Author: Momo Chan

Everyone called Julian the perfect husband. For ten years of marriage, I suffered my “episodes” almost every year. Even when I drew blood from him, he’d still hold me gently, soothing me with soft words. Even when I was hauled away to a psych ward, he still smiled sweetly. “Sarah, don’t be afraid. We’re all here to help you.” It wasn’t until I found my hidden PhD diploma in psychology that I knew. My illness was never a diagnosis. It was his creation. My head felt like it had been hit by a sledgehammer, and my stomach churned in protest. I heard Julian’s voice, anxious and choked with tears, repeating over and over, his eyes red and bloodshot as he gripped my hand tightly. “It’s okay, Sarah, everything will be alright.” There seemed to be other people around, holding things and taking pictures. I struggled to see clearly, but my vision was a blur. I only caught a fleeting glimpse of cold indifference in his eyes. “Shh, don’t move, darling. I’ll go with you for treatment. It’s just a minor procedure, and you’ll be fine.” He whispered soothingly, his arm sliding under my waist and knees, lifting me into his embrace. My body felt like a broken rag doll, limp and lifeless in his arms, my limbs hanging uselessly. Outside the car window, the night was thick like ink, occasionally cut by the fleeting light of a streetlamp. Where were we going? Why was my headache getting worse? It felt like I’d forgotten something incredibly important. I shook my head and looked at Julian. “Julian, I don’t want to go. Can we just go home?” Julian whispered reassurances in my ear. But phrases like “You’ll be fine after some rest,” and “The place we’re going will make you better,” only pricked at my nerves, making me tremble uncontrollably. My gaze drifted to the window. A sign indicated a psychiatric hospital just ahead. Those few short words instantly filled me with dread. “No hospital! I’m not sick! I’m not going to a psychiatric hospital!” “I’m not crazy! I’m not sick! Let go of me!” I struggled wildly in the car. Julian let me flail and hit him, but he continued to calm me with that infuriatingly gentle voice. I fought desperately to break free from his embrace, trying to open the car door. The next moment, like a mosquito bite, a sudden wave of dizziness slammed into me, and I lost consciousness almost immediately. When I woke up again, I was already dressed in a hospital gown. Several people in white coats approached, their eyes scrutinizing me. Julian stood nearby, his expression so complex I couldn’t decipher it. He gently patted my back. “Don’t be afraid, they’re all here to help you.” His voice was soft as silk, but it sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. Instinctively, I clutched his arm, pleading. “Julian, I’m sorry! I promise I’ll never hit you again. Please, take me home!” “Julian, I’m really not sick. It must be my hormone levels are off. Can’t we just go home and get it sorted?” Julian continued to placate me with empty words, but his hand made no move to help. The people in white coats nodded at him. Julian stepped back, making way for them. They grabbed my arms and forced me onto the cold hospital bed. Rough restraint straps instantly tightened around my wrists and ankles. The sharp pain made me scream. “Sarah, just bear with it a little longer! It’ll be over soon!” A cold liquid was pushed into my veins. The tranquilizer began to take effect. My thoughts became slow and thick, everything around me twisting, blurring. I struggled to grasp onto something, my fingertips twitching uselessly, but there was nothing to hold. Through my fading vision, Julian walked towards the door. The moment he opened it, I saw a figure standing outside. Was that Chloe? Why was she here? As I wondered, Julian pulled her into a hug. Chloe rested her head intimately on his shoulder, a smirk of triumph playing on her lips. “Don’t be afraid. We’re here to help you.” Julian’s gentle yet chilling words exploded in my mind. A searing tear rolled down my cheek, but the image was so fleeting, so ethereal. I couldn’t tell if it was reality or just another hallucination from my “episodes.” My eyelids grew heavier and heavier, until I finally plunged into complete darkness.

When I woke up, blinding white still surrounded me. “Miss Sarah, it’s time for today’s treatment.” She pushed a cart towards me, and the gleaming electroshock machine instantly made my hair stand on end. I struggled to sit up, but my body was as soft as jelly. It was the after-effect of the tranquilizers. A few days later, Julian came. He was wearing the gray cashmere sweater I’d given him, holding a bouquet of champagne roses-my favorite flowers. “Sarah, are you feeling any better?” Behind him, a social media influencer was live-streaming on her phone, explaining something to her followers. “Guys, a man like Julian is truly a rare gem in this world!” “Sarah’s been diagnosed with a mental illness, but he still hasn’t given up! He even brought in the world’s best doctors for consultations. Seriously, Sarah must have won the cosmic lottery in a past life to deserve a husband like him!” A flicker of smugness, however, darted across Julian’s eyes. He bent down and gently kissed my forehead. The cold touch instantly sent a shiver down my spine. “The doctor says if you cooperate with the treatment, you’ll get better soon.” He smiled at the doctor beside him, then turned back to me, the smugness in his eyes even deeper. This time, I saw it clearly. The side effects of the medication left me constantly groggy, my brain felt like it was stuffed with cotton, making even simple thoughts sluggish. Each electroshock felt like a thousand needles simultaneously piercing my brain, making me curl up in agony. They said it was to “correct” my “delusions.” But all I felt was my soul being slowly drained away. I started to lose track of day and night, of dreams and reality. I even struggled to remember if it was Julian or Chloe who had visited. The nurse handed me the phone, saying it was Mom. “Sarah, just listen to the doctors. Julian told me you’ve been really stressed lately, overwhelmed.” “Many of the things you’re seeing are just hallucinations. Don’t let those crazy thoughts in your head fool you.” Mom’s voice carried fatigue and a hint of helplessness, yet it seemed to awaken something deep within me. “Mom, no, that’s not right! I’m not sick! Please, let me out! I’m really not sick!” “Mom, it hurts so much! They electroshock me every day, it really, really hurts!” Mom sighed deeply, but there wasn’t a hint of belief in her voice. “Just focus on getting better. Julian is taking care of everything at home.” The line went dead, leaving only a cold dial tone. I lay in bed, staring blankly at a small patch of mold on the ceiling. It looked exactly like a distorted face, mocking my sanity. Every day was the same: wake up, take medication, then the “treatments.” Julian’s sweet talk, the small gifts he brought during visits, all felt distant and blurry, like they were behind a pane of glass. All I remembered was that fleeting look of smugness in his eyes, and the pity and fear in the eyes of my relatives when they looked at me. I even began to question if I really had gone mad. Until that day, the nurse walked in, holding my medication and a patient record. It was strange, ever since I’d been admitted. I’d asked to see my medical records many times, but I’d always been refused. I vaguely remembered that I knew something about therapy myself. But no one seemed willing to listen to me. The nurse stormed in, impatiently slamming things around. “What kind of lazy-ass doctor is this? Can’t even bother with rounds, just says he’s ‘busy’! I’m so over this job, seriously, anyone who wants this life can have it!” She grumbled under her breath, shoving the pills into my hand impatiently. “Hurry up and take your medication!” Seeing that she didn’t check my mouth as usual, I instinctively hid the pills under my tongue, pretending I’d already swallowed them. The nurse quickly left, but the patient record lay forgotten in the room. I opened the book, took one look, and froze.

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When Ryan and I got married, he was dirt poor. He promised me that one day he’d make a name for himself and present me with a grand surprise. Three years later, he did it. His company went public, soaring to unprecedented heights, and his name was everywhere. At the celebratory banquet on the listing day, my heart swelled with joy as he handed me a beautifully wrapped package. But when I opened it, the smile on my face froze. I stood there, stunned. Inside were three bank cards, each with a small label. The first: $18,000, for the house call when you saved my mother. The second: $38,000, for the three years I lived in your home, rent. The third: $200,000, for three years of doing laundry, cooking, and taking care of the house—your nanny fees. “Skylar, everything I owed you, I’ve paid back.” “Now, can you finally let me go?” My heart plunged. Was this how he saw our home? A hotel? And me? Just a nanny? This wasn’t a surprise gift; it was a death wish package! Before I could even process it, Ryan pulled out a massive diamond ring from his pocket. He knelt on one knee, gazing deeply at Chloe, my apprentice, who stood beside me. “Chloe, I love you.” Boom! My mind went blank. My neck stiffened as I slowly turned ninety degrees, staring at Chloe in disbelief. Chloe, who had become my apprentice at eighteen, and whom I had meticulously mentored for five years. “Mr. Ryan is proposing to his wife’s apprentice? What the hell… he’s not even trying to hide it?” “Ugh! And I used to idolize him! Turns out he’s a total scumbag!” “They say men change when they get rich, and it’s absolutely true. Company just went public, and he’s already ditching his wife for his young apprentice!” “Absolutely shameless! Disgusting!” “…” A wave of angry curses erupted through the hall. Ryan then turned to me, his face etched with a suffocating heaviness. “My mother was critically ill back then, and I couldn’t afford her treatment. You offered to save her life with surgery if I married into your family, and I agreed.” “A year later, my mother passed away. I wanted a divorce, but you used saving my mother’s life to manipulate me. I didn’t say anything then.” “Now, I’ve paid everything I owe you!” “In fact, if you agree to the divorce, I’ll even give you half the company’s shares. How about that?” The insults faltered. Countless gazes of surprise and curiosity turned to me, and whispers filled the room. “I knew Mr. Ryan couldn’t be that foolish. So there’s a heartbreaking backstory.” “Selling himself to save his mother, then repaying the debt after making it big, and even willing to give up half his shares for freedom. Nothing wrong with that!” “Yeah, on the contrary, his wife seems a bit unscrupulous. I suddenly feel so sorry for Mr. Ryan…” My chest felt like it was filled with ice shards, each breath a searing pain. My mind was flooded with the image of him, kneeling in the snow, kowtowing repeatedly, begging me to save his mother’s life. I saved her, without any conditions. Afterward, he proposed, and I, moved by his filial devotion, accepted. But now, it was twisted into me having blackmailed him all this time? Looking at the utter lack of emotion on his face now, it finally hit me. All those countless moments of affection and sweetness after our marriage were just a performance for me… The next second, Chloe’s furious voice rang in my ears. “Ryan, have you lost your mind?!” “I’ve always looked up to you as an elder. How am I supposed to face anyone after this?” “Skylar, I swear to you! There’s absolutely nothing going on between Ryan and me!” “I have no idea why he’s pulled this stunt today. You have to believe me!”

I froze, and the entire room erupted again. Ryan looked bewildered, opening his mouth to say something, but Chloe was already wiping her tears, fleeing as if her life depended on it. Back home, Ryan and I fell into a cold war. Waking up in the middle of the night, I paused as I passed his study. The door was tightly shut, but with my superior hearing as a neurosurgeon, I caught every word of the conversation inside. “Ryan, you were too hasty!” “Skylar hasn’t taught me The Phoenix Nerve Technique yet. Now isn’t the time to burn bridges with her!” “Y-yes… I’m sorry, Chloe. I just want you so badly! I want to marry you officially! I want to—” “I understand, but my heart and soul are already yours. Can’t you wait a little longer? Please?” “Alright… So, how are you going to make it up to me?” “Oh!” “Next time, we’ll try a new position. I promise it’ll blow your mind.” “…” I trembled, leaning against the wall, silent tears streaming down my face again. “What a loving couple, indeed!” “Since that’s the case, I’ll grant your wish.” As soon as dawn broke, Chloe called me. “Skylar, have you and Ryan made up?” “Ryan’s words yesterday were just drunken ramblings, please don’t take them seriously.” “Your kindness in teaching and guiding me has always been etched in my heart. Even though you’re only seven years older, I’ve always seen you like a mother.” “I would never do something so ungrateful as to be intimate with Ryan. You have to believe me, boo-hoo…” On the other end of the line, she was crying her eyes out. I didn’t expose her, only sneered silently. I had just hung up when Ryan pushed open the door. “Skylar, I was so out of it yesterday, I don’t know what happened. Someone must have been jealous and spiked my drink to make a fool of me.” “That gift package was just a prank to lighten the mood. This diamond ring was meant for you.” I took the ring, then tossed it into the trash can without a second thought, shoving a freshly printed divorce agreement at him. “Sign it.” Ryan froze, opening his mouth, but I pushed a surgical notebook gently towards him. “Now, can you sign it?” Seeing the surgical secrets, his pupils constricted sharply. He immediately picked up the pen to sign. But then he paused, his hand trembling slightly, a flicker of confusion in his eyes that even he didn’t notice. Three or four seconds later, he signed and quickly stood up. Before leaving, he glanced back at me, unusually calm, his lips twitching. “Skylar, I…” I cut him off. “I’ve let you go. Leave.” “Congratulations, Mr. Ryan, on regaining your freedom.” That same day, I posted a statement online, severing my mentorship with Chloe. Soon after, Ryan posted a response. [Shocking! Ex-husband publicly exposes Neurosurgeon Skylar Matthews’ Three Major Crimes!] “One, accepting bribes, openly disregarding hospital regulations, repeatedly and actively soliciting under-the-table payments from patient families, with bribe income reaching at least a million!” “Two, malpractice and negligence, not only refusing to treat the poor but also causing patient deaths multiple times due to misdiagnosis, then using money to cover it up.” “Three, marital infidelity, repeatedly offering ‘escort services’ to wealthy patients, and using her position and reputation to coerce new industry recruits into becoming her young boy-toys.” Below the post were videos of a group of patients and a young intern who had just joined the hospital, tearfully accusing me. No need to ask, Ryan must have used his money and influence. The post quickly shot to the top of trending topics, and the comment section exploded. The countless curses scrolling wildly across the screen were like poisoned daggers relentlessly stabbing my already shattered heart.

I clenched my fists, knuckles white, ultimately suppressing the volcanic rage and bitter hurt welling up inside me. The tears that had been brewing in my eyes didn’t fall. Because it wasn’t worth it. If they wanted to play, I’d play along until the very end! The next day, as I went to work at the hospital, security guards and nurses in the lobby pointed and whispered about me. I ignored them completely. As I was about to enter the elevator, Dean Thompson blocked my way, his face furious. “Dr. Matthews, an internal review has been initiated regarding your conduct. You’ll be suspended for a period.” I was stunned. “Dean, do you believe those online rumors too?” “Whether they’re rumors, we’ll find out after the investigation.” “But there are so many patients waiting for me…” Before I could finish, a tall, strikingly handsome man, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, approached me. “Effective immediately, you are no longer my sister’s attending physician. I cannot entrust my sister to someone of such questionable character.” My expression shifted slightly. I reminded him, “Mr. Thorne, you know your sister’s condition. You’ve consulted every famous doctor, domestic and international. Only I can save her.” Alex Thorne frowned at my words. Just as he looked troubled, Chloe, in a white coat, appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Her eyes glinting, she said softly, “Mr. Thorne, actually…” “I can do it too.” I paused, then scoffed, a cold smile on my lips. “Oh, really? Just got expelled from your mentorship, and your wings are already so strong?” Chloe looked heartbroken, her voice tinged with a sob. “Skylar, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean to steal your patient, and I had no idea about that post Ryan made.” “But now the patient’s family insists they don’t want you to treat her. As a doctor, one can’t just disregard a patient’s life, right?” “Life is paramount, and patients have the right to choose their attending physician. These are all things you once taught me.” Alex Thorne looked at her skeptically. “My sister’s illness is a rare one. You can treat it?” Chloe nodded eagerly, about to guarantee it, when Alex already made up his mind. “Alright, you’re hired.” I sighed softly, then urged, “Mr. Thorne, I just taught her the surgical techniques. Even if she’s talented, I’m afraid…” Before I could finish, Alex waved his hand. “Shut your mouth, you jinx! Get her out of here!” Seeing several bodyguards approach, I quickly stepped back. “Don’t touch me. I’ll leave myself.” Before walking out the main door, I turned my head, sharing a deeply meaningful gaze with Alex . Over the next few days, Chloe’s treatment of Audrey went remarkably smoothly. For this, the hospital even held a commendation ceremony specifically for her. I was also required to attend, standing on stage like a mere green leaf, accentuating her dazzling brilliance. “Now, Mr. Thorne’s sister’s condition is basically stable, and Mr. Thorne, to show his gratitude, has expressed his intention to donate one hundred million dollars to our hospital!” “This is all thanks to Dr. Chloe. Her Phoenix Nerve Technique is truly phenomenal!” “Furthermore, according to many public reports, Dr. Chloe frequently offers free medical services and has an excellent reputation in the industry. She’s simply the opposite of some people.” At this, Dean Thompson glared at me, his brow furrowed, then continued, “After investigation, the claims in that previous post have been largely verified.” “The senior management and I have decided to terminate Skylar Matthews’ employment. The position of Head of Chinese Medicine, which she previously held, will be taken over by Chloe.” The audience erupted in thunderous applause, mixed with shouts of condemnation directed at me. “Serves her right!” “A corrupt, depraved doctor like her is an insult to our noble profession!” “Dismissal is too light; she should be blacklisted from the entire industry!”

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The moment I heard about my daughter’s plane crash, my entire family turned on me. My husband, Robert, immediately brought his mistress, Serena, into our home. He sneered at me, arrogant and defiant: “Serena and I have been separated for decades, but she was always meant to be my wife.” “Vivian is dead, blown to smithereens, so your protection is gone. You’re no longer the high-and-mighty Mrs. Harper. From now on, you’ll learn to know your place!” My son, Brandon, smirked with pure malice: “After years of being walked over by Vivian, I finally feel good. The Harper Group is mine now.” “And you, old hag, stop throwing your weight around. Serve us well, and you might still get a mouthful of food in this house!” My once-loving family instantly transformed into demons with twisted faces and cruel fangs. They reunited in the villa my daughter bought for me, indulging in lavish spending with the money she gave me. Meanwhile, I was forced into the doghouse, given scraps that even a dog wouldn’t touch. But what they didn’t know was that Vivian had been delayed by a meeting. She never even boarded that crashed plane…

It was early winter, and I was wearing only light clothes when my husband and son threw me out to the doghouse. Watching Serena’s familiar put-on act, I couldn’t help but let out a self-deprecating laugh. Years ago, Vivian had threatened Robert with his shares in the company to make him break up with Serena. Turns out he only pretended to agree, still seeing her behind Vivian’s back all this time! “Robert, how dare you lie to Vivian? Aren’t you afraid she’ll come back and take everything from you?!” The group on the steps peered down at me. A few seconds later, a harsh burst of laughter erupted. “Vivian has been blown to smithereens. She’s still dreaming; it’s laughable.” Brandon’s face was full of disgust: “Mom, look at you, a senile old fool. Only Vivian ever treated you like a treasure, but now she’s dead, and your lifeline is gone. From now on, you’ll have to live off our scraps. Just thinking about it gives me a thrill!” Robert wrapped an arm around Serena, patting Brandon’s shoulder with satisfaction: “The entire Harper Group will be ours, mine and my son’s. Once we get Vivian’s inheritance from you, the Harper Group will become the Hayes Group. Then you can go join your dear daughter!” Robert’s words sent a surge of excitement through them all. I didn’t know if I was cold from the outside or if my heart was colder than ice. I clenched my fists, trembling uncontrollably. For so many years, their act had been so convincing. Robert had always been attentive, thoughtful, and polite. When Vivian caught him cheating years ago, he knelt, begging for my forgiveness, vowing never to repeat his mistake. He even accepted Vivian changing her surname to mine without a word of complaint. Brandon was always dutiful, showing Vivian, his older sister, the utmost respect. Now, the news of Vivian’s plane crash had barely reached us, and their true colors were completely revealed! Robert scoffed, pointing at the doghouse. “You don’t deserve to live in such a nice villa anymore. You’ll stay in the doghouse. By day, you’ll be our maid; by night, our watchdog.” I snapped, “You wouldn’t dare! Vivian bought this villa for me, and it’s in my name.” I started to walk up, but Robert raised his hand and shoved me. I tumbled down the steps, my old back injury flaring with excruciating pain. Serena let out a delicate, mocking laugh, her eyes full of scorn. “Eleanor, you’re too old for this. Don’t forget, tomorrow morning I want a custom-blended green tea smoothie. Make sure it’s ready.” With that, she casually linked arms with Robert: “It’s freezing, Robert, Brandon. Let’s go inside.” The large door slammed shut in front of me. I endured the sharp pain and crawled into the doghouse for warmth. My phone and bank cards weren’t with me. Robert had bribed the house security guards at some point. I couldn’t even get out of the yard. This wasn’t the time for anger. They still didn’t know Vivian never boarded that plane. I had to hold on until she returned! Then we’d see if they could still wipe that smug grin off their faces.

The shivering night finally passed. But I was woken by a basin of cold, greasy slop thrown on me! “Still sleeping? Mr. Hayes and Master Brandon are already up. Go prepare breakfast immediately.” I trembled, looking up. Mrs. Jenkins, the housekeeper, sneered. Seeing no reaction from me, she tried to kick me. I grabbed her ankle. “I suggest you know your place.” As soon as the news of the plane crash broke last night, everyone assumed Vivian’s chances of survival were practically zero. Robert had incited the servants and security guards to obey him. Now, everyone dared to kick me while I was down! The way self-interest turns people cold truly disheartens you. Mrs. Jenkins scoffed, shaking her foot free. “Still trying to pull the ‘lady of the house’ routine? Pfft! Our boss has changed. You’re no longer the esteemed Mrs. Harper. Mr. Hayes said you’re lower than us now in this house.” “Get up and cook!” I forced myself to crawl out of the doghouse, enduring my aching back and the cold. Mrs. Jenkins impatiently pushed me. As I entered the house, I saw Serena emerge, wearing my custom-made silk pajamas. She wrinkled her nose, clutching it with her hand. “It stinks! How can anyone eat the breakfast she makes?” Robert walked out of Vivian’s study, holding a gift box. “Then she can go clean the toilets,” he said, waving to Serena. “Serena, here’s an emerald necklace. It’ll look beautiful on you.” Serena swayed her hips over to him. The two of them cozily draped the necklace around her neck, admiring it. “That’s the birthday gift Vivian bought for me at auction for eighty million dollars! You can’t touch it!” I tried to rush over but Mrs. Jenkins held me in a death grip. She whispered in my ear, “Do you really think you’re worthy to compete with the new missus?” Robert feigned innocence, “Vivian? Where’s Vivian? Eleanor, are you still clinging to that delusion? Your Vivian died long ago, didn’t even leave a handful of ashes.” “Brandon is going to the company today to announce Vivian’s death. After her memorial and the will is settled, we’ll kick even you out!” Both Robert and Brandon knew that Vivian’s inheritance would surely be left to me. That’s why they hadn’t kicked me out yesterday. But I wondered what expressions these heartless monsters would make if they saw Vivian walk back in, safe and sound. Just then, Brandon came downstairs, talking on his phone: “Yes, tell the reporters the news is accurate. The Harper Group will hold a memorial service. Mrs. Harper?” Brandon glanced at me, then deliberately choked up. “My mother is overwhelmed by the news and has fallen ill. Everything will be handled by my father and me.” He and Robert exchanged glances, and Robert nodded in approval. Then, Robert stormed towards me, his eyes hard. “What are you doing?” My heart lurched. I tried to dodge, but Mrs. Jenkins held me in a death grip. Robert conjured a sickeningly sweet smile. And then, he viciously kicked me in the stomach! My sixty-year-old body crumpled to the ground, curling into a ball, sweat beading from the pain. Robert bent down, looking at me like a dying ant: “If you’re sick, you should act sick. That’s more convincing.” “Lock her up. No need for a doctor. It’ll be perfect if she’s unable to speak at the memorial service.”

Two security guards dragged me to the storage room. The door was locked from the outside, and there wasn’t even a window. “Eleanor? Eleanor?” A weak voice suddenly came from under the door. I struggled to look, pressed against the floor. But I only saw a pair of shoe soles. “Eleanor, it’s Chloe. Are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” I clutched the door, my heart pounding. Chloe hadn’t been working for us long. Vivian had helped her after she experienced domestic abuse, and hired her as a cleaner. I didn’t know if I could trust her, but I had to take the risk now! “Chloe, sweetie, can you get my phone for me?” I had to contact Vivian. I needed her to come back quickly. “I’ll go right now,” Chloe’s footsteps quickly retreated. I prayed silently in the darkness. Time had never felt so long… Suddenly, a bag was slipped under the door. It was my phone, along with two painkillers! Good girl, Chloe! Vivian absolutely has to give you a raise when she gets back! I huddled in the corner and pulled out my phone. It hadn’t been charged for a day and a night, and the battery was only at three percent. I quickly dialed Vivian’s number, but the call couldn’t connect. Then I called Vivian’s assistant, Marcus. It rang! Each buzz of the connection slammed against my heart. Just then, the sound of a key turning in the lock echoed from outside the door! Every hair on my body stood on end. As the door opened, Serena walked in. At the same moment, the assistant’s call connected. “Eleanor? Are you looking for Vivian?” “Quickly come back…” I saw Serena discover me. I shouted desperately, but she snatched the phone away from me. She intended to see who I was calling. But the phone died right then. She narrowed her eyes. “Eleanor, you truly are restless, aren’t you?” I leaned against the wall: “Serena, my daughter is coming back. When she does, you’ll be even more miserable than you were years ago.” After all, back then, under Vivian’s threats, Robert had abandoned Serena on the spot. Everyone who knew her knew she was a shameless and failed mistress. She had lost all dignity, ostracized by everyone. Perhaps she recalled her own humiliation from back then. Serena gritted her teeth, crouched down, and grabbed my hair. “Eleanor! Vivian is dead! Her personal effects have been sent back from the airport. There are even fragments of a gift she was bringing for you. Her body was vaporized! What do you have to be so arrogant about?” I scoffed: “Did I hit a nerve? Serena, you have a messed-up marriage and a daughter who barely acknowledges you, so you coveted my husband and resented me for having a wonderful daughter. You lost this game a long time ago.” Serena’s mouth twitched involuntarily. She raised her hand, poised to strike me. I closed my eyes, only to hear a sharp ‘CRACK!’ But no sting on my cheek? Opening my eyes, I saw she had slapped herself? Tears welled in Serena’s eyes. “Eleanor, why would you do this to me?” Almost simultaneously, Robert walked in through the doorway. He saw her clutching her cheek, her voice thick with emotion. He immediately helped her up. “I just came to ask Eleanor if she wanted something to eat, but she called me delusional and hit me.” “Robert, it hurts so much.” Serena’s tears streamed down her face. Robert’s eyes instantly blazed with fury. His eyes wide with rage, he roared at me: “You wretched woman! Someone, throw her into the basement!”

