The morning sun streamed through the curtains, making the room warm. Elona stirred, her body still wrapped in the comforting embrace of Alaric's strong arms. The events of the night before played through her mind, bringing a soft blush to her cheeks.Alaric, already awake, looked down at her with a tender smile. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle and reverent. "Good morning, my love," he murmured, his voice rich with emotion.Elona opened her eyes and smiled back at him, her heart swelling with happiness. "Good morning," she replied softly, her voice still tinged with sleep.Alaric leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "How do you feel?" he asked, his concern evident in his tone. Elona's smile widened as she looked into his eyes. "Loved," she said simply, her voice filled with sincerity.Alaric's heart swelled at her words, and he tightened his arms around her. "You are loved, Elona. More than you'll ever know," he said, his voice thick with em
Elona's hands trembled slightly as she held the phone to her ear, waiting for Master Fu's voice to answer on the other end. When his calm, soothing tone finally came through, it felt like the world steadied beneath her feet."Master Fu," she began, her voice carrying a rare tremor of vulnerability. "I have something important to tell you." "Ah, child, what is it?" Master Fu's voice, warm and full of concern, felt like a comforting embrace.Elona drew in a shaky breath, the words she had rehearsed in her mind suddenly heavy with meaning. "It's about Alaric. I've... I've accepted him. He's the one I want to spend my life with."A brief silence followed, and for a fleeting moment, doubt gnawed at her. Would Master Fu approve of her choice, knowing how fiercely protective he was of her?But when he spoke, his voice carried a smile. "Ah, Elona, I'm glad to hear that. You deserve happiness, and if Alaric is the one who brings you joy, then my heart is glad."Elona's chest swelled with grati
The private jet touched down smoothly on the sprawling Royale estate runway. The triplets, who had been buzzing with excitement for the entire flight, were now practically bouncing in their seats, eager to stretch their legs and explore their home again.“We’re back!” Allie declared, her face pressed against the window. “Finally,” Arlyle muttered, pretending to be nonchalant, though the corners of his mouth twitched with a smile.Artie, meanwhile, was already unbuckling his seatbelt, ready to dash off as soon as the doors opened. Elona chuckled softly, glancing at Alaric. “It seems they’ve missed their routines more than they let on.”Alaric smiled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “It’s good to be home. But what matters most is that we’re doing this together now.”Once the jet’s doors opened, the family stepped onto the tarmac, greeted by the familiar sight of the estate’s sprawling grounds and the warm smiles of the household staff waiting to welcome them.“Welcome home, Mr. Royal
The air was light with anticipation as Elona adjusted her sunglasses while stepping out of the car. Alaric stood beside her, effortlessly handsome in his crisp suit, his hand firmly on the small of her back."Do you think they'll hand me a trophy for becoming Mrs. Royale?" Elona teased, glancing up at him with a grin. Alaric chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "If they don’t, I’ll commission one myself. Platinum, encrusted with diamonds. Only the best for you."The triplets darted ahead, their laughter ringing out as they led the way into the marriage registrar's building. "Mom, do you think they’ll say something like, 'By the power vested in me?'" Artie asked, grinning mischievously. Allie rolled her eyes. "That’s for weddings, Artie, not this." Arlyle smirked. "But it’d be fun if they did."Elona shook her head, smiling at their antics as Alaric held the door open for her. The office was bustling but carried an air of simplicity, its pale blue walls and neatly organized desks a far c
Harley Carter sat alone in her dimly lit suite, a glass of wine in one hand and her phone in the other, staring at the picture. The image of Alaric and Elona at the marriage registrar burned into her mind like a brand. They looked radiant, impossibly happy, and worst of all, untouchable.Her hand trembled as she set the glass down with a clatter, her lips curling into a bitter smile. How? she thought, her mind spiraling as she replayed the events of the past five years.She had been so close. She had devised the perfect plan, leaving no room for error. Alaric was supposed to be hers. From the moment she first set her sights on him, she had known he was her destiny, a man of unimaginable power and wealth, a man who could elevate her to heights she’d only dreamed of.But Elona, her supposed half-sister, the shadow she thought she’d buried long ago, had ruined everything. Harley clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as memories swirled in her mind like a storm.She had dru
Harley leaned back in her chair, her lips curving into a triumphant smile as she ended the call with Maribel. The plan was in motion. She had no doubts about Maribel’s cunning, after all, the Queen Consort’s goddaughter had maneuvered her way into Alaric’s social circles with masterful precision.“Two heads are better than one,” Harley murmured, swirling the remnants of her wine. “And with Maribel’s connections, Elona won’t know what hit her.”Harley’s mind raced with possibilities. She and Maribel were both women scorned, their ambitions thwarted by a woman who had no business standing in their way. A designer? A doctor? Harley scoffed. No amount of titles or accolades could protect Elona from what was coming.Far from the opulent city skyline, in the secluded sanctum of the Guild of Shadows, whispers filled the air. Cloaked figures moved in silence, their every step calculated and deliberate. At the center of the room, a large map of interconnected lines and targets lay illuminated
Elona sat in her private study, the dim light casting sharp shadows across her face. Her phone rested on the desk before her, a silent sentinel holding the key to her next move. Her fingers traced the edge of the device as she weighed her decision one last time.No hesitation. Not anymore. She picked up the phone and dialed the number she had memorized years ago and at one point thought she'd never hear the owner's voice. But fate brought her mom back and her biological dad and maternal grandpa. Anyway, the phone rang only once before a familiar, elegant voice answered.“Elona, my darling.” Esmeralda’s voice was soft yet laced with surprise. "Don't tell me you're only remembering you've got a mom now. I thought that marrying Alaric has made you forget about your family. You should...."“Mother,” Elona interrupted, her tone firm but affectionate. “It’s time. Time to get back everything in Gus Carter's hands." There was a pause, a breathless silence before Esmeralda replied, her voice n
Harley’s resolve solidified, her mind churning with schemes. She couldn’t let Elona and Esmeralda win so easily. Not without a fight. Her eyes flicked to the hidden compartment in her wardrobe, where she kept her "insurance". A folder filled with secrets she had gathered over the years. Secrets about Elona, Esmeralda, and even Gus.As she pulled the folder out, her lips twisted into a bitter smile. "If they want a war, I’ll give them one."The next morning, as the golden sun rays illuminated Royalita Winery, Elona and Esmeralda began their work. Esmeralda was meeting with the estate staff, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership, while Elona pored over documents in the office.But even amidst the whirlwind of activity, Elona couldn’t ignore the weight in her chest. Returning to the place that held so many painful memories was harder than she had anticipated.She stood by the large bay window overlooking the vineyard, her gaze fixed on the sprawling fields. Memories of her childhood
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