Chapter 211 Camila looked at Giovani, who was both flustered and adorable. Her chest went tight, then fizzy, like she’d chugged a soda too fast. She stayed on one knee, gazing up at him. Her eyes were full of hope, like a beam of light shining straight into Giovani’s heart. For a moment, it was … Read more
Chapter 210 Camila was completely confused as Joseph dragged her along at a run, her little legs barely able to keep up with him. In no time, they reached the backyard garden, bursting with colorful blooms and sweet fragrances. Joseph pulled Camila right into the middle of the flowers. He looked at her seriously and … Read more
Chapter 209 Camila clung tightly to Irene. She was trembling all over as tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking Irene’s shoulder. <-10 0 Irene’s eyes reddened as she gently patted Camila’s back, her voice thick with emotion. “Silly girl, why are you being so formal with me? This is your home now. Whatever you want, … Read more
Chapter 208 Camila turned to Lionel, who frowned and said sternly, “That’s absurd. Camila has always been a kind and sensible girl. There’s no way she’d hit someone without a reason. If she did, you must’ve been in the wrong first. Apologize to her right now!” Lionel’s words left Camila momentarily stunned. She had heard … Read more
Chapter 207 Camila Extra 1 “Mrs. Jackson, push! The baby’s head is crowning the doctor encouraged Following the fhythm, Belinda on the delivery bed gave it her all. A sharp, piercing ory soon filled the room–the baby ras bom “It’s a girl. Congratulations, Mrs Jackson, you’ve given birth to a beautiful danger Belinda was utterly drained, her sweat–soaked hair plastered to her pale cheeks. Despite her exhaustion, she anxiously said, “Quick, bring her here. Let me see my baby” The nurses worked swiftly, cleaning the newborn and wrapping her snugly in a soft blanket before placing her gently into Belinda’s arms. As she gazed at her daughter’s tiny, delicate face, a warm smile spread across her lips. My daughter You’re perfect. From now on, you’re the Jackson family’s little princess.” These words echoed in Camila’s mind as her consciousness stirred. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and the first thing the saw was Belinda’s face, magnified and close. Despite her disheveled state, Belinda was breathtakingly beautiful, looking no older than her early twenties, so much younger than the version Camila remembered. ‘I died… didn’t I? How is this possible? And why does Belinda look so young? Camila’s thoughts swifed in a chactic haze. The scene before her was surreal yet undeniably real. The sharp scent of disinfectant filled the air. Nurses bustled around, their movements a blur in her hazy vision, while the steady beeping of medical equipment echoed faintly in the background. It was all real. She had been reborn. Not just reborn–she was back at the very moment of her birth. Camila’s mind went blank as she stared at Belinda. On the hospital bed, Belinda struggled to sit up, leaned closer, and planted a soft kiss on Camila’s tiny face. That kiss shocked Camila, Belinda actually kissed her. In her previous life, during those three years with the Jackson family, she had never dared to dream of such affection–not a kiss, not even a hug. It wasn’t until now that Camila realized she had been born into Belinda’s world full of hope and anticipation. On the day she was born, Belinda had kissed her. Her mom, who carried her for ten months, had loved her once. But as time passed and Camila was lost to her, that love had been worn away by the years. Lost in these thoughts, Camila only snapped back to reality when she found herself being carried by a nurse, following Belinda out of the delivery room. Once outside, she saw him–Arthur, the man she loathed with every fiber of her being. Arthur was all smiles, fussing over Belinda like the perfect husband. But Camila knew better. This was the same man who had abandoned her as a baby and, years later, tried to steal her kidney. Even though she had already exacted her revenge, the hatred still burned fiercely within her. Yet, as a mere infant now, there was nothing she could do. Exhausted from childbirth, Belinda soon fell asleep after returning to the hospital room. Before drifting off, she reminded Arthur to take care of their baby. Arthur nodded with a smile, playing the role of a doting father. But as soon as Belinda drifted off, that smile vanished, replaced by a chilling glare. “Belinda,” Arthur called out several times, but she was fast asleep and didn’t hear him. A cold smirk tugged at his lips as his gaze shifted to Camila. Camila lay quietly, not crying or fussing, her wide, innocent eyes locking onto Arthur’s icy glare. ‘Figures. This scumbag’s about to toss me out like yesterday’s trash; she thought. Sure enough, Arthur reached out, his large hand moving toward her tiny neck. ‘What the hell? Isn’t he supposed to just dump me? Why is he grabbing my neck? Wait… is he actually trying to strangle me?” Camila’s thoughts raced in shock. His grip tightened around her delicate neck, and a sharp pain shot through her as her breath caught. ‘Seriously? I just got reborn, and now I’m about to get killed again?