Chapter 31 : Denying it all

Rafael's phone ranged and he picked it up without checking the caller ID.“Mr. Wood?” the officer on the line said.“Yes, speaking.”“This is Detective Morris, NYPD. I’m calling regarding the case you filed against Mr. Diego Mondragon” “Go on.”He said as he stopped at the door..There was a brief pause. “Sir, after reviewing the evidence and speaking with the victim… I’m afraid we won’t be able to move forward with pressing charges.”“What do you mean you can’t move forward?” Rafael said.“The victim has denied any assault took place. She confirmed her injuries were caused by a car accident. With no cooperating statement and no eyewitnesses willing to testify otherwise, our hands are tied.”Rafael clenched his jaw. “She is scared. You and I both know that.”“I understand your frustration, Mr Wood,” the detective replied calmly. “But legally, without her cooperation, there’s nothing we can do at this time.”Then Rafael exhaled slowly.“Understood.”“If anything changes, or if she come

Last Updated : 2025-05-22

Chapter 31 : At a party

1 month laterOne maid stepped out quietly, holding a glass of water. “Ma'am, you’ve been here for hours.”Thersa smiled faintly, eyes not leaving the flower in her hand. “It helps me breathe.”The maid crouched beside her. “You haven’t spoken about the baby since....”“Because there’s nothing left to say,” Thersa whispered. “If I speak, I’ll cry. If I cry, I’ll break. And I’m afraid no one will put me back together.”She took a long breath and lifted out the fragile rose.The maid's eyes watered. “Would you like me to call Grace again?” Thersa shook her head. “No. Not yet. Grace brings truth. And I’m not ready for that either.”There was silence. Only the sound of petals brushed one another.Then, softly, Thersa said, “When I was little, I used to think people who liked flowers were soft. Now I know....they’re the strongest. Because they know beauty grows where no one sees the roots.”She stood slowly and handed the small watering can to the maid.“Keep them alive,” she said. “They l

Last Updated : 2025-05-27

Chapter 33 : Finding a new escape

Before Mon could reach the bar, Thersa stepped right into his path.“Where were you?” he growled with narrowed eyes..“I... I was in the washroom,” Thersa replied her face slightly trembling.“Let’s get out of here,” Mon muttered, grabbing her hand.“But we just got here...barely twenty minutes ago,” Thersa said, confused.“Don’t act like you wanted to be here,” he snapped. “You never did.” He tightened his grip and pulled her with him.They were almost at the door when Rafael stepped in front of them, blocking their path.“Where’s the Mondragon family rushing off to so soon?” he said “Don’t tell me you’re leaving already...the party’s just getting started.”Mon forced a smile “Some of us have real things to do. We can’t afford to waste more than thirty minutes on the same event.”He glanced at Thersa. “Besides, my sweet wife here already feels out of place. Isn’t that right?”Thersa looked down without a word.“Enjoy your night,” Mon added coolly, then held her hand tightly and led h

Last Updated : 2025-05-29

Chapter 34 : Italy

Reafe's expression softened as he took in Thersa's desperation. He glanced around cautiously, making sure no one was watching, then nodded slowly.“Get in,” he said quietly, pushing open the passenger door.Thersa slid in, her hands trembling as she wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. Reafe got in beside her, closing the door with a quiet click.“We’ll figure this out,” he muttered with a low voice as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.“He’s going to kill me… just like he made me lose every child I carried,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. “Please, do something. Help me. I can't do this anymore... You're my only hope.”Rafael swallowed hard, fighting the surge of rage boiling inside him. He turned to face her, his jaw tight, eyes fierce but gentle when they met hers.“I won’t let anything happen to you, Thersa. I swear on my life,” he said as he reached out and placed a hand over hers. “You’re safe with me. And I’ll do anything... whatever it takes to protect

Last Updated : 2025-05-29

Chapter 35 : A kiss with him

The large gold doors opened slowly as two big black SUVs drove into the compound. At the back of the house, behind a wrought-iron gate adorned with vines, Mom Camilla stood near the large, gated pit where a swarm of crocodiles thrashed and snapped hungrily at eleven raw chickens being thrown in one by one. “Calma! Calma! There's enough for everyone,” Camilla called out, waving a manicured hand as if taming wild beasts with grace. A maid rushed up to her, panting. “Ma’am… Mr. Diego Mondragon your son he’s here.” Camilla’s hand paused mid-toss as she turned, brow arched. But before she could speak “Still feeding these overgrown lizards, mother?" Diego’s voice rang out mockingly as his footsteps were heard approaching..... He came into view, dressed in dark slacks and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top, his sunglasses pushed up onto his head. “You know,” he added with a smirk, “sometimes I wonder if you raised these reptiles better than you raised your own children.” Camilla

Last Updated : 2025-05-30

Chapter 36 : Pregnant for who?

The doors of Rafael's house opened. Standing tall was Thersa, completely drenched from head to toe, her hair clinging to her face as rain continued to pour outside. Rafael's eyes widened as he saw her. “Mrs. Thersa…” he muttered, quickly stepping aside. “Please, come in.” She walked in silently, water dripping from her clothes.. Within seconds, Rafael disappeared into a room and returned with a towel. Gently, he wrapped it around her shoulders. “You’re freezing.” Thersa didn’t speak at first. Her lips were slightly parted, but no words came out. “Take me with you,” Thersa said, her voice barely above a whisper. Rafael looked at her, surprised. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “I just… I don’t want to be alone tonight.” Rafael looked at her, his eyes softening as he stepped closer. And just like that, whatever they had left unfinished the last time quietly found its way back tonight. His lips met hers soft, warm, and searching. The kiss wasn’t rushed. It was gentle, a

Last Updated : 2025-05-31