Elayna slid down against the door, her body trembling as she struggled to gather herself. The weight of everything that had just happened pressed down on her, leaving her momentarily lost in thought.Then, her phone rang.The name on the screen made her finally smile."Austin," she answered in a softer voice, warmth slipping into her tone.Austin White—the man who had saved her five years ago. The man who had given her a new identity, a new life.He had been her anchor when she had nothing, training her until she became a well-known designer, helping her stand on her own feet and build a life for herself and her child.She owed him everything.On the other end of the call, Austin’s voice was steady, yet laced with concern. "How are things? Are you settling in? He didn’t make things difficult for you, did he?"Austin had never wanted her to return. He knew how deep her hatred for Daimon ran, but he also knew that without closure, she would never be at peace. And beyond her revenge, the
After freshening up, she made her way to the address Austin had sent her.It was a tattoo shop.The moment the owner heard she was Austin’s referral, his attitude shifted to complete respect. Without asking questions, he led her inside.Lying on the bed, Enlyan endured the sting of the needle as it pierced her skin. The pain brought back memories—five years ago, trapped, broken, and bleeding. The suffocating despair of that night washed over her again.She had been soaked in sweat and blood back then too, but she had clenched her teeth and endured it, just like now.More than an hour passed before the tattoo was complete.Halfway through the tattoo session, Enlyan lost consciousness for a moment. The tattoo artist hesitated, worried about her condition, but she insisted he continue. By the time it was over, exhaustion weighed heavily on her body. After resting for a long while, she finally managed to stand up and drive home.When she arrived, Mini and the kids had just returned from c
Once they arrived, Mini stayed for a while to check everything before leaving in a hurry.As soon as she was gone, Joxan turned on the computer. He knew there was a surveillance camera at home. If he wanted to find out what had happened to their mother that day, the answer would be in the video footage."Brother, what are you doing? I'm sleepy," Jessica mumbled, rubbing her eyes. She watched as Joxan’s small fingers moved rapidly over the laptop keyboard."Brother, what is this? Who is that man?" she asked, full of curiosity."Can you just shut up and go to bed? I have work to do. Go, I’ll come later," Joxan snapped, frustrated by her questions.But as the footage played, showing Daimon bullying their mother, Joxan's hands clenched into tight fists. His eyes burned with anger.This so-called father—he abandoned them five years ago, and now he dared to hurt their mother again?Joxan couldn’t stand it.He had to do something.But what?He was just a kid.His little fists clenched again.
The cold, suffocating grip of the ocean wrapped around Enlyan once more.Darkness.Water.Despair.She was drowning.She thrashed desperately, her voice hoarse from screaming. “No! Help! Somebody—please!” But no one came. No one saved her.Suddenly, a sharp gasp ripped from her throat. She was awake, but trapped in the nightmare.Her entire body was drenched in sweat, yet she felt as cold as ice. Her trembling hands reached out blindly, searching for something—anything—to hold on to.Mini caught her flailing hands and held them tightly. "Ely, it's okay. It’s me. You’re safe now. I'm here," she whispered, her voice filled with distress.But Enlyan wasn’t listening. She was still trapped in the past.Her breath hitched, and her fingers dug into Mini’s skin with desperate force. “It hurts! Help me! I can’t breathe—it’s suffocating!” Her nails pressed in so deep that Mini winced, feeling the sharp sting.But compared to the pain in her heart, the scratches were nothing.Mini had never ful
Enlyan grabbed her arm and shook it playfully, trying to soften the mood. “Come on, tell me. Where are they?”Mini let out an exasperated sigh, poking her forehead.“We’re in a hospital, Ely. With your condition, do you really think I’d let the kids stay here? They’re at home. But if you’re feeling well enough, I’ll handle your discharge papers. I’m a little worried about them too”Without another word, she grabbed the discharge papers and rushed through the formalities.Within minutes, they were out of the hospital and heading home.The moment they stepped inside, the comforting aroma of food filled the air. A hint of warm toast, eggs, and something sweet lingered.Joxan was already up, neatly dressed, standing in the kitchen with a spatula in hand. He looked like he had been preparing breakfast, though now his small face scrunched up in surprise."Mom!"Without hesitation, he abandoned the pan, rushing towards her and wrapping his arms around her waist.Enlyan staggered slightly but
As she finished her meal and took her medicine, she casually turned on the television. Just as the screen flickered to life, a news anchor’s voice filled the room.“In an unexpected turn of events, socialite Katrina Walton has issued a public apology to Miss Iris…”Enlyan's eyes narrowed as Katrina’s carefully crafted image appeared on the screen. The woman, draped in an elegant white dress, had the perfect mix of remorse and vulnerability on her face as she spoke."Miss Iris, I deeply regret my actions… Everything was my fault. My reckless behavior embarrassed you, and I take full responsibility. If you’re watching this, please—I beg you to forgive me. If you wish, you can scold me or even hit me, but please don’t let my mistake affect the company. The Blackwood Corporation is vital to North City’s economy, and Mr. Daimon Blackwood—my soulmate and life partner—has worked tirelessly for its success. I only hope this misunderstanding doesn’t harm the company or the city’s future. If yo