‘ she thought grimly. But in the next moment, Arthur released her ne Successfully unlocked! mall body. Camila exhaled quietly, relief washing over her. ‘Well, at least he’s not going full psycho and killing me. Just like before, he’s going to abandon me. But this time, I couldn’t be happier to leave the Jackson family behind.‘ As expected, Arthur left her at the orphanage gate. Throughout the journey, Camila remained silent, her eyes fixed on him, observing his every move. 1/4 Chapter 207 Camila Extra 1 Arthur sneered down at her after tossing her aside, “You little pest. Whether you survive or not, that’s none of my concern.” With that, he turned and walked away without a second glance. Camila waited until Arthur’s figure completely disappeared before breaking down into loud sobs. The late autumn night was bone–chilling, and if she stayed quiet and did nothing, she might freeze to death. Her cries pierced through the stillness of the night, echoing far and wide. Before long, the orphanage gates creaked open. A staff member spotted the newborn abandoned on the ground and quickly carried her inside. Just like that, Camila found herself back in the orphanage. She had no memory of what she was like as a baby. But now, with an adult’s soul trapped in a child’s body, she was different. Compared to the other children, she was obedient, sensible, and unusually quiet. Unless she was hungry or needed a diaper change, she didn’t cry or fuss at all. She quickly became the most well–behaved child in the orphanage. Because of this, the caregivers adored her. “This baby is such a little angel. I’ve never seen a child this easy to care for. All she does is eat and sleep–she doesn’t give us any trouble at all,” one of them said with a smile. “Well–behaved, sure, but don’t you think it’s a little… odd?” another remarked, her tone skeptical. “Exactly. She looks perfectly healthy and beautiful. Why would anyone abandon a baby like her at an orphanage?” “Do you think there’s something wrong with her mentally? Otherwise, why would someone give up such a healthy, lovely baby girl?” … Read more
Chapter 206 Harry Extra Final Harry struggled to rise, but his efforts were futile. His body felt completely drained, as if at his strength had teen schooed away. He stared at Camila’s photo on the tombstone, her gentle festu pain was unbearable now outing into his heart like sharp blades. The Blood sprayed from his mouth again, some of it splattering onto Camilla’s tombstone Giovani’s brows furrowed deeply, a flicker of displeasure flashing in his eyes. Natalie, without hesitation, shoved Harry aside. “Get away! You’re dirtying my mom she said coldly Pulling a hand from her pocket, she carefully wiped the blood off the tombstone Though she was just a child, the reverence and tenderness in her gaze made it seem as though she were handing the most precious treasure in the world, one that could not tolerate even the slightest berrich Harry lifted his head in agony, his bloodshot eyes brimming with despair. He turned to Gioveni, his voice trembling with rage. “Did you tell her everything about Camila?” Giovani looked down at him, his expression calm but unyielding. “Yes, 1 did” Harry’s eyes burned with fury. “Why would you tell her that? She’s just a child. How could she possibly hande Kr Giovani’s lips curled into a cold smile. “What I teach my daughter is my business, not yours; he said idly. “Nesale can be kind, but she needs to know how cruel the world can be. She won’t grow up blind to it. “Camila was too kind, and that’s why she was hurt by people like you. But my daughter? When faced with people like you, she will fight back, not endure.” After carefully cleaning the tombstone, Natalie finally turned to look at Harry. Despite her young age, the coldness on her face sent chills down anyone who saw her. Her features bore a striking resemblance to Camila, but her aura was unmistakably Giovani’s, “My dad taught me well” she said, her voice calm but cutting. “I can be kinder than anyone, but more ruthless than the cruelest monster. People like you don’t deserve mercy,” Harry stared at Natalie in a daze, as if he couldn’t believe such words were coming from a child. His body began to tremble uncontrollably. “I know I am wrong,” he muttered, his voice breaking. Natalie let out a cold laugh, her