Luis sat in his car across the street from Max’s school, his fingers tapping impatiently on the steering wheel. He wasn’t supposed to be here—not after Ariel’s countless warnings and the school’s restrictions—but he couldn’t help himself. He is Max’s papa, and he wasn’t going to let Ariel cut him out of his life. He leaned back, his jaw tightening as he thought about her. Ariel had always been stubborn, fiercely protective. It was one of the things he’d admired about her back when they were together. But now, that same tenacity had turned into a barrier, keeping him away from the only person he truly cared about. Luis wasn’t proud of the things he’d done in the past. The nights spent partying, the reckless decisions, and worst of all, stealing Ariel’s savings. He’d been selfish, immature. But he wasn’t that person anymore. He had changed—or at least, he wanted to believe he had. Max was his chance to make things right, to prove that he could be better. Every time he saw Max,
Johny’s penthouse says a lot about the man himself—cold, sleek, and devoid of unnecessary warmth. The living space was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with walls painted with dull tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline, but the view felt more like a statement than something to be enjoyed. The air inside carried a crisp sterility, with no personal touches—just expensive furniture, minimalist décor, and a silence that seemed almost important. The study, where Johny spent most of his time, was lined with dark wood and polished steel, the only signs of life being the neatly stacked reports on his woody desk. Even in the bedroom, nothing looks comfy. Just a king-sized bed with black sheets, an untouched armchair in the corner, and a bedside table that held nothing but a clock and a teacup. The entire penthouse felt more like a showroom than a home, as if the man who lived there had no need for anything beyond control and efficiency. The house had i
Ariel spent the next day recovering, her body still weak but no more pain. The housemaids took extra care of her, ensuring she had everything she needed. Yet, despite their efforts, she couldn’t shake off the brewing anxiety about the upcoming party.Johny had been vague about the details, but she knew better than to assume it was just a social gathering. In his world, nothing was ever simple. By the evening, a knock on her bedroom door broke her from her thoughts. The door opened, and a maid stepped in, carrying a box in her hands. “Madam, Mr. Lucas asked me to bring this to you.” she said, and she carefully placed the box on the bedside table and left. Ariel got up from the armchair where she had been scrutinizing and enjoying the picturesque views through the window. She unwrapped the ribbon; inside was an elegant body-fitted crimson silk dress with a fitted bodice and a high slit that hinted at seduction. It was the kind of dress designed to make a statement, to command atte
UNKNOWN POV I was all alone in the back of the club; just so I thought. Until I heard a woman screaming for help. At first I ignored, but then again the voice pulled my heartstrings more as it played in my head repeatedly. I got down from my car to take a look at the damsel in distress. I leaned against my car door leisurely, watching as the man was out of control, he just wanted to get down on her so bad— who still force a woman in this era? “Let go of her” I muttered. My sudden utterance was filled with caution and a heart–piercing–fear from both the lady and the man. Quiteness filled the air, only the sharp–breaking–breath of the damsel could be heard clearly. “What……what if I don't? What will you do?” The man blurted with fear, his tone was shaky; his gut betrayed him. A wide grin slowly curved on my lips, I like to be dared. It's been a while since people boarded my line. “What is your belief on living dead?” I asked the man with a calm yet death stare. The que
The cool breeze carried the scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass. The distant hum of music from the ballroom barely reached Ariel's ears, as she had been drowned by the erratic pound of her heart, which pierced through the stillness.The arm around her waist was strong and steady. The touch was unfamiliar—yet something about it sent a shiver down her spine.She inhales sharply.The man's scent filled her lungs—sandalwood and musk. Familiar and intoxicating.“Careful, Damsel. Falling into my arms already?” His voice was deep, smooth, and laced with something almost…possessive.Her body stiffened, and her eyebrows squinted at the unfamiliar voice—yet hauntingly familiar to her. She robotically lifted her head, her eyes locked onto his. Sharp and intense.The dim glow of the garden lights cast shadows across his sharp features—strong jaws, piercing gray eyes that seem swooning, and firm, broad shoulders that elongate his chest.Her stomach churned. She knew this man. Or at leas
Luis jolted awake, his phone’s sharp ringtone woke him up from his restless sleep. He had spent the whole night drinking and thinking of his lost lover; Ariel, about seven bottles of empty beer cans scattered on his small center table. His hand drummed beat, causing him to groan. A glance at the screen revealed Elena. He swiped the screen and brought the phone to his ear. “Come to the store. Now,” Elena’s voice was soft yet intimidating, with no room for argument. The line went dead before he could respond. Luis sighed, raking a hand through his messy hair. He gave a quick glance at the wall clock; it was past three in the afternoon. Pushing himself off the couch, he strode into the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed cold water on his face. As droplets dripped down his chin, he met his own weary gaze in the mirror before grabbing his toothbrush and scrubbing away the lingering taste of the alcohol. Stepping out, he made his way to the kitchen and yanked open th
