SHAWNA“He’s not your father!” I hated myself the moment those words left my lips as I saw how Billy’s expression crumbled. I picked him up and gave Damien a scathing gaze before I walked inside irrespective of the fact that he didn't stop staring at me and Billy. “Mommy said he's not our dad,” Billy cried, jumping out of my arms when we stepped inside. He and his siblings ran inside the room crying and I stared at my mother, the feeling of exasperation threatening to ruin me. “I don't know what else to do, Mom,” I cried. My mom sighed as she walked up to me and pulled me into a hug while I sobbed into her chest. “I hate lying to these kids, it breaks my heart,” I cried. My mom sighed, “You aren't doing anything wrong, Shawna. You just need to start thinking of only yourself and your kids.”I sighed, “That’s what I've been doing for the past five years.”“Why don't you take a break today, Shawna? Go see Liam,” my mom suggested. I frowned, “What about the kids? They're upset wi
SHAWNA“You have a grandfather?” Liam asked me. I shook my head, my face still contorted in confusion ever since the call ended. “No, I don't,” I answered. “But you told me the person asked you to ask your mother,” Liam pointed out. I sighed, “Yes, and I’m going to ask her right now just to clear my mind and make sure that it’s a prank call.”Liam nodded at me, “Call me if you need me.”“Alright, thank you, Liam,” I smiled at him. I left the office and headed back home. I was wondering about the phone call I had received. I knew there was no way that could have been a prank call since it was an elderly man’s voice. But my mom had told me that her father was dead and my dad’s father was dead. I didn't have any living grandparents so who could have called me? “We’re here, Miss,” the cab driver announced. I paid for the cab and stepped out of the car heading inside the house. My mom frowned when she saw me. “Why are you back early?” she queried. I shrugged, “Where are the kids?
EUGENEI had just arrived home from destroying evidence at Damien’s place to find out that my father was furious. He was yelling at my mother when I stepped inside. “Speak of the demon spawn and she appears!” he yelled when he saw me. I frowned, “What happened?”My mom sighed when she saw me, “What did you do to upset your father again, Eugene?” I frowned, “I didn't do anything. I've been a good girl as always.”“Bullshit!” my father snarled. “What happened now, Papi?” I queried. “What did you do to piss off Damien? His father canceled the contract we have with him,” my father snapped. I sighed, I knew Damien would react but I didn't know he would go as far as trying to ruin things with my father’s company. “I’m sorry, Papi. I'll make it up to you,” I said. “How?” he quizzed, “The only other company bigger that can boost the business is Lancaster Empire and no one has been able to get through to them.”An idea suddenly formed in my mind when I stared at my mother. “Mom, weren
SHAWNAI have never felt so embarrassed in my entire life as I felt today. As the cab drove back home I couldn't help but let the tears flow down my cheeks as the memory of what happened with Kiara and Eugene kept playing in my mind.“Stop it,” my mother hushed me but I was too sad to care. I noticed how the cab driver kept throwing me pity looks and it made me feel worse. Finally, the cab pulled up in front of the house and I got out, running into the bedroom to cry. I was very glad the kids were still sleeping so they wouldn't see me like this. My mom didn't bother me. She gave me time to bawl my eyes out and when I was done I went back to the sitting room to see her. She looked very sad and it broke my heart. I felt like a failure who couldn't take care of my children and my mother. “Mom, I'm so sorry I upset you today,” I apologized. My mom shook her head, “You didn't do anything, Shawna.”“Is this why he called us? To embarrass us before Eugene and Kiara?” I asked my mom. M
DAMIEN The incessant ringing of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts as I groaned and grabbed the annoying thing. I desperately wanted to destroy the phone but seeing who was calling I reigned my temper. It’s been three hours since my confrontation with Liam and Shawna. I was certain that the sleazebag was sleeping with Shawna when we were still together. But I didn't know why that mattered and why I felt so hurt. Shawna told me we weren't married again so I had no right to interfere in her life. I knew she was right but it didn't make me feel better. I just felt like shit which was why I had returned and buried myself in my bar. My phone rang again and I sighed staring at the time. Suzy would be here soon and she would make a fuss if she saw me like this. I picked up the call with a scowl on my face, “Hello.”“Where the hell are you, Damien?” my father’s voice sounded in my ears. I winced taking the phone away from my ears, “Keep your voice down.”There was a slight pause at
