As the car glided through the streets, Francisco's gaze drifted out of the window, his thoughts lost in contemplation. Hazel mirrored his silence, the tension between them palpable in the confined space of the car.But it was Hazel who broke the uneasy silence, her voice a hesitant interruption in the quiet. "Lily and I could go, you should not need to come with me," she suggested, her words tinged with a hint of uncertainty.Francisco turned towards her, his expression softened by a sense of determination. "I don't want to leave you in another hand," he confessed, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering intensity.Hazel couldn't help but scoff at his response, her tone laced with mockery. "Why? Don't you trust your own people?" she teased, her words a playful jab at his protective instincts.But Francisco's smirk remained, his confidence unwavering as he explained, "I know my people won't betray me, but I just want to spend some more time with you," his words revealing a deeper long
Hazel clung to Francisco's arm as they walked through the mall. He guided her with an ease that left her feeling both comforted and unnerved. Each time he suggested a dress or accessory, Hazel found herself nodding in agreement, accepting his choices without protest.It wasn't just because it was part of her plan; there was something else at play. The awkward tension he created in her mind left her feeling off-balance. Francisco's presence had been a constant distraction, his seductive nature and occasional vulgarity making it difficult for her to focus on anything else."Try this," Francisco said suddenly, handing her a dress. Hazel looked up at him, her eyes searching his for a moment before she took the garment and headed to the fitting room. She felt his gaze linger on her until she disappeared behind the door.Inside the trial room, Hazel took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She changed into the dress. The fabric cooled against her skin.When she finally stepped
Hazel arched her brows in surprise."Did you leave me any room to plan something against you?" she retorted, trying to mask her anxiety with defiance.Francisco's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her with a penetrating gaze."I just wanted to thank you," Hazel continued, her voice trembling slightly, "for keeping my parents safe. You... you didn’t hurt them."Her lips quivered as she spoke, the vulnerability in her words clear.Francisco raised his eyebrows, a hint of skepticism in his expression. It seemed he didn’t entirely believe her.The room was elegantly decorated, with large bookshelves and ornate almirahs lining the walls. Hazel pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to compose herself."Just think whatever you want," she said, her tone defiant yet shaky.She turned to twist the knob and leave the room, but paused, her back still facing Francisco. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "And one thing..."Francisco’s eyes remained fixed on her, waiting for her to continue.F
Hazel's lips quivered as Francisco's cold lips touched her navel. She closed her eyes and placed her hand over them, unable to face the reality of her own vulnerability. She understood that she had become weak to him, ready to spread her legs until her desire was fulfilled.Outside, the sky was black with clouds, and the rumble of thunder echoed, mirroring Hazel's inner turmoil. The restlessness, guilt, and pleasure all swirled within her heart, a storm of emotions as chaotic as the weather outside.Francisco's thumbs tenderly brushed over her pink buds as he kissed her navel. Hazel's lips parted involuntarily, but she suppressed any sound, biting her lower lip to keep herself silent. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, and she struggled to maintain control.Francisco looked up at her, his chin resting on her navel, to gauge her reaction. Her face was a portrait of conflicting emotions, and her eyes were tightly shut, hiding from the reality of their situation. With deliberat
"Ah..."Hazel parted her lips as she arched her back, tightly gripping the edge of the table. Francisco's face was buried against her neck, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. The rhythmic sound of their bodies meeting filled the room, overwhelming her senses.Hazel bit her lower lip as she felt the peak of her pleasure approaching. She dug her nails into his back, a heavy groan escaping Francisco's lips as he responded by biting her neck. His hips moved rapidly, each thrust bringing them closer to the edge. Hazel's eyes slowly closed, her body surrendering to the waves of ecstasy washing over her.In a sudden, intense rush, she reached her climax, the ultimate pleasure coursing through her. Francisco felt her body shake, her strength leaving her in a powerful release. Understanding her reaction, he slowed his pace, giving her a moment to savor the sensation.Hazel moaned as his movements became gentler, more deliberate. She slowly laid herself back on the table, her breath
