LANAI glanced at my screen and saw Pedro was calling.Furrowing my brows, I wondered why he always seemed to call at the perfect moment. I reached for my phone and answered.“Lana, I hope you’re not going to stand me up. I’ve already sent you the address. It’s important to know the truth,” he said, his voice urgent.Nerves bubbled up inside me, especially after hearing Maximum’s words while he slept last night. I opened my mouth to ask why he couldn’t just tell me over the phone, but before I could say anything, he hung up.Frustration washed over me. I lay on the bed, feeling restless. New York felt suffocating without Maximum around. Was I really so dependent on him that his absence made me feel lost?By 4 PM, I had dressed and left the hotel, taking a taxi to meet Pedro.When I arrived at the coffee shop, it was empty except for him, sitting by the window. He turned as I walked in and waved me over, a grin spreading across his face.I took a deep breath and approached, sitting dow
LANAI opened the door to my mother's ward and found her sitting on the bed, dressed in a clean outfit. For the first time, her hair was neatly styled and treated. She looked so different—so beautiful. I had always known my mom was pretty, but seeing her like this made me realize the version of her I had grown up with was just a shadow of her true self.“Lana,” she called out warmly, a smile lighting up her face. She seemed calm, her voice soft and inviting.I could hardly believe my ears. I never expected my mom to carry herself with such sophistication and grace. In an instant, she felt like a refined lady, a stark contrast to the woman I had known all my life.Confusion washed over me. Why did she look so different? This was not the mother who fought in the streets, who gambled with thugs and could take them down whenever she wanted. This wasn’t the woman who drank herself into a stupor, getting into arguments and causing chaos. That version of her had been a mess, someone I had le
LANAShe looked into my eyes with a blank expression and said, "You’re too emotional, Lana. We need to forget the past. There’s a brighter future ahead, and I’ve decided to be a good mother to you and a better person in general."As I stared at her, my heart ached, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Deep down, I knew her changes weren’t for me; they were for my biological father. To her, I was just a stepping stone or an obstacle, and that realization cut deep.I replied, "I don’t see a future with you. I hope you find happiness, Mom."I turned away and reached for the doorknob. Just as I was about to pull it open, I heard her voice behind me. "Lana, if you change your mind, you can come back. I’ll be waiting."In that moment, my resentment for her only grew.Fuck her and her plans for the future.As I stepped out of the ward, I saw Maximum leaning against the wall, hands stuffed in his pockets.When he opened his eyes and turned to me, his expression was blank. I couldn't decipher wha
LANAI knew I was wrong, but I didn’t want to admit it.Jealousy gnawed at me, knowing someone else had his heart. He had deceived me, making me feel like a fool.I just stared at him in silence, wrapping the duvet tighter around myself.He ran his fingers through his hair, frustration etched on his face. I could see the anger and confusion in his eyes, and my heart ached for him, even amidst my own turmoil.Turning away, I interrupted him, “Lana, I know I was wrong to test your love and loyalty, b—”“There’s no need to feel guilty,” I cut him off. “I’ve accepted my place in your heart and your life. I don’t want much—please don’t give me false hope.”I slipped off the bed and headed to the shower. After washing up, I emerged to find only breakfast waiting for me.Maximum was nowhere to be found. After I ate, boredom settled in, so I switched on the television.A female reporter appeared on the screen, her voice serious.“Reporting from the scene of a recent crime, authorities are in
LANAMy mother smiled gently, and it only fueled my anger. I couldn't stand her hypocritical facade.It hit me hard that she wasn't denying the truth—my heart ached as I realized that neither my biological father nor my mother wanted me.None of them wanted me.My dad had rejected me as an infant.My mom had turned her back on me as I grew older.I thought I could accept this brutal reality, but then the tears came.I hated feeling this way.I looked at my mother, a complete stranger in that moment. She sat there calmly, her face a mask of indifference.In that instant, I understood: my pain meant nothing to her."Are you sending me away just to win his approval?" I asked, my heart heavy with hurt.She stared back at me, her smile a hollow thing, and said, "Stop blaming him."I knew there was no point in talking to her anymore. I turned away, leaving with the remnants of my shattered heart.I was taken aback to see Maximum standing just a few meters away. I had thought he’d gone back
LANAHis words sent a chill down my spine, and I stared at him, unsure of how to respond.He must have sensed my turmoil because he continued, "Lana, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I tried to keep it to myself, but I couldn’t. You’ve consumed my thoughts—I can’t eat, drink, or think straight. My whole world feels meaningless without you..."I couldn’t let him finish. "Please, stop," I interrupted, my heart racing.He looked at me, disappointment etched on his face. I stood up, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. "You know I have a boyfriend. Did Maximum put you up to this?"He shook his head and stood up too, his gaze steady. "Lana, this is about my feelings for you. It’s not about anyone else. I hope you can understand that."The more he spoke, the more irritated I became. "Just stop, okay? Take me back to where you picked me up."I turned on my heel and walked toward the exit, desperate to escape the chaos in my mind. I was done with this conversation; he was only complicating eve
