After Pete left her alone in the room, Alva struggled against the ropes binding her hands, twisting and pulling with all her strength. The coarse material bit into her skin, leaving red marks, but she couldn’t free herself. Tears welled up in her eyes, frustration and anger bubbling inside her. The door creaked open, and Pete entered, accompanied by a group of maids. Alva’s heart sank as she watched him approach with an infuriatingly smug expression. He walked over and untied her hands. “Here you go,” he said, gesturing to the maids. “These are the women who will be at your beck and call.” Alva glanced at the group of over twelve maids and rolled her eyes. "As if I need all this fuss," she thought bitterly. “And,” Pete continued, “there are also ten bodyguards assigned to you. They’ll keep an eye on you, so don’t try anything funny. You wouldn’t want to get hurt, would you?” He turned to one of the maids and ordered, “Make sure she eats. She looks too pale—it’s making me lose my
Freya smiled warmly at Alva and said, "Come on, have you forgotten how you’ve been cooped up at home all this time? Ever since you lost your Granny, you haven’t really been yourself. How could I have introduced you to him then?" Alva nodded slowly, her eyes thoughtful. "You’re right. But now, I really want to meet him, okay?" Freya grinned. "Okay. He’s really busy, but I’ll talk to him. Of course, he’ll make time to meet my best friend." As they sat in the cab heading back home, Freya turned to Alva, her face lighting up. "You know, Lance promised to buy me a car soon." Alva’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That’s amazing!" Freya nodded, clearly excited. "Yeah, he said it could be any day now. I can’t wait!" "You’re so lucky," Alva said, a hint of awe in her voice. Freya beamed. "I feel like all my dreams are finally coming true. Oh, and guess what? Lance also said he wants to send me to college. What do you think? We could go together—he’ll take care of everything
Freya quickly made a phone call, and as she had promised, Alva was offered a job and asked to report for work the very next day. "I still can’t believe it—I actually got a job! Thank you so much, Freya," Alva said, her face lighting up with excitement. "You’re welcome," Freya replied, smiling. "And the good thing is, this place pays weekly, so you won’t have to wait too long to get your money." "That’s great, but it doesn’t matter much to me," Alva said. "I’m not planning to spend the money—I’ll save every bit of it." When Alva arrived at the supermarket, she was amazed at how luxurious it was. "Freya’s boyfriend must be incredibly wealthy," she thought. "If he can bring her to such a high-end place, he must have more money than I imagined." As she reported for her first day, Alva realized that a different manager was on seat and the latter stared at her with an air of disdain. Alva tried to brush off the unease she felt, smiling politely. She regretted not wearing one o
Alva glared at Jonas, her voice trembling with rage and disgust. “You wish! Why would I ever carry a child for someone as vile as you, Jonas Stanford? I hate you more than anything in this world. I’d rather die than bear your child!” Jonas’s face darkened, his expression turning ice-cold. His voice was sharp as a knife. “Then go die.” Without another word, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing like a drumbeat of rejection. Alva stood frozen, her chest heaving with anger. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her breathing. Her vision blurred with tears she refused to let fall. Just as she was about to leave, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her mother’s name flashing on the screen. She stared at it, hesitating. Her fingers hovered over the reject button, but the phone kept ringing. Her mother didn’t give up, and when Alva didn’t answer, a text came through. "Don’t you want to know about your birth parents?" The words hit her like a jolt of
Meanwhile, from the moment she heard Alva's words, Freya kept calling back her number, but each time, the call went straight to voicemail. Panic clawed at her chest as she paced back and forth, clutching her phone. Her hands trembled, and regret filled her heart. She wished she hadn’t lied to Alva about having a rich boyfriend. If someone like that truly existed, maybe he could have helped her now. Desperation made her thoughts turn to Jonas. Her eyes widened as a glimmer of hope flickered in her mind. "Yes! No matter what kind of man he is, it’s his child. He wouldn’t let them kill his baby." Without wasting another second, Freya left the car dealership where she was about to acquire a new car for herself and hailed a cab to Jonas' company; Stanford Group. When she arrived at the sleek glass entrance, she hesitated, fiddling with her fingers nervously. "How am I supposed to convince the receptionist to let me see him?" She glanced around, unsure of her next move, when her ey
Just as Jonas carefully lifted Alva into his arms, Freya following closely behind, Spear stormed out of the house. His face was twisted with anger, and his voice was sharp as he yelled, “Hey! Where are you taking my sister? Put her down and mind your own business!” Jonas turned slowly, his gaze icy. He recognized Spear as the one who had appeared at the balcony the moment Alva jumped, and figured out that she must have been running from him. As Spear approached, reaching out to grab Alva, Jonas’s patience snapped. Without hesitation, he lifted his foot and delivered a powerful kick to Spear’s chest. Spear stumbled backward and hit the ground with a grunt while Jonas continued to his car. At that moment, Tiril, Alva’s adoptive mother, rushed out of the house. Seeing Spear rise angrily, ready to fight Jonas, she grabbed his arm, holding him back. Her expression shifted as she got a good look at the man holding Alva. Her grip on Spear tightened. “Spear, stop!” she hissed. “Do you
Jonas walked back into the room and sat down beside Alva's bed. She was awake now, her eyes narrowing the moment she saw him. “Listen to me, Jonas Stanford,” she said through gritted teeth, her voice low but full of venom. Jonas raised an eyebrow. “Why are you so angry? I saved your life.” “You may have saved me,” she replied, her tone sharp, “but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a monster. I loathe you.” He chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “Your act would be more convincing if you hated my money too.” Her brows furrowed. “What?” Before she could say more, Freya, who had been pacing nervously in the corner, stopped in her tracks and coughed. Guilt flashed across her face. Without a word, she turned toward the door, intending to slip away unnoticed. Alva shifted, attempting to sit up, but Jonas stood abruptly and leaned over, scooping her up into his arms. “What do you think you’re doing?” she yelled, struggling against him. “Put me down, right now!”
