What Could Have Been (Ruthless)

Latania Fren Fortaleza and Clyde Matteo were once inseparable-college best friends, a ride-or-die duo with a bond that seemed unbreakable. But everything shattered when they discovered their futures had been decided for them. An arranged marriage tore apart their friendship, and Clyde's anger turned their once-strong friendship into a battlefield.

Forced into a marriage neither wanted, Clyde's betrayal and his ongoing relationship with another woman only deepened the rift. Over the years, he subjected Tania to cruelty, turning her into his slave while pushing her further away with every passing day. When she found herself pregnant-something neither of them wanted-it was the breaking point.

Tania's desperation led her down a dark path, but even in her lowest moments, she tried to understand Clyde, tried to hold on. That is, until tragedy struck. An accident claimed their child's life, and the death of her mother on the same day shattered whatever hope remained. With Clyde's fury at its peak, Tania was left with nothing.

In the aftermath, she left to heal, to rebuild herself piece by piece, determined not to let the pain define her. Six years later, Tania returns-stronger, independent, and ready to reclaim her life.

But What Could Have Been isn't just the cruelty she endured; it's the raw, unforgiving strength she gained through it all. The question is, will Clyde ever be able to earn back her trust, or is the damage beyond repair?

This story isn't just about Clyde's harshness-it's the unyielding resilience Tania develops as she fights against betrayal, loss, and emotional torment. It's the strength to rebuild a life, to rise from the ashes of despair, and to never let anyone, including her past self, break her again.

04.24.22 -