LANAI instinctively frowned as I looked at the flower bouquet and the card the girl was holding. I already had a good idea of who had sent it."I have a boyfriend," I told her firmly.But she acted as if she hadn’t heard me. "The young man over there wants you to have it," she replied calmly.I turned to see Pedro leaning against a pillar, a smile on his face. He waved at me, then lowered his hand."Tell him I have a boyfriend," I reiterated, then turned and walked away without looking back.After school, I stepped outside to find Pedro waiting for me at the gate. To my dismay, six other people stood nearby, all holding flower bouquets and cards. The sight was overwhelming, and I felt a mix of frustration and discomfort knowing they were all there for me.I approached him, knowing he wouldn’t let me slip away easily."Pedro, why are you still here?" I asked, my irritation bubbling just beneath the surface.He smiled warmly, a look that sent a shiver down my spine. I was used to the c
LANAI thought that would make Pedro give up, but when I returned to school after the weekend, I was taken aback by what happened next.A young man approached me, someone I had never seen before. "After school today, you’re going to get a big surprise," he said mysteriously.“Who are you?” I asked, but he simply turned and walked away, leaving me puzzled and unable to figure out what he meant.As I entered the school through the gate, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of anticipation.Later that day, after school, I began to hear music. A voice was singing, and I couldn’t quite make out the words.“He’s so handsome! Who is he singing for?” I overheard a girl whisper to her friend.A sense of dread washed over me, and I quickened my pace toward the exit. When I stepped outside, I was stunned to see a van parked nearby, surrounded by speakers and musical equipment. A whole band was set up, and there was Pedro, holding a microphone and singing.My heart sank when he spotted me. There was n
LANAMaximum didn’t 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. “Don’t be scared, Lana. I promise I’ll come for you. We’re going to get married.”I looked into his eyes and nodded. “I believe you,” I replied softly.A smile spread across his face, and he kissed my forehead again before saying, “You can leave now.”I 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, "I’ve been waiting for this moment, Lana—the 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 you’ve been living a lie? What if everything you believe about Dad isn’t 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 doesn’t love you? What if he’s been using you to achieve his own goals? What if—"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 I’ll fall for your lies, you’re dreaming."My mom wasn’t shocked. Instead, she became furious and snapped, "What kind of daughter are you? Aren’t you worried that your father hasn’t kept his promise? He hasn’t even introduced me as his fiancée to any of his friends, but he’s been flaunting you around?"I shrugged nonchalantly. "Not my problem, Mom. You’ve 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 she’d 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, I’m 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. You’ll 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? You’re sure I can’t marry her?" Maximum retorted playfully, a glint in his eye."Yes, you can’t," 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 wouldn’t be taking back the shares."Lana, are you coming home with me?" he asked.I hesitated. I didn’t 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 I’ll come with you."He smiled and said, "Dress up! I’ll 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 dad’s 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 night—Maximum 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? He’s not here. Just stop this madness! If you don’t want me in your house anymore, I’ll leave!"With that, I stormed out of my room, hoping he would or
LANAI watched him narrate his struggles, his emotions palpable, and I couldn’t hold back my own tears. I broke down and embraced him tightly.“Dad, that’s enough. I’m not blaming you for anything,” I said, my voice trembling.He patted my back, reassuring me. “Lana, I promise I’ll call it quits when the Wilson family shows no interest in settling scores with me anymore.”Hearing 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.“Thank you so much, Dad,” I said, reaching out to embrace him again.He stood up, but halfway to the door, he paused and turned to me.“Lana, do you know why I don’t want you to end up with your boyfriend, Maximum?” he asked, his expression serious.This was the answer I’d been waiting for. “I don’t, Dad,” I replied, eager to hear him out.He sighed, a deep, rueful sound. “I don’t 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; he’s truly a good man."Across the table, Mark was seething, his anger evident as his nostrils flared. I couldn’t decide whether to feel sorry for him or to laugh."Maximum, why are you still fighting against the inevitable? You know it’s impossible for you two," Mark said coldly, his forehead veins bulging.Maximum shot him a lazy look and replied, "There’s no other option. She and I are meant for each other. Don’t worry—when the wedding invitations go out, even the inconsequential will get one."Mark’s 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, "Don’t get too cocky. Soon, they’ll come for you, Maximum. And I’ll be right here, ready to la