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When I was eight months pregnant, my husband, Brandon, booked eight strippers at a nightclub. His female assistant, Tiffany, sat on his lap, watching me with a mocking smirk. “Brandon, your wife looks like a beached whale! She probably broke the door squeezing in!” His employees chimed in, echoing her words. “You can’t just be a bloated balloon because you’re pregnant and stop us from having fun!” “Besides, Mr. Brandon just closed a multi-million dollar deal! What right do you, a mere housewife, have to tell him what to do?” I glared at their sneering faces, then pulled out my phone and called my father. “The collaboration with Brandon Corp can be canceled.” Brandon had no idea that his multi-million dollar deal was a personal favor my dad gave him, all for my sake. The phone call ended, and the private room erupted in laughter. “Brandon, the way she’s acting, you’d think she was running Brandon Corp!” “Has Serena been watching too many soap operas? Does she really think she’s some kind of power broker?” “Everyone knows Serena’s been living off Brandon since she got pregnant. I bet she doesn’t even have a thousand bucks to her name! And here she is, pretending she can cancel your ten-million-dollar deal.” Brandon looked at me with open disgust, his eyes full of revulsion. “Serena, you’re overdoing it! You’re a housewife who needs my money just to buy groceries, and you dare to put on an act in front of me?” Tiffany, the assistant, leaned flirtatiously against Brandon, her eyes full of scorn as she looked at me. “Serena, your body’s so swollen, you look like a waterlogged corpse! Mr. Brandon doesn’t even mind, he still takes care of you. How can you be so ungrateful?” I looked down at my body, swollen from pregnancy, and a wave of humiliation washed over me. Brandon and I were college sweethearts. He chased me relentlessly for three years. His sincerity moved me so much that I broke ties with my family to be with him. After we married, I poured my entire heart into supporting his startup. I even drank myself to stomach bleeding countless times at business dinners just to help him close deals. Once the company stabilized, Brandon gradually sidelined me, claiming the family needed me more. I had no complaints, happily becoming the woman behind his success. After I got pregnant, I suffered from such severe morning sickness that I could only sustain myself with IV drips. But I never imagined that all my devotion would be repaid with such cruel betrayal. I walked over, grabbed a glass from the table, and poured it straight over Tiffany’s head. “Ah!” Tiffany shrieked instantly, leaping off Brandon’s lap. Brandon’s face darkened. He grabbed my arm tightly. “Serena, what do you think you’re doing?” I shot him a cold smirk. “Just helping her sober up, so she can realize her place!” Tiffany quickly wiped herself, then tearfully threw herself into Brandon’s arms, feigning distress. “Mr. Brandon, I was only thinking of you! Look at Serena, her body is so swollen, she looks like a huge, puffy dough ball. She’s completely unpresentable! I was just worried people finding out you have a wife like that would make you lose face!” Brandon’s eyes were terrifyingly dark as he stared at me. He then picked up a bottle of red wine and held it out. “You better apologize to Tiffany with a drink right now. Otherwise, I’m cutting off your allowance completely. A pregnant woman like you, if you leave me, where do you think you’d go?” I stared at Brandon in disbelief, my hands clenching into fists. “Brandon, you want me, a pregnant woman, to drink to apologize?” Brandon shrugged, unconcerned. “You’re already eight months pregnant, the baby’s fully formed. A glass of wine won’t do anything.” I took the wine bottle Brandon handed me, looked him in the eye, and snorted coldly. Then, with all my might, I smashed it over his head. Crash! The wine bottle shattered, scattering glass everywhere. Brandon clutched his head, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at me. “Serena, are you insane?”

I snorted at him. “You’re the one who went insane first!” With that, I turned to leave. Brandon stepped forward and yanked my arm back violently. “You think you can just hit someone and walk away?” Tiffany rushed forward. “Mr. Brandon, Serena just stomped all over your reputation! If this gets out, how will you ever operate in the city’s elite circles again?” The others quickly joined in. “Exactly! What kind of status does Mr. Brandon have? To be headbutted by a woman? How embarrassing!” “Mr. Brandon, you still need to learn a thing or two about keeping your wife in line!” “Or are you actually scared of her, Mr. Brandon?” Everyone looked at Brandon with amusement, and his face grew even darker. “Serena, I’m giving you one last chance. Apologize!” Meeting Brandon’s vicious gaze, my own eyes turned colder. “Brandon, this is my last chance for you. Let me leave now, or you won’t be able to handle the consequences.” Brandon chuckled dismissively. “Serena, you’re overdoing it! You’re someone who relies on me for everything, who gave you the guts to threaten me?” Brandon picked up a glass of red wine from the table and brought it to my lips. “Drink this, apologize to Tiffany, and I’ll pretend none of this happened today. Otherwise, don’t be surprised when the baby’s born and there’s no one there to sign the birth certificate for your child.” I stared at Brandon, shocked. I couldn’t believe he would use our child to threaten me into apologizing to a mere assistant! “Brandon, I’m carrying your child in my belly! You’d actually use our baby to threaten me?” Brandon’s gaze fell on my huge belly, his expression turning grave for a moment. Just then, Tiffany linked arms with him. “Mr. Brandon, if you don’t lay down the law for Serena today, she’ll walk all over you from now on.” Derek, the financial manager, with a stripper draped over each arm, walked over. “Mr. Brandon is worth so much, he can have as many kids as he wants later. You think one baby can control him? Serena, you’re too naive.” After hearing their words, Brandon looked at me with even more disdain. “Serena, don’t think that just because you’re pregnant, the whole world revolves around you. You will drink this wine today, whether you want to or not.” With that, Brandon reached out and grabbed the back of my neck, forcefully pouring the wine into my mouth. I bit down hard, but Brandon used the glass to pry my mouth open. The dark red wine, mixed with a metallic taste, flooded my throat. I felt a sudden wave of nausea, and a sharp, twisting pain shot through my abdomen. Then I heard a soft ‘pop,’ and a warm gush flowed down my thighs. I gasped, clutching my belly in a panic. “Brandon, my water broke! Take me to the hospital, quickly!”

Brandon stared at the growing puddle beneath me, a flicker of panic in his eyes. “Okay, I’ll take you to the hospital right away.” Just as Brandon reached out to pick me up, Tiffany stepped forward and pulled his arm. “Mr. Brandon, Serena’s only eight months pregnant. It’s not that easy for her water to break.” “Couldn’t she have just peed her pants and is trying to fake a breakdown to guilt-trip you, Mr. Brandon? I’ve heard pregnant women often can’t hold their bladder, and they sometimes even smell of pee.” Hearing Tiffany’s words, everyone around us recoiled a few steps, covering their noses. “I’ve seen so many pregnant women who couldn’t hold their bladder and just peed everywhere. That smell is truly disgusting.” “Serena must be trying to put on a show to make Mr. Brandon feel guilty! What a manipulative move.” “Serena’s body is already unpresentable enough, and now she’s peeing her pants in public? If this gets out, where will Mr. Brandon put his face?” Brandon’s expression turned icy after hearing everyone’s comments. He furiously shoved my hand away. “Serena, you’re faking your water breaking by deliberately peeing your pants just to make me feel guilty? Have you no shame left?” The pain in my abdomen intensified. I struggled to stand, each word making it harder to breathe. “Brandon, my water really broke! It’s your baby in my belly!” Brandon grabbed a glass from the table and angrily smashed it at my feet. Glass shards flew everywhere. “Stop using the child to threaten me! Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough? How unlucky would the baby be to have a mom who pees herself?” A glass shard cut my ankle, and my heart felt like it was tearing apart. Knowing Brandon was useless, I pulled out my phone to call emergency services. But just as I held it up, a hand forcefully snatched it away. Brandon grabbed my phone and furiously smashed it on the floor. “Are you addicted to this act? Want to waste emergency services’ time? Do you think I, Brandon, haven’t lost enough face because of you yet?” I stared at my shattered phone, my heart sinking into despair. The pain in my abdomen grew stronger, and my back was drenched in sweat. “Brandon, I’m begging you, please save our baby, okay? He’s only eight months old, he hasn’t even seen this world yet!” Tiffany chuckled, looking at me. “Serena, your acting skills are wasted outside of Hollywood. I was almost convinced myself.” I bit my lip, my eyes burning with fury as I looked at Tiffany. “Tiffany, I won’t let you get away with this.” With that, I shrugged off Brandon’s hand and turned to leave. But the next second, my path was blocked. Tiffany, her arm linked with Brandon’s, stood in the doorway, smirking at me. “Serena, if you walk out like this, won’t you completely embarrass Mr. Brandon?” Tiffany pointed to my soaked pants, her eyes full of disgust. I clenched my fists tightly. “What do you want?” Tiffany pointed to the lounge inside the private room. “There’s a shower in there. Serena, you should wash up before you leave! Otherwise, walking out smelling of pee like that will just humiliate Mr. Brandon.” I looked at the bathroom inside the private room, my expression instantly turning cold. “My water has broken. If I shower now, it will kill my child’s last chance of survival.” I tried to push past them, but Brandon forcefully yanked me back. “Stop acting! You don’t get a choice!” My back slammed against the doorknob, and a sharp, twisting pain shot through my abdomen. Then, I smelled blood. Everyone in the room instantly looked stunned. “Blood! She’s bleeding!”

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I was pregnant, but my husband had been diagnosed with azoospermia three years ago. Back then, we’d visited countless doctors and specialists, even flying to different states. Every single one said my husband couldn’t have children. Yet, when I found out the true identity of the baby inside me, I immediately filed for divorce. The moment Derek walked in, I blurted out the incredible news. His hand, reaching for his jacket, froze mid-air. His eyes, wide with disbelief, started, “What did you say? You’re pre-” But before he could finish, his gaze suddenly turned icy. My heart plummeted. I quickly explained, “I went to the women’s clinic twice, and both doctors confirmed I’m pregnant.” “Maybe the previous diagnosis was wrong? Maybe you aren’t infertile after all?” Just then, footsteps sounded from the kitchen. Mrs. Thorne, my mother-in-law, had overheard us. She hurried over, her eyes darting to the medical report in Derek’s hand. “Azoospermia and you’re pregnant? You’ve been sleeping around, haven’t you!” Her voice was shrill, practically a shriek. I recoiled, startled by her outburst, and then a surge of fury washed over me. “Mom, how can you say that? Derek and I have been married for three years. Do you really think I’m capable of betraying him and this family?” I expected Derek to stand up for me, to defend me. But he just stood there, his eyes fixed on my lower abdomen, completely motionless. After a few excruciating seconds, Derek finally spoke, his voice devoid of any warmth: “Be honest with me. Whose baby is it, really?” I looked at the suspicion and coldness in his eyes, feeling my hope drain away, drop by agonizing drop. Finally, I took a deep breath and replied, “Tomorrow, go get yourself checked at the hospital first. Then we can talk.” “Maybe your condition… is really gone.” The next morning, I was woken by voices from the balcony. Mrs. Thorne’s voice was loud and clear. “You wouldn’t believe it, my Derek was diagnosed with azoospermia three years ago! It’s all written in black and white on the medical report!” “And now what? Now she’s suddenly pregnant! What else could this be but a bastard child?” I shot up in bed, a furious heat rising in my chest. “Mom, don’t spread rumors! Nothing’s even clear yet, how can you say such things to our relatives?” But she shoved me away. I lost my footing, stumbling back two steps, my lower back hitting the balcony railing. A sharp pain made me wince. “Clear things up? What is there to clear up?” “Azoospermia means no children! The doctor said it, it’s common medical knowledge! If you have nothing to hide, then how do you explain the baby in your belly?” I wanted to argue, but the words caught in my throat. Not a single sound came out. Now, all I could do was wait for the hospital results. That morning, Derek and I went to the downtown hospital together. About two hours later, the doctor came out with a report and handed it to Derek. “Your condition is the same as three years ago. Pregnancy is impossible for you.” Boom! At those words, my vision went black. How could this be! “Doctor, could there be a mistake? If my husband still has azoospermia, then how could I be pregnant?!” I was desperate, gripping the doctor’s arm. The doctor awkwardly pulled away, giving a tight-lipped smile. “Simply put, Mr. Thorne cannot conceive.” His words felt like a death sentence. On the way home, the car was silent except for the hum of the engine. Until Derek suddenly spoke. “Get rid of the baby.” I froze, turning to him. “What did you say?”

“I said, abort the baby!” He repeated it, his eyes fixed straight ahead on the road, not looking at me. “We’ll deal with everything else when we get home.” Tears instantly streamed down my face. “Derek, you really don’t believe me?” “I’ve been married to you for three years. Don’t you know what kind of person I am? How could I possibly cheat?” “I want to know why I’m pregnant too! I want to understand what’s going on!” He didn’t react to my words, only pressed harder on the gas. When we got home, he went straight to his study, slamming the door shut and locking me out. That night, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Around eleven o’clock, I heard Derek’s voice from the study, on the phone. “She’s definitely having something with that partner from her company. Remember? She used to say she was working on projects with him, always coming home late at night.” “I didn’t think much of it before, but now, it must have happened then.” “Anyway, I won’t let her off easy. She’ll pay the price!” I sat bolt upright in bed, my blood freezing in my veins. That partner from my company was a guy in his fifties, and he was already married! We only ever had professional dealings; we’d barely even had dinner together outside of work! “Derek, how can you slander me like that?” Derek hadn’t expected me to walk in. He flinched, then scowled, waving his hand impatiently. “What are you doing in here? I’m talking to a friend. What does it have to do with you?” “What do you mean it has nothing to do with me? You’re telling your friend I cheated, that I’m having an affair with a partner! How is that not about me?” “I didn’t cheat! I only have work dealings with him! Why won’t you believe me?” He looked at me, then suddenly roared, “Then how the hell are you pregnant?! Do you think you’re the Virgin Mary?! Carrying some divine child?!” I stared at his cruel face, the last shred of hope in my heart shattering. I suddenly understood. From the moment he saw the first pregnancy test result, he had already condemned me. No matter how I explained, no matter what proof I offered, he wouldn’t believe me. I decided to go back to my parents’ place for a while. I also wanted to calmly review everything and figure out why I was pregnant, and whose baby this really was. However, just as I was about to leave, the living room light flickered on. Mrs. Thorne had been sitting on the couch the whole time, clutching a broom handle, her face eerily grim. “Where do you think you’re going? Are you off to see that wild man?” I instinctively stepped back, tightening my grip on my suitcase handle. “Mom, I just want to stay at my parents’ place for a few days.” “I just want to figure out what’s going on.” “Your parents’ place? Do you even have the nerve to go back to your parents’ place?” She raised the broom handle, pointing it at my nose. “Today, you’re going to give me an explanation! Whose child is that in your belly? If you don’t tell me, you’re not leaving this house!” I tried to explain again, but she wouldn’t give me a chance. The broom handle came down hard on my back. The force made me gasp, and I instinctively flinched away. But she pressed forward, swinging the broom handle again and again, hitting my back and arms. I couldn’t take it anymore. I crouched on the floor, covering my head with my hands, sobbing uncontrollably. Derek finally walked over. But he knelt in front of me, his voice carrying a clear threat: “Apologize to Mom. Just say you were confused for a moment, and made a mistake.”

I looked up at his face. I had seen that face for three years, but now it felt utterly foreign. “I didn’t cheat, and the baby in my belly isn’t a bastard. Why should I apologize to you?” Derek’s face instantly darkened further. “Fine. If that’s how you want it, then don’t blame me for being heartless!” With that, he practically threw me into the basement. I was forced to kneel in the basement all night. They gave me no food, no water. Mrs. Thorne screamed insults at me all night long. It wasn’t until the next morning that my mom called. The moment I picked up, she was crying on the other end. “Scarlett, Mrs. Thorne called me yesterday, saying you cheated and were pregnant with a bastard. Is this true?” My heart clenched, and tears started flowing uncontrollably again. “Mom, it’s not true! I didn’t cheat, and I don’t know how I got pregnant!” “Please believe me, I truly haven’t done anything to betray Derek!” I recounted everything that had happened over the past few days, in detail, to my mom. But after she heard it all, she was silent for a few seconds. “Scarlett, it’s not that Mom doesn’t believe you, but azoospermia and pregnancy… it just doesn’t make sense…” I froze. Even my own mother doubted me. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that the basement door finally opened. Derek stood in the doorway, holding a document, his face colder than before. Then, the document slapped onto the floor in front of me. “Sign it.” His voice was devoid of any warmth. I looked down at the document. The words “Divorce Agreement” on the cover glared at me. At the top, in red pen, were four big words: “LEAVE EMPTY-HANDED.” My heart plummeted. I quickly flipped through the contents. It was clearly stated: the house goes to Derek, the savings go to Derek, and even the company I built from scratch goes to Derek. I looked up at Derek, disbelief in my eyes. “Derek, I’ve been married to you for three years. I’ve covered most of the household expenses. How can you make me leave with nothing?” “And the company, I built that up from a small studio to its current size with countless sleepless nights, traveling to a dozen cities! You never helped me once! How can you expect me to just hand it over to you?” Derek hadn’t even spoken when Mrs. Thorne walked in from outside, hands on her hips, looking utterly self-righteous. “Why? Because you cheated! Because you’re pregnant with a bastard and you’ve shamed our Thorne family!” Derek chimed in, “I’ve already contacted the local media. If you don’t cooperate, tomorrow morning, the news of your ‘marital infidelity’ will be trending on local headlines.” “Then, not only will your company be ruined, but your parents will also be too ashamed to show their faces because of you. Think carefully.” Watching them work in tandem, I suddenly understood. They weren’t just forcing me to divorce; they wanted to swallow my company whole and leave me with absolutely nothing! I threw the agreement on the ground, gritting my teeth. “I won’t sign! This company is my life’s work; I won’t leave it to you!” “And I didn’t cheat, so I won’t sign such a humiliating agreement!” Derek’s face instantly turned ashen. He stopped wasting words on me. A few minutes later, he came back with my suitcase. “Not signing won’t do you any good.” “Now, get out of this house!” With that, he carelessly stuffed my clothes into the suitcase. I rushed to stop him, but Mrs. Thorne, standing behind me, suddenly pushed me.

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“I said, I disagree. On what basis do you force me to replace your daughter to marry Atlas Drkov?” Daisy smiled coldly and said. She had just come home from work, but as soon as she walked in the door, she saw two distinguished guests in the house, these two people were none other than the wife and daughter of the president of Narine Corporation, Hubert Narine. “Daisy Narine, you married the young master of Drkov’s house, that’s your luck. You should be happy, you should be thanking us, why did you refuse?” The speaker was a young woman dressed beautifully and splendidly, her body exuding a strong scent of expensive perfume, her eyes looking at Daisy were full of fierceness and contempt. This young woman is indeed Yaretzi Narine. She is Daisy Narine’s half-sister. So, the president of Narine Corporation is also Daisy’s biological father but she is not recognized. They just see her as an illegitimate child. Why? Because her mother is just a lowly servant in Narine’s house. That year, Mr. Hubert drank alcohol at a party. Then he went home and mistakenly entered Daisy’s mother’s room. Because there was alcohol in his system, he didn’t know who the other person was, so he raped her. Then his wife – Mrs. Raanana, is also the lady standing in front of Daisy. She immediately beat Daisy’s mother and kicked her out of the house. Two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. So, she came to find Mr. Hubert but he did not accept. Daisy’s mother endured the humiliation and suffering of giving birth to Daisy alone, that’s why Daisy loves her mother very much. Daisy laughed mockingly, she said: “If it’s such a blessing, then, why don’t you marry him? Is it because he is now just a disabled person in a wheelchair that you are concerned, right? I think if he was still the proud and outstanding CEO of Drkov Corporation, it wouldn’t be my turn to marry him.” “Hey, you dare argue with me. You are married to a disabled person, that is your luck. Only a cripple deserves a dirty girl like you. Even though he is disabled, he is also the young billionaire of Drkov’s house. We arrange for you to enter that house, and your life will be happy. This is beneficial for you. What else do you want?” Yaretzi said through gritted teeth. “Am I only worthy of the disabled? As for my marriage, you are not qualified to arrange it. Please leave the two of you at my house.” Daisy said coldly. “You..” Yaretzi still wanted to say something, but Mrs. Raanana stopped. She clapped her hands a few times. From inside, two tall, muscular men dressed in black led a middle-aged woman out to the living room. Looking at this woman, Daisy panicked: “Mom.” She hasn’t seen her mother in the house. She thought her mother had gone out, but it turned out her mother was being held by these two men. No wonder she felt strange. How did these two men get into her house? Turns out they captured her mother. “Daisy.” The woman’s voice couldn’t hide her worry. Daisy was angry, she looked at Mrs. Raanana, she said coldly: “What are you doing? Please release my mother.” “Okay. But on one condition, you agree to marry the young master of Drkov’s house.” Mrs. Raanana raised her bright red lips and spoke. “Don’t force me. I do not agree with this marriage. You quickly release my mother. If not, don’t blame me for acting against you.” Daisy did not give up, she said. She was determined not to listen to her stepmother’s arrangement. “Hmmm, a weak girl like you, what can you do to our bodyguard?” Yaretzi crossed his arms and said smugly. As soon as she finished speaking, Daisy rushed forward and defeated the two bodyguards. She acted extremely decisively and coherently, surprising Yaretzi and her mother. “You…” Yaretzi pointed at Daisy’s face, she didn’t know what to say, she didn’t think Daisy’s body was so slender but Daisy could take down two big men, even Mrs. Raanana was also stunned. Daisy didn’t care about the two men lying on the ground. She ran over and helped her mother up. She worriedly asked, “Mom, are you okay?” “I’m fine, Daisy, don’t worry about me.” Mrs. Cara softened her voice, she didn’t want her daughter to worry. Daisy checked on her mother and then looked at the two women standing in front of her. She said: “If you don’t leave, I will beat you.” “You wait.” Mrs. Raanana was angry but she couldn’t do anything to Daisy. She pulled Yaretzi’s hand and left. The two men screaming in pain on the ground were stared at by Daisy, and they quickly ran away. Mrs. Raanana and her daughter ran to the luxury car. Yaretzi was not satisfied, she said: “Mom, she does not agree to marry that disabled person, what should I do? I don’t want to marry him.” “We will think of a way later.” Mrs. Raanana said a little irritated. If Narine Corporation wasn’t about to go bankrupt, they had to rely on Drkov Corporation, so her daughter wouldn’t have married a disabled man. “Mom, think quickly, there are only two days left.” Yaretzi couldn’t help but urge her mother. Mrs. Raanana became quiet, she knew time was tight, her husband and Mr. Drkov discussed, that in two days, he would bring his daughter to Drkov’s house. Inside the rented house, which was only 30 square meters large, Daisy and her mother talked. “What happened before I left?”  Mrs. Cara began to tell her. “I was cooking when I heard a knock on the door so I went to open it. I don’t think the person coming is Mrs. Raanana and her daughter. She said she had something to tell me. What I didn’t expect was that she wanted you to replace her daughter in marrying that man. I did not agree, she told her bodyguards to arrest me, they gagged me and didn’t let me talk.”

After listening to her mother’s story, Daisy clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and said: “They are so shameless, Narine Corporation when it’s prosperous, they don’t care about us. Now that they’re going bankrupt, they’re coming to us again. What do they think we are?”  Daisy and her mother were both unrelated to Narine’s house from beginning to end, no one could force her to do something she didn’t want to do. Narine Corporation goes bankrupt, it has nothing to do with her, why did they force her to replace Yaretzi to marry a strange man? But things weren’t what Daisy wanted, the next day, she came home from work and saw the house door was desolate, her mother was missing, and there was a letter on the table. After reading the letter, she immediately ran to Narine’s house, different from last time, this time Narine’s house opened the door wide for her to enter. A butler was leading her inside the living room, on the lounge chair were all three members of Narine’s house, Daisy’s face turned cold, and she walked inside and said coldly: “Where is my mother?” “Please sit down first.” Mr. Hubert looked at her, he said in a low voice. Daisy didn’t sit, she asked: “Where do you keep my mother, please give her to me quickly, otherwise, don’t blame me for destroying your house.” “Sassy, I tell you to sit down first.” At her words, Mr. Hubert’s forehead was full of blue veins. Daisy glanced at him, she said in a deep voice: “I don’t have time to talk to you, please bring my mother here.” “Are you talking to your father like this?” Mr. Hubert is a hot-tempered person, seeing Daisy’s indifferent and disrespectful attitude, he is extremely angry. “How do I talk? Are you my father? From childhood to adulthood, you haven’t raised me in a day.” Daisy said sarcastically. “You..” Mr. Hubert stood up, pointed at Daisy, he said: “Even though I don’t raise you, I’m also your father, you should remember that you are a member of Narine’s house, the blood is flowing in you. Belongs to the lineage of the Narine family. I don’t tell you much either, now the company is in trouble, you are the daughter of Narine’s house, you have to take charge, you have to replace your sister and marry the son of Drkov’s house.” Daisy laughed. “Even if the blood in my body belongs to the Narine family, I will never admit I am your daughter, nor will you ever be my father, I only have my mother.” “You…” Mr. Hubert’s hands trembled. Mrs. Raanana couldn’t stand it anymore, she spoke up: “You don’t need to say much to her. Daisy, let’s get the point straight, your mother is in our hands, you want me to release her, and you have to agree to marry Atlas Drkov. Otherwise, in this life, you don’t hope to see your mother again.” “You dare arrest my mother, I will report to the police.” Having said that, Daisy was about to take out her phone and call the police, Mrs. Raanana smiled coldly and said: “Just do as you say. Until the police arrive at the house, they can’t find your mother here, they can’t tell us to arrest your mother. You are so naive.”  Hearing that, Daisy’s hand holding the phone stopped, she held the phone tightly, her eyes coldly looking at Mrs. Raanana. Mrs. Raanana is right, Daisy called the police, but it was useless. She didn’t know where they took her mother. If the police can’t find her mother, it’s in vain. Seeing her thinking, Mrs. Raanana proudly said: “How are you, do you still want to call the police?”  Daisy didn’t answer, she just gritted her teeth and looked at Mrs. Raanana angrily. Mrs. Raanana continued: “Do you agree or not? Your mother’s fate lies in your decision.”  Daisy closed her eyes, she had no other choice. Finally, she took a deep breath and said: “I agree.”  Mrs. Raanana said with satisfaction: “Very good, you have to see Mr tomorrow. Drakov. Tonight, you stay here. As for your mother, when you officially marry Atlas Drakov, I’ll release your mother.” “I want to see my mother,” Daisy suggested. Mrs. Raanana glanced at her husband, then she ordered the butler to bring Daisy’s mother here.  Mrs. Cara arrives with two men but a man in his hand holds a knife. He put a knife to her mother’s neck, seemingly afraid she would act like she did yesterday. “Mom.” “Daisy, you don’t need to worry about me, don’t sacrifice your happiness for me, it’s okay if I die.” Mrs. Cara saw her daughter, she said hastily, inside, she heard the whole story. Daisy frowned and said. “Mom, you don’t say that.” Her mother raised her alone until today, and she hasn’t been able to repay her mother’s kindness. Can Cara please stop talking about death? Daisy sacrifices her happiness, what does that mean? In this life, her mother sacrificed everything for her, her happiness had no meaning. “Daisy, you…” “That’s enough, please bring her inside.” Mrs. Raanana didn’t let Mrs. Cara finish her sentence, she interrupted her and ordered two bodyguards to take Mrs. Cara inside. “Mom.” Daisy saw her mother being dragged away, her heart was both worried and angry but she couldn’t do anything. — Six o’clock the next afternoon, the Royal Hotel. Daisy followed her father into a presidential room, in front of the hallway there were several men in black standing in front of the room door. Mr. Hubert looked at them and said: “I’m Hubert Narine. I have a meeting with Mr. Drkov, is he inside?” “Yes, please come in.” A person dressed in black looked at Mr. Hubert then he opened the door for the two of them to enter. Entering the room, Daisy sees a grizzly-haired old man sitting on a lounge chair in the middle of the living room, with a kettle, and cups on the table, holding a cup of tea in his hand and enjoying it. Daisy and Mr. Hubert walked up to him, but he hadn’t looked at the two of them. Mr. Hubert proactively spoke up first, “Chairman Drkov, I brought my daughter here.” 

