MasukWhat do you think of this chapter? Should Luci be scolded or otherwise? ✿✿
“You used to love strawberries. Do you want more?” Vicky asked softly, holding out the bowl toward Kara. She glanced at the fruit and shook her head politely. “No, thank you.”Saying this, she didn’t miss the flicker of disappointment that crossed the woman’s face and it made her chest tighten. “I will eat if we all eat together,” she added eventually, forcing a small smile and picked one strawberry. She gently placed it into Edward’s mouth and laughter filled the room instantly. Anton chuckled and fed Kara one in return, while Edward reached over and put one into his mother’s mouth. Soon, everyone was smiling and the tension eased just a little.Kara chewed slowly, her eyes drifting to her wristwatch. She wondered where Jairo was and how long it would take him to return.“Dear,” Vicky called again.She turned toward her.“Can you please stay for tonight? You can sleep in my room. We will talk all night, just like old times. What do you say?” she asked with hopeful eyes and Kara gl
“I failed to recognize you,” Jairo said calmly, his eyes never leaving Annabelle’s face.The words sounded neutral but she heard the restraint and control that sat underneath them. She let out a quiet scoff and finally took the seat across from him.“That just means I did a good job hiding,” she replied with a careless shrug. “No offense taken.”Her lips curved into a smirk but there was no warmth behind it, and Jairo noticed that immediately. He studied her with quiet intensity before shifting his gaze briefly to the three men seated around the table, especially the one who had just asked the question. If they truly had enough proof to destroy his father, they wouldn’t need him sitting here. That alone told him everything.“I want to speak to her alone,” he demanded evenly.The men exchanged reluctant looks. Annabelle gave a small nod, dismissing them without ceremony. After a tense pause, they stood and left the room.Silence settled between them as the door was shut. Annabelle adju
Jairo stepped out first and opened the car door for Kara. He didn’t look at her nor say a word. He only waited, making sure her feet touched the pavement safely before straightening up. That small distance between them hurt more than any raised voice ever could.She swallowed hard, fighting the sting behind her eyes. She already felt fragile and his silence made the guilt sit heavier in her chest.Her gaze lifted to the house in front of them.A wide balcony stretched across the front, flowers spilling over railings and pots, colors soft and alive. It reminded her of Charlotte's and Desmond's house in the countryside.They walked into the compound but before they could reach the porch, the door suddenly opened and a young man stepped on him. Who Kara immediately guessed must be Edward.He had been restless all day, his nerves stretching thin. When Jairo told him about his sister and his plan of bringing her to reunite with her family, it had lodged in his chest like a fragile promise
“You have to help me, Leo. I can’t make it there… please,” Kara whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She needed Leo to understand she might not be available tomorrow.“I really wish there was another way but there isn’t. Think for yourself. It’s only the second meeting and you want it done virtually? That’s not possible. You need to find a way to get down here. It’s tomorrow and you can’t miss it. I’m sorry, really wish I could do more.” he replied through the phone, his voice calm and sincere.Kara bit her lip with frustration and worry knotting in her chest. “All right. Thanks. I will find a way to sort myself,” she muttered.“Good night,” he said and the call ended. She pressed her palm to her face, her mind racing. She thought of a plan to carry out if she wants to leave the house alone..The next morning, after Jairo left to sort out how to get Luci back, she put her plan into action. She tricked the guards, claiming she had Jairo’s consent to leave alone without them. They
Eva stood in the bathroom, staring at the phone in her hands like it might explode. Her fingers hovered over the screen, unsure of what to press. She could still remember the frown on the Don's face and her anxiety grew.She tapped randomly until the screen suddenly changed.Emergency call only.Her breath caught.Emergency?The word rang in her head, pulling at something buried deep inside her. Help. Escape. Safety. But fear rushed in just as fast. What if someone heard her? What if she pressed the wrong thing?Before she could decide, a knock sounded on her door. She was startled, quickly shoving the phone out of sight before hurrying out of the bathroom.The door opened almost immediately and her shoulders sagged slightly when she saw a guard standing there with her medication.“Where’s Kai?” she asked, surprised.“Busy,” the guard replied curtly, holding out the drugs.“Busy with what?” she pressed, lifting her gaze to his face.Their eyes met and his expression hardened.“I’m alr
The door flew open without warning, making Luci jump back with a sharp gasp. Her heart slammed hard against her chest as she stared at the guard standing there. His face was tight with irritation, his jaw set like he had no patience left to give. They stood there in silence for a moment, just staring at each other. “What do you wanna eat?” he finally asked, his tone flat. She exhaled slowly. At least he wasn’t here to threaten her. “I’m a vegan. I can cook it myself.” she said plainly. “That’s not happening, princess. Tell me what you want. Someone will make it for you.” he replied without blinking. She folded her arms and lifted her chin, staring him down even though her pulse was racing. “If you were listening, I said I can cook whatever I want myself. This is my grandpa’s villa, so technically, I have the right to do whatever I want.” her lips curved slightly. “Unless you’re scared a college freshman might outsmart you.” Her heart was pounding but she didn’t let it show. Her







