Todos os capítulos de Owned By My Best Friend's Father: Capítulo 11 - Capítulo 20

LEAH POV “Bye Mom, bye Soph—have a great day at school,” I called as I rushed out the door, backpack slung over one shoulder, keys already in hand. The morning sun is bright, but I barely notice. The diner is the only thing keeping me grounded these days, the only place where I can pretend everything is normal.Ever since that night with Victor, I’ve stopped taking Damien’s calls. I let them ring out, watch his name flash on the screen, then go dark. I don’t reply to the texts that follow either because I couldn't afford Victor finding out who he was. It would be Hell if that happens.The diner is quiet after the lunch rush with only a couple of regulars at the far end of the counter, Maria humming softly in the kitchen. I’m behind the register reorganizing napkin stacks, trying to keep my hands busy and my mind quiet, when the door bangs open.Three guys in cheap hoodies and fake gold chains strut in, already loud and reeking of beer. The one in front with a shaved head, thick neck

Damien POV I just nod in response, not taking his hand.I turn to Leah. “What happened here?"I asked.She doesn’t meet my eyes. “It’s nothing,” she mumbles.I step closer and hold her jaw tilting her face up so she has no choice but to look at me.“I said what happened here?” I asked again.Her eyes flicker with guilt, anger, and exhaustion all mixed together. “It’s nothing you should worry yourself about. It’s been taken care of. And by the way, what are you doing here? Don’t you have work?” Her voice is sharp, defensive, but it cracks like she’s holding back tears or rage or both.I don’t answer her question.I turn and walk over to Maria. She’s still standing behind the counter, phone clutched in one hand, spatula in the other like she’s ready to swing again. Her face is pale, but her eyes are steady.I signal to Marcus—he’s already moving, stepping through the door with a thick envelope in his hand.I nod at Maria. “Abuelita, here,” I sayMarcus hands her the cash—thick stack, m

DAMIEN POVHe steps in like he owns the place, his eyes bloodshot, shirt untucked, reeking of cheap beer and cheaper cologne.His gaze lands on Emily first, then brightens when he sees Sophie. “Hey, princess! How are you?” he calls. “Look at you—getting big, you always look bigger each day I see you!”Sophie hesitates, glances at Leah as if asking for permission she nods at her, then she looks back at him. “Hi, Dad,” she says in this small voice.Victor walks over, crouches slightly to meet her eyes, and softens his voice. “I promise I’ll keep visiting, okay? No more disappearing. You believe me right?” Sophie gives a small nod and I see her eyes shine with hope and that breaks my heart knowing Victor only sticks around if there's something for him. I'm disgusted by how he keeps toying with this little girl's feelings.He ruffles her hair lightly and stands.Then his eyes slide to Leah. “Well, damn,” he drawls. “The whole family reunion. I never expected to see you here MR Cross ar

DAMIEN POVHe answers on the first ring. “Mr. Cross? Is there anything you need?”“Marcus,” I say, my voice low. “I need you to handle two things for me. Tonight, with no delays.”“Always, sir. Go ahead,” Marcus responds.“First: Victor Hayes, he's Leah's father. I want full 24-hour surveillance on him starting immediately. I want eyes on him every second, from his movements to his calls, his locations, and his associates. I don't want him out of sight for even a minute. If he so much as drives past her street, if he makes a phone call that mentions her name, if he shows up anywhere near her building or her workplace, make sure to intercept him before he gets close. I want him to have no contact with her unless at home. Use the full team if you have to. Report any deviation to me personally, no matter the hour,” I instruct.“Understood, sir. The surveillance grid will be in place within the hour. We'll rotate shifts. GPS trackers will be installed on his vehicle if he has one, and his

LEAH POV The alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m., sharp and unforgiving. I slap it silently then lie there for a minute staring at the ceiling crack that’s been there since I was twelve. My body feels heavy, like it’s carrying yesterday’s yelling and broken glass in every muscle. But the apartment is quiet, no shouting, no Victor, and that alone is enough to make me swing my legs over the side of the bed. I move through the morning routine on autopilot: brush my teeth, pull my hair into a messy bun then I slip into the diner uniform (black pants, white shirt, non-slip shoes that have seen better days). In the kitchen, I pack the leftover arroz into two plastic containers—one for Emily, one for Sophie to take to school if she wants. I added a little note on Emily’s: Arroz promise kept. Love you. —LSophie’s door is cracked open. I knock lightly.She’s already up, sitting cross-legged on her bed in her pajamas, scrolling on her phone. “Morning,” I say softly. “You sleep okay?”She shru