*** Zian *** I watched Seth momentarily fighting with the man wearing all back from head to tall when we arrived in the backyard. He’s tall and bulky and the physique seems familiar. When the man sees us, he pushes Seth hard and dashes off. I didn’t think twice about running after that bastard while Seth scooped up the unconscious Hyacinth on the grass.“Take care of her!” I shouted and ran fast to catch up with that bastard. He seemed to know the surroundings and he stopped multiple times to watch me catch up. I couldn’t see his other features since it was getting dark and it was darker in the woods.I stopped running and stared at him for a long time. “You really wanted to play, huh?” I asked. “You messed up with the wrong woman,” I said aloud. “Raven loves her and that means that we love her. We will fucked up your life.” The man only glanced at me and then he left. I didn’t turn my back. Not yet, that bastard might hit me. But with his features, he’s taller than Raven and me. I
*** Hyacinth *** I know that it was probably dangerous to go back. But on my land, we installed more security cameras. I don’t know where they put the main server but there were post lights that were installed by the contractor that Raven hired. And now, we were searching for the insides and what we found astonished me. Under the floor of the kitchen, we found a misaligned tile that was twenty-four-by-twenty-four. That’s when I checked it and removed the carpet. Stupid me. I only search around the room and not in the kitchen. The kitchen is the last place that we will be searching and grandma just hid it right. We found a tunnel and went downstairs. That’s where I found a mini living room with shelves of something… I turned on the lights and there I found a collection of antiques. “Hyacinth?” Cal called out. “Did you just make us work out with a sledgehammer?” “Yeah!” I chuckled. “Come down, now.” “Woah,” Cal exclaimed and he sneezed. “We should probably wear masks and remove a
*** Hyacinth *** I found a small wooden chest with my name on top of it. A letter? It was covered with plastic and over the plastic was dust. While everyone was helping with placing the items on the storage boxes that we bought from the hardware store, I was helping with clearing a few things that we don’t need. We will be taking it with us back to the Philippines as soon as I sorted out what to do with all of those things. But then, we are not done finding out my family treasure. It was Raven’s first day to be with us and he mostly worked during that time. Then, when we arrived in our hotel room, Raven arranged another room just for the two of us. “You didn’t sleep.” I said and noticed the dark circles under his eyes. “I’m sorry, Raven.” “Why are you apologizing?.” I reached his face and sighed. “I am using the skincare set that Kelly gave me and I will use it for you later. For now, I will prepare the bathtub with a bubble bath.” He bent down and scooped my chin. He already n
*** Hyacinth *** I cleaned up the surrounding of the wooden chest and I placed it in front of me as I took out the paper from the plastic. I opened it up and stared at the bank accounts under my name and the thick paper with my name under it. “What is this?” I mumbled. It was all in Finnish language and there’s this logo on top. Rubiinin Valtakunta. “I need to learn my language correctly.” I handed it to Raven as he creased his brows. “Babe, this is your share to the Ruby Empire. You are one of the stockholders with 2 percent.” “Oh, shit. Is it big?” I asked. “Yeah, hella big. Billions. Ruby Empire is an old money rich. You are richer than I am.” Raven grinned. Was he proud? “If I know that my grandmother is this rich, I would’ve been here and taken over my share.” “This is probably why your father is keeping you away.” Raven leaned. “Your lawyer is still at Charles’s law firm but we can get you more lawyers.” “This is my family treasure that they’ve been keeping in a humble c
*** Hyacinth *** Butler Jussi was waiting for us at the entrance. He opened the car door for us as our gentlemen came out first and Raven extended his hand to me and even placed a hand under the roof of the car. We are only wearing a semi-formal dress. “Hyacinth!” Eino approached us with his arms wide open and I smiled at him. He shook Raven’s hand and hugged him briefly and then to me. He also did the same to Patricia and Cal. “Where’s Pen and Zian?” He asked. “They are out on a date.” Cal said and chuckled. “We let the two have their alone time.” Which was a lie. Cal is so suave and flawless about it. “I hope that it’s alright? My family wants you to meet Hyacinth.” “Oh, we are curious why?” Raven asked. “Let’s discuss it inside.” Eino kept that gorgeous smile. I then looked at my husband who was serious and in a very businesslike expression. But I don’t know what that really meant. We entered the drawing room where there were people who looked so much like Eino. A lot of th
*** Raven ***My wife seemed to get along with them through their language. She practiced, and she spoke well now, although she wasn't fluent. But she’s still studying their language. During those times, I knew that Eino was so into her. There was one who was trying to seduce Patricia as well, but she would gently turn them down.She doesn't understand much about their language but Patricia could read body language.“I’ll go to the toilet,” I told my wife as she nodded and held my hand.