status: under major revision All Meona ever wanted was to save her older sibling and bring back the warmth their family once had. She believed that if she worked hard enough, everything would eventually fall back into place. But when the very person meant to protect that warmth becomes the reason she's slowly breaking apart, Meona begins to question everything she once believed in. Then Rafael enters her life, quietly changing the way she sees love, sacrifice, and herself. But as truths she never expected begin to surface, one question remains-will Meona finally find the courage to face them, or will they consume her first? disclaimer: this story contains heavy and sensitive themes that may be uncomfortable for some readers. please read with caution and feel free to skip this story if the topics are distressing to you. kindly be respectful and gentle when discussing sensitive matters related to the story. thank you.

I shivered as his breath fanned my neck. This was wrong, so wrong... "We shouldn't be doing this, Vince." My back pressed against the wall as I forced the words out. A smile played on his lips. "Vince?" He repeated, his hands rubbing the insides of my thigh. "I'm sorry, Daddy." His devious smile broadened. "That's right, baby girl. I don't care if this is wrong or not. You're mine. Now, go down on your knees, baby girl." My breath hitched. "What if someone sees us? My mother-" "Go down on your knees, Nina." He ordered again, as he unbuckled his belt. *** Pain. Self derogation. Being bullied. This was the story of Nina's life. What was worse than being hated on and despised by one own's mother? Resigning herself to the fact that she'd never find love, her story suddenly changes when she finds out about her mother's intention to get married. Not only does she discover that her new stepbrother is her ex and bully at school, but her mate is her new stepdad. Convinced that fate was playing a trick on her, Nina decides to avoid her stepfather for as long as she could. But can she? Especially when her attraction to him, and the mating bond is involved? WEEKLY UPDATES

Caelan is out for revenge, determined to ruin Everleigh's life after her affair with his father. But hate is a dangerous emotion . . . and he finds himself craving Everleigh far more than he should. *** Everleigh Palma's life was ruined after she got involved with a married man. Branded as a homewrecker, she buried her past and built a new life as a creative writing professor at a private international school. But she can't get away that easily with her past. Caelan Viglianco is consumed by vengeance, determined to shatter her world after her affair with his father. Yet hatred proves dangerously intoxicating, because the more he despises her, the more he craves her, with a desire far stronger than he ever intended. DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Rayne Mariano