Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov
Since Miracle will be here early, I woke up earlier than usual. I don’t want her to wait outside my house because she will surely hiss at me since we had an agreement last night.
That is why when I saw her car arrive in front of my house, I immediately got down to open the gate for them to take inside everything they bought for me even though I still hadn't washed my face.
“I thought you would wake up early?” She raised her eyebrows and looked at me from head to toe. It is obvious that you just got up in bed.” She also pointed at my hair.
She was with Saki and Sari, the twins that work in my store, who helped me with stocking my groceries and supplies for our product. This is some kind of part-time job for them since Miracle couldn’t handle getting all the things that I need alone.
I smiled and slowly fixed my hair. “Well, this is earlier than usual,” I said. “And you arrived earlier than what you used to do.”
We both turned our heads to my neighbor’s lot and were amazed when we saw that they already built the foundation of the house.
“Woah,” I said. “I couldn’t believe they were quick to work.”
They just arrived yesterday morning yet they already made huge progress on their construction. They got to dig deeper for the septic tank and place the pillars for every corner of the house that they are building.
“I think they are rushing that house,” Miracle said and pushed me inside my house. “Was the man who talked to you last night there?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since that time he introduced himself.” I signal the twins to take the boxes they brought inside. Well, they already know where to put those so I just let them inside.
“Oh.” She nodded. We went straight to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast.
“Did you already know who bought the lot next to mine?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she answered while making our coffee. “I talked to the real estate agency and they told me that the one who bought the land is someone named Caspian Jyn.”
My eyes widened. “A Jyn?”
She sighed. “Not just a Jyn, Asper,” she said. “It was Caspian Jyn. He will be your neighbor together with his friends that also work for him.”
Caspian Jyn is famous around the country. He is the chief executive officer and owner of the famous and largest restaurant chain in the Hexoria Kingdom.
And every restaurant under Jyn Food Corporation has already received the highest Michelin star because they can really compete with each of their dishes around the world.
Their chefs are world-class and their service is really admired by all of their customers who always come back to dine with them.
Aside from that, they not only serve their world-class dishes to high-profile people, but they also serve food that middle-class and lower-class people can afford. They also have charity support and JFC once donated a huge amount of money to my foundation that covers the whole construction of one of our buildings.
Though he is famous, I never had a chance to see his face because he always refused to take an interview in every media. And everyone who dares to take a picture of him is always getting sued.
“Though, you don’t really have to worry about him or his friends,” she said. “They have no interest in politics and they were often out of the country so he might not have recognized you. You had your disguise and made sure to wear that all the time just to make sure. As long as they won’t see your natural eye color, they will never know that you are part of the Dahlia Clan.”
Every legitimate member of the Dahlia Clan has unique physical traits and that is one of the things that may be used to recognize us. Aside from our gray eyes, we also have natural blonde hair.
And I had to wear brown contact lenses and dye my hair black just to cover all of it. I also put a hair extension to make my hair longer than it should be. To complete my disguise, I wear fake braces on my teeth and fake freckles on my face.
Total makeovers to ensure that no one will recognize me whenever I go out.
“Then, Rajiv Fleisko is someone close to Mister Jyn,” I said. “I think he was in charge of the construction yesterday.”
“Possible. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about, okay? Just don’t forget to wear your disguise. “ she repeated.
“Okay.”
Well, I should be really careful about that because, with one wrong move, Dad or those people who want to get rid of me might get a lead to where I am hiding.
I finished my breakfast first and stood up.”Just take the order that needs to be delivered today to my fridge.” I pointed to my refrigerator where I put the products that I made. “And wait for me. I need to go out and buy my toiletries.”
I buy my own toiletries and other personal stuff. I don’t let others do that for me.
I immediately went upstairs and took a quick shower. Though I had a hard time shampooing my hair because of its length. I also put conditioner on it to avoid getting tangled and to maintain its color since I don’t want to keep putting hair color on it.
It might damage my hair even more and I don’t want that to happen. Like duh? Hair is one of the most important parts of a woman's body. Taking care of it makes us feel more beautiful.
Once I am done, I blow dry my hair and get dressed. I just wore a simple white T-shirt, faded jeans and flat shoes. I applied light face powder and lipgloss, then put fake freckles on my face using an eyebrow pencil and wore my fake brace.
“Are you not done yet?” Miracle shouted. “We are leaving!”
“Wait!” I shouted back. “I am coming!”
