Hazel's frustration and defiance boiled within her as Francisco continued his callous actions. She confronted him, her eyes narrowed with intensity."If it is not the thing, then leave me or kill me," she challenged, her voice laced with a mixture of anger and desperation."I know you won’t leave me, so why don’t you kill me?""Then no one will be alive to say you killed us."Francisco, seemingly unfazed, continued changing his dress, displaying a blatant disregard for her words. Hazel, feeling the weight of her helplessness, moved forward on the bed."Shameless!" she hissed as she observed Francisco's dismissive actions."How could you be so disrespectful to your girlfriend?" Hazel spat out her words with contempt."Do you even love her?""Do you have a heart?"“Also whom I am saying all this, a criminal who killed a lot of people, doing all kind of illegal stuff.”Hazel tightened her teeth.Hazel's frustration intensified as Francisco, seemingly indifferent, continued to disregard h
The morning light filtered through the curtains as Hazel opened her eyes, finding herself alone in the vast bed. The rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock underscored the solitude.Francisco, an early riser, was already up.As Hazel contemplated her predicament, her hand instinctively reached for her forehead. She pondered the choices ahead, realizing that the precipice she stood upon offered no escape. Determination ignited within her; she vowed to do whatever it took to earn Francisco's trust.Abruptly, the washroom door creaked open, and Hazel's gaze shifted towards the source of the sound. There stood Francisco, his wet hair tousled and unruly as he vigorously rubbed it with a towel. Droplets of water meandered down his sharp jaw line, highlighting the contours of his face.A peculiar sense of shame crept over Hazel as she begrudgingly acknowledged the arresting handsomeness of the criminal before her.The wet strands of Francisco's hair grazed his forehead, and the water-kissed skin
The tension between Hazel and Francisco escalates as they arrive at the airport. The driver, sensing the brewing conflict, discreetly left them alone.Hazel, seemingly unaware of the brewing storm, innocently asked, "What happened?”“Won't we go?"Francisco, unimpressed with her dress, took off his coat and handed it to her, instructing, "Put it on."Hazel, wearing a stubborn expression, asked, "Why?"Francisco's stern look accompanied his reply, "Because I don't like it."Her defiance flared as she crossed her arms. "Oh, you don't like it?”“Then why did you choose this dress?""I found it in the closet.”"I'll wear it, and I have the right to do so."Hazel, determined to assert herself, reached for the car door, intending to proceed. However, Francisco swiftly intervened, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close."Only I can see, and you only have the right to show me, no one else," he declared possessively.Hazel, not one to back down, retorted, "Leave my hand! I will do whatever I
The car came to a stop in front of a mall, and Hazel gracefully stepped out. Her bodyguard, the one Francisco hired for her, remained dutifully by her side. Hazel took a moment to look around, the wheels in her mind turning.'I need to run away from here.''I don’t have my passport or anything. Francisco took everything from me.'As they started walking, Hazel abruptly halted in front of a dazzling diamond shop. A spark of mischief gleamed in her eyes as she declared, "I want to buy diamonds.""No problem, ma’am. Boss gave a card for you," her bodyguard replied.Hazel arched her eyebrows, feigning surprise, and asked, "I see."She tilted her head and added, "What is your name?""You can call me Arthur."A slight smile played on Hazel's lips as she said, "Arthur, you should be a model."Hazel's comment caught Arthur off guard, and he blushed slightly. He wasn't accustomed to compliments, especially not from the likes of Hazel.Arthur quickly lowered his gaze, attempting to change the t
"Arthur!"Hazel's voice echoed through the room, her gasps for air punctuating the tense atmosphere.With a swift motion, Arthur ended the call and turned his attention to the staff member.“What are you doing, Mr.? What is this behavior?” the staff member exclaimed, shock and annoyance evident in her tone.Arthur remained unfazed by her words, his focus solely on Hazel, whose face had turned pale with apprehension.In a moment of panic, Hazel feared that Arthur's actions were directed towards punishing the innocent staff member for her involvement.Struggling to articulate her thoughts, Hazel attempted to interject, but Arthur spoke before she could utter a word."I did not expect it from you, Ms.," he stated, disappointment evident in his tone as he directed his gaze towards the bewildered staff member."Would you come with me? I have something to talk to you."The staff member, caught between confusion and apprehension, glanced between Hazel and Arthur before nodding lightly, agree
As Francisco indulged in a much-needed shower, the tranquility of the hotel room was shattered by the arrival of room service bearing dinner. A man entered carrying the meal, followed closely by another with two bottles of champagne in hand.Hazel's patience wore thin as she took a deep breath, her eyes rolling in exasperation at the intrusion. The men placed the food and drinks on the table before her, offering courteous nods as they curtsied in her direction."Have a nice time, Ms.," one of them offered, their voices polite but their presence unwelcome in Hazel's eyes.But their attempt at hospitality took a turn when one of the men spoke up, voicing concern about the flavors of champagne they had brought."But as Sir did not tell us which flavor he likes, so we served two flavors," he explained, his words causing Hazel's eyes to narrow in suspicion.Maintaining a casual demeanor, Hazel replied, "It’s okay. I also don’t know his flavor. When he comes, I will tell him, he will inform
