The garden was now bathed in moonlight, the cool air carrying a serene calm. Alaric hesitated for a moment before asking softly, “Elona, would you like to grab something to eat?”Elona’s first instinct was to refuse. “I should check on the kids,” she said firmly, though there was a note of hesitation in her voice.Before she could say more, Victor appeared from the shadows, bowing slightly. “The triplets are staying the night with their grandparents,” he said smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Elona blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, what? Since when?”Victor glanced meaningfully toward Master Fu, who was standing a short distance away, his hands folded behind him. The wise old man gave Elona an almost imperceptible nod, his expression calm yet knowing. Elona narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.Master Fu’s voice, steady and sage-like, reached her ears. “The little ones are safe and happy. You’ve done enough for tonight, my dear. Perhaps you should take some time for yo
Jimmy burst into the room with the supplies, relief written across his face. “I’ve got everything you asked for,” he said, placing the items on the table. Elona nodded curtly and got to work, her hands moving with practiced precision as she cleaned and tended to the wound. Her expression remained calm, but the fire in her eyes hinted at her growing frustration. “Why would you let this get so bad, Alaric?” she finally asked, her voice tight. “You’re smarter than this. You know better.” Alaric looked away, his jaw tightening, but before he could answer, Jimmy let out a sharp sigh. “You want to know why?” Jimmy said, stepping forward. He ignored the warning look Alaric shot him and continued, his tone edged with exasperation. “Because this man hasn’t cared about himself since the day he woke up and realized you were gone!” “Jimmy, don’t,” Alaric said, his voice low but firm. “No,” Jimmy shot back. “She deserves to know.” He turned to Elona, his gaze steady and his voice softer n
Alaric sat slumped in the passenger seat of the SUV, his face pale but glowing faintly with satisfaction. Elona, seated beside him, crossed her arms, her expression a mix of frustration and worry. Jimmy was driving, though he kept glancing at the rearview mirror nervously, gauging the tension between the two.“You need bedrest and proper care, Alaric,” Elona said, her voice firm. “I can’t just let you continue like this.” Alaric exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment before replying, “I’m not going back to the hotel.”“Then where?” she asked, exasperated. “I have a villa here in Country F,” he said simply, his voice low but resolute. “The kids don’t need to see me like this, not looking this… haggard.” Before Elona could argue further, Jimmy chimed in, “Sir, I can...”“No,” Elona cut him off sharply. “Jimmy, carry him. We’ll settle this when we get there.” Jimmy hesitated, his loyalty torn between his boss and Elona’s authoritative tone. “Uh…”“Jimmy,” Alaric said, his voice ga
The smell of fresh pastries and sizzling bacon wafted through the villa as the family gathered around the grand dining table. The sunlight streaming through the large windows painted the room in a golden glow, highlighting the smiles and laughter echoing within.Master Fu, Senior Royale, and Julio exchanged knowing glances, their eyes lighting up when they saw Elona sitting beside Alaric. The faint blush on her cheeks and the content look on Alaric’s face told them everything they needed to know.“I see you two had a good night,” Master Fu teased, his voice low but filled with mirth. Elona glared at him, her cheeks darkening. “Don’t start, Master Fu,” she said, trying to keep her voice stern.Senior Royale chuckled, his rich laughter filling the room. “Let the man tease, my dear. We’re all just happy to see the two of you… rebuilding.” Julio smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling with joy. “I second that. It’s been far too long since we’ve had a proper family breakfast like this.”Meanwhil
The morning air at the villa was crisp and fragrant, the sounds of birds chirping mingling with the giggles of the triplets as they raced through the garden. After their breakfast adventure, the children were eager to explore every nook and cranny of the estate.Elona stood on the veranda, her arms crossed as she watched them dart between the blooming flowerbeds. Despite her initial hesitation about bringing the family to the villa, the sight of her children so carefree and happy brought a rare smile to her face.“You’re a natural at this,” Alaric said softly, stepping up beside her. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, looking far healthier than he had the previous day. Though his steps were measured, his determination to move without assistance was clear.“A natural at what?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “At being the heart of this family,” he replied. His voice was steady, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed the depths of his emotions. “You make it all look so e
