No answer came back. Francisco muttered a curse under his breath and stepped forward, scanning the yacht for any sign of her. As he reached the edge of the deck, a soft splash from below caught his attention. He looked over the side and spotted her—Hazel, swimming in the cool, clear water. Relief washed over him as he leaned on the railing, watching her with a mix of admiration and curiosity.Hazel noticed him and looked up with a playful smile."It’s not good for your skin?" he teased, the water glistening on her bare shoulders.Francisco smirked."It’s cold," she added, shivering slightly."If you want, you can join me."Francisco’s grin widened. He needed no further invitations. He quickly shrugged off his shirt and, with a smooth motion, dove into the water beside her. The sudden chill of the ocean hit him, but he welcomed it, invigorated by the cool embrace of the sea.Hazel drifted back slightly, her eyes fixed on him as he swam closer. There was a new softness in her gaze, a wa
Hazel sat on the floor between Francisco's legs, her eyes closed as he gently dried her hair with a soft towel. The water dripped down their bodies, the warmth of the shower still lingering around them. Francisco’s movements were slow and tender, as if savoring the quiet moment they were sharing. Hazel leaned back slightly, feeling the soothing rhythm of his hands in her hair, a sense of peace washing over her.But the tranquility was shattered when Francisco suddenly paused, his hand freezing mid-motion. Hazel noticed the shift immediately and opened her eyes, looking up at him. His expression had changed, his relaxed smile replaced with a frown of concern."Honey, wait a minute," Francisco said, his voice tight.Hazel blinked, confused by his sudden change in demeanor. She shifted slightly as Francisco carefully set the towel aside and got to his feet. He moved toward the small window, peeking outside with narrowed eyes. Hazel followed his gaze, feeling a knot of unease form in her
At midnight, a black car pulled up quietly in front of Francisco's mansion. The night was heavy with silence as Francisco stepped out, his face stern and filled with a quiet intensity. He walked up to the second floor, each step deliberate and slow, the weight of his thoughts bearing down on him.The room was cloaked in darkness when he entered. Only the faint moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the bed where Hazel slept peacefully. Francisco moved toward her, his movements quiet, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility that surrounded her. He sat down beside her, his gaze locked onto her serene face.For several minutes, he did nothing but watch her sleep. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, her expression calm, free of the worries that plagued him. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and gently touched her hair. His fingers slowly ran through her soft locks, and he felt a pang of something deep inside—something that felt like longing.Franc
Hazel’s nerves were frayed. For the last two days, she had been living in a state of agonizing uncertainty. Francisco hadn’t come home, nor had he called. Even worse, there had been no word from her father. The silence was unbearable, and it gnawed at her constantly, leaving her restless and anxious.She wandered through the mansion, her mind swirling with thoughts of what might have gone wrong. Was Francisco suspicious of her? Had he discovered something that she didn’t know about? The possibilities were endless, and each one was more terrifying than the last. Hazel rubbed her forehead, trying to ease the tension building there, but it was no use. The worry was like a heavyweight pressing down on her, and she couldn’t shake it off.As she paced back and forth, lost in thought, the sudden ring of the telephone startled her. It was a sharp, jarring sound that cut through the silence like a knife. The phone rarely rang, and it wasn’t a line that could be used for outgoing calls—only for
The car rolled to a stop in front of a one-floor building, its weathered exterior illuminated by a single, flickering yellow bulb. The place looked ancient, forgotten by time. Hazel stepped out of the car, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. The surrounding area was eerily quiet, isolated, and it became clear this was no ordinary place. The restricted nature of the surroundings hinted that this was likely Francisco's private land, far from prying eyes.Her heart thumped loudly in her chest as she took in her surroundings. The oppressive atmosphere was thick with unease, and the building's ominous appearance only added to her growing anxiety. What could Francisco possibly be doing here?"Ma'am," the driver's voice cut through her thoughts, making her jump slightly.Hazel turned to face him, trying to calm herself. "Sir is waiting for you," he said, his tone flat, emotionless.She nodded, swallowing hard as she gathered her composure. Slowly, she walked toward the building, each step f
Francisco's intense gaze locked onto Hazel's as he slowly broke the kiss. He watched her eyes flutter open, her breath coming in shaky gasps. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned in to kiss her chin, his lips trailing down to her neck. Hazel's body trembled under his touch, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders for stability.But as Francisco's kisses became more fervent, Hazel felt the rising tide of desire threatening to sweep them both away. Her voice trembled as she tried to regain some control."Francisco, wait," she whispered, her words almost a plea."Please."Francisco, lost in the moment, ignored her hesitation. He lifted her onto the table, stepping between her legs and pulling her closer. His hands gripped her waist, his breath hot against her skin. Hazel’s heart raced, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursing through her. "It's uncomfortable here," she managed to say, her voice barely audible over the sound of their breathing.Francisco's lips curled into a sma
Hazel finished adjusting her dress, her eyes lingering on the glass for a moment before turning to face Francisco. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her, his intense gaze unwavering. She could feel his eyes on her, and it made her uneasy. Hazel sighed, trying to shake off the discomfort.“Don’t look at me like that,” Hazel said, her voice laced with unease.Francisco tilted his head slightly, “What look?”Francisco’s expression didn’t change.“What eyes?” he asked, his tone calm but probing.Hazel blinked, feeling the weight of his stare.“You know what I mean,” she replied, trying to avoid his gaze.A small, almost amused smile played at the corners of Francisco’s lips.“And why shouldn’t I look at you?” he pressed.“Because,” Hazel started, her voice faltering slightly, “because it feels like I did something wrong.”She turned away, gathering her hair into a ponytail, trying to shake off the feeling of being under his scrutiny.Without warning, Francisco’s hand shot out, gripping her wai
"You swear, right?" Francisco's voice was soft, almost tender, but there was an underlying tension that made Hazel's heart race. She could barely find the strength to speak, her voice trembling as she answered, "Yes..."The next words out of Francisco's mouth shocked her to the core."Do you want me to surrender to the police?"Hazel's breath caught in her throat. She broke the embrace, her eyes wide as she searched Francisco's face for any sign of what he was thinking. But his hands remained on her waist, keeping her close, as if he feared she might slip away."You swear, right?" Francisco's voice was soft, almost tender, but there was an underlying tension that made Hazel's heart race. She could barely find the strength to speak, her voice trembling as she answered, "Yes..."The next words out of Francisco's mouth shocked her to the core."Do you want me to surrender to the police?"Hazel's breath caught in her throat. She broke the embrace, her eyes wide as she searched Francisco's
"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