Back in his suite, Alaric paced the room restlessly. The conversation with Maribel had only deepened his unease. Her defensiveness wasn’t the reaction of someone with nothing to hide. His mind wandered back to Elona.Her absence had created a void he couldn’t ignore. Elona wasn’t just his children's mother. She was his anchor, the one person who always challenged him to be better. The thought of losing her and the children gnawed at his resolve.Jimmy entered the room, a folder in hand. “Sir, I found something else. Niccolo Ferrand’s name has surfaced in connection with a shell corporation that Maribel has been funneling funds into.”Alaric froze. “Niccolo Ferrand? The operative who vanished years ago?” Jimmy nodded grimly. “It seems he’s not as dead as we were led to believe.”Alaric’s jaw tightened. If Niccolo was alive, and Maribel was involved, then this was bigger than he’d imagined. He clenched his fists, determination flaring in his chest. “I’m going to confront Maribel. But fi
Alaric sat on the edge of his bed in the dimly lit hotel room, his head buried in his hands. The echoes of Elona’s sharp words and decisive actions haunted him, replaying over and over like a relentless storm. He thought back to the quiet strength she had displayed when they first met, her determination to stand firm in the face of adversity. How did I fail to see the brilliance in her all this time?He glanced at his phone again, frustration brewing within him. Every failed attempt to reach her felt like a strike against his resolve, but also a reminder of how much she had endured because of him. Her intellect, her courage, her ability to protect their children while navigating danger, was nothing short of extraordinary.Maribel’s shadow loomed over his thoughts, and he clenched his fists. For years, he had let loyalty to an old comrade cloud his judgment. Elona had seen through the facade, and she had paid the price for his blindness.“I’ve been a fool,” he murmured to himself. Jim
The jet touched down at Country M’s private airfield, and Alaric wasted no time stepping out onto the tarmac. His suit was sharp, but his mind was sharper, calculating the fastest route to his children and Elona.Jimmy hurried to keep up with him. “Sir, we’ve managed to stabilize the company. All major disruptions have been dealt with. Maribel’s influence is contained.”“Good,” Alaric said, his voice steady, though his mind was elsewhere. “But that doesn’t matter right now. I need to see Elona and the triplets.”Jimmy opened the car door as they approached, glancing at Alaric with a concerned expression. “Sir, if we’re moving too quickly...” “No,” Alaric interrupted, cutting him off sharply. “She deserves to hear me out. No more games.”Without even getting time to rest, Alaric boarded another plane to country F. The stoic CEO only got a chance to rest on the plane, knowing that he was finally going to see the woman he lives with and his adorable triplets. Jimmy only woke him up when
The flight back to Country M was quiet. The children were sleeping soundly in their seats, while Alaric and Elona sat side by side. The tension between them still lingered, but something had shifted. There seemed to be an understanding forming between them, one small step at a time.The Royale Mansion awaited them, grand and imposing as ever. Senior Royale greeted them with open arms, his face lighting up as he saw his grandson leading Elona and their triplets into the grand entrance.“Alaric! My boy!” Senior Royale’s voice boomed through the halls, his joy palpable. His eyes landed on Elona, and though he knew of her past with his grandson, his admiration was evident. “It’s wonderful to see you all together. I’ve been dreaming of this day. We should hasten and contact the best wedding planner in the country.”Elona glanced at Alaric, startled by his grandfather’s enthusiasm. Her lips parted to speak, but before she could say a word, Alaric stepped in, his calm demeanor masking his ex
The Royale Mansion had become a strange blend of familiarity and new beginnings. The triplets were settling in well, their laughter echoing through the grand halls, and Elona found herself adapting to the steady rhythm of life in the household.One evening, as the golden hues of sunset bathed the mansion, an unexpected visitor arrived. Master Fu, Elona’s godfather and the formidable founder of the Guild of Shadows, stood at the gates with a warm smile.“Elona,” he said as she hurried to greet him, his voice as steady and reassuring as ever. “I had to see for myself that you and the children are safe.” Elona embraced him tightly, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Godfather, it’s so good to see you. We’re doing well here.”Master Fu’s sharp eyes scanned the mansion. “It’s a grand place, but your safety comes first. There are still those who wish to harm you, Elona. I’ve bought a villa nearby and brought five of my best guild members with me. They’ll be watching over you and the childr
Alaric sat at his desk, staring at an untouched glass of whiskey. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, each thought circling back to the woman who had changed everything: Elona.She was upstairs, likely reading to the triplets before bed. Her voice, soft and soothing, was a balm to the chaos that had been his life since her return. Yet, the distance between them was undeniable.He leaned back in his chair, the weight of regret pressing heavily on his chest. Elona was here, under his roof, raising their children, but she wasn’t his. She wasn’t here for him.He thought back to the days when things had been simpler. Elona had confessed her feelings for him. It had been nine years of her loving him quietly. Alaric realized, and the truth hit him like a wave.She had stood before him, her cheeks flushed, her hands trembling. "I'll always remember you," she had said, her voice barely above a whisper. That night he had gone against the norm and picked up a young girl on the streets who s
The soft rustling of the wind through the garden filled the silence between them. Alaric leaned back on the bench, his hands gripping his knees as if holding himself together. Elona sat beside him, her posture poised, her expression unreadable. Her silence had always been an enigma to him, but tonight, it felt heavier.He studied her face, illuminated by the pale moonlight. She was beautiful. Not just outwardly, but in the quiet strength she exuded. It was a strength that had carried their children, mended his brokenness, and rebuilt what he had so carelessly shattered.“Elona,” he said again, his voice quieter this time, “I know I have no right to ask for forgiveness. I just… I don’t know how to fix this.”Her eyes flicked to his, a flicker of emotion breaking through her calm facade. “Alaric, it’s not about fixing things. Some wounds don’t heal with apologies or grand gestures. Sometimes, they just leave scars, and we have to decide if we can live with them.”Her words hit him harde
Alaric's chest tightened as Elona rose from the bench and walked toward the blooming rose bushes. The moonlight illuminated her figure, and for a moment, he let himself hope that the walls between them could be rebuilt, if only he could prove himself worthy.“Do you still love me, Elona?” The words slipped out before he could stop them. Elona froze, her back still to him. The question hung heavy in the air, fragile and dangerous. Finally, she turned to face him, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.“I don’t know, Alaric,” she said softly. “I loved you for years, and it brought me nothing but pain. I don’t know if I can go through that again.”Her honesty cut him deeper than any blade could. “I don’t deserve your love,” he admitted. “But I can’t stop wanting it. I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to you that I’ve changed, if that’s what it takes.”Elona regarded him for a long moment, her gaze piercing through his defenses. “Words, Alaric,” she said again, her voice firmer this t
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