The old man in front of them was Mr. Drkov, Daisy couldn’t help but observe him, the first time she met a big character, of course, she had to look closely. Usually, she only gets to see his face in books and newspapers. Now, she looked at him in real life, which was a bit hard to imagine. However, the most famous person in this city is not him but his nephew, Atlas Drkov, who will soon be her husband. Mr. Drkov just looked up at the two of them, he said: “Sit down.” The two of them sat down across from Mr. Drkov, and he looked at Daisy again and observed her. Being stared at like that, Daisy didn’t feel stressed, her face still looked calm as if nothing had happened. Mr. Drkov’s eyes flashed with interest, and after a while, he said: “Good.” “Thank you for praising my daughter but she still has many shortcomings. How dare we let you praise like that.” Mr. Hubert heard the compliment from Mr. Drkov, he immediately opened his mouth to speak. Mr. Drkov asked again: “I heard you have two daughters, one is the daughter of your official wife, and the other is an illegitimate daughter. So, who’s the girl in front of me?” Mr. Hubert was surprised, he didn’t think Mr. Drkov knew about this again, his heart was low. Speaking of this, he felt embarrassed and said: “She is Yaretzi Narine, she was born to my wife.” “So what?” Mr. Drkov raised his eyes and looked at Daisy, he asked: “Girl, can you tell me who you are?”  Mr. Hubert gestured to her but Daisy didn’t pay attention to him, she calmly said: “Daisy Narine.” “Yaretzi, what the hell are you talking about? Your mother, have you forgotten?” Mr. Hubert warned and looked at her. Daisy smiled coldly, she replaced Yaretzi to get married, but that doesn’t mean she also changed her last name, she doesn’t want to live under someone else’s name. Mr. Drkov has investigated this, does he not know who she is? Mr. Hubert wants Daisy to call herself Yaretzi, stupid. Mr. Drkov was interested and looked at the girl in front of him, it seemed like she was an honest person, he said: “I asked again, who is this girl, I need the correct answer.” “Yaretzi.” “Daisy.”  Two voices simultaneously, Mr. Hubert astonished and looked at Daisy. Did she forget her mother was being arrested by him?  “Mr. Hubert, I’m giving you one last chance, at who she is. If you’re lying, we don’t need to talk about it anymore. You think I’m old so you can fool me?” Mr. Drkov’s voice was a little angry, his eyes were slightly twisted, and his forehead was a straight line. Mr. Hubert was so scared that he sweated, but he’d wipe it. Anyway, he’s the president of a big corporation, but when he faces a president like him, he gets scared. After all, the opponent has more power than he. Moreover, he’s a beggar now, so it’s understandable that he has a fearful attitude. In front of Mr. Drkov’s dangerous gaze, Mr. Hubert said, “She’s Daisy.”  Mr. Drkov knocked his arm down on the table, causing Mr. Hubert to be shocked. “Chairman, although she is Daisy, she is still my daughter.” Mr. Hubert hurried. Daisy was at the side with a cold laugh, but she didn’t say anything. Her father wants her to replace Yaretzi with a stranger, and that’s a price. “In the beginning, you lied to me, but your daughter is honest, considering this point, I don’t think about it. You go out, I want to talk to her in private.” Mr. Drkov suddenly kicked Mr. Hubert out, confused him, and he didn’t understand. “Chairman, on the issue of investment…” Mr. Hubert was speaking, but he saw Mr. Drkov’s cold eyes, he was silent. There’s no other way, he can only go out, before he goes, he’s still staring at Daisy. Right now, there’s only one old man and one young girl left in the room. Mr. Drkov said, “I’ve investigated and found out your mother and you live outside, right?” “From time to time, we’ve always lived outside,” Daisy said. “Well, I’ll be straight. You’re an honest person, I like your personality. You must know what my nephew is like, don’t you? So, do you agree to marry him?” Mr. Drkov looked straight into her eyes and asked.  Though this marriage is a commercial marriage, he needs a man who loves his nephew sincerely. Daisy says, “I came here, which means I agreed to marry him.” “Are you afraid my nephew is paralyzed?” “I accept,” Daisy answered, does she have any right to worry? Her mother is in the hands of Narine’s house, she’s forced to marry Atlas. More precisely, she had to make a deal with Mr. Drkov for him to invest in the Narine Corporation. “Well, I don’t care why you agreed to marry my nephew, but once you’ve become the bride of Drkov’s house, you have to love my nephews, can you do that?” Mr. Drkov asked and looked at her. Daisy didn’t hesitate, she insisted, “Okay.” If she hesitates, it’s useless. She can only make a definitive decision. Anyway, she doesn’t have a boyfriend. She’ll do the duty of a wife well. Seeing Daisy answering so quickly, Mr. Drkov was very pleased, he said: “In three days, our family will deliver the wedding gift to your house. We’re going to have a wedding in seven days, do you have any ideas?” “No, sir, but I have a condition.” Sooner or later, she will have to get married. If she gets married as soon as possible, her mother will be released soon so she has no opinion. Mr. Drkov glanced at her and he said: “What is that?” “Please bring your wedding gift to my house, not Narine’s house,” Daisy stated her condition. Hearing that, Mr. Drkov said without hesitation: “Okay.” Daisy walked out of the presidential suite, holding a contract in her hand. Seeing Mr. Hubert, she said nothing and walked to the elevator door, he impatiently followed her. “And what did you and Mr. Drkov say to each other? How’s the contract?” He kept asking. Daisy didn’t say anything, she left.

At Drkov’s house. The woman took a sip of tea, she said sarcastically: “That old man has found a wife for Atlas, who is she?” “Daisy Narine, she is the illegitimate daughter of the president of Narine Corporation.” The butler replied. Hearing that, she snorted coldly and said: “Narine Corporation? Is the Corporation about to go bankrupt? Yes. Only bankrupt people would accept to marry their daughter to a disabled person, and she is an illegitimate daughter. Why did that old man agree?” “I don’t know about this either.” “Okay, you go.” The woman saw that the wedding gift was only one billion. She threw the paper to the butler and leaned her head back on the massage chair. The housekeeper took the paper back and left. The woman looked at the young man in front of her again. She said: “Is everything okay at the company, son?” “Mom, don’t worry. Soon, I will have Drkov Corporation. Please help me keep an eye on that cripple.” The man said confidently. She pouted: “He only knows how to destroy things all day, but other than that, he can’t do anything. Son, we have been patient for so long, it’s time to let our family members know our true power. Please hurry, I can’t wait.” “I know, you won’t wait much longer.” The man curled his lips slightly, an idea flashed in his mind. — Three days later, Daisy received all the wedding gifts that Mr. Drkov brought to her. Looking at the wedding gifts in front of her, she didn’t have the feeling of a bride about to go to her husband’s house. These gifts were more like goods for her to inspect. The butler stood aside and observed her. On the outside, he saw that she was just a small, weak, and money-greedy girl. Besides, he didn’t see anything special about her, and he didn’t understand why his boss chose this girl. About fifteen minutes later, Daisy finished checking, she looked at the housekeeper and said: “I have finished checking it, you can go back and report to Mr. Drkov.” “Yes, please excuse me.” The butler completed his duty, he drove and left. Daisy looked at the wedding gifts worth more than billions and a red book in her hand. She didn’t have many emotions in her heart. She only dealt with these wedding gifts. The wedding gift was worth up to ten billion, but she didn’t want to receive many artifacts, so she told Mr. Drkov to transfer nine billion to her account, so it would be easier for her to preserve it. As for this red book, it doesn’t seem to be on the list of wedding gifts that Mr. Drkov said. Because she was curious, she called Mr. Drkov, he said this was a meeting gift from his grandfather to his granddaughter-in-law. Daisy knows Mr. Drkov had a lot of money so she didn’t refuse, moreover, she knew Mr. Drkov didn’t give this red book to her for no reason, he was trying to test her. Mr. Drkov requested that after she marries his nephew, she is only allowed to stay at home to take care of her husband, she is not allowed to go out to work. This requirement for any modern woman is too restrictive of freedom, but Daisy is different, her job is as a comic book artist, and she can draw at home, except on Mondays. She had to go to the company to submit the manuscript to the editor-in-chief. In addition, she rarely goes out, so with this request from Mr. Drkov, she could completely agree. Daisy finished arranging the wedding gifts, sat at the table, and finished drawing the manuscript, she was calm as if the events that had happened in the past few days had nothing to do with her. After all, she is also autonomous in her life. Even though she is forced to get married, she must also be the one to take the initiative in getting married. After drawing two or three pieces of paper, she stopped writing and thought. As for this soon-to-be husband, she didn’t know too much about him. Atlas Drkov is famous for being the cold-blooded and decisive general of the Drkov Corporation. At eighteen years old, he became a general manager. He is a talented, brave, and intelligent person in society, he holds the economic lifeblood of the city when the directors in the city meet him, they also have to respect him three times. But one night, he suddenly had an accident in the company warehouse. He was unconscious for half a year and had both legs paralyzed. From then on, his position as general manager was transferred to his younger half-brother, and he locked himself in the house for over a year now. Daisy only knew that, besides that, she didn’t know anything else about him. Originally with Atlas’s status, she wouldn’t have had a chance to meet him, let alone marry him. It was only because he was a disabled person that she had this ‘luck’. Before, Atlas was a perfect man. He was sought after by many women, but in an instant, he became a man shunned by women. So many young girls, models, and actors once wanted to marry him, but now they avoid him like the plague. It should have been Mr. Hubert also did not want to sacrifice his daughter because the company ruined a hundred billion contract. He had to compensate his partners so the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. At this moment, Mr. Drkov announced that he wanted to find a wife for his nephew, Mr. Hubert took this opportunity to marry his daughter to a cripple to get investment capital from Drkov Corporation to save his company. However, Yaretzi did not agree to marry a man in a wheelchair, she was arrogant and wanted to stand above others. She married a disabled person, which was an insult to her. So Mrs. Raanana just found Daisy, Mr. Hubert’s daughter has been missing for 25 years. Life is unpredictable. In the past, no matter how many times she came to see them, they still kicked her out. Now they come to find her.

Since she knew the story of her mother and Mr. Hubert, Daisy deeply hated his family. She told herself that she would never step foot in their house in her whole life, but unexpectedly things were not as she expected. Daisy remembered the first time she stepped into Narine’s house three years ago. At that time, her mother was seriously ill and needed one hundred million dollars for treatment. Her mother was a garment worker and only had eight thousand a month. She was a comic book artist and had just started her career, so she only had six thousand a month. They worked for a year, and their accumulated money was only enough for fifty million. For the remaining half, she borrowed money from friends and acquaintances and got twenty million. With the remaining money, she had no other choice but to find Mr. Hubert to borrow money, but he refused to lend her the loan, he even kicked her out of the house. Then, fortunately, a friend of her mother lent her thirty million. She had enough money to treat her mother’s illness. Since then, she has hated Mr. Hubert. That year it was because he was sorry for her mother, but he said her mother seduced him. Even though she didn’t witness the incident, she believed what her mother told her. As for Narine’s house, Daisy never wants to have a relationship with them, not even a little bit. She doesn’t want to. But right now, at Narine’s house, Mrs. Cara successfully deceived two bodyguards and escaped, but before she could run for long, they chased her and caught her. As soon as Mrs. Cara was brought into the living room. She immediately received a slap from Mrs. Raanana. “Who permitted you to run away? Do you believe I will chain you up like a dog?” Mrs. Cara tried to endure the pain. She looked at Mr. Hubert couldn’t help but get angry, and said: “You don’t acknowledge Daisy as your daughter. So, based on that, you force her to get married to save your company.” Mr. Hubert couldn’t say anything. Mrs. Raanana was by his side, she replaced him and said: “You are the old servant of our family. To be more precise, that year, my family was also grateful to you. If, at that time, my father-in-law had not picked you up and brought you to this house to make you a servant, how could you have given birth to Daisy? Consider this an opportunity for you to repay our family.” “Plus, your daughter gets to marry a rich man. That’s your luck. You should thank us for that.” Mrs. Cara took a deep breath, she calmly said: “Madam, I never wanted my daughter to marry a rich man. As long as she marries the person she loves, that’s enough. I beg you to annul this marriage.” “That’s too late. Daisy agreed to this. You don’t need to beg us. Daisy is forced to marry Atlas.” Mrs. Raanana said harshly. She did not give Mrs. Cara time to object. Then, she said to the two bodyguards: “Please watch her, don’t let her run away again, otherwise I will deduct your salary.” Mrs. Cara watched the two of them leave. She cried, why did this happen? She had nothing to do with Narine’s house. Why did this happen to her daughter? Soon the wedding day arrived. Before the wedding day, Daisy was taken to the hotel where the wedding took place. Early in the morning, she was surrounded by three or four people doing her makeup and wearing her wedding dress. The people who did her makeup each looked at her with different eyes, pity, contempt, jealousy, and envy. They superficially gave her makeup. When she put on her wedding dress, they didn’t support them enthusiastically. Looking at their attitude, Daisy immediately kicked them all out. She did it all herself. The employees were kicked out. They couldn’t help but get angry and pouted: “Even though she’s poor, she still brags.” “She married a disabled person. Why does she dare to be arrogant towards us?” Another female employee spoke up. “If you speak softly, others hear it, you will be fired.” In the room, Daisy finished her makeup, then, she put on her wedding dress, her face was not happy, and looking in the mirror, she continued to adjust her hair. — At that time, there was a bit of chaos at Drkov’s house. Today was Atlas’s wedding day, but he didn’t want to go. He even got angry and threw things around. “Get out.” In the room decorated in red, on the first floor, an angry voice rang out. Several maids in the room looked at the man in the wheelchair. They were afraid to go near him. They just looked at each other, not knowing what to do. The butler took the groom’s suit and entered the room. He looked at Atlas and said: “Young master, it’s almost time, quickly change your clothes.” “Get out,” Atlas shouted as he threw another glass on the ground. “Butler, what should we do? The young master is so upset, we can’t help him.” A servant spoke up. The butler looked at the man in the wheelchair who had his back turned to him, then he looked at the frightened maids and said, “You go out first.” The maids hurriedly left, the butler put the suit aside, and he also walked out. Atlas sat there, his face could not hide the pain and anger, he did not want to get married. If it’s not the person he loves, he won’t marry any other woman. Furthermore, he also did not believe that the other woman volunteered to marry him. Everyone avoided him, women were afraid to get close to him. How would anyone agree to be his wife? Even the person he loved turned his back on him. Who wants to be with a cripple like him? Remembering what the woman had said to him that day, Atlas couldn’t control his anger. He threw another object on the ground. Women, in the end, only want material things and fame and fortune. The woman he loved for three years and said she would hold his hand for the rest of his life was no exception. Her love for him was just a lie. In essence, she wanted to hold his property in her hands. When he had nothing left, she immediately left him. Atlas looked down at his disabled legs again. For more than a year, he had lived with these disabled legs. It was because of them that he lost everything, but because of that, he recognized the evil intentions of some people.

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Chapter 1: The Billionaire’s Proposal Sienna The moment I walked into the DeLuca Enterprises skyscraper, I knew I was stepping into enemy territory. The air inside was cold, calculated, suffocating with power. The kind of place where men in custom-tailored suits spoke in whispers, where women walked in sky-high heels, eyes sharp as knives, and where the very walls seemed to hum with the sound of money and corruption. I didn’t belong here. I had no business stepping into the lion’s den. And yet, I had come anyway. Because Alessandro DeLuca had summoned me. The receptionist, a polished woman with ice-blonde hair, barely looked up as she gestured to the elevator. “Mr. DeLuca is expecting you.” I stepped in, my stomach twisting.The numbers climbed. Twenty-fifth floor.Thirty-seventh. Forty-fifth.By the time the doors slid open, I was ready to face the devil himself. And there he was. Alessandro DeLuca. The first time I had met him, it had been at a charity gala, one where the rich played pretend, throwing money at causes they didn’t care about just to look generous. I had been there as a journalist, exposing the hypocrisy of men like him. He hadn’t liked that. Now, he leaned back in his Italian leather chair, watching me with those piercing blue eyes that had destroyed weaker men in boardrooms. “Sienna Monroe,” he drawled. “You came.” His voice was deep, measured, with a hint of amusement. Like he already knew what my answer would be before I even sat down. I clenched my fists, keeping my expression neutral. “You gave me no choice.” A slow, knowing smile curved his lips. “Good. I prefer when people realize they have no power in my presence.” My nails dug into my palm. Bastard. But I wouldn’t be intimidated. Not by Alessandro DeLuca. Not by the man who had built an empire with blood and steel, who had single-handedly crushed competitors, and who now sat before me, the very picture of wealth and arrogance. I didn’t sit. He watched me for a moment, then gestured lazily to the chair opposite his. “Sit.” I didn’t move. “Let’s get to the point.” He smirked. “You always were impatient.” I bit back the urge to snap at him. He was trying to get under my skin, and I wouldn’t let him. He steepled his fingers, his eyes darkening with something unreadable. “I need a wife.” The words hung in the air like a slap. For a moment, I thought I had misheard him the deadly seriousness in his gaze told me I hadn’t. A laugh bubbled in my throat, sharp and bitter. “Excuse me?” “I need a wife,” he repeated smoothly, like he was asking for a business transaction rather than something personal. I shook my head. “You’ve lost your damn mind.” “On the contrary,” he said, leaning forward, his gaze locking onto mine like a hunter sizing up his prey. “I’m very much in control.” I crossed my arms. “Find someone else.” His lips twitched. “I want you.” A slow chill crawled up my spine. Me?. I asked with curiosity Alessandro DeLuca wanted me to be his wife. I let out a harsh breath. “Whatever game you’re playing, I’m not interested.” His expression didn’t change. If anything, his blue eyes sharpened, like a predator who had just found the one challenge he couldn’t resist. “This is not a game, Miss Monroe. This is a business deal.” Business. Of course. Because men like him didn’t marry for love. They married for power, for control, for convenience. I should have walked away. I should have turned on my heel and left. But then he pulled out a check, slid it across the desk toward me. And when I saw the amount written on it, the air punched out of my lungs. I gripped the edge of the chair to steady myself. It was more money than I had ever seen in my life. More than enough to save my father. Alessandro tilted his head, watching me closely, calculating my every reaction. “Marry me for one year. In exchange, I will cover your father’s medical bills and ensure you never have to struggle again.” My throat went dry. He knew. He knew about my father. About the hospital bills crushing me, about the debt piling up, about the sleepless nights I spent wondering if today was the day I lost everything. I clenched my jaw. “How do you even know about that?” His expression didn’t flicker. “I make it my business to know everything.” My fingers curled into fists. “And why me? Why not some rich socialite who would love to be Mrs. DeLuca?” His lips twitched again. “Because they would expect love.” The words knocked the breath out of me. He didn’t say it with hesitation. He said it with absolute certainty. Alessandro DeLuca didn’t believe in love. This was a business transaction to him. Nothing more. The check sat between us, like a loaded gun. One year of my life. One year as his wife. One year trapped in a world of luxury and deception, pretending to love a man who didn’t believe in love at all. I should have said no. I should have walked away. But then I thought of my father. Of the hospital. Of the bills I would never be able to pay on my own. I thought of everything I had already lost. And I realized that sometimes, losing yourself is the only way to survive. I met Alessandro’s gaze. Steady and unwavering. And I said the words that would change my life forever. “Fine. I’ll marry you.”

Chapter 2: A Deal with the Devil Sienna The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I had made a deal with the devil. Alessandro DeLuca didn’t react. He simply leaned back in his chair, watching me like a wolf who had just cornered his prey. A slow, knowing smirk curved his lips, but it didn’t reach his cold, calculating blue eyes. “I knew you’d see reason,” he murmured, as if this had been inevitable. I clenched my fists under the desk, forcing my face to remain neutral. Every instinct in me screamed that I had just walked into a trap, but it was too late now. I had said yes to one year. One year as Alessandro DeLuca’s wife. One year pretending to be in love with a man who saw marriage as nothing more than a business merger. I was already suffocating. Alessandro slid a folder across the sleek mahogany desk, tapping a single manicured finger on the cover. “Everything is outlined in the contract. Read it carefully before signing.” I snatched it up, flipping through the pages, my pulse pounding in my ears. Terms of the Contract: – The marriage will last exactly one year. -Sienna Monroe will reside in Alessandro DeLuca’s penthouse for the duration of the marriage. -Public appearances are required to maintain the image of a happy couple. -No extramarital affairs or relationships during the contract. -A non-disclosure agreement prohibits Sienna from discussing the terms of the marriage publicly. -Financial compensation of $10 million will be given upon completion of the contract. I swallowed hard. This was not a marriage. This was a business transaction. A calculated deal between two people who had nothing in common except mutual need. I looked up, my hands tightening around the contract. “What happens if I break the agreement?” Alessandro’s expression didn’t change, but there was something sharp, something dangerous lurking behind his smirk. “You won’t,” he said simply. I frowned. “That’s not an answer.” He exhaled, as if bored already. “If you break the contract, you get nothing. No money. No security. No safety net.” No way to pay for my father’s medical care. My stomach twisted. I hated him. Hated that he had me exactly where he wanted me-trapped, vulnerable, desperate. I clenched my jaw, my hands tightening around the pages. “I’ll sign it at your house,” I said, my voice sharp. Alessandro raised a brow. “Second thoughts?” “Just making sure I know exactly what I’m walking into.” His lips curled in amusement. “A wise decision, Mrs. DeLuca.” The way he said it -Mrs. DeLuca- sent a sharp chill down my spine. I wasn’t his yet. Not until I put pen to paper. And I sure as hell wasn’t about to do that in his kingdom of glass towers and boardrooms where he held all the power. I needed time. Even if it was only a few hours. Alessandro watched me for a long moment, then pushed the contract back toward me. “Fine,” he murmured. “You’ll sign it tonight at my penthouse.” A sense of dread curled in my stomach, but I forced myself to nod. “Then we have nothing more to discuss,” I said stiffly, standing from my chair but before I could turn toward the door, his voice stopped me cold. “Not quite,” he said lazily. I turned back, my eyes narrowing. “What now?” Alessandro leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that felt like a slow, suffocating chokehold. “There’s a gala tonight,” he said. “You’ll be attending as my fiancee.” My body went rigid. Of course. Because billionaires didn’t just seal their business deals behind closed doors. They had to parade them in front of the world. I forced myself to keep my voice even. “And what if I refuse?” Alessandro chuckled, low and dark, and the sound sent a slow chill creeping down my spine. “Then you break the contract,” he murmured. “And we already discussed what happens when you do that.” “Bastard”. I clenched my teeth, my fingers tightening around the contract, resisting the overwhelming urge to throw it in his face. Instead, I swallowed the anger rising inside me and forced my lips into a tight, practiced smile. “Fine.” Alessandro’s smirk widened, satisfied. I had barely stepped out of his office when his assistant, a woman named Claire, handed me a glistening black box with a golden ribbon. “What’s this?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. Claire smiled politely, but there was something pitiful in her gaze, like she already knew what kind of hell I was about to step into. “Mr. DeLuca requires you to wear this for tonight’s event.” Event? I turned sharply, my pulse spiking. “What event?” Before Claire could answer, Alessandro strolled out of his office, buttoning the cuffs of his crisp white dress shirt. I hadn’t noticed before, but under his perfectly tailored suit, his physique was all lean, hard muscle, the kind of strength that came from more than just luxury gyms and personal trainers. A man who was used to power. Control. A man who never lost and now, he owned me. “There’s a gala tonight,” Alessandro said smoothly, eyes glinting. “I expect you to be ready in two hours.” A gala. Of course. Because billionaires didn’t just sign contracts and call it a day. They had to parade their acquisitions in front of the world. I forced a tight smile. “And what Alessandro chuckled, low and dangerous. “Then you break the contract. And we already discussed what happens when you do that.” I clenched my teeth and took the box from Claire’s hands, turning on my heel. “Fine.” The Dress That Changed Everything The dress inside the box was obscene. Blood-red silk, custom-made to fit a woman with curves that demanded attention. It was elegant, seductive, and far too revealing for someone who was supposed to be in a fake marriage. I turned to the mirror, my breath catching. I look very different. Not like myself. Like the kind of woman a billionaire would want on his arm. A woman who belonged in Alessandro DeLuca’s world. I swallowed hard, shaking the thought away. This wasn’t about him. This was about my father, my survival, my future. A knock at the door startled me. “Ready?” Alessandro’s deep voice slid through the crack like a whisper against my skin. I squared my shoulders. “Yeah.” The World Meets Mrs. DeLuca The gala was held at the Astoria Grand Hotel, a lavish ballroom dripping in chandeliers, gold accents, and crystal glasses filled with champagne worth more than my rent and the moment we stepped inside, heads turned. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire. “Is that Sienna Monroe?” “Since when is Alessandro DeLuca engaged?” “She’s not his type.” Alessandro placed a hand on my lower back, his touch light but firm, a warning and a command all at once. I stiffened, resisting the urge to shove him away. But then, from across the room, a pair of sharp green eyes locked onto mine. Isabella Moretti. Alessandro’s ex-fiancee. The woman he was supposed to marry before their scandalous breakup made headlines. Her gaze flicked to Alessandro, then to me, and a slow, knowing smirk curved her lips. This wasn’t just a contract marriage anymore. This was war. And I had just become the billionaire’s most dangerous pawn.

Chapter 3: A Reluctant Yes I stepped into the Astoria Grand Hotel, my fingers curled into my palm, my pulse a steady drumbeat against my ribs. The scent of expensive champagne and fresh roses lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of power, money, and deception. I was standing in a room filled with the elite-the kind of people who looked down at the world from their glass towers, untouched by the struggles of ordinary people like me. And yet, here I was, parading around as the soon-to-be wife of the most powerful man in the room. Alessandro DeLuca. The man who had made it his life’s work to control everything around him. The man who now, by contract, owned me. His touch was barely there, a ghost of pressure against my lower back, but it burned like a brand, a silent reminder that I was expected to play my part tonight. That I was no longer just Sienna Monroe, journalist, fighter, daughter of a man struggling to breathe in a hospital bed. I was now Sienna DeLuca, the woman who had willingly stepped into the cage with the lion, knowing full well that I might not make it out alive. Eyes turned toward us, whispers riding the air like a snake weaving through the grass. I could feel their judgment, their disbelief, their curiosity. No one had seen this coming. Alessandro DeLuca had been untouchable for years, a man who never let anyone close, a man who played the game of power without letting emotions get in the way. And yet, here I was, standing beside him in a dress that clung to my body like sin, my hand resting lightly against his arm, my lips curved into a practiced, effortless smile. But the moment I met her gaze from across the room, the air shifted. Isabella Moretti. She was stunning, the kind of woman who belonged in Alessandro’s world, with her sharp emerald-green eyes and lips painted a dangerous shade of red. She was the woman everyone had expected him to marry, the woman who had been on his arm for years before their scandalous breakup. And now, she stood at the edge of the ballroom, her gaze locked onto me with an intensity that sent a slow, cold shiver down my spine. Alessandro tensed beside me, just for a second, so quick that anyone else might have missed it. But I felt it. And that was enough. She sauntered toward us, the crowd parting for her like she was royalty. Her smile was practiced, perfect, but I could see the venom lurking beneath it. “Sienna Monroe,” she said, her voice smooth, as if she were tasting my name on her tongue and deciding she didn’t like it. “I have to say, this is quite the surprise.” I smiled back, refusing to let her rattle me. “Is it?” Her gaze flickered to Alessandro, then back to me, something dark and knowing gleaming in her eyes. “You don’t exactly seem like his type.” Alessandro didn’t say a word. He simply watched, silent and unreadable, as if waiting to see how I would handle myself. I tilted my head, letting my smile widen just a fraction. “And what exactly is his type?” Her lips curved in amusement, but there was a challenge there, a silent warning. “Well,” she mused, swirling the champagne in her glass, “let’s just say his past choices have been a little more… refined.” I felt the tension coil in my stomach, but I refused to let her see it. I had spent years in rooms like this, surrounded by people who thrived on power plays, who wielded words like weapons and expected others to fold. But I wasn’t going to fold. I leaned in just slightly, lowering my voice enough that only she could hear me. “And yet, here I am.” Her smile flickered, just for a second, before she masked it. But I saw it. The brief crack in her confidence. The realization that I wasn’t going to break just because she wanted me to. Alessandro finally spoke, his voice smooth and sharp like a blade. “Isabella, I trust you’re enjoying the evening?” She turned to him, her expression shifting into something softer, something almost… intimate. “I was,” she said, her voice dipping, “until now.” His gaze was unreadable, but there was something dangerous in the way he was watching her, something cold and final. “Then don’t let us keep you.” It was a dismissal. A clear, undeniable dismissal. For a brief second, I thought she might fight it, might push a little harder, might try to reclaim the ground she had just lost. But instead, she simply smiled, slow and knowing, before turning away, her movements graceful, effortless, calculated. The moment she was gone, I exhaled slowly, the tension in my shoulders easing just slightly. “Well,” I murmured, “that was fun.” Alessandro glanced down at me, something unreadable flickering behind his gaze. “You handled that well.” I lifted a brow. “Were you expecting me to fail?” His lips twitched, the closest thing to amusement I had seen from him all night. “I wasn’t sure what to expect.” I tilted my head, studying him. “And what do you expect now?” His gaze darkened, something shifting between us, something thick and heavy and unspoken. “That,” he murmured, “remains to be seen.” A waiter passed by, offering glasses of champagne, and Alessandro plucked one from the tray before handing it to me. I hesitated for a second before taking it, letting my fingers brush against his. The touch was brief, barely there, but it sent a sharp jolt of awareness through me. I pulled my hand back too quickly, clearing my throat. “So what happens now?” He sipped his drink, watching me over the rim of his glass. “Now, we give them what they want.” I frowned. “And what exactly is that?” He set his glass down on a nearby table and turned to face me fully. “A show.” Before I could react, before I could even process what was happening, he reached for me, his fingers curling gently under my chin, tilting my face up toward his. The room around us seemed to blur, the whispers fading into the background as my pulse thundered in my ears. And then, without hesitation, without warning, he kissed me. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t gentle. It was claiming. Possessive. Designed for the crowd but somehow meant only for me. For a split second, I forgot where I was. I forgot the contract. I forgot the eyes watching us, the whispers, the cameras capturing this moment. All I could feel was him-his lips against mine, the steady, unyielding warmth of his body so close to mine. And then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. He pulled back, his gaze steady, unreadable, as if that hadn’t just changed everything. The applause rippled through the room, loud and approving, and Alessandro smiled, turning toward the crowd as if he had just delivered exactly what they had wanted. I, on the other hand, stood frozen, my lips tingling, my heart hammering against my ribs, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Because for the briefest moment, I had forgotten it was all a lie.

