"Wow!" Aleah exclaimed in awe as she walked toward the open space near the large indoor pool, gazing at the beautiful view outside the suite. From there, she could see the lush green mountains and the azure ocean.
"Did you like it?" Hunter asked the young woman.
"Very much," Aleah replied cheerfully, turning to the man with a sweet smile. Hunter suddenly froze, captivated by what seemed to be her radiant smile. It was as though he was looking at a goddess when he saw her innocent, smiling face.
"What did you do?" Aleah asked, startled, blinking rapidly as she heard the faint sound of a camera. It was only then that she noticed Hunter standing with a camera in his hands, looking straight at her.
"What else would it be?" Hunter responded as he lowered the camera and walked over to where Aleah stood.
"You took my picture without even telling me?" Aleah asked in surprise, following him as he walked ahead. She stopped beside him, and together they looke
"Mama?!" exclaimed Aleah in surprise upon seeing her mother with Atty. Brambilla, waiting for them in the airport's arrival area. She looked at Hunter in confusion, and it was only then that she realized what country they had traveled to. She noticed Hunter nodding at her, as if to say it was okay to approach her mother.Aleah immediately ran toward her mom and hugged her tightly, as if it had been ages since their last meeting. Hunter silently followed them, pushing the trolley with their luggage."Hunter, thank you for bringing my daughter here," Elara said upon seeing Hunter approach them, then stepped back from her daughter."What do you mean by that?" Aleah asked, still confused, and looked at Hunter."Hunter called me the other day and told me you were coming to visit," Elara explained. "He said you’ve been crying every night and calling out for me. You’re very thoughtful—thank you so much," she added, turning her attention to the
Son, have you been waiting long?" Don Antonio asked as he approached Hunter, who was seated inside an elegant restaurant with dim lighting and soft instrumental music playing in the background. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bread filled the air, setting a calm yet tense atmosphere. Upon seeing the elder, Hunter immediately rose from his chair to greet him, his posture formal and composed."Please, have a seat. My apologies for keeping you waiting," Don Antonio said as he lowered himself into the empty chair across from Hunter, his movements deliberate and marked with authority."You could have simply visited the mansion. Why did we need to meet in a public place like this?" the elder remarked, his voice carrying a subtle tone of curiosity and unease.Hunter leaned forward slightly, his expression grave. "I’ll get straight to the point. I didn’t ask to meet you as the husband of your granddaughter, but as an officer of the law," he decla
"Aleah," Hunter called softly as he arrived at the hospital. His voice, though steady, carried a weight of concern as he approached with Rafael and other members of the Astral Guardians trailing behind him. The corridor outside the operating room was dimly lit, the sterile scent of antiseptics lingering in the air. The faint hum of medical machines and the occasional muffled voices of nurses passing by only amplified the tension hanging in the atmosphere.Standing just outside the operating room, Aleah was anxiously waiting for news about her mother. She had been holding herself together with all her might, but the moment her eyes landed on Hunter, her resolve cracked. Silent tears began streaming down her face, betraying the overwhelming emotions she had fought so hard to contain."Ale—" Hunter began, stepping closer to her, but his words were abruptly silenced when Aleah closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms tightly around him. A sob escaped her a
Hunter entered the room where Aleah was staying at the hotel. He noticed his wife asleep on the bed, her features illuminated by the dim, warm glow of the bedside lamp. As his eyes lingered on her peaceful face, he caught sight of her puffy, reddened eyelids—evidence of the tears she'd shed. His chest tightened at the thought of her pain.“This brat,” Hunter muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a mix of affection and frustration. He quietly approached her, each step deliberate to avoid waking her. Sitting gently on the edge of the bed, he carefully adjusted the blanket to ensure she was comfortably covered. Afterward, his gaze softened as he studied her features, brushing away strands of hair that had fallen over her face.“You’ve been through so much,” he whispered, his voice barely audible, laden with regret. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about your grandfather and the truth about who he really was. I j
When Aleah and Hunter returned to the country, they were immediately welcomed by a call from the elderly patriarch, Don Sebastian. He had insisted that they stay at the expansive Bryant mansion for a week before moving to Hunter's house in the Astral Guardians' Compound. The mansion stood as a symbol of grandeur and tradition, a place that carried both history and the weight of family expectations.“Are you alright with coming back here to the mansion?” Hunter asked as he stepped out of the car and held the door open for Aleah. His gaze caught hers as she lingered, her eyes momentarily fixated on the grand structure before them. It wasn’t her first time seeing it, but its imposing size and the memories it held still had the power to unsettle her. This was the place she had called home for a while during their engagement—an arrangement born not of romance but of a pact between Sebastian and Damian.“Daniela also stayed here while waiting fo
