Rafael, flanked by his team, gazed through the one-way mirror at Francisco, the once untouchable tycoon now sitting alone in a chamber. The news of Francisco's arrest had spread like wildfire, echoing through the corridors of power and the business world. Every move, every word will be scrutinized in the coming days. The chamber was designed for moments like these, with a large sealed mirror serving as a window into Francisco's world. He sat on a solitary chair, aware that countless eyes were watching his every move. The weight of the evidence against him, embodied by the wounded Liam in a hospital bed under heavy security, loomed over the room. Rafael, determined to extract the truth, turned to his team and declared, "I am going to talk to him." As Rafael prepared to enter the chamber for the interrogation, Peter halted him with a suggestion that caught him off guard. "Rafael, I think Hazel should go," Peter proposed, his eyes serious with intent. Rafael's brows arched in surpri
Hazel and Francisco remained alone in the chamber, the air thick with tension and the weight of unspoken truths. Rafael, torn between concern for Hazel's safety and frustration at the unfolding events, watched as they forced him out of the room."Why did you guys let her alone with him?"Rafael protested, his voice laden with worry.Ken arched his brows, attempting to explain, "Rafael, Hazel can save herself. And it is all because of you. If you didn't hit him, he would not ask it."The reality of the situation hit Rafael, the consequences of his actions reverberating through the chamber. The potential suspension of Hazel, the intricate web of manipulations, and the power still held by Francisco created a volatile mix of emotions."Can you imagine that because of it he could suspend you from the job? He still has the power in his hands," Ken added, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation.Robert, sensing the rising tension, raised his hands in a calming gesture."Please, guy
Hazel's lips met Rafael's in a tender kiss, an expression of the deep connection that existed between them. Rafael, his fingers gently tucking her hair behind her ear, reciprocated the affection.Breaking the kiss, Hazel looked into Rafael's eyes, her body now positioned above his. A sense of vulnerability lingered in her gaze, a vulnerability born not from their intimate connection but from the ominous shadows of Francisco's threats.Rafael, cupping her face with a tender touch, voiced the longing he felt, "I have missed you, Hazel.""I miss you too, Rafael," Hazel replied.She nestled her head on his bare chest, seeking solace in the warmth of their closeness.The aftermath of their intimacy enveloped them, Rafael's fingers gently caressing her hair as they both basked in the comfort of each other's presence. Yet, Hazel's fingers traced absentminded patterns on his chest, her mind grappling with the persistent fears that Francisco's words had stirred within her.Indifference marked
On the day Francisco was being prepared for the court appearance, the media frenzy outside the gate reached its peak. Reporters and cameras swarmed the area, eager to capture the high-profile moment. The arrest of Francisco was now the city's top news, creating a buzz that reverberated through the community.James, reveling in the perceived vulnerability of Francisco's absence, continued to expand his influence in the criminal underworld.Within the precinct, Hazel and Rafael were in the midst of the chaos, navigating through the crowds and the media circus. Hazel whispered something to Rafael, a shared concern etched on their faces. However, their hushed conversation was interrupted when Francisco's gaze met Hazel's. A slight smirk played on Francisco's lips, creating an unsettling moment between them.Quickly averting her eyes, Hazel continued to move through the crowd with Rafael.The tension in the air was palpable, and the weight of the situation pressed upon them. As they exited
Hazel's heart raced as her gaze collided with Francisco's deep ocean eyes. At that moment, a mix of emotions swirled within her, captivated by the calmness yet ominous undertone that emanated from those eyes. Hazel couldn't shake the feeling of an impending storm.Rafael responded, "Ms. Emily, we're not thrilled to see you and your boyfriend either."Emily, eyes narrowed, retorted, "Oh, really! Actually, the way you guys harassed my boyfriend, he should file a harassment case against your girlfriend. But Francisco is a kind man, so he did not."Rafael's lips curved into a slight smirk at Emily's words."Oh, your boyfriend is a kind man, really? He should show his kindness to the world as well."Before Emily could escalate the confrontation further, Francisco intervened. With a light smile, he gently took hold of Emily's hand, his touch serving as a quiet gesture to temper the rising tension."Mr. Rafael, I think you guys came here for your wedding. So please, don't bother us," Francis
Hazel's eyes widened in horror as time seemed to slow down around her. The joyous occasion had morphed into a nightmare. The purity of her white dress was marred by a sinister stain — a bloodstain. A surreal stillness settled over the church, shattered only by Hazel's piercing scream."Rafael!"Her love, her would-be husband, stood before her, his white coat now a canvas of crimson. The world around her blurred as the reality of the situation dawned. The once joyous ceremony had morphed into a scene of unimaginable horror."Ra - fael!"Hazel's lips trembled as she knelt beside him, her hands stained with the evidence of the tragedy. In her desperate attempt to comprehend the nightmare unfolding, she looked around and realized the brutality extended beyond Rafael. The priest, the congregation — everyone laid on the floor, victims of a senseless act of violence.Her white dress now echoed the crimson tragedy that had unfolded. The sacred space had become a blood-soaked tableau of despai
Hazel's world had narrowed to the dimly lit room, the cold wall against her back, and the tight restraints binding her.The muffled groans were the only testament to her struggle against the ominous circumstances that had befallen her. Fear gripped her, amplified by the uncertainty of what awaited her.The creak of the opening door sent shivers down Hazel's spine. Her groans intensified as she strained to see through the darkness, desperate to identify her captor."Umm..."A hesitation escaped her lips, drowned out by the echoes of her own anguish.As Hazel recoiled, her back meeting the unyielding wall, a realization dawned upon her - escape was futile.Her thoughts raced, trying to unravel the mystery of why she was there and what fate awaited her.In the deafening silence, Hazel's mind fixated on one name - Rafael.The mere thought quickened her heartbeat, as she grappled with the possibility of who might be the reason behind her predicament. Dread and confusion intertwined, cloudi
Francisco sat on the couch, indulging in a cigarette, the room permeated with the lingering scent of smoke.Hazel lay naked on the bed, her back turned toward him, vulnerable and exposed. The cold air from the AC chilled the room, causing Hazel to curl up on the bed, seeking warmth.As Francisco took the last drag of his cigarette, he extinguished it in the ashtray. Rising from the sofa, he approached the bed, his gaze fixed on Hazel's delicate form. Tenderly, he traced his fingers along her cold arms.The aftermath of her tears and the torment she endured left her unconscious.With a gentle touch, Francisco moved strands of her hair away from her forehead. Hazel's eyes were closed, still bearing the marks of her recent ordeal. Slowly, he began to untie the cloth covering her eyes, revealing closed eyelids beneath.Francisco's fingers delicately brushed against her closed eyelids, a momentary pause in the relentless storm. ‘I would not able to do it while looking at you so I tied you
"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