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
LANAWhen I heard him say those words, shock and confusion washed over me. I knew my mom too well; if she found out I was the reason Bernardo had died, she'd do something reckless that I'd regret for the rest of my life."Iโm begging you, please donโt kill him," I pleaded, anxiety lacing my voice.He grabbed my arms, slamming me against the wall, then leaned in and captured my lips with a fierce, possessive kiss. It was deep and overwhelming, leaving my head spinning and a sting on my lips when he finally pulled away."Donโt ever mention another man's name with your lips," he warned, his tone stern.I stared at him, momentarily dazed. When I finally regained my composure, he commanded, "Return home with me."I nodded, obediently allowing him to take my hand and lead me out of the apartment. My heart raced as I scanned the area for any sign of Bernardo."My men took him away," Maximum reassured me. "They wonโt kill him, I promise."I nodded, but unease settled in my chest as we got int
LANABut I couldn't.Anxiety coursed through me, causing my hands to tremble as I attempted to call him. He didnโt pick up, and my chest tightened with fear. I paced around the bedroom, sending him a text, but there was still no response.Frustration bubbled up, and I shouted, "Pick up the call! Pick up the damn call!" But Bernardo remained silent. A wave of dread washed over me at the thought of Maximum returning to find out that I had slept with several men for money. The videos Bernardo had made were probably now online, and I had no idea how they got there.What would Maximum do? He would go crazy and could hurt me. I quickly began stuffing my belongings into a travel bag and booked a train ticket back to New York.I rushed out of the room, bags in hand, and hurried down the stairs. When I bumped into the housekeeper, I felt suffocated and terrified.She looked at me, confusion etched on her face. "Ma'am, are you moving out?"I nodded and shook my head, overwhelmed. I opened my mo
LANAWith panic, I bent down and picked up my shattered phone, my heart racing and adrenaline surging through me.The screen was already cracked.Trembling, with tears brimming in my eyes, I asked in confusion and heartache, "What have I ever done to you? Why do you hate me so much?"Bernardo's manic laughter echoed from the other end of the line, mocking me mercilessly. "Lana, I told you you'd regret this. If you had just stayed home and helped me make money, none of this would have happened. You brought this on yourself."Anger bubbled inside me, but I felt helpless. I managed to weakly ask, "What do you want?"His laughter became even more grating as he shouted, "Itโs too late, bitch! If you hadnโt sent your sugar daddy after me, I might have considered it. Now, youโll have to deal with the consequences."He hung up, leaving me standing there, phone in hand, lost in confusion. My heart tightened as I weighed my options.I decided to call him back. My heart raced with anticipation a
LANAThe voice was all too familiar.I turned sharply, locking eyes with a pair of cold ones behind a maskโMaximum.Without thinking, I dashed toward him, not even realizing that Pedro had released his grip on me until I was wrapped tightly in Maximum's arms, burying my face against him."Maximum, who did you say is your girl?" I heard Pedro ask, his tone layered with meaning.I instinctively tensed.Maximum patted my back and replied, his voice icy, "Lana is my girl. Your opinion doesnโt matter."My heart warmed at his words, and I looked up to see his masked face."Your girl? A woman who sleeps with men for money? Are you so unattractive that you had to settle for a well-known New York prostitute?" Pedro taunted.Agitation surged within me. I wanted to deny it, but Maximum's comforting touch eased my tension.He met Pedro's gaze calmly and said, word for word, "As I said, your opinions and ideas are irrelevant and won't change anything."I glanced back at Pedro, whose shocked expres
LANAHe cupped my chin and said, "Your past is your past. You can check online now."As he turned and walked away, I was left in stunned silence, watching him open the door and disappear. When I finally came to my senses, I remembered his words.I quickly pulled out my phone and checked all the major social media platforms, but to my shock, I couldn't find any of the videos or even the trends that should have been there. I was both shaken and exhilarated. I dashed toward the door, eager to find Maximum, but when I stepped outside, his car had already driven off into the distance. Helplessly, I watched it vanish.I called him repeatedly, but he wouldnโt answer. Feeling dejected, I decided to grab a bite at a nearby restaurant. Even as I sat down to eat, I couldnโt focus on my meal, my mind racing. I called him again, but still no response.After paying for my food, I stood up to leave and ran into Pedro.It felt too coincidental, especially with the wicked smirk on his face and the kno
LANAI'm not sure when my emotions spiraled out of control.I sprinted toward him, wrapping my arms around his neck tightly. The embrace felt possessive, and I poured my heart into it.I hadnโt realized how much not seeing him for just an hour had affected me."I'm sorry," I whispered in his ear.In response, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.We stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. I lost all sense of time; I just didnโt want to let go."Make love to me," I murmured weakly against his arm.He didnโt reply, but lifted me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, burying my head in the crook of his neck.I shut my eyes tightly, ashamed to open them and see the judgmental gazes around us.All I could hear were voices and the sound of his footsteps.โWow! What a bold couple!โ someone exclaimed, their surprise echoing in the air.My cheeks flushed as he carried me to his car. I stayed in his arms, refusing to let go.The driver started the car, and
LANAI knew he was hurt and disappointed, and I didnโt want him to meet my mother for reasons I couldnโt quite articulate. Taking a deep breath, I opened the ward door to find my mother cutting an orange."Lana!" she beamed at me.A wave of disgust washed over me. Her smile wasnโt for me; it was because my biological father was back in her life."When were you going to tell me, Mom?" I asked, my voice shaky before I even realized it.Her expression shifted to confusion. "What are you saying, Lana?"Tears brimmed in my eyes, and I fought to keep them at bay. I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I wiped my eyes and glared at her. "You know what I mean. Stop trying to fool me. Heโs the reason youโre in the hospital, right? Heโs why youโve been acting so strange, right? And now youโre trying to be a good mother?"My voice cracked as I finished my tirade, and the weight of my hurt felt like a tight band around my chest.For three long minutes, she sat in silence, her ey
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
LANAWhen I heard my dad's comments, I was puzzled by his dislike for Maximum. Could it be jealousy, now that we had just reconciled and a man was at the door wanting to whisk me away? His recent behavior was confusing."Dad, why don't you like Maximum?" I finally asked.He looked at me intently before replying, "Lana, he isn't a good man, and heโs not the right man for you. Just look at Markโhis family background, his career, his looks, and his abilities. Heโs a much better choice than Maximum."I frowned at his dismissive tone; it bothered me how he talked down about Maximum."I'm tired, Dad. I just want to go to bed," I said, excusing myself as I walked into the mansion.Once in my room, I quickly fell asleep.The next morning, a knock echoed through my apartment. When I opened the door, I was taken aback to see my mom standing there.I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.Her expression darkened, and she demanded, "Are you not going to let me in?"I stepped aside, letting her enter, and