"Sorry, I can't join you here. I had an urgent call," Hunter said to Aleah as she walked him to the grand iron gates outside the mansion. The crisp morning air carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from the garden. Hunter had suddenly received a call from an officer of the Astral Guardians, summoning him to the camp. The Alpha King had learned of his return and insisted on his presence, emphasizing the urgency of the matter."I can't do anything about it. You're heading to work, after all. Even if I tried to stop you, you wouldn't listen," Aleah replied, her voice tinged with a mix of acceptance and sadness. She wrapped her arms around herself, shielding against the morning chill."Good thing you understand. Will you be okay?" Hunter asked, his intense gaze fixed on her face, as if trying to gauge her emotions."Of course," Aleah said with a forced smile, her eyes betraying a hint of unease."Don't act so tough, clumsy girl," Hunter teased, breaking
Aleah walked into the kitchen and found Daniella, Michelle, and Aurora busily preparing breakfast. It was a surprising sight for her—back when she lived in the mansion, she was used to seeing the household staff take care of such tasks. The family members rarely, if ever, lifted a finger in the kitchen. But here, for the first time, she saw these women actively cooking, moving with practiced ease as they chopped, stirred, and arranged ingredients. What caught her attention even more was how effortlessly they worked together, their laughter and light banter filling the air. It was evident that Daniella had already won their affection.“G-good morning. Can I help with anything?” Aleah’s voice was hesitant but hopeful. She had woken up early, thinking it would be a good idea to lend a hand. Helping in the kitchen seemed like a way to make herself useful and to prove that she wasn’t just a burden on Don Sebastian’s family. It also seemed like an
Dalia! Tommy! Ramil!" exclaimed Aleah in surprise as she stepped out of the car, her expression shifting from confusion to delight upon seeing the three eagerly waiting by the door of Hunter’s house in the Astral Guardians compound. She had barely taken a step when the sound of the gate opening drew her attention—it was Rafael. Not surprising, she thought. Rafael was always around Hunter, and it wouldn’t be shocking to learn his house was also within the compound. His presence there only added to her growing curiosity."Big Sis Aleah!" shouted Dalia and Tommy, their faces lighting up as they ran toward her. The twins practically launched themselves into her arms, hugging her tightly. Overwhelmed but smiling, Aleah gently hugged them back. Her eyes shifted to Hunter, who stood nearby with his usual calm demeanor. She noticed Ramil approaching him, and in that moment, Hunter handed over their bag to the younger man."How are you?" Ramil greeted her with an
The members of the Astral Guardian carefully infiltrated a cargo vessel as part of a joint mission with the Navy. They moved cautiously, ensuring that they made no noise that might alert the kidnappers inside. Within the cargo vessel, three male hostages were being held. The Navy members located a container where the captives were confined.Since the container was locked, one member had to shoot the lock to open it. Once the lock was broken, another Navy member forcefully kicked the door open. The hostages were visibly shocked to see the Navy members standing before them.One of the hostages blinked in disbelief as the Navy members appeared in the doorway."We're getting you out of here," one of the Navy officers said firmly, already moving to help the nearest man to his feet.“We need to move. Now,” another hissed, scanning the area. “They’ll know we’re here any second.”Without hesitation, their leader barked, “Hel
"He's not gonna make it, is he?" Elara asked Aleah, watching the families on the school grounds snapping pictures. Today was Aleah's graduation day, but something felt missing.Aleah glanced at the scene, her gaze lingering on the happy faces. "I don't know, Mom," she said softly, biting her lip as she scanned the crowd.“Don’t tell me your husband’s off saving the world again?” Dennis said as he walked toward them, his suit crisp and a bouquet of flowers in hand.Aleah’s eyes met his. "Dennis," she greeted quietly."For you," Dennis said, offering the bouquet with a grin. "Seriously, though. I heard he just got out of the hospital. Is he really off on another mission already? Seems like he’d rather save strangers than be here for you."Before Aleah could reply, Rafael joined them with Claire and their child in tow. "Hey, he’ll be here soon," Rafael said confidently, giving Aleah a warm smile.Seeing them, Aleah
The birthday party for Daniella and Zane’s child came to an abrupt end when a frantic call from the hospital informed them that Hunter was in the operating room. Without wasting a second, they raced to the hospital, where the Vice Admiral and two of his men were waiting.Aleah froze the moment her eyes landed on the Vice Admiral. The world around her seemed to stop, her body going icy cold—especially when she noticed the blood staining the hands and uniforms of his men.“What happened to Hunter?” Daniella and Zane demanded, their voices sharp with worry. The Vice Admiral shook his head, refusing to share any details. “The doctors have been working for almost six hours now. His injuries are... serious. Even though he should’ve been able to heal himself, the wounds are too severe this time.”He continued, his voice grim, “He was shot. One hit his body, but the worst—we think—might’ve hit his head.”
