LOGINTarzan sat quietly in the back seat of a cab, trying to keep his identity hidden as he headed for the headquarters. Rain fell heavily against the top of the moving car. The cab driver, an elderly man with gray hair and a tired face, talked softly about the bad weather. "This rain never stops tonight," he said with a sigh. Just then a black car came speeding out from a dark side street. Its windows rolled down fast. Bright flashes came from inside. Before Tarzan could blink, loud gunshots echoed in the dark. BANG! BANG! BANG! Bullets smashed the taxi's windows into a thousand pieces and the glass flew everywhere. The driver gasped in shock. His eyes went wide with fear. "Take the left!" Tarzan instructed. But it was too late. Before the panicking old man could move, a bullet hit him. Blood sprayed across the dashboard. He made a weak choking sound, then fell forward onto the steering wheel. The car started to slow and swerve. "Shit!" Tarzan's heart pounded hard in his ches
As a child, her dreams had been luminous—a source of pride for her mother. She had pictured herself at the helm of her own restaurant, a celebrated chef amid the symphony of sizzling pans, the heady perfume of simmering sauces, and the contented smiles of diners. She would create, nourish, and flourish.But the moment Mitch entered her life, those ambitions quietly receded, like stars swallowed by the encroaching dawn. All she had wanted then was to be his wife—to anchor her existence around him, to pour every part of herself into loving him completely. They would have children and build a happy life. He had promised her that future, too.Now, lying in the dark, the weight of lost years pressed upon her chest. Everything she had constructed, everything she had sacrificed—it had all funneled her to this hollow crossroads.Where would she even begin?---Lena had drifted into sleep, unaware of the bedroom door clicking open.She stirred faintly in the dimness, lost in a half-dream of st
AUTHOR'S POV That late evening, Lena had no choice but to return to Julia’s place. The moment she stepped through the door, the air filled with the cheerful clamor of greeting with Julia’s face lighting up with genuine relief and affection, the children swarming around her legs with sticky hugs and excitement. For just a fleeting instant, the weight on Lena's eased. Just a little bit. Even though she knew it wasn't going to last because she will be leaving them tomorrow. Julia called Lena to join them during dinner ,she wanted to refuse because if Julia's husband but that will only make Julia suspicious that she wasn't happy about something. She sat on the chair and opposite her was Julia's husband. When they made eye contact, Lena frowned and said nothing. Julia served her potion and Lena mumbled thanks. "So did you find a place?" Julia asked after minutes of silent eating “Yes,” Lena said, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’ve found a cheaper ap
For a moment, all I could do was stare at her.“Jail?” I repeated. “Mitch is in jail?”Sarah blinked.“Oh wow. You really don’t know anything.”My stomach tightened.“Sarah, are you freaking serious? What happened? Why is he in jail?”She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs.“I only know what Jake told me. Apparently, the girl Mitch got pregnant told him about the pregnancy, and he beat her up. Things got ugly. The girl’s parents got involved, and the police were called.”The girl?Could it be Gabi?“What about the girl in question? Do you know her name?”“I don’t know all the details about the girlfriend.” She shrugged. “But Jake said Mitch completely lost it. He left scars on her, and with the evidence the family has provided, he won’t be getting an easy trial in court.”I stared at her.That didn’t sound like the Mitch I knew.Cruel? Yes.Selfish? Absolutely.But violent?Not usually.I mean, he only laid his hands on me after years of marriage.“Why would he do that? She
After walking for some time, I found a small outdoor café just down the street and collapsed into a wrought-iron chair. The rich aroma of fresh coffee and warm pastries did nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. If I didn’t find somewhere safe to live soon, men like him would keep circling me like prey. How was I supposed to secure an apartment when he had already declared the entire city his territory? I wanted to believe he was bluffing, but I’d rather be too careful than live to regret it. There was only one place I could think of. Mitch. I wasn’t sure I could ever feel comfortable with him again after everything that had happened—or if he would even take me back. But right now, I had no choice but to try until I found something else. Going back to Julia’s place wasn’t an option. Not after what happened last night. Even if I had to return there tonight, I was determined not to spend another night under that roof. My phone suddenly rang. I pulled it from my purse, alr
My eyes widened the instant I heard his voice.*How is this even possible?*Andres...“Lena… I’ve been expecting your call.”His words slithered through the phone like smoke. My hands tightened around the device until my knuckles turned white.A cold wave of fear and disbelief crashed over me.“Lena?” He chuckled softly, the smile audible in his voice. “Why have you suddenly gone mute? I’ve been hoping you’d reach out. Nice place, isn’t it? You can have it for free. Stay as long as you want. You don’t have to worry about rent.” His tone darkened with possessive pride. “This city is mine, Lena. Any apartment you find… I’ll make sure it’s yours. No charge.”My stomach twisted violently.I hung up without a word.My heart slammed against my ribs, each brutal beat echoing in my ears like a war drum. *What the hell was that? Has he been stalking me?* That was the only explanation.The walls of the apartment suddenly felt like they were closing in, ready to trap me inside. *Why can’t I
I forced myself up and walked back into the bedroom Mitch and I had shared for three years of our marriage. I hadn’t slept in that bed for over two years now. Not since I left it. Every morning, he used to wake me up to complain about my snoring. I apologized. Then… I started staying awake
LENA'S POV While Tarzan was busy in the fitting room trying on those outfits I picked out, I saw my chance. He’d been so good to me lately, spoiling me with little surprises and making me feel like the only woman in the world. I wanted to return the favor. Not just the outfit I felt like he
I met Mitch fifteen years ago at a coffee shop. I was sixteen, working as a store assistant and trying to look like I had my life together. I still remember what I wore that day. A faded white sundress scattered with tiny yellow flowers. Sandals laced around my ankles. Mitch was standing in
You will never truly understand heartbreak until it comes from the same man who once adored you—who protected you, who loved you without hesitation. “What’s the number?” My husband’s voice came from the doorway. I flinched and looked up. That’s how sad my life had become—the usual routine of ste







