I half-expected to get turned away.Guess dropping Matthew's name still worked like a charm, especially with Thorsten.Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of an old man with graying hair, moving through slow, deliberate self-defense routines in the middle of the room.He's Thorsten?!I'd done my homework. He wasn't even sixty yet, around the same age as Matthew. In the photos, he looked younger and sharp, but now he seemed to have aged a whole generation beyond Matthew.Even though I'd read everything I could find on Thorsten, it was hard to reconcile that image with the man in front of me, focused on his forms like he was one with the air around him. For a second, I wondered if I'd gotten the wrong guy."So, what do you want?" Thorsten asked, not even pausing his movements, executing each form with precision.That voice left no doubt—it really was Thorsten Drago.Why he looked so different now, I didn't want to guess. I took a deep breath and sa
I couldn't help but wonder if, when no one's around, Matthew secretly enjoyed this kind of pampering too.My mind tended to wander, and in that brief moment, I pictured all sorts of scenarios."Come, have a seat," Thorsten said, motioning to the chair across from him.I walked over, and the attendant immediately poured me water, fussing over me like I was royalty.I wasn't used to being waited on like this, but I reminded myself to just go with it and respect Thorsten's way of doing things."You're not married, are you?" he asked, taking a sip of his tea."No."He smiled. "So, when are you joining the Johnston family?"I was caught off guard. Did he not know that Jace and I had already broken up? And his own son had tried to trick me into becoming his daughter-in-law.I couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if I'd shown up last time as Cole's fiancée. Would Thorsten have blown a gasket?"Not happening," I said bluntly.Thorsten didn't seem fazed. He just let out a
Matthew and Lindey always treated me like family, like I was their own daughter.I knew that. I really did.But ever since I found that contract, it's like there's this constant knot in my chest whenever I'm around them.I just want to untangle it. I want to love them freely and accept their love without holding back.Thorsten chuckled. "Like father, like daughter."I froze. He'd just claimed he didn't remember my dad.So, he was lying to me.And why...My chest tightened as I dug my nails into my palm.Thorsten let out a soft laugh. "It's because Matthew keeps bringing it up. Otherwise, why would I remember someone I met twice, over ten years ago?"My throat tightened. "Why does Matthew keep bringing up my dad?"Thorsten got up. His bodyguard started to move, but Thorsten waved him off. He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the lush lawn outside. "What do you think Matthew would say about your dad?"He really knew how to play this game.I had no id
Matthew and Lindey had been like family to me, but I'd been terrified that all that love might've just been a lie.Could I really trust Thorsten's word on this?I knew I shouldn't have been so paranoid, but after losing my parents, it was hard not to be.I wanted to ask more, to get to the bottom of everything, but the words got stuck in my throat. So I'd stayed quiet."You probably didn't know this, but Matthew had a secret stash," Thorsten said, catching me off guard.He chuckled softly. "Relax. It's not what you think. Matthew and I are completely different."I couldn't help but smile a little. So Thorsten did have some self-awareness after all.The internet had been full of gossip about his playboy antics. They said he'd had more girlfriends than he could count, but only one kid—Cole."Matthew and Lindey had a great relationship," I'd said, trying to steer the conversation somewhere safer.Thorsten had laughed again, and I couldn't tell if he'd found me amusing or just nai
"Keira!"Brad flashed me a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.Great. You really can run into jerks anywhere. I forced a smile. "What, did you get yourself in trouble again?"Someone like him wouldn't be here otherwise.He nodded without an ounce of shame. "Yep, driving without a license."That reminded me of him inviting me to his birthday party. He was still underage."Congratulations," I said dryly."Thanks!" he replied, completely ignoring my sarcasm.I had more important things to focus on, so I turned back to the officer, who was still glued to the computer screen. My dad's case must have been too old; they hadn't found anything yet."What are you doing here?" Brad leaned closer, clearly intrigued."Just handling some business," I brushed him off."What kind of business? Need any help? If it's something tricky, I can get someone to assist you," Brad offered, like he was trying to be some kind of hero.I shot him a mocking smile. "You should probably focus o
Brad's six-foot frame practically knocked me over.I stumbled, ready to go off on him, but then Tanya stormed over, her face twisted with rage.For a split second, I thought, 'Wow, she looks awful.' I couldn't believe I'd ever thought she was pretty.I guess it's true what they say: looks can show what's inside. Tanya's heart was twisted and ugly, and now her face matched."Brad Twain, get over here," Tanya barked at Brad."Keira, help me," Brad whimpered from behind me, sounding like a scared little kid.This was getting out of hand."Let go!" I snapped, feeling beyond frustrated."Please, help me!" Brad whined, clinging to me like some kind of human Velcro.I gritted my teeth, lifted my foot, and stomped on his."OW!" He yelped, finally letting go. I wiped my arm like I could scrub off his clinginess and took a step back.But Tanya blocked me again. I shot her a glare. "Move.""I didn't know you could be so heartless," she hissed.I felt my blood start to boil. "Tanya Tw