“Do you want me to accompany you?” She muttered. I grinned slowly and it was too late when she realized she said it wrong. “Nah, you are a big boy.”I kissed her cheeks as I headed out of the grand room where everyone gathered and had wine after a big dinner. I went to the nearest toilet and then washed my hand after. When I came out, I stopped when I bumped into Helmi, Eino’s youngest sister with honey-blonde hair. Her lips curled up.“Hi,” She grinned.I nod my head.“Apologies,” I mumbled as I was a
*** Hyacinth ***The snow was falling steadily, each flake drifting through the air with a quiet grace before settling on the ground. The cold wrapped itself around me, sharper than I’d ever felt before, biting at my skin, seeping into my bones. Every breath felt like ice in my lungs, the chill so deep it seemed to crawl beneath my clothes, making my muscles stiff and unresponsive. This wasn’t just cold; it was a sharp, unforgiving kind of cold that seemed to gnaw at everything it touched.Then, there’s Eino. There’s something in his eyes, a flicker I can’t quite place. I don’t know what it is, but the way Eino is looking at me feels… off. It’s almost like he’s going to miss me, but that’s not it. No, there’s something else, something strange, like he’s holding back a secret or waiting for something… a quiet intensity I can’t ignore. I can feel it, but I can't figure out why.“I thought you’d have a great Christmas here in Finland.”“I love snow, but our Christmas is different. But so
*** Hyacinth *** My mother in law was very supportive. She came with a van and two more cars. She’s wearing a sky blue trench coat dress and holding a sky blue mini-kelly. I approached her first and hugged her. She kissed both of my cheeks and greeted Penny and Patricia the same. “Alright, I had reservations and I think the boys will be back in the office after lunch.” “Perfect. Where are we dining?” Penny asked. “The known English Chef? I had a reservation with him.” We gaped and looked at each other. The known English Chef who will be opening a restaurant here. A celebrity Chef known for his English cuss. We squirmed in excitement. He probably had a blog but we are more interested in the food. We hopped into the van quickly and headed to the unopened restaurant. The Chef greeted us and we hugged him. He smelled like steaks and butter. Penny took photos with him with us… and he had a camera ready. “Darcy,” Chef George hugged Darcy. “I had the known Chefs you introduced to me a
–Hyacinth–I planned it to be in Switzerland. Patricia always wanted to go there. So we made it. Raven and I decided to let them go wherever they want. While he and I stayed in our hotel room to make love. I promised him. That we would go crazy in bed once he’s fully recovered. It’s still his birthday week. Besides, my husband is all that matters now. I may not be able to give him children but this one happiness… maybe it’ll fill up his wants. “I am loving your body, right now.” He said while admiring me on a fitted dress that I put on for our afternoon walk. We’ll be meeting them in the restaurant that they found a few blocks from our hotel. “Really? I think I am fatter than before.” I approached her as he caressed my curves. “Oh, these… mama mia!” He grinned. I laughed and pushed his hair forward. “Let’s go. I want to eat and also enjoy this place.” “Okay, okay.” He bounced his head. “I don’t want my wife to get hungry. Hungry wife, disaster life.” He said as playfully as I sma
–Hyacinth–I quickly tucked the letter away, my fingers trembling slightly as I realized it could ruin the night for Raven. No, not tonight. Not on his birthday. I stepped outside, handed the bouquet to a passing housekeeper with a grateful smile, and whispered, "Thank you," before rushing back in.And the letter? I buried the storm of emotions twisting inside me. Because this isn’t just about me anymore. This time, I’m protecting him. I’m protecting Raven.The door burst open from the bathroom. “Love!” Raven called out, his voice bright and boyish.I turned with a soft smile. “Yes?”He peeked his head around the doorframe with that mischievous grin of his. “I was thinking… quick party, then make love?”I laughed, arching a brow. “You’re not fully recovered yet. So, we can’t—unless~”“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, waving a hand. “I know. No more food poisoning, I swear.”“Mmhmm,” I hummed, unconvinced.He walked over, draping himself across the bed. “So, who knocked earlier?”I avoided h
–Hyacinth–I sighed, stomach churning. Ugh, probably too much soda. I rushed to the bathroom, hoping it would pass. That’s when it hit me—I hadn’t gotten my period.I froze, hand instinctively reaching for my chest. Tender. Really tender.“Oh, shit,” I muttered. “Am I pregnant… or is this just PMS?”No. Couldn’t be. I stopped taking the pill, yeah, but Raven had a low sperm count and we always used condoms… right?“This is just PMS,” I told myself, firm. “Just premenstrual weirdness. Totally normal. Nothing to see here.”I cleaned myself up and was just reaching for toilet paper when Raven knocked.“Come on, babe!” he called.I opened the door just enough to peek out.“I’m not feeling great,” I said, nudging him inside. “Your turn.”He rushed past me like a man on a mission. “Thanks! But hey, we still have places to be, remember?”“Yeah, yeah,” I said with a laugh.The door shut, and a groan came from inside.“You okay in there?” I asked, amused. “Want me to get you some medicine?”“Y
