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Not just a contract

Penulis: Leelee
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-28 13:00:30

Layla's pov

It was supposed to be a quick trip. I just needed to grab a few things from the superstore—some fruits, milk, and bread. Nothing complicated. Damian had offered to come with me, but I told him I could manage. Still, he insisted, saying he needed fresh air. I didn’t argue too much. Deep down, a part of me liked having him close.

The store was a little crowded, people pushing carts, kids running around, announcements echoing over the speakers. Damian parked the car and said he’d wait outside for a bit, make a call or something. I nodded and walked in alone, thinking it was just another normal errand.

But nothing about that afternoon turned out normal.

As I reached for a pack of strawberries, I felt something behind me—a presence. I turned slowly, and my heart dropped.

Mark.

He was standing a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes burning into me. His lips curled into that familiar cruel smirk that used to make me feel
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  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Silent, but not innocent

    Layla's pov The day had started out like any other—quiet, calm, uneventful. Damian was in his home office, typing away on his laptop while I lazed on the couch in the living room, flipping through an old fashion magazine. The soft hum of classical music echoed faintly through the house, blending with the occasional click of his keyboard. I wasn’t sure when our life had started to feel normal, but lately, it had. Peaceful breakfasts, shared silence, soft looks across the table. I had almost forgotten why we were together in the first place—a marriage rooted in duty, not love.I should have known better than to believe it would stay peaceful for long.It started when I went to look for the old file box in the study. Damian had asked me to find a missing receipt for some imported equipment. The box was heavy and dusty, tucked in the bottom corner of a dark cabinet. I pulled it out, coughing as the dust rose in clouds around me. I opened the lid and

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-28
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    The ultimate betrayal

    Layla's pov Today marks my second anniversary with Mark. He's been my boyfriend since I met him at a café two years back. It was love instantly, and I have no regrets about having him in my life. I invited him to come to the house to celebrate, but he forgot it's our anniversary and that I want to surprise him. My car stops in front of my parents’ mansion, a place I previously considered home but that now felt like a foreign land. The sight of the grand house makes me feel uneasy, Iike I don't belong here anymore.The expansive windows shimmered in the afternoon light, creating lengthy shadows on the beautifully kept lawn. This place used to feel like home, but now it feels cold, distant–just like my family. I came back sooner than anticipated, aiming to catch Mark off guard. I considered that we might share the afternoon, enjoying laughter as we once did. I step out of the car, holding my gift for Mark and head towards the door. The front door was slightly open, which was unusual.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    The reluctant marriage

    Layla’s POVI positioned myself before the mirror, gazing at my reflection. The white wedding dress hugged my figure like a second skin, its beautiful designs mocking the emptiness I felt within. My hair was styled up, and my makeup was flawless. I looked like a magazine bride, but I didn’t feel that way."You look amazing," my mother remarked as she entered the room. Her tone lacked warmth, and her approval was entirely shallow. "Thanks," I whispered, my throat tight.She handed me a set of diamond earrings, her face impossible to read. "These belonged to your grandmother." "She would have liked you to put them on today.”I nodded and put them on silently. As soon as I entered the church, I spotted Damian by the altar. He appeared flawless—as if he was destined to be there, as if he possessed the entire cosmos. His dark suit fit him perfectly, seemingly made just for him, with every detail sharp and impeccable. He stood tall and calm, his face showing no emotion, as if he felt no u

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Shattered illusions

    Layla's pov I gazed at my image in the mirror, fixing the crimson red dress that Damian had picked out for me. The material embraced my figure flawlessly, highlighting my curves with a sweetheart neckline and a slit ascending one side. It was stunning, graceful, and unmistakably daring—entirely beyond my comfort zone. But tonight wasn’t about me; it was about Damian.I took a deep breath and grabbed the matching clutch resting on the dresser. I felt tense, and my hands trembled a bit. As I left my room and went down the majestic staircase, I saw Damian awaiting me at the bottom. He stood upright, his tailored black suit fitting him flawlessly, resembling a second skin. The dark crimson tie he had on complimented my dress, and the faint grin on his face made it hard to look elsewhere. Damian was attractive every day, but this evening, he appeared to be a man who possessed the universe—and likely did. When I hit the final step, his gaze moved over my body, pausing just enough to caus

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    The weight of desperation

    Layla's pov From the moment I entered Damian’s realm, I sensed I was a shadow—minor, unimportant, and perpetually eclipsed by his might. His penthouse mirrored his character flawlessly. It was frigid, emotionless, and unbelievably magnificent. The walls were embellished with invaluable artwork, the type you typically find in museums, and the perspective from the large windows extended infinitely over the city skyline. It was stunning yet stifling, a perpetual indication of how distanced I had become from the life I previously experienced. The days went by in a haze of stress. I couldn’t dismiss the recollection of the elderly man at the meal, his enigmatic phrases resonating in my thoughts. "Recovering after what Monroe did to you must have been difficult." What had my dad done to Damian? What was it about the name “Monroe” that held such significance and resentment in this world? Damian, naturally, provided no insight. He stayed true to his usual demeanor—aloof, frosty, and enigma

