LOGINThe late afternoon sun spilled golden light over the waterfront promenade, the ocean shimmering as seagulls called overhead. Lily skipped ahead, her hand clutching a small paper bag of warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts. Dante kept a steady watch on her, his arm loosely draped around Monica’s shoulders.
The rain had stopped by morning. Light streamed through the wide windows of Dante’s estate, spilling across the kitchen where Monica stood barefoot, hair loose, wearing one of his shirts. She was stirring Lily’s oatmeal, the steam curling into the air. She didn’t even realize she was humming—an ol
The breakfast had been a slow, simmering torture. Monica sat rigid in the high-backed chair, her fingers curled around the delicate porcelain cup as though it might shatter under the weight of her pulse. Across from her, Dante lounged like a king who’d already won the war, one hand lazily draped o
Her cottage could fit into this place twenty times over. At the end of the hall, a set of double doors swung open. The dining room stretched long and wide, sunlight spilling through tall windows. The smell of coffee and expensive leather filled the air. And there he was. Sitting at the head of
Monica’s eyes snapped open. For a second, she thought she was in one of those luxury hotel commercials — the kind she used to mute while eating instant noodles because they made her feel broke. The ceiling stretched high above her, painted with pale cream swirls and gold accents. The curtains, h
A man stepped in like he owned the place — dressed in black from boots to gloves, black tactical vest, mirrored sunglasses even though it was night. The faint squawk of radio static came from the earpiece buried in his ear. And the rifle in his hands… that spoke louder than words. Monica froze. He
Chase's eyes closed, a faint smile on his lips. "Good...good..." Ariel's heart soared, her soul singing with happiness. Chase was back, and their family was whole again. As the medical team rushed in to attend to Chase, Ariel held his hand, her love and gratitude shining brighter than any hospita
As Ariel called Austin over, Sophie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, Austin? But…Monica?” She asked, her voice laced with confusion. Ariel’s smile was enigmatic, her shoulders shrugging slightly. “Meet my son, Sky, Sophie.” She said, her voice dripping with emotion. Sophie’s jaw dropped, her
The Coles’ residence was a hub of unease, the air thick with tension. It had been days since Monica’s disappearance, and the family was on high alert, awaiting her next move. The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, as Ariel paced back and forth, her mind racing with worries. “I can’t sha
Chase stood precariously on his crutches, Jordan’s car screeched to a halt in front of the police station, and he leapt out, his eyes fixed on Chase’s frail form leaning on crutches. Surprise and concern etched on his face, he rushed towards his friend. “Chase, what the hell? You’re supposed to be