expression far more mature than her years. “You’re too late. What I needed was my mom, not an uncle like you. If you truly feel sorry for my mom, then do her a favor and never show up here again.” Harry’s spirit was crushed under the weight of guilt. Every word from Natalie struck him like a thunderclap. He reached out, wanting to touch the cold tombstone, but before his hand could make contact, Natalie slapped it away without hesitation. Natalie snapped, “Don’t touch my mom.” Harry murmured in pain, his voice barely audible. “Is there any way I can make it up to her? Even if it means guarding her grave for the rest of my life…” Hearing this, Natalie frowned, her tone filled with disdain, “There’s no need. Your being here only taints her memory. Leave, and don’t ever come back.” Harry collapsed to the ground. “No, I won’t leave. I want to stay here with Camila. I need to atone for my sins.” Natalie turned to Giovani. “Dad, have someone get rid of him. He’s too noisy–he’ll disturb Mom.” Giovani chuckled softly. “You’re right, Camila always loved peace and quiet. Someone, get him out of here.” At his command, several bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses appeared and began dragging Harry away without hesitation. “I’m not leaving. No!” Harry struggled desperately, his eyes fixed on Camila’s tombstone. But no matter how hard he fought, the bodyguards dragged him away. His anguished cries echoed through the cemetery, lingering painfully in the air. Giovani glanced at his watch and said to Natalie, “Natalie, it’s time for us to go.” “Okay.” She nodded, and then turned to the photo of Camila on the tombstone. “Mom, Dad and I will come back to visit you soon.” ***** Harry’s mind was a chaotic mess as he staggered down the street hie etons unsteady and his gaze hollow. Camila’s black- and–white photo on the tombstone was etched Successfully unlocked! “It’s impossible. I don’t believe it. Camila must still be alive. Youre lying to ine,” he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling and fragmented. He wandered aimlessly, the world around him blurring into indistinct shapes and colors. Suddenly, a girl in a flowing white dress appeared in his line of sight. Her features–her brows, her eyes–bore an uncanny resemblance to Camila’s. Harry’s pupils dilated, and a wild joy flashed across his face. “Camila! Camila.” 1/4 Chapter 206 Harry Extra Final He charged forward like a man possessed, but before he could reach her, the girl stepped into a sleek black Bentley. The car roared to life and sped away, leaving Harry behind in the dust. “Camila, don’t go! Please, Camila, just look at me one more time. I was wrong–I’ll never treat you like that again. I’ll protect you, cherish you, give you everything. “Please, just stay, Harry cried out, his voice breaking as tears blurred his vision. He chased after the car with all the strength he could muster. No matter how much he shouted, the car didn’t stop. Passersby cast him strange books, their expressions a mix of pity and disdain, but Harry didn’t care. His entire world was fixated on the Bentley disappearing into the distance. Suddenly, his foot caught on something, and he stumbled, crashing hard onto the pavement. His palms scraped against the rough ground, and a sharp pain shot through his knees, but he barely noticed. Reaching out toward the direction where the Bentley had vanished, he clawed at … Read more
Chapter 205 Harry Extra 3 Harry suddenly grabbed Natalie by the arms, his eyes locked onto her face, brimming with guilt and remorse. Natalie looked at Harry, who was pressed low to the ground, her face full of confusion. “Sir, do you know my mom?” Harry froze, momentarily dazed. The face before him was almost identical to Camila’s, In his excitement, he hadn’t realized the girl was only twelve or thirteen. Natalie’s words snapped him back to reality. He studied her closely. Though she resembled Camila, the differences were unmistakable. Camila had grown up without love, her frail body and sallow complexion a result of years of neglect and malnutrition. Her hair was brittle, her frame so thin she was practically skin and bones. But Natalie was different. Her long, glossy hair and radiant skin spoke of a life filled with care and affection. Confidence and grace radiated from her, a stark contrast to Camila’s insecurity. Harry’s eyes reddened, his voice trembling. “You said Camila is your mom?” “Yes,” Natalie replied, tilting her head. “Who are you?” Harry couldn’t hold back his tears anymore. He pulled Natalie into a tight embrace. “I’m your mom’s brother–you can call me Uncle Harry.” Natalie’s polite yet distant demeanor vanished the moment Harry revealed he was Camila’s brother. Her beautiful face darkened, her eyes flashing with a