Francisco stood at a distance, hidden behind the lush foliage that bordered the garden. His eyes were fixed on Hazel, who moved gracefully within the glass house.As in the garden there were no cameras, so he could not see what she was doing.The sight of her pushing her hair behind her ear captured his attention, and a subtle smirk played on his lips.At that moment, Hazel embodied an unexpected allure, her presence magnetic even from afar. Francisco couldn't deny the intrigue she stirred within him.As he observed her from the shadows, Francisco contemplated the layers beneath Hazel's exterior. The light blue frock accentuated her form, adding softness to her silhouette. The glass house, with its warm glow, served as a backdrop to this clandestine spectacle.'Hazel!'‘How many times are you going to surprise me?’He mused inwardly, his thoughts a swirl of conflicting emotions. She had managed to surprise him once again.He slowly started walking and halted behind her.Francisco obse
"But, I will recognize him because he might be in the police force," she asserted with determination.A hint of skepticism flickered in Francisco's eyes as he questioned, "How do you know that?""Because he was so good at firing," Hazel explained, her certainty unwavering.Francisco, acknowledging her reasoning, slightly nodded. The pieces of the puzzle seemed to fall into place, and a thoughtful silence enveloped the room."What if he doesn't turn out to be in the police force?"Francisco probed further, observing the subtle shift in Hazel's expression.Her face, for a moment, betrayed a sense of disappointment, but she quickly composed herself. Taking a deep breath, she spoke, "I will still be grateful to him for the rest of my life."Curiosity guiding him, Francisco posed another question, "If you suddenly met him, what would you do?"A genuine smile brightened Hazel's face as she envisioned the possibility."I will be so happy. Because of him, I can see the world again. I will tre
Liam's presence interrupted the charged atmosphere between Francisco and Hazel, shifting the focus to the immediate matter at hand. He stepped ahead with a respectful smile, addressing Francisco."Yes, Master," Liam affirmed, his gaze briefly connecting with Hazel's as he acknowledged her presence.Liam tilted his head and asked, “Master, is this your new PA?”Francisco, casting a quick glance at Hazel, affirmed Liam's question about her role as his new PA."Yes," he replied succinctly.Liam's smile broadened as he offered a courteous comment, "I hope she is useful, Master."However, Francisco, seemingly uninterested in the pleasantries, placed his palm in his pocket and redirected the conversation, "Let's go."As they began to move, Hazel's expression remained stern, her keen eyes observing the dynamics between Francisco and Liam. In that brief interaction, she sensed the significance of Liam's role in Francisco's world. His status was more than that of a mere employee; he held impor
Hazel ascended to the second floor, her expression neutral, betraying no hint of the pivotal mission she carried on her shoulders. Despite her seemingly nonchalant demeanor, the weight of her duty pressed on her, urging her to navigate the intricate web of information and secrets that surrounded Francisco.As she strolled down the hallway, she approached Francisco's room, a calculated move that acknowledged the likelihood of being monitored. Hazel, aware of the surveillance apparatus that enveloped Francisco's world, maintained an air of casual observance.Her footsteps echoed faintly in the corridor as she proceeded to her own room. Hazel, mindful of her surroundings, moved with deliberate precision. A minute passed, and she emerged from her room, a calculated maneuver intended to convey a sense of normalcy.However, the path to Francisco's room proved inaccessible. The door remained locked, a testament to the fortress of privacy he maintained. Without Francisco's presence or the elu
The room buzzed with a faint, yellowish glow as a man, face obscured by shadows, stepped forward. He deftly removed a cloth covering a series of wooden boxes, revealing an array of concealed weaponry. Francisco approached the boxes, his eyes narrowing with a calculation.With a precision that hinted at a routine, the man used a grubber to unlock the wooden boxes.Francisco leaned in, his eyes scanning the weaponry with a practiced gaze. Among the arsenal, he spotted the familiar form of an AK47. Without hesitation, he reached for it, checking its mechanisms with a silent nod of approval."Boss, we've got more new arrivals," Liam's voice cut through the air as he pried open another box.The room revealed yet another cache of arms, each one meticulously chosen and stowed away for clandestine purposes.Francisco, now surrounded by the arsenal, assessed the new acquisitions with a discerning eye. He reached out to touch the cold metal, his mind calculating the strategic advantage each wea