The faint scent of jasmine drifted through the room where a woman sat before a mirror. Her delicate fingers grazed the faint scars that traced her once-flawless complexion. Though nearly invisible to the casual observer, they were a constant reminder of the accident that had reshaped her life 14 years ago.She had been told that her name was Esmeralda, a name as beautiful and mysterious as the woman she saw in the mirror. Yet, the name evoked no memories, no connection to the life she had once led.Her savior, Leonardo Valtieri, had insisted that she take her time, that her memories would return when she was ready. But even now, all she had were fragments, shadows of a past that refused to come into focus.Leonardo Valtieri had always been a man of ambition. Born into a modest family in Country L, he had built an empire from the ground up, becoming one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in international business.But beneath his ruthless exterior lay a man haunted by a love st
Leonardo Valtieri sat in the dimly lit study of his sprawling mansion, a glass of aged whiskey in his hand. His usually impenetrable demeanor softened as he stared at the photograph in front of him. It was a candid shot from the banquet at the prestigious hotel in Country F.The photo captured a radiant young woman standing amidst a crowd, her features a hauntingly familiar echo of the woman he had loved and lost so many years ago. This girl whom he noe knew as Elona. Her striking emerald eyes and graceful posture stirred a torrent of emotions within him.For years, Leonardo had lived with the painful truth that Esmeralda, the daughter he had secretly fathered, was alive but without her memories. He had raised no objections when she called herself by her royal title, believing it safer for her to remain unaware of her true parentage. But when he saw Elona at the banquet, he had no doubt. The young woman’s resemblance to Esmeralda was undeniable.Fourteen years ago, when Leonardo saved
After discussing with and seeing Julio off, Leonardo Valtieri stood at the edge of his vast estate, overlooking rows upon rows of grapevines glistening under the morning sun. The vineyard was his pride and joy, a serene escape from the political intrigues and power struggles that had defined much of his earlier life. But it wasn’t the vineyard itself that brought him the most joy, it was the woman who inspired it.Years ago, when Leonardo had rescued Esmeralda from the car accident, she had been an empty shell of the vibrant, intelligent woman he had once admired from afar. Her once-glowing confidence had been replaced by confusion and fear. Yet even without her memories, certain things about her remained unchanged. Her love for nature, her fascination with wine, and her refined palate for the finest vintages.Determined to give her a semblance of happiness, Leonardo had converted half of his farm into a vineyard. He had spent years cultivating the land, learning about winemaking, an
Five Years Later… The Royale Estate had never been more alive. Lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, the scent of blooming roses mingling with the crisp afternoon air. The laughter of children echoed across the grounds, filling the estate with warmth and joy. Elona stood on the grand balcony, watching the scene below unfold with a soft smile on her lips. She leaned against Alaric, his strong arm wrapped protectively around her waist. "Look at them," she murmured, pride evident in her voice. Down in the courtyard, the Terrific Trio, Arlyle, Artie, and Allie, were engrossed in an intense discussion, their expressions far too serious for eleven-year-olds. But then again, they weren’t just any eleven-year-olds. They were national geniuses, their intelligence unmatched by any child their age. Their names graced international forums, scientific journals, an
The grand ballroom of the Royale Estate was transformed into a breathtaking vision of elegance. Cascading chandeliers bathed the space in golden light, while delicate floral arrangements lined the aisle, each petal whispering a tale of love, redemption, and new beginnings. Alaric Royale stood at the altar, dressed in a custom-tailored black tuxedo, his stance confident yet solemn. His heart pounded with anticipation as he awaited the arrival of the woman who had become his world, the woman he had almost lost but fought to reclaim. The billboards across Country M broadcasted the event live, capturing every moment in stunning detail. The entire nation bore witness to the redemption of a man who had once taken love for granted but now vowed to cherish it with his entire being. When Elona finally appeared at the entrance, time seemed to stand still.Dressed in an exquisite white gown
Alaric Royale had always been a man who thrived under pressure. Business deals, billion-dollar investments, and ruthless negotiations had been his expertise for years. But now, he was navigating an entirely different battlefield, one that involved diaper changes, bedtime stories, and earning the love of the family he had once taken for granted. And he was determined not to fail. For him, this was the dawn of a new routine, and one he fully embraced with sincerity. The sun had barely risen when Elona stirred awake, expecting to hear the usual fussing of the twins. But instead, the room was quiet. Too quiet. She sat up, her heart thudding. Had she overslept? Where were the babies?Slipping on her robe, she made her way downstairs, only to pause at the sight before her. Alaric was in the living room, still in his sleepwear, holding one of the twins in his arms while feeding the othe