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    The confrontation

    Layla's pov Damian wasn't merely intimidating—he was untouchable. Each look, each word, each action appeared designed to highlight my inferiority in his realm. I despised feeling like this, akin to a mouse sneaking around a lion. However, I could no longer exist in ignorance. After walking around my room for what seemed like hours, I finally found the courage to approach him. Damian was typically in his office during the mornings, so that’s the place I went. My heart raced quicker with each step, my palms moist with perspiration. As I approached the door, it was slightly open, and I peeked inside. Damian reclined in his large chair, his demeanor both at ease and authoritative. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, creating a warm radiance on the dark wood and leather furnishings. He was examining a pile of documents, his forehead wrinkled in focus. For a moment, I thought if going back . He still hadn’t seen me, and I could return to the safety of my room. However, I refused t

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Behind closed doors

    Celeste's pov The gentle murmur of chatter fills my ears as I make my way through the crowd. My steps are light and effortless, and my smile flows across my face as if it was painted on. I can feel the eyes on me, and I take pleasure in it—the way in which the room changes and adjusts when I enter. All eyes turn, just like they always do.I boom in moments like this. The family reunion, the joy, the sound of glasses—it’s all for me. I’ve dedicated myself to earning this attention, their admiration, and I won’t allow anyone to take it away from me. Tonight, I am the spotlight.Everybody loves me."Celeste, darling," Aunt Victoria calls out, her voice dripping with the sweetness that only people who believe they can get something from you possess. "You look absolutely radiant tonight.”Certainly, I do. I always do.“Thanks,” I responded with a smile, my tone cheerful and breezy. "You look stunning too, Aunt V. Is that the latest from Milan?" It's easy to say what they want to hear. A s

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22
  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Cracks in the wall

    Layla's pov I wake up to a burning heat spreading over my body. My head is pounding like a drum, my throat hurts, and the blanket on me feels unbearably heavy. I try to rise, but my limbs feel heavy, and a surge of nausea overwhelms me.There is a problem.I closed my eyes firmly, attempting to clear the fog in my thoughts. The final memory I have is the family gathering from last night.The whole thing had been a show—my parents, Celeste, and the rest of them acting as if we were a perfect family. They had smiled and laughed, making sure the outside world only saw what they wanted them to see. But beneath the polished exterior, I knew the truth. They barely acknowledged me.Celeste had been at the center of it all, wallowing in their admiration. I'm glad I stood my ground; I cannot allow them to dominate me any longer, especially now that I'm away from that house. I needed to return early; I was exhausted from feigning that I wasn’t suffocating in that home.And now, here I am—weak,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-24

Bab terbaru

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Silent, but not innocent

    Layla's pov The day had started out like any other—quiet, calm, uneventful. Damian was in his home office, typing away on his laptop while I lazed on the couch in the living room, flipping through an old fashion magazine. The soft hum of classical music echoed faintly through the house, blending with the occasional click of his keyboard. I wasn’t sure when our life had started to feel normal, but lately, it had. Peaceful breakfasts, shared silence, soft looks across the table. I had almost forgotten why we were together in the first place—a marriage rooted in duty, not love.I should have known better than to believe it would stay peaceful for long.It started when I went to look for the old file box in the study. Damian had asked me to find a missing receipt for some imported equipment. The box was heavy and dusty, tucked in the bottom corner of a dark cabinet. I pulled it out, coughing as the dust rose in clouds around me. I opened the lid and

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Not just a contract

    Layla's pov It was supposed to be a quick trip. I just needed to grab a few things from the superstore—some fruits, milk, and bread. Nothing complicated. Damian had offered to come with me, but I told him I could manage. Still, he insisted, saying he needed fresh air. I didn’t argue too much. Deep down, a part of me liked having him close.The store was a little crowded, people pushing carts, kids running around, announcements echoing over the speakers. Damian parked the car and said he’d wait outside for a bit, make a call or something. I nodded and walked in alone, thinking it was just another normal errand.But nothing about that afternoon turned out normal.As I reached for a pack of strawberries, I felt something behind me—a presence. I turned slowly, and my heart dropped.Mark.He was standing a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes burning into me. His lips curled into that familiar cruel smirk that used to make me feel

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Holding on, letting in

    Layla's pov The next few days were strange—different from what I had expected. The same Damian who had been desperate to hunt down his attackers was suddenly calm. Too calm. I had thought he would bury himself in work, ignore me, and treat our marriage as nothing more than a business deal, despite having confessed his love for me just days ago. But something had shifted between us. Subtle at first—small moments, lingering looks, unspoken words—but it was there, growing stronger with each passing day.One morning, I found him sitting at the dining table, scrolling through his phone with a concentrated frown. Normally, he would have locked himself in his office by now, but today, he was here—waiting.“You’re up early,” I said, setting a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him.Damian looked up, his gaze flickering with something unreadable. “Couldn’t sleep.”I hesitated before sitting across from him. “Are you in pain?”