In the luxurious confines of Lilith's room, an air of anticipation hung as she meticulously prepared herself for an evening that promised intrigue and seduction. She adorned a deep-V mini dress, its alluring side dips accentuating her curves. The deep red hue of the dress mirrored the boldness of her intentions, and the matching lipstick added a touch of allure. Lilith applied light makeup, enhancing her features, while her long, back-brushed hair cascaded elegantly down her back.As she surveyed herself in the mirror, a confident smile played on her lips. The transformation complete, she exuded an aura of seduction and confidence. Tonight, she had plans that extended beyond the ordinary.A discreet knock interrupted her moment of reflection."Come in," Lilith invited with a calm tone, her eyes reflecting a calculated anticipation.The maid entered, awaiting further instructions. Lilith, with a hint of satisfaction, issued her orders."Madam, everything has been arranged the way you s
In the intimate confines of the backyard, Francisco's words hung heavy in the air as he locked his gaze onto Lilith. "He told me to marry you," he admitted, his tone devoid of evasion.Lilith, caught off guard, felt a sudden rush of heat in her cheeks. The straightforward revelation left her momentarily speechless, her lips pressed together in a futile attempt to conceal her emotions. The playfulness that had characterized their interaction took a sharp turn into unfamiliar territory."Really?" Lilith stammered, her voice betraying a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.Francisco, seemingly indifferent to the weight of his admission, calmly wiped his lips with a tissue. Without hesitation, he uttered a revelation that shattered the delicate facade of their dance. "But I said no."Lilith, eyes widened, stared at him in disbelief. The room, once charged with a subtle tension. "What did you mean?" Lilith questioned, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and disbelief.Franc
As the night unfolded, Liam orchestrated the distribution of illicit substances to a diverse group of individuals — mid-age, young adults, and teenagers alike. Boxes of drugs changed hands, and Liam, cautious and calculated, emphasized the need to expand their influence on college students."It's all for now," Liam declared, handing over packets to his associates.Their leader reassured him, "Don't worry, boss. Everything will be on time."Liam, aware of the heightened risks in their latest venture, cautioned, "But be careful. It is riskier than the previous ones."In a ritualistic exchange, a bundle of dollars sealed their illicit deal.Meanwhile, Francisco returned home in the late hours of the night. The mansion, usually a sanctuary of opulence and intrigue, welcomed him in its silent halls. As he entered, his discerning gaze scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of Hazel.Considering the late hour, Francisco assumed Hazel had retired for the night.As Francisco made his
“Will you be able to handle everything?” Francisco asked, his voice low as he and Max walked through the quiet garden under the night sky.“Do I have any other option?” Max replied, glancing at him.They both fell silent for a moment, only the sound of their footsteps on the gravel breaking the stillness.“So, you’ve really decided to go through with this?” Max asked, sensing something heavy on Francisco’s mind.“Yes,” Francisco replied, exhaling a puff of smoke into the cool air.“I have to do whatever it takes to protect her... and the child.”Max looked at him with concern.“Francisco, I don’t know… is it really worth it? All of this?”Francisco took a deep breath, then threw the cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe.“Max,” he said firmly, “for me, she is everything.""And soon, she’ll give me the best gift I could ever have.”Max looked around the still garden, the silence pressing in.“I’ll pray for you,” he muttered, then let out a soft laugh.“Pray? When we’re
James took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and muttered, “Yeah, everything I do irritates you, but when it comes to Francisco—everything he does is just perfect, right?”Lilith narrowed her eyes, her patience clearly thinning.“James, just shut up.”He smirked, not bothering to hide the satisfaction in her irritation. “Fine, I’ll stop. But let’s not forget—you lost him too.”Lilith’s expression darkened. Her jaw clenched, and for a moment, it looked like she might speak, but she chose silence. Her cold stare said enough.Dimitri let out an audible sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Alright, enough. Let’s stay on topic.”Andrew leaned forward, glancing around the table. “We all know this won’t be easy. Francisco may be reckless, but he’s done a lot—things that kept the balance. We need to decide—do we support this internal power shift, or not?”Dimitri raised a brow and turned to Michele, Kai’s son. “Speaking of balance, Michele... I heard about the recent attack on Francisco.”Mic
The next morning, when Hazel woke up, something felt different. She looked around the room, her brows knitting together in confusion. The walls, once cast in shadows and a cold ambiance, now glowed with soft, natural light. The curtains were lighter, fresh flowers adorned the corners, and the overall atmosphere felt warm—inviting.No longer did the room feel like a prison.Hazel propped herself up on one elbow. “What is this…?”Just then, Lily entered with a bright smile and a large bouquet of fresh flowers in her arms. “Good morning, ma’am.”Hazel blinked in surprise. “Good morning… but what’s going on?”“Sir instructed us to redecorate the room,” Lily replied, arranging the flowers in a vase by the window. “He said it should feel brighter for you.”Hazel raised an eyebrow. “Why?”Lily smiled softly. “Because the doctor said it would help improve your mood.”Hazel pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing. She simply stood and made her way to the washroom. After freshen
