The door of the mansion opened for them, and Aaron guided the car inside. The grandeur of the estate took Arina's breath away, her eyes widening in wonder as she took in the opulent surroundings, a sense of awe washing over her. "The mansion looks so beautiful, Aaron," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration as she surveyed the luxurious surroundings, her heart swelling with appreciation for the beauty before her, her eyes dancing with excitement. "If you want, I will drop you inside," he offered, his concern for her safety overriding any other considerations, his gaze filled with an unspoken plea for her to stay safe, his heart heavy with worry for her well-being. "No, I can go," she insisted, her voice tinged with determination as she squared her shoulders, a sense of bravery welling up within her despite her nerves, her eyes shining with resolve as she prepared to face the unknown alone. "Take care, sis," Aaron said, opening the car door for her with a gentl
"You want to fuck me? How dare you!" Arina cried out, her voice trembling with fury. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a mixture of hurt and indignation. "How can you think so little of me, just because you are the king of Kenner?" Her words were sharp, each one infused with the pain of betrayal and disrespect. Arina's voice pierced the silence, her words a mixture of anger and fear that echoed off the grand walls of the chamber. "What were you thinking before asking me to marry you? To fuck me?" she demanded, her tone sharp with accusation. "Two people get married when they love each other." Ryan winced slightly at the force of her words, his hand instinctively rising to rub his cheek where her words had stung. "Arina..." he began, his voice tinged with warning, "Just listen." But Arina refused to be silenced, her defiance unyielding. "If you were the last person on this earth, I still wouldn't marry you," she declared, her voice trembling with raw emotion. Her eyes blazed with a
Aaron's heart ached as he watched Arina dissolve into tears, her sobs echoing in the car. Without hesitation, he handed her a tissue, his own frustration simmering beneath the surface. "Don't cry," he urged softly, though his hands clenched the steering wheel in anger. "He is..." Arina's voice wavered as she struggled to find the words, her tears flowing freely now. "I heard everything," Aaron interrupted, his voice laced with anger. "I know he's not a good person." Arina pleaded with him through her tears, but Aaron's mind was already made up. "You're coming with me, to New York," he declared, determination driving his actions as he accelerated the car. Once they reached their house, Arina's anxiety flared. "What are we going to tell Daddy?" she asked, her voice trembling. "You don't need to tell him anything," Aaron replied firmly, cutting off her protests. "It's my turn to talk to him." Leading Arina inside, Aaron offered her comfort, his arms enveloping her in a protective e
As Ryan lounged in the dimly lit bar, his gaze fixated on the amber liquid swirling in his glass. "Charlie, has anyone ever slapped you?" he inquired casually, taking a sip of his whiskey. Charlie's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected question, but he quickly composed himself. "No, my King," he replied, bowing his head respectfully. He couldn't help but notice the faint marks on Ryan's cheek, evidence of the encounter with Arina. Ryan chuckled darkly, his expression morphing into one of twisted amusement. "Do you believe me, Charlie? Your king was slapped by his future queen," he laughed, the sound ringing with a hint of madness. "My King..." Charlie's voice trailed off, unsure of how to respond to such a revelation. Ryan's eyes gleamed with intensity as he leaned in closer, his words dripping with obsession. "She is mine, Charlie. No one else can have her. Not her family, not anyone. From today, I want her every second update," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for ar
Ryan reclined in the plush leather seat of his car, the ambient glow of the dashboard illuminating his chiseled features as he gazed out at the city skyline. His voice cut through the quiet night air as he dialed his loyal confidant, Charlie. "Charlie, I want the flight to New York delayed," he instructed, his tone carrying an unmistakable air of authority. Across town, Richard, Ryan's father, answered the call, his warm voice brimming with paternal affection. "Hello, son," he greeted. "Father, I want to speak with Mom," Ryan requested, his gaze fixed pensively on the distant horizon. Without hesitation, Richard handed the phone to Edison, Ryan's mother, with a knowing look. "Honey, Ryan wants to talk to you," he said softly. Addison's tired voice greeted Ryan on the other end of the line. "Hi, baby. How are you?" she inquired, her exhaustion evident in her tone. A smirk played across Ryan's lips as he reclined further into his seat. "I've found a queen for me," he declared, his
As Rosella's gaze fell upon Arina through the screen, her heart swelled with maternal affection. "How's my baby?" she inquired gently, her eyes soft with concern.Arina managed a tired smile, stifling a yawn. "Good, Mom."But Rosella couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her heart. "You're looking thin," she observed, her concern evident even over the video call.Arina waved off her mother's worry, her voice heavy with exhaustion. "No, I'm good," she insisted, sinking further into the comfort of her bed.Rosella persisted, her maternal instincts urging her to ensure her daughter's well-being. "Did you enroll yourself?"Arina nodded faintly, her eyes still closed in weariness. "Yes, Aaron has taken care of it. I'll start tomorrow," she murmured, already drifting toward sleep.Concerned about her daughter's wardrobe, Rosella continued, "Did you buy a new dress?"Arina's response was tinged with sarcasm, her fatigue evident in her tone. "I have enough," she muttered, rolling onto her side.
