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
SHAWNA“Phoebe!", I yelled and rushed downstairs with her. Blood had smeared the place she was lying on.“Mom." I heard her weak voice over my racing heart.I carried her up into my arms, and just at the same time my mom rushed out from the room she was in with the boys.They all started questioning me but were all shocked at the sight before them.I took Phoebe straight into the car, placing her in the back seat. The boys and mom cornered me before I could get to the driver's seat.“What's going on Shawna?" Mom asked me, the boys were trying to open the car's door, but the child's lock was on.“She fell down the stairs mom, I need to get her to the hospital now!" I rushed out.“Let's go to the hospital together then." She wanted to get into the car with me but I stopped her, finally thinking straight.“No, you'll relapse before we get to the hospital. Stay here with the boys, I'll keep you posted." I jumped into the car and locked all the doors.I know how much they'll all want to go
SHAWNA“Phoebe?" I called out in a little voice, my voice was very weak.Liam looked down at her to see what was happening with me, he looked equally shocked.I moved closer to my daughter, placing my hand on her chest, and I got nothing. She wasn't breathing any longer, that always only means one thing which I refuse to believe is what's going on.“She's no longer breathing! You both should fucking do something!" Liam yelled at them both but they were still unmoved.“Fuck you two, you'll regret it!" he yelled and took her further into the hospital himself.I was too shaken, stood still even when Liam was walking away with my daughter, my legs were too weak to move, my mind numb and eyes just clouded with too much tears.I watched helplessly as Liam was stopped in the middle of the lobby by two security guards. He looked like he wanted to hit them in the faces if not that he was carrying Phoebe.Just as an unimaginable level of anger overtook my entire form, a familiar figure started
PHOEBEMy whole body was sore. My dress was torn, my wrists burned from the ropes, and my eyes stung from crying. I was huddled in a corner of that cold, dark room, shivering as the last of the men ran out like rats. One second, they were setting up cameras, saying the most disgusting things, and the next, they were gone. Just like that.It made no sense. None of it did. Why would they leave me? What scared them off?I was too weak to stand, too confused to think straight. My head was pounding, and I could still feel whatever they had drugged me with swirling through my system. My heart was racing so fast I could barely catch my breath. My legs were pulled to my chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, as if I could make myself disappear if I just curled up small enough.And then I heard footsteps.Fast. Heavy. Coming closer.My eyes shot to the door.I froze.My heart shot to my throat.Were they back?Did they forget something?Were they going to finish what they started?I couldn’t
RAMONI stood in that hotel lobby staring at the manager as if he'd just announced a death. Maybe he had. Because knowing Phoebe had been taken right from under my nose felt exactly like that, like something had died inside me."She was in your care!" I shouted. "She was supposed to wait for me here!""Mr. Ramon," the manager said nervously, "we thought it was authorized…""By whom? My uncle?" I spat. "You took her because my uncle said so? Did she look like she wanted to leave? Did you even ask her that?"No answer. Just that sick, silent guilt on their faces.I didn't waste another second. I turned on my heel, stormed out of the hotel, jumped into my car, and sped straight to Richard's estate. My hands gripped the wheel so hard they ached. My mind was a storm, rage, fear, regret. I kept seeing her face in my head, her smile, the way she had trusted me. And now...She was gone.When I got to the mansion, the guards at the gate crossed their arms."Sir, Mr. Richard said not to let you
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