Enemies surrounded Francisco from all sides. He had built his empire on blood, and now the ghosts of his past were closing in.On him.On her.On their unborn child.Hazel studied him for a moment longer before shifting her gaze back to the book in her lap.Francisco’s voice cut through the silence."I didn’t mean to shock you."Hazel didn’t look up. Her tone was flat."It’s nothing new for me."Francisco clasped his palms together, his fingers pressing against each other in thought. He wanted to keep talking to her, to break through the walls she had built around herself, but Hazel was determined to end the conversation before it even began.He blinked slowly, exhaling through his nose.As he watched her, something stirred inside him—an overwhelming craving. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to hold her close, to feel the warmth of her body against his.He had heard that pregnant women experienced mood swings, that they craved more affection even as they pushed people away.Was th
“So the deal is more important to you than your child?” Arthur asked, his voice gentle yet firm.Hazel fell silent.Her heart pounded faster, but she forced herself to ignore it.Then, Arthur spoke again.“Will you really be able to live without your child, ma’am?”Hazel’s fingers tightened around the book she was holding. She had only been thinking about her freedom, about escaping the monster who had taken everything from her. But she hadn’t once stopped considering the child.Would she really leave her baby with him?Would the child grow up to be like Francisco—a ruthless mafia king?A deep frown creased Hazel’s forehead.No. She didn’t want to think about that. That wasn’t her concern.She was only supposed to care about herself.That was the plan.That was the deal.That was it.Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice steady but cold.“Arthur.”Arthur’s eyes remained on her, waiting.“Do you know your boss is monitoring me?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. “Every second.
Francisco and Hazel arrived at the mansion after the dangerous chaos. The ride had been silent, but the weight of what had happened lingered between them like an unspoken storm.Hazel’s face was gloomy, her expression distant. She wasn’t naive—she knew this was only the beginning.There would be more.More blood. More danger.More reasons to fear for the life growing inside her.Her hand instinctively rested on her belly.At first, she didn’t care much about the child. The idea of carrying Francisco’s baby had been unbearable. But now, an unfamiliar feeling twisted inside her—something more than just obligation. A strange, indefinable bond.Francisco, watching her closely, noticed the way her fingers pressed lightly against her stomach. He didn’t say anything, but he understood.She was shaken.She hadn’t expected an attack so soon.He clenched his jaw. From now on, he had to be more careful.Whatever he had been before—ruthless, reckless, untouchable—it didn’t matter anymore. Now, he
Francisco glanced at his bodyguard, his tone sharp and commanding.“Take her from here. I’ll handle this.”The bodyguard hesitated, his grip tightening on his weapon.“Boss, it’s too risky. How can I leave you alone?”Francisco’s gaze snapped at him, cold and unwavering.“Do you need me to shoot you right now?”That was enough.The bodyguard stiffened, lowering his head in obedience.“Understood.”He turned toward Hazel.“Ma’am.”But Hazel wasn’t moving.Her eyes were locked on Francisco as he fired at the advancing enemies, drawing their attention toward himself.Each shot echoed with deadly precision, but Hazel saw it clearly—he was outnumbered, and he was bleeding.Still, he didn’t hesitate.Didn’t falter.The bodyguard reached for her arm, his grip firm, almost forceful.“We need to move.”Hazel barely registered his words. She was staring at Francisco, unwilling to leave.As they shifted to retreat, a sudden bullet shattered the glass near them with a sharp crack.Hazel ducked in
Max’s phone rang as he worked through a stack of files. Without thinking, he glanced at the screen.Diana.He hesitated, a flicker of agitation crossing his face. For a moment, he considered ignoring it.But he couldn’t.With a sigh, he answered."Yes?"There was silence at the other end. Then, after a brief pause, Diana’s voice came through, quieter than usual."Francisco came here.""I know," Max replied flatly, his tone robotic.Diana took a deep breath, trying to steady herself."Max… I’m not feeling good about this. Francisco… he’s messing everything up. I don’t know what to do."Max slowly set the file down, his jaw tightening. He knew exactly what she meant.But he also knew there was no turning Francisco back now.A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corner of his lips.Sarcastic.Resigned.Francisco loved Hazel so much. So much that, if anyone stood in his way, Francisco wouldn’t hesitate to ruin everything.And the dangerous part? People wanted that kind of devotion."Diana,"
"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