The Taylors, when deeply in love, loved with all their heart. But when they wanted to appear heartless, they could act the part flawlessly. When Liam frostily uttered those words, it felt like a piece of flesh was being cut away from him. Not only that, it also felt like his wounded heart was being wrenched unsparingly. "Liam…" Yuliana, wrapped in his military uniform, shivered uncontrollably. Her shocked stares could burn holes into him. "Are you leaving me?"She seemed like a talented supporting actress, perfectly embodying her role in his charade. Tears streamed down her face when she asked that question, dripping onto the bedsheets.Liam's chest tightened. He couldn't bear to look at her anymore. If only her feelings weren't genuine. If only she were there merely to seduce him. But no. Here she was, pouring out her heart, raw and genuine. Every tear, every word, spoke the truth. "Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten everything we did in the palace? You risked your lif
Liam lowered his eyes, slowly clenching his fists as if trying to grasp the warmth that was gradually slipping away. "I hope you can find someone who can prioritize and love you with his life. It's not worth it for you to love someone like me." …Yuliana cried as she ran through the hallway in the fortress. When exhaustion finally claimed her, she slumped against a wall, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. She looked like a child who the entire world had just abandoned. Some time passed before a figure stood before her and then lowered itself until meeting Yuliana's eyes. "Oh, someone's crying. I thought a ghost might be haunting the fortress," Alyssa said gently with a twinkle in her eye. Yuliana lifted her swollen eyes, choked on a sob, and exclaimed, "Yes… I'm a ghost… but I'm also the prettiest ghost you'll ever find!" "You're right! You're absolutely right. You're the prettiest princess in the whole world." Alyssa coaxed her tenderly. To distract Yuliana from her sa
It was finally the day of the long-anticipated wedding. They were blessed with sunny and clear skies that morning. The interior of the fortress was filled with colorful decorations. Both sides of the staircases were adorned with blooming red roses that exuded a sweet scent. This display of roses extended all the way out of the fortress and toward the chapel behind it. The dreamlike setting was just like a scene from a fairytale. Family and friends from both sides were in attendance. Dressed in formal attires and with beaming faces, everyone stood outside the door, waiting for the bride's arrival. "The bride is here!" Alyssa's sweet and crisp voice echoed through the main hall of the fortress. Looking like a pure angel dressed in white, Lauren walked out slowly, accompanied by Rose, Tatiana and Alyssa. At this moment, female family members from both sides were in the room. Jasper, Sean, and Liam, who had no other duties, were also present. The rest of the men were standing b
Coincidentally, Lauren was also looking in Cyrus' direction gleefully. Their eyes met. Their gazes showed no romantic feelings, only pure and innocent affection. "Ah…" Lauren smiled even wider. She waved the roses in her hand at him. Cyrus smiled back. As he smiled, he started to well up with tears. His vision of the lovely woman before him began to blur. It would be a lie to say he didn't feel any regret. However, he had no qualms about it and no desire to make up for his regret. All he wanted was for her to be happy. Jasper stood by the carriage in a black suit. He was dressed in a classic best man outfit as he didn't want to steal the spotlight. Even so, his looks were as charming and captivating as ever. As Lauren's older brother, he was in charge of taking his beloved sister to the wedding hall. Jasper sniffled as he watched Lauren approach him step by step. Silently, tears filled his eyes. Even so, he lifted the corners of his lips into a relieved and joyful smile to
Everyone's jaws dropped in astonishment. Everyone except Liam was seeing Yuliana's crown for the first time. Even if they were already well-acquainted, it remained a fact that the crown was a symbol of royal lineage. How could it be gifted to someone else just like that? "Ah! Ah!" Lauren's cheeks burned crimson. She waved her hands repeatedly to decline. Flattered as she was, the thought of even touching the crown terrified her."This is far too valuable a gift, Your Highness." Jasper stepped forward and gently turned Yuliana down. "Lauren is incredibly grateful for your kindness, but perhaps you should—""It's none of your business to whom I want to give it!" Yuliana interrupted, her chin jutting out defiantly. She then cast him a haughty sidelong glance. "Besides, this is a reward from me. Who would dare to turn me down?" Jasper was speechless. He wondered if he was becoming more advanced in years that he was making others annoyed with his words. Colene clicked her tong
"But why?" Yuliana was extremely reluctant. "Why, you ask?" With a look of reproach, Alyssa answered, "I'm afraid of the diplomatic repercussions after your parents learned that you had given away your crown as a wedding gift. It might even lead to misunderstandings between our nations. "You're a beloved princess, free to pursue most whims. While you may not face consequences, your actions can impact others. Do you still think that this would be a good idea?Upon hearing that, Yuliana lowered her head regretfully and dejectedly. She fiddled with the fabric of her dress. "Actually," she mumbled, "I had another motive."Alyssa turned, her gentle eyes meeting Yuliana's glistening ones; Yuliana had finally revealed her intentions."You were aware that Lauren is like a younger sister to me. So, you decided to dig deep to please me. With that, you want me to matchmake you with Liam. Am I right?" A blush stained Yuliana's cheeks, and she bashfully stammered, "Y-You saw through it all