After leaving Alva’s room, Jonas trudged to his own and sank onto the edge of his bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. "She just gets on my nerves," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. As the sharp edge of his anger dulled, his thoughts wandered back to the first time he had seen Alva. It was at the supermarket. She had looked up at him with eyes so full of innocence, so unguarded. His lips twitched into a faint, bitter smile. “Back then, I thought I’d fallen for her,” he murmured. “It was insane, but my heart fluttered like I was some lovesick teenager.” The memory made him chuckle—a sound tinged with both amusement and resentment. "Who would’ve guessed that same girl would turn out to be such a pain? And now she’s in my house. Life’s got jokes." His mind shifted to the day he and Freya had gone to her house. The image of her leaping from a three-story building flashed vividly in his mind. He could still feel the jolt of panic that had seized him t
Alva sat by the window, the golden sunlight pouring over her as she gently caressed her rounded belly. She had just registered her marriage to Jonas a week ago in a quiet ceremony, their rings simple yet meaningful. Though their wedding celebration had been postponed until after the baby’s arrival, her heart was full. But today, she was restless. “I miss Mom,” Alva said softly, turning to Jonas, who was busy arranging a small pile of baby clothes they had recently bought. “I want to visit her.” Jonas looked up with a gentle smile, crossing the room to kneel in front of her. “Then let’s go,” he said, taking her hands in his. “You’re her pride and joy. I know seeing you will make her day.” As they prepared to leave, Alva suddenly gasped, clutching her stomach. A rush of water spilled onto the floor. “Jonas…” she whispered, her voice trembling. Jonas was at her side in an instant. “Your water broke,” he said, his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. “It’s time.”
A few days after the press conference, Jonas stood outside his parents' home, holding Alva’s hand. The house was an impressive estate surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, reflecting the warmth and grandeur of the Stanford family. Jonas turned to Alva with a reassuring smile. “Nervous?” he asked, squeezing her hand gently. “A little,” Alva admitted, glancing at the imposing double doors. “Meeting your parents officially is a big deal, Jonas.” Jonas chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Trust me, they’ll love you as much as I do.” As they stepped inside, Alva was immediately enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Jonas’s mother, Marianne, rushed forward, her arms outstretched. “Alva!” she exclaimed, pulling her into a heartfelt hug. “It’s so wonderful to see you again. Jonas has told us so much about you.” Alva smiled, touched by Marianne’s warmth. “Thank you, Mrs. Stanford. It’s an honor to meet you again.” “None of that formality,” Marianne said, waving he
A few days after the workshop ended, Alva returned home with Vidar and Jonas. The trio’s spirits were high, their bond stronger than ever after the eventful days they’d shared. But their cheerful mood took a sobering turn when they learned about Thea’s actions. Sitting in the living room, Karina explained everything; Thea’s betrayal, the recording, and her banishment to Australia. Alva’s face showed a mix of disbelief and relief. “She really tried to have me killed?” Alva whispered, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.” Vidar clenched his fists. “It’s a good thing she’s gone. If she weren’t, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” Jonas nodded in agreement. “Your mom handled it well. And I think Australia is more mercy than she deserved.” Karina sighed. “It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. I couldn’t risk her harming you, Alva.” She reached out, taking Alva’s hand. “You’re safe now, and that’s all that matters.” That evening, Alva and Vidar invited Jonas to join them for dinner
As Nikolai held Freya in his arms, steadying her after her fall, their eyes locked. Time seemed to slow, the patter of rain on the windows fading into the background. Freya’s lips parted slightly as she gazed up at him, her cheeks flushed, her breath soft and quick. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. The intensity in Nikolai’s gaze was mirrored in Freya’s own, and before they realized it, their faces inched closer. Their breaths mingled, and then their lips met in a soft, hesitant kiss. The kiss deepened quickly, fueled by the tension that had been building between them. Nikolai’s hands slid to Freya’s waist, pulling her closer, while Freya’s fingers curled into his shirt, clinging to him as if afraid to let go. The warmth of their connection surged through them, igniting something neither of them had felt before. Freya tilted her head, giving him better access as Nikolai’s lips moved with hers, their passion growing. As Nikolai guided her onto the couch, he looked into
