Hellisha Jane De Castro, a 28-year-old woman, possesses breathtaking beauty that any man could dream of. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, and red lips make her unforgettable in the eyes of many. She is recognized as a powerful and respected CEO worldwide. However, behind her immense success in the industry lies a dark secret. She is a mafia queen. An expert in combat, she has mastered nearly all forms of fighting techniques, from hand-to-hand combat to handling various weapons like guns and knives. With her intelligence and influence, no one dares to challenge her or become her enemy. But what if she discovers that those closest to her heart are planning to betray her? Will she accept the harsh truth? Or will she seek revenge in the name of justice? Allisha Zayn Oxford, a 17-year-old senior high school student, is different. She has delicate eyebrows, slanted eyes, a petite but sharp nose, and red lips. Her pale skin isn't enough to change how people perceive her. Known as the "clown" of her school, Allisha is constantly ridiculed for the thick makeup she often wears. She's also seen as desperate and attention-seeking, especially toward a man she has loved for over two years. But what happens when the person you love pushes you away? Will you still fight for your feelings, even if it seems hopeless?
CHAPTER 1
Allisha's POV
I woke up early to the sound of my alarm clock, which I quickly turned off before getting out of bed and stretching.
It's Monday, and I'm excited because I'll see him again today. I got up from my bed and headed straight to the bathroom to shower.
After showering, I immediately put on my uniform. Of course, I never forget to apply foundation and do my makeup.
We need to look good to get noticed by our crush-kidding! After finishing my makeup, I looked in the mirror.
I don't understand why people laugh at me because of my makeup. It's not bad-it even makes me look prettier.
They call me a clown and laugh at me, but I just ignore their negative comments.
I know I'm beautiful-Dad even says I look just like him.
I left my room here in the condo after getting ready.
By the way, I have my own condo, a gift from my dad on my birthday last year.
I asked him to give me one near my school because I wanted to learn how to live independently.
Sometimes, I even walk to school since it's just nearby.
Dad was against it at first, but he couldn't say no because of my persistence.
Another reason is that our mansion is quite far from the school.
After eating breakfast, I cleaned up and washed the dishes.
I was about to leave for school when I suddenly remembered something.
Maybe I should cook chicken adobo for Ace. It's still early anyway.
I went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to check for ingredients-and perfect, everything I needed was there.
I started cooking and soon finished.
I smiled proudly as I smelled the dish-it was so good, I was sure he'd love it.
I packed it in a lunchbox and placed it inside a paper bag.
Then, I grabbed my bag from the couch, slung it over my arm, opened the door, and stepped out.
I didn't forget to lock the door before heading to school.
After a few minutes, I finally arrived at Casiviro High School.
As soon as I stepped inside, people started whispering when they saw me.
I ignored them and headed straight to the SSG Office because I was sure he'd be there.
At this time, the SSG officers usually have their meetings for the upcoming events this week.
I always do this-wait for their meeting to finish. Once Ace comes out, I'll give him the food I prepared.
I leaned against the wall and waited.
Almost everyone who passed by whispered while looking at me.
Judging me again.
I tightened my grip on the paper bag and looked down.
I couldn't deny that their words hurt me.
I straightened up when I heard the door open, quickly looking in that direction.
Finally, the person I'd been waiting for came out-Ace, the guy I've liked for two years.
His brows furrowed slightly when he saw me, but I greeted him with a sweet smile.
"What are you doing here, you woman?" he asked coldly.
The smile on my lips vanished as I heard his icy tone.
I was used to his cold treatment, but it still hurt.
Don't let your emotions get to you, Allisha. Don't cry in front of him. He might think you're immature or a crybaby.
I forced another sweet smile and held out the paper bag containing the chicken adobo I cooked for him.
I found out from Jaspher that chicken adobo is his favorite dish, so I was confident he'd accept it.
"For you, Ace. I cooked this earlier for you. I hope you like it-it's delicious, I promise," I said, smiling.
He looked at the paper bag with a cold expression, and I couldn't help but slowly lower my hand, feeling a mix of emotions.
I noticed his fellow officers coming out, so I forced a smile at them.