storm of cold anger as she shoved him away without hesitation. Caught off guard, Harry stumbled to the ground, landing hard as water splashed around him. When he looked up, Natalie’s icy gaze pierced through him, and his heart felt like it had been shattered into pieces. Stumbling to his feet, he lifted a hand to Natalie’s cheek, desperately hoping that gentleness shown to this familiar face might atone for what Camila had endured. Camila had spent her entire life yearning for even the smallest shred of affection. She dreamed of her parents and brother offering her a kind word, a gentle touch, or even a fleeting moment of praise. Just a fraction of the love they showered on Agnes would have been enough to fill the void in Camila’s heart. But even such humble wishes were never granted. Now, as Harry tried to touch Natalie, she stepped back, avoiding his hand. His fingers grasped at empty air, and his pupils trembled in disbelief. He stared at Natalie, only to see her expression remain cold, rejecting his touch without hesitation. Unlike Camila, Natalie had never been starved for love. Though she didn’t have a mother, she had everything else–her father adored her, Lindsey cherished her, and both Hazel and Keira cared deeply for her. Growing up in an environment filled with love, she would never care about others‘ so–called affection. “If you have nothing else to say, please leave my house,” Natalie said coldly, brushing past him without a second glance. Harry stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “Can you at least tell me your name? I’m your uncle, after all.” Natalie stared at him, her face devoid of emotion. “I’m warning you,” she said sharply, “Don’t try to claim me as family. I don’t have an uncle.” “Did someone say something to you? Don’t listen to them. I know this is the first time we’ve met, but I truly care about you, Natalie. We’re family–we share the same blood.” Natalie let out a sharp laugh. Though young, she was far from naive. “Ha! You didn’t even care about your own sister, and now you’re trying to act like you care about me? Do I look like a fool to you?” “No–no, it’s not like that,” Harry stammered, his voice tinged with desperation. “There was a misunderstanding between your mom and me. I was misled by bad people. “If I can just clear things up with her, everything will be fine again. Please, Natalie, help me. Call your mom out–I have so much I need to say to her.” Natalie sneered, her tone dripping with disdain, “You’re absolutely ridiculous.” With that, she turned and walked straight toward the front door, not sparing him another glance. Harry tried to follow, but Natalie’s driver stepped in to block his way He could only stand there helplessly, watching as Natalie disappeared into the house. Successfully unlocked! Harry’s legs gave way beneath him, his hands famyly to the ground. iiis voice cracked and rasped as he cried out,” Camila, I know I’m beyond redemption. “For the past ten years, I’ve been living in torment, trapped in my own hell. All I ask is for one chance–I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for my sins.” 1/4 Chapter 205 Harry Extra X Upstairs, Natalia stood by the floor to ceiling medow, har gara forak on Harry Harry been gone for ten years she’s never coming ba Though Natalie had grown up surrounded by love, she still longed for her exter’s grach Exiph hesitated to share stories about Carita Hazel had told her that Carrals was a star student, always topping her class, winning scholarships, and e at Wasmore University–the best in the country сите Keira had shared that Camila was kind hearted and incredibly skilled at ng kasan andas wides -the craft room had remained untouched for ten years, preserving her lerary But such a wonderful mother had been taken from her before she even had the chance to made nye by wicket people. Giovani had once said, “Natalie, remember this kind people are often taken advantage of fcant protect you free to need to grow strong on your own. When you’re strong enough, no one will dare to Bolly you … Read more