And when I got satisfied with everything, I grabbed my bag and ran downstairs where Miracle was waiting for me.
“Let’s go!”
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovMiracle dropped me off in front of the grocery store where I usually went. Then, she continued to drive her way to the town proper to open our store.And since I don’t want to waste more time, I immediately went inside the store and started wandering around while pushing a cart to buy everything I needed.Well, I already know what I am going to buy even though I don’t have a list and I know its location so I know where to go to get the things that I need.I have been buying my stuff in this store since I got here so I only have been spending less than one hour whenever I shop here.After putting everything I need to buy in my cart, I immediately bring it to the cashier to pay for it and ask them to deliver it to my house, just like I always do.It is one of their services that I like here. That is why even though there are other stores near our subdivision, I still choose to shop here. I can just leave everything to them and continue shopping at the nearby sho
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovWhen I got out of my balcony, I saw the progress of the construction of my neighbor and I was amazed to see that they already built the whole mansion.Well, they hired a big team for this project and they worked non-stop for the past few days since they arrived, as if they were trying to rush everything.I am just glad that my house was soundproof so the sound of their machines doesn’t bother me, even at night. And we don’t have any other neighbors near us. They won’t bother anyone.However, I was still shocked to see their progress. I mean, it is a huge property but they still manage to build a two-hundred square meter mansion in just a few days, while the rest are just part of their garage and garden.“It looks like their work is nearly done,” Miracle said. She was now staying here, in my room, to be exact, while eating the brownies that I baked earlier and watching a movie.Once a week, I encourage her to take a day off from work. And since she doesn’t want
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovMy neighbor’s house finished after fifteen days only. From the foundation, floor, and roof. It also has water and electricity service. The furniture and appliances also arrived earlier, the only ones missing were the people living there.And from my room, I can see that they have heavy security. A lot of guards were roaming around the property, there were CCTV cameras in every corner and the height of the wall around it was so tall that nobody would try to climb it.Five cars suddenly arrived and parked in their garage so I think those are the people who live in that mansion.I immediately put on my contact lenses, grabbed the box of cupcakes that I baked earlier, and left the house.I make this for my neighbor since according to Miracle, it is better to have a nice relationship with them, so if anything happens to me, I can count on them. And of course, vice versa.Though, I actually doubt if I can help them with anything.I stood up in front of their gate an
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovI didn’t expect that I could get close to my neighbors. And the reason why we become suddenly close? Well, it is my dessert.They love the cupcakes that I gave to them the first time I visited their house. And after Karyu learned that I was the one who baked the product of my shop, they made a made-to-order request for everyday supplies.Rajiv was opposed to that idea. He said that they should be ashamed of requesting something that may bother me or ruin my schedule. But I immediately told him that it was okay. I can make their order every day and deliver it personally since I can include that from the other orders.Of course, they insisted on paying the full price of their orders. Even though I said that it was okay if they didn't. I even tried to give them a discount but they also didn’t accept that. So we come to a compromise by giving them free delivery.So, I always go to their house, stay there for a little bit, and chat with them.And I have been doing
Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov“I know that I was the one who suggested that you should be close to your neighbor,” Mira said. She just arrived and she saw me leave my neighbor’s house. “But I didn’t expect that in the first three weeks, they got there, you would already have freedom to get in and out of their house.”“Well, they trusted me easily and they loved my desserts.” I opened my gate and we went straight to the kitchen since I made the table and put our food there. “They want everyday supplies of SweetHeart’s product so I’m just giving them a special delivery.”“And it is making you busy,” she said. “You should start hiring someone who will help you make our products.”“For now?” I shook my head. “I can still manage my time with doing our products and some other stuff.”“Are you sure?” she asked. “I can just put a hiring sign so when you need them, we can just call them.”She has a point there.Just like what I told Miracle, I can still manage everything on my own. I have so much t
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovI am not really against any third gender. I don’t have a problem with them, and in fact, I love to engage in a conversation with them because I know that they have so many things to say that I am sure will help me learn about them.But I think Miracle can’t blame me for spacing out after she said that the man that I met twice and the owner of the house next door was Caspian Jyn.Well, he had a lot of admirers, and stalkers, to be honest. And if I heard it right, even the princesses of the Hexoria Kingdom were also finding their chance to make him agree to enter an arranged marriage with him.But sad to say, no one really succeeded.Aside from that, he never really socializes with anyone, especially with girls.And now, I understand why he was like that.“He doesn’t like women,” I whispered. “He likes men!” I looked at Miracle and held her shoulders. “The Caspian Jyn that every woman around the world adores is actually gay!”Miracle was also shocked by what I w
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovI took a deep breath while standing in front of my neighbor’s gate. I am quite nervous after knowing that the person that I met twice in such an awkward situation was Caspian Jyn. I don’t know how to act after witnessing all those things.And I was thinking that he might forbid me from visiting their house and take back the keys that they gave to me.“Until when are you going to stand there?”I almost jumped because of the sudden voice I heard behind me. I immediately turned my back to him.And I was greeted by the enticing eyes of Caspian Jyn. Those ocean-blue eyes made me feel like I was drowning even though he was just looking at me with nothing but cold stares and to be honest, it is giving me chills.“Oh my god!” I covered my mouth. “I… I am sorry.” I went out of his way and stood beside the gate.I don’t know how to face him after seeing everything. And I am still confused about how I should act in front of him.I mean, should I act as if we were close?
