As they left the hospital, George’s gaze remained fixed on the pouring rain outside the car window. His normally unshakable expression revealed a rare hint of worry.“She’s fragile,” he said, almost to himself. “This environment does more harm than good.” He didn't want her to leave the hospital since she just woke up but it seems like it is not helping at all.Lately, he has been digging deeper into Eva's past and how she had been living her life when he had ignored her. Even though the information he got wasn't clear, he was able to find out that his granddaughter had developed some mental health issues but during the time she had disappeared, she was able to recover herself a bit. He just hoped the thunder combined with the irrational fear of the hospital wouldn't bring back any dangerous harm to her because he wasn't willing to take that risk.Julian glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Sir, will the young miss be returning to the hospital for further treatment?”“Not unle
Moments later, Damien’s phone buzzed with a message.“Don’t be mad at Eva anymore, Damien. Just return her calls. She needs you.” — Nathalia.His lips curled into a scowl. Nathalia’s meddling had gone too far this time, but he couldn’t deny her words hit a nerve.Eva’s trembling figure flashed in his mind, and for the first time in hours, he felt the stirrings of guilt.………When Eva arrived at the main mansion, the new staff were visibly startled by the sight of a grown woman trembling in fear of thunder. Old Butler Song, however, was unperturbed. Familiar with her childhood anxieties, she quickly took charge. Leading her to her room, she had the curtains drawn, the windows locked, and the lights turned on.She ordered warm milk with honey and instructed the staff to bring in a noise-canceling machine. Soft piano music played in the background to drown out the thunder’s rumble. Once Eva drank her milk, she fluffed her pillows and persuaded her to lie down.At last, Eva succumbed to sl
The next morning, Doctor Sam arrived at the mansion to check on Eva. He ensured her bandages were clean and properly dressed before prescribing a regimen of light exercises, such as daily walks in the garden.George, ever meticulous, had ordered medical supplies to be delivered from the hospital, including IV bags and a drip pole. No one dared question his decisions, knowing better than to challenge the formidable patriarch.After ensuring everything was set up for Eva’s comfort, George prepared to leave for work. Before departing, he gently patted her head.“Eva, I’m heading to the office now,” He said.Eva looked up from her thoughts. “Why are you going to the company?” she softly asked. She remembers that her grandfather said he wanted to stop going to the company and that was why he appointed his son, Raphael as the CEO of the company. “That’s because your uncle has gone on a business trip and there are matters that need my attention at the company.” George calmly replied and exp
At three in the morning, Damien silently wandered through the dim hallways of the Black Mansion. He was impressed by the high-level security surrounding the estate. The electrified fences, guard dogs pacing near the main door, and laser beams hidden within the hallways were all expertly placed—but nothing could stop Damien.The soft glow of the full moon seeped through the tall windows, lighting his path. After a few moments of searching, he found a door with a golden plate engraved with Eva’s name.He pushed it open, the door clicking softly as he locked it behind him. His footsteps made no sound on the polished floor, but a faint, heart-wrenching cry made him halt in his tracks.“No... I’m sorry…”Damien stiffened. His sharp gaze snapped toward the bed where delicate muslin curtains draped down from the canopy.Her muffled sniffles and broken sobs were like knives stabbing at his chest. The sound of her despair pulled him forward, and he gently pulled back the curtain.The sight bef
As the minutes ticked by, her breathing evened out completely, and Damien could tell she had fallen into a deeper sleep. He leaned back slightly to observe her peaceful face, but her hands gripped his shirt tighter, pulling him closer.“...Damien…” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.His eyes widened at the sound of his name on her lips. A soft smile crept onto his face.“I’m here,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her damp forehead. At first he thought she was awake but seeing how tightly her eyes were shut, he couldn't help but let out a sigh. Was he expecting her to say something?“D…Damien….. I-I….” She suddenly grumbled some gibberish which made Damien look at her again. Knowing that she was only sleep talking and would end up saying something confusing, he raised his hand up and stroked her hair again. However, he stopped when she spoke again."...You..." He frowned, realizing he’d missed the first part of her murmuring."Even in your sleep, you're such a tease,"
He spun around quickly, only to feel a sharp pang in his chest at the sight before him. It was the first time he had seen her cry because of him, and the experience was nothing short of devastating. The sight shattered his heart and left his mind reeling, stripping away any semblance of reason. All he could think about was holding her, comforting her, and making the pain disappear.“There’s nothing to talk about,” Damien said, his words cutting through the silence like a blade.Eva felt her heart shatter, each syllable ripping through her chest. A wave of unbearable pain swelled within her, threatening to crush her completely.“Damien, I—”“Let go of me.” His voice was sharp, cold, and gruff, the irritation laced in his tone striking her like a physical blow.Eva opened her mouth to reply, but no words came. Her lips trembled, her eyes stung, and her throat tightened with unshed tears. She had promised herself she wouldn’t cry, not again, but it was a battle she was losing.“No.” Her
Her eyes, usually so bright and full of life, glistened with tears that fell in unrelenting streams. Those beautiful eyes, once akin to brilliant stars, now reflected nothing but hurt. He stepped toward her instinctively, but she moved back, widening the distance between them.Regret struck him like a wave, heavy and suffocating. He hadn’t intended to push her so far, to break through her boundaries in this way. He only meant to test her resolve, not to wound her so deeply. Now, guilt and remorse clung to him like an oppressive weight as he stood frozen, unable to undo the damage he had caused.“Look away…” she begged, her voice shaking as she pressed herself against the glass window.Despite how she promised her to never win Damien over with her tears, she couldn't control herself. She swore she would never cry over a man as she had done with Mark in the past.“Eva,” he whispered, stepping closer, but she held up a trembling hand to stop him.“I’ll stop bothering you,” she stammered