Hazel's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The boy who had once saved her life was now the man who had turned it upside down. Francisco, with his dark past and dangerous present, was the same person she had wanted to thank all those years ago. Her heart felt heavy with the irony of it all.Francisco, sensing her turmoil, rose from her bosom, his breath ragged. He moved up to her face, their eyes locking with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.“This man!” Hazel thought, her hand reaching up to touch his face. She had been so eager to thank that boy, but knowing it was Francisco brought a storm of emotions.“It’s me, Hazel. The one you wanted to thank,” Francisco said softly, breaking into her thoughts.Hazel parted her lips, wanting to say something, anything, but words failed her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Finally, she spoke words that felt both true and false, driven by a mixture of gratitude and her hidden agenda, “Then I am thanking yo
Hazel turned on the shower, letting the cold water cascade over her body. The chill helped clear her mind, washing away the remnants of sleep and the physical reminders of the previous night. As the water flowed, she took deep breaths, centering herself.Her thoughts were a whirlwind, but one thing was clear: she had to stay focused on her goal. The encounter with Francisco, while unexpected, was just another step in her plan. She couldn't afford to let her emotions derail her.After showering, Hazel stepped out of the bathroom and was startled to find Lily in the room, arranging a tray of food. The bite marks on her body were visible beneath her short frock, making Hazel feel self-conscious. She hesitated for a moment before sitting on the bed and glancing at the abundance of food. "It's a lot, Lily. I don't think I can finish it."Lily smiled broadly at Hazel and replied, "Ms., Master said you need to eat more. And I think Master is not wrong."Hazel's cheeks flushed with embarrassm
Lucas continued, "And... he invites both of you. He wanted to apologize to Ms. Hazel in front of everyone."Francisco's jaw tightened at the mention of Hazel. The memory of Andrew's offense against her flared up in his mind, reigniting his anger. "Apologize?" Francisco echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That scumbag thinks an apology will make up for what he did?"Lucas stepped closer, trying to maintain a calm demeanor."Boss, this might be an opportunity. Let him apologize publicly. It will humiliate him, and we can use it to our advantage. It shows that even someone like Andrew fears you and respects Ms. Hazel."Francisco leaned back in his chair, contemplating Lucas's words. He knew Lucas was right; a public apology from Andrew would be a powerful statement. It would reinforce his authority and protect Hazel's dignity. But the idea of cooperating with Andrew, even temporarily, left a bitter taste in his mouth."Okay, boss, tomorrow night. I will inform him then," Lucas said
The next morning, when Hazel woke up, something felt different. She looked around the room, her brows knitting together in confusion. The walls, once cast in shadows and a cold ambiance, now glowed with soft, natural light. The curtains were lighter, fresh flowers adorned the corners, and the overall atmosphere felt warm—inviting.No longer did the room feel like a prison.Hazel propped herself up on one elbow. “What is this…?”Just then, Lily entered with a bright smile and a large bouquet of fresh flowers in her arms. “Good morning, ma’am.”Hazel blinked in surprise. “Good morning… but what’s going on?”“Sir instructed us to redecorate the room,” Lily replied, arranging the flowers in a vase by the window. “He said it should feel brighter for you.”Hazel raised an eyebrow. “Why?”Lily smiled softly. “Because the doctor said it would help improve your mood.”Hazel pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing. She simply stood and made her way to the washroom. After freshen
Enemies surrounded Francisco from all sides. He had built his empire on blood, and now the ghosts of his past were closing in.On him.On her.On their unborn child.Hazel studied him for a moment longer before shifting her gaze back to the book in her lap.Francisco’s voice cut through the silence."I didn’t mean to shock you."Hazel didn’t look up. Her tone was flat."It’s nothing new for me."Francisco clasped his palms together, his fingers pressing against each other in thought. He wanted to keep talking to her, to break through the walls she had built around herself, but Hazel was determined to end the conversation before it even began.He blinked slowly, exhaling through his nose.As he watched her, something stirred inside him—an overwhelming craving. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to hold her close, to feel the warmth of her body against his.He had heard that pregnant women experienced mood swings, that they craved more affection even as they pushed people away.Was th
“So the deal is more important to you than your child?” Arthur asked, his voice gentle yet firm.Hazel fell silent.Her heart pounded faster, but she forced herself to ignore it.Then, Arthur spoke again.“Will you really be able to live without your child, ma’am?”Hazel’s fingers tightened around the book she was holding. She had only been thinking about her freedom, about escaping the monster who had taken everything from her. But she hadn’t once stopped considering the child.Would she really leave her baby with him?Would the child grow up to be like Francisco—a ruthless mafia king?A deep frown creased Hazel’s forehead.No. She didn’t want to think about that. That wasn’t her concern.She was only supposed to care about herself.That was the plan.That was the deal.That was it.Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice steady but cold.“Arthur.”Arthur’s eyes remained on her, waiting.“Do you know your boss is monitoring me?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. “Every second.