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovAfter finishing our food, Rajiv and the others started to take care of the dining table. They were the ones who put plates, glasses, and utensils there since they didn’t have any maid there.And since they want it to be some kind of homey breakfast, I decided to put every dish in the last bowl and we will just have to get our portion on the table.I was about to wash the dishes but Rajiv said that I should join them before the food got cold so I sat there with them.This is not the first time that I have eaten here. But this is the first time that Jyn joined us here at the dining table.“Ahm…” I scratched my head. “Sorry if it was not that fancy.”“Don’t worry about that, Aspirin,” Schlain said. “We preferred to have this kind of breakfast.”“Let’s eat,” Jyn said. He was the first one to get his food and put it on his plate. Then, the others followed him.I was actually nervous while looking at them getting their food. I am not really sure if I managed to seas
Caspian Jyn’s Pov“Something is wrong,” Rajiv said after his phone call and turned to me. “They are all acting weird.”I frowned. “Who?”“Lucky and the rest of Asper’s bodyguards,” he answered. “I don’t know what but Asper has been acting weird ever since she met Reina at Yain City.”I leaned my back in my chair’s backrest and looked at him. “What makes you think that they are acting weird?”“Asper changed, Jyn,” he said. “For the whole year that we haven’t seen her, she changed a lot. She is no longer the type to just stay on the side, keep quiet, and do nothing.”“You think they will cover for her if she is doing something without our knowledge?”He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know how Asper thinks now and the caporegime that we assigned to her are all afraid and loyal to you,” he said. “But I still can’t shake the feeling that Asper is doing something.”I know what he is trying to say because I also felt that way.“Pull out the last batch of security details that we sent there
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovDad told me not to worry too much after I mentioned to him what Hector said to me. He assured me that he and Aasiyah are ready for everything that the palace will possibly do.He already learned his lesson through what happened to me. He has no plans on making any decision for Aasiyah and he will support anything she decides once the palace proposes a marriage for her and Cloven.Well, I know my sister. Even though she is the youngest in the family and my parents kind of sheltered her, she will never let anyone around control her.Just like me, she will fight if she doesn’t want the situation. No one will persuade her to do something she doesn’t like.But to ensure that we have another person backing us up for my sister's sake, I also informed Miracle about this. I can count on her to assure me that Aasiyah will not experience the harassment that I got from the palace before.And it made me feel relieved after talking it all to them. It is reassuring that even
Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov“I already transferred the foundation to my sister,” I repeated. “My lawyer finished taking care of the paperwork last year and it was finalized last week. The foundation is now formally owned by Aasiyah.”Shock was still all over his face after I explained that.Aasiyah will hold a press conference about this to publicly announce the transfer. It was scheduled for next week but since there are still threats to her safety because of me, they might reschedule it once Dad formed new security details for her.I frowned when I saw the concern on Hector’s face as if I made a huge mistake.“Aasiyah took over the foundation when I left our home two years ago,” I continued. “And because of what I have to do, I decided to completely let it go. And Aasiyah decided to shoulder everything since she fell in love working there.”“You…” He cupped his forehead and sat on the floor. I don’t know what his problem is but he is acting as if it was big news for him.And it is not
Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov“You are really out of your mind, Asper,” Hector shook his head after I told him what I did to Jyn’s men who were assigned as my bodyguards. “You used yourself just to hold them in the neck.”“I only have myself, okay?” I said. “I can only take advantage of Jyn’s feelings for me to make them what I want.”He shook his head again and continued bathing the horse. “You like taking advantage of everything around you to make sure that every situation will side with you.”We are in the horse stable right now. He is working while I am sitting in the corner.“Don’t talk to me about taking advantage of things, Hector. You have done worse than what I am doing right now.” I rolled my eyes. He talked like he never abused his position as the crown prince to get what he wanted before.He looked at me and pointed to himself. “I am trying to change myself for the better, right?” He pointed at me. “But you? It seems like you are changing your path.”“Well, I am entering the wo
