Chapter 2

The car was too quiet for someone who just saved me or — kidnapped me. I couldn’t tell which one.

The word stung in my throat. If this was a kidnapping... it wouldn’t be my first. That thought alone made me shake.

Outside, the night blurred past the window. Inside, he said nothing. No name, nothing. Just occasional glances.

I hated this silence. Almost as much as I hated how safe I felt in it.

“You don’t remember me, do you?”

My brows creased, trying hard to remember him. I couldn’t.

“No, and I’m not planning to get to know you.” He smirked at my remark.

He took a familiar turn in that made me sigh in relief but also, I couldn’t help but glare at him— he knows where I live.

The moment the car stopped, the night lit up like a lightning storm.

Flashes. Voices. Shouts.

I blinked, stunned—paparazzi. Dozens of them. Cameras pointed at me… and him.

He slipped on a hoodie and cap, shielding his face before stepping out with maddening calm—like he did this every day.

Like he was born to walk through fire and look good doing it.

I wasn’t scared. I was exposed.

He shields me with his arms. “Smile. Or it gets worse.”

Don’t you dare touch me again,” I hissed. He just smirked—like he knew something I didn’t. Like my anger didn’t scare him at all.

My eyes were fixed on him as he guided me inside, and as we escaped the paparazzis, I distanced myself.

When we reached my floor, I walked away without looking back.

But that night stuck with me. Not because of the cameras. Not even because he touched me like he had a right.

It was the way he looked at me—like he knew me.

Like he’d seen me before I became Kayla Serrano.

And for the first time in five years, I wasn’t sure who was more dangerous—my enemies, or the stranger who saved me.

“Kayla Serrano: Who’s the Man Who Took Her Away?” I scoff as I read each one of the articles.

My manager— Nelly arrived at my house furious.

“So who was that mysterious man everyone is talking about? I can’t believe he carried you like that! And everyone is talking about it, it’s crazy!”

Apparently, some paparazzi also got a picture of us in the parking lot, but his face wasn’t shown though.

I glare at Nelly. “Why are you so obsessed about that man? He’s no one.”

“I’m not, I’m furious! And you don’t let anyone touch you like that! The media is talking about it, it’s all over the news and I don’t know what to tell them… so tell me, who is that man?”

“No one.” I pouted as I remember that night… damn that man. “I don’t even know his name.” I said in a whisper that made Nelly’s eyes go wide.

Nelly didn’t bring him up again. The day blurred with filming, until she appeared beside me, handing me a sealed envelope.

I gulped as I slowly opened it. Why do I have a weird feeling about this?

“You’ve caught the attention of someone important. We’d be honored by your presence.”

“Oh my. You’re invited to the Hermoso Group’s party! Only the elites of elites are invited.”

“Hermoso.”

I decided to go to the party.

***

“Kayla you’re here!”

“It’s good to see you too Ma’am.” We hugged each other tight.

“I told you to call me Nena!” I chuckled and nodded at that. “Oh! By the way, I want to introduce you to my grandson! I’m sure you’ll like each other.” She chuckled.

Maureen “Nena” Hermoso, a great friend of mine, invited me to the party. We have known each other ever since I became an actress, she helped me achieve my dreams.

I raised my brows at her that made her laugh. “I don’t like the sound of this.”

“Don’t worry too much.” She’s being mischievous right now.

The talk didn’t last long as many other people arrive and talk to her and I used that opportunity to leave and I found a place that’s nice and quiet… and the first thing that came out of my mind is that guy… I’m fucked.

“Shouldn’t you socializing right now?”

I jumped when I heard someone and my brows creased as he came out from the dark… and I gulp as I realize that it’s that guy, my heart skipped a beat… why is he everywhere?

“I should leave then.”

I was walking past him when he put both of his hands on my shoulder to stop me. I glare at him and stepped back but he only step closer to me cornering me to the wall.

“Let go or I’m going to scream. You don’t want people to think that you’re assaulting me do you?”

That made him clench his jaw as he put his hands down but still cornering me.

He stepped into my space like he owned it—like he had the right.

But I pushed him, I smirked as walked past him.

I noticed that some men were going to approach me but then Nena called me.

“Where have you been? I’ve been meaning to introduce you to my grandson.”

She looked so excited as we walk to their booth but before we could get there I feel my heart beating so fast… because we’re going straight to the guy… I hate that I don’t know his name.

“T-that’s your grandson?” I bite my lips, now we’re looking at each other, he look shocked upon seeing me though especially that his grandmother is holding my hands tightly.

“Yes, do you two know each other?” She sound enthusiastic.

“Yes.” I said through gritted teeth, unable to stop myself. My heart beat like war drums.

“No,” he said smoothly, raising a brow—like we were strangers in another lifetime.

“Oh?” Nena looked at us with confusion but she laugh to ease the tension as we’re glaring at each other. “Anyway, this is my grandson Rowan Hermoso. Rowan this is Kayla, the girl I was telling you about.”

I feel my world stop turning when I heard his name, I couldn’t believe it… no I refuse to believe it. I told myself a hundred of times that I’m going to move forward and put the past behind but hearing his name makes me remember it… he’s Rowan Hermoso… the person I was betrothed to… before I was killed.

“Nice to meet you, Kayla.”

“I should say the same, Rowan.”

“Rowan must have known you, Kayla. He runs a security business and he’s the one providing security team to your agency.” My mouth open at that information.

I don’t know what to say nor how to react but Rowan just keeps looking at me and it’s making me intimidated by him. He’s watching my reactions as he sipping on his champagne.

“Oh! Chairman! Rowan! Finally we’ve found you.”

My breathing become heavy and I bite my lips as I look down and all the memories from the past came back like wild fire. I couldn’t think straight and I don’t even know what they are talking about… all I could think of is leaving.

“You okay?” Rowan put his hand on mine and squeezed it that made me look at him.

The people that stole my life are standing in front of me, and after five years of keeping myself strong and brave I was put down to drain.

Legs shaking, sweats forming in my forehead, and the lump in my throat made me want to run away. I remain composed… they don’t know I’m alive— that’s the only thing that keeps me breathing.

“By the way, Kayla, this is the Monroe Family. You probably heard of them, they own multiple resorts and hotels around the globe.” I just smile at that.

“You left a big piece of information, Chairman.” My step mom chuckled and looked at me. Her brows creased for a moment but she smiled widely…. I was scared for a second there, I thought she recognized me.

“Oh?”

“That our family and business is going to merge soon through marriage, my daughter Mykyla and your grandson Rowan.” My brows creased… What is she talking about?

“They’ve been engaged for years now.” Nena just laughed and shook her head.

“Mykayla?” I whispered that caught their attention.

My step sister looked at me and my step mom answered. “Oh right. This is Mykayla Rae Monroe. My daughter who’s going to be part of the Hermoso family soon.”

Allison, my stepsister, stood in front of me—Wearing my name.

Living my life.

Pretending to be Mykayla Rae Monroe.

But I’m her.

I’m Mykayla.