The luxurious carriage rolled to a stop by the red carpet outside the chapel. The Taylor brothers, along with Julien, Sean, and Xavier, had been waiting there. Their faces were filled with joy as they threw red rose petals into the air. They looked like knights guarding a princess, a sight remarkable enough to make anyone swoon.Birds flew across the sky as the flower petals fluttered down. With a royal crown on her head, Lauren looked every bit like a princess. Meanwhile, the handsome men ahead of her looked like knights responsible for protecting her. "The bride… She's beautiful." Silas couldn't help but sigh. "She is. Landon is a lucky man." Julien watched on from the side. His eyes were glistening with admiration. "I should attend more weddings when I'm free so that I'll have more points of reference when it's my turn. That way, I won't panic and have absolutely no idea what to do." Silas made a mental note of everything he was seeing and experiencing. Subconsciously,
Landon organized a heartwarming and sumptuous dinner party at the fortress that evening. Lauren loved plushies, so cute stuffed toys were displayed around the fortress. Every table had a pair of teddy bears. One was a silly-looking brown bear in a black suit, representing Landon. The other, representing Lauren, was a light pink bear in a white wedding dress leaning against the brown teddy. Due to Lauren's health condition, she couldn't consume overly greasy foods. Thus, most of the dishes served at the dinner reception were dishes catered to her palate. Every dish was made using top-grade ingredients that were flown in. They might be plain, but everyone was satisfied with them. Lauren couldn't consume alcohol either. Thus, there was not a single glass of alcohol at the tables that evening. Instead, the drinks were replaced with various juices and teas. During the newlyweds' toast, Landon prepared a glass of his handmade sweet tea for Lauren. After being in the hospital for an
Jonah's gaze burned with a mix of longing, sorrow, and something deeply affectionate. The world swam back into focus as Julien looked at Jonah. Without preamble, he asked, "Are you new? How much do you charge per night?"Light-headed and grinning, Julien reached out a hand, his fingers brushing softly against Jonah's cheek. "You're pretty good-looking," he said, his voice slurred. Then his expression shifted. "Why do you… look so much like someone I hate with every fiber of my being?"Jonah's heart clenched. Even so, he slid his arms around Julien's waist. Trembling, he pulled Julien into his arms. "I'm new here. Could you help me meet my target tonight, Mr. Lovelace?"Julien's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Jonah. Jonah's eyes teared up as he held Julien's waist tightly. "I promise you won't be disappointed," he said, his voice deep. Watching from the shadows below the stage, Evan nearly gagged at Jonah's sultry tone. Was this really the Judas he knew? The man sounded downri
The bar was alive with striking lights and thundering music, and the air was thick with the scent of tobacco and alcohol. The atmosphere was one of moral decay—corrupt, degrading, and vile. "Where's Julien?" Jonah's voice cut through the noise, his tone icy and sharp. When Jonah stepped inside, the eyes of several men turned toward him, their gazes filled with illicit intent."Why, hello there. Are you here alone? Are you feeling lonely?" A sexy man sauntered over, draping himself over Jonah's shoulders. He let his hands linger with a playful squeeze. "If you're bored, I'd be happy to keep you company." Jonah's expression darkened. His hands trembled, veins bulging with barely contained rage. Suddenly, Evan burst through the crowd, his face twisting in alarm at the sight of Jonah surrounded by a swarm of predatory men. Evan yelled, "Don't touch him!" A heavy thump reverberated through the room. Gasps erupted as people scrambled back.The man who had draped himself over
Rafe stated, "But Beckett Group is in the middle of a storm right now. If I insisted on giving your corporation the project, my superiors would investigate me. I wouldn't be able to escape unscathed!""If you're investigated, I'll make sure you can still live a life of luxury—even if you lose your job." Justin's tone darkened. "But if you turn against me, you won't just suffer a few losses. You'll lose everything."Under the dim moonlight, Justin fiddled with his antique tea cup, his gaze narrowing. "You've worked so hard to get to where you are. Are you prepared to lose it all?"After ending the call, Justin turned to Remy, who stood quietly at the side. "Sheryl is still being detained. She can't be bailed out for another two days. I need someone to watch over the research lab. You'll handle that."Remy was taken aback. "I failed my last mission. Aren't you going to punish me?"Justin's smile was cold and insincere. "It wasn't your fault. You were ambushed. If not for that, I tru
