I exited the cab and surveyed the entire area. I stood in front of a colossal building. I read the words inscribed on the side of the wall: Monteverde Group of Companies. I paid my fare and inconspicuously walked towards the sidewalk. Where is he? After a while, I noticed businessmen emerging in their three-piece suits. My gaze settled when I spotted his familiar face. I offered a melancholic smile as I looked at him with yearning and nostalgia. He couldn't see me, I was too distant. He looked incredibly handsome in his gray suit. He got into his car and I observed in quietude as he drove off to an unknown destination. I sighed. This is for the best. He has the life I believe he deserves now. I knew you could do it. It was all worth it. I thought as I looked at the building in front of me with pride. Seeing him successful is enough to bring me joy.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a black halter dress paired with killer black heels. I also applied black lipstick-oops! Just kidding. I'm not a freaking witch. My lips were the color of fresh strawberries. Luscious red. I puckered my lips in satisfaction. I even winked at my own reflection.
I took my purse and gracefully exited my room. I was halfway down the stairs when I heard my moribund stepfather utter my name. I raised my phenomenal eyebrow and turned. He was standing on his room's doorway. He scrutinized me and his expression tightened. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except party?"
Wow. I wonder where he gets the gall to speak to me like that. "Do you have nothing else to do in your life except meddle in mine?" I shot back.
"Why don't you help out in the company instead? We're facing problems there."
"Those are your problems," I answered, rolling my eyes. I loathe him. I wish my real dad was here. But no, he's resting in peace upstairs.
Ever since my mom died five years ago, my stepdad took control of all our assets. He married my mom for money. I gave him a look of distaste when I remembered him telling me that, weeks after my mom passed away.
I want to leave this house and get away from the monster in front of me, but I won't. Why? This house is mine. It's only in my name because he brainwashed Mama.
That's why such a huge portion went to my beastly stepfather. So I decided to stay here and pester him to death. I'll just squander his money.
"I don't know what to do with you anymore. You're getting worse each passing day," he said as his jaw clenched. I batted my eyelashes as I spoke. "Awww."
I hope that's enough to piss him off. I waved my hand dismissively and descended the stairs. The maids looked at me, and I just raised an eyebrow. I grabbed the keys to my newly bought car and got in.
My iPhone buzzed inside my purse. I took it out and saw a message from my friend. They're already at the bar. I'm the only one left. I replied with an "on the way."
The drive was calming. This is how I feel every time I go out of that fucking house. I can't even call it a home. I parked in front of Andromeda. That's the name of the bar. I checked my face in the rearview mirror. Stunning. I complimented myself.
I got out of the car and entered. I was greeted by the loud music reverberating throughout the place. My two friends, Altheia and Psyche, welcomed me. "I thought you weren't going to make it," Altheia pouted.
"Can you even imagine that? I won't ditch the two of you. We just had another encounter with Alvido," I casually replied. Psyche nodded and tugged at my wrist. "Let's get wasted tonight!" She shouted to be heard. I just chuckled.
That's how it goes when you're brokenhearted, been there done that. We headed towards the bar counter. I wasn't planning to get drunk tonight but somehow I did.
Psyche and Altheia are busy dancing their hearts out. I took another shot of liquor as I stared at my hand. I eyed the ring I've been wearing for four years now.
Stop it. He's not coming back. I scolded myself. I sighed and massaged my temples. A guy slipped onto the stool next to me. He offered a smile, and I just nodded.
Hoping that he gets the message. I am not interested. I have no plans of getting laid. "I'm Ken. You are?" He offered me his hand. I halfheartedly shook it but I didn't tell him my name. He ordered a bloody mary and took it in one gulp.
"What is a beautiful lady doing in this bar alone?" He queried, obviously not giving up. "I'm with my friends." I nodded towards the dance floor.
"Hmm, okay. Do you wanna dance?" He pressed. I shook my head. I ordered another glass of liquor. I kept on drinking. Ken was still sitting beside me. I was completely blitzed out after five more shots. I reeked of alcohol.
"Hey Ken!" I hollered as I tapped his shoulder. He faced me and I pointed towards the dance floor. His face lit up as he guided me in the middle.
I giggled. We danced provocatively, and maybe I was really losing my grip on sanity because I let Ken pinch my butt. I smiled at him seductively and he chuckled like a sex-starved man.
"You're really hot," he mumbled in my ear. I looked at him seductively and bit my lip. We were grinding in the middle of the dance floor for heaven's sake. I heard his muffled moans.
"Ahhh, shit baby," he groaned. His hands roamed my body and I let him. His grip on me loosened and I heard him curse.
I don't know how it happened, but the next scene I saw was so appalling that it made me scream.
I saw Ken lying unconscious on the floor while someone was bashing him in the face. "Leave her the fuck alone!" The guy shouted as he let loose one final punch.
I froze. That voice. Even though I was drunk, I couldn't afford to make a mistake. It's him! Tiny voices were screaming in my aching head right now. Telling me to run so that he couldn't see me.