Chapter 4: The Contract Is Signed The air inside Alessandro DeLuca’s penthouse felt heavy, suffocating, like the weight of the decision I was about to make was pressing down on my chest. The contract sat on the glossy black marble table, its pristine white pages a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me. Alessandro leaned against the window, his arms crossed, his sharp blue eyes pinned on me like a predator watching its prey struggle before the inevitable. His suit, tailored to perfection, molded to his frame, but there was nothing comforting about his presence. He was power incarnate, ruthless, unwavering. The kind of man who bent the world to his will without so much as breaking a sweat and now, he expected me to sign away my freedom. His voice broke the silence, low and smooth, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath it. “You look like a woman contemplating an escape.” I let out a slow breath, my fingers gripping the edge of the chair. “Maybe I am.” A smirk tugged at his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Then allow me to remind you that you have none.” His words sent a ripple of anger through me, cutting through the hesitation that had been clawing at my resolve. I had spent my entire life fighting-against expectations, against the system, against men like Alessandro who thought they could manipulate the world to suit their needs. But this time, I wasn’t fighting for a byline in a newspaper. I wasn’t fighting for recognition. I was fighting for my father. And for that, I would walk through hell itself. My fingers curled around the pen, my breath catching for a brief second as I hovered over the dotted line that would change my life forever. The air felt thick, suffocating, as if even the walls of the penthouse were waiting to see what I would do. Alessandro didn’t move. He simply watched, his eyes never leaving mine, as if daring me to back out. I could feel the weight of his presence, the silent, unyielding power he radiated, as if he already knew my answer before I did. I swallowed, my throat dry, my pulse hammering like a war drum against my ribs. And then, I signed. The moment my pen touched the paper, a shiver ran down my spine, as if the very universe had just acknowledged that there was no turning back. Alessandro stepped forward, his movements slow, calculated, until he was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him, the quiet dominance in the air between us. “You just became Mrs. DeLuca.” His voice was a whisper of steel, cutting through my resolve like a blade. I forced my expression to remain unreadable. “On paper.” A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “For now.” A cold chill skated down my spine at the implication in his words. He reached for the contract, his fingers brushing mine just slightly as he pulled the papers toward him. His touch was brief, barely there, but it sent a sharp, unwanted jolt of awareness through me. I snatched my hand back, ignoring the way my skin tingled where we had made contact. His smirk deepened, as if he had felt it too. “Pack your things,” he said smoothly, folding the contract with the ease of a man who had just secured his next victory. “You’re moving in tonight.” The words landed like a gunshot, sending a fresh wave of unease rolling through me. I had known this was coming. I had read the clause in the contract that stated I would be living in his penthouse for the duration of the marriage. But knowing something and facing the reality of it were two very different things. “I’ll need time,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. His gaze darkened, his smirk fading just slightly. “You have two hours.” Two hours. I should have argued. I should have pushed back. But the way he was looking at me, the quiet challenge in his stance, told me that he would not bend. Alessandro DeLuca never bent for anyone. I pushed my chair back, standing with a forced calm I didn’t feel. “Fine.” His gaze flickered with something unreadable, but he didn’t say another word as I turned on my heel and walked out of the penthouse. The moment the elevator doors closed behind me, my breath left me in a sharp exhale. I had just sold my soul to the devil and there was no going back. I stood outside my apartment, staring at the door like it held all the answers I needed but refused to give them to me. This was it. My last chance to walk away. My last moment of freedom before I stepped into a world I did not belong in. But as I pushed the door open, the sight of my father hooked up to machines, his breathing slow and uneven, reminded me why I was doing this. Why I had no choice. “Sienna?” His voice was weak, but there was warmth in it, a softness that threatened to shatter the wall I had built around my heart. I forced a smile as I walked toward him, brushing a hand over his thin, trembling fingers. “Hey, Dad.” He gave me a tired smile. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. He didn’t know. He had no idea the price I had paid for the money that would keep him alive. And I would never tell him. Because this was my burden to carry. Not his. Two hours later, I stood outside Alessandro’s penthouse with nothing but a suitcase and the weight of my decision pressing down on me. The door swung open before I could knock. Alessandro stood there, shirt unbuttoned at the top, his sleeves rolled up, his watch glinting in the dim lighting. He looked unbothered, unaffected, like this was just another business deal to him. Maybe it was. “That was quick,” he murmured, stepping aside to let me in. I walked past him, my chin lifted, refusing to acknowledge the way his presence filled every inch of the space. “This isn’t my first time packing light,” I said smoothly. He chuckled, low and dark, and something about the sound made my stomach tighten. “This is your home now,” he said, closing the door behind me. My grip tightened around the handle of my suitcase. No. This wasn’t my home. was a gilded cage, and I was just another possession locked inside it. Alessandro moved toward the bar, pouring himself a drink with the ease of a man who had never second-guessed a single decision in his life. “Your room is down the hall,” he said casually, sipping his whiskey. “Make yourself comfortable.” I set my suitcase down, my heart pounding in my chest. One year… One year of living with a man who was more dangerous than he let on. One year of pretending to be the perfect wife to the world’s most powerful billionaire. One year of walking on a razor’s edge, knowing that one misstep could cost me everything. Alessandro set his glass down, his gaze locking onto mine, amusement flickering in his blue eyes. “Welcome to your new life, Mrs. DeLuca.” My stomach twisted. Because I knew, without a doubt, that this was just the beginning of something I might not survive.

Chapter 5: A Cold Engagement I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the massive diamond ring on my finger, the weight of it pressing down on me like a chain. It sparkled under the lights, flawless, expensive, a perfect reflection of the man who had placed it there. Cold. Calculated. Untouchable. Alessandro DeLuca. The man who now, by contract, owned me. A knock at the door yanked me from my thoughts, and before I could respond, the door swung open. Alessandro stood there, looking as infuriatingly perfect as ever in his custom-tailored suit, the top buttons of his shirt undone, his sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong, tanned forearms. wasn’t the kind of man who tried to impress-he simply existed, and the world bent to him. His sharp blue eyes assessed me in silence, flickering from my face to the engagement ring on my hand. Something unreadable passed through his gaze before it disappeared behind his usual mask of indifference. “Time to go,” he said, his voice smooth as glass. I exhaled, steadying myself before turning to face him fully. “Do I get a say in this, or is this another decision you’ve made for me?” The corner of his mouth twitched in amusement, but it was a mocking kind of smile, like he already knew the answer to that. “You lost the right to negotiate the moment you signed the contract.” My fingers curled into fists at my sides. “Right. How could I forget?” He stepped forward, his presence suffocating, invading my space without ever touching me. He leaned down, his voice a breath against my skin, low enough that only I could hear. “Don’t fight me tonight, Sienna,” he murmured, the warning clear beneath the calmness of his tone. “Or you won’t like the consequences.” I refused to look away, meeting his gaze head-on even though the air between us crackled like a live wire. I hated how he could do this-how he could command a room, command me, without even raising his voice. But I wasn’t going to break. Not for him. Not for anyone. I grabbed my clutch off the vanity, lifted my chin, and pushed past him without another word. The moment we stepped outside, the world exploded in flashing lights. Cameras. Journalists. Reporters screaming Alessandro’s name, my name, demanding answers, demanding a glimpse into a love story that didn’t exist. Alessandro’s hand found my waist, a perfect picture of devotion as he pulled me closer, his grip firm, unyielding. It was a warning disguised as affection. Play along. Don’t falter. I pasted on a smile that felt like a lie, letting him guide me toward the waiting limousine. The crowd ate it up, their cameras drinking in the image of the ruthless billionaire and his stunning fiancee. If only they knew the truth. The moment we slid into the car, the atmosphere shifted. The second the doors closed, the warmth Alessandro had projected to the cameras vanished. The air inside the limo was ice-cold, thick with unspoken tension. I exhaled, dropping the smile like a mask I no longer needed. “You’re good at that,” I said, my voice laced with something sharp. He barely looked at me as he adjusted his cufflinks. “At what?” “Lying.” A muscle in his jaw ticked just slightly, but his expression remained impassive. “It’s not lying,” he said smoothly. “It’s business.” I scoffed. “Right. Because a real engagement isn’t profitable enough for you?” He finally turned his head, his gaze locking onto mine, sharp and piercing. “A real engagement would mean emotions, attachments, vulnerability. I don’t have time for such things.” There it was. The truth in its coldest, most unfiltered form. Alessandro DeLuca didn’t believe in love and he never would. The thought shouldn’t have bothered me. I had known what I was getting into. I had signed the contract, accepted the terms, walked into this arrangement with my eyes wide open. But still, something about the finality of his words twisted inside me, leaving an aftertaste I didn’t like. The limo pulled up to the grand ballroom, and before I could brace myself, Alessandro was opening the door, stepping out with the grace of a man who had done this a thousand times before. He extended his hand, his expression unreadable, his eyes a silent command. I hesitated, just for a second. Then, with the weight of the cameras, the expectations, and the contract hanging over my head, I slid my fingers into his. His grip tightened, his palm warm against mine, and for a split second-just a fraction of a second-I felt something dangerous. Something that felt too much like possibility. Then it was gone. The second we stepped onto the red carpet, Alessandro’s smile returned, perfectly practiced, perfectly placed, the kind that made people believe in fairy tales and happily-ever-afters. And I played my part, standing beside him, smiling, nodding, letting the world believe in a love story that didn’t exist. The ballroom was dripping in wealth, chandeliers casting golden light over the sea of designer gowns, expensive cologne, and false politeness. People turned as we entered, whispers spreading like wildfire. Some of them smiled. Some of them watched with thinly veiled envy. And then there were the ones who were waiting for me to fail. Including her. Isabella Moretti stood near the grand staircase, a glass of champagne in her manicured fingers, watching us like a queen surveying an unworthy intruder in her kingdom. She looked stunning, of course-all sharp edges and calculated perfection. But it wasn’t her beauty that unsettled me. It was the way she smiled, slow and knowing, as if she already knew how this story would end. Alessandro’s fingers flexed against mine before he released my hand, his entire demeanor shifting. Become Colder. More distant. The way people looked at him changed instantly. I realized then that the warmth he had shown outside was for show-an illusion crafted for the cameras, for the media, for the world to believe in the fairytale of Alessandro DeLuca and his fiancee. But in private? I was nothing more than a business deal he had closed. I swallowed, forcing my shoulders back, my chin high, refusing to let them see me falter. If they thought I would be easy to break, they were wrong. I was here now and had signed the contract. And I would play this game better than anyone. Alessandro turned to me, his expression unreadable, his voice smooth but void of any real warmth. “Shall we?” I gave him a practiced smile, letting it slip into place effortlessly. “Of course, fiance.” And just like that, the show continued.

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Backstage of United States Fashion Week, 2021. “Remember, this is a fashion event for top brands that is heavily scrutinized by the media. We can’t afford to make mistakes. Don’t tarnish the name of our make-up artist agency! Got it?” “Understood, ma’am!” After a brief briefing conducted by Mrs. Victoria, the head of SN Entertainment Group’s make up artist agency, the few make up artists gathered dispersed. Among them, Olivia was seen carrying two make up suitcases with a grimace on her face. “Olivia, get a move on! We don’t have much time before the models arrive!” From two steps beside her, Jane, called out with a furious look on her face. “Yes! You can’t move slowly like that!” Then from beside Jane, Laisa, chimed in. Olivia, who was struggling to carry two suitcases of makeup, just nodded. But in her heart, she was actually furious. How could she speed up her running when she had the weight of two heavy suitcases in both hands?! ‘It’s already fast, for heaven’s sake! Can’t you see I’m carrying your suitcases?!’ Olivia thought to herself, cursing the two of them. Olivia had been working in the cosmetology field for almost five years. Before being at SN Entertainment Group Agency, Olivia had worked at JM Entertainment Agency. Unfortunately, she was forced to leave for a cliché reason: because of the system of working overtime but not being treated well. In fact, her hard work often went unpaid. “Olivia!” “Yes, I’m coming right away!” Did you think that Olivia’s fate was different after moving to the SN Group agency? No, she didn’t. As they say, out of the crocodile’s cage but into the tiger’s. It’s the same fate. Olivia was kept as some sort of perpetual trainee even though it was over a year and a half ago. She was only allowed to work with clients in their makeup room. Not the clients of models at events like this US Fashion Week. Also, Olivia was not allowed to choose her own clients. As a result, it was often the case that Olivia, who should have been the main make-up artist, was still the assistant to the main make-up artist. For one year-oh, it will be two years soon. It’s so sickening. Ting. The elevator opened and Olivia hurried to catch up with her two seniors. Down the corridor that was crowded with staff, both the staff of the models who would later appear and the staff who organized the United States Fashion Week event. As she walked, Olivia was nudged on the shoulder several times by the crowded corridor. This is a big event. It was not impossible that there were so many people taking care of the event. “I apologize! Continue your work, you’ve worked hard!” That’s what Olivia said every time her shoulder collided with staff or models who had arrived. Finally, Olivia arrived at a very quiet room. It was vast and filled with tons of make-up artists from other agencies. Passing by carrying clothes, tidying up the makeup tables that were placed in straight and parallel rows, or discussing with fellow makeup artists about what the hairstyle or makeup would be. Olivia was dumbfounded for a moment. Her steps gradually slowed down. Not realizing that her two seniors were already slowly away from her. Olivia’s eyes lit up as a smile of admiration spread across her face. Especially after seeing a number of models already filling a row of dressing tables on her left side. This was the first time Olivia had seen them. “Oh my gosh. I used to see them on my phone, now I see them…” Olivia couldn’t even finish her sentence because her throat was choked. It’s really hard to describe Olivia’s amazement at seeing famous models in person. Although she didn’t memorize all of their names, Olivia knew four of them by heart. Their faces were often seen on social media, and Olivia admired their beauty. Like. “Hey, do you want to keep standing in the middle of the street?” Olivia gasped when a man’s voice suddenly sounded from behind. Suddenly, she turned around with a look of shock. In that instant, Olivia’s whole body froze after seeing someone beside the man who reprimanded her. Olivia blinked repeatedly to realize that what she saw now was not a dream. It was Axel Hansel Johnson, a famous photo model who is also the owner of the agency Kaistha Entertainment. Axel Hansel Johnson was in front of her eyes! “Hello? Miss?” The man next to Axel waved a hand briefly in front of Olivia’s face “OLIVIA!” Olivia suddenly woke up after the shrill call came from behind her. There was Jane who had just arrived, running a little closer to Olivia. The look on her face showed annoyance. “It’s you! What are you doing here?” Jane asked Olivia in a sarcastic tone. Her eyes glared in warning. But the next second she smiled when she saw Axel, the photo model. “Oh, please excuse my assistants, Mr. Axel Hansel and Mr. Jonathan-manager Mr. Axel.” Axel only gave a small smile before looking back at Olivia. Olivia secretly bit her inner lower lip because she felt so nervous. She bowed, making a Korean gesture of apology. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jonathan,” Olivia said to the man beside Axel. While next to Axel, Jonathan nodded his head briefly. He laughed a little. In contrast to his voice that seemed to exude an intimidating aura, Jonathan’s face actually looked so friendly. “Ah, no problem. Everyone is nervous today, I’m sure your assistant feels the same way,” replied Jonathan, Axel’s personal manager. Olivia just realized that Jane, her senior, had called her an assistant. Even though Olivia had also been able to assume the role of the main makeup artist! “But still. She should be professional. Now, is Jungkook ready to be made up?” Jane asked with a curved smile that looked like a grin. Jonathan nodded his head. Axel was the first to walk away from Jane, Olivia, and his own manager. He didn’t look at all indifferent as he walked towards one of the dressing tables. “Come,” Jane invited Jonathan with a gesture of courtesy. Jonathan followed after Axel. Before Jane caught up with the two men, she changed her expression to a flat, sharp look. Whispering something to Olivia “I told you not to do anything that risks tarnishing the agency’s good name!” hissed Jane, putting full emphasis on her sentence. Olivia winced and was slightly taken aback. Her hands were clasped together and placed in front of her body. She lowered her head as she was reluctant to raise her face to look into Jane’s eyes that were glaring at her. Unnoticed by Jane, from a few meters away, Axel stopped stepping and turned his body backwards. He had noticed Jane pointing at the makeup assistant with an intimidating aura. Axel frowned, tilting his head slightly. “Mr. Jonathan, is he going to do my makeup later?” Jonathan was already standing next to him, following the direction of the gaze. Seeing Jane’s figure walking over, Jonathan nodded. “Yes, that’s right. She is. You mean the woman who walked towards us, right?” asked Jonathan. “No,” Axel evaded. “The woman behind her.” A look of doubt crossed Jonathan’s face. “You want her to do your makeup?” Axel nodded confidently. Jonathan, who looked like he wanted to protest but decided against it, talked to Jane. During their conversation, Jane seemed unable to agree. But Jonathan brought up Axel’s agency name As a result, as soon as Olivia, who seemed to be struggling to carry two suitcases of makeup in her hands, arrived, Jane stopped her. “Hey, Olivia. I’ll leave Axel’s make-up job to you.” Suddenly, Olivia was wide-eyed. “What?” When Olivia’s eyes turned to look at Axel, he gave her a lopsided, meaningful smile. It was small and brief. Before waltzing away just like before. What is this dream?!

The United States Fashion Week event went very smoothly. Fifteen models showed the latest designs from a renowned Korean designer. It was also the anniversary of one of the core boutiques, which now has ten branches, including two in London and one in New York. After three rounds, the models, who had finished spinning, returned to the backstage. The place where they do their make-up. There was an open break room on the left side. Axel flung himself onto the sofa as he exhaled roughly. He immediately leaned his head on the back of the sofa. “Axel! Gosh, you look so tired!” Axel raised both eyebrows with his eyes still closed. Then when he felt a shock from the side, like someone had just sat up, Axel jerked his eyes open. “Aish. Why did you come in such a hurry?” Axel cursed Jonathan, the manager who was like his best friend. Jonathan brought a tissue and made a pitiable face. He guiltlessly wiped the sweat from several spots on Axel’s face. “Look at this. You must be feeling really tired after all the modeling and photo shoots-” “Ah!” Axel immediately moved his head away and swatted Jonathan’s hand away. “What’s wrong with you, you’re overreacting.” Jonathan frowned, looking unhappy with Axel’s treatment. “Hey, I was showing concern for you. How can you care about my care like that?” Axel’s eyes looked strangely at Jonathan who was dramatizing his way of speaking. Axel had indeed worked with Jonathan for almost eight years of his career in entertainment. But even if Axel was used to Jonathan’s behavior, Axel was still always surprised. How was it that Axel always had to work side by side with a man like this? “Oh my…” Axel sighed heavily. “Do you always have to be like this? I appreciate your concern, so now shut up. Okay?” he asked as he cupped Jonathan’s face with a pleading look. As if he was pleading with a child. Jonathan was somewhat taken aback when Axel pressed his cheeks together. To the point that his mouth was shaped like a fish’s mouth. “A-aaa! Bwgwaimwana akwu bwicara?!” Jonathan pushed Axel’s hands away with an annoyed jerk. “Aish. It’s lucky that I’ve been working for so long and you’ve earned so much for me.” Jonathan straightened up in his seat. He had a look of disbelief on his face. Getting carried away wanted to dramatize the situation. “Hey, I know you don’t really care about me. You just want my money, right?” Jonathan asked, dramatizing. Jonathan, who of course knew that Axel was dramatizing, happily accepted. “Of course. In this day and age of high prices, who doesn’t want and need money?” “How dare you say that.” Axel ended his words with an exasperated smirk on his lips. Suddenly Jonathan laughed. Meanwhile, Axel’s eyes happened to be watching the surroundings. At that moment, Axel’s eye movement stopped when he accidentally caught the figure of a woman. Axel frowned, paying attention to the woman who stood quite far away but was still within sight. He remembered the woman – the one he had asked to do his make-up. She was chatting with three other make-up artists. For some reason the corners of Axel’s lips automatically curved. Forming a smile that implied interest. “Hey, Mr. Jonathan,” Axel called out as he tapped Jonathan on the shoulder without looking away. Jonathan winced and was surprised to get such a heavy pat from Axel. The pat was so tight and original that it almost hit him in the face. Without further ado, Jonathan caught Axel’s hand and stopped the rapid succession of claps. “Hey, what’s wrong with you? Hey, Axel!” Axel then turned his head to Jonathan. He brought his face closer while pointing at it. “Do you think my makeup is messy or not? Or are there parts that are erased because of my sweat?” Axel asked. Seeing Axel suddenly acting strangely like that, made Jonathan frown in astonishment. Of course he felt there was something strange about Axel. So Jonathan just looked at Axel with a look wondering what was going on. “Hey!” Axel snapped a finger in front of Jonathan’s face, snapping him awake. “I asked you a question!” “Wh-what? What’s wrong with you?” “Just tell me if there’s any part of my makeup that’s not done?” Axel’s tone was hurried and urgent. Although Axel looked suspicious, Jonathan nodded stiffly. The look on his face showed that he was still guessing what had happened to Axel. “Oh, yes. There are some parts of your makeup that are fading. I don’t know what to call it, but…” Before Jonathan could finish speaking, Axel grinned and tapped his manager twice on the shoulder. Before Axel got up from his standing position and ran away just like that. Leaving Jonathan dumbfounded. Jonathan reached out and opened his mouth, about to yell at Axel, but ended up unable to get any words out. His tongue felt tongue-tied as he couldn’t get enough of Axel. “God, that brat!” growled Jonathan, including a groan at the end of the sentence. If he didn’t love Axel like his own brother, he would have resigned a long time ago. *** It was exhausting. Today Olivia was helping Jane, her senior, who had seven makeup clients. Granted, Olivia was just helping with the usual stuff. But seeing the crowd in one room, even though the room was big, Olivia felt claustrophobic. Moreover, everyone in the room looked so busy going back and forth. Just seeing it made Olivia feel tired. Now Olivia decided to step out of the big room into a fairly quiet hallway. Olivia stood facing the large glass as a substitute for the wall, looking at the night sky stretching out. Olivia occasionally closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. Feeling the calm air from the hustle and bustle of the people in the room. It felt so soothing when Olivia enjoyed this kind of tranquility. Like something inside her that was bound and restrained, was instantly freed. “Ah, at least I can see Axel tonight,” Olivia murmured between her eyes. Olivia opened her eyes again and saw a printed photo. There was Axel in the print, when Jungkook performed at London’s Fashion Parade Week last month. Olivia’s smile grew warm. “How handsome is this man. Gosh, why did God create a creature as beautiful as you?” Without Olivia realizing it, Axel was already standing a few meters away from her. Axel watched Olivia with a questioning gaze. Whose photo was she looking at? Olivia closed her eyes again while bringing the printed photo in her hand to her chest. As if she was hugging Axel. Axel, who felt curious, finally stepped closer. He didn’t know what Olivia was thinking until she was so focused that she didn’t hear the sound of his footsteps. “Why are you alone?” Olivia suddenly opened her eyes and turned her face. Her eyes immediately widened in surprise and jerked back a step. A man who had just arrived and was stepping toward her made Olivia suddenly stiffen. The man, Axel, raised both eyebrows. His hands were stuffed into his coat pockets. Seeing Olivia who suddenly stiffened and looked at him in horror, Axel was provoked to laugh amusedly. “Why are you looking at me so strangely?” Axel asked. He had stopped walking when he was three steps in front of Olivia. “You… aren’t doing anything wrong, are you?” Olivia still blinked. But her shock had subsided. Nervous to death, Olivia replied, “A-ah, that… what kind of thing?” Axel seemed to think for a moment. “Yeah… that, getting caught stealing, for example?” Olivia’s forehead wrinkled. Because of her nervousness, Olivia didn’t catch the implied joke behind Axel’s sentence. Axel immediately let out a small laugh. “I’m just kidding. Are you in trouble? Scolded by your seniors again?” “No,” Olivia replied quickly, taking Axel by surprise. “There’s nothing wrong. You… what are you doing here?” Axel didn’t answer. His eyes looked at Olivia intently, highlighting a meaning.Axel slowly stepped closer to Olivia. Making Olivia even more nervous, taking a step back. Axel’s height that was more than Olivia’s made Olivia have to look up. “My make up is a bit messy, ssh… I feel oily from sweat. Can you fix it?” Axel asked in a low and deep voice. Olivia almost gaped if she didn’t hold her lips immediately. “W-why… no, I mean, you can ask the others for help.” “Right, I can ask others for help,” Axel replied, briefly casting a glance outside. “But you’ve been handling my makeup since the beginning, so I’m afraid of someone else messing up.” Olivia fell silent. Her heart was racing so fast at that moment that her whole body suddenly stiffened. Olivia’s tongue was tongue-tied even though she had the vocabulary to refuse. But she couldn’t say anything at all. “How’s this?” Axel’s eyes turned to look back at Olivia. “I just want you to…” Axel read the name tag on Olivia’s right breast. His lopsided smile curved a little. “…Olivia?” Olivia’s heart skipped a beat. Her body froze without being able to say anything. She just stood there looking at Axel intensely. “What?” asked Olivia. ‘Didn’t I hear wrong?” she continued silently. “I want you, Olivia.”

