CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Theo's footsteps echoed through the grandiose hallways of the mansion, their hushed resonance reminding him of the weight of his familial obligation. Despite the opulence that surrounded him, an unsettling feeling gnawed at his core. It was as if the very walls of this grand abode held secrets, and the familiar grandeur offered little solace. He couldn't help but note that, during his absence, not a stone had been displaced, not a painting altered, and not a whisper of change had brushed these hallowed halls. Only a subtle shift in the cast of servants hinted at the passage of time.His thoughts, however, continued to orbit around a singular enigma – Caitlin. She was the woman who had captivated his cousin Dario's heart, and yet, the vivid descriptions Dario had painted of her seemed to clash starkly with the woman Theo had briefly encountered earlier. Dario had characterized Caitlin as sassy, arrogant, and laden with sarcasm, a tempestuous whirlwind of a personality

CHAPTER NINETEEN "I..I didn't..." Catherine stuttered, her voice quivering with fear, her head bowed in submission.The ominous silence that followed was pierced by the sharp click of Matt's tongue, a sound that sliced through the air like a blade, cutting off her words like a vise closing around her throat. "Don't speak until you're told to," he ordered, his words laced with a malevolent authority that silenced her with a chilling finality.Catherine instinctively pressed herself closer to the wall, as if willing it to envelop her, to shield her from the malevolent force that now stood before her, casting a sinister shadow that seemed to stretch infinitely.Accusations tumbled from his lips like venom, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "You seduced Steven," he accused, jabbing his finger accusingly in her direction.She shook her head vigorously, her voice stifled by the command not to speak. How could she dare to s

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE Catherine observed in silence as the doctor conducted an exhaustive examination of Dario. The room practically pulsated with elation, and the atmosphere was charged with palpable relief. Rosita, despite not being Dario's biological mother, couldn't help but shower him with affection, her joy radiating through her every touch. Mr. Simpson, a formidable presence in the family, couldn't contain his broad grin, while even Devan, the enigmatic enigma who'd kept Catherine guessing, wore a rare, genuine expression of happiness.Grandma, the heart of the family, held her station at Dario's bedside, patting his hair with an affectionate touch that spoke volumes. Theo and Ronnie, stoic and composed, stood in solemn reverence, their emotions tightly concealed but undeniably in sync with the collective jubilation filling the room.Yet in the midst of this heartwarming familial celebration, Catherine felt like a spectral outsider, a stranger amidst

Chapter twenty threeAs Catherine discreetly approached Dario's room, her footsteps quiet against the floor, she couldn't help but overhear the intriguing exchange between the three brothers. The door was left slightly ajar, allowing her to eavesdrop on their conversation."How long was I out?" Dario's voice carried a hint of confusion and concern, piquing Catherine's curiosity."Nine months, bruh, nine freaking months, like a pregnant woman," Theo responded with a mischievous chuckle, his words painting a vivid picture of the lengthy absence.Dario's response was laced with frustration, "Man, that was messed up."This scene unfolded a week after Dario's miraculous recovery, and Catherine was keenly aware of the doctor's orders to keep him under observation for five more days. The close-knit family had taken turns visiting him every day, offering support and camaraderie.Hidden behind the partly open door, Catherine continued to

Chapter twenty five"No, no, no, please, don't," Catherine pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper echoing through the confines of her nightmare. With each thrash and turn, she battled against the unseen adversary lurking within her dreams."Cait, Cait," Dario's voice broke through the darkness, his hands reaching out to steady her thrashing form. "C'mon, Cait," he urged, his tone a mixture of urgency and reassurance. "Snap out of it!"His words pierced the veil of her dreams, pulling her back to consciousness with a jolt. Gasping for air, Catherine's eyes darted around the room, searching for signs of the unseen danger that had haunted her sleep. Yet, it was Dario's presence beside her that anchored her in reality, his steady gaze a lifeline in the tumult of her subconscious.Their eyes met, a silent exchange of emotions passing between them. In Dario's gaze, Catherine found concern and relief intertwined, a reflection of his unwavering support in her darkest moments. And as the echoes