Francisco clutched Hazel tightly as her body went limp, her sudden collapse shocking him more than he let on. Her fragile frame fit perfectly into his arms, her face pale, lips slightly parted as if caught between a breath. His heart raced, but he forced himself to breathe deeply, to stay calm. He lowered his head, his lips brushing against her forehead, a gesture of tenderness that contradicted the dark turmoil within him."Why don’t you understand, Hazel?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, as he held her close. The warmth of her skin against his made his chest tighten."I told you not to betray me, honey."He stared down at her, unconscious and vulnerable, and something inside him wavered. He hadn't anticipated that her deception would cut this deep.His hand trembled slightly as he brushed a strand of hair from her face."But you pretended with me," he continued, his voice breaking ever so slightly. "I didn’t even think it was all your acting, Hazel. It seemed so real."His gaze
"I spent the whole day torturing that bastard. My mind was consumed with rage, with betrayal."Francisco’s hand reached out, brushing against Hazel’s arm, but she didn’t react."And then I thought… what better way to show him than to love you in front of his eyes? To show him how much you enjoy our intimate moments together."Hazel's lips trembled, the reality of what Francisco had done crashing over her. Rafael had seen everything, and the thought made her feel exposed, vulnerable in a way she had never felt before. How could she ever face him again?"But…" Francisco hesitated, his voice faltering for the first time."But, I couldn’t. I didn’t want anyone to see my angel’s beautiful body, to hear your moans. Those are only for me." His words were possessive, a twisted form of affection. "That bastard only saw us kiss. Nothing more."Hazel took a deep breath, her mind reeling. The room felt like it was closing in on her, the weight of Francisco’s actions pressing down on her chest. Sh
Hazel’s eyes darted to a glass window on the side of the room. Through it, she could see the room where Francisco, and she were intimated, the memory of that night flooding back with sickening clarity. She pressed her lips together, trying to keep herself from breaking down. Her voice trembled as she called out, “Rafael…”A low groan escaped Rafael's lips as he lifted his head slowly, the movement pained and sluggish. His face was a mess of bruises, one eye swollen shut and darkened. But it was his hands that drew Hazel’s attention — one of his fingers had been cruelly severed, leaving a gruesome reminder of Francisco’s brutality. Hazel's breath caught in her throat, and she felt her stomach twist as their eyes met. The storm inside her raged, tearing her apart with guilt, fear, and a deep, aching sorrow. She hadn’t imagined it would ever come to this, not to Rafael, not like this. She quickly lowered her gaze, unable to bear the sight of him, unable to stop the tears that were wellin
Hazel felt Francisco’s grip tighten, the tension in the air growing thicker by the second. She knew how dangerous his rage could be. If she didn’t do this right, Rafael’s life would be in even greater danger. Francisco wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.“It’s the truth,” she forced herself to say, her voice cold and distant, even as it tore her apart inside.“No,” Rafael cried, shaking his head as tears streamed down his bruised face. “Don’t think about me, Hazel. I know you love me. You’re doing this to save me, I know it.”Francisco’s mouth opened, ready to spew something cruel, but Hazel quickly cut him off. “Rafael!” she said sharply, drawing both their attention back to her.“I love him, only him,” she continued, her voice steady despite the agony in her chest. “We had some good memories, you and I. But now, Francisco is everything to me. Please… try to understand. I don’t want to go with you guys.”Each word was like a knife in her heart, but she had to make Rafael believe it. It w
Hazel's voice trembled as she asked, "Can we go, Francisco?"Francisco's hand tightened around her waist, his fingers lingering possessively. He looked down at her, his expression unreadable. "You can go," he said, his tone calm but with an underlying threat. "Wait in the car. I’ll join you in two minutes."Hazel felt a wave of dread wash over her, but she forced herself to nod. Her face tightened as she fought to maintain her composure. Before leaving the chamber, she glanced back at Rafael, her heart breaking all over again. Francisco had given her the chance to say a proper goodbye, to hug Rafael one last time, but she knew she couldn’t. If she touched him, even for a moment, she feared she would lose all her resolve.“Goodbye, Rafael,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Then, without looking back, she turned and quickly left the chamber.As she walked toward the car, Hazel’s pace quickened, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. The moment she slid into the car, she brok
The pain in her arm was sharp, but Hazel didn’t flinch. It was nothing compared to the emotional pain she’d been enduring, the turmoil of being trapped between the man she feared and the man she loved. Her eyes met Francisco’s, and for a moment, she saw the raw vulnerability hidden behind his rage.But instead of pulling away or responding with fear, Hazel leaned in closer, closing the distance between them until her lips were just inches from his. She could feel his breath against her skin, hot and uneven. With a voice as smooth as silk, she whispered, “Wanna fuck?”Hazel bit her lower lip provocatively, her eyes locked onto Francisco’s as he stood frozen, his expression hardening. She traced her fingers slowly down his neck, her voice a soft, seductive whisper."We can fuck, can’t we? You like to fuck me, right?"Her words hung in the air like a challenge. Francisco’s grip on her shoulders tightened, his fingers digging into her skin, and Hazel let out a low moan, not from pleasure
“Interesting?” Hazel asked, her voice laced with a cruel amusement. “But you know what? Even if you were the last man on earth, I still wouldn’t love you.”She chuckled softly, her laugh echoing in the room like a sharp blade.Without warning, Hazel sat up and leaned close to Francisco. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, “But, we can still fuck.”Francisco's face twisted in anger. He grabbed her arms, pressing down hard. “I don’t take you like those sluts,” he growled, his voice trembling. “You’re my girl.”Hazel moaned deliberately at his touch, a mocking sound that made his grip tighten. “Ah…”She leaned back slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’re so weak, Francisco,” she said, her tone soft but dripping with venom. “I know I can make you weak by using my body.” As she spoke, she slid her foot up his leg, pressing against his groin and slowly moving down the length of his bulge.Francisco’s eyes darkened, a mix of desi
As the door closed behind her, Rafael’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “Because of me, you both suffered. I should not have done it.”Doris shook her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Don’t say that, Rafael,” she replied gently.“It wasn’t your fault. They did this to us because of who we are, not because of anything you did. They made you suffer too, and none of this is on you.”She reached out, lightly tracing the wounds on his face, the fresh bruises from the abuse he had endured. Rafael winced but didn’t pull away.“But, auntie,” Rafael’s voice cracked.“I couldn’t save her.”And then, all at once, he broke down. Tears spilled down his face as he hugged Doris tightly, his body trembling. “She told me to forget her,” he sobbed on her shoulder. “She doesn’t want me. She told me to let her go.”Doris's eyes widened in shock as she gripped Rafael’s shoulders tightly, forcing him to look at her. “Did she tell you this?” she asked, her voi
"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