Elona studied him, searching for any trace of deception, but all she saw was sincerity, painful, soul-deep sincerity. “I don’t know if I can ever fully forgive you,” she admitted quietly. “But… I want to try.” Alaric’s head snapped up, eyes widening slightly. “You do?” Elona sighed. “The truth is, despite everything, a part of me never stopped wanting you. And maybe that’s my own weakness. But I can’t ignore that you’re their father, that we’re still married, and that...” she hesitated, “...that I once loved you.” The admission hung in the air between them, fragile and uncertain. Alaric leaned forward slightly, his voice a gentle plea. “Then let me earn it. Let me show you that I can be the man you deserve. I don’t expect you to trust me overnight, but I’ll spend every day proving it to you.” Elona exhaled. “We’ll take it one step at a time.” A spark of hope ignited in Alaric’s g
“I missed both of your pregnancies. I wasn’t there when you needed me most. I let others dictate my life, let my pride get in the way.” His jaw clenched. “And because of that, I lost the woman who should have been my priority from the beginning.” Elona crossed her arms, her eyes filled with lingering pain. “You don’t just get to regret things now and expect everything to be okay. You should know that by now." “I know,” he admitted. “And I don’t expect forgiveness overnight. But I need you to know, Elona, that I regret it every single day. Every time I look at our children, I think about what I missed. I think about how you went through it all alone because I was too blind to see what truly mattered.” Elona bit her lip, fighting against the emotions rising inside her. It was rare to see Alaric this open, this vulnerable. But bitterness still lingered in her heart. “You always put business first, believed
The battle was won. The threats to Elona were gone. But for Alaric Royale, the war was far from over. As the chaos of the past weeks settled, silence became his enemy. It was in that silence that the heavy burden of his failures pressed down on him. He had conquered enemies, crushed empires, and outmaneuvered some of the most ruthless minds in the world. Yet, when it came to the one thing that truly mattered, his family, he had failed spectacularly. Alaric sat alone in his office, a crystal glass of whiskey untouched on his desk. The city skyline stretched before him, bright and alive, yet he felt nothing but emptiness. His fingers hovered over his phone. He had Elona’s number memorized, yet every time he thought of calling her, he hesitated. What could he say? I’m sorry? I regret everything? Please come back to me? None of it felt enough. He hadn’t just missed a few anniversaries or forgotten a birthday.
After the banquet’s revelations had settled, Alaric, Elona, and Master Fu gathered in the Guild’s war room, a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient scrolls, maps, and strategic plans. The room was filled with the scent of aged parchment and burning incense, a signature of Master Fu’s personal quarters.Seated at the head of the table, Master Fu steepled his fingers, his piercing eyes scanning the duo before him. “We need to discuss Gwen Mason.”Elona exhaled sharply, her expression darkening at the mention of the former queen consort of Country S. “She got away too easily,” she muttered.Alaric leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable but his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. “Even after the ICC took over, the Mason family pulled their strings, and now she walks free on ‘bail.’ It’s a mockery of justice.”Master Fu nodded gravely. “The ICC was never going to hold her accountable. The Mason family has deep connections, and the former king… well, let’s just say he w
Kian stood at the wide-open balcony of his guest bedroom at the Guild headquarters, his fingers curled tightly around the ornate railing. The cool night air did little to ease the storm raging inside him. He had spent his life running, from the truth, from himself, from the consequences of his choices. But tonight, he could no longer hide.Behind him, the grand doors creaked open, and light footsteps approached. Elona. He knew her presence before he even turned. “You wanted to see me?” she asked, her voice calm but distant.Kian inhaled deeply, steeling himself before facing her. She looked as poised as ever, her striking features illuminated by the moonlight, but there was something else, something he had put there. A wound, not of steel or poison, but of betrayal.“Elona…” he hesitated, his throat tightening. “There’s something I need to say. Something I should have said a long time ago.” She crossed her arms, waiting. “I’m listening.”His fingers clenched at his sides before he for
The following evening, the banquet hall of the Guild of Shadows was alive with activity. The grand space had been transformed into an elegant but fortified venue. Guards were positioned at key points, watching for any sign of trouble. Elite members of the guild mingled with the esteemed guests, their presence a reminder that tonight was not just a celebration, it was a test. And Elona was at the center of it all. At the head table sat Master Fu, his keen eyes observing the room, knowing that tonight was not just about celebration, it was about revelation. Elona sat beside him, her face calm and composed, but a storm brewed within. The triplets were at a smaller table nearby, excitedly whispering to one another, while Kian sat to her other side, his expression unreadable.Then, Alaric walked in. Dressed in a sharp black suit, exuding dominance, his icy blue eyes swept the hall before landing on Elona. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still between them. But before he could tak