Chapter 204 Harry Extra 2 Back then, Harry thought it was only right to protect Agnes, believing his actions were justified and without fault But now, as he reflected on the past, he was struck by the realization of just how cruel he had been to a fifteen–year–old girl And this was only in the first two days after Camila returned to the Jackson family. Over the three years she lived there, incidents like this happened repeatedly, almost every other day. Harry felt as though an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, the pain to intense left him gasping for air His face twisted in anguish, his brows furrowed tightly, forming deep lines. Sweat dripped down his forehead in large beads, mixing with the tears streaming down his face. During his ten years in prison, the structured routine had helped ease his chronic stomach issues. But now, a sharp, stabbing pain tore through his stomach, reminiscent of the time he vomited blood from a perforated ulcer The agony was so unbearable that it felt like it might rip him apart. Unable to hold on any longer, he collapsed onto the folding bed, curling up tightly. He clutched the diary to his chest as if it were his lifeline, tears soaking its cover. Over and over, he choked out the words, “Camila, I’m sorry I’m so sorry… It was hard to tell how much time had passed before the stabbing pain in his stomach finally eased. By then, Harry was drenched in cold sweat, his body completely drained of strength. Forcing himself to sit up despite his weakness, he reached out with trembling hands and turned to the next page of the diary. [June 20, 2007, Sunday, Overcast. [I spent a week in the hospital, and today, I finally got to go home. [These past few days, I’ve felt wronged and disappointed by my family. But when I saw Mom and Dad running around, worried sick about me, afraid something might happen, I couldn’t stay mad at them. [At the orphanage, no one cared when a child got sick. You just had to lie in bed, all alone, and hope your body could fight it off. [I waited fifteen years for this family. They’ve hurt me deeply, but they were the only ones who cared when I was in the hospital. [I should be angry at them for being so cold, but I can’t help holding onto the little bits of kindness they’ve shown me. [I kept telling myself that people have hearts, and if I just tried hard enough, one day they’d truly care about me. So, I was so excited to go home. Even after everything, I still wanted to be accepted. [I bought small gifts for everyone in the family with the scholarship money I’d saved up. I thought maybe these gifts would make them happy, maybe they’d help us get closer, and maybe, just maybe, they’d finally let me be a real part of this family. [But when I got home and eagerly handed out the gifts, Harry’s reaction crushed me. He glanced at the tie I’d picked for him, a flicker of disgust crossing his face, and then he tossed it straight into the trash. [His voice was cold as he said, “What is this garbage? Do you want me to be the joke of the office? Stop bringing me this kind of junk.” [Mom and Dad barely looked at the gifts. Their expressions were hard to read, but I could tell they thought it was cheap and embarrassing. [Yeah, maybe I am poor. My scholarship money wasn’t enough for fancy gifts, but I still gave it my all, trying my best to show them I cared. [At that moment, it felt like a thousand needles were stabbing into my heart. The pain was unbearable. I didn’t know what else I could do to make them see me as family. Maybe… maybe I shouldn’t have come back at all. [The family I longed for never longed for me.] [June 21, 2007, Monday, light rain. [I got punished again today. The frustration and helplessness made me wonder if this family was ever really mine. [Before leaving for school this morning, I left a note: “If you don’t want me here, I’ll just go back to the orphanage.” [If there is no love, there’s no point in torturing each other I’ve been used to being alone for a long time. Living in solitude is still better than enduring constant disdain every Successfully unlocked! [With a heavy heart and dragging steps, I went to school. The entire day, i was distracted, my mind replaying all the hurtful moments at home. [After school, I decided to ride my bike back to the orphanage. The rain fell steadily, cold and relentless, soaking me through and chilling me to the bone. 1/4 Chapter 204 Harry Extra 7 [When the familiar gates of the orphanage came into view, a rare sense of peace washed over me. But before I could even park my bike, I saw the Jackson family’s car parked right in front of the entrance. [Dad stepped out of the car. He didn’t even glance at my drenched state. Without a word, he slapped me across the face The slap echoed through the rain, sharp and unforgiving, leaving my cheek burning with pain [Pointing a finger at me, he roared, “You ungrateful brat! We searched for you for years, and now you pull this? Running away to threaten us–what were you thinking?” [His eyes blazed with fury, his face twisted in anger, as if I had committed some unforgivable crime [Clutching my stinging cheek, tears welled up in my eyes, I tried to explain. “Dad, I wasn’t trying to threaten you. I just don’t want to be hit or scolded anymore-* (But before I could finish, Mom cut me off. Tears streamed down her face, her voice trembling as she accused me … Read more