"Oh, hi Allisha. You're here again with a paper bag. Let me guess-you're giving food to Ace again?"
"If I were you, I wouldn't bother. Your cooking will just go to waste," Jaspher, Ace's friend and my classmate, said.
Oh, I forgot to mention-Ace is my classmate, too.
I wasn't surprised by Jaspher's words. Every time I gave Ace something I cooked or baked, he'd throw it away.
I don't know why he seems to dislike me so much-it's as if I disgust him.
"Press will probably throw it away again," Rica whispered loudly enough for all of us to hear.
I looked at her.
"How pathetic. Let's go, guys!" Angel said with a smirk before rolling her eyes at me and leaving with the other officers.
"I think we'll head to the classroom first, Ace. Talk to Allisha," Jaspher said, patting Ace on the shoulder.
Jaspher smiled at me, and I smiled back. Out of their group, Jaspher was the only one who was nice to me.
But I was taken aback when Ace suddenly bumped into me.
Thankfully, I regained my balance quickly. Otherwise, I might have fallen and become the laughingstock of the students here.
"Ace, please take this. It's delicious, I promise," I said, following him and trying to give him the food I prepared, but he ignored me as if I wasn't there.
"Ace-ouch!"
I bumped into his back when he suddenly stopped walking. I couldn't help but groan in pain.
I rubbed my forehead, eyes closed. His back was so firm!
But when I opened my eyes, I was horrified to see my foundation smeared on his coat.
And worse, it was on his uniform coat! I was in trouble now.
I noticed students around us starting to whisper.
"She's done for."
"She's in trouble with Press."
It felt like time stopped when Ace turned to face me.
He's so handsome-it's no wonder every girl admires him.
His thick brows, almond-shaped eyes, sharp nose, and thin, reddish lips, combined with his fair complexion, made him perfect.
Because of his looks, intelligence, and athletic skills, many girls chased after him-like me.
To me, he's the most perfect person God has ever created.
Even though he treats me coldly and hurts me with his harsh words, my feelings for him never change.
I don't even know why. Maybe it's because I already love him.
I snapped back to reality when he spoke.
"Can you stop following me? Why do you keep trailing me like a dog?"
"Don't you understand the words 'stay away from me'?" he asked coldly.
I swallowed hard at his words.
"I just wanted to-"
Before I could finish, Angel approached Ace.
No way. Don't tell me-
"Press, what happened to your coat? Why is there foundation on it?" Angel asked innocently, glancing at me with a sly smile.
Ace turned to me, removed his coat, and inspected it.
My heart pounded as I braced for his anger.
"What the-" he exclaimed, throwing the coat in my face.
"What the hell did you do to my coat?! Are you so desperate for my attention?!"
"You know what? I don't know what you want from me. Do you want money?"
"Here, take this," he said, throwing ten thousand pesos at me.
What is he talking about?
The money he threw fell to the ground, but I didn't pick it up. I just stared at him, locking eyes.
"What? Do you need more?" he asked irritably.
Angel, meanwhile, was smirking, clearly enjoying the scene.
Angel had liked Ace for a long time. Ever since she found out about my feelings for him, she's been bullying me relentlessly.
He always wanted to embarrass me in front of the students and my classmates.
I didn't realize we were already surrounded by students here in the cafeteria.
I smiled widely when he accepted the paper bag.
But that smile quickly faded when, without any emotion, he poured its contents onto the floor. The chicken adobo spilled all over.
Almost everyone gasped at the sight. I didn't know whether to cry or get angry at what he did.
I worked so hard to cook that chicken adobo for him, only for him to waste it! Just like that?
Allisha, why are you even surprised? Of course, he'd do something like this-he doesn't like you. Why do you keep hoping?
That maybe one day, he'll like you back. But it still hurts. I have my pride as a woman, and not everything just slides off me.
"Why did you do that?" I asked in a trembling voice, my head bowed.
"Because I don't want it," he replied coldly, making me tighten my grip on his uniform coat.
"But I cooked that for you," I said softly, just enough for him to hear.
"I don't care," he replied indifferently.
Doesn't he realize how hurtful the words coming out of his mouth are?
He always does this to me, yet I still can't get used to it-it still hurts.
