Blurb：
Immerse yourself in a dark fantasy world where ancient vampire Dracula rises with a sinister plan to conquer humanity. Elena, a fierce vampire hunter sworn to protect the innocent, stands as the last hope against his reign of terror. Their epic clash of fangs and blades unfolds in a tale of forbidden love, betrayal, and supernatural battles. Dive into this gripping novel filled with suspense, passion, and heart-pounding action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of paranormal romance and gothic adventures!
Content：
When my mother went into kidney failure and needed a transplant, it was Pauline Maynard—on the brink of death herself—who gave my mom a second chance at life.
Just before Pauline passed, she gripped my hand tightly and whispered her final words.
Summer, Ricky is my only son. He’s rebellious… and fragile. Please, take care of him. Just three years, please?
I gave her my word.
Then I moved into their home and gave Ricky everything he needed—love, comfort, a sense of safety. For three years, I stayed true to that promise.
By the third year, Ricky had transformed. No longer the wayward boy he once was, he rose to become the Mafia Don Ricky Lenza. And I was carrying his child.
As I busied myself with wedding plans, I overheard something I was never meant to hear—his voice, low and mocking, as he wrapped another woman in his arms.
“Summer? She’s just pretending to love me for the sake of my mother’s inheritance and a stupid deal. A gold digger like her dreams of marrying me? What a joke.”
A sharp pain pierced my chest, like thorns stabbing deep beneath the skin.
On the way to a prenatal checkup, we were hit in a crash. My baby didn’t make it. And my mother, sitting in the passenger seat, shielded me with her life.
When I woke up, I stared blankly at the date on my phone.
Three days left. That would’ve marked the end of the three-year promise.
I realized then—I’d paid my debt to Pauline in full. It was time for me to go.
Chapter 1
After my accident, Ricky Lenza’s sister, Audrey Lenza, rushed to the hospital in a panic.
She took one look at my numb and eerily calm face, then gently held my hand, her voice soft with sorrow.
“Summer, don’t be sad. You and Ricky can still have children in the future. Right now, what matters is your recovery. You should be healthy and radiant when you walk down the aisle.”
“There won’t be a wedding.” I turned my face away, wiped the corner of my eye without letting her see, and opened a news article on my phone. I handed it to her.
It was a full page—headline after headline—announcing Ricky’s new relationship with Lindsay Penrose.
Over the past six months, Ricky’s name had become a fixture in the tabloids, each time linked to another affair. As the Mafia Don of the Lenza family, he made headlines no matter what he did.
And yet, I pretended not to care, continuing to play the perfect future Donna.
But when the woman he loved deliberately caused the accident that took my mother and child from me, something inside me broke for good.
Audrey stared at the screen, stunned. “How could he… be this cruel?”
She gritted her teeth. “I’ll go talk to him. Just don’t leave, please?”
I lowered my gaze, said nothing.
Still, she didn’t give up. “Summer, you know this. After our mom passed, Ricky saw you as the only person he could lean on. He can’t live without you. Can you give him one more chance?”
I shook my head slowly, swallowing the sob building in my throat.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. Audrey, the three-year promise is up. My mom is gone. My baby is gone. Let me go.”
Audrey froze. After a long sigh, she gave up trying to persuade me.
“It’s Ricky who wronged you. I’ll make sure you get the answer you deserve. Three days from now, you’ll be free. As for your mother and the baby…”
At that moment, a nurse brought over the tiny bundle.
Even in my battered state when they rushed me to the hospital, I’d fought to keep my baby alive. But what I received was only a lifeless body—my seven-month-old child who had stopped breathing the moment the crash happened. He hadn’t even had the chance to open his eyes.
My mother had died from massive blood loss, her aorta torn in the collision while trying to shield me.
I turned my face away, trying hard to contain the storm inside me.
“Bury the baby here. I just want to take my mother’s ashes with me.”
Audrey nodded, her face drawn in grief. “I’m sorry, Summer. Our family failed you. Go. You’ve done more than enough for Ricky. Start your life over.”
With that, she lifted the baby’s body in her arms and slowly walked away.