Francisco's intense gaze locked onto Hazel, a silent challenge burning in his eyes. Hazel's heart raced with apprehension as she braced herself for his response to her words."Mongoose and snake can't be together," Hazel reiterated, her voice trembling with defiance. Francisco's reaction was immediate; he tightened his grip on her, his displeasure evident as he forced her to spin and forcefully seated her on his lap.Hazel's body tensed as she felt his cold touch on her shoulder, her skin prickling with discomfort. Her strap slipped from her shoulder, exposing more of her skin to his unwelcome advances. Francisco's hand descended slowly, his fingers entwining with hers in a suffocating grip.A chill ran down Hazel's spine as Francisco's nose rubbed against her neck, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine."No, Hazel," he murmured, his voice a low growl that filled her with desire."If the snake is stronger than the Mongoose, then the mongoose will be the prey," Francisco's wor
"Sir!"Adam's voice cut through the air, drawing Alex's attention away from his thoughts. Alex turned to face Adam, his expression expectant as he noticed the paper in Adam's hands."What happened, Adam?" Alex inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of concern."Sir, it's about the call. It was actually from Texas," Adam explained, his words causing Alex's brow to furrow in confusion."Texas?" Alex repeated, his mind racing with possibilities as he tried to make sense of the new information.Adam nodded in confirmation, his demeanor serious as he relayed the details."The person who was following spotted him last at the airport," Adam continued, his voice laced with urgency.Alex's features hardened as he absorbed the information, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach."But there was a lot of security, and he could not find out where Francisco left," Adam added, his words punctuated by a note of frustration."Also, he could not tell out his identity as we co
"Hazel."Francisco gently guided her to sit beside him, closer than before. He didn’t wait for her response."Our baby will play like them, right?" His voice was soft, almost hopeful.Hazel remained silent.Then, suddenly, she felt a touch on her belly.She froze.Francisco's large palm traced over her stomach, slow and deliberate. Her heartbeat quickened."I wonder how much he or she has developed inside you," he murmured. His words echoed in her mind, stirring something deep within her.When Hazel first learned she was pregnant, her immediate thought was to end it. She didn’t want to carry the child of a man who had turned her life into a nightmare. A mafia king—a ruthless, heartless man.And yet… she couldn’t.Francisco was right. Their child would play one day.She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and slowly raised her eyes.The moment she did, she met his gaze.Francisco was leaning in closer, watching her intently.A wave of discomfort washed over her. She didn’t wan
"Francisco..."Diana’s voice was weary. She no longer had the strength to argue. Max had tried and failed. Now, so had she.With a deep sigh, she murmured, "I really don’t know what to say to you."She looked at him, her expression filled with concern. "But I don’t want my brother to lose himself over someone else.""You’ve already made so many mistakes, Francisco."Francisco’s gaze remained cold. "Diana, no matter what happens, I will not leave her."His voice was firm, unwavering. "This is my world… and no one has the power to challenge me."Diana studied his face, searching for even a flicker of doubt. There was none.She sighed again, softer this time. "You don’t understand.""You’ve bound her to your dark world, Francisco. You’ve dragged her into danger. She can easily become prey to your enemies."Francisco arched a brow, his voice turning sharp. "Before that happens, I will destroy everything."Diana’s eyes widened in disbelief.Diana let out a weary sigh and nodded. "Actually,
Francisco and Hazel sat together at the dining table. The warm aroma of chicken soup filled the air as Francisco placed a bowl in front of her.Hazel picked up the spoon, staring at the soup for a moment. She didn’t feel like eating, but she knew Francisco wouldn't let her off so easily.“Just take a sip,” he said, watching her closely.She pressed her lips together, then hesitantly took the spoon to her mouth. The flavor was mild, not too spicy, just warm enough to be comforting. She took another spoonful, then another.Slowly, she finished the bowl.Francisco observed her, satisfied. He turned to Lily and said, “Help her get ready.”Hazel looked at him, brows slightly furrowed.“Are we going somewhere?” she asked.“Yes…” Francisco said, his tone unreadable. “We’re going to the hospital for a check-up.”Hazel blinked, processing his words. She said nothing, simply stood up and went upstairs to get ready.**A short while later, they were in the car, driving toward the hospital. The a