Hyacinth I’ve always dreamed of touring Europe, and now, with our budget secured, we finally could. The private jet made the trip hassle-free, and as we stepped onto foreign soil, I intertwined my fingers with my husband’s. But he brushed my hand away, handing me my purse instead. I pouted, only for him to secure his own bag across his chest before resting a firm hand on my waist. My irritation melted into a grin when he winked at me. “So, this is the surprise birthday trip you planned for me?” he asked. “Yes,” I confirmed. “I would’ve preferred it if we were alone, you know.” His grin turned wicked as he wiggled his brows. “Locked in our room for days—lazy, indulgent, just us. I’d never get tired of that.” “But I would,” I shot back, squinting up at him. “It’s bad for me.” He laughed as I did, then pushed open the door to the first café we spotted. The place wasn’t crowded, but the rich aroma of coffee and pastries was intoxicating. My eyes locked onto the cinnamon Dani
–Patricia–I had invited Anthony with Hyacinth’s approval, and they unexpectedly showed up together. I was surprised that Hyacinth had brought our favorite yogurt set, while Raven handed me the apple container.“You can eat all of that since you’re single,” Raven remarked with a pitying look. It was irritating, but I had to endure his constant jibes—after all, my best friend was paying me to tolerate his face.I put the yogurt in the fridge, only to be interrupted by a hand that appeared behind me, placing something next to it. I turned, nearly colliding noses with the newcomer. He quickly raised his hand and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”“No, it’s fine,” I replied with a grin. “You’re not trying to flirt with me, are you?” I teased.“What if I am?” he shot back, laughing and nodding.“You’ll have to ask my best friend’s permission first,” I quipped.He chuckled and patted my arm. “Sure thing. By the way, I have some questions,” he said, extending his arm. I gracefu
***Raven*** Rosie had put on quite the show. After days of comforting my wife and convincing her not to blame herself, it seemed to be working—somewhat. But I needed to double down. I had to find that last copy and destroy it, especially now that my wife was gaining fame. Maybe we should stop attending galas altogether. “Why are you packing so much?” I asked as she counted a few items. “We’re off to Europe,” she replied casually. “Babe, we’re not going to Finland again,” I teased. “I didn’t say Finland,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have work.” “You can work from there. Besides, I made sure the jet is packed.” She winked and held up a piece of lingerie—tempting, to say the least. “Wow, second honeymoon?” I approached her, but she raised a finger to stop me, carefully placing the lingerie into the luggage. “Now I remember—our anniversary is coming up,” I said, walking around her and pulling her waist toward me. “Are you planning to make love to me?” “No way! After
–Raven–As soon as I answered his call, the first thing I heard was his heavy breathing.“I will kill her. I will kill Hyacinth,” Samuel said, as though Hyacinth wasn’t his daughter. His words sent chills down my spine. Even his own flesh and blood—he wanted her dead.“Killing Hyacinth won’t do you any good, Samuel,” I replied, keeping my tone casual.“She said something to Rosie. She must have. Now, tell me—what else did she say to Rosie?”I frowned.“I have no idea what you’re talking about. And whatever Hyacinth said must be true.”“I will end you both!”I sighed and hung up, immediately calling Samuel’s nurse. She answered after a few moments.“What’s going on in there?” I asked.“Unfortunately, Miss Rosie sent a message. She tried to overdose on pills. She’s currently in the emergency room.”I was silent for a moment, processing the news. Rosie—always desperate for attention. No, she wasn’t just seeking attention; she was demanding it. Just earlier, she had threatened Hyacinth, v
—Stalker’s Point of View—Smelling her, touching her—it almost drove me insane. But it wasn’t just her that consumed me. It was something our family was meant to possess. Her mother was perfect. The epitome of intelligence. A woman who had it all, despite being a commoner, not royalty. Yet everyone wanted her as their daughter-in-law. A genius in everything… except love. “I was thinking that maybe Hyacinth was also a victim of love.” I stood, pacing around my desk, glancing at the piles of recently filed cases. Boring paperwork, but necessary. Even the bomb incident was just another file to clean up. I hadn’t meant to kill anyone—just to isolate her. If everyone around her was gone, taking her would be effortless. But no matter how many times I tried, they clung to her. Maybe I should ruin her relationship with Darcy. “How do I do that?” My fingers tapped against the windowsill as I watched Hyacinth step out of her apartment across the street, her bodyguards trailing like
–Hyacinth— I was certain she intended to become my husband’s mistress. Proposing in front of me? Bold. But I had seen Raven flinch multiple times. That woman—Minerva—sat across from him, her foot subtly grazing his ankle, then sliding higher, testing his restraint. Raven’s discomfort was palpable. His glare could have scorched her where she sat. When our orders arrived, I draped my hand possessively over his lap. He shifted under my touch, but I only leaned closer, crossing my legs to shield him from Minerva’s advances. Let her try. “If you want, you can visit the site with us,” Colton offered. “Are we hiking, or…?” I trailed off, waiting. “Fly. We’ll fly,” Dane cut in, grinning. “I’ll be your pilot.” Raven’s hand settled on my thigh, a silent claim. “Let me taste that,” he murmured, nodding toward my tuna. Without hesitation, I fed him a bite, rice and all. Colton groaned. “Oh, come on! I don’t want to be a third wheel here.” I smirked. “Minerva’s here. You don’t