"You didn't have to do that," I said in a faint voice, which seemed to irritate him further.
"Can you just disappear from my life and never let me see your face again?" he said irritably, making me look up at him.
"But I like you. I can't do that. I can't bear not seeing you," I croaked before bowing my head again.
"I don't care about your feelings, and I don't care about you. You know, it's been two years, Allisha. Why can't you just stop your feelings for me?"
"I already told you that I can't love you back. Why do you keep forcing yourself on me!?"
"You know, it would be better if you were dead so I wouldn't have to see your face anymore, and no one would bother me," he said with a frown.
That was probably the longest sentence I'd ever heard from him. But why does it hurt so much? My chest tightened.
He wants me gone? So he won't have to see me? So no one will pester him anymore?
I don't know, but I suddenly felt weak, and my knees started to shake until I fell to the floor.
I wiped my eyes immediately when I felt tears falling.
"Tsk, annoying," he muttered before turning his back on me. I just watched his figure as he walked away.
I looked at Angel and her two minions as they walked toward me.
They stopped when they were right in front of me. Angel smiled-a mocking smile.
She crossed her arms and stared at me intently.
"Poor Allisha. Now tell me, will you stop chasing him?"
"You know, I'm starting to pity you-not just me, but all of us here," she said, kneeling to fix my crumpled uniform.
I let her because I had no strength to speak.
"Aren't you tired yet?"
"He embarrasses you every day. Are you just going to let him? Just because you like him, are you going to keep giving way?"
I suddenly felt my tears flowing again, but my gaze remained blank, fixed on the floor, as if all strength had left me.
"It's been two years, Allisha. Wake up to the truth-the truth that no matter what you do, it's useless. You mean nothing to him."
"Like, look at me. I'm beautiful, sexy, rich, and chased by men. But even I have no effect on him-how much more you?"
"It's for your own good anyway, so if I were you, I'd stop now. Let's go, girls; we have things to do."
When the three of them finally left, various murmurs filled the surroundings.
The air was filled with ridicule, though there were some who seemed to pity me.
I ignored them until I was the only student left in the cafeteria.
Even though I felt weak, I forced myself to stand properly.
"Allisha, let me help you, dear," said Aling Mirna with concern.
But I didn't spare her a glance and just walked away toward the garden.
This is where I always go when I feel sad or heavy-hearted.
The tree I'm leaning on now has witnessed my sorrow and countless tears.
Am I really so unattractive that everyone is repulsed by me?
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard approaching footsteps. I immediately recognized who it was.
"Allish," said my only friend, Solene, with concern.
"I heard what happened. Are you okay? Your eyes are swollen-you've been crying again, haven't you?" she asked as she sat beside me.
To Be Continued...
Struggling to make ends meet and save money for her sick mother's treatment, the protagonist feels hopeless after another fruitless day of job-hunting. As night falls, she walks home through a dimly lit area when strange noises catch her attention. Initially dismissing it as her imagination, she grows cautious and investigates. To her shock, a bloodied man collapses in front of her, gravely injured and barely conscious. Overwhelmed but determined to help, she calls for an ambulance and tries to comfort him, cradling his head in her lap. As the man's condition worsens, she reassures him, urging him to stay strong until help arrives. This life-changing encounter not only sparks her compassion but also pulls her into an unknown world of danger, trust, and unexpected bonds. Little does she know, saving this man's life will entwine their fates in ways she could never have foreseen.