People like Jace and Tanya only picked on those they thought wouldn't fight back.They treated me like this because my silence and indifference made them think I was an easy target, never realizing it was just because I didn't give a damn.But if they wanted to see me as weak, it was time to show them that even the quietest knife had a sharp edge.My words made Jace's expression darken instantly. "Rea...""Let. Go." I snapped again.But he still held on, his grip tight. "I'm not blaming you. I just... wanted to let you know.""Are you trying to piss me off?" Each word was like a dagger, meant to cut deep. "Save it. I don't want to hear it."Jace's jaw clenched, and a vein pulsed at his temple. He was trying so hard to keep his cool.The way he looked at me... In the past, he would've walked away by now.But today, he didn't. He held my gaze for a moment before finally saying, "The amusement park is opening as planned. I want you to be there."I felt my breath hitch, the refus
"Kiki, tonight Daddy will watch the stars with you.""Kiki, be a good girl and take your medicine.""Kiki..."..."Dad, Mom..." I reached out for them, but my hands were pinned down, and I heard a familiar voice calling, "Kiki, Kiki, wake up, wake up..."I felt two hands gently cup my face.Hayden's anxious face came into focus. His thumb brushed softly across my cheek. "Kiki, it's me."It was Hayden.I was finally pulled out of the heartbreaking dream, but as reality set in, the pain only got worse.I bit down on my lip, so hard I could taste the metallic tang of blood.In the next second, Hayden pried my mouth open. "Kiki, stop. Don't hurt yourself. Please, listen to me..."His voice kept calling my name, but all I could see were my parents' faces."Ah!" I screamed again.Hayden pulled me into his arms, and I collapsed against his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.I pounded my fists against him, but no one could understand the depth of my pain, how much I just wanted to
Lena: “...” Who said that just because someone delivers vegetables, the garden is guaranteed to have a bountiful harvest? She glanced at Ron, silently signaling for help. He immediately understood—but instead of refusing on her behalf, he reached out, took her hand, and assisted his grandmother in slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. Lena: “...” She had wanted him to help her reject it! Why was he helping her wear it instead? "If you don’t accept it, my grandma will think you don’t like me and will scold me," Ron whispered, his fingers gently pressing against her hand. Then he lowered his voice even more and added, "Be good." His words weren’t loud, but they were just enough for everyone to hear. Lena shuddered. The sheer cheesiness of it sent a wave of goosebumps across her skin. Left with no other choice, she forced out a polite, "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma." As she spoke, she unintentionally lifted her gaze—and locked eyes with Aaron. Bright sunlight streamed
Lena didn’t need to turn around to recognize the voice—she had just heard it last night. "Aunt Xandra," Lena greeted Xandra, who approached her excitedly. "It really is you!" Xandra looked at Ron in surprise. "Cousin, so Lena is your girlfriend?" Ron raised an eyebrow. "Why is she calling you ‘Aunt Xandra’?" Xandra blushed slightly, and Lena explained, "She’s my uncle’s girlfriend." "Oh? What a coincidence. Looks like we’re about to become one big happy family," Ron teased, his tone laced with amusement. Lena hadn’t expected to run into Xandra there. Fortunately, her relationship with Ron was fake—otherwise, things would get complicated. If she called Xandra "Aunt Xandra" while Xandra called Ron "Cousin," their family connections would become a mess. "Your uncle will be here soon. I’m waiting for him," Xandra said cheerfully, making Lena’s head ache. Why did she keep running into Aaron wherever she went? There was no avoiding him. "Well, you wait here. We’re heading i
Perhaps he had made the announcement and left early to avoid any awkward encounters. Lena’s mind spun with possibilities as she made her way downstairs and into the courtyard. "Good morning, my dearest Grandpa, Grandma, and Mother." Their moods were bright, so she decided to match their cheerfulness. "Awake already?" her grandmother responded first. Lena ran over to her, wrapping her arms around her shoulders and planting a kiss. "Grandma, you smell amazing." "Of course I do! I used the perfume Xandra gave me—it’s from the Little Carriage collection. Isn’t it divine?" her grandmother replied with a proud smile. The "Little Carriage" her grandmother referred to was a designer perfume brand. Her grandmother had always loved dressing up, doing her makeup, and using YSL international perfumes. Xandra clearly knew how to cater to her tastes. No doubt Aaron had told her exactly what to buy. Lena moved over to Briana, wrapping her in a hug as well and lowering her voice to ask