As Karina watched Thea being dragged away, her resolve only hardened. "No matter what happens, I will never let you come back, Thea. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that even if I’m no longer alive, you’ll never harm my daughter again," she thought coldly. Meanwhile, at Fjord Garden, Freya sat in the now-empty restaurant, her heart sinking with each passing minute. The rain continued to pour, and the once-romantic atmosphere now felt gloomy and cold. Glances from other patrons made her feel self-conscious, as though they were silently judging her for being stood up. Her phone had lost service, and she couldn’t reach Nikolai. Frustrated and embarrassed, she decided to leave. She walked out into the rain, clutching her small bag as she began looking for a cab. In her haste, her phone slipped out of her hand, splashing into a shallow puddle. "Damn it," she muttered, crouching to pick it up and wiping it off with her damp sleeve. The rain soaked through her clothes,
The next day, Nikolai couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he prepared for his second date with Freya after work. He had spent the entire night replaying moments from their first date, unable to think of anything else. Every time her laughter echoed in his mind, he found himself smiling like a fool. At the same time, Freya was already dressed and ready, her excitement bubbling over. She had chosen a light floral sundress that flowed beautifully around her, paired with simple sandals and a small clutch bag. She couldn’t stop thinking about Nikolai, her heart racing every time she imagined his smile or the way he had looked at her the night before. As Freya waited, her phone rang, and she picked up immediately when she saw Alva’s name. "Alva!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. Freya shared everything about her date with Nikolai, thanking Alva profusely for making it possible. Alva, equally thrilled, recounted her own dramatic day at the auction, sharing every de
Vidar folded his arms, staring at Mina with a mixture of disgust and disbelief. His voice was cold as he spoke. "You know, Mina," he began, "after I found my long-lost sister, I was looking forward to introducing her to you. I thought you two could be friends, and maybe there was even a future for us. But you revealed your true colors before it ever came to that." Mina opened her mouth to speak, but Vidar raised a hand, silencing her. "I’m happy I realized your disgusting nature before I gave you a status in my life. Don’t ever come near me or my sister again," he said firmly. "And, oh....get ready to explain yourself in court for defaming Alva." Mina’s face paled. She turned to Emilie, who was just as shocked as a lot of people to learn that Alva was Vidar’s sister. Mina dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she begged. "Vidar, please, I’m sorry! I love you so much. I thought Alva was your new girlfriend. I was blinded by jealousy. I would never have done this i
Mina’s hands trembled as she rummaged through Alva’s purse, her desperation growing with each passing second. She overturned every pocket, searching thoroughly, but the bracelet was nowhere to be found. Her heart raced, her mind spinning in disbelief. "I put it here!" she thought frantically. "I know I did!" In a final act of desperation, Mina turned the purse upside down, spilling its contents onto the floor. A few items fell out: some feminine wipes, a sleek black card, and a few dollar notes. The crowd watched in stunned silence as she crouched down, furiously pawing through the small pile. Alva stood above her, her gaze calm but piercing. She folded her arms, watching Mina humiliate herself. As Mina’s panic grew, Alva’s mind flashed back to the bathroom. She recalled how, through the mirror, she had seen Mina slip the bracelet into her purse while pretending to adjust her makeup. Alva had already been on guard, having noticed Mina’s earlier conversation with Emilie. Jonas had
Nikolai arrived at Aurora Bistro, a picturesque lakeside restaurant with a rustic charm. The bistro’s warm glow under string lights reflected on the tranquil water, creating an intimate and magical ambiance. He parked his car and walked toward the entrance, his nerves tingling with anticipation. As Nikolai entered, his eyes landed on Freya, who was already seated at a table near the window overlooking the lake. The sight of her momentarily took his breath away. She wore a deep emerald green dress that complimented her fair complexion. The soft fabric flowed effortlessly, cinching at the waist and flaring slightly at her knees. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her delicate features, and her light makeup highlighted her natural beauty. Freya’s bright smile, however, was what truly stole Nikolai’s attention. He approached the table with a grin. “Freya, you look absolutely stunning. I feel like I’m at a gala instead of a dinner date.” Freya blushed, smoothing her dress