Imagine you've spent your entire life trusting and believing in the people who raised you, only to find out that they aren't your real parents. You've spent those years suffering in silence and had no say or freedom over your own life. Worse still, you decided to flee from your reality, only to end up in a more dangerous situation-kidnapped by a man who held the key to your future...... and your heart. Yup, well.... Sophia knows this pain all too well. A very brilliant and self-taught hacker, She goes into hiding from her adopted mafia family. But her world is turned upside down when the mafia leader of the Carusos..... Dante Caruso kidnaps her. She finds out that he turned out to be her childhood love who disappeared without a trace. What should have been a sweet and tender reunion of the lovers turned into a game of power and deception. Dante does not recognize Sophia and thinks she is Maya, his ex-girlfriend who betrayed him and happened to have the same face as Sophia's. He kidnaps her to help him take revenge on his rival enemy while wanting to take revenge on her for Maya's betrayal. Now, with pasts that is tangled together and hidden identities, Sophia and Dante must find a way that could either lead to redemption or destroy them both.
CHAPTER 1
✨Sophia✨
"Never in my 19 years on earth have I regretted stepping outside as much as I do now." I thought to myself. I could hear my heart pounding fast in my chest as I adjusted my hoodie to cover my face more properly.
The cold night felt heavy with a silence that seemed unnatural. It was almost suffocating. The atmosphere felt dense as if it was holding its breath just like I was. The streetlights blinked on and off constantly, making spooky shadows that moved around me.
My steps quickened on the broken pavement, my shoes making a form of rhythm that almost resembled the anxious beat of my heart. Each step I took echoed through the empty street, an annoying reminder that I was alone, vulnerable, and far from safety. One thing that I have not been able to let go of is the feeling that I am most likely being tailed.
The past few months have been rather an emotional roller coaster I might say. A constant blur of fear, paranoia, and survival. Running away from that abusive household was a decision I made out of necessity, not desire.
I uncovered truths that left me with no other option but to flee. They were the kind of secrets that left no room for mercy and no chance for a second chance if I was caught. I hoped by disappearing into the shadows, by becoming someone else and having a new identity, I would have a semblance of peace. But that peace was almost difficult to find and fear was my constant companion.
I rarely left my hiding place and every time I did, my instincts screamed at me to turn back, to run. But tonight was different. Tonight, the fear was almost tangible, as if it were a living, breathing entity trailing my steps. I could not ignore it any longer. I was being followed.
I think I heard the footsteps slowly following me, they were very faint, but I could still tell they were there. I held my breath and suddenly I increased my walking speed as my heart beat faster. I dared not look back. The last thing I wanted and needed was to confirm my fears.
Were they from my adoptive parents? Had they finally found me? Or was it someone else from the new life I abruptly took over? These questions were embedded in my head like a tornado with the next question being even more dreadful than the previous one.
The footsteps became louder and nearer and nearer. Suddenly I began walking on my own with the help of my legs and there was a flow of energy in my veins. The road ahead turned left really fast, so I quickly followed the turn, hoping to lose the person following me in the maze of the alleys. I was breathing fast and looking everywhere for a way to get away.
I saw a dark wall that wasn't probably illuminated. I quickly rushed there and stayed behind the wall, tears threatening to fall. "No, I can't be weak. I got this far, I cannot be weak." I said to myself. The footsteps did not stop, it kept coming close and closer. I could see a shadow becoming larger and larger. It looked like the shadow of a man. I knew I could not risk the fact of getting caught.
While frantically looking for a solution in my head, I saw something move. To my right, following the movement, there was a narrow alley between two old, broken and probably abandoned buildings. Without thinking, I ran into it bumping into a rough brick wall as I squeezed my body through the tight space.
That alley was extremely narrow that I could barely squeeze in but I pushed through: my fingers running up against the cold wet surface of the walls. I could hear footsteps, approaching me, getting louder and closer. I started to panic, pushing myself to run faster.
The alley opened up to a wider street, and for a moment I hoped I had lost them. I started walking back, my face looking back. But then, that hope disappeared the moment I turned the corner and ran right into someone. I stumbled back like a drunk irresponsible person, gasping for breath. My vision started to get blurry, but I blinked quickly to clear it.
When I could see clearly again, I recognized the person in front of me-Lila "Maya? What are you doing here?" Lila asked, with a tone mixed with surprise and worry as she reached her hands out to help steady me.
For a moment, it felt like I couldn't move or speak. My heart was still racing from all the running away. But seeing Lila, my supposed sister there made me feel a little safer. I wasn't alone anymore. "I......I thought someone was following me," I finally said in a shaky tone. Lila's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Who?" "I don't know." I replied, looking back nervously.
"But I heard footsteps. They were right behind me." She tightened her grip on my arm as she looked around. "There's no one here now. Maybe you're just hallucinating." I shook my head almost immediately.
"No, I know what I heard. Someone was following me, Lila." She sighed and looked at me more softly. "Okay fine, let's just get back to the apartment. It's not safe out here." I nodded, still feeling uneasy when a realization dawned on me.