Lena had been feigning sleep so perfectly, yet who would’ve thought Aaron would pull a move like this? What was she supposed to do now? She didn’t dare move. Any movement would make things even more awkward. So, she kept up the act, letting Aaron carry her upstairs and open her bedroom door. Her face was pressed against his chest, so she discreetly opened her eyes, but all she could see was his white shirt and catch the clean, refreshing scent of pinewood on him. Yes, pinewood. It wasn’t the scent of makeup, nor was it perfume. Did this mean he hadn’t hugged Xandra? That nothing intimate had happened between them? The thought barely crossed her mind before she mentally rolled her eyes at herself. What are you thinking? If he hugged or kissed his girlfriend, wouldn’t that be completely normal? Lena, come to your senses! This is your Uncle Aaron. Whether he’s part of the Ace family or not, he’s still your Uncle Aaron. Uncle Aaron… As she repeated the title in her mind
"You silly girl, what nonsense are you spouting?" Briana gave Lena a light slap on the arm. "Mom, if I marry Uncle Aaron, then he won’t have a reason to leave, right? Isn’t that a good thing?" Lena continued to test the waters. "Good thing? What good is there in that? Do you have any idea how many people would gossip about you, me, and the Ace family if that happened?" Briana’s concerns mirrored Lena’s own fears. "But Uncle Aaron has already stated that he’s no longer part of the Ace family. Who would still have anything to say?" Lena argued, trying to persuade her mother. Briana shook her head. "People will always find something to gossip about. Even if he’s not part of the Ace family, they’ll still wag their tongues." "Didn’t you always say, ‘Walk your own path and let others talk’? Let them say what they want. It’s not like we’re losing a piece of flesh," Lena quipped, spouting her own brand of twisted logic. Briana finally realized something was off. She twisted Lena’s
"I'm just amazed that pregnancy has made you smarter. Most people say pregnancy makes women forgetful for three years," Hayden teased Keira with a rare grin. Keira gave him a gentle kick. "Did Aaron ask you to pass on his thoughts?" "No, it's just what I think," Hayden replied earnestly. He would never lie to her. Keira sighed softly. "Love between two people isn’t something outsiders can meddle with. But maybe Aaron’s actions today will help Lena realize what’s in her heart." "Let’s wait and see," Hayden said, finishing the massage before applying lotion and stretch mark cream to Keira's belly. "Baby, give Dad a little kick," Hayden said, stroking her belly. Right after he spoke, the baby really did kick. Keira couldn’t help but laugh; this little one was so obedient to their dad. "Just a few kicks, alright? Mommy needs to sleep, so don’t bother her," Hayden instructed. The baby obediently kicked a few more times before settling down. Keira was curious. "I think our ba
Keira stared at the messages Lena had just sent her. She could sense something was up, so she immediately called her, but Lena declined the call. Instead, she replied with another message: [I’m at my grandparents’ house, and my mother is here too.] Keira had no choice but to keep texting her: [Did Aaron upset you today?] Lena sent Keira a string of ellipses. That endless row of dots made her even more curious. [What happened exactly?] Keira pressed. Lena replied: [He brought his girlfriend home today.] After sending that message, she also sent Keira a screenshot of a payment receipt and added: [Spot the highlight.] Keira zoomed in on the image and finally noticed the note: Name Change Fee. [Wow, how generous! 600,000 dollars just for a name change fee. What did you call her to make it worth that much?] Keira was shocked. Lena then sent Keira a voice message, explaining the situation in detail. At the end, she added: [He used to tell me how long he’d liked me, but now he’s
"Aaron, I want to add Lena on WhatsApp." Xandra actually asked Aaron, gently tugging on his sleeve with a delicate and endearing expression that made her look pitifully lovable. Aaron glanced at her, his gaze filled with a warmth Lena was all too familiar with. Once upon a time, he had looked at her the same way. Now, he could look at other women like that. So, never believe a man when he says things like, I've liked you for years. "If you want to add her, then add her," Aaron's approval made Xandra look at him with delight. Lena, however, truly didn’t want to add her. She and Xandra weren’t close, and they likely wouldn’t ever be. Lena didn’t enjoy socializing with strangers, so she smiled faintly. "Aren’t you afraid I might tell her something about you, Uncle Aaron?" Aaron’s gaze turned cold and distant, his voice calm. "There’s nothing about me that Xandy can’t know." Ha! Lena sneered inwardly. If that were the case, why had he just warned her earlier? Double stand
Under the table, Lena felt her mother's foot nudge her—a clear signal: Let Xandra win. Lena gritted her teeth. Why was everyone fawning over a girlfriend who hadn’t even officially joined the family? Annoyed, she huffed inwardly. The more you tell me to lose, the harder I’ll fight to win. The game began, and Lena’s starting hand was exceptional—practically a heavenly draw. She was only one card away from winning while the others still struggled with mismatched cards. It seemed like an easy victory was in the cards for her. But then, as if under a spell, her luck took a sharp turn. None of the cards she needed showed up. Worse, every time she reached for a card, Xandra would intercept it with a call, blocking her progress entirely. As the rounds continued, even her mother, Briana, reached a ready hand, while Lena was still stuck with the same cards she started with. Soon, her grandmother joined the fray, and eventually, even Xandra declared readiness. Three players were now