Framed By Family, Reborn By Love

PARKE

ignature, each filed document felt less like a chore and more like a ritual, cleansing the last vestiges of a past I had willingly shed. I handle

deserved something special. Javier, for his unwavering love; Daisy, for her bright, innocent joy; Gabriel, for his profound kindness; and Derrick, for his quiet, ste

coming text. An unknown number. My fingers, accustomed to the subtle hum of impe

e tone, the casual assumption of familiarity, screamed "Wells Famil

isit. Benson wants to see you. We' re having dinner at

Associates had hosted its annual corporate gala, the very event where I was supposed to present my groundbreaking designs, before they

"Cemetery visit." "Benson wants to see you." "Don' t be late." A co

to drag me back into their toxic orbit. I pictured Kolby, his face a mix

my shopping, my heart beating a little faster, the metallic taste of apprehension

econd, a sleek black Bentley silently pulled up to the curb, blocking my path. My heart pound

th brutal force. My shopping bags, filled with gifts for my beloved family, tumbled to the pavement, their cont

. The door slammed shut, plunging me into a suffocating darkness. The car surged f

. My eyes, still adjusting to the dim interior, confirmed my assailant

es dark. "Jillian. It's

ms you've learned nothing about personal space, or consen

cle Benson needs to see you. He insisted. You didn't respo

y voice. "Those were gifts for my daughter. I hop

dismissive hand. "This is more important. Unc

to say about that? Last I checked, she was his favorite. The 'brilliant' architect who stepped int

he's revitalized the firm. But she's also sensitive.

ted you, Kolby. She played Benson like a fiddle. She stole my designs, then framed me, all while batting

wheel. "You always said terrible things about Caitlyn. She's a g

at my architectural plans were hers? Or charming a network of clients you couldn't la

built sandcastles together on the beach, innocent dreams of towering structures. He'd always been envious of m

surprisingly soft, breaking the tense silence. "You drew u

aped knees, of a genuine connection. But that Kolby was l

r you watching silently as Benson tore it down to build a new gues

always so intense." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Look, we used to b

lby," I said flatly. "Just a long road of

eptible shift. "Where are you taking me?" I aske

view mirror, a defiant glint in them now. "Uncle Benson wants you