Nathalia Sarmiento is just one of those ordinary teenagers who wishes to graduate from college in order to help the people she treated as her real parents, who did nothing but love her as their own daughter as well. Everything seems to be perfect in her almost fairy tale story. She had a bunch of good friends, loving parents, and a comfortable life. Not until her eighteenth birthday comes. She's about to go home when, suddenly, a black van stops right in front of her. Before she could even escape, a group of men came out and took her away. The next thing she knew was that she would arrive in a familiar mansion, and when she finally met the one who planned it all, the realization hit her hard. A mafia boss captured her. Much to her surprise, he even had the pair of shoes that she had lost before.
Nathalia's POV
"That's all for today. Class is dismissed."
My classmates quickly stood up and hurriedly left as soon as our last professor left the room. Some of them were even pushing each other at the door, seeming eager to go home. I couldn't help but laugh as I organized my belongings.
I was taken aback when I felt a tap on my right shoulder. Madeline's smiling face greeted me when I turned around.
"Your debut is coming up soon, girl! I'm sure Uncle Edwin and Auntie Marcel will prepare for it extravagantly! I'm so excited already!" she squealed.
I just shook my head while smiling. "That's not going to happen."
She suddenly stopped, her forehead creasing. "Huh?"
I shrugged. "I already talked to them about it. Just so you know, I want my birthday this time to be simple and private. I'll only invite a few guests, and there won't be a big party like you expect."
I slung my handbag over my right shoulder and stood up. It was only then that I noticed we were the only ones left in the classroom.
"Let's go!" I said to her.
She followed me with a pout on her face.
I was sure that our three other friends, Harold, Albert, and Damon, had already beaten us to the cafeteria to eat. They often get hungry, but I never quite understood where they put all the food they consumed.
"Are you serious about this? I can't believe you convinced your parents. Knowing them, I'm sure they have already planned something special for your special day," she said with a tinge of regret in her voice.
I winced at her words. Indeed, my parents loved to surprise me. In the past, they always went all out to prepare for my birthday celebration.
They invited many guests, some of whom were their business partners. The parties were often held at a resort, hotel, restaurant, or one of their grand function halls.
But I want this year to be different. Yes, my parents own a large hotel chain, but I don't want them to spend a lot of money just because of me.
Because I am not their real child.
This is a part of my identity that no one knows, not even my friends. It's better that way to avoid questions and issues.
Over the years, Mom and Dad never had another child. I understand why they lavish me with almost everything. Other people understand it too, as they often say that I am their only child.
They are one of the reasons why I am excited to finish my studies. I only have two years left, and finally, I'll be able to help their business. It's one way for me to show my gratitude to them.
"At first, it was really challenging to convince them. It took me a lot of effort just for them to say yes," I admitted.
That's true. They gave me a lot of conditions before they agreed.
She let out a sigh, causing me to glare at her. She quickly raised both hands in surrender.
"Okay. If that's what you want. We don't mind whether your birthday celebration is extravagant or simple. But I guess we're included among the few guests, right?" she asked hesitantly.
I briefly stopped walking to give her a disapproving look. "Of course! What kind of question is that?"
I don't know if it was just my imagination, but sadness seemed to have passed through her eyes, quickly replaced by joy.
"It's nothing. I just want to confirm. I don't want to assume that we're invited."
I lightly hit her on the arm. "You're really crazy!"
Both of us just laughed before continuing our walk.
We stopped as we reached the locker area. I was about to open my locker when Madeline excused herself, saying she'd just go to the restroom. I didn't say anything and simply nodded in response.
When I finally opened my locker, I furrowed my brow as I noticed a white envelope placed on top of my book there.
I noticed that the top of the envelope was blank, without anything written on it. Though curious, I picked it up and opened it without hesitation. Inside was a folded white piece of paper, which I quickly read.
Advance happy 18th birthday, Nath. I can't wait to see you soon.
My forehead furrowed even more after reading it. I checked the back of the paper and the envelope, hoping to find some clue about who it might be from.
But there was nothing else written, just that message.
I tried to remember if I had a friend or someone I knew well that I hadn't seen in a long time.
But I couldn't think of anyone.
I just shrugged and decided to hide it in my bag. Perhaps one of my classmates was just messing with me because they had nothing better to do. I couldn't say if it was a secret admirer or something else, as it was the only time I received such a letter. Besides, no one has ever courted me. Some have attempted to, but for reasons I couldn't quite figure out, things never progressed.