Lila turned, trying to head to our small apartment when I grabbed her hands. "Wait, what are you doing out here by this time?" I asked. Lila wasn't feeling too well earlier and had to go deliver the list in her stead.
"Let's head inside first and I'll let you know." She said. I nodded and followed her, my mind easing up a bit. Almost as soon as we stepped into the house, Lila plopped down on the couch obviously fatigued. "How are you feeling now?" I asked.
"A little bit better, thanks". She replied, turning her gaze at me. "What about you maya, are you okay now?" "Yeah" I responded as I headed over to the dining table. "What about the place you went to?" Lila asked. "Drew said it wasn't a bad idea, but he is still considering it." I unscrewed the cap of a bottle of water and drank out of it.
I could still feel my hands trembling from the earlier fear as I dropped the bottle near the kitchen sink. It felt like I could breathe for a second and I tried to even my breaths before continuing. "And, I already submitted the list to him. Overall, we will get feedback as soon as tomorrow."
I turned to Lila for her response, my back resting on the sink and raised the bottle for a second gulp of water. "Anyways that's good but the materials we need for risott........."
Knock. Knock.
A not so gentle knock on the door disrupted our conversation and peace. It was a deliberate and sharp type of knock which echoed in the still parlor. We both froze still.
Usually, we don't have visitors, or stay at home neighbors except Drew and his family, whose house is a 15 mins walk from here. Lila and I shared a worried and anxious look.
"Are you expecting someone?" I asked, whispering. She shook her head no. That's suspicious.
Who could it be? At this time?
Selene’s eyes widened as she spotted me. With a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, she stepped forward with him. “Anastasia, what a pleasant surprise!” I gave a curt nod. “Selene. Blake.” Blake looked momentarily puzzled, his eyes narrowing as he saw me. He is probably confused as to how it is possible for me to be here and that too at this party. He definitely didn’t see this coming “Anastasia. Didn’t expect to see you here.” Selene leaned in, her tone sarcastic but edged with curiosity. “It’s been a while. Hmm…. Five years I think. How have you been?” I hated everything about her, I wish I could just drive my nails into her smug face. I tried to maintain my composure with a gentle smile. “I’ve been well, thank you. Busy with… various things.” Selene’s smile widened slightly. “Well, Blake and I have been well, getting married to him was a decision I’ll never regret,” She says smugly as if it were an achievement when it’s nothing more than a facade. "It's interesting how the past has a way of catching up with us, isn’t it?” She continued. Blake shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between Selene and me, still confused. “I suppose so,”. The past does have a way of resurfacing.” Selene’s eyes lingered on me, her curiosity piqued. “What brings you here tonight, Anastasia? Besides, of course, catching up.” Before l could respond, Damien appeared at my side, his presence commanding immediate attention. He placed a hand on my lower back, a touch both protective and assertive. “Forgive the interruption,” Damien said smoothly, his voice cutting through the conversation with effortless grace. “But I’m afraid I need to steal my date for a moment.” Blake’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Damien Santoro. I didn’t realize you two were… together.” Damien flashed a charming smile. “We are indeed. And now, if you’ll excuse us, Anastasia and I have some catching up to do on our own.” Selene’s eyes widened, and she glanced at Blake, her expression was a mix of confusion and discomfort. I steadied my gaze as I addressed Blake and Selene before leaving. “It seems the past is as unpredictable as ever. Enjoy your evening.” ——————————————————————- 25-year-old resilient Anastasia Winslow finds herself bewildered and reeling with shock when her ex-husband Blake Sinclair and his mistress-also her work rival, frame her for a fraudulent crime that ruins her career and reputation at its peak. As she struggles with the dual burden of public disgrace and personal betrayal, she finds out she’s pregnant with his child, exacerbating her desire for revenge and justice while trying to be a good mother to her child. Along comes the Santoro family who shares a deep-seated feud with her ex that threatens to bring her into the darkest underbelly of society in her quest for revenge. Her journey becomes more complicated as she forms a forbidden connection with Damien Santoro, the family's middle son, whose quest for vengeance mirrors her own. As Anastasia digs deeper she unveils more than she ever bargained for, pushing her to her limits and testing her resolve. The stakes are high, and suspense and anticipation intertwine, will Anastasia emerge victorious and reclaim her life, or will the shadows of her past lead to a further devastating loss? Dive into a tale of betrayal, revenge, and forbidden romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
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."
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
"Miss Brown, I am the butler here at your service," the butler replied. "My master wants to buy the baby in your belly." "What?!" Does that mean the abortion didn't take place? Did they kidnap her from the operating table just to buy the baby? But why her? "You..." Alice was about to ask a question, but the man in front of her calmly continued, as if he had expected her question, "You're pregnant with his child, and he needs a child. That's all I can tell you." Alice was forced to sign a surrogacy contract and eight months later gave birth to two healthy babies. Fortunately, the man was unaware of her daughter's existence. It wasn't until five years later that fate brought them together again...
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
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.