'Why does this have to happen again? Victoria stared pensively at the ceiling of her room after waking up moments ago. She again felt a warm embrace under the covers that made her reluctant to get up. And the regular breathing caused a tickling sensation in her neck. Plus, the distinctive masculine scent from beside her was enough to make Victoria's heart race. Victoria turned her head to the side and saw her husband's handsome face, who was still fast asleep. She stares at him for a long time until her hand unconsciously touches the man's jaw, making him open his eyes. Maverick immediately saw Victoria and caught her touching his face without permission. "I-I'm sorry," Victoria said softly as she quickly withdrew her hand. However, Maverick was quicker to hold her back, which made Victoria's gaze return to him. She then gave an excuse, "I was trying to wake you up earlier. That's why I touched you. I didn't mean to." "Verick?" Victoria called back to him as he remained si
"Good morning," Victoria greeted as she pulled out one of the dining table chairs and sat next to her husband. The two, who had been at the table earlier, seemed to be having a serious conversation, turning their attention and returning her greeting. Victoria had just sat down and asked a question when she noticed another empty chair. "Where's Mother?" she asked. Victoria knew Emberly's reason for not wanting to see her. However, unlike her daughter, Rosalee should have sided with Petter if she still wanted to bear the Agriche name. But Victoria doubted if her father would divorce his wife one day, even though Rosalee would potentially always defend and look out for her daughter. "She's sick, so she needs rest." Petter replied and immediately changed the subject, "About the Victorya Hotel." When Petter brought up the topic, Victoria and Maverick naturally stopped their activities in unison. Especially Victoria, who was already prepared not to give in to his wishes. "
"Your relationship seems to be closer than yesterday," Maverick commented, opening the conversation with her when they were already in the car. "I admit he has changed a bit since I dragged Agriche's name, but there's a side of him that hasn't changed either." Looking out the windshield, Victorian turned to Maverick, who was driving beside her. She continued her words as she snorted, "Basically, he hasn't changed at all. He treats me better, so at least he doesn't have the title of bad father." Maverick looked away briefly before finally refocusing. For a while, until some crossroads, there was no talking. "What did you promise him if you failed?" he asked later. "I will obey all his wishes without exception. It's no different being his puppet as I have been living," Victoria replied indifferently. It was as if she didn't care and didn't mind at all. In fact, before getting married and getting hit with the truth by her ex-fiancé, Victoria had been living like that all alon
Brak! "Damn it!" Emberly threw down the newspaper she had just read. All news outlets, without exception, broadcast Maverick and Victoria's intimacy and news of their closeness. This situation constantly forced her to see how her stepsister was faring—mocking her that her life was even better and happier than hers. Everyone sided with Victoria, pitied her, was happy for her, and envied her life. Emberly couldn't help but hate Victoria more and more and blame her for everything that happened to her. "I've done nothing wrong, but everyone treats me like this! It's not fair, Victoria!" she growled, clenching her fists. Knock, knock, knock! A knock on the door was heard amidst the sound of the television. With lazy steps, Emberly walked over and opened the door. Then, how surprised she was to find someone visiting. "Honey..." She hugged Emberly as soon as the door opened. "Mom? Why are you here? Are you not working today?" asked Emberly after breaking their hug.
Agriche's Mansion "You still remember to go home?" With a cold tone, without even looking at her face, Petter managed to intimidate Emberly. That night, Petter, sitting alone in the living room, relaxing after work, welcomed Emberly, who had just returned home after a few days away. She had decided to stay in the apartment since Victoria and Maverick's wedding to avoid her because she was reluctant to see her. Emberly couldn't help but be surprised to find Petter the first person she'd seen upon her return. She stood stiffly without being able to answer her father, who was still angry with her. "You still dare to come in front of me after all the shameful things you did?!" he snapped as he stood up and walked over to Emberly, making her back away even more frightened. "I-I'm sorry, Dad," she stammered. "Don't call me Father! I don't think I have a daughter like you anymore!" Once again, Petter yelled at her, causing Rosalee to come over this time. "My dear ..." As
Flashback After Rosalee went home, Emberly brooded in the apartment alone. She couldn't stop thinking about what she should do now. Alden, meanwhile, was busy with his work, not giving her the slightest notice. He was more concerned with his work than her. Unlike when he was still with Victoria, Alden prioritized her, even above his work. Too tired to think, Emberly decided to try contacting Alden once again. However, she still got the same answer. Soon, amidst the room's silence, knocking on the door was heard for the second time that day. "Mom, did you leave something here?" Emberly, who thought her mother was back again, immediately asked a question. However, seeing another person in front of her, she couldn't help but be surprised. In the next second, she hugged the man. "Alden!" "I didn't think you'd come tonight," she said, unable to hide her happiness. "My work today can be done faster." Alden released their embrace and went inside first toward the kitchen. Em
"Happy 22nd birthday, Emberly. Your dress tonight is so gorgeous. It makes you look like a fairytale princess."Victoria's gaze fell on her happy stepsister. She talked with her friends, who gave her gifts, took selfies, and congratulated her with their prayers. It wasn't long before Alden, Victoria’s fiancé, who seemed to have just arrived, joined them instead of meeting her first. Victoria stood nearby, watching them both interact with a glass of lemonade. "Happy birthday, my little sister-in-law," Alden said as he presented the rectangular gift he carried. Emberly, who had turned her attention to him, was surprised and smiled even wider when they locked eyes. Without hesitation, she hugged Victoria's fiancé and kissed his cheek. "I'm glad you came, Alden! I thought you wouldn't come."Alden's response showed no sign that he was uncomfortable with Emberly's behavior. Instead, he put his arm around her, brushed the top of her hair, and kissed her back.Victoria didn't see it once o
"This is your special gift, babe," Alden said, kissing Emberly’s forehead.Their bodies were so perfectly pressed together that each other's breathing could be felt. Their messy clothes gave away what had happened earlier, and it was not a normal conversation or interaction between sister and brothers-in-law—coupled with what Victoria had heard.Victoria was not too stupid to not know what was going on between them. Even so, her trust and love for Alden kept her in denial."What a liar! You kissed Victoria before too!" Emberly exclaimed as she smacked Alden lightly on the chest.The man laughed as if Emberly's jealousy-laden words were a joke. "You wouldn't believe my charade of loving your stepsister, would you?"Alden's confession pierced Victoria's deepest heart. It slowly made a wound that caused pain. Tears naturally produced and began to rush out of her eyelids. She covered her mouth to prevent any audible sobs. She could not move from here. Her legs were too weak to leave or go