Francisco and Hazel arrived at the mansion after the dangerous chaos. The ride had been silent, but the weight of what had happened lingered between them like an unspoken storm.Hazel’s face was gloomy, her expression distant. She wasn’t naive—she knew this was only the beginning.There would be more.More blood. More danger.More reasons to fear for the life growing inside her.Her hand instinctively rested on her belly.At first, she didn’t care much about the child. The idea of carrying Francisco’s baby had been unbearable. But now, an unfamiliar feeling twisted inside her—something more than just obligation. A strange, indefinable bond.Francisco, watching her closely, noticed the way her fingers pressed lightly against her stomach. He didn’t say anything, but he understood.She was shaken.She hadn’t expected an attack so soon.He clenched his jaw. From now on, he had to be more careful.Whatever he had been before—ruthless, reckless, untouchable—it didn’t matter anymore. Now, he
Francisco glanced at his bodyguard, his tone sharp and commanding.“Take her from here. I’ll handle this.”The bodyguard hesitated, his grip tightening on his weapon.“Boss, it’s too risky. How can I leave you alone?”Francisco’s gaze snapped at him, cold and unwavering.“Do you need me to shoot you right now?”That was enough.The bodyguard stiffened, lowering his head in obedience.“Understood.”He turned toward Hazel.“Ma’am.”But Hazel wasn’t moving.Her eyes were locked on Francisco as he fired at the advancing enemies, drawing their attention toward himself.Each shot echoed with deadly precision, but Hazel saw it clearly—he was outnumbered, and he was bleeding.Still, he didn’t hesitate.Didn’t falter.The bodyguard reached for her arm, his grip firm, almost forceful.“We need to move.”Hazel barely registered his words. She was staring at Francisco, unwilling to leave.As they shifted to retreat, a sudden bullet shattered the glass near them with a sharp crack.Hazel ducked in
Max’s phone rang as he worked through a stack of files. Without thinking, he glanced at the screen.Diana.He hesitated, a flicker of agitation crossing his face. For a moment, he considered ignoring it.But he couldn’t.With a sigh, he answered."Yes?"There was silence at the other end. Then, after a brief pause, Diana’s voice came through, quieter than usual."Francisco came here.""I know," Max replied flatly, his tone robotic.Diana took a deep breath, trying to steady herself."Max… I’m not feeling good about this. Francisco… he’s messing everything up. I don’t know what to do."Max slowly set the file down, his jaw tightening. He knew exactly what she meant.But he also knew there was no turning Francisco back now.A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corner of his lips.Sarcastic.Resigned.Francisco loved Hazel so much. So much that, if anyone stood in his way, Francisco wouldn’t hesitate to ruin everything.And the dangerous part? People wanted that kind of devotion."Diana,"
"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