SHAWNA“What is happening now?” I asked, staring at the papers in my hand. My mom walked up to me with a frown as she took the document and stared at it. “You’re naming her your heir?” my mother asked. My grandfather nodded with a smile, “Yes, it was your mother’s wish before she passed away.”I saw the broken look on my mother’s face as she stared at my grandfather. Her voice broke when she spoke up again, “Mother is dead?”My grandfather nodded, “I’m sorry, Princess. We tried to reach out to you but we couldn't. That was when we found out you've left that scumbag. Before I could find you again she died.”I didn't understand anything but I knew the love a daughter had for her mother. Even though my grandparents disowned my mother she still felt terrible at the realization that her mother was dead.“I’m so sorry, Mom,” I patted her back. My grandfather handed my mom a box, “Take this, she asked me to give it to you.”My mom collected the box and cradled it like it was the most im
SHAWNAThe loud wail of Phoebe pulled me out of my thoughts as I stood by the sidewalk feeling miserable about myself. “Get off my stand, woman!” the ice cream vendor snapped at me. “Hush now, Phoebe, I’ll get you the ice cream. I just need to grab cash from the house,” I said to Phoebe, trying to placate her as we crossed the road and headed back home. Phoebe was having none of it as she kept crying like someone who had lost something. Her cries broke my heart as I entered inside and my mother frowned when she saw us. “What did you do to her?” she asked me with a frown. Phoebe jumped into my mother’s arms immediately, hiccuping and mumbling, “Ice cream.”I gave my mom a sad smile as I briefed her on what Eugene had done. “That b–” I arched my brow at my mom, reminding her we didn't use swear words around the kids. My mom sighed, “How could she do that to a little girl? She's heartless.”Then my mom turned to Phoebe, “Don’t worry, Grandma will buy you ice cream now, my little p
SHAWNA“What are you doing here?” I asked the moment I saw Eugene. Eugene smirked and I wished I could punch her to wipe the smirk off her face. “Why, I'm the new landlady,” Eugene announced. My former landlord stared at Eugene and bowed, clearing his throat. “Uh… Miss Eugene, I'm trying to evict them but they're proving stubborn,” my landlord said. Eugene waved him off, “Leave. I'll handle this.”When he left I decided to swallow my pride and plead with Eugene at least for the sake of my children she would consider. “Hurry up with her luggage, boys,” Eugene clapped her hands. The nen she came with didn't waste time at all, they walked into the house immediately, leaving me alone with Eugene.“You don't have to do this. Give me a few more hours to sort things out." I said. I didn't want to sound like I was begging her, just negotiating.Today took a wild turn, I've always tried to avoid anything that has to do with being in contact with Eugene because she's trouble herself.But
RAMONI was dead tired by the time we finished the meeting at the company. My shirt clung to my back, and my head was pounding from all the numbers and back-to-back discussions. All I wanted was to check my phone and unwind, maybe see if Phoebe had texted.I reached into my pocket. Empty.My heart skipped.I checked the table, the chair, and even under the folder I’d used. Nothing.“Where the hell is my phone?” I muttered.My uncle, sitting across from me, raised an eyebrow. “Lose something?”“My phone. I had it before we came here.”He shrugged. “Maybe you dropped it at the house.”I didn’t like how quick he was to answer.Still, I forced a calm nod and stood up. “I’ll go check.”The ride back to his place felt like it took forever. My mind was racing. Phoebe. Had she called? Texted? What if something was wrong? My gut wouldn’t calm down.When I got to the house, I tore through every room I had been in earlier. The living room. The guest room. Even the damn kitchen. Nothing.My uncle
PHOEBEThe hotel was breathtaking, with marble floors, chandeliers sparkling like stars, a scent of roses, and money hanging in the air. My heels clicked softly as I followed the receptionist, who wore a perfectly polite smile. My coat was still wrapped tightly around me, hiding the dress Winnie helped me pick out. My heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves.“He’ll be with you shortly,” the receptionist said sweetly, opening a suite door for me. “Please, get comfortable. There are refreshments inside. Make yourself at home.”I gave a shy nod. “Thank you.”The door shut behind me.The suite was luxurious, with soft couches, a large table with drinks and fruit, and dim romantic lighting. I let out a small breath. “Wow…”I walked slowly to the table, brushing my fingers along the glass rim of a wine glass. Red wine. A chill ran up my spine, and I shook it off. Maybe he asked them to pour it before he arrived. Maybe this was his way of setting the mood.I pulled out my phone.