Barton paced his dimly lit study, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him. He had always prided himself on his cunning, but tonight, that very cunning felt like a noose tightening around his neck. The phone rang, shattering the silence and pulling him from his troubled thoughts.“John,” Barton greeted, attempting to mask the tension in his voice.“Cut the pleasantries, Barton,” John's voice crackled through the speaker, laced with barely concealed anger. “We need to talk.”“About what?” Barton asked, feigning ignorance.“You know damn well what,” John snapped.“I should be the one yelling at you,” Barton snapped back. “The mining operation. You've been sending your employees into the coal mines that now belong to the King of Kenner.”“I have my share too,” John replied, his voice carrying a mischievous tone.Barton felt a chill run down his spine. “I sold those mines to the King. You're the one who's overstepping,” he retorted, trying to sound authoritative.John's laugh was co
The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light on the kitchen where Arina and Lisa sat, their fatigue worn plainly on their faces.“Good morning, Arina,” Lisa greeted with a tired yawn, her eyes still heavy with sleep.Arina managed a weary smile in return, her own exhaustion evident in the lines of her face. “Do you want coffee?” Lisa offered, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.Arina's brow furrowed as she looked around the room. “Where is Aaron?” she asked, scanning the space for any sign of her brother.“With his concubine,” Lisa replied matter-of-factly, her tone tinged with annoyance as she rolled her eyes.Arina's eyes widened in surprise at Lisa's casual remark. “What?” she exclaimed, caught off guard by the unexpected revelation.“Gym is his co-wife, Arina,” Lisa explained with a mischievous grin, a playful twinkle in her eyes.Arina couldn't help but giggle at the unexpected comparison. “Ohhh, I thought something else,” she chuckled, shaking
“I am going to take your mom to Australia,” Richard informed Ryan before taking sight. Ryan felt his father's emotions as he sat beside his sleeping mother. Addison's face was pale, and she breathed slowly. Both father and son were concerned about Addison's medical condition and had hired top doctors to examine her. However, some diseases are incurable; only human will has the power to cure medicine. Ryan immediately flew to Kenner after learning of her mother's condition, and he has not stopped looking at his mother's sleeping frame since then.“Why…” He asked, looking into his father's eyes. The dark circles and wrinkles on his face were obvious signs of age. The royal family had their charm to help them age, but the constant stress and Addison's medical condition harmed Richard's health.Richard sighed and explained, “Doctor Charles says there is some hope in Australia that her disease can be cured.” Richard had spent money like water on Addison's medical treatment, but the disease
“What are you doing?” Arina hissed, glaring at Aaron with frustration. He stood in his room, holding an expensive statue as if ready to throw it to the floor. The room was a mess, with items scattered everywhere. “She's picking fights for no reason,” Aaron muttered angrily, crushing things in his bedroom. He couldn't understand why Lisa insisted he wear formal clothes just to meet her mother. “Can you tell me what's happened between you two?” Arina asked, rolling her eyes. She was used to their frequent arguments and subsequent reconciliations. It always saddened her to see them fight over trivial matters. “Why don't you girls understand that we can't guess what you want? Just tell us!” he huffed, his frustration evident. Aaron was exasperated with Lisa's expectations. “Wait, 'you girls'?” Arina retorted, glaring back at him. Aaron's behavior was also making things difficult for her as a woman. “Yes, you girls,” Aaron replied angrily, pointing a finger at Arina in his frustratio
“Everything is settled as you requested, My King,” Charlie affirmed after their meeting, his tone deferential yet tinged with relief. Ryan nodded, observing the sea of students attending the seminar for guidance from him. “I would like to invite the King of Kenner to address a few words to our students about their journey after college,” the Principal announced, stepping back from the stage. Ryan's aura already commanded everyone's attention, with the younger generation looking at him with admiration. “Hello everyone. Every journey has its value, and your hard work and dedication make your journey worthwhile. I am here to offer you a few words, but they will only be valuable if you have goals to achieve. Set your goals before you embark on your journey,” Ryan said confidently, his regal demeanor adding charm to his words. “What is your goal, King?” a young man in his twenties asked Ryan. “To submit to my queen,” Ryan smirked, eliciting laughter from the audience who knew he was th
“Adison, please take your medicine,” Richard urged his wife, his tone filled with concern and a touch of frustration as he held out the pill bottle. It was a routine they had gone through countless times, her reluctance to take her medication always testing his patience.“Where is Ryan?” Adison's question sent a shiver down Richard's spine, his expression paling at the mention of their son's name. It was a topic he had hoped to avoid, knowing the weight of the secrets he carried.“He's probably at his mansion, having breakfast,” Richard replied awkwardly, his attempt at casualness falling flat in the face of Adison's piercing gaze."Call him and ask him to meet me today. I miss him,” Adison insisted, finally relenting and taking her medicine as Richard made the call, his heart heavy with the burden of his secrets."Sure, just rest. I'll be back,” Richard reassured her, tucking her in and leaving her in their room before stepping out to make the call to Reyan.“Your meeting's over?” Ri