"Yes…"A heavy silence filled the air."Yes, you will be free."Francisco’s voice was firm, unwavering. His blue eyes held no warmth, only a cold determination.Hazel let out a bitter chuckle. "Liar!"Francisco didn’t flinch. Instead, he met her gaze and spoke again, his tone deadly serious."I promise you again…"Hazel’s fingers curled into fists."I will do whatever you ask."Her breath hitched."But—"Her eyes locked onto his, waiting, expecting."But you can’t push me away from you during these months."Francisco leaned closer, his voice almost pleading but still wrapped in authority."I want to be with you… and our child."Hazel inhaled sharply.She searched his face, trying to read beyond his words, beyond his promises.This man—who had taken everything from her—was still trying to claim more.Minutes passed.Francisco called her name again. "Hazel…"She finally exhaled and gave in. "Okay."Francisco shut his eyes for a moment, and then, suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embr
Hazel’s breathing grew ragged, her vision fading into darkness.The world around her blurred.Dizzy… too dizzy…Her body swayed.“Miss…?”“Miss Hazel, what’s wrong?”No response.Then—she collapsed.Lily’s eyes widened in horror. The guards stiffened, panic flashing across their faces.If something happened to Hazel, Francisco would not spare them.“Miss Hazel!” Lily cried, rushing forward, catching Hazel before she hit the ground.Her hands trembled as she patted Hazel’s cheeks, but there was no reaction.“Quickly! Take her to the room! I’ll call Miss Diana!” she ordered.One of the guards wasted no time. He lifted Hazel’s unconscious body into his arms and hurried toward the staircase.But just as he reached the first step—They all froze.A dark figure stood before the door.Francisco.A heavy silence fell over the room.Lily and the guards felt their hearts drop, their faces going pale.Behind Francisco stood Max, his expression unreadable.He had returned.From Italy.And now—he
"Please, let me go from here," Hazel pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.Lily's face fell, her expression filled with concern.She shook her head and said softly, "Miss, please calm down.""It won’t be good for you."Hazel’s eyes narrowed as she looked up at Lily."What?" she asked, her voice rising."Why?""Let me go! Francisco isn’t even here!"Lily pressed her lips together, trying to find the right words. But before she could respond, Hazel’s breathing grew erratic.She started shaking her head violently, her emotions spiraling out of control."Miss, please," Lily whispered, reaching out to hold her.Hazel’s chest rose and fell rapidly."Let me go!" she screamed.Her hands trembled as she shoved Lily away from her with all her strength.Lily stumbled backward, her eyes widening in shock.Hazel’s heart pounded as she turned toward the door.Without thinking, she rushed forward, yanking the door open.Her pulse spiked when she saw two guards standing there, looking at her
Kevin Hilton, the former leader of the Snake Clan, was a man whose name commanded fear and respect. He was Francisco’s grandfather, a man who had built a legacy so powerful that no one dared to challenge his authority. His influence remained unshaken, his status immovable.As Francisco’s words echoed through the room, Kevin slowly turned back to face him. His expression remained unreadable, but his sharp eyes studied his grandson carefully.Francisco kept his gaze lowered, his hands clenched into fists.After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "And I want to spend my whole life with her."Kevin blinked slowly, fully turning toward Francisco this time. His presence was overwhelming, his voice firm and demanding."Is that so?" He arched a brow. "It seems you’ve already made up your mind."Francisco didn’t respond. He remained silent, his body tense.Kevin exhaled, his patience thinning. He could see that Francisco would not bend to his will, not this time. His voice grew colder, more co
"How are you, my dear?" Francisco said in a low tone.Hazel remained soundly asleep.Francisco gently traced his fingers over her head, his touch soft and lingering. Hazel shifted slightly, as if comforted by his presence.He kept his gaze on her for a few minutes before whispering, "Thank you."The Next MorningHazel woke up, blinking away sleep. She sat up on the bed and gazed out through the Thai glass doors leading to the balcony.Last night... I felt someone was here with me. Was it Francisco? She clenched her jaw. I know he messed up something—that's why he vanished.I don’t know when this will end. When will I be free from this monster?I hate him.I just hate him.One Month LaterIt had been a month, and Hazel felt restless. Her period was late, which made her uneasy.She finally asked Lily to call Diana.Now, Diana sat in front of her, her expression unreadable."I missed my period," Hazel murmured, her voice laced with irritation.She couldn't understand what was wrong with
"Then let me go," Hazel said firmly.Max’s expression remained stern, his eyes narrowing.She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Francisco isn’t here. Just let me go. I promise I won’t cause any trouble for you or anyone else."Max arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.Hazel’s gaze locked onto his, her heart pounding. For the last time, God, let my manipulation work, she prayed silently. But Max’s face remained impassive. Suddenly, he shoved her backward, his voice cold and sharp. "If you weren’t Francisco’s girl, I’d kill you right here and now.""Better if you cooperate with Francisco and stop thinking about escaping," he added, his tone dripping with finality.Hazel stood still for a moment, trying to steady herself. Her chest tightened as frustration surged through her. "I was just trying to save you and your friend from more trouble," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "But it seems you’re not interested."Her tone shifted, quieter but full of bitterness. "Fine, then. Le