The tears I had been holding back slipped free the moment she disappeared from view.
Her silhouette reminded me of Pauline—so kind, so gentle. Before Pauline passed, she’d written a will covering the rest of my mother’s medical expenses, settling everything on my behalf.
Back then, I had agreed to help Ricky simply to repay Pauline’s kindness.
He had been cold, rejecting anyone who came near, pushing people away with indifference and suspicion. But the more time I spent with him, the more I glimpsed the vulnerable soul hiding beneath the armor.
He wasn’t the unfeeling man others saw. Sometimes, he’d talk in his sleep—murmuring for his mom and dad not to leave, whispering that he missed them…
That was when I finally understood.
When he was a child, Ricky’s parents were consumed by their careers. They’d often lock him up at home alone. A small boy, left in the dark. He had grown up with no sense of safety. That’s why he feared closeness and saw everyone as a threat.
And maybe that’s why I slowly stopped seeing it as repayment. I began to pity him… then, without even realizing it, I began to love him.
I wanted to heal that anxious, fragile heart.
I’d hold him when he cried in his sleep, softly humming his mother’s favorite lullabies. We’d rewatch the cartoons from his childhood, play with the toys he never got to enjoy. I wanted him to face those lonely years with courage—to stop shrinking back from the world.
And at night, when he’d unconsciously cling to my sleeve in his sleep, afraid I’d disappear, I’d slip my arm under his head and let him rest there until morning.
Maybe it was my warmth that reached him. He began to grow up. Bit by bit, Ricky changed—strong enough, finally, to take on the role of a mafia leader.
A year ago, he proposed to me. Asked me to marry him. We planned to wed in a year.
I said yes, happily, without hesitation.
I really believed we’d make it. Until six months ago, when he didn’t come home for the first time.
Worried, I searched everywhere, eventually tracking him down at a bar.
He had his arm around a woman. He threw Pauline’s hidden will and our contract in my face.
Eyes bloodshot, he shouted at me.
“Summer, who the hell are you to care who I sleep with? We’re not even married yet. You think you’re my wife already?
“You’re just the caretaker my mother hired before she died. Keep pushing, and I’ll pull the plug on your mom’s treatment.”
I stood frozen. When I got home, I stared blankly at the photos of us, of the happy memories I thought were real.
That night, in my daze, I fell down the stairs.
And that’s when I found out I was pregnant.
I thought… if I just kept loving him like before, giving him a home, being patient and warm, he’d understand. He’d forgive. He’d see that I loved him.
But after everything I gave… I lost my mother, my child, and my love.
Chapter 2
Just as I wiped away the last of my tears, Ricky’s name lit up on my phone.
“Summer,” he snapped the moment I picked up, “you’ve grown some wings now, huh? Told my sister I was cheating?
“I’m warning you—you were the one who ruined what we had. You owe me. If you dare play the victim again, I’ll cut off your mother’s treatment.”
If this had been before, I probably would’ve cried, apologized over and over like I always did, begging for his forgiveness.
But now?
I didn’t want to anymore.
“Yeah, okay.”
He paused, caught off guard by the indifference in my voice. Then he gave a short, mocking laugh.
“I heard you gave birth. No wonder you’re acting so tough now. But don’t forget—I’m the one in charge of the family. Without my favor, you and the baby are nothing.
“You think that empty title of ‘future Donna’ means anything? Let’s see how long that attitude of yours lasts.
“If I don’t marry you, your child’s just a bastard. He’ll never inherit the family fortune or the title of Don.
“So be good, listen to me. Who knows, if I’m in a good mood, maybe I’ll marry you. Then at least your kid won’t be born out of wedlock.”
I closed my eyes, exhausted.
Titles… didn’t matter anymore.
The baby was already gone. Whether he was born legitimate or not no longer meant a thing.
Since the night six months ago—when Ricky brought his lover back to our home—I’d already become the punchline of every joke in the Lenza family.
Everyone knew I’d fallen out of favor.
That night, as some twisted punishment, he locked me out on the balcony. I stood there in the freezing wind, snow piling at my feet, forced to listen to their moans and laughter inside.
