Hazel had been anxiously waiting for Francisco, her nerves fraying with each passing hour. She had dozed off in the chair on the balcony, lulled by the night’s quiet, but the sudden roar of a car engine startled her awake. Groggy and disoriented, she struggled to piece together how long she had been asleep. The moon had shifted significantly in the sky, indicating she had been out for hours.Peering over the balcony, she saw Francisco’s car glide into the driveway. Relief mixed with dread as she quickly stood up and hurried inside the room. As she exited the chamber, she caught sight of Francisco ascending the stairs, his eyes locking onto hers. A faint smile curled on his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes.“You’re still awake, my queen?” Francisco’s voice was gentle, almost affectionate, as he extended his hand toward her.Hazel placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm, but something in his touch felt different—cold, distant."You told me you had a surprise for me,"
Hazel’s eyes fluttered open, and she found Francisco lying beside her, his arms wrapped around her hands. She lay still for a moment, lost in thoughts about the previous night. Her mind replayed the unusual tenderness and the troubling bloodstains on his shirt.What happened to him last night? Hazel wondered, her concern mingling with confusion. He behaved so strangely.She shifted her thoughts to her own pressing issue: her parents. How can I find out about them? The realization that she needed information but had no clear way to get it weighed heavily on her.Francisco’s grip on her hand tightened as she began to move. Hazel took a deep breath and carefully untangled herself from his embrace. As she eased her feet onto the floor, she tried to be as quiet as possible, but just as she was about to stand up, Francisco stirred and spoke.“Why do you always leave me like a thief?” he asked, his voice laced with a chuckle.Startled, Hazel turned back to him, her expression a mix of confus
Hazel did as Lily instructed, walking slowly to her room, a growing sense of unease gnawing at her. The silence of the house felt stifling, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was being hidden from her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car horn outside, signaling Francisco’s return. She hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the room, hoping to get some answers.As she descended the stairs, Hazel saw Max waiting at the bottom. He looked up and said, “Ms. Hazel, come to the library.”Hazel followed Max, her footsteps echoing through the empty halls. When she entered the library, she spotted Francisco flipping through the pages of a book. He looked up with a faint smile as they approached.“Sorry for the delay,” Francisco said, closing the book and setting it aside.“I had to handle some urgent work.”Hazel’s relief was tempered by lingering concern.“Are we staying here?” she asked, trying to sound casual.“Yes, but I thought it would be best to brin
Francisco’s eyes narrowed as he observed Hazel’s fury and desperation.He moved closer, grabbing her arms firmly as she struggled to break free.“Kill?” Francisco’s tone was icy. “How could you say that?”Hazel’s eyes, filled with tears and defiance, refused to meet his. Her mind was racing, trying to reconcile the brutal reality before her with the love she had once tried to convince herself she felt.“I did not kill them, honey,” Francisco said, forcing Hazel to look up at him. His grip was unyielding, and his expression was one of cruel amusement. He seemed to relish her distress.Hazel, however, was not in the mood for his games. She wrenched herself away from his grasp, her voice breaking into a shout. “Ah...!”Francisco’s smile faded as Hazel’s anger reached a boiling point. “Shut the fuck up,” she snapped, her voice hoarse and filled with rage. “Just tell me where they are! What have you done to them?”Her words cut through the dimly lit room with a raw intensity. Francisco’s e
Francisco clutched Hazel tightly as her body went limp, her sudden collapse shocking him more than he let on. Her fragile frame fit perfectly into his arms, her face pale, lips slightly parted as if caught between a breath. His heart raced, but he forced himself to breathe deeply, to stay calm. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against her forehead, a gesture of tenderness that contradicted the dark turmoil within him."Why don’t you understand, Hazel?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, as he held her close. The warmth of her skin against his made his chest tighten."I told you not to betray me, honey."He stared down at her, unconscious and vulnerable, and something inside him wavered. He hadn't anticipated that her deception would cut this deep.His hand trembled slightly as he brushed a strand of hair from her face."But you pretended with me," he continued, his voice breaking ever so slightly. "I didn’t even think it was all your acting, Hazel. It seemed so real."His gaze
"I spent the whole day torturing that bastard. My mind was consumed with rage, with betrayal."Francisco’s hand reached out, brushing against Hazel’s arm, but she didn’t react."And then I thought… what better way to show him than to love you in front of his eyes? To show him how much you enjoy our intimate moments together."Hazel's lips trembled, the reality of what Francisco had done crashing over her. Rafael had seen everything, and the thought made her feel exposed, vulnerable in a way she had never felt before. How could she ever face him again?"But…" Francisco hesitated, his voice faltering for the first time."But, I couldn’t. I didn’t want anyone to see my angel’s beautiful body, to hear your moans. Those are only for me." His words were possessive, a twisted form of affection. "That bastard only saw us kiss. Nothing more."Hazel took a deep breath, her mind reeling. The room felt like it was closing in on her, the weight of Francisco’s actions pressing down on her chest. Sh
Hazel’s eyes darted to a glass window on the side of the room. Through it, she could see the room where Francisco, and she were intimated, the memory of that night flooding back with sickening clarity. She pressed her lips together, trying to keep herself from breaking down. Her voice trembled as she called out, “Rafael…”A low groan escaped Rafael's lips as he lifted his head slowly, the movement pained and sluggish. His face was a mess of bruises, one eye swollen shut and darkened. But it was his hands that drew Hazel’s attention — one of his fingers had been cruelly severed, leaving a gruesome reminder of Francisco’s brutality. Hazel's breath caught in her throat, and she felt her stomach twist as their eyes met. The storm inside her raged, tearing her apart with guilt, fear, and a deep, aching sorrow. She hadn’t imagined it would ever come to this, not to Rafael, not like this. She quickly lowered her gaze, unable to bear the sight of him, unable to stop the tears that were wellin
Hazel felt Francisco’s grip tighten, the tension in the air growing thicker by the second. She knew how dangerous his rage could be. If she didn’t do this right, Rafael’s life would be in even greater danger. Francisco wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.“It’s the truth,” she forced herself to say, her voice cold and distant, even as it tore her apart inside.“No,” Rafael cried, shaking his head as tears streamed down his bruised face. “Don’t think about me, Hazel. I know you love me. You’re doing this to save me, I know it.”Francisco’s mouth opened, ready to spew something cruel, but Hazel quickly cut him off. “Rafael!” she said sharply, drawing both their attention back to her.“I love him, only him,” she continued, her voice steady despite the agony in her chest. “We had some good memories, you and I. But now, Francisco is everything to me. Please… try to understand. I don’t want to go with you guys.”Each word was like a knife in her heart, but she had to make Rafael believe it. It w
"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