But I held my ground. I waited for him to turn and when he did, my jaw almost fell. It was him.
My heart started pounding. Four long years. It's been four long years since we've been this close to each other. His mere presence brings back thousands of memories.
I looked at his face but he was expressionless. I opened my mouth to say something but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the exit.
I was too dumbfounded to react. "W-wait. Ken. He's bleeding. You might have k-killed him." I said, suddenly scared. He faced me, he was still poker-faced. "Then I'll pay for his life."
I stopped in my tracks when I heard him say those words. Never in my life have I heard him say something so unpleasant towards other people. Did he really say that?
"What?" I repeated to be sure. Anger flashed in and out of his face. "I'll pay for his life. Isn't that how it works in this world? Everyone has a price."
I looked at him intently. Was I really talking to him? "You're wrong. Not everyone can be bought with money."
He laughed sarcastically. "Oh really? Then what's your price?" He challenged. I had no answer. I was speechless, partly because I was shocked to see how much he has changed.
"Is it a man? Is that the kind of person you associate with now? The guy who was caressing your body a while ago, is that your type now?" I felt hurt and offended. How could he? How could he say this to me?
"I didn't know your standards had dropped so low." He taunted. It felt like he was stabbing me with his words. The corners of my eyes burned.
I didn't reply. I took his hand and threw it away. Then I left the bar and headed to my car. For such a long time, I wished for this day to come. But I didn't imagine that this is how it would go. I felt an arm tug at mine.
I turned only to see him staring at me with such cold eyes. "Don't you dare walk out on me when I'm talking to you!" He gritted his teeth and his grip on my arm tightened, causing me to wince in pain.
I pushed him hard and gave him a mind-shattering slap. My tears were threatening to fall but I willed them not to. I pointed a shaking finger at him. "I didn't know you could be this heartless." I uttered, my voice almost breaking.
He only gave me a cold stare and spoke calmly.
"And I didn't know you have a tendency to be a slut, Cassidy."
"Yes, let's say I fucking love it." he said making me smile. We stayed in that position for a while and I shivered again for the second time. he changed our position so he was on top again. He put his hand on my side and moved freely on top of me. "Ohhh! Fa-Faster please." "I can't hear you, baby?" He was still teasing and slowed down his movement as he entered with full emphasis. I held his seat to make him lean more. "Alright, hurry up." "Next, baby." he said and sped up again. While he wasn't moving as fast as he was, he was relentlessly kissing my lips. I like this. I want to give him everything. he is the man who made me feel strange feelings. I feel that I will be very hurt when he leaves me. So I will do everything to be the only woman for him. We hugged each other and I was amazed by his last strength. I rested deeply and accepted the warm liquid he released from my insides. We kissed again and smiled at each other. He pulled out his length and left on top of me. He stood next to me and hugged me so I leaned on his chest and closed my eyes. "Flirt!" I woke up when someone grabbed my hair so I winced in pain especially when it pulled me down on the bed. "Suzanne!" "You're an animal! You're an animal, Atreo!" I was confused as I wrapped the blanket around my naked body. I looked at the woman who was beautiful, sophisticated, well dressed, and maybe the same age as Kuya. "Suzane, please, don't come here." I looked at both of them because I couldn't understand why the girl was crying. The woman looked at me when I stood up. I was shocked when he slapped me so I held my cheek and looked at it. I can see his tears and anger on his face. "You're flirtatious! You managed to hook up with my husband!" I was almost pierced and couldn't breathe from what he said. Husband? Is Atreo his wife? I looked at Atreo Ripler Alvarez. The guy I thought was single. The man I thought I could have. "Grace, let me explain." I cried and almost wanted to sink to the ground in my situation. I hate myself. I ran outside with only a blanket covering my nakedness. I could hardly see the road because of my flooding tears that blurred my vision. "You're flirtatious! You managed to hook up with my husband!" "You're flirtatious! You managed to hook up with my husband!" "You're flirtatious! You managed to hook up with my husband!" What the woman said kept echoing in my mind. I sat down on a rock and hugged myself as I continued to sob. "You are nothing but a mistress, Grace."
 "ELLESA WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON !!!" I woke up because of that thunderous voice. I got up and looked at the person at my bedroom door. And immediately a blanket covered my body "D-dad?" My answer is shocking. The person next to me moved and I felt stunned by it as well. "YOU'RE A DISGUSTING WOMAN. ANY MAN YOU MAY HAVE BROUGHT HERE! YOU'RE JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER! YOU'RE JUST GIVING THIS FAMILY SHAME!" He added. I want to cry because of dad’s insult to me. I wanted to defend myself but I lost word. I can't talk back to my dad. "Mr. Craig? How did you get here? As far as I know your house isn't here." Dad's Sarcastic Promise. None of us spoke. "A lot of media is out because someone saw you last night in a parking lot at a club. REALLY? OUTSIDE YOU REALLY DID IT? YOU ELLESA! YOU'RE AN EDUCATED WOMAN RIGHT? BUT YOU ACT LIKE A LOWLY SLUT." He is there again for his insult. "I want you two to get married as soon as possible." Authoritative he said. "WHAT? HELL NO! I WILL NEVER DO THAT MR. GIBB!" Nate shouted.  "Whether you agree it or not, you're going to marry my daughter. Or else I'll bring down your company. Don't fight me Mr. Craig." After that dad turned around.