"Nothing is perfect." That's what people always say. Relationships don't last, and everything is fleeting. In this imperfect world, I've come to understand that truth. Even in my relationship with Caleb, a man who always puts me first and makes me feel like I could never ask for more. He's loving, thoughtful, and everything I could want-but as I've said, not everything is perfect. Caleb is a billionaire, someone admired, respected, and recognized for his name and stature. Meanwhile, I am just an ordinary woman, far beneath his level-someone with nothing to boast about, especially in his world. But Caleb fought for us. For years, he proved that no status or disparity could hinder true love. I never asked for anything in return-just his love. One day, Caleb said, "Let's get married." Stunned, I asked, "Are you joking?" He pulled me close, looked into my eyes, and said with sincerity, "I have nothing to ask for but to marry you." Overwhelmed with emotion, I nodded, unable to speak, as he embraced me tightly. "I have a flight to France tomorrow. Be ready when I return," he said with a smile. "I'll marry you." Though fear lingered in my heart, Caleb reassured me, "Don't mind them. Think of us. That's all that matters. As long as we're happy, we don't need anyone else." I believed him. We didn't need anyone else as long as we weren't hurting others. There was no reason to be afraid. The next morning, Caleb left for his business trip, promising to return and marry me. I waited for him with hope and certainty. But when the day came, dark clouds loomed. Rain poured heavily, and thunder roared ominously. Something felt wrong. On my way to meet Caleb at the airport, I was informed of devastating news: Flight 301 had crash-landed. I collapsed, knees weak, unable to process what I had heard. The promises Caleb had made, the life we were supposed to share-it all felt shattered. I screamed his name in despair, hoping it wasn't true. Days passed, and I relentlessly sought updates. Finally, I received a notification: Caleb had been found and was alive, recovering in a hospital. Hope surged through me as I rushed to his side. But when I arrived, I was stopped by his family. Caleb's mother slapped me and forbade me from seeing him. She accused me of clinging to something I didn't deserve. When I finally caught a glimpse of Caleb, he looked at me with unfamiliar eyes and asked, "Who's that girl?" In that moment, my world crumbled. He had forgotten me. The love we shared, the promises he made-they were erased. His family shut me out, leaving me with no way to remind him of the bond we had. Caleb, you promised. Will I ever be able to bring back the man who once loved me? Or is this the end of our story?
Dainara... I whispered her name when I saw her. My strides grew larger as I tried to approach her. She was wearing a black hoodie, unzipped to reveal her tear-streaked face. Her eyes darted around, lost and fearful, as though unsure where to go. Dainara... It was as if she heard me. Her gaze met mine amidst the crowd under the dim evening light. Despite the many people disembarking the ship, she was the only one I noticed. Her sweet smile pierced through me, quickening my heartbeat. Just that single smile was enough to unsettle my soul. I smiled back, closing the distance between us, our eyes locked on one another. But my smile faltered as a small red laser light appeared on her chest. Dread gripped me. Without wasting a moment, I dashed toward her. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she noticed my frantic approach-but I was too late. A sniper's bullet struck her chest. Time slowed as I saw the blood spray and her radiant smile fade. She collapsed onto the pavement, narrowly missed by the frantic crowd. Chaos erupted, but I was deafened by the pounding in my chest. Fear rooted me in place, afraid to touch her, afraid to hurt her further. But the fear of losing her outweighed everything. "Leon..." she whispered weakly. I dropped to my knees and cradled her trembling body, my hands shaking as her blood soaked them. Desperately, I tried to stem the bleeding. "D-Dainara..." Tears streamed down my face as I cried out for help. "Call an ambulance! Someone, please!" "Leon..." she murmured again, her lips pale, her breathing labored. She clutched my shirt tightly. I held her close, pressing her to my chest. "Is she pregnant?" a woman in the crowd gasped. My heart sank as I noticed the blood pooling beneath her. Was it possible? My voice trembled as I looked at her. "Dainara..." "The... our child?" she choked out. The agony in my chest deepened, and all I could do was cry. "I'm sorry, Dainara..." I kissed her forehead repeatedly, my tears falling onto her pale face. "L-Leon..." "Please, hold on," I begged her. "Am... am I dying, Leon?" she asked, her voice faint. "No! That won't happen! It can't!" I shouted, refusing to accept it. She smiled weakly before coughing up blood. I wiped it away, but it wouldn't stop. "Fight, please! Stay with me!" I pleaded, but her eyelids grew heavy, her breathing shallow. "Leon... she's gone. I'll be gone too..." "Stop it, Dainara! Don't say that!" I cried desperately. "Is Manila... beautiful?" she asked softly, her words faltering. "This is Manila..." I stammered, barely able to respond. "I... I want to stay here longer..." she said, her bloodstained smile breaking me completely. "Then live! Live if you want to stay!" I shouted. "I want to... I want to be with you longer... Even if you love someone else now, I still want to be with you. But... I also want to see our child again... It's my fault... it's my fault they're gone..." "It's not your fault, Dainara. Please, don't speak anymore. Just promise me... promise me you won't let go..." I begged, clutching her freezing hand. "I... I don't know if I can..." she whispered as her strength faded.