PHOEBEI slammed the front door a little harder than I meant to when I got home.Winnie looked up from the couch, raising an eyebrow. "Whoa. Somebody’s in a mood. What's wrong, sunshine?"I dropped my bag by the door and flopped onto the armchair with a loud sigh. "It’s Ramon," I said, pouting like a child.Winnie immediately perked up. "Ramon? Spill. What happened?!"I buried my face in my hands for a second before looking up at her. "We kissed. Like... really kissed. It was amazing. He kissed me like he needed me to breathe or something."Winnie squealed, hugging a throw pillow. "Oh my God! Finally!""Yeah, it was incredible," I mumbled, my cheeks heating up. "But right after that, he got a call. Emergency at home. He had to leave. Just like that."Winnie’s face softened. "Oh, babe...""I know he had no choice," I said quickly, fiddling with a loose thread on the armrest. "But... it sucks. I’m losing my mind over him, Winnie. I’m slowly going crazy. I want him so bad it hurts."Winn
PHOEBERamon’s eyes burned into me like I was the only thing he could see. I felt my cheeks heat up under his stare, and I shifted awkwardly on my feet.“Phoebe,” he said, his voice low and rough, “I want all of you…every part of you. I’m not afraid of being with you. I’m just... trying to restrain myself.”My heart pounded so hard it hurt. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out at first. Then I swallowed hard and said, "I want all of you, too, Ramon. I’m not scared."Something snapped between us.Ramon closed the space in a single, hungry heartbeat, grabbing me again and crashing his mouth onto mine. This kiss wasn’t soft. It wasn’t sweet. It was rough, fierce, almost desperate, like he had been starving, and I was the only thing that could satisfy him.His lips crushed against mine, demanding and urgent. I could feel the heat pouring off his body as he kissed me like he needed me more than air. His hand slid up, fingers threading into the hair at the nape of my neck, then wrapping
RAMONI tossed and turned all night. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t sleep. My mind kept racing, full of everything Uncle Richard had said... and Phoebe. Always Phoebe.I was falling for her. Hard. It scared the hell out of me, but it also felt so right. I didn’t just like her, I needed her. Every smile, every look, every word she said stuck in my head like glue.When morning came, I dragged myself out of bed, showered, and dressed like a man on a mission. I didn’t even think twice. I was going to see her. I had to.No more running. No more hiding.When I got to the worksite, she was there already, sorting through some papers, looking so focused and beautiful that it made my heart twist. She looked up and blinked like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing."Ramon?" she said, her voice small but full of surprise. "I thought... I thought you weren’t going to be available anymore."I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling awkward and stupid all at once. "Yeah, about that. I’m
WINNIEWinnie stared at me like I had just grown two heads. "What do you mean you don't know if Ramon likes you enough to be intimate?" she asked, her eyes wide.I hugged my knees to my chest, feeling small and stupid. "I don’t know, Win. Maybe... maybe he’s just not that into me. Maybe he sees me like a kid or something."Winnie shook her head fast. "No way. Anyone with eyes can see Ramon is crazy about you, Phoebe. Seriously. He looks at you like you hung the moon!"I smiled a little, but it didn’t reach my heart. "Then why is he so hesitant? Why does he always back away when things get... close?"Winnie opened her mouth to say something, then paused. Her face changed slowly, like she was putting puzzle pieces together."Wait a second..." she said carefully. "Have you guys ever... you know... done it?"I looked down at my lap, my face burning. "No," I whispered.Winnie’s mouth fell open. "Wait. You mean... never?"I nodded, feeling like I was about to sink into the floor."And he kn
RAMONI stood in the garden, massaging my temples and trying to figure out what just happened. I hated seeing Phoebe hurt. I hated that I was the reason for that look in her eyes, the one that made my chest ache. I wanted to run after her, fix it, explain everything better.I had just taken a step toward the house when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see Billy and Jasper coming out. Great. Just what I needed right now.They stood there awkwardly for a second before Billy cleared his throat."Hey, man," he said, not meeting my eyes. "We, uh... we just wanted to say sorry."I blinked, surprised. "Sorry?"Jasper shoved his hands into his pockets. "Yeah. For looking down on you. We didn't know... well, we didn't know you were who you are."I sighed, not really wanting to have this conversation. "It's fine," I muttered, even though it really wasn't."But," Billy added quickly, "we still think you're hiding something. And honestly... we don’t think you're worthy of our sister."Tha
PHOEBEThe second everyone was distracted inside, I grabbed Ramon’s hand and tugged him gently toward the garden. I was buzzing with excitement, my heart beating way too fast. I needed a moment alone with him, away from all the heavy stares and questions."Come on," I said, smiling at him. "Let’s get some air."He smiled back, letting me pull him along. The night air was cool and smelled faintly of roses. The garden lights made everything look soft and dreamy.Once we were far enough from the house, I stopped and turned to him, crossing my arms playfully. "So..." I began, raising an eyebrow. "You’re secretly rich, huh?"Ramon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess so.""You guess so?" I laughed, nudging him with my shoulder. "Why didn’t you tell me?"He shrugged, looking a little sheepish. "I was going to tell you... eventually. I just wanted you to like me for me, you know? Not for anything else."I looked at him, my heart softening even more. His voice sounded so honest, s
PHOEBEI felt like I’d been holding my breath the whole night, but when Uncle Richard finally gave his answer, it was like the air rushed back into my lungs.“Well,” he said with a small chuckle, wiping his mouth with his napkin, “the truth is, we’re a wealthy family. Very wealthy. Ramon chose to keep that hidden because he didn’t want gold-diggers. He wanted someone who’d love him for who he is, not what he has.”There was a beat of silence.Then Billy blinked. “Wait… you’re saying Ramon’s been pretending to be broke?”“Not broke,” Uncle Richard clarified with a grin. “Just… simple. Down-to-earth.”Everyone at the table was stunned. I couldn’t help it, I let out the tiniest giggle. Then a bigger one. And before long, laughter started to ripple around the table. Even Jasper cracked a smile. It was like the whole room finally exhaled.I glanced at Mom and made a small, sneaky wink. She caught it instantly. Her lips curved just slightly, and then she gave a quick nod.“Phoebe,” she said