“This is how they're going to burst your brain open if you mess up” He muttered, his voice carrying a serious warning, his gaze deadly locked on Luis; who's heart skipped for a beat. This was the very first time a gun would be pointed at him, and he felt like he was at the edge of crossing over to the land of the death. His mind raged with regret and a desperate prayer that he was only hallucinating; maybe the way he had been thinking about the job he signed up for lately. But his fear didn't last long as it was quickly replaced with disgust, when he heard the statement he made. Of course he knew to be cautious, and if he wanted to add to his cautiousness, he shouldn't have made it an expensive one—pointing gun at his head was a rather serious way, but effective, as it added to Luis awareness of the world he had stepped into. Luis didn't respond, instead he yanked his wrist off his grip, then strode off without looking back. He took slow, measured steps to the metal d
{Back to the city of Las Vegas}The Lucas Corporation tower stood tall over the Las Vegas skyline, its sleek glass design symbolizing power and prestige. From the top floor, Johny had a clear view of the city—a world he was determined to control.His office was large and elegant, designed to reflect his ambition. Dark mahogany walls held built-in bookshelves, while a black marble desk sat at the center, spotless except for neatly arranged files and a crystal decanter of whiskey. Behind the desk was a luxurious leather chair imported from Italy. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the busy city below. The air carried the scent of expensive cologne and aged whiskey, adding to the room’s quiet authority.Johny leaned back in his leather chair, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips as he reviewed the latest financial reports. His plan was falling into place—soon, Ariel would be introduced to the Lucas family, making him secure his position. His father would have no choice but to acknowledge
Alex walked up to her, and stood right in her front, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. Ariel’s head dipped down, her gaze fixed on the floor as her breath grew shallow.Alex stood still, watching the nervous Ariel. A light chuckle left his lips in amusement. Amazed by her sudden nervousness. Where is the brave woman from earlier? He moved more closer to her, leaving a short distance between them. Ariel breathe caught in her throat, and without thinking, she took a shaky step back.Alexander chuckled again, unable to suppress the amusement in her reaction. His hand reached out, his fingers tilting her chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze.Her heart felt as though it was leaping out as his thumb lightly brushed her jaw, sending an electrocut through her spine.Then he leaned forward, his lips dangerously close to her ear. His voice dropped to a whisper, rich and smooth, laced with something that made her Insides churn. “You still smell this same… you must like this c
Johny's smirk deepened as he took a seat across from Alexander, one leg casually crossed over the other. He slid his hand inside his pocket and dropped the bullet onto the table, the small metallic changed, its sharp sound cutting through the heavy silence. His fingers tapping idly against the wooden surface. "I hope now you’ll back off from my woman." His tone was light, almost casual, but the underlying warning was sharp. "Anyway, thanks for the rescue. I appreciate it, but…" He paused, his smirk widening as if something amusing had just crossed his mind."Tell me," he mused, tilting his head, "were you just being generous, or…" His voice dripped with mockery as he let the question linger. Then, as if dismissing the absurdity of his own thoughts, he waved a hand. "No, no. It can’t be. I mean, why would the most eligible bachelor in the whole city of Las Vegas be infatuated with his stepbrother’s wife?" A thick chuckle rumbled from his mouth, thick with arrogance.Alexander didn’
The garden was peaceful, bathed with the soft reflection on the sun. Breeze carried the blooming roses, weaving through the neatly trimmed hedges. Amid this serenity, Ariel sat beside Mr Lucas, on a wooden bench, they were both enjoying the soothing scenery of nature. Then Mr. Lucas's head turned towards Ariel, he wasn’t speaking, just staring.Not in a sharp gaze he has always been, no a scrutinizing gaze that could make one confess his crime. But something soft, and warm.A rare sight of Mr Lucas. His aged eyes held an unexplainable emotion as they settled on her face— too long as if searching.Ariel’s heart lurched uncomfortably at his unblinking stare. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers trembling slightly. Her pulse pounded against her ribcage, rapid and erratic, as if her body sensed something her mind couldn’t grasp.A breathy chuckle slipped from Mr. Lucas’s lips. He had noticed her “Oh, child…” he murmured, shaking his head with quiet amusement.
