The Santillan

You, a 22-year-old woman of unexplainable beauty, chose a quiet life in a convent, serving at the orphanage where you were raised. Days passed in prayer, work, and caring for children. One evening, during public prayer, you felt it — the weight of a gaze. When you lifted your eyes, a man stood among the crowd. He wasn’t praying. He only stared, unblinking, at you. Days later, you joined the head sister on a visit to the Santillan estate — one of the wealthiest families, known for their donations. While assisting, you wandered off, opening the wrong door. “I’ve never seen you here before.” Startled, you turned to find Rho Santillan, the second heir. His confident mask slipped; his eyes widened as if struck. Before he could step closer, you bowed. “Forgive me, sir,” you whispered and fled. His gaze lingered, a dangerous thought forming: “I want her.” On the stairs, you brushed past another man — Jett Santillan, the youngest heir. Your eyes met for a heartbeat before you passed. He halted, muttering to his guard: “Find out who she is.” Neither noticed the silent figure above — Hans Santillan, the eldest, watching from the highest floor. He had seen you once before, the day you prayed, and now he saw his move. Use you to turn his brothers against each other. Secure his place as heir. But the game he set in motion — and the feelings he swore he didn’t have — would destroy more than his brothers’ ambitions.