Chapter 203 Harry Extra 1 The heavy gates creaked open, their sound echoing in the still air. Harry, his hair cropped short, stepped out slowly. The sunlight was harsh, forcing him to squint as his eyes adjusted. Ten years behind bars had left the outside world feeling both familiar and foreign. It was as if he had been transported through time, everything around him seemed distant and unreal. His mind wandered back to a decade ago, to the day he had stood at thege very gatas, brimming with confidence, waiting for Camila to be released. Back then, he’d been full of suspicion, convinced her limp was just an act. He had mocked her relentlessly, brushing off her five years in prison as if they were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. But now, after enduring the suffocating agony of losing his own freedom, he finally understood. The streets, the trees, the sky–they were all the same as before, yet they felt cloaked in a heavy sadness, a bleakness that weighed on his heart. Once, he’d eagerly come to meet Camila when she was released. Now, as he walked out, the gates opened to emptiness. No one was there to greet him–not a single soul. The loneliness hit him like a biting winter wind, cutting straight to his core. Harry trudged forward, his steps heavy and aimless. Without realizing it, he found himself heading toward home. At the intersection, the red light forced him to stop. He stared blankly ahead. A sleek black Rolls–Royce glided by. Through the half–lowered window, he spotted a girl in a Sancho High School’s uniform, her high ponytail bouncing with youthful vigor. Her delicate skin gleamed in the sun, her slightly chubby face alight with a carefree grin, and her big, twinkling eyes brimming with youthful energy. The girl was undeniably beautiful, but what truly froze Harry in place was her striking resemblance to Camila. Harry’s eyes widened openly, and before he could think, he was chasing after the car, shouting, “Camila!” The Rolls–Royce sped away, leaving him far behind. He stopped, his chest heaving, and let out a bitter laugh. “What was I thinking?” he muttered to himself. “Camila… she’s not that young anymore.” When he went to prison, Camila was twenty–three. Now, ten years later, she was thirty–three. There was no way she could look so youthful. The girl in the car couldn’t have been older than twelve or thirteen. Inside the Rolls–Royce, Natalie Campbell glanced at the rearview mirror, her curiosity piqued. “Dad, did you see that guy? He was chasing us and yelling Mom’s name.” Giovani narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within them. His voice was calm but carried an edge. “Probably just a case of mistaken identity,” he said, his tone guarded. He sighed, thinking, ‘It has already been ten years. Harry is out of jail now.’ ***** Harry walked for over three hours before finally arriving at the Jackson residence. As he stood before the iron gates, he froze, completely stunned by the sight before him. Thick rust coated the gates, and wild weeds choked the yard. The once–pristine garden lay in disarray, flowers and plants overgrown. Cracks marred the villa’s exterior, evidence of years of neglect, reducing the elegant home to ruin. Harry’s heart sank as he stared at the wreckage of his home. He murmured, “How has it come to this? Where are Mom and Dad? Where is Camila?” During his ten years in prison, not a single person had come to visit him. He had been completely cut off from the outside world, left in the dark about everything that had happened. Now, having endured the same pain, he finally understood the bitterness in Camila’s voice when she sat in his car after her release. Her words were cold and cutting as she recounted the five years she spent in prison without a single visit from her family. A bitter taste filled Harry’s mouth as he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. Slowly, he reached out and pushed against the rusted iron gate. The gate creaked loudly, its rusty hinges groaning in protest. He stepped inside the villa. Everything was exactly as it had heon ton vears ago, unchanged in arrangement but transformed in atmosphere. Back then, the hous Successfully unlocked!ure of warmth and care. Now, every surface was buried under a thick layer of dust. “Mom? Dad? Camila? Where is everyone?” Harry’s voice echoed through the hollow silence of the villa, swallowed by the emptiness. His gaze swept over the familiar furniture and decorations, each a silent reminder of the warmth that once filled this place. 1/4 Chapter 203 Harry Extra 1 Now, all that remained was an unbearable silence, a haunting void where Me had once thrived. Harry wandered through the Jackson residence, each step peeling back layers of the past he’d rather leave buried. He passed his parents‘ room, where their belongings sat untouched, cgated in years of dust. Even his own room, once a sanctuary, now felt cold and unfamiliar Finally, he reached the small storage room where Camila had lived. The last time he’d been here, he’d seen her awards and the Wasmore University offer. Back then, the guilt had crushed him, leaving him breathless and brokensHe’d noted her diary too, but the pain had been too much–he couldn’t bring himself to open it. Now, as he stepped into the room again, it was like stepping back in time. The desk, the folding bed, and the cluttered corners, untouched and frozen in time, remained exactly as they had been ten years ago. … Read more