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    A dangerous temptation

    Layla's pov Two weeks had passed since the night Damian was shot. Two weeks of endless hospital visits, late-night worries, and watching over him like a hawk. But today, finally, he was coming home.I had barely slept the night before, my mind restless with anticipation. Not because I hadn’t enjoyed taking care of him—I had, surprisingly. I had sat by his bed, fed him when he was too weak to hold a spoon, and even helped him adjust his pillows when he was in pain. But I was relieved that he was finally strong enough to leave the hospital, that he was out of danger.I signed the discharge papers with a grateful heart, thanking the doctor before following Damian outside. Two of his guards behind us, their expressions unreadable as we made our way to the car. Damian moved slower than usual, his injuries still affecting him, but he didn’t complain.As soon as we settled into the car, I exhaled, stealing a glance at him. His sharp features looked

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    When fear turns to love

    Layla's pov The sound of sirens filled the estate. The blinding blue and red lights painted the night sky, flashing through the windows. Adrian and his men scattered like shadows, vanishing into the darkness before the police arrived. I screamed Damian’s name, my voice cracking as I clung to his weak body. His blood soaked my hands, warm and sticky, seeping through my clothes as I cradled him on the cold marble floor.“Damian! Damian, stay with me!” I shouted, shaking him gently, terrified of hurting him more. His face was pale, his lips had turned blue. His eyes were barely open, struggling to focus on me. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the floor.His breathing was shallow, each breath a painful gasp. I pressed my hands against the wound on his side, desperately trying to stop the bleeding. “Help! Somebody help!” I screamed, my voice breaking, echoing through the empty hallways.The paramedics burst through the doors. They moved quickly

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Trapped by fate

    Layla's pov I scream, twisting-And come face-to-face with Damian."Layla!" His voice is sharp, commanding. "What the hell is going on?"I'm gasped, my heart hammering. "Upstairs-someone-one of your men-he's dead-"Damian's face hardens instantly. He pulls out a gun, his movements swift, and controlled."Stay here."I shake my head. "No! There's someone up there. He-he had a knife. He knew who I was."Damian's jaw clenches. His grip on the gun tightens.Then, another voice cuts through the tension."Well, well," Celeste purrs from the bottom of the stairs. "Today just keeps getting better."I spin toward her. "This isn't a game, Celeste! Someone was murdered-"She smirks. "Yes. And the real question is-who's next?"A cold dread settles in my stomach.A soft click echoes through the room.I turn around.A second man stands by the e

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    Haunted in the dark

    Layla's pov The echo of the gunshot fills my ears, intertwining with my heartbeat.Damian grips my wrist tightly, his body shielding mine as we crouch behind a stone bench in the garden."Stay down," he snarls, his voice like a knife.I am unable to breathe. My mind races. Who fired the shot? Where did it come from?Damian’s men move fast, fanning out, weapons raised. Someone shouts an order. Another voice curses.Then—silence.Long. Heavy. Drenched in tension.Finally, a guard approaches Damian, his face grim.“The shooter’s gone.”Damian’s fingers tighten around me before he lets go. Slowly, he stands, helping me up.I force my shaking legs to move, my eyes darting around. The shadows stretch long across the garden, shifting under the swaying lanterns.Damian turns to his men. “Find him. Now.”They scatter immediately, disappearing into the streets of the

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    The stranger in the dark

    Layla's pov The rose sits on my windowsill like a silent threat.A message. A warning. A promise.I hold my phone tightly, my fingers frigid as I go over the message again.“I'll see you shortly.”My abdomen churns. My heart beats so fiercely it aches.I compel myself to shift, to take action, to do something.I take the rose with trembling hands and rush out of my room, my breathing irregular. The hallway is eerily quiet, with the soft glow of the chandeliers making the shadows stretch longer.Damian's room is situated at the corridor's end. My bare feet move quietly on the ground as I open the door without any knocking.He’s awake. Sitting at the edge of his bed.His head snaps up, eyes locking onto mine instantly.“Layla?” His voice is rough, low, but there’s an edge to it. Like he was already on high alert.I toss the rose onto the bed between us.His gaze d

  • A Love Forged In Ruins    A silent threat

    Layla's pov The message stays on my screen, burning into my mind.“You’re running out of time, Layla.”I stare at it, my heart pounding.Time for what?Who is sending these messages? And why do they sound like a threat?I swallow hard, my fingers shaking as I type a response.Who are you? What do you want?I hit send. Seconds pass. Then minutes.No reply.A heavy weight settles in my chest.I need to do something. I can't just stay here, waiting for the next message, expecting something even worse.I come down from the bed and take my robe, securing it snugly around me. My palms feel damp, my breath is irregular, but I compel myself to remain composed.I exit the bedroom, proceeding carefully along the softly lit corridor. The estate is silent, with the sole noise being the subtle ticking of a grandfather clock located somewhere below.I'm not certain about what I seek, yet I require answers.I feel like I am being watched.Someone wants me to be afraid.And I need to find out why.

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