fists on the table and shot to his feet. With intense anger in his eyes, he sneered at Maximum, "Donโt get too cocky. Soon, theyโll come for you, Maximum. And Iโll be right here, ready to la