Even his typically stone-faced bodyguards couldn’t hide their pity when they looked at me.
From that moment on, this title of future Donna became nothing but a cold, painful reminder of that night—of the snow and the shame.
I had quietly endured Ricky’s endless humiliations, telling myself it was worth it if he’d just forgive me… if we could one day go back to those happier times.
But that hope died along with my mother and my child.
And our relationship? It needed to end too.
I hung up.
Then I stood and called the funeral home, making arrangements for my mother’s cremation.
When I returned to the hospital room, I saw Ricky standing at the door.
“Wow, Summer,” he sneered, “you really are good at putting on a show. You sounded so weak on the phone, but look at you—walking around like nothing happened. Just gave birth and already running around? Guess you don’t need rest.
“Didn’t you love playing nanny to me? Perfect. Lindsay’s moving in today. Once you’re discharged, you can go home and take care of her.”
I froze.
He grinned, eyes cruel. “You know, having someone outside the room while we’re in bed makes things even more exciting.”
He stared hard at me, waiting—no, hoping—to see me break. But I only lowered my gaze, quiet and numb.
When he didn’t get the reaction he wanted, he clicked his tongue in annoyance, muttered something about how boring I was, and then turned to block a passing doctor.
“My son—where is he? Bring him to me.”
The doctor glanced at me, shocked and uncertain.
“Your sister… already took him,” I said hesitantly.
Ricky opened his mouth to speak again, but his phone rang, interrupting him.
He answered, and when he hung up, I couldn’t tell if he was angry or amused. He grabbed my chin again, his grip tightening.
“Your acting’s really improved, Summer. For a second, you almost had me thinking you didn’t care. But in the end, you always resort to the same little tricks—complaining, tattling. Just wait. I’ll deal with you when I get back.”
He let out a cold laugh, shoved me away hard, and left without another word.
I stumbled, too weak to steady myself, and slammed into the bed rail.
The doctor rushed to help me up and glaring at Ricky.
“What kind of person does that?” she muttered under her breath. “She just miscarried—her body’s already so weak. He could’ve killed her.”
She looked at me, full of sympathy. It was that same expression my mother wore the day she learned of Ricky’s betrayal.
I clutched my chest, where the pain throbbed beneath my ribs. My face, pale as paper, remained expressionless.
It’s okay, Mom. Please don’t worry about me anymore. Because I’ve made up my mind. I’m done loving him.
Chapter 3
It wasn’t until the day I was discharged that I finally learned why Ricky had lashed out at me.
As it turned out, Audrey, furious on my behalf, had retaliated by using her influence to blacklist Lindsay—Ricky’s lover—across the entire industry. She even issued an official statement on behalf of the Lenza family denying the affair.
Lindsay assumed it was my doing.
That phone call yesterday—the one that set everything in motion—was her, complaining to Ricky.
To save her from embarrassment, Ricky bought her a five-million-dollar diamond at an auction that same day. Not long after, she posted a flawless picture on Instagram, showing off the jewel.
The caption read: [The man who loves me always spends like a king for me.]
Ricky liked the post.
His public show of support flipped public opinion overnight. The audience rallied behind Lindsay, painting her as the poor Cinderella caught in a web of power and wealth.
And me? I was cast as the cruel villainess in her fairy tale.
I left a comment on her post.
“You’re right. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”
…
Ricky’s POV
When I saw Summer’s comment, an unexplainable irritation surged in my chest.
Why wasn’t she angry? Why didn’t she scream, cry, or confront me like she used to?
Just days ago, she was calling nonstop, waiting for me when I didn’t come home. Why was she suddenly so calm?
“Ricky,” Lindsay cooed beside me, leaning in for a kiss, “when are you going to marry me? Didn’t you tell the media I was the love of your life?”
I shot her a cold look. “You’re just an actress I hired. A prop in my performance to fake an affair. You really think I love you? That I’d marry you? Don’t flatter yourself. Know your place and disappear when I’m done with you. Delete that post. Now.”
Then I turned and left without another word.