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovI received a warm welcome from the original workers of the farm. I have known most of them since they started working here when Granny was still alive. Some of them were hired by me when I started handling things around here and there were new ones that Dad hired to help Judith with the work in the mansion.And of course, Hector, who immediately got along with the people here. They know that he is the former crown prince but it seems like it doesn’t matter to them. They might be treating him as a normal person but they are all nice to him.Which is good since we never know how long he will be working here.Since I let him choose what work he wanted to do here, he chose to take care of the horses we have here. Maybe because he is already familiar with that since they have been taking care of horses in the palace. And he often joins horseback tournaments so he knows how to handle one.After taking care of things around the changes that will happen around the far
Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov“Sorry, Dad.” That is all I can say to my father who I was talking to through Lucky’s phone right now. I am standing in an abandoned port while staring at our helicopter that was burning down through the sky. “I am still not sure about how much money I have right now but I will try to buy a new one for you.”I heard Dad sigh. “Don’t worry about that. I already had plans to buy a new one for myself and give that to your brother.”“Oh.” I scratched my head. “Now, I feel even more bad. Helicopters are the easiest mode of transportation that he can use to go to Yain City without neglecting his job here at Ilore City.”“But you are okay, right?” Dad asked. “It is good that you noticed the problem in the helicopter sooner than later.”“Maybe I was getting sharper when it comes to danger.” Ever since I learned about the Rioghail, Dad made sure to train me every day. Not just some self-defense techniques, but also about the things that I should be looking around me th
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovEverything that I need to move to the farm is all set. Dad already sent there the people that will help me to start the new chapter of my life.Though, I will still visit here from time to time. That is why I don’t understand why my siblings and mother are crying right now.“Seriously, guys?” I shook my head while looking at them. Especially Kezia who has been hugging me tight. “I am just three hours’ drive away. You can visit me any time you want. And I will also try to visit as much as I can. This is not something like when I was hiding in Yain City. You can call me whenever you want.”“It is still different whenever you are here,” Kezia exclaimed. “Why do you have to live there? You have been taking care of Granny’s property remotely since you all got it, right?”“I know.” I sighed. “But now that I don’t have the SweetHeart and the foundation, the farm is currently my primary source of income. I had to study everything about it from scratch. So, please? Sto
Asper Reign Dahlia’s Pov“Give him time, Asper,” Miracle added and lay down in my bed. “He is not used to what is happening to him right now.”“I understand what is happening to him and I am trying my best not to become his burden while he is fixing everything around him,” I explained. “Isn’t that the reason why I am leaving? I chose the farm because I know that I can do everything to protect myself there without holding back. So that when he is finally ready to come back to me, he will not worry about my safety anymore.”“Does it mean, that when he finished solving all his problems and he is ready to come back to you, you will not hesitate to accept him again?”“Yup,” I immediately answered, which made her get up. I looked at her and smiled. “Moving on from him is not really part of my life. I just want to give him space while he is working on his personal issue. And I am working on my life so I can live it the way I want without fearing for my safety.”We will not be able to do anyt
Asper Reign Dahlia’s PovPeople in the house were shocked by my decision to hire Hector and as I expected, Jasper and Kezia voiced their disagreement with my decision. Though Dad didn’t say anything, I can see in his eyes that he is also on their side this time.Mom, Easter, and Aasiyah also do not agree with it but they choose to respect what I want to do, just like what they kept doing for the past months. I guess they trust me that much now.“He is changing!” I insisted on them because they kept telling me that I shouldn’t trust Hector since we all know who he really is. “Why don’t you give him a chance?”“Do you really believe that he is capable of changing?” Jasper asked. “What if he is only pretending to get your sympathy? And when you are finally comfortable with him, he will use that opportunity to take back everything he gave up and force you again to marry him.”I narrowed my eyes on him. “Are you hearing yourself now, brother? We all know that Hector is incapable of pretens