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.
Chapter 1
DAINARA ORTEGA'S POV
I sighed deeply upon realizing that I didn't have enough rice left to cook for lunch later. This only meant one thing-I'd have to sell illegal drugs again.
I didn't grow up with parents. I had no mother or father to teach me the difference between right and wrong.
Since I was a baby, my parents sold me to a syndicate. A plump woman raised me from childhood, and she took care of many other orphaned children like me. But this wasn't out of kindness-it was because we were useful to their illegal business.
Out of gratitude, we had to follow her orders and do whatever tasks she assigned us.
Each child had specific tasks to perform, but the heaviest responsibility was delivering drugs.
At a young age, I already knew what we were doing was wrong. However, we were poor, and this was the only way for us to survive.
Our home was an old bamboo hut. I lived there with Nanay Malia, a sixty-year-old woman. Despite her age, she still had strength. She was trusted by Mamu Cynthia, the leader of the syndicate.
Nanay Malia had taken care of me the longest, and I'd grown close to her over the years.
"Nana, why are you just standing there?" she asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turned to her and smiled.
Nanay Malia was wearing a white duster. She was a small woman who could easily be mistaken for a child if not for her white hair.
Nana-that's my nickname, and it's what most people call me. My full name is Dainara Ortega, a name given to me by Mamu Cynthia. Ortega is also her last name.
I've learned many things about the world, thanks to the woman who raised us-Nanay Malia.
"We're out of rice," I told her, showing her the large jar where we kept our rice. She nodded and began brushing her hair.
"Ask Cynthia for rice," she said, and I frowned.
"You know what that means, Nanay Malia," I replied sadly.
As much as I wanted to leave the syndicate led by Mamu Cynthia, I couldn't. I didn't know any other job aside from what I was doing now.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. We'll starve if we don't act, even if it means doing something wrong," she said. Though she knew what we were doing was wrong, she never stopped or scolded me. That was always her reasoning.
I just nodded and sighed. I went up to my small room, where five other girls were sleeping soundly. They were still tired from their errands yesterday, so I decided not to wake them.
I changed into a blue dress with long sleeves. Though I looked a bit awkward in it, it was comfortable. I tied my long, black hair-the same shade as the night sky and similar to Mamu's hair. I grabbed my black shawl from the clothesline and draped it over my face, as Mamu Cynthia had instructed.
According to her, I needed to cover my face. Not to brag, but I apparently had a beauty worth showing off-or so they said.
I put on an old pair of slippers and left the small home that Mamu had provided us. It wasn't in disrepair, as it was often maintained.
We lived in a remote province far from the city, somewhere in Mindanao. Though the place seemed peaceful at first glance, it harbored darkness and greed. The surroundings were beautiful and full of life, but they were tainted by Mamu's illegal activities.
Mamu Cynthia wasn't just the leader of a syndicate; she was also the barangay captain and had connections with higher syndicate groups. This was the world I grew up in.
As I made my way to Mamu Cynthia's house, I was greeted by her guards outside. I didn't respond and simply walked inside to look for her.
I found her in the living room, sipping coffee. Steam rose from the cup, and when she saw me, she set it down on the small table.
"My most beautiful ward, Dainara," she greeted with a smile, motioning for me to come closer.
I sat on the sofa as she removed my shawl. She began combing my hair with her fingers.
"Are you busy, Mamu?" I asked softly, glancing at the table cluttered with papers.
I learned to read because of her. She made sure I got an education, though it only went as far as high school.
"Not really. Why do you ask, hija?" she replied.
"I need to ask for rice, Mamu," I quickly said. She chuckled softly.
"Maceda!" she called out to her housemaid, who was around my age. But that wasn't her only job-she was also used as a prostitute. Thankfully, Mamu never forced me into that.
Maceda hurried into the living room, wearing an unusual outfit.
"Yes, Mamu?" she asked respectfully.
"Go with Dainara to the rice storage and help her carry five sacks of rice to her place. Include anything else she might need, along with some viands," Mamu instructed.
Whenever Mamu gave this kind of order, I knew it meant she'd assign me a difficult task soon.
"As you wish, Mamu," Maceda replied, bowing before leading me to the storage room.
I could sense Maceda's resentment. She often said Mamu treated me differently, and even I didn't know why.
"You may look poor, Dainara, but you're lucky. At least you didn't end up like us," she said sarcastically. I chose not to respond.
I had nothing to say about it-I couldn't control Mamu's decisions, nor did I understand them.
"I'm grabbing some sugar and coffee too," I said, not waiting for her reply. I took what I needed and placed it in a bag.
"This is probably better. At least you'll have delicious meals every day," Maceda added, her tone still condescending. Yes, you might have good food, Maceda, but you're the one being served up to Mamu's clients.
I wanted to tell her that, but I held my tongue. I knew it would only anger her.
I'm not the type to argue or say unnecessary things. If I have something to say, I only express it in my mind.
"Dainara! Before you leave, go to Mamu's room!" Carlia shouted, Maceda's friend. She even raised an eyebrow at me. I just pursed my lips and said nothing.
Three of Mamu's men were assigned to deliver the rice I requested. I added some fruits as well. I might as well make the most of this opportunity since it doesn't happen often.
When I entered Mamu's large room, she was sitting on the bed, carefully examining a pile of clothes.
"Mamu, do you need anything else?" I asked. She quickly turned to me.
"Come here, Dainara. Pick some clothes. I bought these from the thrift shop," she said.
She's the one who usually buys my clothes, so I went in and started picking. Blue, white, and red dominated the selection. I don't like black-it's too dark for my taste.
"I'll take these, Mamu," I said, and she grabbed them to put in a paper bag. However, she also added a black dress.
"This will suit you, Dainara. Your fair skin will complement it," she said with a smile. I couldn't argue, so I just nodded.
"What do I owe you for these, Mamu?" I asked.
"Nothing. We had a good deal last night, and we earned quite a lot. Consider this a gift, hija. Now, go home and don't wander around, understood?" she said.
I nodded again. She adjusted the scarf on my head and lightly tapped my cheek. I smiled and left.
Whenever I'm with Mamu, I feel something I can't explain. Is it a strange kind of happiness? I don't know-I can't figure it out.
"Dainara! You're getting even more beautiful!" one of Mamu's men remarked as I passed by. I frowned at the comment but chose to ignore it.
As I stepped outside, I tightened my grip on the paper bag I was carrying. I had left the bag of sugar and coffee earlier. Mamu's men would handle its delivery.
Now, back to what's happening at the moment. I felt someone's presence. It seemed like they had been following me for a while, and I could sense their watchful eyes.
I quickened my pace. If they were one of Mamu's men, I knew they wouldn't harm me. Mamu herself would deal with anyone who dared to approach or hurt me.
When I reached the legal age, Mamu warned everyone not to touch even a strand of my hair. Perhaps that's why Marceda said Mamu treated us unfairly. I held a higher status compared to them.
I deliberately walked under the trees to hear any footsteps on the dry leaves scattered on the ground.
I walked faster and finally turned to look behind me. At that moment, someone covered my mouth, preventing me from screaming.
Fear and panic gripped my chest. I knew Mamu would be furious if she found out about this.
I tried to use the paper bag in my hand as a weapon, but it was quickly snatched away. Though I couldn't scream, I struggled to break free. I was certain the attacker was a man because of the strong scent of his cologne.
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?
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?
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.
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.Â
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!
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."