“HEI! OLIVIA!” The silence was immediately broken when Jane’s call sounded. Suddenly, Olivia who was still dumbfounded after hearing Axsl’s words earlier gasped. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Jane glaring at her as she walked closer. Axel only turned his head when he heard the sound of tapping steps approaching. Both eyebrows raised in astonishment at Jane’s presence. “What are you doing here?” asked Jane, giving Olivia a sardonic glare. Olivia immediately grimaced and bowed. “Sorry, Mrs. Jane. I was just getting a little fresh air.” Jane gave Olivia a warning look, then turned to look at Axel. That’s when a guilty smile curved up. “Oh, forgive my boy, Mr. Axel. He still has to learn how not to run away from work just like that,” Jane said while giving a brief bow. Axel was silent with both eyebrows furrowed. He was confused, why was Olivia being blamed when she had done nothing wrong? “And I’m sorry if she interrupted your time. You must have been looking for some fresh air too but she came to disturb you, right? I’m so sorry,” Jane continued. Axel gave a small smile. “No problem. After all… it was me who approached her, Mrs. Jane,” he replied with a casual joking tone. “I felt like my makeup wasn’t right, it was a bit smudged. So I looked for it but it wasn’t in the room.” Jane was stunned to hear that Axel had approached Olivia. But since she already felt that Olivia was at fault, Jane didn’t want to embarrass herself. So she turned to Olivia and threw a sharp glare. “You’re being unprofessional! How can you not be in the make-up room and make the clients come to you?!” Olivia was stunned to hear those words. Olivia actually wanted to tell Jane the truth. But her sense of professionalism held her back because Axel was here. Plus, Olivia couldn’t possibly reveal something that could potentially judge Axel badly and make him uncomfortable. “Ah, it’s okay,” Axel replied with a small laugh. The look in his eyes that implied a twinkle did not escape Axel. “It’s not Olivia’s fault. I was the one who wanted to go to her. Don’t blame her like that.” Jane’s uncomfortable face turned to Axel. Among her discomfort, Jane looked briefly annoyed at Olivia for getting a defense from Axel. “Still, Olivia did something wrong. I feel so bad that I had to make you look for her, she should have been on stand-by with her work. I’m sorry once again.” “Do you always apologize when you don’t feel guilty like that?” “Yes?” Jane’s eyebrows both raised. Her look of confusion was even more evident. “What do you mean?” With a calm smile on his face, Axel shook his head briefly. “No, I don’t. It’s just that… the more you apologize, the more Olivia looks guilty. And you just keep apologizing. It’s like you’re gaslighting on purpose.” Jane frowned, as did Olivia who didn’t understand where Axel was going with this. But Olivia suddenly felt bad. It seemed like Axel’s topic of conversation would lead to… “You’re not trying to make Olivia feel guilty, are you?” This time, Axel included a meaningful lopsided smile. Axel deliberately provoked Jane that second. As a result, Jane felt a bit awkward now. Her eyeballs were moving around, just not looking at Axel’s two pairs of eyeballs. A piercing calm. Jane glanced at Olivia who was slightly downcast with a shrinking look. “Never mind, don’t act tense and intimidating like that to someone who is innocent.” Axel suddenly waved one hand with a soft chuckle. As if trying to neutralize the atmosphere. “I’m going back inside. Don’t nag him anymore,” Axel said. Axel gave a small smile as a sign to end the conversation. A glimpse of Olivia automatically raised the corners of her lips to show a small smile. In fact, beyond Olivia’s expectations, Axel gave her an ignorant wink. Olivia was surprised, while Axel immediately turned around and waltzed away. Leaving Olivia with Jane who was equally dumbfounded at Axel’s wink. Axel gave a small smile as a sign to end the conversation. A glimpse of Olivia automatically raised the corners of her lips to show a small smile. In fact, beyond Olivia’s expectations, Axel gave her an ignorant wink. Olivia was surprised, while Axel immediately turned around and waltzed away. Leaving Olivia with Jane who was equally dumbfounded at Axel’s wink. There was silence between Olivia and Jane. After Axel had completely left, Jane turned her body to face Olivia. “Do you know Axel?” Jane peppered Olivia with questions. Seeing Jane’s pair of eyes that squinted suspiciously, Olivia was struck by awkwardness. No immediate answer came out of Olivia’s mouth. Even so, Olivia still tried to calmly give a knot. “Doesn’t… everyone know Axel?” Olivia asked back, desperately trying to hide her awkwardness. Jane folded her arms across her chest, watching Olivia even more intensely. “No, I mean, do you know him personally?” Olivia frowned with a slight grimace on her face. “No, I don’t. How could I know him personally?” At first Jane did not immediately look believing. But because Olivia faked her nervousness, Jane decided to believe. Although the way she looked at Olivia still implied that she was detecting, Jane did not want to prolong it. “I’m not sure Axel would want to get to know you personally either,” Jane said after throwing away her smug expression. Olivia didn’t answer, just slightly bowed. Even if she resisted, Jane had more power to fire her from this job. There was no way Olivia would let herself be miserable over something so trivial. “Yes, Mrs. Jane,” Olivia replied politely. Then Jane’s eyes, which looked both displeased and wary of Olivia, turned away. “Also, you know that there are professional boundaries between idols and make-up artists like you, right?” Of course. How could Olivia forget something like that? After all, it wasn’t that high of an expectation for Olivia to imagine being with Axel. What a crazy human being. “I know, Mrs. Jane,” Olivia nodded her head again. Jane gave her a warning glance, looking her down and up. Then she waltzed away from Olivia’s presence. The tapping sound of Jane’s high heels faded away. Now Olivia was left standing where she was, looking straight at Jane’s back. For some reason, something still lingered in Olivia’s heart. Like a tickling swish that was not slowly spreading. Olivia remembered a few moments ago, when Axel came to her. In the midst of Olivia’s silence, she reached into her shirt pocket. She took out a photocard that she always kept. The figure of Axel posed with a wide smile showing a row of teeth. Olivia had kept this photocard for a long time – almost four years. During that time, Olivia never left this photocard, even until the color was murkier than the first time she bought it. Paying close attention to Axel on the photocard, the corners of Olivia’s lips unconsciously curved into a smile. She felt a warmth creeping into her chest. She immediately clutched her chest, and repeatedly exhaled to ease the pounding of her heart. “It’s true what Mrs. Jane said. Even if we were given the chance to get to know each other personally, it would be impossible,” Olivia murmured with a heavy sigh. “We are so different, including caste. In fact, I am very grateful that I was able to catch a glimpse of you earlier.” Yes, Olivia never expected anything from Axel. Even though Olivia saw Axel directly in front of her eyes earlier, it didn’t change Olivia’s consciousness. Putting the photocard in its original place, Olivia exhaled. Her two feet began to step from the hallway. Canceling her intention to seek peace because of the crowd in the makeup room. Jane would be furious if she saw- “Olivia!” Olivia’s feet spontaneously stopped moving. Olivia looked around to see who was calling her. But once she caught the figure of Axel running small towards her. Olivia was dumbfounded for a moment. Before finally looking around to make sure there was no Jane. Or even other staff who would notice the two of them. “You… what are you…” Olivia’s sentence wasn’t finished, but Axel immediately interrupted her. “You haven’t done my makeup yet.” Axel widened his smile as he stopped in front of Hyun-a. His breathing was a little labored. He pointed at his own face in a circle. “Look. More and more sweat. I need to take care of this.” Olivia blinked where she stood, not knowing what to do. Instantly Olivia’s whole body felt stiff to move. “Wh-what…” Olivia felt her tongue slip out. Axel took another step forward, then bent down. Holding his own knees, he deliberately looked at Olivia’s eyes from a close distance. Completely unaware that Olivia was holding her weakened knees. “Can I ask for the makeup to be done? You brought the tools, right, Olivia?” Axel’s voice that greeted Olivia’s sense of hearing made her hair stand on end. Olivia slowly lowered her face. “B-brought it, but-” “Yes! Just do it!” Axel immediately straightened his body again while clapping his hands once. “I need to tidy up a bit, and… maybe we can have a chat. Can we get to know each other personally?” “Yes?” Gaping, Olivia didn’t expect what she heard at all. “What?” “Yes. Get to know you personally, but I don’t mean that… you know, yeah, I feel like you could possibly be my personal make-up artist. So I need to get to know you personally.” Olivia really needed to reconstruct her ears now. Didn’t she hear wrong? “How? Let’s start from… how long have you been my fan?” Axel gave a thin, twinkling smile. His eyes lit up with curiosity. “What? How do you know?” Axel’s eyes moved to Olivia’s hand. “You were holding my photocard, when I approached you.” “You saw that?!” Axel chuckled at Olivia’s panicked and misguided reaction. He shook his head briefly. “Gosh, that’s funny. We really need to get to know each other personally, Olivia.”

“Thank you for your hard work today!” The dismissal of the models took place after the event had actually finished. The staff of the United States Fashion Week event bowed to each other, giving a sign of thanks. Especially to the models who had now changed their outfits. In between all the models dispersing, or meeting their respective managers, Axel was busy fiddling with the car keys in his index finger. If one or two of the staff passed by and bowed, Axel would occasionally bow back. “Axel!” came the voice of someone very familiar to Axel’s sense of hearing. Axel, with a twinkling smile, turned his head. Seeing the arrival of Jonathan who ran a little towards him, Axel’s eyebrows spontaneously raised. Jonathan’s face conveyed anxiety, as if something had happened. As someone who had been close to Jonathan, his manager, for a long time, Axel could clearly sense that something was wrong. “Hey, what’s wrong? Why is your face like that?” Axel asked after Jonathan was standing next to him. Jonathan looked out of breath after running. In between, a passing idea of his own pushed the corners of his lips into a mischievous curve. “What does my face look like? Is it handsome?” Jonathan asked while pointing at his own face. He deliberately made a cute expression. Axel, who was almost worried about Jonathan, immediately relaxed his frown. Changing his expression to a look of annoyance and disgust. “I’m seriously asking you,” Axel said with a tinge of annoyance on his face. Seeing Axel’s annoyed reaction, Jonathan just chuckled. “Hey, don’t be so serious. I’m fine. It’s just…” Jonathan looked around with a cautious glance. As if he was watching for something. Then he took one of Axel’s arms and led him away. “You were talking about that sudden disappearance. I saw you with a woman. Who was it?” Jonathan continued to ask. No immediate answer came out, Axel frowned. Thinking for a few moments as he tried to guess what Jonathan meant. “I don’t understand…” A second later the confusion on Axel’s face changed. He understood something. “Ah, that. I did approach one of the make-up artists to fix my make-up.” Jonathan’s eyes widened instantly. Between surprise and warning Axel. Getting closer to Axel’s ear, Jonathan immediately whispered, “How could you approach a female make-up artist?” “Aish. It was nothing, Mr. Jonathan. I just wanted to correct the make up-” “Don’t you see there are a lot of staff in the make-up room? You can ask them for help,” Jonathan said in an irritated hissing tone. At first Axel looked back with a look of astonishment on his face. I don’t know what struck him that his manager had to make a face at him. Moreover, just look at it now, a smugness was inevitable from that face. But not wanting to prolong the matter too much, Axel let out an exasperated breath as he pushed Jonathan’s face away. Axel rolled his eyes lazily as he looked up. “Aish! How can I ask others for help when my make up is handled by Hyun-a? I don’t want different hands, different results,” Axel explained, which also sounded like a grumble. The problem is that this is not the only time Jonathan, the manager, has panicked like this. For a long time, every time he sniffed at his closeness with a woman-even if it was just a one-time conversation like he and Olivia had earlier, still. Axel really didn’t know how to ease Jonathan’s worries. Even though they had been together for almost five years. “Olivia?” Jonathan looked thoughtful. “The make-up artist who got in our way earlier?” Axel nodded his head while mumbling an affirmative. “That’s right. The senior one looks really fierce.” “Oh my…” With a look of disbelief on Axel’s face, Jonathan ruffled his waist. “Don’t you think that his senior would think all sorts of things if he knew-” “He already knows,” Axel cut in immediately, making Jonathan glare. “But he won’t misunderstand. I’ve already explained to her that I’m just asking to justify her make-up.” Jonathan tapped himself on the forehead. He closed his eyes as he exhaled a nervous breath. “I don’t know what will happen if…” “Never mind, don’t worry,” Axel said again. He gave a faint smile as he patted one of Jonathan’s shoulders lightly. “Nothing will happen. You have to learn to think less negatively.” Jonathan immediately moved his hand away from his forehead and glared at Axel. “I should think less my negative thoughts, you say? You can’t imagine how much I have to clean up every time there’s news of your closeness with a woman?!” Looking around, Axel then placed a hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. Axel deliberately looked down to whisper something to his manager. “Thank you, my favorite manager, but you don’t have to worry about tightening your voice.” Jonathan gulped with an annoyed look as he looked away. Looking at Axel who threw a meaningful smile, Jonathan pushed Axel’s hand away. “Be careful. You’ve been in the news a lot with women,” Jonathan admonished. It was Axel’s turn to scrunch up his waist. For some reason, his ears perked up when he heard Jonathan’s umpteenth warning. It made him feel like there were bars holding his heart. “Are you going to keep forbidding me like this? Hah… I might never have a family of my own,” Axel complained as he looked up, groaning in exasperation. Jonathan, in the midst of his annoyance, looked at Axel with some pity. “Oh, my God. I feel so sorry for you. Who told you not to have a partner?” Axel quickly accused Jonathan through his eyes. Feeling that the accusation was thrown at him, Jonathan was immediately struck by awkwardness. But Jonathan tried to remain calm. “No, it’s not like that. You can still have a partner, but don’t confuse. It has to be someone who is definitely your partner,” Jonathan said in a nervous tone. Axel looked unconvinced by Jonathan’s words. “Really? Will you be ready to face my fans who might blindly ask for confirmation?” No, Axel knew that Jonathan would be exhausted by the many parties and fans asking for confirmation of the relationship. Jonathan let out a sigh. “You still don’t understand how professional I am?” Axel chuckled with his mouth shut, giving Jonathan a pat on the shoulder. I don’t know if it was just Axel’s feeling or not, but the look on Jonathan’s face slowly revealed anxiety. His eyes were moving all over the place, not daring to look Axel in the eye. After only a few moments of watching Jonathan, Axel felt the vibration of the cell phone. He flinched slightly before pulling out a cell phone from the inside pocket of his coat. “Hello, Dad?” asked Axel, greeting his father on the phone. Jonathan watched Axel curiously. His brow furrowed, but his frown deepened when he saw Axel gradually show anxiety. Jonathan had a bad feeling when he saw the sharp glint in Axel’s eyes. “But, dad, I can’t-” Axel’s voice was cut off by his father. As a result, Axel rolled his eyes lazily and exhaled through his mouth. “Alright, dad. I’ll come there, but you should also see something I’m going to show you.” After saying that sentence, Axel put away the phone screen. The call had stopped. Axel’s eyes looked very upset as he looked down at his phone screen. “Oh my. Mr. Jonathan…” “What’s wrong, what did your father say?” Jonathan immediately said a series of sentences. He came closer and looked at Axel with both curiosity and concern. Axel lifted his face, looking at Jonathan with an incomprehensible look in his eyes. “What about this? Father asked me to come because he brought my future wife.”

Who wouldn’t be surprised to hear Axel’s words?! Jonathan widened his eyes, almost gaping. “What?! For… for what did your father do that?!” Axel grimaced as he shook his head. “I don’t know. This is the third time this has happened. I don’t want the partner my father recommended, Mr. Jonathan!” Biting his lower lip, Jonathan placed one hand on his waist. The other hand rubbed the back of his neck. While they were both silent and worried, Jonathan thought of an idea. He suddenly snapped his fingers with a bright smile. “How about you bring your own partner?” Jonathan asked. “Are you crazy?” Axel looked sardonic. “How am I going to get-” “Mr. Jonathan, Axel!” Both of them turned to the source of the voice. Axel raised both eyebrows when he saw the figure of Jane walking followed by Olivia behind her. Olivia looked so awkward that she hesitated to raise her face. “Yes, Jane? What’s the occasion?” asked Jonathan after Jane stood in front of them. Axel’s eyes did not move from Olivia. While watching Olivia, his mind was only centered on one thing. Making her his pretend partner to bring before his father. Both corners of Axel’s lips automatically curved. Forming a smile that implied getting an idea. “…I just wanted to say that’s all. I hope we can meet and work together again next time,” Jane said at the end of her sentence. “Oh, of course-” “Of course we should meet again,” Jane said, snatching Jonathan’s words. Jonathan’s gaze, Jane’s gaze, and Olivia’s gaze immediately turned to Axel. The twinkle in Axel’s eyes that was directed at Olivia made Jane wonder. With a look that could not be separated from Olivia’s eyes, Axel unconsciously uttered a sentence. “We should meet again. Right, Olivia?” Jane turned her face to Olivia, while Olivia looked dumbfounded. Not understanding what Axel meant. Jonathan secretly pinched Axel’s arm to wake him up. After Axel realized, he finally corrected himself. “I mean, for work. I have another photo shoot for later. Can Olivia be my personal make-up artist for today?” “Pardon?” Jane still didn’t seem to understand. “Yes, I feel attracted to Olivia’s handiwork. So, for tonight’s shoot, can Olivia not just be an assistant?” At that moment, quietly, Olivia curved her smile. The pull of that smile was noticed by Axel, making Axel also arch a faint smile. “Do you want to bring Olivia?” Jane asked. “Ah, but, sorry…” “Can’t we use any make-up artist?” Axel cut Jane off. Jane looked puzzled for a moment. Jane thought about it, occasionally turning her face to Olivia. Although she didn’t like it, Jane was finally forced to nod her head. “Okay. You can hire her services for tonight.” Axel breathed a sigh of relief, returning Jane’s nod. Looking at Olivia, Axel signaled for Olivia to follow. “Come on, Olivia. You can come with us,” Jonathan said. Axel then showed Jane his phone screen. “I recorded our conversation earlier. So, if anyone asks where Olivia is, answer correctly that I hired her makeup services today. I warn you to tell people differently.” Olivia raised both eyebrows. Especially Jonathan who did not expect that Axel would be like that. Jane blinked for a moment, then laughed awkwardly. “Oh my god. What did I do that for?” Pulling out his cell phone again, Axel gave a meaningful smile. “I don’t know. I just felt responsible if something happened to Olivia. Especially since I asked for it,” Axel explained very casually. Jane gave an awkward smile. “Oh my,” she said, not daring to look into Axel’s calm eyes. It was somehow more terrifying. “You may go, Olivia. Someone is waiting for your services.” Olivia gave Jane a bow. Although she was pleased, a hint of distaste flickered across Olivia’s face. But she couldn’t do anything if a client wanted to use her services. As she stood next to Axel, Olivia felt her heart racing. Like there was something tickling. “Let’s go, Olivia,” Axel said with a sweet knot on his face. Olivia’s throat tightened at that moment. How could she control herself around Axel?! *** Olivia really did not expect that what Axel said was inversely proportional to reality. Can you guess where Axel took her? “So, this is your new boyfriend that you haven’t introduced to dad?” To Axel’s father and introduced as lovers! “Yes, Father. I didn’t tell you because I’ve been busy with brand shoots and US fashion week events,” Axel explained so calmly. How could he behave like that in such an urgent situation?! When Axel’s father turned to Olivia, Olivia gave a small nod. A faint curl of a smile appeared on her face. Olivia was nervous to death. Moreover, Axel’s father’s eyes seemed to be scanning her. “Dad, don’t scare her by looking at her like that.” Axel seemed to understand why Olivia was tense in her seat. “You…” Ignoring Axel’s words, her father squinted. “Do you really love my daughter?” Of course. Olivia had been a fan of Axel for almost five years. Not fanatically so, but Olivia heard quite often where and when Axel’s modeling schedule was. “Yes, Father. I love him very much,” Olivia replied. “Can you hold yourself together during Axel’s busy schedule?” It was Katherine, Axel’s mother’s turn to respond. Olivia’s eyes shifted to Katherine. “Thank God I can, Mom. My job as a make-up artist sometimes allows me to meet him. So, we can take the time to talk when we meet.” Axel watched Olivia who seemed to be trying to calm down. To be honest, Axel didn’t mean it was rude to bring Olivia in front of her parents. Earlier, during the car ride, they had talked about this meeting together. Luckily, Olivia was one of those people who were quick to act. Axel could have chosen something else. But since he felt that Olivia knew him better than anyone else-because Olivia was a fan of his, Axel felt that there would most likely be a connection between the two of them. “I still can’t believe that you’re really in a relationship,” Axel’s father said. Neither Axel nor Olivia could react. For a few moments, they just looked at each other. The feeling of awkwardness enveloped them in an instant. Moreover, Axel’s father’s gaze squinted and watched them so intensely. As if he wanted to read the lies they were hiding. Although it was a bit difficult, Axel finally cleared his throat briefly. Neutralizing the awkward atmosphere as well as his own feelings. “We’re serious, Father. How can we just pretend to be in a relationship?” Axel threw the question back with a faint smile. Olivia replied with a brief nod of her head. Unfortunately, Axel’s father couldn’t be trusted with just that. Her back straightened as she took a deep breath. Still giving Axel and Olivia an unsure expression. “Alright. In that case, when will you guys be planning the wedding?”

The atmosphere between Olivia and Axel suddenly became awkward. After the family meeting was over, Axel drove Olivia. Accompanied by Jonathan, the manager, using Axel’s car. Axel’s father’s last words, when he asked the two of them to get married, rang out between Olivia and Axel. Olivia really didn’t expect that this day would happen. She doesn’t know how to react at that moment. On the one side, Olivia couldn’t help but feel happy to be close to Axel. But on the other hand, Olivia felt inappropriate. Axel’s family was very strict in choosing a son-in-law for them. In fact, wait, Axel was being set up as a mate! “Olivia,” Axel spoke up, “I apologize for what happened today. I asked you not to divulge anything.” Olivia looked at Axel for a while. Seeing the look in Axel’s eyes that implied guilt made her unable to bear it. Moreover, the sincerity on Axel’s face did not show any malicious intent. “Who am I going to leak to?” Olivia tried to be calm, flashing a casual smile. “I’m not like that.” Axel chuckled. His laugh sounded crisp and soothed Olivia’s heart. “Your work also intersects with the entertainment world. Who knew you were close to a media person?” Axel joked, deliberately making a mocking face. Olivia shook her head and chuckled too. “In that case, how much will I be paid and how much compensation will I have to pay?” “Depends on the kindness of the agency,” Axel replied. Arching a smile as she leaned her head against the back of the bench, Olivia sighed heavily. “You’re a big star, definitely the agency’s favorite. There can be no forgiveness,” Olivia retorted, intending to return Axel’s jibe. Jonathan, who had been listening to their conversation, chuckled. “Hey, Olivia, he’s the agency’s favorite, but do you know something?” Axel immediately turned his alarmed eyes to Jonathan. In contrast to Axel, Olivia looked enthusiastic and curious to hear what Jonathan had to say. “Mr. Jonathan, what do you want to say?” Axel asked, his tone commemorating. “Don’t say anything to him.” Olivia’s eyebrows rose instantly, looking at Axel and Jonathan in turn. Jonathan actually laughed at Axel’s panicked reaction. “You know what?” Olivia asked. “She’s the opposite of what she was on screen and what she is in front of you now. You don’t know how he really acts, do you?” “The real one?” Olivia asked confused. She was even more panicked when Jonathan, the manager, flashed her a purposeful smile. Axel immediately strode forward, holding tight to both the driver’s seat and the driver’s side passenger. “Mr. Jonathan, don’t fuck with me,” Axel said, looking at Jonathan warningly. “You’re going to do something to me, huh?” For some reason, Olivia found Jonathan and Axel’s behavior ridiculous. Olivia had just realized that the two of them were so close. It wasn’t like they were a manager and an undercover model anymore. “No need to tell me that it makes Axel uncomfortable,” Olivia said between Axel’s pleading looks. “Oh, actually, you saw one of Axel’s true attitudes just now.” Olivia raised both eyebrows again, but couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement. Already resigned to Jonathan’s nosiness, Axel sighed heavily. “You’re really… really inhuman,” said Axel, who immediately buried his face in one hand. “Well,” Jonathan snapped his fingers, “you see, Olivia, if you guys were really going to get married-” “No, don’t,” Axel cut Jonathan off. The situation between the three of them was instantly silent. The amused smile on Olivia’s face slowly faded. Olivia looked confused at Axel, who had quickly raised his face, and now Axel looked pale. “I mean, I’m taking her to my family just for tonight,” Axel said, immediately correcting his attitude. “I don’t want anything to happen to Olivia. If my fans find out about this, I’m afraid many of them won’t accept it. And then later attack Olivia.” Jonathan frowned, his face momentarily dumbfounded. He still didn’t expect Axel’s reaction to reject him so quickly. Also, Jonathan was a bit worried that Axel’s reaction would offend Olivia. Like what had already happened. One of the fans was offended when Axel accidentally blurted out that he didn’t want to take a photo. Even though Axel was exhausted because of the very busy schedule of fashion week events. As well as photo shoots for a number of brands that contract Axel. Not to mention, filming advertisements from within the country and abroad. “Ah, right… your fan.” Olivia laughed awkwardly. She actually felt flustered, thinking that Axel was like that because he didn’t feel on the same level. Of course, the status of fan and idol between them showed a very different social strata, right? “Your fans would disapprove if they knew we were in a relationship even if it was just pretend,” Olivia continued. “Because I’m also just your fan. It would be unfair to other fans. Fans and idols…” Olivia made a weighing motion using her right and left palms. But both were lame. The right palm was higher. “Very one-sided,” Olivia continued, with a small laugh at the end of her sentence. Axel dropped his gaze so long and intensely on Olivia’s pair of beady eyes that for some reason he felt bad seeing the glint of sadness in Olivia’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to say that you’re not on my level,” Axel corrected, looking at Olivia with a guilty look in his eyes. “It’s okay. I don’t think that way,” Olivia retorted with a casual wave of her hand. “But the look in your eyes suggests otherwise.” Axel blatantly focused his gaze on Olivia, making Olivia feel awkward. “Besides, you seem to be different from the other fans.” Olivia frowned. “What do you mean?” In the driver’s seat, Jonathan shook his head and gave a lopsided smile. Jonathan had expected Axel’s sudden departure, which turned out to be to see Olivia. It would be weird if there was nothing in it for Axel, right? “No, it’s just that… I find you interesting,” Axel replied, getting to the point. “You’re good at your job. You know, someone who’s good at their job always has more value in my eyes. And… you don’t even yell hysterically or scream-or even go so far as to pull me close to you. You have a sense of respect for other people’s comfort, Olivia.” Olivia was dumbfounded as Axel said that. There was a part of her that denied Axel’s words. But seeing the sincerity in Axel’s eyes made Olivia hesitate. “You’re… not kidding?” Olivia asked. “Why would you say a joke like that?” Axel laughed calmly. “That sounds like a joke? I just realized that even a serious sentence sounds like a joke?” Wait, wait, wait. What’s going on here? Olivia’s heart skipped a beat that very second, instantly nervous. Her whole body was stiff and unable to move. She needed time to digest Axel’s words that managed to invite a tickle in her chest. Olivia really didn’t know what to do. Why does Axel look even more charming when looking at her in the shade like now?!