Remy pursed his lips, bending down to pick up the fallen poker card. It was the King of Spades—an entry pass to Kings' Club. "My attacker was…" Remy's pupils constricted as he tightened his grip on the card. "It can only be that dear uncle of mine, always claiming to see me as his own son." Justin's lips curled into a sinister smile. "He's trying to get rid of my right-hand man, taking advantage of my internal feud with Jasper. Weakening me is just his first step toward gaining control over me."He's been a fugitive ever since his successful prison break, never returning to Cyrris after receiving his life sentence. His power base remains in Kontina. "I'm the last surviving Dutton. The Dutton Group, as a cover, has declared bankruptcy and severed all ties with the country. "My dear uncle has taken a huge risk just to target me. He sent his men to attack you in Solana City. What a delightful surprise. It seems he truly doesn't trust me, his only remaining family."Remy lowere
The hospital ward grew heavy with silence. Mandy and Neil stared at Alyssa, stunned beyond words. "M-Ms. Alyssa, you knew that man was Mr. Damien?" Neil asked, disbelief etched into his voice. "Yes." Alyssa's reply was quiet, her lips pressed into a thin line. She lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "We found out when Cyrus took Damien's cigarette butt for a paternity test."Mandy approached Alyssa, her shoulders trembling slightly. "So, you and Cyrus knew… and you both kept it from me?" Mandy said, her voice catching in her throat, tears welling up. Alyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest. "Mandy, I'm sorry. It was my decision. Cyrus had nothing to do with it."Mandy's tears fell freely now, her grief spilling out in raw sobs. "Do you know what it's been like for me all these years, thinking Damien was gone? Winston, Miley, Lyla, and Colene kept telling me to move on. I tried to accept that he was dead, that we'd never find his body. But I never did."Her vo
The hospital ward was bathed in a dim, yellow glow from the bedside lamp. The silence was thick, yet the room held a strange warmth—an unfamiliar comfort that felt oddly familiar to Remy.Pain radiated through his body as he struggled to sit up. His eyes fell on Mandy, who was asleep beside his bed. Her hair was a mess, and her swollen eyes suggested she'd been crying. She was sound asleep. Remy stiffened. His breath quickened as he stared at her fragile figure. Slowly, he leaned forward, his fingers lifting slightly, tempted to reach out.Just as his hand hovered close, Mandy's lashes fluttered. In her sleep, she murmured, "Damien… Damien… I miss you so much…" Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.A pang tugged at Remy's heart. Without thinking, he brushed away her tears with his calloused fingers. The moment his skin touched hers, a jolt shot through him, sharp and electrifying. Pain throbbed at his temples, but beneath it was a warmth he didn't want to let g
Justin's casual question hit Javier like a thunderclap. Shock rippled through him, freezing his expression. His voice trembled with fear as he barked, "What nonsense is that? Are you accusing me of causing Chester's death? I'm your father—how could you think I'd do such a thing?""It's not an accusation. Just the facts," Justin replied coolly, crossing his legs and savoring his tea with unsettling calm. "And I'm not condemning you. In fact, I understand why you did it. I'm facing the same dilemma now."Javier's breathing grew ragged. He had watched Justin grow from a child into the man before him—now a predator, circling with quiet menace."You were meant to be the heir as the eldest son," Justin continued, his voice smooth as silk. "But Grandpa favored Uncle Chester, handing him major projects, grooming him in plain sight. "Uncle Chester's reputation soon eclipsed yours. He was a natural leader, adept at business, with one fatal flaw—he was kind. Too kind. Unlike you."Justin
Nonetheless, night had fallen by the time Justin arrived at Seaview Manor. On his way there, he worked on two things. First, he secured the top legal team to get Sheryl out on bail as quickly as possible. Second, he tried reaching Remy—unsuccessfully. He had never lost contact with Remy before. Justin's face was as dark as the night itself. The moment he stepped inside Seaview Manor, Rory approached with a solemn expression. He gave a slight bow before speaking. "Mr. Justin, what took you so long? Mr. Javier has been waiting.""I was occupied," Justin replied coolly. Then, as if it were an ordinary evening, he allowed a faint smile. "Where's Jasper? Is he back here yet?" A conflicted look came across Rory's face. "Things between you and Mr. Jasper have soured. I doubt he'll want to see you anytime soon—or show up here.""Is that so? How disappointing."Justin's smile didn't reach his eyes. His gaze lingered on Rory, sharp and bottomless. "So, he'd rather believe what he se
Jonah scoured every corner of the hotel, desperation clawing at his chest, but Julien was nowhere to be found. "Jonah!" Alyssa called out, breathless as she caught up to him. She grabbed his arm. "Calm down! I'll help you search for Jul!""I can't find him. He's gone," Jonah murmured, sinking to the floor. His tears mixed with sweat, creating dark patches on the ground. "Lyse… I fear… if I can't find Julien this time, I'll lose him forever."The agonizing thought of losing the love of his life pierced him. "No, you won't!" Alyssa gripped his arm tighter, her voice trembling with conviction. "If Jul had given up on you, he wouldn't have come here today. The fact that he showed up means he still cares."Jonah's eyes were bloodshot, filled with a pain too deep to hide. He shook his head slowly. "Julien came back for Jasper. He did it because he's loyal… because he's a good friend. Not because of me.""He does care!" Alyssa insisted. "If he didn't, he would've faced you without fli