Johny jaws spiked, his fingers twitched beside her. But he reminded composed. He suppressed the urge to intergect, because if he did, then his action will be flagged suspicious. Alexander's gaze sharpened, his attention now fully drawn to Ariel, he had been captivated by her ability to navigate the conversation so far, covering her husband’s foul play with a rather… unique intellect. But would she manage to twist this soul gripping questions in her favor? He leaned back slightly, waiting for her. Ariel quickly set her glass down, her fingers gripping the stem tightly as she tried to compose herself. A faint flush clawed up her neck, though whether from embarrassment or the weight of the question, she wasn’t sure. The room still remained silent. A slow smirk tugged at Alexander’s lips. Samantha’s eyes gleamed with silent amusement, while Aunty Vivian’s lips twitched in satisfaction. Damian, who had been chewing gum the whole time, paused, his face lit up in excitement to the sud
Samantha leaned forward, resting her chin against her knuckles. She had an effortless grace about her—elegant, poised, but dangerously observant.Her painted nails tapped against the table.“Ariel, you said your father is a merchant in this city,” Samantha began, tilting her head slightly. “That’s quite interesting. You must have lived a very comfortable life then, no?”Johny’s grip on her hand tightened. This wasn’t part of the questions they had prepared for. She could feel every pair of eyes on her, waiting for her response. The question was deceptively innocent, but she knew better.Samantha wasn’t asking for simple details. She was probing. Fishing for inconsistencies.“We lived well enough, yes.” She said calmly. Samantha hummed. “Well enough?” she repeated, as if testing the words on her tongue. “That’s rather vague, don’t you think?”Ariel maintained her calm. “We had what we needed, and for that, I was always grateful.”Samantha’s eyes gleamed with something of search with
The name sent a shiver down Ariel’s spine before she could stop it. His stepbrother? She questioned inwardly. She didn’t dare look at him. But she nodded in acknowledgement. She felt his gaze on her, the silent dominance of his presence. Just as she buried whatever emotions stirred in her chest, a soft, amused hum echoed from the other side of the table.“And I suppose that means I’m last,” a woman’s voice chimed in.Ariel turned to the source of the voice. She exuded elegance, but the glint in her gaze was one of amusement rather than warmth.“Samantha Lucas,” Johny said, his tone neutral. “Damian’s elder sister.”Samantha gave a slow, knowing smile. “Welcome to the family, Ariel,” she said, her voice smooth but laced with something Ariel couldn’t quite decipher.Ariel nodded. “Thank you.”Then for a long moment, silent fell in the room, thickened with awkwardness. Mr. Lucas cleared his throat, breaking the moment. “Now that introductions are out of the way, let’s get to the mat
By the left side of Mr Lucas, Alexander Lucas leaned back in his seat, his sharp features unreadable, but his stormy gaze lingered on Ariel for a second longer than necessary. Unlike the rest, his presence carried an edge—one that spoke of silent power rather than spoken authority.The moment their eyes locked, an unsettling feeling crawled up her spine—a feeling she couldn’t explain.Ariel's heartbeat pounded in her ears, drowning out everything else. Her breath hitched, her fingers trembling slightly as she fought the overwhelming sensation gripping her chest.Why is he here? His he part of the Lucas family? She questioned inwardly. Ariel's lips parted slightly, but no words came out.The weight of countless eyes bore down on her, but she barely registered them. The tension thickened, with unspoken question. Then—"Ariel," Johny’s voice cut through the moment like a blade, shattering whatever trance had momentarily seized her.She blinked, her breath shaky as she moved her gaze a
The ride to the Lucas estate was awkwardly silent, the hum of the car filling the space between them. Ariel kept her gaze fixed outside the tinted window, watching as the towering gates of the mansion loomed closer. Its pristine white walls standing tall against the bright sky, a testament to the power and wealth that came with the name.As the car slowed, uniformed guards stepped forward and scanned the vehicle before granting them entry. The iron gates swung open, and the driveway stretched endlessly, beautify by perfectly trimmed gardens that exuded an air of endless elegance. At the centre of the grand courtyard, was a large fountain flowed with crystal-clear water, its steady rhythm adding a sense of calm to the imposing surroundings.Ariel inhaled deeply. She had seen wealth before, but this… this was a different level. It was a dynasty. A kingdom built on power, battle and legacy.Her gaze shifted to the two lion statues positioned at the entrance, their sculpted forms froze
Ariel sat at the vanity, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her reflection staring back at her seemed composed—her skin looked refreshed, her dark circles had disappeared, and her lips carried a natural pink hue, thanks to Maria’s care.But despite her great appearance, the turmoil inside her remained unshakeable.She picked up a brush, applying soft strokes of makeup to her face. She wasn't a fan of make-up, but she knew where she was going, every little details could count. A saga. That’s what today was. A grand, orchestrated display where she had a role to play. A wife. A perfect and presentable woman beside Johny Lucas.But wasn’t that what she signed up for? Of course it was. Her fingers curled around the compact powder as she stared at herself again. For years, she had been a survivor, adapting and molding herself into whatever was needed to protect her son. And now, this was just another way of surviving—one that came with wealth, and a name she barely felt belonged to