Olivia hadn’t finished digesting tonight’s events. Now, as soon as Axel’s car stopped in front of the small chicken restaurant, Olivia found someone waiting. “Olivia, are you… are you with…” Olivia winced as she watched Catthes, her best friend, dumbfounded. Of course Cathes would react in shock after seeing Axel in front of her eyes. Who knew that Axel, a famous model, would show up at night in an ordinary neighborhood? Cathes patted Olivia’s shoulder repeatedly while looking at Axel in disbelief. At first it was just a small pat, then it gradually became a firm pat. It signaled a sense of enthusiasm that was injected out of nowhere in a second. “Axel! Is it really Axel?!” Cathes, whether he realized it or not, let out an exclamation. Olivia glared and immediately smothered her best friend’s mouth. Her expression turned frantic. “Shut up, Cathes! Your voice will attract other people’s attention!” Olivia hissed in warning to Cathes. Her eyes held a serious glint in them. “Hmmpph…” Cathes repeatedly smacked the back of Olivia’s hand. Axel who witnessed Olivia and Cathes’ behavior laughed amusedly, softly. Meanwhile, Jonathan had not taken his eyes off the chicken symbol in this small chicken shop. “Axel, aren’t you hungry?” Jonathan asked without looking away. His hand stroked his stomach with a hungry expression. Axel’s gaze turned to Jonathan. Instantly his laughter faded, momentarily stunned at Jonathan’s reaction. Again and again, this was not the first time Axel had faced Jonathan’s attitude whenever he saw food. “Do you want to eat?” Axel asked, giving a forced smile. Jonathan shifted his gaze to Axel. Seeing Axel’s sharp look at him made Jonathan immediately awkward. Axel slowly approached Jonathan, stood next to him, and quietly brought his mouth to the manager’s ear. “Eat if you want me to be seen by others,” Axel said as a warning. Axel immediately distanced himself, pretending to smile nothing at Olivia. He didn’t know who was inside the chicken shop. He only anticipated that there would be a rabid fan… “Do you want to eat?” Catthes suddenly swooped in, asking enthusiastically. Suddenly Catthes’ behavior made Axel and Hyun-a wide-eyed. Moreover, Jonathan had ignored Axel’s warning earlier. Instead, he nodded enthusiastically. “I’ll give you a half-price discount-” “Hey! You think this is your shop?” Olivia immediately anticipated Catthes acting up. She gave her a second warning look. “No discount, they need to go home because Axel needs to rest.” Catthes gave Olivia an annoyed look. “It’s not yours, it’s your father’s. Unfortunately your father considers me his son, so it’s also mine.” “How…” Olivia’s sentence hung, almost gaping in disbelief. In front of them both Axel was already shaking his head. Massaging his temples, he let out a rough breath. “No, no. The point is, no one eats here,” Olivia said, then turned her gaze to Jonathan. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jonathan, but doesn’t Axel need to rest? He must be tired after that fashion week event.” Axel snapped his fingers, agreeing with Olivia. “Right, Olivia. God … I’m so tired,” he complained, looking up with a grimace on his face. “That’s right, isn’t it? I told you what Manager Park, don’t force Jungkook to stay active,” Olivia coaxed, again trying to change Jonathan’s mind. Jonathan, who only had a confused look on his face, asked, “If someone is tired, then they need to eat too, right?” Olivia was a bit hesitant to answer. On the other hand, she felt bad because Axel seemed uncomfortable going inside. She understood very well that it would be very risky for Axel to enter the shop, especially after performing on the Korean Fashion Week stage. Without realizing it, Catthes squinted at Olivia. There was a sense of suspicion and many questions in his mind. Seeing how Olivia chatted intimately with Axel, let alone being escorted home like this. How could Olivia suddenly become close to Axel? Olivia really owed her a lot of stories. “Axel, let’s eat together. You should at least show some face in front of…” “What’s all the fuss about? Olivia, are you home yet?” All pairs of eyes turned to the source of the voice. A man of the same height as Olivia was walking with a green apron on. He wore a slightly shabby flannel shirt, looking forty years old and heading towards fifty. The man approached Olivia and Catthes. Soon his gaze shifted to Axel and Jonathan. “Ah, hello, good evening,” Jonathan said as he bowed respectfully. Axel also bowed respectfully. Giving an awkward smile to the man he thought was Olivia’s father. “Dad,” Olivia called out in a panic. “This…” The man who was called father immediately widened his smile. His eyes lit up after a while of just looking at Axel intensely. “Oh my, you… I’ve seen you!” The man exclaimed, pointing at Axel enthusiastically. “Wait, but where? Ah! I saw you in Olivia’s room! Olivia had a picture of you framed up in four frames on her dresser!” Suddenly, Olivia was wide-eyed at her father’s frankness. Meanwhile, Axel raised both eyebrows and was provoked to smile amusedly. In contrast to Catthes who immediately elbowed Olivia with a mischievous grin, then laughed at Olivia’s embarrassment. Olivia’s cheeks heated up. Moreover, Axel looked at her with an incomprehensible look in his eyes. But damn it, Axel was handsome with that look! “Dad… why did you say that to her?!” Olivia was dead. After this, where will she put her face?! *** “Oh my. I didn’t expect a famous model like you to come.” The result of the meeting was that Axel and Jonathan were told by Olivia’s father to go out to eat. Of course Jonathan would be very happy when it came to food. Especially since Jonathan had complained that he was hungry earlier. In front of Olivia’s father, Axel just smiled and nodded briefly. He accidentally saw Olivia who had been sitting uncomfortably. Occasionally glancing at him with an unpleasant look, maybe because his father told him to stop by here. Axel tried to chuckle to make the atmosphere not tense or stiff. “Gosh, I’m not a famous model, sir, but thank you for the food.” Olivia’s father immediately showed a surprised look, pointing at Axel. “Look at that. He said he’s not a famous model. Did you intend to lie to me?” he joked, laughing until his shoulders shook. “Even I know your face is all over the place. I just realized that your face was on the cover of a magazine last week. Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the magazine and the issue,” Olivia’s father continued, frowning in thought. Olivia’s father’s joke that seemed to connect with Axel made the others laugh. Including Olivia who began to curve a smile. Although it was small, it somehow made Axel feel relieved. “About that… maybe she just happens to look like me, sir,” Axel replied before taking a bite of chicken. “It can’t be like that. Hey, you’re handsome in person. I don’t think anyone has equaled your good looks yet.” Axel instantly looked down with an embarrassed chuckle that just came out. He shook his head briefly. “No, no, sir. There must be someone better looking. You’re even better looking than me,” Axel replied. “Maybe if you talk about when I was younger, I could rival your good looks, son,” Olivia’s father said with narrowed eyes, deliberately casting a mocking expression. “The truth, sir, is that I’m the better looking one,” Jonathan said, responding to Axel and Olivia’s father’s joke. Catthes laughed and shook his head, as did Olivia. Instead of feeling displeased with the joke, Olivia’s father frowned. His face showed an unconvinced expression. “Eis, that’s right. You’re the most handsome. I like your confidence.” “Right?” Jonathan was getting excited. “I should have been the model, not him. But I chose to be the manager. Lucky you, Axel. You would have been overrun if I had modeled.” Axel just chuckled. “Whatever you want, Mr. Jonathan. What matters is that you’re happy. In fact, I’m the model.” That night, somehow, Axel and Olivia’s father bonded. And Jonathan wasn’t afraid to crack a joke. Olivia didn’t know how she felt at the moment. Most importantly, having Axel around her like this was something she had dreamed of for a long time. Even Catthes often dismissed Olivia’s dream of being close to Axel. Saying that such a reality is impossible. Now, Olivia feels her wish come true!

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “303103”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

‘…Sometimes it requires a moment to destroy and forge things.’ Rayan was sitting in front of the fireplace, holding his glass of whiskey in a tight grip, deluged in unfathomable clouds of agony. The buttons of his shirt were opened, revealing his toned chest, watching the fire with the passion same as his heart along with a fiery spark of fury which caused him to tighten his grip on the glass, growling. Scattered hairs, heavy breaths, shattered heart- a complete mess. Closing his eyes momentarily, he ignored the tear which rolled down his cheek reflecting his devastation, deep in thoughts, ‘….What, when and how things change, we lose track of it and by the time we realize its importance, things disperse more quickly than we could imagine.’ A sad smile came to his lips, thinking about talks familiar to the condition of his heart, continuing, ‘Same thing occurred to me; it crumbled. Before I could perceive or rescue the fallen thread I lost the person for whom my heart was untamed, but,’ “…It was nothing but the extremity of my love…” ~ 1 Year Ago ~ In a prestigious household the preparation for the Mehendi function was being done. Things were going smoothly, lively as the beautifully embellished home was getting ready for Hoor’s wedding. Everyone was busy with their work, trying to prepare things so everything would be flawless, an enthusiastic atmosphere was spread in the home. Hoorain was looking for her elder brother who came home early and right after returning, was talking to their event planner on the phone furiously with Zain standing beside him, amused. Coat resting on the chair while his sleeves were rolled upward roughly along with the loose tie, his back facing everyone. “Bhai!” Hoorain’s voice came, getting down from stairs, Zain motioned Rayan about her sister but he was busy on the call. “Hoor Api left with Mama, how am I supposed to go now?” She asked sadly, looking down. Rayan gestured to Zain to check up on her, walking away. Chuckling, Zain spoke up. “Leave Rayan, Hoorain. He is preparing to fall on my sister’s head for being late.” Sighing, she held her forehead. “It’s not a new thing. Isra api is always late. Hoor api left. Papa is busy and Emraz bhai didn’t even bother to come home!” She argued, getting infuriated by each passing moment. “Okay, okay, don’t be tense-” She cut him off. “How can I not?!” Rolling her eyes, she mumbled, “If I am the youngest that doesn’t mean I am not allowed to get ready.” But then she looked at him expectantly, “Can you take me with Isra api?” Zain chuckled nervously, “I don’t think she will even have time to go to the parlor. It will be late, but I can drop you off, if you are fine with it?” He offered her politely. Her face lit up in glee, “Really?” “Sure, come.” He smiled softly. “Rayan! I am taking Hoorain to the parlor!” Zain told him and he waved his hand to tell him. ‘Okay fine’ and they left. Without turning his face, Rayan ruffled his pitch-black hairs, a hissing sound came, “If you didn’t come in next ten minutes-” Before he could speak another voice joined the conversation. “Why ten minutes? I am here now-” Isra came holding a box with one hand and phone glued to her ears with the other, bumped into Rayan as the box fell from her hand. Whining, she stumbled but didn’t fall. Setting the strand of dark brown hairs, Isra looked up with her hazel gaze only to meet a pair of sapphire gems staring at her with a dark aura. Narrowing his eyes at her, Rayan taunted, “So you finally gained time to come, Miss Bukhari?” “I am so sorry, Rayan.” She smiled faintly, apologetic. “I am your client right now.” His frown deepened at her casual way of talking. “Yeah.. Sorry, Rayan.” She mumbled, getting down to gather the stuff fallen. Sighing, he asked, not helping her. “What’s that?” Panting, she removed her hair, smiling while looking up at him. “Oh, it has garlands, Rose petals and some things for the function.” She told him, taking the box and getting up. “Is that why you are late?” He asked, intrigued. Just then Emraz came with his hand in his pocket, entering in his dashing style, perfectly combed black hairs and similar eyes, humming while telling him monotonously. “She is late because I stopped her and offered her to come with me.” He stopped, looking around. “Where is Hoorain? She was bursting over the phone for me to come, she must be furious.” He fully turned to Rayan. “She was, but just left with Zain for the parlor.” He replied and he mumbled ‘shit’ knowing she won’t talk to him now. “Oh no, did she take her dress along?” Isra asked, vexed. “I don’t know because I was waiting for someone who was too late.” He said, giving her an indirect glare. “I told you, Rayan.” Emraz tried to defend Isra. “Oh leave it bhai. This woman was always late.” He ridiculed her again. “But, I am here now.” She shrugged. “Then get to work.” He told her, steps retreating and walking out while using his phone. Making a sour face at his rude behavior, Isra clicked her tongue at him, growling. Emraz couldn’t help but to chuckle. Resting his coat in his hand, folded neatly, he walked to Isra who was glaring in Rayan’s direction and told her in a low tone. “I think you should get to work, Isra.” Gasping at his words, Isra turned to him, “Oh my, you scared me, Sir.” Exhaling, she shook her head, “Okay, okay.” With a deep breath, Isra tied her hair in a bun, took the clipboard from the box and began to work, checking up on the setting of the function which was going to take place at their home. Decorating the place, it took her hours to check on everything. Finally gaining time three hours before the ceremony, Isra sighed deeply, plopping on the couch, closing her eyes to relax a bit. Emraz, who was watching her with admiration for being engrossed in work, smiled widely. He sat on the armrest, looked around the exquisitely adorned mansion and praised. “Nice work, Isra.” Opening her eyes, she smiled, “Thanks Sir.” “Great thing we hired you.” He said to himself but she heard it. “I have been working here for a while now, I am used to it.” She told him casually. “It’s a big day.” He smiled. “It is.” She smiled back. They talked for a while and soon Rayan came. “Oh, Rayan, look everything is ready.” Emraz told him. “Hmm. It’s fine.” His remark pissed Isra off, how dare he call her hard work where she poured her heart into just fine. “If you wanted it to be fine, then why hire me?” She mocked, rolling her eyes. “Hey, I hired you.” He reminded her. “Be grateful.” “Boss, look at him.” Isra complained, “Come on, Don’t tease her Rayan, she is just finished.” “Oh from tease I remember, Rayan take me to the parlor please.” Isra requested. “No, I am taking Sateesha.” He told her, talking about his girlfriend. “I will tell Aunt, you know she doesn’t like it.” Isra blackmailed. “Tell Bhai, I am busy.” he scoffed. “Boss is tired, you are just walking around the house, do this and go take her.” Isra reasoned. Groaning at her persistence, he hissed. “Fine, come.” Grinning, Isra took hers and Hoorain’s dress as they left. The drive was silent, they didn’t talk. Isra just kept looking out and asked after a while, “Is Sateesha coming to the ceremony as well?” “Yeah,” He hummed. “Wouldn’t Aunt be angry?” He chuckled dryly, “She was furious when we got into a relationship, it’s still an invitation to the function.” “Hmm. Yeah… Why don’t you talk to her parents? It’s been more than a year.” She asked, turning her face to him. “Does it matter?” He asked, stopping the car at the red signal, turning his face to her, the smirk wiped as a deadpan expression enhanced his sharp features. “What do you mean?” She asked in perplexity. Sighing, he shook his head, “No, nothing. Leave it.” He sighed, turning his head to the road again. “You’re weird.” She mumbled. “Less than you.” He retorted. “By the way, Isra…” He called her. She hummed, looking out again. “Are you wearing the golden dress today?” “Nope, it’s for the wedding day. Why?” She opened her mouth but a realization hit her. “Wait a minute, you even noticed?” She asked in disbelief. “Hmm. I wanted to give one to Sateesha as well, just in a different color, maybe pink or green.” He replied. “I see… I Ordered it online, I will send you the link.” She replied. “Great.” “Then what are you wearing?” He asked. Holding her chin she replied. “If you know, the green and pink frock and tights I wore on Bradon’s wedding.” “The one with pink laces or embroidered?” He asked. “With the Laces.” Isra wasn’t taken aback, Rayan always notices the dress. She considered it as nothing. “I see… We’re here.” “Thanks.” She smiled, taking the dress and shoes from it, “Don’t forget our deal, you won’t tell Mama.” He told her sternly, making a cute face, she nodded. She got out and was about to leave but he called her again, “Isra!” “Yeah?” “The embroidered ones suit you better.” He told her with a faint smile and left, leaving her baffled about his words. Shrugging her shoulder, she went to the parlor as all the women got ready for the function. “Today is a big day for you, my love. I shall pray for your happiness, bless you.” Hania, the kid’s Mother whispered, kissing the bride’s forehead while they were going. “How do I look?” Hoorain asked Isra excitedly. “You look amazing!” “You should have worn something more fancy.” Hoorain told her innocently, chuckling, Isra looked at herself in the mirror. “It’s fine.” “If you say so.” “We’re going first Mama, you come with Api.” Hoorain said and Isra stopped her. “You are not going, you are also staying with your sister.” Hoor chuckled, “Ah, she is always like this.” Hoorain made an almost crying face and looked away. “There’s still time for your wedding, I am not wasting my tears.” She said sternly. Isra smiled and left the family, going back. “Is everything ready, Isra?” Emraz asked, in the dress code for the male, Navy Blue Kurta. “Yeah, Sir.” She smiled, checking things for the final time. Rayan applied his cologne, rolling the sleeves to his elbow neatly, setting his hair perfectly backward. Collar just in an arresting gap with a little space between his neck, appealing to catch every girl’s attention. His waistcoat well fitted to his toned chest, wearing his watch, he walked down with a smile, greeting the guests and going to Isra. “Where is Mama and others?” “They are almost here.” She replied, checking everything for the bride’s entry. “Don’t forget your dance.” She told him sternly, checking time. “I know,” He hummed and then went to his girlfriend. Soon the ceremony started, the girls did the ritual first, entering with Henna placed in a decorated plate, smiling, wearing Gajre, and welcoming. The whole time Isra held a grin on her face, laughing, talking. From time to time Rayan’s eyes stop at her for a moment but it didn’t take more than a heartbeat for him to remove his eyes. “Go Rayan, it’s time for dance.” Sateesha grinned. Pushing him to the floor and dancing. Smiling everyone gathered, getting in places and began to dance. Soon the sound of cheers filled in the air, “Woohoo!!” Everyone awed, shouting, great enthusiasm was dispersed in the sky, living into the moment of elation. After dancing, the boys began to pant. Mixing with crowd, Rayan went to Isra who was talking to the catering guys, “Make sure it’s enough-” “How was it?” He asked breathlessly from behind, at a fair distance. Smirking, she turned to him, “Ask your Sateesha?” “You’re the one who taught me,” he responded. “Hmm. you guys rocked.” She laughed a little. “And me? How was I?” He asked. “You’re amazing too. Although I didn’t expect it.” She replied. “You taught me, how can it not be perfect.” He complimented and went back inside. Isra smiled and shook her head, turning back to her but then the time for girls to dance came. Things went well, dancing, talking, wallowing in amid this vibrant moment. Rayan stood in the corner, hands closed at his chest, lips slowly curling from one side with his eyes fixed upon Isra’s who was dancing, talking. Not paying heed to him, immersed in work. With the unnoticed smile he kept looking at her with ardent, standing in a fixed place to get the better view of her with a wide smile beautifying his face along with racing heartbeats. Soon Isra noticed his look and asked him from afar what happened but he only smiled and shook his head that it’s nothing. Giggling a little at him, Isra smirked faintly and went to his girlfriend and began to talk to her, ignorant of the fact he was looking at her, thinking. To me, you are the belle of the event.

“I swear, if anyone dares to piss me off, I won’t tolerate it.” Isra hissed, grabbing her bag, getting ready to go to the Hotel where the Reception ceremony would take place after the Wedding. “Even if your Boss?” Emraz said in amusement from behind, closing his arms at his chest, watching her with a smirk. “Ah! You scared me, Sir.” She sighed, shaking her head. “Where are you going, Fireball?” He asked teasingly. “I am going to the Hotel, tomorrow is the wedding and you should take a day off and go home or else both Hoor and Hoorain would be angry.” She told him, tying her hair in a messy bun, taking her things and walking out after locking her cabin. “I know, I just had an important meeting for a new project. I thought about giving it to you.” He paused. “No. I already have another upcoming one.” She frowned. He chuckled, “Just kidding, I gave it to Natasha. I just wanted to tell you to go to the Hotel to check things for the final time, it seems like you are doing it already.” He smiled observing her form. She smiled back, “Yeah. Okay then, I have to go.” “Good work today.” He said and left. Isra then fixed her messy form and went to the Hotel to check up on everything as tomorrow she will barely get time to do it properly so she wanted to make sure things are perfect as Hoor imagined. “Watching the list of things, ” talking to the hotel’s staff where the Reception was going to be held. “The Wedding is in the afternoon and reception would start after a break of two hours and I don’t want any compromise in it.” She explained sternly to the hotel’s staff. “Entertainers would be ours as well.” “We understand Ma’am, you don’t have to worry about anything, Ma’am. Everything will be as you explained.” The manager passed her a smile, assuring her. “Hmm.” She hummed, moving away. “I hope things go well.” She said after taking a long breath. “Don’t worry, they will.” Finally after being assured things are fine and everything is going pretty well, Isra went home. “Oh, you’re early.” Zain turned his face to her, putting the book he was reading down, “Yeah. I am finally free.” She smiled, putting her bag down and sitting on the other side of the couch. “Zain..” Isra poked him with her index finger, making a cute pout, “I am not going to make any shake.” He told her, still reading his book. “Come on, at least make sachet juice.. Please.” She smiled sweetly at him. “I am temporarily deaf.” He replied, turning the page. “I am exhausted, please dear brother.” She smiled, passing him a faint smile. “I am also tired so why don’t you take this tired form to your room, freshen up..” He turned to her, lips curling upwards. Her face lit up in glee but he continued, “And make shake for both of us.” He smiled and went to his room, making her frown and mumble curse at him. She went to her room and freshened up, relaxed a bit after taking a shower and made mango shake for both her brother and herself. Passing time by sleeping. At Ahmed’s household, Rayan was on the rooftop, looking at the sky, lost in his unfathomable thoughts which are evoking an undesirable sensation he was trying to resist but each passing second knocks substantial vexations. Smiling faintly to himself, remember the Mehendi event occupying him with enthrallment. Lighting up his cigarette, he put it to his mouth, taking a long inhale from it, resting his elbows on the railing while looking at the front view of their mansion. “You’re smoking again.” Emraz’s voice came from behind with a feeble smile, coming to him, standing just like him. Rayan laughed a little, shaking his head, “Yeah…” “Any reason?” He asked, turning his face to him. “Just wanted to.” “Don’t lie, you only smoke when something bothers you.. Is it about Hoor?” He asked. “No, I am sure, she will live happily with Haider. They struggled for their love a lot so they deserve it. I know she will be happy with him… I am just… I don’t know, Bhai” He said but the glint of distress was clear in his tone. “Now that’s new.” He smirked, moving close to his face, “Is it about Sateesha?” He asked, moving away and leaning on the railing, closing his arms at his chest. Rayan only shrugged and Emraz laughed a little. “What?” Rayan asked, raising a brow. “Nothing, I guess it is about you two.” “Leave us.” He sighed, “What about you? You are next in line after Hoor.” Rayan smirked. Emraz laughed, “Thanks for the reminder.” “Do you have a girl in mind?” Rayan asked, smirking. “Hmm… I don’t know.” “You’re saying you are fine with an arranged marriage?” Rayan asked, narrowing his eyes in bewilderment. “I mean if the partner is to my liking and we mutually understand each other so why not?” Emraz shrugged his shoulders, speaking casually. “But, do you have a girl in mind?” Rayan insisted, wanting to know if there is a girl he likes or not. “What happened? Why are you so eager for it?” Emraz nervously asked. “Come on, tell me, Bhai.” He asked. Chuckling Emraz took the cigarette from his hand and crushed it under his foot. “Nope.” He smiled and Rayan sighed in relief, putting his hand over his chest. “You seemed relieved.” He arched a brow at his representation of solace. “Oh, no. It’s nothing.” He shook his head in denial, putting his hand in the air anxiously. “If you say so. Anyways, come down and ready to hear scolding from Dad for this.” He told him, pointing at the cigarette and left. “Yeah..” He smiled timidly, scratching the back of his neck as Emraz left. Rayan looked outside for a few seconds again with a deadpan expression hardening his features he spoke to himself, “No one… hmm?” “It’s better if there isn’t.” He said and went back. ~•~ “Do you, Hoor Ahmed, take Haider Wardak as your lawfully wedded Husband?” The Priest asked. Hoor smiled at her soon-to-be husband and said firmly, “I do.” “Do you Haider Wardak take Hoor Ahmed as your lawfully wedded Wife?” He smirked, “I do.” “I pronounce you as Husband and Wife! May God bring endless happiness in your path! You may now kiss the Bride!” After the enunciation, everyone began to cheer for the new couple. “Woo!” Isra cheered from behind, grinning and clapping. They gradually pulled away, Hoor threw the bouquet and Isra caught it, her elation faltered by the sudden call, wiping the smile off her face in stagger. “What? No.” She quickly said, giving it to someone else after registering what happened. “Good Luck~” Hoor winked and walked away with her husband. “I won’t let it happen!” She shouted, pouting, closing her arms at her chest. “Seems like your number is next.” Rayan teased her from behind, deepening her frown. She turned to him furiously, “I don’t need you to tell me this. These mere flowers can’t decide my future.” She told him sternly, pushing her hair from her shoulder to back, walking away. Rayan shifted and came to her front, taking a step closer, smirking, “What if it’s true?” “Why don’t you leave it at that time?” She smirked back. “Besides, your other half is there, don’t bother me. I am busy.” She told him, pointing at Zain who was talking to Hoorain. “God have mercy on your partner.” He mumbled, walking away, her jaw dropped. “Excuse me, Mr Rayan Ahmed, for your kind information, I know how to handle my private life and future partner, you don’t have to meddle.” She told him sternly, knitting her brows together in a grimace, displeased at his words. “Well, I am going to my other half.” He laughed. “Isra! There you are.” Emraz called her, coming to her. “Yes, Sir?” “You’re late again, you’re supposed to leave with Hoor, go.” He told her. She held her forehead. “Oh shit, I forgot.” She moved back, lifting her grey lehenga embroidered with golden color. “Exactly. Now go.” He motioned her to leave. “Yeah, I am.” She nodded, walking away. Emraz sighed, shaking his head in disappointment, “This girl is just…” “Ah one thing, Sir.” She stopped and smiled at Emraz, “What now?” “Teach some manners to Zain’s soulmate.” She clicked her tongue at Rayan, making his mouth gaped. “Hey, you-” Before he could speak, she laughed a little and ran away, taking car keys from Zain and going to the hotel. “Seriously, this woman.” Rayan exhaled, trying to keep his cool. “Who told you to hire her?” Emraz chuckled. “I did it because she knows my taste and does things according to my preference.” He shrugged, making a sour face. “Then bear with it.” ‘I have been doing it for as long as I can remember.’ He thought, putting his hand in his pocket taking a step back and watching the way she was leaving. Humming to his Brother’s word. “I am also leaving, take Sateesha and come as well.” Emraz told him and left as Rayan didn’t react, only watched Isra leaving between the crowd quickly. As he was espying the traces she left, going far away from him and he couldn’t help but to link his gaze with air and she was no longer is sight but his heart surely unaware of one thing; He is spellbound.