It repeatedly enters my mind that what I am doing is wrong but I can’t step back now. I peeked into the grand mansion. The monster's house That's what they call the man who lives here. I haven't really seen him yet but because of rumors. I couldn't stop my curiousity so here I am. I'm sure my Mama will scold me again when she finds out what I'm doing. I kept hearing so many things about the man named Alexendris Courner. About how ruthless he is and short temper. I wonder, if it's really true. Based on what I see. He is extremenly rich. He has a two storey mansion. I think. His land area is 8 hectares and it is not just a mansion that stands here. "Odd. Why does it seem so quiet?" I asked in astonishment I looked around before approaching the guard house and was surprised to see nothing there. He doesn't have a security guard? In the size of his house. Isn't he afraid to rob? I was hesitant to enter. I know it's trespassing but I can't help myself. I slammed the gate. I almost drowned when I pushed it open. My eyes widened. "A-aren't they already robbed?" Nope! This is not trespassing. I'm just checking. Later they are actually robbed. I'm just a concerned citizen! I shared the sight across the house. I see three sports car parked in the right side. Is there anyone inside? I'm even more nervous e. I made my way through the door. My hand was still shaking as I knocked on the door. No one's answering. "Knock Knock-" I was interrupted by someone speaking behind me. "You!" My chest throbbed when I heard that baritone voice as if the was ready. I slowly turned away. Our eyes met. His deep sharp blue eyes bore at me. There's a dangerous glint in those orbs that pushed me back. He took big steps until he could get close to me. He held my hand and drew me harshly. "You shouldn't be here ... young woman."
"Let's get a divorce"- His wife looked at him, he stood up and approached his wife. "What do you mean Divorce? Are you really gonna leave me?"- he said while stroking her wife's cheek, Charlotte removed his husband's hand and stepped back "Yes! and I'll do anything just to get rid off of you!"- she shouted, her husband just grinned at her. "If you can"- he said and went back to where he was sitting and drank some wine Charlotte was holding tightly to her pants......
I sighed a few more times before driving my car away. I don't care about him anymore. but I forgave him a long time ago even though I was very hurt by what he did before. Oh God! I hope our paths never cross again.
"You're really rude! Be respectful!" Dad said angrily. I smiled bitterly because of what he said. "Rude? You're the reason I've been rude! If only you hadn't been so selfish, I wouldn't have been that!" I answer back. "We didn't become selfish children, we did it for you — for your future. We want your life to be peaceful when you graduate." Mom said tearfully. "Is that your solution for my future? You must be stupid then. I can work after I graduate. What you said is that you did it for yourself-so that you can be even richer and be known by all over the world and- " “How dare you talk back to your mother!”-Dad. I winced at what Dad had done. Its the second time he slapped me. I was grabbed by my sore cheek and started crying again. But instead of acting, I wiped away my tears and smiled wryly. "There you are again. Does it feel good to slap your daughter over and over again Dad? Is it comforting? Because I felt like slapping me is becoming your habit." I said to him. Dad didn't speak right away because of what I said. Mom kept crying as she hugged Dad's arm. "I'm sorry daughter." Only Dad said. I ignored them and started walking up the stairs. Mom tried to stretch my hand to stop me but I just tapped her and left. "Do you think you can stop this agreement? Sorry daughter but you have no other way. You need to marry him! Because I say so!" Dad chased after me but I just ignored it. You're wrong Dad, there's still a way.
For two years, Ashton had poured his heart into his marriage, yet Emalee's heart remained cold. Despite his dedication, Emalee presented him with divorce papers. She bluntly stated she could not remain married to a man whose net worth was less than a million dollars. Ashton signed the papers, closing one chapter of his life and stepping into a new beginning. Then, Ashton revealed his secret identities: a music mogul, a medical expert, and a martial arts master—each persona impressive enough to stun the world. As Ashton’s true capabilities came to light, Emalee was overwhelmed with deep regret.
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Sophia Drake braced herself for the worst when she was forced to move across the country in the middle of her junior year. Desperate to escape her shattered home as soon as she turns eighteen, her plans are disrupted by the enigmatic and captivating Ashford twins. Sophia can't fathom the intense attraction she feels for the twins and tries to avoid them at every turn. As she's thrust into an unfamiliar world, her past demons resurface, making her question her true identity. Will Sophia flee from her past's secrets, or will she embrace her destiny and take control of her future?
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
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!"
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"