The next day, Hazel awoke to find Francisco absent from bed. It struck her that, once again, she had fallen asleep beside him. Hastily fixing her disheveled dress, she scanned the room, catching the distant sounds emanating from the washroom.‘He must be taking a shower.’A sense of urgency gripped Hazel. ‘I need to do something right now so that he doesn’t suspect me.’She thought. Taking a deep breath, she moved toward the closet, her mind racing.Without a second thought, Hazel opened the closet. She positioned herself strategically, ensuring her actions wouldn't be caught on camera. Swift and decisive, she began her search, digging through drawers and gliding her hands under clothes. Time seemed to compress as Hazel worked with remarkable speed, leaving everything seemingly undisturbed.Her keen instincts guided her, and she executed each move with precision. Every drawer, every crevice was explored in a calculated manner. Hazel left no trace of her intrusion, orchestrating the s
Five days passed, and the dynamics between Hazel and Francisco underwent subtle shifts, bringing them closer. Yet, Hazel maintained a careful boundary, navigating the newfound closeness with a cautious demeanor. During this time, Francisco's restrictions prevented her from going to the office or accompanying him outside.Hazel cooked for him every day, and she seized every opportunity to discreetly explore Francisco's mansion. Despite her knowledge of the security code, she hesitated to venture into his room, wary of surveillance cameras that could potentially betray her actions.On the night Francisco prepared to depart for Georgia, Hazel knew this was her last chance. Determined and with a strategic plan in mind, she took a deep breath.I hope you guys have been there already.Rafael, I hope you are doing well.As the night unfolded, Hazel prepared a spicy meal for Francisco, knowing it would be their last dinner together. Francisco, engrossed in a phone conversation, continued his
Hazel and Francisco settled beside each other as she served him the Spanish dish she had prepared.In his regular way, Francisco extended the first bite toward Hazel, expecting her to taste it before he began eating. However, Hazel deviated from the norm.Instead of accepting the bite, she held his hand and spoke with a touch of vulnerability, "I want you to take the first bite.”“Because I don't know when you are going to return, sir. So, first you eat, then I will."Francisco, touched by her words, smiled and reached out to trace her face. His fingers delicately moved across her cheek, prompting Hazel to lower her gaze momentarily.When he demanded, "Look at me," Hazel met his gaze, finding herself captivated by the intensity in his eyes.With a hint of playful teasing, Francisco added, "I hope you won't poison me."The unexpected comment injected a mix of tension and humor into the moment, causing Hazel's heart to quicken in response.Hazel, despite the nerves that churned within h
Hazel, armed with the obtained pen drive, swiftly unlocked the door and stepped out of Francisco's mansion. Her eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, noting the presence of bodyguards both at the entrance and near the main gate. As the designated personal assistant to Francisco, she encountered no interference while leaving the mansion.Navigating her way toward the gate, Hazel's progress was halted by vigilant guards. Their inquisitive gazes fixed upon her as one of them questioned, "Ms., where are you going?"With a confident yet purposeful demeanor, Hazel responded, "I am going out for official work.""I'll be back in one hour."The guards exchanged glances, seemingly uncertain about the abrupt departure.Sensing potential scrutiny, Hazel offered an explanation, "Mr. Francisco can't go right now. I need to handle this on his behalf. He's resting as he has a flight."The guards, though still cautious, seemed to accept Hazel's explanation. However, one of them raised another concern
The taxi came to a sudden halt in front of a nondescript building. In the dimly lit surroundings, it appeared uninhabited. Hazel swiftly exited the taxi and entered the building. Its interior was equally dim, suggesting an absence of occupants.She approached a specific door, knocked cautiously, and after a brief pause, it creaked open. A familiar face greeted her."Hazel!""Robert," she responded in hushed tones, a subtle smile playing on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of a mission well-executed."I think I found it."Robert, Ken, and Peter were gathered in the room, their eyes fixated on a laptop. Startled by Hazel's unexpected entrance, they exchanged tense glances.“Really!”"Hazel, you didn't give us any message," Ken remarked, his voice carrying an air of concern.Hazel took a deep breath, retrieving the critical pen drive from her possession. Displaying it to her comrades, she announced, "I found it."The room filled with a palpable sense of accomplishment and
The team deliberated on Rafael's plan, dissecting its intricacies and potential pitfalls. Hazel, Rafael, Ken, Robert, and Peter gathered around the table, their shared goal uniting them on purpose.Rafael's finger pointed resolutely at the Georgia section of the map, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation."His men will be in this school, likely posing as staff. We need to move swiftly," Rafael emphasized.Hazel, demonstrating her leadership skills, asserted, "We need to go there as soon as possible."Rafael nodded in agreement, "I've already dispatched our team. They'll blend in as casual staff members and inform the school authorities. The cooperation is secured."However, Peter voiced a legitimate concern, "It would be risky."Rafael acknowledged the inherent risks, responding, "Yes, it will be. If we alert the school authorities to cancel classes or close the school for the day, it might tip off Francisco's men, and they'll disappear."The room fell into contemplative si
The atmosphere in the police station changed as Francisco made his dramatic entrance. The news of his arrest had undoubtedly sent shock waves through the entire facility. Sergeant Martin, caught between the allegiance to his corrupt dealings and the fear of being exposed, found himself in a precarious situation.As the word spread, police officers and personnel started gathering, their expressions a mix of curiosity and tension. Martin, unsure of how to navigate this sudden turn of events, felt a knot tightening in his stomach."God, what should I do?" he muttered, the weight of his choices bearing down on him.His loyalties were divided between his role as a police officer and the ties he shared with Francisco, a criminal mastermind.Amid the internal turmoil, a sudden announcement echoed through the station, "They are here.”“Inform everyone."Martin's anxiety heightened, realizing that the moment of reckoning had arrived. He stood up tentatively and began moving towards the entranc
The school corridors were unusually quiet as Adam, clad in a sweeper costume, and Freddie, disguised as a teacher, maintained a vigilant watch over their surroundings. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as they waited for any sign of suspicious activity from their respective teams.Hours passed without a hint of trouble, leaving Adam and Freddie growing increasingly restless. The disguised duo exchanged glances, wondering if their elaborate plan had been unnecessary. The school seemed to be in a state of normalcy, and their fellow team members were nowhere to be seen.Just as the tension began to wane, the principal emerged from his chamber, wearing a smile on his face. Adam and Freddie shared a quick, puzzled look before Freddie decided to approach the principal discreetly.Leaning in, Freddie whispered, "What happened?”“Why did you come out?"“Sorry, Mr., but today an important person is also coming."The principal, with a friendly smile, shared the unexpected news, "Yes, a
"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 wa
"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