Shattered Innocence

The morning sun peeked through the luxurious hotel room's curtains, casting a golden hue over the silk sheets. The room smelled of expensive cologne and faint traces of alcohol.

Nicholas Lazarus stirred awake first. He ran a hand through his tousled black hair, his jaw clenching as he sat up.

He didn't even bother looking at the girl beside him. He already knew the type—another social climber trying to use his bed as a shortcut to power.

Without a word, he stood, stretching his well-built frame before heading to the bathroom. The cold water hit his skin, washing away the remnants of last night. He didn't even remember her face.

Stepping out of the shower, he grabbed his suit jacket and reached into his pocket, pulling out a black MasterCard.

A payment for her silence.

He tossed it onto the bed, right beside the girl's delicate hand, and left without a second glance.

Marcus Damon his longtime bestfriend was already waiting downstairs in his sleek black car.

"You look like hell," Marcus commented as Nicholas slid into the passenger seat.

Nicholas exhaled sharply. "Just another night."

Marcus smirked. "So, what was she like?"

Nicholas looked out the window, uninterested. "Don't know. Don't care."

Marcus frowned. "You're acting weird today."

Nicholas loosened his tie. He felt off. Something wasn't right. His mind kept replaying last night, fragmented memories flashing in his head—a soft, trembling voice… hesitation… a pained whimper.

Then it hit him.

"Shit." His fist slammed against the dashboard.

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Nicholas's jaw clenched. "She was a virgin."

Marcus's smirk dropped. "Wait, what,?, It cannot be in this generation"

Nicholas ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "Damn it. I didn't realize it last night."

Marcus whistled. "That's… rare."

Nicholas exhaled. "It was her mistake for coming to my bed." His expression hardened. "But… I think she was drugged."

Marcus went silent, processing his words. "That's serious, man."

Nicholas shook his head. It didn't matter now. The girl would take the money and disappear.

At least, that's what he thought.

Lucy's Nightmare Begins

Lucy stirred, her head pounding like a drum. She groaned and shifted slightly, feeling an unfamiliar soreness in her body. A strange sense of unease settled in her chest as she slowly opened her eyes.

The room was unfamiliar. The bed, the scent, the expensive sheets—nothing belonged to her.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. She tried to sit up, but the ache in her body made her wince. Something was wrong.

That's when she noticed it.

She was naked.

Her breathing quickened. Her hands clutched the silk sheet tightly against her chest, her mind racing. What happened last night? She tried to remember—but her mind was blank.

Panic clawed at her throat. Her hands shook as she scanned the room, her heart pounding. And then—her eyes fell on the black MasterCard resting on her hand.

Her lips trembled. The moment she touched it, reality crashed down on her like a tidal wave.

Tears welled up in her eyes as her body shook. She didn't know what happened, but this—this felt like a nightmare.

Her chest ached, and before she could stop herself, she burst into tears. Her sobs filled the empty room.

Her fingers trembled as she touched the sheets beneath her. Who had been with her? What happened?

A sob escaped her lips as reality sank in. She had been used.

Her body shook as she clutched the credit card, her entire world crumbling around her.

Her hands fumbled for the hotel phone, and she dialed Cassie's number with shaking fingers.

The line rang once before Cassie's frantic voice came through.

"Lucy! Where the hell are you?!"

Lucy choked on a sob. "Cassie… I—I don't know…"

Cassie's tone shifted from anger to worry. "What happened? Where are you?"

Before Lucy could answer, another call came through on Cassie's line.

Lucy could hear Cassie's sharp intake of breath. "Oh my God."

Lucy wiped her tears. "What? Cassie, what's wrong?"

Cassie's voice trembled.

"Lucy… there was an accident."

Lucy's heart stopped. "W-what accident?"

"It's your parents."

The room spun.

"They're alive… but, Lucy, they're in a coma."

Lucy's scream pierced through the phone.

The Fall of the Sinclair Family

James and Cassie arrived at the hotel minutes later. Cassie hugged Lucy tightly as soon as she saw her.

"Oh my God, Lucy… What happened to you?"

Lucy didn't answer. She was still shaking.

James, looking furious, handed her fresh clothes. "Get dressed. We need to go home."

The ride back was silent.

But when they arrived at the Sinclair mansion—they found Nathaniel Cross and Chloe Lane standing at the entrance.

Lucy's blood ran cold.

Nathaniel smirked. "You're back."

James's fists clenched. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Chloe, looking smug, crossed her arms. "This isn't your home anymore."

Lucy's heart stopped. "W-What?"

Nathaniel stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "Your father's business? It's mine now. The house? Also mine."

Lucy shook her head in disbelief. "Nathaniel… why? Why would you do this?"

Nathaniel smirked cruelly. "Because you were always too naïve, Lucy. You should have listened to the warnings."

Lucy's vision blurred with tears. She had done nothing to deserve this. Nothing.

Her body trembled as she stared at the man she once loved. "You… you betrayed me…"

James grabbed her arm. "Lucy, let's go."

But before they could leave—the paparazzi arrived.

Camera flashes erupted in every direction.

Cassie pulled Lucy close, shielding her. "Damn it! Let's get out of here!"

They rushed into the car and drove away, leaving behind the ruins of their once-great family.

Inside the car, Lucy clutched the credit card tightly.

James noticed. "What's that?"

Lucy hesitated before handing it to him. "I found it when I woke up."

James's eyes widened.

The card held 10 million dollars.

Cassie gasped. "Lucy… where did you get this?"

"James…" she whispered. "I found this in my hand when I woke up in that hotel room."

James and Cassie looked at the card. Their eyes widened.

It had 10 million dollars on it.

For the first time that day, a flicker of hope shone through their devastation.

James gritted his teeth. "Nathaniel won't get away with this."

He turned to Lucy. "You need to leave the country for now."

Lucy wiped her tears. "I can't just—"

James held her hand firmly. "Lucy, you're a model. Right now, the media is going crazy over our family's downfall. If you stay, you'll be their target. You need to go."

Tears spilled down her cheeks.

Cassie touched her shoulder. "He's right. Go, Lucy. We'll fix things here. And when we do, you can come back."

Lucy hesitated but finally agreed.

They escorted her to the airport

"We will be in touch everyday and I will continue sending money"

She hugs them for a long time and promised that she will try to be strong