LOGINZacchaeus "Dark" Smith, a ruthless mafia lord, made a fateful mistake one night that changed Cassandra Evangelista’s life forever, leaving her pregnant and forced to flee. Years later, after living in peace, Cassandra must return to Dark’s territory when tragedy strikes one of her children. Unaware that Dark now controls the area, she faces him again. What will happen when he discovers her secret? Will she stand her ground or face his wrath? Language: English
View MoreI was busy scanning the newspaper when my eyes landed on his face. I gave a bitter smile—still handsome, still emotionless.
"Cassandra? Let’s go, or someone might take our spot. Careful as you stand up," said Lory, my only friend in this world. She stood at the door of my small house, holding a basket of goods. I set the newspaper down, grabbed my basket filled with soman and bico, and smiled at her. "Ready?" she asked. I nodded. When we arrived at the market, all the vendors stared at me—just me. I lowered my head as I headed to my stall, hearing their whispers clearly. "Here comes the disgraced one." "There she is, the curse to our market." "She’s pretty, but such a fool." "You said it." "Shh, lower your voices. She might hear you." I sighed as I set up my goods, ignoring their gossip. They didn’t know anything, and I was used to their cruelty. No matter how much it hurt, I refused to show it. I wanted to seem strong, even though deep down, I felt like I was being stabbed repeatedly. My life was a mess—I already knew that. Months passed with the same routine. The only change was staring at his face on newspapers, billboards, and TV. Today was no different. I was watching my favorite show while eating an apple when breaking news interrupted. "The world’s most famous and wealthy bachelor was spotted at his airline company. Sources say Mr. Smith is headed abroad for a private life and will manage his empire in Italy, staying there for at least two months. It’s unclear what sparked this sudden decision. This is Katie Tiangco for showbiz news—stay updated via F******k, T*****r, and YouTube. Thank you, and good day to all." I bit my lip. He’s leaving the country. What’s he planning? His private life? Even surrounded by bodyguards, the camera still caught his striking looks—he hadn’t changed. If anything, he looked even more muscular. Six months after that news, I was at the mall with Rea for window shopping, mostly to enjoy the air conditioning. I hadn’t heard anything about him since then. "Look, Cassandra! It’s Mr. Dark Zacchaeus Voughnn Smith on the screen. Who’s that woman with him? She’s gorgeous." The news was about him again, this time with a stunning woman by his side. "Today, we introduce Mr. Smith and his fiancée. They wanted to share the exciting news about their relationship." I froze in my seat, staring at the giant screen in the food court. His face, once dark and emotionless, was now lit with happiness. He gazed at the woman beside him with pure love. His authoritative voice was filled with joy as he answered the reporter’s questions—a sight I never thought possible. "So, Mr. Smith, when’s the wedding?" "Soon. Very soon." "We’re thrilled you’re back in the Philippines with your fiancée, Mr. Smith." "I’m happy to be here as well." "How’s life treating you, Mr. Smith?" "I’m incredibly happy. I’m with my beautiful fiancée, who will soon be my queen." He kissed her cheek, making her blush as she playfully slapped his muscular arm. Even the reporter giggled. I bit my lip as he laughed—the man I thought was heartless and cold had found happiness. I thought I could forget his face, everything about him, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. His presence haunted me, the pain he caused still fresh in my heart. I remembered every detail of that night. The moonlight was the only witness to what happened. It had changed my life into a nightmare, one that plagued me every night. I wanted to speak out, scream to the world, but I knew no one would listen. No one would believe me. I wanted to report him, but I was terrified. Terrified they would twist the story because I had no power. I was voiceless. Forever voiceless. No one knew but me. I was a victim of a bitter experience, and even though the words people threw at me stung, I stayed quiet. I didn’t want trouble. I endured it because I knew the truth—I was just a victim of a cruel fate. "You two are such a perfect couple. So sweet." A tear fell down my cheek as I stared at his wide smile. I gently touched my swollen belly, forcing a smile as I remembered his final words that night. "Get her out of my sight. I don’t f*cking need her anymore." I guess it’s time to finally forget him and everything about my past, no matter how hard it may be. I’ll bury it deep inside, even if it hurts. And I’ll remain voiceless. A silent victim. Because I was pregnant by a notorious mafia lord, and I can’t do anything but accept my melancholic fate.I briefly glanced at the person beside me who was giggling while watching something on their cellphone. I felt like smacking them because they were adding to my life problems. I was already stressed from waiting for a jeepney, it was scorching hot, and then there they were, laughing like nothing was wrong. I was really not enjoying my life right now. Damn it. If I were not poor, I would not be patiently waiting for a jeepney just to apply for a job. I just want to turn into a sweet potato and disappear. I looked up. Lord, please give me a sign. Will I ever rise from poverty? Is my life ever going to get better? My life is always hit by storms, so it feels flooded every single day. Completely submerged. I took a deep breath and looked around at the people. Their lives were busy, just like mine, but their eyes were glued to their phones. Everywhere you look on the street, someone is holding a phone. I seem to be the only one without one. It is fine. Very soon, I will have one too.
Phoenix The air in the black market was thick with the scent of desperation and greed, a mingling of sweat, smoke, and the sharp tang of illicit transactions. Phoenix Eadmaer Koznetsov, ex-military captain and now the formidable head of La Nera Bratva, navigated the labyrinthine alleys with the ease of a man who had long ago made his peace with the shadows. The market, hidden in the bowels of the city, was a cacophony of haggling voices and the constant buzz of clandestine activity. Stalls and makeshift shops lined the narrow paths, each offering a variety of contraband: weapons, stolen goods, counterfeit money, and drugs. Phoenix was here for the latter, ensuring a major deal went smoothly. Flanked by his trusted underboss and consigliere, Demetri and Grey, Phoenix moved with a purposeful stride. His presence commanded respect and fear in equal measure. Conversations halted and eyes averted as they passed, the crowd parting like the Red Sea. They approached a small, nondescri
As I arrived home from a long day at work, the warmth of my family’s laughter drifted through the door, and I couldn’t help but smile. The second I stepped inside, our son, Poseidon, dashed over, his little face lighting up as he wrapped his arms around my legs. “Daddy!” he cheered, his voice full of excitement and love. His ate Athena quickly followed, the two of them surrounding me, competing for hugs and my attention. Each one of them reminded me why I fought so hard, why I worked tirelessly, and why I pushed through the shadows of my past every single day. I gazed across the room, and there, in the kitchen, was Athenrose, my darling, bustling with dinner preparations. She caught my eye and gave me that gentle smile she always did—one that carried understanding, love, and acceptance, despite knowing the darkness I came from. As I watched her, memories began to flood back. The life I left behind… It was never something I could entirely forget. I was once a man of honor, a soldier
"Oh, I think I know where we’re going," I said, laughing with excitement. A simple celebration with close friends was perfect—quiet, peaceful, just right for me. Just then, the door opened and Phoenix walked in carrying a container. His face was serious, but there was a spark in his eyes. "Hello, darling. Here’s your food," he said as he entered, placing the container on the table. I immediately smelled what was inside. "Peaches!" I exclaimed, practically drooling. "Thank you so much, love." My voice was full of gratitude. Over the past few days, my mouth and stomach had been craving peaches; my day didn’t feel complete without them. "For you, darling. How’s your day? Do you need anything?" he asked, his eyes calm and steady as he looked at me. I didn’t answer right away, instead focusing on the peaches, so Cassandra spoke first. I noticed the slight smile on Phoenix’s face, seemingly content just watching me eat with an excitement I couldn’t explain. Cassandra let out a small si






Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
reviews