After successfully managing Hoor’s wedding, Isra was indulging in her day off from the stressful yet enlivening events which are imbuing her to have one for herself but she knows it herself, it’s not happening any time soon. She wasn’t ready to take such a drastic step in her life and her parent’s respected her decision, letting her decide on her own to choose the path she wanted. Sigh, Isra plopped herself on the couch, closing her eyes for a brief moment, smiling faintly. “Ah, finally done, aren’t you?” Zain asked, sitting beside her, looking through a bunch of tests, his glasses hanging. Opening her eyes, Isra frowned and set his glasses, peeved at her and replied. “Yeah.. It was a significant event.” She hummed, straightening her back. “Here is your tea.” Her mother came, smiling offering them the tea. “Where’s mine?” “There it is.” “Thanks.” She smiled, taking her cup. “So, tell me how was the wedding?” She asked excitedly. “Mhm.” She said, putting the cup down. “Mama I told you, did I? To come and you and Dad decided to go to Shimla at the very end!” She frowned, shaking her head in disappointment. “We had to.” She shrugged, “Leave it, tell me how it was?” Crossing her one leg on the couch, Isra began to say, “It was amazing, I mean I did everything so it has to be.” She praised herself and Zain laughed, not looking up at his papers, “Bittersweet parrot.” He mocked, knowing she absolutely hated this nickname. Clicking her tongue at him, “Leave this last remain of gutter. I was telling you, it was lavishing. I arranged everything so perfectly, Boss was so pleased with my work. I think I will get a promotion this time.” She grinned, telling her about the events, of how expensive it was and stopped suddenly. “But, There was something strange.” She mused, taking a sip. “What?” “I mean I work in bride brother’s agency and some people were speaking badly about it. I don’t understand why Rayan chose me to get this done.” She mumbled. “Isn’t it simple, you have been working with him for so long, everything prepares according to his preference, why would he give such an important project to someone else?” Zain answered casually. “Zain, those were mere occasions, it was memorable.” “Exactly, that’s why he chose you.” he told her. She hummed, shrugging her shoulders. “Hmm.. yeah. I think you are right.” At Ahmed household, Mrs Ahmed and Hoorain just talked to Hoor, exaltation at its utmost extent to find her daughter blessed after her marriage, approaching a life of radiant smiles. “Ah… I am so happy for Hoor Api.” Hoorain grinned, putting her head on her mother’s shoulder. “You don’t worry, your number is next.” Rayan teased with a smirk, coming down with his hand in his trousers. “Of course not!” She pouted, “Next is Emraz bhai.” She smiled, looking at Emraz who was using his phone sitting in front of her. “Of course.” Her mother agreed, gaining his attention. “Huh? What?” He looked up from his phone. “And you,” Mrs Ahmed’s tone abruptly became stern, looking at Rayan who was sitting on the armrest. “Hmm?” “For how long shall we wait? Do you want us to go and talk to Sateesha’s parents or not? At least get engaged.” She scolded, narrowing her eyes. He faked a cough, “Yeah? What?” “Yeah, it’s been more than a year, if you truly love her then let us go.” Emraz agreed. “No.” he spoke loudly, shaking his head in denial. “Why?” “Because.. Mama… um.. Because she is not ready.” “Are you sure you guys are not playing?” Hoorain mumbled. “Hoorain.” Rayan said her name in an assertive tone. “What? I am right. Everyone at Hoor Api’s wedding knows that she is your girlfriend so what’s the problem?” Hoorain asked. “I told you, She doesn’t want it. Can we talk about something else?” He lied in annoyance, rolling his eyes. “Ah from something else, You know Emraz, I have found some girls for you, do you wanna take a look at their pictures?” Mrs Ahmed asked sweetly, her face lighting up in glee. Emraz smiled in return, “Yeah sure. But, Mom, don’t expect me to choose one.” He smirked and everyone sighed knowing he was going to reject them without even looking. “Oh, come on.” She frowned. “What? I am not refusing?” He made an innocent face. “Indirectly, you are.” She muttered. “You can tell us if you like a girl.” Hoor said, getting up and sitting beside him. Putting his phone down, he turned to her. “Well, if I will, I will surely tell you.” His smile grew wider, pinching her cheeks and getting. “What kind of girl do you want anyways?” Rayan asked. He stopped, holding his chin. “Hmm.. someone who knows me and we get along well.” He replied and left. ~1 Month Later~ “You won’t go back alive if you lie, Hoor.” Isra said in an infuriated tone, pacing around her room, pulling her hair in frustration, a growl escaping her lips, utterly pissed at Hoor’s statement. She laughed at her reaction and hummed. “Of course. I am telling you girl, if my Mother-in-law comes to your place don’t be surprised.” She teased, pushing Isra more into the unwanted thoughts of anxiety. “Come on. Have you seen him?” She asked in revolt, stopped, looking at herself in the mirror, fixing her lipstick. “I don’t know about you but Haider’s brother Farhan is head over heels for you. He persuaded my Mother-in-law to come to your place and ask for your hand in marriage.” Hoor told him. “Like hell I would let it happen!” She snarled, slamming her lipstick on the dressing table. Scowling continuously. “What are you gonna do, hmm?” Hoor teased, chuckling at Isra’s fury emitting through the phone. “Hoor. What if I flat out reject him?” “No avail, he would do something to win your heart… unless you have a lover.” She told him. “I swear, I-” Before she could speak, Hoor cut her off. “Gotta go, Haider’s home. Bye.” She laughed and cut the call, leaving Isra lost in consternation to think about Farhan’s intentions towards her. In this situation, there’s one person who can actually help her. After taking a deep sigh, Isra called Sateesha. “Hey.” Her sweet voice came. “Hey, Eshu, Can I borrow your boyfriend for a day?” She asked sweetly. “Rayan? What happened now? Don’t tell me you are going to make him an Easter Bunny this time.” She said, “No, no, I was planning to but there’s still time for Easter. It’s something else. I need your permission, Can I take him to intimidate a guy? I want him to pretend to be my bf and make that guy leave… please.” Isra pleaded. “Hmm? Seems like Isra found her true love.” She teased. “No you too, I want to get rid of him before he reaches my home. Please. Please. I will lend you my golden frock you loved instantly for any event once.” “Done. Just a day, no kissing or anything.” “Thanks girl, I love you so much. Now it leaves convincing Rayan.” She said excitedly, relief washing over her face. “No problem, he won’t refuse. I know. Just go.” She laughed a little. “Okay then, talk to you later. Bye.” “Bye.” Isra cut the call and finally felt consoled. Having no problem now. The Next day, she went to Rayan to convince him so he could pretend to be her boyfriend just to keep this guy away. Meeting him to make a humble request.

“Hell no! I am not doing anything!” Rayan said sternly, walking around his house and Isra was following his trails. “Come one Rayan, for the sake of friendship-” She tried to persuade him but to no avail, he stopped and pointed his finger at her. “I am not your friend,” She gasped dramatically, “So mean, Rayan.” She faked sadness. “Don’t act. And how dare you ask Sateesha. Does my consent have anything to do with anything or not?” He asked sternly, putting his hand in his trouser. Frowning at her. “Come on, Rayan. If it has to be a girl, I would make Zain shave and pretend but I can’t do this. Please, please, please.” “Shut up.” He said, giving her a weird look at her absurd statement. “What do you want in return?” She asked, still coming after him as he walked away. “Nothing, just leave me alone.” He said in irritation. “Rayan, I don’t want him to come to my place, just stop him.” She said, grabbing his arm. He pulled his hand away and turned to her. “Why are you coming after me? Go to Emraz bhai now, you always complain about me to him.” He scorned, closing his arms at my chest. “He is my boss. Of course I can’t do it. It would bring so many troubles.” She reasoned, giving him puppy eyes to listen but he only looked away, “Listen, Isra. I have no intention of helping you.” He told her calmly. “Rayan, you-” She was about to speak but Mrs Ahmed came. “Why are you two kids bickering about?” “Aunt look at him, He is not helping me out.” Isra faked sadness, holding her shoulders. Rayan’s mouth gaped at her acting. “You are now doing this with Mama,” “What happened?” Mrs Ahmed asked. “Aunt, you know Farhan.” “Yeah, Haider’s brother… What about him?” She asked, turning to Isra who looked down, mumbling in a dejected tone. “He wants to come to my home to ask for my hand in marriage but I don’t want it. At least, not with him so I asked Rayan to tell him he is my boyfriend. I even asked for Sateesha’s permission but he is not helping me.” Isra explained and then glared at Rayan, “Boss would surely help me but you know it can arouse misunderstanding at work and he is not helping me.” Isra said, turning to Rayan. “It’s just for a day, Rayan. Why are you refusing?” Mrs Ahmed asked. “Because I didn’t want it.” He shrugged. “I also didn’t want to become your dance partner in farewell but I did and you can’t do this for me.” She reasoned. “That was years ago.” “Then repay this debt of years now. Isn’t it Aunt?” She smiled, turning to her. “Come on, help her.” ‘I don’t want any false hope.’ He thought. “Rayan please..” She looked at him innocently and finally defeated against her stubbornness towards him, he sighed. “Fine..” He muttered. “Yay!” She grinned, hugging Mrs Ahmed. “Okay, okay, you can rest assured now.” She smiled, patting her head as Rayan left. “Why don’t you want it anyways?” Mrs Ahmed asked. “I just don’t want him to come.” She replied. “I see. By the way Isra, do-” Mrs Ahmed was about to ask if Emraz has a girl who likes him in his office but speaks of the devil he came from. “Ah, Isra. Thanks for the flowers.” He smiled. “You’re welcome, Sir. I know you love lavenders.” She smiled back. “I sure do, they freshen my mood. Anyways, What brings you here?” He asked. “Ah, I need a favor from Rayan.” She told him what happened, he chuckled, “Good luck for that.” His gentle smile didn’t fade as he looked at her. She tugged her hair behind her ears. “Since you are here, why don’t you have dinner with us?” He offered. “I would love but I need to go.” “Oh, I see.” “You.. gave him flowers?” Mrs Ahmed asked, baffled. “Yeah, she does it a lot. She even makes yummy kheer.” He praised her. Isra chuckled, “I learned from Zain.” “Great. What’s for dinner, Mom?” Emraz asked, turning his face to her. “Um.. Mutton Biryani.” She replied vaguely. “Your favorite, isn’t it?” Isra asked, noticing how his face lit up in elation. “Yours too.” He replied. “Sure.” “Then you must stay.” “I would love to but I have to leave. It’s getting late.” She told him nervously. “I see. Shall I drop you?” “No, It’s fine. I can go. I was just here to convince Rayan. I better get going.” She said politely. “Goodbye.” She said, bidding goodbye to Emraz and Mrs Ahmed and left. After she left, Emraz noticed his Mother who zoned out for a moment, “What happened, Mom?” He asked, arching a brow perfectly. “Huh?” Her thoughts were interrupted by his calling, She looked at him and shook her head and left after saying. “No, nothing.” Emraz also shrugged his shoulder and went to tease Rayan, “So, one day Bf. How are you doing?” He asked, leaning on the wall, smirking at Rayan who’s constantly abruptly faded and changed into a grimace. “Don’t ask. She even complained to Mama.” He laughed a little, “I can see a glow on your face.” “What? No! I am not.” Rayan said, touching his cheeks, closing his eyes, inhaling deeply to clear his mind. “Just kidding, make sure to act like one and not mock her.” He told him and left. Rayan frowned but soon a smile adorned his face again, thinking happily, I don’t think I would act. The next day, Rayan told Hoor about it and she couldn’t help but to laugh at their childish effort. “Hoor, I am serious.” “Okay, okay. You’re most welcome.” She told him and cut the call. Rayan went to Isra’s workplace and called her to come down as he was waiting for her in the parking lot and meet him in an uninterested tone. Exhilarated, Isra came, “Hey!” She chirped, Rayan only wore his glasses. “Get inside.” He told her sternly, sitting back. She frowned, “Is that-” “Just come.” Sighing, she mumbled a curse under her breath and looked down. Closing her arms at her chest as he drove off to Hoor’s place. Isra was pissed the whole time, glancing at Rayan from time to time to know what he was thinking of doing while his unaffected form only drove the car. “Hey, Rayan, what are you planning to do?” She asked, narrowing her eyes. “Whatever it is, you just play along.” He told her. “What else am I supposed to do anyways?” She muttered, shrugging her shoulders as they reached their destination. He got out of the call and offered her his hand. Raising a brow at her, she took his hand and got out. “Just smile.” He whispered. She nodded and smiled brightly. Rayan’s heart skipped a beat when she held his hand tightly. But putting up his facade he walked with her, not letting go of her hand. “Oh my, Rayan. Come come.” Hoor’s Mother-in-law greeted, motioning him to come inside. They both walked in, greeting everyone. “Sorry to disturb you, we were just passing by. I thought why not pay a visit.” Rayan said politely. “Sure. Take a seat.” They both said down, Isra who looked around, talking to everyone sweetly while Rayan reflected his gallantry. “Isn’t it your work hour, Isra?” Farhan asked. “Oh, it ended.” Isra replied, “So I thought why don’t we go on a long drive after it?” Rayan added. “But, don’t you have a girlfriend?” “Yeah, I do. She is sitting right beside me.” He replied, smiling at Isra. Farhan’s eyes widened in shock, “But, wasn’t the blond from the wedding?” He asked hastily. “Nope. She was just a friend. Isra is my girlfriend.” He told him casually and Isra could see Farhan’s hopes breaking apart. Making an apologetic face, she turned to Rayan. They stayed for a while and talked and assured them about their ‘love’ and left. “Take care, Bye!” They walked outside where their car was, Rayan was still holding her hand. They stood near the car for a few seconds and Isra began to laugh. “Ah, did you see his face? Finally, Thank you so much, Rayan.” She grinned, soothing her loud laugh with a cute smile as he stared at her face only, an invisible smile plastered on his lips as well. “Thanks… you can let go now.” She said, trying to leave his hand. “I didn’t hold it to let go.” He told her, taking a step closer. Isra chuckled, “Nice compliment, now let go.” Sighing, he let go of her hand and moved away. “Let’s go back.” He told her, coming back to his rigid self. They were coming back as Rayan asked, “Why don’t you want to get married, Isra?” “No, that’s not it. I don’t like him.” She replied, looking out. “Do you like someone else?” His heart skipped a beat in fright of hearing a ‘yes’ but he gulped hard, tightening his grip, patiently waiting for her response. “Not now. I didn’t want to get in a relationship after Edgar cheated.” “So.. you’re waiting for a proposal?” He asked. “I mean if it’s the guy I like, so why not give it a try?” She shrugged, turning her face to him. “So what kind of guys do you like?” “You know. Loving, caring and most importantly open-minded. Not someone who will even consider us talking wrong and question my love and most importantly I don’t want him to be over-possessive.” She told him her tone changing on ‘over-possessive’ his lips formed a thin line, looking down, trying to ignore her emphasis. “Anyways, leave me. Tell me, when are you going to meet Eshu’s family?” She asked excitedly, changing the topic instantly. “I haven’t thought about it, why not leave it to that time?” He replied nonchalantly. “You’re no fun.” She mumbled. “Then keep your mouth shut.” Clicking her tongue at him, she looked out. Later they reached her home, “Good night.” He smiled. She smiled back, getting out of the car and coming to his side, “Thank you for today.” She said sincerely and moved away. “Bye.” She grinned waving at him and left as he watched her leave, lost in captivation his heart felt for her speaking to himself, “Anything for you, Milady.”

After dropping her home, Rayan couldn’t control his smile, it was emitting in the form of light from him. Wallowing in mere nothing, he found himself on cloud-nine. Humming to himself, he twirled his car keys in a spiral, smiling widely. The look of rejoice on his face was crystal. “Oh ho, you’re happy even without hearing the good news.” Hoorain came, smirking at her brother who laughed a little. “Well, I am. But what’s the good news you are talking about?” He asked, looking at his hand which could still feel her warmth in his, smiling to himself. ” Hmm, first can I know about the reason behind this smile?” She teased, coming closer. Narrowing her eyes at him suspiciously but he shook his head, “I just had a good day.” “You met Hoor Api, didn’t you? Your face tells she is very happy.” Hoorain assumed or what could make him smile? Isra? Puff, of course not. “Y-Yeah. What else could it be.” He chuckled nervously, stretching his neck, looking away. “I am going to my room.” He excused and was about to walk away but stopped the moment he started climbing the stairs and called Hoorain, “Hoorain!” “Yeah?” “What’s the good news you were talking about?” He asked in bewilderment. “Oh that.” Her face glowed, turning to him as she beamed. “Emraz Bhai finally agreed for a girl.” She clapped, grinning. “Really!?” He asked in disbelief, trying to register her words, not believing them to be true. “Yeah!” She chirped. “Oh my, I can’t believe it. Emraz Bhai actually found a girl.” He laughed, running his hand in his hair. “Yay!” “Where is Bhai?” He asked excitedly. “In his room.” “I must see him now.” He smirked and left to see Emraz. Knocking on his door, he entered. He was sitting on the sofa, reading a book, engrossed in it, with his one leg over the other. “Hey.” Rayan greeted, coming in. He smiled, “Hey, How was Hoor?” He asked. “She is great. First you tell me what I have heard is true or not.” A mischievous look formed on his face, sitting on the other sofa, smirking at him. Raising a brow, he asked, “What?” “That you finally found a girl!” He beamed. “Oh that, yeah.” He replied casually. “I can’t believe it.” He breathed out, putting his hand on his chest. “Why?” He furrowed his brow at his brother’s comment. “Because you didn’t want to.” “Because they weren’t my type. I never refused to get married, I just told Mama to find a girl who knows me and we get along.” He explained nonchalantly. “So.. who’s this girl?” He asked teasingly. He laughed a little, “Isra.” His smile faded, abrupt aching his heart in incomprehensible agony. Blinking he prayed his ears heard wrong and this is nothing but a terrible joke. ‘This has to be a joke’. His lips began to quiver, unable to fathom the depth of his words which hurt his heart directly. “Isra who? Isra Bukhari?” He asked desperately, praying constantly for it to be a lie but it wasn’t and each passing second now threw a sky of affliction on his head. Burning in vehemently unspoken suffering, he took a long gulp, controlling the sorrowful face. Emraz chuckled, “Who else, our Isra. Mom suggested and when I think about her, she complies with everything. I know her, we get along. I will try my best to keep her happy, she is so sweet.” “Why did I never notice her before? The ideal person was always right in front of me. Anyways, I hope she accepts the proposal.” He explained, returning his gentle smile. “And if she agrees, then don’t tease her much as she will your Sister-in-Law, you know.” Emraz continued to speak sweetly. Rayan kept looking on the ground with his heart on the verge of bursting from dread, his whole being shivered slightly. Looking down sadly, swallowing hard to keep his emotions at bay but to no avail. They overwhelmed him. “Rayan.” Emraz called, shaking his shoulder a little. “Huh?” “Are you okay?” He asked, concerned. “Yeah, um. I am fine.” He nodded, passing a forced smile. “You don’t like her?” He asked. “No. Um. I was just thinking.” He smiled, looking here and there but not at him. “What?” “Nothing um..” He trailed off, not knowing what to say. “I am tired, let’s talk in the morning.” He quickly excused himself and went to his room. Slamming the door behind, he cursed loudly, loosening his tie and throwing his coat on the bed. How beautifully it started, he went to work and then took her with him after it, spending his whole day in her presence and now this happened, taking his tranquility away. “I wasn’t kidding when I said I didn’t hold your hand to let it go,” He said, pulling his hairs, making them messy. Growling he threw his watch, brooch and ring, cursing under his breath for what happened. Fuming with fury, he threw himself on the bed, punching the sheets, staring at the ceiling with an inexplicable dolorous face, lips curled downwards by the ache. “It can’t end like this.” Closing his eyes to fall into the devoid so it could ease the torment of his mind. Trying to comprehend the darkness while remembering the day when It all started and till today he couldn’t find liberation from this confinement he wasn’t ready to call love.

Past “Bro, Isra is going to study in your college, make sure no one bullies her.” Zain told Rayan, dismayed, about his Sister who was going to a high-class College. “Dude, don’t worry.” He assured him. Rayan has seen her many times whenever he comes to meet Zain. “Thanks bro.” Rayan and Zain studied in the same school but for financial reasons, Zain had to go to another college while Isra came on scholarship. He was with his other friend Quin as his eyes fell upon Isra who came, looking around. Even if it was her first day, she was chill, checking things out. “Isra!” He called her, coming closer. “Oh, Rayan, you?” She smiled, turning to him. “Hey, your brother told me to take care of you.” She smirked, closing her arms at her chest. “Yeah right, as if I need protection.” She chuckled. “Not get you involved in either ragging or getting rag.” He told her, laughing a little. “Hmm.” “I will see you around. Take care. Bye.” “Yeah, Bye!” He was about to leave but stopped and turned to her. “Ah, If you want I can show you around.” He offered politely. “Thank you for the offer but I guess I am fine.” She smiled, “Okay then, good luck.” He waved at her and left. Later he came to know Isra made the leader of the bad girls group her enemy by refusing to do as she says. Isra was truly brave and rejected to bow before who tried to push her down, she was admirable. But her representation of courage made him vexed. He was tense, the girl Isra made her enemy Liza was the principal’s daughter and could do what she wanted, she had the free hand and he was utterly anxious for Isra, since she is also lowered in status, she would go to the extreme. “Why are you pacing around like this?” Quin asked. “I don’t know.” He sighed, holding his forehead. He promised Zain he wouldn’t let anything harm her. ‘For God’s sake! She was my best friend’s sister. I had to protect her.’ He thought angrily. “What is Liza doing?” He asked. “How would I know?” He shrugged. “I am not feeling good.” He grabbed my phone and called Isra but she didn’t pick the call. That was only one thing which could ease his unwanted thoughts; check up on her. While Isra went to the washroom of the hostel, humming to herself. When she came back to her room, she saw Liza there. “What do you want?” She asked coldly, taking her nightwear. Liza smirked and said, putting her one leg over the other, “Hold her down.” Isra scowled, the three girls came to hold her, she moved back, pushed one away and tried to hit the other but how long could she win against three? They successfully pushed her down on the bed, holding her securely so she wouldn’t run away. “Let me go!” She tried to scream but they held her mouth. “How dare you try to refuse me?” Liza hissed. “Girls, why don’t we take some great bold pics?” She smirked atrociously, Isra shook her head, trying to push them away who ripped off her shirt. She struggled, trying to push them away but to no avail. “Mhm!!” She couldn’t speak. Tears brimmed in her eyes trying to get out from this tribulation but couldn’t. Before they could proceed further, Rayan came in furiously, took the phone from Liza who took a picture and broke it. Pushing everyone away and pulling Isra close to him, hugging her, giving her his jacket to cover herself, “What the hell are you doing!?” He shouted. Scoffing Liza left with her girls as Isra began to sob loudly in his arms. “Hey, Hey, It’s okay. I am here for you.” He whispered, pulling her closer, embracing her softly and the spark aroused in his whole being. Breaking all the shackles which caged his heart, the more she rested her weight on his shoulder, the more he accepted it gladly, looking down at her knowing one thing- That one moment started everything. He couldn’t watch her crying, he wanted to obliterate everything which could make her cry and for it he even forced the principal to rusticate Liza for violent behavior. He couldn’t bear anything making her cry. He will do anything to steal her tears. ~*~ The next day, everyone was having breakfast and Rayan began to make excuses for Emraz to reject this proposal. “But, Bhai. Just yesterday, Isra and I went to Hoor’s house as lovers. What would they think of her? First younger brother now older one.” Rayan tried to talk it out. “Oh this, even Dad knows about it. Don’t you, Dad?” Emraz smiled, turning to Mr Ahmed. “Of course. It’s not a big deal. Besides, we all know her. She is such a sweet child, she is perfect for my lion.” He boasted. “But what would Hoor’s family think?” He reasoned. “Oh hush, we will tell them it was a joke or the truth,” Mrs Ahmed chuckled. “But, She doesn’t want to get married.” Rayan excused, knowing it’s half-truth. “You must have misheard her. She said so herself, If the guys are good then why not, Hey Dad, do I lack something?” Emraz asked with a smirk. “Nothing, you are my heart stealer! I am sure she will fall in love with you.” Mr Ahmed encouraged his child, laughing a little. “Yay! Emraz Bhai is getting married!” Hoorain chirped. “She didn’t accept.” “I can’t find any reason for her to reject me.” Emraz mumbled. “You are her Boss.” Rayan said. “So, what?” “Wouldn’t they consider her a gold digger?” He tried his best to convince everyone but to no avail. “She would be my wife at that time and I will see anyone who would dare to do it.” “I am telling you, Isra is going to be very lucky.” Hoorain tittered. “I can see it.” The elderly couple smiled. “But-” “Do you have a problem with this, Hmm?” Emraz asked, turning his face to Rayan. “What? No, bhai. This is just too sudden for me.” He reasoned. “Don’t worry you will get used to it.” Emraz smiled, getting up to leave for her. “Bye, everyone!” He waved and left. Rayan sighed deeply watching his Brother with a probably sad face, wanting to tell him what his lips can’t pursue, trying to make them understand but.. Whatever he tried, was nothing but a meaningless effort.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “303102”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster

