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 maintained her composure in the days that followed, carefully planning her next move while keeping a watchful eye on Francisco. Like a tigress waiting for her next prey, she bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.Meanwhile, in a stall where Hazel had placed her last call to Alex, a sense of urgency hung heavy in the air as Robert and Adam arrived on the scene. Their presence drew the attention of a sweet-faced girl working in the shop."How can I help you?" the girl asked politely.Robert glanced around the store before focusing his gaze on the girl."Are you Petra?" he inquired, his voice laced with authority.The girl's expression shifted suddenly, a hint of fear flashing in her eyes as she shook her head."No," she replied quickly, her voice trembling slightly.Adam stepped forward, his tone urgent as he addressed the girl."We are the FBI, and it's urgent," he explained."Where is she?" Robert demanded, his voice firm as he sought answers.The girl hesitat
Hazel sat on the balcony, engrossed in a magazine, her thoughts filled with frustration at Francisco's behavior. Flipping through the pages, she stumbled upon a picture of Francisco and Emily together, igniting a surge of irritation within her.‘I can't believe how a man can be like this,’ she muttered to herself, her voice laced with disdain.‘I wish I could expose him in front of everyone.’Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when Francisco's voice broke the silence from behind her. He whispered, "What happened?"Hazel tensed, caught off guard by his sudden presence. She resisted the urge to turn around, keeping her gaze fixed on the magazine."Nothing," she replied curtly, her tone betraying her irritation."Just a magazine," she replied tersely, her frustration evident in her voice.Francisco moved closer, brushing her hair aside to rest his chin on her shoulder."What are you reading?" he inquired softly.Hazel sighed, her frustration building as Francisco continued to test he
Francisco guided Hazel through the entrance of the business party. The tension between them was palpable, and their awkward silence persisted during the car ride. As they arrived, the flashing lights from the cameras caught Hazel off guard, prompting her to shield her face instinctively."This damn camera," Hazel muttered under her breath, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden onslaught of attention.Observing Hazel's distress, Francisco, despite their strained relationship, reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her head. His voice, calm and oddly comforting, resonated in her ear."You don't have to raise your head if you are uncomfortable with the lights."Hazel, engrossed in her own frustration, felt the unexpected touch. She slightly opened her eyes to find Francisco offering assistance.For a moment, Hazel hesitated, unsure of how to react to this unexpected support.Francisco guided Hazel into the hotel, maintaining a steady hold on her until they reached the elevator. Once
As Francisco's men answered the phone, and he prepared to issue the chilling order to kill Hazel's parents, his plans were abruptly interrupted by Hazel's entrance into the room.“Is everything okay?”Hazel stood before him, her demeanor calm despite the tension in the air. She wore a shawl draped over her shoulders, her nightdress a stark contrast to Francisco's imposing figure.“Leave us.”Francisco's voice was controlled, masking the storm brewing within him as he instructed Arthur to leave them alone. With a nod, Arthur swiftly exited the room, leaving Hazel and Francisco alone in the charged atmosphere.Hazel met Francisco's gaze steadily, her eyes reflecting a quiet resolve. In a voice devoid of any hint of the turmoil beneath the surface, she questioned, "What happened?"Francisco approached her, his hands clasped behind his back, a silent indication of his restraint. His voice was measured as he asked, "Where did you go?"Hazel's gaze drifted away as she replied, "It doesn't m
As they continued their slow walk through the hospital garden, Rafael's questions lingered in the air, a reflection of his lingering uncertainty.“When am I gonna discharge?” Rafael asked, his voice tinged with impatience.“Soon,” Peter reassured him, offering a comforting squeeze on his shoulder.“Just need to work hard.""You're still weak.”Rafael sighed, a sense of frustration evident in his voice.“Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something.”Peter cast a sympathetic glance at Rafael, recognizing the weight of Rafael's unspoken words. It was clear to Peter that Rafael was grappling with the absence of someone significant in his life – Hazel. But Rafael's memory struggles prevented him from fully grasping the puzzle of their relationship.As they walked, Peter resolved to help Rafael piece together the fragments of his memory, knowing that time was of the essence. Despite the doctor's assurances that Rafael would gradually regain his memories, Peter understood the urgency of Rafa
"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