Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Don's Forbidden Muse: Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

I open my eyes. It’s another day in this dungeon. I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Every second drags on, blurring into the next, making it impossible to tell if it’s been days or weeks. Time means nothing here, just like I don’t. I’m still trapped, still their prisoner, even after they sent that video of me—bloodied and bruised—to Alessandro. I thought, hoped, that he might do something, that I was worth saving. But the bruises have started to heal, and though I don’t know exactly how many days have passed, I’ve woken up to that light beaming through the little window enough times to know it’s probably time to give up on him saving me. Because now…I know he won’t. That voice message they played for me, his cold voice dismissing their threats, plays in my head like a bad dream. He doesn’t care about me—not enough to negotiate, not enough to even consider it. Sleep has become my only escape, where I can see her—my mom. But every time I wake up and remember she’s gone, and I mi

When Michael told me to get ready because I’d be meeting someone for dinner, I never imagined it would be my father. This can’t be real—not after all this time. I just stare at him, unable to move, let alone blink. I’m frozen, struggling to believe my eyes. It’s been so long since I’ve seen him in person—not since before he went missing. The last time I saw him, I was young, maybe in junior high school or even younger. Since then, our only contact has been through video calls. But now, here he is in the flesh. He looks older and more tired, with a heaviness in his eyes I don’t remember. Yet even after all these years, I know without a doubt I’d recognize him anywhere.It takes a moment for it to sink in: he’s actually here with me. The man I’ve been searching for since I arrived in this country is standing right in front of me. Before I can stop myself, I push my seat back, rushing to him, throwing my arms around him. I bury my face in his chest, breathing in the familiar scent that b

I didn’t think I’d remember the address, but I’m here. I honestly can’t explain how fast I drove; I just needed to get here and find help before I lose not only my father but my brother too. After years of only having my mother as my closest family, and believing I had no one else after she died and my dad went missing, I’ve just discovered I have more family, and I’m not about to lose them. I wanted to call Alessandro to let him know I was free, as Raul advised, but I realized I don’t have his or anyone else’s number memorized. So, I took a risk and came here, hoping I’d find him.My hands are shaky as I get closer. The nearer I get, the more uneasy I feel, almost like I’m stepping into dangerous territory. After everything, I’m sure they wouldn’t expect someone like me to arrive alone.I squint, spotting shadows shifting near the entrance. A dark figure comes into view, followed by another—

I step out of the bathroom after what felt like an eternity. After being held captive, with limited access to a shower or even a change of clothes, this shower was a much-needed relief, and I spent as long as I could in there. Steam trails out behind me, the fresh scent of soap and water mingling with the cool air of the room. My muscles ache, a reminder of the tension I've carried, of just how drained my body is. I could use a good night’s sleep, but that luxury is out of reach—not when my father’s and brother’s lives are in danger. Who knows what might be happening to them?As I pat myself dry with a towel, I notice Bella seated on the bed, waiting for me. Her brows are furrowed, her eyes soft with a sympathy I almost can’t bear. She’s been looking at me like that since she got here. I know she has a lot of questions, and I’m grateful she hasn’t asked about what I went through. I just don’t want to talk about it.

"I was told you have medical training?” the medic asks, and I nod.“Yes, nursing.”“Good. Give them these antibiotics twice a day after they’ve eaten, and these painkillers when needed. Your father’s injuries aren’t serious, except for a mild concussion; with enough rest, he should be fine soon.” I take the pills he hands me, listening closely to his instructions.“Thank you.”“Your brother’s wound should be cleaned in a few days, and he should limit his movement,” he says. I nod, watching as he leaves.It’s been a couple of hours since Raul walked in with my father and a gunshot wound to his stomach. I was so worried he wouldn’t be okay, and I tried as much as possible to reduce the bleeding while waiting for Alessandro’s medic friend to arrive. I could have tried to take out the bullet, but I was too shaken to even attempt it.I walk back into t