"Yes!" Hazel said, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach."Everything is fine. I just thought about meeting him."Lily looked at her skeptically."No one will allow you to go out alone, so I am asking for your help," Hazel added quickly, her expression sincere and imploring.Hazel gave Lily a look that she hoped conveyed trustworthiness and sincerity. She knew that regaining their trust was crucial. After a moment’s hesitation, Lily nodded."Then let me call the boss.""No," Hazel said a bit too quickly, stopping Lily from reaching for the phone.Lily raised her eyebrows, looking at Hazel with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.Hazel pressed her lips together, trying to come up with a believable explanation."Actually, I wanted to give him a surprise. That's all."She forced a smile onto her face, hoping it looked more genuine than it felt. Lily studied her for a moment longer before finally nodding."Okay, girls, carry on," she said to the other maids."I will
Francisco gave Ben a sidelong look but quickly realized that Ben had no intention of leaving the room. Diana hadn't asked him to leave either, and Francisco knew she was doing this on purpose. She understood his preference for privacy at such moments, yet she chose to keep Ben there. Francisco turned back to Max and then looked at Diana again, his eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and concern."Why?" Francisco demanded, his tone stern."Why did you do that?"Diana, avoiding his gaze, looked down at her fingers, rubbing them together nervously."Francisco, it was nothing. I don't know why I did that."Francisco moved closer, his voice softening but still firm."I am not staying in the mansion. Why don't you go there?"Diana offered a slight, melancholic smile."Francisco, you're not there. If I go, it will be the same as living alone. Besides, you won't go there with Hazel, will you?"Francisco sighed, running a hand through his hair."I still need some time, but then I will go
Hazel sat down at one of the reading tables, pretending to be engrossed in a book.Meanwhile, Francisco's voice was a mix of anger and authority as he glared at Ben. "Diana, I don't want to hear anything about it. The thing is, I don't like this man," he said, indicating Ben with a dismissive gesture.Ben, feeling the sting of Francisco's words, pressed his lips together in frustration. He couldn't understand why Francisco had such disdain for him. He was a successful doctor, well-respected in his field. What more did Francisco want?"Mr. Francisco, why?"9865Ben finally spoke up, his voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and hurt."Why don't you like me?"Francisco turned back to him, his expression hardening. "I don't like to repeat my words," he said sternly.Then, addressing Diana again, "Diana!"He continued, "I will choose your partner."Francisco's words hung heavy in the air as he stepped forward to leave. Max, who had been standing silently by the door, exchanged a glance
Hazel gulped slowly as she looked at the man of seduction before her. She whispered under her breath, "I was missing you.""I hope it is okay for you."Francisco held his breath for a few seconds when he heard her. Suddenly, he took a deep breath and cursed, "Fuck!"From his voice, it was obvious that he was suppressing something inside his heart. Francisco touched her soft lips with his thumb, rubbing them slowly, ruining her lip gloss. He came close to her ear and said with a heavy breath, "You can miss me whenever you want, baby.""You can play with me if you want to."His hot breath touched her bare shoulder. Hazel slowly closed her eyes, feeling aroused by him. Though it wasn't her intention to be aroused, it was something she couldn't control, something she hated but also secretly enjoyed. She had come to love the feeling of being penetrated by him.Hazel took a deep breath and, with her shaky hands, grabbed his hair, saying, "If that's the case, then I hope you won't mind here.
"I accept you," Hazel stammered, looking directly into Francisco's eyes."So, let her decide what she wants," she added, hoping to steer the conversation in a more favorable direction.Francisco exhaled loudly, then answered, "I know Max likes her. But the problems they had, I'm not fully aware of."Hazel felt a surge of courage. She had managed to change the topic successfully. Walking slowly, she traced her fingers along his cheek, saying, "I can help."Francisco looked at her, intrigued."How?" he asked."Tell Max to stay with her for the last few days," Hazel suggested."I think they can solve their problems if they're given the chance."Her heart started beating faster, hoping he would agree. If he accepted her suggestion, it would give her the leverage she needed to manage her plans.Francisco moved slightly, looking into her eyes. He exhaled and, while nodding, said, "It's not a bad idea, darling."Hazel's heart leaped with joy. She smiled, her victory evident in her expression
The nurse was helping Diana feed the soup. Max stood beside her, tense and silent, having been rebuffed earlier when he tried to feed Diana himself. Diana had clearly told him no, and so the nurse stepped in to assist. The atmosphere in the room was thick with unspoken tension. The nurse, a silent witness, had arrived just after Max and Diana had a heated exchange, and now the air was heavy with discomfort.Suddenly, the door swung open, and Ben entered the chamber. His presence immediately added another layer of tension. Max and Ben exchanged cold, distant looks, each man pretending the other didn't exist. Ben approached Diana with a soft, concerned tone, "Dear, how are you feeling?"He touched her shoulder gently as he came near her. The casual intimacy of the gesture made Max's jaw tighten. He stood there, fists clenched, watching as Ben's fingers lingered on Diana's shoulder. The sight of Ben touching her, even so innocently, ignited a flicker of anger in him that he struggled to
Hazel meticulously prepared dinner for Francisco, every detail reflecting her determination to convince him of her loyalty. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm and romantic glow over the elegantly set table. The soft light flickered off the walls, highlighting the careful decorations she had arranged. The air was filled with the delicate aroma of the meal she had prepared, a blend of spices and herbs meant to enchant his senses.Dressed in a striking red frock, Hazel let her hair cascade in soft waves around her shoulders. She took a deep breath, her heart racing as she considered the evening ahead. This was her chance to either secure her freedom or resign herself to a life with Francisco, a man whose power made escaping his grasp nearly impossible.Her thoughts were a whirlwind of anxiety and determination. Could she really pull this off? Was it possible to convince Francisco that she had genuinely changed her mind about him? The stakes were high, and failure was not an option. S
Lilith walked closer to Hazel, her coat draped casually over her shoulder. She crossed her arms and looked Hazel up and down, her expression hardening. "I don't fucking care about whatever you're playing at," Lilith spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "But let me be clear: I won’t tolerate you disturbing Francisco’s mind." Hazel's face tightened at the blatant hostility. She took a deep breath, deciding to stay calm despite the provocation. "Please, have a seat," she said coolly, gesturing toward the couch. "Wait for your friend." Lilith's eyes narrowed, her voice laced with venom. "I’m not here to meet him. I’m here to see his new prostitute," she sneered. The insult hit Hazel like a slap, and she gritted her teeth, struggling to keep her composure. Lily, who had been standing discreetly in the corner, stepped forward. As Hazel's personal guard, she felt compelled to intervene. "Ms. Lilith, please stay within your limits," Lily said, her voice firm but respectful. Lilith tu
"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