He was darkness, I was light. He was hate, I was love. He was revenge, I was forgiveness. Folding my arms at my chest with a painful smile over my lips, I was staring at the couple getting married before my light blue eyes followed by tears blurring my vision. “Congratulations.” Whispering sorrowfully from afar, I tugged my auburn hairs behind my ears, releasing a low chuckle from anguish. Why was I so sad at a wedding? The man who was getting married was my boyfriend, Jared Raz. The man who promised to stay with me forever, the man who made me fall deeply. Only to leave me in the end after two years of relationship. ‘I pray for your happiness but I wish we hadn’t met if we weren’t supposed to be one. Why did you love me when you intended to leave me in the end?’ I was staring at the delightful couple, binding in an eternal relationship with an agonizing heart. ‘How easy is it to break the heart of the person you love?’I thought, releasing another tear but a smile not leaving my lips. With my mind intoxicated with pain, another deep, dominant resonance reached my ears- speaking my thoughts aloud. “How easy is it to break the heart of the person you love?” I was stiff when I sensed a strong and muscular form behind me, a pair of malicious eyes upon me. A profoundly addictive scent. Gulping hard, I glanced over my shoulder to find a tall man before me. “Excuse me?” Wearing a black suit jacket which was seemingly expensive. He was an aristocrat accompanied by a dark aura. His raven hair scattered before his forehead, a scowl lingering on his face but his fury was not directed to me. A deadly and poisonous gray eyes. I never thought I would meet the cold-hearted billionaire here. Jared’s Boss. Dariel Cannedy, the business tycoon. He was a dangerous man, I could feel it in my bones. As ruthless- judged from his eyes- as Jared told me. The type of man I would avoid at all cost. His eyes, they had too much resentment and darkness surrounding them but why was he talking to me? “What did you say?” Asking innocently, I fully turned to him. ‘Someone had the same thought as mine?’ Gripping the chair, I was taking support from it to compete with his assertive posture as I patiently waited for him to speak. “I said how easy is it to break the heart of the person you love?” He repeated his question, becoming more furious. “How can you break the heart of the person you love in the first place?” I counter-questioned. Mentally cursing myself for the response which brought a sour expression on his face. He was undoubtedly intimidating and handsome. He took another step closer but I put my hand in between. “Sir, Please, maintain your distance.” Becoming breathless at his powerful form, I turned my head away. I wanted to run away from him but my steps froze to the ground. As if I wanted to know what happened to him and the answer of this question. “Why would I?” He scoffed, folding his arms at his chest. “What do you mean?” Arching an eyebrow from bewilderment, I had no idea meeting him anywhere but his behavior displayed as if he knew me. “When your boyfriend didn’t halt his distance from my wife then why the hell would I?” My breaths hitched when he slammed his hand on the chair and whispered in my ears. Sending an unwanted shiver down my spine. “What the-” I turned back to Jared, realizing two cheaters were getting married. Jared cheated on his girlfriend, me. And his soon-to-be wife, Veronica, cheated on her… husband. “She… your wife?” I asked vaguely, turning back to the man, apprehending now why he was so outraged. “Yes. ‘Your’ boyfriend is marrying ‘my’ wife.” My mouth gaped, “But, what did it have to do with me?” “Because it irritates me to watch you smile at those cheaters who ruined both your and mine life. Why are you smiling, woman?” he growled, stopping my function for a brief moment. His eyes were overwhelming me, I had never seen anyone looking at me with such rage and… ‘hate’? But, why? “Why are you looking at me in the first place?” I asked bravely, swallowing the lump on my throat with his intense eyes on me. “You are standing on the way and everyone here knows he was your boyfriend. Can’t you see the people?” He hissed, indicating to me to look. “But- What do you want me to do when my love humiliates me? What was my sin in that?” He only scoffed because I guess he had no answer to that. And he was in the same situation as mine. “You know what?” Taking a pause, he leaned down. I shivered slightly to feel his minty breath on my face when he pointed his finger at me. “I hate people like you.” My jaw dropped at the level of contempt in his tone, “What?” “People like you who act mighty and high like they forgave but deep down they hold too much detest and darkness.” I was flabbergasted when he created an assumption about me. I no longer hold bad intentions towards anyone. “What the hell is your problem? Don’t take someone else’s rage on me. What and whoever I am, it’s none of your concern, Mr Dariel Cannedy.” I hissed back, done with him. “Now please excuse me, I don’t have time for you or your hateful talks.” With this, before he could continue he shifted his malicious aura to me as well and tainted my perception too. I walked away, accompanied by the sound of his scoff. “Tsk.” Ignoring him for the rest of the event, I bore watching my boyfriend Jared marrying another woman. Unable to bear it anymore, I was about to leave but Jared came to see me, increasing my ache. “Saafia.” Taking the pain, I inhaled and turned to him, forcing a smile, “Hmm?” “I saw my Boss near you, is everything alright?” He asked, concerned. “Yes. It was nothing.” I shook my head. “Are you sure? He looked angry.” He inquired and I didn’t want to investigate. “I told you, it’s nothing.” “Stay away from him. He is a ruthless man. I have told you many times about him too.” He warned me seriously, drying my throat but what I could possibly have to do with him in the first place anyways. “I know. I am leaving now. You enjoy your event.” I sighed, turning to leave this event but he stopped me for a moment. “Look, you shouldn’t have come here in the first place, finding you here I feel guilty. If possible, at any point in your life, please forgive me. I didn’t want things to be like this but before I realized, it was too late.” I was utterly disinterested in his tale of apology and how much of a horrible person he is. I came on my own. “You cannot force yourself to love someone. Stop it. I have forgiven you. Live your life however you want, do whatever you want.” I explained nonchalantly to him, lifting my gaze finally and meeting him. “But don’t cross your path with mine again.” I demanded seriously. “I… understand. I am sorry once again. I pray you find someone much better than me.” “Me too.” Mocking him, I rolled my eyes off and left, not wanting to see him in my life again. If I had forgiven that didn’t mean I would willingly allow my heart to be broken. I didn’t want to see his face again. It was the last time. With a frown lingering on my face, I walked up to the parking lot, I was searching through my bag to take out my car keys and bumped into someone. A trail of expensive scent reached my nose with a muscular and tall chest, lifting my gaze, I greeted those stern and dominant features frowning at me again. “You?” My mouth gaped to find the notorious billionaire standing before me with a questioning look. Taking a step back from his powerful aura, I rested my hand over my waist. “Are you following me?” I frowned back. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, resting his hands in his pockets, taking a step forward as he mocked, “Why would ‘I’ follow ‘you’?” I rolled my eyes as he leaned against my car, following my gesture, “Seems like you are still in love with him. Talking so casually with him alone too.” He started with a mutter but returned a challenging arched eyebrow in return. “Would you please not create your own assumption? It’s nothing like this.” He was testing my patience. “Then why are you talking to him in the first place?” He questioned, leaning forward to find any hint of hate on my face. Which he failed obviously. “And why should I disclose this matter with you? Would you please stop coming after me?” I asked as politely as I could. “Don’t you hate him?” He questioned, almost intrigued, which I didn’t like. “No. Kindly stop irritating me now.” I muttered. Opening the door of my car as he moved back and rested his hand over the roof to stop me from entering, hitching my breaths. “You know what? Let me help you hate them.” He offered huskily. I smirked, taking his words lightly, having no idea what he was capable of. “Really? How are you going to do that, Mister?” Wearing his shades, he flashed an alarming, dangerous smirk which wiped my amusement instantly, drying the back of my throat. The omen of something fatal was about to occur evoked in me. He sat in his expensive car, not removing his eyes intensely from mine, giving an unnerving response which left me in wonder what is planning to do. “You will know ‘very’ soon, Saafia Blooms,”

Before I knew it, a week had passed. I discarded Dariel’s words, not thinking about them. ‘What the hell was his ordeal anyways? What does he want from me?’ I thought casually. Jared must be living happily in his marriage and I should search for my soulmate too. I couldn’t stay at one point. Humming to myself, I was wrapping my work to return home and surprisingly Sarah, my elder sister, called. Must be to get burgers on my way home. “Hell-” Instead, I was greeted with her panicking voice, “Saafia, come home, quick!” “What happened, Sarah? Is Father okay?” I asked worriedly. Our Father was in a coma and his condition was worsening day by day. “It’s not about Father. I have no idea what is going on, someone is here. Come home and deal with the mess you have created.” She scolded. “What are you talking about? What did I do?” My mouth gaped. “Just come home, dammit.” She hissed and cut the call. “What’s her ordeal?” Mumbling, I shook my head, taking my things, completing my work and returning home as soon as I could to see what happened. “What was the emergency, Sarah-” My jaw dropped in utter flabbergast to find the man I least wanted to interact with at MY HOME! “You? What are you doing here?” I hissed, throwing my things on the couch, standing before him with my arms folded at my chest. The grimace on my face indicated I didn’t prefer his presence at my beautiful home of hope. I didn’t want his pessimism to ruin my expectations. His eyes gradually shifted from Sarah to mine, the pseudo smile not leaving his lips as he rose from the couch. Looking devilishly handsome in his suit jacket. The air around him spells his wealth, asserting his power here too. And to increase my sensations, he called my name in a low, charming resonance. “Saafia Blooms.” The back of my throat dried as my heart skipped a beat. My mouth was closed instantly upon hearing my name on his lips. “Is there anything you need, Sir?” I asked, inhaling sharply to regain my posture. To grasp the situation in his palm, he put his one hand over his chest and bowed slightly, offering his other hand to me, his smile converting into a dangerous smirk- Proposing for the worst, mismatched couple. “I am here to ask for your hand in marriage. With me.” What? When he proposed to me on the spur of the moment, I merely blinked with pure confusion. “Come again?” I was praying desperately that I heard him wrong which I didn’t. “I would like to marry you.” He repeated his words in his false enticing voice, locking his eyes profoundly with mine. But I had seen the fire of wrath, the ocean of darkness in them. I won’t be fooled with his display. “Why?” I frowned, folding my arms at my chest. Instead of angering me, it baffled me. We were entirely different, two sides which shouldn’t meet, which could never collide. Yet he wanted to marry ‘me’- Why? “Can I talk to her alone, please?” He asked gallantly, turning to Sarah. She turned to me, I gave her a reassuring nod as she agreed, “Sure.” I had no intention of taking him to my room to talk alone so I made Sarah leave and the second she was out of sight, my frown deepened. “What is this, Mr. Cannedy? What are you trying to prove and show by all this?” I didn’t like him showing abruptly at my home with this strange and unreasonable proposal. When we were alone, his eyes revealed that malevolence again. This daunting air began to surround him again and holding his head high in pride, he declared- “My employee married my wife and I will marry his girlfriend. Simple as that.” My mouth gaped in utter disbelief. I knew it from one glance he was darkness, one from the abyss. But didn’t expect him to be ‘this’ hateful. “Do you realize how selfish you sound right now?” “I do and I have never declined the fact I am selfish. Unlike you who can accept fate and other shit with a smile- I can’t.” He responded heartlessly. “You have lost yourself in hatred, Mr. Cannedy. Do you think you can use me for your revenge?” Frustrated at his extent of trying to use me as a tool of revenge, I moved back, holding my sides. My mind was in a state of shock, failing to function properly. “I can and I will, woman. I want to show them what they lost. I want them to regret, to suffer and for that I will go to any extent- even marrying the person I would least prefer.” He snarled, curling his hands in a fist. “You also don’t stand on top of my list too. We are so different. We have nothing in common, Mr. Cannedy. This would be destroying lives only.” I scoffed, barely controlling my composure. “So?” “Why do you want to marry me?” The second this question escaped my lips, he closed our distance and began to take slow, deadly steps towards me. “Because I want you to hate those cheaters as much as I hate them.” “What…?” Gulping, I moved back, holding the hem of my shirt. Each step I took back, he closed the gap until I hit the wall with no escape and his dominant form hovering over me. “I hate people like you from the bottom of my soul.” My heart skipped a beat from dread along with an unwanted shiver. He frightened me by the intensity of blazes in those silver orbs. To enhance my apprehension, he placed his one hand across my face, completing his statement with a hiss. “I want to corrupt your heart with resentment too. I want you to release the pain and anger you have buried.” ‘He wanted to marry me to taint me too… How villainous.’ I thought, staring deeply at him. He leaned fatally closer to my face to the point I could feel our breaths mixing up which dried my throat as he shifted to the side. He whispered seductively in my ears, “I will teach you how to hate them as much as I do.” Closing my eyes, I stopped myself, breathless, immobilized. “To your dismay, Mister Dariel Cannedy, I hold no hatred for anyone. I am not that type of person so leave. I am not interested in your offer. Leave.” I demanded, slowly regaining my posture and glaring at him, moving out of his space. “Don’t make pitiful choices, Saafia. I am giving you a chance to marry ‘me’.” He hissed, taking a step back. “I don’t need nor asked. Before I do anything, kindly leave,” I requested politely, putting my hand in between to stop him. “So you won’t accept?” He asked for the final confirmation. “No.” He narrowed his eyes in rage. I gulped, not falling weak before him as he glared at me for the next few seconds, displeased with my rejection. “I will see you, Saafia Blooms.” He would go to an extreme, he was self-centered after all. With those words muttered under his breath, he turned to leave and glanced for the last time. “You WILL marry me. Just watch.” Enunciating his vicious plans, he left finally. The second the door closed, I gasped for air which restricted when he left and leaned on the wall, holding my dress. “What the hell was it?!” Sarah yelled, coming to me while I was utterly stunned, blinking to perceive what happened. “I have no idea. What was his problem?” I defended myself, having no idea why he chose me as a prey. “How does the worst billionaire know you in the first place?” She frowned, not liking him too. Everyone had seen his interviews, he was not the best or desirable. “I don’t know him. We are strangers. Jared’s wife, Veronica, was his ex-wife. What was my fault?” I argued. “What?! Then why does he want to marry you?” Sighing, I took a seat and told her everything, his eerie and nefarious intentions to make them pay and my disinterest in that matter. “Wow, you sure are stuck, Saafia. That man won’t leave you easily.” Sarah breathed out. “Like hell I will marry him.” I muttered, getting up to leave for my room and then Sarah asked which pricked a needle in my chest. “Because you are afraid you will become like him too?” “No. He can never change me. I would never let anyone annihilate the kindness in me, the pieces of softness I have.” I declared emotionlessly before leaving to my room and praying to not see him again. “I won’t murder my soul like him.” I won’t marry him. He couldn’t change me, I won’t let him.

‘You WILL marry me.’ His words were echoing in my mind, disturbing me. I knew he wouldn’t leave me until I fulfilled his demand. He was selfish and too powerful, he will get what he wants. Shit, shit, shit, what should I do? “What happened? You look… frustrated.” My co-worker, Anne asked, noticing the scowl not leaving my face. “Because I am, Anne.” I sighed, stopping my work and hiding my face in my hands. “Is it about Jared? I thought you moved on from him. He cheated on you after all. Why shed tears for someone like him?” She mumbled, shrugging her shoulders. My mind already shifted from him because of a certain man who was hell-bent on teaching me how to hate. “It’s not about Jared.” I sighed, rubbing my temples. “Then?” “Anne, what would you do if you were given a chance to take revenge on the person who cheated on you? Would you take it?” I asked expectantly to get an answer on what to do. “Of course. I would want their heart to break like mine… and I know you are not like this. You wouldn’t do this but you should.” And her response pushed me into turmoil too. Should I accept his offer? Should I hate Jared? Can I do that? “You think?” “Hmm. Not everyone deserves forgiveness. Cheating shouldn’t be forgiven.” She nodded. “I don’t know. Maybe we were never meant to be. And besides,” Shaking my head in denial, I rose from my seat to get myself some coffee. Taking a deep breath so I could be my usual self and smiled. “I cannot force myself to hate.” That is right, I cannot hate anyone, never. No one can force me to feel that emotion for anyone, not him too. After being determined he couldn’t change me, even if we got married, I returned from work. I was at the bus stop, tapping my foot with an empty stomach. I wanted to go home and fill my stomach but a certain someone who adored ruining the peace of my mind came in his opulent BMW, stopping before me. “Hey.” Folding my arms at my chest, I narrowed my eyes in suspicion, “Are you following me?” “This time, I am. Your car is gone for maintenance, the bus will take time. Come, I will drop you.” He offered nonchalantly. I scoffed, not wanting to spend a second with him, “No. Thank you. I don’t need your so-called courtesy, Sir.” “Do you think I will take no for an answer? I am not used to refusal, woman. Come…” He called sternly, turning his gaze towards the people who were whispering to see a rich man stopping for me. “Unless you want to gain attention and act like an attention seeker.” Shrugging his shoulders, he returned a teasing smirk. With a grimace, I stared at him for the next few seconds, knowing he wouldn’t be at peace. “Call me an attention seeker then.” I rolled my eyes off and sat at the station, pissing him off at my stubbornness. “You sure are stubborn, woman. You refused a chance to sit in a BMW.” He added, narrowing his eyes in irritation. I began to use my phone while watching him from the corner of my eyes. My heart began to race when he refused to move an inch and to scare me, he honked at me, gaining attention deliberately. “Ah!” My mouth gaped, not believing how far he intended to go for his selfish purpose to convince me. Gulping, I tugged my hair behind timidly. “Be grateful I am offering you politely to drop you off. I am not this generous to many people. Come.” He ordered and not wanting to create a scene, I got in the car as we drove off. “I didn’t ask for it.” I muttered, bringing a silence between us but soon I noticed him staring intensely at me. Hugging my sides, I looked down with a scarlet shading coming to my cheeks. My throat dried, not meeting his gaze accompanied with thumping heartbeats. “What?” Growing nervous by his keen eyes observing my body, I turned to him finally. Tightening my grip on my dress, I began to feel distressed by my choice to enter this car. “Hmm?” “Why are you looking at me like this?” I whispered worriedly. “Doesn’t your heart hurt? Doesn’t it agonize you to find the man you once loved being someone else’s husband?” He asked in a serious resonance, stopping the car at the red signal. Gritting his teeth, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, turning his head away as his large hand held his chest. “Because my heart burns when I think about it,” My lips parted, tilting my head to the side. Not expecting him to be this sensitive about them. “No. I have accepted that we were never meant to be. Who knows if someone much better is written in my fate?” I breathed out, tone softening. An eerie hint gleamed in his eyes as he raised an eyebrow temptingly. Before I could explore it, he concealed his disheartened emotions with his affectation. “And that ‘better’ is me.” He whispered, starting the drive again. “As if.” I scoffed. “Excuse me, you are with your ex’s boss. I am rich, good looking and kind enough to give you a ride home.” He reminded me nonchalantly. “With overwhelming arrogance and selfishness.” “Not everyone is a saint.” Growing irritated because at a certain point, I had begun to think about his proposal too and I didn’t want to. “Look, I have told you before, I don’t want to marry you.” I growled, curling my hands in a fist. “Why?” He asked nonchalantly which increased my rage. Acting as if he had no idea why. “We are different. We have different points of view on life. You and I can never live together, never be one.” I hissed. “Who says I want to be with you? I only intend to break this facade of yours and teach them a lesson. I will make you hate them too and stop acting.” He remained calm. At this point, I was infuriated, he couldn’t judge me, “I am not acting. Goodness exists in this world, not everyone is heartless like you.” “Hmph, we will see.” He muttered, turning his head to the side as we stopped outside my place. With my head fuming and overflowing with distress, I quickly held my bag close to my chest and got out of his comfortable vehicle. “Now, thank you, Sir, for dropping me off but I am leaving now.” I muttered rudely, turning to leave. The second, I took a few steps, his rough hand grabbed my arm before everyone, stopping me. “Wait.” My breaths hitched as I turned to him slowly, averting my eyes from his stern one. “Leave me.” I whispered, breaths becoming heavy when he refused to leave and brought me close to the point I could feel his aura drowning into mine. “Are you sure? I am giving you a golden chance, place your conditions but marry me. I would do anything, I repeat-” My heart skipped a beat when he leaned down and whispered dominantly in my ears, “ ‘Anything’, to teach that woman a lesson.” Controlling my feelings, I put my hand in between, hoping to escape the prison of his arms. Intimidated by his cruel intentions, I gulped. “And then I will make you like mine.” I gasped when he was almost touching me, not leaving me with a deadly eye-contact, revealing his intentions which were scaring me. “What are you doing…?” I whispered as he let go of my arm finally, giving me a moment to regain my posture. “No one should be this kind and forgiving in this cruel world.” He growled, bringing his hand to touch me but I pointed my finger at him to stop. “Don’t touch me again.” I warned, converting my apprehension into rage. Still I was intrigued- how could one be overwhelmed with corruption? “You can’t force someone to feel how you want. Plus this would destroy us.” I hissed in a low tone so the people won’t create more rumors than they already would. “That is exactly what I want. I want to destroy their lives and when they return from that point of ravage, return to us, they will realize they closed this path too.” He growled breaths becoming heavy, stilling me for a moment to register. He was breathless from atrocity, standing too close and I failed to notice the distance because I was only bewildered. “How hateful can a person be? What she did apart from cheating on you that you have gone ‘this’ blind for revenge?” To my compassionate question, he scoffed, “You wouldn’t understand nor need to know.” I took a deep breath to empty my mind and glanced at his large form. Narrowing my eyes, I pondered about his intentions and I had faith in myself. “If you think you can corrupt me, then you are wrong. Now, before I do something, kindly leave. I have no intentions of marrying a man like you.” I enunciated strictly as I pointed at his car. “You will marry me. You are entangled in this web now.” He also spoke in the same tone. “I am not like you who is unaware of the term called ‘moving on’.” I taunted with a fake smile. “She doesn’t deserve it.” “Leave.” “I won’t leave you this easily.” He growled, sending daggering in my direction which I ignored and rolled my eyes but the fumes emitting from him indicated he won’t end this here. “Hmph.” The second I turned my head away, his husky voice reached me, stopping my whole being as he hissed in my ears before leaving. “Deny all you want but soon you will enter my place as my bride, Saafia.”

After he left, a few weeks passed with no sign of him again. I knew he wouldn’t leave my trails easily. He was not that type of man. I was having a feeling the next time we will meet, I won’t have another choice but to marry him. ‘What he wanted to gain from it? It couldn’t be all revenge, was it? Why did he want me? All this sham? Ugh, why am I thinking about him!?’ I failed to shift my mind from his proposal. For a moment, I also thought about it- What could possibly go wrong? ‘No, no, no, stop thinking like this, Saafia.’ The next week, I went to work a little late and saw everyone was working furiously. My mouth gaped, blinking to perceive what I missed in thirty minutes. “What the hell is happening?” I whispered, grabbing my friend, Anne’s arm. “Did you hear? Boss is selling the company. We will work under a third party now. You missed his speech. I saved you by telling him you went to the bathroom.” She whispered back. “What? Why?” That was unforeseen. Things were going exceptionally great for us. Selling company was totally unexpected. “I have no idea. He came out of the blue and announced. Though it won’t affect our work, he says. I have no idea what caused him to do it. Probably profit.” She explained. “Hmm. I guess we are growing. So, who bought the company? Who is going to be the boss of our boss?” I asked nonchalantly, reaching my desk only to find a file filled with too much work for me to do. “You won’t believe it, the business tycoon, Dariel Cannedy!” “Huh?” This has to be a joke. A quiver surged through my skin as I was frozen in horror to hear. Immediately understanding the reasoning behind these sudden actions. “Pardon?” I asked in pure appall. Okay, now he was going too far with his demand. “Dariel Cannedy! He will come next week after we are done with the new changes. We are going to become robots now.” She sighed in frustration. We all knew how he was at work. High wages and extreme work. He ensured if he was paying higher than other companies, he would make you work double. From directors to janitors- everyone. “I wonder what that man saw in the insurance company. He owns a variety of businesses anyways.” Anne continued as I stood with heavy breaths and slightly dizziness, turning my hands blood cold. “Next week?” I asked, gulping hard, making a frightened face. “Too early, isn’t it? He should have given us a month but because of his order, we have to overwork this week. We all know he is a workaholic.” She hummed, leaning on the table. “Your ex also works in his company, right? He must be one hell of a boss. Is he as dangerous as they say?” ‘He is.’ Due to my lack of reaction, Anne snapped her fingers to bring me to my reality. “Saafia? Where are you lost? We have a lot of work to do.” “Let’s get back to work.” I spoke instantly, getting the file to focus on work but from inside my stomach curling into a tense feeling. A strange numbness began to steal my strength and I was worried where this might lead. He had sworn that he won’t stop. “You are right, we are already going to overwork.” “Hmm.” This action of his made it clear that he won’t sit quietly until he marries me… Before I knew it, a week passed and the time to meet the man who literally bought our company only to prove his power came. With a scowl lingering on my face, I was holding a bouquet. Of course the head staff was greeting him one by one. My hands were icy, my mind was in a state of turmoil to fathom his intentions to convince me to marry for a measly and pathetic reason. “Welcome, Sir.” I greeted him with a fake smile, giving him the flowers. “She is Saafia Blooms, The head of marketing-” And when my turn to be introduced came, he deliberately didn’t take my flower and turned his head away, putting his hand dominantly in the air to pissed me off. “I know. I have gone through the list. Instead of wasting our time on introductions, let’s complete our pending work. I need to leave for a meeting in two hours.” My frown deepened. He was fine when everyone was greeting him and at my turn, he stopped instantly, walking away. “Sure, Sir. Please, this way.” Rolling my eyes, I turned to leave for my work and shifted my mind, to pretend I had no connections with him but he called me. “Miss Blooms.” “Yes, Sir?” “Send me the past annual reports in my office.” He ordered. “Yes, Sir.” Judging his sore focus on work and ethics, I doubt he would bring the topic of his proposal here. “Here are the files, Sir. I have put them in order.” I spoke coldly, placing them. As far as I heard from Jared, I had no intentions of losing my job by enraging him. But, I won’t sit quietly too. He didn’t react as I stood on the other side of the desk, folding my arms at my chest. He was engrossed in work, checking things and reports with focus. When he was focused, his features were enhanced and made them strict yet arresting. He noticed I was not leaving and arched an eyebrow handsomely. “Hmm? Why are you still here?” “Why are you doing this?” I asked sternly. “I believe you are aware of the fact I don’t fancy interruptions during work.” He replied in the same tone. “We both know why you are doing this. Stop acting.” I added, inclining my hands on the table which caused him to stop. Lifting his mysterious eyes, he locked them with mine with an energy that sent a shiver down my spine. “Really?” He asked seductively. My heart skipped a beat when his lips curled into a devilish smirk. Clearly using his overwhelming power. “Don’t.” I whispered, rolling my tongue over my lips, becoming nervous slightly. Resting his elbow on the table and leaning forward to look dead into my soul with his one demand. “Then marry me. Don’t make me do this.”

“What? What the hell is your problem?” My mouth was gaped, staring at him with surprise. I couldn’t believe him, he wouldn’t stop until he would convince me. “You.” The determination in his eyes was disturbing me. “Burn your fatuous desires, Mr Cannedy. I won’t marry you. In fact, you are the last man I would prefer.” Hissing, I slammed my hands. Determined to not marry this man as I turned to leave. Before he could continue his mindless wish, I walked out. “What is his problem? Is that how people should marry? Why should ‘I’ marry him? Why bind my life with a stone?” I was constantly muttering those questions under my breath while walking as far as possible from him. Sadly, he had decided to become my shadow and followed my trails, also resolved to convince me to marry him. “What more do you want me to do for you, Saafia?!” He shouted before the whole office. I gasped, my body was stiff suddenly at his call which gained the attention of everyone. “What the hell?” Mumbling, I pressed my hand over my heart, sensing how abnormally my sensations were augmenting. I didn’t dare to move an inch and at my lack of reaction, the sound of his expensive heels approached me. Standing behind me, I trembled at his addictive scent and muscular body behind me. “Stop running away from me.” His tone went lowest and smoothest in could go, acting proficiently. He tugged my sleeves carefully to not touch me and made me turn to him. “Marry me,” Everyone’s jaw dropped when he proposed to me in my office on the very first day. Making it OBVIOUS that he bought the company because of me. My face was red from embarrassment, my breaths became heavy at his unbelievable proposal. “What the hell do you think you are doing?” My voice was lower than a whisper so no one could hear, leaning forward and unintentionally closing our gap. “I am selfish to the core and I want you, I will get you. Don’t worry, I am not an abusive monster… or a serial killer- at least.” He smirked darkly. His one hand was in his pocket dominantly and offered his other hand to me. “Please marry me.” He spoke loudly to ensure this echoed everywhere, making sure I won’t be able to return here. “Say yes! Say yes!” Shit, shit, shit. “I need to talk to you. Alone.” I blurted out abruptly, putting my hand in the air, moving away from him, earning disappointment from everyone. “Sure. Come.” He shrugged his shoulders and we went back to the cabin. The second we entered and closed the door, I burst my fury, “What the hell is your problem?! What are you doing?!” I whisper-yelled. He had no reaction. As if it meant nothing to him. “If you have conditions, tell me. We can make a fair deal, I need you to make them feel horrible. If there is anything you want me to do then tell me, like prepare the best medical care for your father…? Anything.” He suggested calmly. “What type of stone are you? Do you think you can buy relationships?” I growled. No one had frustrated me to this point in my entire life- not even those bratty kids of your relatives. “Yes, I can. I can do anything for my purpose and you have seen it now too. Place your price.” He offered in a low, husky tone, standing right before me. I swallowed hard, narrowing my eyes with a hint of rage flickering in them but he discarded them and brought his hand closer to my cheek. “I know you are a delusional and dreamy woman, probably waiting for a charming prince- drop that dream. That won’t happen. Enter my life.” Stunned, I put my hand in between to stop him from touching me which earned a tempting chuckle from him. How wicked. He was all beauty, no soul. His voice went deeper, taking a strand of my hair, leading to my ear. “Let me show you the dark side of this world.” He murmured, causing my skin to crawl. “A world where people like you can never survive.” He enunciated, pushing me to the edge before pulling away. I knew he would use all methods to make me marry him. Deep down, I felt like it was more than revenge. A strong desire he was concealing professionally and using our cheater partners as an excuse to hide the ‘real’ reason. ‘How hard and dark his world could be? Does he truly believe he could change me?’ I thought. Gathering my thoughts, I mentally prepared myself and called him, “You know what?” Arching an eyebrow, he looked from his shoulder, “I am ready.” “What?” He blinked, turning fully to me with an eerie yet ominous excitement creeping on his features. “I said I am ready to marry you. I am giving you one year to change my thoughts, to change me.” I declared, taking a step forward. If he was resolved to change me then I was too, to not bulge my personality. I won’t change myself. “One year?” “Not Enough?” “More than enough.” He smirked devilishly. Closing our distance, I pressed my index finger over his heart, feeling the expensive fabric of his coat. Staring dead into his eyes. He also became serious, holding my collar to incline our faces dangerously closer. The hint of no emotions, no attachment. “Let me make this ‘very’ clear- You can never change me, Dariel Cannedy.” “We will see who will change in the end, Saafia Blooms. I am sure one day this altruistic demeanor will drown you.” He declared. Ripping us apart and setting his tie to assert his superiority to which I scoffed in return. “Worry about your heartless soul first,” With this, he returned to our work to prepare for the worst marriage where two entirely different souls were about to meet- A worthless relationship was about to begin.

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