Chapter 202 Giovani Extra Final People said I was cold and unapproachable, but they didn’t know that before I turned five, I had been a bright and cheerful kid. I loved to talk and laugh, and everyone adored me, whether at school or at home. Everything changed when my mother passed away, and my father brazenly brought his mistress into our home. After that, I became quiet, withdrawn, and shrouded in gloom. Back then, I was too young to mask my emotions. I acted purely on instinct, letting my feelings dictate my actions. If I was upset, I’d lash out at his mistress without hesitation. Once, I pushed her down the stairs, causing her to lose her baby. Another time, I held a knife to her and sneered, “I’m just a kid. Even if I kill you, the law won’t do anything to me.” She hated me with every fiber of her being, wishing she could get rid of me for good. At first, she thought dealing with a five–year–old would be a walk in the park. She never expected me to turn my age into a weapon, becoming her worst nightmare. After the knife incident, she’d tremble and freak out every time she saw me. Even my father was terrified of me. He knew I wasn’t bluffing–I meant every word I said and was fully capable of following through. At that time, I was simply trying to protect myself, no matter the cost. If someone hurt me, I’d make sure they paid, even if it meant dragging them down with me. That unyielding nature of mine was the reason my stepmother never dared to lay a finger on me. As I grew up, the sharp edges of my personality softened. I learned to hide my emotions, keeping them locked away where no one could see, and people started calling me mature and steady. To the outside world, I seemed polite and gentle, the kind of man who wouldn’t hurt a fly. But deep down, I knew the truth- when it came to my enemies, I was ruthless, stopping at nothing to get what I wanted. Even my father’s mistress, who had feared me as a child, became even more terrified of me as I grew older. For a long time, I thought my life would continue in this uneventful, monotonous way. That was until I arrived in Sancho and met the most important person in my life–Camila. It was through her that I realized just how cruel fate could be to someone. The first time I saw her, she left an impression I couldn’t shake. She was tiny, almost breakable, like she might crumble if the wind blew too hard. But then, out of nowhere, she boldly asked me for a cigarette. At the time, I never imagined that our lives would become so intricately intertwined, nor did I foresee how strange and unpredictable fate could be. From that moment on, we kept crossing paths, and every time I saw her, she was trapped in some dire situation, battered and bruised. I’ve always been distant, especially with women–I just didn’t have the patience for them. But she was different. Maybe it was the sheer unfairness of her situation that tugged at something deep inside me, something I didn’t even know existed. That flicker of compassion sparked something in me–a burning need to uncover the story behind her eyes. Yet, as I delved deeper into her story, I found myself unknowingly falling for her. Camila was like a work of art, crafted by fate itself–perfect and stunning. She excelled in everything–intelligence, academics, character, and even needle work. She was a true polymath. But her tragic background severely limited her opportunities. Within those constraints, her brilliance shone brightest in her studies and needle work, the two areas where she could showcase her talents. If Arthur hadn’t thrown her away, if she’d grown up in the Jackson family with all the privileges and care she deserved, her sharp mind would have undoubtedly made her someone who changed the world, thriving in a broader world. But Ivanna and Claude, driven by selfish desires, ruined her life, plain and simple. I couldn’t help but feel for her–it was like her pain reached out and grabbed me. But sometimes, I felt frustrated too. Her biggest weakness was her kindness–it made her too soft, too forgiving. I hated how her kindness made her bow and s Successfully unlocked! g a family bond that was never real. … Read more