As I walked home, my mind swirled with tumultuous thoughts, each one more painful than the last. I couldn't shake the hurt and confusion that lingered after my encounter with my family. Why did they treat me like that? Why did they turn their backs on me when I needed them the most? The questions echoed in my mind, but I had no answers.Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Martins approaching until I heard him call my name. Startled, I quickly wiped away the tears that stained my cheeks, hoping to hide the evidence of my distress. But it was already too late. Martins had seen through my facade, his concerned gaze piercing through my defenses."Carina, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern as he stepped out of his car to approach me.I tried to force a smile, to brush off his concern and pretend that everything was fine. But the weight of my emotions was too heavy to bear, and the facade crumbled beneath the weight of my pain."I... I'm okay," I stammered, my v

As I hung up the phone with Nelly, a sense of unease settled over me. Should I tell Madam Katie and Martins about the meeting with Nelly and Leah? I pondered, weighing the risks and benefits. Ultimately, I decided to keep it to myself. They had enough on their plates without worrying about my family drama.Exiting my room, I found Madam Katie and Martins waiting for me, their eyes lighting up as they caught sight of me. "Carina, you look stunning!" Madam Katie exclaimed, her smile warm and genuine.Martins nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on me. "Absolutely breathtaking," he added, his voice filled with admiration.I forced a smile, grateful for their compliments but unable to shake off the weight of my thoughts. "Thank you," I murmured, my mind still preoccupied.Madam Katie placed a hand on my shoulder, concern flickering in her eyes. "Is everything okay, dear?" she asked, her tone gentle.I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm just... thinking about some things," I

The truck driver peered through the windshield, his eyes fixed on Carina as she stood alone at the deserted park. He revved the engine, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he anticipated the moment of impact. Carina glanced around nervously, unaware of the impending danger hurtling toward her.With a sudden surge of adrenaline, the driver pressed down hard on the accelerator, the engine roaring to life as the truck barreled forward at full speed. His heart pounded with excitement as he aimed directly for Carina, his intentions dark As the truck closed in on its target, the driver's gaze remained fixed on Carina, his mind racing with thoughts of the destruction he was about to unleash. He calculated the perfect angle, the ideal moment to strike, his anticipation building with each passing second.Suddenly, just as he was about to make his move, a figure appeared out of nowhere and yanked Carina out of harm's way. The driver's eyes widened in shock as he realized he had missed

Martins rushed back to the hospital room, his heart pounding with worry. He burst through the door, expecting to find Carina waiting for him. But the room was empty, and his fear intensified."Carina?" he called out, his voice echoing off the sterile walls. There was no response.Frantic, Martins checked every corner of the room, hoping to find some clue as to where Carina might have gone. He spotted her phone lying on the bedside table, abandoned and silent. Why would she leave without her phone?Panic rising in his chest, Martins dashed out of the room and down the corridor. He flagged down a passing nurse, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Have you seen a young woman, about this tall, with dark hair?" he asked, gesturing wildly.The nurse shook her head, her eyes widening at Martins' distress. "I'm sorry, I haven't seen anyone matching that description," she said apologetically.Martins cursed under his breath and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Where could Carina hav

Martins sat in his car, the weight of what had just happened with Carina heavy on his mind. He rested his head against the steering wheel, replaying the moment their lips had met over and over again in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of shock and confusion that had washed over him in the aftermath.How had he let himself kiss her like that? It was reckless, impulsive, and completely out of character for him. He knew he had crossed a line, and now he had no idea how to face her, especially with her departure for the airport looming ahead.Just as Martins was lost in his thoughts, his phone rang, jolting him back to reality. It was Luke, his nephew, calling him. Martins hesitated, unsure if he wanted to answer, but eventually he relented and picked up the call."Hey," Luke's voice came through the line, cheerful and upbeat as always.Martins could feel the tension building in his chest as he responded, his voice clipped and distant. "What do you want, Luke?"Luke didn't seem to