I was about to close the locker door after placing some of my belongings there when I noticed something else resting on top of my book.
My heart pounded with nervousness as I reached for that object.
A black rose.
My hand trembled as I took it, and I closed the locker door without thinking. I started walking slowly, my attention fixed on the black rose.
However, because I was slightly looking down, I didn't notice that I was about to collide with someone, causing me to accidentally drop the rose I was holding.
"Sorry!" I said, about to pick up the fallen flower when he quickly reached it before I could.
"Interesting," I heard him mutter before he handed me the black rose. "Here."
I was taken aback, almost holding my breath as I took the rose from him. But at that moment, my attention wasn't on the flower but on the man standing before me.
He's wearing a black hat, tuxedo, and shades, so I couldn't make out his entire face.
I was about to say something when he walked past me, leaving me with no choice but to follow him with my gaze.
But I gasped and almost jumped in surprise when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder from behind.
"Let's go. They're waiting for us already."
I turned around abruptly, and once again, Mads' smiling face greeted me. It seemed like there was no moment when this girl wasn't smiling.
I quickly recovered from my surprise.
"Okay."
I quickly hid the black rose inside my bag. I don't know why, but I had a feeling that something unsettling might happen in the coming days.
Adding to my thoughts was the familiarity of the man I bumped into earlier. For some reason, his presence intimidated me.
Just who the hell is he?
Tiffany Salazar has witnessed how her once-perfect family turned into a broken one. That’s why she did everything she could to make sure that her relationship with her boyfriend, Travis Jason Vernon, would not share the same fate as what happened to her parents. But as the years passed by, the realization hit her. In order to be with the man that she truly loves and maintain the stability of their relationship, she had to give up one thing that she ever wanted: Freedom. Wherein no one will have full control of her life. To the point that she doesn’t even know her true self anymore. That’s why, no matter how much she wants to protect the love that they have, in the end, she chooses to protect herself first. And it will only happen if she breaks up with Travis. So she did. As she finally goes on with her life, she notices that something is still missing. That the freedom she wants never gave her happiness and contentment. Much to her regret, it only became the reason for her to lose her first and true love. Determined to win Travis back, will she be able to correct the mistake she made and restart everything from that Christmas night? Or will she end up drowning herself in regrets and embracing her chosen freedom?
Nicole Jane Parker is an incoming grade twelve student who lives in luxury and enjoys her freedom as much as she can. But even though she had the privilege to do whatever she wants and gets anything that she will ask for in life, it's not enough to fill the emptiness in her heart. Having trust issues with other people, she grows up with no friends at all. While her parents are always away for business trips. These are the reasons that pushed her to live independently. Things will then start to change the moment she transferred and set her foot in Clarkson Academy. There she will meet Kyle Ethan Clarkson- who is treated by the students and other people in the academy as a prince. But as she started to get along with him, she will discover something about him that is beyond her imagination. Because Kyle Ethan Clarkson is the Pureblood Prince of the Vampires- the creatures whose existence is unknown to the humans, and the one destined for her to marry.
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
After two years of marriage, Kristian dropped a bombshell. "She's back. Let's get divorced. Name your price." Freya didn't argue. She just smiled and made her demands. "I want your most expensive supercar." "Okay." "The villa on the outskirts." "Sure." "And half of the billions we made together." Kristian froze. "Come again?" He thought she was ordinary—but Freya was the genius behind their fortune. And now that she'd gone, he'd do anything to win her back.
Darya spent three years loving Micah, worshipping the ground he walked on. Until his neglect and his family's abuse finally woke her up to the ugly truth-he doesn't love her. Never did, never will. To her, he is a hero, her knight in shining armour. To him, she is an opportunist, a gold digger who schemed her way into his life. Darya accepts the harsh reality, gathers the shattered pieces of her dignity, divorces him, takes back her real name, reclaims her title as the country's youngest billionaire heiress. Their paths cross again at a party. Micah watches his ex-wife sing like an angel, tear up the dance floor, then thwart a lecher with a roundhouse kick. He realises, belatedly, that she's exactly the kind of woman he'd want to marry, if only he had taken the trouble to get to know her. Micah acts promptly to win her back, but discovers she's now surrounded by eligible bachelors: high-powered CEO, genius biochemist, award-winning singer, reformed playboy. Worse, she makes it pretty clear that she's done with him. Micah gears up for an uphill battle. He must prove to her he's still worthy of her love before she falls for someone else. And time is running out.
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"