บททั้งหมดของ CROWN OF SCARS : บทที่ 1 - บทที่ 10

A single mistake dragged the Clinton family into hell. But the real nightmare began the moment Elisa disappeared. The first gunshot shattered the silence of the Clinton mansion. Annabelle jerked awake, her heart slamming violently against her chest. For a second, she stayed frozen beneath the sheets staring into the darkness her room. Maybe it was a dream. Then another gunshot echoed through the house. Her breath hitched. "No, no, no......" She threw the blanket aside and rushed out of bed barefoot, her hands trembling. The mansion that once felt warm and safe felt cold and unfamiliar. "Mom?" She cried softly as she stepped into the hallway. No answer, fear crawled slowly into her chest. "Dad"? Then she heard it. Crying voices downstairs and heavy footsteps. Annabelle's stomach tightened instantly. Panic consumed her as she hurried toward the staircase. The closer she got, the clearer the terrifying sounds became. Men shouting, furniture breaking and someone sobbing helplessly

The moment Desmond stepped into the room, Annabelle realized something terrifying, death was no longer the worst thing that could happen to her.The instant Annabelle heard the guard announced from outside the room that the police had arrived and were asking for her, hope exploded inside her chest."They're here!" She screamed, struggling against the bed. "I'm here! Please help me!"Desmond face darkened instantly. Panic flickered across his eyes for the first time since she had met him.He yanked the door open. The guard bowed respectfully. "Sir, the police and media are outside the mansion."Annabelle seized the opportunity. She rushed toward the door barefoot, her heart pounding wildly.But before she could escape, the guard grabbed her violently. "Let me go?" She cried.He slammed her against the wall and dragged her back into the room. "I don't want to stay here."Within seconds, the guard tied her wrist to ankles tightly with a rope."You think this will save you?" She shouted

Annabelle lay motionless on the enormous bed, her eyes squeezed shut as though refusing to acknowledge the reality around her. She clung to the fragile hope that if she opened them, she would wake up in her room, hear her mother's voice calling her downstairs and find her father watching the news on TV as though nothing had happened. But reality was cruel than dreams. With a trembling breath, she slowly opened her eyes. The luxurious bedroom remained unchanged. The expensive chandelier hanging above shocked her misery, while the elegant furniture and silk curtains only reminded her that she was trapped inside the mansion of the man that destroyed her family. A bitter smile appeared on her lips. "So, this is my life now." She sat up slowly, every part of her body aching from exhaustion. She barely remembered falling asleep. Her mind had been overwhelmed by grief, fear and endless questions that refuse to leave her. Dragging herself toward the bathroom, she closed the door behi

FLASHBACK The laughter around the Clinton family's dining table was the kind that made a house feel like home.Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light as Mr. and Mrs. Clinton watched their children with quiet pride. For one fleeting moment, the world outside their mansion didn't exist.Annabelle pushed her plate away after only a few bites.Mrs. Clinton frowned. "Sweetheart, don't you like the food?"Annabelle smiled apologetically."No, Mom. I already ate earlier. I need to sleep so I can wake up early tomorrow. My fans are expecting a new video."Her father chuckled."Our pretty celebrity."Annabelle laughed, stood up, and kissed both her parents on the cheek."Goodnight.""Sleep well, sweetheart," her mother replied.The housekeeper began clearing the table as Ethan yawned loudly.Mrs. Clinton smiled."Ethan, bedtime.""Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad.""Sleep tight, son."Mrs. Clinton stood."I'll take Ethan upstairs."Mr. Clinton nodded."I'll be there in a minute."As

Even the strongest hearts can burn beneath a fever, but some wounds are too deep for medicine to heal.A few days had passed since the disastrous events that continued to haunt Annabelle's mind.The camera light blinked on inside her bedroom, illuminating her face as she adjusted the phone on its stand. She looked directly into the camera with the confidence her followers had come to admire."As a woman," she began softly, "you must learn how to protect your heart. Never allow yourself to be used by a man. Your dreams should never be sacrificed just because someone promised you forever."She paused briefly before continuing."Focus on building a future you can be proud of. The truth is, my father is one of the most respected and wealthy men in this country, yet I still believe I have to build my own brand. I want to create my own identity."A faint smile crossed her lips, though it never reached her eyes."So ladies, make your own money first. Build a healthy relationship with your pa