A young man was running frantically, dodging gunfire from men on motorcycles and a pickup-style jeep. Explosions erupted behind him as he sprinted, forcing him to quicken his pace to evade his relentless pursuers. The chase led to a beach, where the explosions continued to trail him. One of the men in a car aimed a rocket launcher at him, causing the young man to dive just as the rocket exploded behind him. He landed on the ground, unconscious and bleeding from a head wound.The pursuers stopped a short distance away, and one of them ordered two men to check if the young man was still alive. They approached him, turned him over with their feet, and saw blood streaming from his head, along with wounds on his side and shoulder. Noticing his faint breathing, one of them cocked his gun, ready to end the young man's life.Just as the trigger was about to be pulled, the sound of a helicopter filled the air, followed by gunfire targeting the men on motorcycles and in the car. One
Before they headed back home, Hunter and Aleah made the most of their time together on their honeymoon. After three long years apart, Hunter wanted to make sure Aleah never felt insecure, even with the new mission looming ahead. She would always be his number one—he promised her that in a letter three years ago."Morning, love," Hunter greeted with a bright smile as he walked into their room. Aleah couldn't help but beam when she saw him carrying a breakfast tray with a single white rose resting on top. When she woke up and found his side of the bed empty, she thought he’d left for his mission—gone without a word, as his top-secret missions usually demanded. The Vice Admiral’s visit had left her half-expecting it. She had even braced herself to go home alone. But there he was.Hunter set the tray on the bed, picking up the rose with a grin. "Breakfast in bed, madam."Aleah raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "What’s th
Ahem." The throat-clearing sliced through the sweet moment between the couple. Hunter and Aleah both turned to find its source. Aleah’s eyes rounded when she saw a man she didn’t recognize. He wore a spotless white uniform—the kind Navy officers wore, if Aleah had to guess. Her eyes caught on the insignia on his shoulder. Two younger men stood behind him, their stances stiff, their outfits screaming “military.”"Alpha Hunter," the man in white said as he saluted, sharp and precise. The two men behind him followed suit. Hunter helped Aleah up gently before returning the gesture."Vice Admiral Salvacion," Hunter replied, his tone calm but alert."Sorry to crash your vacation," Salvacion said, extending his hand to Hunter.Hunter hesitated, glancing at Aleah. She didn’t say anything, just quietly watched the exchange, her expression unreadable. Hunter’s gut churned—whatever the Vice Admiral was here for, it wasn’
The casual gesture made her feel warm and safe as they strolled toward the hotel restaurant. As they sat down to eat, the relaxed atmosphere was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a woman.“Hi! You’re the guy from the beach earlier, right?” the woman asked, her voice far too enthusiastic. Aleah and Hunter both turned toward her, startled by her abruptness.“I know this might sound weird, but... can I sit with you guys?” the woman asked directly, not even attempting subtlety.Seriously? Aleah’s brows twitched, and she had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. The woman’s boldness was almost laughable.“S-sure,” Hunter stammered, clearly caught off guard. The woman didn’t hesitate, slipping into the empty chair at their table as though she belonged there.Aleah’s eyes narrowed, her gaze boring into Hunter like lasers. Hunter gulped, clearly realizing his mistake. Yep, he’d definitely ma
When Hunter came back to their room after handling the unruly guest, he spotted Aleah already asleep on the bed. He quietly placed the wine and glass on the table, a small gift from the hotel manager for his efforts earlier. Hunter moved closer, sitting beside his wife. He carefully brushed her hair off her face, smiling softly as he adjusted her blanket."Sleep well, my love," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek before standing again. He walked to the table, poured himself a glass of wine, and stepped onto the terrace."How am I supposed to sleep?" he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair. The wine glass and bottle sat untouched on the side table. Opening the bottle, he poured a little wine, swirled it around, and took a sip."A honeymoon under the stars, yet here I am drinking wine on my own," Hunter said, frustration coloring his voice. His thoughts drifted to the commotion earlier and the guest's horrible timing—interrupting the
"Wow!" Aleah gasped, eyes wide as they stepped into Hunter's hotel room. The soft glow of scented candles flickered around the room, casting a warm light over the trail of rose petals leading to the massive bed. The bed was sprinkled with more petals, and the room felt alive with a dreamy, romantic atmosphere that made her heart skip.She turned to Hunter, her brows furrowing. "How... How did you pull this off? We’ve been together all day!"Hunter grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Magic, babe. You like it?""Like it? I love it. It’s amazing." Aleah whispered, her voice filled with awe.Hunter stepped closer, brushing a finger along her hand. "Glad you do. Now, I’m calling dibs on the shower first." He leaned in just enough to make her breath hitch, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Don’t go anywhere."Aleah froze as he disappeared into the bathroom, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. Her gaze d