Daimon wasn’t impressed. His patience, already thin, wavered."Is there any period where her records go silent?" His voice was sharp. "Did she disappear for a while? Any accidents? Travel logs?"Ertha hesitated, tapping a few keys. "Uh… that, my lord, I’m not completely sure about—""You have thirty minutes." Daimon's voice left no room for argument. "I want everything on her. No gaps. No missing details. And Ertha—don’t make me call again."Before the assistant could protest, the line went dead.Ertha stared at his phone in horror. Thirty minutes? He needed a miracle. Or five extra hands.Daimon sat in his dimly lit study, fingers drumming on the polished surface of his desk. The room was silent, except for the soft hum of the city outside. His gaze fell upon a drawer—one he hadn’t opened in years. Slowly, he pulled it open, revealing two things: a divorce agreement and a wedding ring.The only thing he had ever bought for Enlyan.Three years of marriage, yet this ring was merely for
Daimon couldn’t sit still any longer. The pieces were coming together too perfectly, the coincidences stacking up in a way that defied logic. His gut screamed at him, urging him forward.He jumped to his feet, throwing on a casual outfit that, despite its effortless appearance, cost thousands. But he barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere—on her.If Iris was truly Enlyan, she wouldn’t admit it easily. But he had to see her.Just once. Even if she denied it, even if she looked him in the eye and called herself a stranger, Daimon needed to know.Even the smallest flicker of familiarity in her gaze would be enough.Daimon strode out of his room, heading straight for the door when a familiar voice interrupted him.“Dad, are you going out?”He turned to see Oasis, his little boy, bright-eyed and smiling as he hopped down from his chair, abandoning his dinner without hesitation.“Oasis, be careful! Don’t touch your dad’s clothes with your hands covered in rice,” Katrina warned, her voice ca
She leaned lazily against the pillows, her posture effortless yet undeniably sensual."A woman who gives birth to your child must love you deeply. And yet, you let her stay in the Blackwood house as an unmarried mother? That’s not exactly honorable, is it?"Her voice was smooth, casual—too casual.Daimon didn’t even glance at her body.His eyes were locked onto hers.Because something about them bothered him.Those eyes—they were different.Where was the jealousy? The heartbreak? The desperate longing?This wasn’t the Enlyan he knew.He had expected anger. Resentment. Pain.But instead, her gaze was empty. Unshaken. Unmoved.It shouldn't be like this.She loved him.She had always loved him.Then why did she look at him like he was nothing but a distant memory?Enlyan met his stare without hesitation.Let him look.Let him search for the woman who used to love him.Because she was gone.The old Enlyan—the foolish, infatuated girl who once worshipped him—had drowned.What stood before
Joxan, however, only smiled."My mom said that every child is an angel sent by God to the world," he explained gently. "So their origins don’t matter. She also asked me to help orphans as much as I can, which is accumulating virtue for myself."Those words.That exact belief.Daimon felt something stir in his chest.It was as if a ghost from his past had just whispered in his ear.A woman... a silly woman... had once told him something like this before.The thought came instinctively, and before he could stop himself, he asked—"What’s your mother’s name?"The moment the words left his mouth, Daimon realized his mistake.Why did he even ask?Joxan paused for a fraction of a second.Then, just as smoothly, he smiled and replied, "Sir, that’s personal information. Besides, are you dropping me at the orphanage or not? I'm going to be late."Daimon blinked.Did a four-year-old just call him out for being intrusive?Him?It was rare for anyone to speak to him like that—let alone a child.Y
When?When would she finally become the true matriarch of this family?How had things spiraled so far out of her control?She watched Daimon with silent resentment as he turned his full attention to Oasis. That brat.Oasis had all of Daimon’s affection.His gentle gaze, his patience, his time. Things Katrina had been fighting for years to get, yet never received.Oasis, oblivious to Katrina’s growing resentment, happily grabbed Daimon’s hand.“Daddy, let’s go! My classmate must be waiting. He’ll think I was lying if we don’t hurry!”Daimon’s expression softened as he effortlessly lifted the little boy onto his shoulders."Alright, let's go!"Laughter filled the air as father and son walked out the door, leaving Katrina behind.She stood there, still gripping the rag in her hands, watching them go.This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.When they arrived at the kindergarten, Oasis practically jumped out of the car before it even fully stopped.Joxan was already waiting.Oasis threw ope
