Hazel stepped out of the steam-filled bathroom, her damp hair wrapped in a towel, and her body snugly encased in a bathrobe. She glanced over to the bed where Francisco lounged in his own bathrobe, a lazy smile playing on his lips. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at his expectant look.Ignoring his presence, she made her way to the vanity, settling onto the tool in front of the mirror. Francisco, undeterred by her silent treatment, reached for his phone, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Don't you wanna talk to your parents?" he teased, knowing well her penchant for ignoring him.Hazel shot him a pointed look, flipping on the hairdryer to drown out his words."You don't have to do me any favors," she retorted, her voice barely audible over the whir of the dryer.Francisco chuckled, the sound warm and melodic as he rose from the bed and sauntered over to her."How understanding are you?" he quipped, his tone laced with amusement.Hazel took a deep breath, her jaw clenching slightly
Francisco, amused by the assumption, raised his brows and let out a hearty laugh."Me? No, not at all," he responded, adding a hint of mystery to his words."You could say I'm a criminal, and her job is to catch me."Hazel's expression turned stern, a silent warning to Francisco not to play along with her mother's inquiry.Doris laughed at Francisco's response, finding his reaction amusing."What?""This is not a bad joke," she chuckled.Francisco, ever composed, tilted his head and, with a playful smile, he clarified, "Yes, Mom."Doris couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected revelation."This is not—" she began, but Francisco interrupted, "I am a business executive. I think your husband will know me."Hazel, sensing the conversation taking an unexpected turn, interjected, "Anyway, Mom, I will hang up the call. I am so tired, so I need to rest."Without waiting for her mother's response, Hazel swiftly ended the call, leaving a perplexed Doris at the other end. Hazel got up from the
"I told you to call him. I want to talk to him," Hazel reiterated, her impatience palpable.Without further delay, Lily dialed Francisco's number, but to Hazel's dismay, he didn't answer the call. Frustration simmered beneath the surface as she tightened her lips in annoyance.In a swift motion, Hazel ascended the stairs, her mind racing with questions and concerns."What is he planning?" she wondered, her thoughts swirling with unease as she retreated to her room.Hazel's reflection stared back at her from the mirror, her nerves palpable as she tried to decipher Francisco's intentions. The evening descended, and invited guests began to arrive, but Francisco was nowhere to be seen.Fueled by a growing sense of unease, Hazel paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts racing as she grappled with uncertainty. The anticipation weighed heavily on her, rendering her unable to stay still.Her nerves got the better of her as she hastily changed into a short dress, her hands trembling with
Hazel's eyes narrowed as she spotted Andrew, a familiar face amidst the crowd. His smile was polite, but there was a hint of mischief in his gaze as he approached her with a champagne glass in hand."Do you remember me?" Andrew asked, his voice smooth as he sipped from his glass.Hazel's gaze flickered around the room briefly before settling on Andrew. "Yes, Mr. Andrew," she replied curtly, her tone guarded.Andrew's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, finally he makes you his girl, right?" he remarked casually, taking another sip of his drink.Hazel's jaw tightened at his words, her discomfort evident. She tried to brush off his question, but Andrew was persistent, refusing to let her evade the conversation."Actually, no law could hold him like you did," Andrew continued, his tone conspiratorial as he leaned in closer. "And also, you were a beautiful lady, so Francisco could not let you go."Hazel's pulse quickened at Andrew's words, a mixture of unease and intrigu
Hazel's eyes flashed with defiance as she struggled against Francisco's tight grip, her frustration mounting as his words hung heavily in the air. She attempted to loosen his hold, but Francisco's grasp remained firm, his gaze intense as he addressed her."Why didn't you break his arm as well, Hazel?" Francisco's words were laced with a menacing undertone, sending a shiver down her spine.Hazel's jaw clenched at the implication of his words, her mind reeling with the weight of his expectations. She met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to be intimidated by his ominous demeanor.Meanwhile, Francisco turned his attention to Andrew, his expression inscrutable as he issued his command to Max."Take him to my guest room," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Max's shock was palpable as he processed Francisco's directive. Andrew was one of their most influential business partners, and Francisco's decision to confront him in such a manner sent a ripple of apprehension th
"Rafael," Peter spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and apprehension.Rafael turned to face him, a question lingering on his lips."I know, I will find her here, right?" he inquired, his tone edged with uncertainty.Peter nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring Rafael's uncertainty."Yes, Rafael. If anyone can help you remember, it's Hazel," he affirmed, his voice tinged with a note of reassurance.Rafael's brows furrowed as he grappled with his doubts."But what if I can't remember anything after seeing her?" he voiced his fear, his words tinged with a sense of vulnerability.Peter placed a comforting hand on Rafael's shoulder, offering him reassurance."As you remember us, then you will remember her as well," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.Adam chimed in, his voice filled with optimism."And once you see her, everything will fall into place. Trust me, Sir," he added, a note of conviction in his voice.Rafael nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes as he abs
"We have to accept that the richest man invites us personally," Peter remarked with a smile, though beneath the surface, a palpable undercurrent of resentment simmered in their conversation.Francisco returned Peter's smile, his gaze briefly flickering with amusement before turning to Rafael, who remained lost in his silent exchange with Hazel. Francisco's jaw clenched imperceptibly, but he maintained his facade of geniality as he addressed Rafael."Mr. Rafael!"Francisco's voice cut through the air, drawing Rafael's attention away from Hazel with a start. Rafael's gaze shifted to Francisco, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he registered the unexpected interruption."Yes?" Rafael replied, his tone tinged with confusion as he tore his gaze away from Hazel, still unable to fully comprehend her presence before him.Hazel, sensing the tension between Francisco and Rafael, observed Rafael's reaction with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. There was a strange vibe emanatin
Francisco's grip on Emily's arm tightened as he spoke with a steely resolve, “Go somewhere. I will talk to you later.”But Emily, fueled by alcohol and her own determination, refused to back down. “No… I want to talk now,” she insisted, her voice slurred.Despite her persistence, Francisco maintained his calm demeanor, his gaze piercing as he silently conveyed his message. Emily, noticing the intensity of his stare, felt her voice falter.“Please,” she pleaded, her tone subdued.Rafael, observing the interaction, felt a surge of disapproval at Francisco's treatment of Emily. He exchanged knowing glances with his colleagues, a silent understanding passing between them. Clearing his throat, Rafael addressed Francisco, his voice tinged with reproach, “Mr. Francisco, it’s not acceptable to treat a woman in this manner.”Francisco's response was unwavering, his tone cold and unyielding.“Mr. Rafael, I do not tolerate ill manners, and I do not entertain garbage in my mansion.”With that, Fr
"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