All she ever wanted was a simple life. But what happens when fate intervenes and brings together a demon and an ordinary person? Gun Lucifero Madrigal Ruthless. A demon personified. A cold-blooded monster. Feared by everyone. Capable of killing in an instant. What will happen when their worlds collide? Will she survive his wrath, or will she change his heart? This is a tale of danger, love, and the unpredictable twists of destiny.
When they met again, Jason cast aside his paranoia and pride, warmly embracing Chelsey. "Please, come back to me?" For three years, she had been his secretary by day and his companion by night. Chelsey had always complied with his requests, like an obedient pet. However, when Jason declared his plans to marry another, she chose to stop loving him and to let go. But life took unexpected turns. His unyielding pursuit, her pregnancy, and her mother's greed gradually pushed her to the brink. Eventually, she endured tremendous suffering. Five years later, when she returned, she was no longer the woman she once was. Yet he had spiraled into five years of chaos.
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
In the previous life, Maggie Johnson was so cowardly, gullible and stupid that she was coaxed by her fiance and stepsister and then broke her legs and lost everything including her fortune, love and even life. However, she was so lucky that she was reborn in the year before everything happened. Since her life restarted, how could she repeat a previous tragedy? Therefore, in this life, she took the opportunity to improve herself and take revenge on the ones who had ever insulted her. Facing the people who had humiliated her previously, she became smart and experienced to break their frames and tricks that had caused her to hurt in the previous life. Finally, no one could stop her pace to amaze the world any more.
I received a pornographic video. "Do you like this?" The man speaking in the video is my husband, Mark, whom I haven't seen for several months. He is naked, his shirt and pants scattered on the ground, thrusting forcefully on a woman whose face I can't see, her plump and round breasts bouncing vigorously. I can clearly hear the slapping sounds in the video, mixed with lustful moans and grunts. "Yes, yes, fuck me hard, baby," the woman screams ecstatically in response. "You naughty girl!" Mark stands up and flips her over, slapping her buttocks as he speaks. "Stick your ass up!" The woman giggles, turns around, sways her buttocks, and kneels on the bed. I feel like someone has poured a bucket of ice water on my head. It's bad enough that my husband is having an affair, but what's worse is that the other woman is my own sister, Bella. ************************************************************************************************************************ “I want to get a divorce, Mark,” I repeated myself in case he didn't hear me the first time—even though I knew he'd heard me clearly. He stared at me with a frown before answering coldly, "It's not up to you! I'm very busy, don't waste my time with such boring topics, or try to attract my attention!" The last thing I was going to do was argue or bicker with him. "I will have the lawyer send you the divorce agreement," was all I said, as calmly as I could muster. He didn't even say another word after that and just went through the door he'd been standing in front of, slamming it harshly behind him. My eyes lingered on the knob of the door a bit absentmindedly before I pulled the wedding ring off my finger and placed it on the table. I grabbed my suitcase, which I'd already had my things packed in and headed out of the house.
The day Lilah found out that she was pregnant, she caught her fiancé cheating on her. Her remorseless fiancé and his mistress almost killed her. Lilah fled for her dear life. When she returned to her hometown five years later, she happened to save a little boy's life. The boy's father turned out to be the world's richest man. Everything changed for Lilah from that moment. The man didn't let her experience any inconvenience. When her ex-fiancé bullied her, he crushed the scumbag's family and also rented out an entire island just to give Lilah a break from all the drama. He also taught Lilah's hateful father a lesson. He crushed all her enemies before she even asked. When Lilah's vile sister threw herself at him, he showed her a marriage certificate and said, "I'm happily married and my wife is much more beautiful than you are!" Lilah was shocked. "When did we ever get married? Last I checked, I was still single." With a wicked smile, he said, "Honey, we've been married for five years. Isn't it about time we had another child together?" Lilah's jaw dropped to the floor. What the hell was he talking about?
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..."Â But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"