Eva tilted Damien’s face down to her level, trying to ease the strain on her tiptoes. But he had a different idea. Before she could react, she let out a soft yelp as he swept her off her feet, effortlessly lifting her.She couldn’t help but chuckle. “You really don’t know how to carry someone properly, do you?” she teased, though her head instinctively nestled against his shoulder, finding comfort in his embrace.Damien smirked but didn’t reply. He carried her to the plush couch in the corner and sat down, settling her gently on his lap. His arms remained firmly wrapped around her waist, holding her as if afraid she might vanish.“I like you, Damien,” Eva said softly, raising her head to meet his intense gaze. “I really, really do.”Her heartfelt confession washed away the last remnants of his frustration. It was as if her words had the power to calm the storm raging inside him.“But…” She hesitated, her fingers brushing against his jawline. “If we want this relationship to work, you
“I... I’m starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling she’s trying to push me out of the competition,” Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Mark’s voice was low, filled with annoyance. “What do you mean, sabotage you? She’s already got the public on her side. What else does she want?”“I don’t know, Mark. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s behind some of the things happening to me lately,” Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. “She’s been getting more endorsements, more media attention... She’s always one step ahead, and I feel like she’s using me to boost her own career. Maybe she’s trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I don’t have a chance to win.”Mark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didn’t respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everett’s words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everett’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. “What are you going to do about her? She’s the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell she’s been pulling strings, trying to break you down.”Eva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. “I’m not sure yet. But Christine’s time is running out.” She gave a slight, bitter laugh. “I won’t let her destroy me.”Everett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. “Be careful, Eva,” she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. “Christine’s dangerous. And she’s got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.”Eva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everett’s words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christine’s smile faltered. “What is she doing here?”Before she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, we’re honored to have Eva here tonight.”Christine stiffened. “What? That’s impossible!”Eva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasn’t an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the room—and the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I don’t care what it takes—pull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.”Tanya hesitated. “Christine, are you sure about this? Maybe you should—”“Don’t question me!” Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. “Do you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I won’t even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!”Tanya sighed. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. You’re playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.”Christine scoffed. “Please. Eva won’t be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Eva’s reputation, she had only fueled the public’s admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.“Christine?”She turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trusted—or rather, tolerated—because she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christine’s side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.“Wh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everything—sabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumors—yet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didn’t work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldn’t hide behind shadows. She wouldn’t need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the media’s attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing this—his favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didn’t even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.“Christine, what is this?” His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. “A dinner. For us.”Mark scoffed, shaking his head. “A dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what I’ve been dealing with? My father’s furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.” His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. “And do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancée might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasn’t one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.“Why didn’t you ask for my help?” His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeper—something close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Because it was something I could handle,” she said simply. “Like always.”Damien’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. “And if you couldn’t?”Eva shrugged. “Then I would have asked. But it wasn’t time for that yet.”That answer didn’t satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “Eva—”“I know what you’re going to say,” she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. “You think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I don’t always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going home—where the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurking—was out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. “Eva.”Just her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said it—low, controlled, yet sharp with attention—that made her exhale slowly.“Hey,” she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, “What’s wrong?”She almost smiled. He always saw through her.“I can’t go home,” she admitted, rubbing her temple. “The reporters are camped outside. And after today’s interview… they’ll only get worse.”Damien didn’t answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. “Where are you?”“Penthouse suite at the Grand Royale,” she repli