Daimon couldn’t sit still any longer. The pieces were coming together too perfectly, the coincidences stacking up in a way that defied logic. His gut screamed at him, urging him forward.He jumped to his feet, throwing on a casual outfit that, despite its effortless appearance, cost thousands. But he barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere—on her.If Iris was truly Enlyan, she wouldn’t admit it easily. But he had to see her.Just once. Even if she denied it, even if she looked him in the eye and called herself a stranger, Daimon needed to know.Even the smallest flicker of familiarity in her gaze would be enough.Daimon strode out of his room, heading straight for the door when a familiar voice interrupted him.“Dad, are you going out?”He turned to see Oasis, his little boy, bright-eyed and smiling as he hopped down from his chair, abandoning his dinner without hesitation.“Oasis, be careful! Don’t touch your dad’s clothes with your hands covered in rice,” Katrina warned, her voice ca
Daimon wasn’t impressed. His patience, already thin, wavered."Is there any period where her records go silent?" His voice was sharp. "Did she disappear for a while? Any accidents? Travel logs?"Ertha hesitated, tapping a few keys. "Uh… that, my lord, I’m not completely sure about—""You have thirty minutes." Daimon's voice left no room for argument. "I want everything on her. No gaps. No missing details. And Ertha—don’t make me call again."Before the assistant could protest, the line went dead.Ertha stared at his phone in horror. Thirty minutes? He needed a miracle. Or five extra hands.Daimon sat in his dimly lit study, fingers drumming on the polished surface of his desk. The room was silent, except for the soft hum of the city outside. His gaze fell upon a drawer—one he hadn’t opened in years. Slowly, he pulled it open, revealing two things: a divorce agreement and a wedding ring.The only thing he had ever bought for Enlyan.Three years of marriage, yet this ring was merely for
As she finished her meal and took her medicine, she casually turned on the television. Just as the screen flickered to life, a news anchor’s voice filled the room.“In an unexpected turn of events, socialite Katrina Walton has issued a public apology to Miss Iris…”Enlyan's eyes narrowed as Katrina’s carefully crafted image appeared on the screen. The woman, draped in an elegant white dress, had the perfect mix of remorse and vulnerability on her face as she spoke."Miss Iris, I deeply regret my actions… Everything was my fault. My reckless behavior embarrassed you, and I take full responsibility. If you’re watching this, please—I beg you to forgive me. If you wish, you can scold me or even hit me, but please don’t let my mistake affect the company. The Blackwood Corporation is vital to North City’s economy, and Mr. Daimon Blackwood—my soulmate and life partner—has worked tirelessly for its success. I only hope this misunderstanding doesn’t harm the company or the city’s future. If yo
Enlyan grabbed her arm and shook it playfully, trying to soften the mood. “Come on, tell me. Where are they?”Mini let out an exasperated sigh, poking her forehead.“We’re in a hospital, Ely. With your condition, do you really think I’d let the kids stay here? They’re at home. But if you’re feeling well enough, I’ll handle your discharge papers. I’m a little worried about them too”Without another word, she grabbed the discharge papers and rushed through the formalities.Within minutes, they were out of the hospital and heading home.The moment they stepped inside, the comforting aroma of food filled the air. A hint of warm toast, eggs, and something sweet lingered.Joxan was already up, neatly dressed, standing in the kitchen with a spatula in hand. He looked like he had been preparing breakfast, though now his small face scrunched up in surprise."Mom!"Without hesitation, he abandoned the pan, rushing towards her and wrapping his arms around her waist.Enlyan staggered slightly but
The cold, suffocating grip of the ocean wrapped around Enlyan once more.Darkness.Water.Despair.She was drowning.She thrashed desperately, her voice hoarse from screaming. “No! Help! Somebody—please!” But no one came. No one saved her.Suddenly, a sharp gasp ripped from her throat. She was awake, but trapped in the nightmare.Her entire body was drenched in sweat, yet she felt as cold as ice. Her trembling hands reached out blindly, searching for something—anything—to hold on to.Mini caught her flailing hands and held them tightly. "Ely, it's okay. It’s me. You’re safe now. I'm here," she whispered, her voice filled with distress.But Enlyan wasn’t listening. She was still trapped in the past.Her breath hitched, and her fingers dug into Mini’s skin with desperate force. “It hurts! Help me! I can’t breathe—it’s suffocating!” Her nails pressed in so deep that Mini winced, feeling the sharp sting.But compared to the pain in her heart, the scratches were nothing.Mini had never ful
Once they arrived, Mini stayed for a while to check everything before leaving in a hurry.As soon as she was gone, Joxan turned on the computer. He knew there was a surveillance camera at home. If he wanted to find out what had happened to their mother that day, the answer would be in the video footage."Brother, what are you doing? I'm sleepy," Jessica mumbled, rubbing her eyes. She watched as Joxan’s small fingers moved rapidly over the laptop keyboard."Brother, what is this? Who is that man?" she asked, full of curiosity."Can you just shut up and go to bed? I have work to do. Go, I’ll come later," Joxan snapped, frustrated by her questions.But as the footage played, showing Daimon bullying their mother, Joxan's hands clenched into tight fists. His eyes burned with anger.This so-called father—he abandoned them five years ago, and now he dared to hurt their mother again?Joxan couldn’t stand it.He had to do something.But what?He was just a kid.His little fists clenched again.