…
Summer’s POV
Not long after I left my comment, Lindsay deleted the post.
I didn’t dwell on it.
Instead, I accepted a small urn from the funeral home staff. Inside it was my mother’s ashes.
After everything was settled, I brought her ashes home, ready to pack up and leave.
But when I opened the door, I saw Ricky on the sofa, seething with rage.
He had been drinking heavily, empty bottles strewn around him, one hand still dialing my number over and over.
When he saw me, he stopped, looked up, and locked eyes with me.
“Where the hell have you been?”
I didn’t answer. I turned to head into the bedroom to pack.
But suddenly, he hurled his glass across the room. It shattered against the wall. He stormed toward me and grabbed my arm hard.
“I asked you a question! Where were you? Why weren’t you answering my calls? Who were you with—some other man? I get it,” he sneered. “You’re mad I’ve been ignoring you, right? Fine. I’ll make it up to you.”
He swept everything off the coffee table and pushed me down on top of it, roughly tearing at my clothes.
I froze, panicked. “Ricky! Have you lost your mind? I just gave birth!”
He didn’t listen. He bit down hard on my lip.
I struggled and shoved him with all the strength I had.
He snapped, lunged again, this time yanking my hair. But then he stopped.
He looked at my tear-streaked face, the blood on my mouth, and his expression faltered. Panic and something dangerously close to regret flickered in his eyes.
“I… I’m sorry,” he stammered. “I didn’t mean to…”
He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, trying to touch the wound on my lip.
But just as his fingers were about to graze my skin, the front door burst open with a loud bang.
Ricky jolted, yanking his hand back. The anger returned to his eyes instantly.
Audrey stepped into the wreckage of the room. Her gaze swept over the broken glass, the bruises, the blood.
She didn’t need to ask what had happened. She already knew.
Just as she opened her mouth to lash out, Ricky scoffed and looked down at me. I still lay crumpled on the floor.
“Hmph. How convenient. Your backup just showed up. I’m going to find Lindsay. I won’t be coming home tonight.”
And with that, he turned and walked out.
“Ricky! Stop right there!”
But he didn’t. He didn’t even glance back.
Audrey could only shout at his fading silhouette, her voice trembling with helpless rage, “You better be back at the family estate tomorrow!”
But her words never reached him. He was already gone.
She exhaled slowly, then knelt to help me up.
She handed me an envelope. In it was a plane ticket.
“Tomorrow’s the last day,” she said. “This is your flight out.”
Then she looked at me, pain in her eyes.
“Tomorrow is your child’s funeral. I know my brother doesn’t deserve forgiveness, but that baby… he was yours. I hope you’ll send him off properly, before you go.”
I paused. Then nodded.
The next morning, I arrived at the family estate before dawn.
This child—my child—cost me a lot to bring into the world. And yet I never even got to hold him once before saying goodbye.
Maybe… he knew I’d done everything I could. Maybe that’s why he chose to leave first—to save me from having to carry him through the wreckage of this love.
I wiped the tears from my face.
Ricky never showed up.
But Lindsay did.
She sent me a video.
In it, she clung to Ricky’s arm as they chose wedding gowns together.
At the end, she sent a voice message.
“So what if you gave him a son? The only one who gets to be his wife is me. We’re shooting wedding photos soon.”
I didn’t reply. I just forwarded the video and the message to Audrey.
Then I turned to my mother’s ashes and whispered, “Mom, let’s go home.”
…
It was already dark when Ricky finally stumbled into the estate, reeking of alcohol.
The sight of the decoration stopped him cold.
“Who died?”
Then, a beat later, he asked, “Wait… Summer’s mother? Her condition got worse? No… that can’t be. I hired the best doctors in the world for her. She shouldn’t have…”
Suddenly, his eyes widened. His voice cracked.
“Summer’s been quiet these past two days… she must’ve been grieving. God, she must’ve been devastated. I have to go to her. She must be alone. Scared.”
Before he could move, Audrey slapped him hard across the face, snapping him out of his drunken haze.
“She’s gone, Ricky. Summer left… with her mother’s ashes. And this… this is your son’s funeral.”
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