"Where's Arina?" Sage's voice trembled with anticipation as he scanned the bustling college courtyard, his heart pounding with the hope of catching a glimpse of her radiant presence. He had been waiting for this moment, eager to steal a few precious moments with her and perhaps, if luck was on his side, to carve out a space for himself in her life. "She's in a lecture right now, but she'll be here in the afternoon. Are you missing her?" Lisa's teasing tone held a knowing glint in her eye, betraying her awareness of Sage's longstanding crush on Arina. She had watched their dance of glances and subtle gestures unfold over time, and she couldn't help but smile at the prospect of their potential romance. "No, it's just her notes…" Sage's voice trailed off, his fingers absently creasing the nap of his shirt as he tried to quell the nervous fluttering in his stomach. He couldn't afford to let his feelings for Arina distract him from his goal of winning her affection, but the mere though
"Are we really going to New York?" Rosella's voice held a mix of excitement and uncertainty as she glanced at Barton, who was immersed in his phone, nodding absentmindedly. "Yes, we are," Barton replied, finally tearing his gaze away from the screen to meet her eyes. "I've been invited to a conference there." Rosella's face lit up with a smile, her thoughts already racing with visions of exploring the bustling streets of the Big Apple. "That sounds amazing! I can't wait." As Rosella hurried off to their room to pack, Barton's mind was elsewhere, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he exchanged messages with John about the latest developments in the mining industry. But beneath his facade of composure, a knot of tension gnawed at his stomach. The news from his source about the supervisor's investigation into suspicious activities sent a chill down Barton's spine. He knew all too well the potential consequences if his involvement were to be discovered, and the thought weig
Arina huffed in frustration as she struggled to open the anklet, her fingers fumbling with the delicate clasp. The diamond-studded ornament shimmered against her creamy skin, its beauty a stark contrast to the sense of confinement it imposed on her small ankle. Reyan had commissioned the royal ornaments designer to create the anklet, requesting a design that resembled a cuff rather than a traditional anklet. Being the esteemed royal designer, he had spared no expense in crafting the piece, aiming to earn the king's appreciation and a hefty sum of money in return. But to Arina, the anklet felt more like a chain than an ornament, suffocating her with its weight and symbolism. It was a constant reminder of her lack of freedom, making her feel like a prisoner with her foot shackled. Lost in her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by the vibration of her mobile, signaling an incoming message. With a sense of trepidation, she unlocked her phone and saw a message from an unknown n
Arina's heart pounded against her chest, each beat echoing the turmoil within her like a thunderstorm raging in her chest. "Please forgive me for what I did that night," she pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation, tears threatening to spill from her eyes like raindrops in a tempest. But Ryan's touch, though comforting, felt suffocating as he caressed her red hair with a tenderness that belied the tension in the air. "My Queen, you are too late to ask," he said, his voice low and commanding, carrying the weight of a king's decree. "What do you want?" Arina asked, her voice quivering as she fought to control her emotions, to suppress the fear that threatened to overwhelm her like a tsunami crashing against fragile shores. "You. It's so simple," Ryan replied, his tone sending shivers down her spine, his words a declaration of possession that chilled her to the bone. Arina's breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening with a sense of foreboding. "You can't," she whispered
Arina's heart raced as she grappled with the intensity of the encounter, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of such a formidable adversary. With each splash of water, Arina felt a sense of calm wash over her, the cool liquid soothing her frazzled nerves. She took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment of respite before steeling herself to return to the table. Surely, she thought, Ryan wouldn't dare to follow her here. But as Ryan entered the restroom, Arina's heart seemed to leap into her throat, her voice faltering as she attempted to speak. "Ma... star," she stammered, her words barely audible above the hum of the room's ventilation system. Ryan's presence filled the room, his aura commanding attention as he moved closer to her. "Glad you remembered me," he remarked, his voice smooth yet laced with an undercurrent of intensity. Arina's eyes flickered nervously, darting between Ryan's penetrating gaze and the exit