Don't Make Me Hate You

For a time, I was even grateful to have escaped the toxic vortex of my family’s drama.

At first, he was on my side, loathing Kayla and her mother as much as I did.

But everything changed when Kayla turned eighteen and got into my university.

Dominic stopped keeping tabs on Kayla, and his tone when speaking of her gradually softened.

"That girl's a bit like you, just as stubborn. I heard she knocked over some rich kid's lunch and still insisted he be the one to apologize."

"Karina, maybe there was a misunderstanding all those years ago. Kayla seems like a good person. You two should try to get along from now on. You're family, after all. There's no need for things to be so ugly."

I had only complained to my roommate about Kayla's mother being a homewrecker.

The very next day, a video of my mother being harassed at her diner job went viral on campus.

But I never suspected him.

Eight years went by. We got engaged, and all that was left was to be married.

I thought I was special to him. I thought the love we shared since childhood could overcome anything.

But now, the boy who'd protected and cherished me was gone, a ghost in my memories.

And this wedding… there was no point in having it anymore.

I was just about to pack my bags when a call came from the Chicago Police Department.

“Ms. Martinez, the case regarding your mother has been dropped. Please find time to come and claim her body.”

I froze instantly.

By the time I reached the police station, the files on my mother's case had been sealed and destroyed.

All my strength gave out, and I collapsed to my knees before them, desperately bowing my head to the ground.

“Please, I'm begging you, don't drop the case! My mother was murdered! The truth hasn't been uncovered yet, you can't give up!”

My hand, clutching at the detective's pant leg, trembled. A sharp pain shot through the old injury on my arm, so intense it felt like the bone would break all over again.

The man’s tone was resigned as he helped me to my feet.

“Ms. Martinez, there's nothing we can do. It was your fiancé who requested the case be dropped. We have to respect the family's wishes.”

“Mr. Romano has put the word out—anyone who touches this case won't last long in Chicago. We all have families to feed. We really can't help you…”

With that, the man turned and left. My fingernails cracked, seeping blood.

But I couldn't even feel the pain.

Just then, a message from Dominic came through.

“You got the call? I’ve already contacted the funeral home. Just take Diane straight there. The Romano family will cover the costs.”

"I've said what I needed to say. Don't test my limits."

My phone hit the ground, tears blurring the screen.

Before I could reply, his patience ran out, and he called again, demanding an answer.

"Didn't you see my message? Also, the settlement agreement is in the study. I'm in the penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. Come over. I'll have Kayla sign it."

I was on the verge of collapsing, no longer able to contain my fury.

"And if I don't sign? Are you going to ruin my life?"

He brutally disconnected the call, and a moment later, an email popped up on my phone.

It was my mother's employment contract with Elysium Gallery.

One of the clauses was bolded and highlighted in red.

"During the execution of overseas projects, the employee voluntarily assumes all risks, and all rights of interpretation belong to the company."

The threat was unmistakable.

He left me no choice.

The Romano family's power was deeply entrenched in Chicago; I stood no chance against them.

Leaving was my only chance.

In the end, I took the settlement agreement and went to the hotel.

Just as I reached the entrance, I saw Kayla getting out of a car.

She wore a Valentino couture gown, looking every bit the true Principessa.

The moment she saw me, the corner of her lips curved into a smile.

"My dear sister? What are you doing here? What a coincidence."

"By the way," she added, her voice dripping with fake sympathy, "have you made arrangements for Auntie Diane's funeral? We're all family. If you need anything, just let me know."